>>465659
"For some reason, this Otsuro character has been harrassing some of our members, even killing a few. Would you have any idea why he would do that? And more importantly, if he ever crosses our path, would you hesitate to attack?"
>>465660
"Good, boss."
Go to a tavern?
>>465661
He leads you through the maze of the Snake District again towards the mansion on the hills of the Aurora District.
On the way you notice a preacher on one of the street corners, attracting a few interested ponies.
"-nd you shall see their power soon. The new Gods will send their angels to restore Vilitus to glory again. The first sign of their coming has already happened. The second will come very soon…."
"For some reason, this Otsuro character has been harrassing some of our members, even killing a few. Would you have any idea why he would do that? And more importantly, if he ever crosses our path, would you hesitate to attack?"
>>465660
"Good, boss."
Go to a tavern?
>>465661
He leads you through the maze of the Snake District again towards the mansion on the hills of the Aurora District.
On the way you notice a preacher on one of the street corners, attracting a few interested ponies.
"-nd you shall see their power soon. The new Gods will send their angels to restore Vilitus to glory again. The first sign of their coming has already happened. The second will come very soon…."
>>465663
You find a tavern called the sour spittoon.
The bouncer stops you before going in.
"Welcome to the Sour Spittoon. How tough are ya?"
>>465664
"Good. Let's not waste any more words then.
You seek to kill the Red Prince and I can assure you he and his bug masters will die.Before we can strike at him certain other obstacles must be cleared out of the way."
She walks away a bit turning to now face you and the other aspirants.
"A few days ago, some of our Heralds got murdered in cold blood. We have found the culprits to be servants of Tirek.
Tonight, we will let them know it is not a good idea to cross us."
You may either RP a little bit here at the base or leave immediately for the raid on the Temple of Midnight if you're ready.
>>465665
You do?
You keep walking and you notice some guards walking towards the preacher.
The rest of the journey is without trouble and you arrive again at the grand mansion.
Whisper walks away outside as a butler leads you to a big salon, where Lord Golden Puzzle sits in a chair.
"Welcome."
You find a tavern called the sour spittoon.
The bouncer stops you before going in.
"Welcome to the Sour Spittoon. How tough are ya?"
>>465664
"Good. Let's not waste any more words then.
You seek to kill the Red Prince and I can assure you he and his bug masters will die.Before we can strike at him certain other obstacles must be cleared out of the way."
She walks away a bit turning to now face you and the other aspirants.
"A few days ago, some of our Heralds got murdered in cold blood. We have found the culprits to be servants of Tirek.
Tonight, we will let them know it is not a good idea to cross us."
You may either RP a little bit here at the base or leave immediately for the raid on the Temple of Midnight if you're ready.
>>465665
You do?
You keep walking and you notice some guards walking towards the preacher.
The rest of the journey is without trouble and you arrive again at the grand mansion.
Whisper walks away outside as a butler leads you to a big salon, where Lord Golden Puzzle sits in a chair.
"Welcome."
>>465670
>>465671
You get yourself some pone scotch.
"How do you like Vilitus so far?"
>>465672
"That doesn't sound very…"
-
He gasps.
"R-right this w-way…"
He lets you through.
The bar looks basically like you'd expect a filthy sailor pub to look. Drunk ponies talking, gambling. Loose wenches everywhere.
Take a look around for what you can find here.
>>465673
You take a look around the base.
Most ponies seem to be busy smithing weapons and armor.
The armor they're making is unlike any you've ever seen. Completely black, covering the entire body. You don't even notice any airholes in the helmet.
Others are practicing their weapons against each other.
It is blatantly obvious they're preparing for war.
You notice one place that has been sealed of from the rest of the base, guarded by a number of black armored guards.
One large chamber seems to have been furnished with a number of benches, obviously for sermons. Behind the altar you see a strange ornately decorated black rectangle, about twice as big as you.
A pony is sitting there reading a book and praying to the rectangle.
>>465671
You get yourself some pone scotch.
"How do you like Vilitus so far?"
>>465672
"That doesn't sound very…"
-
He gasps.
"R-right this w-way…"
He lets you through.
The bar looks basically like you'd expect a filthy sailor pub to look. Drunk ponies talking, gambling. Loose wenches everywhere.
Take a look around for what you can find here.
>>465673
You take a look around the base.
Most ponies seem to be busy smithing weapons and armor.
The armor they're making is unlike any you've ever seen. Completely black, covering the entire body. You don't even notice any airholes in the helmet.
Others are practicing their weapons against each other.
It is blatantly obvious they're preparing for war.
You notice one place that has been sealed of from the rest of the base, guarded by a number of black armored guards.
One large chamber seems to have been furnished with a number of benches, obviously for sermons. Behind the altar you see a strange ornately decorated black rectangle, about twice as big as you.
A pony is sitting there reading a book and praying to the rectangle.
>>465679
"It is a true shame.
Those insects have no concept of refinement, of culture. They only think in practical terms.
How to make something work as efficient as possible.
And most of those who visit the city are sailors who want to get drunk and who have no eye for the more delicate things in life."
"It is a true shame.
Those insects have no concept of refinement, of culture. They only think in practical terms.
How to make something work as efficient as possible.
And most of those who visit the city are sailors who want to get drunk and who have no eye for the more delicate things in life."
>>465686
"I can't really imagine what that must feel like. Then again, I doubt they really feel anthing unless their Queen wants them too.
I've had to deal with a few Changelings over the years and they all sound like exact compies of each other. Arrogant and emotionless."
>>465687
There are 7 of them here.
A few grab the coins.
"What kind of trouble do you expect?
If it doesn't have anything to do with Changelings we're in."
"I can't really imagine what that must feel like. Then again, I doubt they really feel anthing unless their Queen wants them too.
I've had to deal with a few Changelings over the years and they all sound like exact compies of each other. Arrogant and emotionless."
>>465687
There are 7 of them here.
A few grab the coins.
"What kind of trouble do you expect?
If it doesn't have anything to do with Changelings we're in."
>>465692
Mages district actually. But that's what you said right.
"We'll be there. We'll scout out the place first.
Want to play a game of poker?"
>>465693
"You're not the only one who thinks that.
The Heralds have been screaming it around for days now.
Not that too many pay attention, Vilitus might be messy, but there's lots of bits to make here if you can stand living within a day from the Oasis Hive"
Mages district actually. But that's what you said right.
"We'll be there. We'll scout out the place first.
Want to play a game of poker?"
>>465693
"You're not the only one who thinks that.
The Heralds have been screaming it around for days now.
Not that too many pay attention, Vilitus might be messy, but there's lots of bits to make here if you can stand living within a day from the Oasis Hive"
>>465695
"As any gentlecolt should….Buy-in is 40 bits."
>>465696
He shrugs.
"This is a place for the strong. Weakness doesn't have a place in Vilitus.
It might not be much to look at and we don't have any sort of significant export, but you can still find anything in the world you could ever want somewhere within it because of that strenght.
There are always ponies who cannot work under an authority or who simply want a place where they can restart their life without questions asked, in that respect you could say Vilitus fills some needs of ponies as well as those of the Changelings."
"As any gentlecolt should….Buy-in is 40 bits."
>>465696
He shrugs.
"This is a place for the strong. Weakness doesn't have a place in Vilitus.
It might not be much to look at and we don't have any sort of significant export, but you can still find anything in the world you could ever want somewhere within it because of that strenght.
There are always ponies who cannot work under an authority or who simply want a place where they can restart their life without questions asked, in that respect you could say Vilitus fills some needs of ponies as well as those of the Changelings."
>>465698
"The Queens don't take any direct actions in ruling Vilitus.
They do everything through the Prince, sort of the mayor of Vilitus, and he's only in charge of the Leviathan District and ensures the 4 laws are observed.
The rest of Vilitus is controlled by Dukes who control a district because they've become powerful enough to regulate it and they can create their own particulars for a district.
Which over time led to all the diversity you can see in the Districts.
Anyone can become a Duke, so you don't have to be an alicorn or born in some royal family to make it here in Vilitus."
>>465699
There are 7 players.
One of the earth ponies to your right is the blind, the 4th one, so you're number 5. In the middle, more towards the end.
We're playing Texas Hold Em Poker.
Blind is 1 bit for now.
You get a Heart Ace and Heart 10.
One player before you folds, the others bet.
What do you do?
"The Queens don't take any direct actions in ruling Vilitus.
They do everything through the Prince, sort of the mayor of Vilitus, and he's only in charge of the Leviathan District and ensures the 4 laws are observed.
The rest of Vilitus is controlled by Dukes who control a district because they've become powerful enough to regulate it and they can create their own particulars for a district.
Which over time led to all the diversity you can see in the Districts.
Anyone can become a Duke, so you don't have to be an alicorn or born in some royal family to make it here in Vilitus."
>>465699
There are 7 players.
One of the earth ponies to your right is the blind, the 4th one, so you're number 5. In the middle, more towards the end.
We're playing Texas Hold Em Poker.
Blind is 1 bit for now.
You get a Heart Ace and Heart 10.
One player before you folds, the others bet.
What do you do?
>>465700
At last the call echoes.
You, the mare and 5 other aspirants make your way through the dark sewers towards the Scarab District.
"Let's see what your style is, newcomer.
Shall we go in through the main gate, catch them with their pants down?
Or will we infiltrate the temple through the sewers, it might get us closer to our target before we have to fight."
>>465702
Pot: 12 bits.
Here comes the flop:
Clover 2; Heart 3; Spades 3
Guy 1 checks, Guy 2 bets 2 bits, Guy 4 sees that bet, You?
"Where you from stranger?"
>>465703
"I think dinner will be served soon. But I would like to show you something first…"
He gets up.
At last the call echoes.
You, the mare and 5 other aspirants make your way through the dark sewers towards the Scarab District.
"Let's see what your style is, newcomer.
Shall we go in through the main gate, catch them with their pants down?
Or will we infiltrate the temple through the sewers, it might get us closer to our target before we have to fight."
>>465702
Pot: 12 bits.
Here comes the flop:
Clover 2; Heart 3; Spades 3
Guy 1 checks, Guy 2 bets 2 bits, Guy 4 sees that bet, You?
"Where you from stranger?"
>>465703
"I think dinner will be served soon. But I would like to show you something first…"
He gets up.
>>465705
You can't quite see it.
"Equestria, I suppose? Did you try to get away from the war or something?"
Guy 6 folds, Dealer sees your bet, guy 2 sees your bet, guy 4 folds
Bits in the pot now: 26
The turn is: Spades 9
Guy 2 checks.
>>465706
You see one of the ancient temple buildings of the Scarab District in the faint moonlight.
This particular one has had its ancient glyphs dedicated to the Moon scratched out and crudely a heart has been painted above the gates in red paint(?)
The gates are open but you can't see what's inside from this angle.
>>465707
He leads you through a corridor and lights a candle next to a painting.
"I acquired this a few years ago. I thought you might like to see it. It's supposed to be painted about 300 years ago…"
It is a painting of old Cloptantinople, showing the palace, part of the city and the river.
"One of the few more classical pieces, in contrast with all the more symbolical Trotantine art."
You can't quite see it.
"Equestria, I suppose? Did you try to get away from the war or something?"
Guy 6 folds, Dealer sees your bet, guy 2 sees your bet, guy 4 folds
Bits in the pot now: 26
The turn is: Spades 9
Guy 2 checks.
>>465706
You see one of the ancient temple buildings of the Scarab District in the faint moonlight.
This particular one has had its ancient glyphs dedicated to the Moon scratched out and crudely a heart has been painted above the gates in red paint(?)
The gates are open but you can't see what's inside from this angle.
>>465707
He leads you through a corridor and lights a candle next to a painting.
"I acquired this a few years ago. I thought you might like to see it. It's supposed to be painted about 300 years ago…"
It is a painting of old Cloptantinople, showing the palace, part of the city and the river.
"One of the few more classical pieces, in contrast with all the more symbolical Trotantine art."
>>465709
You can't quite get an exact reading of the dealer.
But he does feel good about his hoof, despite his poker face.
Guy 2 holds a Heart 2 and Heart 6, giving him 2 pair in the current situation. The only way you could beat him is if you had an Ace or 10 on the River. of course, you don't know what the dealer has….
>>465710
Not as far as you can tell.
She nods. "The Heart of Tirek, it is said that the source of Tireks power beats like a heart."
>>465711
"I thought you might like to see it again.
Does it look accurate?"
You can't quite get an exact reading of the dealer.
But he does feel good about his hoof, despite his poker face.
Guy 2 holds a Heart 2 and Heart 6, giving him 2 pair in the current situation. The only way you could beat him is if you had an Ace or 10 on the River. of course, you don't know what the dealer has….
>>465710
Not as far as you can tell.
She nods. "The Heart of Tirek, it is said that the source of Tireks power beats like a heart."
>>465711
"I thought you might like to see it again.
Does it look accurate?"
>>465717
With a tiny smile, the dealer bets 6 bits on the table.
Guy 2 sees the bet after some deliberation.
What do you do?
"Equestria, I suppose? Did you try to get away from the nightmare war or something?"
>>465713
There seems to be some sort of preperation for a ritual going on in the middle of the temple.
A large crowd has gathered around a stage in the middle, On the stage surrounded by candles, is a large statue of Tirek, Lord of Midnight.
The crowd seems to be anxious. Waiting for it to start.
The mare nods.
"I don't like waiting, but if we didWuntil whatever they want to do starts, then we can get their High Priest as well in one swift blow…"
>>465716
"What was it like, living there in those days?"
With a tiny smile, the dealer bets 6 bits on the table.
Guy 2 sees the bet after some deliberation.
What do you do?
"Equestria, I suppose? Did you try to get away from the nightmare war or something?"
>>465713
There seems to be some sort of preperation for a ritual going on in the middle of the temple.
A large crowd has gathered around a stage in the middle, On the stage surrounded by candles, is a large statue of Tirek, Lord of Midnight.
The crowd seems to be anxious. Waiting for it to start.
The mare nods.
"I don't like waiting, but if we didWuntil whatever they want to do starts, then we can get their High Priest as well in one swift blow…"
>>465716
"What was it like, living there in those days?"
>>465719
Nope nope nope.
"Amen to that. I left the Army after the battle of Manehattan. You might have heard them saying that was a mess. Well let me tell you, it was more of a meatgrinder."
>>465720
You wait a while. Standing next to the gates, some other ponies enter and right at midnight out of a corridor in the back, come a group of 2 mares, one clothed white, another in black.
Each carrying a cup with something in it you can't see.
Behind them comes a stallion dressed in red and black, wearing horns and carrying a real heart in one hoof.
He takes place on the stage right in front of the statue.
The 2 mares approach on both sides.
It seems the ritual is about to begin.
Nope nope nope.
"Amen to that. I left the Army after the battle of Manehattan. You might have heard them saying that was a mess. Well let me tell you, it was more of a meatgrinder."
>>465720
You wait a while. Standing next to the gates, some other ponies enter and right at midnight out of a corridor in the back, come a group of 2 mares, one clothed white, another in black.
Each carrying a cup with something in it you can't see.
Behind them comes a stallion dressed in red and black, wearing horns and carrying a real heart in one hoof.
He takes place on the stage right in front of the statue.
The 2 mares approach on both sides.
It seems the ritual is about to begin.
>>465723
There is now 45 bits in the pot.
River: Heart 9
You have Ace High.
Guy 2 checks.
