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The year is 296 UE. Seven years after Odyris Hippoi assumed the role of steward to Doux Arravani of Thema Agria. Seven years after Marcus Hippoi, Odyris' eldest son and heir, left for Thema Peneia. Six years after Marcus met Celye at the Peneian coastline. Five years after Nolin Hippoi, son of Prokopios Hippoi, followed his cousin there. Three years since Mereghyl the dragon met Neera the seapony in Bazos Bay. Two years since Flavia Hippoi and her twin sister formally joined the Church of the Mother.
But those were better times. Today is not a day of good memories. The last two months have not brought many good memories. Thema Agria, your home, is embroiled in a civil war. The doux and his heir are dead following a strange accident, leaving his crown to his eldest daughter who has proven to be inept at her new position as doux of Agria. A vassal house, house Styra, has risen up against their new liege on the grounds of their family claims to the Agrian crown. Supported by forces of the doux of Anadolus in their war, the rebels delivered a decisive victory over the loyalist forces and laid siege to the capital of Agria; the city of Cantria.
Following the fall of the capital and the subsequent death of the doux, the patriarch of house Styra has crowned himself the new doux of Thema Agria. Odyris Hippoi - steward to the late doux - was imprisoned and stripped of all his lands and titles by the new doux, rendering House Hippoi effectively homeless. Prokopios, Odyris' brother, has disappeared from the radar while his own family fled to the capital of the empire.
It's quiet in Hippoi's hold. What was left of its guards and servants have fled the keep after news of an approaching army reached the holding. There's not much time. They could arrive within a few hours if they force their march. Staying here would surely lead to… well, let's not think about that too much.
You must go. Leave the castle you've called home all your lives behind.
But those were better times. Today is not a day of good memories. The last two months have not brought many good memories. Thema Agria, your home, is embroiled in a civil war. The doux and his heir are dead following a strange accident, leaving his crown to his eldest daughter who has proven to be inept at her new position as doux of Agria. A vassal house, house Styra, has risen up against their new liege on the grounds of their family claims to the Agrian crown. Supported by forces of the doux of Anadolus in their war, the rebels delivered a decisive victory over the loyalist forces and laid siege to the capital of Agria; the city of Cantria.
Following the fall of the capital and the subsequent death of the doux, the patriarch of house Styra has crowned himself the new doux of Thema Agria. Odyris Hippoi - steward to the late doux - was imprisoned and stripped of all his lands and titles by the new doux, rendering House Hippoi effectively homeless. Prokopios, Odyris' brother, has disappeared from the radar while his own family fled to the capital of the empire.
It's quiet in Hippoi's hold. What was left of its guards and servants have fled the keep after news of an approaching army reached the holding. There's not much time. They could arrive within a few hours if they force their march. Staying here would surely lead to… well, let's not think about that too much.
You must go. Leave the castle you've called home all your lives behind.
>>616276
Marcus and Nolin
When you left Peneia, the latest news from Cantria seemed bad, but things deteriorated further into a full disaster. By the time you arrived at the shores of Nouplos, Cantria was under siege with Marcus' father stuck in the city. The doux was kind enough to let you hitch a ride on one of her sailing vessels, which dropped you off at Bazos bay, south of your family's holding. The commander of the ship told you he would wait no longer than four hours before he would leave again, not wanting to complicate Peneia into the matter.
Getting to your family holding doesn't take long even on hoof. After a half hour at a fast walking pace, you reach the castle's gates. They're closed… and you don't hear any activity inside.
Mereghyl
Terrible news has reached your ears. The patriarch has been imprisoned by the pretender rebels. Cantria has fallen, the doux is dead. The war has been lost.
You're one of the few people left in Hippoi's hold. But even you must realize that defending it would be suicide. You must flee if you wish to survive.
Flavia
Your father has been imprisoned! And they even took his title and lands! All the servants and guards are gone… the castle seems so empty and creepy right now. Who can blame them? There's an army headed this way to take possession of this place, if you stayed here they'd probably do nasty things to you. Your mother and siblings are very much on edge right now, they're packing whatever they can carry and are preparing to run away. Livia has ended her packing and is now praying on the ground. Despite everything she seems to be taking it fairly well compared to your other siblings.
Marcus and Nolin
When you left Peneia, the latest news from Cantria seemed bad, but things deteriorated further into a full disaster. By the time you arrived at the shores of Nouplos, Cantria was under siege with Marcus' father stuck in the city. The doux was kind enough to let you hitch a ride on one of her sailing vessels, which dropped you off at Bazos bay, south of your family's holding. The commander of the ship told you he would wait no longer than four hours before he would leave again, not wanting to complicate Peneia into the matter.
Getting to your family holding doesn't take long even on hoof. After a half hour at a fast walking pace, you reach the castle's gates. They're closed… and you don't hear any activity inside.
Mereghyl
Terrible news has reached your ears. The patriarch has been imprisoned by the pretender rebels. Cantria has fallen, the doux is dead. The war has been lost.
You're one of the few people left in Hippoi's hold. But even you must realize that defending it would be suicide. You must flee if you wish to survive.
Flavia
Your father has been imprisoned! And they even took his title and lands! All the servants and guards are gone… the castle seems so empty and creepy right now. Who can blame them? There's an army headed this way to take possession of this place, if you stayed here they'd probably do nasty things to you. Your mother and siblings are very much on edge right now, they're packing whatever they can carry and are preparing to run away. Livia has ended her packing and is now praying on the ground. Despite everything she seems to be taking it fairly well compared to your other siblings.
>>616281
I better keep watch. If any scouts dare show they faces here, they will have a very bad time.
I must guard the castle since all the cowards fled.
I better keep watch. If any scouts dare show they faces here, they will have a very bad time.
I must guard the castle since all the cowards fled.
>>616726
The main force won't be here for another few hours, judging by their movement. Even the vanguard is still at the very least an hour away.
That said, you spot a figure flying near the castle perimeters. Looks to be a gryphon.
>>616727
She turns to look up at you. For a moment she doesn't seem to register your words, but eventually she gets up and nods in agreement.
"I… guess it is. We have to leave home behind. And… dad too, I guess."
>>616728
She is your bodyguard, so she always stays near unless ordered otherwise. She's flying along with the two of you, making sure to stay relatively close to the ground.
Also, as said in the second post, you're just about arriving at the closed castle gates, which doesn't seem to be manned.
The main force won't be here for another few hours, judging by their movement. Even the vanguard is still at the very least an hour away.
That said, you spot a figure flying near the castle perimeters. Looks to be a gryphon.
>>616727
She turns to look up at you. For a moment she doesn't seem to register your words, but eventually she gets up and nods in agreement.
"I… guess it is. We have to leave home behind. And… dad too, I guess."
>>616728
She is your bodyguard, so she always stays near unless ordered otherwise. She's flying along with the two of you, making sure to stay relatively close to the ground.
Also, as said in the second post, you're just about arriving at the closed castle gates, which doesn't seem to be manned.
>>616729
Take her by a hoof and lift her up, hugging her close, stroking her mane from behind, sighing slightly.
Let a moment pass before giving way to the hug, stepping back and looking at her.
"We can't carry much. Make sure you have only important things…"
Take her by a hoof and lift her up, hugging her close, stroking her mane from behind, sighing slightly.
Let a moment pass before giving way to the hug, stepping back and looking at her.
"We can't carry much. Make sure you have only important things…"
>>616729
Take to the air and fly closer to see who or what the gryphon is.
Fly above, so I can't lose sight of him or her.
Take to the air and fly closer to see who or what the gryphon is.
Fly above, so I can't lose sight of him or her.
>>616730
There are tunnels leading to the basements of the castle that go under the walls, but these entrances are hidden and sealed off. You know where they are, but busting through them would not only be hard, but also dangerous at the risk of collapsing said tunnels onto you.
Karabi suddenly dives down and lands.
"Your drake is here. He's seen us."
>>616731
"Don't worry, I've packed light. I just hope they won't mess too much with our other stuff. I've hidden a few things away… You know, old toys and stuff with a lot of memories tied to them."
>>616732
It's a she, you can see. She dives down towards two other figures as she spots you and lands next to them.
As you get closer, you sort recognize the ponies on the ground. The colors, that mane, those clothes… That's Marcus! And Nolin too! They're right here at the gates!
There are tunnels leading to the basements of the castle that go under the walls, but these entrances are hidden and sealed off. You know where they are, but busting through them would not only be hard, but also dangerous at the risk of collapsing said tunnels onto you.
Karabi suddenly dives down and lands.
"Your drake is here. He's seen us."
>>616731
"Don't worry, I've packed light. I just hope they won't mess too much with our other stuff. I've hidden a few things away… You know, old toys and stuff with a lot of memories tied to them."
>>616732
It's a she, you can see. She dives down towards two other figures as she spots you and lands next to them.
As you get closer, you sort recognize the ponies on the ground. The colors, that mane, those clothes… That's Marcus! And Nolin too! They're right here at the gates!
>>616734
These gates are designed to withstand minor battering rams! Earth pony hooves are strong, but this is too much!
These gates are designed to withstand minor battering rams! Earth pony hooves are strong, but this is too much!
>>616733
Whimper slightly, thinking about them.
"M-maybe if they find them, they won't know what they are…"
Then, take her by a hoof and head towards the exit.
"Let's leave now."
Whimper slightly, thinking about them.
"M-maybe if they find them, they won't know what they are…"
Then, take her by a hoof and head towards the exit.
"Let's leave now."
>>616737
>>616738
>>616739
Mereghyl picks the two lost sons up and flies them over the wall, putting them down in the courtyard of the castle. Karabi seems unimpressed and flies over as well.
The castle is very silent, seemingly abandoned by most of its souls.
>>616740
"We'll have to hope…"
You take her out of your chambers and head down, rejoining your mother, sister and brother. They appear to be arguing about where to go and don't even notice the two of you entering.
>>616738
>>616739
Mereghyl picks the two lost sons up and flies them over the wall, putting them down in the courtyard of the castle. Karabi seems unimpressed and flies over as well.
The castle is very silent, seemingly abandoned by most of its souls.
>>616740
"We'll have to hope…"
You take her out of your chambers and head down, rejoining your mother, sister and brother. They appear to be arguing about where to go and don't even notice the two of you entering.
>>616743
Frown.
"I'll be back soon."
Look to Karabi.
"Karabi, please keep watch for any enemies."
Hurry inside the castle.
Frown.
"I'll be back soon."
Look to Karabi.
"Karabi, please keep watch for any enemies."
Hurry inside the castle.
>>616744
Niphon, the only brother around right now! With father gone, Anthe is technically the regent of the castle right now, but your mother and brother don't seem to be willing to follow her instructions.
Your brother Niphon seems to be agreeing with your suggestion. Your mother, however, argues for thema Pindos up North as she has family living there. Your sister Anthe on the other hoof seems set on going west towards thema Nouplos where the capital of the empire lies.
And then… Marcus, your cousin Nolin and a gryphon you've never seen before burst into the hall. Marcus has grown since you last saw him 7 years ago.
Like… a lot!
>>616745
>>616748
Both of you head to the great hall where the rest of your family has gathered to discuss where to go from here. Though it seems to have devolved into an argument rather than a simple discussion.
When the two of you step inside the room though, the room goes silent. Marcus sees his siblings, who were still mere foals when he left, now all young adults. They see two stallions who left as colts years before, now having returned to their homelands during dark times.
Marcus' mother is the first to move, forgetting the argument and running over to quickly hug her son whom she hasn't seen in years.
"Marcus! Oh my sweet child, you came back!"
She has aged too since you both left of course, but the changes are more subtle than those of her children.
>>616749
To your hoarding room? There's a nice pile of stuff here the enemy could steal from you…
Niphon, the only brother around right now! With father gone, Anthe is technically the regent of the castle right now, but your mother and brother don't seem to be willing to follow her instructions.
Your brother Niphon seems to be agreeing with your suggestion. Your mother, however, argues for thema Pindos up North as she has family living there. Your sister Anthe on the other hoof seems set on going west towards thema Nouplos where the capital of the empire lies.
And then… Marcus, your cousin Nolin and a gryphon you've never seen before burst into the hall. Marcus has grown since you last saw him 7 years ago.
Like… a lot!
>>616745
>>616748
Both of you head to the great hall where the rest of your family has gathered to discuss where to go from here. Though it seems to have devolved into an argument rather than a simple discussion.
When the two of you step inside the room though, the room goes silent. Marcus sees his siblings, who were still mere foals when he left, now all young adults. They see two stallions who left as colts years before, now having returned to their homelands during dark times.
Marcus' mother is the first to move, forgetting the argument and running over to quickly hug her son whom she hasn't seen in years.
"Marcus! Oh my sweet child, you came back!"
She has aged too since you both left of course, but the changes are more subtle than those of her children.
>>616749
To your hoarding room? There's a nice pile of stuff here the enemy could steal from you…
>>616750
Snort smoke at the very offensive idea.
Can I take it all with me? Or do I have to leave some of it behind?
Snort smoke at the very offensive idea.
Can I take it all with me? Or do I have to leave some of it behind?
>>616751
You can probably take most of it, yeah. But you know what moving a lot of stuff around is like, you tend to lose things that way.
You can probably take most of it, yeah. But you know what moving a lot of stuff around is like, you tend to lose things that way.
>>616753
Then you better get to rounding it all up. You've got a big ol' pile of junk lying here and not all that much time to collect it.
>>616754
>>616755
After a fairly long hug she does release her son, noticing Nolin and giving him a hug as well.
"Oh Nolin, it's good to see you too. Look at how much you two have grown! If your fathers were here to see this…"
Niphon wanders over as well. While he was a smaller than average colt before you left, he's now grown into a young stallion who looks like he could physically overpower either of you if he wanted to.
"Marcus… well, at least you care enough to show up now, but we're not staying here."
Then you better get to rounding it all up. You've got a big ol' pile of junk lying here and not all that much time to collect it.
>>616754
>>616755
After a fairly long hug she does release her son, noticing Nolin and giving him a hug as well.
"Oh Nolin, it's good to see you too. Look at how much you two have grown! If your fathers were here to see this…"
Niphon wanders over as well. While he was a smaller than average colt before you left, he's now grown into a young stallion who looks like he could physically overpower either of you if he wanted to.
"Marcus… well, at least you care enough to show up now, but we're not staying here."
>>616756
"Its always a pleasure to see my favorite aunt." I hug her back.
And then after she's done, I sigh and get serious.
"We should get to the harbor and sail somewhere else, Have you decided where you want to go?"
"Its always a pleasure to see my favorite aunt." I hug her back.
And then after she's done, I sigh and get serious.
"We should get to the harbor and sail somewhere else, Have you decided where you want to go?"
>>616757
You scramble to get it all together and put it bags large enough for you to carry.
>>616759
>>616760
Anthe strides forward.
"We've decided to go west, to the capital of the empire like the rest of the family."
Niphon rolls his eyes.
"That's a stupid idea, I've already explained why. We should just get a ship and follow the coast out of Agria. It'll be much faster that way."
Your mother clears her throat and speaks over your siblings. "I was thinking we should go North… towards the shudderpeaks of Pindos. There's family of mine living there we could ask for shelter."
You scramble to get it all together and put it bags large enough for you to carry.
>>616759
>>616760
Anthe strides forward.
"We've decided to go west, to the capital of the empire like the rest of the family."
Niphon rolls his eyes.
"That's a stupid idea, I've already explained why. We should just get a ship and follow the coast out of Agria. It'll be much faster that way."
Your mother clears her throat and speaks over your siblings. "I was thinking we should go North… towards the shudderpeaks of Pindos. There's family of mine living there we could ask for shelter."
>>616764
The gryphon seems to be glued to Marcus. She looks fairly dangerous but keeps quiet during the exchange. Since they're in the main hall you can actually reach them.
>>616765
>>616763
Niphon hits his head.
"Thank you for talking some sense."
Anthe seems unconvinced.
"What kind of boat? How can we trust strangers? What if they sell us out!?"
The gryphon seems to be glued to Marcus. She looks fairly dangerous but keeps quiet during the exchange. Since they're in the main hall you can actually reach them.
>>616765
>>616763
Niphon hits his head.
"Thank you for talking some sense."
Anthe seems unconvinced.
"What kind of boat? How can we trust strangers? What if they sell us out!?"
>>616769
>>616770
"Peneia? How are they trustworthy! They refused to help our doux fight the rebels when asked!"
Niphon looks annoyed.
"Maybe because our new doux was completely incompetent?"
>>616768
You still have time, but you should probably get moving sooner rather than later if you don't want to risk running into scouts.
>>616771
Your brother picks up one of your bags.
"Let me take that for you. If Marcus and Nolin have a ship we can use, we should not waste the opportunity."
>>616770
"Peneia? How are they trustworthy! They refused to help our doux fight the rebels when asked!"
Niphon looks annoyed.
"Maybe because our new doux was completely incompetent?"
>>616768
You still have time, but you should probably get moving sooner rather than later if you don't want to risk running into scouts.
>>616771
Your brother picks up one of your bags.
"Let me take that for you. If Marcus and Nolin have a ship we can use, we should not waste the opportunity."
>>616772
There's gonna be a lot of explaining to do.
"I trust them, that should be enough.
Are you all ready to go?"
There's gonna be a lot of explaining to do.
"I trust them, that should be enough.
Are you all ready to go?"
>>616772
I told Marcus to hurry everyone along. Better keep an eye on those potential scouts.
I told Marcus to hurry everyone along. Better keep an eye on those potential scouts.
>>616773
>>616774
>>616775
Your mother snaps at Anthe.
"Just listen to your brothers, Anthe. I don't like our situation either but we'll have to trust their judgment. We can't afford to wait around much longer."
Anthe begrudgingly picks up her bags and walks out the room to the courtyard.
It appears you are set to take your bags now and go.
>>616776
Anthe comes outside first, carrying some bags and looking somewhat displeased.
>>616774
>>616775
Your mother snaps at Anthe.
"Just listen to your brothers, Anthe. I don't like our situation either but we'll have to trust their judgment. We can't afford to wait around much longer."
Anthe begrudgingly picks up her bags and walks out the room to the courtyard.
It appears you are set to take your bags now and go.
>>616776
Anthe comes outside first, carrying some bags and looking somewhat displeased.
>>616778
>>616779
>>616780
>>616781
Then the time has come to leave your home - the castle that has been in the Hippoi family's possession for generations - behind. From Mereghyl's hatching to Flavia's cutie mark appearance, it all happened here inside this old fortress of stone. When the enemy comes, they will claim it as their own and render you all effectively homeless.
Marcus has suggested to use the ship he came in with to flee from Agria. The coast isn't that far away, but with all you're carrying it may take a while longer than it should.
I'd like an Athletics roll from all of you.
'4d20'
Roll #1 6, 19, 18, 16 = 59
>>616779
>>616780
>>616781
Then the time has come to leave your home - the castle that has been in the Hippoi family's possession for generations - behind. From Mereghyl's hatching to Flavia's cutie mark appearance, it all happened here inside this old fortress of stone. When the enemy comes, they will claim it as their own and render you all effectively homeless.
Marcus has suggested to use the ship he came in with to flee from Agria. The coast isn't that far away, but with all you're carrying it may take a while longer than it should.
I'd like an Athletics roll from all of you.
'4d20'
Roll #1 6, 19, 18, 16 = 59
>>616782
>>616784
>>616785
>>616786
>>616787
>>616788
Marcus, his mother, Nolin and Mereghyl are the slowest of the group, but as a whole you manage a quick enough pace to get to the shoreline within thirty minutes! As such you are ahead of any trouble that could have slowed you down.
The galley from Peneia on which Marcus and Nolin came in with is still there, but they appear to be preparing to leave. There's a rowing boat you can use, but you'll need to do the rowing yourself, which will require a Strength roll.
Niphon takes one of the oars '1d20+4'
The girls don't seem eager to row themselves and you need at least two rowers to get this thing going. Four if you want to be sure to be quick enough.
Roll #1 13 + 4 = 17
>>616784
>>616785
>>616786
>>616787
>>616788
Marcus, his mother, Nolin and Mereghyl are the slowest of the group, but as a whole you manage a quick enough pace to get to the shoreline within thirty minutes! As such you are ahead of any trouble that could have slowed you down.
The galley from Peneia on which Marcus and Nolin came in with is still there, but they appear to be preparing to leave. There's a rowing boat you can use, but you'll need to do the rowing yourself, which will require a Strength roll.
Niphon takes one of the oars '1d20+4'
The girls don't seem eager to row themselves and you need at least two rowers to get this thing going. Four if you want to be sure to be quick enough.
Roll #1 13 + 4 = 17
>>616793
You can't keep up with your cousins at all, so you stop rowing to prevent slowing down the boat. Looks like they can get you there fast enough without needing help, so no worries.
>>616794
You're dramatic, but not much help otherwise. Looks like your brothers have the rowing completely under control though, as you quickly reach the sailing ship.
>>616792
>>616791
Those are two strong rowers, enough to make up for the lack of extra help. The galley crew notice your approach you and lets down a rope ladder along the hull as you touch with the ship.
You all start climbing up the ladder one by one. The captain is waiting on you on the deck, holding a scroll under his wing.
"You've returned on time, my lords and ladies. We were preparing to set sail again."
He hoofs Marcus the sealed scroll he's holding.
"This came in with the latest batch of mail just now. It's addressed to you, lord Hippoi, sent from Clopantinople."
You can't keep up with your cousins at all, so you stop rowing to prevent slowing down the boat. Looks like they can get you there fast enough without needing help, so no worries.
>>616794
You're dramatic, but not much help otherwise. Looks like your brothers have the rowing completely under control though, as you quickly reach the sailing ship.
>>616792
>>616791
Those are two strong rowers, enough to make up for the lack of extra help. The galley crew notice your approach you and lets down a rope ladder along the hull as you touch with the ship.
You all start climbing up the ladder one by one. The captain is waiting on you on the deck, holding a scroll under his wing.
"You've returned on time, my lords and ladies. We were preparing to set sail again."
He hoofs Marcus the sealed scroll he's holding.
"This came in with the latest batch of mail just now. It's addressed to you, lord Hippoi, sent from Clopantinople."
>>616795
I'll just quickly hover by the ship to deposit the bags that have my hoard then land back at the shore.
I'll just quickly hover by the ship to deposit the bags that have my hoard then land back at the shore.
>>616797
You break the seal, which is blank, and unfurl the letter. Its contents are brief and very vague.
Marcus Hippoi,
I must speak to you.
Come to the Oily Olive inn in Clopantinople and ask for the keys of room IX on the evening of the new moon.
By the tides,
- A friend
>>616796
Everything is now safely set down on deck. You hear the captain shout some orders and the anchors of the ship are raised. They're setting off, heading west as expected.
You break the seal, which is blank, and unfurl the letter. Its contents are brief and very vague.
Marcus Hippoi,
I must speak to you.
Come to the Oily Olive inn in Clopantinople and ask for the keys of room IX on the evening of the new moon.
By the tides,
- A friend
>>616796
Everything is now safely set down on deck. You hear the captain shout some orders and the anchors of the ship are raised. They're setting off, heading west as expected.
>>616798
That doesn't seem suspicious at all.
"by the tides" that seems curious, have I ever seen that before?
Also when is the next new moon?
That doesn't seem suspicious at all.
"by the tides" that seems curious, have I ever seen that before?
Also when is the next new moon?
>>616801
By the tides is a saying often used by followers of Aqualia, which you are familiar with thanks to your time in Peneia. Clopantinople doesn't have as many followers of Aqualia, they are most prominent in Thema Saddlonica and Thema Peneia.
The new moon is in four days.
>>616800
>>616802
The captain clears his throat before you leave to grab your attention.
“I’m sorry my lords and ladies, but we’ve also just received orders from Peneios. We have to set sail for Thema Saddlonica immediately, the Peneian fleet is mobilizing there together with the Saddlonican fleet. Without the Agrian fleet we’ll be lower on ships than usual so the doux has ordered all her vessels to be deployed with great haste.”
The postmaster of the ship runs up to the captain and hoofs him another scroll of parchment. He excuses himself and begins to read.
“Hm. A message forwarded by the imperial maritime office… The threat level along the south coast of the empire has been raised from ‘mild concern’ to ‘deep concern’. More attacks from corsairs perhaps… that may explain the naval mobilization. In any case, the journey to Saddlonica should be about a week given the weather conditions. I’m afraid that once we get there you will need to disembark the ship. If it’s any consolation, our doux is headed to Saddlonica as well.”
By the tides is a saying often used by followers of Aqualia, which you are familiar with thanks to your time in Peneia. Clopantinople doesn't have as many followers of Aqualia, they are most prominent in Thema Saddlonica and Thema Peneia.
The new moon is in four days.
>>616800
>>616802
The captain clears his throat before you leave to grab your attention.
“I’m sorry my lords and ladies, but we’ve also just received orders from Peneios. We have to set sail for Thema Saddlonica immediately, the Peneian fleet is mobilizing there together with the Saddlonican fleet. Without the Agrian fleet we’ll be lower on ships than usual so the doux has ordered all her vessels to be deployed with great haste.”
The postmaster of the ship runs up to the captain and hoofs him another scroll of parchment. He excuses himself and begins to read.
“Hm. A message forwarded by the imperial maritime office… The threat level along the south coast of the empire has been raised from ‘mild concern’ to ‘deep concern’. More attacks from corsairs perhaps… that may explain the naval mobilization. In any case, the journey to Saddlonica should be about a week given the weather conditions. I’m afraid that once we get there you will need to disembark the ship. If it’s any consolation, our doux is headed to Saddlonica as well.”
>>616804
He lowers his head as a sign of respect.
"Of course. You have the bow of the ship. If you need me, I will be at the stern."
He lowers his head as a sign of respect.
"Of course. You have the bow of the ship. If you need me, I will be at the stern."
>>616806
He smiles slightly, looking back at you as he walks off.
"Then we ram them until the way is clear again."
He smiles slightly, looking back at you as he walks off.
"Then we ram them until the way is clear again."
>>616808
Anthe pulls up her nose in mild disgust.
"That smells like a ruse! I remember you being the smarter of my brothers, Marcus. Surely you must see the shadiness of this."
Niphon rolls his eyes.
"We're not important enough for someone to cause trouble on the Empress' front yard just to get to us."
"Horrible hoofwriting. Do you think a doctor wrote this?" your mother comments.
Livia inspects the letter carefully.
"By the tides? I think that's a saying from Saddlonica."
Anthe pulls up her nose in mild disgust.
"That smells like a ruse! I remember you being the smarter of my brothers, Marcus. Surely you must see the shadiness of this."
Niphon rolls his eyes.
"We're not important enough for someone to cause trouble on the Empress' front yard just to get to us."
"Horrible hoofwriting. Do you think a doctor wrote this?" your mother comments.
Livia inspects the letter carefully.
"By the tides? I think that's a saying from Saddlonica."
>>616812
"Uh, because you're the regent now? They're going to try peeling us layer by layer like an onion."
"Makes sense, Saddlonica is probably the biggest hub for Aqualians in the empire."
"I think this letter is too vague to draw any conclusions. Whether or not this friend of yours wants to help or put a knife between your ribs is impossible to say to me. I'm not good with following your pony logic."
"Uh, because you're the regent now? They're going to try peeling us layer by layer like an onion."
"Makes sense, Saddlonica is probably the biggest hub for Aqualians in the empire."
"I think this letter is too vague to draw any conclusions. Whether or not this friend of yours wants to help or put a knife between your ribs is impossible to say to me. I'm not good with following your pony logic."
>>616817
Scratch my head and fold up the letter.
"It will be a few days before we reach Cloptantinople. We can decide on this matter tomorrow.
Let's take some time to rest."
Though if you want a decision now, Groves, we could do a little timeskip, unless other (N)PCs want to decide now
Scratch my head and fold up the letter.
"It will be a few days before we reach Cloptantinople. We can decide on this matter tomorrow.
Let's take some time to rest."
Though if you want a decision now, Groves, we could do a little timeskip, unless other (N)PCs want to decide now
>>616819
If you wish to timeskip, that's fine by me. If you prefer not, that's fine by me too.
"I should go write some letters… let people know we're okay…" your mother mumbles to herself as she walks off.
Anthe gives you a look, but stays quiet and walks off to the belowdecks.
Niphon goes to the stern of the ship.
>>616818
Livia nods in agreement.
"I will too, sister."
If you wish to timeskip, that's fine by me. If you prefer not, that's fine by me too.
"I should go write some letters… let people know we're okay…" your mother mumbles to herself as she walks off.
Anthe gives you a look, but stays quiet and walks off to the belowdecks.
Niphon goes to the stern of the ship.
>>616818
Livia nods in agreement.
"I will too, sister."
It's been a long day and it's decided to rest for a while to regain your bearings. The ship cruises on along the coast and eventually night falls. One by one you all head to sleep, even Mereghyl who has to awkwardly perch himself onto the stern of the ship while resting.
In the morrow, you are awoken by a bell being rung to signify the change of watch.
In the morrow, you are awoken by a bell being rung to signify the change of watch.
>>616827
>>616828
This is your life now. Comfort may not be as common as it used to be for you.
>>616829
The crew is changing shifts, so ponies are walking everywhere. You see the helmsmare rechecking the ship's heading up on the helm, an officer checking the oars for damage and the postmaster setting loose a few pigeons.
>>616828
This is your life now. Comfort may not be as common as it used to be for you.
>>616829
The crew is changing shifts, so ponies are walking everywhere. You see the helmsmare rechecking the ship's heading up on the helm, an officer checking the oars for damage and the postmaster setting loose a few pigeons.
>>616830
Fuck that.
If this keeps going, I might need to switch to a cheaper morning wine in 10 years.
Get out and look for the others.
Fuck that.
If this keeps going, I might need to switch to a cheaper morning wine in 10 years.
Get out and look for the others.
>>616830
That all seem normal enough.
I'll just go to helmsmare.
"Good morning. How's the course look?"
That all seem normal enough.
I'll just go to helmsmare.
"Good morning. How's the course look?"
>>616834
No meat. There's some fish and a lot of seaweed, dried fruits and salted stuff. Not a great diet for your bowels, but you'll need to deal with it unless you want to go hunt.
>>616835
"Jus' fine. Not much need for calibrations, only got to follow the coastline visually and we'd be fine even at night. Jus' nice to have a proper heading in case visibility drops. You never know when Aqualia will drop a fogbank on us."
>>616836
He spits out a seed.
"So are you, brother. I figured your beauty sleep would last at least as long as Anthe's."
No meat. There's some fish and a lot of seaweed, dried fruits and salted stuff. Not a great diet for your bowels, but you'll need to deal with it unless you want to go hunt.
>>616835
"Jus' fine. Not much need for calibrations, only got to follow the coastline visually and we'd be fine even at night. Jus' nice to have a proper heading in case visibility drops. You never know when Aqualia will drop a fogbank on us."
>>616836
He spits out a seed.
"So are you, brother. I figured your beauty sleep would last at least as long as Anthe's."
>>616837
"Ah, nature is truly our most fickle ally."
I give her a kind smile and glance at what she's doing to be sure.
"Ah, nature is truly our most fickle ally."
I give her a kind smile and glance at what she's doing to be sure.
>>616837
Glance at the seed and back to him.
"You should try it sometime, it might make you less grumpy."
Glance at the seed and back to him.
"You should try it sometime, it might make you less grumpy."
>>616838
You ask one of the crew to bring out the crate of fish. Karabi is watching you like a hawk from her position up top. She probably really likes fish.
>>616839
Livia is still sleeping! Do you wake her to join you or let her be?
>>616840
She's using the compass and the map to check the heading of the ship, comparing it to the route it's supposed to take to get to its destination.
>>616841
"Sorry if I'm not overfilled with joy right now. Father is locked up in a dungeon and we're forced to run away from our home. All because of that moronic mare. Hmph. Good riddance."
You ask one of the crew to bring out the crate of fish. Karabi is watching you like a hawk from her position up top. She probably really likes fish.
>>616839
Livia is still sleeping! Do you wake her to join you or let her be?
>>616840
She's using the compass and the map to check the heading of the ship, comparing it to the route it's supposed to take to get to its destination.
>>616841
"Sorry if I'm not overfilled with joy right now. Father is locked up in a dungeon and we're forced to run away from our home. All because of that moronic mare. Hmph. Good riddance."
>>616842
…I can always go out and hunt.
Offer her some, but she will have to come down for it.
Unless I am tall enough to just reach up.
…I can always go out and hunt.
Offer her some, but she will have to come down for it.
Unless I am tall enough to just reach up.
>>616842
Flop my ears.
"Niphon, we'll get father back and we'll make each and every one of them pay for what they did. That I promise you. They'll regret the day they attacked our House."
Flop my ears.
"Niphon, we'll get father back and we'll make each and every one of them pay for what they did. That I promise you. They'll regret the day they attacked our House."
>>616843
Her eyes flutter open and she looks up at you.
"Flavia? What's wrong?"
>>616844
You're not. And she doesn't seem inclined to come down. She seems very alert.
>>616847
Marcus and Niphon are talking to each other. Your cousin Anthe is still sleeping, she seems like a lazy type. Your cousins Flavia and Livia seem to have woken up and are chatting.
>>616848
"Easier said than done. I'm no fool Marcus, I see how bleak our situation is. I'm not going to give up though. To hell with them all."
Her eyes flutter open and she looks up at you.
"Flavia? What's wrong?"
>>616844
You're not. And she doesn't seem inclined to come down. She seems very alert.
>>616847
Marcus and Niphon are talking to each other. Your cousin Anthe is still sleeping, she seems like a lazy type. Your cousins Flavia and Livia seem to have woken up and are chatting.
>>616848
"Easier said than done. I'm no fool Marcus, I see how bleak our situation is. I'm not going to give up though. To hell with them all."
>>616849
"They can't keep us down, not forever.
As long as our family stays united, we are unbreakable."
"They can't keep us down, not forever.
As long as our family stays united, we are unbreakable."
>>616849
"Good morning, you'll be happy to know we're making good time and the weather is lovely."
I inform my cousins.
"Good morning, you'll be happy to know we're making good time and the weather is lovely."
I inform my cousins.
>>616849
Snort.
Fine.
Eat most of the wish, but leave a gryphon-meal sized part of it.
Once I'm finished, fly just high enough to give her some.
Snort.
Fine.
Eat most of the wish, but leave a gryphon-meal sized part of it.
Once I'm finished, fly just high enough to give her some.
>>616853
>>616854
Niphon blows his breath.
"Mother and father don't get along anymore. You two were gone for years. Father was always busy and less home as time went by. Anthe is delusional. Flavia and Livia spend so much time praying I sometimes worry they've become detached from reality."
>>616855
She follows your every move. As you fly up, she tenses up.
"Breakfast on bed?"
>>616854
Niphon blows his breath.
"Mother and father don't get along anymore. You two were gone for years. Father was always busy and less home as time went by. Anthe is delusional. Flavia and Livia spend so much time praying I sometimes worry they've become detached from reality."
>>616855
She follows your every move. As you fly up, she tenses up.
"Breakfast on bed?"
>>616856
Nod.
"You barely sleep, you barely eat.
If I did not know any better, I might say you are a construct of the necromancers to feast so."
Nod.
"You barely sleep, you barely eat.
If I did not know any better, I might say you are a construct of the necromancers to feast so."
