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[Character Sheets and Information: http://goo.gl/y9CC4 ]
Luna's stars cover the night sky watching over the group of adventurers down below.
Drinking and laughing, enjoying life, for each day could be your last.
Luna's stars cover the night sky watching over the group of adventurers down below.
Drinking and laughing, enjoying life, for each day could be your last.
>>482949
You want to go back to the dungeon next day or middle of the night.
Alone or with someone?
>>482945
The next day you wake up bright and early to report of your findings to the Captain at the Shardstone outpost.
You find him overlooking a map of the area.
"Report."
>>482950
She is.
>>482951
I'm not going to move the plot on tonight.
If there's an NPC you still want to talk to now or next morning this is your chance.
You want to go back to the dungeon next day or middle of the night.
Alone or with someone?
>>482945
The next day you wake up bright and early to report of your findings to the Captain at the Shardstone outpost.
You find him overlooking a map of the area.
"Report."
>>482950
She is.
>>482951
I'm not going to move the plot on tonight.
If there's an NPC you still want to talk to now or next morning this is your chance.
>>482955
She's starting breakfast.
"Hey, had a good nights rest?"
>>482956
He's sleeping but he'd be more than happy to wake up and accompany you.
>>482957
"Possessed ponies? Do you believe they were the missing travelers?"
>>482958
The tablets are filled with a number of unknown runes.
"Hey Snacks, had a good night?"
>>482959
Not yet. Give it time.
You might want to check with Bedrock if you want to learn about the next part of your trip and may learn some more interesting things if you look around near him.
She's starting breakfast.
"Hey, had a good nights rest?"
>>482956
He's sleeping but he'd be more than happy to wake up and accompany you.
>>482957
"Possessed ponies? Do you believe they were the missing travelers?"
>>482958
The tablets are filled with a number of unknown runes.
"Hey Snacks, had a good night?"
>>482959
Not yet. Give it time.
You might want to check with Bedrock if you want to learn about the next part of your trip and may learn some more interesting things if you look around near him.
>>482962
"Like a foal!"
>>482963
He looks up from his charts and maps.
"Yes, it should be. Getting to Ponyville will be a little challenging however…"
Roll to check out the charts.
>>482964
He nods.
"What about the statue?"
>>482965
His wounds have been bandaged as well, aside from some bruises he seems okay.
He wakes up.
"Hey Soil."
>>482968
"I think Iris is still working on it. And I'm going to work on the tablets. Even while we're walking.
Bedrock told me I could sit on his cart so I could spend my time studying them."
"Like a foal!"
>>482963
He looks up from his charts and maps.
"Yes, it should be. Getting to Ponyville will be a little challenging however…"
Roll to check out the charts.
>>482964
He nods.
"What about the statue?"
>>482965
His wounds have been bandaged as well, aside from some bruises he seems okay.
He wakes up.
"Hey Soil."
>>482968
"I think Iris is still working on it. And I'm going to work on the tablets. Even while we're walking.
Bedrock told me I could sit on his cart so I could spend my time studying them."
>>482970
He moves his arm and legs a bit.
"Okay. You?"
He points to your bandages.
>>482971
"It has been destroyed then.
I suppose that is the most important part.
Good work, Aspirant."
>>482972
You notice a strange map amongst all other.
A map of Equestria without any marked cities instead there are a large number of letters on it.
One city in particular, the one where Shardstone should be is filled with letters, Wa, S, V, So, St, I. There are many more letters spread over the map though.
>>482973
She looks a bit nervous.
"I don't know what you're talking about…"
>>482974
"I don't suppose you know High Equestrian?"
He moves his arm and legs a bit.
"Okay. You?"
He points to your bandages.
>>482971
"It has been destroyed then.
I suppose that is the most important part.
Good work, Aspirant."
>>482972
You notice a strange map amongst all other.
A map of Equestria without any marked cities instead there are a large number of letters on it.
One city in particular, the one where Shardstone should be is filled with letters, Wa, S, V, So, St, I. There are many more letters spread over the map though.
>>482973
She looks a bit nervous.
"I don't know what you're talking about…"
>>482974
"I don't suppose you know High Equestrian?"
>>482979
He nods.
"You heal fast. Faster than dragon.
Other ponies heal fast too?"
>>482980
"It means you have past your first test, Aspirant.
One of many to come."
He sits down again.
"With the current duties we have to attend to, it seems your training will be an unorthodox one. We simply do not have the manpower currently to assign you permanently to a Master.
But we'll find another way."
He points to the chair in front of him.
"Sit down, and tell me what you know about Cadence."
>>482981
He looks at it.
"Aaaaah….well, what do you think it is?"
>>482982
"W-what?"
>>482983
There is a huge pot of coffee near Iris and Mabel.
"It's okay, most ponies don't."
He nods.
"You heal fast. Faster than dragon.
Other ponies heal fast too?"
>>482980
"It means you have past your first test, Aspirant.
One of many to come."
He sits down again.
"With the current duties we have to attend to, it seems your training will be an unorthodox one. We simply do not have the manpower currently to assign you permanently to a Master.
But we'll find another way."
He points to the chair in front of him.
"Sit down, and tell me what you know about Cadence."
>>482981
He looks at it.
"Aaaaah….well, what do you think it is?"
>>482982
"W-what?"
>>482983
There is a huge pot of coffee near Iris and Mabel.
"It's okay, most ponies don't."
>>482987
I grin and sit down on the chair in front of him.
"There's so much to tell though! She's our Lady and Savior, our protector, our ruler, the avatar of Love and one of the few majestic alicorns in the world. Thanks to her, I have access to my spells to heal ponies and empower my hammer with holy fuel! I wouldn't be here without all that! None of us would!"
I grin and sit down on the chair in front of him.
"There's so much to tell though! She's our Lady and Savior, our protector, our ruler, the avatar of Love and one of the few majestic alicorns in the world. Thanks to her, I have access to my spells to heal ponies and empower my hammer with holy fuel! I wouldn't be here without all that! None of us would!"
>>482993
He nods.
"And what of her powers? Do you understand their nature?
Do you understand what it means for her to be the Avatar of Love?
Tell me your thoughts."
>>482992
They seem to be talking together, quietly.
Talking about mare things no doubt.
>>482992
"Who?!?"
>>482989
"Close but no cigar."
He grabs the map.
"It's one of my own making, to keep track of our journey, where we defeated monsters, etcetera."
>>482988
"Maybe Iris know. Iris smart pony."
He nods.
"And what of her powers? Do you understand their nature?
Do you understand what it means for her to be the Avatar of Love?
Tell me your thoughts."
>>482992
They seem to be talking together, quietly.
Talking about mare things no doubt.
>>482992
"Who?!?"
>>482989
"Close but no cigar."
He grabs the map.
"It's one of my own making, to keep track of our journey, where we defeated monsters, etcetera."
>>482988
"Maybe Iris know. Iris smart pony."
>>482997
She looks down.
"F-fine. Maybe I like him…a bit."
>>482998
"You could say that. As I said, just to keep track how our journey goes."
He fold the map and turns to the other map.
"Here" he points to a line on it.
"This is the quickest route to Ponyville. And it just so happens to lead us close to a few interesting locations."
>>483000
Indy hops on and you run for Mabel and Iris.
>>483001
"That's nothing to be ashamed of. Those powers can only be wielded by somepony like Cadence.
However, contrary to popular belief, the Princess does not create the spark per se."
PAUSE
She looks down.
"F-fine. Maybe I like him…a bit."
>>482998
"You could say that. As I said, just to keep track how our journey goes."
He fold the map and turns to the other map.
"Here" he points to a line on it.
"This is the quickest route to Ponyville. And it just so happens to lead us close to a few interesting locations."
>>483000
Indy hops on and you run for Mabel and Iris.
>>483001
"That's nothing to be ashamed of. Those powers can only be wielded by somepony like Cadence.
However, contrary to popular belief, the Princess does not create the spark per se."
PAUSE
>>483003
As you wander around town, you lean against a tree, not noticing the agry hive of bees next to it.
Roll to run!
>>483004
She looks bewildered.
"What do you mean? Can I check your bandages?"
>>483005
"Of course she does. Promoting harmony between ponies is her first duty.
Yet for Cadence it is a special duty since she is the Avatar, the personification of the Divine force of Love."
>>483006
He points to a region not too far from here.
"There's been trouble here with an Ursa Minor. Nasty beasties, but the spoils are worth a lot. A whole lot."
As you wander around town, you lean against a tree, not noticing the agry hive of bees next to it.
Roll to run!
>>483004
She looks bewildered.
"What do you mean? Can I check your bandages?"
>>483005
"Of course she does. Promoting harmony between ponies is her first duty.
Yet for Cadence it is a special duty since she is the Avatar, the personification of the Divine force of Love."
>>483006
He points to a region not too far from here.
"There's been trouble here with an Ursa Minor. Nasty beasties, but the spoils are worth a lot. A whole lot."
>>483268
"I'd imagine they would be. But it's not going to be easy taking down something that big."
I'll think a moment.
"But what could be made from it, I wonder… I know Soil would leap at the chance to fight something that big, but hacking at its shins isn't exactly going to do us much good. You wouldn't happen to have some new toy you've been dying to test out, do you?"
"I'd imagine they would be. But it's not going to be easy taking down something that big."
I'll think a moment.
"But what could be made from it, I wonder… I know Soil would leap at the chance to fight something that big, but hacking at its shins isn't exactly going to do us much good. You wouldn't happen to have some new toy you've been dying to test out, do you?"
>>483270
She checks your bandages.
"That is healing really quick…I don't think you'll have to wear those much longer."
She looks puzzled.
"And this is…normal for you?"
>>483271
"And why is she so great?
Tell me in your own words.
To serve divinity, you must first understand divinity."
>>483272
"I have a trick or 2 up my sleeve, you could say that."
He gets out a flute and hoofs it to you.
She checks your bandages.
"That is healing really quick…I don't think you'll have to wear those much longer."
She looks puzzled.
"And this is…normal for you?"
>>483271
"And why is she so great?
Tell me in your own words.
To serve divinity, you must first understand divinity."
>>483272
"I have a trick or 2 up my sleeve, you could say that."
He gets out a flute and hoofs it to you.
>>483276
"I already told you! She's our Lady and Savior, saving all of crystal kind from doom. Without her, we'd still be under Sombra's rule! We all owe so much to her, nothing we ever do will ever be enough of a repayment. But I try my best! I live by her example of showing compassion to others and making sure they're safe and free from oppression!"
"I already told you! She's our Lady and Savior, saving all of crystal kind from doom. Without her, we'd still be under Sombra's rule! We all owe so much to her, nothing we ever do will ever be enough of a repayment. But I try my best! I live by her example of showing compassion to others and making sure they're safe and free from oppression!"
>>483277
She scratches her head.
"That's…unusual. I'm not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure even a doctor would say nopony heals that fast. Did you have any healers in your family?"
>>483278
It looks like a nicely decorated flute.
"Ursa Minors are simple creatures. They're immatured Ursa Majors and they are susceptible to the same things as kids.
Usually some good music, can make them drowsy.
And this flute is magically enhanced to sound very soothing to the ear. Even if the player is merely average."
>>483280
He listens
"You've just told me about Cadence's actions and why we crystal ponies are grateful to her in particular. It is indeed a great start to emulate the actions of the Saviour.
But being a paladin requires more.
To be a true paladin, you must not only know the actions of your divine guide, you must also understand them. Fully.
Only that way can you properly become an agent of Cadence, not just a pony with a hammer and battle shouts, but instead an instrument of her will.
And to do that, you must thus understand the nature of the Divine Force she represents."
She scratches her head.
"That's…unusual. I'm not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure even a doctor would say nopony heals that fast. Did you have any healers in your family?"
>>483278
It looks like a nicely decorated flute.
"Ursa Minors are simple creatures. They're immatured Ursa Majors and they are susceptible to the same things as kids.
Usually some good music, can make them drowsy.
And this flute is magically enhanced to sound very soothing to the ear. Even if the player is merely average."
>>483280
He listens
"You've just told me about Cadence's actions and why we crystal ponies are grateful to her in particular. It is indeed a great start to emulate the actions of the Saviour.
But being a paladin requires more.
To be a true paladin, you must not only know the actions of your divine guide, you must also understand them. Fully.
Only that way can you properly become an agent of Cadence, not just a pony with a hammer and battle shouts, but instead an instrument of her will.
