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Rise and shine, it's a fresh new day! The sun is out and shining, having already dispersed the usual morning fog. Today is Jurideis, or Judge's day, the first day of the week. After yesterday's shenanigans, you decided to stay at the Oily Olive inn with Marcus graciously paying for your lodgings and food. You're well rested and fed now (For 8 hours).
You should probably go report your findings to Victus, who is still staying at this inn with Nio.
After her traditional morning fight with her brother Niphon, Anthe has found her plebeian breakfast to be quite subpar and unfit for a lady, opting to only eat half of it. Thalia stretches one of her hooves out and nabs the plate as Anthe pushes it away from her.
"Yum!"
One short eating frenzy later, the food is all gone.
Anthe appears to be displeased. "Who is this anyway?"
Mereghyl, too, gets breakfast. A large bowl of meat brought to him outside by two servants. Niphon joins him outside shortly after, wanting some distance between him and his older sister.
"So what happened yesterday anyway?"
You should probably go report your findings to Victus, who is still staying at this inn with Nio.
After her traditional morning fight with her brother Niphon, Anthe has found her plebeian breakfast to be quite subpar and unfit for a lady, opting to only eat half of it. Thalia stretches one of her hooves out and nabs the plate as Anthe pushes it away from her.
"Yum!"
One short eating frenzy later, the food is all gone.
Anthe appears to be displeased. "Who is this anyway?"
Mereghyl, too, gets breakfast. A large bowl of meat brought to him outside by two servants. Niphon joins him outside shortly after, wanting some distance between him and his older sister.
"So what happened yesterday anyway?"
>>621297
"Yes, tell us, how was the party?"
Cut in while sipping on my tea, trying to divert the attention.
"Yes, tell us, how was the party?"
Cut in while sipping on my tea, trying to divert the attention.
>>621299
Smile brightly.
"That's so nice.
Mereghyl and I ran into our cousin Adrianos, he is in the Scholares!"
Smile brightly.
"That's so nice.
Mereghyl and I ran into our cousin Adrianos, he is in the Scholares!"
>>621303
"Really? Did you tell him about our little predicament?"
Am I supposed to know what the Scholares is?
"Really? Did you tell him about our little predicament?"
Am I supposed to know what the Scholares is?
>>621304
Yep. Honor guards of the capital.
"I did tell him things were not all right, but with how much happened last night it'd have been quite the stress to tell him!
Rather, I told we'd meet again today."
Yep. Honor guards of the capital.
"I did tell him things were not all right, but with how much happened last night it'd have been quite the stress to tell him!
Rather, I told we'd meet again today."
>>621308
"I went to the Basilica, and met Thalia there! Oh she's from the church!
There are just so many things me and her have to learn together, now!"
Bump Thalia's shoulder in a -we gonna have fun- kinda way.
"I went to the Basilica, and met Thalia there! Oh she's from the church!
There are just so many things me and her have to learn together, now!"
Bump Thalia's shoulder in a -we gonna have fun- kinda way.
>>621297
"I'mh Suhpraish!" The mare exclaims to Anthe with her mouth still full, bits of food spilling out. "You werenh going ta eath theat, huh?"
Anthe looks disgusted and shuffles her chair a bit further away from the pegasus.
>>621308
With an audible gulp, she swallows her food.
"Don't you remember me, silly? We met back in Peneia at that super fun party! I remember like it was just a few days ago. … I guess it kind of was in a way!"
>>621314
He grin widens further.
"To-o-otally will!"
"I'mh Suhpraish!" The mare exclaims to Anthe with her mouth still full, bits of food spilling out. "You werenh going ta eath theat, huh?"
Anthe looks disgusted and shuffles her chair a bit further away from the pegasus.
>>621308
With an audible gulp, she swallows her food.
"Don't you remember me, silly? We met back in Peneia at that super fun party! I remember like it was just a few days ago. … I guess it kind of was in a way!"
>>621314
He grin widens further.
"To-o-otally will!"
>>621320
She digs around in her pockets and takes out a piece of parchment.
CHURCH OF AER MEMBERSHIP PASS
Name: Thalia
Function: High Priestess
District: Thema Anadolus
Ref. Number: DCCCXC
"Totally says so on here!"
>>621321
"Well she has no manners. Don't they teach any form of etiquette during clerical education?"
>>621322
"A divine mission? Since when does Flavia do missions?"
She digs around in her pockets and takes out a piece of parchment.
CHURCH OF AER MEMBERSHIP PASS
Name: Thalia
Function: High Priestess
District: Thema Anadolus
Ref. Number: DCCCXC
"Totally says so on here!"
>>621321
"Well she has no manners. Don't they teach any form of etiquette during clerical education?"
>>621322
"A divine mission? Since when does Flavia do missions?"
>>621324
"Since yesterday, apparently. Has she not shared her enthusiasm concerning religion with you before?"
"Since yesterday, apparently. Has she not shared her enthusiasm concerning religion with you before?"
>>621325
"Oh yeah, you're going to find this funny! I totally thought I wasn't going to run into Flavia until several months from now, but I mixed up the Grogarian and Lavinian calenders so my calculations were really off!"
She laughs. You're not sure what she means.
>>621326
"Of course she has, she's a real young talent. You know I care a lot about her and Livia. But who even gave her a mission? And when? She's still inexperienced as a priestess."
"Oh yeah, you're going to find this funny! I totally thought I wasn't going to run into Flavia until several months from now, but I mixed up the Grogarian and Lavinian calenders so my calculations were really off!"
She laughs. You're not sure what she means.
>>621326
"Of course she has, she's a real young talent. You know I care a lot about her and Livia. But who even gave her a mission? And when? She's still inexperienced as a priestess."
>>621327
"A divine entity, I presume. She has not disclosed much of the details, and I have not asked. I was more focused on how best I can help her."
"A divine entity, I presume. She has not disclosed much of the details, and I have not asked. I was more focused on how best I can help her."
>>621333
"I helped her fly. I also helped her in combat. I suppose you could say it was dangerous, yes."
"I helped her fly. I also helped her in combat. I suppose you could say it was dangerous, yes."
This inn is the place? Well, I suppose I lose nothing by trying. It does seem a little public, but less so than the barracks.
Give three short, controlled knocks on the door. Firm, but clear.
Give three short, controlled knocks on the door. Firm, but clear.
>>621352
Mereghyl the dragon is eating outside along with another stallion you vaguely recognize.
The door to the inn is open, you see your family sitting around a table eating their breakfast.
Mereghyl the dragon is eating outside along with another stallion you vaguely recognize.
The door to the inn is open, you see your family sitting around a table eating their breakfast.
>>621362
Nod.
"It would seem the Church is more forgiving than the Empress in its justice. It is good to see you again, Flavia - and Thalia. I hope this morning meets you well."
>>621363
Bag my helm and accept the hoof, but pull in and convert it into a hug.
"It has been years, cousin – too many. The capital may be the city of world's desire, but it lacks the charm of the east."
Nod.
"It would seem the Church is more forgiving than the Empress in its justice. It is good to see you again, Flavia - and Thalia. I hope this morning meets you well."
>>621363
Bag my helm and accept the hoof, but pull in and convert it into a hug.
"It has been years, cousin – too many. The capital may be the city of world's desire, but it lacks the charm of the east."
>>621361
He lowers his voice.
"Mereghyl, I don't think you quite understand how powerful a spirit is supposed to be. They're physical manifestations of certain notions or ideals. You'd need a lot of divine help taking one of those bastards down. How did you do it?"
>>621360
Your quarry from yesterday evening is here too. She waves at your cheerfully.
"Helloooo!"
He lowers his voice.
"Mereghyl, I don't think you quite understand how powerful a spirit is supposed to be. They're physical manifestations of certain notions or ideals. You'd need a lot of divine help taking one of those bastards down. How did you do it?"
>>621360
Your quarry from yesterday evening is here too. She waves at your cheerfully.
"Helloooo!"
>>621367
Shake my head.
"It was not me, it was Flavia. She cleansed the spirit, as far as I understand. Or freed it."
Shake my head.
"It was not me, it was Flavia. She cleansed the spirit, as far as I understand. Or freed it."
>>621371
"I had heard there was unrest in the east, but nothing specific. I assume it's internal, or otherwise there would be rioting – border encroachment is always greeted cheerfully by the warhawks in the capital. Flavia hinted at the need for discretion last night, and I can put two and two together. Where is the Lord Steward now?"
"I had heard there was unrest in the east, but nothing specific. I assume it's internal, or otherwise there would be rioting – border encroachment is always greeted cheerfully by the warhawks in the capital. Flavia hinted at the need for discretion last night, and I can put two and two together. Where is the Lord Steward now?"
>>621374
"We assume he is imprisoned in the capital of Agria. But we honestly do not know."
"We assume he is imprisoned in the capital of Agria. But we honestly do not know."
>>621379
"It's big. The brothers of the current Doux have unlawfully taken her place. They have allies in Thema Andolus…and within the Concords as well."
"It's big. The brothers of the current Doux have unlawfully taken her place. They have allies in Thema Andolus…and within the Concords as well."
>>621389
"Not all of them of course.
But they have somepony who conspires with them. At least we believe so."
"Not all of them of course.
But they have somepony who conspires with them. At least we believe so."
>>621395
"I'm afraid that line got severed when we had to flee our house to escape the thugs the new Doux had sent after us."
"I'm afraid that line got severed when we had to flee our house to escape the thugs the new Doux had sent after us."
>>621396
Chuckle good-naturedly: "The Empress hasn't been assassinated, has she? Job well done. However, let's save such levity for later, if you wouldn't mind. I need to know about the situation in Agria."
Indicate my conversation with Marcus with a hoof.
>>621398
"But why? It doesn't add up. What about the other administrators. Surely the Doux had a full council of administrators, and each of them families. Have they all been imprisoned or run out?"
Chuckle good-naturedly: "The Empress hasn't been assassinated, has she? Job well done. However, let's save such levity for later, if you wouldn't mind. I need to know about the situation in Agria."
Indicate my conversation with Marcus with a hoof.
>>621398
"But why? It doesn't add up. What about the other administrators. Surely the Doux had a full council of administrators, and each of them families. Have they all been imprisoned or run out?"
>>621401
"You think we had time to figure all that out? We have just got here. The only friends we seem to have left are here and in Saddlonica. I need information."
"You think we had time to figure all that out? We have just got here. The only friends we seem to have left are here and in Saddlonica. I need information."
>>621405
"Yes, but at least you can increase your chances by being more careful. Do I really need to spell that out? Can you imagine how father would react if something happened to Flavia?"
"Yes, but at least you can increase your chances by being more careful. Do I really need to spell that out? Can you imagine how father would react if something happened to Flavia?"
>>621402
>>621403
"Right, right. I keep forgetting you've only just arrived. It's amazing to hear the matter is so fresh. I guess it would have to be, though… The Scholae obviously won't get involved, and I hardly have the ear of the Empress, but maybe there's another way I can help. I still think a diplomatic intercession may not be out of the question – I can write, not that my name carries much weight – but you'll need someone to organize your personal guard better if ponies are after you. Do you fight?"
>>621403
"Right, right. I keep forgetting you've only just arrived. It's amazing to hear the matter is so fresh. I guess it would have to be, though… The Scholae obviously won't get involved, and I hardly have the ear of the Empress, but maybe there's another way I can help. I still think a diplomatic intercession may not be out of the question – I can write, not that my name carries much weight – but you'll need someone to organize your personal guard better if ponies are after you. Do you fight?"
>>621414
"If that's the case, you need to learn how to hold a weapon – battle tactics, planning, maneuvering, footwork. Not because you'll be on the front lines, but as a matter of self-defense. I've never met a recruit I couldn't teach."
"If that's the case, you need to learn how to hold a weapon – battle tactics, planning, maneuvering, footwork. Not because you'll be on the front lines, but as a matter of self-defense. I've never met a recruit I couldn't teach."
>>621409
"And it can save your life. Just… next time she tries to do something like this, make sure she tells all of us about it first."
>>621410
Anthe shakes her head.
"I'm not a fighter. But we've been fighting in a different way, trying to find proof of father's innocence."
>>621415
The pegasus kicks her chair back and flutters backwards over to you.
"Have fun with your… stuff, guys!"
"And it can save your life. Just… next time she tries to do something like this, make sure she tells all of us about it first."
>>621410
Anthe shakes her head.
"I'm not a fighter. But we've been fighting in a different way, trying to find proof of father's innocence."
>>621415
The pegasus kicks her chair back and flutters backwards over to you.
"Have fun with your… stuff, guys!"
>>621418
Sit down and lock my room's door behind us.
"Thalia, was true what you said? About meeting my brother before?"
Sit down and lock my room's door behind us.
"Thalia, was true what you said? About meeting my brother before?"
>>621417
"I appreciate the offer, Adrianos. But I'm afraid I don't have the time to spare here in Cloptantinople. Once our business here is done we should make for our mother in Saddlonica."
"I appreciate the offer, Adrianos. But I'm afraid I don't have the time to spare here in Cloptantinople. Once our business here is done we should make for our mother in Saddlonica."
>>621418
"She asked me not to. She will not blossom if you always shelter her from the sun."
"She asked me not to. She will not blossom if you always shelter her from the sun."
>>621420
"Hm? Oh yeah it was! Back in Peneios when I attended this super fun party the doux was throwing! That was last year. Your brother actually messed with my plans to prank the doux and her suitor there, I felt so silly after that."
>>621422
"These are different times, we need to be more careful than ever with each other. We can't afford to have anypony get hurt."
"Hm? Oh yeah it was! Back in Peneios when I attended this super fun party the doux was throwing! That was last year. Your brother actually messed with my plans to prank the doux and her suitor there, I felt so silly after that."
>>621422
"These are different times, we need to be more careful than ever with each other. We can't afford to have anypony get hurt."
>>621426
"I know, and so does she. That is why she asked me. She trusted that I could keep her safe. I will always do everything within my power to keep all of you safe."
"I know, and so does she. That is why she asked me. She trusted that I could keep her safe. I will always do everything within my power to keep all of you safe."
>>621426
Chuckle.
"It must run in the family.
Now. Let's go over your past, should we?
Tell me about the last few months."
Chuckle.
"It must run in the family.
Now. Let's go over your past, should we?
Tell me about the last few months."
>>621424
"I don't believe we can stay here for too long. Especially after recent events."
Motion him closer.
"We have stolen something from a Concord that might prove her involvement in this whole intrigue."
"I don't believe we can stay here for too long. Especially after recent events."
Motion him closer.
"We have stolen something from a Concord that might prove her involvement in this whole intrigue."
>>621430
Qt ponoe
"What happened before I found you? How did you begin to finally perceive Mother's mystery?"
Look all excited and happy about the question.
Qt ponoe
"What happened before I found you? How did you begin to finally perceive Mother's mystery?"
Look all excited and happy about the question.
>>621429
"I see… That is a good reason to get away. I can speak with the domestikos over my unit. I'll come with you – I can get time away."
"I see… That is a good reason to get away. I can speak with the domestikos over my unit. I'll come with you – I can get time away."
>>621431
He's looking at the water, at the sun reflecting off of it.
"I don't want any unnecessary crazy heroics from you. We need you with us."
>>621432
"Weeeeell… I dunno if Natura is really my style… but I actually liked pretending to be a priestess of Aer. I guess I can't help but admit I liked it more than serving Discord. He's a funny guy, don't get me wrong, but his pranks are just harsh at times! Not even pranks at all really!"
He's looking at the water, at the sun reflecting off of it.
"I don't want any unnecessary crazy heroics from you. We need you with us."
>>621432
"Weeeeell… I dunno if Natura is really my style… but I actually liked pretending to be a priestess of Aer. I guess I can't help but admit I liked it more than serving Discord. He's a funny guy, don't get me wrong, but his pranks are just harsh at times! Not even pranks at all really!"
>>621434
"This isn't a matter of preserving the status quo – it's a matter of changing the course of history. Of course I'll help you, cousin."
"This isn't a matter of preserving the status quo – it's a matter of changing the course of history. Of course I'll help you, cousin."
>>621436
Gasp, and with intensity! Cover my mouth post-haste, hiding the gaping jaw from Surprise's gaze, as my own eyes begin to water.
Then, slowly, reach with a hoof towards Thalia…
And pull her in a huge hug!
"This is so amazing! You found joy in helping! You had a call!"
Gasp, and with intensity! Cover my mouth post-haste, hiding the gaping jaw from Surprise's gaze, as my own eyes begin to water.
Then, slowly, reach with a hoof towards Thalia…
And pull her in a huge hug!
"This is so amazing! You found joy in helping! You had a call!"
>>621444
"Soon. I need to do one final thing first.
I need to show these papers to a friend of ours. Would you like to join me?"
"Soon. I need to do one final thing first.
I need to show these papers to a friend of ours. Would you like to join me?"
>>621447
"Lets have you decide that for yourself, okay?"
Let go and poke her chest.
"You have to go out there and make even more ponies happy, now!"
"Lets have you decide that for yourself, okay?"
Let go and poke her chest.
"You have to go out there and make even more ponies happy, now!"
>>621450
Lean in and speak with discretion: "Flavia identified Thalia as a spirit of Discord. I had assumed she was to be disposed of after questioning – the plan has apparently changed."
Lean in and speak with discretion: "Flavia identified Thalia as a spirit of Discord. I had assumed she was to be disposed of after questioning – the plan has apparently changed."
>>621466
"That was not the fault of Marcus. We could not have known that we would need him back home."
"That was not the fault of Marcus. We could not have known that we would need him back home."
>>621466
"We are going to see all of the empire's most sacred places, and as we travel we will put a smile on everypony's face!"
"We are going to see all of the empire's most sacred places, and as we travel we will put a smile on everypony's face!"
>>621470
"Maybe he shouldn't have stuck around Peneia for so long in the first place."
>>621472
"Super fun, I'm in! I kind of seem to have lost most of my powers since yesterday, but I'll try to help put some more smiles out there!"
>>621477
Nothing peculiar about it. It hasn't been forced open or anything. It's just left unlocked unlike yesterday evening.
>>621474
You open the door. The room seems to have been cleaned up. There's no one in here, the bedsheets are folded up as if no one ever slept in them.
There's a note on the table Victus was sitting at though. It just reads: Need to run some errants, meet me in the harbor at Dock XIV.
"Maybe he shouldn't have stuck around Peneia for so long in the first place."
>>621472
"Super fun, I'm in! I kind of seem to have lost most of my powers since yesterday, but I'll try to help put some more smiles out there!"
>>621477
Nothing peculiar about it. It hasn't been forced open or anything. It's just left unlocked unlike yesterday evening.
>>621474
You open the door. The room seems to have been cleaned up. There's no one in here, the bedsheets are folded up as if no one ever slept in them.
There's a note on the table Victus was sitting at though. It just reads: Need to run some errants, meet me in the harbor at Dock XIV.
>>621482
"Now I will just have to explain this whole situation to Marcus before we can actually go!
Oh, and I need to meet with Livia again!"
"Now I will just have to explain this whole situation to Marcus before we can actually go!
Oh, and I need to meet with Livia again!"
>>621495
Look at her with a slight frown.
"It will take me a while to grow used to you just knowing things…"
Look at her with a slight frown.
"It will take me a while to grow used to you just knowing things…"
>>621496
"You're right, of course. I still don't like it though. I hope he's as capable as he thinks he is."
>>621499
She giggles.
"I'm sorry, you're all just particularly important ponies you know. Though…"
She stops smiling and frowns.
"I dunno, I seem to have forgotten how to do a lot of stuff since yesterday…"
>>621502
It's the old mare again.
"He left early this morning, I was only just awake myself. Of course, he only rented his room for a day."
"You're right, of course. I still don't like it though. I hope he's as capable as he thinks he is."
>>621499
She giggles.
"I'm sorry, you're all just particularly important ponies you know. Though…"
She stops smiling and frowns.