>>616852
Steady her as the ship rocks back and forth, and sit down, taking her hooves in mine.
Steady her as the ship rocks back and forth, and sit down, taking her hooves in mine.
>>616856
"….Cousin.. What kind of family would I be if I didn't come back at a time like this?"
"….Cousin.. What kind of family would I be if I didn't come back at a time like this?"
>>616857
She narrows her eyes at you.
"I'm not some foul necrotic creature."
>>616858
She steadies out as her groggy brain catches up to her body.
"Okay, I'm awake now. Should we go pray on the deck?"
>>616859
"That we're all running away from the same thing."
>>616860
"It's the least you could do. Just a shame it had to take you so long."
She narrows her eyes at you.
"I'm not some foul necrotic creature."
>>616858
She steadies out as her groggy brain catches up to her body.
"Okay, I'm awake now. Should we go pray on the deck?"
>>616859
"That we're all running away from the same thing."
>>616860
"It's the least you could do. Just a shame it had to take you so long."
>>616861
Shake my head.
"We do the best we can with the choices given to us. I doubt we would be any better off If I had stayed here."
Shake my head.
"We do the best we can with the choices given to us. I doubt we would be any better off If I had stayed here."
>>616861
Stare back at her.
"Are you not familiar with the concept of humor either? I might be not as proficient at it as my cousin Nolin, but I tried nevertheless."
Stare back at her.
"Are you not familiar with the concept of humor either? I might be not as proficient at it as my cousin Nolin, but I tried nevertheless."
>>616861
"The fresh sea air might help us, yes."
Up we go. What are the others up to, in the meanwhile?
"The fresh sea air might help us, yes."
Up we go. What are the others up to, in the meanwhile?
>>616866
"We should find a place to stay, but we can't wait. We must take the initiative somehow and fast."
"We should find a place to stay, but we can't wait. We must take the initiative somehow and fast."
>>616866
"I have not had the chance to read up on the culture of gryphons yet. If only the time was right to learn about it, yet we face far more troublesome tasks ahead of us."
"I have not had the chance to read up on the culture of gryphons yet. If only the time was right to learn about it, yet we face far more troublesome tasks ahead of us."
>>616866
"Oh, and here I was thinking of going back to bed and dreaming about pretty mares until lunch." I grin and poke my grumpy cousin.
"Oh, and here I was thinking of going back to bed and dreaming about pretty mares until lunch." I grin and poke my grumpy cousin.
>>616871
Oh my, such a strong and romantic stallion~
Slowly, trying to conceal the squeaking of the wooden planks under my small hoofshoes, I approach, wordless.
Oh my, such a strong and romantic stallion~
Slowly, trying to conceal the squeaking of the wooden planks under my small hoofshoes, I approach, wordless.
>>616876
Gulp and blush intensely as you notice me, recoiling by a single step on my tracks.
"H-hey brother."
Gulp and blush intensely as you notice me, recoiling by a single step on my tracks.
"H-hey brother."
>>616880
Trot silently over, smiling just a bit, and sitting by the railing of the ship, covering my back in my coat as I look up at Marcus.
"The first thing I wanted to say when I saw you at the castle was how much you have grown…
But it really wasn't the time."
Trot silently over, smiling just a bit, and sitting by the railing of the ship, covering my back in my coat as I look up at Marcus.
"The first thing I wanted to say when I saw you at the castle was how much you have grown…
But it really wasn't the time."
>>616885
"I did…I suppose."
Look at the sea.
"…I've become a bit of a believer myself while I was in Penneia."
"I did…I suppose."
Look at the sea.
"…I've become a bit of a believer myself while I was in Penneia."
>>616888
Gasp and look at him with big, amazed eyes!
"Really?
What was it like? Did it speak? Did it try and bite you? Was it tame?"
Gasp and look at him with big, amazed eyes!
"Really?
What was it like? Did it speak? Did it try and bite you? Was it tame?"
>>616889
"She…was actually quite a lovely pony. Seeing her in the sea like that….it was the first time I really started wondering about the gods."
Pause for a second.
"Do you believe there's a plan? Like all of this, our father being captured…that it's all jus part of big plan?"
"She…was actually quite a lovely pony. Seeing her in the sea like that….it was the first time I really started wondering about the gods."
Pause for a second.
"Do you believe there's a plan? Like all of this, our father being captured…that it's all jus part of big plan?"
>>616890
Blink in surprise at the question, looking quite unsure on how to answer that, trying to find the words over your face at first, and then into the vastness of the ocean.
"I know there are plans.
But wheter or not our father's fate is part of them…
And if it was…
I could never forgive myself."
Blink in surprise at the question, looking quite unsure on how to answer that, trying to find the words over your face at first, and then into the vastness of the ocean.
"I know there are plans.
But wheter or not our father's fate is part of them…
And if it was…
I could never forgive myself."
>>616892
Time for graceful recovery.
"I should have known. Prayed harder.
Heed the signs of impeding disaster!"
Time for graceful recovery.
"I should have known. Prayed harder.
Heed the signs of impeding disaster!"
>>616894
Look away, avoiding your gaze, but nuzzling softly into the hoof.
"Thanks for coming back, big bro."
Look away, avoiding your gaze, but nuzzling softly into the hoof.
"Thanks for coming back, big bro."
>>616895
"I missed you, lil sis."
Smile.
"And here you are, an aspiring priestess of the Mother.
I think Father would…is very proud."
"I missed you, lil sis."
Smile.
"And here you are, an aspiring priestess of the Mother.
I think Father would…is very proud."
>>616896
Sigh at his lapse.
"Don't take me for a kid still…
I know what could be happening to him in this very moment."
Sigh at his lapse.
"Don't take me for a kid still…
I know what could be happening to him in this very moment."
>>616900
"Right. Another way. Let us not lose faith!"
Smile up and…
Look at him, clearly trying to change subject.
"So! Sea pony!"
"Right. Another way. Let us not lose faith!"
Smile up and…
Look at him, clearly trying to change subject.
"So! Sea pony!"
>>616901
I smile and turn away from the sea to stand next to you.
"Let's make a deal.
I tell you about the seapony and Penneia and in return you tell me everything about your time as a priestess?"
I smile and turn away from the sea to stand next to you.
"Let's make a deal.
I tell you about the seapony and Penneia and in return you tell me everything about your time as a priestess?"
>>616903
Wander with her over the deck.
"Girl friends? Why, dear sis, who would give you that idea?"
2tired4me. Continue later?
Wander with her over the deck.
"Girl friends? Why, dear sis, who would give you that idea?"
2tired4me. Continue later?
>>616905
I chuckle.
"I guess I gave myself away.
But who I was thinking about was not a girl friend. It was a mare I met in Penneia, she's a priestess of Aquilia."
Scratch my head.
"But…come to think of it, it would be rather odd for her to go to Cloptantinople to meet me instead of just going to Saddleonica with the Doux…"
I chuckle.
"I guess I gave myself away.
But who I was thinking about was not a girl friend. It was a mare I met in Penneia, she's a priestess of Aquilia."
Scratch my head.
"But…come to think of it, it would be rather odd for her to go to Cloptantinople to meet me instead of just going to Saddleonica with the Doux…"
>>616907
"The way I see it…we could use any ally we can get. Cloptantinople might be dangerous but it's not the territory of our enemies."
"The way I see it…we could use any ally we can get. Cloptantinople might be dangerous but it's not the territory of our enemies."
>>616909
"I'm sure they will."
Sit down.
"But…I don't want to bring everypony. It would be too dangerous for mother…"
"I'm sure they will."
Sit down.
"But…I don't want to bring everypony. It would be too dangerous for mother…"
>>616912
"Wouldn't it be wise to leave her on the ship? Let her reach Saddleonica as we stop by Cloptantinople?"
"Wouldn't it be wise to leave her on the ship? Let her reach Saddleonica as we stop by Cloptantinople?"
>>616913
"Yes, I think so too.
But not alone…
She needs somepony who can support her…
Do you think Livia could do that?"
"Yes, I think so too.
But not alone…
She needs somepony who can support her…
Do you think Livia could do that?"
>>616915
"I don't like leaving her behind.
But Mother needs somepony to be with her while we're gone.
Anthe and Nipon would bring her more worries.
And I want you to come with us.
Livia is the only one I can think of…"
"I don't like leaving her behind.
But Mother needs somepony to be with her while we're gone.
Anthe and Nipon would bring her more worries.
And I want you to come with us.
Livia is the only one I can think of…"
>>616919
"We could use your help in Cloptantinople.
And once we found out who the pony that sent the letter is, we'll go back to Mom and Livia as quickly as possible."
"We could use your help in Cloptantinople.
And once we found out who the pony that sent the letter is, we'll go back to Mom and Livia as quickly as possible."
>>616922
"I don't know… You know Anthe. She ends up trying to take the lead of every situation…"
"I don't know… You know Anthe. She ends up trying to take the lead of every situation…"
>>616923
"That's why we should keep an eye on her.
Besides I think she'd be thrilled to visit the big city."
"That's why we should keep an eye on her.
Besides I think she'd be thrilled to visit the big city."
>>616924
"You seem to be putting a lot of faith into the words of a sister you haven't seen in years, big brother."
"You seem to be putting a lot of faith into the words of a sister you haven't seen in years, big brother."
>>616927
"It was great. I saw so many things I never would have imagined. Penneia is so different from Agria."
"It was great. I saw so many things I never would have imagined. Penneia is so different from Agria."
>>616935
I pause for a second.
"I doubt it, not yet at least.
He is far more valuable to them as a hostage right now."
I pause for a second.
"I doubt it, not yet at least.
He is far more valuable to them as a hostage right now."
>>616936
"He knew about this for so long… But they told us nothing.
Neither him, nor mother, nor our other brothers told me and Livia a thing about this…"
"He knew about this for so long… But they told us nothing.
Neither him, nor mother, nor our other brothers told me and Livia a thing about this…"
>>616938
"We spend our days in prayer and attending a single chapel. How much of a burden could it be?"
"We spend our days in prayer and attending a single chapel. How much of a burden could it be?"
>>616942
"I just take it as an occasion to meditate and think about what is to come.
Boring… It's not a nice word."
"I just take it as an occasion to meditate and think about what is to come.
Boring… It's not a nice word."
>>616944
"I know there are things to come. And praying is the only way I ca-
The only way I could prepare for them."
"I know there are things to come. And praying is the only way I ca-
The only way I could prepare for them."
>>616946
Kind of shrug, making a strange face.
"At times. She comes as inspirations. Small ideas. Hints."
Kind of shrug, making a strange face.
"At times. She comes as inspirations. Small ideas. Hints."
>>616948
Shake my head.
"There are bigger concerns moving the world…"
Smile at him.
"But not my world. Not now."
Shake my head.
"There are bigger concerns moving the world…"
Smile at him.
"But not my world. Not now."
Three days since departure…
"Large vessel, heading 3-4-7. Speed around… 5 knots!"
"Longboat, heading 1-0-4. 4 to 7 knots."
You've entered the busy waters around the great city of Clopantinople on the dawn of the fourth day. The journey took longer than anticipated after bad weather on the two previous days, but now things are calm again.
"Dromons in triangular formation heading 1-8-4! Unknown speed!"
Spotters in the crow's nest scour the waters for other ships as a dense fog lingers about the shore of Thema Nouplos. The captain has agreed to venture closer to the capital city than he was initially willing to. This way you can use one of the ship's rowboats to get to shore.
"Arabian dhow, heading 1-5-9. Speed is 3 knots!"
There's not much wind and the sea has calmed down, but navigating the fog is no child's play with this much traffic in shallow waters. You should probably ready yourselves in the rowboat that was lowered for you behind the ship.
"Large vessel, heading 3-4-7. Speed around… 5 knots!"
"Longboat, heading 1-0-4. 4 to 7 knots."
You've entered the busy waters around the great city of Clopantinople on the dawn of the fourth day. The journey took longer than anticipated after bad weather on the two previous days, but now things are calm again.
"Dromons in triangular formation heading 1-8-4! Unknown speed!"
Spotters in the crow's nest scour the waters for other ships as a dense fog lingers about the shore of Thema Nouplos. The captain has agreed to venture closer to the capital city than he was initially willing to. This way you can use one of the ship's rowboats to get to shore.
"Arabian dhow, heading 1-5-9. Speed is 3 knots!"
There's not much wind and the sea has calmed down, but navigating the fog is no child's play with this much traffic in shallow waters. You should probably ready yourselves in the rowboat that was lowered for you behind the ship.
>>617221
"R-Right."
It's clear that she's not entirely comfortable with being separated like this. But still she tries to stay strong.
>>617220
Karabi ticks on your shoulder with a talon as you put on your outfit.
"We will need to go to the shore fast. And have an eye in the sky to avoid any ghost ships colliding with your dinky boat."
"R-Right."
It's clear that she's not entirely comfortable with being separated like this. But still she tries to stay strong.
>>617220
Karabi ticks on your shoulder with a talon as you put on your outfit.
"We will need to go to the shore fast. And have an eye in the sky to avoid any ghost ships colliding with your dinky boat."
>>617223
"It's not about daring. Have you seen that fog? They won't even be able to see him unless they either get close or there's a break in the fog."
"It's not about daring. Have you seen that fog? They won't even be able to see him unless they either get close or there's a break in the fog."
>>617226
"Mmmm, point taken.
I suppose it might be best you and Mereghyl fly together then.
Say, how do you like the family?"
"Mmmm, point taken.
I suppose it might be best you and Mereghyl fly together then.
Say, how do you like the family?"
>>617234
They're already embarking into the rowing boat! Niphon looks annoyed at how slow things are going.
They're already embarking into the rowing boat! Niphon looks annoyed at how slow things are going.
>>617236
Yes, she's with Livia and Flavia. Livia looks saddened. Your mother wasn't happy with the plan but she understood the logic behind it.
Yes, she's with Livia and Flavia. Livia looks saddened. Your mother wasn't happy with the plan but she understood the logic behind it.
>>617237
I walk up to her.
"Mom, we'll be back before you know it."
Turn to Livia and put a hoof on her chin.
"Livia…I'm counting on you to get mom safely to Saddlonica. You'll be representing our family there.
…And once this is over, I promise I'll make sure you and Flavia can visit Cloptantinople as long as you want."
I walk up to her.
"Mom, we'll be back before you know it."
Turn to Livia and put a hoof on her chin.
"Livia…I'm counting on you to get mom safely to Saddlonica. You'll be representing our family there.
…And once this is over, I promise I'll make sure you and Flavia can visit Cloptantinople as long as you want."
You can see a source of light in the distance, hanging in the air… That must be the lighthouse of the capital's harbor! It's not very noticeable in this fog, but at least you have a vague idea of where the entrance to the port is.
"Dhow, heading 1-9-7. 5 knots! New heading on those Germane cogs at 2-5-4!"
"Dhow, heading 1-9-7. 5 knots! New heading on those Germane cogs at 2-5-4!"
>>617249
It's early in the morning and she looks like she's still in the land of dreams and happiness. It appears she's not a morning pony. Or an industrious pony for that matter.
Karabi is flying overhead on watch for ships. Mereghyl can do the same.
Niphon will row, but he can't do it alone.
It's early in the morning and she looks like she's still in the land of dreams and happiness. It appears she's not a morning pony. Or an industrious pony for that matter.
Karabi is flying overhead on watch for ships. Mereghyl can do the same.
Niphon will row, but he can't do it alone.
>>617249
It's early in the morning and she looks like she's still in the land of dreams and happiness. It appears she's not a morning pony. Or an industrious pony for that matter.
Karabi is flying overhead on watch for ships. Mereghyl can do the same.
Niphon will row, but he can't do it alone.
It's early in the morning and she looks like she's still in the land of dreams and happiness. It appears she's not a morning pony. Or an industrious pony for that matter.
Karabi is flying overhead on watch for ships. Mereghyl can do the same.
Niphon will row, but he can't do it alone.
>>617258
>>617259
Excellent. Enough to keep track of ships that could potentially collide with the rowboat.
>>617257
You're on the rowboat itself, so while you try hard to spot, it's no use unless you're up higher.
The shouts of the spotters on the galley fade away in the mists as you pull away.
"… ship …eading… four… ots…"
You're completely surrounded by the dense fog. All there is to hear is the flapping of wings above you and the splashing of water as you pull the oars back and forth. For a moment you think you hear singing coming from somewhere nearby.
You can still see the light from the lighthouse ahead of you. At least you're going the right way…
>>617259
Excellent. Enough to keep track of ships that could potentially collide with the rowboat.
>>617257
You're on the rowboat itself, so while you try hard to spot, it's no use unless you're up higher.
The shouts of the spotters on the galley fade away in the mists as you pull away.
"… ship …eading… four… ots…"
You're completely surrounded by the dense fog. All there is to hear is the flapping of wings above you and the splashing of water as you pull the oars back and forth. For a moment you think you hear singing coming from somewhere nearby.
You can still see the light from the lighthouse ahead of you. At least you're going the right way…
>>617261
It would certainly make you easier to spot and avoid for other ships, but it doesn't reach far enough to really give much visual aid in fog as dense as this.
It would certainly make you easier to spot and avoid for other ships, but it doesn't reach far enough to really give much visual aid in fog as dense as this.
>>617260
Check my bag for my money.
I might have to bribe some people.
I brought 260 gold of my skill for bribes.
And 100 gold for other expenses from my stash
Check my bag for my money.
I might have to bribe some people.
I brought 260 gold of my skill for bribes.
And 100 gold for other expenses from my stash
>>617262
Step forwards on the rowboat, standing tall by the front, and begin humming a low tune to praise Mother.
"As I close my eyes
As night draws near
none of you is gone
so I shall not fear"
Glow I
Step forwards on the rowboat, standing tall by the front, and begin humming a low tune to praise Mother.
"As I close my eyes
As night draws near
none of you is gone
so I shall not fear"
Glow I
>>617263
>>617265
>260 silvers from your skill
Exactly right.
Your stash remains untouched at 255 silvers.
>>617264
The rowboat lights up suddenly. Looks like Flavia cast one of her light spells.
>>617266
Your horn sparks to life and begins to glow bright. Anthe groans and covers her eyes, muttering something about five more minutes. The immediate area around you lights up further, as it is still not fully day yet. Other naval traffic will surely be able to notice you now.
>>617265
>260 silvers from your skill
Exactly right.
Your stash remains untouched at 255 silvers.
>>617264
The rowboat lights up suddenly. Looks like Flavia cast one of her light spells.
>>617266
Your horn sparks to life and begins to glow bright. Anthe groans and covers her eyes, muttering something about five more minutes. The immediate area around you lights up further, as it is still not fully day yet. Other naval traffic will surely be able to notice you now.
>>617268
>>617269
It takes a bit of effort, but eventually you begin to see buildings shrouded by the spooky mist as you enter the city through one of its canals. On both sides of you there are houses bordering the water, with bridges connecting both sides of the small canal.
For Mereghyl, all he sees are the rooftops of these buildings, with the canal snaking through them. This must be the outer city district where the average citizens make their homes… this district alone is already far bigger than any other city in the empire.
There's a small dock where you can disembark your rowboat and tie it down… from there there's stairs leading up to the street level.
>>617269
It takes a bit of effort, but eventually you begin to see buildings shrouded by the spooky mist as you enter the city through one of its canals. On both sides of you there are houses bordering the water, with bridges connecting both sides of the small canal.
For Mereghyl, all he sees are the rooftops of these buildings, with the canal snaking through them. This must be the outer city district where the average citizens make their homes… this district alone is already far bigger than any other city in the empire.
There's a small dock where you can disembark your rowboat and tie it down… from there there's stairs leading up to the street level.
>>617272
You get your boat lined up with the dock and jump off, followed by Niphon who immediately ties it to a wooden post. You hear hoofsteps coming from the street above, though it seems like the great city of Clopantinople has yet to fully awaken.
"Damn fog…"
You get your boat lined up with the dock and jump off, followed by Niphon who immediately ties it to a wooden post. You hear hoofsteps coming from the street above, though it seems like the great city of Clopantinople has yet to fully awaken.
"Damn fog…"
>>617274
Turn to face this newcomer.
If it was somepony looking dangerous Karabi would have said something by now.
Turn to face this newcomer.
If it was somepony looking dangerous Karabi would have said something by now.
File: 1425858104509.png (2.6 MB, 1296x803, To do list.png) ImgOps Google
>>617279
I'm gonna try to notice a place where I can find a map of the city.
'1d20+6'
Roll #1 7 + 6 = 13
I'm gonna try to notice a place where I can find a map of the city.
'1d20+6'
Roll #1 7 + 6 = 13
>>617281
Anthe yawns.
"You guys can go ahead. I'm going to find the nearest thermae and take a proper bath."
Anthe yawns.
"You guys can go ahead. I'm going to find the nearest thermae and take a proper bath."
>>617282
Easier said than done in this era! It's early in the morning and the people living in this area don't waste money on luxuries like city maps.
>>617284
"Well… we have this boat don't we? And that inn we're supposed to go to to find your secret admirer."
>>617285
She is still flying circles above Marcus and the others, keeping an eye on the streets above them. You see some ponies going about their business, but not all that much activity yet. Some glance up at the two of you to check you out.
Easier said than done in this era! It's early in the morning and the people living in this area don't waste money on luxuries like city maps.
>>617284
"Well… we have this boat don't we? And that inn we're supposed to go to to find your secret admirer."
>>617285
She is still flying circles above Marcus and the others, keeping an eye on the streets above them. You see some ponies going about their business, but not all that much activity yet. Some glance up at the two of you to check you out.
>>617286
I suppose I do cast quite a shadow…
Still, do not pay mind to them, just focus on not losing them.
I suppose I do cast quite a shadow…
Still, do not pay mind to them, just focus on not losing them.
>>617287
It's dawn and there's a heavy fog bearing down on the city, you don't cast much of a shadow at all.
It's dawn and there's a heavy fog bearing down on the city, you don't cast much of a shadow at all.
>>617289
Niphon rolls his eyes.
"I'll go with her, I'm sure Nolin would like to get together with his own family, you know."
Niphon rolls his eyes.
"I'll go with her, I'm sure Nolin would like to get together with his own family, you know."
>>617290
"For the record, I was hoping the bath would be over by the time we went to Nolin's family.
I'm not that dense."
"For the record, I was hoping the bath would be over by the time we went to Nolin's family.
I'm not that dense."
>>617294
If Niphon and Anthe go together they'll probably kill each other.
"I think me and Karabi better go with Anthe. We'll meet again at the family house."
If Niphon and Anthe go together they'll probably kill each other.
"I think me and Karabi better go with Anthe. We'll meet again at the family house."
>>617294
Tell you what, as the others discuss how to babysit Anthe I will look around for ponies awake.
'1d20+11' notice.
Roll #1 17 + 11 = 28
Tell you what, as the others discuss how to babysit Anthe I will look around for ponies awake.
'1d20+11' notice.
Roll #1 17 + 11 = 28
>>617297
"We have time until the evening.
Besides after that boat trip I'm sure a bath will do Anthe well."
"We have time until the evening.
Besides after that boat trip I'm sure a bath will do Anthe well."
>>617295
That may solve some of your problems though!
"Alright then, we'll meet again at that lord's estate. Lord Omnidus was his name I think. Be a good girl while I'm away, will you Anthe?"
"When you stop being an ass, Niphon."
>>617296
The stairs leading up from the dock end on a small bridge crossing the canal. More houses in this street here… but actual ponies as well! Those who are awake already seem to be leaving their homes to go work. Given the size of this city, getting to their workplaces may take a while on hoof…
>>617297
"No, all I was saying was that you probably have more need to go see them than I do."
That may solve some of your problems though!
"Alright then, we'll meet again at that lord's estate. Lord Omnidus was his name I think. Be a good girl while I'm away, will you Anthe?"
"When you stop being an ass, Niphon."
>>617296
The stairs leading up from the dock end on a small bridge crossing the canal. More houses in this street here… but actual ponies as well! Those who are awake already seem to be leaving their homes to go work. Given the size of this city, getting to their workplaces may take a while on hoof…
>>617297
"No, all I was saying was that you probably have more need to go see them than I do."
>>617299
Rush up to some of the least-grumpy looking fellas!
"Excuse me sir!
What's the way to the Basilica?"
Rush up to some of the least-grumpy looking fellas!
"Excuse me sir!
What's the way to the Basilica?"
>>617300
"But we do!"
She trots up the stairs and looks around the street.
"We need to get some directions here…"
>>617301
You approach a stallion carrying a ridiculous amount of small bags smelling of herbs.
"The Basilica? Oh girl, you're in the wrong district for that. You'll need to follow the shoreline further west. It's built on a hill so normally you can spot it from a nice distance, but with this fog…"
>>617302
Your home is currently occupied by the enemy in thema Agria.
Your family fled here to this city and was given shelter by a local lord named Omnidus. He has an estate somewhere here, but you're not sure exactly where.
"But we do!"
She trots up the stairs and looks around the street.
"We need to get some directions here…"
>>617301
You approach a stallion carrying a ridiculous amount of small bags smelling of herbs.
"The Basilica? Oh girl, you're in the wrong district for that. You'll need to follow the shoreline further west. It's built on a hill so normally you can spot it from a nice distance, but with this fog…"
>>617302
Your home is currently occupied by the enemy in thema Agria.
Your family fled here to this city and was given shelter by a local lord named Omnidus. He has an estate somewhere here, but you're not sure exactly where.
>>617303
"Is it unusual for there to be so much fog?"
Walk along with him, asking every question with youhful glee.
"Is it unusual for there to be so much fog?"
Walk along with him, asking every question with youhful glee.
>>617306
I know a thing or two about spas, should I be able to afford a fancy one with my 50 bucks?
I know a thing or two about spas, should I be able to afford a fancy one with my 50 bucks?
>>617306
"I see. Thank you again sir and might you be blessed in your endeavours today and for all days to come!"
Time to run back to Marcus!
"I see. Thank you again sir and might you be blessed in your endeavours today and for all days to come!"
Time to run back to Marcus!
>>617307
This district of the city homes the majority of its population, which consists of mostly commoner citizens of the empire. As such there's mostly just simple housing here. Nothing too fancy, but still decently sized houses for the average citizen. There are some shops and stores here along the winding streets which snake their way through the district, but clearly this is not the main commercial district.
>>617308
Yes, definitely.
>>617309
"Sure thing, girl."
This district of the city homes the majority of its population, which consists of mostly commoner citizens of the empire. As such there's mostly just simple housing here. Nothing too fancy, but still decently sized houses for the average citizen. There are some shops and stores here along the winding streets which snake their way through the district, but clearly this is not the main commercial district.
>>617308
Yes, definitely.
>>617309
"Sure thing, girl."
>>617310
"I found the way to the church, brother! If we hurry we might make it in time for the morning blessing!"
"I found the way to the church, brother! If we hurry we might make it in time for the morning blessing!"
>>617316
Not all of them are opened yet, but you spot a few ones that have.
Otio's wineshop
Chez Abelix: Menhir store
Thur's Anvil
The Empty Wine Cask
Mosaics And You
Trajan's bakery
There's also the local Forum where market stalls are being set up as per usual.
>>617312
You ask for directions to the nearest non-public thermae and get pointed in the right direction. It's only twenty minutes away from here on hoof, can't miss it! If you're lazy, you could just hop on one of the omnibusses going into that direction.
Not all of them are opened yet, but you spot a few ones that have.
Otio's wineshop
Chez Abelix: Menhir store
Thur's Anvil
The Empty Wine Cask
Mosaics And You
Trajan's bakery
There's also the local Forum where market stalls are being set up as per usual.
>>617312
You ask for directions to the nearest non-public thermae and get pointed in the right direction. It's only twenty minutes away from here on hoof, can't miss it! If you're lazy, you could just hop on one of the omnibusses going into that direction.
>>617346
The gryphon is looking over them, and it would be bothersome to commute in the city together….
Fly towards the center, somewhere where there is actually enough place for me to land and move around.
The gryphon is looking over them, and it would be bothersome to commute in the city together….
Fly towards the center, somewhere where there is actually enough place for me to land and move around.
>>617349
There aren't many out and about yet, but it doesn't take long for one to stop at a nearby bus stop. These things are pretty much large carriages pulled by four ponies designed to fit as many ponies in it as possible. Anthe looks somewhat uncomfortable being surrounded by all the commoners already on the bus.
Karabi seems to keep to travel by flight.
>>617354
It's kind of hard to see where the center of this stone jungle even is with this fog! Roll Int for navigation.
There aren't many out and about yet, but it doesn't take long for one to stop at a nearby bus stop. These things are pretty much large carriages pulled by four ponies designed to fit as many ponies in it as possible. Anthe looks somewhat uncomfortable being surrounded by all the commoners already on the bus.
Karabi seems to keep to travel by flight.
>>617354
It's kind of hard to see where the center of this stone jungle even is with this fog! Roll Int for navigation.
>>617361
Your Int is 13, so that's a +1.
>10
Houses…
Houses…
Houses…
Different houses? Nope, they're the same. The fog made them look weird for a minute.
Does this sea of bricks ever end? Are you flying in circles or what? And what is with this fog? Can't the weather team get rid of it already?
>>617363
She's doing her best to avoid every form of body contact with the common folk on here.
"It's… certainly a thing."
You arrive at the Thermea you were looking for. Unlike the other nearby thermea, this one is not free for the citizens of the city, meaning it’s less packed and also fancier. Anthe looks ecstatic to be leaving the bus for the bathhouse and quickly trots over to the entrance, paying the fee for her own entry which looks to be 15 silvers today. You wager that price increases during the busier seasons.
Your Int is 13, so that's a +1.
>10
Houses…
Houses…
Houses…
Different houses? Nope, they're the same. The fog made them look weird for a minute.
Does this sea of bricks ever end? Are you flying in circles or what? And what is with this fog? Can't the weather team get rid of it already?
>>617363
She's doing her best to avoid every form of body contact with the common folk on here.
"It's… certainly a thing."
You arrive at the Thermea you were looking for. Unlike the other nearby thermea, this one is not free for the citizens of the city, meaning it’s less packed and also fancier. Anthe looks ecstatic to be leaving the bus for the bathhouse and quickly trots over to the entrance, paying the fee for her own entry which looks to be 15 silvers today. You wager that price increases during the busier seasons.
>>617366
I also just want to get rid of it myself, but I do not need the attention…
Just keep flying, for now.
Following a large street below from the air might be a good idea.
I also just want to get rid of it myself, but I do not need the attention…
Just keep flying, for now.
Following a large street below from the air might be a good idea.
>>617369
You follow one of the streets winding its way through the jungle of housing. Eventually you do seem to be transitioning into a different district. Training fields, archery ranges, several hippodromes and even a large pool of sparkling blue water. Barracks, blacksmiths and manufactories… this is some kind of a military zone.
>>617371
>>617372
She stays in the air, if you want her to come down and join you, you can motion her over. If not, she'll just keep an eye on the entrances!
You follow one of the streets winding its way through the jungle of housing. Eventually you do seem to be transitioning into a different district. Training fields, archery ranges, several hippodromes and even a large pool of sparkling blue water. Barracks, blacksmiths and manufactories… this is some kind of a military zone.
>>617371
>>617372
She stays in the air, if you want her to come down and join you, you can motion her over. If not, she'll just keep an eye on the entrances!
>>617376
You follow Anthe inside the marble building, the floor is cool to your hooves but the air inside immediately feels warmer. The first room you come across as you walk through the entrance way is a changing room. There are cubicles here where you can go and get changed in, as well as a whole bunch of chests with locks on them to safely store your belongings.
Anthe takes off her toga and tosses it into one of the open chests.
"What should we do first, dear brother? A steam bath? A mud bath? A foam bath? A cold bath? A bath bath? Or should we go swim in one of the heated pools? Or get a massage?"
>>617377
You skirt past the military district and almost fly into a cloud billboard floating about in the mists.
It reads:
Cloud District above
Please fly slowly
>>617379
It's just you and him left now, standing on the streets.
"You know the way to that shrine you're so excited about?"
You follow Anthe inside the marble building, the floor is cool to your hooves but the air inside immediately feels warmer. The first room you come across as you walk through the entrance way is a changing room. There are cubicles here where you can go and get changed in, as well as a whole bunch of chests with locks on them to safely store your belongings.
Anthe takes off her toga and tosses it into one of the open chests.
"What should we do first, dear brother? A steam bath? A mud bath? A foam bath? A cold bath? A bath bath? Or should we go swim in one of the heated pools? Or get a massage?"
>>617377
You skirt past the military district and almost fly into a cloud billboard floating about in the mists.
It reads:
Cloud District above
Please fly slowly
>>617379
It's just you and him left now, standing on the streets.
"You know the way to that shrine you're so excited about?"
>>617410
"It's not just a shrine! It's the grand Basilica of the Mother! The seat of the Primarch!
And if we don't hurry, we might miss morning mass!"
Say all of this as I excitedly drag him along the foggy streets.
"It's not just a shrine! It's the grand Basilica of the Mother! The seat of the Primarch!
And if we don't hurry, we might miss morning mass!"
Say all of this as I excitedly drag him along the foggy streets.
>>617410
Most major cities have cloud districts where pegasi and gryphons make their homes. You slowly ascend further until you almost bump into a pegasus stallion descending from the clouds above. He's wearing very fancy clothing and scoffs at you, speaking with a very pretentious sounding tone in his voice.
"Do you get to the Cloud District very often? Oh, what am I saying, of course you don't."
>>617415
You leave the atrium and move through the Tepidarium, a room where it's warm and wet serving as a way to prepare the body for the heat of the actual steam bath. There are very few ponies around at this hour as most only have the time for this kind of thing in the evening after their work hours.
There are several steam bath rooms, so you can just enter an empty one if you wish.
>>617416
"Shouldn't we just take one of the buses? It might be faster than just walking you know."
Most major cities have cloud districts where pegasi and gryphons make their homes. You slowly ascend further until you almost bump into a pegasus stallion descending from the clouds above. He's wearing very fancy clothing and scoffs at you, speaking with a very pretentious sounding tone in his voice.
"Do you get to the Cloud District very often? Oh, what am I saying, of course you don't."
>>617415
You leave the atrium and move through the Tepidarium, a room where it's warm and wet serving as a way to prepare the body for the heat of the actual steam bath. There are very few ponies around at this hour as most only have the time for this kind of thing in the evening after their work hours.
There are several steam bath rooms, so you can just enter an empty one if you wish.
>>617416
"Shouldn't we just take one of the buses? It might be faster than just walking you know."
>>617456
What an arrogant fool.
Keep flying towards the Cloud District.
He might have meant that because there is a certain way for traversing the air here that I am not aware, though…
What an arrogant fool.
Keep flying towards the Cloud District.
He might have meant that because there is a certain way for traversing the air here that I am not aware, though…
>>617456
"I just figured you were the type of mare that likes to soak in sweat alone for hours"
"I just figured you were the type of mare that likes to soak in sweat alone for hours"
>>617460
You suddenly break free from the mist and see the sun resting on the horizon in all of its red glory. Above you, you see a large clouded area with buildings shaped out of the very clouds themselves. You see some cloud manufactories spewing out rainbow colored smoke, a cloudy hippodrome and even a cloudy amphitheatre!
This is the home of the capital's feathered residents, capable of moving around wherever it pleases. It can cast a large shadow on the city, an ability sometimes used on the hottest days of summer.