And to do that, you must thus understand the nature of the Divine Force she represents."
>>483285
"So you basically want us to put it to sleep… and then put it to sleep."
I'll consider a moment.
"I know it's a monstrously huge bear made of stars, but something just doesn't feel right about that. Does it have any outstanding warrants, or is it just there and it drew your attention?"
"So you basically want us to put it to sleep… and then put it to sleep."
I'll consider a moment.
"I know it's a monstrously huge bear made of stars, but something just doesn't feel right about that. Does it have any outstanding warrants, or is it just there and it drew your attention?"
>>483286
"Huh…."
she thinks for a bit.
"And…what about…shamans?"
>>483290
"It was one of the creatures that destroyed part of the railroad and makes railroad personnel nervous of coming around there to repair it.
There's a bounty for ponies who help clear the creatures around there…not to mention, an Ursa Minor, it's worth a lot of money.
We'll have to move fast though, otherwise those crystal paladins will get it first."
>>483291
He looks at you sternly.
"Amber, how much are you willing to sacrifice to become one of Her Chosen?"
"Huh…."
she thinks for a bit.
"And…what about…shamans?"
>>483290
"It was one of the creatures that destroyed part of the railroad and makes railroad personnel nervous of coming around there to repair it.
There's a bounty for ponies who help clear the creatures around there…not to mention, an Ursa Minor, it's worth a lot of money.
We'll have to move fast though, otherwise those crystal paladins will get it first."
>>483291
He looks at you sternly.
"Amber, how much are you willing to sacrifice to become one of Her Chosen?"
>>483300
"Then you will make time for meditation and observation.
Training the body is useless without a strong mind to guide it. Both must be harnessed, trained and perfected. Only then will you truly be able to channel divine power.
No longer will you beseech Cadence for her aid, you and Her will become as one. Then and only then will you be a true paladin, instead of a fighter with faith.
Thus you will not only fight, but you will also meditate on the nature of the divine powers.
We can help you with that, show you the way, but you must walk it."
>>483298
"That's unfortunate. Still…I'd like to somehow get my hooves on as much of that stardust as we can. I have no doubt that if those Crystal paladins slay it, they'll claim it for themselves."
>>483299
"You could say that. Wait."
She grabs a book with her mouth from a pile and holds it open for you.
There are a number of drawings of ponies in traditional shamanic garb and some of their known sites of worship.
>>483303
Iris nods.
"They're the guardians of nature."
"Then you will make time for meditation and observation.
Training the body is useless without a strong mind to guide it. Both must be harnessed, trained and perfected. Only then will you truly be able to channel divine power.
No longer will you beseech Cadence for her aid, you and Her will become as one. Then and only then will you be a true paladin, instead of a fighter with faith.
Thus you will not only fight, but you will also meditate on the nature of the divine powers.
We can help you with that, show you the way, but you must walk it."
>>483298
"That's unfortunate. Still…I'd like to somehow get my hooves on as much of that stardust as we can. I have no doubt that if those Crystal paladins slay it, they'll claim it for themselves."
>>483299
"You could say that. Wait."
She grabs a book with her mouth from a pile and holds it open for you.
There are a number of drawings of ponies in traditional shamanic garb and some of their known sites of worship.
>>483303
Iris nods.
"They're the guardians of nature."
>>483313
>>483314
Iris looks amazed.
"That must mean there were shamans near your house, maybe a long time ago. That could explain it, I've read about a few ponies who had remarkable self-healing capabilities through Nature…"
She then looks embarrassed. "Well, that's just a theory…I never met a shaman."
>>483316
He gets up.
"Come."
He leads you to a round painting of Cadence.
In the edges are pictured all sorts of different ponies, and even a few zebras, each is bound together by silver ropes.
The ropes reach across the entire painting, binding all ponies together, in the middle a brilliant vision of Cadence is visible, standing inbetween the ropes.
"Love, in its most primal, most pure form, binds all ponies together as one. All of us.
It is a fundamental part of who we are and translates itself not only into romantic love, but friendship, kindness and affection.
Even between those who hate each other, there is this bond, albeit in a very low form.
As the Princess of Love, Cadence does not control those bonds between ponies, that would rob them of their sentience, instead Cadence watches over those bonds, ensuring the proper ebb and flow of relationships between ponies."
>>483333
You get stung pretty bad.
Maybe you should see a doctor.
>>483314
Iris looks amazed.
"That must mean there were shamans near your house, maybe a long time ago. That could explain it, I've read about a few ponies who had remarkable self-healing capabilities through Nature…"
She then looks embarrassed. "Well, that's just a theory…I never met a shaman."
>>483316
He gets up.
"Come."
He leads you to a round painting of Cadence.
In the edges are pictured all sorts of different ponies, and even a few zebras, each is bound together by silver ropes.
The ropes reach across the entire painting, binding all ponies together, in the middle a brilliant vision of Cadence is visible, standing inbetween the ropes.
"Love, in its most primal, most pure form, binds all ponies together as one. All of us.
It is a fundamental part of who we are and translates itself not only into romantic love, but friendship, kindness and affection.
Even between those who hate each other, there is this bond, albeit in a very low form.
As the Princess of Love, Cadence does not control those bonds between ponies, that would rob them of their sentience, instead Cadence watches over those bonds, ensuring the proper ebb and flow of relationships between ponies."
>>483333
You get stung pretty bad.
Maybe you should see a doctor.
>>483471
"A shaman is a pony who can bend the forces of nature, plants and animals for example, to their will."
She looks at Indy and back at you.
"Maybe there's something of a shaman in you…maybe that's why Indy follows you."
>>483473
"Do you understand what a powerful force Love can be? It drives us forward and can give us the strenght to push ourselves to heights we never dreamed of, or it can chase us into the vilest depths of depravity. To be a paladin of Cadence is to understand both these sides of Love and use them to fuel your actions."
>>483475
He holds up a big bag.
"That's good. I need smart ponies like you I can count on in this organization.
This here, and don't go bragging around with it everywhere, is a genuine Bag of Holding."
>>483476
>>483482
You're both back in shardstone the morning after the fight and you both had some rest.
The party is mostly chatting and preparing for the next part of the journey.
Amber is with the Crysta Paladins and currently not here.
Mabel, Soil and Iris are talking.
Bedrock is talking to Warren.
Snacks is getting chased by bees.
Tullip is sitting outside her tent.
Star is studying the tablets found in the dungeon.
>>483477
"I suppose so. There are supposed to be a few differences but they aren't exactly clear to outsiders."
"A shaman is a pony who can bend the forces of nature, plants and animals for example, to their will."
She looks at Indy and back at you.
"Maybe there's something of a shaman in you…maybe that's why Indy follows you."
>>483473
"Do you understand what a powerful force Love can be? It drives us forward and can give us the strenght to push ourselves to heights we never dreamed of, or it can chase us into the vilest depths of depravity. To be a paladin of Cadence is to understand both these sides of Love and use them to fuel your actions."
>>483475
He holds up a big bag.
"That's good. I need smart ponies like you I can count on in this organization.
This here, and don't go bragging around with it everywhere, is a genuine Bag of Holding."
>>483476
>>483482
You're both back in shardstone the morning after the fight and you both had some rest.
The party is mostly chatting and preparing for the next part of the journey.
Amber is with the Crysta Paladins and currently not here.
Mabel, Soil and Iris are talking.
Bedrock is talking to Warren.
Snacks is getting chased by bees.
Tullip is sitting outside her tent.
Star is studying the tablets found in the dungeon.
>>483477
"I suppose so. There are supposed to be a few differences but they aren't exactly clear to outsiders."
>>483503
>>483507
The point of the dungeon thing was discovering the tablets which will lead you to the next part of discovering the use of the Runed Crystals both of you have found in Silverhaze.
If you want something to do perhaps you could investigate the things all of you stole.
>>483504
She giggles.
>>483505
He nods.
"You have heard of those. You've learnt of those.
But you have never experienced this. This knowledge has not yet become part of who you are.
That's why you must meditate on this further.
Imagine how these bonds affect each others life, try to see them between your comrades, between you and others, between strangers.
Then you will truly know."
>>483506
"It's not trickery…it's more of a gift of nature.
And it was just an idea, whatever was the reason why he started following you, you're friends now!"
>>483515
You find the doctor of Shardstone who prepares some ointment on the stinged areas.
"This can give a burning sensation just a tiny bit. Just think it could be worse.
Ever heard of Giant Bees?"
>>483537
"It can hold everything. Well, to be honest, I'm not sure since I never put everything in the universe in there, but it should be able to carry anything you ever put in there without problem.
You understand why I won't just let anypony carry something like that right."
PAUSE
>>483507
The point of the dungeon thing was discovering the tablets which will lead you to the next part of discovering the use of the Runed Crystals both of you have found in Silverhaze.
If you want something to do perhaps you could investigate the things all of you stole.
>>483504
She giggles.
>>483505
He nods.
"You have heard of those. You've learnt of those.
But you have never experienced this. This knowledge has not yet become part of who you are.
That's why you must meditate on this further.
Imagine how these bonds affect each others life, try to see them between your comrades, between you and others, between strangers.
Then you will truly know."
>>483506
"It's not trickery…it's more of a gift of nature.
And it was just an idea, whatever was the reason why he started following you, you're friends now!"
>>483515
You find the doctor of Shardstone who prepares some ointment on the stinged areas.
"This can give a burning sensation just a tiny bit. Just think it could be worse.
Ever heard of Giant Bees?"
>>483537
"It can hold everything. Well, to be honest, I'm not sure since I never put everything in the universe in there, but it should be able to carry anything you ever put in there without problem.
You understand why I won't just let anypony carry something like that right."
PAUSE
>>483547
He moves on to a next panel.
It depicts the Crystal Heart with Cadence and numerous other crystal ponies around it, defeating Sombra through the Crystal Hearts power.
You notice the different ropes here again, but this time linked to the Crystal Heart.
"Tell me about this…what does it depict?"
>>483548
"Exactly. He's a good kid, but I wouldn't trust him with my collection of bombs…..if I had that." He laughs."Anyway, you just keep hold of it and watch out when you poke your hoof in there. I've been using it for so long, who knows what got in there still…."
>>483566
"What the name implies, bees twice as big as a pony. Imagine getting stung by that."
He moves on to a next panel.
It depicts the Crystal Heart with Cadence and numerous other crystal ponies around it, defeating Sombra through the Crystal Hearts power.
You notice the different ropes here again, but this time linked to the Crystal Heart.
"Tell me about this…what does it depict?"
>>483548
"Exactly. He's a good kid, but I wouldn't trust him with my collection of bombs…..if I had that." He laughs."Anyway, you just keep hold of it and watch out when you poke your hoof in there. I've been using it for so long, who knows what got in there still…."
>>483566
"What the name implies, bees twice as big as a pony. Imagine getting stung by that."
>>484072
"Yes, you could say that. In none of the other races is that bond we spoke about more visible than in the Crystal Ponies.
The Creator of the Crystal Heart, a mage named Aragonite, knew about them and created the Heart to channel the power flowing from them.
The Heart is merely a channeling tool, yet after all these long years, we Crystal Ponies have become like it. It is hard to be so far away from it, wouldn't you agree?"
>>484075
>>484078
"We get it to sleep. We need a half-decent pony to play it though….
But there are other way, perhaps through your cooking, miss Shortcake."
"Yes, you could say that. In none of the other races is that bond we spoke about more visible than in the Crystal Ponies.
The Creator of the Crystal Heart, a mage named Aragonite, knew about them and created the Heart to channel the power flowing from them.
The Heart is merely a channeling tool, yet after all these long years, we Crystal Ponies have become like it. It is hard to be so far away from it, wouldn't you agree?"
>>484075
>>484078
"We get it to sleep. We need a half-decent pony to play it though….
But there are other way, perhaps through your cooking, miss Shortcake."
>>484085
"Without it, we'd be lost here. We'd lose the inner strenght that the Crystal Heart and by extension, Love gives us. The Crystal Heart could rightfully be called the true heart of the crystal pony race."
He taps the shining crystal pendant on his neck.
"That is why, as paladins of Cadence, we always carry a true piece of the Heart with us. To remind us, where our strenght comes from and for who we fight."
>>484086
"Oh you aren't? How odd, I heard some ponies whisper that you were.
Besides, maybe you could cook something more…unpredictable?