"Equestrian Side. But after seeing all that shit, I decided it simply wasn't worth it. There's something just very very wrong about a country that's supposed to be founded on Harmony fighting against itself."
>>465724
You can't quite get a good look at him underneath all that ceremonial dressing.
The mare seems quite frail physically but you get the sense that she might very well be a healer. Taking her out first might avoid a whole lot of trouble.
The 2 mares approach the priest each from a side, bowing before him and offering him their cups. He slowly looks over both of them.
>>465721
"Trotantium is very different but I love the country myself and I love it's history, that's why I'd love to hear what you can tell me about it.
It might be small, it might even seem ordinary, that doesn't matter, I'd love to get a picture of Trotantium in that time…"
He motions to follow him towards the dinner table.
There is now 45 bits in the pot.
River: Heart 9
You have Ace High.
Guy 2 checks.
"Equestrian Side. But after seeing all that shit, I decided it simply wasn't worth it. There's something just very very wrong about a country that's supposed to be founded on Harmony fighting against itself."
>>465724
You can't quite get a good look at him underneath all that ceremonial dressing.
The mare seems quite frail physically but you get the sense that she might very well be a healer. Taking her out first might avoid a whole lot of trouble.
The 2 mares approach the priest each from a side, bowing before him and offering him their cups. He slowly looks over both of them.
>>465721
"Trotantium is very different but I love the country myself and I love it's history, that's why I'd love to hear what you can tell me about it.
It might be small, it might even seem ordinary, that doesn't matter, I'd love to get a picture of Trotantium in that time…"
He motions to follow him towards the dinner table.
>>465730
You win.
Congratulations.
Here's a victory song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iwC2QljLn4
>>465731
For the first time since you met him, he actually seems surprised.
"The Empress? You mean Lavinia XVIII? Who were your friends?"
The servants brings some bowls full of delicious looking fruits, vegetables and pastas.
PAUSE
You win.
Congratulations.
Here's a victory song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iwC2QljLn4
>>465731
For the first time since you met him, he actually seems surprised.
"The Empress? You mean Lavinia XVIII? Who were your friends?"
The servants brings some bowls full of delicious looking fruits, vegetables and pastas.
PAUSE
>>471526
>>471526
The suitcase is laying on the table, yes.
Morgana's tone is a bit softer as she asks "What's wrong?"
>>471527
He eats a few tomatoes.
"You were a guard then?"
>>471528
After playing poker for a few hours the men return.
They've found some spots to easily overview to covertly guard the whole scene, in addition to a few guards with you in full view.
>>471526
The suitcase is laying on the table, yes.
Morgana's tone is a bit softer as she asks "What's wrong?"
>>471527
He eats a few tomatoes.
"You were a guard then?"
>>471528
After playing poker for a few hours the men return.
They've found some spots to easily overview to covertly guard the whole scene, in addition to a few guards with you in full view.
>>471533
The giant earth pony is called Ursus.
And his seven nameless henches.
You may wait until it's time for the meeting if you want.
>>471534
She nods.
"Of course, I'll make arrangements right away. She'll have the best care in Vilitus, you have my word on that."
>>471535
"Curiouser and curiouser. And you have no idea why they conscripted you?"
The giant earth pony is called Ursus.
And his seven nameless henches.
You may wait until it's time for the meeting if you want.
>>471534
She nods.
"Of course, I'll make arrangements right away. She'll have the best care in Vilitus, you have my word on that."
>>471535
"Curiouser and curiouser. And you have no idea why they conscripted you?"
>>471544
Done.
It's the middle of the night when you arrive at the Glittering Road in the Vulture District.
The jewellers are closed but there's a light burning upstairs in one of the houses.
>>471547
"From what I read, Empress Lavinia XVIII surrounded herself with lots of weird ponies.
As did her descendants, must be some sort of family trait."
>>471546
"Hey…"
She puts a hoof on your shoulder and looks at you empathically.
"You're not the only one who cares about her, you know. She's gotten better before and we'll make sure she'll get better now."
Done.
It's the middle of the night when you arrive at the Glittering Road in the Vulture District.
The jewellers are closed but there's a light burning upstairs in one of the houses.
>>471547
"From what I read, Empress Lavinia XVIII surrounded herself with lots of weird ponies.
As did her descendants, must be some sort of family trait."
>>471546
"Hey…"
She puts a hoof on your shoulder and looks at you empathically.
"You're not the only one who cares about her, you know. She's gotten better before and we'll make sure she'll get better now."
>>471550
No answer.
>>471551
"You know I can pull a lot of strings in town.
I've got some friends in Mercy's hospital in the Snake District. I can arrange something in an hour or so…"
>>465726
The mare nods at you.
"We'll strike now and strike them hard. You and me will kill the High Priest and those priestesses. The rest will surround and slaughter the audience. "
She looks at them.
"Leave one alive. To tell the story."
You may attack when ready.
>>471552
"Maybe I should stop talking about Trotantine history then, at least for a few minutes.
What are you interested then?"
No answer.
>>471551
"You know I can pull a lot of strings in town.
I've got some friends in Mercy's hospital in the Snake District. I can arrange something in an hour or so…"
>>465726
The mare nods at you.
"We'll strike now and strike them hard. You and me will kill the High Priest and those priestesses. The rest will surround and slaughter the audience. "
She looks at them.
"Leave one alive. To tell the story."
You may attack when ready.
>>471552
"Maybe I should stop talking about Trotantine history then, at least for a few minutes.
What are you interested then?"
>>471560
A small opening at eye height opens and two eyes peek out.
"What kind of business? And watch yourself, I'm armed!"
>>471563
She looks into your eyes for a few seconds and then nods.
"Right…you're a good friend, Grey. I'll see what I can do, but I can't promise anything."
>>471569
Got mislinked somehow >>471559
third one is for you
A small opening at eye height opens and two eyes peek out.
"What kind of business? And watch yourself, I'm armed!"
>>471563
She looks into your eyes for a few seconds and then nods.
"Right…you're a good friend, Grey. I'll see what I can do, but I can't promise anything."
>>471569
Got mislinked somehow >>471559
third one is for you
>>471565
"Treasure those moments, Ambrosia. When all's said and done, those moments are often the ones we remember the fondest."
>>471578
"Hey, hey, don't worry about it. You do us a lot of favors and I don't want you distracted when you're at work. I'll go talk to some ponies, look for a solution. Meanwhile, you should go to Green Tea, she must be worried about you.
I'll make sure there's room for her at Mercy's in an hour, you can count on that."
>>471579
"Hmmmm."
He snorts.
"Show me what you have before I let you in."
>>471585
Right when the 2 mares bow deeply before the High Priest with their tails in the air, you and the others storm inside.
The surprised crowd is immediately engaged, while you and the mare storm forward and you deliver a quick rolling punch to the surprised priestess in black.
Your mare companion doesn't waste time and strikes the High Priest in the chest with her Axe.
Instead of blood however, 3 black tendrils spring out. The eyes of the High Priest glow menacingly.
"Heretics! How dare you defile this sacred place."
The tendrils push the mare and her axe back as they envelop the High Priest and both mares stand beside him ready to fight.
Mini Boss: High Priest of Tirek.
Minions:Solar Corruption, Lunar Corruption.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xlsy3cC03o
"Treasure those moments, Ambrosia. When all's said and done, those moments are often the ones we remember the fondest."
>>471578
"Hey, hey, don't worry about it. You do us a lot of favors and I don't want you distracted when you're at work. I'll go talk to some ponies, look for a solution. Meanwhile, you should go to Green Tea, she must be worried about you.
I'll make sure there's room for her at Mercy's in an hour, you can count on that."
>>471579
"Hmmmm."
He snorts.
"Show me what you have before I let you in."
>>471585
Right when the 2 mares bow deeply before the High Priest with their tails in the air, you and the others storm inside.
The surprised crowd is immediately engaged, while you and the mare storm forward and you deliver a quick rolling punch to the surprised priestess in black.
Your mare companion doesn't waste time and strikes the High Priest in the chest with her Axe.
Instead of blood however, 3 black tendrils spring out. The eyes of the High Priest glow menacingly.
"Heretics! How dare you defile this sacred place."
The tendrils push the mare and her axe back as they envelop the High Priest and both mares stand beside him ready to fight.
Mini Boss: High Priest of Tirek.
Minions:Solar Corruption, Lunar Corruption.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xlsy3cC03o
>>471609
Even from here you can see his eyes twinkle.
"Right, leave your men at the door. Only person can come with you."
You hear a lock open.
>>471610
You arrive home. You're welcomed by the barking of your dogs and you find Green Tea in the couch where you left her.
Despite looking a bit pale, she manages a smile.
"Hey sweetie, I was worrying about you~"
>>471612
Food must be almost done by now.
"Any anecdotes you'd like to share?"
>>471619
The mare hacks away at the mass of black tendrils vaguely resembling the red unicorn from before, but it does little damage and the Priest merely laughs at her.
Your trained eyes manage to see through it and you notice a weakness in his Qi. Striking it in that one moving point might severely hurt him.
While your eyes are following the weakness, a single tendril manages to strike you at an amazing speed.
Moon Wok 4/5
Even from here you can see his eyes twinkle.
"Right, leave your men at the door. Only person can come with you."
You hear a lock open.
>>471610
You arrive home. You're welcomed by the barking of your dogs and you find Green Tea in the couch where you left her.
Despite looking a bit pale, she manages a smile.
"Hey sweetie, I was worrying about you~"
>>471612
Food must be almost done by now.
"Any anecdotes you'd like to share?"
>>471619
The mare hacks away at the mass of black tendrils vaguely resembling the red unicorn from before, but it does little damage and the Priest merely laughs at her.
Your trained eyes manage to see through it and you notice a weakness in his Qi. Striking it in that one moving point might severely hurt him.
While your eyes are following the weakness, a single tendril manages to strike you at an amazing speed.
Moon Wok 4/5
>>471666
Slow Shell follows you as you go in.
You notice the older bearded pony puts a shotgun away, before guiding you to his workshop.
"Sorry, about that, can't be too careful with all those weirdos around."
He nods at a microscope and a few other tools.
"Please hoof it over for a few minutes and I'll answer any question you might have."
>>471671
"I'm fine…now that you're here."
>>471673
"Now you're pulling my hoof!"
>>471681
Before the priestesses can react you roll over and strike the Priest right in the Qi weakness.
The mass screeches and the tendrils wrap around themselves, fumbling around.
The Lunar Corruption (Mare in blackà turns towards it, trying to heal it while the Solar Corruption fires a fire bolt at you.
If the next roll fails (DC6) you must roll an Instant action to avoid the fire bolt in addition to your attacks.
Roll to have the mare leader fight off the fire bolt and solar corruption '1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
Slow Shell follows you as you go in.
You notice the older bearded pony puts a shotgun away, before guiding you to his workshop.
"Sorry, about that, can't be too careful with all those weirdos around."
He nods at a microscope and a few other tools.
"Please hoof it over for a few minutes and I'll answer any question you might have."
>>471671
"I'm fine…now that you're here."
>>471673
"Now you're pulling my hoof!"
>>471681
Before the priestesses can react you roll over and strike the Priest right in the Qi weakness.
The mass screeches and the tendrils wrap around themselves, fumbling around.
The Lunar Corruption (Mare in blackà turns towards it, trying to heal it while the Solar Corruption fires a fire bolt at you.
If the next roll fails (DC6) you must roll an Instant action to avoid the fire bolt in addition to your attacks.
Roll to have the mare leader fight off the fire bolt and solar corruption '1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>471729
Yes, the mare didn't attack, but that doesn't mean you can't dodge.
You must roll a dodge roll as well.
I'll take that roll as your attack roll.
>If the next roll fails (DC6) you must roll an Instant action to avoid the fire bolt in addition to your attacks.
I might have worded "next roll" better as "this roll"
Yes, the mare didn't attack, but that doesn't mean you can't dodge.
You must roll a dodge roll as well.
I'll take that roll as your attack roll.
>If the next roll fails (DC6) you must roll an Instant action to avoid the fire bolt in addition to your attacks.
I might have worded "next roll" better as "this roll"
>>471717
He shakes his head.
"Well, if I ever have trouble with necromancers again, I'll tell your Master to send you."
>>471722
Slow Shell remains near the door, hoof on his weapon, while the old bearded pony takes the gem.
"Gold Stone's the name. Now let's take a look at it."
He looks at it under an eyeglass and performs all sorts of magical tests on it.
"My, my, very curious, the grains, the small impurities, this could only mean that…but that's quite impossible…made by magic?"
His thoughts.
"This gem is old, I can't date it precisely but it must be at least a thousand years old if not older. I do not recognize the manner of cutting however. I might be able to learn more if you could tell me where you found it."
>>471729
>>471744
You manage to strike the mare quickly causing her to go helpless but don't quite manage to avoid the fire bolt, causing you to go helpless as well!
Moon Wok HELPLESS 0/4 [Burned MIN+1 to get up]
The tendrils unwrap again and the High Priest rises from it, immediately engaging the Leader who swings her axe at an amazing speed to keep the numerous tendrils off her and you.
He shakes his head.
"Well, if I ever have trouble with necromancers again, I'll tell your Master to send you."
>>471722
Slow Shell remains near the door, hoof on his weapon, while the old bearded pony takes the gem.
"Gold Stone's the name. Now let's take a look at it."
He looks at it under an eyeglass and performs all sorts of magical tests on it.
"My, my, very curious, the grains, the small impurities, this could only mean that…but that's quite impossible…made by magic?"
His thoughts.
"This gem is old, I can't date it precisely but it must be at least a thousand years old if not older. I do not recognize the manner of cutting however. I might be able to learn more if you could tell me where you found it."
>>471729
>>471744
You manage to strike the mare quickly causing her to go helpless but don't quite manage to avoid the fire bolt, causing you to go helpless as well!
Moon Wok HELPLESS 0/4 [Burned MIN+1 to get up]
The tendrils unwrap again and the High Priest rises from it, immediately engaging the Leader who swings her axe at an amazing speed to keep the numerous tendrils off her and you.
>>471769
"Well but you have experience with their like then.
And I think necromancers 300 years ago aren't THAT different from necromancers now.
Who knows, it could even be the same pony!"
He laughs.
>>471772
"Well, the cutting is quite strange. But I have heard of its like before.
Found in some ancient ruins scattered everywhere, some ancient civilisation, they call it Lemaria. Legends say it was a very advanced society. They…made these sorts of diamonds, out of thin air!"
>>471774
You don't quite manage to get up.
(You also have to use Appraise again to find the new weakness)
The mare shouts over her shoulder.
"Now would be a great time to help, you know!"
>>471774
You're packed and help her up.
Travel to the hospital.
"Well but you have experience with their like then.
And I think necromancers 300 years ago aren't THAT different from necromancers now.
Who knows, it could even be the same pony!"
He laughs.
>>471772
"Well, the cutting is quite strange. But I have heard of its like before.
Found in some ancient ruins scattered everywhere, some ancient civilisation, they call it Lemaria. Legends say it was a very advanced society. They…made these sorts of diamonds, out of thin air!"
>>471774
You don't quite manage to get up.
(You also have to use Appraise again to find the new weakness)
The mare shouts over her shoulder.
"Now would be a great time to help, you know!"
>>471774
You're packed and help her up.
Travel to the hospital.
>>471797
The attacks get fiercer.
One tendril goes for you but is torn of by the mare before it hits.
"Get up, I need to know how you hurt it!"
>>471798
You arrive at the hospital and at the mention of your name a team of doctors immediately appears to take care of Green Tea.
