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Links:
Character quick sheets: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YtJQBc0iTprzd9tM2Zdwji-tDLlBM9thurgmlLkwa8k/edit?usp=sharing
Notable NPC's: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Et2xW9JB943OTH9r4jrr7nsVreWMQQZEYQvkR0CQHKI/edit?usp=sharing
The crew appears to be busying themselves turning the ship into an absolute mess. The captain is undoing the main sails with her telekinesis while the others knock over all sorts of stuff on deck.
The island of Anafi is visible on the horizon now.
Character quick sheets: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YtJQBc0iTprzd9tM2Zdwji-tDLlBM9thurgmlLkwa8k/edit?usp=sharing
Notable NPC's: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Et2xW9JB943OTH9r4jrr7nsVreWMQQZEYQvkR0CQHKI/edit?usp=sharing
The crew appears to be busying themselves turning the ship into an absolute mess. The captain is undoing the main sails with her telekinesis while the others knock over all sorts of stuff on deck.
The island of Anafi is visible on the horizon now.
>>623702
He won't.
He'll fight the ships.
But that's in a few days.
Now we'll just mellow to the village for some recon
He won't.
He'll fight the ships.
But that's in a few days.
Now we'll just mellow to the village for some recon
>>623699
>>623700
>>623701
Your current known possible objectives are to:
Free Odyris from the fortress dungeons.
Free Olivia from the fortress dungeons.
Free the houseguards from the fortress dungeons.
Defeat the mage defending the fortress.
Stop any hostile ships from pursuing as you leave the island.
Obviously, there is more to it than this, but that's up to you guys to figure out. You'll be arriving at the village soon, which is located on the other side of the small island, about half an hour away from the fortress on hoof.
>>623700
>>623701
Your current known possible objectives are to:
Free Odyris from the fortress dungeons.
Free Olivia from the fortress dungeons.
Free the houseguards from the fortress dungeons.
Defeat the mage defending the fortress.
Stop any hostile ships from pursuing as you leave the island.
Obviously, there is more to it than this, but that's up to you guys to figure out. You'll be arriving at the village soon, which is located on the other side of the small island, about half an hour away from the fortress on hoof.
The captain has replaced the main sails with damaged sails with remarkable speed. These damaged sails have holes and slashes in them, as well as some stains of blood?
Speaking of blood, the crew seems to have splashed some of it on various parts of the ship. Under the warm sun it'll dry up in no time, making the ship look like it's seen battle recently. With this 'disguise' you'll be less likely to rouse suspicion by going to the island to 'repair' the 'damages'.
Speaking of blood, the crew seems to have splashed some of it on various parts of the ship. Under the warm sun it'll dry up in no time, making the ship look like it's seen battle recently. With this 'disguise' you'll be less likely to rouse suspicion by going to the island to 'repair' the 'damages'.
>>623709
Niphon nods, having just arrived.
"That might be an idea, but how do we go about that with all the crew around? There's bound to at least be one crewed ship ready to move out at a moment's notice in case of corsair activity."
Niphon nods, having just arrived.
"That might be an idea, but how do we go about that with all the crew around? There's bound to at least be one crewed ship ready to move out at a moment's notice in case of corsair activity."
>>623715
"Or the opposite – I can manage the helm of a ship, but I can't fly. How strong are you? Strong enough to airdrop in a small raiding party and capture the prisons? I saw you carrying Flavia, but one pony is much different in weight than a party of them."
"Or the opposite – I can manage the helm of a ship, but I can't fly. How strong are you? Strong enough to airdrop in a small raiding party and capture the prisons? I saw you carrying Flavia, but one pony is much different in weight than a party of them."
>>623716
"Even with a battle at the docks, I doubt they would not notice a dragon flying inside their fortress."
"Even with a battle at the docks, I doubt they would not notice a dragon flying inside their fortress."
>>623716
Cough.
"There might be other ways to get inside the fort. Perhaps we can bribe a guard in the village. Or get ourselves a disguise."
Cough.
"There might be other ways to get inside the fort. Perhaps we can bribe a guard in the village. Or get ourselves a disguise."
>>623717
>>623716
"Don't forget about the magical defenses in the fortress. There's not much in the way of a garrison, but the mage is an issue."
Seeker speaks up.
"I can help with the mage. I also have a suggestion if we're talking about a fortress. They're likely going to have some kind of way of communicating with other islands and the mainland. Probably messenger pigeons, maybe something else. Getting rid of their ways to communicate will give us time before they scramble a response force from a nearby island."
>>623716
"Don't forget about the magical defenses in the fortress. There's not much in the way of a garrison, but the mage is an issue."
Seeker speaks up.
"I can help with the mage. I also have a suggestion if we're talking about a fortress. They're likely going to have some kind of way of communicating with other islands and the mainland. Probably messenger pigeons, maybe something else. Getting rid of their ways to communicate will give us time before they scramble a response force from a nearby island."
>>623715
"Could work.. once we're inside I'll need Chester with me, he'll handle the magical part of the locks and I'll take care of the mundane part."
>>623718
>>623719
Nod. "Right, we'll need to learn what we can, and see what kind of disguise would get us inside. If there is a possibly one that lets Mereghyl in too that would be ideal for getting the prisoners out."
"Could work.. once we're inside I'll need Chester with me, he'll handle the magical part of the locks and I'll take care of the mundane part."
>>623718
>>623719
Nod. "Right, we'll need to learn what we can, and see what kind of disguise would get us inside. If there is a possibly one that lets Mereghyl in too that would be ideal for getting the prisoners out."
>>623720
"Pigeons.. I suppose finding out where those are kept and killing them would be best."
"Pigeons.. I suppose finding out where those are kept and killing them would be best."
>>623718
>>623721
"Speaking of infiltrations… a fortress that big is probably well-stocked, but when they're not in a siege, it's likely they still get food from the neighboring town and traders. We might be able to spoil the food with poison – maybe soften up their defenses. And if that fortress has siege weaponry on it, we could use it to destroy some of the fleet out in the port."
>>623721
"Speaking of infiltrations… a fortress that big is probably well-stocked, but when they're not in a siege, it's likely they still get food from the neighboring town and traders. We might be able to spoil the food with poison – maybe soften up their defenses. And if that fortress has siege weaponry on it, we could use it to destroy some of the fleet out in the port."
>>623725
"I like your thinking, Adrianos."
Niphon nods.
"You're right, they're bound to have coast defenses, we could use their own weapons to take out some of the ships present."
"I like your thinking, Adrianos."
Niphon nods.
"You're right, they're bound to have coast defenses, we could use their own weapons to take out some of the ships present."
>>623724
"Still better to attempt getting you, you could carry the prisoners out on your back."
I accept the vial from you pocketing it.
"Thank you cousin, I'll use this well."
"Still better to attempt getting you, you could carry the prisoners out on your back."
I accept the vial from you pocketing it.
"Thank you cousin, I'll use this well."
>>623731
"You would need to signal me some way then. First to initiate the attack on the ships and second to go for the prisoners."
"You would need to signal me some way then. First to initiate the attack on the ships and second to go for the prisoners."
>>623730
>>623729
>>623731
"These are all great plans.
But let's first try to estimate the size of our opposition.
We must also realize that the fort is half an hour walk from here.
It would be safer if we could leave on Mereghyl rather than being exposed while making for the docks. Unless we cause a distraction in the village.
>>623729
>>623731
"These are all great plans.
But let's first try to estimate the size of our opposition.
We must also realize that the fort is half an hour walk from here.
It would be safer if we could leave on Mereghyl rather than being exposed while making for the docks. Unless we cause a distraction in the village.
The ship is approaching the docks of the island village. There's curious commoner folk watching from the shore already. The village looks reasonably prosperous… for a community of plebeians.
>>623733
"Wait – the Dromons here are supposed to protect the entire coast, right? What if we intercept some of their ravens or carrier birds and inform them of an attack up the coast? They're loose a huge chunk of their garrison. Each one of those dromons requires THIRTY ponies to properly sail."
"Wait – the Dromons here are supposed to protect the entire coast, right? What if we intercept some of their ravens or carrier birds and inform them of an attack up the coast? They're loose a huge chunk of their garrison. Each one of those dromons requires THIRTY ponies to properly sail."
>>623742
"Pirates are always a good choice. Let's say, Oddomane? That will stir a few pots."
"Pirates are always a good choice. Let's say, Oddomane? That will stir a few pots."
>>623750
Chuckle. "You always know just when to show up, is that a talent unique to cats, or sorcerers? "
Chuckle. "You always know just when to show up, is that a talent unique to cats, or sorcerers? "
>>623755
>>623756
>>623757
>>623758
You disembark from the ship and step onto the small wooden dock connected to the village. You see a few smaller boats docked here as well, but nothing worth calling an actual ship.
A few of the ponies walking about are giving you looks as you head down the dock and into the village. The village is one of moderate size, with buildings placed seemingly at random around a small stream which flows out into the sea. You see a small temple dedicated to the five faiths, a tavern, a general store, an apothecary and a smithy. There's probably more to see further ahead.
>>623756
>>623757
>>623758
You disembark from the ship and step onto the small wooden dock connected to the village. You see a few smaller boats docked here as well, but nothing worth calling an actual ship.
A few of the ponies walking about are giving you looks as you head down the dock and into the village. The village is one of moderate size, with buildings placed seemingly at random around a small stream which flows out into the sea. You see a small temple dedicated to the five faiths, a tavern, a general store, an apothecary and a smithy. There's probably more to see further ahead.
>>623760
Ask the others.
"Me and Surprise will pay our respects to the temple, meet you by the tavern later?"
Ask the others.
"Me and Surprise will pay our respects to the temple, meet you by the tavern later?"
>>623773
"I prefer actively searching!"
Look for shady figures - thugs, bullies, theives, pickpockets, muggers, that sort. '1d20+13'
Roll #1 8 + 13 = 21
"I prefer actively searching!"
Look for shady figures - thugs, bullies, theives, pickpockets, muggers, that sort. '1d20+13'
Roll #1 8 + 13 = 21
>>623771
"But they're bright colors, they're supposed to be uplifting right?"
>>623773
There's only a couple of stalls being attended here at the moment, but the ponies seem very interested in you as you are a visitor and thus a potential new client.
>>623774
In a small isolated community like this these types tend to not fare very well. It doesn't look like there are any such criminals around here.
"But they're bright colors, they're supposed to be uplifting right?"
>>623773
There's only a couple of stalls being attended here at the moment, but the ponies seem very interested in you as you are a visitor and thus a potential new client.
>>623774
In a small isolated community like this these types tend to not fare very well. It doesn't look like there are any such criminals around here.
>>623775
Walk up to a stall as if I were interested in the wares.
"Interesting.. do you make all these yourself, or trade with ships?"
Walk up to a stall as if I were interested in the wares.
"Interesting.. do you make all these yourself, or trade with ships?"
>>623776
Non-paved roads, piles of pony waste lying on the side of said roads.
>>623777
It's very likely that some ponies living in this village also work in the fortress as servants and whatnot. It's the late afternoon right now, so they may be returning to the village soon enough.
>>623778
You approach a mare selling pottery. Amphorae are of course very popular in the empire as ways to store goods, liquids and food. She grins widely as you inspect her wares.
"Oh… I mostly sell these to our farmers and plantation keepers. We don't get much traffic for trade through here, that goes to bigger towns and cities."
Non-paved roads, piles of pony waste lying on the side of said roads.
>>623777
It's very likely that some ponies living in this village also work in the fortress as servants and whatnot. It's the late afternoon right now, so they may be returning to the village soon enough.
>>623778
You approach a mare selling pottery. Amphorae are of course very popular in the empire as ways to store goods, liquids and food. She grins widely as you inspect her wares.
"Oh… I mostly sell these to our farmers and plantation keepers. We don't get much traffic for trade through here, that goes to bigger towns and cities."
>>623775
"But things like temples are supposed to mean something, and be perfect in their form, to give ponies the fixed point they need in their lives!"
"But things like temples are supposed to mean something, and be perfect in their form, to give ponies the fixed point they need in their lives!"
>>623779
I tilt my head sympathetically.
"Really? Even with that big rich keep nearby you still don't get to trade much?"
I tilt my head sympathetically.
"Really? Even with that big rich keep nearby you still don't get to trade much?"
>>623780
"I dunno, it just looks a little depressing that's all. Things that look nice attract more ponies don't they? Just think about the basilica back in the capital!"
>>623782
That is a possibility. It would probably have been a wise move to come up with a fake name and whatnot together.
>>623783
"We're pretty isolated, see? I mean we see plenty of ships pass by the island, but our village is pretty small so we rarely get visitors. The fortress gets supplied from the capital I think."
>>623784
She didn't even leave the ship as far as you saw! Neither did Chester, though he might just be going invisible.
Seeker and Niphon are together, they seem to be hitting it off pretty well.
"I dunno, it just looks a little depressing that's all. Things that look nice attract more ponies don't they? Just think about the basilica back in the capital!"
>>623782
That is a possibility. It would probably have been a wise move to come up with a fake name and whatnot together.
>>623783
"We're pretty isolated, see? I mean we see plenty of ships pass by the island, but our village is pretty small so we rarely get visitors. The fortress gets supplied from the capital I think."
>>623784
She didn't even leave the ship as far as you saw! Neither did Chester, though he might just be going invisible.
Seeker and Niphon are together, they seem to be hitting it off pretty well.
>>623785
There is a stall that sells pottery, one that sells fruits and vegetables, one that sells seaweed and one that sells random junk. The others aren't 'open' right now.
There is a stall that sells pottery, one that sells fruits and vegetables, one that sells seaweed and one that sells random junk. The others aren't 'open' right now.
>>623789
Fruits and vegetables then. What does the stock look like? Large selection? Narrow selection but a lot of stock?
Fruits and vegetables then. What does the stock look like? Large selection? Narrow selection but a lot of stock?
>>623786
"Oh, that's a shame. I can just imagine the things you'd be able to make with a bit of imperial material. Even a trading caravan would be a nice thing for your works of art."
"Oh, that's a shame. I can just imagine the things you'd be able to make with a bit of imperial material. Even a trading caravan would be a nice thing for your works of art."
>>623787
"I guess… She better look a little more uplifted than her temple though!"
>>623790
What shall you do then?
>>623791
A narrow selection, it seems. Being this far south, the most popular things you'll see grown here are fruits like melons, strawberries, olives and tomatoes as well as vegetables such as onions, cucumbers and peppers.
>>623792
"Oh that's so kind of you to say… I've wanted to move to Cantria for a while now and start a business there, but it's just so expensive. I don't think I'll ever be able to afford it."
>>623793
The tavern is smaller than the one you stayed at in Clopantinople, but it's still large enough to accommodate for plenty of ponies wanting to drink away their evening. As it stands, there aren't very many ponies around here at all. You guess many of the townsfolk started working the fields again now that the worst of the heat has passed.
"I guess… She better look a little more uplifted than her temple though!"
>>623790
What shall you do then?
>>623791
A narrow selection, it seems. Being this far south, the most popular things you'll see grown here are fruits like melons, strawberries, olives and tomatoes as well as vegetables such as onions, cucumbers and peppers.
>>623792
"Oh that's so kind of you to say… I've wanted to move to Cantria for a while now and start a business there, but it's just so expensive. I don't think I'll ever be able to afford it."
>>623793
The tavern is smaller than the one you stayed at in Clopantinople, but it's still large enough to accommodate for plenty of ponies wanting to drink away their evening. As it stands, there aren't very many ponies around here at all. You guess many of the townsfolk started working the fields again now that the worst of the heat has passed.
>>623794
"Maybe she likes it like this!
Not everypony has the money they have in the capital!"
Off we go, to find the priestess!
"Maybe she likes it like this!
Not everypony has the money they have in the capital!"
Off we go, to find the priestess!
>>623794
I suppose.
Order a glass of wine with my supply mone and ask the tavernkeeper what's going on in town.
I suppose.
Order a glass of wine with my supply mone and ask the tavernkeeper what's going on in town.
>>623795
>>623800
The blacksmith's workshop is mostly set up outside. On one hand it doesn't seem like a bad choice given the warm climate, but on the other it leaves you to wonder if working outside on hot days isn't a little too much to handle. The smith is sharpening some older looking weaponry on a grinding stone. His furnace doesn't seem to be going at the moment. Perhaps you could lend him some dragon fire.
>>623796
As I said, the small temple doesn't look like much, but it does seem well maintained if anything.
Inside, there's benches set up in a circle around a rather beautiful altar. It appears to be shaped out of an oak tree's bark. In the four corners of the temple you spot a shrine dedicated to each of the elements. There's only two other ponies praying here at the moment, one who looks like a farmer, the other seems to be a barbarian judging by her glossy coat. There's a priest of the Mother sweeping the floor as well.
>>623797
That's ten silvers. Since you're not stressed, it doesn't do much. It is very tasty however, probably made on this very island like most things you'll find in this village.
"What's going on? Well, I guess you folks visiting the village is about the most exciting thing to have happened here in the last week. We've been trying to keep our heads low ever since the civil war started. And even now with those tales of corsairs raiding the coasts we have to be vigilant."
>>623798
"Ponies gotta eat all year. My sales are the same every month of the year, with the only variation being which type of fruit or vegetable I'm selling. Not that I'm complaining, makes my finances more predictable as long as we don't have a failed harvest."
>>623799
"Oh I don't think they'd like plebeians setting up shop there… It would be nice to get some extra sales from the sailors though."
>>623800
The blacksmith's workshop is mostly set up outside. On one hand it doesn't seem like a bad choice given the warm climate, but on the other it leaves you to wonder if working outside on hot days isn't a little too much to handle. The smith is sharpening some older looking weaponry on a grinding stone. His furnace doesn't seem to be going at the moment. Perhaps you could lend him some dragon fire.
>>623796
As I said, the small temple doesn't look like much, but it does seem well maintained if anything.
Inside, there's benches set up in a circle around a rather beautiful altar. It appears to be shaped out of an oak tree's bark. In the four corners of the temple you spot a shrine dedicated to each of the elements. There's only two other ponies praying here at the moment, one who looks like a farmer, the other seems to be a barbarian judging by her glossy coat. There's a priest of the Mother sweeping the floor as well.
>>623797
That's ten silvers. Since you're not stressed, it doesn't do much. It is very tasty however, probably made on this very island like most things you'll find in this village.
"What's going on? Well, I guess you folks visiting the village is about the most exciting thing to have happened here in the last week. We've been trying to keep our heads low ever since the civil war started. And even now with those tales of corsairs raiding the coasts we have to be vigilant."
>>623798
"Ponies gotta eat all year. My sales are the same every month of the year, with the only variation being which type of fruit or vegetable I'm selling. Not that I'm complaining, makes my finances more predictable as long as we don't have a failed harvest."
>>623799
"Oh I don't think they'd like plebeians setting up shop there… It would be nice to get some extra sales from the sailors though."
>>624147
What race is the smith?
And that depends, he might not want the furnace to go… but I'm sure he will ask when he notices me, which isn't hard.
What race is the smith?
And that depends, he might not want the furnace to go… but I'm sure he will ask when he notices me, which isn't hard.
>>624147
"They grow ever bolder. They've attacked our ship. Praise Aqualia that our crew managed to push them back."
"They grow ever bolder. They've attacked our ship. Praise Aqualia that our crew managed to push them back."
>>624147
Do not interrupt their prayers, but rather stop by the priest and greet him with a smile.
"Good day brother."
Do not interrupt their prayers, but rather stop by the priest and greet him with a smile.
"Good day brother."
>>624148
"Sure do, not so much recently but they're still buying plenty. 'Course, we also have to donate food to them on top of the taxes we pay."
>>624149
Earth pony.
He's certainly noticed you, but he doesn't pay you too much mind. Strange…
>>624150
He grimaces.
"Where was that? Mother help us if it was nearby the island… you ought to go inform the authorities if it was in Agrian waters."
>>624152
He nods at you, still sweeping.
"Good day, sisters. Can I be of service?"
"Sure do, not so much recently but they're still buying plenty. 'Course, we also have to donate food to them on top of the taxes we pay."
>>624149
Earth pony.
He's certainly noticed you, but he doesn't pay you too much mind. Strange…
>>624150
He grimaces.
"Where was that? Mother help us if it was nearby the island… you ought to go inform the authorities if it was in Agrian waters."
>>624152
He nods at you, still sweeping.
"Good day, sisters. Can I be of service?"
>>624153
"Sorry about the questions, but I'm from the capital, where there aren't as many farms. Is that.. law? Or are they encouraging you to donate?"
"Sorry about the questions, but I'm from the capital, where there aren't as many farms. Is that.. law? Or are they encouraging you to donate?"
>>624153
"It was just a few hours away." Shake my head. "I'll be sure to inform the authorities…"
"It was just a few hours away." Shake my head. "I'll be sure to inform the authorities…"
>>624153
"Are you the main chaplain of this church?
Me and my friend Thalia are travelling the land in pilgrimage to pay our respects."
"Are you the main chaplain of this church?
Me and my friend Thalia are travelling the land in pilgrimage to pay our respects."
>>624154
He stops and turns to you, raising an eyebrow as he sees his furnace lit up.
"… Thank ya kindly. But please tell the lord that I can't follow up on his offer. I've got my own business here I can't just abandon."
>>624155
"I'm no expert on the laws of our theme, but as far as I know we're obliged to supply our lieges with a share of our food during times of war to support the armies. The civil war ended as far as I know, given how the ducal family was driven out of the province."
>>624156
"Please do, I don't want this place to be caught by surprise next. Damn Arabian scum…"
>>624157
He smiles gently.
"I'm flattered you'd call our humble little chapel a church. Yes, I take care of the building and give sermons while I am not working on the fields. We're only a small community with little means to get outside help, so many of us fill in several roles."
He stops and turns to you, raising an eyebrow as he sees his furnace lit up.
"… Thank ya kindly. But please tell the lord that I can't follow up on his offer. I've got my own business here I can't just abandon."
>>624155
"I'm no expert on the laws of our theme, but as far as I know we're obliged to supply our lieges with a share of our food during times of war to support the armies. The civil war ended as far as I know, given how the ducal family was driven out of the province."
>>624156
"Please do, I don't want this place to be caught by surprise next. Damn Arabian scum…"
>>624157
He smiles gently.
"I'm flattered you'd call our humble little chapel a church. Yes, I take care of the building and give sermons while I am not working on the fields. We're only a small community with little means to get outside help, so many of us fill in several roles."
>>624158
"The ducal family was driven out? Then who's in charge of this theme? Some usurper?"
"The ducal family was driven out? Then who's in charge of this theme? Some usurper?"
>>624158
"We will be staying in town for the next few days, and were wondering whether or not you'd like our helping hoof with your flock."
Smile.
"We will be staying in town for the next few days, and were wondering whether or not you'd like our helping hoof with your flock."
Smile.
>>624158
Stare at him and raise a brow.
I'm going to try and use the not-speaking-equestrian ruse, since we didn't come up with a fake name for our family.
I'm sure my inquisitive look will urge him to talk though.
Stare at him and raise a brow.
I'm going to try and use the not-speaking-equestrian ruse, since we didn't come up with a fake name for our family.
I'm sure my inquisitive look will urge him to talk though.
>>624159
"Hah! Can't say I know, last I heard the mainland was a disorganized mess. Seems like the navy is only doing marginally better. You know, I heard our allies to the west are converging their fleets without us. Meanwhile we're scurrying to defend our own coast with the whole theme going haywire. The Saddle-Arabians must be salivating right now while looking at us."
>>624160
"I think he's from the same house as our previous doux… but really it's so hard to keep up with politics sometimes and being isolated like this doesn't help. I don't know why this civil war was necessary in the first place, don't we have enough things to fear already that we have to add our own countryponies to the list? Pulling out the majority of the fortress garrison while corsairs are on the prowl? I don't like it one bit. It's a damn shame the late doux had to die such a sudden death."
>>624161
"Our flock here is not very large, but as a agricultural community we are very much devoted. Without the Mother's blessings, we would be nothing. Us farmer ponies realize that better than anypony else."
>>624162
He stares you down for a moment, then puts the sword he was holding on the ground.
"If the lord thinks he can intimidate me into agreeing, he's woefully wrong. I'm not going anywhere. Period."
"Hah! Can't say I know, last I heard the mainland was a disorganized mess. Seems like the navy is only doing marginally better. You know, I heard our allies to the west are converging their fleets without us. Meanwhile we're scurrying to defend our own coast with the whole theme going haywire. The Saddle-Arabians must be salivating right now while looking at us."
>>624160
"I think he's from the same house as our previous doux… but really it's so hard to keep up with politics sometimes and being isolated like this doesn't help. I don't know why this civil war was necessary in the first place, don't we have enough things to fear already that we have to add our own countryponies to the list? Pulling out the majority of the fortress garrison while corsairs are on the prowl? I don't like it one bit. It's a damn shame the late doux had to die such a sudden death."
>>624161
"Our flock here is not very large, but as a agricultural community we are very much devoted. Without the Mother's blessings, we would be nothing. Us farmer ponies realize that better than anypony else."
>>624162
He stares you down for a moment, then puts the sword he was holding on the ground.
"If the lord thinks he can intimidate me into agreeing, he's woefully wrong. I'm not going anywhere. Period."
>>624163
"How many farms are out here on this island, anyway? Just yours – or is there much competition? Or is there a commune?"
"How many farms are out here on this island, anyway? Just yours – or is there much competition? Or is there a commune?"
>>624164
"Oh there's a couple. Enough to supply everypony on the island with food. We can't really permit much surplus without trade coming through. It's wasted effort if it don't get eaten before it starts to rot."
>>624165
He seems a little confused.
"Hm? I'm not certain I follow, sister. I know the temple is not quite as big as the ones you find in Cantria, but we hardly have the means to build such grand structures. Nor do we have any need to."