"Without it, we'd be lost here. We'd lose the inner strenght that the Crystal Heart and by extension, Love gives us. The Crystal Heart could rightfully be called the true heart of the crystal pony race."
He taps the shining crystal pendant on his neck.
"That is why, as paladins of Cadence, we always carry a true piece of the Heart with us. To remind us, where our strenght comes from and for who we fight."
>>484086
"Oh you aren't? How odd, I heard some ponies whisper that you were.
Besides, maybe you could cook something more…unpredictable?
>>484112
"It's one of those fancy magic tents or something.
I think it even has a pool, but Tullip didn't want to let me in.
I really felt like having a swim today…"
Bedrock looks supremely sad.
>>484113
"Of course. But how do you see Cadence now?
Does she create love?"
>>484114
"I'd love to have one of those, I keep beating myself up over never having bought one."
"It's one of those fancy magic tents or something.
I think it even has a pool, but Tullip didn't want to let me in.
I really felt like having a swim today…"
Bedrock looks supremely sad.
>>484113
"Of course. But how do you see Cadence now?
Does she create love?"
>>484114
"I'd love to have one of those, I keep beating myself up over never having bought one."
>>484117
Bedrock points to a mare lounging next to a 2 story tent with balcony, polishing her hooves.
>>484119
"Hey, if you're gonna do something you better do it in style" responds Bedrock.
>>484120
"A big bear. Made out of stars."
>>484121
The Captain nods.
"I suppose that will do for today."
He sits back down at his desk.
"Are you going towards Ponyville?"
Bedrock points to a mare lounging next to a 2 story tent with balcony, polishing her hooves.
>>484119
"Hey, if you're gonna do something you better do it in style" responds Bedrock.
>>484120
"A big bear. Made out of stars."
>>484121
The Captain nods.
"I suppose that will do for today."
He sits back down at his desk.
"Are you going towards Ponyville?"
>>484131
>>484130
"Not to mention, that stardust they drop makes lots and lots of money, to the right ponies."
adds Bedrock.
>>484125
"Good, you'll pass next to the Crystal Pony encampment then. Our paladins are out there, hunting an Ursa. Talk to them, mingle with them."
>>484127
"Who's asking?"
She looks up.
>>484130
"Not to mention, that stardust they drop makes lots and lots of money, to the right ponies."
adds Bedrock.
>>484125
"Good, you'll pass next to the Crystal Pony encampment then. Our paladins are out there, hunting an Ursa. Talk to them, mingle with them."
>>484127
"Who's asking?"
She looks up.
>>484151
"They are bigger than houses and very, very strong.
That's why we sent an entire detachment after it."
>>484154
Bedrock grins.
"Money has to roll. You know that just as well as me."
>>484155
The inside is huge, you enter into a comfortable living room with a couch, chairs, a heartfire, stairs to the second floor, through one of the side doors you enter into a sizeable kitchen with all accomodations you could ever need. "It's a bit small, but we can make due."
>>484160
Bedrock nods.
"That too."
"They are bigger than houses and very, very strong.
That's why we sent an entire detachment after it."
>>484154
Bedrock grins.
"Money has to roll. You know that just as well as me."
>>484155
The inside is huge, you enter into a comfortable living room with a couch, chairs, a heartfire, stairs to the second floor, through one of the side doors you enter into a sizeable kitchen with all accomodations you could ever need. "It's a bit small, but we can make due."
>>484160
Bedrock nods.
"That too."
>>484169
"…for the sake of my ego? And now you're just imagining things!
"Let's at least try to move it before you try to harm it! What's so hard about that? Because it doesn't fit your little job description. I've got a bulletin for you, angelwings: the gods didn't give you the title 'monster hunter.' It's something you chose, and it's something you can decide how to pursue. There's nopony holding you down and making you go out and kill things for fun or money or whatever it is that motivates you."
"…for the sake of my ego? And now you're just imagining things!
"Let's at least try to move it before you try to harm it! What's so hard about that? Because it doesn't fit your little job description. I've got a bulletin for you, angelwings: the gods didn't give you the title 'monster hunter.' It's something you chose, and it's something you can decide how to pursue. There's nopony holding you down and making you go out and kill things for fun or money or whatever it is that motivates you."
>>484164
>>484169
Bedrock nods.
"I'm sorry, Mwa, I like you but I have to keep a business open here, I'm sure you understand.
If you'd rather go elsewhere, I propose we settle any outstanding debts and depart."
>>484170
"Woooow, my dad has one of those too."
She looks at it amazed.
"Where did you get it? My dad always said it was like, really rare."
>>484168
"You could say. It's one of the reasons, only one, that the railroad is still broken."
>>484169
Bedrock nods.
"I'm sorry, Mwa, I like you but I have to keep a business open here, I'm sure you understand.
If you'd rather go elsewhere, I propose we settle any outstanding debts and depart."
>>484170
"Woooow, my dad has one of those too."
She looks at it amazed.
"Where did you get it? My dad always said it was like, really rare."
>>484168
"You could say. It's one of the reasons, only one, that the railroad is still broken."
>>484173
"I said it was to stroke your ego because you likely honestly believe a bear made out of stars that's fifty times your size and probably a thousand times your weight will listen to you."
I'll shake my head.
"And let's say we do try to move it. Say it doesn't take kindly to the attempt. You now have a very angry, very big, and likely very hungry bear ready to kill whoever woke it up."
"I said it was to stroke your ego because you likely honestly believe a bear made out of stars that's fifty times your size and probably a thousand times your weight will listen to you."
I'll shake my head.
"And let's say we do try to move it. Say it doesn't take kindly to the attempt. You now have a very angry, very big, and likely very hungry bear ready to kill whoever woke it up."
>>484180
"I'm willing to give it a shot. How is that more egotistical than believing it's your right to just run into its home and hurt it for no good reason?
"And if it wakes up and wants to hurt us, then we're back to square one and can deal with it.
"That's better than your plan of assuming it will want to hurt you and deciding to hurt it before it even gets a chance to prove you wrong."
"I'm willing to give it a shot. How is that more egotistical than believing it's your right to just run into its home and hurt it for no good reason?
"And if it wakes up and wants to hurt us, then we're back to square one and can deal with it.
"That's better than your plan of assuming it will want to hurt you and deciding to hurt it before it even gets a chance to prove you wrong."
>>484188
The book opens onto a page detailing how to make a Chronic Soufflé
>>484191
"This might be the last time we meet, Amber.
Remember what you learned and keep going.
Let the Saviour guide you."
>>484187
>>484197
Bedrock coughs.
"Melody, Mwandishi, while those are very noble intentions, I still have a business to run here.
I want that beast dead."
He looks over both of you.
"Why don't you both step into my office?"
He grabs his small bag and takes out 2 chairs which shouldn't fit in there and places them a bit away from others, then he takes out 3 large planks of wood, putting them around the chairs like walls, with only one opening on the other side, shielding it from the rest of the camp.
The book opens onto a page detailing how to make a Chronic Soufflé
>>484191
"This might be the last time we meet, Amber.
Remember what you learned and keep going.
Let the Saviour guide you."
>>484187
>>484197
Bedrock coughs.
"Melody, Mwandishi, while those are very noble intentions, I still have a business to run here.
I want that beast dead."
He looks over both of you.
"Why don't you both step into my office?"
He grabs his small bag and takes out 2 chairs which shouldn't fit in there and places them a bit away from others, then he takes out 3 large planks of wood, putting them around the chairs like walls, with only one opening on the other side, shielding it from the rest of the camp.
>>484276
Unfortunately, it doesn't say what it does exactly.
The ingredients are mostly the same as a regular soufflé, at least you won't have to get any extra, yet the manner of preperation is very different.
The tome instructs you to stir it with your back hooves while singing a lullaby backwards.
To cook it by putting it on the fire for exactly 3 minutes, letting it rest for 2, then set it on the fire again for 3, and so on.
>>484279
>>484282
Bedrock gets out a pipe as he sits down as well.
"You know, I like both of you. I honestly do, I heard about all that stuff you guys did in the Arena, quality stuff."
Unfortunately, it doesn't say what it does exactly.
The ingredients are mostly the same as a regular soufflé, at least you won't have to get any extra, yet the manner of preperation is very different.
The tome instructs you to stir it with your back hooves while singing a lullaby backwards.
To cook it by putting it on the fire for exactly 3 minutes, letting it rest for 2, then set it on the fire again for 3, and so on.
>>484279
>>484282
Bedrock gets out a pipe as he sits down as well.
"You know, I like both of you. I honestly do, I heard about all that stuff you guys did in the Arena, quality stuff."
>>484293
"Unfortunately, I have a business to run here.
And I can't really use your biopolitical crap here.
You're free to do anywhere else, in fact I encourage it.
But not here, not with me, I need that beast down and if you don't like it…, well I'm sure the Guard would be most interested in my story about you."
He pulls something else out of his bag.
The Black Cube you stole.
He throws it to Melody.
"I've been in this game a lot longer than both of you. So what will it be? Either we help each other and you will be well rewarded or….well I'll leave that to your imagination."
>>484297
Roll for the perils of the Warp.
"Unfortunately, I have a business to run here.
And I can't really use your biopolitical crap here.
You're free to do anywhere else, in fact I encourage it.
But not here, not with me, I need that beast down and if you don't like it…, well I'm sure the Guard would be most interested in my story about you."
He pulls something else out of his bag.
The Black Cube you stole.
He throws it to Melody.
"I've been in this game a lot longer than both of you. So what will it be? Either we help each other and you will be well rewarded or….well I'll leave that to your imagination."
>>484297
Roll for the perils of the Warp.
>>484305
"You're quite a talent, Mwa. I don't want to waste it. I need some things done once in a while, some things that belong in the shadows. And I need somepony who can work quickly, who can blend in and get the job done before anypony knows he was there. Often that will involve, what do you call them, Imperialists? Well those guys, so you may consider that an extra bonus on top of your pay. You're welcome to stay around camp when not on duty."
He nods to Melody.
"She too. Just don't interfere with my other business ventures.
Do we have a deal?"
>>484306
The cake dough explodes all over the kitchen! Covering both you and Tullip.
>>484306
Iris nods at you.
"Hey Amber, how's it going?"
"You're quite a talent, Mwa. I don't want to waste it. I need some things done once in a while, some things that belong in the shadows. And I need somepony who can work quickly, who can blend in and get the job done before anypony knows he was there. Often that will involve, what do you call them, Imperialists? Well those guys, so you may consider that an extra bonus on top of your pay. You're welcome to stay around camp when not on duty."
He nods to Melody.
"She too. Just don't interfere with my other business ventures.
Do we have a deal?"
>>484306
The cake dough explodes all over the kitchen! Covering both you and Tullip.
>>484306
Iris nods at you.
"Hey Amber, how's it going?"
>>484317
Tullip screams. "My dress!"
>>484318
"Wow, Amber congratulations. They accepted you."
>>484319
>>484320
He grins and in a tone completely different from the more threathening one just seconds earlier.
"Good to hear. Let's hope we won't have to talk like this again right?"
He stomps one of the walls and all 3 of them fall down, exposing all of you again.
"Now I've got business to attend to. Play nice. Oh and just a word of advice, don't try to open that cube."
Tullip screams. "My dress!"
>>484318
"Wow, Amber congratulations. They accepted you."
>>484319
>>484320
He grins and in a tone completely different from the more threathening one just seconds earlier.
"Good to hear. Let's hope we won't have to talk like this again right?"
He stomps one of the walls and all 3 of them fall down, exposing all of you again.
"Now I've got business to attend to. Play nice. Oh and just a word of advice, don't try to open that cube."
>>484324
"We're hunting the same bear, so it's a bit of a race. We don't get paid if we're not the ones to take it down, after all. And the materials from it would be claimed by the paladins for whatever purpose they'd use them for."
I'll smile a little apologetically.
"And since you're with them on this one… well, I don't think we'll be on the same team unless we can convince them to work together with us and not take all of the starstuff that the Ursa will leave behind."
"We're hunting the same bear, so it's a bit of a race. We don't get paid if we're not the ones to take it down, after all. And the materials from it would be claimed by the paladins for whatever purpose they'd use them for."
I'll smile a little apologetically.
"And since you're with them on this one… well, I don't think we'll be on the same team unless we can convince them to work together with us and not take all of the starstuff that the Ursa will leave behind."
>>484343
It feels cold to touch…
Which is weird for paper.
There are 2 experts on relics in this camp.
Either Bedrock or Iris.