"I dunno, I seem to have forgotten how to do a lot of stuff since yesterday…"
>>621502
It's the old mare again.
"He left early this morning, I was only just awake myself. Of course, he only rented his room for a day."
>>621504
Put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Hey. It's okay. Look at me."
Smile at her.
"We will figure out together your new path."
Put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Hey. It's okay. Look at me."
Smile at her.
"We will figure out together your new path."
>>621505
She shrugs.
"He had that strange little bug creature with him, that's all."
>>621506
"Oh I'm sure we will! I mean there wouldn't be much point in us all being here if we weren't going to do something special, would there?"
>>621508
"I guess we'll see soon enough if that trust was well placed or not."
He turns away from the water and back towards the street.
"I'm going back inside, I should go work on my equipment. See you later, Mere."
>>621509
She's definitely speaking the truth here, there's no doubt about it.
She shrugs.
"He had that strange little bug creature with him, that's all."
>>621506
"Oh I'm sure we will! I mean there wouldn't be much point in us all being here if we weren't going to do something special, would there?"
>>621508
"I guess we'll see soon enough if that trust was well placed or not."
He turns away from the water and back towards the street.
"I'm going back inside, I should go work on my equipment. See you later, Mere."
>>621509
She's definitely speaking the truth here, there's no doubt about it.
>>621510
Nod in confidence, and rouse myself from the ground.
I need to have that talk with Marcus. Where is he?
Nod in confidence, and rouse myself from the ground.
I need to have that talk with Marcus. Where is he?
>>621518
>>621519
Actually, get the others in here too.
Anthe and Niphon and Adrianos.
Then, lock the door.
Letting everyone sit, I will take place in the middle of the room, keeping Thalia to my side.
Before opening my mouth, I will cast one last glance towards Marcus, as if to let our eyes lock and assure each other that what was about to happen is no joke.
Finally, clear my throat.
"I have been chosen as champion of one of Mother's most powerful spirits."
>>621519
Actually, get the others in here too.
Anthe and Niphon and Adrianos.
Then, lock the door.
Letting everyone sit, I will take place in the middle of the room, keeping Thalia to my side.
Before opening my mouth, I will cast one last glance towards Marcus, as if to let our eyes lock and assure each other that what was about to happen is no joke.
Finally, clear my throat.
"I have been chosen as champion of one of Mother's most powerful spirits."
>>621521
I sit down nearby you taking this all very seriously.
"How did that happen? What does this mean for you?"
I sit down nearby you taking this all very seriously.
"How did that happen? What does this mean for you?"
>>621522
"It means my duties in this moment reach beyond simply my family.
I have a mission, but I cannot share in it. Just know that it will be hard and long a toil."
>>621523
Address Marcus specifically.
"Brother, I want to help our family however I can before embarking on my journey, but do know that it is an unavoidable step in my future."
"It means my duties in this moment reach beyond simply my family.
I have a mission, but I cannot share in it. Just know that it will be hard and long a toil."
>>621523
Address Marcus specifically.
"Brother, I want to help our family however I can before embarking on my journey, but do know that it is an unavoidable step in my future."
>>621526
Finally speak up.
"So let me get this right.
The mother tells you that you're her champion, then you become friends with a Discordian spirit, and now while we need each other the most, you want to leave all of us, including Livia, behind and you won't even tell us where you're going?"
Finally speak up.
"So let me get this right.
The mother tells you that you're her champion, then you become friends with a Discordian spirit, and now while we need each other the most, you want to leave all of us, including Livia, behind and you won't even tell us where you're going?"
>>621525
"Weeeeeell… Flavia isn't just any pony, she's a special case! So are you and…"
She points at Marcus.
"You!"
Then at Adrianos.
"And you too! But you're all special in your own way. Flavia is special in that one of Natura's most powerful dryads picked her to be her champion in this world. In return she's been given semi-immortality and other divine powers. Discord gave me that and more as well, but that was centuries ago. Aaand… I kind of lost my powers too. Flavia's actually more powerful than I am right now!"
"Weeeeeell… Flavia isn't just any pony, she's a special case! So are you and…"
She points at Marcus.
"You!"
Then at Adrianos.
"And you too! But you're all special in your own way. Flavia is special in that one of Natura's most powerful dryads picked her to be her champion in this world. In return she's been given semi-immortality and other divine powers. Discord gave me that and more as well, but that was centuries ago. Aaand… I kind of lost my powers too. Flavia's actually more powerful than I am right now!"
>>621532
"She was a spirit of discord, and this has nothing to do with her word anyway.
I've known the dryad who gave me this gift ever since the day of my initiation."
"She was a spirit of discord, and this has nothing to do with her word anyway.
I've known the dryad who gave me this gift ever since the day of my initiation."
>>621537
"Why not? We're old friends aren't we? Don't you remember how much fun we had back in Peneia? We talked for like half a session!"
"Why not? We're old friends aren't we? Don't you remember how much fun we had back in Peneia? We talked for like half a session!"
>>621540
Smile up at you with pride and bring you into a hug.
"Anyway I help you serve The Mother. Don't hesitate to ask."
Smile up at you with pride and bring you into a hug.
"Anyway I help you serve The Mother. Don't hesitate to ask."
>>621542
Smile warmly into the hug, enjoying it while it lasts.
"Thank you so much, Nolin…"
Let my voice trail off into a pleasant purr.
Smile warmly into the hug, enjoying it while it lasts.
"Thank you so much, Nolin…"
Let my voice trail off into a pleasant purr.
>>621541
"I was trying to prank the doux, but then youcompletely distracted me and I missed the perfect chance. That was really silly of me, but not hard feelings!"
Niphon looks distrustful of the spirit. Anthe seems intrigued, but skeptical of Flavia's story and her new friend.
"I was trying to prank the doux, but then youcompletely distracted me and I missed the perfect chance. That was really silly of me, but not hard feelings!"
Niphon looks distrustful of the spirit. Anthe seems intrigued, but skeptical of Flavia's story and her new friend.
>>621543
I let the hug naturally and chuckle a bit as I return to my previous spot.
"I'm a little bit envious to be honest, you have such a clear purpose and way to serve her. Just try to remember that for now, you're still a Hippoi, doing everything alone would be reckless."
>>621544
"But you.. better not cause trouble for Flavia. No pranking her." I say sternly.
I let the hug naturally and chuckle a bit as I return to my previous spot.
"I'm a little bit envious to be honest, you have such a clear purpose and way to serve her. Just try to remember that for now, you're still a Hippoi, doing everything alone would be reckless."
>>621544
"But you.. better not cause trouble for Flavia. No pranking her." I say sternly.
>>621551
"I am no theologian, but I know what I saw in the park. You have talent and intuition. On that note, I should tell the rest of you, I am asking leave to join you. The Scholae can survive with one guard at large."
"I am no theologian, but I know what I saw in the park. You have talent and intuition. On that note, I should tell the rest of you, I am asking leave to join you. The Scholae can survive with one guard at large."
>>621553
"Yes well, I don't doubt she's repentant, but I'd still say you should keep an eye on her until she's proven that."
"Yes well, I don't doubt she's repentant, but I'd still say you should keep an eye on her until she's proven that."
>>621556
She sticks out her tongue at you. There's a little halo floating on top of her head.
She sticks out her tongue at you. There's a little halo floating on top of her head.
>>621569
Any common ciphers helping here? Quickly try ROT1, transposition, Caesar-Shift, etc.
Or at least try to recognize some sort of pattern.
'1d20+6' (Knowledge)
Roll #1 20 + 6 = 26
Any common ciphers helping here? Quickly try ROT1, transposition, Caesar-Shift, etc.
Or at least try to recognize some sort of pattern.
'1d20+6' (Knowledge)
Roll #1 20 + 6 = 26
>>621578
If you had a mage scribe, this would be done in less than an hour. Without that, you'll need a Dex roll to see how you fare if you want to try.
If you had a mage scribe, this would be done in less than an hour. Without that, you'll need a Dex roll to see how you fare if you want to try.
>>621578
"My role in the guard was often officerial – tactics, planning, strategy, logistics. Organizing searches, drafting and design. Those sorts of things."
"My role in the guard was often officerial – tactics, planning, strategy, logistics. Organizing searches, drafting and design. Those sorts of things."
>>621577
"In any case, you should get the girls going and I'll meet you up ahead after I speak with the domestikos."
"In any case, you should get the girls going and I'll meet you up ahead after I speak with the domestikos."
>>621583
"Good luck, I'll meet you at the ports. I need to get leave permission."
Slide back on my helmet and head for the barracks.
"Good luck, I'll meet you at the ports. I need to get leave permission."
Slide back on my helmet and head for the barracks.
>>621587
You head back to the barracks of your unit, where you left Sonja this morning. They're located in the military district, of course they are, near the imperial academy of nautical sciences.
Your shift is supposed to start this afternoon, so you're both still on leave for several hours.
You head back to the barracks of your unit, where you left Sonja this morning. They're located in the military district, of course they are, near the imperial academy of nautical sciences.
Your shift is supposed to start this afternoon, so you're both still on leave for several hours.
>>621588
Okay tell you what.
I'm going to the docks with Surprise. The others are free to follow if they want to.
Okay tell you what.
I'm going to the docks with Surprise. The others are free to follow if they want to.
>>621589
>>621591
>>621592
The harbor of Clopantinople is impossibly massive, stretching as far as the eye can see. This harbour is many times bigger than the one in Cantria and Peneios for sure. Hundreds of ships lay tied to the docks here, with many dozens more constantly leaving and arriving. No wonder the captain of the ship you came in with didn’t want to deal with this mess! You can see goods constantly being tugged off and loaded onto merchant ships, while navy dromons are under maintenance further down in the shipyards. Like the merchant district, this place attracts species from all over the world.
>>621590
She's polishing her horns in her quarters! You don't often see her do that, as she avoids doing it in company.
"Back already, Adrianos? Our shift doesn't start for another four hours."
>>621591
>>621592
The harbor of Clopantinople is impossibly massive, stretching as far as the eye can see. This harbour is many times bigger than the one in Cantria and Peneios for sure. Hundreds of ships lay tied to the docks here, with many dozens more constantly leaving and arriving. No wonder the captain of the ship you came in with didn’t want to deal with this mess! You can see goods constantly being tugged off and loaded onto merchant ships, while navy dromons are under maintenance further down in the shipyards. Like the merchant district, this place attracts species from all over the world.
>>621590
She's polishing her horns in her quarters! You don't often see her do that, as she avoids doing it in company.
"Back already, Adrianos? Our shift doesn't start for another four hours."
>>621594
>>621595
You follow the numbers down until you're at the dock you were looking for. You spot Victus and his tiny friend soon enough, they're both hunched over a map and speaking in that strange language again. Victus still looks very much weak, though he seems slightly less exhausted than yesterday.
>>621595
You follow the numbers down until you're at the dock you were looking for. You spot Victus and his tiny friend soon enough, they're both hunched over a map and speaking in that strange language again. Victus still looks very much weak, though he seems slightly less exhausted than yesterday.
>>621593
"It's about my family. Something urgent has come up. Soon – maybe even today – I need to leave with them. I'm hoping the Domestikos will let me go. It's not like half of the guard ever show up for their paid-for 'honors' of shifts anyway. I thought I'd tell you first, since you've been my shield-sister for a while."
"It's about my family. Something urgent has come up. Soon – maybe even today – I need to leave with them. I'm hoping the Domestikos will let me go. It's not like half of the guard ever show up for their paid-for 'honors' of shifts anyway. I thought I'd tell you first, since you've been my shield-sister for a while."
>>621597
There doesn't seem to be any sidefun to be done today!
>>621598
She touches her horn with a hoof a few times, testing its sharpness.
"Where are you going then? Off to battle for your lands with them?"
>>621599
He looks up from the map and back at you, giving you a weak smile.
"Did you? I feared the worst since you seemed to be taking so long. Nio says you handled the whole thing fairly… elegantly."
>>621600
"No, I'm not going anywhere. I just needed to call in some favors around here. I'll tell you in a minute."
There doesn't seem to be any sidefun to be done today!
>>621598
She touches her horn with a hoof a few times, testing its sharpness.
"Where are you going then? Off to battle for your lands with them?"
>>621599
He looks up from the map and back at you, giving you a weak smile.
"Did you? I feared the worst since you seemed to be taking so long. Nio says you handled the whole thing fairly… elegantly."
>>621600
"No, I'm not going anywhere. I just needed to call in some favors around here. I'll tell you in a minute."
>>621601
"The battle isn't for land – it's for family… and for an ideal. For love of justice. For glory. Those things we always dreamed about when we came here. What the Scholae were supposed to mean."
"The battle isn't for land – it's for family… and for an ideal. For love of justice. For glory. Those things we always dreamed about when we came here. What the Scholae were supposed to mean."
Nio floats over to Thalia and lands on her nose. Looks like he's interested in her just like he was in Flavia.
>>621602
"We all have our methods, it's the result that counts. A sentiment which is very common among us Concords."
>>621603
He takes the parchments and reads them over, frowning.
"This isn't… hmmmm. This isn't imperial code. Not even the code we use in our order… damn."
He rolls up the first piece of parchment and checks the second one.
“Decoding this will take some time… it could take days or even weeks depending on how quickly I can figure it out. Once I have, I’ll be able to read these and find some more clues about this whole matter. Until then though… I have some news regarding lord Odyris Hippoi which you’ll find very important.”
>>621604
She gets up and puts her tools down, content with her horns for now.
"I feel like you haven't come here to say goodbye, have you?"
>>621602
"We all have our methods, it's the result that counts. A sentiment which is very common among us Concords."
>>621603
He takes the parchments and reads them over, frowning.
"This isn't… hmmmm. This isn't imperial code. Not even the code we use in our order… damn."
He rolls up the first piece of parchment and checks the second one.
“Decoding this will take some time… it could take days or even weeks depending on how quickly I can figure it out. Once I have, I’ll be able to read these and find some more clues about this whole matter. Until then though… I have some news regarding lord Odyris Hippoi which you’ll find very important.”
>>621604
She gets up and puts her tools down, content with her horns for now.
"I feel like you haven't come here to say goodbye, have you?"
>>621605
Sigh
"You can't read it either? Would you mind letting us have a copy and try to decode it then?"
Sigh
"You can't read it either? Would you mind letting us have a copy and try to decode it then?"
>>621605
"You're the only one here who I know –besides me – who actually believes in those things. I wanted to ask you to join me."
"You're the only one here who I know –besides me – who actually believes in those things. I wanted to ask you to join me."
>>621607
Thalia wrinkles her nose, but the breezy stays put and looks her over.
>>621607
“I pulled some strings and found out where they have imprisoned him. Agria is a bit of a disorganized mess at the moment, which does play in your favour. He’s currently being held in the island fortress of Anafi, just south of the Agrian coast. Among the other prisoners are Olivia Arravani, the youngest daughter of late doux Arravani, as well as some of the Arravani houseguards who pledged fealty to the lady’s side of the family.”
>>621608
"If you'd like, of course. I'm good with codes myself, but I guess if two people work on it there's a chance it'll be done earlier."
>>621609
She takes a long look around her, at her personal quarters and the city outside through the windows.
"Well Adrianos, I can't imagine being able to survive even a single day here without a partner who cares about more than just the prettiness of his cloak. Please, get me the heck out of this place."
Thalia wrinkles her nose, but the breezy stays put and looks her over.
>>621607
“I pulled some strings and found out where they have imprisoned him. Agria is a bit of a disorganized mess at the moment, which does play in your favour. He’s currently being held in the island fortress of Anafi, just south of the Agrian coast. Among the other prisoners are Olivia Arravani, the youngest daughter of late doux Arravani, as well as some of the Arravani houseguards who pledged fealty to the lady’s side of the family.”
>>621608
"If you'd like, of course. I'm good with codes myself, but I guess if two people work on it there's a chance it'll be done earlier."
>>621609
She takes a long look around her, at her personal quarters and the city outside through the windows.
"Well Adrianos, I can't imagine being able to survive even a single day here without a partner who cares about more than just the prettiness of his cloak. Please, get me the heck out of this place."
>>621610
Smile and give her a hug.
"I've got to tell you, that's a lot off of my back. The stipend of silver the Scholae pays is nice, but if I have to outright quit, it won't end the world. I can't replace you like that."
Smile and give her a hug.
"I've got to tell you, that's a lot off of my back. The stipend of silver the Scholae pays is nice, but if I have to outright quit, it won't end the world. I can't replace you like that."
>>621610
"Alright.. And please go on.."
I'll just spend the time to make those right now if that's okay.
"Alright.. And please go on.."
I'll just spend the time to make those right now if that's okay.
>>621611
He motions you towards the map.
"Anafi is just a small island, there's not much to it save for the fortress built there to keep watch for corsair searaids. The only other thing of interest is the village that lies outside of the fortress walls. What's most interesting is the fact that there's not actually that much of a garrison there right now. It was completely emptied during the civil war and because the new doux is still restructuring his forces - giving priority to those protecting the borders with Grevyi - it's pretty understaffed for the time being. He's been trying his best to keep the prisoner presence there secret but… well, I still have some useful contacts who know a thing or two."
He smirks.
>>621614
You can get started, sure. But it'll probably take longer than this conversation.
Victus is kind enough to give you some parchment and a quill to use, since you don't have one.
>>621613
"I've been itching for a proper cause to fight. I'd be honored to defend your honor, friend. There's far more glory in that than there is to beating up hobos in the park at night."
He motions you towards the map.
"Anafi is just a small island, there's not much to it save for the fortress built there to keep watch for corsair searaids. The only other thing of interest is the village that lies outside of the fortress walls. What's most interesting is the fact that there's not actually that much of a garrison there right now. It was completely emptied during the civil war and because the new doux is still restructuring his forces - giving priority to those protecting the borders with Grevyi - it's pretty understaffed for the time being. He's been trying his best to keep the prisoner presence there secret but… well, I still have some useful contacts who know a thing or two."
He smirks.
>>621614
You can get started, sure. But it'll probably take longer than this conversation.
Victus is kind enough to give you some parchment and a quill to use, since you don't have one.
>>621613
"I've been itching for a proper cause to fight. I'd be honored to defend your honor, friend. There's far more glory in that than there is to beating up hobos in the park at night."
>>621615
"Good. Now let's see the unit leader. Regardless of our thoughts on the Scholae, our Domestikos still answers to the Tribune – that puts just one intermediary between him and the Empress. Give him his due respect, and hopefully we'll make it out with income intact."
Let's go see about getting leave.
"Good. Now let's see the unit leader. Regardless of our thoughts on the Scholae, our Domestikos still answers to the Tribune – that puts just one intermediary between him and the Empress. Give him his due respect, and hopefully we'll make it out with income intact."
Let's go see about getting leave.
>>621615
"You're a Concord, if you had to get some ponies out of there, what would you do?"
"You're a Concord, if you had to get some ponies out of there, what would you do?"
>>621617
For that, you must go to the inner city where the offices are located. Something tells you might be spending quite some time there filling in all kinds of paperwork…
It's not far away, thankfully. Just twenty minutes later you arrive at the doors.
>>621618
He clears his throat.
"Well… there's actually more to it. Unfortunately, not all news is as good. The fortress has a mage defending it. She's probably a bigger threat than the guards themselves, as she's set up some kind of magical defense around it. Not only that, but there are likely more magical hindrances inside… arcane locks and the likes."
For that, you must go to the inner city where the offices are located. Something tells you might be spending quite some time there filling in all kinds of paperwork…
It's not far away, thankfully. Just twenty minutes later you arrive at the doors.
>>621618
He clears his throat.
"Well… there's actually more to it. Unfortunately, not all news is as good. The fortress has a mage defending it. She's probably a bigger threat than the guards themselves, as she's set up some kind of magical defense around it. Not only that, but there are likely more magical hindrances inside… arcane locks and the likes."