>>624166
"If you don't have anything more to offer, then please leave me be. I need to get these old things back into shape before the Saddle-Arabians decide to target us next."
>>624167
"I don't care much for interesting if it means the province is going to Tartarus. Sure hope those high folks in Cantria have some sort of grand plan to solve this before the whole dam just bursts."
"Oh there's a couple. Enough to supply everypony on the island with food. We can't really permit much surplus without trade coming through. It's wasted effort if it don't get eaten before it starts to rot."
>>624165
He seems a little confused.
"Hm? I'm not certain I follow, sister. I know the temple is not quite as big as the ones you find in Cantria, but we hardly have the means to build such grand structures. Nor do we have any need to."
>>624166
"If you don't have anything more to offer, then please leave me be. I need to get these old things back into shape before the Saddle-Arabians decide to target us next."
>>624167
"I don't care much for interesting if it means the province is going to Tartarus. Sure hope those high folks in Cantria have some sort of grand plan to solve this before the whole dam just bursts."
>>624168
"Will you be here much longer? I need to go speak with the captain of my vessel to see how long we're going to be staying here, but if you're still available after, I'll be interested in a proportionate amount of stock."
"Will you be here much longer? I need to go speak with the captain of my vessel to see how long we're going to be staying here, but if you're still available after, I'll be interested in a proportionate amount of stock."
>>624168
Facehoof.
"No, words fail me.
What I meant to express was surprise at the small size of your flock!"
Facehoof.
"No, words fail me.
What I meant to express was surprise at the small size of your flock!"
>>624168
"Let's hope so. But I think this island should be safe. There's a large fort nearby."
"Let's hope so. But I think this island should be safe. There's a large fort nearby."
>>624169
She perks her ears.
"I'm wrapping up here in about an hour. It's getting late. If you're interested in buying though, I'll be more than happy to supply."
>>624170
He waves you off and picks the sword back up, getting back to work on the grinding stone.
>>624171
"Oh, rest assured everypony here is as devoted to the mother as you'll find them elsewhere. However, prayer alone does not show how devout one is. Working in the fields and plantations to survive shows just as much devotion. They are Her fruits we harvest after all."
>>624172
"A large fortress with a small garrison. To be terribly honest with you, if a raiding party arrives here I don't think they'll be able to muster the force to come out and save us. The navy is really our own defense at this point. Our smith is currently gathering what weaponry he can for the village militia."
She perks her ears.
"I'm wrapping up here in about an hour. It's getting late. If you're interested in buying though, I'll be more than happy to supply."
>>624170
He waves you off and picks the sword back up, getting back to work on the grinding stone.
>>624171
"Oh, rest assured everypony here is as devoted to the mother as you'll find them elsewhere. However, prayer alone does not show how devout one is. Working in the fields and plantations to survive shows just as much devotion. They are Her fruits we harvest after all."
>>624172
"A large fortress with a small garrison. To be terribly honest with you, if a raiding party arrives here I don't think they'll be able to muster the force to come out and save us. The navy is really our own defense at this point. Our smith is currently gathering what weaponry he can for the village militia."
>>624173
"It's a matter of numbers – I need to know how much we need logistically. Say, how regular are your shipments to the fort? We were planning on visiting to see the local fare, and it's a long ride up there. If you'd like, we can give you a ride up to the port in our vessel – you'd have to come back the long way when we're done, of course, since we're moving on soon."
"It's a matter of numbers – I need to know how much we need logistically. Say, how regular are your shipments to the fort? We were planning on visiting to see the local fare, and it's a long ride up there. If you'd like, we can give you a ride up to the port in our vessel – you'd have to come back the long way when we're done, of course, since we're moving on soon."
>>624174
"Well, we always have some defense of our own to at least slow down any raids while help is on the way… A few of us are veterans of battle, but most of the townfolk have only ever used their pitchforks for farming purposes. That's why we've decided to spend some time making sure our equipment is up to par."
>>624175
"I ship to them every week. If you can shorten the trip I'd appreciate it, but with a full load it only takes me about an hour to get there on hoof. The way back only takes half that long."
>>624176
"There's really no need, we're all very close to the Mother and we know it. It's hard to ever forget when you spend the majority of your life completely surrounded by nature."
>>624177
He continues on sharpening the swords on the stone, stubbornly ignoring you.
"Well, we always have some defense of our own to at least slow down any raids while help is on the way… A few of us are veterans of battle, but most of the townfolk have only ever used their pitchforks for farming purposes. That's why we've decided to spend some time making sure our equipment is up to par."
>>624175
"I ship to them every week. If you can shorten the trip I'd appreciate it, but with a full load it only takes me about an hour to get there on hoof. The way back only takes half that long."
>>624176
"There's really no need, we're all very close to the Mother and we know it. It's hard to ever forget when you spend the majority of your life completely surrounded by nature."
>>624177
He continues on sharpening the swords on the stone, stubbornly ignoring you.
>>624178
Smile again, bowing my head.
"I understand. Then would you mind if me and Thalia went praying by your altar?"
Smile again, bowing my head.
"I understand. Then would you mind if me and Thalia went praying by your altar?"
>>624179
"On occasion. To, ahem, find some company for the night. The servants from the village who work at the fortress are usually not very receptive to their advances since they're of course not allowed to shirk their duties while at work."
>>624180
"Of course, there's not need to even ask me such a thing."
"On occasion. To, ahem, find some company for the night. The servants from the village who work at the fortress are usually not very receptive to their advances since they're of course not allowed to shirk their duties while at work."
>>624180
"Of course, there's not need to even ask me such a thing."
>>624181
"Thank you brother."
Off I go, to the altar. Guess I should not worry too much, if things are alright here.
What of the ponies praying earlier?
"Thank you brother."
Off I go, to the altar. Guess I should not worry too much, if things are alright here.
What of the ponies praying earlier?
>>624178
"Well, I'll speak with the captain about giving you a lift, then."
Go find Marcus at the tavern.
"Well, I'll speak with the captain about giving you a lift, then."
Go find Marcus at the tavern.
>>624182
The farmer seems to have finished his prayer at the altar. He nods at you in respect as he walks past. The Varangian is praying at the shrine of Ignis still.
>>624183
"Thank you."
Marcus is drinking some wine whilst having a chat with the barkeep. It's not very busy in here yet.
>>624184
"I don't blame 'em, some of them find company in the arms of their brothers and sisters in arms, but after months of being stuck with the same ponies I imagine they sometimes want a different pair of hooves holding them for once."
The farmer seems to have finished his prayer at the altar. He nods at you in respect as he walks past. The Varangian is praying at the shrine of Ignis still.
>>624183
"Thank you."
Marcus is drinking some wine whilst having a chat with the barkeep. It's not very busy in here yet.
>>624184
"I don't blame 'em, some of them find company in the arms of their brothers and sisters in arms, but after months of being stuck with the same ponies I imagine they sometimes want a different pair of hooves holding them for once."
>>624186
She whispers back.
"To the Varangians, the elements are the high gods. They worship them waaaay differently than you guys do. With living sacrifices and stuff! I've see them hold huge parties where they sacrifice prisoners to honor the gods, I don't know about you but that's not my kind of party at all!"
She whispers back.
"To the Varangians, the elements are the high gods. They worship them waaaay differently than you guys do. With living sacrifices and stuff! I've see them hold huge parties where they sacrifice prisoners to honor the gods, I don't know about you but that's not my kind of party at all!"
>>624189
Gulp down in visible discomfort, shaking my head.
And sit down in prayer for a while, just clearing my mind of worry.
Not using S&P.
Gulp down in visible discomfort, shaking my head.
And sit down in prayer for a while, just clearing my mind of worry.
Not using S&P.
>>624188
"Weekly, the fortress brings in shipments of food – and they're willing to hitch a ride with us up to the fortress. We buy off or hold in temporary custody the owner – and we can ride inside stealthily. Old Trojan trick."
Sip the drink.
"Weekly, the fortress brings in shipments of food – and they're willing to hitch a ride with us up to the fortress. We buy off or hold in temporary custody the owner – and we can ride inside stealthily. Old Trojan trick."
Sip the drink.
>>624191
I seriously hope the innkeeper isn't hearing all this.
"Do they bring water and wine to the fort?"
I seriously hope the innkeeper isn't hearing all this.
"Do they bring water and wine to the fort?"
>>624194
"Probably. Apparently they're being forced to continue offering their 'military support' even after the war is now effectively over - openly, anyway."
"Probably. Apparently they're being forced to continue offering their 'military support' even after the war is now effectively over - openly, anyway."
>>624195
Well that was a good prayer! Now it's time to go and see the world!
Coincidentally, I will see the world in that Varangian path!
Well that was a good prayer! Now it's time to go and see the world!
Coincidentally, I will see the world in that Varangian path!
>>624196
"Not surprising.
I was thinking, perhaps if could slip some sleep drought into the wine and water, it might make our task easier, no?"
"Not surprising.
I was thinking, perhaps if could slip some sleep drought into the wine and water, it might make our task easier, no?"
>>624198
"When I mention that plan you were concerned that it might cause them to go onto high alert – feeling like it's now worth the risk?"
"When I mention that plan you were concerned that it might cause them to go onto high alert – feeling like it's now worth the risk?"
>>624197
You mean to follow her? She's now left the temple entirely, heading towards the tavern.
You mean to follow her? She's now left the temple entirely, heading towards the tavern.
>>624202
"Nothing in particular. A few soldiers come here once in a while, but waiting for that might rouse suspicion. When is the next food delivery?"
"Nothing in particular. A few soldiers come here once in a while, but waiting for that might rouse suspicion. When is the next food delivery?"
>>624204
"Sometime this week – not today. I'm sure we can have some say in it. Probably a few days when our repairs are 'finished'."
"Sometime this week – not today. I'm sure we can have some say in it. Probably a few days when our repairs are 'finished'."
>>624203
You and Thalia follow her into the tavern. Marcus, Sonja, Karabi and Adrianos are here, talking to each other at a table in the corner. The mare walks up to the bar and orders something.
You and Thalia follow her into the tavern. Marcus, Sonja, Karabi and Adrianos are here, talking to each other at a table in the corner. The mare walks up to the bar and orders something.
>>624207
"The farmer? Sounds like a poor peasant. He perked up at the idea of us buying a few radishes."
"The farmer? Sounds like a poor peasant. He perked up at the idea of us buying a few radishes."
>>624211
"Perhaps I'll have a look later, for the artistic value. Any revelations about the fort or island?"
"Perhaps I'll have a look later, for the artistic value. Any revelations about the fort or island?"
>>624214
I suppose I show up at the tavern about then and see Flavia about to leave.
"Did you forget something?"
I suppose I show up at the tavern about then and see Flavia about to leave.
"Did you forget something?"
>>624147
"I dunno.. if you looked the part I doubt they'd even know you're a villager until you said so.. But I should be going, it was lovely to talk with you Miss."
I excuse myself to go the tavern to see what the others have learned?
"I dunno.. if you looked the part I doubt they'd even know you're a villager until you said so.. But I should be going, it was lovely to talk with you Miss."
I excuse myself to go the tavern to see what the others have learned?
>>624322
"I'd like to know if Nolin has found anything yet. How long do you want to wait before making our move?"
"I'd like to know if Nolin has found anything yet. How long do you want to wait before making our move?"
>>624327
"A few days at most, we can't stay here too long, it will draw suspicion. And that boat isn't cheap."
"A few days at most, we can't stay here too long, it will draw suspicion. And that boat isn't cheap."
>>624330
>>624328
"It's a matter of logistics. Even if you steal every coin in that fort, I doubt you'll get half the wealth we'd get from selling just one of those Dromons. If we can wipe out the garrison – sure, we can loot to our hearts' content, but there are limits as to what even a skilled burglar could carry out on a smash-and-grab mission."
>>624328
"It's a matter of logistics. Even if you steal every coin in that fort, I doubt you'll get half the wealth we'd get from selling just one of those Dromons. If we can wipe out the garrison – sure, we can loot to our hearts' content, but there are limits as to what even a skilled burglar could carry out on a smash-and-grab mission."
>>624325
He doesn't seem to care, looks like your approach is not working.
>>624329
It appears that the largest concern of this village are the corsairs whom are threatening the southern coast of the empire. It dawns on you that assaulting the garrison on this island and destroying the fleet may have unfortunate consequences for a village like this. They would have to purely rely on their own militias to defend from any raids, and while you aren't an expert of military matters, it's clear even to you that these villagefolks would most likely not fare well against corsairs.
He doesn't seem to care, looks like your approach is not working.
>>624329
It appears that the largest concern of this village are the corsairs whom are threatening the southern coast of the empire. It dawns on you that assaulting the garrison on this island and destroying the fleet may have unfortunate consequences for a village like this. They would have to purely rely on their own militias to defend from any raids, and while you aren't an expert of military matters, it's clear even to you that these villagefolks would most likely not fare well against corsairs.
>>624332
That would be a straight up evil thing to do!
But maybe not all is lost.
I need to investigate the corsairs!
That would be a straight up evil thing to do!
But maybe not all is lost.
I need to investigate the corsairs!
>>624332
Maybe if I spread my wings and 'accidentally' block the sun to make it a bit darker for him.
I'm certain he might rant again, and I may even find out who this lord he speaks about is.
Maybe if I spread my wings and 'accidentally' block the sun to make it a bit darker for him.
I'm certain he might rant again, and I may even find out who this lord he speaks about is.
>>624331
Nod as you speak.
"Of course, you're right.
And I'd like to avoid too much casualties if we can.
Let's hope we get a good price for the dromon."
Nod as you speak.
"Of course, you're right.
And I'd like to avoid too much casualties if we can.
Let's hope we get a good price for the dromon."
>>624337
>>624338
Corsair is really just another word for 'pirate' or 'raider'. Corsairs specifically refer to pirates who come from the east, from the caliphates or the Grevyian tribes. It sounds like the ones who have been very active around the southern shores of the empire are mostly Arabians, which is a rather peculiar 'coincidence'. Corsairs will hit ships and villages, looting their worth and taking prisoners for ransom money.
There's little doubt that the corsairs have some sort of base of operations on an island within striking distance of the empire. The most likely candidate for that seems to be the Skyrosian archipelago to the southeast of here. Skyros was once a Trotantine state like so many in the empire, but it was swallowed by Saddle-Arabia after a disastrous naval defeat which destroyed most of the Agrian, Peneian and Saddlonican fleets. Recently however, they rebelled against their Arabian overlords and attained independence.
>>624347
You notice there's a barbarian mare observing you from across the street with some interest. Judging by her clothing, she's a Varangian priestess. What catches your drake eyes the most is her coat, which is very glossy and gemlike. A fleshy gem? That can only taste delicious.
You can roll a knowledge check to see what you know about this particular religion.
Secondly, you also catch something large flying around in the distance from the corner of your eyes, near the fortress.
>>624338
Corsair is really just another word for 'pirate' or 'raider'. Corsairs specifically refer to pirates who come from the east, from the caliphates or the Grevyian tribes. It sounds like the ones who have been very active around the southern shores of the empire are mostly Arabians, which is a rather peculiar 'coincidence'. Corsairs will hit ships and villages, looting their worth and taking prisoners for ransom money.
There's little doubt that the corsairs have some sort of base of operations on an island within striking distance of the empire. The most likely candidate for that seems to be the Skyrosian archipelago to the southeast of here. Skyros was once a Trotantine state like so many in the empire, but it was swallowed by Saddle-Arabia after a disastrous naval defeat which destroyed most of the Agrian, Peneian and Saddlonican fleets. Recently however, they rebelled against their Arabian overlords and attained independence.
>>624347
You notice there's a barbarian mare observing you from across the street with some interest. Judging by her clothing, she's a Varangian priestess. What catches your drake eyes the most is her coat, which is very glossy and gemlike. A fleshy gem? That can only taste delicious.
You can roll a knowledge check to see what you know about this particular religion.
Secondly, you also catch something large flying around in the distance from the corner of your eyes, near the fortress.
>>624350
Knowledge roll
'1d20+5'
Turn my head slightly, to give her a better look, but then try and focus on the flying thing near the fortress. What is it?
Roll #1 19 + 5 = 24
Knowledge roll
'1d20+5'
Turn my head slightly, to give her a better look, but then try and focus on the flying thing near the fortress. What is it?
Roll #1 19 + 5 = 24
>>624350
Did I learn something about the size of those raiding parties, or how long they have been going on for?
Did I learn something about the size of those raiding parties, or how long they have been going on for?
>>624352
The Varangian faith held by the viking ponies from the high north revolves around worship of the four elemental gods. Ignis, Aqualia, Terra and Aer are their gods, though with different names assigned to them. To be sure, they are seen as heathens by the church of the Mother, as their method of elemental worship involves living sacrifices and other gruesome practices.
All in all their religion is far from peaceful. Ignis is often seen as the main god of the pantheon, being seen as a god of war, fire and death. More interestingly to you, perhaps, is the fact that Ignis is often depicted as a dragon.
>>624353
They usually will use galleys to get around quickly, with raiding parties only containing a couple of ships. Corsair raids have been a thing for centuries now, with periods of varying activity and intensity. The last two weeks have seen a remarkable spike in activity.
The Varangian faith held by the viking ponies from the high north revolves around worship of the four elemental gods. Ignis, Aqualia, Terra and Aer are their gods, though with different names assigned to them. To be sure, they are seen as heathens by the church of the Mother, as their method of elemental worship involves living sacrifices and other gruesome practices.
All in all their religion is far from peaceful. Ignis is often seen as the main god of the pantheon, being seen as a god of war, fire and death. More interestingly to you, perhaps, is the fact that Ignis is often depicted as a dragon.
>>624353
They usually will use galleys to get around quickly, with raiding parties only containing a couple of ships. Corsair raids have been a thing for centuries now, with periods of varying activity and intensity. The last two weeks have seen a remarkable spike in activity.
>>624352
As for the creature flying above the fortress, it looks to be a dragon to you. You're not entirely sure which species it belongs to as it's too far away to see with the naked eye.
As for the creature flying above the fortress, it looks to be a dragon to you. You're not entirely sure which species it belongs to as it's too far away to see with the naked eye.
>>624354
That would explain her interest in me.
Still, I will investigate her only after I managed to find out what is flying around the fortress.
That would explain her interest in me.
Still, I will investigate her only after I managed to find out what is flying around the fortress.
>>624354
It's decided. We sail for the Skyrosian archipelago!
I will make those raider forsake their evil ways!
It's decided. We sail for the Skyrosian archipelago!
I will make those raider forsake their evil ways!
>>624351
"When it becomes convenient. Shipments are regular – weekly. We can take it at our leisure."
"When it becomes convenient. Shipments are regular – weekly. We can take it at our leisure."
>>624359
Well yes, but we are doing this after we take the tower!
I'm sure brother Marcus will have no objection whatsoever!
Tell Thalia how we are gonna walk there with freshly baked goods made 100% from bio products, get everypony around a big table and talk away their pirate problems!
"It's a genius plan, no?"
Well yes, but we are doing this after we take the tower!
I'm sure brother Marcus will have no objection whatsoever!
Tell Thalia how we are gonna walk there with freshly baked goods made 100% from bio products, get everypony around a big table and talk away their pirate problems!
"It's a genius plan, no?"
>>624365
"Yes.. well, If we were the servants that served and kept the wine we would be able too.."
"Yes.. well, If we were the servants that served and kept the wine we would be able too.."
>>624372
I was just curious about the smith.
Let's see if she gets intimidated easily though.
Stand up and go across the street, where she is, and settle down beside her, without a word.
Wrap my tail around myself, and make sure to display my claws properly. Get a good look of her gem coat too.
Intimidate '1d20+12'
Roll #1 12 + 12 = 24
I was just curious about the smith.
Let's see if she gets intimidated easily though.
Stand up and go across the street, where she is, and settle down beside her, without a word.
Wrap my tail around myself, and make sure to display my claws properly. Get a good look of her gem coat too.
Intimidate '1d20+12'
Roll #1 12 + 12 = 24
>>624373
Keep in mind that due to the adventure's menace, all NPC's are a level higher than you are.
Rolling for her resolve.
Roll #1 3 + 16 = 19
Keep in mind that due to the adventure's menace, all NPC's are a level higher than you are.
Rolling for her resolve.
Roll #1 3 + 16 = 19
>>624375
She backs away as you approach, but doesn't look away. Her coat is azure blue, almost like a sapphire gem.
She backs away as you approach, but doesn't look away. Her coat is azure blue, almost like a sapphire gem.
>>624374
"Let's think about this a different way. Even if we succeed in poisoning part of the guard, how much would that be? A few patrols?"
"Let's think about this a different way. Even if we succeed in poisoning part of the guard, how much would that be? A few patrols?"
>>624372
"Well I'm not gonna let the ponies of this town suffer because of my father!
Let's go see Marcus! He will know what to do!"
OFF TO THE INN!
"Well I'm not gonna let the ponies of this town suffer because of my father!
Let's go see Marcus! He will know what to do!"
OFF TO THE INN!
>>624377
"Right, we might need to talk to someone who actually knows about the routine of the fort."
"Right, we might need to talk to someone who actually knows about the routine of the fort."
>>624378
She speaks up, talking in a language familiar to you. It's Draconic, a common language shared by drakes and dragons alike all over the world. It's quite possibly one of the most spread out languages in existence.
"Did you come from the fortress?"
>>624379
"There's no way of telling whether or not they'll target this village! It doesn't look that valuable to me!"
They're still here, though the barbarian mare seems to have left by now.
She speaks up, talking in a language familiar to you. It's Draconic, a common language shared by drakes and dragons alike all over the world. It's quite possibly one of the most spread out languages in existence.
"Did you come from the fortress?"
>>624379
"There's no way of telling whether or not they'll target this village! It doesn't look that valuable to me!"
They're still here, though the barbarian mare seems to have left by now.
>>624380
"If we can, if we can't we'll have to go in without any poison. The reward should be worth the risk."
"If we can, if we can't we'll have to go in without any poison. The reward should be worth the risk."
>>624385
"If we do what we want to do…"
Look him deep in the eyes and frown, but quiet my words to a whisper.
"We are gonna get all these ponies in trouble!"
"If we do what we want to do…"
Look him deep in the eyes and frown, but quiet my words to a whisper.
"We are gonna get all these ponies in trouble!"
>>624390
She nods towards the fortress.
"Those who await their death in the dungeons of that fortress. As Varangians, I've come here to request they die a honorable death in combat rather than face execution. So far my requests were denied."
She nods towards the fortress.
"Those who await their death in the dungeons of that fortress. As Varangians, I've come here to request they die a honorable death in combat rather than face execution. So far my requests were denied."
>>624391
Be a touch sarcastic.
"What if they deny all requests? Will you storm the gates? Free your siblings and fight to your ends?"
Be a touch sarcastic.
"What if they deny all requests? Will you storm the gates? Free your siblings and fight to your ends?"
You were discussing your plans in the local tavern of the village. Since most ponies are still at work there aren't many other patrons here, making it easy to get away from prying eyes and ears. Evening will fall soon and the villagers will begin returning to their village.
Anthe is still on the ship last you saw, hiding from the smell of pony waste lying out in the streets under the sun. Niphon and Seeker were together last you saw. Chester has of course disappeared from sight, though he likely isn't far away. Surprise is here with Flavia. Karabi and Sonja are with their partners.
>>624392
"Not a chance. Perhaps their battle brothers and sister will though. They fear for their kin dying outside of combat."
Anthe is still on the ship last you saw, hiding from the smell of pony waste lying out in the streets under the sun. Niphon and Seeker were together last you saw. Chester has of course disappeared from sight, though he likely isn't far away. Surprise is here with Flavia. Karabi and Sonja are with their partners.
>>624392
"Not a chance. Perhaps their battle brothers and sister will though. They fear for their kin dying outside of combat."
>>624958
Point towards the fortress.
"I saw a dragon flying over there. I assume that dragon is with you as well?"
Point towards the fortress.
"I saw a dragon flying over there. I assume that dragon is with you as well?"
>>624967
"She doesn't just serve the garrison. She's the commander of the garrison. A dragon mage is no laughing matter, she's both pony and drake."
"She doesn't just serve the garrison. She's the commander of the garrison. A dragon mage is no laughing matter, she's both pony and drake."
>>624969
"As I see it, we have two things left to do – we need to actually get a look at the premises, ideally make a map – and see if anyone else here works there. Maybe we can learn more from them."
"As I see it, we have two things left to do – we need to actually get a look at the premises, ideally make a map – and see if anyone else here works there. Maybe we can learn more from them."
>>624971
"Is it not? With her guarding your battle siblings, you would need serious help to free them."
"Is it not? With her guarding your battle siblings, you would need serious help to free them."
>>624974
"I came here to request them to be allowed to die in trial by combat, not to forcibly free them. That's not my intention."
You suspect this mare is some kind of a shaman or a seer of sorts.
>>624975
Your cousins are discussing what to do.
>>624976
"Someone like you? Or that strange cat of yours?"
"I came here to request them to be allowed to die in trial by combat, not to forcibly free them. That's not my intention."
You suspect this mare is some kind of a shaman or a seer of sorts.
>>624975
Your cousins are discussing what to do.
>>624976
"Someone like you? Or that strange cat of yours?"
>>624977
"And should they deny all requests and order them to be imprisoned all their lives or be executed?"
"And should they deny all requests and order them to be imprisoned all their lives or be executed?"
>>624980
"It's a pity that spyglasses are so expensive. We should try to nab one while we're inside. But I suspect the fort will not be cordoned off – we can have a walk around the outside. Might even just try to walk in the front gates – I have some pull with the military given my rank you know."
"It's a pity that spyglasses are so expensive. We should try to nab one while we're inside. But I suspect the fort will not be cordoned off – we can have a walk around the outside. Might even just try to walk in the front gates – I have some pull with the military given my rank you know."