You follow the smell of cupcakes into the large tent, the first floor of it is a room about as big as your old bedroom, extremely big, richly decorated, there are comfortable couches and a heartfire. Even some wooden stairs to the second floor and a number of doors, the open one leads you to the kitched where Tullip and Shortcake are, both covered in dough.
>>484342
Those are a pile of good cupcakes!
Smell good too.
It feels cold to touch…
Which is weird for paper.
There are 2 experts on relics in this camp.
Either Bedrock or Iris.
You follow the smell of cupcakes into the large tent, the first floor of it is a room about as big as your old bedroom, extremely big, richly decorated, there are comfortable couches and a heartfire. Even some wooden stairs to the second floor and a number of doors, the open one leads you to the kitched where Tullip and Shortcake are, both covered in dough.
>>484342
Those are a pile of good cupcakes!
Smell good too.
>>484744
Star manages to smile a bit towards you.
"I-it's okay…look I can still read it. It was just an accident."
She does put the tablet a bit away from you on the next table.
"Anyway, from what I can gather, the tablets seem to be a set of simple instructions in 3 languages, Lemarian, High Equestrian and Old Griffon."
Star manages to smile a bit towards you.
"I-it's okay…look I can still read it. It was just an accident."
She does put the tablet a bit away from you on the next table.
"Anyway, from what I can gather, the tablets seem to be a set of simple instructions in 3 languages, Lemarian, High Equestrian and Old Griffon."
>>484744
"Yes. I played along so they'd try to sell me as a slave. So they did.
I used that window to break free one night, get my stuff, and run away. I don't think they gave up though, so I'm sort of still hiding from them…"
Sigh.
"Do you understand now why I didn't want to get involved with the gang in Tall Tale now?"
"Yes. I played along so they'd try to sell me as a slave. So they did.
I used that window to break free one night, get my stuff, and run away. I don't think they gave up though, so I'm sort of still hiding from them…"
Sigh.
"Do you understand now why I didn't want to get involved with the gang in Tall Tale now?"
>>485134
Last answer seems to be here >>483543
>>485137
Yes.
"Ah, but I know a thing or two about High Equestrian and with that I can try to translate the Lemarian part, since I'm quite certain it's the same text in different languages.
And once we know some words in Lemarian, well…we can translate the rest."
>>485136
Talk about your life and hers.
>>485139
Uh….Here she giggles >>483543
I think you should find her with Star or we can timewarp a few min.
Last answer seems to be here >>483543
>>485137
Yes.
"Ah, but I know a thing or two about High Equestrian and with that I can try to translate the Lemarian part, since I'm quite certain it's the same text in different languages.
And once we know some words in Lemarian, well…we can translate the rest."
>>485136
Talk about your life and hers.
>>485139
Uh….Here she giggles >>483543
I think you should find her with Star or we can timewarp a few min.
>>485146
She shakes her head.
"I lived in Springbreeze for most of my life."
>>485148
Indy grins too, then scratches his head curiously.
Iris nods "Well…okay if you think that's a good idea…Should we tell the others?"
I'll have Iris pack a little emergency supplies quick, so Mabel can talk to her. We'll skip that part naturally.
>>485145
You find Iris packing some stuff, humming.
"Hey Mabel."
>>485143
She tries not to blush '1d10'
"Oh stop it. I'm nothing compared to your fighting."
Roll #1 7 = 7
She shakes her head.
"I lived in Springbreeze for most of my life."
>>485148
Indy grins too, then scratches his head curiously.
Iris nods "Well…okay if you think that's a good idea…Should we tell the others?"
I'll have Iris pack a little emergency supplies quick, so Mabel can talk to her. We'll skip that part naturally.
>>485145
You find Iris packing some stuff, humming.
"Hey Mabel."
>>485143
She tries not to blush '1d10'
"Oh stop it. I'm nothing compared to your fighting."
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>485150
"W-well…I thought you said…uh…if you think it's safe maybe?"
>>485151
"It's a small town not too far from Los Pegasus. It's not too much to speak about really. Just some homes and a few acres of fields. And very very boring."
>>485152
"Oh well Iris is pretty smart too. And she lent me a few books to help!"
"W-well…I thought you said…uh…if you think it's safe maybe?"
>>485151
"It's a small town not too far from Los Pegasus. It's not too much to speak about really. Just some homes and a few acres of fields. And very very boring."
>>485152
"Oh well Iris is pretty smart too. And she lent me a few books to help!"
>>485159
"He's not my crush. He's just a good friend and I'd like to get to know him better."
>>485160
She looks in amazement at the deep pink book with the emblem of the crystal heart on it.
"I-is that what I think it is?"
>>485162
"Well, then I'll be safe. I'll get a few things and then we'll go."
She runs off, go to the ruined church?
>>485163
"I suppose I was. It was my talent after all."
She sighs.
"He's not my crush. He's just a good friend and I'd like to get to know him better."
>>485160
She looks in amazement at the deep pink book with the emblem of the crystal heart on it.
"I-is that what I think it is?"
>>485162
"Well, then I'll be safe. I'll get a few things and then we'll go."
She runs off, go to the ruined church?
>>485163
"I suppose I was. It was my talent after all."
She sighs.
>>485167
She's here.
Wanna go?
>>485169
She snorts and then keeps packing.
After a few seconds comes a hesitant
"Uh….so…did you have some stallion…friends?"
>>485168
She whistles looking over it.
"Amber…carrying a book like this…these are sacred. It must mean the Paladins really trust you.'
>>485170
"Meh…some folks in town didn't like the doctor.
I don't know why, maybe some outstanding debts or something. One evening I was cleaning the shop, when I saw them talking to the doctor…and they…."
She makes a movement across her neck.
She's here.
Wanna go?
>>485169
She snorts and then keeps packing.
After a few seconds comes a hesitant
"Uh….so…did you have some stallion…friends?"
>>485168
She whistles looking over it.
"Amber…carrying a book like this…these are sacred. It must mean the Paladins really trust you.'
>>485170
"Meh…some folks in town didn't like the doctor.
I don't know why, maybe some outstanding debts or something. One evening I was cleaning the shop, when I saw them talking to the doctor…and they…."
She makes a movement across her neck.
>>485173
You arrive at the ruins of the church, the pile of dirt is still smoking in some places.
The Watchtower is still mostly intact.
"Good thing we got out of there when we did."
>>485175
"It's in those kind of places that often the worst things happen. In Tall Tale evil is anonymous, just a random guy in the streets attacking another random guy, nothing personal.
In small towns, everyone knows each other and it's often friends killing friends.
Anyway…they grabbed him by the throat and poured poison into his mouth.
While I hid in a closet."
>>485176
"Make sure to take good care of these…they're like one of the most sacred artifacts of the Empire, as far as I understand, Cadence personally blessed every single one of these.
You've got to guard it carefully."
You arrive at the ruins of the church, the pile of dirt is still smoking in some places.
The Watchtower is still mostly intact.
"Good thing we got out of there when we did."
>>485175
"It's in those kind of places that often the worst things happen. In Tall Tale evil is anonymous, just a random guy in the streets attacking another random guy, nothing personal.
In small towns, everyone knows each other and it's often friends killing friends.
Anyway…they grabbed him by the throat and poured poison into his mouth.
While I hid in a closet."
>>485176
"Make sure to take good care of these…they're like one of the most sacred artifacts of the Empire, as far as I understand, Cadence personally blessed every single one of these.
You've got to guard it carefully."
File: 1379541188732.png (3.8 MB, 2400x3429, map8.png, IO Google TinEye)
>>485178
"W-well I know a bit about stallion…friends."
She looks a bit nervous.
>>485179
You remember the other entrance in the Watchtower.
You go in.
>rudimentary map of what's still there.
>>485181
"Right….say, maybe you should hang it around your armor somewhere…so you can make sure you always have it. Bags can be stolen you know."
"W-well I know a bit about stallion…friends."
She looks a bit nervous.
>>485179
You remember the other entrance in the Watchtower.
You go in.
>rudimentary map of what's still there.
>>485181
"Right….say, maybe you should hang it around your armor somewhere…so you can make sure you always have it. Bags can be stolen you know."
>>485183
"Good point."
>>485184
You enter through slamming the wall into another sealed room.
You find the grotesquely distorted body of another pony. Partly crushed beneath a rock.
You find a huge axe next to it inscribed with "Red Fury"
This could be the last one of the travellers, having met his unfortunate end during the explosions.
Iris looks disgusted at it.
>>485185
"W-well I know stallions like…food."
"Good point."
>>485184
You enter through slamming the wall into another sealed room.
You find the grotesquely distorted body of another pony. Partly crushed beneath a rock.
You find a huge axe next to it inscribed with "Red Fury"
This could be the last one of the travellers, having met his unfortunate end during the explosions.
Iris looks disgusted at it.
>>485185
"W-well I know stallions like…food."
>>485189
"At first I tried to tell somepony about it…but those guys, they were influential in town. And I was…not that social. So everypony thought it was me and wanted to put me on trial.
I skipped town and went to Los Pegasus and from there I moved from place to place, until I ended up in Tall Tale.
It's not that dangerous if you keep your wits about you."
>>485190
He's talking to Vilina.
"Bye Amber." Star says.
>>485191
>>485192
Iris nods.
"Yes…I think that's the least we could do for him."
Rolling for how hard the ground is here '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
"At first I tried to tell somepony about it…but those guys, they were influential in town. And I was…not that social. So everypony thought it was me and wanted to put me on trial.
I skipped town and went to Los Pegasus and from there I moved from place to place, until I ended up in Tall Tale.
It's not that dangerous if you keep your wits about you."
>>485190
He's talking to Vilina.
"Bye Amber." Star says.
>>485191
>>485192
Iris nods.
"Yes…I think that's the least we could do for him."
Rolling for how hard the ground is here '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>485203
>Write down (or at least thinking about) what you're looking for is actually a good thing—it keeps you focused on what's really important to you in a long-term stallion (such as he wants to get married eventually, likes foals, dislikes prison…you know, the little things)
>>485201
Iris nods.
"Uh….should we…say a few words?"
>>485202
Vilina is quiet now that Amber is here.
>>485204
"Of course."
>Write down (or at least thinking about) what you're looking for is actually a good thing—it keeps you focused on what's really important to you in a long-term stallion (such as he wants to get married eventually, likes foals, dislikes prison…you know, the little things)
>>485201
Iris nods.
"Uh….should we…say a few words?"
>>485202
Vilina is quiet now that Amber is here.
>>485204
"Of course."
>>485204
I'll think a minute, briefly considering tucking it into the bag of holding until we're done with it. Then I'll dismiss the notion.
"What happened to your confidence, Amber? It's just a test they're giving you, not asking you to be a hoofmaiden of Cadence herself. If you're worried about it getting wet, wrap it in something to keep water out. It should be fine in your bag, barring circumstances completely beyond our control."
I'll think a minute, briefly considering tucking it into the bag of holding until we're done with it. Then I'll dismiss the notion.
"What happened to your confidence, Amber? It's just a test they're giving you, not asking you to be a hoofmaiden of Cadence herself. If you're worried about it getting wet, wrap it in something to keep water out. It should be fine in your bag, barring circumstances completely beyond our control."
>>485206
"Uh…well we never knew this pony, but I'm sure he had a family and friends that loved him very much…let's think about that for a moment and be happy about the ponies we have in our life. Whoever you were…I'm sure you're in a better place now."
She closes her eyes.
Indy looks weirded out at the whole thing.
>>485207
>If you're annoyed about something a stallion does, don't tell him directly but give subtle hints.
If he gets them that means he loves you.
"At the library?"
"Uh…well we never knew this pony, but I'm sure he had a family and friends that loved him very much…let's think about that for a moment and be happy about the ponies we have in our life. Whoever you were…I'm sure you're in a better place now."
She closes her eyes.
Indy looks weirded out at the whole thing.
>>485207
>If you're annoyed about something a stallion does, don't tell him directly but give subtle hints.
If he gets them that means he loves you.
"At the library?"
>>485242
"Well, I'm in favor of getting there before the paladins do. I'm willing to compromise with Amber to donate a portion of the dust to the paladins, if everyone else agrees."
>>485243
I'll look at her for a moment.
"I cannot speak for the others, but if no compromise can be reached, you might just be trying that without us."
"Well, I'm in favor of getting there before the paladins do. I'm willing to compromise with Amber to donate a portion of the dust to the paladins, if everyone else agrees."