You wait a few hours while they perform their tests.
The doctor comes to see you.
"Mr. Grey?"
>>471800
"Luckily" He raises his glass.
>>471801
He takes it.
"If I may be so bold, I might be have an interesting proposition for you as well, regarding these gems."
The attacks get fiercer.
One tendril goes for you but is torn of by the mare before it hits.
"Get up, I need to know how you hurt it!"
>>471798
You arrive at the hospital and at the mention of your name a team of doctors immediately appears to take care of Green Tea.
You wait a few hours while they perform their tests.
The doctor comes to see you.
"Mr. Grey?"
>>471800
"Luckily" He raises his glass.
>>471801
He takes it.
"If I may be so bold, I might be have an interesting proposition for you as well, regarding these gems."
>>471818
"We've performed some tests on miss Tea.
According to her file, she has a chronic autoimmune disease and we've been able to confirm this is indeed another episode of it.
We've given her some medication and we advise to let her stay here for a couple of weeks.
But rest assured, she's not in danger, a couple of weeks of rest and treatment and she'll be fine again. Shall I lead you to her?"
>>471821
"These are some excellent diamonds. But of course diamonds are often no good if you can't find somepony willing to buy them.
I have a number of contacts that would buy these types of diamonds quick, no questions asked and at a correct price, minus a small commission fee for me of course.
I could guarantee you full client confidentiality, should you be interested."
>>471825
Dinner must be over by now.
"Why don't we serve desert up on the balcony? It's a lovely view over the city and the desert."
>>471824
You get up like a motherfucker, slamming against it, but you're unable to find it's qi weakness again. But you see the Lunar Corruption you knocked helpless try to get up and take the opportunity to slam her unconcious.
>>471826
The Solar Corruption grins and channels a spell into the High Priest for a moment.
He seems to grow a bit. His next attack will be stronger than usual.
"We've performed some tests on miss Tea.
According to her file, she has a chronic autoimmune disease and we've been able to confirm this is indeed another episode of it.
We've given her some medication and we advise to let her stay here for a couple of weeks.
But rest assured, she's not in danger, a couple of weeks of rest and treatment and she'll be fine again. Shall I lead you to her?"
>>471821
"These are some excellent diamonds. But of course diamonds are often no good if you can't find somepony willing to buy them.
I have a number of contacts that would buy these types of diamonds quick, no questions asked and at a correct price, minus a small commission fee for me of course.
I could guarantee you full client confidentiality, should you be interested."
>>471825
Dinner must be over by now.
"Why don't we serve desert up on the balcony? It's a lovely view over the city and the desert."
>>471824
You get up like a motherfucker, slamming against it, but you're unable to find it's qi weakness again. But you see the Lunar Corruption you knocked helpless try to get up and take the opportunity to slam her unconcious.
>>471826
The Solar Corruption grins and channels a spell into the High Priest for a moment.
He seems to grow a bit. His next attack will be stronger than usual.
>>471837
He walks you to the room.
"That would be best. Her immune system is a bit weaker at this time, so we'd like to keep her in a controlled environment.
Of course, you're free to visit anytime, even outside visiting hours. Your friend made sure of that."
>>471838
He leads you to the balcony.
From here up on the hills of the Aurora district you can see the entire city lit up by numerous small lights and harbor. And further ahead the endless desert and at the edge of the horizon, in the middle of the desert, what appears to be huge tree-like structures with numerous little lights on them. Some of them go out, others light up. It is too far to make an accurate appraisal what it is.
Golden Puzzle sits down on a comfortable chair, there's one for you as well, and servant bring the wine and a bowl of fruit salad with ice cream as desert.
"I love to sit here sometimes.
Puts things in perspective."
>>471839
"The priestess that healed you?"
He walks you to the room.
"That would be best. Her immune system is a bit weaker at this time, so we'd like to keep her in a controlled environment.
Of course, you're free to visit anytime, even outside visiting hours. Your friend made sure of that."
>>471838
He leads you to the balcony.
From here up on the hills of the Aurora district you can see the entire city lit up by numerous small lights and harbor. And further ahead the endless desert and at the edge of the horizon, in the middle of the desert, what appears to be huge tree-like structures with numerous little lights on them. Some of them go out, others light up. It is too far to make an accurate appraisal what it is.
Golden Puzzle sits down on a comfortable chair, there's one for you as well, and servant bring the wine and a bowl of fruit salad with ice cream as desert.
"I love to sit here sometimes.
Puts things in perspective."
>>471839
"The priestess that healed you?"
>>471847
And you're in her room and she's safe and sound and unf
>>471849
He looks. (Just for the record, those tree things are far away in the desert, not part of the city.)
"Ah, that, mylady, is the huge hive spires of the Vilitus Oasis, there are a bunch of them over there. That's where the Changelings are, the Triumvirate.
You see those pretty lights around them? That's what's known around here as the Ghostlights, a favorite thing to look at for young couples around here. Sometimes there are a lot, other times just a few and sometimes in different colors. Nopony knows what they are exactly.
But there are a lot of theories. Some crazier than others.
Some ponies say they are the work of Sesheta, one of the Triumvirate Queens. Others say they are some form of fluorescent Changlings that are found only at the Oasis."
He turns to you.
"Wanna hear my theory?"
>>471850
He nods.
"You really think this out, boss. If we run we might catch her right after the Lunar sermons."
PAUSE
And you're in her room and she's safe and sound and unf
>>471849
He looks. (Just for the record, those tree things are far away in the desert, not part of the city.)
"Ah, that, mylady, is the huge hive spires of the Vilitus Oasis, there are a bunch of them over there. That's where the Changelings are, the Triumvirate.
You see those pretty lights around them? That's what's known around here as the Ghostlights, a favorite thing to look at for young couples around here. Sometimes there are a lot, other times just a few and sometimes in different colors. Nopony knows what they are exactly.
But there are a lot of theories. Some crazier than others.
Some ponies say they are the work of Sesheta, one of the Triumvirate Queens. Others say they are some form of fluorescent Changlings that are found only at the Oasis."
He turns to you.
"Wanna hear my theory?"
>>471850
He nods.
"You really think this out, boss. If we run we might catch her right after the Lunar sermons."
PAUSE
>>471861
"They're just normal lanterns. The Changelings hang them there to remind us they're always near. Always watching."
He takes another sip from his wine.
>>471862
You arrive at the Scarab District.
Inside one of the sidehalls of the Great Temple, you find the Shrine of the Sun and Moon.
Evening sermons are just over and you notice the priestess walking out with a few other ponies."
"They're just normal lanterns. The Changelings hang them there to remind us they're always near. Always watching."
He takes another sip from his wine.
>>471862
You arrive at the Scarab District.
Inside one of the sidehalls of the Great Temple, you find the Shrine of the Sun and Moon.
Evening sermons are just over and you notice the priestess walking out with a few other ponies."
>>474248
It's a gentle grab.
"No thanks needed.
I'd be honored if you'd share more about your adventures in Trotantium sometime."
He plants a kiss on your hoof and walks out, flanked by the servant.
One of the servants is waiting by the balcony to lead you out again.
Friendly reminder that you've completed everything necessary for your timeskip and that you're basically free to do as you want.
>>474249
She waves awkwardly at the other ponies.
As you take her to a more quiet part of the Scarab District she looks at you expectantly.
It's a gentle grab.
"No thanks needed.
I'd be honored if you'd share more about your adventures in Trotantium sometime."
He plants a kiss on your hoof and walks out, flanked by the servant.
One of the servants is waiting by the balcony to lead you out again.
Friendly reminder that you've completed everything necessary for your timeskip and that you're basically free to do as you want.
>>474249
She waves awkwardly at the other ponies.
As you take her to a more quiet part of the Scarab District she looks at you expectantly.
>>474254
You drop it off in your room.
You look around but can't find Whisper anywhere until you hear a faint tune coming from the roof.
Whisper is there playing a flute.
He stops as you walk up.
"Back already?"
>>474255
She nods silently.
"The doctor told me…"
She bites her lip.
"Grey….I'm scared"
>>474256
She raises an eyebrow.
"Something afoul is up. Have you read the newspaper anytime for the past few months? Something is always afoul in this city."
>>474257
V is running. MH is not.
This is V
You drop it off in your room.
You look around but can't find Whisper anywhere until you hear a faint tune coming from the roof.
Whisper is there playing a flute.
He stops as you walk up.
"Back already?"
>>474255
She nods silently.
"The doctor told me…"
She bites her lip.
"Grey….I'm scared"
>>474256
She raises an eyebrow.
"Something afoul is up. Have you read the newspaper anytime for the past few months? Something is always afoul in this city."
>>474257
V is running. MH is not.
This is V
>>474263
He smiles fondly as he looks at the old flute.
"It was one of the first things I did around here when I got to Vilitus. Learned it from an old snake-charmer on the streets. I was flat broke and he was too old and too slow to keep practicing safely. So he taught me and we both got bits to eat."
>>474264
She looks at it again.
"Why would you say that? I know a thing or two about magic. Magical constructs are extremely hard to make, especially permanent ones, it simply isn't worth the effort to use it to create diamonds or gold."
>>474265
She blinks.
"Honey…"
She touches your cheek with her hoof.
"You know we can't afford that…and this place must already cost so much…"
He smiles fondly as he looks at the old flute.
"It was one of the first things I did around here when I got to Vilitus. Learned it from an old snake-charmer on the streets. I was flat broke and he was too old and too slow to keep practicing safely. So he taught me and we both got bits to eat."
>>474264
She looks at it again.
"Why would you say that? I know a thing or two about magic. Magical constructs are extremely hard to make, especially permanent ones, it simply isn't worth the effort to use it to create diamonds or gold."
>>474265
She blinks.
"Honey…"
She touches your cheek with her hoof.
"You know we can't afford that…and this place must already cost so much…"
>>474267
She sighs.
"It's possible, it's just horribly inefficient, with the amount of magical energy needed to make gold or bits one could just as well construct a magical house. But fine, let's suppose somepony did that, why do you need a spellbreaker then?"
>>474268
She looks in your eyes.
"You're already working so hard for us…for me.
I don't care where we live, as long as we're together…"
>>474269
"One of the great things about this place. You can just sit down and make some bits without all the bureacracy.
Of course, you have to be able to deal with ponies trying to take that money for themselves, but I never had problems with that.
It's how I met the Master eventually."
She sighs.
"It's possible, it's just horribly inefficient, with the amount of magical energy needed to make gold or bits one could just as well construct a magical house. But fine, let's suppose somepony did that, why do you need a spellbreaker then?"
>>474268
She looks in your eyes.
"You're already working so hard for us…for me.
I don't care where we live, as long as we're together…"
>>474269
"One of the great things about this place. You can just sit down and make some bits without all the bureacracy.
Of course, you have to be able to deal with ponies trying to take that money for themselves, but I never had problems with that.
It's how I met the Master eventually."
>>474271
"….a show?"
She snorts.
"You think this is a game or something?
I thought you'd came because you realised the wrongness of mind magic. That you wanted to learn how to use those powers for a good cause."
She points to the Temple Entrance.
"In there are 3 former Inquisitors, they could plow through any magic instantly, if I told them what you are, they wouldn't hesitate a second to put you to the stake."
She puts her hoof down.
"But I won't, since I believe there's still a potential for good in you. But asking those Inquisitors to go with whatever show you got in mind would dishonor them."
>>474272
"Yeah right, he took me because he absolutely loved that."
He laughs.
"Nah, I suppose he had been watching for a while, because when we met, he already knew pretty much everything about me.
I thought he was just another thug at first but I soon learned a lot better when I tried to take him down."
>>474273
She nods silently.
"Just..hold me for a little while.."
She embraces you.
"….a show?"
She snorts.
"You think this is a game or something?
I thought you'd came because you realised the wrongness of mind magic. That you wanted to learn how to use those powers for a good cause."
She points to the Temple Entrance.
"In there are 3 former Inquisitors, they could plow through any magic instantly, if I told them what you are, they wouldn't hesitate a second to put you to the stake."
She puts her hoof down.
"But I won't, since I believe there's still a potential for good in you. But asking those Inquisitors to go with whatever show you got in mind would dishonor them."
>>474272
"Yeah right, he took me because he absolutely loved that."
He laughs.
"Nah, I suppose he had been watching for a while, because when we met, he already knew pretty much everything about me.
I thought he was just another thug at first but I soon learned a lot better when I tried to take him down."
>>474273
She nods silently.
"Just..hold me for a little while.."
She embraces you.
>>474275
He smirks back.
"I would love to see if you'd still be smirking like that if you ever had to fight the Master."
>>474276
The full moon shines outside the window.
You can feel her frail body relax in your embrace, her soft skin against your cheek, her breath in your neck.
It is so quiet, so peaceful, a rare thing in this city.
>>474277
There's a hint of compassion on her face.
"…what mission?"
He smirks back.
"I would love to see if you'd still be smirking like that if you ever had to fight the Master."
>>474276
The full moon shines outside the window.
You can feel her frail body relax in your embrace, her soft skin against your cheek, her breath in your neck.
It is so quiet, so peaceful, a rare thing in this city.
>>474277
There's a hint of compassion on her face.
"…what mission?"
>>474282
Gotta keep it dark and gritty.
"Oh no, you see, for there are bigger enemies in the cunning of ponykind than there are in all the vastness of the wild!"
Bow and kiss her hoof, then pull her close.
"This is my Quest, to enlighten the blind,
No matter how hopeless, no matter how dark.
To fight for the right
Without question or pause."
Gotta keep it dark and gritty.
"Oh no, you see, for there are bigger enemies in the cunning of ponykind than there are in all the vastness of the wild!"
Bow and kiss her hoof, then pull her close.
"This is my Quest, to enlighten the blind,
No matter how hopeless, no matter how dark.
To fight for the right
Without question or pause."
>>474283
Maybe you should be quick and close the door then before one gets in.
>>474284
"Smart. I'll try to give you an impression then.
The Master moved so fast at times I could barely follow him. The first 5 minutes of the fight I hit nothing but air, as he avoided all my strikes just like that.
Then when I started to get tired, he suddenly knocked me to the ground."
>>474285
"You've got a talent for saying a lot without really saying anything. Why do you need a spellbreaker? I promise, if it's for a noble cause I'll do what I can, but if it isn't no honeyed words will convince me."
Maybe you should be quick and close the door then before one gets in.
>>474284
"Smart. I'll try to give you an impression then.
The Master moved so fast at times I could barely follow him. The first 5 minutes of the fight I hit nothing but air, as he avoided all my strikes just like that.
Then when I started to get tired, he suddenly knocked me to the ground."
>>474285
"You've got a talent for saying a lot without really saying anything. Why do you need a spellbreaker? I promise, if it's for a noble cause I'll do what I can, but if it isn't no honeyed words will convince me."
>>474295
She softly pushes you back a bit.
"Riiight…just coming along will do fine.
Your friend can come as well."
She starts walking towards the stairs of the Temple.
>>474296
Simple white hospital gown with only pink panties underneath.
She lays down on her back, looking at you with bedroom eyes.
"Oh doctor…I'm not feeling too well~."
She softly pushes you back a bit.
"Riiight…just coming along will do fine.
Your friend can come as well."
She starts walking towards the stairs of the Temple.
>>474296
Simple white hospital gown with only pink panties underneath.
She lays down on her back, looking at you with bedroom eyes.
"Oh doctor…I'm not feeling too well~."
>>474298
"So how much have you seen of Vilitus already?"