>>624983
"There are rumors of that…. as well as rumors of other dissatisfied relatives of ponies who are imprisoned there."
"There are rumors of that…. as well as rumors of other dissatisfied relatives of ponies who are imprisoned there."
>>624982
"I'll be waiting here. I doubt I'll be of much use scouting and I want to talk a bit more to your friend Seeker."
"I'll be waiting here. I doubt I'll be of much use scouting and I want to talk a bit more to your friend Seeker."
>>624984
"It all sounds like a recipe for death to come no matter how you look at it. It remains to be seen whether or not I can convince the mage to agree to my request or be confronted with a fleet of longships on her doorstep. Either way works for me."
"It all sounds like a recipe for death to come no matter how you look at it. It remains to be seen whether or not I can convince the mage to agree to my request or be confronted with a fleet of longships on her doorstep. Either way works for me."
>>624983
Well.. Okay, I'll go and look there.
What could go wrong.
I'll disguise as a blue common pony instead of my right color just to sure. '1d20+11'
Roll #1 13 + 11 = 24
Well.. Okay, I'll go and look there.
What could go wrong.
I'll disguise as a blue common pony instead of my right color just to sure. '1d20+11'
Roll #1 13 + 11 = 24
>>624991
Alright, time to get walking to this keep. Watch for anyone on the road there too.
Alright, time to get walking to this keep. Watch for anyone on the road there too.
>>624995
Not here, she's off with Niphon somewhere.
>>624992
"Very little, but I hear she is very short tempered."
>>624994
"Tomorrow already? Well… that's a bit early but I guess I'd be stupid to turn down a free ride there. What are you getting out of this though?"
>>624993
You come across a group of ponies on the road from the fortress! Looks like servants returning home after their shift.
Not here, she's off with Niphon somewhere.
>>624992
"Very little, but I hear she is very short tempered."
>>624994
"Tomorrow already? Well… that's a bit early but I guess I'd be stupid to turn down a free ride there. What are you getting out of this though?"
>>624993
You come across a group of ponies on the road from the fortress! Looks like servants returning home after their shift.
>>624997
"It's the Empress's hospitality. I'm from the capital because I'm a member of the honor guard."
"It's the Empress's hospitality. I'm from the capital because I'm a member of the honor guard."
>>624998
They've left the village, it seems. Somepony saw them walk away together. If you know your brother, he's likely scouting out the area.
>>624999
"I don't think you're here without reason. What does your presence here mean?"
>>625000
"Uh… right. This isn't some kind of a trick, is it?"
>>625001
They look at each other, a little confused about your presence.
"Yes we are. Who are you?"
They've left the village, it seems. Somepony saw them walk away together. If you know your brother, he's likely scouting out the area.
>>624999
"I don't think you're here without reason. What does your presence here mean?"
>>625000
"Uh… right. This isn't some kind of a trick, is it?"
>>625001
They look at each other, a little confused about your presence.
"Yes we are. Who are you?"
>>625002
"No, we have every intention of dropping you off with your goods harm-free once we arrive, and that's the honest truth."
"No, we have every intention of dropping you off with your goods harm-free once we arrive, and that's the honest truth."
>>625002
"I'm a traveling mercenary, Jirul, I heard you have a pirate problem and thought there might be work up at the keep.. Is that where you work?"
"I'm a traveling mercenary, Jirul, I heard you have a pirate problem and thought there might be work up at the keep.. Is that where you work?"
>>625003
"Well… I guess there wouldn't be much point in abducting a simple salespony like me. Not like I have much of worth at all."
>>625004
You pass by Mereghyl talking to some sort of Varangian shaman.
The temple here is very simple looking, but clean. There's a priest here, sweeping the floor with a broom. Aside form the altar dedicated to the Mother, there are also four shrines dedicated to the elementals, one in each corner of the building.
>>625005
I suppose it doesn't matter then. I wish you like with the solving of your mystery. If it happens to involve a certain group of Varangians in trouble, I'm sure it would please the mighty Ignis.
>>625006
"A pirate hunter?"
"We're just simple servants, not soldiers. We work to keep the fortress clean and its many mouths happily fed."
"Well… I guess there wouldn't be much point in abducting a simple salespony like me. Not like I have much of worth at all."
>>625004
You pass by Mereghyl talking to some sort of Varangian shaman.
The temple here is very simple looking, but clean. There's a priest here, sweeping the floor with a broom. Aside form the altar dedicated to the Mother, there are also four shrines dedicated to the elementals, one in each corner of the building.
>>625005
I suppose it doesn't matter then. I wish you like with the solving of your mystery. If it happens to involve a certain group of Varangians in trouble, I'm sure it would please the mighty Ignis.
>>625006
"A pirate hunter?"
"We're just simple servants, not soldiers. We work to keep the fortress clean and its many mouths happily fed."
>>625007
"Ah, well I like to know who I'd be working for, potentially, could I walk with you and hear about your time there?"
"Ah, well I like to know who I'd be working for, potentially, could I walk with you and hear about your time there?"
>>625008
"Glory to those who die in battle."
She turns away from you and walks off.
>>625009
Aqualia's shrine has a little water fountain with a small pedestal serving as the foothold of a statuette depicting the goddess. Typical Trotantine art, shaped out of white marble and showing off her naked physical beauty. She's depicted as a beautiful seapony here.
>>625010
"Sure, I guess. The fortress actually belongs to house Arravani who built it here almost two centuries ago. Many members of the doux' family spent time here over the centuries, but ever since the civil war on the mainland it's been solely used as a military platform. Aside from the garrison, there are no guests there at this time. I'm sure the new doux will come down some time in the future, but right now he must be far to busy."
"Glory to those who die in battle."
She turns away from you and walks off.
>>625009
Aqualia's shrine has a little water fountain with a small pedestal serving as the foothold of a statuette depicting the goddess. Typical Trotantine art, shaped out of white marble and showing off her naked physical beauty. She's depicted as a beautiful seapony here.
>>625010
"Sure, I guess. The fortress actually belongs to house Arravani who built it here almost two centuries ago. Many members of the doux' family spent time here over the centuries, but ever since the civil war on the mainland it's been solely used as a military platform. Aside from the garrison, there are no guests there at this time. I'm sure the new doux will come down some time in the future, but right now he must be far to busy."
>>625011
I nod along with them.
"So they have a wise a Arravani in charge here now? Must be pretty boring with no guests.. I suppose that makes its even harder on you, since they need less of your care and give you orders simply because they are bored?"
I nod along with them.
"So they have a wise a Arravani in charge here now? Must be pretty boring with no guests.. I suppose that makes its even harder on you, since they need less of your care and give you orders simply because they are bored?"
>>625012
You could try some fishfood.
Followers of Aqualia will often look for beautiful seashells on the beach to leave them in shrines dedicated to Aqualia like these.
>>625013
You saw him pass by and head into the temple just now.
>>625014
They look at each other awkwardly as you mention the Arravanis. They must be aware that Olivia Arravani has been locked in the dungeons of the fortress.
"Well… no. The pony in charge of the fortress' garrison right now is an appointed commander. She's not a member of house Arravani."
Followers of Aqualia will often look for beautiful seashells on the beach to leave them in shrines dedicated to Aqualia like these.
>>625013
You saw him pass by and head into the temple just now.
>>625014
They look at each other awkwardly as you mention the Arravanis. They must be aware that Olivia Arravani has been locked in the dungeons of the fortress.
"Well… no. The pony in charge of the fortress' garrison right now is an appointed commander. She's not a member of house Arravani."
>>625015
I look surprised.
"..Oh? That sounds rather alarming. Who is the lucky lass that got appointed?"
I look surprised.
"..Oh? That sounds rather alarming. Who is the lucky lass that got appointed?"
>>625021
I chuckle. "They sent a mage to lead the garrison? And one with a pretty name like that? I bet you're pouring half-water pitchers to the men after only two days! "
I chuckle. "They sent a mage to lead the garrison? And one with a pretty name like that? I bet you're pouring half-water pitchers to the men after only two days! "
>>625022
With a few powerful flaps of her wings, she flies off to collect some nice seashells.
>>625023
"Eheheh… She doesn't fool around."
"Yeah, she's actually pretty scary."
"She's powerful enough to turn into a dragon, I think she'd eat anypony who makes her angry. And she has a short temper."
The servants collectively gulp.
With a few powerful flaps of her wings, she flies off to collect some nice seashells.
>>625023
"Eheheh… She doesn't fool around."
"Yeah, she's actually pretty scary."
"She's powerful enough to turn into a dragon, I think she'd eat anypony who makes her angry. And she has a short temper."
The servants collectively gulp.
>>625024
"A full dragon? …you sound like you've seen it before.." I reply with a voice full of concern and look them over for burn marks.
'1d20+1' search I suppose?
Roll #1 5 + 1 = 6
"A full dragon? …you sound like you've seen it before.." I reply with a voice full of concern and look them over for burn marks.
'1d20+1' search I suppose?
Roll #1 5 + 1 = 6
>>625028
Look around.
"Perhaps we can fly up and discuss them in the clouds where no one will hear us."
Look around.
"Perhaps we can fly up and discuss them in the clouds where no one will hear us."
>>625027
You don't see any burn marks.
"Well yes, sometimes she goes out on patrol in dragon form. She's snapped at us a few times too. Errr… her mood can shift pretty quickly, if you know what I mean."
You don't see any burn marks.
"Well yes, sometimes she goes out on patrol in dragon form. She's snapped at us a few times too. Errr… her mood can shift pretty quickly, if you know what I mean."
>>625029
Shake my head and lower it near you.
"There is a good chance we would be spotted by their dragon as I have spotted her flying around the fortress."
Shake my head and lower it near you.
"There is a good chance we would be spotted by their dragon as I have spotted her flying around the fortress."
>>625030
"…I see..I'll have to be careful around her.. Do you suppose that she'll be here for a long time or will a new Arravani be arriving?"
"…I see..I'll have to be careful around her.. Do you suppose that she'll be here for a long time or will a new Arravani be arriving?"
>>625035
"Of course not. How would I explain my presence here? I saw her from a distance. I have learned this from a Vagarian who spoke draconic."
"Of course not. How would I explain my presence here? I saw her from a distance. I have learned this from a Vagarian who spoke draconic."
>>625034
They shrug.
"They don't tell us this stuff. We haven't heard anything about any guests arriving so unless there's a surprise visit I'd wager not. I hear things are still chaotic on the mainland."
They shrug.
"They don't tell us this stuff. We haven't heard anything about any guests arriving so unless there's a surprise visit I'd wager not. I hear things are still chaotic on the mainland."
>>625037
"She does not. She wants to negotiate with the dragon to let the imprisoned Varangians out. She said if they were to be executed, their people would attack the fortress with a fleet."
"She does not. She wants to negotiate with the dragon to let the imprisoned Varangians out. She said if they were to be executed, their people would attack the fortress with a fleet."
>>625038
'1d20+8' sense motive on that.
This counts as a session, so I can cold read one of these guys? If so.. Did he work for the old noble house? Does he have any addictions? What is his favorite drink?
Roll #1 19 + 8 = 27
'1d20+8' sense motive on that.
This counts as a session, so I can cold read one of these guys? If so.. Did he work for the old noble house? Does he have any addictions? What is his favorite drink?
Roll #1 19 + 8 = 27
>>625040
Nod.
"They thrive in a fight. They wish to die in battle. Freeing and arming them might be a good idea."
Nod.
"They thrive in a fight. They wish to die in battle. Freeing and arming them might be a good idea."
>>625042
"If this shaman could call this fleet in at the right time, it would make our escape easier.
Not to mention it might draw suspicion away from us."
"If this shaman could call this fleet in at the right time, it would make our escape easier.
Not to mention it might draw suspicion away from us."
>>625041
You think they genuinely are unaware as plebeians.
You can Cold read. Short sessions will not always count as full sessions, sometimes I'll consider two sessions to be part of the same session.
He has been working for house Arravani for years, just as he said.
He's quite fond of alcohol, but it's not quite an addiction yet. The stress might make him develop one though.
He loves Peneian red wine, but unfortunately for him it's very expensive.
You think they genuinely are unaware as plebeians.
You can Cold read. Short sessions will not always count as full sessions, sometimes I'll consider two sessions to be part of the same session.
He has been working for house Arravani for years, just as he said.
He's quite fond of alcohol, but it's not quite an addiction yet. The stress might make him develop one though.
He loves Peneian red wine, but unfortunately for him it's very expensive.
>>625044
"That's unfortunate. But we can still turn this to our advantage. The execution is planned in a few weeks. Have you discussed the possibility of freeing them with her?"
"That's unfortunate. But we can still turn this to our advantage. The execution is planned in a few weeks. Have you discussed the possibility of freeing them with her?"
>>625046
"She would rather try diplomacy instead, which will more than likely fail. We need to convince her to get those fleets right away if we want to save Father."
"She would rather try diplomacy instead, which will more than likely fail. We need to convince her to get those fleets right away if we want to save Father."
>>625047
"I doubt there'll be time.
However, we'd be doing her a favor by freeing them. It's only right she'd repay us in some way or another."
"I doubt there'll be time.
However, we'd be doing her a favor by freeing them. It's only right she'd repay us in some way or another."
>>625053
"We could use that army ourselves.
Besides, if she wants them back, we can still discuss repayment afterwards."
"We could use that army ourselves.
Besides, if she wants them back, we can still discuss repayment afterwards."
Nolin
>>625045
As for the rest of you, evening is falling and thus the plebs return from their fields, farms and plantations after a day of hard work under the sweltering sun. Even the village's foals seem to have helped out for the day. Despite their work, they still seem energetic enough to spend their evening running around playing games. The tavern begins to fill up with ponies looking for some refreshments even as the temperature begins to slowly drop to more tolerable levels.
You should probably get something to eat. You could try the tavern or just eat some of the ship rations. As for sleeping, you'll need to stick to the ship or try and find someone in the village who has an actual bed to spare.
>>625045
As for the rest of you, evening is falling and thus the plebs return from their fields, farms and plantations after a day of hard work under the sweltering sun. Even the village's foals seem to have helped out for the day. Despite their work, they still seem energetic enough to spend their evening running around playing games. The tavern begins to fill up with ponies looking for some refreshments even as the temperature begins to slowly drop to more tolerable levels.
You should probably get something to eat. You could try the tavern or just eat some of the ship rations. As for sleeping, you'll need to stick to the ship or try and find someone in the village who has an actual bed to spare.
>>625045
I think that's enough for right here.. Joyfully smile at him.
"Ah I should get going, perhaps I'll see you at the tavern after I secure a job at fort? We could celebrate over wine. I do hate to drink alone."
I think that's enough for right here.. Joyfully smile at him.
"Ah I should get going, perhaps I'll see you at the tavern after I secure a job at fort? We could celebrate over wine. I do hate to drink alone."
>>625635
I assume you'd like to use bribe money for that. A meal for Karabi too?
The plebs are enjoying their time off and winding down from their work day thanks to their drinks and warm meals.
>>625636
No meat, but there is fish.
>>625637
He licks his lips.
"Maybe we could if the prices haven't gone up again."
I assume you'd like to use bribe money for that. A meal for Karabi too?
The plebs are enjoying their time off and winding down from their work day thanks to their drinks and warm meals.
>>625636
No meat, but there is fish.
>>625637
He licks his lips.
"Maybe we could if the prices haven't gone up again."
>>625639
This is flounder, as opposed to the seabass they gave you on the ship. You should be used to eating a lot of fish by now, it's quite popular. Even ponies eat it at times, though not very often.
>>625640
They continue on making their way to the village.
You run into Seeker and Niphon about ten minutes later, seems like they went scouting too. They don't recognize you, of course, not paying any heed to a random passerby.
>>625641
Doesn't look like it. Seems like some of the fortress servants have arrived back in the village though, a few of them heading straight for the tavern.
This is flounder, as opposed to the seabass they gave you on the ship. You should be used to eating a lot of fish by now, it's quite popular. Even ponies eat it at times, though not very often.
>>625640
They continue on making their way to the village.
You run into Seeker and Niphon about ten minutes later, seems like they went scouting too. They don't recognize you, of course, not paying any heed to a random passerby.
>>625641
Doesn't look like it. Seems like some of the fortress servants have arrived back in the village though, a few of them heading straight for the tavern.
>>625645
Yes you can, it's peeking out from behind a hill up ahead.
They nod politely, but keep walking. Probably don't want to talk to any locals.
>>625647
From the way I wrote it, I meant that you can see them approaching the tavern through magical holes filled with glass that surround the room you're in.
>>625648
You've replenished your need for food with a common meal. You're good until tomorrow.
Yes you can, it's peeking out from behind a hill up ahead.
They nod politely, but keep walking. Probably don't want to talk to any locals.
>>625647
From the way I wrote it, I meant that you can see them approaching the tavern through magical holes filled with glass that surround the room you're in.
>>625648
You've replenished your need for food with a common meal. You're good until tomorrow.
>>625649
It seems progress doesn't stop.
Tell me about these servants. Do they stand out from the crowd?
It seems progress doesn't stop.
Tell me about these servants. Do they stand out from the crowd?
>>625649
Oh, so no one else is here? Catch up to them and walk with them.
Whisper to niphon "not interrupting anything am I cousin?"
Oh, so no one else is here? Catch up to them and walk with them.
Whisper to niphon "not interrupting anything am I cousin?"
>>625650
They're still wearing their uniforms, so they certainly do. Tidy and well-kept uniforms as opposed to the drabs the farmer ponies wear.
>>625651
The crew has stopped 'repairing' the damage for their evening meal for now. Looks like the brought in some local food during the day for the sake of variety from their usual rations.
>>625652
There's only a few different types of meals here, some more filling and expensive than the others. Still cheap for a patrician of course, they mostly serve plebs here after all.
>>625653
He does a double take.
"Nolin? That's you? You're looking more blue than usual. Afraid somepony will recognize you?"
They're still wearing their uniforms, so they certainly do. Tidy and well-kept uniforms as opposed to the drabs the farmer ponies wear.
>>625651
The crew has stopped 'repairing' the damage for their evening meal for now. Looks like the brought in some local food during the day for the sake of variety from their usual rations.
>>625652
There's only a few different types of meals here, some more filling and expensive than the others. Still cheap for a patrician of course, they mostly serve plebs here after all.
>>625653
He does a double take.
"Nolin? That's you? You're looking more blue than usual. Afraid somepony will recognize you?"
>>625654
I laugh. "Why yes, always, I thought I could get closer to fort if I could walk around without worry about it."
I laugh. "Why yes, always, I thought I could get closer to fort if I could walk around without worry about it."
>>625655
They're eating and chatting with one another. It's in Prench though, which you don't understand.
>>625656
Activate critfail.
You carefully look some of the servants over, none of them seem bothered though they do look fairly tired. You're about to give up when you make eyecontact with a pony you recognize. That mare used to live in your family's home! Back then she was just the child of one of your maids, but it appears that over the years she picked up the same profession as her mother. It seems she recognizes you too as she looks surprised at first, then a little worried. Excusing herself to her colleagues, she quickly leaves the tavern.
>>625657
"Right. Seeker and I did some scouting already. We found a thing or two, but there are some… errr… complications."
>>625658
A common salad for the noble pony. You're filled on food until tomorrow.
They're eating and chatting with one another. It's in Prench though, which you don't understand.
>>625656
Activate critfail.
You carefully look some of the servants over, none of them seem bothered though they do look fairly tired. You're about to give up when you make eyecontact with a pony you recognize. That mare used to live in your family's home! Back then she was just the child of one of your maids, but it appears that over the years she picked up the same profession as her mother. It seems she recognizes you too as she looks surprised at first, then a little worried. Excusing herself to her colleagues, she quickly leaves the tavern.
>>625657
"Right. Seeker and I did some scouting already. We found a thing or two, but there are some… errr… complications."
>>625658
A common salad for the noble pony. You're filled on food until tomorrow.
>>625659
"More complicated than how you're not holding her hoof right now?" I grin cheekily.
"More complicated than how you're not holding her hoof right now?" I grin cheekily.
>>625661
Neither of them look amused by your implications. They're definitely not the biggest jokesters in the empire, that's for sure.
"Is that supposed to be funny? Look, we actually may have found a secret escape route that leads in and out of the fortress. The problem is that most of it is flooded right now. We can't really say for sure how long this tunnel is, but it does seem to lead straight to the fortress."
>>625665
She's walking away from the tavern at a brisk pace. No telling what she'll do now. House Hippoi has been officially banished from Agria after all, your presence here is punishable by death.
>>625664
If nothing goes wrong during the following days. You see Marcus coming towards the ship as well.
>>625666
Mereghyl is here, watching the crew eat their dinners.
Neither of them look amused by your implications. They're definitely not the biggest jokesters in the empire, that's for sure.
"Is that supposed to be funny? Look, we actually may have found a secret escape route that leads in and out of the fortress. The problem is that most of it is flooded right now. We can't really say for sure how long this tunnel is, but it does seem to lead straight to the fortress."
>>625665
She's walking away from the tavern at a brisk pace. No telling what she'll do now. House Hippoi has been officially banished from Agria after all, your presence here is punishable by death.
>>625664
If nothing goes wrong during the following days. You see Marcus coming towards the ship as well.
>>625666
Mereghyl is here, watching the crew eat their dinners.
>>625667
"That's great work. I wonder if chester can do anything about removing water. I suppose you haven't been inside then?"
"That's great work. I wonder if chester can do anything about removing water. I suppose you haven't been inside then?"
>>625668
Not on deck. She's probably having a bad time in this place and hidden down below deck.
>>625669
Then you better hope your allies are doing their jobs well to prepare for this job.
>>625670
Roll Blend versus her Notice first '1d20+8'
If she spots you, she'll break out into a gallop.
>>625671
"No, not a hair of him to be seen. There's more though, this place has a dragon guarding it. I'm sure you've noticed it circling around the fortress earlier?"
Roll #1 17 + 8 = 25
Not on deck. She's probably having a bad time in this place and hidden down below deck.
>>625669
Then you better hope your allies are doing their jobs well to prepare for this job.
>>625670
Roll Blend versus her Notice first '1d20+8'
If she spots you, she'll break out into a gallop.
>>625671
"No, not a hair of him to be seen. There's more though, this place has a dragon guarding it. I'm sure you've noticed it circling around the fortress earlier?"
Roll #1 17 + 8 = 25
>>625672
"Ah, about that. The dragon is actually the mage we were warned about, and she's acting commander of this fort."
"Ah, about that. The dragon is actually the mage we were warned about, and she's acting commander of this fort."
>>625673
Marcus heads downstairs, below decks.
>>625674
You indeed find her downstairs, eating a sober meal with a somber look on her face. Chester is here too, grinning away with a cup of milk held in his paw.
>>625675
Niphon blows his breath and moves a hoof through his mane.
"Damn."
Seeker raises an eyebrow.
"That makes things even more complicated. Spellcasters I can handle, but I've never been called to fight a damned dragon."
Marcus heads downstairs, below decks.
>>625674
You indeed find her downstairs, eating a sober meal with a somber look on her face. Chester is here too, grinning away with a cup of milk held in his paw.
>>625675
Niphon blows his breath and moves a hoof through his mane.
"Damn."
Seeker raises an eyebrow.
"That makes things even more complicated. Spellcasters I can handle, but I've never been called to fight a damned dragon."
>>625672
Can I get intimidate her into holding still?
"Halt! Imperial guard!" +2 for no apparent risk?
'1d20+9'
Roll #1 5 + 9 = 14
Can I get intimidate her into holding still?
"Halt! Imperial guard!" +2 for no apparent risk?
'1d20+9'
Roll #1 5 + 9 = 14
>>625676
"If she's really a dragon, maybe Mereghyl could help out, would you mind filling him in on this when you get back?"
"If she's really a dragon, maybe Mereghyl could help out, would you mind filling him in on this when you get back?"
>>625678
"Sure we will. We're hungry so we're going back for some food now."
>>625682
Anthe glances back at you.
"Oh, it's you. Can we leave this place yet?"
>>625683
Trained soldier versus servant plebeian. She doesn't stand a chance and you quickly overtake her.
"Leave me alone!"
You do take '1d6' damage.
>>625684
DC for Push Limits is 20. You overtake her in less than a minute so there's no problem.
Roll #1 6 = 6
"Sure we will. We're hungry so we're going back for some food now."
>>625682
Anthe glances back at you.
"Oh, it's you. Can we leave this place yet?"
>>625683
Trained soldier versus servant plebeian. She doesn't stand a chance and you quickly overtake her.
"Leave me alone!"
You do take '1d6' damage.
>>625684
DC for Push Limits is 20. You overtake her in less than a minute so there's no problem.
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>625685
"Alright, see you later. I'm meeting a new friend there for drinks after I'm done here." I trot on towards the keep.
"Alright, see you later. I'm meeting a new friend there for drinks after I'm done here." I trot on towards the keep.
>>625686
She groans and buries her face in her hooves.
"It's just awful, there's poo on the streets and everything. How do these ponies live like such animals?"
>>625687
They continue on their way as you head further towards the fort as well.
The fort itself is quite big, being surrounded by a tall set of walls to defend against land attacks. You see there's heavy weaponry present on the walls themselves. Scorpio's, arbalests and even small catapults. No doubt these are used to deadly effectiveness when launching flaming projectiles at any ships attacking the fort.
The harbor is connected to the fortress and you spot four dromons docked there. Bearing in mind that one dromon requires a crew of thirty to be at optimal performance, there must be at least 120 sailors present here right now.
She groans and buries her face in her hooves.
"It's just awful, there's poo on the streets and everything. How do these ponies live like such animals?"
>>625687
They continue on their way as you head further towards the fort as well.
The fort itself is quite big, being surrounded by a tall set of walls to defend against land attacks. You see there's heavy weaponry present on the walls themselves. Scorpio's, arbalests and even small catapults. No doubt these are used to deadly effectiveness when launching flaming projectiles at any ships attacking the fort.