>>485243
I'll look at her for a moment.
"I cannot speak for the others, but if no compromise can be reached, you might just be trying that without us."
>>485254
I'll hold my hoof up for a moment, and shake my head slightly.
"Look, let's just… back up a second. Say we can't work out a compromise with your paladin commander down near the bear. I'll just have to write it off as a loss, and try and not make myself obvious while helping. Snacks isn't the only one worried about what can happen during the fight."
I'll grimace a little.
"Besides, as tempting as the stardust is, I'd rather you come back alive than get paid."
An expression of mock seriousness will settle on my face.
"And you can bet I'm going to try my darnedest to get paid for fighting an Ursa Minor."
I'll hold my hoof up for a moment, and shake my head slightly.
"Look, let's just… back up a second. Say we can't work out a compromise with your paladin commander down near the bear. I'll just have to write it off as a loss, and try and not make myself obvious while helping. Snacks isn't the only one worried about what can happen during the fight."
I'll grimace a little.
"Besides, as tempting as the stardust is, I'd rather you come back alive than get paid."
An expression of mock seriousness will settle on my face.
"And you can bet I'm going to try my darnedest to get paid for fighting an Ursa Minor."
The past
>>486685
Roll for what you find in the collapsed chamber.
>>486686
You were here >>485226
The interPC faff you'll have to do yourselves.
The present
It is time to leave Shardstone.
Packed and ready for the hunt you leave for the untamed wilds.
The road is old and rough and the sun above shines bright and unforgiving.
Without even a breeze, the journey soon becomes a slow march trying to ignore the heat.
The only one who seems to be doing fine is Bedrock, who's pulling a cart with all his merchandise, belongings and Star, who's spending her time researching the tablets.
You try to keep your senses alert. It is in these woods that the Ursa Minor and other horrible creatures lurk….
>>486685
Roll for what you find in the collapsed chamber.
>>486686
You were here >>485226
The interPC faff you'll have to do yourselves.
The present
It is time to leave Shardstone.
Packed and ready for the hunt you leave for the untamed wilds.
The road is old and rough and the sun above shines bright and unforgiving.
Without even a breeze, the journey soon becomes a slow march trying to ignore the heat.
The only one who seems to be doing fine is Bedrock, who's pulling a cart with all his merchandise, belongings and Star, who's spending her time researching the tablets.
You try to keep your senses alert. It is in these woods that the Ursa Minor and other horrible creatures lurk….
>>486689
She has a look like a sad puppy.
"B-but….the magazines I read it was a good book."
>>486695
Not too much here….
It exploded in a thousand pieces.
You do find a crystal shard of something…might have been part of the machine.
But wether or not it will be really useful is another question.
It's a nice shiny to hang on your shield or give to someone important.
Indy scavenges around as well, munching a few crystals as he finds them.
Iris just looks at the statue in awe.
"I wonder who made it."
>>486699
>past
You find her cleaning up the dishes.
"Yes, what's the matter Snacks?"
In the present all of you see a plume of flame.
She has a look like a sad puppy.
"B-but….the magazines I read it was a good book."
>>486695
Not too much here….
It exploded in a thousand pieces.
You do find a crystal shard of something…might have been part of the machine.
But wether or not it will be really useful is another question.
It's a nice shiny to hang on your shield or give to someone important.
Indy scavenges around as well, munching a few crystals as he finds them.
Iris just looks at the statue in awe.
"I wonder who made it."
>>486699
>past
You find her cleaning up the dishes.
"Yes, what's the matter Snacks?"
In the present all of you see a plume of flame.
>>486703
The road seems to curve towards the east, while the plume of fire is more to the south, far in the forest.
You might want to inform your friends if you're going off-road.
>>486704
You can do whatever you want with it.
Indy burps fire and the light of it flickers in a hundred of those tiny crystals for a second.
Iris' eyes widen. "I've never seen anything like this before…" she looks towards you.
>>486706
"Uh…"
She looks at the book for a long time.
Then she looks up.
"You."
Who knows. It's off-road, keep following the road and you might never see it.
>>486709
"It wasn't me. Promise!"
>>486711
"New? I guess you could say that but I'm not much of a fighter. I came with you because Bedrock invited me and he thought I'd be a good researcher for the team."
>>486713
There's a huge fire going on! A forest fire.
…Wait a minute. The fire isn't moving, come to think of it, the trees are ablaze but the don't show any signs of actually being consumed by the fire.
They just keep burning.
The road seems to curve towards the east, while the plume of fire is more to the south, far in the forest.
You might want to inform your friends if you're going off-road.
>>486704
You can do whatever you want with it.
Indy burps fire and the light of it flickers in a hundred of those tiny crystals for a second.
Iris' eyes widen. "I've never seen anything like this before…" she looks towards you.
>>486706
"Uh…"
She looks at the book for a long time.
Then she looks up.
"You."
Who knows. It's off-road, keep following the road and you might never see it.
>>486709
"It wasn't me. Promise!"
>>486711
"New? I guess you could say that but I'm not much of a fighter. I came with you because Bedrock invited me and he thought I'd be a good researcher for the team."
>>486713
There's a huge fire going on! A forest fire.
…Wait a minute. The fire isn't moving, come to think of it, the trees are ablaze but the don't show any signs of actually being consumed by the fire.
They just keep burning.
>>486724
I frown.
"Oh, I'm sorry…"
>>486728
"Huh… or one of those elemental things?"
>>486725
Smirk and hoof her the book.
"Good! First thing first, I want you to get rid of this book. And I'll be very cross with you if you keep it and I'll catch you reading it ever again! With this, you'd never get a proper relationship with him."
I frown.
"Oh, I'm sorry…"
>>486728
"Huh… or one of those elemental things?"
>>486725
Smirk and hoof her the book.
"Good! First thing first, I want you to get rid of this book. And I'll be very cross with you if you keep it and I'll catch you reading it ever again! With this, you'd never get a proper relationship with him."
>>486726
It's hard to see much from down here.
But you get a bad feeling about it.
You've seen forest fires before, this doesn't feel like one.
>>486727
"No I mean…it's so pretty, I've never seen something like it before!"
>present.
Indy squints his eyes.
"You sure? Looks dangerous."
>>486731
Roll to see if the wind is coming your direction
It's hard to see much from down here.
But you get a bad feeling about it.
You've seen forest fires before, this doesn't feel like one.
>>486727
"No I mean…it's so pretty, I've never seen something like it before!"
>present.
Indy squints his eyes.
"You sure? Looks dangerous."
>>486731
Roll to see if the wind is coming your direction
>>486738
I suppose you're right.
There's a feint smell of fire on the wind.
But it's still a distance away.
>>486736
Indy does it again.
"It's weird but…I guess things like this is why I came with all of you. You can't see this in books."
>present
Indy cringes.
"Can't fight fire."
>>486737
"Fine. I'll get rid of it. What next?"
>>486745
"You do? I've never read much about Diamond Dogs. There's not much known…how is life in the…Forts is what you call it?"
I suppose you're right.
There's a feint smell of fire on the wind.
But it's still a distance away.
>>486736
Indy does it again.
"It's weird but…I guess things like this is why I came with all of you. You can't see this in books."
>present
Indy cringes.
"Can't fight fire."
>>486737
"Fine. I'll get rid of it. What next?"
>>486745
"You do? I've never read much about Diamond Dogs. There's not much known…how is life in the…Forts is what you call it?"
>>486760
"That thing? Doesn't look suspicious to me."
He checks a rather complex looking machine of gears and orbs.
"And we don't have that much time left. If you want to check it, I suggest you do it fast mister Warren."
He gives you a spyglass.
"And don't break it or I'll take it off your pay."
>>486751
>>486757
You don't notice anything here.
>past
She nods.
"I suppose you must miss your old friends?"
>>486752
"..okay."
>>486753
"Not in Tall Tale…I suppose I really needed this. It's so exciting. Searching for things nopony set hoof in..in well maybe centuries."
>present
Indy grabs on.
"That thing? Doesn't look suspicious to me."
He checks a rather complex looking machine of gears and orbs.
"And we don't have that much time left. If you want to check it, I suggest you do it fast mister Warren."
He gives you a spyglass.
"And don't break it or I'll take it off your pay."
>>486751
>>486757
You don't notice anything here.
>past
She nods.
"I suppose you must miss your old friends?"
>>486752
"..okay."
>>486753
"Not in Tall Tale…I suppose I really needed this. It's so exciting. Searching for things nopony set hoof in..in well maybe centuries."
>present
Indy grabs on.
>>486779
Awkward.
"Soooo….where do you hail from, Soil?"
>present
Are you sure?
>>486772
You take the spyglass and look.
There's movement in the sea of flames.
Flames moving around, in an organized fashion.
>>486774
"But what if he doesn't like who I am?"
>present
Iris looks up.
"WHAT? Fire Elementals?"
She starts digging in her books.
>>486775
There's no tracks here mate, you look around good but there's nothing right here.
>past
"No I can't say I have…what's it look like?"
>>486776
Talking.
Iris is digging in her books
Snacks is looking for blues clues
Mabel is talking about fire elementals
Soil wants to get moving
Awkward.
"Soooo….where do you hail from, Soil?"
>present
Are you sure?
>>486772
You take the spyglass and look.
There's movement in the sea of flames.
Flames moving around, in an organized fashion.
>>486774
"But what if he doesn't like who I am?"
>present
Iris looks up.
"WHAT? Fire Elementals?"
She starts digging in her books.
>>486775
There's no tracks here mate, you look around good but there's nothing right here.
>past
"No I can't say I have…what's it look like?"
>>486776
Talking.
Iris is digging in her books
Snacks is looking for blues clues
Mabel is talking about fire elementals
Soil wants to get moving
>>486793
"…you really think he likes me? He seems so…distant."
>present
Iris gets out a book with a fire motif on it.
"Fire Elementals.
The living embodiment of elemental fire energies, the task of these creatures is to regulate, expand or curb the influence of the fire element in accordance to the larger cosmic equilibrium. They can usually be found in deserts or volcanos. Wow…should I read more?"
>>486795
Iris looks a bit uncomfortable.
"Oh…eh…an accident?"
>Hell yes motherfucker!
Soil moves into the forest towards the raging fires. If you want to accompany him now is the time because he is gone.
"…you really think he likes me? He seems so…distant."
>present
Iris gets out a book with a fire motif on it.
"Fire Elementals.
The living embodiment of elemental fire energies, the task of these creatures is to regulate, expand or curb the influence of the fire element in accordance to the larger cosmic equilibrium. They can usually be found in deserts or volcanos. Wow…should I read more?"
>>486795
Iris looks a bit uncomfortable.
"Oh…eh…an accident?"
>Hell yes motherfucker!
Soil moves into the forest towards the raging fires. If you want to accompany him now is the time because he is gone.
>>486822
Iris looks up and walks after Soil.
>>486823
>>486824
>>486826
You all catch up at the edge of the forest.
Iris taps the book.
"I can tell you a thing or 2 about them…"
She continues reading.
"Fire Elementals are very territorial, they will usually leave a passing traveler alone but won't hesitate to attack anypony interfering with their duties.
There is a strict hierarchy amongst the Elementals with at the top the immensely powerful near-godlike Elemental Lords. The more higher in the hierarchy, the more intelligent and communicative an Elemental is.
The only way to banish Fire Elementals is using their opposing Elemental force, Ice, against them.
Hey maybe Star can enchant you weapons? like the ghosts?"
Iris looks up and walks after Soil.
>>486823
>>486824
>>486826
You all catch up at the edge of the forest.
Iris taps the book.
"I can tell you a thing or 2 about them…"
She continues reading.
"Fire Elementals are very territorial, they will usually leave a passing traveler alone but won't hesitate to attack anypony interfering with their duties.
There is a strict hierarchy amongst the Elementals with at the top the immensely powerful near-godlike Elemental Lords. The more higher in the hierarchy, the more intelligent and communicative an Elemental is.
The only way to banish Fire Elementals is using their opposing Elemental force, Ice, against them.
Hey maybe Star can enchant you weapons? like the ghosts?"
>>486840
>>486841
Iris shakes her head.
"But it's really weird to see them out here. They usually don't do that. And the book says that Fire Elementals, while neutral in the grand scheme, are the more agressive ones.
We should find out what they're doing…"
>>486840
>past
"…against Nightmare Moon?" she shudders.
>>486841
Iris shakes her head.