>>621620
Hopefully I can just get them to look the other way, if I can do a little smooth talking. Less time on paperwork is a good thing.
Hopefully I can just get them to look the other way, if I can do a little smooth talking. Less time on paperwork is a good thing.
>>621621
>>621623
"Yes, you'll need somepony who can disable the field protecting the fortress. As well as any arcane locks you encounter, so they can be picked and opened normally."
He clears his throat and looks a little uncomfortable.
"There's… more bad news too. Your father Odyris will likely be executed sometime during the coming weeks along with the Arravani houseguards. Lady Arravani is seemingly going to be spared of going to the chopping block but… after being accused of conspiring against her father, her cousin ordered her to be blinded.”
He grimaces.
“… Permanently.”
>>621622
You enter the building and head to the section you need to be. You already know your way around here, having been well acquainted with Trotantine bureaucracy during your time in the capital.
The door to the office of your Domestikos is open, so you knock and step inside. The commander of your guard, an earth pony stallion in his twilight years, looks up as he hears you step inside. He sighs audibly, speaking in his signature old man voice.
"Adrianos and Sonja… Your shift hasn't started yet and already I sense you found trouble."
>>621623
"Yes, you'll need somepony who can disable the field protecting the fortress. As well as any arcane locks you encounter, so they can be picked and opened normally."
He clears his throat and looks a little uncomfortable.
"There's… more bad news too. Your father Odyris will likely be executed sometime during the coming weeks along with the Arravani houseguards. Lady Arravani is seemingly going to be spared of going to the chopping block but… after being accused of conspiring against her father, her cousin ordered her to be blinded.”
He grimaces.
“… Permanently.”
>>621622
You enter the building and head to the section you need to be. You already know your way around here, having been well acquainted with Trotantine bureaucracy during your time in the capital.
The door to the office of your Domestikos is open, so you knock and step inside. The commander of your guard, an earth pony stallion in his twilight years, looks up as he hears you step inside. He sighs audibly, speaking in his signature old man voice.
"Adrianos and Sonja… Your shift hasn't started yet and already I sense you found trouble."
>>621624
I frown deeply at this news.
"….What else?"
'1d20+7' sense motive just to be sure.
Roll #1 4 + 7 = 11
I frown deeply at this news.
"….What else?"
'1d20+7' sense motive just to be sure.
Roll #1 4 + 7 = 11
>>621624
Straighten up and salute.
"Commander, we'd like your leave for temporary suspension from active duty. This morning I received news that my family arrived in the East is in turmoil. I must answer my familial obligations and return to advise them."
Straighten up and salute.
"Commander, we'd like your leave for temporary suspension from active duty. This morning I received news that my family arrived in the East is in turmoil. I must answer my familial obligations and return to advise them."
>>621625
"The Mage Circle might have somepony who could help you, but the more experienced circle mages will more than likely charge you a lot of money for an expedition like this… three, maybe four thousand silvers. You could go for one with less experience, but then you risk getting somepony who is too weak to deal with the spells of the superior mage at the fortress. It's possible that you could strike a cheaper deal with an experienced mage though, it's always hard to say with circle mages."
Nio flutters away from Thalia and babbles about something.
"Hm? Well, I guess that's also an option… There's a sorcerer who lives a few miles outside of the city who might be willing to aid you. He doesn't care much about money but… he's a little… uh… crazy. I've approached him a few times in the past for help and he always seems to pull through."
>>621626
>>621627
“I don’t know if they have maimed her already, but… I fear the worst. On the upside, provided her medical care is decent, she probably won't die soon.”
No, he's not lying.
>>621628
He frowns.
"A suspension? How long of a suspension are we speaking here, Hippoi?"
"The Mage Circle might have somepony who could help you, but the more experienced circle mages will more than likely charge you a lot of money for an expedition like this… three, maybe four thousand silvers. You could go for one with less experience, but then you risk getting somepony who is too weak to deal with the spells of the superior mage at the fortress. It's possible that you could strike a cheaper deal with an experienced mage though, it's always hard to say with circle mages."
Nio flutters away from Thalia and babbles about something.
"Hm? Well, I guess that's also an option… There's a sorcerer who lives a few miles outside of the city who might be willing to aid you. He doesn't care much about money but… he's a little… uh… crazy. I've approached him a few times in the past for help and he always seems to pull through."
>>621626
>>621627
“I don’t know if they have maimed her already, but… I fear the worst. On the upside, provided her medical care is decent, she probably won't die soon.”
No, he's not lying.
>>621628
He frowns.
"A suspension? How long of a suspension are we speaking here, Hippoi?"
>>621629
"Just a little crazy? That's better than some of the folks we already have. Thank you.
What will you do now?"
"Just a little crazy? That's better than some of the folks we already have. Thank you.
What will you do now?"
>>621630
You hear Thalia speak up from behind you. "That's offensive! Just because Anthe isn't here doesn't mean you should talk about her like that!"
"Decode these things. Keep digging for clues when I can. If I make some kind of a discovery worth sharing, I'll try to inform you. I doubt I'll be leaving Clopantinople any time soon, I'd really hate to travel in my condition."
You hear Thalia speak up from behind you. "That's offensive! Just because Anthe isn't here doesn't mean you should talk about her like that!"
"Decode these things. Keep digging for clues when I can. If I make some kind of a discovery worth sharing, I'll try to inform you. I doubt I'll be leaving Clopantinople any time soon, I'd really hate to travel in my condition."
>>621629
"I've received word that the Theme of Agria is in turmoil – a pretender upon the throne, and having imprisoned the administration to enforce the rule. It could take some time – but dealing with the issue immediately can prevent it from expanding out into the other themes and potentially dragging the imperial legions into a peacekeeping affair."
Impress? '1d10+9'
Roll #1 1 + 9 = 10
"I've received word that the Theme of Agria is in turmoil – a pretender upon the throne, and having imprisoned the administration to enforce the rule. It could take some time – but dealing with the issue immediately can prevent it from expanding out into the other themes and potentially dragging the imperial legions into a peacekeeping affair."
Impress? '1d10+9'
Roll #1 1 + 9 = 10
>>621635
He lets out a long sigh.
"I suppose I could release you from your duty here in the capital. It's not common practice for our unit, but you two have shown to be some of the more active individuals here. Dawnsworn park may see some more hobos, but I suppose you've both proven yourself more useful than anypony else."
>>621633
"Just use my name and title, it'll get to where it needs to go. Of course, as long as you're traveling around it'll be harder for me to send couriers your way."
>>621634
"Don't be so silly, I'm really sane once you get to know me better. Everypony I've ever met said so!"
He lets out a long sigh.
"I suppose I could release you from your duty here in the capital. It's not common practice for our unit, but you two have shown to be some of the more active individuals here. Dawnsworn park may see some more hobos, but I suppose you've both proven yourself more useful than anypony else."
>>621633
"Just use my name and title, it'll get to where it needs to go. Of course, as long as you're traveling around it'll be harder for me to send couriers your way."
>>621634
"Don't be so silly, I'm really sane once you get to know me better. Everypony I've ever met said so!"
>>621637
"Thank you, sir. I will bring honor to the Scholae while abroad. I must acquire transport - am I dismissed?"
With that, turn smartly and depart.
"Thank you, sir. I will bring honor to the Scholae while abroad. I must acquire transport - am I dismissed?"
With that, turn smartly and depart.
>>621638
"I'll have one of the servants work out the paperwork. Dismissed."
Sonja looks impressed.
"Everything went better than expected."
>>621639
"You don't think I'm crazy do you?"
>>621640
"One last suggestion, there is a ship leaving for the island's village tonight. You could buy passage under a false name and get to the island relatively safely."
"I'll have one of the servants work out the paperwork. Dismissed."
Sonja looks impressed.
"Everything went better than expected."
>>621639
"You don't think I'm crazy do you?"
>>621640
"One last suggestion, there is a ship leaving for the island's village tonight. You could buy passage under a false name and get to the island relatively safely."
>>621641
That'll put a dent on regrouping in Saddlonica, but there's not much time anyway
"Thank you."
That'll put a dent on regrouping in Saddlonica, but there's not much time anyway
"Thank you."
>>621648
Anthe told you! You don't know why in her case. Niphon is tending to his sword, since he was practicing with it for a while yesterday.
>>621645
>>621649
Thalia nods.
"Tell them lots of love and a big kiss and hug from Surprise!"
>>621647
You head down to the harbour of the city. As you know by now, it's a grand place with hundreds upon hundreds of ships moving in and out every day. You track down the correct dock and find them talking to one another. A sickly looking stallion and a breezie pony is just walking away from them.
Anthe told you! You don't know why in her case. Niphon is tending to his sword, since he was practicing with it for a while yesterday.
>>621645
>>621649
Thalia nods.
"Tell them lots of love and a big kiss and hug from Surprise!"
>>621647
You head down to the harbour of the city. As you know by now, it's a grand place with hundreds upon hundreds of ships moving in and out every day. You track down the correct dock and find them talking to one another. A sickly looking stallion and a breezie pony is just walking away from them.
>>621659
"Quite the silver tongue. Talking down spirits is one thing, but officials of our Empress' government are the stuff of legends!"
"Quite the silver tongue. Talking down spirits is one thing, but officials of our Empress' government are the stuff of legends!"
>>621658
"Hey, you just told the rest of your siblings too. That worked out fine didn't it?"
"Hey, you just told the rest of your siblings too. That worked out fine didn't it?"
>>621664
"Anafi.
A fortress south of Agria.
Now the bad news, in a few weeks he'll be executed. Along with a number of ponies loyal to the old Doux.
The Doux herself is there as well. To be blinded soon."
"Anafi.
A fortress south of Agria.
Now the bad news, in a few weeks he'll be executed. Along with a number of ponies loyal to the old Doux.
The Doux herself is there as well. To be blinded soon."
>>621675
I will take my chance. Best to use all my ammunitions than to have an unspent nuke in my arsenal during doomsday.
I will take my chance. Best to use all my ammunitions than to have an unspent nuke in my arsenal during doomsday.
>>621676
You sit down for prayer, taking out the cube and concentrating.
Moments later you black out and find yourself back in Eurydice's realm. She's playing her golden lyre and doesn't open her eyes as she addresses you.
"Flavia… you've returned."
You sit down for prayer, taking out the cube and concentrating.
Moments later you black out and find yourself back in Eurydice's realm. She's playing her golden lyre and doesn't open her eyes as she addresses you.
"Flavia… you've returned."
>>621678
Karabi speaks up.
"We'll need a plan of escape, if we're going in there for a prisoner rescue. Steal a ship on the island perhaps… which would require somebody familiar with sailing."
Karabi speaks up.
"We'll need a plan of escape, if we're going in there for a prisoner rescue. Steal a ship on the island perhaps… which would require somebody familiar with sailing."
>>621678
"I see. Have you picked a date – or is it going to be 'as soon as we arrive'? If I had a time estimate, maybe I could figure out if we could get an Invisibility potion ready in time."
"I see. Have you picked a date – or is it going to be 'as soon as we arrive'? If I had a time estimate, maybe I could figure out if we could get an Invisibility potion ready in time."
>>621679
"I came out in front of my family.
Told all of them what had happened to me, and who Thalia was."
Take a long sigh.
"It gave me peace of mind.
And I have such bright hopes for Thalia, too! She has a calling! A path, a reason to help ponies. Making them smile.
Once my duty to my family will be absolved, me, Livia and her will begin a pilgrimage across the empire, to bring Thalia's calling into the light of Nature and to begin working on that promise I made you long ago, Eurydice."
Look at her with the usual calm smile which dawns on my lips as we meet.
"But to do so, I plead from you help. Our father is being held and arcane magic will be in our path.
What are your words of wisdom?"
"I came out in front of my family.
Told all of them what had happened to me, and who Thalia was."
Take a long sigh.
"It gave me peace of mind.
And I have such bright hopes for Thalia, too! She has a calling! A path, a reason to help ponies. Making them smile.
Once my duty to my family will be absolved, me, Livia and her will begin a pilgrimage across the empire, to bring Thalia's calling into the light of Nature and to begin working on that promise I made you long ago, Eurydice."
Look at her with the usual calm smile which dawns on my lips as we meet.
"But to do so, I plead from you help. Our father is being held and arcane magic will be in our path.
What are your words of wisdom?"
>>621683
>>621684
The island is around 4 days of travel by ship away from here, though it could be more or less depending on the weather, your ship, the person steering it, the currents and other factors.
>>621685
She smiles, quite uncommon for her as she usually adopts a neutral expression.
"I'm glad to hear it. I trust in your judgement over her."
She opens her eyes and stops playing, putting the lyre down onto the ground.
"The arcane arts are not something I often come in contact with around here. If you do not have anypony with you who can dispatch it, you'll just need to find somepony who can. There are certainly warriors in your land who specialize in fighting mages, that much I know."
>>621684
The island is around 4 days of travel by ship away from here, though it could be more or less depending on the weather, your ship, the person steering it, the currents and other factors.
>>621685
She smiles, quite uncommon for her as she usually adopts a neutral expression.
"I'm glad to hear it. I trust in your judgement over her."
She opens her eyes and stops playing, putting the lyre down onto the ground.
"The arcane arts are not something I often come in contact with around here. If you do not have anypony with you who can dispatch it, you'll just need to find somepony who can. There are certainly warriors in your land who specialize in fighting mages, that much I know."
>>621686
"And is there any one of these warriors who would fight for our cause?
Because time is short and trust is a price paid in blood."
"And is there any one of these warriors who would fight for our cause?
Because time is short and trust is a price paid in blood."
>>621688
"I am sorry Flavia, I know much, but I am not omnipotent like the Mother. The allegiances of each individual warrior is not known to me."
"I am sorry Flavia, I know much, but I am not omnipotent like the Mother. The allegiances of each individual warrior is not known to me."
>>621689
"I see. It will be up to us to be judges of their hearts, then.
One final thing I beseech of thee, Eurydice.
Where will I find these warriors, in Clopantinople?"
"I see. It will be up to us to be judges of their hearts, then.
One final thing I beseech of thee, Eurydice.
Where will I find these warriors, in Clopantinople?"
>>621690
"I presume the military district, where military academies and gymnasiums are plentiful, would be a good place to search for them."
"I presume the military district, where military academies and gymnasiums are plentiful, would be a good place to search for them."
>>621691
Stand up with a big smile and a tearful face, which I try to hide by wiping it away with a hoof almost immediately.
In a shaky, emotional voice, squeal out a last question.
"I wish I knew of a proper way to express my gratitude."
Stand up with a big smile and a tearful face, which I try to hide by wiping it away with a hoof almost immediately.
In a shaky, emotional voice, squeal out a last question.
"I wish I knew of a proper way to express my gratitude."
>>621697
"No, one potion doesn't get us much closer to our goals, especially at the price."
"No, one potion doesn't get us much closer to our goals, especially at the price."
>>621698
Shake my head.
"This is just the last of a dozen things I owe you for.
But I will find a way, amidst doing your will and studying the Mystery, I will find a way to make it up to you for all of this.
Now I better go. My brother needs the informations before nightfall…"
Shake my head.
"This is just the last of a dozen things I owe you for.
But I will find a way, amidst doing your will and studying the Mystery, I will find a way to make it up to you for all of this.
Now I better go. My brother needs the informations before nightfall…"
>>621706
You managed to copy one of the two parchments before Victus needed to leave. You don't have everything, but this is enough to work on cracking the code.
You managed to copy one of the two parchments before Victus needed to leave. You don't have everything, but this is enough to work on cracking the code.
>>621705
"Flavia, are you suggesting we hire an army of mage fighters, run in there with swords out and kill everypony?"
"Flavia, are you suggesting we hire an army of mage fighters, run in there with swords out and kill everypony?"
>>621710
"Those cost a lot of money, Flavia, unless the Mother is willing to cough up some bits I don't know how we'll afford a skilled mage hunter. And if it's just for the traps or locks, a simple mage will do. Mage hunters specialize in fighting mages."
"Those cost a lot of money, Flavia, unless the Mother is willing to cough up some bits I don't know how we'll afford a skilled mage hunter. And if it's just for the traps or locks, a simple mage will do. Mage hunters specialize in fighting mages."
>>621729
"Would you like to do the talking?
You can be the proud warrior protecting the young priestess."
Chuckle amused.
"Would you like to do the talking?
You can be the proud warrior protecting the young priestess."
Chuckle amused.
>>621725
>>621727
The two of you and Karabi start heading to one of the city gates that leads you outside the city where you need to be.
>>621723
>>621726
The two of you as well as Sonja and Thalia head to the outer city district, the largest district of the capital. It alone is bigger than any other city in the empire.
>>621727
The two of you and Karabi start heading to one of the city gates that leads you outside the city where you need to be.
>>621723
>>621726
The two of you as well as Sonja and Thalia head to the outer city district, the largest district of the capital. It alone is bigger than any other city in the empire.
>>621733
"I think, they weren't lying. Something like this, is a true honor yet.. It must be a terrible burden.." I frown with concern.
"I think, they weren't lying. Something like this, is a true honor yet.. It must be a terrible burden.." I frown with concern.
>>621736
"If anything, she may have earned it by being so devoted. Even while on the run she won't skip church."
"If anything, she may have earned it by being so devoted. Even while on the run she won't skip church."
>>621738
"OH. Honestly I'm not sure why Flavia wants that spirit around, unless she simply wants to personally watch over it.."
"OH. Honestly I'm not sure why Flavia wants that spirit around, unless she simply wants to personally watch over it.."
>>621739
"I'm not either.
But perhaps this will prove to be useful in the future…
Nolin, you know we can't just save dad, we must save the Doux as well."
"I'm not either.
But perhaps this will prove to be useful in the future…
Nolin, you know we can't just save dad, we must save the Doux as well."
>>621741
"Yes, we'll need a captain we can trust to help us get away, and maybe a doctor to help too.."
"Yes, we'll need a captain we can trust to help us get away, and maybe a doctor to help too.."
>>621744
"Hmm we'll have to ask her if she feel confident enough to deal with the injuries alone."
"Hmm we'll have to ask her if she feel confident enough to deal with the injuries alone."
>>621747
"When our house is back on top, I'll need somepony I can trust. I want you to be my spymaster then."
"When our house is back on top, I'll need somepony I can trust. I want you to be my spymaster then."
>>621748
I close my eyes and nod.
"Given that my own father has hid himself away in all of this, it makes the most sense."
I close my eyes and nod.
"Given that my own father has hid himself away in all of this, it makes the most sense."
>>621750
I give you a grin and a firm nod.
"Was there ever a doubt, that I'd be by your side in this, cousin?"
I give you a grin and a firm nod.
"Was there ever a doubt, that I'd be by your side in this, cousin?"
>>621751
Pat you on the shoulder.
"I'm a slave to formalities.
That's what I get for being at the court."
Brotherly Hug time?
Pat you on the shoulder.
"I'm a slave to formalities.
That's what I get for being at the court."
Brotherly Hug time?
>>621752
"That's why you're the face of the house Marcus. Somepony has to know how to talk properly."
Bro-hug time.
Complete with back pat.
"That's why you're the face of the house Marcus. Somepony has to know how to talk properly."
Bro-hug time.
Complete with back pat.
>>621753
After the hug.
"Now, as my spymaster, you should know a thing or two about my ideas for the future.
I do not intend to simply rebuild House Hippoi as it was before. No, it is time for our House to become the strongest in Agria."
After the hug.
"Now, as my spymaster, you should know a thing or two about my ideas for the future.
I do not intend to simply rebuild House Hippoi as it was before. No, it is time for our House to become the strongest in Agria."
>>621754
I ponder this suggestion a moment.
"The strongest? Well that's going to take a lot of hard work. Got a city in mind to start building?"
I ponder this suggestion a moment.
"The strongest? Well that's going to take a lot of hard work. Got a city in mind to start building?"