The harbor is connected to the fortress and you spot four dromons docked there. Bearing in mind that one dromon requires a crew of thirty to be at optimal performance, there must be at least 120 sailors present here right now.
>>625685
"An innocent pony has no reason to run from a guard. Now settle down – what's the matter?"
"An innocent pony has no reason to run from a guard. Now settle down – what's the matter?"
>>625688
That's quite a formidable force. Lets see if I can get even closer, perhaps there is a gate?
That's quite a formidable force. Lets see if I can get even closer, perhaps there is a gate?
>>625689
"It's disgusting. I can't wait to leave this dump."
She pulls up her nose.
>>625691
This is not even counting the garrison present at the fortress itself. Good thing it's not at full strength right now.
There's a gate to which the road you're taking right now leads to. There's also a gate between the fort and the harbor… that could be useful.
>>625690
"I don't trust you, we don't have guards in the village!"
She glances around, trying to find an opening between you and Sonja.
"And you're not from this village or the garrison either!"
>>625692
Marcus got recognized by a former Hippoi servant. Adrianos has gone after her. Nolin is out scouting out the area around the fortress. Niphon and Seeker have done the same.
"It's disgusting. I can't wait to leave this dump."
She pulls up her nose.
>>625691
This is not even counting the garrison present at the fortress itself. Good thing it's not at full strength right now.
There's a gate to which the road you're taking right now leads to. There's also a gate between the fort and the harbor… that could be useful.
>>625690
"I don't trust you, we don't have guards in the village!"
She glances around, trying to find an opening between you and Sonja.
"And you're not from this village or the garrison either!"
>>625692
Marcus got recognized by a former Hippoi servant. Adrianos has gone after her. Nolin is out scouting out the area around the fortress. Niphon and Seeker have done the same.
>>625693
"The plebs spend so much time among their animals, they act a bit like it. It's just the way these simple ponies are."
Turn to Chester.
"Have you been avoiding the plebs as well, Chester?"
"The plebs spend so much time among their animals, they act a bit like it. It's just the way these simple ponies are."
Turn to Chester.
"Have you been avoiding the plebs as well, Chester?"
>>625693
That's dreadful.
We should totally give her guidance and love, once we catch her.
But in the meanwhile, I'm gonna go and look around town. You know, if we are scouting the fort I just had an idea.
Where is Marcus right now?
That's dreadful.
We should totally give her guidance and love, once we catch her.
But in the meanwhile, I'm gonna go and look around town. You know, if we are scouting the fort I just had an idea.
Where is Marcus right now?
>>625693
"Indeed – as I said, Imperial Guard. We're in from the capital to investigate reports of piracy. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
"Indeed – as I said, Imperial Guard. We're in from the capital to investigate reports of piracy. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
>>625694
"I've been… about. Your mage friend is slightly more intimidating than I anticipated."
>>625697
Or to keep the sailors outside.
There's certainly ponies on the wall, that much you can make out. You also notice a faint glow around the fortress… as you come closer and closer you realize that this must be some kind of a magical forcefield, the one Victus was talking about! It's colored a soft pink and can only be faintly observed.
>>625695
He's gone belowdecks of the ship after leaving the tavern.
>>625696
"W-What? I'm just a maid! I work at the Anafi fortress!"
"I've been… about. Your mage friend is slightly more intimidating than I anticipated."
>>625697
Or to keep the sailors outside.
There's certainly ponies on the wall, that much you can make out. You also notice a faint glow around the fortress… as you come closer and closer you realize that this must be some kind of a magical forcefield, the one Victus was talking about! It's colored a soft pink and can only be faintly observed.
>>625695
He's gone belowdecks of the ship after leaving the tavern.
>>625696
"W-What? I'm just a maid! I work at the Anafi fortress!"
>>625698
"Now, now, let's not get excited – it sounds like you just panicked. So what's stirring you up so much?"
"Now, now, let's not get excited – it sounds like you just panicked. So what's stirring you up so much?"
>>625699
"There's a pony in the village who shouldn't be here. And if he's here there's surely trouble to come!"
>>625700
Marcus is talking with Chester.
Anthe is here too, looking a bit somber.
>>625701
It starts right outside the wall in front of the gate. It feels like a solid surface, your hoof tingles slightly as you touch it.
>>625703
"The dragoness. She was unanticipated."
>>625702
Soon.
"There's a pony in the village who shouldn't be here. And if he's here there's surely trouble to come!"
>>625700
Marcus is talking with Chester.
Anthe is here too, looking a bit somber.
>>625701
It starts right outside the wall in front of the gate. It feels like a solid surface, your hoof tingles slightly as you touch it.
>>625703
"The dragoness. She was unanticipated."
>>625702
Soon.
>>625706
"Well, we haven't yet, but…
If we say we are from the capital, and want to give last rites to the prisoners, they might let us in!"
"Well, we haven't yet, but…
If we say we are from the capital, and want to give last rites to the prisoners, they might let us in!"
>>625704
"You'll have to forgive me, but you're being very vague."
Let's slowly walk her off the main street as we talk.
"Are you talking about some pirates?" I ask in a hushed tone. "Are they blackmailing you?"
"You'll have to forgive me, but you're being very vague."
Let's slowly walk her off the main street as we talk.
"Are you talking about some pirates?" I ask in a hushed tone. "Are they blackmailing you?"
>>625708
"That's a good idea.
You might be able to send a message as well for them to be ready for their escape."
"That's a good idea.
You might be able to send a message as well for them to be ready for their escape."
>>625706
"I hope you weren't expecting me to take down a dragon. That would be a nasty business."
>>625707
That's correct.
You hear someone shouting from up on the walls above.
"Pony at the gate!"
A pegasus guard glides down and lands in front of the gate, but still behind the barrier.
"Who goes there?"
>>625709
"No! He's been banished from the realm because his family was found guilty of treason! Who knows what he's planning, he could be here to take revenge on Agria!"
>>625702
Niphon and Seeker have arrived back at the village now and come to find you.
"Mereghyl, we've got a dragon problem as it turns out."
"I hope you weren't expecting me to take down a dragon. That would be a nasty business."
>>625707
That's correct.
You hear someone shouting from up on the walls above.
"Pony at the gate!"
A pegasus guard glides down and lands in front of the gate, but still behind the barrier.
"Who goes there?"
>>625709
"No! He's been banished from the realm because his family was found guilty of treason! Who knows what he's planning, he could be here to take revenge on Agria!"
>>625702
Niphon and Seeker have arrived back at the village now and come to find you.
"Mereghyl, we've got a dragon problem as it turns out."
>>625712
"Okay, listen, I'll look into this matter personally – but I don't want you spreading stories around and panicking civilians. If you're right, it could throw the town into chaos just knowing about him being present. Do you think you could come back with me – calmly – and point him out if you see him? If you can't do it calmly, then it's best I handle it myself."
"Okay, listen, I'll look into this matter personally – but I don't want you spreading stories around and panicking civilians. If you're right, it could throw the town into chaos just knowing about him being present. Do you think you could come back with me – calmly – and point him out if you see him? If you can't do it calmly, then it's best I handle it myself."
>>625712
"Jirul Ironhoof, Traveling Pirate hunter." I say proudly. "I must say you have a fine keep here, perhaps I heard wrongly and you have no need of such a pony as I?"
"Jirul Ironhoof, Traveling Pirate hunter." I say proudly. "I must say you have a fine keep here, perhaps I heard wrongly and you have no need of such a pony as I?"
>>625716
"I saw somepony in town. One of our former servants, I fear she recognized me. Adrianos is looking for her."
"I saw somepony in town. One of our former servants, I fear she recognized me. Adrianos is looking for her."
>>625713
"She was flying around above the fortress. As a show of power more than anything I believe."
>>625714
"… How is this your concern? You're not an Agrian guard! They're the ones who should be enforcing the laws here!"
>>625715
"Niphon said so. Do you think you could take her on? I might have a few ideas now that I've seen the fortress closer by."
>>625717
"Pirate hunter? And you're arriving by land? By Natura, where have you come from?"
"She was flying around above the fortress. As a show of power more than anything I believe."
>>625714
"… How is this your concern? You're not an Agrian guard! They're the ones who should be enforcing the laws here!"
>>625715
"Niphon said so. Do you think you could take her on? I might have a few ideas now that I've seen the fortress closer by."
>>625717
"Pirate hunter? And you're arriving by land? By Natura, where have you come from?"
>>625719
"You're going to walk an hour to the fortress and an hour back and HOPE that he's still here all out of distrust of the Imperial guard? This coming from somepony who flees guards who are just trying to protect the people? And for some reason you don't want me to arrest this 'criminal' that will cause 'chaos'? What's your ulterior motive here? I can tell you're not being honest with me."
"You're going to walk an hour to the fortress and an hour back and HOPE that he's still here all out of distrust of the Imperial guard? This coming from somepony who flees guards who are just trying to protect the people? And for some reason you don't want me to arrest this 'criminal' that will cause 'chaos'? What's your ulterior motive here? I can tell you're not being honest with me."
>>625719
"I am just coming back from turning in a few bounties to the city, passing through your village I heard of a ship that was attacked so…" '1d20+11' bluff roll just to be sure
Roll #1 17 + 11 = 28
"I am just coming back from turning in a few bounties to the city, passing through your village I heard of a ship that was attacked so…" '1d20+11' bluff roll just to be sure
Roll #1 17 + 11 = 28
>>625723
"I spotted some heavy ranged weaponry on the walls which they no doubt use against ships and in case of aerial attacks on the fortress. If we could get on there, perhaps we could help you take down this dragon with heavy bolts and the like."
>>625721
"I… if they catch him, he'll get executed. I don't want that to happen either. But he can't stay here and cause trouble for our village!"
She looks around and lowers her voice.
"Look… I'm not supposed to be telling this to anypony, but his father is locked up inside the fortress dungeons. It can't be a coincidence that he's here in our little village, I need to warn the garrison in case he's planning some kind of an assault to rescue his father."
>>625724
He looks alarmed.
"A ship attacked? When did that happen? And where? You've docked at the village then?"
>>625725
"It is protected by a powerful magical bubble, as you predicted."
"I spotted some heavy ranged weaponry on the walls which they no doubt use against ships and in case of aerial attacks on the fortress. If we could get on there, perhaps we could help you take down this dragon with heavy bolts and the like."
>>625721
"I… if they catch him, he'll get executed. I don't want that to happen either. But he can't stay here and cause trouble for our village!"
She looks around and lowers her voice.
"Look… I'm not supposed to be telling this to anypony, but his father is locked up inside the fortress dungeons. It can't be a coincidence that he's here in our little village, I need to warn the garrison in case he's planning some kind of an assault to rescue his father."
>>625724
He looks alarmed.
"A ship attacked? When did that happen? And where? You've docked at the village then?"
>>625725
"It is protected by a powerful magical bubble, as you predicted."
>>625726
I nod slowly. "Yes, a ship was attacked and had to dock at the village, I just heard about it today actually. I think they were coming from prance or something?"
I nod slowly. "Yes, a ship was attacked and had to dock at the village, I just heard about it today actually. I think they were coming from prance or something?"
>>625727
Seeker pipes in.
"Even as a dragon, she still has those arcane energies stored in her. I could do a lot of damage with my anti-mage battle techniques."
>>625728
"Please, remember who you're talking to."
He purrs.
>>625729
He lets out a string of curses and quickly flies up.
"Stay put!"
A couple of minutes later you see two other pegasus guards fly through the barrier overhead, heading towards the village. The pegasus guard from before lands in front of you again.
"We're sending over some people to establish where this attack happened so we can scramble some ships to maybe chase down the perpetrators. Perhaps you could join them if this lead of yours is solid."
Seeker pipes in.
"Even as a dragon, she still has those arcane energies stored in her. I could do a lot of damage with my anti-mage battle techniques."
>>625728
"Please, remember who you're talking to."
He purrs.
>>625729
He lets out a string of curses and quickly flies up.
"Stay put!"
A couple of minutes later you see two other pegasus guards fly through the barrier overhead, heading towards the village. The pegasus guard from before lands in front of you again.
"We're sending over some people to establish where this attack happened so we can scramble some ships to maybe chase down the perpetrators. Perhaps you could join them if this lead of yours is solid."
>>625730
Nod.
"I do believe I would be defeated should I face her on my own. Do whatever you can to damage her, and I will try to finish it."
Nod.
"I do believe I would be defeated should I face her on my own. Do whatever you can to damage her, and I will try to finish it."
>>625730
"Sure, I'd love to. I'm in need of the work really."
Can I see how the barrier works? How are they getting past it?
'1d20+1' search
'1d20+11' notice
Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11 / Roll #2 11 + 11 = 22
"Sure, I'd love to. I'm in need of the work really."
Can I see how the barrier works? How are they getting past it?
'1d20+1' search
'1d20+11' notice
Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11 / Roll #2 11 + 11 = 22
>>625735
"We'll try, but actually taking control of the walls won't be very easy. We'll need some help from Adrianos for that while you distract that dragoness."
>>625736
"These guys are trained to hunt down pirates, there's no way we can outsmart and outspeed them with our little cargo ship!"
>>625737
That would be an investigate roll. With a high DC because you're a layman when it comes to magic.
"Alright, stand-by."
He flies off again.
"We'll try, but actually taking control of the walls won't be very easy. We'll need some help from Adrianos for that while you distract that dragoness."
>>625736
"These guys are trained to hunt down pirates, there's no way we can outsmart and outspeed them with our little cargo ship!"
>>625737
That would be an investigate roll. With a high DC because you're a layman when it comes to magic.
"Alright, stand-by."
He flies off again.
>>625738
Darn, I guess I'll have to count on Chester to remove it. Call after that guy.
"Hey, can't I come inside? Its really boring out here."
Darn, I guess I'll have to count on Chester to remove it. Call after that guy.
"Hey, can't I come inside? Its really boring out here."
>>625739
"We just need to make sure we won't get chased down by a flamethrower or a dragon!"
>>625740
Niphon speaks up.
"It's a blessing the garrison is so understaffed at the moment. We're very lucky in that regard. In actual fact, I may have another plan which I need your help with. But first we need to get everypony together to see what they came up with."
>>625741
He comes back a few minutes later and steps outside the field.
"Follow me. I'm taking you straight to the harbor."
[PAUSE]
"We just need to make sure we won't get chased down by a flamethrower or a dragon!"
>>625740
Niphon speaks up.
"It's a blessing the garrison is so understaffed at the moment. We're very lucky in that regard. In actual fact, I may have another plan which I need your help with. But first we need to get everypony together to see what they came up with."
>>625741
He comes back a few minutes later and steps outside the field.
"Follow me. I'm taking you straight to the harbor."
[PAUSE]
>>625742
"I can't take this waiting any longer… Brother, they saw you, not me.
I should go look for this servant."
"I can't take this waiting any longer… Brother, they saw you, not me.
I should go look for this servant."
>>626164
"You can clarify the nature of the help you need at least."
Look around.
"I saw him enter the ship. Probably to look for Anthe."
"You can clarify the nature of the help you need at least."
Look around.
"I saw him enter the ship. Probably to look for Anthe."
>>625742
"Oh, to the harbor huh?" I hesitate staring at the barrier. "You're setting out that soon?"
"Oh, to the harbor huh?" I hesitate staring at the barrier. "You're setting out that soon?"
>>626166
"Anthe. Just my luck. And don't be so impatient Mereghyl, one thing at a time. I'll be back in a moment."
He heads off onto the ship as well. Seeker stays outside.
>>626167
"These are fast response ships. As soon as they can get confirmation on where these corsairs were encountered, they'll move out. If you don't want to come that's your loss, but I figured this would be your kind of territory as a pirate hunter."
>>626168
Niphon arrives at the scene as well.
"Sorry to interrupt your tea party, brother. Seeker and I found out some stuff while scouting that you should know about."
Anthe gives him a dirty look, which he returns.
"Anthe. Just my luck. And don't be so impatient Mereghyl, one thing at a time. I'll be back in a moment."
He heads off onto the ship as well. Seeker stays outside.
>>626167
"These are fast response ships. As soon as they can get confirmation on where these corsairs were encountered, they'll move out. If you don't want to come that's your loss, but I figured this would be your kind of territory as a pirate hunter."
>>626168
Niphon arrives at the scene as well.
"Sorry to interrupt your tea party, brother. Seeker and I found out some stuff while scouting that you should know about."
Anthe gives him a dirty look, which he returns.
>>626170
Rub the back of my head. "Ah. I understand, I would normally love to but I have a prior engagement, which was what drew me here in the first place.. If I go running off tonight I'll lose her for sure.." I sigh and give him a small smile. "Hey, give those bastards hell for me alright?" And then turn to leave.
Rub the back of my head. "Ah. I understand, I would normally love to but I have a prior engagement, which was what drew me here in the first place.. If I go running off tonight I'll lose her for sure.." I sigh and give him a small smile. "Hey, give those bastards hell for me alright?" And then turn to leave.
>>626171
"Maybe we should go outside and gather everypony for some planning."
>>626172
She's glaring at the Prench ponies. She doesn't seem to be a big fan of them.
>>626169
You find Adrianos and Sonja talking to a mare in a nice servant uniform. You recognize her, she used to live in the servant quarters of your home! You recall her being the child of one of your servants.
>>626173
"Like I said, your loss. Thanks for the tip though. If it checks out, we'll be on those corsair bastards like flies on honey."
"Maybe we should go outside and gather everypony for some planning."
>>626172
She's glaring at the Prench ponies. She doesn't seem to be a big fan of them.
>>626169
You find Adrianos and Sonja talking to a mare in a nice servant uniform. You recognize her, she used to live in the servant quarters of your home! You recall her being the child of one of your servants.
>>626173
"Like I said, your loss. Thanks for the tip though. If it checks out, we'll be on those corsair bastards like flies on honey."
>>626174
Stand up.
"Yes, there's a problem. One of the castle servants recognized me. Adrianos is after her, but it's taking some time, let's see if we can't find her…"
Stand up.
"Yes, there's a problem. One of the castle servants recognized me. Adrianos is after her, but it's taking some time, let's see if we can't find her…"
>>626175
That's going to take a little bit since the pegasus guards are ahead of you.
>>626176
She's quiet about it, so there's not much to observe. There's just a clear expression of distaste on her face.
Flavia and Surprise leave the ship and a minute later you see Niphon following suit.
>>626177
"What? That's some serious bad luck. Damn."
He doesn't wait for you and immediately heads upstairs and back outside.
>>626178
It's unlikely you ever interacted much with her and she left a few years back. You can roll knowledge to try and remember.
That's going to take a little bit since the pegasus guards are ahead of you.
>>626176
She's quiet about it, so there's not much to observe. There's just a clear expression of distaste on her face.
Flavia and Surprise leave the ship and a minute later you see Niphon following suit.
>>626177
"What? That's some serious bad luck. Damn."
He doesn't wait for you and immediately heads upstairs and back outside.
>>626178
It's unlikely you ever interacted much with her and she left a few years back. You can roll knowledge to try and remember.
>>626182
Right, time to step in and look… Majestic. And Caring at the same time.
"Artephia. How beautiful it is to see you again."
Let's begin by using Charming.
Right, time to step in and look… Majestic. And Caring at the same time.
"Artephia. How beautiful it is to see you again."
Let's begin by using Charming.
>>626183
She lifts her hoof in surprise and looks back at you. Surprise waves a hoof at her cheerfully.
"Y-You're here too? I knew this wasn't some kind of a misunderstanding!"
She lowers her voice, careful not to speak too loudly.
"You shouldn't be here! I know what you're here for but you're just going to cause us all trouble!"
Niphon and Marcus arrive here too.
>>626184
You head after Niphon, who in turn follows Flavia. Anthe seems to not care at all and stay behind, happy to be left alone.
Flavia approaches the servant mare and addresses her. She seems even more startled now.
>>626185
Yes, they're all going back to the village itself.
She lifts her hoof in surprise and looks back at you. Surprise waves a hoof at her cheerfully.
"Y-You're here too? I knew this wasn't some kind of a misunderstanding!"
She lowers her voice, careful not to speak too loudly.
"You shouldn't be here! I know what you're here for but you're just going to cause us all trouble!"
Niphon and Marcus arrive here too.
>>626184
You head after Niphon, who in turn follows Flavia. Anthe seems to not care at all and stay behind, happy to be left alone.
Flavia approaches the servant mare and addresses her. She seems even more startled now.
>>626185
Yes, they're all going back to the village itself.
>>626187
"I don't know, I haven't heard from her since that whole civil war mess started. And don't you try to change the subject, you should leave! Leave before they figure out you're here and you get arrested."
Her mother fled like the rest of the servants after the war was lost.
>>626184
Karabi lands next to you holding a small bag.
"I went fishing for you."
She looks at the scene ahead.
"What is this? A situation?"
"I don't know, I haven't heard from her since that whole civil war mess started. And don't you try to change the subject, you should leave! Leave before they figure out you're here and you get arrested."
Her mother fled like the rest of the servants after the war was lost.
>>626184
Karabi lands next to you holding a small bag.
"I went fishing for you."
She looks at the scene ahead.
"What is this? A situation?"
>>626188
"My thanks."
Grab the bag and put it in one of my saddlebags.
"She's one of my old servants. She recognized me and we have to do something about it."
"My thanks."
Grab the bag and put it in one of my saddlebags.
"She's one of my old servants. She recognized me and we have to do something about it."
>>626188
"You always were a smart girl, you know why we are here.
And you know why we cannot turn back on our steps."
Move closer, getting eye to eye with her but putting at least a meter of distance between us, so as not to invade her personal space.
"What would you do in my horseshoes, Artephia?
How far would you go to save your family?
You see the robes I'm wearing. I'm a mare of the church. I've sworn fidelty to things greater than ponies-
And yet here I am, where all my prayers led me. To help my family.
If even Divine Will wants us here, how could we, nothing more than ponies, not answer the call?
The bonds of faith are strong. The bonds of blood, almost as strong.
Look at us, and do not fear. Do not see in the lot of us the change and destruction you might be afraid of. Rather, see in us the weeping face of a child reuniting with his parents.
For the sake of family, and for the sake of spirit, be quiet."
'1d20+18'
Roll #1 5 + 18 = 23
"You always were a smart girl, you know why we are here.
And you know why we cannot turn back on our steps."
Move closer, getting eye to eye with her but putting at least a meter of distance between us, so as not to invade her personal space.
"What would you do in my horseshoes, Artephia?
How far would you go to save your family?
You see the robes I'm wearing. I'm a mare of the church. I've sworn fidelty to things greater than ponies-
And yet here I am, where all my prayers led me. To help my family.
If even Divine Will wants us here, how could we, nothing more than ponies, not answer the call?
The bonds of faith are strong. The bonds of blood, almost as strong.
Look at us, and do not fear. Do not see in the lot of us the change and destruction you might be afraid of. Rather, see in us the weeping face of a child reuniting with his parents.
For the sake of family, and for the sake of spirit, be quiet."
'1d20+18'
Roll #1 5 + 18 = 23
>>626189
"Bad luck. What can you do?"
Niphon leans in and whispers.
"I remember her. We ought to knock her out and store her in the ship. Can't risk her being a liability."
>>626190
>>626191
"You'll never break them out. Do you have any idea who's in charge of the place? She's mental! All you're going to do is cause trouble for the village and get yourselves killed!"
"Bad luck. What can you do?"
Niphon leans in and whispers.
"I remember her. We ought to knock her out and store her in the ship. Can't risk her being a liability."
>>626190
>>626191
"You'll never break them out. Do you have any idea who's in charge of the place? She's mental! All you're going to do is cause trouble for the village and get yourselves killed!"
>>626192
Oh well guess that didn't work then.
"You have my word, we will do nothing which could harm this village."
Oh well guess that didn't work then.
"You have my word, we will do nothing which could harm this village."
>>626192
"You're right.
We can use her as a servant.
But still let me see if I can't have her join us willingly.
Be ready to knock her out if necessary."
Nod to Karabi.
"Be ready."
Step forward.
"Artephia, do you like your job at the castle? I could use somepony like you, you'll have a good pay."
"You're right.
We can use her as a servant.
But still let me see if I can't have her join us willingly.
Be ready to knock her out if necessary."
Nod to Karabi.
"Be ready."
Step forward.
"Artephia, do you like your job at the castle? I could use somepony like you, you'll have a good pay."
>>626193
>>626194
"I am not helping you on this doomed venture. Because lady Alirva will skin me alive if she finds out. After burning you all to a crisp. Look… I-I can't stop you and I don't want you all to get killed, so I'm begging you, don't do this. Turn back and leave for your own sakes."
Niphon speaks up.
"You're acting like we have a choice. I refuse to sit by and watch while my father gets executed. He's your liege, don't you have any sense of loyalty or are you just a damn coward?"
>>626194
"I am not helping you on this doomed venture. Because lady Alirva will skin me alive if she finds out. After burning you all to a crisp. Look… I-I can't stop you and I don't want you all to get killed, so I'm begging you, don't do this. Turn back and leave for your own sakes."
Niphon speaks up.
"You're acting like we have a choice. I refuse to sit by and watch while my father gets executed. He's your liege, don't you have any sense of loyalty or are you just a damn coward?"
>>626195
"You will not respect us even for that little which is needed to keep quiet about seeing us in town, then?"
"You will not respect us even for that little which is needed to keep quiet about seeing us in town, then?"
>>626196
"If I were to go to the guards with this, you'd get arrested and executed. I don't want that because you were always good to me, but I'm not helping you free a traitor who helped kill our doux, plunged our country into civil war and caused many of the people I knew to die. Just… go away and leave me alone. I don't want to be associated with you."
>>626197
Are you sure you want to do this out in the open? There might be ponies watching from a distance.
"Well I'm not."