"But it's really weird to see them out here. They usually don't do that. And the book says that Fire Elementals, while neutral in the grand scheme, are the more agressive ones.
We should find out what they're doing…"
>>486840
>past
"…against Nightmare Moon?" she shudders.
Star takes out some time to enchant your weapons, consuming one gem from each of you.
You approach the clearing cautiously.
The heat intensifies considerably next to the burning trees.
Inside the circle you see numerous living flames shaped like reptiles.
You see a few crocodiles, wingless drakes, snakes, basilisks, all made of flames patrolling the area.
They hiss as you approach but a more pony-like Elemental in the middle of the clearing makes a short strange sound and the elementals return to their business.
The more pony like being must be the one in charge.
>>486858
You can't quite summon ice motes this close to the heat.
>>486850
>past
"I see…have you been travelling long?"
>>486867
"That's so fascinating. I don't know, I don't think I could live that long underground, but you Dogs manage it just like that."
You approach the clearing cautiously.
The heat intensifies considerably next to the burning trees.
Inside the circle you see numerous living flames shaped like reptiles.
You see a few crocodiles, wingless drakes, snakes, basilisks, all made of flames patrolling the area.
They hiss as you approach but a more pony-like Elemental in the middle of the clearing makes a short strange sound and the elementals return to their business.
The more pony like being must be the one in charge.
>>486858
You can't quite summon ice motes this close to the heat.
>>486850
>past
"I see…have you been travelling long?"
>>486867
"That's so fascinating. I don't know, I don't think I could live that long underground, but you Dogs manage it just like that."
>>486880
"Pony law or customs do not apply to us. Our liege sends us here and here we work."
>>486878
>>486881
"Renovations. Our duty is to allow the proper restructering of nature to occur. We are preparing this location for its new purpose."
>>486877
>past
"I don't know, it seems so dark and gloomy, but…there must be a lot to see of course. All beautiful gems…"
>>486882
It's a fire elemental obviously.
"This fire is perfectly under control. It will not spread into the remaining area. This is not our purpose here."
"Pony law or customs do not apply to us. Our liege sends us here and here we work."
>>486878
>>486881
"Renovations. Our duty is to allow the proper restructering of nature to occur. We are preparing this location for its new purpose."
>>486877
>past
"I don't know, it seems so dark and gloomy, but…there must be a lot to see of course. All beautiful gems…"
>>486882
It's a fire elemental obviously.
"This fire is perfectly under control. It will not spread into the remaining area. This is not our purpose here."
>>486897
>>486898
"Pyrrus commands it needs to be here, therefore it needs to be here. He knows better than you or me the complex intricacies of the inner world.
Besides any place would risk death, at sea numerous fish would die because of a new fissure for example. It is merely the processes of Nature at work."
>>486899
"I cannot petition my Lord, his word is law to us."
>>486898
"Pyrrus commands it needs to be here, therefore it needs to be here. He knows better than you or me the complex intricacies of the inner world.
Besides any place would risk death, at sea numerous fish would die because of a new fissure for example. It is merely the processes of Nature at work."
>>486899
"I cannot petition my Lord, his word is law to us."
>>486896
>present
I grit my teeth upon hearing the settlement nearby.
"Will this plan of this so called Lord phyrrus involves the burning of the nearby settlements?" I then ready my weapon
>past
I smile and sit next to her.
"Iris is a bit lucky she meet Snacks at this time and age since Snack today is very different from Snack in the past. Dogs are not that friendly to other races." I look at her shyly.
>present
I grit my teeth upon hearing the settlement nearby.
"Will this plan of this so called Lord phyrrus involves the burning of the nearby settlements?" I then ready my weapon
>past
I smile and sit next to her.
"Iris is a bit lucky she meet Snacks at this time and age since Snack today is very different from Snack in the past. Dogs are not that friendly to other races." I look at her shyly.
>>486904
"The sentient races hurt each other all the time over petty conflicts. We are not here to hurt ponies. This is merely a side-effect. Furthermore, instability of the worlds crust through improper pressure management would create far more catastrophes."
>>486905
>>486906
"I merely follow the word of Lord Pyrrus. It is not within my power to disobey him. Unlike sentient creatures we do not have any free will in the matter.
If he says this place is perfect, then so it must be."
"The sentient races hurt each other all the time over petty conflicts. We are not here to hurt ponies. This is merely a side-effect. Furthermore, instability of the worlds crust through improper pressure management would create far more catastrophes."
>>486905
>>486906
"I merely follow the word of Lord Pyrrus. It is not within my power to disobey him. Unlike sentient creatures we do not have any free will in the matter.
If he says this place is perfect, then so it must be."
>>486909
"Approximately 56 hours"
>>486910
"Pyrrus has investigated. Based upon the local elemental structure of the soil, presence of Earth Elementals, Astral pressure upon the underlying magic currents in this place and the proximity to problematic deep magma storages, He has judged it perfect."
>>486908
He looks at you
"Lord Pyrrus is not like you and me. His power borders on the divine. It is…unusual for us to bring non-elementals before him. You would be tested. And there would be consequences for failure."
"Approximately 56 hours"
>>486910
"Pyrrus has investigated. Based upon the local elemental structure of the soil, presence of Earth Elementals, Astral pressure upon the underlying magic currents in this place and the proximity to problematic deep magma storages, He has judged it perfect."
>>486908
He looks at you
"Lord Pyrrus is not like you and me. His power borders on the divine. It is…unusual for us to bring non-elementals before him. You would be tested. And there would be consequences for failure."
>>486915
"Who can know what our Lord plans, however our Lord respects only willpower, for willpower is the essence of the Fire Element. It alone can burn through any obstacle.
You would need to brought before him on the Elemental Plane of Fire, where his hosts gather.
To enter the Elemental Plane we must fill you with the Essence of Fire, you will become one of us….and should you fail."
He points to one of the more animalistic fire elementals.
"You will become one of them eternally."
>>486917
His gaze is piercing.
"The Secrets of Fire should not be taken lightly, young crystal pony."
"Who can know what our Lord plans, however our Lord respects only willpower, for willpower is the essence of the Fire Element. It alone can burn through any obstacle.
You would need to brought before him on the Elemental Plane of Fire, where his hosts gather.
To enter the Elemental Plane we must fill you with the Essence of Fire, you will become one of us….and should you fail."
He points to one of the more animalistic fire elementals.
"You will become one of them eternally."
>>486917
His gaze is piercing.
"The Secrets of Fire should not be taken lightly, young crystal pony."
>>486937
Your training with the Druids has prepared you for a moment such as this. As the fire elemental essence awakens within you, you effortlessly ride the wave of energy within you. When you open your eyes you're in the Elemental Plane of Fire.
Your material form has erupted into flames.
+1 to all actions while in the Fire Elemental Plane
>>486938
You cannot help but scream as the Element erupts inside of you, and great heat and immense energy flows through your body, uncontrolled.
There is no Saviour here.
Only the Elements rule here.
You're far, far away from Cadence here. And while she might still see you, does she have any power to help you here?
While in the Elemental Plane your Racial passive is disabled, both positive and negative.
You look like a fire elemental pony now
>>486939
You manage to make it out okay.
You look like a fire elemental pony
All of you look out over a barren landscape. This might be what the world looked like when it was just born, a dark wasteland, filled with volcanoes, rivers of lava, great storms of lightning pierce the black skies.
And from the wasteland you feel something looking at you. A mind pushing against the edges of your sanity. Its gaze fixed upon you like 2 infinately strong headlights.
In the distance you see movement, more fire elementals are inspecting something on the ground.
>>486942
>>486943
And the rest is poof.
"I sense you both want to challenge me. Challenge us. Foolishness. Yet if you seek a duel, we will not back down.
"
PAUSE
Your training with the Druids has prepared you for a moment such as this. As the fire elemental essence awakens within you, you effortlessly ride the wave of energy within you. When you open your eyes you're in the Elemental Plane of Fire.
Your material form has erupted into flames.
+1 to all actions while in the Fire Elemental Plane
>>486938
You cannot help but scream as the Element erupts inside of you, and great heat and immense energy flows through your body, uncontrolled.
There is no Saviour here.
Only the Elements rule here.
You're far, far away from Cadence here. And while she might still see you, does she have any power to help you here?
While in the Elemental Plane your Racial passive is disabled, both positive and negative.
You look like a fire elemental pony now
>>486939
You manage to make it out okay.
You look like a fire elemental pony
All of you look out over a barren landscape. This might be what the world looked like when it was just born, a dark wasteland, filled with volcanoes, rivers of lava, great storms of lightning pierce the black skies.
And from the wasteland you feel something looking at you. A mind pushing against the edges of your sanity. Its gaze fixed upon you like 2 infinately strong headlights.
In the distance you see movement, more fire elementals are inspecting something on the ground.
>>486942
>>486943
And the rest is poof.
"I sense you both want to challenge me. Challenge us. Foolishness. Yet if you seek a duel, we will not back down.
"
PAUSE
>>487141
"I brought one."
She gets out a book with a red cover.
"It's an old story called Fleet and Flotilla!
I'm sure you'll like it!"
>>487142
She shrugs.
"Oh I'm sorry Amber, I thought a smart pony like yourself would have heard of things like that before. I shouldn't have brought it up."
>>487143
She bites her lip, looking sadly.
"What if he…doesn't like it?"
"I brought one."
She gets out a book with a red cover.
"It's an old story called Fleet and Flotilla!
I'm sure you'll like it!"
>>487142
She shrugs.
"Oh I'm sorry Amber, I thought a smart pony like yourself would have heard of things like that before. I shouldn't have brought it up."
>>487143
She bites her lip, looking sadly.
"What if he…doesn't like it?"
>>487150
"M-my kisses?"
>>487151
It's a story about 2 young ponies in love, yet their families don't want them to be together.
In a series of daring feats, the young knight succeeds in eloping with the beautiful pony.
Yet her family is chasing the young couple!
>>487152
"Of course, how silly of me. That must explain it!"
"M-my kisses?"
>>487151
It's a story about 2 young ponies in love, yet their families don't want them to be together.
In a series of daring feats, the young knight succeeds in eloping with the beautiful pony.
Yet her family is chasing the young couple!
>>487152
"Of course, how silly of me. That must explain it!"
>>487159
The daring couple flees into a vast cave complex to escape their families.
Alone in the darkness they try to find a way out…yet the caves are so wide, the situation soon seems hopeless.
The dapper stallion looks his scared mare in the eyes and in the darkness they kiss for the very first time, in the face of death.
Iris pauses.
>>487160
"You think? But he's cute!"
>>487161
"Well it just sometimes happens. Love and affection comes in many forms Amber. Some you don't expect. If you're a student of cadence you should know all those forms."
The daring couple flees into a vast cave complex to escape their families.
Alone in the darkness they try to find a way out…yet the caves are so wide, the situation soon seems hopeless.
The dapper stallion looks his scared mare in the eyes and in the darkness they kiss for the very first time, in the face of death.
Iris pauses.
>>487160
"You think? But he's cute!"
>>487161
"Well it just sometimes happens. Love and affection comes in many forms Amber. Some you don't expect. If you're a student of cadence you should know all those forms."
>>487307
We're still at the campfire faffing.
I think you were taking a shower in Tullips tent-palace.
Plotwise the party has moved on to a place and you may either enter the Elemental Plane of Fire with Amber, Mabel and Warren or stay behind in the corporeal world with Soil and Snacks.
But that won't happen tonight, just think about which side you want to be on when we move on.
We're still at the campfire faffing.
I think you were taking a shower in Tullips tent-palace.
Plotwise the party has moved on to a place and you may either enter the Elemental Plane of Fire with Amber, Mabel and Warren or stay behind in the corporeal world with Soil and Snacks.
But that won't happen tonight, just think about which side you want to be on when we move on.
>>487309
"Okay….I trust you. So…if I find a book, then what?"
>>487310
"You want a hare to be caught alive? Why?
To breed more rabbits first?"
>>487311
"What are you going to do? Last summer it was fashionable to wear horrible looking horseshoes. It just happens."
>>487317
Let me rephrase that.
There's a timesplit going on.
In the present, you're all about to enter the Fire Elemental Plane.
However, since Sylt isn't here, I'm not moving that plot on, so we're still safely in the camp where you was last time.
>>487319
There are some fresh towels.
Tullip knocks on the door.
"Are you done yet?"
>>487320
Iris is reading.