>>474299
Time for a check-up~
'5d10+10'
>>474300
You go inside. The priestess talks to a heavily armed pony who walks towards you.
"This is the pony I talked about."
The stallion merely snorts.
"You say you have an unusual magical item?"
He holds out his hoof.
Roll #1 5, 9, 10, 1, 7 + 10 = 42
"So how much have you seen of Vilitus already?"
>>474299
Time for a check-up~
'5d10+10'
>>474300
You go inside. The priestess talks to a heavily armed pony who walks towards you.
"This is the pony I talked about."
The stallion merely snorts.
"You say you have an unusual magical item?"
He holds out his hoof.
Roll #1 5, 9, 10, 1, 7 + 10 = 42
>>474302
He takes the diamond and focuses on it for some time.
"It is not magical in nature" he says eventually.
>>474303
"Ah the Scar District. Nice place isn't it?
Strange place too, ponies avoid it at night."
>>474304
81/100
Somepony must have heard that.
But probably thought it sounded too hot to interrupt.
The nurse will have a lot of work cleaning those sheets tomorrow.
He takes the diamond and focuses on it for some time.
"It is not magical in nature" he says eventually.
>>474303
"Ah the Scar District. Nice place isn't it?
Strange place too, ponies avoid it at night."
>>474304
81/100
Somepony must have heard that.
But probably thought it sounded too hot to interrupt.
The nurse will have a lot of work cleaning those sheets tomorrow.
>>474306
"We're in a desert climate. There aren't supposed to be any plants around here.
The farmers in the Bee District have their hooves full growing the few crops they can with lots of water and the trees in the Arachnia District are purely magical.
But the Scar District? I heard it once wasn't there. But about 200 years ago, in one night it popped up out of nowhere, all those trees, the grass, the bushes. In a perfect circle.
Lots of houses got swallowed up in it, you can even find a few of them still, if you go off the paths of the district. The inhabitants just disappeared. Poof.
Ever since it's been there, the plants are always green without ever getting water.
And it's safe during the day. But ponies have disappeared there during the night.
They went in and never got out."
>>474307
"You're welcome. Sorry I couldn't be of more help."
The stallion and the priestess watch as you leave again.
Slow Shell sighs as you stand outside again.
"The meeting is soon, boss."
>>474308
"Maybe you should call the doctor. I think I'm cured~"
"We're in a desert climate. There aren't supposed to be any plants around here.
The farmers in the Bee District have their hooves full growing the few crops they can with lots of water and the trees in the Arachnia District are purely magical.
But the Scar District? I heard it once wasn't there. But about 200 years ago, in one night it popped up out of nowhere, all those trees, the grass, the bushes. In a perfect circle.
Lots of houses got swallowed up in it, you can even find a few of them still, if you go off the paths of the district. The inhabitants just disappeared. Poof.
Ever since it's been there, the plants are always green without ever getting water.
And it's safe during the day. But ponies have disappeared there during the night.
They went in and never got out."
>>474307
"You're welcome. Sorry I couldn't be of more help."
The stallion and the priestess watch as you leave again.
Slow Shell sighs as you stand outside again.
"The meeting is soon, boss."
>>474308
"Maybe you should call the doctor. I think I'm cured~"
>>474310
"Things don't always work out as we hope.
But we can still get the Prophet, right boss."
The meeting point is near the fountain of the Arachnia District.
Your seven companions are there.
5 have found hidden vantage points to overlook the scene.
The 2 others will stay with you in addition to Slow Shell to protect you, unless you want them hidden as well.
The meeting will begin once ready
>>474311
"Mmmm…every day~"
>>474312
"It's a creepy place. There's a clearing in the middle with a shrine to Nature and some Druids and Witch Doctors who live there.
Though they claim they don't know what happened exactly.
Anything else that caught your intrest?"
PAUSE
"Things don't always work out as we hope.
But we can still get the Prophet, right boss."
The meeting point is near the fountain of the Arachnia District.
Your seven companions are there.
5 have found hidden vantage points to overlook the scene.
The 2 others will stay with you in addition to Slow Shell to protect you, unless you want them hidden as well.
The meeting will begin once ready
>>474311
"Mmmm…every day~"
>>474312
"It's a creepy place. There's a clearing in the middle with a shrine to Nature and some Druids and Witch Doctors who live there.
Though they claim they don't know what happened exactly.
Anything else that caught your intrest?"
PAUSE
Hokkaido's last reply was here >>454387
You're still waiting to enter the hotel.
To speed up things quick, tell me what your hopes are for the party?
>getting closer to the rich and powerful Duke Blood Diamond
>Meet other ponies
>other things?
>>474315
He looks up.
"Did you hear the part about ponies disappearing at night?"
It's night.
You're still waiting to enter the hotel.
To speed up things quick, tell me what your hopes are for the party?
>getting closer to the rich and powerful Duke Blood Diamond
>Meet other ponies
>other things?
>>474315
He looks up.
"Did you hear the part about ponies disappearing at night?"
It's night.
>>476622
Diamonds smile fades a tiny bit, but he nods
"Not at all. I have some other ponies to attend to.
Please enjoy yourself."
He trots to another group, leaving you alone with Scrying Eye.
"What would you like to learn miss? Future business endeavors, family or maybe fortune in love? I'm afraid the lottery is beyond my skill however."
He chuckles at his own joke.
Diamonds smile fades a tiny bit, but he nods
"Not at all. I have some other ponies to attend to.
Please enjoy yourself."
He trots to another group, leaving you alone with Scrying Eye.
"What would you like to learn miss? Future business endeavors, family or maybe fortune in love? I'm afraid the lottery is beyond my skill however."
He chuckles at his own joke.
>>476629
"I was interested in the fortunes of others, to a degree. As much as Mr. Diamond tries to hide it, he is always worried about something. So I would like to know my fortune as it relates to him, what can I do to help him? He is ever so kind to me, and I would be grateful to return the favor."
"I was interested in the fortunes of others, to a degree. As much as Mr. Diamond tries to hide it, he is always worried about something. So I would like to know my fortune as it relates to him, what can I do to help him? He is ever so kind to me, and I would be grateful to return the favor."
>>476642
"It's hard to make out.
Other ponies. Together with them you will decide the fate of many.
And there's another line right at the end of it.
…there might be a choice you'll have to face.
Aid them or aid Mr. Diamond."
>>476634
"Earth ponies in Trotantium maybe, but it's none of my concern. As long as you don't let it cloud your judgement.
So…do you really hug trees?"
"It's hard to make out.
Other ponies. Together with them you will decide the fate of many.
And there's another line right at the end of it.
…there might be a choice you'll have to face.
Aid them or aid Mr. Diamond."
>>476634
"Earth ponies in Trotantium maybe, but it's none of my concern. As long as you don't let it cloud your judgement.
So…do you really hug trees?"
>>476658
"This is Lord Golden Puzzle, another member of the Council and a dear friend."
The regal looking pony nods.
"Pleasure to meet you, I had heard there was a crystal pony in town, I didn't think she would be this lovely."
Diamond turns to the drunk younger pony who is quite obviously staring at your flank.
"….and that is Bitter Tongue, the son of Infinite Light." Diamond says without hiding his displease
He looks up.
"Nicshe to meet you."
"This is Lord Golden Puzzle, another member of the Council and a dear friend."
The regal looking pony nods.
"Pleasure to meet you, I had heard there was a crystal pony in town, I didn't think she would be this lovely."
Diamond turns to the drunk younger pony who is quite obviously staring at your flank.
"….and that is Bitter Tongue, the son of Infinite Light." Diamond says without hiding his displease
He looks up.
"Nicshe to meet you."
>>476661
"Well, most of the time when ponies honor the gods, they plea for something, luck, health, wealth, you name it.
Divine Assistance.
Meanwhile Mother Nature has her system, the most strong or smartest of the bunch survives and wins so to speak. And she won't change that, not for any pleas in the world.
So why honor her? Wouldn't simply becoming strong be enough?"
"Well, most of the time when ponies honor the gods, they plea for something, luck, health, wealth, you name it.
Divine Assistance.
Meanwhile Mother Nature has her system, the most strong or smartest of the bunch survives and wins so to speak. And she won't change that, not for any pleas in the world.
So why honor her? Wouldn't simply becoming strong be enough?"
>>476664
To Lord Golden Puzzle:
"You flatter me, but the pleasure is all mine. I never dreamed of meeting nobility like yourself. I must say, it's an honor."
To Bitter Tongue:
"Yes, well, it is nice to meet you, Bitter, uh, Tongue."
Whispering to Mr. Diamond:
"Shouldn't we get someone to take him home before he hurts himself?"
To Lord Golden Puzzle:
"You flatter me, but the pleasure is all mine. I never dreamed of meeting nobility like yourself. I must say, it's an honor."
To Bitter Tongue:
"Yes, well, it is nice to meet you, Bitter, uh, Tongue."
Whispering to Mr. Diamond:
"Shouldn't we get someone to take him home before he hurts himself?"
>>476669
"Let me hoof it."
Blood Diamond gives an almost unnoticeable sign to a servant, who walks over.
"Mister Tongue…"
"Yea wahsa want?"
"We have found your guest, she's waiting in your room."
"Ahh. Later fellas"
He walks away with a wink.
There's an audible sign of relief from both stallions as he walks away.
"There."
Lord Puzzle shakes his head.
"That kid. He'll get into a lot of trouble that way."
"Let me hoof it."
Blood Diamond gives an almost unnoticeable sign to a servant, who walks over.
"Mister Tongue…"
"Yea wahsa want?"
"We have found your guest, she's waiting in your room."
"Ahh. Later fellas"
He walks away with a wink.
There's an audible sign of relief from both stallions as he walks away.
"There."
Lord Puzzle shakes his head.
"That kid. He'll get into a lot of trouble that way."
>>476677
Lord Puzzle shakes his head.
"His father, Infinite Light is the Duke of the Scarab District, that's the religious district.
He claims to be deeply religious stallion, but everypony here knows that's not true."
He and Diamond exchange looks of understanding.
"Infinite Light knows how to hide that, his son doesn't seem to have that subtlety. I've heard Infinite Light spends ridiculous amounts to pay off the press to keep a lid on it.
But, everypony can see clear as day that won't last forever…"
Puzzle smiles again.
"But enough gloom, how do you like Vilitus so far?"
>>476678
"How nice of her. Maybe you should ask her what she did with all those ponies that disappeared?"
Lord Puzzle shakes his head.
"His father, Infinite Light is the Duke of the Scarab District, that's the religious district.
He claims to be deeply religious stallion, but everypony here knows that's not true."
He and Diamond exchange looks of understanding.
"Infinite Light knows how to hide that, his son doesn't seem to have that subtlety. I've heard Infinite Light spends ridiculous amounts to pay off the press to keep a lid on it.
But, everypony can see clear as day that won't last forever…"
Puzzle smiles again.
"But enough gloom, how do you like Vilitus so far?"
>>476678
"How nice of her. Maybe you should ask her what she did with all those ponies that disappeared?"
>>476683
"That's of course a possibility as well.
But they usually pick less visible targets, the homeless, the poor, ponies who won't be missed."
>>476684
"Glad to hear that, not everypony would say that. Still, be sure to keep in touch with my friend Diamond here. There are some rough parts in this town where a lady shouldn't move without protection."
"That's of course a possibility as well.
But they usually pick less visible targets, the homeless, the poor, ponies who won't be missed."
>>476684
"Glad to hear that, not everypony would say that. Still, be sure to keep in touch with my friend Diamond here. There are some rough parts in this town where a lady shouldn't move without protection."
>>476691
Diamond coughs.
"That reminds me…Puzzle, could you give us a moment?"
"Of course, I'd hope to meet you again soon, miss Hokkaido."
He walks away and Diamond leads you to the dance floor.
"Would you honor me by giving me this dance?"
>>476694
"Ah too bad. That sort of thing would be handy in our profession. Still, you can get some supplies from Nightshade, our healer, and occasional poisoner."
Diamond coughs.
"That reminds me…Puzzle, could you give us a moment?"
"Of course, I'd hope to meet you again soon, miss Hokkaido."
He walks away and Diamond leads you to the dance floor.
"Would you honor me by giving me this dance?"
>>476694
"Ah too bad. That sort of thing would be handy in our profession. Still, you can get some supplies from Nightshade, our healer, and occasional poisoner."
>>476698
He leads you into a slow dance.
"Miss Hokkaido, I'm sure that an intelligent mare like yourself has figured out I have some…let's call it, responsability in this town."
>>476699
"I'm not surprised, she quite appreciates her privacy. She only really comes out when we need her expertise. She spends most of her time in the basement."
He leads you into a slow dance.
"Miss Hokkaido, I'm sure that an intelligent mare like yourself has figured out I have some…let's call it, responsability in this town."
>>476699
"I'm not surprised, she quite appreciates her privacy. She only really comes out when we need her expertise. She spends most of her time in the basement."
>>476704
"She already knows you, but you might want to do that.
Fair warining, be sure to knock softly first, and if she doesn't respond leave it for another time.
She's sometimes busy with all sorts of volatile chemicals, you don't want to disturb her at such a time.
And she's usually very busy with her work, so don't take it too personally if she doesn't talk a lot." He grins.
>>476705
He smiles.
"I was hoping you'd say that. You see, the district under my care, the Snake District, is not like the other more lawless districts, here I try to create a semblance of order, an oasis of safety amidst the chaos of this city.
A hard job, but with somepony like you by my side to help me, it might just become bearable…"
"She already knows you, but you might want to do that.
Fair warining, be sure to knock softly first, and if she doesn't respond leave it for another time.
She's sometimes busy with all sorts of volatile chemicals, you don't want to disturb her at such a time.
And she's usually very busy with her work, so don't take it too personally if she doesn't talk a lot." He grins.
>>476705
He smiles.
"I was hoping you'd say that. You see, the district under my care, the Snake District, is not like the other more lawless districts, here I try to create a semblance of order, an oasis of safety amidst the chaos of this city.
A hard job, but with somepony like you by my side to help me, it might just become bearable…"
>>479336
You hear a grunt.
"In." says an annoyed voice.
>>479343
>>479339
Appraisal of the High Priest becomes difficult as his very energy body seems to become a fluid mess.
The tentacles rise up as one and swat you down like a fly.
Moon Wok is helpless.
Moon Wok 0/3
>>479337
You wait at the fountain at dawn.
Right as the sun rises you notice a pony entering the square followed by the donkey from earlier and another mare you've never seen before carrying an axe.
He seems to be dressed in some sort of black armor you've never seen before, yet eerily reminds you of the Vault underneath.
Two green lights shine in the helmet, masking the eyes.
The figure seems unconcerned by the bystanders gazing at the sight.
They walk towards you, stopping a few metres in front of you.
The donkey nods "You made it."
>>479346
You were in the hospital with Green Tea.
You're free to explore as you want though.
>>479353
The hotel staff takes good care of you.
All the same to me. You don't have anything to do till the timeskip.
So you may explore around a bit or should I give you something to do?
You hear a grunt.
"In." says an annoyed voice.
>>479343
>>479339
Appraisal of the High Priest becomes difficult as his very energy body seems to become a fluid mess.
The tentacles rise up as one and swat you down like a fly.
Moon Wok is helpless.
Moon Wok 0/3
>>479337
You wait at the fountain at dawn.
Right as the sun rises you notice a pony entering the square followed by the donkey from earlier and another mare you've never seen before carrying an axe.
He seems to be dressed in some sort of black armor you've never seen before, yet eerily reminds you of the Vault underneath.