>>626198
No, she's aware of you all being here. You'll need to roll initiative first.
"If I were to go to the guards with this, you'd get arrested and executed. I don't want that because you were always good to me, but I'm not helping you free a traitor who helped kill our doux, plunged our country into civil war and caused many of the people I knew to die. Just… go away and leave me alone. I don't want to be associated with you."
>>626197
Are you sure you want to do this out in the open? There might be ponies watching from a distance.
"Well I'm not."
>>626198
No, she's aware of you all being here. You'll need to roll initiative first.
>>626199
"We would not ask for help. These matters are ones we need to take in our own hooves alone."
Look at Adrianos.
"She said it. We should let her go."
"We would not ask for help. These matters are ones we need to take in our own hooves alone."
Look at Adrianos.
"She said it. We should let her go."
>>626200
She walks off dejectedly.
>>626201
On the edge. Lucky for you it's dinner time so most ponies are inside preparing and eating their meals. The maid starts walking away from the group.
You hear Niphon mutter under his breath. "What a bitch."
You see two pegasi guards flying over the village, heading for the small dock where your ship is located.
"Uh-oh."
She walks off dejectedly.
>>626201
On the edge. Lucky for you it's dinner time so most ponies are inside preparing and eating their meals. The maid starts walking away from the group.
You hear Niphon mutter under his breath. "What a bitch."
You see two pegasi guards flying over the village, heading for the small dock where your ship is located.
"Uh-oh."
>>626202
"The situation is degenerating. Fast.
We need somepony to make sure they are not here for us!"
"The situation is degenerating. Fast.
We need somepony to make sure they are not here for us!"
>>626203
Surprise flies off after them.
"Gotcha! Weeee!"
>>626204
Karabi nods. "Just tell me where and how, Hippoi."
Niphon sighs. "Yeah well the problem is that the village is busier now than it was earlier. Everypony's gone home from work."
>>626185
Two pegasi land on the dock. They're giving you looks but head straight for the ship otherwise.
You see Surprise is flying over here as well.
>>626205
Too late, she's already sped off on her own.
>>626206
Seeker is back at the dock still.
Surprise flies off after them.
"Gotcha! Weeee!"
>>626204
Karabi nods. "Just tell me where and how, Hippoi."
Niphon sighs. "Yeah well the problem is that the village is busier now than it was earlier. Everypony's gone home from work."
>>626185
Two pegasi land on the dock. They're giving you looks but head straight for the ship otherwise.
You see Surprise is flying over here as well.
>>626205
Too late, she's already sped off on her own.
>>626206
Seeker is back at the dock still.
>>626181
After a bit of a walk back, you get back to the village. Pegasi have already arrived of course. You saw them land from a distance earlier.
After a bit of a walk back, you get back to the village. Pegasi have already arrived of course. You saw them land from a distance earlier.
>>626209
Naturally, now to make sure my cousins haven't managed to get into trouble while I'm away. Check the tavern.
Naturally, now to make sure my cousins haven't managed to get into trouble while I'm away. Check the tavern.
>>626208
The captain has welcomed the guards on her ship. You can hear them converse.
"Ah, yes messieurs. Ve vere brutally attacked by Arabian corsairs yesterday, somevhere around…"
She points at a map lying on the ground.
"Here, zis area. Two galleys and a dhow chased us down. Ze wind vas not favorable for us and zey caught up. But zey seemed to be in a hurry because zey quickly took what zey could and left vith a eastern heading."
>>626210
She's walking through the village, possibly to her home?
>>626208
You'll get there next turn.
>>626212
The tavern is very busy right now, seems like everypony has stopped working for the day and is now enjoying an evening meal. You don't see any of your companions here though.
The captain has welcomed the guards on her ship. You can hear them converse.
"Ah, yes messieurs. Ve vere brutally attacked by Arabian corsairs yesterday, somevhere around…"
She points at a map lying on the ground.
"Here, zis area. Two galleys and a dhow chased us down. Ze wind vas not favorable for us and zey caught up. But zey seemed to be in a hurry because zey quickly took what zey could and left vith a eastern heading."
>>626210
She's walking through the village, possibly to her home?
>>626208
You'll get there next turn.
>>626212
The tavern is very busy right now, seems like everypony has stopped working for the day and is now enjoying an evening meal. You don't see any of your companions here though.
>>626213
Goddamn it. I had hoped she'd go back to the castle.
Why isn't Nolin here?
"Karabi, you have good eyes. Fly up and see where she's going."
Look to Niphon. "We'll grab her from her home if we have to. Nolin can open the locks."
Goddamn it. I had hoped she'd go back to the castle.
Why isn't Nolin here?
"Karabi, you have good eyes. Fly up and see where she's going."
Look to Niphon. "We'll grab her from her home if we have to. Nolin can open the locks."
>>626214
Seems like the guards are buying it, asking her some more questions about their numbers and whatnot.
Surprise lands on your head.
"Oooh, what's happening?"
>>626215
You arrive back at the dock. Surprise is already here, standing on Mereghyl's head. The two pegasi are speaking to the captain, asking her questions about an apparent attack on her ship.
>>626216
Why on earth would she do that? She's come back home after a day of work! Don't you remember?
Karabi nods and flies up, ascending very quickly to make a lot of altitude.
Seems like the guards are buying it, asking her some more questions about their numbers and whatnot.
Surprise lands on your head.
"Oooh, what's happening?"
>>626215
You arrive back at the dock. Surprise is already here, standing on Mereghyl's head. The two pegasi are speaking to the captain, asking her questions about an apparent attack on her ship.
>>626216
Why on earth would she do that? She's come back home after a day of work! Don't you remember?
Karabi nods and flies up, ascending very quickly to make a lot of altitude.
>>626217
Whew. And here I was worried. There must be something I'm missing though, we weren't attacked…
Oh well. Motion Surprise to come over.
Whew. And here I was worried. There must be something I'm missing though, we weren't attacked…
Oh well. Motion Surprise to come over.
>>626218
She did say she doesn't want you to get executed. Apparently she was truthful when she said that. Unless she's waiting until tomorrow.
>>626220
The whole cover story of your presence on this island revolves around your ship being attacked by corsairs and coming here to repair the 'damages'.
"Hi again, I won!"
>>626219
"Like… when?"
Flavia motions at Surprise, so she flies off.
She did say she doesn't want you to get executed. Apparently she was truthful when she said that. Unless she's waiting until tomorrow.
>>626220
The whole cover story of your presence on this island revolves around your ship being attacked by corsairs and coming here to repair the 'damages'.
"Hi again, I won!"
>>626219
"Like… when?"
Flavia motions at Surprise, so she flies off.
>>626221
I don't care, I can't let her roam free.
Look at Niphon.
"While we wait, what have you discovered?"
I don't care, I can't let her roam free.
Look at Niphon.
"While we wait, what have you discovered?"
>>626221
"Race you again when I grow wings, you little cheater!"
Snicker.
"We should go for the castle. Try and enter with the offert of Nature's blessing."
"Race you again when I grow wings, you little cheater!"
Snicker.
"We should go for the castle. Try and enter with the offert of Nature's blessing."
>>626222
They shake hooves with the captain and quickly fly off again.
>>626223
"Seeker found out that there's a whole network of ancient tunnels under the island. I reckon those were once used as secret escape passages in the event of a siege. There's a problem though, it's flooded with seawater. Don't know for sure how deep it goes or if it even connects to the fortress. Seems like a good guess though. Seeker knows there's potions that allow for waterbreathing for a while, so maybe we could buy some at the apothecary in town. Might still be a risky bet though, we could get stuck and die in there."
>>626224
You see the two pegasi guards take off from the dock and fly back to the castle.
Mereghyl, Seeker, Surprise and Flavia are indeed here at the docks.
>>626225
"That might work! We just can't slip up and make them think we're spies or something!"
They shake hooves with the captain and quickly fly off again.
>>626223
"Seeker found out that there's a whole network of ancient tunnels under the island. I reckon those were once used as secret escape passages in the event of a siege. There's a problem though, it's flooded with seawater. Don't know for sure how deep it goes or if it even connects to the fortress. Seems like a good guess though. Seeker knows there's potions that allow for waterbreathing for a while, so maybe we could buy some at the apothecary in town. Might still be a risky bet though, we could get stuck and die in there."
>>626224
You see the two pegasi guards take off from the dock and fly back to the castle.
Mereghyl, Seeker, Surprise and Flavia are indeed here at the docks.
>>626225
"That might work! We just can't slip up and make them think we're spies or something!"
>>626226
"What are you even saying, we are really here to give everypone Her blessings!"
Wink at her, and on the way we go.
"What are you even saying, we are really here to give everypone Her blessings!"
Wink at her, and on the way we go.
>>626226
I see, Lets duck over to a corner and get rid of this disguise for a bit before going to them.
I see, Lets duck over to a corner and get rid of this disguise for a bit before going to them.
>>626226
"Hmmmm. That's interesting.
Adrianos has found us a way into the fort by means of a food supplier. But these tunnels could help in case we need a way out. That reminds me, I should call a friend."
Take that shell Praxia has given me and blow it.
"Hmmmm. That's interesting.
Adrianos has found us a way into the fort by means of a food supplier. But these tunnels could help in case we need a way out. That reminds me, I should call a friend."
Take that shell Praxia has given me and blow it.
>>626231
It'll take two more turns of travel time.
"I'm really excited to see your dad. What's he like? Does he like gifts? Surprise parties? Streamers? Drinking?"
>>626232
SHOO BEE DOO SHOO SHOO BEE DOO
Shell activated. Your contact is underway.
"… What? Marcus, that's just a seashell."
>>626233
Marcus is elsewhere in the village.
It'll take two more turns of travel time.
"I'm really excited to see your dad. What's he like? Does he like gifts? Surprise parties? Streamers? Drinking?"
>>626232
Shell activated. Your contact is underway.
"… What? Marcus, that's just a seashell."
>>626233
Marcus is elsewhere in the village.
>>626239
"Yes, our friend knows more about the underwater than any of us."
Look at Karabi.
"That is a problem indeed."
"Yes, our friend knows more about the underwater than any of us."
Look at Karabi.
"That is a problem indeed."
>>626239
'1d20+1' gosh. I know what feat I'm getting next level.
Look for Marcus, he's the one everyone talks to about updates.
Roll #1 3 + 1 = 4
'1d20+1' gosh. I know what feat I'm getting next level.
Look for Marcus, he's the one everyone talks to about updates.
Roll #1 3 + 1 = 4
>>626242
"Do you think we can just take the foal as a hostage? That way we can be sure she won't talk and once it's over we let the foal go free.
"Do you think we can just take the foal as a hostage? That way we can be sure she won't talk and once it's over we let the foal go free.
>>626246
"When at the earliest could we infiltrate the castle?"
Since Adrianos isn't here, can you tell me when his thing was scheduled Groves?
"When at the earliest could we infiltrate the castle?"
Since Adrianos isn't here, can you tell me when his thing was scheduled Groves?
>>626247
You arrive at the fortress after climbing some hills. You see the faint outline of a bubble around it, which must be where the shield spell starts. The fortress is surrounded by big walls with artillery pieces mounted on top of them. The harbor is surrounded by a wall as well, but separated from the fortress by another wall and a gate.
The path you're on leads straight to a gate in the wall, which is closed down. This is probably a sensitive period for the garrison.
There seems to be a lot of activity going on, especially in the harbor.
>>626248
You stare at Karabi's butt for a little too long. She glares back at you.
They seem to be talking about kidnapping foals or something.
>>626249
Adrianos wanted to go tomorrow afternoon.
"We don't even have a plan yet Marcus. We need to bring everypony together and assign roles or this is going to be a fucking disaster."
You arrive at the fortress after climbing some hills. You see the faint outline of a bubble around it, which must be where the shield spell starts. The fortress is surrounded by big walls with artillery pieces mounted on top of them. The harbor is surrounded by a wall as well, but separated from the fortress by another wall and a gate.
The path you're on leads straight to a gate in the wall, which is closed down. This is probably a sensitive period for the garrison.
There seems to be a lot of activity going on, especially in the harbor.
>>626248
You stare at Karabi's butt for a little too long. She glares back at you.
They seem to be talking about kidnapping foals or something.
>>626249
Adrianos wanted to go tomorrow afternoon.
"We don't even have a plan yet Marcus. We need to bring everypony together and assign roles or this is going to be a fucking disaster."
>>626250
Well, no use worrying too much.
Take note of the number of artillery pieces, of the size of the bubble and where it ends, and of how tall the walls are.
Then, off I go, all the way to the gate.
Well, no use worrying too much.
Take note of the number of artillery pieces, of the size of the bubble and where it ends, and of how tall the walls are.
Then, off I go, all the way to the gate.
>>626251
"The others took care of them, I imagine." Niphon remarks.
>>626252
Noted.
You move in on the gate but the bubble is in your way, ending right in front of it.
You hear a shout coming from up on the wall.
"Pony at the gate!"
Moments later a pegasus guard lands in front of the gate, but still behind the bubble.
"Another visitor? What is your business here, sister?"
>>626253
"Right. Let's gather everypony up then?"
"What about the foal?" Asks Karabi.
"The others took care of them, I imagine." Niphon remarks.
>>626252
Noted.
You move in on the gate but the bubble is in your way, ending right in front of it.
You hear a shout coming from up on the wall.
"Pony at the gate!"
Moments later a pegasus guard lands in front of the gate, but still behind the bubble.
"Another visitor? What is your business here, sister?"
>>626253
"Right. Let's gather everypony up then?"
"What about the foal?" Asks Karabi.
>>626254
"What can we do? We either capture them both or we have to wait and hope. Do you think we'll manage to drag both a mare and her foal through town all the way to our boat?"
"What can we do? We either capture them both or we have to wait and hope. Do you think we'll manage to drag both a mare and her foal through town all the way to our boat?"
>>626255
"I could take care of it tonight when everyone is sleeping. I will require some money for supplies."
NOTICE: EVERYONE IS BEING GATHERED UP FOR A MEETING ON THE DECK OF THE SHIP. IT'S EVENING NOW.
"I could take care of it tonight when everyone is sleeping. I will require some money for supplies."
NOTICE: EVERYONE IS BEING GATHERED UP FOR A MEETING ON THE DECK OF THE SHIP. IT'S EVENING NOW.
>>626254
"Salutations, guard.
We hail from the Basilica of the Mother, on a pilgrimage across the Empire, and came here to pay our respects to the brave souls of this fort."
"Salutations, guard.
We hail from the Basilica of the Mother, on a pilgrimage across the Empire, and came here to pay our respects to the brave souls of this fort."
>>626514
First off, I'm going to need to disguise as that same blue pony again.
'1d20+11'
Then I go to the tavern to see if the peasant is there
Roll #1 10 + 11 = 21
First off, I'm going to need to disguise as that same blue pony again.
'1d20+11'
Then I go to the tavern to see if the peasant is there
Roll #1 10 + 11 = 21
>>626522
Put my hoof between the door.
"Hey, listen I just want to talk for a few minutes. No tricks, I promise."
Persuasion '1d20+13'
Roll #1 7 + 13 = 20
Put my hoof between the door.
"Hey, listen I just want to talk for a few minutes. No tricks, I promise."
Persuasion '1d20+13'
Roll #1 7 + 13 = 20
>>626524
"Perhaps I could come inside quick, you don't want anypony seeing me talking in the door?
I'll make it worth your while…"
"Perhaps I could come inside quick, you don't want anypony seeing me talking in the door?
I'll make it worth your while…"
>>626530
Sit down.
"Thank you." talk a bit more quietly.
"I was hoping you could tell me a bit about the fort."
Grab out my bribe money bag and put 10 bits on the table.
Sit down.
"Thank you." talk a bit more quietly.
"I was hoping you could tell me a bit about the fort."
Grab out my bribe money bag and put 10 bits on the table.
>>626527
"Aye, you'd think they'd be begging for the help of the mighty Jirul.."
I frown at the glass "I think I'm going to need some stronger stuff to enjoy the night.." And wave over a waitress.
"Aye, you'd think they'd be begging for the help of the mighty Jirul.."
I frown at the glass "I think I'm going to need some stronger stuff to enjoy the night.." And wave over a waitress.
>>626531
"… ten silvers to buy my loyalty. You're kidding. What happened to your family? You used to be so much more, liked and respected by your subjects. I am not going to aid in your suicide mission and put my brother at risk in the process. Not for your father. Your sister told me I should feel bad for you because you're just trying to help your father, but I'm just trying to protect my brother from this recklessness."
>>626532
One of the waitresses saunters over.
"What can I get you, sir?"
"… ten silvers to buy my loyalty. You're kidding. What happened to your family? You used to be so much more, liked and respected by your subjects. I am not going to aid in your suicide mission and put my brother at risk in the process. Not for your father. Your sister told me I should feel bad for you because you're just trying to help your father, but I'm just trying to protect my brother from this recklessness."
>>626532
One of the waitresses saunters over.
"What can I get you, sir?"
>>626533
"Something strong, I've had quite the day, a Peneian red wine would do the trick.."
"Something strong, I've had quite the day, a Peneian red wine would do the trick.."
>>626533
"10 silver for giving me the opportunity to talk to you.
I'll give more depending on what you tell me.
If you don't want to help me, you may keep it and I'll be on my way.
All I want is information, nopony has to know you were involved and if something happens just stay out of it and nopony will bother you or your brother."
"10 silver for giving me the opportunity to talk to you.
I'll give more depending on what you tell me.
If you don't want to help me, you may keep it and I'll be on my way.
All I want is information, nopony has to know you were involved and if something happens just stay out of it and nopony will bother you or your brother."
>>626534
"Peneian red? That will be quite expensive sir, but if you say so. I will go get a bottle from our special stock."
>>626535
"Just… can't you see how helping somepony free a murderer isn't exactly something I can do? Your father may have been good to us, but he's still a traitor who caused everypony grief. Don't you care about that at all?"
"Peneian red? That will be quite expensive sir, but if you say so. I will go get a bottle from our special stock."
>>626535
"Just… can't you see how helping somepony free a murderer isn't exactly something I can do? Your father may have been good to us, but he's still a traitor who caused everypony grief. Don't you care about that at all?"
>>626536
"He is not a murderer and I have clear evidence to prove so. And I will do so in time.
But in the meantime I cannot allow him to be killed unjustly."
Since I don't have definitive evidence this is a Bluff I guess '1d20+13'
Roll #1 6 + 13 = 19
"He is not a murderer and I have clear evidence to prove so. And I will do so in time.
But in the meantime I cannot allow him to be killed unjustly."
Since I don't have definitive evidence this is a Bluff I guess '1d20+13'
Roll #1 6 + 13 = 19
>>626540
Come to think of it, one of my feats would have let that pass anyway I think. But pass is good.
Come to think of it, one of my feats would have let that pass anyway I think. But pass is good.
>>626536
"Ah, once you've tried it.. there's just nothing like it, well worth the price." Pretty sure I can cover that anyway. "Besides, I want to show my friends here a nice time while I'm in town." I nod to the ponies at the table.
"Ah, once you've tried it.. there's just nothing like it, well worth the price." Pretty sure I can cover that anyway. "Besides, I want to show my friends here a nice time while I'm in town." I nod to the ponies at the table.
>>626543
"First of all, how many guards are there in the castle? Not counting the crews of the harbor fleet and the mage."
"First of all, how many guards are there in the castle? Not counting the crews of the harbor fleet and the mage."
>>626542
"Alright then."
She returns a few minutes later with a bottle of Peneian red.
"That'll be 25 silvers please."
This wine is classified as booze and has 6 uses.
The fortress servants are staring at the bottle hungrily.
"Alright then."
She returns a few minutes later with a bottle of Peneian red.
"That'll be 25 silvers please."
This wine is classified as booze and has 6 uses.
The fortress servants are staring at the bottle hungrily.
>>626545
pay up and smile to the group, just how big is this group anyway?
"So, lets make this fun.. The first one with a story gets the first glass."
pay up and smile to the group, just how big is this group anyway?
"So, lets make this fun.. The first one with a story gets the first glass."
>>626547
"I've heard there's been troubles at the mainland thanks to our enemies.
Can you tell me where the castle ravens are?"
"I've heard there's been troubles at the mainland thanks to our enemies.
Can you tell me where the castle ravens are?"
>>626547
"Something with the fort perhaps? Something fun, maybe a bit scandalous? You know, a good story to drink too." Pour the glass while I explain. "You can talk about your bosses if you want, I won't be around to tell them tomorrow after all, not that i'd do that to a friend."
"Something with the fort perhaps? Something fun, maybe a bit scandalous? You know, a good story to drink too." Pour the glass while I explain. "You can talk about your bosses if you want, I won't be around to tell them tomorrow after all, not that i'd do that to a friend."
>>626548
She rolls her eyes.
"The post office is on the north side of the courtyard, right against the wall."
>>626549
"Uuuuh… well we only got one boss left now and that's the commander, lady Alirva. She's in control of everything, I think she's a control freak or sumthing."
"She's really really overbearing. An' paranoid about her stuff getting stolen too…"
She rolls her eyes.
"The post office is on the north side of the courtyard, right against the wall."
>>626549
"Uuuuh… well we only got one boss left now and that's the commander, lady Alirva. She's in control of everything, I think she's a control freak or sumthing."
"She's really really overbearing. An' paranoid about her stuff getting stolen too…"
>>626550
"Really? Tell me about her then, she ever look fondly at one of the guards, sing scaley songs about the moon, crawl around in sewers to hide her lockets?"
Nudge the glass into the middle of them so the one who wants to share can take it.
"Really? Tell me about her then, she ever look fondly at one of the guards, sing scaley songs about the moon, crawl around in sewers to hide her lockets?"
Nudge the glass into the middle of them so the one who wants to share can take it.
>>626551
"Tunnels? Yes, but they're completely flooded, nopony ever goes down there because it's a deathtrap to swim into one."
>>626552
"Noooo, she's cold as ice. Never a fond look or a nice word."
"She keeps all her personal stuff in the tower she lives in. The way up there is barricaded so only somepony with wings can fly up."
They both grab the glass.
"Tunnels? Yes, but they're completely flooded, nopony ever goes down there because it's a deathtrap to swim into one."
>>626552
"Noooo, she's cold as ice. Never a fond look or a nice word."
"She keeps all her personal stuff in the tower she lives in. The way up there is barricaded so only somepony with wings can fly up."
They both grab the glass.
>>626553
Chuckle and pour another for them.
"Sounds like a real ice queen, just how does she expect you to keep it clean up their in her tower?"
Chuckle and pour another for them.
"Sounds like a real ice queen, just how does she expect you to keep it clean up their in her tower?"
>>626553
"I see. That's very good to know.
What about the shield bubble, how do you servants get past it?"
"I see. That's very good to know.
What about the shield bubble, how do you servants get past it?"
>>626557
"But you can get through?
Did you have to do something special the first time you worked there? Or did they give you something special to wear?"
"But you can get through?
Did you have to do something special the first time you worked there? Or did they give you something special to wear?"
>>626558
"I can walk through it without an issue. And no, nothing like that at all. It's impossible to get through that shield for those who don't work there, that's all I know. There is some really powerful magic at work in that fortress."
>>626559
"Hurt us if we're lucky. But it's easy to avoid getting to that point… just follow her rules and don't get in her way. She's not a sadist or anything…"
"I can walk through it without an issue. And no, nothing like that at all. It's impossible to get through that shield for those who don't work there, that's all I know. There is some really powerful magic at work in that fortress."
>>626559
"Hurt us if we're lucky. But it's easy to avoid getting to that point… just follow her rules and don't get in her way. She's not a sadist or anything…"
>>626560
"Hmmm. Very curious."
I should have brought Chester.
"What about the prisoners? I know about my dad and the Doux, but I've heard there's a group of Varangians in there."
"Hmmm. Very curious."
I should have brought Chester.
"What about the prisoners? I know about my dad and the Doux, but I've heard there's a group of Varangians in there."
>>626560
"I see.. you sound like you're not really fond of her, she's nothing like the Arravani is she?"
Pour a glass for the third guy as well, and then myself so we all have one.
"I see.. you sound like you're not really fond of her, she's nothing like the Arravani is she?"
Pour a glass for the third guy as well, and then myself so we all have one.
>>626561
"She's not a doux. She's a murderer. As for the Varangians… they're pretty scary folk. Set to get executed they are. Can't say I won't feel safer."
>>626562
"You betcha she isn't… wizard folk is always weird. Dunno why she was put in charge."
"Hope this whole mess ends soon so things can go back to normal…"
"She's not a doux. She's a murderer. As for the Varangians… they're pretty scary folk. Set to get executed they are. Can't say I won't feel safer."
>>626562
"You betcha she isn't… wizard folk is always weird. Dunno why she was put in charge."
"Hope this whole mess ends soon so things can go back to normal…"
>>626563
sip on my glass. "Oh, what would that be for you? Another noble in charge? You old boss back?"
sip on my glass. "Oh, what would that be for you? Another noble in charge? You old boss back?"
>>627030
"Hmm.." I stare at them for a moment. "What about if just someone more like your old boss was in charge?"
"Hmm.." I stare at them for a moment. "What about if just someone more like your old boss was in charge?"
>>627039
Nolin is in the tavern but disguised as somepony else, driving some of the fortress servants drunk with Peneian wine.
Marcus went to go speak to that maidservant who recognized him at her home.
It's dark outside by now and I don't really want people wandering off at this point.
Nolin is in the tavern but disguised as somepony else, driving some of the fortress servants drunk with Peneian wine.
Marcus went to go speak to that maidservant who recognized him at her home.
It's dark outside by now and I don't really want people wandering off at this point.
>>627050
Mereghyl is outside, Marcus and his griffon partner are out and Anthe has still not left the ship, but the rest of you are here to relax before heading back to the ship to sleep.
>>627051
"Garrison too small, sometimes we get some pegasi or the commander flying over but that's it."