>>617463
"What are you… hmph."
She scrunches up her muzzle and enters one of the steam baths.
>>617467
"Yeah, they're big carriages which tour the city free of charge. Clopantinople is so big, they're kind of necessary…"
You don't have to wait long for one to pass you by. Like Niphon said, these are pretty much long carriages pulled by a team of four ponies. It's very full already, this is rush hour! You'll need to squeeze in, so it won't be very comfortable, but it'll be a faster way of getting around at least.
You suddenly break free from the mist and see the sun resting on the horizon in all of its red glory. Above you, you see a large clouded area with buildings shaped out of the very clouds themselves. You see some cloud manufactories spewing out rainbow colored smoke, a cloudy hippodrome and even a cloudy amphitheatre!
This is the home of the capital's feathered residents, capable of moving around wherever it pleases. It can cast a large shadow on the city, an ability sometimes used on the hottest days of summer.
>>617463
"What are you… hmph."
She scrunches up her muzzle and enters one of the steam baths.
>>617467
"Yeah, they're big carriages which tour the city free of charge. Clopantinople is so big, they're kind of necessary…"
You don't have to wait long for one to pass you by. Like Niphon said, these are pretty much long carriages pulled by a team of four ponies. It's very full already, this is rush hour! You'll need to squeeze in, so it won't be very comfortable, but it'll be a faster way of getting around at least.
>>617474
Even with the preparation, the wall of moist heat hits you hard at first. This must be one of the warmer steam baths here.
Anthe settles down on a bench with a content smile on her face.
"Ah… finally…"
>>617476
He ruffles your mane.
"Of course I will, sister. Now come on, hop on."
He jumps onto the carriage and pushes some ponies back to make room for you.
>>617480
There might be a dragon or two here, but they're not the most social of creatures and even though they get along with ponies, they often can't keep up with their incessant chattering and prefer to stick to less busy areas. I'm sure you can relate.
Even with the preparation, the wall of moist heat hits you hard at first. This must be one of the warmer steam baths here.
Anthe settles down on a bench with a content smile on her face.
"Ah… finally…"
>>617476
He ruffles your mane.
"Of course I will, sister. Now come on, hop on."
He jumps onto the carriage and pushes some ponies back to make room for you.
>>617480
There might be a dragon or two here, but they're not the most social of creatures and even though they get along with ponies, they often can't keep up with their incessant chattering and prefer to stick to less busy areas. I'm sure you can relate.
>>617485
Of course I can.
Was just curious, is all.
Check the hippodrome and the amphiteathre if they have anything going on at them at the moment.
Of course I can.
Was just curious, is all.
Check the hippodrome and the amphiteathre if they have anything going on at them at the moment.
>>617486
The carriage takes off, forcing you to grip onto Niphon to stay in place. Let's hope you don't get groped by some pervert on here. The ride will take a little while still…
>>617487
The amphitheater is empty and devoid of any action right now, but the hippodrome seems to be getting some action right now! A bunch of pegasi are racing along the track, while others observe. As they get close to the finish line, they tap one of the pegasi waiting on the sidelines who then takes over in the race. Must be some kind of special game. Judging by their clothing, they're part of the Imperial Institute of Weather Regulation.
>>617488
"Mmmm… Four days of pure torture… I can still picture the horror in my mind."
The carriage takes off, forcing you to grip onto Niphon to stay in place. Let's hope you don't get groped by some pervert on here. The ride will take a little while still…
>>617487
The amphitheater is empty and devoid of any action right now, but the hippodrome seems to be getting some action right now! A bunch of pegasi are racing along the track, while others observe. As they get close to the finish line, they tap one of the pegasi waiting on the sidelines who then takes over in the race. Must be some kind of special game. Judging by their clothing, they're part of the Imperial Institute of Weather Regulation.
>>617488
"Mmmm… Four days of pure torture… I can still picture the horror in my mind."
>>617489
I do have my church robes on! If anypony tried that, especially in this holy city, it'd be profanity!
I do have my church robes on! If anypony tried that, especially in this holy city, it'd be profanity!
>>617491
She opens one eye to regard you.
"What makes you say that? Aren't we going to stay here in Clopantinople where it's safe?"
>>617492
It's perfectly natural to want to grope butts though.
The carriage bus cruises through the district, eventually leaving it behind for a slightly less dense area where larger buildings are present. From the looks of it this is some kind of a administrative area with archives, libraries and courthouses.
And in the distance… as the fog begins to slowly dissipate, you see the Basilica perched on a hill. Even from here it looks impossibly large and obviously of great importance.
>>617493
Looks like these are weather ponies being tested or trained for speed. You only now notice there are other pegasi generating crosswinds for the racers to deal with. There are also cloudy obstacles on the course, some of them seemingly charged with lightning.
You hear someone clear their throat from behind you to catch your attention.
She opens one eye to regard you.
"What makes you say that? Aren't we going to stay here in Clopantinople where it's safe?"
>>617492
The carriage bus cruises through the district, eventually leaving it behind for a slightly less dense area where larger buildings are present. From the looks of it this is some kind of a administrative area with archives, libraries and courthouses.
And in the distance… as the fog begins to slowly dissipate, you see the Basilica perched on a hill. Even from here it looks impossibly large and obviously of great importance.
>>617493
Looks like these are weather ponies being tested or trained for speed. You only now notice there are other pegasi generating crosswinds for the racers to deal with. There are also cloudy obstacles on the course, some of them seemingly charged with lightning.
You hear someone clear their throat from behind you to catch your attention.
>>617494
"Of course not, once we find out who wrote that letter and why he or she wrote it, we go directly to Saddlonica."
"Of course not, once we find out who wrote that letter and why he or she wrote it, we go directly to Saddlonica."
>>617494
I can hardly contain myself!
Squal in joy as I press against bro's chest, pointing him at the Basilica!
I can hardly contain myself!
Squal in joy as I press against bro's chest, pointing him at the Basilica!
>>617495
It's a pegasus wearing the same attire as the racers. She has her front legs crossed and looks peeved.
"Do you think that just because you're a dragon that you can do whatever you want?"
She points at some small clouds floating around you.
"You messed up the entire flow!"
>>617496
"… Why? They're useless! They didn't even help us during the civil war!"
>>617497
The carriage pulls closer to the Basilica, allowing you to get a clearer view as more of the fog fades away.
The hill around the building itself is filled with plantlife, fountains, brooks, large torches and marble statues depicting various things ranging from mere ponies to big scary dragons. It's almost like a huge park. There are several large staircases snaking their way along the hillside all the way up to the Basilica, which appears to be split in several sections. One main section and four smaller (Relatively) sections around it. Each has its own domed roof.
It's a pegasus wearing the same attire as the racers. She has her front legs crossed and looks peeved.
"Do you think that just because you're a dragon that you can do whatever you want?"
She points at some small clouds floating around you.
"You messed up the entire flow!"
>>617496
"… Why? They're useless! They didn't even help us during the civil war!"
>>617497
The carriage pulls closer to the Basilica, allowing you to get a clearer view as more of the fog fades away.
The hill around the building itself is filled with plantlife, fountains, brooks, large torches and marble statues depicting various things ranging from mere ponies to big scary dragons. It's almost like a huge park. There are several large staircases snaking their way along the hillside all the way up to the Basilica, which appears to be split in several sections. One main section and four smaller (Relatively) sections around it. Each has its own domed roof.
>>617499
Look unfazed.
"I was not aware this was part of the track. One would suppose the building meant to house the tracks would include them."
Look unfazed.
"I was not aware this was part of the track. One would suppose the building meant to house the tracks would include them."
>>617499
The mass would be held in the central section, right?
As soon as the carriage stops, take my bro's hoof and jump down, rushing ahead in excited glee!
The mass would be held in the central section, right?
As soon as the carriage stops, take my bro's hoof and jump down, rushing ahead in excited glee!
>>617499
"And we'll be sure to ask them why they didn't.
But they have an army, and a vested interest in a peaceful Agria. They're one of the few themas we might actually convince to come to our aid."
"And we'll be sure to ask them why they didn't.
But they have an army, and a vested interest in a peaceful Agria. They're one of the few themas we might actually convince to come to our aid."
>>617500
Her face goes red.
"It isn't! But I'm building clouds for the hippodrome here and you just ruined that one! Aren't you going to apologize?"
>>617501
The carriage stops near the foot of the hill, the surrounding area of which is remarkably empty of buildings. It's right at the shoreline too, you can see the harbor and its massive lighthouse further ahead.
You pull your brother out of the bus as soon as you can get the doors open and rush outside.
"Easy, easy. It's not going anywhere, sis."
It's fairly busy around here, you should beware not to lose your brother in the crowd!
>>617502
"Hmph. So what else have you planned then? How do you see us surviving?"
Her face goes red.
"It isn't! But I'm building clouds for the hippodrome here and you just ruined that one! Aren't you going to apologize?"
>>617501
The carriage stops near the foot of the hill, the surrounding area of which is remarkably empty of buildings. It's right at the shoreline too, you can see the harbor and its massive lighthouse further ahead.
You pull your brother out of the bus as soon as you can get the doors open and rush outside.
"Easy, easy. It's not going anywhere, sis."
It's fairly busy around here, you should beware not to lose your brother in the crowd!
>>617502
"Hmph. So what else have you planned then? How do you see us surviving?"
>>617503
"But we might miss the Primarch's blessing!"
Quicker and quicker!
Just keep a tight hold of his hoof!
"But we might miss the Primarch's blessing!"
Quicker and quicker!
Just keep a tight hold of his hoof!
>>617503
"I did not see any signs that would warn anyone of this."
Take a pause.
"I am not going to, but perhaps you would find it more useful if I helped you recreate the cloud?"
"I did not see any signs that would warn anyone of this."
Take a pause.
"I am not going to, but perhaps you would find it more useful if I helped you recreate the cloud?"
>>617503
"I have some ideas. And we have some money stashed away still.
We need to find friends first.
And I'm of the opinion we'll find them faster in Saddlonica than here."
"I have some ideas. And we have some money stashed away still.
We need to find friends first.
And I'm of the opinion we'll find them faster in Saddlonica than here."
>>617504
1At least he's athletic enough to keep up with you. You start rushing up the stairs without so much as paying attention to the surroundings. You only barely avoid a few collisions with other ponies making their way up and down the stairs.
And more stairs…
And… more… stairs…
Finally… you near the top of the hill, very much exhausted.
>>617505
Sorry.
Trajan's bakery it is. You open the heavy wooden door and hear the telltale ringing of a customer bell. An elderly stallion and mare are both standing behind the wooden counter, tending to some other customers. The air here is filled with the smell of freshly baked bread. Delicious.
The decor of the bakery is very homely and warm, with the one exception being the ornate, but somewhat rusted, broadsword that is being displayed on the wall behind the old couple.
>>617506
"I like freestyling when I'm building clouds! Not that I expect a layman to understand the intricate process behind cloud shaping."
She seems rather arrogant. You could try reassembling the cloud with a DEX roll.
>>617507
"… And what about father?"
1At least he's athletic enough to keep up with you. You start rushing up the stairs without so much as paying attention to the surroundings. You only barely avoid a few collisions with other ponies making their way up and down the stairs.
And more stairs…
And… more… stairs…
Finally… you near the top of the hill, very much exhausted.
>>617505
Sorry.
Trajan's bakery it is. You open the heavy wooden door and hear the telltale ringing of a customer bell. An elderly stallion and mare are both standing behind the wooden counter, tending to some other customers. The air here is filled with the smell of freshly baked bread. Delicious.
The decor of the bakery is very homely and warm, with the one exception being the ornate, but somewhat rusted, broadsword that is being displayed on the wall behind the old couple.
>>617506
"I like freestyling when I'm building clouds! Not that I expect a layman to understand the intricate process behind cloud shaping."
She seems rather arrogant. You could try reassembling the cloud with a DEX roll.
>>617507
"… And what about father?"
>>617508
I could, but she does not seem eager to accept my assistance.
Sense Motive. '1d20+9'
Is complaining truly what must she be aiming at with this?
Roll #1 6 + 9 = 15
I could, but she does not seem eager to accept my assistance.
Sense Motive. '1d20+9'
Is complaining truly what must she be aiming at with this?
Roll #1 6 + 9 = 15
>>617509
Your brother supports you.
"I tried to warn you. Come on."
He guides you to a nearby fountain.
"Have a drink and calm down for a second. You don't want to go inside a holy temple looking like a dried out mess do you?"
>>617510
Some people just love to complain, you could just move on and tell her to shove it, not like she can do anything about it.
You think she's mostly aiming at condescending you, maybe she doesn't like dragons very much.
>>617511
"So you think they're… treating him badly? Did they just lock him up in some prison? Or place him under house arrest?"
Your brother supports you.
"I tried to warn you. Come on."
He guides you to a nearby fountain.
"Have a drink and calm down for a second. You don't want to go inside a holy temple looking like a dried out mess do you?"
>>617510
Some people just love to complain, you could just move on and tell her to shove it, not like she can do anything about it.
You think she's mostly aiming at condescending you, maybe she doesn't like dragons very much.
>>617511
"So you think they're… treating him badly? Did they just lock him up in some prison? Or place him under house arrest?"
>>617512
Shake my head quickly and sit by the fountain, breathing long and calming breaths.
And after I'm back to not-dying on the stairs, drink a gulp or two of water.
Shake my head quickly and sit by the fountain, breathing long and calming breaths.
And after I'm back to not-dying on the stairs, drink a gulp or two of water.
>>617512
Snort disapprovingly.
"Since you did not take my offer of help, I can only suggest being more careful with how and where you pursue your art."
Fly off.
Lets see if there are any more interesting sights up here.
If not I might just fly back down to the city proper.
Snort disapprovingly.
"Since you did not take my offer of help, I can only suggest being more careful with how and where you pursue your art."
Fly off.
Lets see if there are any more interesting sights up here.
If not I might just fly back down to the city proper.
>>617513
What's most likely in these kind of events is that he will be locked up in prison for some time, then be allowed to be put under house arrest if he cooperates and doesn't cause trouble.
>>617514
"Good girl."
He pats you on the back.
"You alright now?"
>>617515
She looks shocked to be disregarded like that as you fly off. She shouts some obscenities but soon enough she's out of sight again.
There are the weather manufactories that you could visit.
There's an amphitheater made completely out of clouds as well.
If you want to find more, you'll need to roll a search or investigate check.
What's most likely in these kind of events is that he will be locked up in prison for some time, then be allowed to be put under house arrest if he cooperates and doesn't cause trouble.
>>617514
"Good girl."
He pats you on the back.
"You alright now?"
>>617515
She looks shocked to be disregarded like that as you fly off. She shouts some obscenities but soon enough she's out of sight again.
There are the weather manufactories that you could visit.
There's an amphitheater made completely out of clouds as well.
If you want to find more, you'll need to roll a search or investigate check.
>>617516
Nod, wiping my mouth with the side of a hoof.
"Thank you so much for bringing me here, Niphon.
Now. Shall we?"
Nod, wiping my mouth with the side of a hoof.
"Thank you so much for bringing me here, Niphon.
Now. Shall we?"
File: 1426112970677.png (7.85 KB, 636x596, Basilica.png) ImgOps Google
>>617517
It's more like a stadium for fights! There's already quite a crowd seated and ready to watch some rumbling, but it doesn't look like there are any ongoing fights.
A pegasus mare with a red coat is standing on a pedestal with a speaking-trumpet mounted on it.
>>617518
"Let's."
You head over towards the basilica itself, crossing a large plaza which you reckon is used as a meeting point for when the patriarch wishes to appear on the balcony of his personal chambers to speak to the followers of the Faiths who gather here.
Do you wish to immediately go for the main section or to scout out one of the smaller sections first?
It's more like a stadium for fights! There's already quite a crowd seated and ready to watch some rumbling, but it doesn't look like there are any ongoing fights.
A pegasus mare with a red coat is standing on a pedestal with a speaking-trumpet mounted on it.
>>617518
"Let's."
You head over towards the basilica itself, crossing a large plaza which you reckon is used as a meeting point for when the patriarch wishes to appear on the balcony of his personal chambers to speak to the followers of the Faiths who gather here.
Do you wish to immediately go for the main section or to scout out one of the smaller sections first?
>>617519
Let's take a long tour around, going counterclockwise from the nearest subsection.
Let's take a long tour around, going counterclockwise from the nearest subsection.
>>617516
"Locked up in prison, maybe. But I doubt they'll treat him very harshly. He's still valuable to them."
"Locked up in prison, maybe. But I doubt they'll treat him very harshly. He's still valuable to them."
>>617520
You and your brother head to the nearest subsection first. The large set of doors and the walls themselves (Which appear to made out of sandstone) are decorated with seashells and beautiful mosaics of seaponies, fish and general underwater sceneries.
You press on to the inside and are met with a truly unique sight of the atrium. The walls… they have water in them! Water behind glass, massive aquariums! There's sharks in them! And dolphins! Not only that, but the floor itself isn't solid, it's sandy like a beach from up north! You look up and notice the ceiling is a massive tank of water as well! You see fish in all the colors of the rainbow, in various shapes and sizes.
>>617521
Perhaps so.
But wait.
"You there! Dragon!"
The amplified voice of the mare on her pedestal carries itself throughout the stadium.
"Come hither!"
>>617522
"I hope so, he really did nothing wrong. That scum accused him of all kinds of imaginary crimes for an excuse to lock him up."
You think you hear her voice waver for a moment there.
You and your brother head to the nearest subsection first. The large set of doors and the walls themselves (Which appear to made out of sandstone) are decorated with seashells and beautiful mosaics of seaponies, fish and general underwater sceneries.
You press on to the inside and are met with a truly unique sight of the atrium. The walls… they have water in them! Water behind glass, massive aquariums! There's sharks in them! And dolphins! Not only that, but the floor itself isn't solid, it's sandy like a beach from up north! You look up and notice the ceiling is a massive tank of water as well! You see fish in all the colors of the rainbow, in various shapes and sizes.
>>617521
Perhaps so.
But wait.
"You there! Dragon!"
The amplified voice of the mare on her pedestal carries itself throughout the stadium.
"Come hither!"
>>617522
"I hope so, he really did nothing wrong. That scum accused him of all kinds of imaginary crimes for an excuse to lock him up."
You think you hear her voice waver for a moment there.
>>617523
But this is amazing! Think of the faith you'd need to build something like this, of the minds and hearts singing as one-
But don't lose my composture. Hold my breath and steady my heart, rather, looking for the altar.
But this is amazing! Think of the faith you'd need to build something like this, of the minds and hearts singing as one-
But don't lose my composture. Hold my breath and steady my heart, rather, looking for the altar.
>>617523
This is a whole other side of Anthe.
"Father is strong, he'll make it through without breaking a sweat."
This is a whole other side of Anthe.
"Father is strong, he'll make it through without breaking a sweat."
>>617508
Probably a family relic or theirs.
I'll wait in line and try to relax, the scent of bread helping the effort.
Probably a family relic or theirs.
I'll wait in line and try to relax, the scent of bread helping the effort.
>>617525
This isn’t even the main portion of the building! This is the pronaos or the entryway. It alone is already bigger than the chapel back home!
The naos is further ahead, the central part of the building where the altar and whatnot is located. Interestingly enough, the door that leads that way is closed and has to be opened by hoof every time someone comes through. It’s strange they don’t just leave it open.
“This place is like the marine part of the zoo… I didn’t expect it to be like this, did you?”
>>617526
"I hope for his sake you are right. Though honestly, it's good that you're in charge now instead of me. I won't have to deal with Niphon's jealous whining as much now."
This isn’t even the main portion of the building! This is the pronaos or the entryway. It alone is already bigger than the chapel back home!
The naos is further ahead, the central part of the building where the altar and whatnot is located. Interestingly enough, the door that leads that way is closed and has to be opened by hoof every time someone comes through. It’s strange they don’t just leave it open.
“This place is like the marine part of the zoo… I didn’t expect it to be like this, did you?”
>>617526
"I hope for his sake you are right. Though honestly, it's good that you're in charge now instead of me. I won't have to deal with Niphon's jealous whining as much now."
>>617886
"I would have never!
But now that I'm here it makes so much sense!
It's everywhere, Niphon!
Can't you feel her?"
Walk in amazement over to the large door, and respectfully, open it.
"I would have never!
But now that I'm here it makes so much sense!
It's everywhere, Niphon!
Can't you feel her?"
Walk in amazement over to the large door, and respectfully, open it.
>>617887
"Uh… maybe?"
He scratches the back of his neck awkwardly.
“Well, let’s keep moving anyway.”
You press on and reach the door to the naos. The brass handles are cold to the touch as you pull at them, opening the heavy door with remarkable ease. Then, something unexpected happens. Something you’re not all that used to down here in the south of the empire.
Freezing cold. The air behind the door is freezing cold! Not only that, but the main room lying beyond the door is filled with ice! The walls are frosted, the ceiling has icicles hanging from it and there are statues displayed here shaped out of blocks of ice. Even the seats are made out of ice blocks, with pillows on top of them to make it bearable to sit on. You’ve never seen anything like this in your life.
In the middle of the room stands a beautiful translucent icy altar, intricately crafted with the finest tools out of blue ice.
"Uh… maybe?"
He scratches the back of his neck awkwardly.
“Well, let’s keep moving anyway.”
You press on and reach the door to the naos. The brass handles are cold to the touch as you pull at them, opening the heavy door with remarkable ease. Then, something unexpected happens. Something you’re not all that used to down here in the south of the empire.
Freezing cold. The air behind the door is freezing cold! Not only that, but the main room lying beyond the door is filled with ice! The walls are frosted, the ceiling has icicles hanging from it and there are statues displayed here shaped out of blocks of ice. Even the seats are made out of ice blocks, with pillows on top of them to make it bearable to sit on. You’ve never seen anything like this in your life.
In the middle of the room stands a beautiful translucent icy altar, intricately crafted with the finest tools out of blue ice.
>>617888
AH!
I'd cry out in surprise wasn't this a holy place!
Cling close to my brother, but still, curious, move forth towards the icy altar itself.
Is there a chaplain here?
AH!
I'd cry out in surprise wasn't this a holy place!
Cling close to my brother, but still, curious, move forth towards the icy altar itself.
Is there a chaplain here?
>>617889
"Of course he's jealous! He knows I'm far more intelligent than he is and he can't stand that. At least I can acknowledge that he's physically fitter than I am, but he'd never admit that I'm smarter than he is. Before you got here I was the one in charge and all he did was criticize me!"
>>617890
There's currently no service being held here, no. There are ponies about though, but most of them are outsiders and visitors admiring the building like you are. There are a few priests of Aqualia that you can spot though, dressed in their telltale blue and cyan robes.
"Of course he's jealous! He knows I'm far more intelligent than he is and he can't stand that. At least I can acknowledge that he's physically fitter than I am, but he'd never admit that I'm smarter than he is. Before you got here I was the one in charge and all he did was criticize me!"
>>617890
There's currently no service being held here, no. There are ponies about though, but most of them are outsiders and visitors admiring the building like you are. There are a few priests of Aqualia that you can spot though, dressed in their telltale blue and cyan robes.
>>617892
Priests of Mother Nature most often dress in robes using green and yellow colors. Each faith has a color code like this.
For future reference:
Priests of Ignis dress in red and yellow.
Priests of Terra dress in light grey and brown.
Priests of Aer dress in light blue and white.
You approach one of the Aqualian priests observing the ponies coming and going.
"Yes, sister?"
Priests of Mother Nature most often dress in robes using green and yellow colors. Each faith has a color code like this.
For future reference:
Priests of Ignis dress in red and yellow.
Priests of Terra dress in light grey and brown.
Priests of Aer dress in light blue and white.
You approach one of the Aqualian priests observing the ponies coming and going.
"Yes, sister?"
>>617893
"It is my first pilgrimage to the Capital, sister.
I do not know where to begin!
Is there anything that is expected of sisters coming here?"
"It is my first pilgrimage to the Capital, sister.
I do not know where to begin!
Is there anything that is expected of sisters coming here?"
>>617894
He looks you over.
"You're a priestess of the Mother, so normally I'd advice you to attend the morning and evening sermons held by the Primarch himself but… well you know he hasn't been doing very well and the last few days he's been unable to hold such sermons."
That's right, the Primarch's health has deteriorated the last few weeks from what you hear.
"Still, if you haven't seen the basilica I suggest you at least walk through the entire thing. It's a marvel of engineering, unrivaled in the entirety of the world. And it's all dedicated to the five faiths."
He looks you over.
"You're a priestess of the Mother, so normally I'd advice you to attend the morning and evening sermons held by the Primarch himself but… well you know he hasn't been doing very well and the last few days he's been unable to hold such sermons."
That's right, the Primarch's health has deteriorated the last few weeks from what you hear.
"Still, if you haven't seen the basilica I suggest you at least walk through the entire thing. It's a marvel of engineering, unrivaled in the entirety of the world. And it's all dedicated to the five faiths."
>>617895
"This very room, and the pronaos of this chapel itself, have me doubting my own eyes!
Was this all pony engineering or was there magic involved?"
"This very room, and the pronaos of this chapel itself, have me doubting my own eyes!
Was this all pony engineering or was there magic involved?"
>>617896
"This basilica was built over two hundred years ago under the orders of empress Lavinia Dawnsworn and Primarch Odylon. The last temple that stood on this hill was destroyed in an earthquake less than a decade before that. The divine aura surrounding this hill is provided entirely naturally. This… coldness. It's not something we decided on. Or could decide on. It's Aqualia's will and thus it merely is."
>>617897
"No, but he's really quick to point out any mistakes somepony else makes. He's an ass. It's that simple."
"This basilica was built over two hundred years ago under the orders of empress Lavinia Dawnsworn and Primarch Odylon. The last temple that stood on this hill was destroyed in an earthquake less than a decade before that. The divine aura surrounding this hill is provided entirely naturally. This… coldness. It's not something we decided on. Or could decide on. It's Aqualia's will and thus it merely is."
>>617897
"No, but he's really quick to point out any mistakes somepony else makes. He's an ass. It's that simple."
>>617898
Fall silent for a moment, before bowing my head in respect and understanding.
"May I go pray by the altar, before leaving?"
Fall silent for a moment, before bowing my head in respect and understanding.
"May I go pray by the altar, before leaving?"
>>617901
Silently, but with a happy smile, approach the altar and sit beneath the cold aura, saying a silent prayer for the well being of the Church.
Then, back to bro.
"Want to see the others?"
Silently, but with a happy smile, approach the altar and sit beneath the cold aura, saying a silent prayer for the well being of the Church.
Then, back to bro.
"Want to see the others?"
>>617906
You leave the cold behind and head back outside through the other exit out of the building, heading up to the next section. It quickly becomes clear that this one is dedicated to Ignis, the fiery deity. On the edges of the building, four large fire pits with big roaring fires are on display. The outside walls are decorated with mosaics as well, just like the Aqualia section. These depict powerful fire elementals and violent volcanic eruptions.
The main entry doors are black, shaped out of obsidian. Beyond these doors lies the pronaos. It, too, has been themed according to its god. The walls around the room are covered in flames, which seems like quite the fire hazard to you. The flames are quite tall too, starting from between gaps in the floor and almost reach the ceiling. You try not to get too close, as you can feel the heat pressing down on your face. The floor is made out of some kind of black rock.
Niphon taps it with a hoof. “Basaltic rock. This stuff used to be volcanic lava if you can believe that.”
>>617907
To the caldarium!
There are basins of cold water here, some of them big enough to jump in entirely while others are there to just splash water on yourself.
Anthe does the latter, delicately splashing water on her steaming body to cool off.
You leave the cold behind and head back outside through the other exit out of the building, heading up to the next section. It quickly becomes clear that this one is dedicated to Ignis, the fiery deity. On the edges of the building, four large fire pits with big roaring fires are on display. The outside walls are decorated with mosaics as well, just like the Aqualia section. These depict powerful fire elementals and violent volcanic eruptions.
The main entry doors are black, shaped out of obsidian. Beyond these doors lies the pronaos. It, too, has been themed according to its god. The walls around the room are covered in flames, which seems like quite the fire hazard to you. The flames are quite tall too, starting from between gaps in the floor and almost reach the ceiling. You try not to get too close, as you can feel the heat pressing down on your face. The floor is made out of some kind of black rock.
Niphon taps it with a hoof. “Basaltic rock. This stuff used to be volcanic lava if you can believe that.”
>>617907
To the caldarium!
There are basins of cold water here, some of them big enough to jump in entirely while others are there to just splash water on yourself.
Anthe does the latter, delicately splashing water on her steaming body to cool off.
>>617908
"And I'm ready to bet Ignis made it himself."
Loosen the garb a little, just not to pass out of heat exhaustion, and proceed deeper, entering the naos.
"And I'm ready to bet Ignis made it himself."
Loosen the garb a little, just not to pass out of heat exhaustion, and proceed deeper, entering the naos.
>>617909
You go further, into the naos. Once again the doors that lead there are made out of pure obsidian. But these ones are open, allowing you to immediately see what lies beyond. Lava pouring from the ceiling into four pits of lava in the ground, causing a lot of heat to be spread in the process. The altar here is made out of obsidian as well, colored as black as the night. The seats surrounding it seem to be shaped out of some type of other volcanic rock.
You go further, into the naos. Once again the doors that lead there are made out of pure obsidian. But these ones are open, allowing you to immediately see what lies beyond. Lava pouring from the ceiling into four pits of lava in the ground, causing a lot of heat to be spread in the process. The altar here is made out of obsidian as well, colored as black as the night. The seats surrounding it seem to be shaped out of some type of other volcanic rock.
>>617910
Gasp, and immediately regret my action as hot air pours though my lungs.
Cover my muzzle with a hoof and wince away, catching my breath, only to slowly move further a moment later, kneeling on the hard rock before the altar to pray.
Gasp, and immediately regret my action as hot air pours though my lungs.
Cover my muzzle with a hoof and wince away, catching my breath, only to slowly move further a moment later, kneeling on the hard rock before the altar to pray.
>>617911
You jump into one of the cold water basins, almost splashing some water on Anthe in the process. She lets out a surprised yelp and dodges the water.
"Marcus!"
>>617912
The ground is warm, but not painfully so. It's pretty hot in here though… you can feel your throat drying up!
Niphon coughs.
"Lavafalls… How is this possible? What magic is behind this?"
You jump into one of the cold water basins, almost splashing some water on Anthe in the process. She lets out a surprised yelp and dodges the water.
"Marcus!"
>>617912
The ground is warm, but not painfully so. It's pretty hot in here though… you can feel your throat drying up!
Niphon coughs.
"Lavafalls… How is this possible? What magic is behind this?"
>>617913
Recite my silent prayer, and bask in the warmth for just a few seconds more.
Finally, stand up again, reaching for Niphon.
"No magic. Only the power of Ignis."
Give him a smile-filled gaze with my now red and dry eyes, as I take his hoof and head outside.
Recite my silent prayer, and bask in the warmth for just a few seconds more.
Finally, stand up again, reaching for Niphon.
"No magic. Only the power of Ignis."
Give him a smile-filled gaze with my now red and dry eyes, as I take his hoof and head outside.
>>617914
"Ignis sounds like a hothead."
Further out you go, leaving this section behind.
The next section is clearly one dedicated to Aer; the god of wind, lightning and the sky. The mosaics here depict mighty whirlwinds, pearly white clouds and vicious lightning storms. You head inside the pronaos and are confronted with an amazing sight. The ceiling is entirely covered by clouds. Indoor clouds! They seem to be swirling in a whirlwind pattern around a central point which illuminates the room. A ball of lightning seemingly captured in a large crystal container suspended from the ceiling beyond the clouds by a chain. You can hear the soft crackling of lightning even from down here. The air is charged with electricity… it feels like the prelude to a thunderstorm on a hot summer day.
>>617915
"Hmph! I'm going to go get a massage!"
"Ignis sounds like a hothead."
Further out you go, leaving this section behind.
The next section is clearly one dedicated to Aer; the god of wind, lightning and the sky. The mosaics here depict mighty whirlwinds, pearly white clouds and vicious lightning storms. You head inside the pronaos and are confronted with an amazing sight. The ceiling is entirely covered by clouds. Indoor clouds! They seem to be swirling in a whirlwind pattern around a central point which illuminates the room. A ball of lightning seemingly captured in a large crystal container suspended from the ceiling beyond the clouds by a chain. You can hear the soft crackling of lightning even from down here. The air is charged with electricity… it feels like the prelude to a thunderstorm on a hot summer day.
>>617915
"Hmph! I'm going to go get a massage!"
>>617916
Walk circles around the prenaos itself, all the while staring starstruck at the ceiling.
"Amazing…" escapes my lips, as I stop to admire the entrance to the naos.
Walk circles around the prenaos itself, all the while staring starstruck at the ceiling.
"Amazing…" escapes my lips, as I stop to admire the entrance to the naos.
>>617916
Stay in the water for a few more minutes to cool off until I go for a massage as well.
Stay in the water for a few more minutes to cool off until I go for a massage as well.
>>617917
The entrance to the naos is a marble archway sculpted to look more cloudy.
The naos itself is less dramatic but by no means less impressive, with little white clouds floating about the room and a dome roof made entirely out of glass, allowing for a great view of the sky even when inside! A few larger clouds shaped into statues of birds and other flying creatures float around here as well.
The altar is made out of marble and surrounded by patches of cloud as well.
>>617918
Do you want to keep talking to Anthe or should I skip forward somewhat? It's entirely up to you.
The entrance to the naos is a marble archway sculpted to look more cloudy.
The naos itself is less dramatic but by no means less impressive, with little white clouds floating about the room and a dome roof made entirely out of glass, allowing for a great view of the sky even when inside! A few larger clouds shaped into statues of birds and other flying creatures float around here as well.
The altar is made out of marble and surrounded by patches of cloud as well.
>>617918
Do you want to keep talking to Anthe or should I skip forward somewhat? It's entirely up to you.
>>617919
This is so relaxing…
Such a change from Ignis' domain!
Look at the sky and walk towards tha altar, sitting down and trying to just… Relax.
I miss sis.
This is so relaxing…
Such a change from Ignis' domain!
Look at the sky and walk towards tha altar, sitting down and trying to just… Relax.
I miss sis.
>>617524
You fly forward and land near the red mare. She jumps down her pedestal and glides over to you.
"What is your name, oh noble servant of Ignis?"
Judging by her accent, she's a foreigner. Possibly Equestrian.
>>617921
But Anthe does. So you are left alone for some time until she returns, all cleaned up again with her mane wrapped up in a towel.
"Oh Marcus, this is fantastic. I missed being able to do this. We really need to live someplace where we have access to facilities like these."
You fly forward and land near the red mare. She jumps down her pedestal and glides over to you.
"What is your name, oh noble servant of Ignis?"
Judging by her accent, she's a foreigner. Possibly Equestrian.
>>617921
But Anthe does. So you are left alone for some time until she returns, all cleaned up again with her mane wrapped up in a towel.
"Oh Marcus, this is fantastic. I missed being able to do this. We really need to live someplace where we have access to facilities like these."
>>617924
The capital provides safety, so I do not see why not.
"I am know as Mereghyl of House Hippoi."
The capital provides safety, so I do not see why not.
"I am know as Mereghyl of House Hippoi."