>>621756
face-hoof
"Not building your own city.. building your support, reputation, army.. Those are what give a pony real strength.. Any particular reason for Agria? We could go anywhere really."
face-hoof
"Not building your own city.. building your support, reputation, army.. Those are what give a pony real strength.. Any particular reason for Agria? We could go anywhere really."
>>621757
"Yes, we will build an army, we can build a reputation. But those are not enough for true power. You need blood.
And Agria is my home, it belongs to me. And I will have it back, with intrest."
"Yes, we will build an army, we can build a reputation. But those are not enough for true power. You need blood.
And Agria is my home, it belongs to me. And I will have it back, with intrest."
>>621758
"Blood can be bred for, once we have a hoof hold again."
"If you're certain, then. We'll find a way to make Agria, and its mares, ours, future Doux Hippoi." I reply with a confident smirk.
"Blood can be bred for, once we have a hoof hold again."
"If you're certain, then. We'll find a way to make Agria, and its mares, ours, future Doux Hippoi." I reply with a confident smirk.
>>621759
"I'm talking about the Doux's blood.
And when we go to the island it will be right in our grasp. The rightful Doux is there, alone and with little help. We take her with us. In time, we convince her to marry me and transfer the title to my family. Then we have a legitimate claim.
This is important, that's what keeps this whole system going. Have no claim and your siblings might start to wonder why they can't just take your place. That's the second part, while we build up our forces, we must make sure the current Doux can't sit comfortably in his role. We must attempt to drive a spear between the two cousins so they will be too busy fighting amongst each other to run the Thema properly. "
"I'm talking about the Doux's blood.
And when we go to the island it will be right in our grasp. The rightful Doux is there, alone and with little help. We take her with us. In time, we convince her to marry me and transfer the title to my family. Then we have a legitimate claim.
This is important, that's what keeps this whole system going. Have no claim and your siblings might start to wonder why they can't just take your place. That's the second part, while we build up our forces, we must make sure the current Doux can't sit comfortably in his role. We must attempt to drive a spear between the two cousins so they will be too busy fighting amongst each other to run the Thema properly. "
>>621760
My eyes brighten a bit.
"Ah, so you do have a plan already. The scheming ways of courts prepared well."
My eyes brighten a bit.
"Ah, so you do have a plan already. The scheming ways of courts prepared well."
>>621761
"Mmmm, the details of how we'll drive the wedge I'll leave up to you, spymaster.
Give it then some time and the cousins infighting will disgust most of the other lords. Infighting is not good for the system.
Then we come, with our claim and everypony, well most might not actively fight with us, but they sure as hell will not challenge us when we win."
"Mmmm, the details of how we'll drive the wedge I'll leave up to you, spymaster.
Give it then some time and the cousins infighting will disgust most of the other lords. Infighting is not good for the system.
Then we come, with our claim and everypony, well most might not actively fight with us, but they sure as hell will not challenge us when we win."
>>621765
"Of course.
Our first task, besides the rescue of course, will be to evaluate how we will best convince the Doux to transfer her title to our family. That's a big decision. We must do it in such a way that they do it willingly, at best make them think it's her idea. If she has family with her that might complicate this task. If at all possible it would be best to only save her and her guards.
And another problem might be…dad. He's a good pony. But also very loyal, I'm afraid the idea of taking over the title might be offensive to him. Another reason why we should convince her to do it willingly."
"Of course.
Our first task, besides the rescue of course, will be to evaluate how we will best convince the Doux to transfer her title to our family. That's a big decision. We must do it in such a way that they do it willingly, at best make them think it's her idea. If she has family with her that might complicate this task. If at all possible it would be best to only save her and her guards.
And another problem might be…dad. He's a good pony. But also very loyal, I'm afraid the idea of taking over the title might be offensive to him. Another reason why we should convince her to do it willingly."
>>621766
"Are you suggesting.. that I make sure she's the only one who survives if they happen to be others of her family?"
"Are you suggesting.. that I make sure she's the only one who survives if they happen to be others of her family?"
>>621767
"No. But let's hope she's alone.
Because if there are, or extremely loyal house guards, then something like that might be necessary before all this is over.
Are you prepared for that, Nolin?"
"No. But let's hope she's alone.
Because if there are, or extremely loyal house guards, then something like that might be necessary before all this is over.
Are you prepared for that, Nolin?"
>>621768
"…." my brow furrows. "I will kill for you Marcus. But. Don't ask me to do it lightly."
"…." my brow furrows. "I will kill for you Marcus. But. Don't ask me to do it lightly."
>>621769
Put a hoof on your shoulder.
"I promise. Don't get me wrong, I want to do this whole thing as bloodlessly as we can. But our enemies have already shown they're prepared to kill and before this is over, this will get messy.
So I need to know that we're committed to this."
Put a hoof on your shoulder.
"I promise. Don't get me wrong, I want to do this whole thing as bloodlessly as we can. But our enemies have already shown they're prepared to kill and before this is over, this will get messy.
So I need to know that we're committed to this."
>>621770
I sigh and give you a smile.
"No turning back now eh'? I'm with you. Until we both should fall to your ambitions." Then I pat your hoof. "And if that happens I'll be by your side in Tartarus, making a throne out of Discordian skulls."
I sigh and give you a smile.
"No turning back now eh'? I'm with you. Until we both should fall to your ambitions." Then I pat your hoof. "And if that happens I'll be by your side in Tartarus, making a throne out of Discordian skulls."
>>621772
"Lets hope that a crazy mage and a mage hunter won't kill each other before we can pull this off."
And then we trot off.
"Lets hope that a crazy mage and a mage hunter won't kill each other before we can pull this off."
And then we trot off.
Since I am too big to fit inside the inn, I am just chilling outside, near where I had my breakfast and talked in the yard with Niphon.
When I see Nolin approaching, I raise my head and call out to get his attention.
"Cousin Nolin."
When I see Nolin approaching, I raise my head and call out to get his attention.
"Cousin Nolin."
>>621777
"Ah, I imagine that Marcus won't be returning, you can use his bed." I say laughing as if I were drunk.
"Ah, I imagine that Marcus won't be returning, you can use his bed." I say laughing as if I were drunk.
>>621778
"Will he not? Why?"
Sense motive.
Is he drunk?
'1d20+9'
"It might be uncomfortable to tuck my tail in, in that bed, however."
Roll #1 8 + 9 = 17
"Will he not? Why?"
Sense motive.
Is he drunk?
'1d20+9'
"It might be uncomfortable to tuck my tail in, in that bed, however."
Roll #1 8 + 9 = 17
>>621779
This pony is not actually drunk, he doesn't even smell like enough booze to be drunk.
He stops laughing and instead is grinning like a maniac. "Yea, he has.. another bed to be in. Anyway, what did you do with your evening?"
This pony is not actually drunk, he doesn't even smell like enough booze to be drunk.
He stops laughing and instead is grinning like a maniac. "Yea, he has.. another bed to be in. Anyway, what did you do with your evening?"
>>621780
Hm. Quite the actor.
Look around for safety, only family should know.
"I helped Flavia with a divine matter. It was quite eventful."
Hm. Quite the actor.
Look around for safety, only family should know.
"I helped Flavia with a divine matter. It was quite eventful."
>>621781
"Really now? What happened?" I sit close to your scaly chest so you can speak softly about it.
"Really now? What happened?" I sit close to your scaly chest so you can speak softly about it.
>>621782
Coil my tail around you and lower my head closer to yours.
Fangs facing somewhere else, obviously.
"She has asked for my assistance in what she told me was a religious mission of hers. She wanted me to fly her to the Basilica, where we confronted a spirit of Discord."
Coil my tail around you and lower my head closer to yours.
Fangs facing somewhere else, obviously.
"She has asked for my assistance in what she told me was a religious mission of hers. She wanted me to fly her to the Basilica, where we confronted a spirit of Discord."
>>621786
"I would not know. The concept of beauty and such in ponies is something I still struggle to understand. I can easily tell them apart, but can not recognise the singular elements you, and other ponies, find desirable."
"I would not know. The concept of beauty and such in ponies is something I still struggle to understand. I can easily tell them apart, but can not recognise the singular elements you, and other ponies, find desirable."
>>621787
"Coooome on, you can tell if she's cute or not. Did she look like one of the painting from the mansion?"
"Coooome on, you can tell if she's cute or not. Did she look like one of the painting from the mansion?"
>>621788
"I was told that those paintings represented the ideal of beauty, not of 'cuteness'. She did not look like one from the paintings. Objectively, I can tell you that her mane and tail was… poofy."
"I was told that those paintings represented the ideal of beauty, not of 'cuteness'. She did not look like one from the paintings. Objectively, I can tell you that her mane and tail was… poofy."
>>621790
"After Flavia confronted her inside, she tried to fly away. We chased her down. She landed in a park, and Flavia challenged her to a battle of faith."
"After Flavia confronted her inside, she tried to fly away. We chased her down. She landed in a park, and Flavia challenged her to a battle of faith."
>>621792
"It was also a regular battle, for the Spirit could create weak clones of itself."
"It was also a regular battle, for the Spirit could create weak clones of itself."
>>621794
"I am not quite certain it would be wise or healthy to consort with Spirits of Discord."
"I am not quite certain it would be wise or healthy to consort with Spirits of Discord."
>>621795
"What, she's still a mare, right? Anyway, its not like she'd even have survived a battle with you and Flavia, so I can't even meet her.."
"What, she's still a mare, right? Anyway, its not like she'd even have survived a battle with you and Flavia, so I can't even meet her.."
>>621797
"Oh really?" I smirk and prod your chest. "So, if she's cleansed, she's fair game right?"
"Oh really?" I smirk and prod your chest. "So, if she's cleansed, she's fair game right?"
>>621798
"I would consult with Flavia first."
Let myself smile a bit.
"I am also sorry to dishearten you, but I am afraid that the cleansing has robber her of the power of creating mirror images."
"I would consult with Flavia first."
Let myself smile a bit.
"I am also sorry to dishearten you, but I am afraid that the cleansing has robber her of the power of creating mirror images."
>>621799
"Poor girl…" I shake my head as if I were really disappointed by that. "Ah, but I bet she's cuter than the one Marcus is with right now. Poor guy. But at least it worked."
"Poor girl…" I shake my head as if I were really disappointed by that. "Ah, but I bet she's cuter than the one Marcus is with right now. Poor guy. But at least it worked."
>>621801
"We went to a party, and got a mare very distracted so that we could take her things.." Smirk "Marcus is quite the hero of her night."
"We went to a party, and got a mare very distracted so that we could take her things.." Smirk "Marcus is quite the hero of her night."
>>621802
"It always fascinates me how easily ponies can be manipulated by promises or fulfillment of mating."
Ponder about that for a moment.
"It always fascinates me how easily ponies can be manipulated by promises or fulfillment of mating."
Ponder about that for a moment.
>>621803
I burst out laughing again while you're pondering.
"Just as easily as a dragon with gold. Remember that time I bribed you with chocolate coins, and you thought they were real?"
I burst out laughing again while you're pondering.
"Just as easily as a dragon with gold. Remember that time I bribed you with chocolate coins, and you thought they were real?"
>>621804
Give you a look that could shoot daggers. Or fire.
"I have learned to trust deals with you with the utmost precautions on that day."
Smile after a few moments though.
"I suppose you had time to think about that while sitting on top of that tree, did you not?"
Give you a look that could shoot daggers. Or fire.
"I have learned to trust deals with you with the utmost precautions on that day."
Smile after a few moments though.
"I suppose you had time to think about that while sitting on top of that tree, did you not?"
>>621805
I frown.
"Hey, that wasn't funny. I missed out on snack time, and it was fresh chocolate chip cookies instead of orange slices too! That meant a lot to my colt-self. Besides, did you really think I'd have that many coins just from my allowance?"
I frown.
"Hey, that wasn't funny. I missed out on snack time, and it was fresh chocolate chip cookies instead of orange slices too! That meant a lot to my colt-self. Besides, did you really think I'd have that many coins just from my allowance?"
>>621806
"I supposed you have relieved some other pony from them, and thought it would be best to hide it with me, where that amount would not have raised suspiscion. I was overcomplicating the matter, in hindsight."
"I supposed you have relieved some other pony from them, and thought it would be best to hide it with me, where that amount would not have raised suspiscion. I was overcomplicating the matter, in hindsight."
>>621807
I snicker.
"Yea, I remember having to make up a story about trying to rescue the duchess's cat from the tree and getting stuck so that neither of us would be in trouble. To this day I"m not sure if dad knew the truth or not.."
I snicker.
"Yea, I remember having to make up a story about trying to rescue the duchess's cat from the tree and getting stuck so that neither of us would be in trouble. To this day I"m not sure if dad knew the truth or not.."
>>621808
"I think he might have suspected when I started putting Anthe on treetops once she started to annoy me."
"I think he might have suspected when I started putting Anthe on treetops once she started to annoy me."
>>621809
"To be fair.. I did lock her in her room more than once and hide the key randomly in the castle.."
"To be fair.. I did lock her in her room more than once and hide the key randomly in the castle.."
>>621811
"Hmm I dunno, she always got out soon enough, thou it did take her a while to notice sometimes.. all that time spent in front of the mirror." I yawn boop your nose a bit "Anyway, I'll see if I can deliver these goods and crash for the night, pretending to party and have fun while staying sober is tough work. Even a night pony like me can only be up so long."
"Hmm I dunno, she always got out soon enough, thou it did take her a while to notice sometimes.. all that time spent in front of the mirror." I yawn boop your nose a bit "Anyway, I'll see if I can deliver these goods and crash for the night, pretending to party and have fun while staying sober is tough work. Even a night pony like me can only be up so long."
Nolin, Mereghyl and Marcus
The sorcerer you’re looking for lives several miles away from the city, a walk which would take you one to two hours if it weren’t for Mereghyl. With his help it takes you less than half of that.
You've arrived at the forest where the individual going by the name of 'Chester' should be living at. This is an oak forest, of which there are a few in the southern parts of Trotantium. Centuries ago, before the empire even existed, these kind of forests were often seen as holy places as dryads, breezies and other forest spirits were rumored to live in them. Much of Trotantium’s religion today has roots in forests such as these, as they have unusual plants and critters living in them which are hard to find elsewhere in the empire. These ecosystems are seen as a blessing of Mother Nature, enduring throughout the centuries during even the harshest droughts by her will. Given the southern climate in these parts, it’s hard for you to imagine anything but the Mother keeping these forests so lush.
Bordering this forest is a massive piece of farmland. The entire capital is in fact surrounded by acres upon acres of farms and plantations. The field you've landed next to seems to be growing wheat.
The sorcerer you’re looking for lives several miles away from the city, a walk which would take you one to two hours if it weren’t for Mereghyl. With his help it takes you less than half of that.
You've arrived at the forest where the individual going by the name of 'Chester' should be living at. This is an oak forest, of which there are a few in the southern parts of Trotantium. Centuries ago, before the empire even existed, these kind of forests were often seen as holy places as dryads, breezies and other forest spirits were rumored to live in them. Much of Trotantium’s religion today has roots in forests such as these, as they have unusual plants and critters living in them which are hard to find elsewhere in the empire. These ecosystems are seen as a blessing of Mother Nature, enduring throughout the centuries during even the harshest droughts by her will. Given the southern climate in these parts, it’s hard for you to imagine anything but the Mother keeping these forests so lush.
Bordering this forest is a massive piece of farmland. The entire capital is in fact surrounded by acres upon acres of farms and plantations. The field you've landed next to seems to be growing wheat.
>>622173
A Search check will do, actually. The sorcerer should live somewhere on the edge of the forest, not in it.
A Search check will do, actually. The sorcerer should live somewhere on the edge of the forest, not in it.
>>622177
You walk into the forest itself for about a minute until you remember he lives someplace on the edge of it!
>>622178
You remember the forest itself is not your destination, as the sorcerer lives on the edge of it, a wooden shack located in a small grove which doesn't take you too long too find by following the path running alongside the forest.
It doesn’t exactly have the looks of a rich pony’s house; this small shack is very simple, made up of wood and overgrown by vines here and there. There’s a pond of water next to the shack, with thin wisps of mysterious fog floating above it.
You walk into the forest itself for about a minute until you remember he lives someplace on the edge of it!
>>622178
You remember the forest itself is not your destination, as the sorcerer lives on the edge of it, a wooden shack located in a small grove which doesn't take you too long too find by following the path running alongside the forest.
It doesn’t exactly have the looks of a rich pony’s house; this small shack is very simple, made up of wood and overgrown by vines here and there. There’s a pond of water next to the shack, with thin wisps of mysterious fog floating above it.
>>622181
The shack doesn't look very special at all, it was clearly built a while ago and the years haven't been kind to it.
You're not entirely sure what the deal with the fog is either, though it may just be some strange natural phenomenon.
>>622183
You knock on the wooden ramshackle door, but receive no answer. Roll Notice.
The shack doesn't look very special at all, it was clearly built a while ago and the years haven't been kind to it.
You're not entirely sure what the deal with the fog is either, though it may just be some strange natural phenomenon.
>>622183
You knock on the wooden ramshackle door, but receive no answer. Roll Notice.
>>622189
You peer inside the shack, the inside look deserted. There's dust everywhere and it looks like no one has been in here in a long time.
Then you notice something not quite right. A shimmer in the air inside the shack… it dawns on you that there may be some sort of illusion spell at work here.
You peer inside the shack, the inside look deserted. There's dust everywhere and it looks like no one has been in here in a long time.
Then you notice something not quite right. A shimmer in the air inside the shack… it dawns on you that there may be some sort of illusion spell at work here.
>>622190
"OH WELL! I GUESS HE WAS NEVER HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE! TOO BAD! WE WILL HAVE TO ASK SOME OTHER MAGE ABOUT THAT RARE NATURE ARTIFACT" I shout really loudly.
"OH WELL! I GUESS HE WAS NEVER HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE! TOO BAD! WE WILL HAVE TO ASK SOME OTHER MAGE ABOUT THAT RARE NATURE ARTIFACT" I shout really loudly.
>>622191
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB5VoS0nX24
You hear the sound of purring coming from somewhere behind you, like that of a cat. You turn to look at the source of the sound and see a cat sitting in an oak tree nearby, purring audibly. That’s… certainly not a normal cat though. It’s a bit bigger than normal housecats ought to be and, more disturbingly, it has an impossibly wide toothy grin on its face.
“It looks as though you are looking for someone.”
It speaks! And with a distinct foreign accent too! You can roll a knowledge check to recognize what kind of accent it has.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB5VoS0nX24
You hear the sound of purring coming from somewhere behind you, like that of a cat. You turn to look at the source of the sound and see a cat sitting in an oak tree nearby, purring audibly. That’s… certainly not a normal cat though. It’s a bit bigger than normal housecats ought to be and, more disturbingly, it has an impossibly wide toothy grin on its face.
“It looks as though you are looking for someone.”
It speaks! And with a distinct foreign accent too! You can roll a knowledge check to recognize what kind of accent it has.
>>622194
'1d20+1' what's that an int check?
"I am little kitten." I reply to the cat.
Roll #1 12 + 1 = 13
'1d20+1' what's that an int check?
"I am little kitten." I reply to the cat.
Roll #1 12 + 1 = 13
>>622199
Trot over to the tree.
"We're looking for a mage. We have an interesting proposition for him. I suppose you would know where to find him?"
Trot over to the tree.
"We're looking for a mage. We have an interesting proposition for him. I suppose you would know where to find him?"
>>622201
You would need to climb the tree he's sitting in!
>>622200
The cats begins to disappear, popping out of existence after just a few seconds of fading. Several seconds later, you hear its voice coming from behind you.
"Chester. My name… is Chester."
You turn to see the cat having reappeared behind you. It's sitting on the ground now. It really has an odd way of speaking.
You would need to climb the tree he's sitting in!
>>622200
The cats begins to disappear, popping out of existence after just a few seconds of fading. Several seconds later, you hear its voice coming from behind you.