"Yea, those ships got to stay ready in the harbor to move out…"
>>627053
"We blow on airhorns and sound the bells. I think the commander has magical tripwires set up in places too… not to mention the enchanted locks. Really obnoxious sometimes."
Mereghyl is outside, Marcus and his griffon partner are out and Anthe has still not left the ship, but the rest of you are here to relax before heading back to the ship to sleep.
>>627051
"Garrison too small, sometimes we get some pegasi or the commander flying over but that's it."
"Yea, those ships got to stay ready in the harbor to move out…"
>>627053
"We blow on airhorns and sound the bells. I think the commander has magical tripwires set up in places too… not to mention the enchanted locks. Really obnoxious sometimes."
>>627054
"Sounds a serious problem.. Doesn't your dragon-mage have enough magic to spare for you village?"
"Sounds a serious problem.. Doesn't your dragon-mage have enough magic to spare for you village?"
>>627054
Hmmm, interesting.
"Thank you."
Put another 140 bits on the table to make the bribe 150.
"If there's trouble, just stay out of harm. That will be our problem."
Hmmm, interesting.
"Thank you."
Put another 140 bits on the table to make the bribe 150.
"If there's trouble, just stay out of harm. That will be our problem."
>>627059
"Doesn't that make you kinda mad? She spends all that energy protecting her books..
She already has all those soldiers there to help her out. And selfishly doesn't bother to think of you, the ones everyone counts on to do their chores.
You could all die if this keeps up."
"Doesn't that make you kinda mad? She spends all that energy protecting her books..
She already has all those soldiers there to help her out. And selfishly doesn't bother to think of you, the ones everyone counts on to do their chores.
You could all die if this keeps up."
>>627059
Ignore that comment.
"One last thing, I've heard the town is putting together a militia against the corsairs?"
Ignore that comment.
"One last thing, I've heard the town is putting together a militia against the corsairs?"
>>627062
"Hey hey hey, we're not gonna tell her that. We like bein' alive."
"Not sure if I fear corsairs more making her angry."
>>627063
"Yes we are. We're not getting the adequate protection even though we pay our taxes and submit a share of our crops for free. No helping that, so we've started arming ourselves better."
"Hey hey hey, we're not gonna tell her that. We like bein' alive."
"Not sure if I fear corsairs more making her angry."
>>627063
"Yes we are. We're not getting the adequate protection even though we pay our taxes and submit a share of our crops for free. No helping that, so we've started arming ourselves better."
>>627065
Shake me head and finish my drink.
"Just talking at the wind. Loyalty's gotta go both ways, that's how a kingdom should work."
Shake me head and finish my drink.
"Just talking at the wind. Loyalty's gotta go both ways, that's how a kingdom should work."
>>627066
They finish theirs.
"Well, y'know, reality doesn't always line up like that… we just got to deal with it and hope for the best for now."
They finish theirs.
"Well, y'know, reality doesn't always line up like that… we just got to deal with it and hope for the best for now."
>>627067
"Sometimes you should try to make your own reality.. Try not to die before I see you again friends.."
I mutter and leave to meet with my family. Bring whatever is left of the bottle with me.
"Sometimes you should try to make your own reality.. Try not to die before I see you again friends.."
I mutter and leave to meet with my family. Bring whatever is left of the bottle with me.
>>627065
"If I wanted to give some money to that cause, would you see to it that it goes to the right ponies?"
"If I wanted to give some money to that cause, would you see to it that it goes to the right ponies?"
>>627074
Give her another 100 gold for the militia.
It's not much, but times are tough.
Ready for le meet
Give her another 100 gold for the militia.
It's not much, but times are tough.
Ready for le meet
The moon is out and the sky has been covered by a blanket of darkness and stars as the night well and truly approaches. You've all come together for a meeting to discuss your findings and put together a plan to tackle this dungeon break.
The captain has joined you as well, observing as Niphon steps forward first.
"I think we should go with the plan Adrianos proposed and go in by ship under the guise of wanting to do some trading."
The captain has joined you as well, observing as Niphon steps forward first.
"I think we should go with the plan Adrianos proposed and go in by ship under the guise of wanting to do some trading."
>>627077
I nod.
"I think so too.
It would be the best way to get near the fort, hopefully inside the fort if we play our cards right. My only real concern is that we'll be right in the middle of the harbour armed force. How will we prevent them from attacking our ship and thus our escape if it would come to that?"
I nod.
"I think so too.
It would be the best way to get near the fort, hopefully inside the fort if we play our cards right. My only real concern is that we'll be right in the middle of the harbour armed force. How will we prevent them from attacking our ship and thus our escape if it would come to that?"
>>627081
"Here is some food for though.
What if we offered the Varagian Seer the chance she has been begging for?
Let her people out of the cells, and use that as a diversion for slipping away while the main corp of guards is engaged with them."
"Here is some food for though.
What if we offered the Varagian Seer the chance she has been begging for?
Let her people out of the cells, and use that as a diversion for slipping away while the main corp of guards is engaged with them."
>>627079
Pomme de Mare nods in agreement.
"Zis is a concern of mine too, monsieur. Zis ship is very tough with a thick enough hull to give a galley ram pause, but it is not invincible."
>>627080
Niphon shakes his head.
"Unlikely."
Seeker pipes in.
"And dangerous given how they could easily hunt us down before we reach safer waters."
Pomme de Mare nods in agreement.
"Zis is a concern of mine too, monsieur. Zis ship is very tough with a thick enough hull to give a galley ram pause, but it is not invincible."
>>627080
Niphon shakes his head.
"Unlikely."
Seeker pipes in.
"And dangerous given how they could easily hunt us down before we reach safer waters."
>>627083
"As far as I understand the Varangian seer is unwilling to participate in any illegal actions.
Besides I was hoping we could take the Varangians with us."
>>627084
"There is a possibility. What if somepony showed up so incredible that she will distract all the sailors, for a little while we're in the fort. You could sail out, they'll be too enamored to pay attention to you until it's too late.
While we're in the fort and see you're getting away, we strike and close the gate seperating the harbour. Their first priority will be to breach the fort again, not sail after you.
We can agree on a signal when it's safe to approach the harbor again."
"As far as I understand the Varangian seer is unwilling to participate in any illegal actions.
Besides I was hoping we could take the Varangians with us."
>>627084
"There is a possibility. What if somepony showed up so incredible that she will distract all the sailors, for a little while we're in the fort. You could sail out, they'll be too enamored to pay attention to you until it's too late.
While we're in the fort and see you're getting away, we strike and close the gate seperating the harbour. Their first priority will be to breach the fort again, not sail after you.
We can agree on a signal when it's safe to approach the harbor again."
>>627083
"Do you think they could take out any of the ships? Those are a huge threat to us."
"Do you think they could take out any of the ships? Those are a huge threat to us."
>>627088
"She's coming as we speak.
I expect her tomorrow, sometime.
You'll know how she could do it when you see her."
>>627089
"No, if we can close the gate to the harbour, the sailor ponies will be locked out from us.
But I have not found a way to escape with 20 or so Varangians unseen.
If we could somehow sneakily set them free before any hostilities happen it would be a major help, but I'm not sure how we could get close to the dungeons pretending to be merchants."
"She's coming as we speak.
I expect her tomorrow, sometime.
You'll know how she could do it when you see her."
>>627089
"No, if we can close the gate to the harbour, the sailor ponies will be locked out from us.
But I have not found a way to escape with 20 or so Varangians unseen.
If we could somehow sneakily set them free before any hostilities happen it would be a major help, but I'm not sure how we could get close to the dungeons pretending to be merchants."
>>627089
"If they leave us no choice… really we just need to be sure that they can't overtake us while we're fleeing. And no offense to the captain, but this ship is about as agile as a brick. And not really designed to carry a large amount of passengers."
>>627090
"We can't," comments Seeker.
"I think those tunnels I found will be a better access point. We just need to get our hooves on some waterbreathing potions to get through them. We'll try to stay hidden for as long as possible, free those Varangians and get the armed, then make a break for it to the harbor and steal that leftover ship."
"If they leave us no choice… really we just need to be sure that they can't overtake us while we're fleeing. And no offense to the captain, but this ship is about as agile as a brick. And not really designed to carry a large amount of passengers."
>>627090
"We can't," comments Seeker.
"I think those tunnels I found will be a better access point. We just need to get our hooves on some waterbreathing potions to get through them. We'll try to stay hidden for as long as possible, free those Varangians and get the armed, then make a break for it to the harbor and steal that leftover ship."
>>627093
"What about both?
If you and Niphon breach the tunnels with the help of Chester, while we're above and can lock out the harbour crew."
"What about both?
If you and Niphon breach the tunnels with the help of Chester, while we're above and can lock out the harbour crew."
>>627092
"And I thought I was the only one who was drinking this night." I groan in annoyance.
But.. if you want to go from their harbor.. we'd just want to isolate a couple guards from the harbor, knock them out and steal their uniforms, and hopefully just walk in to the dungeon.. Bring Chester to get us past any magic walls.."
>>627093
"The tunnels might be better for sneaking sure. Where exactly are the entrances for those?"
"And I thought I was the only one who was drinking this night." I groan in annoyance.
But.. if you want to go from their harbor.. we'd just want to isolate a couple guards from the harbor, knock them out and steal their uniforms, and hopefully just walk in to the dungeon.. Bring Chester to get us past any magic walls.."
>>627093
"The tunnels might be better for sneaking sure. Where exactly are the entrances for those?"
>>627097
I shrug helplessly. "There was no way to get close enough to tell, but there were many ships visible there."
I shrug helplessly. "There was no way to get close enough to tell, but there were many ships visible there."
>>627097
It's not very big, not a merchant port for sure.
"Could wait until night…" Niphon comments. "Nighttime is the best time for these kind of operations."
It's not very big, not a merchant port for sure.
"Could wait until night…" Niphon comments. "Nighttime is the best time for these kind of operations."
>>627104
"Do you know anything about how the spell might recognize who may enter and who not?"
"Do you know anything about how the spell might recognize who may enter and who not?"
>>627107
"You mean in years as mage and mage hunter respectively, you two never saw anything like this shield?"
"You mean in years as mage and mage hunter respectively, you two never saw anything like this shield?"
>>627108
Seeker was referring to the tunnels.
"Magic is not so simple, constantly fluctuating, unique to every user. This is a powerful mage we deal with, it is hard to guess her exact limits."
>>627109
He spins upside down and shakes his head.
"Probably is not the word I used. The question of whether or not you can navigate the flooded tunnels before my counterspell runs out remains."
Seeker was referring to the tunnels.
"Magic is not so simple, constantly fluctuating, unique to every user. This is a powerful mage we deal with, it is hard to guess her exact limits."
>>627109
He spins upside down and shakes his head.
"Probably is not the word I used. The question of whether or not you can navigate the flooded tunnels before my counterspell runs out remains."
>>627111
Seeker shakes her head. "It's not a physical object, thickness is irrelevant. It's about the raw power with which the spell was woven."
"I can put a spell on you which counters the shield, but how much time will you have before it has weakened? Weakened enough that the shield outpowers it?" Chester adds.
Seeker shakes her head. "It's not a physical object, thickness is irrelevant. It's about the raw power with which the spell was woven."
"I can put a spell on you which counters the shield, but how much time will you have before it has weakened? Weakened enough that the shield outpowers it?" Chester adds.
>>627107
"If we need to get in the tunnel quickly, I could ask my friend to help you, but then we'd have no distraction topside."
"If we need to get in the tunnel quickly, I could ask my friend to help you, but then we'd have no distraction topside."
>>627113
Niphon looks annoyed.
"Who is this friend of yours? Why don't you tell us already, seems like vital information no?"
>>627114
Do you want to speak to Eurydice? Very well, you sit down for a prayer, clutching your cube. When you open your eyes, you're no longer in the tavern.
Eurydice's grove looks beautiful at night, with all types of different nocturnal flowers blooming under the waning moon.
>>627115
"I will do my best. But underwater…" He trails off.
Niphon looks annoyed.
"Who is this friend of yours? Why don't you tell us already, seems like vital information no?"
>>627114
Do you want to speak to Eurydice? Very well, you sit down for a prayer, clutching your cube. When you open your eyes, you're no longer in the tavern.
Eurydice's grove looks beautiful at night, with all types of different nocturnal flowers blooming under the waning moon.
>>627115
"I will do my best. But underwater…" He trails off.
>>627116
"I'll carry you." I offer. "You can sit on my back or in a saddle bag, whatever would keep you more dry."
"I'll carry you." I offer. "You can sit on my back or in a saddle bag, whatever would keep you more dry."
>>627117
Before he can respond, Anthe glares at him.
"He can just stay dry by being all ghostly again! What a load of crap!"
"Fine, I'll take you to the shield underwater." Chester says before disappearing from sight again.
>>627118
Niphon scoffs.
"A seapony? The actual real deal? You're joking."
Chester pops back into existence next to you with a big grin.
>>627119
You can see the same constellations as home here… Taurus, the Capricorn, Gemini… they're all up there, watching down on you.
"What brings you here, Flavia?" you hear Eurydice call out to you.
Before he can respond, Anthe glares at him.
"He can just stay dry by being all ghostly again! What a load of crap!"
"Fine, I'll take you to the shield underwater." Chester says before disappearing from sight again.
>>627118
Niphon scoffs.
"A seapony? The actual real deal? You're joking."
Chester pops back into existence next to you with a big grin.
>>627119
You can see the same constellations as home here… Taurus, the Capricorn, Gemini… they're all up there, watching down on you.
"What brings you here, Flavia?" you hear Eurydice call out to you.
>>627120
Shrug.
"You'll see."
Look at Chester.
"See, accompanying a seapony might make the route underwater better wouldn't it?"
Shrug.
"You'll see."
Look at Chester.
"See, accompanying a seapony might make the route underwater better wouldn't it?"
>>627120
Instantly, my gaze is caught by her face.
"Eurydice. We are about to move forth and rescue our father but…"
Look again at the stars above, tearful.
"It seems there might be no way to do this without hurting many, many ponies."
Instantly, my gaze is caught by her face.
"Eurydice. We are about to move forth and rescue our father but…"
Look again at the stars above, tearful.
"It seems there might be no way to do this without hurting many, many ponies."
>>627121
"Where did you even get to befriend a seapony?"
"It might make me hungry. … For fish."
>>627122
She seems unimpressed by your glare, as if she can do better.
>>627123
She's sitting by the pond again, looking at the reflection of the nightsky.
"It troubles you greatly, does it not? Death is a part of nature, yet it remains one of the hardest aspects of life to accept."
She turns her head to look at you.
"I understand your concerns, Flavia. The Mother will not look down on you for taking another life, such is the way conflict between her creations work. Such is the way she intended it to work. Life is sacred and should be respected, but in order to fully appreciate its wonder, we must also accept the presence of death."
She looks back down at the pond of water.
"I am no more immortal than you are, Flavia. I do not age, but I can be taken by Death like anybody else."
"Where did you even get to befriend a seapony?"
"It might make me hungry. … For fish."
>>627122
She seems unimpressed by your glare, as if she can do better.
>>627123
She's sitting by the pond again, looking at the reflection of the nightsky.
"It troubles you greatly, does it not? Death is a part of nature, yet it remains one of the hardest aspects of life to accept."
She turns her head to look at you.
"I understand your concerns, Flavia. The Mother will not look down on you for taking another life, such is the way conflict between her creations work. Such is the way she intended it to work. Life is sacred and should be respected, but in order to fully appreciate its wonder, we must also accept the presence of death."
She looks back down at the pond of water.
"I am no more immortal than you are, Flavia. I do not age, but I can be taken by Death like anybody else."
>>627124
"It is not what Mother will think of me that concerns me."
Go by the pond and lie at her side.
"I'd not be able to live with myself if I took somepony's life. Not the life of innocents."
"It is not what Mother will think of me that concerns me."
Go by the pond and lie at her side.
"I'd not be able to live with myself if I took somepony's life. Not the life of innocents."
>>627124
"In Peneia Niphon. I'll tell you about it after we've established our plan."
Look at Chester.
"Try to contain yourself please. She's a decent seamare."
Clear my throat.
"So, let's summarize what we have so far, Niphon, Seeker, Chester and Praxia, the seapony, will infiltrate the castle through the tunnels.
I'm not sure Praxia will follow you further than that, but after that you infiltrate the dungeons and free the Varangians, our father and the Doux. If possible you arm them. And try to knock out guards, avoid killing unless necessary.
Meanwhile the rest of us will go on the ship to pose as merchants in the harbor, hopefully we'll be able to go inside the inner wall that way.
Now, once the fighting starts then what?
Some of us should man the catapults to take care of the dragoness mage together with Mereghyl…"
"In Peneia Niphon. I'll tell you about it after we've established our plan."
Look at Chester.
"Try to contain yourself please. She's a decent seamare."
Clear my throat.
"So, let's summarize what we have so far, Niphon, Seeker, Chester and Praxia, the seapony, will infiltrate the castle through the tunnels.
I'm not sure Praxia will follow you further than that, but after that you infiltrate the dungeons and free the Varangians, our father and the Doux. If possible you arm them. And try to knock out guards, avoid killing unless necessary.
Meanwhile the rest of us will go on the ship to pose as merchants in the harbor, hopefully we'll be able to go inside the inner wall that way.
Now, once the fighting starts then what?
Some of us should man the catapults to take care of the dragoness mage together with Mereghyl…"
>>627125
'1d20+6'
She intimidates back.
>>627126
"War is a terrible thing, that is undeniable. But just like everything else, it is as the Mother intends it to be. Yet how far are you willing to go to protect those who you hold dear?"
Eurydice shakes her head.
"Matters of politics have always been foreign to me."
>>627127
Niphon nods.
"Seeker and I both know how to operate artillery. I think Adrianos does too. We could get onto the walls with Mereghyl's aid and then take down the dragon mage with his further help."
Roll #1 18 + 6 = 24
'1d20+6'
She intimidates back.
>>627126
"War is a terrible thing, that is undeniable. But just like everything else, it is as the Mother intends it to be. Yet how far are you willing to go to protect those who you hold dear?"
Eurydice shakes her head.
"Matters of politics have always been foreign to me."
>>627127
Niphon nods.
"Seeker and I both know how to operate artillery. I think Adrianos does too. We could get onto the walls with Mereghyl's aid and then take down the dragon mage with his further help."
Roll #1 18 + 6 = 24
>>627128
Anthe is not only a bitch, she also looks very scary. Probably trained after all the years of abusing servants and plebs.
Anthe is not only a bitch, she also looks very scary. Probably trained after all the years of abusing servants and plebs.
>>627128
"All of this would be so easily fixed if there ever was a way to get our father out in secret…"
"All of this would be so easily fixed if there ever was a way to get our father out in secret…"
>>627128
"Then if fighting breaks out, Seekers first job should be to get outside as fast as possible.
Mereghyl will bring you near the siege equipment and engage the mage, meanwhile we on the bottom with the help of the Varangians will deal with the guards. Hopefully once the dragon falls they'll surrender."
"Then if fighting breaks out, Seekers first job should be to get outside as fast as possible.
Mereghyl will bring you near the siege equipment and engage the mage, meanwhile we on the bottom with the help of the Varangians will deal with the guards. Hopefully once the dragon falls they'll surrender."
>>627131
"Those tunnels your companions have taken an interest in can easily lead you to the dungeons. The water, however, is an issue I cannot help you with. That is not my domain."
>>627132
Seeker nods.
"Let me take care of her magical powers."
>>627133
"That's a decent sounding plan," Niphon muses. "I'm surprised."
Seeker nods. "That sounds like a good start to me."
Karabi speaks up.
"What of the messenger birds?"
"Those tunnels your companions have taken an interest in can easily lead you to the dungeons. The water, however, is an issue I cannot help you with. That is not my domain."
>>627132
Seeker nods.
"Let me take care of her magical powers."
>>627133
"That's a decent sounding plan," Niphon muses. "I'm surprised."
Seeker nods. "That sounds like a good start to me."
Karabi speaks up.
"What of the messenger birds?"
>>627132
"Another thing, if Praxia will help the tunnel, we need another distraction. We could use one of the siege weapons to fire shots near the sailors. This would give Pomme some cover to leave the harbor as fast as possible, we can leave with the remaining dromor and meet up at sea."
Look at Karabi.
"Yes, the messenger birds.
I was thinking Niphon or Karabi could go with Chester under the cover of night to poison them. We know where they are."
"Another thing, if Praxia will help the tunnel, we need another distraction. We could use one of the siege weapons to fire shots near the sailors. This would give Pomme some cover to leave the harbor as fast as possible, we can leave with the remaining dromor and meet up at sea."
Look at Karabi.
"Yes, the messenger birds.
I was thinking Niphon or Karabi could go with Chester under the cover of night to poison them. We know where they are."
>>627145
"He did talk about her…
But then, how could one single seapony help all of us sneak in undetected?"
"He did talk about her…
But then, how could one single seapony help all of us sneak in undetected?"
>>627145
"You're merely there to open the shield for Nolin as he poisons the birds, you won't need to fight."
Turn to the captain.
"Yes, leave as soon as you see fit, preferably after we're in the inner wall since your departure will probably cause some suspicion but I'm pretty sure there will be more confusion at first rather than them actively stopping you.
I'm merely saying what the course is if it turns out you do need some cover."
"You're merely there to open the shield for Nolin as he poisons the birds, you won't need to fight."
Turn to the captain.
"Yes, leave as soon as you see fit, preferably after we're in the inner wall since your departure will probably cause some suspicion but I'm pretty sure there will be more confusion at first rather than them actively stopping you.
I'm merely saying what the course is if it turns out you do need some cover."
>>627150
"Indeed. We would need to blend in once there but without uniforms, that'd be hard…"
"Indeed. We would need to blend in once there but without uniforms, that'd be hard…"
>>627161
"For the ponies yea, but for the birds a good rat poison would work fine. Besides they so small, a sleeping toxin would kill them anyway."
"For the ponies yea, but for the birds a good rat poison would work fine. Besides they so small, a sleeping toxin would kill them anyway."
>>627163
"Poor father…
Then, I should go. Discuss this part of the plan with the others.
But won't anypony notice the missing prisoner?"
"Poor father…
Then, I should go. Discuss this part of the plan with the others.
But won't anypony notice the missing prisoner?"
>>627166
I'm with Eurydice in her magical realm of adventures.
Also, the seapony and 'lets not kill' parts.
I'm with Eurydice in her magical realm of adventures.
Also, the seapony and 'lets not kill' parts.
>>627167
"We have discussed that part already. Praxia, Chester, Seeker and Nolin will go with her through the tunnels. If she can allow them to breathe underwater that will save us some underwater breathing potions to buy.
As for the non-killing I can't promise that."
"We have discussed that part already. Praxia, Chester, Seeker and Nolin will go with her through the tunnels. If she can allow them to breathe underwater that will save us some underwater breathing potions to buy.
As for the non-killing I can't promise that."
>>627167
"You're welcome to come with Praxia too if you'd rather do that, but you'll be in the heat of battle if it comes to that."
"You're welcome to come with Praxia too if you'd rather do that, but you'll be in the heat of battle if it comes to that."
>>627172
"That's great news.
But they still need a way out.
But…if Praxia can give them all waterbreathing they might just go in and out through the tunnels that way.
"That's great news.
But they still need a way out.
But…if Praxia can give them all waterbreathing they might just go in and out through the tunnels that way.
>>627173
"Hmmmm, that brings up another thing."
Look to Pomme.
"This plan, if it even is possible, would mean we have a lot of ponies on board…."
"Hmmmm, that brings up another thing."
Look to Pomme.
"This plan, if it even is possible, would mean we have a lot of ponies on board…."
>>627181
"There are other considerations as well, Flavia. We were hoping to get a ship and funds there."
"There are other considerations as well, Flavia. We were hoping to get a ship and funds there."
>>627185
"Zat would put us above ze capacity of zis ship. It would be a very uncomfortable journey monsieur. Food may become un issue until we reach a safe port. And ze cost… vell, I assume you can count yourself."
"Zat would put us above ze capacity of zis ship. It would be a very uncomfortable journey monsieur. Food may become un issue until we reach a safe port. And ze cost… vell, I assume you can count yourself."
>>627188
"I see it.
A bunch of nobles with some stolen coin and the full might of one ship!
How is that even worth mentioning on the same level as the lives of what might be dozens of innocents?!"
"I see it.
A bunch of nobles with some stolen coin and the full might of one ship!
How is that even worth mentioning on the same level as the lives of what might be dozens of innocents?!"
>>627191
"They are the everypony!
Like that scared maid we ran into! Or the Vagirians. Or the many farmers forced into giving food to the castle.
They are just sons and daughters and fathers and mothers to ponies that will never see them again!
Those on top, they are the traitors!"
"They are the everypony!
Like that scared maid we ran into! Or the Vagirians. Or the many farmers forced into giving food to the castle.
They are just sons and daughters and fathers and mothers to ponies that will never see them again!
Those on top, they are the traitors!"
>>627194
"They serve our enemies.
They'll kill dad and not even think twice about killing you if they saw you.
We'll do our very best not to kill anypony, but we have to face the possibility that it might happen."
"They serve our enemies.
They'll kill dad and not even think twice about killing you if they saw you.
We'll do our very best not to kill anypony, but we have to face the possibility that it might happen."
>>627191
"Perhaps ve could work something out…"
She smirks.
>>627194
Karabi speaks up for once.
"That is the reality of war, girl. There is no point running away from it, it will catch up to you eventually."
>>627193
Niphon shakes his head.
"We'll need enough ponies to crew it ourselves, outrun an angry dragon, fight off about 30 sailors and get out before the fortress artillery lights us up like a shining star in the night."
"Perhaps ve could work something out…"
She smirks.
>>627194
Karabi speaks up for once.