"Hey Melody, Shortcake. How are you?"
"Okay….I trust you. So…if I find a book, then what?"
>>487310
"You want a hare to be caught alive? Why?
To breed more rabbits first?"
>>487311
"What are you going to do? Last summer it was fashionable to wear horrible looking horseshoes. It just happens."
>>487317
Let me rephrase that.
There's a timesplit going on.
In the present, you're all about to enter the Fire Elemental Plane.
However, since Sylt isn't here, I'm not moving that plot on, so we're still safely in the camp where you was last time.
>>487319
There are some fresh towels.
Tullip knocks on the door.
"Are you done yet?"
>>487320
Iris is reading.
"Hey Melody, Shortcake. How are you?"
>>487326
I just smile at how clueless she is.
"No not that, a fresh rabbit is better than one being hauled to fort after 3 hours of travel. Same like fish, prawns or any kind of meat, meat that is fresh before being cooked is better than one that is a half days or a days old."
"Breeding is a bit harder than one thinks. Sometimes they dont reproduce at all, hence the need for hunters."
I just smile at how clueless she is.
"No not that, a fresh rabbit is better than one being hauled to fort after 3 hours of travel. Same like fish, prawns or any kind of meat, meat that is fresh before being cooked is better than one that is a half days or a days old."
"Breeding is a bit harder than one thinks. Sometimes they dont reproduce at all, hence the need for hunters."
>>487336
She hold the cube in all sorts of angles.
"Well, I'm flummoxed. I've never seen or read about this before…but look."
She squeezes the cube a bit and a part of comes out.
"I think it's a puzzle or something…"
>>487337
"Right, right…that should give him a good hint. But…what if he doesn't…respond?"
>>487338
Iris grins a bit…
"Eh….I like it quiet and calm, thank you."
She hold the cube in all sorts of angles.
"Well, I'm flummoxed. I've never seen or read about this before…but look."
She squeezes the cube a bit and a part of comes out.
"I think it's a puzzle or something…"
>>487337
"Right, right…that should give him a good hint. But…what if he doesn't…respond?"
>>487338
Iris grins a bit…
"Eh….I like it quiet and calm, thank you."
>>487343
She squints her eyes.
"I see…."
>>487345
Another click and another part comes open.
"Ponies in ancient times used these kinds of things to keep things hidden….but I don't like this cube thing. It feels wrong."
She inspects the manuscript
'1d10+2'
>>487347
"Eh…..I suppose some ponies like different things."
>>487348
She tries
'1d10'
Roll #1 1 + 2 = 3 / Roll #2 8 = 8
She squints her eyes.
"I see…."
>>487345
Another click and another part comes open.
"Ponies in ancient times used these kinds of things to keep things hidden….but I don't like this cube thing. It feels wrong."
She inspects the manuscript
'1d10+2'
>>487347
"Eh…..I suppose some ponies like different things."
>>487348
She tries
'1d10'
Roll #1 1 + 2 = 3 / Roll #2 8 = 8
>>487358
You poke and poke and poke but it doesn't budge.
In frustration you throw it on the ground and one of the outer parts cracks. There is a cold breeze out of nowhere for a second.
>>487357
>manuscript.
"……Is this a manuscript of Triangle Tune?"
>>487361
"Nothing. So you were a hunter. I thought most dogs were miners."
>>487363
Forced smile '1d10'
>>487365
>>487367
Shortcake manages to dodge that.
Roll #1 1 = 1
You poke and poke and poke but it doesn't budge.
In frustration you throw it on the ground and one of the outer parts cracks. There is a cold breeze out of nowhere for a second.
>>487357
>manuscript.
"……Is this a manuscript of Triangle Tune?"
>>487361
"Nothing. So you were a hunter. I thought most dogs were miners."
>>487363
Forced smile '1d10'
>>487365
>>487367
Shortcake manages to dodge that.
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>487370
My face brightens.
"Many are, dog mines from morning to dusk, well if one can tell morning from dusk underneath the earth. Many dogs unearth, polish, smelt, purify or improve anything that they dig, from jewels, to bars, to armor and weapons. As long as it can be digged and can be found, a dog will do so."
"The promise of gems, minerals, ore's and wealth are just below one's paw so why not dig for it right?
My face brightens.
"Many are, dog mines from morning to dusk, well if one can tell morning from dusk underneath the earth. Many dogs unearth, polish, smelt, purify or improve anything that they dig, from jewels, to bars, to armor and weapons. As long as it can be digged and can be found, a dog will do so."
"The promise of gems, minerals, ore's and wealth are just below one's paw so why not dig for it right?
>>487381
>>487379
I look at Mabel then to Iris, confused as to why she is giving off that kind of msile.
>>487383
"We have many, dug from the earth. Treasures and loots can be used to many things, from trading to appeasing to making deals or swooning others. Not to mention that one can buy many things on it and the way it glitters is so… beautiful." I grin.
>>487379
I look at Mabel then to Iris, confused as to why she is giving off that kind of msile.
>>487383
"We have many, dug from the earth. Treasures and loots can be used to many things, from trading to appeasing to making deals or swooning others. Not to mention that one can buy many things on it and the way it glitters is so… beautiful." I grin.
>>487385
>>487387
You concentrate on the manuscript.
You try to play the song in your head. It plays louder and clearer, until there's no doubt in your head, somepony is playing that music around here somewhere.
Look around to find it?
Iris won't stop however.
"A friend? What kind of friend? This is fishy, you're hiding something from me!"
>>487386
"O-okay."
She tries again '1d10'
>>487388
"Maybe we could visit your old fort sometimes?
Or wouldn't they like ponies in there?"
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>487387
You concentrate on the manuscript.
You try to play the song in your head. It plays louder and clearer, until there's no doubt in your head, somepony is playing that music around here somewhere.
Look around to find it?
Iris won't stop however.
"A friend? What kind of friend? This is fishy, you're hiding something from me!"
>>487386
"O-okay."
She tries again '1d10'
>>487388
"Maybe we could visit your old fort sometimes?
Or wouldn't they like ponies in there?"
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>487401
It looks really really creepy.
"It…it's not good, is it?"
Tears well up in her eyes.
"Oh…I'm such a failure, I can't even smile right."
>>487402
You can pinpoint the general direction and trot towards it, you'd be leaving the camp though.
>>487403
It's there.
>>487404
She grins.
"Yes?"
>>487406
You got one of them cakes.
It looks really really creepy.
"It…it's not good, is it?"
Tears well up in her eyes.
"Oh…I'm such a failure, I can't even smile right."
>>487402
You can pinpoint the general direction and trot towards it, you'd be leaving the camp though.
>>487403
It's there.
>>487404
She grins.
"Yes?"
>>487406
You got one of them cakes.
>>487414
>>487412
She dries her tears.
"Right…right..I got to stay strong."
>>487417
"At least you can take a joke…"
She offer her hoof.
However something weird happens, she moves her hoof extremely fast and speaks so fast you can't understand her.
>>487410
Amber suddenly slows down and starts moving in slow motion.
>>487412
She dries her tears.
"Right…right..I got to stay strong."
>>487417
"At least you can take a joke…"
She offer her hoof.
However something weird happens, she moves her hoof extremely fast and speaks so fast you can't understand her.
>>487410
Amber suddenly slows down and starts moving in slow motion.
>>487418
I look at Mabel while whiping the perspiration that formed on my nose.
"Iris is an okay pony, dont forget that." I stop stroking her mane before pondering.
"Snack might be distracting both Mabel and Iris. Snack would think letting Mable and Iris talk would be better." I smile before leaving.
Lets go and approach Villana.
I look at Mabel while whiping the perspiration that formed on my nose.
"Iris is an okay pony, dont forget that." I stop stroking her mane before pondering.
"Snack might be distracting both Mabel and Iris. Snack would think letting Mable and Iris talk would be better." I smile before leaving.
Lets go and approach Villana.
>>487419
It keeps going.
Everypony else moves crazy fast as well.
See next post as well
>>487421
You grab her with TK and bring her to you.
From Ambers point of view however, you yanked her of the ground and towards you at the speed of light.
Amber must roll.
Vilina looks surprised. "ME?!? I DID NOTHING!"
>>487423
"Okay"
She givs you a hug.
"You're a good friend Mabel, thanks."
It keeps going.
Everypony else moves crazy fast as well.
See next post as well
>>487421
You grab her with TK and bring her to you.
From Ambers point of view however, you yanked her of the ground and towards you at the speed of light.
Amber must roll.
Vilina looks surprised. "ME?!? I DID NOTHING!"
>>487423
"Okay"
She givs you a hug.
"You're a good friend Mabel, thanks."
>>487478
"I'll do my best…..I just have to grab the right moment when it arrives!"
>>487479
There is an unknown whisper in the back of your mind.
Do the Prayer of Protection to Cadence and try to follow it.
>>487482
>>487481
Warren doesn't know shit about it.
But its touch feels cold and, just like everyone, it gives the impression to be..just wrong. It shouldn't exist.
"I'll do my best…..I just have to grab the right moment when it arrives!"
>>487479
There is an unknown whisper in the back of your mind.
Do the Prayer of Protection to Cadence and try to follow it.
>>487482
>>487481
Warren doesn't know shit about it.
But its touch feels cold and, just like everyone, it gives the impression to be..just wrong. It shouldn't exist.
>>487495
>>487489
>>487498
>>487497
The cube clicks and folds itself locked once again.
There's a cold breeze out of nowhere for a second…
>>487491
You feel the Warp overtaking you.
Thoughts about Sombra and the terrible time are bubbling up in your mind.
Your world seems to be slowing down.
>>487494
"Uh…I guess…"
>>487489
>>487498
>>487497
The cube clicks and folds itself locked once again.
There's a cold breeze out of nowhere for a second…
>>487491
You feel the Warp overtaking you.
Thoughts about Sombra and the terrible time are bubbling up in your mind.
Your world seems to be slowing down.
>>487494
"Uh…I guess…"
>>487502
There's one screaming in the forest right now.
>>487504
You remember the shackles don't you?
The hours of work, the whipping, the beatings?
The killings?
You're not in the forest anymore, you're there.
Surrounded by the crystal minions of Sombra.
They step aside, making a path for you to the throne of Sombra.
There's a pony laying in front of his throne…a pink pony….
>>487516
"You'd be surprised about the things I manage to screw up."
There's one screaming in the forest right now.
>>487504
You remember the shackles don't you?
The hours of work, the whipping, the beatings?
The killings?
You're not in the forest anymore, you're there.
Surrounded by the crystal minions of Sombra.
They step aside, making a path for you to the throne of Sombra.
There's a pony laying in front of his throne…a pink pony….
>>487516
"You'd be surprised about the things I manage to screw up."
>>487528
Thoughts?
This is your life little pony.
Equestria? Cadence? It was all a dream you desperately wanted to lose yourself in.
But this is the reality of what happened.
Before Sombras throne lays Cadence, dead. Her eyes open and cold.
>>487525
You find her writhing on the ground speaking in tongues.
>>487527
"If you say so….how did you…manage that first date?"
>>487534
You may roll to directly fly to the House mansion or you may visit the town first.
Thoughts?
This is your life little pony.
Equestria? Cadence? It was all a dream you desperately wanted to lose yourself in.
But this is the reality of what happened.
Before Sombras throne lays Cadence, dead. Her eyes open and cold.
>>487525
You find her writhing on the ground speaking in tongues.
>>487527
"If you say so….how did you…manage that first date?"
>>487534
You may roll to directly fly to the House mansion or you may visit the town first.
>>487539
"Oh, funny story. I was pretty young, and had the night off after a show that went pretty well, so I was happy. I was strolling through the town when this pegasus flew after me and started telling me how much he liked everything about the circus, and so on. He was cute, so we went to walk together and everything. Later we went to a park, talked and talked, watched the sunset, and you know the rest. Awkward smooching and holding tails for the first time."
"Oh, funny story. I was pretty young, and had the night off after a show that went pretty well, so I was happy. I was strolling through the town when this pegasus flew after me and started telling me how much he liked everything about the circus, and so on. He was cute, so we went to walk together and everything. Later we went to a park, talked and talked, watched the sunset, and you know the rest. Awkward smooching and holding tails for the first time."
>>487540
>>487543
Amber opens her eyes again, looking at Warren.
The whispers are silent…for now.
The memories of the old life fade again, surpressed by whatever magic made Sombra and the Crystal Empire disappear.
There are only some fleeting images and a feeling of terror left.