"Chester. My name… is Chester."
You turn to see the cat having reappeared behind you. It's sitting on the ground now. It really has an odd way of speaking.
>>622203
Invisibility or Teleportation? Who knows?
Nod.
"I am Mereghyl. We are looking for you, if you indeed are Chester."
Invisibility or Teleportation? Who knows?
Nod.
"I am Mereghyl. We are looking for you, if you indeed are Chester."
>>622207
"…Wait, Chester. Are YOU the one we're looking for then?"
'1d20+7' sense motive too
Roll #1 4 + 7 = 11
"…Wait, Chester. Are YOU the one we're looking for then?"
'1d20+7' sense motive too
Roll #1 4 + 7 = 11
>>622208
"Then you are in the right place, are you not? With Chester."
>>622209
He fades away again, reappearing a few seconds later floating in the air above you.
"Here's a riddle… where lies the difference between intelligence and wisdom? I'll tell you: wherever you want it to be! A mage… studies while a sorcerer… knows."
>>622210
You get the feeling he's a little bit bonkers, but you don't think he's lying.
He turns to you, floating upside down.
"Am I?"
"Then you are in the right place, are you not? With Chester."
>>622209
He fades away again, reappearing a few seconds later floating in the air above you.
"Here's a riddle… where lies the difference between intelligence and wisdom? I'll tell you: wherever you want it to be! A mage… studies while a sorcerer… knows."
>>622210
You get the feeling he's a little bit bonkers, but you don't think he's lying.
He turns to you, floating upside down.
"Am I?"
>>622211
"Pray tell, would it then also be true that a mage talks, but a socerer does. Because that's the kind of sorcerer we're looking for."
"Pray tell, would it then also be true that a mage talks, but a socerer does. Because that's the kind of sorcerer we're looking for."
>>622212
I get a feeling that this guy wouldn't be too interested in pure money.
Sense Motive to get a sense what he would like in return for helping '1d20+12'
Roll #1 13 + 12 = 25
I get a feeling that this guy wouldn't be too interested in pure money.
Sense Motive to get a sense what he would like in return for helping '1d20+12'
Roll #1 13 + 12 = 25
>>622212
"That depends on what you expect a… sorcerer to do, does it not? If you look for magic, you are at the right place. If you do not… you may well be at the right place anyway."
>>622213
You think that's a fairly safe assumption to make. He's probably interested in items with magical properties. Or a trade of services.
>>622214
"My terms… are simple. I do something for you and you do something for me. I scratch your back and I scratch yours."
"That depends on what you expect a… sorcerer to do, does it not? If you look for magic, you are at the right place. If you do not… you may well be at the right place anyway."
>>622213
You think that's a fairly safe assumption to make. He's probably interested in items with magical properties. Or a trade of services.
>>622214
"My terms… are simple. I do something for you and you do something for me. I scratch your back and I scratch yours."
>>622215
Oh, this a great time to do a cold read.
Does Chester follow a religion? Does he have any family? Does he have an addictions?
Oh, this a great time to do a cold read.
Does Chester follow a religion? Does he have any family? Does he have an addictions?
>>622218
"Right, sorcerer, forgive the laypony.
You came highly recommended by a Concord you worked with in the past. My name is Marcus Hippoi, at your service."
"Right, sorcerer, forgive the laypony.
You came highly recommended by a Concord you worked with in the past. My name is Marcus Hippoi, at your service."
>>622218
"They are rather urgent. You would need something that includes the use of my claws?"
"They are rather urgent. You would need something that includes the use of my claws?"
>>622219
>Does Chester follow a religion?
No, he doesn't. He doesn't care much for subjecting himself to any of the higher beings.
>Does he have any family?
Definitely not.
>Does he have an addictions?
He loves catnip and especially loves scratching posts.
>>622220
He gasps and widens his eerie grin.
"Victus? How is he?"
>>622221
He slowly spins around his own axis.
"There are… critters in the sea which I am fond of in different ways. But… I am not fond of swimming in water. Have you ever heard of… sirens?"
>Does Chester follow a religion?
No, he doesn't. He doesn't care much for subjecting himself to any of the higher beings.
>Does he have any family?
Definitely not.
>Does he have an addictions?
He loves catnip and especially loves scratching posts.
>>622220
He gasps and widens his eerie grin.
"Victus? How is he?"
>>622221
He slowly spins around his own axis.
"There are… critters in the sea which I am fond of in different ways. But… I am not fond of swimming in water. Have you ever heard of… sirens?"
>>622222
"I have heard of them, yet I was not sure whether to believe in them or not. I only know of sea ponies, for I have interacted with them."
"I have heard of them, yet I was not sure whether to believe in them or not. I only know of sea ponies, for I have interacted with them."
>>622222
"You don't have to swim, only dispel a few measly locks and barriers. Shouldn't be a problem for someone as skilled as you."
"You don't have to swim, only dispel a few measly locks and barriers. Shouldn't be a problem for someone as skilled as you."
>>622223
"Sirens are like seaponies, yet… completely unlike them in every way as well. Their songs are as beautiful, but only serve to enrage those who hear it. They are… in essence… serving Discord. Just like how the seaponies… serve Aqualia?"
>>622224
He doesn't appear to be worried, as his wide grin stays in place.
"Sickness is preferable over death."
>>622225
"You're right! I don't need to swim… but you may have to to get my help."
He floats around you slowly.
"Sirens get their powers from a magical crystal… take that away and they can no longer… siren. It does not even require them to die, isn't that just pleasant?"
"Sirens are like seaponies, yet… completely unlike them in every way as well. Their songs are as beautiful, but only serve to enrage those who hear it. They are… in essence… serving Discord. Just like how the seaponies… serve Aqualia?"
>>622224
He doesn't appear to be worried, as his wide grin stays in place.
"Sickness is preferable over death."
>>622225
"You're right! I don't need to swim… but you may have to to get my help."
He floats around you slowly.
"Sirens get their powers from a magical crystal… take that away and they can no longer… siren. It does not even require them to die, isn't that just pleasant?"
>>622227
"Not quite… but those crystals, I've never seen them with my own eyes. I could never, and will never, unless someone gets one for me."
>>622228
"See there's a misconception… The sirens serve Discord, but they are not… his. Not in the same way the seaponies are Aqualia's. The alliance between the sirens and Discord is just… that. An alliance of opportunity. The crystals are powersources, but they only serve to provide the power the sirens need to use their abilities. Those abilities are part of… them, not the crystal."
He shakes his head.
"I try not to get involved in politics, it tends to spoil my appetite for food."
>>622229
"I will gladly help a friend of Victus… but only if you can get your… hooves on a siren crystal afterwards."
"Not quite… but those crystals, I've never seen them with my own eyes. I could never, and will never, unless someone gets one for me."
>>622228
"See there's a misconception… The sirens serve Discord, but they are not… his. Not in the same way the seaponies are Aqualia's. The alliance between the sirens and Discord is just… that. An alliance of opportunity. The crystals are powersources, but they only serve to provide the power the sirens need to use their abilities. Those abilities are part of… them, not the crystal."
He shakes his head.
"I try not to get involved in politics, it tends to spoil my appetite for food."
>>622229
"I will gladly help a friend of Victus… but only if you can get your… hooves on a siren crystal afterwards."
>>622231
His eyes widen and he purrs again.
"Very good. When do we leave?"
>>622232
"I only need… one. You do not need to kill them over it if you think you can trick one but… if you do not, you do as you please. I dislike slaying critters without good reason myself."
>>622233
He doesn't really seem like the type to lie. More like a bluntly honest type.
His eyes widen and he purrs again.
"Very good. When do we leave?"
>>622232
"I only need… one. You do not need to kill them over it if you think you can trick one but… if you do not, you do as you please. I dislike slaying critters without good reason myself."
>>622233
He doesn't really seem like the type to lie. More like a bluntly honest type.
>>622234
"There's a ship leaving to Anafi tonight. Do you want to come with us now or meet us tonight at that ship?"
"There's a ship leaving to Anafi tonight. Do you want to come with us now or meet us tonight at that ship?"
>>622239
"One way or the other… does it matter?"
He blinks his big eyes at you a few times.
"I am filly nor colt."
>>622240
You begin your voyage back to the capital. It'll take you about an hour.
You'll still have a bit of time left by the time you get back, so now is the time to begin preparing for the end of this adventure and the beginning of the next. Anyone who still wishes to buy something, talk to someone or do something should tell me now.
"One way or the other… does it matter?"
He blinks his big eyes at you a few times.
"I am filly nor colt."
>>622240
You begin your voyage back to the capital. It'll take you about an hour.
You'll still have a bit of time left by the time you get back, so now is the time to begin preparing for the end of this adventure and the beginning of the next. Anyone who still wishes to buy something, talk to someone or do something should tell me now.
Rewards:
100XP for tracking down and recruiting Chester.
100XP for how quickly you managed to find him.
>>622242
You could go back to the inn you stayed at the night before. They had decent food and even shelter that fit you.
>>622243
>>622244
Yes, you'll need to buy passage to the island of Anafi.
A reminder that Adrianos is capable of steering ships thanks to his high ride.
100XP for tracking down and recruiting Chester.
100XP for how quickly you managed to find him.
>>622242
You could go back to the inn you stayed at the night before. They had decent food and even shelter that fit you.
>>622243
>>622244
Yes, you'll need to buy passage to the island of Anafi.
A reminder that Adrianos is capable of steering ships thanks to his high ride.
>>622245
I'll make that a double meal then.
But not too much, I'll have to be able to move fast and think quick.
I'll make that a double meal then.
But not too much, I'll have to be able to move fast and think quick.
>>622248
We could do that here.
Might be better than looking in a small village full of guards.
We can just do a Search roll?
We could do that here.
Might be better than looking in a small village full of guards.
We can just do a Search roll?
>>622254
>>622256
You may want to go further down the river for this… to the lower district of the city, also known as the slums.
>>622255
They're in the book, dummy! Non-common foods generally gives you bonuses for about 8 hours. Not particularly useful, bu you have a lot of dosh that'll disappear anyway so I figured I'd ask.
You order two common meals, costing just 2 silvers, and are presented with a couple of fishplates that fill you for the rest of the day.
>>622256
You may want to go further down the river for this… to the lower district of the city, also known as the slums.
>>622255
They're in the book, dummy! Non-common foods generally gives you bonuses for about 8 hours. Not particularly useful, bu you have a lot of dosh that'll disappear anyway so I figured I'd ask.
You order two common meals, costing just 2 silvers, and are presented with a couple of fishplates that fill you for the rest of the day.
>>622257
That's my destination.
I'll head down there.
'1d20+8' notice to keep on my toes as we go.
Roll #1 14 + 8 = 22
That's my destination.
I'll head down there.
'1d20+8' notice to keep on my toes as we go.
Roll #1 14 + 8 = 22
>>622257
I was considering getting something non-common for the bonus, if we are going to siege an island fortress anyway!
Maybe for dessert. I earned enough from that arena battle at any rate.
I was considering getting something non-common for the bonus, if we are going to siege an island fortress anyway!
Maybe for dessert. I earned enough from that arena battle at any rate.
>>622267
From the 286 silvers you have now, you only get to keep 25% according to your Prudence.
"Mereghyl!"
Anthe stomps over to you, clearly upset.
>>622263
>>622266
>>622259
You both look like filthy tramps now. Your mothers would be proud.
Do you want to take Karabi along as well? She doesn't need much of a disguise since she looks pretty scary.
From the 286 silvers you have now, you only get to keep 25% according to your Prudence.
"Mereghyl!"
Anthe stomps over to you, clearly upset.
>>622263
>>622266
>>622259
You both look like filthy tramps now. Your mothers would be proud.
Do you want to take Karabi along as well? She doesn't need much of a disguise since she looks pretty scary.
>>622268
I could probably acquire a few shiny trinkets and baubles with that money then…
Raise my head, unalarmed, at her.
"Anthe."
I could probably acquire a few shiny trinkets and baubles with that money then…
Raise my head, unalarmed, at her.
"Anthe."
>>622272
Blink slowly and calmly.
"He will aid us in a matter of great importance. Unless you, Anthe, have learned arcane magic of great mastery in the brief time while we have been gone, Chester, as he is called, will stay."
Being called an 'it' for not being a pony certainly is not amusing, I should know.
Blink slowly and calmly.
"He will aid us in a matter of great importance. Unless you, Anthe, have learned arcane magic of great mastery in the brief time while we have been gone, Chester, as he is called, will stay."
Being called an 'it' for not being a pony certainly is not amusing, I should know.
>>622274
"Well I don't like him, his smile is too freaky. Cats aren't supposed to do that!"
>>622273
Ah Marcus, so detached from the pleb world.
>>622275
You fare much better. If you want to find a smuggler you figure you'll probably be best served staying near the river running through the city. Water access is useful to them and they probably use it to smuggle goods into the slums, then to the rest of the city.
"Well I don't like him, his smile is too freaky. Cats aren't supposed to do that!"
>>622273
Ah Marcus, so detached from the pleb world.
>>622275
You fare much better. If you want to find a smuggler you figure you'll probably be best served staying near the river running through the city. Water access is useful to them and they probably use it to smuggle goods into the slums, then to the rest of the city.
>>622276
"I suppose the same could be said about your smug grin as well, yet we do not have you sleep on the streets."
"I suppose the same could be said about your smug grin as well, yet we do not have you sleep on the streets."
>>622277
Her cheeks redden in anger slightly.
"This isn't funny! What if he has fleas or something? Where did you find him?"
Her cheeks redden in anger slightly.
"This isn't funny! What if he has fleas or something? Where did you find him?"
>>622278
"You live in a misconception about him, Anthe. A contradiction, even. You know he is not a regular feline, yet you assume he would carry with him the same problems as a stray cat."
"You live in a misconception about him, Anthe. A contradiction, even. You know he is not a regular feline, yet you assume he would carry with him the same problems as a stray cat."
>>622284
"Just because father isn't around to keep you on a leash doesn't mean you get to disrespect me!"
She stomps a hoof to stress her point.
>>622285
>>622286
Nolin notices a mare doing something quite strange on one of the ships. She's removing the Trotantine flag and replaces it with a Germane flag…
"Just because father isn't around to keep you on a leash doesn't mean you get to disrespect me!"
She stomps a hoof to stress her point.
>>622285
>>622286
Nolin notices a mare doing something quite strange on one of the ships. She's removing the Trotantine flag and replaces it with a Germane flag…
>>622287
"Indeed, times have changed, Anthe.
You will have to learn with what and how we live for now, and deal with what we have to do in order to save our House."
Be much more stern than before.
"We need Chester for our cause, so if you dispose of him, think of it as an act of you disposing of our father personally. I will not allow that."
"Indeed, times have changed, Anthe.
You will have to learn with what and how we live for now, and deal with what we have to do in order to save our House."
Be much more stern than before.
"We need Chester for our cause, so if you dispose of him, think of it as an act of you disposing of our father personally. I will not allow that."
>>622290
>>622291
It smells like fresh paint here… you notice the letters on the back of her ship are freshly painted on.
It's not a big ship, one person could steer it just fine. It has a single mast and a square-rigged single sail. Cogs are quite popular for trading purposes and come in many sizes, this one is a smaller model.
>>622291
It smells like fresh paint here… you notice the letters on the back of her ship are freshly painted on.
It's not a big ship, one person could steer it just fine. It has a single mast and a square-rigged single sail. Cogs are quite popular for trading purposes and come in many sizes, this one is a smaller model.
>>621773
Giggle a bit in my hoof to hide the uncout gesture.
"You are talking like a seasoned veteran already.
The Schola really had a mark on you."
Giggle a bit in my hoof to hide the uncout gesture.
"You are talking like a seasoned veteran already.
The Schola really had a mark on you."
>>622299
"Maybe not the Scholae so much as my preparation for it. My parents had the honors in mind for me for a long time – the Tribunes in command of the military hold rank equal to that of a doux. It would be the only way their ambitions could be realized, being relatively low-ranking in the House Hippoi. But the training wasn't as physical as you'd think – medicine, philosophy, tactics, administration – these are the sorts of things prized in the ranks."
Put my hoof on my chin. "But you've come a long way yourself. I came to the capital around your age, but at your age I couldn't claim to be hunting spirits or representing the Mother."
"Maybe not the Scholae so much as my preparation for it. My parents had the honors in mind for me for a long time – the Tribunes in command of the military hold rank equal to that of a doux. It would be the only way their ambitions could be realized, being relatively low-ranking in the House Hippoi. But the training wasn't as physical as you'd think – medicine, philosophy, tactics, administration – these are the sorts of things prized in the ranks."
Put my hoof on my chin. "But you've come a long way yourself. I came to the capital around your age, but at your age I couldn't claim to be hunting spirits or representing the Mother."
>>622300
Wince.
"Let us keep quiet about that, shall we?
Imagine if somepony overheard us.
At best, they'd think us mad. At worst…"
Shudder.
Wince.
"Let us keep quiet about that, shall we?
Imagine if somepony overheard us.
At best, they'd think us mad. At worst…"
Shudder.
>>622301
Wink. "I'm sure you're not the only one who those apply to in the capital – you just happen to be more successful at the former than most."
Wink. "I'm sure you're not the only one who those apply to in the capital – you just happen to be more successful at the former than most."
>>622303
"Gosh, that would be amazing- meeting another Champion of the Mother… Maybe we even have the same mission!"
"Gosh, that would be amazing- meeting another Champion of the Mother… Maybe we even have the same mission!"
>>622304
"Empress Dawnsworn felt even the sovereign state was subordinate to the will of the Mother. In a way, if you accept that interpretation, everyone in the empire is a servant of the Mother. I get your meaning, though – someone with your own level of devotion."
"Empress Dawnsworn felt even the sovereign state was subordinate to the will of the Mother. In a way, if you accept that interpretation, everyone in the empire is a servant of the Mother. I get your meaning, though – someone with your own level of devotion."
>>622305
Shake my head.
"Somepony who has been contacted by one of the higher spirits of the Mother!
I'm sure there are ponies as devoted as me just about everywhere!"
Shake my head.
"Somepony who has been contacted by one of the higher spirits of the Mother!
I'm sure there are ponies as devoted as me just about everywhere!"
>>622307
" 'Though believers may spring widely from the cup of faith, a far-flung puddle is shallow – and in the cup, narrow, but deep. ' … That's Marcus Plotinus, a solar philosopher if the source doesn't offend you. I think the casual acceptance of the Mother in the empire means that there are few true devotees to be found with a depth of faith that you possess."
" 'Though believers may spring widely from the cup of faith, a far-flung puddle is shallow – and in the cup, narrow, but deep. ' … That's Marcus Plotinus, a solar philosopher if the source doesn't offend you. I think the casual acceptance of the Mother in the empire means that there are few true devotees to be found with a depth of faith that you possess."
>>622311
Pause to consider the question.
"No, I don't think so. I am naturally familiar with the theology of the Mother as a matter of state and as a function of studying the philosophers of the Mother, but as Porphyry suggests my theology is more incidental – the philosophical accident – as opposed to the philosophical property. He might elevate your own belief further to definition – that is to say, you are defined by your relationship with the mother. A Flavia without the Mother is not Flavia, but an Adrianos could exist with or without the Mother and it would not affect his fundamental essence."
Stop myself. "Sorry, this is getting esoteric, isn't it? You probably weren't looking for something so metaphysical. What I mean to say might me more easily summarized with that classic pithy phrase – faith untested, faith untrusted."
Pause to consider the question.
"No, I don't think so. I am naturally familiar with the theology of the Mother as a matter of state and as a function of studying the philosophers of the Mother, but as Porphyry suggests my theology is more incidental – the philosophical accident – as opposed to the philosophical property. He might elevate your own belief further to definition – that is to say, you are defined by your relationship with the mother. A Flavia without the Mother is not Flavia, but an Adrianos could exist with or without the Mother and it would not affect his fundamental essence."