>>617920
>>617925
Sis is with momma now. At least they still have each other. Your mother probably appreciates the company, and Livia is far easier to handle than Anthe or Niphon.
She'd probably find all this very pretty though.
>>617926
"Mereghyl… my name is Red Rose, and this is my domain. Do you know where you are?"
>>617925
Sis is with momma now. At least they still have each other. Your mother probably appreciates the company, and Livia is far easier to handle than Anthe or Niphon.
She'd probably find all this very pretty though.
>>617926
"Mereghyl… my name is Red Rose, and this is my domain. Do you know where you are?"
>>617927
"I do not, however, I suppose you will share that knowledge with me, considering you were the one to call me over in the first place."
"I do not, however, I suppose you will share that knowledge with me, considering you were the one to call me over in the first place."
>>617927
I shall make it up to her!
I promise!
But for now…
Enjoy the breeze for a moment longer, before leaving.
I shall make it up to her!
I promise!
But for now…
Enjoy the breeze for a moment longer, before leaving.
>>617928
There's a glint of… something in her eyes as she hears your response.
"The clamour of our bloodthirsty crowds reaches every corner of the Empire, but I'll pretend that your ignorance doesn't offend me. This is the Rosethorn! Where champions from all over see their chance to battle against beasts of all shapes and sizes. You can observe and bet on the fights… or participate in the fights yourself. Be warned though, the Rosethorn demands respect. Defile the Rosethorn, or offend me in any way, and I'll gut you open for all to see."
>>617929
You leave the cloudy area behind.
"That was the first time I saw a temple dedicated to Aer… most of them are up in the skies."
The last subsection is the one dedicated to Terra, the god of minerals, stone and mountains. The mosaics on this building show golems of stone, mountain peaks and various types of gemstones. The doors leading inside are even decorated with gemstones!
Inside the pronaos, it looks as though you’ve entered a cave. But not just any cave, a cave with hundreds of gemstones stuck inside its walls and ceiling, glimmering in all the colors of the rainbow. Big stalagmites and stalagtites pierce through the floor and ceiling all around you and boulders of all shapes and sizes lie scattered around the room. It’s crazy to think that this is indeed a building and not some cave deep underground.
There's a glint of… something in her eyes as she hears your response.
"The clamour of our bloodthirsty crowds reaches every corner of the Empire, but I'll pretend that your ignorance doesn't offend me. This is the Rosethorn! Where champions from all over see their chance to battle against beasts of all shapes and sizes. You can observe and bet on the fights… or participate in the fights yourself. Be warned though, the Rosethorn demands respect. Defile the Rosethorn, or offend me in any way, and I'll gut you open for all to see."
>>617929
You leave the cloudy area behind.
"That was the first time I saw a temple dedicated to Aer… most of them are up in the skies."
The last subsection is the one dedicated to Terra, the god of minerals, stone and mountains. The mosaics on this building show golems of stone, mountain peaks and various types of gemstones. The doors leading inside are even decorated with gemstones!
Inside the pronaos, it looks as though you’ve entered a cave. But not just any cave, a cave with hundreds of gemstones stuck inside its walls and ceiling, glimmering in all the colors of the rainbow. Big stalagmites and stalagtites pierce through the floor and ceiling all around you and boulders of all shapes and sizes lie scattered around the room. It’s crazy to think that this is indeed a building and not some cave deep underground.
>>617930
Raise an eyebrow.
Sense Motive on her.
'1d20+9'
"My judgement tells me you did not invite me over in hopes of placing a bet. Do you expect me to fight?"
Roll #1 8 + 9 = 17
Raise an eyebrow.
Sense Motive on her.
'1d20+9'
"My judgement tells me you did not invite me over in hopes of placing a bet. Do you expect me to fight?"
Roll #1 8 + 9 = 17
>>617930
And all of this, too, must have naturally erupted from the ground itself as Terra willed it.
Amazing.
Go straight for the naos, expecting something equally amazing.
And all of this, too, must have naturally erupted from the ground itself as Terra willed it.
Amazing.
Go straight for the naos, expecting something equally amazing.
>>617931
You're a big dragon in a sky arena dedicated to fighting against dangerous beasts. Her thought process is quite clear here.
"If you dare. It is not for the faint of heart, I must warn you. The beasts that you will face are most dangerous."
>>617932
Further on lies the naos. Unlike the previous cavelike room, this looks more like a traditional marble temple with golden and silver statues decorated with gemstones. The altar is composed of all kinds of different metals, some of which you don’t even recognize. Are those special alloys? They must be!
You're a big dragon in a sky arena dedicated to fighting against dangerous beasts. Her thought process is quite clear here.
"If you dare. It is not for the faint of heart, I must warn you. The beasts that you will face are most dangerous."
>>617932
Further on lies the naos. Unlike the previous cavelike room, this looks more like a traditional marble temple with golden and silver statues decorated with gemstones. The altar is composed of all kinds of different metals, some of which you don’t even recognize. Are those special alloys? They must be!
>>617933
That I simply must ask!
Approach a brother/sister and ask about the statues and metals!
Speaking of, what are the statues of?
That I simply must ask!
Approach a brother/sister and ask about the statues and metals!
Speaking of, what are the statues of?
>>617934
"Money, prestige, glory… perhaps some special reward if you manage to truly impress me. Be warned though, the Rosethorn does not sit still."
>>617935
The statues depict miners, blacksmiths, rocky golems and so on. You know Terra is most popular in Thema Pindos, which lies in the Shudderpeaks up north.
You approach one of the priests and ask him what these alloys are.
"That, sister, is Draconian Steel. The pride of our empire's metal production!"
"Money, prestige, glory… perhaps some special reward if you manage to truly impress me. Be warned though, the Rosethorn does not sit still."
>>617935
The statues depict miners, blacksmiths, rocky golems and so on. You know Terra is most popular in Thema Pindos, which lies in the Shudderpeaks up north.
You approach one of the priests and ask him what these alloys are.
"That, sister, is Draconian Steel. The pride of our empire's metal production!"
>>617937
He nods.
"Yes indeed. The smiths from up north don't just use furnaces and smelteries, but also dragons to temper their steel! It's a very difficult process, but draconian steel is the best material out there to make weapons out of. It cannot rust, it's extremely sturdy and it doesn't dull. Unfortunately, it's also very expensive."
Niphon whispers to you.
"Our family sword is made of draconian steel, remember? Father had it with him when he went to Cantria…"
>>617938
"Excellent. Nothing will please me more than to see you fight. Get down there in the arena and I will release your first foe. We shall start small for your sake."
He nods.
"Yes indeed. The smiths from up north don't just use furnaces and smelteries, but also dragons to temper their steel! It's a very difficult process, but draconian steel is the best material out there to make weapons out of. It cannot rust, it's extremely sturdy and it doesn't dull. Unfortunately, it's also very expensive."
Niphon whispers to you.
"Our family sword is made of draconian steel, remember? Father had it with him when he went to Cantria…"
>>617938
"Excellent. Nothing will please me more than to see you fight. Get down there in the arena and I will release your first foe. We shall start small for your sake."
>>617939
"Ooooh…"
Realization dawns upon my eyes as Niphon reminds me.
"Thanks, brother." Nod in respect at the priest who just answered me and walk slowly to the altar.
Make this last prayer about Father.
"Ooooh…"
Realization dawns upon my eyes as Niphon reminds me.
"Thanks, brother." Nod in respect at the priest who just answered me and walk slowly to the altar.
Make this last prayer about Father.
>>617940
She's back on her pedestal.
"Today, beast will fight beast in the Rosethorn. No mere champion, but a dragon is taking up the role of challenger against nature! Our lives are cheap, and fragile. Death is our assured fate, striking when least we expect it. The Rosethorn awakens us to the truth. Here we escape from our bonds, and choose the moment of death against the will of destiny.
It is time. Time to fight!"
You land in one corner of the arena. There's a gateway behind you but it's closed down. Across the battleground, there's a similar gateway. As Red Rose finishes her speech, it opens up. Out comes a giant eagle! Okay, that thing is really big to be called an eagle!
It's a fight! Roll initiative!
>>617941
You say a prayer to father, wishing for his well-being even during these trying times.
You sure hope he's doing alright…
Roll #1 19 + 6 = 25
She's back on her pedestal.
"Today, beast will fight beast in the Rosethorn. No mere champion, but a dragon is taking up the role of challenger against nature! Our lives are cheap, and fragile. Death is our assured fate, striking when least we expect it. The Rosethorn awakens us to the truth. Here we escape from our bonds, and choose the moment of death against the will of destiny.
It is time. Time to fight!"
You land in one corner of the arena. There's a gateway behind you but it's closed down. Across the battleground, there's a similar gateway. As Red Rose finishes her speech, it opens up. Out comes a giant eagle! Okay, that thing is really big to be called an eagle!
It's a fight! Roll initiative!
>>617941
You say a prayer to father, wishing for his well-being even during these trying times.
You sure hope he's doing alright…
Roll #1 19 + 6 = 25
>>617942
As I stand up, my legs will shake slightly, dreading what's ahead.
Time to visit the central shrine.
As I stand up, my legs will shake slightly, dreading what's ahead.
Time to visit the central shrine.
>>617942
It is probably faster than me, but it probably cannot combat my own size.
'1d20+3'
Roll #1 11 + 3 = 14
It is probably faster than me, but it probably cannot combat my own size.
'1d20+3'
Roll #1 11 + 3 = 14
>>617943
You’ve seen the outer sections of the building, now it’s time for the main portion. The mosaics on this section depict animals and plants, scenes from nature both at day and at night with either the sun or moon guarding over it.
Now that you're facing the building this closely, you feel something well up inside you… it's odd, you're not sure why but for some reason you feel safe and at peace like never before for a brief moment. Then the feeling disappears again.
"Flavia? You alright?"
>>617944
It is counted as a Large creature, just like you. It's not as big as you are, but it's certainly bigger than a griffon. The eagle is far faster than you are and flies towards you, striking at you with its talons.
'1d20+4'
Mind you that since you're flying, your error range increases by 2.
Roll #1 15 + 6 = 21 / Roll #2 4 + 4 = 8
You’ve seen the outer sections of the building, now it’s time for the main portion. The mosaics on this section depict animals and plants, scenes from nature both at day and at night with either the sun or moon guarding over it.
Now that you're facing the building this closely, you feel something well up inside you… it's odd, you're not sure why but for some reason you feel safe and at peace like never before for a brief moment. Then the feeling disappears again.
"Flavia? You alright?"
>>617944
It is counted as a Large creature, just like you. It's not as big as you are, but it's certainly bigger than a griffon. The eagle is far faster than you are and flies towards you, striking at you with its talons.
'1d20+4'
Mind you that since you're flying, your error range increases by 2.
Roll #1 15 + 6 = 21 / Roll #2 4 + 4 = 8
>>617945
Its talons fail to make contact with you. You remain untouched. It's your turn now.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=110622
Its talons fail to make contact with you. You remain untouched. It's your turn now.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=110622
>>617945
Blink once, letting the last tingling remains of that feeling wash away from me.
"Wa-
Y-yes Niphon.
I just… Zoned out, for a moment."
Blink once, letting the last tingling remains of that feeling wash away from me.
"Wa-
Y-yes Niphon.
I just… Zoned out, for a moment."
>>617956
"Yes, brother."
Answer without too much emphasis, still focused on that feeling…
Take a big breaht and head in, closer to the building itself.
"Yes, brother."
Answer without too much emphasis, still focused on that feeling…
Take a big breaht and head in, closer to the building itself.
>>617956
"I'll take a dozen sweet rolls, and some directions. I'm honestly horribly lost." I chuckle softly.
"I'll take a dozen sweet rolls, and some directions. I'm honestly horribly lost." I chuckle softly.
>>617957
>>617958
You're quick enough to get another bite in on the bird. It squawks in pain, annoyed at the retaliation.
It tries to claw at you with its talons again '1d20+4'
Then flies off, putting some distance between the two of you. It's now 60 ft. away.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=110637
Roll #1 9 + 4 = 13
>>617958
You're quick enough to get another bite in on the bird. It squawks in pain, annoyed at the retaliation.
It tries to claw at you with its talons again '1d20+4'
Then flies off, putting some distance between the two of you. It's now 60 ft. away.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=110637
Roll #1 9 + 4 = 13
>>617963
Fly closer and smack it with my tail!
'1d20+5'
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=110638
Roll #1 6 + 5 = 11
Fly closer and smack it with my tail!
'1d20+5'
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=110638
Roll #1 6 + 5 = 11
>>617961
"Oh, not from around these parts, are you? I understand, the outer city is too vast for outsiders to make much sense of it."
He packs twelve sweet rolls into a brown bag for you.
"Where are you looking to go? Inner city? Commercial district? Financial district?"
>>617960
You head inside the pronaos of the basilica proper. The roof here is made out of glass, like back in the temple to Aer. Sunlight is pouring inside onto the interior, which seems to be an indoor garden! You hear birds and crickets chirping all around you. A frog croaks from behind one of the bushes where a small pond of water lies. The somewhat humid air is rich with floral scents, filling up your nostrils as soon as you step inside. You can hardly see the walls of this place, that's how thick the plantlife is!
"Oh, not from around these parts, are you? I understand, the outer city is too vast for outsiders to make much sense of it."
He packs twelve sweet rolls into a brown bag for you.
"Where are you looking to go? Inner city? Commercial district? Financial district?"
>>617960
You head inside the pronaos of the basilica proper. The roof here is made out of glass, like back in the temple to Aer. Sunlight is pouring inside onto the interior, which seems to be an indoor garden! You hear birds and crickets chirping all around you. A frog croaks from behind one of the bushes where a small pond of water lies. The somewhat humid air is rich with floral scents, filling up your nostrils as soon as you step inside. You can hardly see the walls of this place, that's how thick the plantlife is!
>>617972
So fitting for a place blessed by Mother herself…
Step slow through the garden, taking in every scent and sound.
So fitting for a place blessed by Mother herself…
Step slow through the garden, taking in every scent and sound.
>>617972
"Actually, I'm supposed to go to some noble's house.. Omnidus. Any idea where they might be?"
"Actually, I'm supposed to go to some noble's house.. Omnidus. Any idea where they might be?"
>>617974
It's like you're really out in the middle of nature on a beautiful summer day… There must be thousands of different species of plants here. Not to mention all the animals lurking about! This place is nothing short of magical, you can feel it in your bones. The Mother's influence is strong here.
>>617975
"House Omnidus… Yes I've heard of them. The lord has a villa in the city itself. It's in the inner city, near the imperial archives I believe."
He puts the bag of sweetrolls on the counter.
"That'll be 6 silvers please."
It's like you're really out in the middle of nature on a beautiful summer day… There must be thousands of different species of plants here. Not to mention all the animals lurking about! This place is nothing short of magical, you can feel it in your bones. The Mother's influence is strong here.
>>617975
"House Omnidus… Yes I've heard of them. The lord has a villa in the city itself. It's in the inner city, near the imperial archives I believe."
He puts the bag of sweetrolls on the counter.
"That'll be 6 silvers please."
>>618023
pay him for the food.
"Many thanks, and a good day to you."
Time to wander into the inner city.
pay him for the food.
"Many thanks, and a good day to you."
Time to wander into the inner city.
>>617924
"Perhaps you should marry a Cloptantinople noble and you can spend every day here."
"Perhaps you should marry a Cloptantinople noble and you can spend every day here."
>>618023
Well, if this is the place…
Then here I might actually be blessed by divine guidance as I pray!
But I dare not pray beside the altar itself. Instead, I will kneel down on the grass here, and begin.
Signs & Portents
Well, if this is the place…
Then here I might actually be blessed by divine guidance as I pray!
But I dare not pray beside the altar itself. Instead, I will kneel down on the grass here, and begin.
Signs & Portents
>>618024
It's pretty far from here, so you decide to take one of the carriage buses. The monotonous rows upon rows of houses soon make way for larger, more impressive buildings. Banks, mints, courthouses and other marble buildings whose purpose you're unsure of.
Then, at last, you reach the imperial archives. A colossal building spanning four times the area of the old castle you called home. According to the stallion, lord Omnidus has a villa here in this area. You could ask for further directions (Investigate roll) or just Search for it without help.
>>618025
She gives you a sour look.
"Wouldn't you miss me? We've already been separated for so long."
>>618026
The altar is also not in this room, you're still in the pronaos!
You kneel down on a patch of grass off the path and begin to pray. It takes mere seconds before you feel yourself slip away from this world. Your vision fades and you black out for a minute. When you open your eyes, you're no longer where you were before. You recognize this place, it's where you found yourself on the day you were admitted as a priestess! Somewhere behind the trees, there's a babbling brook nearby that you can hear, just like last time.
It's pretty far from here, so you decide to take one of the carriage buses. The monotonous rows upon rows of houses soon make way for larger, more impressive buildings. Banks, mints, courthouses and other marble buildings whose purpose you're unsure of.
Then, at last, you reach the imperial archives. A colossal building spanning four times the area of the old castle you called home. According to the stallion, lord Omnidus has a villa here in this area. You could ask for further directions (Investigate roll) or just Search for it without help.
>>618025
She gives you a sour look.
"Wouldn't you miss me? We've already been separated for so long."
>>618026
The altar is also not in this room, you're still in the pronaos!
You kneel down on a patch of grass off the path and begin to pray. It takes mere seconds before you feel yourself slip away from this world. Your vision fades and you black out for a minute. When you open your eyes, you're no longer where you were before. You recognize this place, it's where you found yourself on the day you were admitted as a priestess! Somewhere behind the trees, there's a babbling brook nearby that you can hear, just like last time.
>>618028
"I thought so. We're cut of the same wood, you and I. So when I get married to a good suitor… we need to make sure it's not one who lives across the country. … Unless he's really suitable."
"I thought so. We're cut of the same wood, you and I. So when I get married to a good suitor… we need to make sure it's not one who lives across the country. … Unless he's really suitable."
>>618027
What was the dryad's name?
Approach quietly, almost afraid to break the silence of this beautiful painting.
What was the dryad's name?
Approach quietly, almost afraid to break the silence of this beautiful painting.
>>618027
'1d20+2' I'll give it a try I suppose. I'm sure glad Niphon isn't here to see me asking around for directions.
Roll #1 18 + 2 = 20
'1d20+2' I'll give it a try I suppose. I'm sure glad Niphon isn't here to see me asking around for directions.
Roll #1 18 + 2 = 20
>>618030
Eurydice
Last time, she was somewhere downstream from here… you followed the brook and just ran into her.
>>618031
"Or that he has a spa of his own, ideally!"
>>618032
You ask a noble lady passerby for directions. She points you at a villa further down the street.
"Are you here for the ball they are organizing tonight? It'll be wonderful, darling."
Eurydice
Last time, she was somewhere downstream from here… you followed the brook and just ran into her.
>>618031
"Or that he has a spa of his own, ideally!"
>>618032
You ask a noble lady passerby for directions. She points you at a villa further down the street.
"Are you here for the ball they are organizing tonight? It'll be wonderful, darling."
>>618034
You follow the sounds of clattering water and soon find the stream hidden behind the trees. You begin to follow it downstream again and soon enough hear the sound of a lyre being played. Using the music as a point of reference, you quickly find the dryad you were looking for. She's once again propped up against a tree, playing on her golden lyre.
>>618035
"What about you, brother? You're older than I am, yet you don't even have a spouse yet! You're not into colts instead, are you?"
You follow the sounds of clattering water and soon find the stream hidden behind the trees. You begin to follow it downstream again and soon enough hear the sound of a lyre being played. Using the music as a point of reference, you quickly find the dryad you were looking for. She's once again propped up against a tree, playing on her golden lyre.
>>618035
"What about you, brother? You're older than I am, yet you don't even have a spouse yet! You're not into colts instead, are you?"
>>618037
"Well I do have an invitation. And I hear there are some interesting ponies coming over."
"Well I do have an invitation. And I hear there are some interesting ponies coming over."
>>618039
"What are you even looking for in a mare?"
>>618040
She smiles as you approach and stops playing the lyre, setting it down next to her and stands up.
"Flavia Hippoi. Please, No need to be so humbled."
>>618042
"The captain of the inner city watch, the Germane lord ambassador to Clopantinople, the famed natural scientist Lilybaeum and one of the Concords!"
"What are you even looking for in a mare?"
>>618040
She smiles as you approach and stops playing the lyre, setting it down next to her and stands up.
"Flavia Hippoi. Please, No need to be so humbled."
>>618042
"The captain of the inner city watch, the Germane lord ambassador to Clopantinople, the famed natural scientist Lilybaeum and one of the Concords!"
>>618043
"That does sound grand, I'm certainly glad I stayed an extra week." I smile at her. "Ah, I mustn't keep them waiting, I'll see you tonight my lady."
And I'll head off to the villa.
"That does sound grand, I'm certainly glad I stayed an extra week." I smile at her. "Ah, I mustn't keep them waiting, I'll see you tonight my lady."
And I'll head off to the villa.
>>618044
She chortles.
"A strong flank? Maybe you should marry one of those viking ponies then."
>>618045
You head on further towards the villa. It's fairly big, bigger than the villa your father owned back in Agria. It's also surrounded by a nicely maintained garden. This district is certainly more open than the outer city, where everything was packed together. At least you have some room to breathe here.
Two guardsponies stop you from entering the garden though.
She chortles.
"A strong flank? Maybe you should marry one of those viking ponies then."
>>618045
You head on further towards the villa. It's fairly big, bigger than the villa your father owned back in Agria. It's also surrounded by a nicely maintained garden. This district is certainly more open than the outer city, where everything was packed together. At least you have some room to breathe here.
Two guardsponies stop you from entering the garden though.
>>618046
"If there were any viking territories worth a damn, why not? She could double as a bodyguard."
"If there were any viking territories worth a damn, why not? She could double as a bodyguard."
>>618043
"I did hope not to interrupt your music, Eurydice.
It was soothing and peaceful to my soul."
Message didn't send.
"I did hope not to interrupt your music, Eurydice.
It was soothing and peaceful to my soul."
Message didn't send.
>>618049
"On behalf of a my Lord Rusttin, who is in town this week. He insists that I come arrange a proper meeting between them." '1d20+9' bluff
Roll #1 16 + 9 = 25
"On behalf of a my Lord Rusttin, who is in town this week. He insists that I come arrange a proper meeting between them." '1d20+9' bluff
Roll #1 16 + 9 = 25
>>618052
"My father has been kidnapped. My family is on the run. Without land, without power, without friends.
And yet my mind still spins around the things you told me so many years ago, and how with the years, I though I'd grow to understand my role in this.
But I am what they call a priestess now, and am no closer to any truth about saving the church."
"My father has been kidnapped. My family is on the run. Without land, without power, without friends.
And yet my mind still spins around the things you told me so many years ago, and how with the years, I though I'd grow to understand my role in this.
But I am what they call a priestess now, and am no closer to any truth about saving the church."
>>618053
"Lord Rusttin?"
They look at each other and shrug.
"Very well, you may pass. Just go on and ring the bell at the door."
>>618054
>>617967
The bird is faster than you are this time, swiftly dodging your slow tail smack.
It uses the opportunity to claw at you again. Twice.
>>618055
"I have sensed your struggles, my child. But worry not, there is time left yet. And you are not alone. As it stands however, you will need to help your family recover from their misfortune. I cannot say how difficult the road ahead of you will be, but I believe that you will persevere in the end. And then, only then, will you be ready to fulfill your destiny."
>>618056
She looks a little disgusted.
"I bet they smell awful too, I wouldn't want to be under any sheets with them."
Roll #1 9, 3 + 4 = 16
"Lord Rusttin?"
They look at each other and shrug.
"Very well, you may pass. Just go on and ring the bell at the door."
>>618054
>>617967
The bird is faster than you are this time, swiftly dodging your slow tail smack.
It uses the opportunity to claw at you again. Twice.
>>618055
"I have sensed your struggles, my child. But worry not, there is time left yet. And you are not alone. As it stands however, you will need to help your family recover from their misfortune. I cannot say how difficult the road ahead of you will be, but I believe that you will persevere in the end. And then, only then, will you be ready to fulfill your destiny."
>>618056
She looks a little disgusted.
"I bet they smell awful too, I wouldn't want to be under any sheets with them."
Roll #1 9, 3 + 4 = 16
>>618057
"But where to begin?
What do we need to look for?
What will a tiny mare like me even be able to do to help the family?"
"But where to begin?
What do we need to look for?
What will a tiny mare like me even be able to do to help the family?"
>>618059
You walk through the garden all the way up to the front entrance to the villa and ring the bell hanging there.
A servant mare opens up the door.
"… Yes? I don't recall the lord expecting anypony this early?"
>>618060
You fail to hit it the first time, your tail being too slow once again. But fourth time's the charm it seems, roll for damage.
>>618061
"Hmmmm… As long as he actually uses the spa to wash himself…"
>>618062
"Even I don't know all the answers, I'm afraid… But perhaps I can help."
She holds out a hoof and amazingly enough, an object materializes out of nothing. It's a small wooden cube-like object.
You walk through the garden all the way up to the front entrance to the villa and ring the bell hanging there.
A servant mare opens up the door.
"… Yes? I don't recall the lord expecting anypony this early?"
>>618060
You fail to hit it the first time, your tail being too slow once again. But fourth time's the charm it seems, roll for damage.
>>618061
"Hmmmm… As long as he actually uses the spa to wash himself…"
>>618062
"Even I don't know all the answers, I'm afraid… But perhaps I can help."
She holds out a hoof and amazingly enough, an object materializes out of nothing. It's a small wooden cube-like object.
>>618064
Reach out, almost enchanted by it, and stop halfway looking the dryad in the eyes, as if to ask if it is okay to touch it.
Reach out, almost enchanted by it, and stop halfway looking the dryad in the eyes, as if to ask if it is okay to touch it.
>>618065
"You wish to speak to the lord? Very well I suppose."
She steps aside.
"Please follow me then."
>>618066
"I guess we should. I'd be rude not to, wouldn't it?"
>>618067
"This, Flavia, is my gift to you."
She takes your hoof with her own and places the cube on it. As soon as it touches your skin, it glows slightly, runes appearing on its sides.
"If you ever need guidance… and you are not surrounded by divine energies or even any form of nature. This will allow you to speak to me. It will be our link between worlds."
"You wish to speak to the lord? Very well I suppose."
She steps aside.
"Please follow me then."
>>618066
"I guess we should. I'd be rude not to, wouldn't it?"
>>618067
"This, Flavia, is my gift to you."
She takes your hoof with her own and places the cube on it. As soon as it touches your skin, it glows slightly, runes appearing on its sides.
"If you ever need guidance… and you are not surrounded by divine energies or even any form of nature. This will allow you to speak to me. It will be our link between worlds."
>>618068
Gasp and hold the cube close to my chest, feeling my heart beat against it.
"Eurydice…
I don't know what to say!
I will put all of myself towards completing the task, I promise!"
Gasp and hold the cube close to my chest, feeling my heart beat against it.
"Eurydice…
I don't know what to say!
I will put all of myself towards completing the task, I promise!"
>>618069
She leads you down a hallway, past a few doors until finally coming to a halt at the end, where she politely knocks on the left-hoof door.
"Lord Omnidus? There's a gentlepony who wishes to speak with you."
"Let him in."
The mare opens the door for you, bowing.
>>618070
"I will be honest, Flavia. There may be times where I will only be able to offer you little advice. But even then I may be able to tip fortune into your favor in subtle ways."
>>618071
"We just don't really get along. He thinks I'm 'spoiled'."
She leads you down a hallway, past a few doors until finally coming to a halt at the end, where she politely knocks on the left-hoof door.
"Lord Omnidus? There's a gentlepony who wishes to speak with you."
"Let him in."
The mare opens the door for you, bowing.
>>618070
"I will be honest, Flavia. There may be times where I will only be able to offer you little advice. But even then I may be able to tip fortune into your favor in subtle ways."
>>618071
"We just don't really get along. He thinks I'm 'spoiled'."
>>618072
"Please Eurydice, the very thought of you being so close to me…
It's a huge honor.
What is your council now, as I am about to step inside the heart of the Basilica itself?"
"Please Eurydice, the very thought of you being so close to me…
It's a huge honor.
What is your council now, as I am about to step inside the heart of the Basilica itself?"
>>618073
She frowns.
"You think I'm spoiled too?"
>>618074
"Beyond a place for meditation, the basilica will provide you no more insight as of now. You came to Clopantinople in the hopes of meeting a 'friend', I see. Risky, yes, but lucky for you the pony there is not one who is against you. He wishes to see your father freed, among other things. I imagine he may have some useful information for you and your family."
She frowns.
"You think I'm spoiled too?"
>>618074
"Beyond a place for meditation, the basilica will provide you no more insight as of now. You came to Clopantinople in the hopes of meeting a 'friend', I see. Risky, yes, but lucky for you the pony there is not one who is against you. He wishes to see your father freed, among other things. I imagine he may have some useful information for you and your family."
>>618075
My eyes will shine, and in joy I will almost jump up to hug Eurydice…
Before stopping myself in my steps, realizing what I was about to do.
And once again, bow down.
"Thank you oh Eurydice, I am your humble servant."
My eyes will shine, and in joy I will almost jump up to hug Eurydice…
Before stopping myself in my steps, realizing what I was about to do.
And once again, bow down.
"Thank you oh Eurydice, I am your humble servant."
>>618076
"I will watch your progress with great interest, Flavia Hippoi."
And with that, your vision darkens again and you black out.
You come back in the indoor garden with a start. Looks like only a minute or so has passed. Not only that, but there's a small wooden cube lying in the grass in front of you. It looks very inconspicuous.
>>618077
"Hmmm, well we are patricians with noble blood in our veins. We deserve a high standard of living. You went to Peneia, they know this lesson better than anywhere else."
>>618079
The lord is sitting behind a marble desk, writing away on a scroll of parchment with a feather. He's fairly young, you wager he's around thirty years old.
"I bid you a good afternoon, sir. Weirdly enough I don't recall anypony meaning to meet me at this hour, so I must ask you… who are you and what is your business with me?"
"I will watch your progress with great interest, Flavia Hippoi."
And with that, your vision darkens again and you black out.
You come back in the indoor garden with a start. Looks like only a minute or so has passed. Not only that, but there's a small wooden cube lying in the grass in front of you. It looks very inconspicuous.
>>618077
"Hmmm, well we are patricians with noble blood in our veins. We deserve a high standard of living. You went to Peneia, they know this lesson better than anywhere else."
>>618079
The lord is sitting behind a marble desk, writing away on a scroll of parchment with a feather. He's fairly young, you wager he's around thirty years old.
"I bid you a good afternoon, sir. Weirdly enough I don't recall anypony meaning to meet me at this hour, so I must ask you… who are you and what is your business with me?"
>>618085
"Indeed, but our uncle is our family too, we have to humor him a bit. It's only proper."
"Indeed, but our uncle is our family too, we have to humor him a bit. It's only proper."
>>618085
Gasp, and grab it before anyone else sees it!
"Niphon!
We have to go inside now! This might occasion never happen again!"
Gasp, and grab it before anyone else sees it!
"Niphon!
We have to go inside now! This might occasion never happen again!"
>>618085
"I'm Nolin Hippoi, and I don't mean to drop by unexpectedly, but It was hardly wise to send notice given the state of things."
"I'm Nolin Hippoi, and I don't mean to drop by unexpectedly, but It was hardly wise to send notice given the state of things."
>>618087
Niphon wandered off, but you catch up to him.
"Flavia? What's gotten you so excited?"
>>618088
"Ah, Nolin Hippoi?"
He says as he looks you over.
"You do take after your mother. She hoped that you would come here eventually, so she'll be very happy to see you I imagine."
>>618086
You get dressed and leave the thermae. That's a +2 appearance bonus for you for the rest of this scene.
Where to go? You know your sister and brother went to the basilica. You have no idea where Nolin or Mereghyl went though.
Niphon wandered off, but you catch up to him.
"Flavia? What's gotten you so excited?"
>>618088
"Ah, Nolin Hippoi?"
He says as he looks you over.
"You do take after your mother. She hoped that you would come here eventually, so she'll be very happy to see you I imagine."
>>618086
You get dressed and leave the thermae. That's a +2 appearance bonus for you for the rest of this scene.
Where to go? You know your sister and brother went to the basilica. You have no idea where Nolin or Mereghyl went though.
>>618091
Smile at that, and with sudden realization.
"I'm glad to hear she's safe after the long trip here I was concerned.. Is she here now? can I see her?"
Smile at that, and with sudden realization.
"I'm glad to hear she's safe after the long trip here I was concerned.. Is she here now? can I see her?"
>>618092
Right. For the sake of speed I'll imagine that you find your way there by asking directions since you know the name of the lord.
The lord lives in a villa in the Inner City district. Apparently he's hosting a ball tonight which will see a few notable guests.
The guards at the gate to his domain do not let you pass, however.
>>618093
The naos is… quite different indeed. The floor is made up of a blue grey type of smooth stone while the ceiling has been built using a lighter type of sandstone. The ceiling also has a line of windows showing the outside built in it, which so happens to coincide exactly with the orbit of the Sun! At night, the Moon follows that exact same path, allowing anyone inside to view either the Sun or Moon while they are up in the sky.
There’s also a circular railway suspended to the ceiling, surrounding what appears to be a spherical representation of the known world. Two more spheres are suspended to the railway itself, representing the Sun and Moon respectively, circling around the world at a slow pace.
The seats surrounding the altar are crafted out of simple wood and treebark, while the altar itself is crafted out of a material known as ironbark, a rare natural substance known for its strength and sturdiness.
Several statues crafted from the same material stand in the room, depicting dryads, ents, breezies and so on…
>>618094
"Of course. I believe she is up in the solar with my wife. My servant can show you the way."
Right. For the sake of speed I'll imagine that you find your way there by asking directions since you know the name of the lord.
The lord lives in a villa in the Inner City district. Apparently he's hosting a ball tonight which will see a few notable guests.
The guards at the gate to his domain do not let you pass, however.
>>618093
The naos is… quite different indeed. The floor is made up of a blue grey type of smooth stone while the ceiling has been built using a lighter type of sandstone. The ceiling also has a line of windows showing the outside built in it, which so happens to coincide exactly with the orbit of the Sun! At night, the Moon follows that exact same path, allowing anyone inside to view either the Sun or Moon while they are up in the sky.
There’s also a circular railway suspended to the ceiling, surrounding what appears to be a spherical representation of the known world. Two more spheres are suspended to the railway itself, representing the Sun and Moon respectively, circling around the world at a slow pace.
The seats surrounding the altar are crafted out of simple wood and treebark, while the altar itself is crafted out of a material known as ironbark, a rare natural substance known for its strength and sturdiness.
Several statues crafted from the same material stand in the room, depicting dryads, ents, breezies and so on…
>>618094
"Of course. I believe she is up in the solar with my wife. My servant can show you the way."
>>618095
"Ah, thank you. I'll leave you be then, I'm sure you have much to do before the dance.. Oh, and my cousins will be coming by later I expect."
"Ah, thank you. I'll leave you be then, I'm sure you have much to do before the dance.. Oh, and my cousins will be coming by later I expect."
>>618096
Slight confusion there, this villa belongs to lord Omnidus. Nolin's family were granted asylum here because his mother is related to the lord's wife.
Slight confusion there, this villa belongs to lord Omnidus. Nolin's family were granted asylum here because his mother is related to the lord's wife.