Two green lights shine in the helmet, masking the eyes.
The figure seems unconcerned by the bystanders gazing at the sight.
They walk towards you, stopping a few metres in front of you.
The donkey nods "You made it."
>>479346
You were in the hospital with Green Tea.
You're free to explore as you want though.
>>479353
The hotel staff takes good care of you.
All the same to me. You don't have anything to do till the timeskip.
So you may explore around a bit or should I give you something to do?
>>479367
It seems to be a cellar you're in.
Around you are numerous racks filled with pots of all sizes and shapes. Some are labelled with common herbs, others have weird names you've never heard of before and still others aren't named at all.
In the middle, next to a small barred window stands a pony next to a table full of flasks, tubes and other things.
The mare who's dressed in a uniform similar to yours turns around.
"Yes, Echo?"
>>479369
There's something blocking your ability to read him. It doesn't seem impossible, but you'd have to probe far deeper to get through (DC10 to read) which could be risky.
The pony seems to have guessed your intentions.
"Are you probing my mind, mind mage?" says a metallic voice.
>>479372
You hit her right in the face causing her to drop down helpless, but not unconcious and you are back up.
The mare leader does an admirable job keeping the creature that once was the High Priest back, but seems to be slowly getting overwhelmed.
>>479383
The area seems to be called the Snake District, it borders the Feline District (rogues district), Scarab District(religious district, Eagle District(griffon district) and the Scar District (Park dedicated to Nature). It is also quite close to the Red Tower (seat of the Prince)
The district is far cleaner and organised than the other ones. Ponies are walking around careless, even colts and fillies, and guards are plentiful, taking anypony trying to cause trouble immediately in custody. You feel like the district might have gotten its name by the way the streets turn and swirl so often.
The buildings also seem quite new compared to the others in Vilitus.
It seems to be a cellar you're in.
Around you are numerous racks filled with pots of all sizes and shapes. Some are labelled with common herbs, others have weird names you've never heard of before and still others aren't named at all.
In the middle, next to a small barred window stands a pony next to a table full of flasks, tubes and other things.
The mare who's dressed in a uniform similar to yours turns around.
"Yes, Echo?"
>>479369
There's something blocking your ability to read him. It doesn't seem impossible, but you'd have to probe far deeper to get through (DC10 to read) which could be risky.
The pony seems to have guessed your intentions.
"Are you probing my mind, mind mage?" says a metallic voice.
>>479372
You hit her right in the face causing her to drop down helpless, but not unconcious and you are back up.
The mare leader does an admirable job keeping the creature that once was the High Priest back, but seems to be slowly getting overwhelmed.
>>479383
The area seems to be called the Snake District, it borders the Feline District (rogues district), Scarab District(religious district, Eagle District(griffon district) and the Scar District (Park dedicated to Nature). It is also quite close to the Red Tower (seat of the Prince)
The district is far cleaner and organised than the other ones. Ponies are walking around careless, even colts and fillies, and guards are plentiful, taking anypony trying to cause trouble immediately in custody. You feel like the district might have gotten its name by the way the streets turn and swirl so often.
The buildings also seem quite new compared to the others in Vilitus.
>>479412
So you want to visit Tea now?
>>479407
The energy body is a myriad of different colors shifting in and out seemingly at random.
But you notice a pattern there…an opportunity to strike.
>>479409
As you gaze upon it, the Solar Corruption gets up again, her spell reinvigorates the High Priest and filled with energy he manages to grab the mare leaders axe, disarming her.
You're neighponese, you know what happens next.
>>479413
Getting closer.
There's no sort of expression visible on the helmet.
"Truly? I find that hard to believe."
>>479414
"It gets the job done. Safe, efficient and most importantly, quiet."
>>479417
Roll a 1d10
So you want to visit Tea now?
>>479407
The energy body is a myriad of different colors shifting in and out seemingly at random.
But you notice a pattern there…an opportunity to strike.
>>479409
As you gaze upon it, the Solar Corruption gets up again, her spell reinvigorates the High Priest and filled with energy he manages to grab the mare leaders axe, disarming her.
You're neighponese, you know what happens next.
>>479413
Getting closer.
There's no sort of expression visible on the helmet.
"Truly? I find that hard to believe."
>>479414
"It gets the job done. Safe, efficient and most importantly, quiet."
>>479417
Roll a 1d10
>>479435
"You tell me."
>>479434
I suppose she can't.
So friends?
>>479437
The Feline District seems surprisingly empty and dark.
The temples on the nearby hill casting a shadow on most of the district, combined with the tapestries hanging far above the streets everywhere and the houses being simply darker in color.
The district seems abandoned as you walk through it, you only meet a few merchants every once in a while. The streets are narrow and are more like a collection of alleys rather than a plan, spanning the entire district in a confusing maze.
When you finally realize you're not sure where you are anymore, you check your pockets to find your money has been pickpocketed.
>>479439
"That's because I know them by heart. I'd rather not have everypony walking in here knowing what all of this is. What if one of you was a secret addict to some of this stuff."
>>479440
>>479441
The Solar Corruption tries to block your path, hitting you with the decorated cup.
Mare leader is getting grasped now.
Moon Wok 4/3
"You tell me."
>>479434
I suppose she can't.
So friends?
>>479437
The Feline District seems surprisingly empty and dark.
The temples on the nearby hill casting a shadow on most of the district, combined with the tapestries hanging far above the streets everywhere and the houses being simply darker in color.
The district seems abandoned as you walk through it, you only meet a few merchants every once in a while. The streets are narrow and are more like a collection of alleys rather than a plan, spanning the entire district in a confusing maze.
When you finally realize you're not sure where you are anymore, you check your pockets to find your money has been pickpocketed.
>>479439
"That's because I know them by heart. I'd rather not have everypony walking in here knowing what all of this is. What if one of you was a secret addict to some of this stuff."
>>479440
>>479441
The Solar Corruption tries to block your path, hitting you with the decorated cup.
Mare leader is getting grasped now.
Moon Wok 4/3
>>479468
So what friends are you talking about?
Morgana?
Tea Love?
Others?
>>479470
"I'd rather not have anypony touching my collection even if I was dead, so that works out fine. And my time is quite precious so you should just know that if you ever use a poison or serum or healing potion in your missions, I'm the mare that made it."
>>479471
"Funny, mister Sven.
Let's get to business.
I see you've been able to open the Vault.
What did you think of it?"
>>479473
Your moneybeg drops next to you, looking up, you see an arabian pony mare smirking at you
"You might want to be more careful next time you walk here, stranger."
So what friends are you talking about?
Morgana?
Tea Love?
Others?
>>479470
"I'd rather not have anypony touching my collection even if I was dead, so that works out fine. And my time is quite precious so you should just know that if you ever use a poison or serum or healing potion in your missions, I'm the mare that made it."
>>479471
"Funny, mister Sven.
Let's get to business.
I see you've been able to open the Vault.
What did you think of it?"
>>479473
Your moneybeg drops next to you, looking up, you see an arabian pony mare smirking at you
"You might want to be more careful next time you walk here, stranger."
>>479476
You haven't told her Green Tea is sick yet!
Oh joy, you find her house in the Feline District.
>>479477
"I took the liberty of preparing some more of that trotantine sleep serum you used."
she hoofs you some bottles.
"The mixture should be exactly the same as your 300 year old Trotantine serum."
>>479478
"It did not entice you then?
Did you not feel intrigued by the mysteries of old?"
>>479479
In a flash you see Vilitus bathing in a green light, dark colored warriors silently march the streets slaughtering anyone in their path.
None were spared, not even the fillies.
You blink and the mare looks confused at you.
"You were…mumbling for a second there. Are you from the asylum maybe?"
You haven't told her Green Tea is sick yet!
Oh joy, you find her house in the Feline District.
>>479477
"I took the liberty of preparing some more of that trotantine sleep serum you used."
she hoofs you some bottles.
"The mixture should be exactly the same as your 300 year old Trotantine serum."
>>479478
"It did not entice you then?
Did you not feel intrigued by the mysteries of old?"
>>479479
In a flash you see Vilitus bathing in a green light, dark colored warriors silently march the streets slaughtering anyone in their path.
None were spared, not even the fillies.
You blink and the mare looks confused at you.
"You were…mumbling for a second there. Are you from the asylum maybe?"
>>479480
"Sorry, I have a habit of thinking out loud that I've been trying to curtail since foalhood."
"Still, you stayed instead of just leaving me here, even asked. I was wondering, after your display, are you under the employ of someone, or are you working for yourself?I might be able to talk to a few and find you some more stable employment if that interests you."
"Sorry, I have a habit of thinking out loud that I've been trying to curtail since foalhood."
"Still, you stayed instead of just leaving me here, even asked. I was wondering, after your display, are you under the employ of someone, or are you working for yourself?I might be able to talk to a few and find you some more stable employment if that interests you."
>>479482
"I know you have opened and even entered the Inner Core of the Vault, mister Sven. You have even removed a few diamonds from it.
No use lying to me. I could explain more to you about it if you are ready to accept my proposal."
>>479481
Love Tea opens up.
"Heeeey Grey, long time no see!"
She gives you a hug.
"How are you?"
>>479483
"How are you adapting to this time period?"
>>479484
She cocks an eyebrow.
"Who you working for?"
"I know you have opened and even entered the Inner Core of the Vault, mister Sven. You have even removed a few diamonds from it.
No use lying to me. I could explain more to you about it if you are ready to accept my proposal."
>>479481
Love Tea opens up.
"Heeeey Grey, long time no see!"
She gives you a hug.
"How are you?"
>>479483
"How are you adapting to this time period?"
>>479484
She cocks an eyebrow.
"Who you working for?"
>>479485
"Really, not that much changed from what I've seen. The world revolves around the same old stuff as before. Don't know what home looks like yet though, for all I know everything changed. Never been to Vilitus before now, but I heard about it."
Pause for a second.
"Clothing is kind of weird though."
"Really, not that much changed from what I've seen. The world revolves around the same old stuff as before. Don't know what home looks like yet though, for all I know everything changed. Never been to Vilitus before now, but I heard about it."
Pause for a second.
"Clothing is kind of weird though."
>>479485
"No point in hiding what would become obvious the moment he set hoof inside."
Motion to her to come to a quieter, more covered place. "I do my best for Mr. Diamond, of the Snake District. I'll do everything in my power to help him and all the good we've done for it, but I might be able to use your skills for that. See, there is a certain hotel I am staying at, and Mr. Diamond has me help him root out trouble before it gets bigger, but having someone with your skills would make our lives easier. What do you think about working full time for me there, but you'll be free to keep what you can pilfer on yourself from any of the more criminal elements that must be neutralized? I will reserve the right to claim any necessary items they may have, but this gives you a more consistent place of employment and opportunity for your own desires."
"No point in hiding what would become obvious the moment he set hoof inside."
Motion to her to come to a quieter, more covered place. "I do my best for Mr. Diamond, of the Snake District. I'll do everything in my power to help him and all the good we've done for it, but I might be able to use your skills for that. See, there is a certain hotel I am staying at, and Mr. Diamond has me help him root out trouble before it gets bigger, but having someone with your skills would make our lives easier. What do you think about working full time for me there, but you'll be free to keep what you can pilfer on yourself from any of the more criminal elements that must be neutralized? I will reserve the right to claim any necessary items they may have, but this gives you a more consistent place of employment and opportunity for your own desires."
>>479486
"We are not. Our purpose within the Vault is to secure a few artifacts of intrest, valuable to us, worthless to others.
You may keep any other items within the Vault, including the diamonds, gold or other artifacts, which would certainly make you a wealthy pony.
And as a bonus, I could satisfy your curiousity regarding the Vault."
>>479487
"I saw some paintings of old Trotantine clothes in our benefactors mansion.
You ponies really wore those hats?"
>>479489
"…..And where is this Mister Diamond?"
>>479491
"Sure. Sure."
She looks around.
"Where's Green?"
"We are not. Our purpose within the Vault is to secure a few artifacts of intrest, valuable to us, worthless to others.
You may keep any other items within the Vault, including the diamonds, gold or other artifacts, which would certainly make you a wealthy pony.
And as a bonus, I could satisfy your curiousity regarding the Vault."
>>479487
"I saw some paintings of old Trotantine clothes in our benefactors mansion.
You ponies really wore those hats?"
>>479489
"…..And where is this Mister Diamond?"
>>479491
"Sure. Sure."
She looks around.
"Where's Green?"
>>479500
"W-what's wrong?
Is she allright?"
>>479501
"Yes or no will suffice.
Might I add that should you decline, you are no longer of intrest to me, if you understand my meaning."
>>479502
"That might have been better than those silly hats".
She giggles.
>>479504
She gets out a dagger.
"And how do I know you're telling the truth? You could be a spy of some sort…"
"W-what's wrong?
Is she allright?"
>>479501
"Yes or no will suffice.
Might I add that should you decline, you are no longer of intrest to me, if you understand my meaning."
>>479502
"That might have been better than those silly hats".
She giggles.
>>479504
She gets out a dagger.
"And how do I know you're telling the truth? You could be a spy of some sort…"
>>479507
"O-okay."
You both sit down on her bench.
>>479508
"You do not believe you're the only mind mage in Vilitus, do you? Now that we know mind magic is needed to open it, it is a simply a matter of time. You could choose to shorten that time for me or you could choose to throw your life away senselessly"
>>479509
"Somepony is homesick it seems."
"O-okay."
You both sit down on her bench.
>>479508
"You do not believe you're the only mind mage in Vilitus, do you? Now that we know mind magic is needed to open it, it is a simply a matter of time. You could choose to shorten that time for me or you could choose to throw your life away senselessly"
>>479509
"Somepony is homesick it seems."
>>479505
"Because you were able to pickpocket me. I'm sure you noticed I'm not exactly carrying assasination weapons, and let's not forget you were the one who robbed me. But I'm a mare who forgives, and a mare with eyes looking for talent. I want to keep the peace in the Snake district, and I'm hoping that his chance run in might give me a better option to do that with you."
"Because you were able to pickpocket me. I'm sure you noticed I'm not exactly carrying assasination weapons, and let's not forget you were the one who robbed me. But I'm a mare who forgives, and a mare with eyes looking for talent. I want to keep the peace in the Snake district, and I'm hoping that his chance run in might give me a better option to do that with you."
>>479513
She puts her daggers away.
"You know, there are a lot of ponies keeping tabs around here, but I trust you. I will help."
She moves closer
"But this would be between you and me, if I even think you told anypony else about this, you'll never find me again."
>>479515
"Out with it!"
>>479516
"I'm happy you are a sensible stallion, mister Sven. Let's proceed then to the Vault."
>>479520
She winces at you mentioning bugs.
"Guess there's not much we can do about it…"
She puts her daggers away.
"You know, there are a lot of ponies keeping tabs around here, but I trust you. I will help."
She moves closer
"But this would be between you and me, if I even think you told anypony else about this, you'll never find me again."
>>479515
"Out with it!"
>>479516
"I'm happy you are a sensible stallion, mister Sven. Let's proceed then to the Vault."
>>479520
She winces at you mentioning bugs.
"Guess there's not much we can do about it…"
>>479521
Cock a brow.
"Don't like them either? Look, it's not like I loathe them or anything, but all I've heard is bad shit about them. Like how they suck away a pony's soul or some shit and then leave them behind as an empty shell. Just doesn't seem right to let them rule over ponies. Call me racist, whatever."
Cock a brow.