Stop myself. "Sorry, this is getting esoteric, isn't it? You probably weren't looking for something so metaphysical. What I mean to say might me more easily summarized with that classic pithy phrase – faith untested, faith untrusted."
>>622315
Give this kneave a quick 'seriously nigga?' look.
"But as the Claptrosky brothers said, a pony is shaped by every drop of experience which washes upon his face.
We are products of everything around us.
Without perception of the Mother in those around you even Adrianos would not be Adrianos, for your interactions with those who do profess Her beliefs with more attention than you do have shaped your formation, your thoughts, and your every action up to this point."
Give this kneave a quick 'seriously nigga?' look.
"But as the Claptrosky brothers said, a pony is shaped by every drop of experience which washes upon his face.
We are products of everything around us.
Without perception of the Mother in those around you even Adrianos would not be Adrianos, for your interactions with those who do profess Her beliefs with more attention than you do have shaped your formation, your thoughts, and your every action up to this point."
>>622316
"I don't deny that, certainly; by nature of sheer supply, there is more philosophy to be read of Natural philosophers than any other sort here in the empire. What I am saying is that on a more fundamental level is that the characteristic of whether or not I hold the Mother as my patron does not define who I am. I hold no particular opposition to it, and pay religious credence for political convenience, but I feel no particular draw toward it over any other belief system. If anything, it is Equitas that compels me - a belief in benevolence toward other ponies, and an open mind to learning. The Mother is not opposed to this ideal per se, and so I see no conflict with giving her token worship."
"I don't deny that, certainly; by nature of sheer supply, there is more philosophy to be read of Natural philosophers than any other sort here in the empire. What I am saying is that on a more fundamental level is that the characteristic of whether or not I hold the Mother as my patron does not define who I am. I hold no particular opposition to it, and pay religious credence for political convenience, but I feel no particular draw toward it over any other belief system. If anything, it is Equitas that compels me - a belief in benevolence toward other ponies, and an open mind to learning. The Mother is not opposed to this ideal per se, and so I see no conflict with giving her token worship."
>>622318
"Porphyry's disquisition on the nature of a pony always rang odd, in my mind.
How can one single idea define a being as complex as the flesh and blood and soul standing and breathing here right now?
The idea of the individual as abstractifiable into a single core value, stripped of all the things attached to it, denies the evolution each and every one of us goes through.
Think of Adrianos, or Flavia, as they were five years ago. That was when I began my studies and when you, I assume, where in the midst of yours already, correct?"
Take a moment to gauge for a negative or positive reaction, but keep on.
"The idea of Mother was strong already in my mind. But that idea, that core alone, if taken and frozen away in time to be awoken in a dozen or even a hundred years, would not give fruit to the same Flavia you are seeing today.
Equitas alone does not define Adrianos either, for there is so much in you that is everchanging, just as Nature is."
"Porphyry's disquisition on the nature of a pony always rang odd, in my mind.
How can one single idea define a being as complex as the flesh and blood and soul standing and breathing here right now?
The idea of the individual as abstractifiable into a single core value, stripped of all the things attached to it, denies the evolution each and every one of us goes through.
Think of Adrianos, or Flavia, as they were five years ago. That was when I began my studies and when you, I assume, where in the midst of yours already, correct?"
Take a moment to gauge for a negative or positive reaction, but keep on.
"The idea of Mother was strong already in my mind. But that idea, that core alone, if taken and frozen away in time to be awoken in a dozen or even a hundred years, would not give fruit to the same Flavia you are seeing today.
Equitas alone does not define Adrianos either, for there is so much in you that is everchanging, just as Nature is."
>>622323
"The opposite could easily be argued, though – that you were fated, put on a path to the Mother, because there is fundamentally something that resonates with her in your soul. Isn't fate more strongly compatible with your theology? If there is no fate, how does the Mother guide you toward the future? To affirm this line of reasoning seems to strip the Mother of all of her divine nature and leave her as just an extraordinary creation deity, with no particular other qualifications to lead. That is to say, if her predictions and guidance can be wrong or otherwise fail, then there might be times when it is wiser to listen to ponies than to the Mother. You could create a soft-fate hybrid theory, but draw our own line at where fate begins leaves a bad taste in my mouth – akin to judgment of divines in the same breath as declaring their omniscience."
"The opposite could easily be argued, though – that you were fated, put on a path to the Mother, because there is fundamentally something that resonates with her in your soul. Isn't fate more strongly compatible with your theology? If there is no fate, how does the Mother guide you toward the future? To affirm this line of reasoning seems to strip the Mother of all of her divine nature and leave her as just an extraordinary creation deity, with no particular other qualifications to lead. That is to say, if her predictions and guidance can be wrong or otherwise fail, then there might be times when it is wiser to listen to ponies than to the Mother. You could create a soft-fate hybrid theory, but draw our own line at where fate begins leaves a bad taste in my mouth – akin to judgment of divines in the same breath as declaring their omniscience."
>>622325
"Seeing the Mother as what you say, an extraordinary being which rules our whole lives through fate, is a misinterpretation of the holy books from a time before the Empire itself.
It saddens me to see how often this is still brought forth as the main interpretation, because of how reductive it is.
Nature is unique in its complexity, in the way Mother shapes each and every one of us through our own endless interactions with everything which is Her.
You see, scholars used to call everything which was equine 'not' of Nature, not of Mother herself.
But this reductive understanding of what the Mother means blinds us to the realization that I am part of Mother just as much as you are part of Mother, and the way our actions influence each other is that, too, part of the way Mother shapes our lives.
Atop of that, you have to understand Mother's light is not a biased one. She does not deny us choice, despite rejoicing when we make the right one, for making us grow in a world entirely controlled by the strings of Fate would lead to an already known ending, to a rhetorical question whose answer is known already.
Rather, we are left free to explore the Mystery in its fullness, and the greatest of understandings is in seeing the signs of this very growth on your own self, and realizing that every blade of grass and every cut of blade, that every thought of beauty and every feeling of dread are all parts of her."
Sigh.
"This is not the sermon we give to the folks at home, though.
My instructors called it nearly heretical."
"Seeing the Mother as what you say, an extraordinary being which rules our whole lives through fate, is a misinterpretation of the holy books from a time before the Empire itself.
It saddens me to see how often this is still brought forth as the main interpretation, because of how reductive it is.
Nature is unique in its complexity, in the way Mother shapes each and every one of us through our own endless interactions with everything which is Her.
You see, scholars used to call everything which was equine 'not' of Nature, not of Mother herself.
But this reductive understanding of what the Mother means blinds us to the realization that I am part of Mother just as much as you are part of Mother, and the way our actions influence each other is that, too, part of the way Mother shapes our lives.
Atop of that, you have to understand Mother's light is not a biased one. She does not deny us choice, despite rejoicing when we make the right one, for making us grow in a world entirely controlled by the strings of Fate would lead to an already known ending, to a rhetorical question whose answer is known already.
Rather, we are left free to explore the Mystery in its fullness, and the greatest of understandings is in seeing the signs of this very growth on your own self, and realizing that every blade of grass and every cut of blade, that every thought of beauty and every feeling of dread are all parts of her."
Sigh.
"This is not the sermon we give to the folks at home, though.
My instructors called it nearly heretical."
>>622375
You roam around the inner city for a good two hours until you finally start recognizing the streets you're in again. That's already a lot of time lost that could have been spent doing useful things. From here though, you eventually find the house you were looking for.
Seeker’s house looks fairly inconspicuous, looking similar to the other plebeian housings next to it. It’s definitely no villa, but it looks like a nice enough place for a commoner to live in. There’s a small bronze bell hanging next to the wooden front door.
You roam around the inner city for a good two hours until you finally start recognizing the streets you're in again. That's already a lot of time lost that could have been spent doing useful things. From here though, you eventually find the house you were looking for.
Seeker’s house looks fairly inconspicuous, looking similar to the other plebeian housings next to it. It’s definitely no villa, but it looks like a nice enough place for a commoner to live in. There’s a small bronze bell hanging next to the wooden front door.
>>622377
You don’t have to wait long, the door opens up slowly, revealing the inhabitant of this house. Seeker is an earth pony mare in her late thirties with baggy eyes. She looks the four of you over, sizing you up.
“Two priestesses and two Scholarians of Palantine…
To what do I owe your visit?”
You don’t have to wait long, the door opens up slowly, revealing the inhabitant of this house. Seeker is an earth pony mare in her late thirties with baggy eyes. She looks the four of you over, sizing you up.
“Two priestesses and two Scholarians of Palantine…
To what do I owe your visit?”
>>622379
It's been a while since you last saw her, you're only acquaintances.
"Adrianos, was it? I doubt you're here for tea, not during your work hours."
It's been a while since you last saw her, you're only acquaintances.
"Adrianos, was it? I doubt you're here for tea, not during your work hours."
>>622380
"I'm taking some time off from the guard – I'm sure you understand. Do you have a moment?"
"I'm taking some time off from the guard – I'm sure you understand. Do you have a moment?"
>>622383
"Thank you for your time. I'm sure the demands of the capital keep you busy with work, most days."
"Thank you for your time. I'm sure the demands of the capital keep you busy with work, most days."
>>622384
She deadpans.
“I’ve retired now, in case you hadn’t heard.”
The inside of her house is quite quaint, with lots of little mosaics covering the walls. She leads you into the triklinion, where several couches are set up with small tables next to them. She pours some tea in a few clay cups and sets them down on the tables.
"Come on then, do sit."
She deadpans.
“I’ve retired now, in case you hadn’t heard.”
The inside of her house is quite quaint, with lots of little mosaics covering the walls. She leads you into the triklinion, where several couches are set up with small tables next to them. She pours some tea in a few clay cups and sets them down on the tables.
"Come on then, do sit."
>>622386
Chuckle. "I had assumed yours was the kind of talent that never goes out of demand."
Have a seat. "And it's for that reason I was stopping by. I wouldn't ask you to work in retirement if it weren't for something important."
Chuckle. "I had assumed yours was the kind of talent that never goes out of demand."
Have a seat. "And it's for that reason I was stopping by. I wouldn't ask you to work in retirement if it weren't for something important."
Sonja gives one of the couches a strange look, but settles down on one of them anyhow.
Surprise remarks "Oooh, I like the pictures on the walls!"
>>622387
"A lack of work there is not, no… plenty of witches and necromancers still roam around free.
What is this job you speak of?"
>>622388
She's in her late thirties, so not exactly.
Surprise remarks "Oooh, I like the pictures on the walls!"
>>622387
"A lack of work there is not, no… plenty of witches and necromancers still roam around free.
What is this job you speak of?"
>>622388
She's in her late thirties, so not exactly.
>>622391
She sips her tea.
"I've heard of the crisis in Thema Agria. Seems pitiful to be squabbling over bits of land when there's a real enemy to be fought just across the border. Hordes of ghouls being orchestrated by Grevyian necromancers and the only thing our lords and ladies can think of is how to best go about getting a bigger crown."
She shakes her head in disgust.
She sips her tea.
"I've heard of the crisis in Thema Agria. Seems pitiful to be squabbling over bits of land when there's a real enemy to be fought just across the border. Hordes of ghouls being orchestrated by Grevyian necromancers and the only thing our lords and ladies can think of is how to best go about getting a bigger crown."
She shakes her head in disgust.
>>622392
"Our objective is one more personal than the matters of succession alone – there's still something to be said for love of family, isn't there?"
"Our objective is one more personal than the matters of succession alone – there's still something to be said for love of family, isn't there?"
>>622392
"Which is why these ponies are all the more to blame for what is happening, diverting us from the real problems, committing cruelties in the name of greed alone."
"Which is why these ponies are all the more to blame for what is happening, diverting us from the real problems, committing cruelties in the name of greed alone."
>>622395
"We have been made aware of the presence of a mage, master of the prison where our father is being held.
This is where your involvement comes in."
"We have been made aware of the presence of a mage, master of the prison where our father is being held.
This is where your involvement comes in."
>>622397
"It must be an experienced mage if you come to me… an experienced witch, mage and necromancer hunter. Yet I haven't hunted in months now, not since Kratus died."
"It must be an experienced mage if you come to me… an experienced witch, mage and necromancer hunter. Yet I haven't hunted in months now, not since Kratus died."
>>622398
"But surely there are other falcons – less bonded, of course, but your own talents are undeniable even alone."
"But surely there are other falcons – less bonded, of course, but your own talents are undeniable even alone."
>>622399
>>622400
She gets up from the couch and walks over the the window.
"Every day when we were home, he'd go out and fly over the city looking for any sort of magical trouble. Then he would return to land here, on this windowsill, to tell me. And in the legion, we'd be in the vanguard, weeding out the magical from the non-magical."
>>622401
"There are, but I haven't had any desire to continue hunting since."
She stays quiet for a while, turning her head to look at you.
"This mage of yours, do you know their name?"
>>622400
She gets up from the couch and walks over the the window.
"Every day when we were home, he'd go out and fly over the city looking for any sort of magical trouble. Then he would return to land here, on this windowsill, to tell me. And in the legion, we'd be in the vanguard, weeding out the magical from the non-magical."
>>622401
"There are, but I haven't had any desire to continue hunting since."
She stays quiet for a while, turning her head to look at you.
"This mage of yours, do you know their name?"
>>622402
"No, we do not. Maybe the pony who gave us this information does, and he forgot to include it…"
Bite my lower lip.
"I'm sorry to ask, but what happened to Kratus?"
"No, we do not. Maybe the pony who gave us this information does, and he forgot to include it…"
Bite my lower lip.
"I'm sorry to ask, but what happened to Kratus?"
>>622403
She turns back to look outside.
"That is the worst part, I don't know. My best guess is that age got to him, he was getting very old. One day he was fine, the other…"
Her shoulders sag as she trails off.
She turns back to look outside.
"That is the worst part, I don't know. My best guess is that age got to him, he was getting very old. One day he was fine, the other…"
Her shoulders sag as she trails off.
>>622404
Step forth, slowly reaching her and putting a gentle hoof over her shoulder from behind.
"There is nothing quieter for the mind that the endless fields of grass above which Mother's blue sky reaches-
That is where all the creatures will return to, once their days on this land are over.
In a way, your Kratus is still soaring above this city, standing watch. For you."
Rolling Impress '1d20+17'.
And use Charming, too.
Roll #1 7 + 17 = 24
Step forth, slowly reaching her and putting a gentle hoof over her shoulder from behind.
"There is nothing quieter for the mind that the endless fields of grass above which Mother's blue sky reaches-
That is where all the creatures will return to, once their days on this land are over.
In a way, your Kratus is still soaring above this city, standing watch. For you."
Rolling Impress '1d20+17'.
And use Charming, too.
Roll #1 7 + 17 = 24
>>622405
>>622406
>>622407
She rubs her temple with a hoof.
"If… I were to help you free your father and you manage to put the 'rightful' heir back in the place she ought to be sitting, can I expect to see Agria turning its attention to the east and the threats that lie beyond the border? I don't expect a crusade like those Westerners do, but knowing that our borders are protected from the undead menace will at least make it seem like I didn't waste my life herding cats."
>>622406
>>622407
She rubs her temple with a hoof.
"If… I were to help you free your father and you manage to put the 'rightful' heir back in the place she ought to be sitting, can I expect to see Agria turning its attention to the east and the threats that lie beyond the border? I don't expect a crusade like those Westerners do, but knowing that our borders are protected from the undead menace will at least make it seem like I didn't waste my life herding cats."
>>622408
Harden my gaze into one of determination.
"Trust me, I will see to it personally. The undead scourge has no place in Mother's Domain.
Those poor bodies need to go back to the earth, dust to dust like all things should, free to rejoin their souls in the next life.
Even if this was not part of your requests, I would still see it through."
Harden my gaze into one of determination.
"Trust me, I will see to it personally. The undead scourge has no place in Mother's Domain.
Those poor bodies need to go back to the earth, dust to dust like all things should, free to rejoin their souls in the next life.
Even if this was not part of your requests, I would still see it through."
>>622411
She turns to you.
"Yes, but I'll be handling it. I need but an hour… and some silver pieces."
She turns to you.
"Yes, but I'll be handling it. I need but an hour… and some silver pieces."
>>622415
Tell her about the inn and give her the money.
"We must bid you farewell now, and tell the news to our brother."
Tell her about the inn and give her the money.
"We must bid you farewell now, and tell the news to our brother."
>>622416
"I shall be there as soon I am ready. You'll have to see yourselves out."
She takes the silvers and walks out of the room, heading upstairs.
"She looks weary, are we sure she's worth taking?" Sonja comments.
"I shall be there as soon I am ready. You'll have to see yourselves out."
She takes the silvers and walks out of the room, heading upstairs.
"She looks weary, are we sure she's worth taking?" Sonja comments.
>>622418
"She's not involved with politics – I think that's more reason to trust her than anyone else we could work with."
"She's not involved with politics – I think that's more reason to trust her than anyone else we could work with."
>>622420
"Her talents earned her great renown during her days of service – and she's motivated."
"Her talents earned her great renown during her days of service – and she's motivated."
>>622421
"That she is. Rescuing the doux's heir will mean support for her cause.
But I'm worried she might be lingering too long on the departed.
"That she is. Rescuing the doux's heir will mean support for her cause.
But I'm worried she might be lingering too long on the departed.
>>622422
"It's only been a few months. A mare has a right to be depressed for a few months after a death – but you know, this could be healthy for her besides, to get her ready to move on."
"It's only been a few months. A mare has a right to be depressed for a few months after a death – but you know, this could be healthy for her besides, to get her ready to move on."
>>622423
"You might be right.
And if anything happens, the words of the Mother could alleviate her pain."
Keep trotting silently.
"We should head back, shouldn't we?"
"You might be right.
And if anything happens, the words of the Mother could alleviate her pain."
Keep trotting silently.
"We should head back, shouldn't we?"
>>622424
"Yes, we don't want to be late. I'd like to discuss strategy with Marcus – hopefully he has more information about the island. I was thinking about searching a library for anything – historical information about past sieges, blueprints, direct ownership and previous ownership."
"Yes, we don't want to be late. I'd like to discuss strategy with Marcus – hopefully he has more information about the island. I was thinking about searching a library for anything – historical information about past sieges, blueprints, direct ownership and previous ownership."
>>622425
"I don't deny what you're saying, but ponies are easily prone to sentimental attachment."
"I don't deny what you're saying, but ponies are easily prone to sentimental attachment."
>>622430
"Let's go then! Should we make a vanilla one? Or lemon? Or a fruity cake?"
Timeskip ahead to the inn? You're basically done with all the essentials of this adventure. This is downtime now.
"Let's go then! Should we make a vanilla one? Or lemon? Or a fruity cake?"
Timeskip ahead to the inn? You're basically done with all the essentials of this adventure. This is downtime now.
>>622432
You're free to do whatever now. Marcus and Nolin have succeeded in the recruitment of a mage but according to Anthe they left again a little while back to find a ride to the island. Your witch hunter ally should be here in about an hour.
You're free to do whatever now. Marcus and Nolin have succeeded in the recruitment of a mage but according to Anthe they left again a little while back to find a ride to the island. Your witch hunter ally should be here in about an hour.
>>622298
"I certainly hope you're not going away to germane, you're really too cute to not see again." Step next to her.
"I certainly hope you're not going away to germane, you're really too cute to not see again." Step next to her.
>>623024
'1d20+7' sense that motive.
"Calm down, we're just looking to make a deal." try talking to her in Prench.
Roll #1 2 + 7 = 9
'1d20+7' sense that motive.
"Calm down, we're just looking to make a deal." try talking to her in Prench.
Roll #1 2 + 7 = 9
>>623025
She perks her ears and responds in fluent Prench.
"You speak Prench? Look, I don't want any trouble, I'm just an honest merchant trying to make a living."
You're not entirely sure what her deal is, but she seems to relax somewhat as you converse in Prench.