>>618095
Slowly walk through the naos, looking over the statues one by one.
Honestly Flavia could just lose herself into this for a few hours.
Slowly walk through the naos, looking over the statues one by one.
Honestly Flavia could just lose herself into this for a few hours.
>>618097
"I see, well, you're all Hippois so the guards will know you're welcome here regardless."
The servant mare waits for you outside in the hallway.
>>618099
We could do a cheeky timeskip if you want to get moving.
>>618100
"House Hippoi?"
They look at Anthe and Karabi.
"… Very well, you may enter. Lady Orytha Hippoi is present on this domain. Just ring the bell at the entrance and somepony will come tend to you."
"I see, well, you're all Hippois so the guards will know you're welcome here regardless."
The servant mare waits for you outside in the hallway.
>>618099
We could do a cheeky timeskip if you want to get moving.
>>618100
"House Hippoi?"
They look at Anthe and Karabi.
"… Very well, you may enter. Lady Orytha Hippoi is present on this domain. Just ring the bell at the entrance and somepony will come tend to you."
>>618101
I'm good with that…
But first I want to have a look around and see if there are any high ranking members of the clergy here.
I'm good with that…
But first I want to have a look around and see if there are any high ranking members of the clergy here.
>>618102
There are normal priests of the Mother here, but since it's not Priest's day, there's no higher clergy wandering about.
>>618103
She walks back down the way you came from.
"Of course, please follow-"
She's cut off as the bell at the front door sounds.
"I'm sorry my lord, but I have to take this."
>>618105
You head to the entrance of the villa and pull the bell hanging next to the door. Very quickly, the door is opened by a servant mare.
"My lord?"
There are normal priests of the Mother here, but since it's not Priest's day, there's no higher clergy wandering about.
>>618103
She walks back down the way you came from.
"Of course, please follow-"
She's cut off as the bell at the front door sounds.
"I'm sorry my lord, but I have to take this."
>>618105
You head to the entrance of the villa and pull the bell hanging next to the door. Very quickly, the door is opened by a servant mare.
"My lord?"
>>618131
Would it be rude to ask to see my family directly without seeing the lord of the house first?
Would it be rude to ask to see my family directly without seeing the lord of the house first?
>>618135
The servant winces and takes a step back, looking between you and Nolin with wide eyes.
The servant winces and takes a step back, looking between you and Nolin with wide eyes.
>>618142
"Just too many commoners if you ask me. We were surrounded by them on the carriage!"
"Just too many commoners if you ask me. We were surrounded by them on the carriage!"
>>618154
"That's one way of looking at it I suppose. I was headed up to the Solar to see my mother if you want to join me."
"That's one way of looking at it I suppose. I was headed up to the Solar to see my mother if you want to join me."
>>618153
Well then, you get to the right place after asking around about the whereabouts of lord Omnidus' villa. Niphon deals with the guards on duty and the two of you arrive to find the front door open already. Anthe, Marcus, Nolin and Marcus' silent griffon friend have seemingly just arrived here.
"… More ponies?" says the female servant, exasperated.
Well then, you get to the right place after asking around about the whereabouts of lord Omnidus' villa. Niphon deals with the guards on duty and the two of you arrive to find the front door open already. Anthe, Marcus, Nolin and Marcus' silent griffon friend have seemingly just arrived here.
"… More ponies?" says the female servant, exasperated.
>>618179
"Oh no, this is Lord Omnidus's estate, my family is around here thou, I know my mother is up in the Solar and we were about to go see her.. And as long as you're talking about it, Flavia, I'd love take a moment to see the Batista with you while we're in town, its been too long since I've been to proper church."
"Oh no, this is Lord Omnidus's estate, my family is around here thou, I know my mother is up in the Solar and we were about to go see her.. And as long as you're talking about it, Flavia, I'd love take a moment to see the Batista with you while we're in town, its been too long since I've been to proper church."
>>618169
Anthe rolls her eyes.
"Don't be so loud, Flavia."
>>618173
She may suffer a nervous breakdown soon, but she still leads you to where you want to go. The solar is located in the eastern wing of the villa. It's a room where there's less noise from the servants doing their work, often used to entertain guests or simply relax and enjoy the sun.
Lady Orytha Hippoi sits here with another mare, nursing a glass of wine while enjoying the warm rays of the sun casting down on them. As she hears the sound of your hooves entering the room, she cranes her neck to look behind the couch she's relaxing on. Her eyes widen, first in disbelief, then in happiness. In a show of remarkable agility and a remarkable lack of etiquette, she jumps over the couch entirely and practically flies into an embrace with Nolin.
"Nolin, you've finally made it here! Oh it's been so long, just look how much you've grown! I can't believe my eyes!"
Anthe rolls her eyes.
"Don't be so loud, Flavia."
>>618173
She may suffer a nervous breakdown soon, but she still leads you to where you want to go. The solar is located in the eastern wing of the villa. It's a room where there's less noise from the servants doing their work, often used to entertain guests or simply relax and enjoy the sun.
Lady Orytha Hippoi sits here with another mare, nursing a glass of wine while enjoying the warm rays of the sun casting down on them. As she hears the sound of your hooves entering the room, she cranes her neck to look behind the couch she's relaxing on. Her eyes widen, first in disbelief, then in happiness. In a show of remarkable agility and a remarkable lack of etiquette, she jumps over the couch entirely and practically flies into an embrace with Nolin.
"Nolin, you've finally made it here! Oh it's been so long, just look how much you've grown! I can't believe my eyes!"
>>618198
She pinches your cheek.
"Hello there Flavia! Or is it Livia? I still can't tell for sure after all this time, how embarrassing."
She also gives Niphon and Anthe a hug. Anthe is seemingly still not a fan of her aunt. Nor does she like her uncle, as far as you know.
She pinches your cheek.
"Hello there Flavia! Or is it Livia? I still can't tell for sure after all this time, how embarrassing."
She also gives Niphon and Anthe a hug. Anthe is seemingly still not a fan of her aunt. Nor does she like her uncle, as far as you know.
>>618206
"I hoped you'd come here… I wasn't entirely sure you'd pull the same stunt your father did or not, going in hiding like that. You wouldn't believe the hassle I have to go through just to send a letter to him."
She shakes her head and snorts some air.
"You've missed out on seeing your sister though. She left for Thema Kalimare just yesterday!"
"I hoped you'd come here… I wasn't entirely sure you'd pull the same stunt your father did or not, going in hiding like that. You wouldn't believe the hassle I have to go through just to send a letter to him."
She shakes her head and snorts some air.
"You've missed out on seeing your sister though. She left for Thema Kalimare just yesterday!"
>>618214
"Did she now? I'm sure she'll send word soon as she's safe. And don't worry, if dad doesn't reply to your letters I'll go track him down for you."
I grin at her with truly happy eyes.
"And what about you? How are you holding up?"
"Did she now? I'm sure she'll send word soon as she's safe. And don't worry, if dad doesn't reply to your letters I'll go track him down for you."
I grin at her with truly happy eyes.
"And what about you? How are you holding up?"
>>618217
"Given the circumstances, I'm holding up well. Your aunt Elybe was kind enough to invite me here after she heard what had happened. I've been very comfortable here."
"Given the circumstances, I'm holding up well. Your aunt Elybe was kind enough to invite me here after she heard what had happened. I've been very comfortable here."
>>618224
Off we go!
"The letter is from a friend!
Not a trap at all!"
Say this with incredible calm and a huge, wide smile.
"So we don't have to worry at all!"
Off we go!
"The letter is from a friend!
Not a trap at all!"
Say this with incredible calm and a huge, wide smile.
"So we don't have to worry at all!"
>>618218
"I'm so glad. We'll probably be here for a few days at most sadly, we need to catch up to the rest of Marcus's family."
"I'm so glad. We'll probably be here for a few days at most sadly, we need to catch up to the rest of Marcus's family."
>>618230
Puff my chest out and close my eyes in a large smile, showing off proudly my robe.
"The Basilica is such a nice place!"
Puff my chest out and close my eyes in a large smile, showing off proudly my robe.
"The Basilica is such a nice place!"
>>618229
"Oh. Well I suppose that's to be expected. Poor Marcus must be under a lot of pressure to solve this whole mess for his father. Being banished like this from our own homes can't have been easy for them either. You are looking after them, aren't you?"
"Oh. Well I suppose that's to be expected. Poor Marcus must be under a lot of pressure to solve this whole mess for his father. Being banished like this from our own homes can't have been easy for them either. You are looking after them, aren't you?"
>>618233
Nod. "Of course, we sailed over together to collect his mother and siblings, Even the scaly one." I chuckle to myself.
Nod. "Of course, we sailed over together to collect his mother and siblings, Even the scaly one." I chuckle to myself.
>>618238
"Well, I'm sure you'll be of much more use with him than here. Sadly, I'm getting older myself, Nolin. I'm still in good shape, but I don't think I'm suitable for whatever kind of plan you're undertaking.."
"Well, I'm sure you'll be of much more use with him than here. Sadly, I'm getting older myself, Nolin. I'm still in good shape, but I don't think I'm suitable for whatever kind of plan you're undertaking.."
>>618244
"That's why I think I'll just lay low here for a while. Make sure your father doesn't lose himself completely in his own hidings."
"That's why I think I'll just lay low here for a while. Make sure your father doesn't lose himself completely in his own hidings."
>>618247
"I'll be sad to leave you behind, but it makes sense.." Think a smile. "And this way I know where to send my letters."
"I'll be sad to leave you behind, but it makes sense.." Think a smile. "And this way I know where to send my letters."
>>618252
"Please do write every so often, sweetheart. But don't worry too much about me either, I know how to handle myself."
"Please do write every so often, sweetheart. But don't worry too much about me either, I know how to handle myself."
>>618254
Bite my lip.
"…Brother, promise you won't tell anyone, not even other priests, not even mother or father, okay?"
Bite my lip.
"…Brother, promise you won't tell anyone, not even other priests, not even mother or father, okay?"
>>618260
Take a deep breath and squal these words out, as if afraid of them.
"I can speak to a spirit of Nature."
Take a deep breath and squal these words out, as if afraid of them.
"I can speak to a spirit of Nature."
>>618256
"I know you do.." Relax and then offer mom a roll. "Oh, would you like a sweet roll? I bought them on my over here."
"I know you do.." Relax and then offer mom a roll. "Oh, would you like a sweet roll? I bought them on my over here."
>>618266
She giggles.
"Oh you shouldn't tempt me… but since you insist!"
She quickly takes it and chows down.
She giggles.
"Oh you shouldn't tempt me… but since you insist!"
She quickly takes it and chows down.
>>618269
They're still talking, those blabbermouths!
Your other two cousins are awkwardly standing around the room. Karabi is glaring at Anthe for whatever reason.
They're still talking, those blabbermouths!
Your other two cousins are awkwardly standing around the room. Karabi is glaring at Anthe for whatever reason.
>>618282
"Hmmmm, you're a lucky mare, Flavia. Now I'm really intrigued to visit the Basilica."
"Hmmmm, you're a lucky mare, Flavia. Now I'm really intrigued to visit the Basilica."
>>618287
Chuckle at their reaction. "Fine, I'll just keep them all to myself then."
And then I chow down on one myself in front of them.
Chuckle at their reaction. "Fine, I'll just keep them all to myself then."
And then I chow down on one myself in front of them.
>>618286
"If you are not a good follower and pray to Her, she might not be there for us in the future!"
"If you are not a good follower and pray to Her, she might not be there for us in the future!"
>>618335
"Everything which happens to us is, in some way, linked to the Mother-
Seriously Marcus, it's like you never even went to mass!"
"Everything which happens to us is, in some way, linked to the Mother-
Seriously Marcus, it's like you never even went to mass!"
>>618336
"Influencing things is one thing, talking is a whole other level…I just wonder what would make our family so special."
"Influencing things is one thing, talking is a whole other level…I just wonder what would make our family so special."
>>618339
"The Mother loves all of her children.
There is little to fear, because those she decides to talk to are sure to be pure of heart!"
"The Mother loves all of her children.
There is little to fear, because those she decides to talk to are sure to be pure of heart!"
SCENE END
Evening falls and the sun drops down the horizon, cooling the city after an average day of springtime. With the exception of Nolin, you're all getting a bit hungry now. You should probably think about eating something before you head to bed for the night.
Luckily, you've been drawn to a district where you'll find plenty of food if the need arises. The Merchant's District lies connected to the massive harbor of Clopantinople and is filled with warehouses, stores and taverns. It's also one of the busiest parts of the city, with traffic coming in and out of the city constantly. You'll find many sailors, merchants, military folk and simple travelers here, the majority of them coming from all over the empire or even from outside the empire. Indeed, you're running into just about every species imaginable as you walk the streets.
You're not here for sightseeing of course, you're here because you've tracked down the inn you were looking for to this part of the city. You soon spot the facade of the building ahead of you. A large sign confirms that this is indeed the Oily Olive inn. Looks pretty average from here.
Evening falls and the sun drops down the horizon, cooling the city after an average day of springtime. With the exception of Nolin, you're all getting a bit hungry now. You should probably think about eating something before you head to bed for the night.
Luckily, you've been drawn to a district where you'll find plenty of food if the need arises. The Merchant's District lies connected to the massive harbor of Clopantinople and is filled with warehouses, stores and taverns. It's also one of the busiest parts of the city, with traffic coming in and out of the city constantly. You'll find many sailors, merchants, military folk and simple travelers here, the majority of them coming from all over the empire or even from outside the empire. Indeed, you're running into just about every species imaginable as you walk the streets.
You're not here for sightseeing of course, you're here because you've tracked down the inn you were looking for to this part of the city. You soon spot the facade of the building ahead of you. A large sign confirms that this is indeed the Oily Olive inn. Looks pretty average from here.
>>618388
The Oily Olive inn looks like any other inn in the Merchant district of the great city of Clopantinople. Busy, rowdy and with a scent of wine in the air. These kinds of places are frequently used by the many sailors, merchants and other travellers passing by the capital. The innkeep is an older earth pony mare busying herself with cleaning up mugs from the counter. It's fairly busy in here, with patrons talking in languages you can't understand all around you!
The Oily Olive inn looks like any other inn in the Merchant district of the great city of Clopantinople. Busy, rowdy and with a scent of wine in the air. These kinds of places are frequently used by the many sailors, merchants and other travellers passing by the capital. The innkeep is an older earth pony mare busying herself with cleaning up mugs from the counter. It's fairly busy in here, with patrons talking in languages you can't understand all around you!
>>618389
Step to the innkeeper.
"Good evening, sir.
A meal for all of us.
And the keys to room IX."
I'll pay with my supply and bribe mone
Step to the innkeeper.
"Good evening, sir.
A meal for all of us.
And the keys to room IX."
I'll pay with my supply and bribe mone
>>618392
They look like simple sailors enjoying some R&R to you. The wine is flowing quite freely in here, you should probably not anger any of them in their drunken state.
>>618394
>The innkeep is an older earth pony mare
"Five meals? Our vegetarian options are either the salad, the stew or the pasta. Either way that'll be 3 silvers."
She takes one of the keys hanging on the wall and puts it on the counter.
"Should I bring the meals to your room, sir?"
They look like simple sailors enjoying some R&R to you. The wine is flowing quite freely in here, you should probably not anger any of them in their drunken state.
>>618394
>The innkeep is an older earth pony mare
"Five meals? Our vegetarian options are either the salad, the stew or the pasta. Either way that'll be 3 silvers."
She takes one of the keys hanging on the wall and puts it on the counter.
"Should I bring the meals to your room, sir?"
>>618400
Just don't look any of them in the eyes…
>>618399
They're laughing, playing cards and talking. Some of them are being fairly indecent about showing each other affection, but that's to be expected. This isn't a temple.
>>618401
>>618403
>>618405
Anthe and Niphon both ask for the pasta. Then change their minds and decide to pick something different from each other, opting for the salad and stew instead.
It appears Karabi is opting out of dinner.
Just don't look any of them in the eyes…
>>618399
They're laughing, playing cards and talking. Some of them are being fairly indecent about showing each other affection, but that's to be expected. This isn't a temple.
>>618401
>>618403
>>618405
Anthe and Niphon both ask for the pasta. Then change their minds and decide to pick something different from each other, opting for the salad and stew instead.
It appears Karabi is opting out of dinner.
>>618407
Karabi might be more served with going to a griffon restaurant later.
"Now let's go to our room and get settled."
Go to room IX, but don't go in yet.
Karabi might be more served with going to a griffon restaurant later.
"Now let's go to our room and get settled."
Go to room IX, but don't go in yet.
>>618416
She presses herself quietly against the door and grasps the handle with a talon.
"This could be all kinds of terrible."
With a twist of the handle and a swift push, it swings open. The inside of the room behind it looks entirely normal, like your average inn room for a moderate price. Four beds, some windows with a view on the street and a table with some chairs.
There’s an earth pony stallion awaiting you in the room, though he doesn’t look very… healthy. At all. There’s bags under his eyes, his mane is a frazzled mess and his eyes themselves are bloodshot. He looks like he’s quite ill indeed as he sits behind the table, regarding you.
He clears his throat with some effort and speaks up. “The family Hippoi, I presume?”
She presses herself quietly against the door and grasps the handle with a talon.
"This could be all kinds of terrible."
With a twist of the handle and a swift push, it swings open. The inside of the room behind it looks entirely normal, like your average inn room for a moderate price. Four beds, some windows with a view on the street and a table with some chairs.
There’s an earth pony stallion awaiting you in the room, though he doesn’t look very… healthy. At all. There’s bags under his eyes, his mane is a frazzled mess and his eyes themselves are bloodshot. He looks like he’s quite ill indeed as he sits behind the table, regarding you.
He clears his throat with some effort and speaks up. “The family Hippoi, I presume?”
>>618422
"Indeed, and at no small risk either." I say and trot in side carefully taking in the old stallion. cold read on him pleasewhat does he do? Is he a noble or commoner? Does he have any family?
"Indeed, and at no small risk either." I say and trot in side carefully taking in the old stallion. cold read on him pleasewhat does he do? Is he a noble or commoner? Does he have any family?
>>618427
"Marcus… you're Odyris' eldest son. My name is Victus-"
He coughs quite nastily.
"My apologies for the secrecy. And that I'm not able to meet you in good health. It's nothing contagious, don't worry."
>>618427
You don't actually think he's that old, his current state of health just makes him look very withered.
You regard the stallion and attempt to figure him out.
You realize that this pony is a Concord. The Concords are a group of the Empire's finest ponies who operate under direct orders of the Empress and her council. They're agents of her will, being above the law and free to act as they see fit. Their primary purpose is to safeguard the empire from both outside and inside threats and to preserve stability for the sake of the imperial family. The authority they are given means they are able to operate completely independently from each other. Concords have no other authority than the empress and the council and rarely work together, unless their missions coincide.
He's nobility, but not from an important family. He climbed the ranks of the military without the help of his family's status.
"Marcus… you're Odyris' eldest son. My name is Victus-"
He coughs quite nastily.
"My apologies for the secrecy. And that I'm not able to meet you in good health. It's nothing contagious, don't worry."
>>618427
You don't actually think he's that old, his current state of health just makes him look very withered.
You regard the stallion and attempt to figure him out.
You realize that this pony is a Concord. The Concords are a group of the Empire's finest ponies who operate under direct orders of the Empress and her council. They're agents of her will, being above the law and free to act as they see fit. Their primary purpose is to safeguard the empire from both outside and inside threats and to preserve stability for the sake of the imperial family. The authority they are given means they are able to operate completely independently from each other. Concords have no other authority than the empress and the council and rarely work together, unless their missions coincide.
He's nobility, but not from an important family. He climbed the ranks of the military without the help of his family's status.
>>618431
"A pleasure to meet you."
Take a few steps forward to the desk, hoping he won't cough too much.
"A pleasure to meet you."
Take a few steps forward to the desk, hoping he won't cough too much.
>>618432
"Somepony gave me a nasty dose of poison on a business trip of mine. This is the result even after days of treatment. I wouldn't recommend Peneia as a holiday destination anymore."
He wipes the sweat off his brow with a piece of cloth.
"Now, I should probably elaborate on my position here. Like I said, my name is Victus. I'm a Concord, I'm sure you're familiar with the organization, yes?"
"Somepony gave me a nasty dose of poison on a business trip of mine. This is the result even after days of treatment. I wouldn't recommend Peneia as a holiday destination anymore."
He wipes the sweat off his brow with a piece of cloth.
"Now, I should probably elaborate on my position here. Like I said, my name is Victus. I'm a Concord, I'm sure you're familiar with the organization, yes?"
>>618436
Sigh a bit and get comfortable in the room.
"Ah, since you're so forward about it, your mission involves our family somehow?"
Sigh a bit and get comfortable in the room.
"Ah, since you're so forward about it, your mission involves our family somehow?"
>>618437
>>618438
No need to even roll, they're not exactly secret.
As for you, Flavia, you feel something light land on top of your head. None of the others seem to have noticed, all of them facing away from you to regard the stallion.
>>618439
"I'm not actually on active duty right now, I'm supposed to be spending this time recovering my health. That being said, I would like to ask you a few questions if that's okay with you. About Odyris Hippoi who has been accused of conspiring to murder the late doux of Agria and his heir."
>>618438
No need to even roll, they're not exactly secret.
As for you, Flavia, you feel something light land on top of your head. None of the others seem to have noticed, all of them facing away from you to regard the stallion.
>>618439
"I'm not actually on active duty right now, I'm supposed to be spending this time recovering my health. That being said, I would like to ask you a few questions if that's okay with you. About Odyris Hippoi who has been accused of conspiring to murder the late doux of Agria and his heir."
>>618444
"Does your father and family have any outstanding feuds with other families? Does he have any particularly tenacious enemies?"
As far as any of you know, your house has no feuds with anyone.
>>618448
"Lord Odyris Hippoi has been accused of these things not only by the new doux of Agria, but also by my fellow Concord: lady Cassicia. She was assigned to investigate the case back when it first developed. At first she ruled the death of the late doux and his son to be an accident, but she recently came forward with more intel, implicating lord Hippoi in the matter."
>>618060
>>618063
You hit the eagle once with your tail, knocking it about and causing it to lose control for a moment. When it recovers, it's flying below you and charging in for another good clawing, aimed at your belly.
'2d20+4'
>>618451
You move a hoof to reach for whatever landed on your head and feel something soft and fuzzy. It moves forward under the pressure of your hoof and comes into view as it lands on your nose instead. It's a miniscule, slender looking pony with buglike wings. A breezy! Not a common sight here in the south, as they tend to hide themselves north of here, deep in nature.
Roll #1 20, 12 + 4 = 36
"Does your father and family have any outstanding feuds with other families? Does he have any particularly tenacious enemies?"
As far as any of you know, your house has no feuds with anyone.
>>618448
"Lord Odyris Hippoi has been accused of these things not only by the new doux of Agria, but also by my fellow Concord: lady Cassicia. She was assigned to investigate the case back when it first developed. At first she ruled the death of the late doux and his son to be an accident, but she recently came forward with more intel, implicating lord Hippoi in the matter."
>>618060
>>618063
You hit the eagle once with your tail, knocking it about and causing it to lose control for a moment. When it recovers, it's flying below you and charging in for another good clawing, aimed at your belly.
'2d20+4'
>>618451
You move a hoof to reach for whatever landed on your head and feel something soft and fuzzy. It moves forward under the pressure of your hoof and comes into view as it lands on your nose instead. It's a miniscule, slender looking pony with buglike wings. A breezy! Not a common sight here in the south, as they tend to hide themselves north of here, deep in nature.
Roll #1 20, 12 + 4 = 36
>>619293
Ho boy. Activating that threat.
Let's see if it can penetrate your armor.
'2d8' With AP2
Roll #1 3, 8 = 11
Ho boy. Activating that threat.
Let's see if it can penetrate your armor.
'2d8' With AP2
Roll #1 3, 8 = 11
>>619295
The critical attack takes away one wound. Your armor mostly protects you, but that still smarts. Just another reminder that this is no mere game.
The critical attack takes away one wound. Your armor mostly protects you, but that still smarts. Just another reminder that this is no mere game.
>>619293
>but she recently came forward with more intel, implicating lord Hippoi in the matter.
!
"That is impossible, my father was far too loyal for that."
>but she recently came forward with more intel, implicating lord Hippoi in the matter.
!
"That is impossible, my father was far too loyal for that."
>>619293
Gasp, but don't jump back as not to startle it!
Instead, bring my hoof forward, as if forming a cup, and help the tiny creature onto it by bowing my head downwards.
Wordlessly, look it over in awe.
Gasp, but don't jump back as not to startle it!
Instead, bring my hoof forward, as if forming a cup, and help the tiny creature onto it by bowing my head downwards.
Wordlessly, look it over in awe.
>>619297
Yes, time to finish this.
Breathe fire at it with Armored Assurance.
'1d20+7'
Roll #1 14 + 7 = 21
Yes, time to finish this.
Breathe fire at it with Armored Assurance.
'1d20+7'
Roll #1 14 + 7 = 21
>>619293
"Hmm and no one would doubt the word of the Doux and a Concord of course.. Any proof we could find would be suspect as fake under such circumstances" I shake my head "But that doesn't sound like the uncle I knew.."
"Hmm and no one would doubt the word of the Doux and a Concord of course.. Any proof we could find would be suspect as fake under such circumstances" I shake my head "But that doesn't sound like the uncle I knew.."
>>619307
He nods silently.
>>619308
>>619312
"Yet lady Cassicia insists that her investigation was sound."
He sinks further back in his chair.
"But listen… what I am about to tell you is something very troubling. Something that, if true, would cause quite a stir. I believe that lady Cassicia, a fellow Concord, has gone dark. I believe… I believe that she's corrupt. Unbeknownst to her, I've also been investigating what I could. Of course, since I'm not really in service right now I haven't been able to operate on quite the same level as she has. I don't really have proof just yet, and you may think these are the words of a delirious pony whose brain has been mellowed by poison… It's why I've been reluctant to approach the empress about this matter. There are other… things on her mind right now than my ravings about a corrupt agent she puts her full trust in. Since you and your family have lost so much because of this, I figured you would be some of the few willing to listen to what I have to say."
>>619309
It jumps off of your nose and lands silently on your hoof. It's so light! You see it's wearing a set of miniature saddlebags.
It's eying you curiously, tilting its head from side to side.
>>619315
You hit it, but it manages to dodge the full blow of the fire quite handily. Rolling again to see if it catches fire though '1d20+3'
Roll #1 16 + 3 = 19
He nods silently.
>>619308
>>619312
"Yet lady Cassicia insists that her investigation was sound."
He sinks further back in his chair.
"But listen… what I am about to tell you is something very troubling. Something that, if true, would cause quite a stir. I believe that lady Cassicia, a fellow Concord, has gone dark. I believe… I believe that she's corrupt. Unbeknownst to her, I've also been investigating what I could. Of course, since I'm not really in service right now I haven't been able to operate on quite the same level as she has. I don't really have proof just yet, and you may think these are the words of a delirious pony whose brain has been mellowed by poison… It's why I've been reluctant to approach the empress about this matter. There are other… things on her mind right now than my ravings about a corrupt agent she puts her full trust in. Since you and your family have lost so much because of this, I figured you would be some of the few willing to listen to what I have to say."
>>619309
It jumps off of your nose and lands silently on your hoof. It's so light! You see it's wearing a set of miniature saddlebags.
It's eying you curiously, tilting its head from side to side.
>>619315
You hit it, but it manages to dodge the full blow of the fire quite handily. Rolling again to see if it catches fire though '1d20+3'
Roll #1 16 + 3 = 19
>>619317
Nope, it's just a little burned.
Unfazed, it continues its assault.
'2d20+4'
Roll #1 6, 6 + 4 = 16
Nope, it's just a little burned.
Unfazed, it continues its assault.
'2d20+4'
Roll #1 6, 6 + 4 = 16
>>619320
Now is the time to bite.
'1d20+7'
'1d20+7'
Armored Assurance on both
Roll #1 8 + 7 = 15 / Roll #2 12 + 7 = 19
Now is the time to bite.
'1d20+7'
'1d20+7'
Armored Assurance on both
Roll #1 8 + 7 = 15 / Roll #2 12 + 7 = 19
>>619319
He shakes his head.
"I can only guess what would drive somepony to betray their country and empress… Perhaps I am wrong, perhaps the poison has made me paranoid, seeing things where there aren't any. I suppose it's a more comfortable explanation, one most ponies would be inclined to fall back on if I told them about this. The Concords have existed for over 200 years. In that time, there hasn't been a single occasion where one of us was charged for treason. Dishonorable discharges, yes… just never something… of this… scope."
The stallion starts into a coughing fit. It takes a minute for him to recompose himself, covering his mouth with a piece of cloth. You see there's some blood on it as he removes it again.
"Now… her stories don't quite add up. It's subtle, but there's inconsistencies in her reports… not only that but she falls back on her words as well from time to time."
>>619323
He takes out a piece of parchment.
"Officially, Doux Arravani and his son died during a fire in an inn they were staying at while on the road. Further investigations by lady Cassicia showed that the fire was caused by a pile of manure which was stored in a barn next to the inn. It somehow exploded… possibly because of the fumes that had been building up. At first she theorized that this was caused by the warm weather. Then she changed the story to a lantern being the source of ignition. And only then she theorized that the fire could have been purposefully started. Only… there were no lanterns in that barn at all. And the weather on that day was not particularly sunny or hot. So perhaps she was right that this was murder… but why did she bring out these initial nonsensical theories at first? To cover up for somepony?"
>>619321
It flares its wings out and babbles something in a language you don't understand.
>>619324
You snap your large jaws at the eagles, missing once. You manage to catch it the second time though. Roll for damage.
He shakes his head.
"I can only guess what would drive somepony to betray their country and empress… Perhaps I am wrong, perhaps the poison has made me paranoid, seeing things where there aren't any. I suppose it's a more comfortable explanation, one most ponies would be inclined to fall back on if I told them about this. The Concords have existed for over 200 years. In that time, there hasn't been a single occasion where one of us was charged for treason. Dishonorable discharges, yes… just never something… of this… scope."
The stallion starts into a coughing fit. It takes a minute for him to recompose himself, covering his mouth with a piece of cloth. You see there's some blood on it as he removes it again.
"Now… her stories don't quite add up. It's subtle, but there's inconsistencies in her reports… not only that but she falls back on her words as well from time to time."
>>619323
He takes out a piece of parchment.
"Officially, Doux Arravani and his son died during a fire in an inn they were staying at while on the road. Further investigations by lady Cassicia showed that the fire was caused by a pile of manure which was stored in a barn next to the inn. It somehow exploded… possibly because of the fumes that had been building up. At first she theorized that this was caused by the warm weather. Then she changed the story to a lantern being the source of ignition. And only then she theorized that the fire could have been purposefully started. Only… there were no lanterns in that barn at all. And the weather on that day was not particularly sunny or hot. So perhaps she was right that this was murder… but why did she bring out these initial nonsensical theories at first? To cover up for somepony?"
>>619321
It flares its wings out and babbles something in a language you don't understand.
>>619324
You snap your large jaws at the eagles, missing once. You manage to catch it the second time though. Roll for damage.
>>619327
You wound the creature further, causing the crowd to holler. The flying creature does not give up, however. It retaliates with attacks of his own '2d20+4'
Roll #1 18, 1 + 4 = 23
You wound the creature further, causing the crowd to holler. The flying creature does not give up, however. It retaliates with attacks of his own '2d20+4'
Roll #1 18, 1 + 4 = 23
>>619326
Sigh a bit rubbing my head.
"Maybe she was just under a lot of pressure to come up with an answer she didn't have? Can't be easy investigating alone all the time."
Sigh a bit rubbing my head.
"Maybe she was just under a lot of pressure to come up with an answer she didn't have? Can't be easy investigating alone all the time."
>>619329
"I don't have the strength to solve this mess… not yet anyway. The reason why I wanted you to come is because I know you're invested enough in this matter that you wish to see it solved. I want you to get me some proof of my suspicions. She must have done this for some reason or the other… like… money perhaps? Or perhaps it was blackmail. Or perhaps something more sinister. Or a combination of these things."
He coughs again and clears his throat.
"Lady Cassicia is attending a ball tonight while she on leave, here in Clopantinople. It's hosted by lord Omnidus who lives in a villa located in the inner city district. If you could get in there and somehow approach her close enough to search her belongings for any clues that could help me see the bigger picture…"
>>619331
"Falsifying reports to cover up personal failure is every bit as treasonous. We are supposed to be some of the empire's finest, there is no room for these kind of transgressions. It puts everypony living here at risk."
"I don't have the strength to solve this mess… not yet anyway. The reason why I wanted you to come is because I know you're invested enough in this matter that you wish to see it solved. I want you to get me some proof of my suspicions. She must have done this for some reason or the other… like… money perhaps? Or perhaps it was blackmail. Or perhaps something more sinister. Or a combination of these things."
He coughs again and clears his throat.
"Lady Cassicia is attending a ball tonight while she on leave, here in Clopantinople. It's hosted by lord Omnidus who lives in a villa located in the inner city district. If you could get in there and somehow approach her close enough to search her belongings for any clues that could help me see the bigger picture…"
>>619331
"Falsifying reports to cover up personal failure is every bit as treasonous. We are supposed to be some of the empire's finest, there is no room for these kind of transgressions. It puts everypony living here at risk."
>>619328
I bite back twice again, I suppose.
'1d20+7'
'1d20+7'
AA
Roll #1 4 + 7 = 11 / Roll #2 19 + 7 = 26
I bite back twice again, I suppose.
'1d20+7'
'1d20+7'
AA
Roll #1 4 + 7 = 11 / Roll #2 19 + 7 = 26
>>619335
Try to lock eyes with Marcus and Niphon, while holding the breezie up with a distressed face.
"I d-don't understand what you are saying, oh noble creature!"
Try to lock eyes with Marcus and Niphon, while holding the breezie up with a distressed face.
"I d-don't understand what you are saying, oh noble creature!"
>>619337
It's starting to really get worn down… you think it might just drop dead from the sky soon.
>>619341
>>619342
"I understand that much. I can only guess what would happen if you were to get caught. But surely you must also see that I just can't do it myself. Not only am I severely weakened, but she already knows who I am. But you… you could just lie your way in. Make her think you're low nobility… or foreigners, something she can't check for truth on the spot. Charm her, get her drunk, just find some way to distract her attention away from her belongings so you can get access to them."
>>619338
Niphon glances at you and frowns as he sees your predicament.
"Flavia? Who's that?"
Victus looks over as well, his attention attracted by you now. He says something to the breezy none of you understand, to which it responds in kind. The stallion then looks at you.
"Don't mind Nio. He doesn't mean you any harm, Sister. He's merely curious, that's all."
It's starting to really get worn down… you think it might just drop dead from the sky soon.
>>619341
>>619342
"I understand that much. I can only guess what would happen if you were to get caught. But surely you must also see that I just can't do it myself. Not only am I severely weakened, but she already knows who I am. But you… you could just lie your way in. Make her think you're low nobility… or foreigners, something she can't check for truth on the spot. Charm her, get her drunk, just find some way to distract her attention away from her belongings so you can get access to them."
>>619338
Niphon glances at you and frowns as he sees your predicament.
"Flavia? Who's that?"