"Don't like them either? Look, it's not like I loathe them or anything, but all I've heard is bad shit about them. Like how they suck away a pony's soul or some shit and then leave them behind as an empty shell. Just doesn't seem right to let them rule over ponies. Call me racist, whatever."
>>479521
"I'll make some arrangements for your employment at the hotel. You'll receive thee occasional order to trail or pickpocket an individual, but otherwise, you shall just be a mare working for the hotel, like all the others. What you do then is yours."
"However, I will need your name, if only to make sure what we put on the name badge."
"I'll make some arrangements for your employment at the hotel. You'll receive thee occasional order to trail or pickpocket an individual, but otherwise, you shall just be a mare working for the hotel, like all the others. What you do then is yours."
"However, I will need your name, if only to make sure what we put on the name badge."
>>479525
"I don't like them too much."
She says coldly.
"But they're out of our league. As long as they're not bothering me, I can manage."
>>479527
"Neuraia. I'll come visit the hotel later. I still have some business to attend to."
>>479529
"Where? Which hospital? I have to go see her right away! Is she really allright?"
>>479535
He tilts his head to the side.
"I'm flattered. But they aren't my kin, I'm merely their messenger."
"I don't like them too much."
She says coldly.
"But they're out of our league. As long as they're not bothering me, I can manage."
>>479527
"Neuraia. I'll come visit the hotel later. I still have some business to attend to."
>>479529
"Where? Which hospital? I have to go see her right away! Is she really allright?"
>>479535
He tilts his head to the side.
"I'm flattered. But they aren't my kin, I'm merely their messenger."
>>479636
"Be sure to close the door properly as you leave." She turns back to her work.
Where to next?
You can also go to the next day and visit the shrine of Nature.
>>479641
She nods.
"I understand."
She sighs.
"Oh Luna, why did this have to happen to her?
Green Tea did nothing to deserve this…she's always been the sweetest mare…"
>>479644
She nods.
"I certainly hope so."
"Be sure to close the door properly as you leave." She turns back to her work.
Where to next?
You can also go to the next day and visit the shrine of Nature.
>>479641
She nods.
"I understand."
She sighs.
"Oh Luna, why did this have to happen to her?
Green Tea did nothing to deserve this…she's always been the sweetest mare…"
>>479644
She nods.
"I certainly hope so."
>>479721
The Scarab District lays on a hill.
The top is dominated by the majestic Grand Temple, dedicated to an unknown ancient god and sealed for as long as ponies are aware.
Sidechambers of the Temple and other more or less ruined temples stand here.
Each of them dedicated from the most mundane religion to the most exotic.
>>479729
You walk around, not seeing too much movement until you spot a familiar arabian mare in an alley.
She seems to be occupied with something in a box and looks around her frequently.
>>479734
She sighs.
"I know you would…
Maybe we'll find something some day.
There has to be something, we just haven't looked hard enough."
>>479736
You glimpse a vision of an ancient temple not unlike this one. A pony you know is the Prophet kneels before a black sarcophagus.
The sarcophagus lights up and suddenly you see different visions.
Slavery, death, misery, poverty, not just in Vilitus but worldwide.
It all meshes together into a web almost beyond comprehension but you feel like it is telling you that the existence of Vilitus and the slave trade here doesn't just effect Vilitus but forms the center of a worldwide slave hunt, resulting in untold suffering over the centuries.
Destroying Vilitus and the Queens would end it.
A sacrifice for the greater good.
That's what he was told and that's how he sees it.
"Somepony has to do what is necessary."
The Scarab District lays on a hill.
The top is dominated by the majestic Grand Temple, dedicated to an unknown ancient god and sealed for as long as ponies are aware.
Sidechambers of the Temple and other more or less ruined temples stand here.
Each of them dedicated from the most mundane religion to the most exotic.
>>479729
You walk around, not seeing too much movement until you spot a familiar arabian mare in an alley.
She seems to be occupied with something in a box and looks around her frequently.
>>479734
She sighs.
"I know you would…
Maybe we'll find something some day.
There has to be something, we just haven't looked hard enough."
>>479736
You glimpse a vision of an ancient temple not unlike this one. A pony you know is the Prophet kneels before a black sarcophagus.
The sarcophagus lights up and suddenly you see different visions.
Slavery, death, misery, poverty, not just in Vilitus but worldwide.
It all meshes together into a web almost beyond comprehension but you feel like it is telling you that the existence of Vilitus and the slave trade here doesn't just effect Vilitus but forms the center of a worldwide slave hunt, resulting in untold suffering over the centuries.
Destroying Vilitus and the Queens would end it.
A sacrifice for the greater good.
That's what he was told and that's how he sees it.
"Somepony has to do what is necessary."
>>479795
You see a vision of the deep sewers within the Diamond District.
There an army of followers is preparing the way for the new Gods.
The place is heavily fortified, lots of guards, protection and detection spells, special tools to identify changelings and other shapeshifters.
Within the most protected part are the chambers of the Prophet and right next to it the Chapel of the Sarcophagus, where the black sarcophagus mentioned earlier now rests.
"We are here."
You're near the entrance of the Vault. and the monolith.
>>479793
There doesn't seem to be one.
Worship of Cadence is relatively new and hasn't come here yet.
There's a more general temple dedicated to Love though.
>>479791
Seems like she knows somepony is watching.
She looks around.
Roll to hide.
>>479788
It takes her a few seconds to register that.
"…What?"
You see a vision of the deep sewers within the Diamond District.
There an army of followers is preparing the way for the new Gods.
The place is heavily fortified, lots of guards, protection and detection spells, special tools to identify changelings and other shapeshifters.
Within the most protected part are the chambers of the Prophet and right next to it the Chapel of the Sarcophagus, where the black sarcophagus mentioned earlier now rests.
"We are here."
You're near the entrance of the Vault. and the monolith.
>>479793
There doesn't seem to be one.
Worship of Cadence is relatively new and hasn't come here yet.
There's a more general temple dedicated to Love though.
>>479791
Seems like she knows somepony is watching.
She looks around.
Roll to hide.
>>479788
It takes her a few seconds to register that.
"…What?"
>>479815
They are not too far away.
Acknowledged. And the door opens up.
"My servant will find what we need. I'll wait here."
The donkey runs inside while the Prophet and the mare with the axe wait here.
>>479817
The temple of Love seems pretty old and is located next to the Scar District park.
Inside the temple are a number of priests and priestesses leisurely enjoying the day next to a fountain.
There are many symbols and dedications to Love, from the most innocent to the less innocent, on the walls.
A priest approaches you.
"Welcome to the Shrine of Love."
>>479818
Blink.
"H-how?"
They are not too far away.
Acknowledged. And the door opens up.
"My servant will find what we need. I'll wait here."
The donkey runs inside while the Prophet and the mare with the axe wait here.
>>479817
The temple of Love seems pretty old and is located next to the Scar District park.
Inside the temple are a number of priests and priestesses leisurely enjoying the day next to a fountain.
There are many symbols and dedications to Love, from the most innocent to the less innocent, on the walls.
A priest approaches you.
"Welcome to the Shrine of Love."
>>479818
Blink.
"H-how?"
>>479826
The High pries collapses upon itself and writhes around. It drops the mare leader and her axe.
She grabs her axe and charges it with a shout, slashing the remains to pieces.
You can help if you want by rolling a 3d10
>>479829
You hide in the shadows.
She looks around and quickly drops something in the box before locking it up and walking away.
>>479831
"I know it is."
You see the dodacehedron you found.
Apparently it is the key to reactivating the Black Sarcophagus somehow.
There should be 3 locked away in the Vault.
>>479834
"Here we worship that most sublime of forces called Love. Love is a force that flows through the Universe forming connections between all beings in different forms.
Friendship, relationships and everything inbetween. We seek to understand this force and become attuned to its flow by exploring all forms of love."
>>479830
She bites her lip.
"That bad?"
The High pries collapses upon itself and writhes around. It drops the mare leader and her axe.
She grabs her axe and charges it with a shout, slashing the remains to pieces.
You can help if you want by rolling a 3d10
>>479829
You hide in the shadows.
She looks around and quickly drops something in the box before locking it up and walking away.
>>479831
"I know it is."
You see the dodacehedron you found.
Apparently it is the key to reactivating the Black Sarcophagus somehow.
There should be 3 locked away in the Vault.
>>479834
"Here we worship that most sublime of forces called Love. Love is a force that flows through the Universe forming connections between all beings in different forms.
Friendship, relationships and everything inbetween. We seek to understand this force and become attuned to its flow by exploring all forms of love."
>>479830
She bites her lip.
"That bad?"
>>479847
>>479848
As the mare leader starts hacking away like a madmare shouting things like "Don't. You. Ever. Grab. Me/ Again." and some words that just aren't part of a christian imageboard
You backhoof the Solar Corruption into unconcious submission before delivering the final blow to the heart of the High Priest.
The mass withers away, stinking like rotting corpses.
It seems the crowd has been slaughtered as well, partly by your group and partly by the tentacles.
As for your group only 2 remain of the original 15 who want with you and the mare.
The mare breathes heavily, slowly putting her axe back again.
She shakes her head. "Tirekians….they should all be exterminated."
She looks defiantly at the Giant Statue of Tirek, loaded with sacrificial gemstones, plants and a few pony hearts.
>>479850
>>479846
Where did she go?
You look around.
Oh shit, she didn't go away, she was looking at the box from a vantage point, clearly expecting somepony to open it.
>>479858
"Endless forms specific for each pony.
The broad categories are Friendship, Affection, Romance and the purest, Unconditional love."
>>479872
"I doubt it. I know what's in there and that it hasn't opened in millenia, so if what I seek isn't in there. There's only one pony who could have gotten it."
The donkey comes back with another dodacehedron, pretty much identical to yours.
"…I couldn't find any others…"
The Prophet looks at him and than at you.
"Have you seen anything like this by any chance?"
>>479848
As the mare leader starts hacking away like a madmare shouting things like "Don't. You. Ever. Grab. Me/ Again." and some words that just aren't part of a christian imageboard
You backhoof the Solar Corruption into unconcious submission before delivering the final blow to the heart of the High Priest.
The mass withers away, stinking like rotting corpses.
It seems the crowd has been slaughtered as well, partly by your group and partly by the tentacles.
As for your group only 2 remain of the original 15 who want with you and the mare.
The mare breathes heavily, slowly putting her axe back again.
She shakes her head. "Tirekians….they should all be exterminated."
She looks defiantly at the Giant Statue of Tirek, loaded with sacrificial gemstones, plants and a few pony hearts.
>>479850
>>479846
Where did she go?
You look around.
Oh shit, she didn't go away, she was looking at the box from a vantage point, clearly expecting somepony to open it.
>>479858
"Endless forms specific for each pony.
The broad categories are Friendship, Affection, Romance and the purest, Unconditional love."
>>479872
"I doubt it. I know what's in there and that it hasn't opened in millenia, so if what I seek isn't in there. There's only one pony who could have gotten it."
The donkey comes back with another dodacehedron, pretty much identical to yours.
"…I couldn't find any others…"
The Prophet looks at him and than at you.
"Have you seen anything like this by any chance?"
>>479909
She waits for a while and then moves again.
Opening the box and getting something out, then moving over the rooftops.
>>479909
The Prophet takes it.
"The key to the future, a device far beyond your or my understanding. A gift from the Gods."
>>479916
You feel a weird twist in your stummick as you take the gems. Tirek doesn't like that.
Then again, you did just slaughter some of his followers too, maybe it's that.
Get out of here?
>>479918
"True friendship is already within you.
It binds us with each other, even before we know each other.
In reality, there are already bonds of friendship between everypony, yet we are too blind to see all but the strongest.
Know that everypony you meet is already your friend and the strongest friendships will reveal themselves naturally."
>>479934
"She's lucky to have you…"
PAUSE
She waits for a while and then moves again.
Opening the box and getting something out, then moving over the rooftops.
>>479909
The Prophet takes it.
"The key to the future, a device far beyond your or my understanding. A gift from the Gods."
>>479916
You feel a weird twist in your stummick as you take the gems. Tirek doesn't like that.
Then again, you did just slaughter some of his followers too, maybe it's that.
Get out of here?
>>479918
"True friendship is already within you.
It binds us with each other, even before we know each other.
In reality, there are already bonds of friendship between everypony, yet we are too blind to see all but the strongest.
Know that everypony you meet is already your friend and the strongest friendships will reveal themselves naturally."
>>479934
"She's lucky to have you…"
PAUSE
>>479980
"You could see for yourself. If you tell me where the other 2 are."
His eyes lock on yours.
>>479982
Before you leave one of the followers etches a number of runes on the door of the temple.
You escape the way you came, through the dark sewers beneath the Scarab District. However instead of going back to the base the group splits up and you and the mare emerge in an alley of the Vulture District.
"We're going to stick here a little while before going to base. In case there are ponies following us." she says.
"What's your name again?"
>>479984
You manage to keep up with her.
She enters a window of one of he buildings a little further and closes it.
>>479986
"Friendship never withers away completely.
It's there whenever you try to rekindle it."
"You could see for yourself. If you tell me where the other 2 are."
His eyes lock on yours.
>>479982
Before you leave one of the followers etches a number of runes on the door of the temple.
You escape the way you came, through the dark sewers beneath the Scarab District. However instead of going back to the base the group splits up and you and the mare emerge in an alley of the Vulture District.
"We're going to stick here a little while before going to base. In case there are ponies following us." she says.
"What's your name again?"
>>479984
You manage to keep up with her.
She enters a window of one of he buildings a little further and closes it.
>>479986
"Friendship never withers away completely.
It's there whenever you try to rekindle it."
>>480648
"Then clear up something for me. When this Vault was sealed there were 3 in there.
And now there aren't. And the only pony with access to it before now is you. And suddenly there aren't 3 in there anymore. Just 1."
He tilts his head sideways.
"How would that be possible?"
>>480649
It doesn't seem too different from the other buildings in the district, dark and unmarked
"Then clear up something for me. When this Vault was sealed there were 3 in there.
And now there aren't. And the only pony with access to it before now is you. And suddenly there aren't 3 in there anymore. Just 1."
He tilts his head sideways.
"How would that be possible?"
>>480649
It doesn't seem too different from the other buildings in the district, dark and unmarked
>>480666
Look him in the eyes, narrowing mines and keeping my head perfectly straight.
"Maybe your benefactors are not as smart as you think they are.
Maybe, a race that was capable of dying out entirely in their most safe facility and at the height of a power you call unfathomable to us, isn't just that smart."
Look him in the eyes, narrowing mines and keeping my head perfectly straight.
"Maybe your benefactors are not as smart as you think they are.
Maybe, a race that was capable of dying out entirely in their most safe facility and at the height of a power you call unfathomable to us, isn't just that smart."
>>480670
He keeps silent.
Slow Shell and the few mercenaries you brought with you, those that aren't hidden, suddenly seem uncomfortable.
As you wonder why they're shaking their head, you start to hear a low beeping sound in your head steadily growing higher.
>>480667
You dream of laying on the beach while the fat mare from earlier serves you drinks, you never ceasing to give snappy comments about her physique.
>>480668
"Oh shut it. You take such good care of her.
Where would she be without you…"
He keeps silent.
Slow Shell and the few mercenaries you brought with you, those that aren't hidden, suddenly seem uncomfortable.
As you wonder why they're shaking their head, you start to hear a low beeping sound in your head steadily growing higher.