She perks her ears and responds in fluent Prench.
"You speak Prench? Look, I don't want any trouble, I'm just an honest merchant trying to make a living."
You're not entirely sure what her deal is, but she seems to relax somewhat as you converse in Prench.
>>623026
Keep going in Prench then.
"I can see that.. We're willing to purchase something from you actually, for an honest price."
Keep going in Prench then.
"I can see that.. We're willing to purchase something from you actually, for an honest price."
>>623027
"Uh… I sold my stock already. I'm sorry but my customers wouldn't be amused if I didn't keep my end of the deal."
"Uh… I sold my stock already. I'm sorry but my customers wouldn't be amused if I didn't keep my end of the deal."
>>623029
"What… what would that be?"
She clears her throat.
"If you've come to the slums looking for a transporter…"
"What… what would that be?"
She clears her throat.
"If you've come to the slums looking for a transporter…"
>>623034
"Alive cargo.
Me, him and about 5 others, one of them a dragon.
But that's not all, we need you to bring us to our destination, wait there perhaps a few days and then we'll be back while we get our friends and then leave immediately."
"Alive cargo.
Me, him and about 5 others, one of them a dragon.
But that's not all, we need you to bring us to our destination, wait there perhaps a few days and then we'll be back while we get our friends and then leave immediately."
>>623035
"Mon dieu… Come aboard s'il vous plaît."
She gestures you to come over.
"I can do that, but ze dragon… he will slow us down unless he flies during ze day."
"Mon dieu… Come aboard s'il vous plaît."
She gestures you to come over.
"I can do that, but ze dragon… he will slow us down unless he flies during ze day."
>>623037
"Anafi, Anafi, Anafi…"
She turns to a wrinkled old map splayed out on a table.
"Ahah, in Agria, oui? Zat is quite a way away. Almost 400 miles… but zat is doable. It would take us around four days from here depending on ze weather."
"Anafi, Anafi, Anafi…"
She turns to a wrinkled old map splayed out on a table.
"Ahah, in Agria, oui? Zat is quite a way away. Almost 400 miles… but zat is doable. It would take us around four days from here depending on ze weather."
>>623040
"That's great. Now then, we'd need you to wait there, hidden, until we can fetch our friends."
"That's great. Now then, we'd need you to wait there, hidden, until we can fetch our friends."
>>623041
"Question… how dangerous vill zis be? I assume you are afraid of…. err… legal consequences if you come to me?"
"Question… how dangerous vill zis be? I assume you are afraid of…. err… legal consequences if you come to me?"
>>623043
"… my price is 50 silvers per passenger for ze trip there. And 50 silvers for every day of me waiting zere, not for every person."
"… my price is 50 silvers per passenger for ze trip there. And 50 silvers for every day of me waiting zere, not for every person."
>>623042
"Not so much for you.
You merely have to bring me and those guests we'll pick up there, safely to Saddlonica.
I assume you're familiar with that."
"Not so much for you.
You merely have to bring me and those guests we'll pick up there, safely to Saddlonica.
I assume you're familiar with that."
>>623047
Marcus wins despite his somewhat awkward start.
"Hmph, very well. 315 silvers it is, monsieur."
You can also barter for the money you'll pay her for waiting on you (50 silvers a day). And the trip to Saddlonica if you want that (420 silvers)
Marcus wins despite his somewhat awkward start.
"Hmph, very well. 315 silvers it is, monsieur."
You can also barter for the money you'll pay her for waiting on you (50 silvers a day). And the trip to Saddlonica if you want that (420 silvers)
Seeker has arrived at the Oily Olive inn.
It's afternoon now, you have five hours before evening will fall upon the capital city.
I declare downtime.
The first adventure will end as soon as you set sail out of the city, thus applying the prudence tax to your coin in hand.
>>623049
Derp, that's 490 silvers for Anafi -> Saddlonica.
It's afternoon now, you have five hours before evening will fall upon the capital city.
I declare downtime.
The first adventure will end as soon as you set sail out of the city, thus applying the prudence tax to your coin in hand.
>>623049
Derp, that's 490 silvers for Anafi -> Saddlonica.
>>623049
"I don't suppose there anything special you have a hard time getting a hold of that we could help you with?"
"I don't suppose there anything special you have a hard time getting a hold of that we could help you with?"
"We still have those oils – which I can tell are quite valuable. It might be worth taking them to market."
>>623052
You have 286 silvers in your hand. You will only keep 25% of whatever is in your hand judging by your prudence score.
>>623051
"I'm sorry, but I have mouths to feed… it will have to be coin."
>>623055
"I don't care about it if you need the money, it's just a fancy piece of rock!"
>>623053
Sonja responds.
"I'm not one for bartering, but maybe you'll fare better if you feel like you could sell them for a nice bit of coin."
You have 286 silvers in your hand. You will only keep 25% of whatever is in your hand judging by your prudence score.
>>623051
"I'm sorry, but I have mouths to feed… it will have to be coin."
>>623055
"I don't care about it if you need the money, it's just a fancy piece of rock!"
>>623053
Sonja responds.
"I'm not one for bartering, but maybe you'll fare better if you feel like you could sell them for a nice bit of coin."
>>623056
Hug her.
"Oh thank you so much Thalia!"
Then nod at Marcus. Guess we can make a tiny sum off this statue.
Hug her.
"Oh thank you so much Thalia!"
Then nod at Marcus. Guess we can make a tiny sum off this statue.
>>623056
"Of course, I don't mean to offend you."
Whelp. I don't really have anything I can sell, but add my money to collection.
"Of course, I don't mean to offend you."
Whelp. I don't really have anything I can sell, but add my money to collection.
>>623060
The coin you and Marcus have in your hand combined is just enough to pay the ride to the island.
The coin you and Marcus have in your hand combined is just enough to pay the ride to the island.
>>623061
Well, maybe the others have an idea for the rest, I'll head back to tell them about the ride. with Marucs, can't leave the poor guy alone in the slums
Well, maybe the others have an idea for the rest, I'll head back to tell them about the ride. with Marucs, can't leave the poor guy alone in the slums
I'll take 200 out of my stash to pay, I hope Nolin will spend some of his money he got during this adventure to pay the rest
>>623066
I don't trust this one…
Is there not a marketplace where even large creatures such as myself could fit?
I don't trust this one…
Is there not a marketplace where even large creatures such as myself could fit?
>>623067
"Pomme. Pomme de Mare."
>>623068
"Oh! This is the slide whistle I use whenever something comical happens! It's special though, because… well it used to be mine! Nopony is able to surprise you as long as you hold it, that's how I got away so fast when you showed up!"
This is a lesser magical item with a 'Always Ready' charm on it.
>>623069
This is the place, the commercial district has stalls everywhere and there's lots of room to maneuver. The Pegase river runs right through it, allowing ships to deliver their goods right here and have it immediately get sold.
"Pomme. Pomme de Mare."
>>623068
"Oh! This is the slide whistle I use whenever something comical happens! It's special though, because… well it used to be mine! Nopony is able to surprise you as long as you hold it, that's how I got away so fast when you showed up!"
This is a lesser magical item with a 'Always Ready' charm on it.
>>623069
This is the place, the commercial district has stalls everywhere and there's lots of room to maneuver. The Pegase river runs right through it, allowing ships to deliver their goods right here and have it immediately get sold.
>>623072
"Oui monsieur, I vill wait for you here and take you to ze ship at midnight."
>>623073
Why not? He looks very trustworthy, just look at how he's rubbing his hooves together!
Alternatively, there are other gem stalls as well. Germane gems, Prench gems, Pursian gems, Zebrican gems, there's so many different types sold by different nationalities.
>>623074
"Exactly! Doesn't matter if somepony put up a surprise ambush for you this way!"
"Oui monsieur, I vill wait for you here and take you to ze ship at midnight."
>>623073
Why not? He looks very trustworthy, just look at how he's rubbing his hooves together!
Alternatively, there are other gem stalls as well. Germane gems, Prench gems, Pursian gems, Zebrican gems, there's so many different types sold by different nationalities.
>>623074
"Exactly! Doesn't matter if somepony put up a surprise ambush for you this way!"
>>623077
He's back at the inn, looking at a map of Agria. Chester is sitting on the other end of the table, observing your brother as he focuses on the map.
You don't see Anthe anywhere, or anypony else you know for that matter.
He's back at the inn, looking at a map of Agria. Chester is sitting on the other end of the table, observing your brother as he focuses on the map.
You don't see Anthe anywhere, or anypony else you know for that matter.
>>623075
Hmm… That is something to consider, getting one of each… but that also reminds me, I could try and get my claws on some books concerning those languages.
Hmm… That is something to consider, getting one of each… but that also reminds me, I could try and get my claws on some books concerning those languages.
>>623074
"Marcus is taking his sweet time. Do you suppose we should try our luck at the market alone?"
"Marcus is taking his sweet time. Do you suppose we should try our luck at the market alone?"
>>623083
Bow myself over the map.
"Yes, we've hired a smuggler to get us there. She'll also help us get off. Problem is we have little money to pay her.
We might have to resort to raiding whatever money or valuables are in Anafi to cover our expenses."
Bow myself over the map.
"Yes, we've hired a smuggler to get us there. She'll also help us get off. Problem is we have little money to pay her.
We might have to resort to raiding whatever money or valuables are in Anafi to cover our expenses."
>>623085
"Well, there are a few other outstanding issues… what kind of a ship are we taking? How fast is it?"
"Well, there are a few other outstanding issues… what kind of a ship are we taking? How fast is it?"
>>623088
"It looked fast and big enough. But I'm not an expert on ships. What outstanding issues are you talking about?"
"It looked fast and big enough. But I'm not an expert on ships. What outstanding issues are you talking about?"
>>623083
>>623079
>>623082
"Marcus, we were just discussing finances. I wanted to talk longevity – no plan survives contact with the enemy, and part of winning a drawn out battle is soldier retention. We're not getting anywhere if we get stopped by bruises. We need to get medical supplies, assuming you don't have them already. A doctor bag, balms, bandages, salves, leeches – possibly tonics and ointments as well. I trust you've been properly trained in at least basic first aid."
>>623079
>>623082
"Marcus, we were just discussing finances. I wanted to talk longevity – no plan survives contact with the enemy, and part of winning a drawn out battle is soldier retention. We're not getting anywhere if we get stopped by bruises. We need to get medical supplies, assuming you don't have them already. A doctor bag, balms, bandages, salves, leeches – possibly tonics and ointments as well. I trust you've been properly trained in at least basic first aid."
>>623089
If you pay with Interests!
>>623090
He motions at Anafi at the map.
"Anafi has a small port connected to the fortress, as well as some docks in the village. There are sure to be Agrian navy dromons there as a rapid response force to corsairs. We'll need to make sure they don't chase us down as we flee."
If you pay with Interests!
>>623090
He motions at Anafi at the map.
"Anafi has a small port connected to the fortress, as well as some docks in the village. There are sure to be Agrian navy dromons there as a rapid response force to corsairs. We'll need to make sure they don't chase us down as we flee."
>>623093
"Why put off the purchase? In any case, how many of you know how to treat the injured?"
"Why put off the purchase? In any case, how many of you know how to treat the injured?"
>>623096
"Because I have just spend most of my money getting ourselves a dependable ship.
In fact, I'm quite sure we'll have to enlarge our budget with whatever valuables we can find in Anafi to pay for all the expenses involved in this operation."
>>623095
"That is a problem." Tap the map.
"I don't like the idea, but perhaps we can sabotage the fleet when they're in the harbor?"
"Because I have just spend most of my money getting ourselves a dependable ship.
In fact, I'm quite sure we'll have to enlarge our budget with whatever valuables we can find in Anafi to pay for all the expenses involved in this operation."
>>623095
"That is a problem." Tap the map.
"I don't like the idea, but perhaps we can sabotage the fleet when they're in the harbor?"
>>623096
A foreign sounding voice speaks up.
"I have some magic that can prevent a wound from festering and… putrefying."
You look around and see a strange cat with a wide grin sitting on the table where Marcus and Niphon are conversing.
>>623097
Then you must wait until you level. You can also pay reputation to gain languages for one adventure if your renown is sufficient.
A foreign sounding voice speaks up.
"I have some magic that can prevent a wound from festering and… putrefying."
You look around and see a strange cat with a wide grin sitting on the table where Marcus and Niphon are conversing.
>>623097
Then you must wait until you level. You can also pay reputation to gain languages for one adventure if your renown is sufficient.
>>623100
"Brother, we can sell this!"
Pull out Discrord's statue.
"It's worth a neat sum and Thalia doesn't want it anymore."
"Brother, we can sell this!"
Pull out Discrord's statue.
"It's worth a neat sum and Thalia doesn't want it anymore."
>>623107
"Flavia convinced her to join, but it's not a cheap service. She does have a very good reputation, though."
"Flavia convinced her to join, but it's not a cheap service. She does have a very good reputation, though."
>>623104
The cat fades away, then pops up behind you seconds later.
"My name is Chester. I was brought here for my sorcering skills."
>>623106
Well I can't decide for you, take a look at the corebook if you want some ideas!
>>623107
"It will be our safest bet unless we want to engage the Agrian navy at sea."
The cat fades away, then pops up behind you seconds later.
"My name is Chester. I was brought here for my sorcering skills."
>>623106
Well I can't decide for you, take a look at the corebook if you want some ideas!
>>623107
"It will be our safest bet unless we want to engage the Agrian navy at sea."
>>623119
"I'm planning on freeing the lawful Doux and if somepony tries to stop us from doing that it is the law that traitors deserve the death penalty."
"I'm planning on freeing the lawful Doux and if somepony tries to stop us from doing that it is the law that traitors deserve the death penalty."
>>623124
"…Okay."
Settle down, still worried.
"And what if they are against that sentence?
What if they fight back and hurt you?"
"…Okay."
Settle down, still worried.
"And what if they are against that sentence?
What if they fight back and hurt you?"
Your witch hunter has arrived. Anthe comes downstairs as well and orders a drink.
>>623129
"Duh! Look!"
She grabs the whistle and blows on it, letting out a comical sound effect.
>>623129
"Duh! Look!"
She grabs the whistle and blows on it, letting out a comical sound effect.
>>623136
"Well, only my bag. But it's a really good bag with all the tool and supplies, even things to treat dragons with!
We could go to the market and buy a few more items, if you are all so worried…"
"Well, only my bag. But it's a really good bag with all the tool and supplies, even things to treat dragons with!
We could go to the market and buy a few more items, if you are all so worried…"
>>623138
"That would be wise, though haggling isn't my forte. I'd also like to purchase some Greek Fire – it's something of a signature weapon of mine."
"That would be wise, though haggling isn't my forte. I'd also like to purchase some Greek Fire – it's something of a signature weapon of mine."
>>623145
And now start browsing the market I'm totally looking for a Poision Ring and some stuff that goes in it
And now start browsing the market I'm totally looking for a Poision Ring and some stuff that goes in it
>>623150
He wants to buy
Balm x2
Bandages
Leeches
Salve x2
Tonic
And spend the rest on Greek Fire. But how much can be bought depends on the Haggle roll – so resolve that first!
He wants to buy
Balm x2
Bandages
Leeches
Salve x2
Tonic
And spend the rest on Greek Fire. But how much can be bought depends on the Haggle roll – so resolve that first!
>>623150
The Discord statue for selling
Haggle '1d20+9'
As for buying, I just remembered I can buy part of that with my bribe/supply money. You see that stuff in Adrianos post
Roll #1 12 + 9 = 21
The Discord statue for selling
Haggle '1d20+9'
As for buying, I just remembered I can buy part of that with my bribe/supply money. You see that stuff in Adrianos post
Roll #1 12 + 9 = 21
>>623163
You can be a smart pony and take it along rather than selling it for no reason at all even though prudence tax is about to come into play.
You can be a smart pony and take it along rather than selling it for no reason at all even though prudence tax is about to come into play.
>>623157
Go look for a merchant and buy me some Greek Fire. I need to spend my money before we leave, anyway.
Go look for a merchant and buy me some Greek Fire. I need to spend my money before we leave, anyway.
>>623164
Yeah fugh that, not gonna sell it for this little. Not when it's Surprise's in the first place.
Yeah fugh that, not gonna sell it for this little. Not when it's Surprise's in the first place.
>>623180
>>623181
Mereghyl takes the offer.
ADVENTURE ONE ENDS HERE
Additional shared XP rewards on top of the ones given during the adventure:
2000 XP for finishing the adventure
200 XP for recruiting Seeker
200 XP for recruiting Chester
100 XP for finding a way to the island of Anafi
500 XP for putting up with Surprise and wiping the floor with her during the dramatic scene
300 XP for keeping your identity and looks entirely hidden from lady Cassicia
200 XP for keeping a low profile during your time in the capital
900 XP for getting everyone in and out alive
TOTAL XP: 4400
Additional shared Reputation rewards on top of the ones given during the adventure:
5 from the adventure’s Menace
Individual Legend scores
7 from completed objectives
>>623181
Mereghyl takes the offer.
ADVENTURE ONE ENDS HERE
Additional shared XP rewards on top of the ones given during the adventure:
2000 XP for finishing the adventure
200 XP for recruiting Seeker
200 XP for recruiting Chester
100 XP for finding a way to the island of Anafi
500 XP for putting up with Surprise and wiping the floor with her during the dramatic scene
300 XP for keeping your identity and looks entirely hidden from lady Cassicia
200 XP for keeping a low profile during your time in the capital
900 XP for getting everyone in and out alive
TOTAL XP: 4400
Additional shared Reputation rewards on top of the ones given during the adventure:
5 from the adventure’s Menace
Individual Legend scores
7 from completed objectives
Adventure Two: Dungeon Break
Menace: III
Four days later…
You're on a boat. You've been on a boat following the coast to the east for four days now. The boat isn't very big. It's a cog designed for trading, popularized in the west. The island of Anafi is within reach, you'll get there in just an hour. You're been fortunate not to have run into trouble on the way here. Corsair activity out here is on a sharp rise.
You've decided the village is probably your first best place to go to once you get there.
Arrival on the island will happen tomorrow during the next session.
Menace: III
Four days later…
You're on a boat. You've been on a boat following the coast to the east for four days now. The boat isn't very big. It's a cog designed for trading, popularized in the west. The island of Anafi is within reach, you'll get there in just an hour. You're been fortunate not to have run into trouble on the way here. Corsair activity out here is on a sharp rise.
You've decided the village is probably your first best place to go to once you get there.
Arrival on the island will happen tomorrow during the next session.
While I have time I would like to spend some time with good old Mereghyl.
Also with our captain Pomme de Mare
Also with our captain Pomme de Mare
>>623187
"Cousin, it feels like I haven't said two words to you since our little family has been reunited – even if by grim times. Our mutual cousins certainly seem to have grown up oddly, haven't they?"
"Cousin, it feels like I haven't said two words to you since our little family has been reunited – even if by grim times. Our mutual cousins certainly seem to have grown up oddly, haven't they?"
>>623195
"I want to see if we can get a view of the island. Not too close of course, I'd prefer if we can stay unseen."
"I want to see if we can get a view of the island. Not too close of course, I'd prefer if we can stay unseen."
>>623193
Snort, amused, at the name.
"It's not my place to tarnish the names of others – though I am troubled by a lack of unity. Marcus seems distracted… though, to be fair, he has a lot on his mind. Niphon, though, called you a rat – I don't mean to peddle in gossip, but it was disrespectful, and I said so. We have enough enemies to be fighting amongst ourselves."
Snort, amused, at the name.
"It's not my place to tarnish the names of others – though I am troubled by a lack of unity. Marcus seems distracted… though, to be fair, he has a lot on his mind. Niphon, though, called you a rat – I don't mean to peddle in gossip, but it was disrespectful, and I said so. We have enough enemies to be fighting amongst ourselves."
>>623187
You've been away from Agria for so long, you don't really remember much of this particular small island at all.