Victus looks over as well, his attention attracted by you now. He says something to the breezy none of you understand, to which it responds in kind. The stallion then looks at you.
"Don't mind Nio. He doesn't mean you any harm, Sister. He's merely curious, that's all."
>>619344
The giant eagle decides to fly away from you this turn. You can catch up to it quite easily in half a turn.
The giant eagle decides to fly away from you this turn. You can catch up to it quite easily in half a turn.
>>619347
'Nio' says something to the sickly stallion, who narrows his eyes somewhat as he scrutinizes you.
"Nio says… you're different. I don't see how, but you seemingly are to him."
>>619349
In its state, it's unable to dodge even this relatively normal attack. Roll for damage. This could be all that's needed to finish this fight.
'Nio' says something to the sickly stallion, who narrows his eyes somewhat as he scrutinizes you.
"Nio says… you're different. I don't see how, but you seemingly are to him."
>>619349
In its state, it's unable to dodge even this relatively normal attack. Roll for damage. This could be all that's needed to finish this fight.
>>619351
>>619353
"Yes. If it's not written in code, it's probably not worth taking. Also…"
He quickly looks over the parchment, then smiles.
"She likes white wine. Hates red."
>>619354
You smack the oversized bird one last time with your tail, sending it careering through the air until it starts plummeting down. It crashes in the cloudy arena with a thud.
"Amazing! Arousing! The puny drake has won this skirmish!"
The crowd roars, the vast majority of them cheering. And a few boo's as well.
>>619355
The pony fey babbles something back at you.
"Ahem, I think he means different in a very literal manner."
>>619353
"Yes. If it's not written in code, it's probably not worth taking. Also…"
He quickly looks over the parchment, then smiles.
"She likes white wine. Hates red."
>>619354
You smack the oversized bird one last time with your tail, sending it careering through the air until it starts plummeting down. It crashes in the cloudy arena with a thud.
"Amazing! Arousing! The puny drake has won this skirmish!"
The crowd roars, the vast majority of them cheering. And a few boo's as well.
>>619355
The pony fey babbles something back at you.
"Ahem, I think he means different in a very literal manner."
>>619360
"Well he is a tiny cute pony with butterfly wings, that's the most different I can think of!"
"Well he is a tiny cute pony with butterfly wings, that's the most different I can think of!"
>>619370
In a rare display of wisdom, they've let you take the word so as not to drown the room in voices.
"Thank you. I hope this will end up helping us both, even if that means one of our own is corrupt."
>>619371
Perhaps you should claim your reward as well.
A couple of pegasi fly down to clean up the arena as you leave.
>>619372
"It's a language unique to breezies living on this continent. He actually can understand Imperial, as you may have noticed."
>>619374
He does appear to be telling the truth.
In a rare display of wisdom, they've let you take the word so as not to drown the room in voices.
"Thank you. I hope this will end up helping us both, even if that means one of our own is corrupt."
>>619371
Perhaps you should claim your reward as well.
A couple of pegasi fly down to clean up the arena as you leave.
>>619372
"It's a language unique to breezies living on this continent. He actually can understand Imperial, as you may have noticed."
>>619374
He does appear to be telling the truth.
>>619377
You land at her pedestal again.
"I wasn't sure you'd survive, but you have proven me wrong, Mereghyl. Very pleasing."
>>619378
He babbles something again.
Victus shrugs.
"He says he doesn't know exactly."
>>619379
"As I said before, at the villa of lord Omnidus. I pulled a few strings and took care of the invitations to get you in."
You land at her pedestal again.
"I wasn't sure you'd survive, but you have proven me wrong, Mereghyl. Very pleasing."
>>619378
He babbles something again.
Victus shrugs.
"He says he doesn't know exactly."
>>619379
"As I said before, at the villa of lord Omnidus. I pulled a few strings and took care of the invitations to get you in."
>>619394
We are in the same room, there's no way you haven't seen us talk with and about it!
Pat the tiny pon atop my head.
We are in the same room, there's no way you haven't seen us talk with and about it!
Pat the tiny pon atop my head.
>>619395
You've gained…
220 silvers
55 XP
5 Reputation
"Not bad… for a beginner. The Rosethorn may suit you better than I thought."
She watches the sun in the sky.
"Now go, the next fight will begin shortly. If you ever feel like fighting in the Rosethorn again, you'll just have to follow the sound of cheering. We never settle for one location, in a few days we will move on with the arena to the next city."
>>619398
It's a very tiny pony with slender long legs and large bug wings. It's wearing a set of miniature saddlebags on its back.
You've gained…
220 silvers
55 XP
5 Reputation
"Not bad… for a beginner. The Rosethorn may suit you better than I thought."
She watches the sun in the sky.
"Now go, the next fight will begin shortly. If you ever feel like fighting in the Rosethorn again, you'll just have to follow the sound of cheering. We never settle for one location, in a few days we will move on with the arena to the next city."
>>619398
It's a very tiny pony with slender long legs and large bug wings. It's wearing a set of miniature saddlebags on its back.
>>619399
Nod.
"I will keep that in mind. I would like another trial when I will have the chance."
Grab what I earned and fly down, away from the cloud city.
Nod.
"I will keep that in mind. I would like another trial when I will have the chance."
Grab what I earned and fly down, away from the cloud city.
>>619396
"Oh…"
Look at it curiously.
"Uh…we decided to go to a party.
There's a pony there who might know something about dad."
"Oh…"
Look at it curiously.
"Uh…we decided to go to a party.
There's a pony there who might know something about dad."
>>619401
Hmmm… the others are probably at the inn by now. The merchant's district should have room for you to land there without destroying anything though.
Hmmm… the others are probably at the inn by now. The merchant's district should have room for you to land there without destroying anything though.
>>619406
You fly away from the cloud district and head for the merchant's district near the massive harbor of the city. Roll Search.
You fly away from the cloud district and head for the merchant's district near the massive harbor of the city. Roll Search.
>>619410
You feel your gut twisting…
Looking into your bags, you see the cube's runes are lighting up. It's glowing softly. This may be important.
>>619412
It takes a bit of looking around, but you manage to find the Oily Olive inn. Doesn't look like a particularly remarkable place. Just another beer temple for ponies to drink away their worries.
You feel your gut twisting…
Looking into your bags, you see the cube's runes are lighting up. It's glowing softly. This may be important.
>>619412
It takes a bit of looking around, but you manage to find the Oily Olive inn. Doesn't look like a particularly remarkable place. Just another beer temple for ponies to drink away their worries.
>>619415
Gulp!
"Brother, lord Victus, I need to exscuse myself for a moment!"
And as soon as they allow me, rush out with a dignified trot.
Find a bathroom!
Gulp!
"Brother, lord Victus, I need to exscuse myself for a moment!"
And as soon as they allow me, rush out with a dignified trot.
Find a bathroom!
>>619416
"Indeed. The guests are no doubt arriving as we speak."
He starts into a nasty coughing fit again.
>>619417
Doesn't look like he's paying attention, too busy coughing!
You find the restroom for mares downstairs. It's… not very clean, but still bearable.
>>619418
You land on the cobblestone street. Behind you lies a small canal, no doubt part of the sewer system for the city. You can't even imagine all the garbage these ponies must be generating.
"Indeed. The guests are no doubt arriving as we speak."
He starts into a nasty coughing fit again.
>>619417
Doesn't look like he's paying attention, too busy coughing!
You find the restroom for mares downstairs. It's… not very clean, but still bearable.
>>619418
You land on the cobblestone street. Behind you lies a small canal, no doubt part of the sewer system for the city. You can't even imagine all the garbage these ponies must be generating.
>>619422
You could 'politely' ask one of the waitresses serving the ponies sitting outside the inn.
>>619423
With a prayer and some concentration, you black out again.
…
You're back in Eurydice's domain… but this time, it's nighttime. And what a beautiful night it is. It's cool out and the rustling of leaves as the wind plays with them.
You're in the little grove where Eurydice always sits near her tree. This time is no different, though obviously she was expecting you. She immediately walks up to you, looking as serene as ever.
“Flavia. I have called you here on short notice for a specific purpose. I'm afraid that whatever you were doing will need to wait. I need you elsewhere.”
>>619421
Victus recomposes himself. Nio babbles about something to you, then to Victus. You have no idea what, since you don't speak the language.
"If… you feel like you need help. Nio could join you."
>>619426
You're filled up for a while! Good thinking.
You could 'politely' ask one of the waitresses serving the ponies sitting outside the inn.
>>619423
With a prayer and some concentration, you black out again.
…
You're back in Eurydice's domain… but this time, it's nighttime. And what a beautiful night it is. It's cool out and the rustling of leaves as the wind plays with them.
You're in the little grove where Eurydice always sits near her tree. This time is no different, though obviously she was expecting you. She immediately walks up to you, looking as serene as ever.
“Flavia. I have called you here on short notice for a specific purpose. I'm afraid that whatever you were doing will need to wait. I need you elsewhere.”
>>619421
Victus recomposes himself. Nio babbles about something to you, then to Victus. You have no idea what, since you don't speak the language.
"If… you feel like you need help. Nio could join you."
>>619426
You're filled up for a while! Good thinking.
>>619428
One of them shakily approaches you.
"C-Can I take your o-order sir?"
>>619429
He shakes his head weakly.
"No, she doesn't know him. Concords usually work alone."
>>619430
"I have sensed something. A chaotic presence not far from where you are. In the very temple you were in earlier today."
She walks to a small pond on the edge of the grove and dips a hoof in it.
"And I know who and what it is. One of Discord's spirits. This spirit… it will be your test. Your first major test. I need you to go there and neutralize it as a threat."
One of them shakily approaches you.
"C-Can I take your o-order sir?"
>>619429
He shakes his head weakly.
"No, she doesn't know him. Concords usually work alone."
>>619430
"I have sensed something. A chaotic presence not far from where you are. In the very temple you were in earlier today."
She walks to a small pond on the edge of the grove and dips a hoof in it.
"And I know who and what it is. One of Discord's spirits. This spirit… it will be your test. Your first major test. I need you to go there and neutralize it as a threat."
>>619432
Take a deep breath and let it out, relaxing.
"I will go there, and stop it."
I have no fear, for I trust Nature.
Take a deep breath and let it out, relaxing.
"I will go there, and stop it."
I have no fear, for I trust Nature.
>>619433
"He's small… so he'll be able to squeeze into small places if need be. And he can understand our language just fine."
>>619434
"W-Who?"
>>619435
Eurydice looks back at you and smiles.
"It is good to hear you are indeed as brave as I thought. The spirit in question has manifested into pony form. It has been posing as a member of the Church of Aer for some time now, trying to plant seeds of chaos where it can. However… it has been severely weakened. Its powers are waning and it's beginning to fall. Like holy warriors and priests, us spirits are susceptible to the same threat of losing faith. It's this loss of faith that weakened this spirit enough that you will be able to take it on. You cannot kill it, only banish it to a different realm. Perhaps… you could even hasten and ensure its fall instead."
"He's small… so he'll be able to squeeze into small places if need be. And he can understand our language just fine."
>>619434
"W-Who?"
>>619435
Eurydice looks back at you and smiles.
"It is good to hear you are indeed as brave as I thought. The spirit in question has manifested into pony form. It has been posing as a member of the Church of Aer for some time now, trying to plant seeds of chaos where it can. However… it has been severely weakened. Its powers are waning and it's beginning to fall. Like holy warriors and priests, us spirits are susceptible to the same threat of losing faith. It's this loss of faith that weakened this spirit enough that you will be able to take it on. You cannot kill it, only banish it to a different realm. Perhaps… you could even hasten and ensure its fall instead."
>>619447
"Of course, Flavia. One more thing before you go…"
She approaches you and lays a hoof on your cheek.
"The spirit can fly. You may want to bring your dragon friend along…"
You black out again. Then… you're back in the stinky restroom.
>>619448
>>619451
He flutters away and goes sit on Nolin's nose instead.
>>619450
And wait…
"Of course, Flavia. One more thing before you go…"
She approaches you and lays a hoof on your cheek.
"The spirit can fly. You may want to bring your dragon friend along…"
You black out again. Then… you're back in the stinky restroom.
>>619448
>>619451
He flutters away and goes sit on Nolin's nose instead.
>>619450
And wait…
>>619453
Blink at his wings as they flutter in front of my eyes.
"Got a suit Nio? This is a fancy event."
Blink at his wings as they flutter in front of my eyes.
"Got a suit Nio? This is a fancy event."
>>619474
Smile as you approach.
"Ah, so you are here. The waitress kept me waiting. Gladly, with what?"
Smile as you approach.
"Ah, so you are here. The waitress kept me waiting. Gladly, with what?"
>>619476
"It's a secret~"
Grab one of his huge legs and start trotting away from the mansion.
"I will tell you as soon as we are alone."
"It's a secret~"
Grab one of his huge legs and start trotting away from the mansion.
"I will tell you as soon as we are alone."
>>619477
Start following you with a nod.
"If you say so."
After a few moments of silence, speak.
"I fought in an Arena. I won and got the prize."
Start following you with a nod.
"If you say so."
After a few moments of silence, speak.
"I fought in an Arena. I won and got the prize."
>>619480
"I knew you were just as strong as you said you were~"
Squeeze his leg a bit more…
Until we are in the clear, away from anyone else.
"Now I must ask a huge favor of you."
"I knew you were just as strong as you said you were~"
Squeeze his leg a bit more…
Until we are in the clear, away from anyone else.
"Now I must ask a huge favor of you."
>>619482
"There is a thing I have to do at the Basilica. And it might be a little dangerous, but I need a strong flyer for it."
"There is a thing I have to do at the Basilica. And it might be a little dangerous, but I need a strong flyer for it."
>>619488
Take a deep breath and say all of this at once, in a rush.
"Ireceivedadivinecubefromadryadandnowshewantsmetofindaspiritofdiscordwho'shidinginthebasilicaanditmightflysoIneedyourhelptogetitbeforeitcandoanymoredamagetothechurch!"
Take a deep breath and say all of this at once, in a rush.
"Ireceivedadivinecubefromadryadandnowshewantsmetofindaspiritofdiscordwho'shidinginthebasilicaanditmightflysoIneedyourhelptogetitbeforeitcandoanymoredamagetothechurch!"
>>619490
Shake my head.
"I can't repeat all that!
Look, we might need to fly around the Basilica a bit! Is that okay?"
Shake my head.
"I can't repeat all that!
Look, we might need to fly around the Basilica a bit! Is that okay?"
>>619495
>>619496
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-x1LVYXrKE
You take off, flying over the city as darkness begins to spread further and further. The moon has already appeared, providing some extra illumination on this hot evening.
>>619470
>>619455
You'll be taking Nio with you.
Before you head to the ball, do you wish to make any further preparations? Will you take Anthe and Niphon along or would you rather not take the risk?
>>619496
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-x1LVYXrKE
You take off, flying over the city as darkness begins to spread further and further. The moon has already appeared, providing some extra illumination on this hot evening.
>>619470
>>619455
You'll be taking Nio with you.
Before you head to the ball, do you wish to make any further preparations? Will you take Anthe and Niphon along or would you rather not take the risk?
>>619657
>>619658
You land near the grand basilica of Clopantinople. Perched on a hill, this colossus of a building overlooks most of the city as well as the sea ahead. You notice the building is divided in sections, each having their own theme and distinct style. Now that night has fallen it's far less busy here on the hill, though there are still ponies about here and there that you can see.
At first Flavia doesn't feel much out of the ordinary, but a sudden jolt in her spine tells her all she needs to know. There's something near which isn't quite natural.
She can roll a Search or Notice check to see where exactly it's emanating from. Or just piece what Eurydice told her together.
>>619659
Anthe starts.
"Marcus, I'd love to come along. You'll need a lady's touch if you're going to pretend to be somepony else. This is Clopantinople after all."
Niphon shakes his head.
"I'll pass. I think I'll go to the thermae instead to relax. This isn't my kind of thing. I don't feel like skulking around like some weasel."
>>619660
That would be wise. And probably have the best liar take point as well. You're both fairly filthy liars.
>>619658
You land near the grand basilica of Clopantinople. Perched on a hill, this colossus of a building overlooks most of the city as well as the sea ahead. You notice the building is divided in sections, each having their own theme and distinct style. Now that night has fallen it's far less busy here on the hill, though there are still ponies about here and there that you can see.
At first Flavia doesn't feel much out of the ordinary, but a sudden jolt in her spine tells her all she needs to know. There's something near which isn't quite natural.
She can roll a Search or Notice check to see where exactly it's emanating from. Or just piece what Eurydice told her together.
>>619659
Anthe starts.
"Marcus, I'd love to come along. You'll need a lady's touch if you're going to pretend to be somepony else. This is Clopantinople after all."
Niphon shakes his head.
"I'll pass. I think I'll go to the thermae instead to relax. This isn't my kind of thing. I don't feel like skulking around like some weasel."
>>619660
That would be wise. And probably have the best liar take point as well. You're both fairly filthy liars.
>>619661
"Well, we were explicitly told that she'd be suspicious of us if we told her that.. So.. yea."
"Well, we were explicitly told that she'd be suspicious of us if we told her that.. So.. yea."
>>619664
Flavia walks off. You're alone outside now.
>>619665
It's definitely coming from in there. There's a couple of ponies still here in the pronaos of Aer, but none of them catch your attention. These are just pegasi coming down from the Cloud district to say some evening prayers.
>>619666
Hmmm… How about house Lavinia?
Flavia walks off. You're alone outside now.
>>619665
It's definitely coming from in there. There's a couple of ponies still here in the pronaos of Aer, but none of them catch your attention. These are just pegasi coming down from the Cloud district to say some evening prayers.
>>619666
Hmmm… How about house Lavinia?
>>619667
Look at the walls. Wasn't there something which caught my attention about them, earlier today?
Look at the walls. Wasn't there something which caught my attention about them, earlier today?
>>619668
>The ceiling is entirely covered by clouds. Indoor clouds! They seem to be swirling in a whirlwind pattern around a central point which illuminates the room. A ball of lightning seemingly captured in a large crystal container suspended from the ceiling beyond the clouds by a chain. You can hear the soft crackling of lightning even from down here. The air is charged with electricity… it feels like the prelude to a thunderstorm on a hot summer day.
The walls are brick with mosaics on them.
>>619669
You might be able to fit inside, but it's not exactly a building you want to mess around in and damage something.
>>619671
>>619672
"Are you thick, Marcus? You're going to pretend to be part of the imperial family when there's an agent of the empress herself we're hunting?"
House Lavinia is the family who united the empire three centuries ago. They've ruled as the imperial family ever since.
>The ceiling is entirely covered by clouds. Indoor clouds! They seem to be swirling in a whirlwind pattern around a central point which illuminates the room. A ball of lightning seemingly captured in a large crystal container suspended from the ceiling beyond the clouds by a chain. You can hear the soft crackling of lightning even from down here. The air is charged with electricity… it feels like the prelude to a thunderstorm on a hot summer day.
The walls are brick with mosaics on them.
>>619669
You might be able to fit inside, but it's not exactly a building you want to mess around in and damage something.
>>619671
>>619672
"Are you thick, Marcus? You're going to pretend to be part of the imperial family when there's an agent of the empress herself we're hunting?"
House Lavinia is the family who united the empire three centuries ago. They've ruled as the imperial family ever since.
>>619673
Grumble.
"…I thought it might have given us some credence…"
Try to think one more time '1d20+5'
Roll #1 19 + 5 = 24
Grumble.
"…I thought it might have given us some credence…"
Try to think one more time '1d20+5'
Roll #1 19 + 5 = 24
>>619673
I better wait out here then.
Be alert though, listen if I hear her.
I don't want her to get into trouble.
Observe some of the ponies who are still around in the meantime.
I better wait out here then.
Be alert though, listen if I hear her.
I don't want her to get into trouble.
Observe some of the ponies who are still around in the meantime.
>>619673
That is both marvelous and forebonding.
Enter the naos and Notice again.
'1d20+11'
Roll #1 6 + 11 = 17
That is both marvelous and forebonding.
Enter the naos and Notice again.
'1d20+11'
Roll #1 6 + 11 = 17
Adrianos
Today you stand guard in the Dawnsworn park in Clopantinople. Named after the empress who built the Basilica of the Holy Omnipotence of Mother Nature centuries ago, this park is located in the biggest district of the city. The Outer City District or the Common District is home to hundreds of thousands of plebeians. This district alone is larger and more densely populated than any other city in the empire. During the day, this park sees thousands of visitors seeking peace and rest, away from the bustling city surrounding it. You've been standing guard here for several hours now, but thankfully your shift will be over in less than an hour, at which point you'll need to close the gates leading inside.
Make sure no filthy hobos are stinking the place up! That's your glorious duty!
>>619674
>>619676
>>619677
Being a bunch of smart ponoes, you reckon that pretending to be from a lower house somewhere far away from here might be a better idea. Like Thema Peneia! There are a few lower houses there you could pretend to come from. House Komomene, for one. Marcus met the matriarch from there a few years back, she was very fond of masks. Alternatively, you could pretend to be from house Kastati, another Peneian house, this one without any land under their banner.
You could of course also pretend to be from another land such as Prance or Germaney and make up the names yourself.
>>619675
None of them seem suspicious, these are pilgrims and priests, surely they're not here seeking trouble?
>>619678
You leave the pronaos and enter the naos of Aer's section. Like before, it's filled with small white clouds floating about, as well as various statues made from cloud. The glass ceiling shows the beginning of a starry night sky.
You look around the hall for your quarry and notice there's only one other pony here, a pegasus mare dressed as a high priestess of Aer. Except… she's no mere pony. There's something… different about her which you can't quite place. She looks normal enough…
You see her ears perking up as she turns her head to look at you. For several seconds, it's a staredown. Then she rolls up one of her sleeves, revealing a small solar 'clock' attached to her front leg. Not exactly useful if the sun isn't even out.
“Hmmm, that can't be right! Am I in the wrong scene again or… Oh! How silly of me, I forgot to account for daylight savings!”
Today you stand guard in the Dawnsworn park in Clopantinople. Named after the empress who built the Basilica of the Holy Omnipotence of Mother Nature centuries ago, this park is located in the biggest district of the city. The Outer City District or the Common District is home to hundreds of thousands of plebeians. This district alone is larger and more densely populated than any other city in the empire. During the day, this park sees thousands of visitors seeking peace and rest, away from the bustling city surrounding it. You've been standing guard here for several hours now, but thankfully your shift will be over in less than an hour, at which point you'll need to close the gates leading inside.
Make sure no filthy hobos are stinking the place up! That's your glorious duty!
>>619674
>>619676
>>619677
Being a bunch of smart ponoes, you reckon that pretending to be from a lower house somewhere far away from here might be a better idea. Like Thema Peneia! There are a few lower houses there you could pretend to come from. House Komomene, for one. Marcus met the matriarch from there a few years back, she was very fond of masks. Alternatively, you could pretend to be from house Kastati, another Peneian house, this one without any land under their banner.
You could of course also pretend to be from another land such as Prance or Germaney and make up the names yourself.
>>619675
None of them seem suspicious, these are pilgrims and priests, surely they're not here seeking trouble?
>>619678
You leave the pronaos and enter the naos of Aer's section. Like before, it's filled with small white clouds floating about, as well as various statues made from cloud. The glass ceiling shows the beginning of a starry night sky.
You look around the hall for your quarry and notice there's only one other pony here, a pegasus mare dressed as a high priestess of Aer. Except… she's no mere pony. There's something… different about her which you can't quite place. She looks normal enough…
You see her ears perking up as she turns her head to look at you. For several seconds, it's a staredown. Then she rolls up one of her sleeves, revealing a small solar 'clock' attached to her front leg. Not exactly useful if the sun isn't even out.
“Hmmm, that can't be right! Am I in the wrong scene again or… Oh! How silly of me, I forgot to account for daylight savings!”
>>619679
I have one of those sundials as well, must come with the outfit.
Start walking sideways, in a circle around her, slowly letting my hooves echo one after the other on the stone floor.
"So many words, so little meaning to them."
I have one of those sundials as well, must come with the outfit.
Start walking sideways, in a circle around her, slowly letting my hooves echo one after the other on the stone floor.
"So many words, so little meaning to them."
>>619679
If it is my duty, then I will discharge it with honor. Is my backup around here?
Search for those who would defile the laws set forth by the Empress and the reverence of those who worship here. '1d10+12'
Roll #1 8 + 12 = 20
If it is my duty, then I will discharge it with honor. Is my backup around here?
Search for those who would defile the laws set forth by the Empress and the reverence of those who worship here. '1d10+12'
Roll #1 8 + 12 = 20
>>619679
Even vagrants need beliefs to soothe their troubled minds.
Yet so few of them ever recieve a blessing or even the sign from the deity of their worship, unlike the priests and paladins who use the power of the divine.
I will never understand them.
Even vagrants need beliefs to soothe their troubled minds.
Yet so few of them ever recieve a blessing or even the sign from the deity of their worship, unlike the priests and paladins who use the power of the divine.
I will never understand them.
>>619680
You do. It's the same panther mask you were given a year or two ago.
Anthe cocks her head.
"Komomomeme?"
>>619682
“Sorry, but we can't play right now! Bye! Tell Eurydice I said hi though!”
She spreads her wings and takes off, flying backwards. She kicks one of the ceiling windows open with one of her hind legs and flies through it in one swift motion.
>>619683
Your friend Sonja is also patrolling this park, no doubt slightly less enthused about the boring shift so far.
You hear some rustling in a nearby bush, right off the road…
>>619685
Your inner monologue is interrupted as you see a pony flying backwards out of the building Flavia was just in at high speed. With a few wild corkscrews, she flees past you, dumping her clothing onto your face before you can react.
You do. It's the same panther mask you were given a year or two ago.
Anthe cocks her head.
"Komomomeme?"
>>619682
“Sorry, but we can't play right now! Bye! Tell Eurydice I said hi though!”
She spreads her wings and takes off, flying backwards. She kicks one of the ceiling windows open with one of her hind legs and flies through it in one swift motion.
>>619683
Your friend Sonja is also patrolling this park, no doubt slightly less enthused about the boring shift so far.
You hear some rustling in a nearby bush, right off the road…
>>619685
Your inner monologue is interrupted as you see a pony flying backwards out of the building Flavia was just in at high speed. With a few wild corkscrews, she flees past you, dumping her clothing onto your face before you can react.
>>619688
It's probably just a bird or amorous teens, not many deadly assassins that rustle park bushes.
Still, can't hurt to have a look.
It's probably just a bird or amorous teens, not many deadly assassins that rustle park bushes.
Still, can't hurt to have a look.
>>619688
Shake it off!
"I advise you to stop!"
Take off quickly to follow her!
Rolling Acrobatics!
'1d20+4'
Roll #1 3 + 4 = 7
Shake it off!
"I advise you to stop!"
Take off quickly to follow her!
Rolling Acrobatics!
'1d20+4'
Roll #1 3 + 4 = 7
>>619689
"But this isn't a masked ball, Marcus!"
>>619690
Roll a reflex save.
>>619691
>>619692
>>619693
>10
You take off quickly, shaking off the pair of robes on your head, and give chase.
She speeds away from the hill, now flying upside down.
"No fair! Two on one is cheating!"
>>619694
Exactly! You have the actor props and Trotantine theater loves using masks! You can also roll to give others a disguise. The result of your roll is also the DC someone needs to beat with a notice check if you do something suspicious.
"But this isn't a masked ball, Marcus!"
>>619690
Roll a reflex save.
>>619691
>>619692
>>619693
>10
You take off quickly, shaking off the pair of robes on your head, and give chase.
She speeds away from the hill, now flying upside down.
"No fair! Two on one is cheating!"
>>619694
Exactly! You have the actor props and Trotantine theater loves using masks! You can also roll to give others a disguise. The result of your roll is also the DC someone needs to beat with a notice check if you do something suspicious.
>>619695
"Then stop before you hurt yourself."
Try to be intimidating.
A huge dragon trying to catch up to you mid-air might be something, right?
'1d20+9'
Roll #1 19 + 9 = 28
"Then stop before you hurt yourself."
Try to be intimidating.
A huge dragon trying to catch up to you mid-air might be something, right?
'1d20+9'
Roll #1 19 + 9 = 28
>>619695
"Don't be jealous. I have one for you too.."
'1d20+10' pretty mask disguise for Anthe
Roll #1 5 + 10 = 15
"Don't be jealous. I have one for you too.."
'1d20+10' pretty mask disguise for Anthe
Roll #1 5 + 10 = 15
>>619696
>>619702
Seems like it had some effect. She dives down for a landing, touching down in one of the city parks below.
>>619700
She can't hear you! Though it seems like she landed right below, in a clearing of one of the parks.
>>619697
You only narrowly avoid getting hit in the face by a purple umbrella which was hiding in this bush! It flies out of the greenery, flitting about as if controlled by magic.
>>619698
>>619703
You get her a fox mask.
For yourself, you get an elephant mask. Not very fitting, but that's not the point.
"Hmmm, well if you say so… I guess it at least makes it so she won't remember our faces."
>>619702
Seems like it had some effect. She dives down for a landing, touching down in one of the city parks below.
>>619700
She can't hear you! Though it seems like she landed right below, in a clearing of one of the parks.
>>619697
You only narrowly avoid getting hit in the face by a purple umbrella which was hiding in this bush! It flies out of the greenery, flitting about as if controlled by magic.
>>619698
>>619703
You get her a fox mask.
For yourself, you get an elephant mask. Not very fitting, but that's not the point.
"Hmmm, well if you say so… I guess it at least makes it so she won't remember our faces."
>>619704
"Hmm what you don't like it?"
Marcus, myself, Anthe.. everyone has masks now?
then we might be ready to go
"Hmm what you don't like it?"
Marcus, myself, Anthe.. everyone has masks now?
then we might be ready to go
>>619704
Mereghyl u so best.
"Land us there!"
And once we finally make landfall, I will jump down the Drake.
Time to step forth, towards the spirit.
Stare her in the eyes and be very quiet for a very long moment.
Then, let the words flow out pure and unfiltered, straight from the bottom of my heart.
"Everything seems so chaotic, to a young mind.
Afraid and unclear on the mechanics of the world, we spin around in wonder, unable to place a name on what happens around us.
But in all of this there is a guiding light."
Draw my sickle sword, and point it upwards, lighting it in the Glow of Nature.
"The same light you glimpsed at, the same light which now torments you."
Let those words sink deep.
Do I have to roll something?
Mereghyl u so best.
"Land us there!"
And once we finally make landfall, I will jump down the Drake.
Time to step forth, towards the spirit.
Stare her in the eyes and be very quiet for a very long moment.
Then, let the words flow out pure and unfiltered, straight from the bottom of my heart.
"Everything seems so chaotic, to a young mind.
Afraid and unclear on the mechanics of the world, we spin around in wonder, unable to place a name on what happens around us.
But in all of this there is a guiding light."
Draw my sickle sword, and point it upwards, lighting it in the Glow of Nature.
"The same light you glimpsed at, the same light which now torments you."
Let those words sink deep.
Do I have to roll something?
>>619704
Disarm '1d20+6' and search for the source! '1d20+12'
Roll #1 10 + 6 = 16 / Roll #2 7 + 12 = 19
Disarm '1d20+6' and search for the source! '1d20+12'
Roll #1 10 + 6 = 16 / Roll #2 7 + 12 = 19
>>619705
>>619706
"Alright, alright… I guess you should take point then, since you know so much about this family and all. You should probably make sure lord Omnidus knows what we're doing there though. The guards won't let us in if we don't tell them we're Hippoi's."
Nio doesn't have a mask yet.
>>619707
>>619708
>>619710
She giggles.
>>619709
Thinking some unicorn is playing a trick on you, you attempt to take down the umbrella out of the telekinetic grip. Unfortunately, this is not actually the case. This thing has been awoken by magic and turned into an animated object with a will of its own, but without an actual weapon to take from it.
It flies away down the path you came from, so you follow it as quick as you can. After less than a minute you run into what seems to be a hostile confrontation between a white pegasus mare and a dragon accompanied by a unicorn mare dressed in priestess robes who seems vaguely familiar to you.
The animated umbrella comes to rest next to the pegasus mare.
>>619708
>>619710
>>619711
There's no beating that. But will it be enough?
She giggles.
"You're good with words, I can see why Eurydice made you her champion!"
A flying purple umbrella lands on the ground next to her. She picks it up and leans on it, regarding you for a moment.
"I'm surprised she sent you after me so quickly though! I thought she'd at least wait a little while longer until you'd get a bit stronger! What did she tell you about me? Tell me! Tell me! I'm curious!"
>>619706
"Alright, alright… I guess you should take point then, since you know so much about this family and all. You should probably make sure lord Omnidus knows what we're doing there though. The guards won't let us in if we don't tell them we're Hippoi's."
Nio doesn't have a mask yet.
>>619707
>>619708
>>619710
She giggles.
>>619709
Thinking some unicorn is playing a trick on you, you attempt to take down the umbrella out of the telekinetic grip. Unfortunately, this is not actually the case. This thing has been awoken by magic and turned into an animated object with a will of its own, but without an actual weapon to take from it.
It flies away down the path you came from, so you follow it as quick as you can. After less than a minute you run into what seems to be a hostile confrontation between a white pegasus mare and a dragon accompanied by a unicorn mare dressed in priestess robes who seems vaguely familiar to you.
The animated umbrella comes to rest next to the pegasus mare.
>>619708
>>619710
>>619711
There's no beating that. But will it be enough?
She giggles.
"You're good with words, I can see why Eurydice made you her champion!"
A flying purple umbrella lands on the ground next to her. She picks it up and leans on it, regarding you for a moment.
"I'm surprised she sent you after me so quickly though! I thought she'd at least wait a little while longer until you'd get a bit stronger! What did she tell you about me? Tell me! Tell me! I'm curious!"
>>619712
"Perhaps Nio can hide under our clothes to get in? Or does anypony have a mask for him?"
"Perhaps Nio can hide under our clothes to get in? Or does anypony have a mask for him?"
>>619712
"We can just whisper it to them and go in, I mean they know about our situation at least so it shouldn't be hard."
'1d20+10' disguise a tiny mask for the tiny pony.
Roll #1 5 + 10 = 15
"We can just whisper it to them and go in, I mean they know about our situation at least so it shouldn't be hard."
'1d20+10' disguise a tiny mask for the tiny pony.
Roll #1 5 + 10 = 15
>>619713
>>619714
Nio gets a tiny fly mask for his tiny face. He can also hide in one of your bags and pockets if need be.
>>619715
She can't be far away…
The pegasus mare turns her head to you.
"Uh-oh, the fuzz is here to get us!"
>>619716
"Is she still mad about that Neighponese redwood tree I grew in her grove?"
She snickers.
>>619717
>>619718
"Yes! Fight! Fight!"
>>619714
Nio gets a tiny fly mask for his tiny face. He can also hide in one of your bags and pockets if need be.
>>619715
She can't be far away…
The pegasus mare turns her head to you.
"Uh-oh, the fuzz is here to get us!"
>>619716
"Is she still mad about that Neighponese redwood tree I grew in her grove?"
She snickers.
>>619717
>>619718
"Yes! Fight! Fight!"
>>619718
…We have no weapons out other than a ceremonial sword which is currently acting as a torch. At night.
…We have no weapons out other than a ceremonial sword which is currently acting as a torch. At night.