"That is the reality of war, girl. There is no point running away from it, it will catch up to you eventually."
>>627193
Niphon shakes his head.
"We'll need enough ponies to crew it ourselves, outrun an angry dragon, fight off about 30 sailors and get out before the fortress artillery lights us up like a shining star in the night."
>>627195
"This is not what you are suggesting, and we both know it!
You had the audacity, the bravery, to complain that a plan which did not put our family on the line and did not kill any innocent was not good enough, because we'd not be able to sack and raid the only defense this town has against pirates!
Listen to yourself! What happened to you while you were gone?"
"This is not what you are suggesting, and we both know it!
You had the audacity, the bravery, to complain that a plan which did not put our family on the line and did not kill any innocent was not good enough, because we'd not be able to sack and raid the only defense this town has against pirates!
Listen to yourself! What happened to you while you were gone?"
>>627199
Look actually afraid by my brother's actions, falling immediately quiet as my ears droop back.
Look actually afraid by my brother's actions, falling immediately quiet as my ears droop back.
If everyone thinks they understand the plan and are content with it, say ready and I will skip to the next scene on the next day.
>>627702
As long as marcus and I can have obtained the poison for the birds, since that was part of the plan.
As long as marcus and I can have obtained the poison for the birds, since that was part of the plan.
>>627707
I don't even know.
You can either go with Nolin or with us. Both will probably have fighting.
You could also stay at the boat.
I don't even know.
You can either go with Nolin or with us. Both will probably have fighting.
You could also stay at the boat.
>>627709
Marcus, your crew hasn't been properly briefed. Perhaps you should give them a brief reminder?
If you want to poison the birds, Nolin and Chester can do that this night. I will just need a Sneak roll from Nolin to see if his efforts were successful or if he had to abort.
Marcus, your crew hasn't been properly briefed. Perhaps you should give them a brief reminder?
If you want to poison the birds, Nolin and Chester can do that this night. I will just need a Sneak roll from Nolin to see if his efforts were successful or if he had to abort.
>>627711
For the love of god, I said it one billion times. No one just bothers to read.
ANYWAY
Is Praxia here yet?
For the love of god, I said it one billion times. No one just bothers to read.
ANYWAY
Is Praxia here yet?
>>627711
'1d20+10' '1d4' action dice for that,
and ghost basics makes it so the pentalties are less that applies here?
Roll #1 14 + 10 = 24 / Roll #2 1 = 1
'1d20+10' '1d4' action dice for that,
and ghost basics makes it so the pentalties are less that applies here?
Roll #1 14 + 10 = 24 / Roll #2 1 = 1
>>627716
But I need to know if the "next scene" is gonna have Praxia there or if she'll be arriving!
But I need to know if the "next scene" is gonna have Praxia there or if she'll be arriving!
>>627718
Normally I'd let you play this out real time, but we don't really have the time for that anymore. Ghost Basics doesn't really come into play because I'm essentially cutting this objective from the adventure.
That being said, you manage to infiltrate the fortress with Chester's help and poison the messenger birds. The fortress will be on alert because of this, but they have no way of sending out cries for reinforcements.
>>627719
I told you she's arriving around 3 PM already. The next scene takes place the next day. Nothing is stopping you from waiting on her to start the scene.
Normally I'd let you play this out real time, but we don't really have the time for that anymore. Ghost Basics doesn't really come into play because I'm essentially cutting this objective from the adventure.
That being said, you manage to infiltrate the fortress with Chester's help and poison the messenger birds. The fortress will be on alert because of this, but they have no way of sending out cries for reinforcements.
>>627719
I told you she's arriving around 3 PM already. The next scene takes place the next day. Nothing is stopping you from waiting on her to start the scene.
"So to recap, this is our plan.
Nolin, together with Chester, Seeker and Praxia and others if they want to join, will enter the fortress through the underwater tunnels. There they'll go to the dungeons and free the Doux and her guard. They'll try to arm themselves and go towards the top.
Meanwhile I and the rest will arrive by boat, pretending to be merchants.
We'll try to get as close as possible and attack them by surprise when Nolin and his crew come up.
If we're attacked, Mereghyl will fly Seeker, Adrianos and Niphon up the wall to the siege weapons to attack her, while the rest of us fight the guard off."
Nolin, together with Chester, Seeker and Praxia and others if they want to join, will enter the fortress through the underwater tunnels. There they'll go to the dungeons and free the Doux and her guard. They'll try to arm themselves and go towards the top.
Meanwhile I and the rest will arrive by boat, pretending to be merchants.
We'll try to get as close as possible and attack them by surprise when Nolin and his crew come up.
If we're attacked, Mereghyl will fly Seeker, Adrianos and Niphon up the wall to the siege weapons to attack her, while the rest of us fight the guard off."
>>627721
"That's agreeable to me, but what's our escape plan? Are we attempting a rout, a capture, or a smash-and-grab?"
"That's agreeable to me, but what's our escape plan? Are we attempting a rout, a capture, or a smash-and-grab?"
>>627723
"We should attempt to capture the second dromon and escape with that. Then they won't be able to chase us."
"We should attempt to capture the second dromon and escape with that. Then they won't be able to chase us."
>>627724
Niphon clears his throat.
"So we'll kill the sailors in the harbor? There's at least 30 of them left. We could use the artillery pieces on the walls to deal with them once the mage is dead."
Niphon clears his throat.
"So we'll kill the sailors in the harbor? There's at least 30 of them left. We could use the artillery pieces on the walls to deal with them once the mage is dead."
>>627728
"I was hoping we could chase them away by artillery fire, but if they don't, we'll have to fight our way through."
"I was hoping we could chase them away by artillery fire, but if they don't, we'll have to fight our way through."
>>627730
"I will go with Cousin Nolin if you please, Brother. My soul begs to see father again."
"I will go with Cousin Nolin if you please, Brother. My soul begs to see father again."
SCENE ENDS
NEXT SCENE STARTS NOW
You rest up on the ship for the night until morning dawns and you're awoken by the early sunrays. Marcus knows Praxia will still be away for a few hours. Nolin and Chester have infiltrated the fortress at night after a visit to the village apothecary and poisoned their messenger birds, they're sure to be distraught about that.
You did promise the salesmare you'd go to the fortress today, but didn't specify a time. You should probably go get her and make sure her goods are loaded onto the boat. It's unlikely that she'll be pleased with what is to happen, but those are worries for later.
NEXT SCENE STARTS NOW
You rest up on the ship for the night until morning dawns and you're awoken by the early sunrays. Marcus knows Praxia will still be away for a few hours. Nolin and Chester have infiltrated the fortress at night after a visit to the village apothecary and poisoned their messenger birds, they're sure to be distraught about that.
You did promise the salesmare you'd go to the fortress today, but didn't specify a time. You should probably go get her and make sure her goods are loaded onto the boat. It's unlikely that she'll be pleased with what is to happen, but those are worries for later.
>>627745
Right. I'll go pick up the salespony.
"We're heading up to the fortress now. I hope you've got your sea legs – though it'll only be a puddle jump."
Right. I'll go pick up the salespony.
"We're heading up to the fortress now. I hope you've got your sea legs – though it'll only be a puddle jump."
>>627746
Soon.
Seeker joins you.
"I heard you wanted my advice on something."
>>627748
Do you want to chat with Eurydice or just have a prayer?
>>627749
She's got a cart stacked to the brim with crates of her goods.
"I heard a lot of the sailors pulled out to hunt some corsairs down, so I'm really hoping that won't affect my sales…"
>>627750
To the Mother? Aqualia?
Soon.
Seeker joins you.
"I heard you wanted my advice on something."
>>627748
Do you want to chat with Eurydice or just have a prayer?
>>627749
She's got a cart stacked to the brim with crates of her goods.
"I heard a lot of the sailors pulled out to hunt some corsairs down, so I'm really hoping that won't affect my sales…"
>>627750
To the Mother? Aqualia?
>>627751
"I get the feeling they'll be back soon. Pirates flee at the first sign of resistance. They're creatures of opportunity."
"I get the feeling they'll be back soon. Pirates flee at the first sign of resistance. They're creatures of opportunity."
>>627757
Very well. A few hours into the afternoon, the salesmare has moved her goods onto the ship. She seems to be one of the richer villagers, probably 'controlling' several fields and plantations.
You hear some splashing from besides the boat, before seeing Praxia flip out of the water and into the air, shapeshifting her form into that of a landpony before landing down on the deck of the ship, much to the amazement of the crew who drop down on their knees.
"Marcus, you called me right as I was taking a bath."
>>627758
"I hope you're right, but they're probably going to buy less this week anyway."
She starts loading her goods onto the ship with the help of the crew over the course of some time until a fishlike friend of Marcus shows up. The crew drop to their knees and start shouting something in Prench.
Very well. A few hours into the afternoon, the salesmare has moved her goods onto the ship. She seems to be one of the richer villagers, probably 'controlling' several fields and plantations.
You hear some splashing from besides the boat, before seeing Praxia flip out of the water and into the air, shapeshifting her form into that of a landpony before landing down on the deck of the ship, much to the amazement of the crew who drop down on their knees.
"Marcus, you called me right as I was taking a bath."
>>627758
"I hope you're right, but they're probably going to buy less this week anyway."
She starts loading her goods onto the ship with the help of the crew over the course of some time until a fishlike friend of Marcus shows up. The crew drop to their knees and start shouting something in Prench.
>>627761
She seems to have shifted her form into that of a landpony. As you remember, some followers of Aqualia are masters of disguises. You've never seen a seapony like this before though, they tend to be really reclusive.
You hear Niphon mutter to himself. "I can't believe it…"
Seeker seems unimpressed and drinks from her flagon.
Sonja pokes you in the side.
"What is that pony creature? Witchraft?"
>>627762
"What's the machination of yours which I'll risk my life for today?"
She seems to have shifted her form into that of a landpony. As you remember, some followers of Aqualia are masters of disguises. You've never seen a seapony like this before though, they tend to be really reclusive.
You hear Niphon mutter to himself. "I can't believe it…"
Seeker seems unimpressed and drinks from her flagon.
Sonja pokes you in the side.
"What is that pony creature? Witchraft?"
>>627762
"What's the machination of yours which I'll risk my life for today?"
>>627763
Oh, Marcus's friend is here. I'll just watch how she interacts with everyone else for now.
Oh, Marcus's friend is here. I'll just watch how she interacts with everyone else for now.
>>627763
"Perhaps a disguise. Aqualia is a patron of disguise, after all. Although, the swimming was convincing… Well, sea ponies tend to be rather isolationist, even around the shore."
"Perhaps a disguise. Aqualia is a patron of disguise, after all. Although, the swimming was convincing… Well, sea ponies tend to be rather isolationist, even around the shore."
>>627765
She looks around.
"Rescue him from what exactly? Did the kraken take him? Sirens? A sea serpant? Something even more dangerous?"
You can inform her of the plan instantly if you want.
>>627766
The crew of the ship seems to be almost worshiping her. Seaponies are held in high regard among some sailors, unlike their siren counterparts.
>>627767
Sonja appears to be skeptical.
"Never have I seen such a creature. Can they be trusted?"
She looks around.
"Rescue him from what exactly? Did the kraken take him? Sirens? A sea serpant? Something even more dangerous?"
You can inform her of the plan instantly if you want.
>>627766
The crew of the ship seems to be almost worshiping her. Seaponies are held in high regard among some sailors, unlike their siren counterparts.
>>627767
Sonja appears to be skeptical.
"Never have I seen such a creature. Can they be trusted?"
>>627768
Inform her of the plan instantly.
She doesn't have to go with them inside the fort, just lead them inside.
Inform her of the plan instantly.
She doesn't have to go with them inside the fort, just lead them inside.
>>627768
Maybe she'd be willing to help us turn the sailors of that dromon to our cause later..
Maybe she'd be willing to help us turn the sailors of that dromon to our cause later..
>>627769
You see a pang of fear in her eyes when you mention the dragon, but otherwise she hides her reaction fairly well.
"I don't like dragonfire very much. I'll be staying away from it, I'm sorry to say."
>>627770
"Hmmmm."
She doesn't seem convinced, but doesn't dwell on it further.
>>627771
Marcus wants to use her as a distraction already.
You see a pang of fear in her eyes when you mention the dragon, but otherwise she hides her reaction fairly well.
"I don't like dragonfire very much. I'll be staying away from it, I'm sorry to say."
>>627770
"Hmmmm."
She doesn't seem convinced, but doesn't dwell on it further.
>>627771
Marcus wants to use her as a distraction already.
>>627772
"Don't worry, you'll be going nowhere near her.
She won't be in the tunnels and you don't have to go in the fort.
If you can just help Nolin and the others in, you'd have helped us so much."
"Don't worry, you'll be going nowhere near her.
She won't be in the tunnels and you don't have to go in the fort.
If you can just help Nolin and the others in, you'd have helped us so much."
>>627772
Ah, right.
Well, I'm going to be spending some time with her, trot over to the sea pony. "Hello, welcome aboard, I'm Nolin, I've heard a lot of nice things about you."
Ah, right.
Well, I'm going to be spending some time with her, trot over to the sea pony. "Hello, welcome aboard, I'm Nolin, I've heard a lot of nice things about you."
>>627773
"I can do that for you, Marcus. And maybe not get eaten by whatever lurks in those flooded tunnels. Nothing else? I'd like to get into the water again as soon as possible, the sun is just really vicious today."
>>627774
Anthe walks up to the seapony as well.
"And I'm Anthe, I'm sure Marcus told you a lot of nice things about me."
"My name is Praxia. Now you'll need to excuse me while I go back to the water before the sun cooks me alive. I'll see you at the tunnels later."
She jumps overboard and flops into the water with a loud splash.
"I can do that for you, Marcus. And maybe not get eaten by whatever lurks in those flooded tunnels. Nothing else? I'd like to get into the water again as soon as possible, the sun is just really vicious today."
>>627774
Anthe walks up to the seapony as well.
"And I'm Anthe, I'm sure Marcus told you a lot of nice things about me."
"My name is Praxia. Now you'll need to excuse me while I go back to the water before the sun cooks me alive. I'll see you at the tunnels later."
She jumps overboard and flops into the water with a loud splash.
>>627775
"Nothing else-"
Well there she goes.
Happy enough she wants to help.
Look a bit proud of myself at the rest.
"Nothing else-"
Well there she goes.
Happy enough she wants to help.
Look a bit proud of myself at the rest.
>>627776
Whistle mischievously at him once the seapony is gone.
"You sure know how to impress a lady."
Whistle mischievously at him once the seapony is gone.
"You sure know how to impress a lady."
>>627776
Anthe stomps a hoof as she jumps overboard. "I wanted to talk more to her!"
Niphon clears his throat. "I have to admit I'm impressed, Marcus."
Surprise rolls her eyes and smiles.
"Seaponies? Oh yeah, I've pranked them before!"
>>627778
She huffs.
"Yeah well she smells like fish."
>>627780
She gives you a very unhappy look.
"What are you implying!"
Anthe stomps a hoof as she jumps overboard. "I wanted to talk more to her!"
Niphon clears his throat. "I have to admit I'm impressed, Marcus."
Surprise rolls her eyes and smiles.
"Seaponies? Oh yeah, I've pranked them before!"
>>627778
She huffs.
"Yeah well she smells like fish."
>>627780
She gives you a very unhappy look.
"What are you implying!"
>>627784
"Anthe, that's quite enough.
She doesn't like being in the sun, that's all.
Now, let's set sail for those tunnels and get this show on the road."
"Anthe, that's quite enough.
She doesn't like being in the sun, that's all.
Now, let's set sail for those tunnels and get this show on the road."
>>627788
You set off together with Seeker and Flavia. You don't see Chester anywhere but knowing him he's likely to be around somewhere.
>>627789
>>627790
Chester is nowhere to be seen as per usual.
You finally undock from the pier and sail off towards the fortress. The 'repairs' to the ship are done, making it look as good as new. In any case, the trip to the fortress is quite short and soon enough you begin your approach on its harbor.
… There's a dragon speeding towards your ship from the fortress though.
A big scary orange dragon.
You set off together with Seeker and Flavia. You don't see Chester anywhere but knowing him he's likely to be around somewhere.
>>627789
>>627790
Chester is nowhere to be seen as per usual.
You finally undock from the pier and sail off towards the fortress. The 'repairs' to the ship are done, making it look as good as new. In any case, the trip to the fortress is quite short and soon enough you begin your approach on its harbor.
… There's a dragon speeding towards your ship from the fortress though.
A big scary orange dragon.
>>627792
The dragon stops just short of your ship, flapping its powerful wings to stay in place.
The resulting wind is battering the sails of the ship. Judging by the shapes of the dragon, this is in fact a dragoness. She speaks in a powerful booming voice, shuddering the wooden planks on which you stand on.
" Who goes there? Who approaches my fortress so recklessly without the proper flag signals?"
>>627799
A plume of smoke flies around you, dropping itself onto a nearby boulder and materializing into a large grinning cat.
"Missing me?"
>>627801
Now that would be suspicious.
>>627800
You arrive at the beachfront, hearing a loud booming voice coming from somewhere at sea. Praxia is waiting in her earth pony form in the shadow of a boulder, standing up as you approach.
"I trust none of you are claustrophobic. I've taken a look at the tunnels and they are quite dark and narrow."
The dragon stops just short of your ship, flapping its powerful wings to stay in place.
The resulting wind is battering the sails of the ship. Judging by the shapes of the dragon, this is in fact a dragoness. She speaks in a powerful booming voice, shuddering the wooden planks on which you stand on.
" Who goes there? Who approaches my fortress so recklessly without the proper flag signals?"
>>627799
A plume of smoke flies around you, dropping itself onto a nearby boulder and materializing into a large grinning cat.
"Missing me?"
>>627801
Now that would be suspicious.
>>627800
You arrive at the beachfront, hearing a loud booming voice coming from somewhere at sea. Praxia is waiting in her earth pony form in the shadow of a boulder, standing up as you approach.
"I trust none of you are claustrophobic. I've taken a look at the tunnels and they are quite dark and narrow."
>>627802
Oooooh boy.
Step forward.
"Hail. We're merchants, simply bringing over the supplies from the village for the fort!
We were not informed of flag signals!" I shout.
Oooooh boy.
Step forward.
"Hail. We're merchants, simply bringing over the supplies from the village for the fort!
We were not informed of flag signals!" I shout.
>>627802
"Only as much as anyone would miss a cat-mage." I smirk at him and motion toward the path ahead. "ready for this?"
"Only as much as anyone would miss a cat-mage." I smirk at him and motion toward the path ahead. "ready for this?"
By coming out here, she's meeting us on our terms. We can make use of that.
Outmanuever '1d20+16'
Roll #1 3 + 16 = 19
Outmanuever '1d20+16'
Roll #1 3 + 16 = 19
>>627803
"The next time you come here you will use the proper signaling methods. If I see you again and you fail to follow these simple instructions, I will torch your ship to nothing but ashes before it has the chance to even sink."
With a particularly powerful flap of her wings which sends some of the rigging flying, she speeds back off towards the fortress.
Pomme straightens her mane. "… Merde. Zis is vhy I hate Trotantine military harbors."
>>627806
The seapony stares at you for a moment, as if she senses something in you.
"That'll be appreciated. Let's hope it doesn't attract anything lurking in the shadows down there though."
She waves a hoof at you, causing something to happen to your body. You feel your anatomy changing and realize she's given you a set of gills. Seeker gets the same treatment, to which she grumbles something you can't hear.
>>627804
He goes transparent.
"Let me worry about the field."
>>627807
Opposing roll.
'1d20+8'
>>627808
She waves her hoof at you, somehow triggering something deep inside you. You feel the flesh of your neck shift and change around. To your surprise, and maybe some horror too, you've grown a set of gills!
Roll #1 3 + 8 = 11
"The next time you come here you will use the proper signaling methods. If I see you again and you fail to follow these simple instructions, I will torch your ship to nothing but ashes before it has the chance to even sink."
With a particularly powerful flap of her wings which sends some of the rigging flying, she speeds back off towards the fortress.
Pomme straightens her mane. "… Merde. Zis is vhy I hate Trotantine military harbors."
>>627806
The seapony stares at you for a moment, as if she senses something in you.
"That'll be appreciated. Let's hope it doesn't attract anything lurking in the shadows down there though."
She waves a hoof at you, causing something to happen to your body. You feel your anatomy changing and realize she's given you a set of gills. Seeker gets the same treatment, to which she grumbles something you can't hear.
>>627804
He goes transparent.
"Let me worry about the field."
>>627807
Opposing roll.
'1d20+8'
>>627808
She waves her hoof at you, somehow triggering something deep inside you. You feel the flesh of your neck shift and change around. To your surprise, and maybe some horror too, you've grown a set of gills!
Roll #1 3 + 8 = 11
>>627810
"…." I keep moving into the water, looking over my hooves to see if they are still hooves.
"This feels.. interesting."
"…." I keep moving into the water, looking over my hooves to see if they are still hooves.
"This feels.. interesting."
>>627812
Pomme nods.
"Oui monsieur."
The crew shakily put everything back in place, sailing on as the ship approaches the harbor.
A pegasus guard flies through the bubble shield surrounding the fortress and harbor.
"Ahoy! Dock one is free, the lady commander has allowed you access through the bubble shield!"
"Dock one, understood!" Pomme shouts back, taking her ship through the now very visible magic bubble. It feels a little odd as you pass through it, but there's no resistance whatsoever!
>>627813
Your anatomy hasn't changes aside from the gills which are now present on your neck. It feels pretty strange… good thing you still have your normal way of breathing!
You see the entrance to the tunnels, a pit between a few boulders with a drop which ends in a pool of water.
>>627814
You can jump into the pit and try! Praxia goes first, doing a flip into the air while shapeshifting back to her seapony form and dropping down into the pool below the earth.
Pomme nods.
"Oui monsieur."
The crew shakily put everything back in place, sailing on as the ship approaches the harbor.
A pegasus guard flies through the bubble shield surrounding the fortress and harbor.
"Ahoy! Dock one is free, the lady commander has allowed you access through the bubble shield!"
"Dock one, understood!" Pomme shouts back, taking her ship through the now very visible magic bubble. It feels a little odd as you pass through it, but there's no resistance whatsoever!
>>627813
Your anatomy hasn't changes aside from the gills which are now present on your neck. It feels pretty strange… good thing you still have your normal way of breathing!
You see the entrance to the tunnels, a pit between a few boulders with a drop which ends in a pool of water.
>>627814
You can jump into the pit and try! Praxia goes first, doing a flip into the air while shapeshifting back to her seapony form and dropping down into the pool below the earth.
>>627816
"Oui monsieur."
She and her crew carefully maneuver the ship into the docks themselves. You see two other ships here, a dromon which appears to be ready for action and curiously another ship which is stranded on the shore. It looks like a galley, but smaller and sleeker. That must be one of those Varangian longships you've heard about before!
The walls of the fortress look intimidating from here, towering high above you with artillery pieces looming over them.
>>627817
You jump into the pool of water below. It's quite cool here in the shade, a nice refreshment from the heat outside. The water is very dark and somewhat murky, navigating this would be very hard without help from a creature who is used to dark seas.
Seeker jumps in after you.
>>627818
Chester dissipates into thin air before you can wonder any further.
You jump into the pool after the others. The water is nice and cool, but also very dark and murky.
"Oui monsieur."
She and her crew carefully maneuver the ship into the docks themselves. You see two other ships here, a dromon which appears to be ready for action and curiously another ship which is stranded on the shore. It looks like a galley, but smaller and sleeker. That must be one of those Varangian longships you've heard about before!
The walls of the fortress look intimidating from here, towering high above you with artillery pieces looming over them.
>>627817
You jump into the pool of water below. It's quite cool here in the shade, a nice refreshment from the heat outside. The water is very dark and somewhat murky, navigating this would be very hard without help from a creature who is used to dark seas.
Seeker jumps in after you.
>>627818
Chester dissipates into thin air before you can wonder any further.
You jump into the pool after the others. The water is nice and cool, but also very dark and murky.
>>627819
That's…unusual.
Perception.
Can I guess what that ship is doing here?
'1d20+2'
Roll #1 13 + 2 = 15
That's…unusual.
Perception.
Can I guess what that ship is doing here?
'1d20+2'
Roll #1 13 + 2 = 15
>>627824
Close one. You almost lose track of Praxia at one point, but Seeker pushes you along her path. Eventually you're faced with a pink barrier blocking the way further ahead.
>>627825
"It's stranded! What good is it being over there!"
"Maybe it's damaged, so they put it there for repairs." Niphon says.
>>627826
Like a fish in the water, you're a natural at this. Have you considered pursuing a career of being a fish? No? Well, you too almost hit the magical barrier blocking the way forward. At least it gives off a bit more light…
Roll #1 16 + 9 = 25
Close one. You almost lose track of Praxia at one point, but Seeker pushes you along her path. Eventually you're faced with a pink barrier blocking the way further ahead.
>>627825
"It's stranded! What good is it being over there!"
"Maybe it's damaged, so they put it there for repairs." Niphon says.
>>627826
Like a fish in the water, you're a natural at this. Have you considered pursuing a career of being a fish? No? Well, you too almost hit the magical barrier blocking the way forward. At least it gives off a bit more light…
Roll #1 16 + 9 = 25
>>627829
The ship is docked now. Pomme stops you, keeping her voice low.
"Monsieur, how long do ve have to stay here? Ze crew vill not fight for you, zat is not their jobs."
The ship is docked now. Pomme stops you, keeping her voice low.
"Monsieur, how long do ve have to stay here? Ze crew vill not fight for you, zat is not their jobs."
>>627829
"What are Varangians doing here? They're suppose to stay apart from the politics of the realm."
"What are Varangians doing here? They're suppose to stay apart from the politics of the realm."
>>627834
Niphon thinks for a moment.