>>623189
>>623191
You don't know much either, but you're aware it serves as a forward base for rapid naval deployment against corsairs and other sea-based threats. You can expect dromons to be stationed there, which is not the best news considering this cog has nowhere near the speed of a dromon.
The village is a farming and fishing community supplying the fortress with food and whatnot. It's not very rich, but they are reasonably well off.
You've been away from Agria for so long, you don't really remember much of this particular small island at all.
>>623189
>>623191
You don't know much either, but you're aware it serves as a forward base for rapid naval deployment against corsairs and other sea-based threats. You can expect dromons to be stationed there, which is not the best news considering this cog has nowhere near the speed of a dromon.
The village is a farming and fishing community supplying the fortress with food and whatnot. It's not very rich, but they are reasonably well off.
>>623199
"I don't know. That's why I was bringing it up – I didn't mention it to you because I wanted to stir up discord in the family, I just wanted to know if there was trouble between you two."
"I don't know. That's why I was bringing it up – I didn't mention it to you because I wanted to stir up discord in the family, I just wanted to know if there was trouble between you two."
>>623201
I sigh.
"I knew Niphon was jealous of me for my time studying aboard, but as far I know I've never done anything to make him feel that kind of betrayal."
I sigh.
"I knew Niphon was jealous of me for my time studying aboard, but as far I know I've never done anything to make him feel that kind of betrayal."
>>623200
"I understand, it is hard to hide in the sky.
But the island is still some miles away. Let's just fly. I wish to speak to you away from the others."
"I understand, it is hard to hide in the sky.
But the island is still some miles away. Let's just fly. I wish to speak to you away from the others."
>>623202
"Well in any case, you have my trust at least. I've been looking at that island on the horizon… It's a naval base, I expect that we will see dromons there – and I had a thought. Marcus said that he had heard the fortress was understaffed, correct?"
"Well in any case, you have my trust at least. I've been looking at that island on the horizon… It's a naval base, I expect that we will see dromons there – and I had a thought. Marcus said that he had heard the fortress was understaffed, correct?"
>>623204
Let the wind blow through my hair.
"Peneia was very beautiful, but I always missed having a strong dragon by my side."
Let the wind blow through my hair.
"Peneia was very beautiful, but I always missed having a strong dragon by my side."
>>623206
"I missed you too, brother. One could not converse with the others like he could with you."
"I missed you too, brother. One could not converse with the others like he could with you."
>>623208
"I just wish we could have reunited under different circumstances. You did manage to get your whole hoard safe right?"
"I just wish we could have reunited under different circumstances. You did manage to get your whole hoard safe right?"
>>623207
"I've been thinking about logistics. How many ponies on our side do you think are locked up in this fortress? If they wanted to arrest everyone in the administration – it has to be a lot, right?"
"I've been thinking about logistics. How many ponies on our side do you think are locked up in this fortress? If they wanted to arrest everyone in the administration – it has to be a lot, right?"
>>623210
"There are at least two we are trying to rescue, possibly more if their ponies or other family were captured and not killed."
"There are at least two we are trying to rescue, possibly more if their ponies or other family were captured and not killed."
>>623209
Snort smoke with disdain.
"I will remake my new hoard with the riches of our fallen enemies."
Snort smoke with disdain.
"I will remake my new hoard with the riches of our fallen enemies."
>>623211
"What I'm getting at is that if we go to the ships BEFORE we go to the prison – we sabotage some – impress, imprison, or impale the crew. We have no reason to worry about being chased. Then, when it's time to leave, we sail out of port on one of those Dromons. Did you know that I have training to command a sea vessel? I could make it work, even with laymen. If we could get a Dromon out and sell it, our funding problems would be over, permanently. We could fund a small army – get this revolution into full gear."
"What I'm getting at is that if we go to the ships BEFORE we go to the prison – we sabotage some – impress, imprison, or impale the crew. We have no reason to worry about being chased. Then, when it's time to leave, we sail out of port on one of those Dromons. Did you know that I have training to command a sea vessel? I could make it work, even with laymen. If we could get a Dromon out and sell it, our funding problems would be over, permanently. We could fund a small army – get this revolution into full gear."
>>623212
Snicker.
"That we will.
You'll have a bigger hoard than ever before."
Look towards the horizon.
"Soon, we'll have freed Dad."
Snicker.
"That we will.
You'll have a bigger hoard than ever before."
Look towards the horizon.
"Soon, we'll have freed Dad."
>>623213
"Really.. you want to steal one of their small boats then? I seriously doubt anyone will turn over to our side without some kind of payment.."
"Really.. you want to steal one of their small boats then? I seriously doubt anyone will turn over to our side without some kind of payment.."
>>623214
Nod as I keep a cautious, large circle around the island.
"We came so far, we cannot falter now."
Nod as I keep a cautious, large circle around the island.
"We came so far, we cannot falter now."
>>623217
"Do you really need to ask? He is as much of a father to me as he is to you. He was there when I hatched, and took care of me ever since."
"Do you really need to ask? He is as much of a father to me as he is to you. He was there when I hatched, and took care of me ever since."
>>623215
"A dromon isn't a 'small' boat per se. I mean, relatively speaking. It's bigger than this boat, anyway. But when you think about it – isn't it reasonable? I mean, compared to liberating a Duke and a Lord Steward, liberating a ship is practically a footnote."
"A dromon isn't a 'small' boat per se. I mean, relatively speaking. It's bigger than this boat, anyway. But when you think about it – isn't it reasonable? I mean, compared to liberating a Duke and a Lord Steward, liberating a ship is practically a footnote."
>>623218
"It's weird Mereghyl…
I've been looking forward to meeting Dad ever since I left Peneia, but now that we're so close…I have mixed feelings."
"It's weird Mereghyl…
I've been looking forward to meeting Dad ever since I left Peneia, but now that we're so close…I have mixed feelings."
>>623219
"As long as you can captain it. I've no skill with such things." I confess with a smile. "But the liberating stage, I can definitely help with."
"As long as you can captain it. I've no skill with such things." I confess with a smile. "But the liberating stage, I can definitely help with."
>>623221
Nod. "I hope you're an able fighter. Mereghyl and Flavia both needed some footwork practice…"
Nod. "I hope you're an able fighter. Mereghyl and Flavia both needed some footwork practice…"
>>623220
"Are you nervous about no longer being the head of the house?
Or do you just fear he might have already died?"
"Are you nervous about no longer being the head of the house?
Or do you just fear he might have already died?"
>>623223
"No, I believe we'll be in time.
And it's his right to take his place back at the head of the house, but I wonder what he'll think of what I did.
Will he think I did the right thing?"
"No, I believe we'll be in time.
And it's his right to take his place back at the head of the house, but I wonder what he'll think of what I did.
Will he think I did the right thing?"
>>623222
"I can handle myself, its watching out for everyone else and escorting the prisoners once we save them.. The Mother knows what kind of terrible state they are in.."
"I can handle myself, its watching out for everyone else and escorting the prisoners once we save them.. The Mother knows what kind of terrible state they are in.."
>>623225
"Actually, you pose a good point – there will probably be houseguards imprisoned, but they won't have weapons. We should remember to pick up weapons off of anyone we have to deal with – to arm our allies once they're free."
"Actually, you pose a good point – there will probably be houseguards imprisoned, but they won't have weapons. We should remember to pick up weapons off of anyone we have to deal with – to arm our allies once they're free."
>>623226
"We could stash whatever weapons we loot on the boat we liberate, but carrying a lot of extra would weigh us down."
"We could stash whatever weapons we loot on the boat we liberate, but carrying a lot of extra would weigh us down."
>>623230
I scratch my chin. "We could have him carry quite a few weapons, but I wouldn't weigh him down with armor, armor is pretty heavy."
I scratch my chin. "We could have him carry quite a few weapons, but I wouldn't weigh him down with armor, armor is pretty heavy."
>>623232
"But no such thoughts anymore.
We'll surely be chased by the navy if we try to escape. They could use a little fire when they do."
"But no such thoughts anymore.
We'll surely be chased by the navy if we try to escape. They could use a little fire when they do."
>>623234
Smirk.
"Surely this is the craziest thing any noble has done in centuries. With a small group of ponies we will try to break into a fortress."
Smirk.
"Surely this is the craziest thing any noble has done in centuries. With a small group of ponies we will try to break into a fortress."
If you wish to talk to any NPC's, now is the time.
The crew on the ship only seems to speak Prench save for the captain, Pomme de Mare.
The crew on the ship only seems to speak Prench save for the captain, Pomme de Mare.
>>623237
"Still, Chester and I could sneak ahead somehow to get the doors open or deal with the gate guards."
"Still, Chester and I could sneak ahead somehow to get the doors open or deal with the gate guards."
>>623238
She's at the helm. She seems to be doing a lot of the work herself, letting the crew rest until she needs to rest herself. Her telekinetic abilities are pretty impressive.
"Monsieur."
She's at the helm. She seems to be doing a lot of the work herself, letting the crew rest until she needs to rest herself. Her telekinetic abilities are pretty impressive.
"Monsieur."
>>623239
"Right. I guess we'll have to land on the island before we know more about what our options are. We'll have to case the area. Maybe Mereghyl can scout from above."
"Right. I guess we'll have to land on the island before we know more about what our options are. We'll have to case the area. Maybe Mereghyl can scout from above."
>>623239
The cat appears next to you, floating in the air with his trademark grin.
"I never get involved in battle."
The cat appears next to you, floating in the air with his trademark grin.
"I never get involved in battle."
>>623235
"We have come prepared. If we can do this, the other families will know to fear us."
"We have come prepared. If we can do this, the other families will know to fear us."
>>623240
"Madame." I say in broken French, I would have asked just that word during our time.
"How long before we expect to arrive?"
"Madame." I say in broken French, I would have asked just that word during our time.
"How long before we expect to arrive?"
>>623244
"Ah uh… I expect ze island to come into view on ze horizon within ze next half hour."
"Ah uh… I expect ze island to come into view on ze horizon within ze next half hour."
>>623243
"Or they will simply go after us with renewed vigor. Either way, if they find out it was us, and they probably will one way or another, we'll have a target on our backs.
I wouldn't be surprised if they attempted an assassination…"
"Or they will simply go after us with renewed vigor. Either way, if they find out it was us, and they probably will one way or another, we'll have a target on our backs.
I wouldn't be surprised if they attempted an assassination…"
>>623245
He floats on his back around you, poking your thief's kit with his tail.
"I can remove the enchantments from the locks, but the picking is yours."
He floats on his back around you, poking your thief's kit with his tail.
"I can remove the enchantments from the locks, but the picking is yours."
>>623248
"Hmm I see, all the more reason you should stick with me when we go into the fortress. The others couldn't unlock a child's music box."
"Hmm I see, all the more reason you should stick with me when we go into the fortress. The others couldn't unlock a child's music box."
>>623247
"We will have to be on our guard, and if necesarry, not sleep relaxed until we have decimated our enemies."
"We will have to be on our guard, and if necesarry, not sleep relaxed until we have decimated our enemies."
>>623249
"I have a cunning plan, monsieur. Staying near ze island for no apparent reason for days on end would surely rouse suspicion. Ve vill fake damage to ze ship and pretend to be fixing it for as long as you stay."
>>623251
He purrs.
"Oh… I'm sure."
He stops in front of you, floating in the air in a comfortable sitting position.
"What about the other mage? Surely she will be dangerous."
"I have a cunning plan, monsieur. Staying near ze island for no apparent reason for days on end would surely rouse suspicion. Ve vill fake damage to ze ship and pretend to be fixing it for as long as you stay."
>>623251
He purrs.
"Oh… I'm sure."
He stops in front of you, floating in the air in a comfortable sitting position.
"What about the other mage? Surely she will be dangerous."
>>623254
"Then we'll have to work with that.
I've been thinking Mereghyl, once we've restored our house forces, we'll need somepony to lead them. Niphon seems an obvious choice, he has talent and drive, but I'm not sure if he's experienced enough. He'll need guidance from Adrianos and you."
>>623255
"That's a good idea. It allows you to stay in the harbor and in our reach."
"Then we'll have to work with that.
I've been thinking Mereghyl, once we've restored our house forces, we'll need somepony to lead them. Niphon seems an obvious choice, he has talent and drive, but I'm not sure if he's experienced enough. He'll need guidance from Adrianos and you."
>>623255
"That's a good idea. It allows you to stay in the harbor and in our reach."
>>623255
Scratch his chin and offer him to sit on my back.
"Lets go see her now. But I'm guessing she'll want to stick with Marcus."
Scratch his chin and offer him to sit on my back.
"Lets go see her now. But I'm guessing she'll want to stick with Marcus."
>>623256
Nod, gliding in the air.
"I will do my best to lead him towards success, once we get to that point."
Nod, gliding in the air.
"I will do my best to lead him towards success, once we get to that point."
>>623258
"Thanks, Mereghyl.
How do you feel about Anthe, she doesn't seem to get along with anypony except me."
"Thanks, Mereghyl.
How do you feel about Anthe, she doesn't seem to get along with anypony except me."
>>623259
"I'm sure if something goes wrong, you'll know fast enough. We're taking measures to prevent the other ships in the harbor to follow us. But it would be best for us to agree to some kind of signal to show on the night we should get ready to leave."
"I'm sure if something goes wrong, you'll know fast enough. We're taking measures to prevent the other ships in the harbor to follow us. But it would be best for us to agree to some kind of signal to show on the night we should get ready to leave."
>>623259
"That mare that Adrianos recruited."
And then I started trotting off to see the mage-hunter.
"That mare that Adrianos recruited."
And then I started trotting off to see the mage-hunter.
>>623260
"She can be bothersome and a nuisance, yes, but it might be just her flawed way of communicating even though she does not try to irk us on purpose."
"She can be bothersome and a nuisance, yes, but it might be just her flawed way of communicating even though she does not try to irk us on purpose."
>>623263
"Yes, she's quite friendly in her own way.
But she does have an ego. I just hope she'll use her talents for the good of the family and not to hinder us."
"Yes, she's quite friendly in her own way.
But she does have an ego. I just hope she'll use her talents for the good of the family and not to hinder us."
>>623265
Frowning a bit at his random teleporting I give up on him sitting on my back.
"Yes, I guessed that she might try to ruffle your whiskers with such talk."
Frowning a bit at his random teleporting I give up on him sitting on my back.
"Yes, I guessed that she might try to ruffle your whiskers with such talk."
>>623270
She looks back at you, her reverie broken.
"… No. Nothing special. I hear we're almost at the island you wish to go to."
She looks back at you, her reverie broken.
"… No. Nothing special. I hear we're almost at the island you wish to go to."
>>623272
"Yes, I was wondering if you'd had a chance to discuss the plan, or had any particular thoughts on it?"
"Yes, I was wondering if you'd had a chance to discuss the plan, or had any particular thoughts on it?"
>>623275
New adventure started, you've been at sea for four days and the ship is nearly at the island.
New adventure started, you've been at sea for four days and the ship is nearly at the island.
>>623276
"Think of it as trying to save innocent ponies caught up in a power shift. All my uncle did was remain loyal."
"But I more meant to ask, what is your fighting style like? I haven't had the chance to work a mage-hunter before."
"Think of it as trying to save innocent ponies caught up in a power shift. All my uncle did was remain loyal."
"But I more meant to ask, what is your fighting style like? I haven't had the chance to work a mage-hunter before."
>>623280
"Ah, then you're best suited for leading the attack on the mage, once we can find it."
"I had the idea that once we are inside, I'd have Chester stay with me and unlock as many cells and doors as we can."
"Ah, then you're best suited for leading the attack on the mage, once we can find it."
"I had the idea that once we are inside, I'd have Chester stay with me and unlock as many cells and doors as we can."
>>623283
"Perhaps, but he is not a bad mage. You shouldn't judge him so harshly."
I don't mind sharing, We should have a meeting really.
"Perhaps, but he is not a bad mage. You shouldn't judge him so harshly."
I don't mind sharing, We should have a meeting really.
>>623285
Anthe is trying to enjoy some tea in the galley. Unfortunately for her, Thalia and Chester are here too, both looking rather smug. Anthe seems to be very much not enjoying herself.
>>623286
"I don't doubt it, but if he hasn't got a permit he could be imprisoned. Not that I'll even bother to try, I don't think he's all here with his mind."
>>623287
She's downstairs, drinking tea with Anthe and that strange cat creature.
Anthe is trying to enjoy some tea in the galley. Unfortunately for her, Thalia and Chester are here too, both looking rather smug. Anthe seems to be very much not enjoying herself.
>>623286
"I don't doubt it, but if he hasn't got a permit he could be imprisoned. Not that I'll even bother to try, I don't think he's all here with his mind."
>>623287
She's downstairs, drinking tea with Anthe and that strange cat creature.
>>623288
I shrug. "He's a cat, I doubt the laws even apply to him. And aside from that, he's already said he's not a fighter."
I shrug. "He's a cat, I doubt the laws even apply to him. And aside from that, he's already said he's not a fighter."
>>623289
No, an actual cat. Well, he's slightly larger than a housecat, but he looks like one. He also has an unnaturally wide grin on his face at all times, which is sort of odd. Apparently he's a sorcerer.
Marcus comes in too.
>>623290
Anthe looks like she's sitting in a seat reserved for someone in a very good mood.
"I guess."
Thalia waves at you. "Hellooo!"
>>623290
"I guess cats aren't technically citizens and thus not under the same laws as us ponies."
No, an actual cat. Well, he's slightly larger than a housecat, but he looks like one. He also has an unnaturally wide grin on his face at all times, which is sort of odd. Apparently he's a sorcerer.
Marcus comes in too.
>>623290
Anthe looks like she's sitting in a seat reserved for someone in a very good mood.
"I guess."
Thalia waves at you. "Hellooo!"
>>623290
"I guess cats aren't technically citizens and thus not under the same laws as us ponies."
>>623294
"Hello to you too Surprise.
It makes me happy to see you're getting along so well with everypony here."
"Hello to you too Surprise.
It makes me happy to see you're getting along so well with everypony here."
>>623294
"Indeed, so he's not likely to be arrested."
I sigh softly. "Enough about felines, Lets see if we can round up the others and make sure we're all on the page for when we land.. which is soon."
"Indeed, so he's not likely to be arrested."
I sigh softly. "Enough about felines, Lets see if we can round up the others and make sure we're all on the page for when we land.. which is soon."
>>623298
"Then it will hardly be remembered either." I smile and lead her below deck where I guess the others are.
"Then it will hardly be remembered either." I smile and lead her below deck where I guess the others are.
>>623302
Yelp in surprise, but a second later begin petting it like I would a real cat.
"Now, you are just a big kitten aren't you?"
Yelp in surprise, but a second later begin petting it like I would a real cat.
"Now, you are just a big kitten aren't you?"
>>623311
The cat winks at you cheekily.
You hear the captain yelling out some orders to her crew abovedecks.
>>623312
You hear the captain yelling out some orders to her crew abovedecks.
"Are you and Niphon that similar?"
>>623313
He opens his eyes a little bit, taking a few seconds to gain his bearings.
"… I'll be on deck in ten."
You hear the captain yelling out some orders to her crew abovedecks.
The cat winks at you cheekily.
You hear the captain yelling out some orders to her crew abovedecks.
>>623312
You hear the captain yelling out some orders to her crew abovedecks.
"Are you and Niphon that similar?"
>>623313
He opens his eyes a little bit, taking a few seconds to gain his bearings.
"… I'll be on deck in ten."
You hear the captain yelling out some orders to her crew abovedecks.
>>623690
"Stop by and see your brother for the plan first." I say and go back to where everyone else is.
"Stop by and see your brother for the plan first." I say and go back to where everyone else is.
>>623690
Scrunch at the cat, before turning my attention to the words of the cap.
"Brother… Is this shore?"
Scrunch at the cat, before turning my attention to the words of the cap.
"Brother… Is this shore?"