>>619724
"The Palatine do not travel alone, Drake. I suggest you not make yourself an enemy of the Empire."
"The Palatine do not travel alone, Drake. I suggest you not make yourself an enemy of the Empire."
>>619720
>>619722
"Palatino, this is a delicate moment. I'm acting on behalf of our Mother's powers and you are in the presence of, an albeit weavering, spirit of chaos.
I'm afraid apprehending or killing a spirit is not possible. Let this be in the jurisdiction of mares of Faith."
Then, to the spirit.
"This brave face you put up, Eurydice saw through it.
And if she did, so did your ex-patron."
>>619722
"Palatino, this is a delicate moment. I'm acting on behalf of our Mother's powers and you are in the presence of, an albeit weavering, spirit of chaos.
I'm afraid apprehending or killing a spirit is not possible. Let this be in the jurisdiction of mares of Faith."
Then, to the spirit.
"This brave face you put up, Eurydice saw through it.
And if she did, so did your ex-patron."
>>619728
Give her a long stare, but finally ease up into a more relaxed stance. "I see. Well, far be it from me to muddle the Secular and Ecclesiastical."
Give her a long stare, but finally ease up into a more relaxed stance. "I see. Well, far be it from me to muddle the Secular and Ecclesiastical."
>>619723
>>619725
You decided not to take invitations before.
You head to the villa of lord Omnidus. It's evening now, the stars are out already and the ball has started in the estate. The guards from before are still here, they let you through without the masks.
>>619724
>>619726
"Yes!-"
>>619728
She deflates as you interject in the argument.
"Aw… wait… ex-patron!? Don't be silly! Discord is my best pal!"
>>619732
Sonja arrives on the scene.
"What's going on here, Adrianos?"
>>619725
You decided not to take invitations before.
You head to the villa of lord Omnidus. It's evening now, the stars are out already and the ball has started in the estate. The guards from before are still here, they let you through without the masks.
>>619724
>>619726
"Yes!-"
>>619728
She deflates as you interject in the argument.
"Aw… wait… ex-patron!? Don't be silly! Discord is my best pal!"
>>619732
Sonja arrives on the scene.
"What's going on here, Adrianos?"
>>619734
>You decided not to take invitations before.
I think that was Nolin?
I trust him.
Follow my trusted spymaster.
>You decided not to take invitations before.
I think that was Nolin?
I trust him.
Follow my trusted spymaster.
>>619734
"In the park named for the patron of Nature, now battles a Spirit of Discord with one of the Mother's daughters."
"In the park named for the patron of Nature, now battles a Spirit of Discord with one of the Mother's daughters."
>>619734
Put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Does it take kindly to betrayal, even that which is only in the deepest recesses of your mind?
You have awoken to the realization.
You saw the world for the ordered beauty of causality Mother intended it to be.
And everyone knows."
Smile.
Put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Does it take kindly to betrayal, even that which is only in the deepest recesses of your mind?
You have awoken to the realization.
You saw the world for the ordered beauty of causality Mother intended it to be.
And everyone knows."
Smile.
>>619738
"What in Grogar's name are you talking about?"
She looks over the scene.
"Where's this spirit of Discord? Surely you must be joking."
>>619735
A nanny goat has arrived to the scene. She looks barbarian, probably a Hircurian.
>>619739
"Oh no… no no no, I don't like the words coming out of your mouth now."
She taps her hooves together nervously, looking at nature surrounding her.
"Why don't we… why don't we play a game, huh? If I win, you go away!"
A nanny goat has arrived to the scene. She looks barbarian, probably a Hircurian.
>>619737
>>619740
You decided to ask lord Omnidus!
The ball has started! There are dozens of ponies here, most of them obviously patricians like you. A pair of servants welcome you to the villa.
"The ball is taking place in the grand hall, my lords and lady. We don't expect many more guests to arrive now."
"What in Grogar's name are you talking about?"
She looks over the scene.
"Where's this spirit of Discord? Surely you must be joking."
>>619735
A nanny goat has arrived to the scene. She looks barbarian, probably a Hircurian.
>>619739
"Oh no… no no no, I don't like the words coming out of your mouth now."
She taps her hooves together nervously, looking at nature surrounding her.
"Why don't we… why don't we play a game, huh? If I win, you go away!"
A nanny goat has arrived to the scene. She looks barbarian, probably a Hircurian.
>>619737
>>619740
You decided to ask lord Omnidus!
The ball has started! There are dozens of ponies here, most of them obviously patricians like you. A pair of servants welcome you to the villa.
"The ball is taking place in the grand hall, my lords and lady. We don't expect many more guests to arrive now."
>>619741
"It still won't deny the truth."
Take a few steps back, looking at the goat.
"Do you know who you are serving?
How it won't lead you to any sort of prize in the eyes of your higher lord?"
Impress. I'm assuming he has no appearance bonus.
'1d20+17'
Roll #1 11 + 17 = 28
"It still won't deny the truth."
Take a few steps back, looking at the goat.
"Do you know who you are serving?
How it won't lead you to any sort of prize in the eyes of your higher lord?"
Impress. I'm assuming he has no appearance bonus.
'1d20+17'
Roll #1 11 + 17 = 28
>>619743
"Ah, a wonderful party. We should try to have a little fun while we're here.."
'1d20+8' notice the spooky spy mare
Roll #1 19 + 8 = 27
"Ah, a wonderful party. We should try to have a little fun while we're here.."
'1d20+8' notice the spooky spy mare
Roll #1 19 + 8 = 27
>>619744
"Well, are there any procedures we're supposed to follow during scenarios like this? I sure can't recall any."
>>619745
Nio.
You enter the great hall where the ball is being held. There are thirty or forty guests here you reckon. You don't recognize any faces aside from the lord, his wife and your aunt. A few ponies give you second looks because of your mask.
Nio points at a mare talking to a stallion dressed in a guard captain uniform. The mare is wearing a nice purple toga. She looks to be in her early thirties. The stallion must be in his late twenties.
>>619747
"Why do all you Hippoi's have such silver tongues! Gah!"
She grabs her umbrella more tightly.
"If your friend Eurydice is soooo powerful, let's see if you're worthy of being called her champion or if this is just hot air! No more games, it's party time!"
The umbrella pops open. Launching a torrent of streamers and confetti around it.
DRAMATIC SCENE ACTIVATED
EVERYONE ROLL INITIATIVE
>>619748
Concords aren't spies. Nio seems to be pointing Marcus in the right direction.
"Well, are there any procedures we're supposed to follow during scenarios like this? I sure can't recall any."
>>619745
Nio.
You enter the great hall where the ball is being held. There are thirty or forty guests here you reckon. You don't recognize any faces aside from the lord, his wife and your aunt. A few ponies give you second looks because of your mask.
Nio points at a mare talking to a stallion dressed in a guard captain uniform. The mare is wearing a nice purple toga. She looks to be in her early thirties. The stallion must be in his late twenties.
>>619747
"Why do all you Hippoi's have such silver tongues! Gah!"
She grabs her umbrella more tightly.
"If your friend Eurydice is soooo powerful, let's see if you're worthy of being called her champion or if this is just hot air! No more games, it's party time!"
The umbrella pops open. Launching a torrent of streamers and confetti around it.
DRAMATIC SCENE ACTIVATED
EVERYONE ROLL INITIATIVE
>>619748
Concords aren't spies. Nio seems to be pointing Marcus in the right direction.
>>619754
Get myself a drink and then go to Nolin and Anthe.
"A Komenene enjoys fashion. My word, look at all these different clothes."
Get myself a drink and then go to Nolin and Anthe.
"A Komenene enjoys fashion. My word, look at all these different clothes."
>>619754
'1d20'
Battle plan : +2 melee to all allies
Cadre: All allies gain +2 to attack a flanked opponent
Roll #1 7 = 7
'1d20'
Battle plan : +2 melee to all allies
Cadre: All allies gain +2 to attack a flanked opponent
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>619757
Anthe seems giddy.
"This reminds me we haven't had the time to really go shopping yet!"
>>619755
>>619756
>>619758
>>619759
OOB:
Sonja
Mereghyl
Adrianos
Chaos Spirit
Flavia
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112555
Sonja runs up to the spirit and tries to headbutt it. '1d20+6'
'2d6'
Roll #1 19 + 6 = 25 / Roll #2 6, 3 = 9
Anthe seems giddy.
"This reminds me we haven't had the time to really go shopping yet!"
>>619755
>>619756
>>619758
>>619759
OOB:
Sonja
Mereghyl
Adrianos
Chaos Spirit
Flavia
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112555
Sonja runs up to the spirit and tries to headbutt it. '1d20+6'
'2d6'
Roll #1 19 + 6 = 25 / Roll #2 6, 3 = 9
>>619761
That's a solid hit. The spirit is hit from behind and staggers as the horns hit her backside.
Mereghyl's turn.
That's a solid hit. The spirit is hit from behind and staggers as the horns hit her backside.
Mereghyl's turn.
>>619761
"Now sister, let our niece go around while we go compliment the fine lady on her dress."
"Now sister, let our niece go around while we go compliment the fine lady on her dress."
>>619762
I'm going to see if Spirits can be crushed by tails too. Smack Smack. Use Armored Assurance.
'1d20+7'
'1d20+7'
Damage if it hits
'1d10+2'
'1d10+2'
Roll #1 3 + 7 = 10 / Roll #2 4 + 7 = 11 / Roll #3 5 + 2 = 7 / Roll #4 3 + 2 = 5
I'm going to see if Spirits can be crushed by tails too. Smack Smack. Use Armored Assurance.
'1d20+7'
'1d20+7'
Damage if it hits
'1d10+2'
'1d10+2'
Roll #1 3 + 7 = 10 / Roll #2 4 + 7 = 11 / Roll #3 5 + 2 = 7 / Roll #4 3 + 2 = 5
>>619763
She's wearing a satchel on her side… aside from that it's hard to tell. There may be more hidden under her toga.
>>619764
She nods. Nio decides to hide in your mane.
You approach the two talking guests, they seem surprised by your masks as you come closer.
>>619765
She giggles and dodges your slow tail attacks while doing some impressive acrobatic tricks.
"It's like rope skipping! This is fun!"
Skipping Adrianos' turn if he can't play.
She's wearing a satchel on her side… aside from that it's hard to tell. There may be more hidden under her toga.
>>619764
She nods. Nio decides to hide in your mane.
You approach the two talking guests, they seem surprised by your masks as you come closer.
>>619765
She giggles and dodges your slow tail attacks while doing some impressive acrobatic tricks.
"It's like rope skipping! This is fun!"
Skipping Adrianos' turn if he can't play.
>>619767
Your sister gasps. You're pretty sure it's genuine one too.
"Is that Anadolian silk? It looks exquisite, so it must be! There's nothing that can rival Anadolian tailorship."
She doesn't even need to act like she's impressed!
The mare raises an eyebrow.
"You're right, it is. I'm sorry, but who are you…?"
>>619769
You get an additional +4 modifier because of the busy scenery, noise and distraction.
'1d20+15'
>>619770
Your first attack misses, but the second time you try and bite her you actually get a hit in!
"OW! You big bully! Do I really need to bring out my party tools?"
She swings her umbrella around.
"Get cursed!"
You have all been put under the Black Cat effect, this raises your Error range by 2.
She also raised her own Threat and Error ranges by 4 each!
"Now! Witness the power of lord Discord!"
She slams the umbrella into the ground, rocking the earth with enormous force and sending streamers flying all around her. When the streamers have fallen '1d4+1' copies of the spirit, stand spread around the area.
Roll #1 15 + 15 = 30 / Roll #2 2 + 1 = 3
Your sister gasps. You're pretty sure it's genuine one too.
"Is that Anadolian silk? It looks exquisite, so it must be! There's nothing that can rival Anadolian tailorship."
She doesn't even need to act like she's impressed!
The mare raises an eyebrow.
"You're right, it is. I'm sorry, but who are you…?"
>>619769
You get an additional +4 modifier because of the busy scenery, noise and distraction.
'1d20+15'
>>619770
Your first attack misses, but the second time you try and bite her you actually get a hit in!
"OW! You big bully! Do I really need to bring out my party tools?"
She swings her umbrella around.
"Get cursed!"
You have all been put under the Black Cat effect, this raises your Error range by 2.
She also raised her own Threat and Error ranges by 4 each!
"Now! Witness the power of lord Discord!"
She slams the umbrella into the ground, rocking the earth with enormous force and sending streamers flying all around her. When the streamers have fallen '1d4+1' copies of the spirit, stand spread around the area.
Roll #1 15 + 15 = 30 / Roll #2 2 + 1 = 3
>>619771
Look up from the dress.
"Oh excuse me, where are my manners?
My name is Dalmatius Komene.
And this is my charming sister.
We were simply admiring the capitals fashion. It is somewhat of a family tradition."
Look up from the dress.
"Oh excuse me, where are my manners?
My name is Dalmatius Komene.
And this is my charming sister.
We were simply admiring the capitals fashion. It is somewhat of a family tradition."
>>619771
Move up here with no fear, and shine the bright light of Mother's love in the face of the chaotic spirit and most of her clones!
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112563
Does night makes this harder to resist?
Move up here with no fear, and shine the bright light of Mother's love in the face of the chaotic spirit and most of her clones!
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112563
Does night makes this harder to resist?
>>619774
I just want to be nearby in the crowd in case he needs me and not in the way, I mean there probably aren't a lot of places to even "hide" properly
I just want to be nearby in the crowd in case he needs me and not in the way, I mean there probably aren't a lot of places to even "hide" properly
>>619777
You're just another guest to her as long as you observe. Blending is not about hiding, it's about blending in. Her notice check beat your blend check so if you do something suspicious she'll be alerted.
You're just another guest to her as long as you observe. Blending is not about hiding, it's about blending in. Her notice check beat your blend check so if you do something suspicious she'll be alerted.
>>619775
Komomene. That's the name.
Roll Bluff for believability!
"Well, this toga isn't from the capital. Like your sister noticed, it's Anadolian craftsponyship. I am lady Cassicia, imperial Concord at your service."
She gestures to the stallion with her.
"This is captain Curtos, commander of the inner city guard."
The captain, bows his head as a sign of respect.
"It's a pleasure."
>>619776
'1d20+4'
Roll #1 14 + 4 = 18
Komomene. That's the name.
Roll Bluff for believability!
"Well, this toga isn't from the capital. Like your sister noticed, it's Anadolian craftsponyship. I am lady Cassicia, imperial Concord at your service."
She gestures to the stallion with her.
"This is captain Curtos, commander of the inner city guard."
The captain, bows his head as a sign of respect.
"It's a pleasure."
>>619776
'1d20+4'
Roll #1 14 + 4 = 18
>>620095
Doesn't look like your attempt to blind the spirit worked…
OOB reminder because the map tool messed up:
Sonja
Mereghyl
Adrianos
Chaos Spirit
Flavia
It's now Sonja's turn.
Doesn't look like your attempt to blind the spirit worked…
OOB reminder because the map tool messed up:
Sonja
Mereghyl
Adrianos
Chaos Spirit
Flavia
It's now Sonja's turn.
>>620095
I'm a Bluffy poni.
Trick: Silver Tongue, so her wisdom score drops by one.
Bluff '1d20+12'
"A pleasure to meet you both. It is an honor to be in the presence of one of her majesty's Concords."
Roll #1 2 + 12 = 14
I'm a Bluffy poni.
Trick: Silver Tongue, so her wisdom score drops by one.
Bluff '1d20+12'
"A pleasure to meet you both. It is an honor to be in the presence of one of her majesty's Concords."
Roll #1 2 + 12 = 14
>>620098
You're not sure whether she bought your lie or not.
"I don't believe I've heard your name before. You're not from around here, are you?"
You're not sure whether she bought your lie or not.
"I don't believe I've heard your name before. You're not from around here, are you?"
>>620102
Now with correct numbers!
Bite the clone between me and Adrianos twice, with Armored Assurance
'1d20+13'
'1d20+13'
And damage if they hit
'1d10+8'
'1d10+8'
Roll #1 6 + 13 = 19 / Roll #2 2 + 13 = 15 / Roll #3 8 + 8 = 16 / Roll #4 5 + 8 = 13
Now with correct numbers!
Bite the clone between me and Adrianos twice, with Armored Assurance
'1d20+13'
'1d20+13'
And damage if they hit
'1d10+8'
'1d10+8'
Roll #1 6 + 13 = 19 / Roll #2 2 + 13 = 15 / Roll #3 8 + 8 = 16 / Roll #4 5 + 8 = 13
>>620106
You bite down on the 'spirit' ahead of you. It immediately poofs out of existence. That was just a mirror image!
Adrianos' turn.
You bite down on the 'spirit' ahead of you. It immediately poofs out of existence. That was just a mirror image!
Adrianos' turn.
>>620106
>>620105
Move down to flank the one Sonja hit
"I think this is the real one! Move in!"
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112959
Attack!
'2d20+12'
'1d8+2' '1d8+2'
Sneak attack die bonus! '2d6'
Remember: ANY configuration is a flank with me, because of Wolf Pack Mastery
Roll #1 7, 15 + 12 = 34 / Roll #2 8 + 2 = 10 / Roll #3 5 + 2 = 7 / Roll #4 6, 4 = 10
>>620105
Move down to flank the one Sonja hit
"I think this is the real one! Move in!"
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112959
Attack!
'2d20+12'
'1d8+2' '1d8+2'
Sneak attack die bonus! '2d6'
Remember: ANY configuration is a flank with me, because of Wolf Pack Mastery
Roll #1 7, 15 + 12 = 34 / Roll #2 8 + 2 = 10 / Roll #3 5 + 2 = 7 / Roll #4 6, 4 = 10
>>620108
>>620109
She nods.
"I think I've passed through your lands before on occasion. Peneia is a nice place, probably one of the safest places in the empire… as long as you don't stick your nose in places it has no business in."
She gives you a look you can't quite interpret.
"You must be acquainted to the lord if you're here. Business?"
>>620110
You attack the 'spirit' next to Sonja and… it pops out of existence! It was a mirror image!
The remaining two spirits giggle out loud.
They both rush away towards the foliage and turn around as they're backed against a tree.
"It's time for my special surpriiiiise!"
She takes a bottle filled with brown liquid (chocolate milk?) and throws it in the middle of your group…
'1d20+6'
'3d6'
Roll #1 2 + 6 = 8 / Roll #2 2, 4, 3 = 9
>>620109
She nods.
"I think I've passed through your lands before on occasion. Peneia is a nice place, probably one of the safest places in the empire… as long as you don't stick your nose in places it has no business in."
She gives you a look you can't quite interpret.
"You must be acquainted to the lord if you're here. Business?"
>>620110
You attack the 'spirit' next to Sonja and… it pops out of existence! It was a mirror image!
The remaining two spirits giggle out loud.
They both rush away towards the foliage and turn around as they're backed against a tree.
"It's time for my special surpriiiiise!"
She takes a bottle filled with brown liquid (chocolate milk?) and throws it in the middle of your group…
'1d20+6'
'3d6'
Roll #1 2 + 6 = 8 / Roll #2 2, 4, 3 = 9
>>620111
>can't quite interpret
Or can I?
Sense Motive '1d20+9'
"Of a sort. Our house is small so it is important to keep in close contact with friends and allies. And to take the opportunity to make new ones."
Roll #1 10 + 9 = 19
>can't quite interpret
Or can I?
Sense Motive '1d20+9'
"Of a sort. Our house is small so it is important to keep in close contact with friends and allies. And to take the opportunity to make new ones."
Roll #1 10 + 9 = 19
>>620113
You're really not quite sure.
"Isn't that just the truth."
A servant offers you and Anthe wine. Anthe gracefully takes a glass of red.
"What brings you here, lady Concord? Are you on leave?"
"I am, I'll be leaving the capital in the morrow however. There's only so much time I can afford not working. Concord's have busy lives."
>>620111
>>620112
>>620114
At least someone has the decency.
The bottle slips out of her hoof as she attempts to throw it, falling down on the grass next to her and shattering as it explodes. Her attack only served to hurt herself this time. The mirror image that was left is goners, while the spirit herself was hurt by the blast.
Flavia's turn.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112968
You're really not quite sure.
"Isn't that just the truth."
A servant offers you and Anthe wine. Anthe gracefully takes a glass of red.
"What brings you here, lady Concord? Are you on leave?"
"I am, I'll be leaving the capital in the morrow however. There's only so much time I can afford not working. Concord's have busy lives."
>>620111
>>620112
>>620114
At least someone has the decency.
The bottle slips out of her hoof as she attempts to throw it, falling down on the grass next to her and shattering as it explodes. Her attack only served to hurt herself this time. The mirror image that was left is goners, while the spirit herself was hurt by the blast.
Flavia's turn.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112968
>>620115
Take a glass of red as well.
"Travelling is such a bother. And I imagine you must do quite a lot. How do you manage it?"
Take a glass of red as well.
"Travelling is such a bother. And I imagine you must do quite a lot. How do you manage it?"
>>620116
Take two steps forth.
She better believe I'm gonna show her the light. Bitch.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112974
Flare again.
Take two steps forth.
She better believe I'm gonna show her the light. Bitch.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112974
Flare again.
>>620117
"Ships and air transports. We move quick and need to be able to deploy in any corner of the world. Traveling in itself can be dangerous, more so than our actual missions in certain parts, but it's part of the job."
>>620120
>>620121
>>620118
You send a flare her way, obscuring her view somewhat.
Sonja's turn.
"Ships and air transports. We move quick and need to be able to deploy in any corner of the world. Traveling in itself can be dangerous, more so than our actual missions in certain parts, but it's part of the job."
>>620120
>>620121
>>620118
You send a flare her way, obscuring her view somewhat.
Sonja's turn.
>>620121
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112978
'1d20+9'
'1d20+9'
'2d6'
Roll #1 18 + 9 = 27 / Roll #2 16 + 9 = 25 / Roll #3 6, 2 = 8
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112978
'1d20+9'
'1d20+9'
'2d6'
Roll #1 18 + 9 = 27 / Roll #2 16 + 9 = 25 / Roll #3 6, 2 = 8
>>620123
Sonja moves up to the spirit with a charge and slams her horns right into her once.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112984
Mereghyl's turn.
Sonja moves up to the spirit with a charge and slams her horns right into her once.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112984
Mereghyl's turn.
>>620122
"Air transports? I should try that myself sometime. Sounds way more exciting than a dreary ship."
"Air transports? I should try that myself sometime. Sounds way more exciting than a dreary ship."
>>620124
Fly closer and smack the spirit with my tail!
'1d20+11'
Pick on the Little Guy
'1d10+8'
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112988
Roll #1 5 + 11 = 16 / Roll #2 3 + 8 = 11
Fly closer and smack the spirit with my tail!
'1d20+11'
Pick on the Little Guy
'1d10+8'
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112988
Roll #1 5 + 11 = 16 / Roll #2 3 + 8 = 11
>>620128
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112990
I move up! Now we have the flanks!
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112990
I move up! Now we have the flanks!
>>620130
Spirit's turn.
"Don't get too close!"
She once again slams her umbrella into the ground, causing a powerful explosion all around her.
Everyone must roll a will save.
>>620132
Perhaps you should try to make an impression on her.
"I can't complain much, I'm here to have a good time and enjoy my leave from work."
Spirit's turn.
"Don't get too close!"
She once again slams her umbrella into the ground, causing a powerful explosion all around her.
Everyone must roll a will save.
>>620132
Perhaps you should try to make an impression on her.
"I can't complain much, I'm here to have a good time and enjoy my leave from work."
>>620140
Luck?
IT WAS NEIGH BUT FAITH!
Stand tall upon the defeated form of the spirit.
"Do you see it yet?"
Luck?
IT WAS NEIGH BUT FAITH!
Stand tall upon the defeated form of the spirit.
"Do you see it yet?"
>>620140
Healing up using 5 GM AD's.
'5d4'
She throws another bottle of chocolate milk, right behind Flavia…
'1d20+6'
'3d6'
Roll #1 3, 1, 1, 2, 2 = 9 / Roll #2 18 + 6 = 24 / Roll #3 1, 2, 3 = 6
Healing up using 5 GM AD's.
'5d4'
She throws another bottle of chocolate milk, right behind Flavia…
'1d20+6'
'3d6'
Roll #1 3, 1, 1, 2, 2 = 9 / Roll #2 18 + 6 = 24 / Roll #3 1, 2, 3 = 6
>>620145
>>620146
Mereghyl doesn't even feel the ensuing explosion. Even Flavia barely feels it, only getting very lightly hurt.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112994
Flavia's turn.
>>620146
Mereghyl doesn't even feel the ensuing explosion. Even Flavia barely feels it, only getting very lightly hurt.
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112994
Flavia's turn.
>>620147
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112997
Run up to the Chaos spirit, maneuvering around Mereghyl, and in one swift if inexperienced motion draw my blessed, ceremonial blade.
Blinding Strike.
'1d20+9'
'1d8'
Roll #1 19 + 9 = 28 / Roll #2 6 = 6
http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=112997
Run up to the Chaos spirit, maneuvering around Mereghyl, and in one swift if inexperienced motion draw my blessed, ceremonial blade.
Blinding Strike.
'1d20+9'
'1d8'
Roll #1 19 + 9 = 28 / Roll #2 6 = 6
>>620133
Influence '1d20+12'
Swirl the wine in my glass.
"You are right. You only live once.
Perhaps we could ask our host to open a bottle of his best red wine. That always makes for a good time."
Roll #1 6 + 12 = 18
Influence '1d20+12'
Swirl the wine in my glass.
"You are right. You only live once.
Perhaps we could ask our host to open a bottle of his best red wine. That always makes for a good time."
Roll #1 6 + 12 = 18
>>620148
>>620149
You flip around Mereghyl and draw your sword as you leap at the spirit and slam it down on her. Being of opposing alignments, the contact has a spectacularly explosive result, sending the spirit flying into the tree behind her. She slams into the wood and falls to the ground, eyes glowing dark purple and gasping for breath. Her puffy mane deflates somewhat, becoming slightly less wild looking.
The battle for Dawnsworn park has ended.
>>620150
'1d20+10'
Roll #1 2 + 10 = 12
>>620149
You flip around Mereghyl and draw your sword as you leap at the spirit and slam it down on her. Being of opposing alignments, the contact has a spectacularly explosive result, sending the spirit flying into the tree behind her. She slams into the wood and falls to the ground, eyes glowing dark purple and gasping for breath. Her puffy mane deflates somewhat, becoming slightly less wild looking.
The battle for Dawnsworn park has ended.
>>620150
'1d20+10'
Roll #1 2 + 10 = 12
>>620152
Shine bright with Mother's Light, casting my Glow all around me as I slowly walk up to the defeated spirit.
"You have forsaken your old master.
Chaos has forsaken you.
Your weakness in this battle is undeniable proof of this.
Repent now, and you might have a place with the Mother."
Shine bright with Mother's Light, casting my Glow all around me as I slowly walk up to the defeated spirit.
"You have forsaken your old master.
Chaos has forsaken you.
Your weakness in this battle is undeniable proof of this.
Repent now, and you might have a place with the Mother."
>>620155
A purple stream of raw chaotic energy exits through her mouth, her lit up eyes slowly dimming back to normal as the very essence of entropy leaves her earthly body. The energy dissipates into nothingness as it hits the ground, being absorbed harmlessly by nature. The spirit has fallen, her beliefs in the lord of chaos ultimately destroyed by her own defeat against nature’s powers. Her purple umbrella spontaneously combusts into blue flames and poofs out of existence.
“This… can’t be… Ooooh, I feel dizzy. Like I’ve been on the merry-go-round for way too long…”
A purple stream of raw chaotic energy exits through her mouth, her lit up eyes slowly dimming back to normal as the very essence of entropy leaves her earthly body. The energy dissipates into nothingness as it hits the ground, being absorbed harmlessly by nature. The spirit has fallen, her beliefs in the lord of chaos ultimately destroyed by her own defeat against nature’s powers. Her purple umbrella spontaneously combusts into blue flames and poofs out of existence.
“This… can’t be… Ooooh, I feel dizzy. Like I’ve been on the merry-go-round for way too long…”
>>620154
"He can be a bit protective of them." I smile behind my mask. "But when one asks nicely strange things can happen."
Let Anthe talk to the Lady while I go see Lord Omnidus
"He can be a bit protective of them." I smile behind my mask. "But when one asks nicely strange things can happen."
Let Anthe talk to the Lady while I go see Lord Omnidus
>>620156
"Close your eyes now. It's all over."
And with those words, I lean forwards, enveloping the spirit's head in a warm, motherly embrace.
"Close your eyes now. It's all over."
And with those words, I lean forwards, enveloping the spirit's head in a warm, motherly embrace.
>>620157
"Good luck lord Komomene. I'll be praying for your success."
The lord is speaking to another guest elsewhere. You have no idea who said guest is.
>>620158
"How are we going to report this?"
She looks up at the moon in the sky.
"The park should be closed up very soon."
>>620159
She lays it down with a grunt in defeat.
REWARDS:
200 XP
Treasure rolls: 2M, 1L, 1G
+ 10 reputation.
+ One slide whistle which is seemingly magical
"Good luck lord Komomene. I'll be praying for your success."
The lord is speaking to another guest elsewhere. You have no idea who said guest is.
>>620158
"How are we going to report this?"
She looks up at the moon in the sky.
"The park should be closed up very soon."
>>620159
She lays it down with a grunt in defeat.
REWARDS:
200 XP
Treasure rolls: 2M, 1L, 1G
+ 10 reputation.
+ One slide whistle which is seemingly magical
>>620160
Can I at least get an idea from the dress of the other guest?
Investigate '1d20+8'
Roll #1 15 + 8 = 23
Can I at least get an idea from the dress of the other guest?
Investigate '1d20+8'
Roll #1 15 + 8 = 23
>>620160
>Treasure rolls: 2M, 1L, 1G
What does this mean?
Let go and take a step back, wondering what will happen now.
Maybe I should tell Eurydice…
>Treasure rolls: 2M, 1L, 1G
What does this mean?
Let go and take a step back, wondering what will happen now.
Maybe I should tell Eurydice…
>>620161
Yes, she's wearing a small insignia which shows you that she works for the capital's university of natural sciences. She's likely an intellectual of sorts.
>>620162
Four d20's need to be rolled to determine your treasure rolls.
Each letter stands for a category of treasure, like Coin, Loot and Magic items.
Yes, she's wearing a small insignia which shows you that she works for the capital's university of natural sciences. She's likely an intellectual of sorts.
>>620162
Four d20's need to be rolled to determine your treasure rolls.
Each letter stands for a category of treasure, like Coin, Loot and Magic items.
>>620164
>>620166
Sonja perks her ears at the mention of the name.
>>620165
Seems like the mare is droning on about one of her experiments. The lord looks bored.
>>620166
Doesn't matter. If you had the adventurer's luck feat, you'd want to be the one rolling because it gives you two treasure rolls for each category.
Since no one wants to roll, I'll roll myself to determine your treasure.
'4d20'
Roll #1 4, 7, 6, 2 = 19
>>620166
Sonja perks her ears at the mention of the name.
>>620165
Seems like the mare is droning on about one of her experiments. The lord looks bored.
>>620166
Doesn't matter. If you had the adventurer's luck feat, you'd want to be the one rolling because it gives you two treasure rolls for each category.
Since no one wants to roll, I'll roll myself to determine your treasure.
'4d20'
Roll #1 4, 7, 6, 2 = 19
>>620168
Perfect.
Bump in.
"My Lord Omnidus, I'm terribly sorry to interrupt, but might I have a moment to discuss something with you?"
Perfect.
Bump in.
"My Lord Omnidus, I'm terribly sorry to interrupt, but might I have a moment to discuss something with you?"
>>620169
'1d4' vials of blessing oil.
'1d4' vials of consecration oil.
A harmless statuette of lord Discord worth about '1d20'x10 silvers
200 silvers
And a magical sliding whistle which does… something.
This loot is free to be distributed among you guys.
>>620170
He looks at you as you address him and nods, waving off the mare.
"Excuse me, my lady Lilybaeum. We can speak more of this later."
She blinks a few times and walks off dejectedly.
Roll #1 3 = 3 / Roll #2 3 = 3 / Roll #3 15 = 15
'1d4' vials of blessing oil.
'1d4' vials of consecration oil.
A harmless statuette of lord Discord worth about '1d20'x10 silvers
200 silvers
And a magical sliding whistle which does… something.
This loot is free to be distributed among you guys.
>>620170
He looks at you as you address him and nods, waving off the mare.
"Excuse me, my lady Lilybaeum. We can speak more of this later."
She blinks a few times and walks off dejectedly.
Roll #1 3 = 3 / Roll #2 3 = 3 / Roll #3 15 = 15
>>620173
Poor thing.
"Lord Omnidus, I was hoping I could ask you for a small favor. I would like to try one of your fine bottles of red wine with my sister and one of your guests."
Poor thing.
"Lord Omnidus, I was hoping I could ask you for a small favor. I would like to try one of your fine bottles of red wine with my sister and one of your guests."
>>620178
"And why is that? Those bottles are very expensive because they're from a great year."
"And why is that? Those bottles are very expensive because they're from a great year."
>>620179
Perk up a bit, "So it is, then? I thought you did look a bit familiar, though it has been at least seven years since I've been to Agria. Right after Lord Odyris was named steward. Why so low of spirit? There is no happier place in the empire than the capital. Where are you staying – at the temple?"
Perk up a bit, "So it is, then? I thought you did look a bit familiar, though it has been at least seven years since I've been to Agria. Right after Lord Odyris was named steward. Why so low of spirit? There is no happier place in the empire than the capital. Where are you staying – at the temple?"
>>620182
"I've heard of unrest in the east, but if it was border encroachment, I would know."
>>620183
"Scholar Adrianos Hippoi of the school Scutariorum Prima, son of Aemebe. But your concerns are in line with my question – where are you staying? I am about to be off duty, though the barracks are no place for a young priestess."
"I've heard of unrest in the east, but if it was border encroachment, I would know."
>>620183
"Scholar Adrianos Hippoi of the school Scutariorum Prima, son of Aemebe. But your concerns are in line with my question – where are you staying? I am about to be off duty, though the barracks are no place for a young priestess."
>>620180
"I told our guest of your exquisite taste in red wines. As she is somewhat of a connoisseur she's anxious to see for herself."
Add after a slight pause.
"Might I add she's a Concord and would it not be beneficial to have her think even mor highly of you? And of course, I'd be in your debt as well."
Trick: Silver Tongue to -1 Wis.
Persuasion '1d20+12'
Roll #1 6 + 12 = 18
"I told our guest of your exquisite taste in red wines. As she is somewhat of a connoisseur she's anxious to see for herself."
Add after a slight pause.
"Might I add she's a Concord and would it not be beneficial to have her think even mor highly of you? And of course, I'd be in your debt as well."
Trick: Silver Tongue to -1 Wis.
Persuasion '1d20+12'
Roll #1 6 + 12 = 18
>>620188
"This very morning!"
As the danger of betrayal subsides, I will go inspect the mare's stash.
"There are some vials of holy oils. They might be useful for you too, Adrianos."
Give him one of each oil, and do the same with Mereghyl.
"Oh, and take this coin. I will bring some of it to the church tomorrow."
Give him 66s, and so do with the dragon.