>>480667
You dream of laying on the beach while the fat mare from earlier serves you drinks, you never ceasing to give snappy comments about her physique.
>>480668
"Oh shut it. You take such good care of her.
Where would she be without you…"
>>480682
There's something in your head.
But it's not reading you, it simply wants to hurt you.
Your mind reading abilities keep it at bay, this turn but your companions aren't doing so well.
Slow Shell suprisingly manages to keep standing but 2 of the other mercenaries fall on the floor writhing in agony.
You hear 3 distinct clanks coming from the corridor. Must be your back-up.
"Is something wrong?" asks the prophet with a sadistic sneer.
>>480684
After a long walk you find a clearing in the middle of the park. There are 5 menhirs standing in a large circle, in the middle of the circle are another bunch of rocks on top of each other. Each one inscribed with numerous glyphs.
You see a few ponies sitting there.
A mare and a stallion playing guitar together, an older gentlepony with a pipe sitting a bit away from them meditating and a zebra looking at the menhirs.
There's something in your head.
But it's not reading you, it simply wants to hurt you.
Your mind reading abilities keep it at bay, this turn but your companions aren't doing so well.
Slow Shell suprisingly manages to keep standing but 2 of the other mercenaries fall on the floor writhing in agony.
You hear 3 distinct clanks coming from the corridor. Must be your back-up.
"Is something wrong?" asks the prophet with a sadistic sneer.
>>480684
After a long walk you find a clearing in the middle of the park. There are 5 menhirs standing in a large circle, in the middle of the circle are another bunch of rocks on top of each other. Each one inscribed with numerous glyphs.
You see a few ponies sitting there.
A mare and a stallion playing guitar together, an older gentlepony with a pipe sitting a bit away from them meditating and a zebra looking at the menhirs.
>>480693
The same shield blocking your mental powers from reading, holds your suggestion at bay.
The door closes however.
"One last time….Where?"
The noise intensifies.
>>480694
The glyphs seem to be etched in here on different times and in different styles.
Some you recognize as Trotantine and are hymns to Nature. Others are beyond your comprehension, but you assume they are similar praises to Nature from others.
One of the guitar playing ponies waves at you.
>>480701
"Pine."
She offers you her hoof.
"You didn't fight too bad back there."
>>480703
She grabs your hoof.
"You're a good stallion, Grey.
I'm sure she'll get better soon."
The same shield blocking your mental powers from reading, holds your suggestion at bay.
The door closes however.
"One last time….Where?"
The noise intensifies.
>>480694
The glyphs seem to be etched in here on different times and in different styles.
Some you recognize as Trotantine and are hymns to Nature. Others are beyond your comprehension, but you assume they are similar praises to Nature from others.
One of the guitar playing ponies waves at you.
>>480701
"Pine."
She offers you her hoof.
"You didn't fight too bad back there."
>>480703
She grabs your hoof.
"You're a good stallion, Grey.
I'm sure she'll get better soon."
>>480711
Survey it for a moment, then accept it.
Nod. "And you."
I do wonder what kind of pony this Pine is, who hates Tirekians and serves these priests? What's her angle? Mine is simple… but pettiness can pay when placed properly. Frankly, if I'm honest with myself perhaps some of it is just that I like to beat things up. It takes a true mastermind to appreciate their own simplemindedness. Or at least, I like to think so.
Appraise her. '1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
Survey it for a moment, then accept it.
Nod. "And you."
I do wonder what kind of pony this Pine is, who hates Tirekians and serves these priests? What's her angle? Mine is simple… but pettiness can pay when placed properly. Frankly, if I'm honest with myself perhaps some of it is just that I like to beat things up. It takes a true mastermind to appreciate their own simplemindedness. Or at least, I like to think so.
Appraise her. '1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>480713
The mare smiles at you while the stallion puts the guitar down.
"I haven't seen you around here before. Are you here to pay your respect to Nature too?"
>>480715
You struggle towards the exit.
The sounds gets louder and louder…
and stops.
A sigh of relief is audible from the other mercenaries.
Even Slow Shell, the only one who managed to stand, he even tried to get closer to the Prophet.
"Very well. Is it possible in your opinion that somepony else breached the Vault while you weren't here?"
>>480717
Who cares about her opinion when she's got a but like that?
"Hey. Eyes up here, Moon."
She says pointing at her face.
Maybe you should meditate more on losing desires, clearly you haven't lost all of them.
>>480720
"She always was…You know, even when we were fillies, I always could go to her if I was hurt or sad…"
The mare smiles at you while the stallion puts the guitar down.
"I haven't seen you around here before. Are you here to pay your respect to Nature too?"
>>480715
You struggle towards the exit.
The sounds gets louder and louder…
and stops.
A sigh of relief is audible from the other mercenaries.
Even Slow Shell, the only one who managed to stand, he even tried to get closer to the Prophet.
"Very well. Is it possible in your opinion that somepony else breached the Vault while you weren't here?"
>>480717
Who cares about her opinion when she's got a but like that?
"Hey. Eyes up here, Moon."
She says pointing at her face.
Maybe you should meditate more on losing desires, clearly you haven't lost all of them.
>>480720
"She always was…You know, even when we were fillies, I always could go to her if I was hurt or sad…"
>>480746
"Okay. Follow me."
She walks into one of the bars and orders a drink.
"I need a drink after all that. What do you want? My treat."
>>480748
She raises a brow.
"Because of Green?"
>>480750
"It's called a guitar, silly. And how wonderful to meet a new pony. My name is Long Leaf and this is my special somepony, Soy Bean."
>>480751
The Prophet looks you over and then starts to trot away with his guards.
"Enjoy your wealth, mister Sven."
"Okay. Follow me."
She walks into one of the bars and orders a drink.
"I need a drink after all that. What do you want? My treat."
>>480748
She raises a brow.
"Because of Green?"
>>480750
"It's called a guitar, silly. And how wonderful to meet a new pony. My name is Long Leaf and this is my special somepony, Soy Bean."
>>480751
The Prophet looks you over and then starts to trot away with his guards.
"Enjoy your wealth, mister Sven."
>>480795
The Prophet leaves the Vault entrance.
Your mercenaries seem mostly okay.
Two of them are laying down to rest for a minute but there doesn't seem to be any bodily damage except for a very bad memory.
Slow Shell nods to you.
"I tried to get him, boss. I'm sorry."
>>480794
They do.
The bartender gives you some hot water and herbs and you sit next to Pine. After some silence, she turns to you with a grin.
"Stallion of few words, are you?"
>>480793
Like goddamn hippies, unkempt manes, clothes that look more like curtains stitched together.
"Nice to meet you, Ambrosia" says Long.
"How do you like this place? Amazing isn't it?"
The Prophet leaves the Vault entrance.
Your mercenaries seem mostly okay.
Two of them are laying down to rest for a minute but there doesn't seem to be any bodily damage except for a very bad memory.
Slow Shell nods to you.
"I tried to get him, boss. I'm sorry."
>>480794
They do.
The bartender gives you some hot water and herbs and you sit next to Pine. After some silence, she turns to you with a grin.
"Stallion of few words, are you?"
>>480793
Like goddamn hippies, unkempt manes, clothes that look more like curtains stitched together.
"Nice to meet you, Ambrosia" says Long.
"How do you like this place? Amazing isn't it?"
>>480806
It's more of a way to describe to you what they look like, as a meta person.
"I love it so much too. Have you heard the story of how it got here?"
>>480802
You gather everypony up and get all of you in the inn where you stay.
By dropping some bits you manage to get a private table away from all the regular customers and some drinks for your new mercenaries. They look expectantly towards you, Slow Shell sits by your side, a bit away.
>>480807
She takes another sip from her drink.
"…That was quite a fight back there. Ever seen anything like it?"
It's more of a way to describe to you what they look like, as a meta person.
"I love it so much too. Have you heard the story of how it got here?"
>>480802
You gather everypony up and get all of you in the inn where you stay.
By dropping some bits you manage to get a private table away from all the regular customers and some drinks for your new mercenaries. They look expectantly towards you, Slow Shell sits by your side, a bit away.
>>480807
She takes another sip from her drink.
"…That was quite a fight back there. Ever seen anything like it?"
>>480811
Anything like the fight, or anything like the energy monster? Hm. Her phrasing implies the fight, but her question is more likely about the monster. Maybe it doesn't matter. Still, if she misinterprets a nod and inquires about the nature of the monster, that may require more extensive discussion. I am caught in an awkward spot. I'll just settle on another nod.
Anything like the fight, or anything like the energy monster? Hm. Her phrasing implies the fight, but her question is more likely about the monster. Maybe it doesn't matter. Still, if she misinterprets a nod and inquires about the nature of the monster, that may require more extensive discussion. I am caught in an awkward spot. I'll just settle on another nod.
>>480811
Order a paper.
"You and me both know, my friends, that it's been long since you set roots.
Had a place to call home.
Look around you.
I want to reshape Vilitus, and now, I can.
We could start something much, much bigger than you can imagine.
All for us. All from nothing."
Grin at them.
"It's a one time offer.
Join me forever or go back to your old work.
Just know, I pay better."
Order a paper.
"You and me both know, my friends, that it's been long since you set roots.
Had a place to call home.
Look around you.
I want to reshape Vilitus, and now, I can.
We could start something much, much bigger than you can imagine.
All for us. All from nothing."
Grin at them.
"It's a one time offer.
Join me forever or go back to your old work.
Just know, I pay better."
>>480823
They all listen intently.
"Those are nice words…
What's the plan?"
>>480818
The mare shakes her head.
"No…it appeared here a few centuries ago.
Because of…Love." Her eyes twinkle.
The old meditating stallion near the central glyphed rocks rolls his eyes visibly before closing them again.
>>480817
"You fought Tirekians before? I thought so, by the way you fought them, you seemed to know right where to hit them…"
They all listen intently.
"Those are nice words…
What's the plan?"
>>480818
The mare shakes her head.
"No…it appeared here a few centuries ago.
Because of…Love." Her eyes twinkle.
The old meditating stallion near the central glyphed rocks rolls his eyes visibly before closing them again.
>>480817
"You fought Tirekians before? I thought so, by the way you fought them, you seemed to know right where to hit them…"
>>480843
"Of course you do! It's such a great story.
It starts with a mare and a stallion who were in love. But their parents forbade them to meet each other, so they came up with a plan to escape!"
The old stallion moves up and walks away to meditate a bit further away.
>>480844
"Right…."
She takes another sip of her drink.
Awkward silence.
"….So how do you know Otsuro? Or don't you want to talk about that as well?"
>>480854
They all look a bit uncertain at each other.
"You want to take down the Dukes, the Prince?"
"Of course you do! It's such a great story.
It starts with a mare and a stallion who were in love. But their parents forbade them to meet each other, so they came up with a plan to escape!"
The old stallion moves up and walks away to meditate a bit further away.
>>480844
"Right…."
She takes another sip of her drink.
Awkward silence.
"….So how do you know Otsuro? Or don't you want to talk about that as well?"
>>480854
They all look a bit uncertain at each other.
"You want to take down the Dukes, the Prince?"
>>480869
"How's the pay?"
>>480866
Who says it's even a story about Nature?
This story seems like the nonsense treehuggers like her tend to make up to seem like they know Nature and give Nature worshippers a bad name.
Maybe that older stallion would be more open to serious discussion about Nature.
But there's no stopping this mare.
"…and she was a follower of Nature at the time, so she and her stallion agreed to meet up at the shrine to Nature, right here.
It wasn't a park back then you see, just another temple of the Scarab District.
But her parents had heard of the plan and followed her to seperate them again…"
Dramatic pause.
>>480869
She almost chokes on her drink.
"You're family?"
"How's the pay?"
>>480866
Who says it's even a story about Nature?
This story seems like the nonsense treehuggers like her tend to make up to seem like they know Nature and give Nature worshippers a bad name.
Maybe that older stallion would be more open to serious discussion about Nature.
But there's no stopping this mare.
"…and she was a follower of Nature at the time, so she and her stallion agreed to meet up at the shrine to Nature, right here.
It wasn't a park back then you see, just another temple of the Scarab District.
But her parents had heard of the plan and followed her to seperate them again…"
Dramatic pause.
>>480869
She almost chokes on her drink.
"You're family?"
>>480881
One by one they all agree.
Time to clink your glasses on this unholy alliance.
>>480883
"Well long story short, the 2 lovers got surrounded at the temple and she pleaded to mother nature for help.
And Nature responded and all sorts of plants sprouted of the ground, swallowing the family.
And since that day this park was here."
>>480884
"…I see."
She looks at her glass for a little while.
"He's been causing a lot of trouble for us. We don't know why."
One by one they all agree.
Time to clink your glasses on this unholy alliance.
>>480883
"Well long story short, the 2 lovers got surrounded at the temple and she pleaded to mother nature for help.
And Nature responded and all sorts of plants sprouted of the ground, swallowing the family.
And since that day this park was here."
>>480884
"…I see."
She looks at her glass for a little while.
"He's been causing a lot of trouble for us. We don't know why."
>>482985
She thinks.
"There are a lot less customers lately.
It's weird. It might have something to do with that new cult."
>>482986
"Of course."
He leads you and your men to a big table.
And scrambles to hoof you a menu.
You quickly spot the owner sitting near the bar, taking care of some paperwork.
You detect some significant mental tension in the bar. These ponies are having issues, there's anger at somepony, Blood Diamond.
He owns another restaurant close by, one that does way better than this one, because Blood Diamond owns it and pumps a lot of money in it.
She thinks.
"There are a lot less customers lately.
It's weird. It might have something to do with that new cult."
>>482986
"Of course."
He leads you and your men to a big table.
And scrambles to hoof you a menu.
You quickly spot the owner sitting near the bar, taking care of some paperwork.
You detect some significant mental tension in the bar. These ponies are having issues, there's anger at somepony, Blood Diamond.
He owns another restaurant close by, one that does way better than this one, because Blood Diamond owns it and pumps a lot of money in it.
>>483269
"A sad state of affairs. A great number of ponies are turning to the worship of Nature, yet refuse to understand Her, to learn about Her.
Instead they make up their own fantasies and legends about the Mother, based on nothing but fantasy.
They may consider themselves lucky the Mother has far more important things to do than show them the error of their ways."
>>483273
The maid smiles.
"I could ask him if he could spare a moment if you'd like?"
>>483274
She shrugs.
"Another one of the dozen that pop up every year. Or so I thought…this one is…creepy. A lot of customers at the bar talk about how either one of their friends or family became a member and then just spend all their time with them.
And those Heralds are so creepy, talking about catastrophes and plagues and how we will all be destroyed…"
"A sad state of affairs. A great number of ponies are turning to the worship of Nature, yet refuse to understand Her, to learn about Her.
Instead they make up their own fantasies and legends about the Mother, based on nothing but fantasy.
They may consider themselves lucky the Mother has far more important things to do than show them the error of their ways."
>>483273
The maid smiles.
"I could ask him if he could spare a moment if you'd like?"
>>483274
She shrugs.
"Another one of the dozen that pop up every year. Or so I thought…this one is…creepy. A lot of customers at the bar talk about how either one of their friends or family became a member and then just spend all their time with them.
And those Heralds are so creepy, talking about catastrophes and plagues and how we will all be destroyed…"
>>480906
Give her the shrug.