>>487591
Shortcake gave the cube to Warren.
You were out in the forest still?
>>487601
She holds her head dreamily.
"…and what happened?"
>>487542
You arrive at the gates.
"Identify yourself" says a mean looking guard.
>>487543
Amber opens her eyes again, looking at Warren.
The whispers are silent…for now.
The memories of the old life fade again, surpressed by whatever magic made Sombra and the Crystal Empire disappear.
There are only some fleeting images and a feeling of terror left.
>>487591
Shortcake gave the cube to Warren.
You were out in the forest still?
>>487601
She holds her head dreamily.
"…and what happened?"
>>487542
You arrive at the gates.
"Identify yourself" says a mean looking guard.
>>487612
Snicker.
"We spent aaaaaaallll night kissing. All night! A whole damn night, until the Sun started to rise! Then we both freaked out, because he was supposed to be home before nightfall, and I freaked out because the circus was moving on in the morning. Of course, they would have looked for me, but still. So we said and smooched farewell, and then we both ran our own way.
After that I was so exhausted I fell asleep when I got back. Leo had to carry me for the first part of the trip."
>>487619
"I know right?
My lips felt numb for a whole week."
Snicker.
"We spent aaaaaaallll night kissing. All night! A whole damn night, until the Sun started to rise! Then we both freaked out, because he was supposed to be home before nightfall, and I freaked out because the circus was moving on in the morning. Of course, they would have looked for me, but still. So we said and smooched farewell, and then we both ran our own way.
After that I was so exhausted I fell asleep when I got back. Leo had to carry me for the first part of the trip."
>>487619
"I know right?
My lips felt numb for a whole week."
>>487628
>She looks at you.
>"Quite…romantic, isn't it?"
>>487613
You fly over the forest until you find a clearing.
In the middle sits an older pony playing a flute.
There are numerous animals near him.
>>487624
He looks you over.
"Pico….Very well. Enter, but don't cause any trouble."
The gate opens up.
>>487627
Iris looks dreamily and plays with her mane.
"Wow…."
>She looks at you.
>"Quite…romantic, isn't it?"
>>487613
You fly over the forest until you find a clearing.
In the middle sits an older pony playing a flute.
There are numerous animals near him.
>>487624
He looks you over.
"Pico….Very well. Enter, but don't cause any trouble."
The gate opens up.
>>487627
Iris looks dreamily and plays with her mane.
"Wow…."
>>487666
"If it's about how horrible I am, your crystal friend already expanded upon that."
>>487661
Nope.
You don't get a clue.
Indy facepalms.
>>487659
"Okay…."
>>487657
It's a grand hall made out of wood.
The walls are decorated with animal trophies, ancient weapons and armor and paintings of long dead heroes.
There's a heartfire burning in the hall. A perfect place to warm up.
"If it's about how horrible I am, your crystal friend already expanded upon that."
>>487661
Nope.
You don't get a clue.
Indy facepalms.
>>487659
"Okay…."
>>487657
It's a grand hall made out of wood.
The walls are decorated with animal trophies, ancient weapons and armor and paintings of long dead heroes.
There's a heartfire burning in the hall. A perfect place to warm up.
>>487682
He stops playing.
"A traveler. Who are you?"
>>487684
Lord Goldbeak is currently in negotiation with some other griffon.
The servant promises to get back to you as soon as possible though.
>>487685
"Ok. Just laugh, got it."
>>487687
"What do you think?"
>>487689
Unfortunately Indy doesn't seem to posess the Telepathy perk yet.
However he points towards Iris.
She giggles a bit.
He stops playing.
"A traveler. Who are you?"
>>487684
Lord Goldbeak is currently in negotiation with some other griffon.
The servant promises to get back to you as soon as possible though.
>>487685
"Ok. Just laugh, got it."
>>487687
"What do you think?"
>>487689
Unfortunately Indy doesn't seem to posess the Telepathy perk yet.
However he points towards Iris.
She giggles a bit.
>>487699
"Isn't it obvious?"
He holds up his flute.
"I'm quite surprised to see somepony here…usually it's just me and my friends."
He nods at the animals.
>>487705
She snorts.
"That's it? You want rehabilitate me or something? You hope I just say my story and somehow I'll realize what a horrible pony I am and change my ways?"
>>487708
"How?"
>>487710
There's a strange empty spot on one stage.
There's a plaque underneath it "Griffonsong"
"Isn't it obvious?"
He holds up his flute.
"I'm quite surprised to see somepony here…usually it's just me and my friends."
He nods at the animals.
>>487705
She snorts.
"That's it? You want rehabilitate me or something? You hope I just say my story and somehow I'll realize what a horrible pony I am and change my ways?"
>>487708
"How?"
>>487710
There's a strange empty spot on one stage.
There's a plaque underneath it "Griffonsong"
>>487721
He's quite an accomplished flute player for a random pony in the middle of the forest.
His music is moving and soothing, you could listen to it forever.
"That's it. Who needs anything more?"
There is something off about him, but you can't pinpoint it.
>>487723
A griffon with a golden beak appears.
"The Griffonsong. Once the pride of our House. Now lost."
>>487727
She flutters her eyes.
"Nice how?"
>>487728
You don't feel good.
And there's still that little whisper in the back of your head.
Not so loud but it's there and you try your best to ignore it.
>>487729
Sure. You follow the smell of her mare juices and find her in a clearing in the forest. She's alone.
>>487738
She sighs.
"Fine. You want to know?"
He's quite an accomplished flute player for a random pony in the middle of the forest.
His music is moving and soothing, you could listen to it forever.
"That's it. Who needs anything more?"
There is something off about him, but you can't pinpoint it.
>>487723
A griffon with a golden beak appears.
"The Griffonsong. Once the pride of our House. Now lost."
>>487727
She flutters her eyes.
"Nice how?"
>>487728
You don't feel good.
And there's still that little whisper in the back of your head.
Not so loud but it's there and you try your best to ignore it.
>>487729
Sure. You follow the smell of her mare juices and find her in a clearing in the forest. She's alone.
>>487738
She sighs.
"Fine. You want to know?"
>>487745
"Huh? Shortcake? What are you do- whatever. Doesn't fuckin' matter. Is it just me or is there something weird about this pony?"
I gesture to pony with the flute.
>>487743
I look back at the sheet of music and examine it. '1d10' I then pull out my mandolin and start playing along. '1d10'
Do either of these actions help me determine what the hell is going on with this pony?
Roll #1 3 = 3 / Roll #2 8 = 8
"Huh? Shortcake? What are you do- whatever. Doesn't fuckin' matter. Is it just me or is there something weird about this pony?"
I gesture to pony with the flute.
>>487743
I look back at the sheet of music and examine it. '1d10' I then pull out my mandolin and start playing along. '1d10'
Do either of these actions help me determine what the hell is going on with this pony?
Roll #1 3 = 3 / Roll #2 8 = 8
>>487747
"A terrible thing. An old griffon arrived in town. He was carrying a seal of our House, so we gave him all our hospitality, despite no one here ever having heard of him.
We gave him everything he wanted until he was recovered.
And this is how he repaid us in an unguarded moment."
>>487748
you grab the book of Cadence and recite her prayer again and again.
The whisper lessens for now.
>>487749
"R-right, of course how silly of me!"
>>487751
She gets a bit closer.
"Nice like 2 ponies sitting in a cave together?"
>>487753
"I was a businesspony. Ponies needed their drugs and I provided it for them."
>>487763
You start off a bit rough, but somehow you start following the rythm of his flute and soon you're playing better and easier than ever before.
The old pony stops.
"I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't talk too much about me."
"A terrible thing. An old griffon arrived in town. He was carrying a seal of our House, so we gave him all our hospitality, despite no one here ever having heard of him.
We gave him everything he wanted until he was recovered.
And this is how he repaid us in an unguarded moment."
>>487748
you grab the book of Cadence and recite her prayer again and again.
The whisper lessens for now.
>>487749
"R-right, of course how silly of me!"
>>487751
She gets a bit closer.
"Nice like 2 ponies sitting in a cave together?"
>>487753
"I was a businesspony. Ponies needed their drugs and I provided it for them."
>>487763
You start off a bit rough, but somehow you start following the rythm of his flute and soon you're playing better and easier than ever before.
The old pony stops.
"I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't talk too much about me."
>>487831
"Well, while speaking with Shortcake earlier, I found out that she had, at some point, run across a strange black puzzle box. It was partially opened, and it had a profound feeling of wrongness to it. I have some reason to believe that it is what made you slow down, and whatever's in it might be forcing those visions on you. Trying to weaken your resolve, maybe."
I'll pat her back.
"As soon as we reach the paladins near the Ursa, it's getting properly taken care of. Destroyed or sealed away."
"Well, while speaking with Shortcake earlier, I found out that she had, at some point, run across a strange black puzzle box. It was partially opened, and it had a profound feeling of wrongness to it. I have some reason to believe that it is what made you slow down, and whatever's in it might be forcing those visions on you. Trying to weaken your resolve, maybe."
I'll pat her back.
"As soon as we reach the paladins near the Ursa, it's getting properly taken care of. Destroyed or sealed away."
>>487978
I look at her with concern.
"Did you eat something that smelled funny recently? Or some mushroom in the forest? I learned about a few of those that could cause something the druid would call a 'bad trip'… okay, that's not what he called it, but it's basically you having very bad illusions and visions."
Then chuckle.
"And what kind of showjenny stabs herself in the throat?"
I look at her with concern.
"Did you eat something that smelled funny recently? Or some mushroom in the forest? I learned about a few of those that could cause something the druid would call a 'bad trip'… okay, that's not what he called it, but it's basically you having very bad illusions and visions."
Then chuckle.
"And what kind of showjenny stabs herself in the throat?"
>>487979
"No! I just ate some cupcakes but we already checked! Warren thinks this… cube thingy is responsible for it. I don't know what it is, but it's in his bag. I don't want it near me… because whatever it is, it's pure evil."
I sigh.
"I wasn't even strong enough to snap out of it without Warren's help…"
"No! I just ate some cupcakes but we already checked! Warren thinks this… cube thingy is responsible for it. I don't know what it is, but it's in his bag. I don't want it near me… because whatever it is, it's pure evil."
I sigh.
"I wasn't even strong enough to snap out of it without Warren's help…"
>>488146
>>488145
As powerful and fast and above all, perfectly coordinated that charge was, I spot a little window of opportunity, and counter with a roll the a quick jab at your neck with the short blade, precisely aiming to do nothing more than a single pinch and draw a single drop of blood with the tip.
I quickly face you again, swords raised.
"I think at least I got this one."
>>488145
As powerful and fast and above all, perfectly coordinated that charge was, I spot a little window of opportunity, and counter with a roll the a quick jab at your neck with the short blade, precisely aiming to do nothing more than a single pinch and draw a single drop of blood with the tip.
I quickly face you again, swords raised.
"I think at least I got this one."
>>488202
"Oh, it wasn't. We always had fun. There was of course a really good cook who made the meals, but one day, Clofullia made some terrible hot pockets and put them on the table. We wanted to seem nice, so we ate all of it. The next day, she made them again, so we started to decide between ourselves who eats how many each day, as a task to fight that burnt taste down. After a good three weeks of all of having a fair share of it, she said, 'Oh, well, I made it as a one time thing, but since you all liked it so much that it was always eaten, I kept making it!"
"Oh, it wasn't. We always had fun. There was of course a really good cook who made the meals, but one day, Clofullia made some terrible hot pockets and put them on the table. We wanted to seem nice, so we ate all of it. The next day, she made them again, so we started to decide between ourselves who eats how many each day, as a task to fight that burnt taste down. After a good three weeks of all of having a fair share of it, she said, 'Oh, well, I made it as a one time thing, but since you all liked it so much that it was always eaten, I kept making it!"
>>488317
Shrug.
"At least trying to chase down those thieves led me to the forest, so I can't say it turned out that bad."
>>488319
"Fine, fine…."
Smile, stand up, and collect three pine cones.
"Here goes, Magical Mabel the Jenny Juggler!"
Stand up on my rear legs and start with the pine cones.
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
Shrug.
"At least trying to chase down those thieves led me to the forest, so I can't say it turned out that bad."
>>488319
"Fine, fine…."
Smile, stand up, and collect three pine cones.
"Here goes, Magical Mabel the Jenny Juggler!"
Stand up on my rear legs and start with the pine cones.
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3