Take the other 67.
And look at the statue.
"I don't like this statue…"
"This very morning!"
As the danger of betrayal subsides, I will go inspect the mare's stash.
"There are some vials of holy oils. They might be useful for you too, Adrianos."
Give him one of each oil, and do the same with Mereghyl.
"Oh, and take this coin. I will bring some of it to the church tomorrow."
Give him 66s, and so do with the dragon.
Take the other 67.
And look at the statue.
"I don't like this statue…"
For the record, the spirit is still very much alive. But also very out of it right now, too weak to even stand up.
>>620195
"If you have nowhere else to go, we can return to the barracks of the Scholae. There isn't much privacy to talk, but it's better than the park."
"If you have nowhere else to go, we can return to the barracks of the Scholae. There isn't much privacy to talk, but it's better than the park."
>>620196
"Oh no, we do have where to spend the night. I just have not been told yet.
My brother Marcus is in town with us, he is the one taking care of those things."
"Oh no, we do have where to spend the night. I just have not been told yet.
My brother Marcus is in town with us, he is the one taking care of those things."
>>620198
Look back at the defeated, fallen spirit.
"With her. There's a duty I have to accomplish, now."
Look back at the defeated, fallen spirit.
"With her. There's a duty I have to accomplish, now."
>>620199
"Then I'll come with you. Don't take this the wrong way but…"
To Mereghyl: "You move rather gracelessly for a bodyguard, without someone pointing out weak points and handling the tactics."
To both: "I'm concerned that she might get away again if I don't see this through. Not that I lack faith in you, but she CAN duplicate. It would be easy to lose track of her with just the two of you."
"Then I'll come with you. Don't take this the wrong way but…"
To Mereghyl: "You move rather gracelessly for a bodyguard, without someone pointing out weak points and handling the tactics."
To both: "I'm concerned that she might get away again if I don't see this through. Not that I lack faith in you, but she CAN duplicate. It would be easy to lose track of her with just the two of you."
>>620200
"So be it, but I will need to speak with her without it feeling like bullying.
You will not harm her unless she tries to harm us first."
"So be it, but I will need to speak with her without it feeling like bullying.
You will not harm her unless she tries to harm us first."
>>620201
"You injure me, cousin. It's dishonorable to strike an opponent while she is down. And the Scholae are nothing if not an honor guard."
Roll eyes subtly during the last sentence.
"You injure me, cousin. It's dishonorable to strike an opponent while she is down. And the Scholae are nothing if not an honor guard."
Roll eyes subtly during the last sentence.
>>620202
"Then I would be honored to have a Scholar Platini escort me."
Smile softly and bow a little as I say honored.
"Then I would be honored to have a Scholar Platini escort me."
Smile softly and bow a little as I say honored.
>>620190
Your faithful bodyguard has excluded herself from the party it seems. You find her silently looking out over the surrounding garden from the villa's terrace, perhaps taking a break from all the commotion. You see her following you from the corner of her eye as soon as you step into sight.
Your faithful bodyguard has excluded herself from the party it seems. You find her silently looking out over the surrounding garden from the villa's terrace, perhaps taking a break from all the commotion. You see her following you from the corner of her eye as soon as you step into sight.
>>620465
Stand next to her and speak a bit lower.
"Nolin is supposed to check the belongings of our dear concord, but I think he could use someone to keep an eye out for him. Like you."
Stand next to her and speak a bit lower.
"Nolin is supposed to check the belongings of our dear concord, but I think he could use someone to keep an eye out for him. Like you."
>>620468
"The perfect moment to look through those belongings, and anypony that might be looking too suspiciously at him."
"The perfect moment to look through those belongings, and anypony that might be looking too suspiciously at him."
>>620468
That is one hungry lady. Anything in particular she's liking?
'1d20+8' notice
Roll #1 14 + 8 = 22
That is one hungry lady. Anything in particular she's liking?
'1d20+8' notice
Roll #1 14 + 8 = 22
>>620471
I pull aside one of the servants.
"Excuse me, Do you have any cakes besides what's on the table?"
I pull aside one of the servants.
"Excuse me, Do you have any cakes besides what's on the table?"
>>620472
She seems to have grown bored of Anthe, as you find her sampling food from the buffet on her own. You see Anthe further on, her eyes betraying her annoyance with the concord's lack of attention.
>>620473
She bows her head slightly in respect.
"Of course, my lord. There has been plenty of food prepared for the feast in the kitchens."
She seems to have grown bored of Anthe, as you find her sampling food from the buffet on her own. You see Anthe further on, her eyes betraying her annoyance with the concord's lack of attention.
>>620473
She bows her head slightly in respect.
"Of course, my lord. There has been plenty of food prepared for the feast in the kitchens."
>>620474
"Could you bring some chocolate cake to that mare over there?" I make a subtle gesture to the concord. "Tell her its from Dalmatius."
"Could you bring some chocolate cake to that mare over there?" I make a subtle gesture to the concord. "Tell her its from Dalmatius."
>>620475
She pops a cherry in her mouth.
"That's a shame, but I'm not exactly surprised. I'm not very familiar with lord Omnidus, despite his generous invitation to this feast. I attend to many celebrations, but more often than not I do it for my work so I don't truly get to enjoy them."
You see Karabi mingling with the other guests again.
>>620476
"Of course sir."
She walks off to the kitchens.
She pops a cherry in her mouth.
"That's a shame, but I'm not exactly surprised. I'm not very familiar with lord Omnidus, despite his generous invitation to this feast. I attend to many celebrations, but more often than not I do it for my work so I don't truly get to enjoy them."
You see Karabi mingling with the other guests again.
>>620476
"Of course sir."
She walks off to the kitchens.
>>620478
A servant mare carrying a silver tray with a slice of chocolate cake on it arrives.
"My lady? Lord Dalmatius suggested you try the chocolate cake."
The concord lifts an eyebrow at you and smirks, happily accepting the piece.
"You flatter me, Dalmatius. Very cute."
A servant mare carrying a silver tray with a slice of chocolate cake on it arrives.
"My lady? Lord Dalmatius suggested you try the chocolate cake."
The concord lifts an eyebrow at you and smirks, happily accepting the piece.
"You flatter me, Dalmatius. Very cute."
>>620480
It's probably stored in the cellars, so it takes a while for the servants to get there and back.
Nio whispers something, but you can't understand whatever it is he's saying. It's silent enough that only you can hear of course.
A servant eventually does show up with the promised wine. She sets the bottle down on a nearby table along with some chalices, then does a little bow.
It's probably stored in the cellars, so it takes a while for the servants to get there and back.
Nio whispers something, but you can't understand whatever it is he's saying. It's silent enough that only you can hear of course.
A servant eventually does show up with the promised wine. She sets the bottle down on a nearby table along with some chalices, then does a little bow.
>>620481
Why did I even take him with me?
Open the bottle up and pour 2 chalices.
"What shall we toast to?"
Why did I even take him with me?
Open the bottle up and pour 2 chalices.
"What shall we toast to?"
>>620484
"As good of a reason as any!"
You toast your chalices together, after which she takes a rather reckless swig from the wine.
"As good of a reason as any!"
You toast your chalices together, after which she takes a rather reckless swig from the wine.
>>620487
"Lord Omnidus knows his wines, it seems.
Tell me, Lady Concord, you must have been in quite a few exciting missions."
"Lord Omnidus knows his wines, it seems.
Tell me, Lady Concord, you must have been in quite a few exciting missions."
>>620488
"You could say that. All of which are classified, of course. Ponies often ask these questions but they never get the answer they seek."
She takes another sip.
"You could say that. All of which are classified, of course. Ponies often ask these questions but they never get the answer they seek."
She takes another sip.
>>620489
"I don't need to know any details. But this a a question you can surely answer.
What sort of mission do you prefer? The celebrations you spoke about earlier or sneaking into a griffon fort or something else?"
"I don't need to know any details. But this a a question you can surely answer.
What sort of mission do you prefer? The celebrations you spoke about earlier or sneaking into a griffon fort or something else?"
>>620490
"Concords don't tend to do a lot of sneaking, only when we want to get close before blowing our cover. We tend to take a small team with us, hit our target hard and fast, then get out before the enemy knows what hit them. That's where my preference lies as well, overwhelming the target with swift aggressiveness."
"Concords don't tend to do a lot of sneaking, only when we want to get close before blowing our cover. We tend to take a small team with us, hit our target hard and fast, then get out before the enemy knows what hit them. That's where my preference lies as well, overwhelming the target with swift aggressiveness."
>>620497
"So you approach the concord of all ponies for fun? Many patricians would avoid me because they think they need to fear me."
"So you approach the concord of all ponies for fun? Many patricians would avoid me because they think they need to fear me."
>>620499
She chuckles and takes another drink. She's beginning to slur her words a bit.
"I think I might have misjudged you, Dalmatius. Your sister… not so much."
She chuckles and takes another drink. She's beginning to slur her words a bit.
"I think I might have misjudged you, Dalmatius. Your sister… not so much."
>>620500
I hope Anthe isn't still mad.
Take another sip as well.
"She likes the glamour and lights of the city.
I get the feeling you like other things."
I hope Anthe isn't still mad.
Take another sip as well.
"She likes the glamour and lights of the city.
I get the feeling you like other things."
>>620502
"You like the dark alleys.
The danger, the excitement, the thrill.
The mystery of not being sure what's gonna happen next or who you're gonna meet."
"You like the dark alleys.
The danger, the excitement, the thrill.
The mystery of not being sure what's gonna happen next or who you're gonna meet."
>>620503
"Well, I guess I can't deny much of that."
She's really starting to slur her words now… her attention is dropping.
"Not that I'm too reckless mind you… that'll get you killed in the long run."
"Well, I guess I can't deny much of that."
She's really starting to slur her words now… her attention is dropping.
"Not that I'm too reckless mind you… that'll get you killed in the long run."
>>620504
Pour her another glass.
"Of course not.
As a Concord you must be always on top of everything."
Pour her another glass.
"Of course not.
As a Concord you must be always on top of everything."
>>620506
Take her hoof.
"But doesn't that get tiring sometimes?
Don't you sometimes want to just…lose control? Just for a few hours?"
Take her hoof.
"But doesn't that get tiring sometimes?
Don't you sometimes want to just…lose control? Just for a few hours?"
>>620511
"There's always a place."
Do I know anything about using one of the guest rooms? If not, ask one of the servants if I can get one. Use some of my bribe money if necessary.
"There's always a place."
Do I know anything about using one of the guest rooms? If not, ask one of the servants if I can get one. Use some of my bribe money if necessary.
>>620512
You slip some money to one of the servants to ensure no one disturbs the room while you're in. You can take her to a guest room as you please.
You'll probably need to help the drunk concord up the stairs so she doesn't fall down… unless that's your goal!
You slip some money to one of the servants to ensure no one disturbs the room while you're in. You can take her to a guest room as you please.
You'll probably need to help the drunk concord up the stairs so she doesn't fall down… unless that's your goal!
>>620513
Not at all, help her upstairs.
But before we even get to the room, but already upstairs. Grab her and kissu. Tug a bit at her dress in a burst of passion.
Not at all, help her upstairs.
But before we even get to the room, but already upstairs. Grab her and kissu. Tug a bit at her dress in a burst of passion.
>>620514
She seems surprised by the sudden outburst at first, but in her weakened state she quickly melts in your hooves and returns the kiss. You tug at her toga, loosening it up somewhat. You glance down and see part of the pouch she keeps under there.
You feel Nio exiting your mane and flying out of sight as you distract her.
She seems surprised by the sudden outburst at first, but in her weakened state she quickly melts in your hooves and returns the kiss. You tug at her toga, loosening it up somewhat. You glance down and see part of the pouch she keeps under there.
You feel Nio exiting your mane and flying out of sight as you distract her.
>>620515
Is he going for her pouch?
In any case, my idea is to already strip part of her here, including her pouch, so Nolin can check the contents while we're in the room.
Do I even have to roll Prestidigation for that? I mean, I'm not hiding it, it's the burst of the moment?
Is he going for her pouch?
In any case, my idea is to already strip part of her here, including her pouch, so Nolin can check the contents while we're in the room.
Do I even have to roll Prestidigation for that? I mean, I'm not hiding it, it's the burst of the moment?
>>620516
Nope, he's heading out of sight for now.
You can try, it would be Prestidigitation vs her Notice.
>>620510
Nio comes to you and lands on your nose. Looks like he's left Marcus' side.
>>620518
>>620519
Taking the hint, you take off and sneak after the 'romantic' pair.
Her Notice is quite awful at this point. '1d20'
Roll #1 9 = 9
Nope, he's heading out of sight for now.
You can try, it would be Prestidigitation vs her Notice.
>>620510
Nio comes to you and lands on your nose. Looks like he's left Marcus' side.
>>620518
>>620519
Taking the hint, you take off and sneak after the 'romantic' pair.
Her Notice is quite awful at this point. '1d20'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>620520
Eh, I can just chalk it up to being overzealous.
Try to take of her dress and her pouch here Prestidigation '1d20+1'
Roll #1 20 + 1 = 21
Eh, I can just chalk it up to being overzealous.
Try to take of her dress and her pouch here Prestidigation '1d20+1'
Roll #1 20 + 1 = 21
>>620522
She can't even top that.
Lift her. Get in the room. And stomp the door closed.
Do I have to do an Impress roll?
She can't even top that.
Lift her. Get in the room. And stomp the door closed.
Do I have to do an Impress roll?
>>620525
Very impressive.
She's breathing heavily, you've wrapped her around your hoof!
>>620526
As simple as that. No one around to stop you!
The pouch contains some sealed letters, two rolled up pieces of parchment, a fancy dagger, a vial with paralyzing potion in it and 240 silver pieces.
There's also a beautiful toga on the floor.
Very impressive.
She's breathing heavily, you've wrapped her around your hoof!
>>620526
As simple as that. No one around to stop you!
The pouch contains some sealed letters, two rolled up pieces of parchment, a fancy dagger, a vial with paralyzing potion in it and 240 silver pieces.
There's also a beautiful toga on the floor.
>>620535
You unfurl the parchments and read them over…
In pharetra bibendum urna, sed euismod ipsum lobortis quis. Etiam vel elit dui. Quisque consectetur auctor lorem et maximus. Ut vitae diam a nisl facilisis fermentum sit amet malesuada nulla. Donec vehicula, lacus ut blandit congue, sem massa porta orci, non iaculis elit metus non lectus. Duis mollis elit in est malesuada elementum. Aliquam vestibulum mauris sit amet enim posuere venenatis. Aenean eget tempus turpis. Quisque urna quam, elementum sit amet dignissim a, blandit et dolor. Integer volutpat nisi ac ipsum viverra lobortis. Nam dignissim velit pulvinar metus posuere facilisis. Sed posuere magna sed diam aliquet consectetur. Quisque vel accumsan metus. Aenean in lectus nec libero sodales sollicitudin. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Cras sollicitudin viverra purus quis porta…
You stop reading. Damn. They're both written in some kind of code language. Figures.
You unfurl the parchments and read them over…
In pharetra bibendum urna, sed euismod ipsum lobortis quis. Etiam vel elit dui. Quisque consectetur auctor lorem et maximus. Ut vitae diam a nisl facilisis fermentum sit amet malesuada nulla. Donec vehicula, lacus ut blandit congue, sem massa porta orci, non iaculis elit metus non lectus. Duis mollis elit in est malesuada elementum. Aliquam vestibulum mauris sit amet enim posuere venenatis. Aenean eget tempus turpis. Quisque urna quam, elementum sit amet dignissim a, blandit et dolor. Integer volutpat nisi ac ipsum viverra lobortis. Nam dignissim velit pulvinar metus posuere facilisis. Sed posuere magna sed diam aliquet consectetur. Quisque vel accumsan metus. Aenean in lectus nec libero sodales sollicitudin. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Cras sollicitudin viverra purus quis porta…
You stop reading. Damn. They're both written in some kind of code language. Figures.
>>620536
That's exactly what I'm supposed to steal. pocket those..
Pocket the letters and half her money too so it just looks like she was robbed..
That's exactly what I'm supposed to steal. pocket those..
Pocket the letters and half her money too so it just looks like she was robbed..
>>620538
Alright. I'll tell nio a thumbs up sign to pass on to marcus and head over to the inn?
Alright. I'll tell nio a thumbs up sign to pass on to marcus and head over to the inn?
Flavia
You kneel down, holding the cube for a prayer to the mother. You feel the runes engraved in the wood, lighting up as if responding to your prayers. You feel yourself slipping away again, opening your eyes to find yourself back in Eurydice’s grove together with the defeated spirit. It appears the dryad was expecting your arrival once again, as she stands ready before you. Her eyes glow green as she commands the forces of nature to entangle the chaos spirit with thick vines.
“Thalia. Or should I say… Surprise?”
The spirit opens her tired eyes, then widens them as she sees the dryad. “Eurydice! Um… long time no see!”
You kneel down, holding the cube for a prayer to the mother. You feel the runes engraved in the wood, lighting up as if responding to your prayers. You feel yourself slipping away again, opening your eyes to find yourself back in Eurydice’s grove together with the defeated spirit. It appears the dryad was expecting your arrival once again, as she stands ready before you. Her eyes glow green as she commands the forces of nature to entangle the chaos spirit with thick vines.
“Thalia. Or should I say… Surprise?”
The spirit opens her tired eyes, then widens them as she sees the dryad. “Eurydice! Um… long time no see!”
>>620780
Eurydice doesn’t seem to be expressing any particular emotions as she confronts the spirit. “Yes… last time we encountered one another, you brought ruin to this place and fled the scene afterwards.”
“It was just… one tree! … Okay, two trees, but the second one didn’t really count!”
“You grew two Neighponese redwood trees on top of one another right where we stand. They only brought rampant destruction to the other plants, your intent was quite clear.”
“It was just a praaaaank! Everyone loved it, I thought you’d find it funny!”
Eurydice closes her eyes and lets out a soft sigh, staying calm.
Eurydice doesn’t seem to be expressing any particular emotions as she confronts the spirit. “Yes… last time we encountered one another, you brought ruin to this place and fled the scene afterwards.”
“It was just… one tree! … Okay, two trees, but the second one didn’t really count!”
“You grew two Neighponese redwood trees on top of one another right where we stand. They only brought rampant destruction to the other plants, your intent was quite clear.”
“It was just a praaaaank! Everyone loved it, I thought you’d find it funny!”
Eurydice closes her eyes and lets out a soft sigh, staying calm.
>>620784
The dryad looks at you.
“Flavia, you’ve done admirably in apprehending Thalia. Even in their weakened states, spirits such as her can be extremely dangerous and tricky to take down.
How are you feeling right now?”
The dryad looks at you.
“Flavia, you’ve done admirably in apprehending Thalia. Even in their weakened states, spirits such as her can be extremely dangerous and tricky to take down.
How are you feeling right now?”
>>620789
Taken slightly aback by then question, blink in surprise.
"I'm feeling… Great! Just knowing I helped Mother is an incredible feeling!
And I didn't have to do it alone, I had help!"
Taken slightly aback by then question, blink in surprise.
"I'm feeling… Great! Just knowing I helped Mother is an incredible feeling!
And I didn't have to do it alone, I had help!"
>>620797
She walks towards her tree and reaches into the foliage with a hoof. As she retracts her hoof you see she's carrying two delicious looking apples. She offers one of them to you.
"You may not be hungry… but it important to remember that even when you do not feel hungry, you may still enjoy the mother's fruits."
She takes a bite out of the apple, some juice flowing out of it onto the grass.
"When was the last time you hungered, Flavia?"
She walks towards her tree and reaches into the foliage with a hoof. As she retracts her hoof you see she's carrying two delicious looking apples. She offers one of them to you.
"You may not be hungry… but it important to remember that even when you do not feel hungry, you may still enjoy the mother's fruits."
She takes a bite out of the apple, some juice flowing out of it onto the grass.
"When was the last time you hungered, Flavia?"
>>620799
Look at the apple with strange curiosity, as if I'd never seen an apple before.
"I can't remember. I've always been well cared for by my family, hunger has never been on my mind…"
Then, take a bite.
Look at the apple with strange curiosity, as if I'd never seen an apple before.
"I can't remember. I've always been well cared for by my family, hunger has never been on my mind…"
Then, take a bite.
>>620804
There's an explosion of taste in your mouth as the apple juice touches your tongue. This is the best damn apple you ever had!
"In more ways than one, starvation will never be a problem to you."
There's an explosion of taste in your mouth as the apple juice touches your tongue. This is the best damn apple you ever had!
"In more ways than one, starvation will never be a problem to you."
>>620806
The one thing I was ready for. Keep a calm, albeit visibly esthatic face as I use the best of my manners to finish the apple properly.
"I'm not sure I follow, Eurydice."
The one thing I was ready for. Keep a calm, albeit visibly esthatic face as I use the best of my manners to finish the apple properly.
"I'm not sure I follow, Eurydice."
>>620810
"You've changed, Flavia. You are no longer the normal pony you once were. The Mother has bestowed upon you an extraordinary divine gift."
"You've changed, Flavia. You are no longer the normal pony you once were. The Mother has bestowed upon you an extraordinary divine gift."
>>620814
Freeze where I stand, looking at Eurydice with worried, still eyes as my breath becomes quicker, and I try with all of myself to open my mouth and ask-
"What?"
Freeze where I stand, looking at Eurydice with worried, still eyes as my breath becomes quicker, and I try with all of myself to open my mouth and ask-
"What?"
>>620816
She gives you an expressionless look.
"Immortality… to a degree. You are incapable of growing hungry anymore and your physical aging process has ceased entirely. If your life should end, you will not truly die. You will instead be banished from the plane of existence you were born in… until somepony can bring you back."
She gives you an expressionless look.
"Immortality… to a degree. You are incapable of growing hungry anymore and your physical aging process has ceased entirely. If your life should end, you will not truly die. You will instead be banished from the plane of existence you were born in… until somepony can bring you back."
>>620824
Drop what little is left of the apple to the ground, staring in disbelief at Eurydice.
Drop what little is left of the apple to the ground, staring in disbelief at Eurydice.
>>620828
"I understand this must be quite hard to fathom for a mortal. In theory, you will live forever."
"I understand this must be quite hard to fathom for a mortal. In theory, you will live forever."
>>620833
"But…"
Drop to my knees, looking at the ground in disbelief and shock.
"Surely there must be others more worthy…
I-"
Choke back tears, lost in my own thoughts, before whispering almost to myself, as a mantra to calm down, these simple words.
"-Mother's plan is mysteryous."
Look up at Eurydice with teary eyes.
"Isn't that so?"
"But…"
Drop to my knees, looking at the ground in disbelief and shock.
"Surely there must be others more worthy…
I-"
Choke back tears, lost in my own thoughts, before whispering almost to myself, as a mantra to calm down, these simple words.
"-Mother's plan is mysteryous."
Look up at Eurydice with teary eyes.
"Isn't that so?"
>>620836
She comes closer and gently pets your mane with a hoof.
"I have chosen you, Flavia. And when I did, the Mother trusted my judgement, thus cementing your fate."
She comes closer and gently pets your mane with a hoof.
"I have chosen you, Flavia. And when I did, the Mother trusted my judgement, thus cementing your fate."
>>620838
Those pets feel so nice…
Calm down and smile before the spirit, letting out a happy, relaxed sigh as I wipe my eyes.
"Can we go for that walk of your domains now, Eurydice?"
Those pets feel so nice…
Calm down and smile before the spirit, letting out a happy, relaxed sigh as I wipe my eyes.
"Can we go for that walk of your domains now, Eurydice?"
>>620840
Ask that in a soft, almost smiling tone, as if trying to take my mind off what just happened.
Ask that in a soft, almost smiling tone, as if trying to take my mind off what just happened.
>>620840
>>620842
She looks back at the entangled spirit still in your presence.
"Before we do that… Thalia here is only one of many chaos spirits. I only managed to sense where she was because she was too weak to properly hide herself whilst in a holy place. It is important to know whether or not she was acting alone.”
>>620842
She looks back at the entangled spirit still in your presence.
"Before we do that… Thalia here is only one of many chaos spirits. I only managed to sense where she was because she was too weak to properly hide herself whilst in a holy place. It is important to know whether or not she was acting alone.”
>>620851
Eurydice looks at the spirit again.
“Where are the others, Thalia? What are the other spirits of Discord doing? What are you planning?”
The spirit cocks her head sideways. “How am I supposed to know? It’s been ages since I last saw any of the others! Itzlzi was back in Prance two decades ago… I uh… I think Anarchy was in Pursia last century? As for Strife, he might not even be in this world for all I know. I have no idea where Eris is, she’s too fast even for me!”
Eurydice looks at the spirit again.
“Where are the others, Thalia? What are the other spirits of Discord doing? What are you planning?”
The spirit cocks her head sideways. “How am I supposed to know? It’s been ages since I last saw any of the others! Itzlzi was back in Prance two decades ago… I uh… I think Anarchy was in Pursia last century? As for Strife, he might not even be in this world for all I know. I have no idea where Eris is, she’s too fast even for me!”
>>620858
"Hmmm… Hunting down chaos spirits is no easy task Flavia, they're tricky as you can imagine. They may not even be involved… Servants of Discord tend to not really work together all that well. They are too selfish."
"Hmmm… Hunting down chaos spirits is no easy task Flavia, they're tricky as you can imagine. They may not even be involved… Servants of Discord tend to not really work together all that well. They are too selfish."
>>620932
"No. But either way, you still have much to learn, so you will need to take one step at a time. Though with what you've show me today, I am confident that you will grow into a force to be reckoned with for those who seek to undermine the Mother. I have full confidence in you."
"No. But either way, you still have much to learn, so you will need to take one step at a time. Though with what you've show me today, I am confident that you will grow into a force to be reckoned with for those who seek to undermine the Mother. I have full confidence in you."
>>620933
Bow to the dryad.
"I will not rest until my mission is seen through, Eurydice."
Turn, looking at Surprise for a moment.
"What will be of her?"
Bow to the dryad.
"I will not rest until my mission is seen through, Eurydice."
Turn, looking at Surprise for a moment.
"What will be of her?"
>>620934
"Like you, she cannot die, only banished from the world she resides in. I could keep her here and make her sit out her punishment. She is a Discordian no more, her belief in the lord of Chaos has shattered. It is at times like these that one can undergo a shift of faiths. Her crisis of faith may serve her good, perhaps she could even become an ally against the defilers of nature.
Alternatively… if you feel up to the task, you could keep her in your world to try and forge a bond with her. If she sees the error of her ways, perhaps she'll be inclined to help you."
"Like you, she cannot die, only banished from the world she resides in. I could keep her here and make her sit out her punishment. She is a Discordian no more, her belief in the lord of Chaos has shattered. It is at times like these that one can undergo a shift of faiths. Her crisis of faith may serve her good, perhaps she could even become an ally against the defilers of nature.
Alternatively… if you feel up to the task, you could keep her in your world to try and forge a bond with her. If she sees the error of her ways, perhaps she'll be inclined to help you."
>>620935
Shake my head gravely.
"I would not be able to care for her, guiding her and teaching her the ways of the mother…
My own knowledge of the Mystery is so faint still!"
Shake my head gravely.
"I would not be able to care for her, guiding her and teaching her the ways of the mother…
My own knowledge of the Mystery is so faint still!"
>>620937
Stare up, at the sky. What does it look like?
"Is all of your Domain like this? An endless groove?"
Stare up, at the sky. What does it look like?
"Is all of your Domain like this? An endless groove?"
>>620938
It's a starry night out! Thousands of stars are dotting the sky while the Moon keeps a watchful eye out while the world is plunged in darkness. Just like back home, really.
"It is not endless, but most of it is very much like this area. A deep, sprawling forest filled with critters and plantlife of all sizes."
It's a starry night out! Thousands of stars are dotting the sky while the Moon keeps a watchful eye out while the world is plunged in darkness. Just like back home, really.
"It is not endless, but most of it is very much like this area. A deep, sprawling forest filled with critters and plantlife of all sizes."
>>620939
"Are there even plants and animals I could never find in Trotantium? Or plants and animals which are long gone from Mother's world itself?"
"Are there even plants and animals I could never find in Trotantium? Or plants and animals which are long gone from Mother's world itself?"
>>620940
"You'll find some creatures and other forms of life here which most mortals can only dream of seeing in their lifetimes. Even so, I like to keep my domain as natural as possible. When Surprise was so reckless to grow Neighponese Redwood trees in this grove, I had to remove them to prevent the natural balance from being disturbed."
"You'll find some creatures and other forms of life here which most mortals can only dream of seeing in their lifetimes. Even so, I like to keep my domain as natural as possible. When Surprise was so reckless to grow Neighponese Redwood trees in this grove, I had to remove them to prevent the natural balance from being disturbed."
>>620941
Kno-check to understand why those trees would be bad.
'1d20+3'
Does the alignment give me any bonus?
Roll #1 18 + 3 = 21
Kno-check to understand why those trees would be bad.
'1d20+3'
Does the alignment give me any bonus?
Roll #1 18 + 3 = 21
>>620942
I think it's only fair if it would.
This is an established ecosystem. You know for a fact that introducing new species of plants or animals can be very harmful in some cases. You're not entirely sure, but you believe Redwood trees are among the tallest and largest trees in existence. Their presence would likely cast a huge shadow on the surrounding plantlife and diminish their exposure to the sun. Trees can only grow as far as they can sustain themselves, they could never outgrow a redwood tree.
I think it's only fair if it would.
This is an established ecosystem. You know for a fact that introducing new species of plants or animals can be very harmful in some cases. You're not entirely sure, but you believe Redwood trees are among the tallest and largest trees in existence. Their presence would likely cast a huge shadow on the surrounding plantlife and diminish their exposure to the sun. Trees can only grow as far as they can sustain themselves, they could never outgrow a redwood tree.
>>620944
She grimaces.
"It was… horrific. The roots of the second tree were entangled into the canopy of the first. It took me a long time to clean up. These were fully grown redwoods, so they reach very high."
She grimaces.
"It was… horrific. The roots of the second tree were entangled into the canopy of the first. It took me a long time to clean up. These were fully grown redwoods, so they reach very high."
>>620945
Nod slowly.
"There were images in my books…"
Shudder at the thought.
"I'm glad the place recovered."
Smile.
Nod slowly.
"There were images in my books…"
Shudder at the thought.
"I'm glad the place recovered."
Smile.
>>620946
"While it was a real annoyance, the grove was never really under threat. She had the decency not to plant them near my soul tree."
"While it was a real annoyance, the grove was never really under threat. She had the decency not to plant them near my soul tree."
>>620948
She nods slowly.
"I am a dryad, Flavia. Dryads are spirits of the trees, born from ancient oak trees."
She nods slowly.
"I am a dryad, Flavia. Dryads are spirits of the trees, born from ancient oak trees."
>>620949
"And if that tree had fell ill.."
Gasp, but after recovering from the initial shock cover my muzzle with a hoof, and let out a little amused chuckle.
"See, Thalia isn't so bad after all."
"And if that tree had fell ill.."
Gasp, but after recovering from the initial shock cover my muzzle with a hoof, and let out a little amused chuckle.
"See, Thalia isn't so bad after all."
>>620951
"Perhaps.
Perhaps one day I might have the trust in myself needed to show her the beauty of Mother's world.
Perhaps… I should not have turned down your offer in the first place.
Eurydice!"
Stare off with burning determination in my eyes.
"I will help Thalia become a force for good. You can entrust her to me."
"Perhaps.
Perhaps one day I might have the trust in myself needed to show her the beauty of Mother's world.
Perhaps… I should not have turned down your offer in the first place.
Eurydice!"
Stare off with burning determination in my eyes.
"I will help Thalia become a force for good. You can entrust her to me."
>>620952
She looks back at you, then at Thalia who still lies entangled further away.
"… Very well, Flavia. I trust in your abilities, so I will bring Surprise under your guardianship. Without the powers lord Discord bestowed upon her, she'll have no way of hiding or running from my eyes."
She looks back at you, then at Thalia who still lies entangled further away.
"… Very well, Flavia. I trust in your abilities, so I will bring Surprise under your guardianship. Without the powers lord Discord bestowed upon her, she'll have no way of hiding or running from my eyes."
>>620954
"… Of course. Just beware, while she may have lost her faith in Discordianship, she's still very… frivolous."
"… Of course. Just beware, while she may have lost her faith in Discordianship, she's still very… frivolous."
>>620955
Wave away, as if to reassure her.
"Anthe prepared me for this day!"
Step beside Surprise and pat her on the head.
"We are going to be together now, aren't you happy?"
Wave away, as if to reassure her.
"Anthe prepared me for this day!"
Step beside Surprise and pat her on the head.
"We are going to be together now, aren't you happy?"
>>620956
She's unconscious.
Eurydice scrunches innocently, her eyes glowing green again as the vines entangling the fallen spirit begin the slip away.
"She will be fine. Even her lively mind must be exhausted right now."
She's unconscious.
Eurydice scrunches innocently, her eyes glowing green again as the vines entangling the fallen spirit begin the slip away.
"She will be fine. Even her lively mind must be exhausted right now."
>>620957
"Guess I'd better take her to a bed, and have some warm tea ready by her side."
Then, awkwardly shuffle over to the dryad, fidgeting as I look at the ground.
"W-well, thanks for showing me here."
"Guess I'd better take her to a bed, and have some warm tea ready by her side."
Then, awkwardly shuffle over to the dryad, fidgeting as I look at the ground.
"W-well, thanks for showing me here."
>>620959
Shake my head.
"No way!" yelp out in my high pitched voice.
"The future doesn't worry me, because it's all Mother's plan!"
But a mere second later, my smile will fade, giving in to a tiny frown of worry.
"I just… didn't know how to thank you properly.
For showing me this place.
For trusting me.
It makes me nervous!"
Shake my head.
"No way!" yelp out in my high pitched voice.
"The future doesn't worry me, because it's all Mother's plan!"
But a mere second later, my smile will fade, giving in to a tiny frown of worry.
"I just… didn't know how to thank you properly.
For showing me this place.
For trusting me.
It makes me nervous!"
>>620960
"There is no need to worry, Flavia. This gift was given to you for a reason. You are destined to do great things as your faith grows stronger still. You must simply embrace it, for the Mother's plan is unknown even to me."
"There is no need to worry, Flavia. This gift was given to you for a reason. You are destined to do great things as your faith grows stronger still. You must simply embrace it, for the Mother's plan is unknown even to me."
>>620961
Tiptoe around for a moment, visibly fighting my urges… Before giving in and squealing in excitement, hugging Eurydice tight.
"Thankyouthankyouthankyou!"
Shout out in quick succession before letting go again, jumping back with an ecstatic smile on my face.
"See you soon, Eurydice!"
Tiptoe around for a moment, visibly fighting my urges… Before giving in and squealing in excitement, hugging Eurydice tight.
"Thankyouthankyouthankyou!"
Shout out in quick succession before letting go again, jumping back with an ecstatic smile on my face.
"See you soon, Eurydice!"
>>620962
You hug the dryad very quickly, then jump back again. She smells of forest…
Eurydice smiles and your vision begins to darken.
"Goodbye, Flavia."
PAUSE
You hug the dryad very quickly, then jump back again. She smells of forest…
Eurydice smiles and your vision begins to darken.
"Goodbye, Flavia."
PAUSE