"Well, some of them are locked up in the dungeons. Maybe that ship is theirs. Weird that they'd just… keep it there though."
>>627835
"Hm, oui monsieur."
The walking plank has been extended onto the dock.
>>627833
>>627836
Praxia pulls you along further down the tunnels until, finally, you surface again. It's completely dark all around you, with cold dank air all around you.
"Oh great."
Niphon thinks for a moment.
"Well, some of them are locked up in the dungeons. Maybe that ship is theirs. Weird that they'd just… keep it there though."
>>627835
"Hm, oui monsieur."
The walking plank has been extended onto the dock.
>>627833
>>627836
Praxia pulls you along further down the tunnels until, finally, you surface again. It's completely dark all around you, with cold dank air all around you.
"Oh great."
>>627838
>>627839
"Sweet air? There's nothing sweet about it if you ask me."
Flavia lights her horn, immediately illuminating the room around you. You're in another underground cavern. Interestingly, there's a large stone duct sticking out of one of the walls. Perhaps this was once used as a sewer system for the fortress?
>>627839
"Sweet air? There's nothing sweet about it if you ask me."
Flavia lights her horn, immediately illuminating the room around you. You're in another underground cavern. Interestingly, there's a large stone duct sticking out of one of the walls. Perhaps this was once used as a sewer system for the fortress?
>>627840
"Its not as sweet as you of course Praxia."
Peak into the duct and light step on it it too see if its okay to walk on or stays big enough.
"Its not as sweet as you of course Praxia."
Peak into the duct and light step on it it too see if its okay to walk on or stays big enough.
>>627842
"Don't you have all those people to rescue? I can stay here if something goes wrong, because I'm not willing to get eaten by a dragon."
>>627843
You disembark. The salesmare starts moving her goods onto the pier as well.
The harbor has several piers as well as a couple of buildings which probably are there for the sailors to use. A wall prevents you from escaping this place from land, the only exits are the gate leading to the fortress and the sea.
You see there's a couple of sailors on the dromon right now, probably to keep it ready for action at all times.
>>627844
"About the gills, they stay there for hours. By tomorrow they'll be gone completely though."
It appears to be big enough to walk through just fine, but you'll need to mind your head.
"Don't you have all those people to rescue? I can stay here if something goes wrong, because I'm not willing to get eaten by a dragon."
>>627843
You disembark. The salesmare starts moving her goods onto the pier as well.
The harbor has several piers as well as a couple of buildings which probably are there for the sailors to use. A wall prevents you from escaping this place from land, the only exits are the gate leading to the fortress and the sea.
You see there's a couple of sailors on the dromon right now, probably to keep it ready for action at all times.
>>627844
"About the gills, they stay there for hours. By tomorrow they'll be gone completely though."
It appears to be big enough to walk through just fine, but you'll need to mind your head.
>>627845
"Uh, they don't need to be watered or anything, sleeping in a bathtub might get kind of uncomfortable.."
Seems like the best way to go then, get walking.
"Uh, they don't need to be watered or anything, sleeping in a bathtub might get kind of uncomfortable.."
Seems like the best way to go then, get walking.
>>627846
No Varangians. Aside from the ones you know are in the dungeons.
>>627847
"I'm wishing you luck, I understand that's a popular thing to do among land ponies."
>>627848
"No, but do not mess around with them. And don't poke them with sticks, that's about the last thing you want to get stuck in there…"
The pipe stinks a little, but it's stable at least. Eventually you come across two grates, one in front of you and one above you. There seems to be a hallway above you, dimly lit up by some torch fire.
No Varangians. Aside from the ones you know are in the dungeons.
>>627847
"I'm wishing you luck, I understand that's a popular thing to do among land ponies."
>>627848
"No, but do not mess around with them. And don't poke them with sticks, that's about the last thing you want to get stuck in there…"
The pipe stinks a little, but it's stable at least. Eventually you come across two grates, one in front of you and one above you. There seems to be a hallway above you, dimly lit up by some torch fire.
>>627850
It's abandoned. Maybe Niphon was right about it being damaged.
You hear Niphon clear his throat.
"We should probably make our way inside the fortress."
>>627851
Chester pops up right in front of you, smiling wide.
"Hello Flavia…"
>>627852
"I've taken the liberty of disenchanting that lock already so you can… pick it."
This one is a very basic lock, with only a single challenge. You doubt the ones on the cells will be this easy…
It's abandoned. Maybe Niphon was right about it being damaged.
You hear Niphon clear his throat.
"We should probably make our way inside the fortress."
>>627851
Chester pops up right in front of you, smiling wide.
"Hello Flavia…"
>>627852
"I've taken the liberty of disenchanting that lock already so you can… pick it."
This one is a very basic lock, with only a single challenge. You doubt the ones on the cells will be this easy…
>>627853
Give gun a pat on the head. "Remind me to get you some salmon later."
'1d20+10' notice anything? Is it okay to go down?
Roll #1 16 + 10 = 26
Give gun a pat on the head. "Remind me to get you some salmon later."
'1d20+10' notice anything? Is it okay to go down?
Roll #1 16 + 10 = 26
>>627854
>>627857
You head towards the gate leading to the fortress, which is thankfully wide open. The lack of garrison really shows, for such a big place there are certainly not a lot of people walking about. The main keep inside the walls has several towers sticking out of it, some of which also have artillery mounted on them. One of these towers must be used by the mage according to that maid… perhaps you could find her working here somewhere?
Adrianos spots the opening mechanism on the wall inside. There seems to be a second lever on top of the wall as well.
>>627855
>>627856
The grate which is above you, not below you swings open and you peek your head through it.
Signs of water exposure line the rocky walls of this corridor with only a few torch sconces having been applied to them. It’s fairly dark in here despite the flickering flames, and cold as well. Maybe not a bad place to be in on a particularly hot day, but it’s still far from pleasant. These are definitely the dungeons. There are multiple holding cells here that you can see, all of them locked behind thick wooden and iron doors. Getting these open is impossible without the right equipment, as you can see the intricate padlocks are enchanted.
>>627857
You head towards the gate leading to the fortress, which is thankfully wide open. The lack of garrison really shows, for such a big place there are certainly not a lot of people walking about. The main keep inside the walls has several towers sticking out of it, some of which also have artillery mounted on them. One of these towers must be used by the mage according to that maid… perhaps you could find her working here somewhere?
Adrianos spots the opening mechanism on the wall inside. There seems to be a second lever on top of the wall as well.
>>627855
>>627856
The grate which is above you, not below you swings open and you peek your head through it.
Signs of water exposure line the rocky walls of this corridor with only a few torch sconces having been applied to them. It’s fairly dark in here despite the flickering flames, and cold as well. Maybe not a bad place to be in on a particularly hot day, but it’s still far from pleasant. These are definitely the dungeons. There are multiple holding cells here that you can see, all of them locked behind thick wooden and iron doors. Getting these open is impossible without the right equipment, as you can see the intricate padlocks are enchanted.
>>627858
I'm not gonna go out of my way to find her.
She doesn't want to be part of our operation anyway.
I wonder….look for the mages tower Search '1d20+2'
Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10
I'm not gonna go out of my way to find her.
She doesn't want to be part of our operation anyway.
I wonder….look for the mages tower Search '1d20+2'
Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10
>>627858
Good luck we do have said intricate equipment, no?
Turn off my horn and peak up!
'1d20+12'
Roll #1 18 + 12 = 30
Good luck we do have said intricate equipment, no?
Turn off my horn and peak up!
'1d20+12'
Roll #1 18 + 12 = 30
>>627859
It's really hard to tell from outside… you don't see the dragon anywhere either, perhaps she shapeshifted again.
>>627860
As a matter of fact, there is. They seemed to have no problem with you crossing the courtyard, but as you try to enter the keep a guard hurries over to stop you.
"The keep is not accessible to non-personnel! Commander's orders! There is an ongoing investigation here!"
>>627861
You pull yourself up into the corridor. There are six doors here, three on each side of the walls. They all have enchanted padlocks on them.
"Which one will I disenchant first?"
No window to look through or anything… there's no way of telling what's behind these cell doors, what awful cells!
It's really hard to tell from outside… you don't see the dragon anywhere either, perhaps she shapeshifted again.
>>627860
As a matter of fact, there is. They seemed to have no problem with you crossing the courtyard, but as you try to enter the keep a guard hurries over to stop you.
"The keep is not accessible to non-personnel! Commander's orders! There is an ongoing investigation here!"
>>627861
You pull yourself up into the corridor. There are six doors here, three on each side of the walls. They all have enchanted padlocks on them.
"Which one will I disenchant first?"
No window to look through or anything… there's no way of telling what's behind these cell doors, what awful cells!
>>627863
There really isn't a way to tell at all? '1d20+10' notice?
"Ugh, who designed this place? You can't even see inside… just do this one I guess."
Roll #1 10 + 10 = 20
There really isn't a way to tell at all? '1d20+10' notice?
"Ugh, who designed this place? You can't even see inside… just do this one I guess."
Roll #1 10 + 10 = 20
>>627869
I kind of waiting on you to tell me if there was something else to tell these cells apart. but I guess not.
Just knock on the first one. "Hey, Hey, wake up.. prisoner."
I kind of waiting on you to tell me if there was something else to tell these cells apart. but I guess not.
Just knock on the first one. "Hey, Hey, wake up.. prisoner."
>>627871
No, no real differences.
In response to your knocking, someone kicks the door from inside. A voice with a thick accent sounds from inside as well.
"Dön't tell us what to dö milkdrinker. Give us öur fööd or leave now!"
You now notice there's a small slit next to the door, presumably to push food through.
No, no real differences.
In response to your knocking, someone kicks the door from inside. A voice with a thick accent sounds from inside as well.
"Dön't tell us what to dö milkdrinker. Give us öur fööd or leave now!"
You now notice there's a small slit next to the door, presumably to push food through.
>>627873
"Aðalbriktr, Farþegn, Aina-rikiar, Eyfrøðr… löök there are fourteen öf us here, just give the letter."
"Aðalbriktr, Farþegn, Aina-rikiar, Eyfrøðr… löök there are fourteen öf us here, just give the letter."
>>627874
Well if I notice the slit for food I can get working on the other doors. Open and peek through.
Well if I notice the slit for food I can get working on the other doors. Open and peek through.
>>627874
"Hmmm no, I don't this one is for you."
Move on to another door and knock again. "Hey, you awake in there?"
"Hmmm no, I don't this one is for you."
Move on to another door and knock again. "Hey, you awake in there?"
>>627875
The dromon surely must have a captain, but with a garrison this small it's likely that the mage is the only commander.
You see Surprise inconspicuously standing around the gate lever.
"You think they ran into trouble down there?" Your brother asks.
>>627876
You peek through and see a figure lying on a bedroll on the ground. Probably sleeping.
>>627877
No answer here. Chester suddenly phases through the door.
"Your uncle is in that cell. The lock is yours."
He points at the cell opposite of this one.
The dromon surely must have a captain, but with a garrison this small it's likely that the mage is the only commander.
You see Surprise inconspicuously standing around the gate lever.
"You think they ran into trouble down there?" Your brother asks.
>>627876
You peek through and see a figure lying on a bedroll on the ground. Probably sleeping.
>>627877
No answer here. Chester suddenly phases through the door.
"Your uncle is in that cell. The lock is yours."
He points at the cell opposite of this one.
>>627888
This particular holding cell is fairly small, meant for only a few people. There’s only one person in here though, your uncle Odyris Hippoi. He seems malnourished and weakened, but still fairly alert to the fact that you opened his cell door.
>>627890
He looks weak. Frail. Different than the last time you saw him… like he's aged ten years in several weeks of time.
"Fla-Flavia? What are you… doing here?"
He stands up but stumbles slightly, nearly falling onto his side.
>>627889
"Well, at least they learned you some useful skills in wineland."
This particular holding cell is fairly small, meant for only a few people. There’s only one person in here though, your uncle Odyris Hippoi. He seems malnourished and weakened, but still fairly alert to the fact that you opened his cell door.
>>627890
He looks weak. Frail. Different than the last time you saw him… like he's aged ten years in several weeks of time.
"Fla-Flavia? What are you… doing here?"
He stands up but stumbles slightly, nearly falling onto his side.
>>627889
"Well, at least they learned you some useful skills in wineland."
>>627891
No way! Catch and hold him!
"Father! We are getting you out of here, but we have to be quiet and quick!"
No way! Catch and hold him!
"Father! We are getting you out of here, but we have to be quiet and quick!"
>>627893
He smiles coyly and floats over to the cell next to this one.
"Here."
He moves a paw over the padlock, removing the enchantment.
>>627894
"You're… here on your own volition? How did you… Flavia this is very dangerous. You should risk your life for me…"
There's bags under his eyes, he's going to need to do some recovering once he's out of this…
>>627895
"Some patricians carry swords. Just as important to be able to deal with those."
>>627896
This is your cousin you're speaking to.
He smiles coyly and floats over to the cell next to this one.
"Here."
He moves a paw over the padlock, removing the enchantment.
>>627894
"You're… here on your own volition? How did you… Flavia this is very dangerous. You should risk your life for me…"
There's bags under his eyes, he's going to need to do some recovering once he's out of this…
>>627895
"Some patricians carry swords. Just as important to be able to deal with those."
>>627896
This is your cousin you're speaking to.
>>627897
"You gotta teach me how you do that intangibility thing.."
'1d20+10'gently unlocking this one too
Roll #1 1 + 10 = 11
"You gotta teach me how you do that intangibility thing.."
'1d20+10'gently unlocking this one too
Roll #1 1 + 10 = 11
>>627898
Error activated.
The lock makes a springing sound, breaking your lockpick. It's a good thing those enchants aren't on there anymore or you'd be in bad shape right now!
Wait… what's that clicking sound?
Error activated.
The lock makes a springing sound, breaking your lockpick. It's a good thing those enchants aren't on there anymore or you'd be in bad shape right now!
Wait… what's that clicking sound?
>>627899
"…." get away from the cell door. "HEY GET BACK FROM THE DOOR" I shout at the doux inside to wake her up in case she was close to it..
"…." get away from the cell door. "HEY GET BACK FROM THE DOOR" I shout at the doux inside to wake her up in case she was close to it..
>>627903
Well, let's start getting my dad out of here!
"Everyone was so worried but you will see, mother is waiting so eagerly!"
Well, let's start getting my dad out of here!
"Everyone was so worried but you will see, mother is waiting so eagerly!"
>>627906
A flash of dragon fire fills the corridor, streaming out of pipes attached to the ceiling. You only barely avoid getting toasted entirely, but still get some nasty burns on one of your legs. Your DEX is reduced by 4 until the end of the adventure or until the proper treatment is applied.
Your uncle seems shocked. "Nolin!"
Seeker peeks into the corridor.
"Yeah yeah, enough of this teary reunion crap. Nolin, those Varangians your brother spoke off are in the first cell. I'll try to break the door open on the other cell, but it might trigger an alarm."
>>627905
You kind of get cut short as the corridor fills with roaring flames and heat and seeing your cousin leap into the cell.
>>627904
"By your side while keeping a close eye on me no doubt."
A flash of dragon fire fills the corridor, streaming out of pipes attached to the ceiling. You only barely avoid getting toasted entirely, but still get some nasty burns on one of your legs. Your DEX is reduced by 4 until the end of the adventure or until the proper treatment is applied.
Your uncle seems shocked. "Nolin!"
Seeker peeks into the corridor.
"Yeah yeah, enough of this teary reunion crap. Nolin, those Varangians your brother spoke off are in the first cell. I'll try to break the door open on the other cell, but it might trigger an alarm."
>>627905
You kind of get cut short as the corridor fills with roaring flames and heat and seeing your cousin leap into the cell.
>>627904
"By your side while keeping a close eye on me no doubt."
>>627908
Your father pulls you closer.
"Hush Flavia… It was just some flash fire…"
>>627909
"I don't know, isn't that what they taught you?"
>>627910
For the record, that last AD you used I didn't count because it was after the fact. You still have it.
She pulls you up.
"We'll see about that. Now go get that last lock open, we can worry about your leg later."
Your father pulls you closer.
"Hush Flavia… It was just some flash fire…"
>>627909
"I don't know, isn't that what they taught you?"
>>627910
For the record, that last AD you used I didn't count because it was after the fact. You still have it.
She pulls you up.
"We'll see about that. Now go get that last lock open, we can worry about your leg later."
>>627912
"They taught me that keeping your own family safe and prosperous is the first concern of any lord."
"They taught me that keeping your own family safe and prosperous is the first concern of any lord."
>>627912
"…I'll do what I can."
'1d20+6' '1d4' try to open the lock for the doux
Roll #1 6 + 6 = 12 / Roll #2 4 = 4
"…I'll do what I can."
'1d20+6' '1d4' try to open the lock for the doux
Roll #1 6 + 6 = 12 / Roll #2 4 = 4
>>627913
Seeker pats you on the head.
"Of course not, clearly not the real deal. The heat was all wrong."
>>627914
"Well, if we get dad back that's one step in the right direction. Then what?"
>>627915
>>627916
That lock is broken, you'll need to force it open but that might trigger an alarm. You can use this result to free the Varangians though if you want, because it's enough for that lock.
Seeker pats you on the head.
"Of course not, clearly not the real deal. The heat was all wrong."
>>627914
"Well, if we get dad back that's one step in the right direction. Then what?"
>>627915
>>627916
That lock is broken, you'll need to force it open but that might trigger an alarm. You can use this result to free the Varangians though if you want, because it's enough for that lock.
>>627918
"You'll need an army to back you up for that. And a navy too for good measure. I mean it's us against an entire Theme."
>>627919
"Give it time."
>>627920
The lock clicks open and falls to the floor with a clang. You open up the cell door and see more than a dozen scary looking Varangians staring at you.
"Yöu are nö guard!"
"Whö göes there!"
Behind you, Seeker is giving the door to Olivia's cell two hard kicks. '2d20+4'
Roll #1 19, 2 + 4 = 25
"You'll need an army to back you up for that. And a navy too for good measure. I mean it's us against an entire Theme."
>>627919
"Give it time."
>>627920
The lock clicks open and falls to the floor with a clang. You open up the cell door and see more than a dozen scary looking Varangians staring at you.
"Yöu are nö guard!"
"Whö göes there!"
Behind you, Seeker is giving the door to Olivia's cell two hard kicks. '2d20+4'
Roll #1 19, 2 + 4 = 25
>>627922
I rub my head. "Look could you not ask a million questions? I kind of got badly burned trying to save you. Just stand over there a moment. And if any of you can fight, please be ready."
I point toward the end of the hall we came in at.
I rub my head. "Look could you not ask a million questions? I kind of got badly burned trying to save you. Just stand over there a moment. And if any of you can fight, please be ready."
I point toward the end of the hall we came in at.
>>627922
The lock is smashed, but the force triggered an alarm. You hear bells ringing from here to the fortress above.
"Well I guess that was inevitable."
>>627925
Seeker points at you.
"Door's open, now get your doux."
She draws her sword.
"We need to get out of these dungeons and up top to help the others! MOVE IT! You too, barbarians! We're going to get you some fighting sticks!"
The Varangians pour out of the cell and run after Seeker.
>>627923
You're interrupted by the sounds of bells ringing all over the place. Niphon curses.
"Here we go…"
You see Surprise kicking loose the lever on the wall, making the gate come crashing down with a loud metallic sound.
"Oops! Hee hee!"
Karabi licks her beak.
"Marcus, our first real battle together. If we survive with wounds, we can mix our blood to celebrate."
The lock is smashed, but the force triggered an alarm. You hear bells ringing from here to the fortress above.
"Well I guess that was inevitable."
>>627925
Seeker points at you.
"Door's open, now get your doux."
She draws her sword.
"We need to get out of these dungeons and up top to help the others! MOVE IT! You too, barbarians! We're going to get you some fighting sticks!"
The Varangians pour out of the cell and run after Seeker.
>>627923
You're interrupted by the sounds of bells ringing all over the place. Niphon curses.
"Here we go…"
You see Surprise kicking loose the lever on the wall, making the gate come crashing down with a loud metallic sound.
"Oops! Hee hee!"
Karabi licks her beak.
"Marcus, our first real battle together. If we survive with wounds, we can mix our blood to celebrate."
>>627926
They have weapons? How odd. Since she's shouting orders with a sword she must be fine. Go help my uncle and my cousin get to the tunnel.
"I hope it doesn't cause too much trouble for the others.. Lets get back to the tunnel."
They have weapons? How odd. Since she's shouting orders with a sword she must be fine. Go help my uncle and my cousin get to the tunnel.
"I hope it doesn't cause too much trouble for the others.. Lets get back to the tunnel."
>>627931
Seeker is leading the Varangians out of their cells and upstairs to get weapons for them. She has her own sword.
Seeker is leading the Varangians out of their cells and upstairs to get weapons for them. She has her own sword.
>>627927
She doesn't let wait for her very long. She soon appears from behind the keep in full dragon form, looking thoroughly pissed.
"Guards, deal with these interlopers and open that gate! Sailors at the ready! They will not leave this place alive. I will take care of this measly flying worm myself!"
She speeds towards you, roll initiative.
>>627933
Roll initiative for yourself and Karabi.
"Marcus, there's a second lever on top of the wall, we need to either wreck it or guard it from anypony getting to it!"
>>627934
You should help your uncle walk and get him to safety somewhere. Perhaps with Praxia if she's still down there?
>>627930
You burst into the cell and see Olivia Arravani lying unconscious on a bedroll. She's not looking much better than your father, but in her case her eyes are covered by a blindfold as well. Blindfolds signify only one thing in this sort of context…
You'll need to carry her to safety somewhere… perhaps with Praxia?
She doesn't let wait for her very long. She soon appears from behind the keep in full dragon form, looking thoroughly pissed.
"Guards, deal with these interlopers and open that gate! Sailors at the ready! They will not leave this place alive. I will take care of this measly flying worm myself!"
She speeds towards you, roll initiative.
>>627933
Roll initiative for yourself and Karabi.
"Marcus, there's a second lever on top of the wall, we need to either wreck it or guard it from anypony getting to it!"
>>627934
You should help your uncle walk and get him to safety somewhere. Perhaps with Praxia if she's still down there?
>>627930
You burst into the cell and see Olivia Arravani lying unconscious on a bedroll. She's not looking much better than your father, but in her case her eyes are covered by a blindfold as well. Blindfolds signify only one thing in this sort of context…
You'll need to carry her to safety somewhere… perhaps with Praxia?
>>627935
Gasp! Poor soul… Try and put her on my back, or at least walk shoulder by shoulder.
"Father, Nolin, we should leave!"
Gasp! Poor soul… Try and put her on my back, or at least walk shoulder by shoulder.
"Father, Nolin, we should leave!"
>>627935
'1d20+7'
Fly towards her myself, meet her in battle.
"We shall see about that."
Roll #1 9 + 7 = 16
'1d20+7'
Fly towards her myself, meet her in battle.
"We shall see about that."
Roll #1 9 + 7 = 16
>>627935
I guess I'm confused.
I kneel down a bit so he can get on my back. "I'll carry you for a bit, but the tunnel is small so I probably will have to put you down when we get there."
I guess I'm confused.
I kneel down a bit so he can get on my back. "I'll carry you for a bit, but the tunnel is small so I probably will have to put you down when we get there."
>>627935
What's Karabi's init for this TL?
Mine '1d20+6'
Karabi '1d20'
Roll #1 15 + 6 = 21 / Roll #2 18 = 18
What's Karabi's init for this TL?
Mine '1d20+6'
Karabi '1d20'
Roll #1 15 + 6 = 21 / Roll #2 18 = 18
COMBAT
You're standing near the gate of the wall surrounding the main keep, below which lay the dungeons. As the alarm was triggered, Surprise flicked the switch behind you to cause the two gates to fall shut, locking out the sailors for now. You'll need to make sure those gates stay closed by preventing the guards from operating the two gate switches (Both marked on the map as red boxes. One next to the gate, the other on top of the gatehouse.)
Several guards have rushed over to your location. There are three pegasi and three earth pony guards in front of you. You also see another guard land on the gatehouse above you. No doubt there are other guards on the wall making their way over here, so you'll want to put a couple of people up there to prevent them from flicking the switch.
There are artillery pieces on the wall which are operable. You doubt Mereghyl will be able to kill the lady commander on his own, so you may want to give him some support if possible. Seeker is not here yet, unfortunately.
As for Mereghyl, the lady commander has landed on one of the keep's towers in dragon form. She looks extraordinarily angry.
Order Of Combat coming next post along with the battle map.
You're standing near the gate of the wall surrounding the main keep, below which lay the dungeons. As the alarm was triggered, Surprise flicked the switch behind you to cause the two gates to fall shut, locking out the sailors for now. You'll need to make sure those gates stay closed by preventing the guards from operating the two gate switches (Both marked on the map as red boxes. One next to the gate, the other on top of the gatehouse.)
Several guards have rushed over to your location. There are three pegasi and three earth pony guards in front of you. You also see another guard land on the gatehouse above you. No doubt there are other guards on the wall making their way over here, so you'll want to put a couple of people up there to prevent them from flicking the switch.
There are artillery pieces on the wall which are operable. You doubt Mereghyl will be able to kill the lady commander on his own, so you may want to give him some support if possible. Seeker is not here yet, unfortunately.
As for Mereghyl, the lady commander has landed on one of the keep's towers in dragon form. She looks extraordinarily angry.
Order Of Combat coming next post along with the battle map.
>>629455
"Ehem, right. ..Lets hope the water is good for burns.."
Escort them both to the water passage, carrying the blinded mare on my back and letting my uncle lean on my shoulder, or flavia's if she's strong enough for that.
"Ehem, right. ..Lets hope the water is good for burns.."
Escort them both to the water passage, carrying the blinded mare on my back and letting my uncle lean on my shoulder, or flavia's if she's strong enough for that.