I wonder if the other two survivors went back. I wonder if they have necromancers in their employ. They're some kind of church, right? The question of what she is after in particular comes up again. She doesn't strike me as a zealot… but then, I don't know much about this organization either. Still, day one and I'm already laying low priests. It should be interesting to see how this progresses. I need to learn more about their structure… leadership… the position they have in the city. If they can get away with this without having the guard on their backs, they must have political connections. In any case, that begs the question of why he has caused them so much trouble. What's he after? I haven't been with them but an afternoon. How did he know I showed up in the city? Does he have spies? Why can't they stomp him out? In any case, I'll have to be the one to deal with this mess, no doubt.
Indicate myself with a hoof. "Soon."
Give her the shrug.
I wonder if the other two survivors went back. I wonder if they have necromancers in their employ. They're some kind of church, right? The question of what she is after in particular comes up again. She doesn't strike me as a zealot… but then, I don't know much about this organization either. Still, day one and I'm already laying low priests. It should be interesting to see how this progresses. I need to learn more about their structure… leadership… the position they have in the city. If they can get away with this without having the guard on their backs, they must have political connections. In any case, that begs the question of why he has caused them so much trouble. What's he after? I haven't been with them but an afternoon. How did he know I showed up in the city? Does he have spies? Why can't they stomp him out? In any case, I'll have to be the one to deal with this mess, no doubt.
Indicate myself with a hoof. "Soon."
>>483292
"Perhaps you should sit down and give it a try yourself. These rocks have special significance. It was here that the Mother, for whatever reason, allowed her children to grow and form this oasis of rest in the midst of this city.
Her presence is very strong here. Be silent and let her inspire you through her voice."
>>483294
She nods.
"Allright, I'll remember that."
>>483297
She nods and a few minutes later a chubby pony with a moustache comes to your table with a smile.
"I hope everything was to your satisfaction? If there's anything else you need, I'm fully at your disposal."
>>483308
She nods.
"I guess it's time we move again then. Back to base."
She gives a sign to the bartender who opens up a backdoor for the both of you.
Roll for perception once you go outside.
"Perhaps you should sit down and give it a try yourself. These rocks have special significance. It was here that the Mother, for whatever reason, allowed her children to grow and form this oasis of rest in the midst of this city.
Her presence is very strong here. Be silent and let her inspire you through her voice."
>>483294
She nods.
"Allright, I'll remember that."
>>483297
She nods and a few minutes later a chubby pony with a moustache comes to your table with a smile.
"I hope everything was to your satisfaction? If there's anything else you need, I'm fully at your disposal."
>>483308
She nods.
"I guess it's time we move again then. Back to base."
She gives a sign to the bartender who opens up a backdoor for the both of you.
Roll for perception once you go outside.
>>483325
"That would be lovely."
>>483326
"Ah…it's a bit of a quiet time for us, I'm afraid.
There used to be far more guests here, but…circumstances have changed a bit.
But we plow on."
>>483328
You see a vision…
A grey wolf is chasing 2 hares, a black and a white one across a desert hill. The hares suddenly split and run each in another direction, leaving the wolf bewildered as you open your eyes again.
>>483329
You both step outside and quickly run to a nearby alley. As Pine opens another entrance into the sewers you feel a chill run up your spine.
In a split second you focus your inner Qi and quickly strike behind you.
You "hit" the immaterial form of what looks like a pony tattood with a number of symbols and wearing ethereal chains.
A Bound Spirit! Bound by the forbidden teachings of the ancient lodges of Neighpon.
It breaks apart at your strike but other silently move through the walls.
"Shit…" says Pine as she quickly grabs her axe and hits the first one.
"That would be lovely."
>>483326
"Ah…it's a bit of a quiet time for us, I'm afraid.
There used to be far more guests here, but…circumstances have changed a bit.
But we plow on."
>>483328
You see a vision…
A grey wolf is chasing 2 hares, a black and a white one across a desert hill. The hares suddenly split and run each in another direction, leaving the wolf bewildered as you open your eyes again.
>>483329
You both step outside and quickly run to a nearby alley. As Pine opens another entrance into the sewers you feel a chill run up your spine.
In a split second you focus your inner Qi and quickly strike behind you.
You "hit" the immaterial form of what looks like a pony tattood with a number of symbols and wearing ethereal chains.
A Bound Spirit! Bound by the forbidden teachings of the ancient lodges of Neighpon.
It breaks apart at your strike but other silently move through the walls.
"Shit…" says Pine as she quickly grabs her axe and hits the first one.
>>483359
You miss and crash into the wall, you're helpless.
>>483363
"Oh you're too kind mister."
He sits down.
"It is a sad state of affairs, my friend.
Little less than a year ago, this restaurant was overflowing with customers.
But it seems the other local restaurants have deployed some questionable tactics to keep customers away from here."
>>483368
She hugs you back.
"I know. I know. Just…come back soon, okay?"
>>483371
Where to next?
You miss and crash into the wall, you're helpless.
>>483363
"Oh you're too kind mister."
He sits down.
"It is a sad state of affairs, my friend.
Little less than a year ago, this restaurant was overflowing with customers.
But it seems the other local restaurants have deployed some questionable tactics to keep customers away from here."
>>483368
She hugs you back.
"I know. I know. Just…come back soon, okay?"
>>483371
Where to next?
>>483523
>>483524
You smash and disintegrate another one.
The mare slashes one more as well.
The ghosts retreat again.
"That damn Otsuro…"
Pine looks around furiously.
"I KNOW YOU'RE WATCHING!" she shouts.
>>483525
The Diamond District is a mass, literally.
One half of the district is a garbage dump.
The other is full of slums with a half-decent heavily barred home once in a while.
The streets are dirty, the ponies are dirty, even the rats seem dirtier than the ones in other districts.
You find a tavern called "The Solution"
Go in?
>>483526
There's a tavern in the Diamand District where you could meet up in a bar called "The Solution" because alcohol is the solution to all the worlds problems.
Do that?
>>483552
"They have connections with a few local authorities…but I'd rather not disturb you with my private affairs, mister."
He seems nervous suddenly.
PAUSE
>>483524
You smash and disintegrate another one.
The mare slashes one more as well.
The ghosts retreat again.
"That damn Otsuro…"
Pine looks around furiously.
"I KNOW YOU'RE WATCHING!" she shouts.
>>483525
The Diamond District is a mass, literally.
One half of the district is a garbage dump.
The other is full of slums with a half-decent heavily barred home once in a while.
The streets are dirty, the ponies are dirty, even the rats seem dirtier than the ones in other districts.
You find a tavern called "The Solution"
Go in?
>>483526
There's a tavern in the Diamand District where you could meet up in a bar called "The Solution" because alcohol is the solution to all the worlds problems.
Do that?
>>483552
"They have connections with a few local authorities…but I'd rather not disturb you with my private affairs, mister."
He seems nervous suddenly.
PAUSE
>>483596
I'll get back to you in a sec.
>>484547
Sure, my question was wether you'd like to meet them in a public area (the bar) or in their house.
>>484551
It is open.
Pine looks around furiously.
"Let's go…"
She jumps in and waits for you downstairs.
"That was done by your brother. Do you have any clue how he summons those ghosts?"
I'll get back to you in a sec.
>>484547
Sure, my question was wether you'd like to meet them in a public area (the bar) or in their house.
>>484551
It is open.
Pine looks around furiously.
"Let's go…"
She jumps in and waits for you downstairs.
"That was done by your brother. Do you have any clue how he summons those ghosts?"
>>484579
You find Don Juan, a grey earth pony and Deep Glass, a white unicorn in the bar.
"How's it going, man?" asks Deep in his usual cheery demeanor.
There are already a few empty glasses on the table.
>>483596
It's pretty packed, you notice a table with 2 unicorns and an earth pony talking.
There are a few griffons speaking in a corner.
A buffalo with one eye is cleaning the bar.
There seem to be a few poker games going on and the smell of tabacco is heavy in the air.
>>484580
"Is there any way to stop them?"
You find Don Juan, a grey earth pony and Deep Glass, a white unicorn in the bar.
"How's it going, man?" asks Deep in his usual cheery demeanor.
There are already a few empty glasses on the table.
>>483596
It's pretty packed, you notice a table with 2 unicorns and an earth pony talking.
There are a few griffons speaking in a corner.
A buffalo with one eye is cleaning the bar.
There seem to be a few poker games going on and the smell of tabacco is heavy in the air.
>>484580
"Is there any way to stop them?"
>>484587
"Bad day at work or something?
I know what will cheer you up."
He trots over to the bar to order some more beer and flirt to the new mare who just walked in.
Don Juan turns to you.
"What's going on?"
>>484589
The buffalo nods and starts filling a large mug.
Another stallion comes next to you, while waiting to place his order, he turns to you with a grin. "Hey there, you new here?"
>>484591
"Take…take what?"
"Bad day at work or something?
I know what will cheer you up."
He trots over to the bar to order some more beer and flirt to the new mare who just walked in.
Don Juan turns to you.
"What's going on?"
>>484589
The buffalo nods and starts filling a large mug.
Another stallion comes next to you, while waiting to place his order, he turns to you with a grin. "Hey there, you new here?"
>>484591
"Take…take what?"
>>484594
"The heart…."
She whistles.
"That's….well that's interesting…if we could find out what happened to the bodies of those pests."
She starts walking towards the base again through the sewers.
"Maybe a visit to the graveyard is in order."
>>484596
"Well, I'd love to show a pretty lady like yourself all the nice places around here." he winks.
You get your huge mug of beer.
>>484598
He nods slowly.
"The same disease again? How's she doing?"
"The heart…."
She whistles.
"That's….well that's interesting…if we could find out what happened to the bodies of those pests."
She starts walking towards the base again through the sewers.
"Maybe a visit to the graveyard is in order."
>>484596
"Well, I'd love to show a pretty lady like yourself all the nice places around here." he winks.
You get your huge mug of beer.
>>484598
He nods slowly.
"The same disease again? How's she doing?"
>>484603
"She'll pull through, she's a strong mare.
How are you handling it?"
>>484605
"There are lots of really comfortable places as well." he gets his mugs of beer.
"Hey, why don't you join us at the table, it will be fun!"
He nods towards the table.
>>484606
You make it back to the underground base without incident.
"You did okay, Moon." She hoofs you a small bag of bits.
"I'll have to talk to the boss about this. Do what you want in the meantime.
If you want a bed down here talk to Clear Memory, he handles all that kind of stuff. Feel free to look around."
She puts a hoof on your shoulder.
"You're one of us now."
She then trots away towards the restricted area.
"She'll pull through, she's a strong mare.
How are you handling it?"
>>484605
"There are lots of really comfortable places as well." he gets his mugs of beer.
"Hey, why don't you join us at the table, it will be fun!"
He nods towards the table.
>>484606
You make it back to the underground base without incident.
"You did okay, Moon." She hoofs you a small bag of bits.
"I'll have to talk to the boss about this. Do what you want in the meantime.
If you want a bed down here talk to Clear Memory, he handles all that kind of stuff. Feel free to look around."
She puts a hoof on your shoulder.
"You're one of us now."
She then trots away towards the restricted area.
>>484613
He nods.
"So you're moving t-
Aw shit, Deep found another mare. One-eyed, that's new."
He takes a sip from his pint as Deep, as usual when there's serious matters, arrives with a chick.
"Hey guys, this is…uh…" he looks questioningly at the mare.
He gives you your beer as the one-eyed mare plops down in the seat next to you
>>484612
The stallion announces you
"Hey guys, this is…uh…" he looks questioningly at you.
>>484616
After a bit of searching you find a donkey in one of the corridors supervising a number of ponies cooking. He himself wears an apron and has a few burn marks.
"Food?" he asks you without any conversation pleasantries.
He nods.
"So you're moving t-
Aw shit, Deep found another mare. One-eyed, that's new."
He takes a sip from his pint as Deep, as usual when there's serious matters, arrives with a chick.
"Hey guys, this is…uh…" he looks questioningly at the mare.
He gives you your beer as the one-eyed mare plops down in the seat next to you
>>484612
The stallion announces you
"Hey guys, this is…uh…" he looks questioningly at you.
>>484616
After a bit of searching you find a donkey in one of the corridors supervising a number of ponies cooking. He himself wears an apron and has a few burn marks.
"Food?" he asks you without any conversation pleasantries.
>>484623
He grabs a bowl and pours some ,what you assume to be, stew in it and hoofs it to you.
"Bon appetit."
Memo: you've done everything before the timeskip, you are free to explore, talk or go your way throughout the city. There are no plot missions for the moment.
>>484625
Deep Glass nods.
"A pretty name, fits you like a glove."
The grey earth pony simply nods.
"Don Juan, a pleasure to meet you."
>>484626
"No problem mate. It's on me."
He grabs a bowl and pours some ,what you assume to be, stew in it and hoofs it to you.
"Bon appetit."
Memo: you've done everything before the timeskip, you are free to explore, talk or go your way throughout the city. There are no plot missions for the moment.
>>484625
Deep Glass nods.
"A pretty name, fits you like a glove."
The grey earth pony simply nods.
"Don Juan, a pleasure to meet you."
>>484626
"No problem mate. It's on me."
>>484640
Oh you.
The best place for all kinds of entertainment is the Vulture District.
>shops
>bars
>restaurants
>brothels
>a fair
>casinos
>various kinds of shops in alleys where all manner of illegal wares or services are bartered.
Other districts that might be of intrest to you is Arachnia (mages), Scarab (religious).
>>484642
Don Juan and Grey Leg seem properly dressed, not fancy but proper.
Deep Glass is far more casual in his fashion choice.
"If it's up to me celebration!" he says loudly.
>>484644
He looks flabberghasted.
"Hey now, when was the last time I got drunk of your money?"
Last week.
>>484665
"It goes on. Most ponies who come here are either down on their luck or hiding from other ponies in the rest of the city."
Oh you.
The best place for all kinds of entertainment is the Vulture District.
>shops
>bars
>restaurants
>brothels
>a fair
>casinos
>various kinds of shops in alleys where all manner of illegal wares or services are bartered.
Other districts that might be of intrest to you is Arachnia (mages), Scarab (religious).
>>484642
Don Juan and Grey Leg seem properly dressed, not fancy but proper.
Deep Glass is far more casual in his fashion choice.
"If it's up to me celebration!" he says loudly.
>>484644
He looks flabberghasted.
"Hey now, when was the last time I got drunk of your money?"
Last week.
>>484665
"It goes on. Most ponies who come here are either down on their luck or hiding from other ponies in the rest of the city."
>>484668
The fair seems rather out of place in Vilitus.
Situated at the edge of the Vulture District, the endless house make way for a huge open space where the Viliri Fair is.
Entrance seems to be free of charge.
There are a multitude of attractions, a merry-go-round, mirror house, ghost house, a rollercoaster, various smaller games, numerous food courts and many many more. All decorated by numerous lights. The fair seems to be quite tightly packed this evening, there's an almost tangible buzz of excitement in the air.
A pony with carrying a tray of hay candy beckons you "Free samples here! Hay candy, Crystal soda, be sure to try"
The fair seems rather out of place in Vilitus.
Situated at the edge of the Vulture District, the endless house make way for a huge open space where the Viliri Fair is.
Entrance seems to be free of charge.
There are a multitude of attractions, a merry-go-round, mirror house, ghost house, a rollercoaster, various smaller games, numerous food courts and many many more. All decorated by numerous lights. The fair seems to be quite tightly packed this evening, there's an almost tangible buzz of excitement in the air.
A pony with carrying a tray of hay candy beckons you "Free samples here! Hay candy, Crystal soda, be sure to try"
>>484672
The first performance you find is a zebra group playing an assortment of exotic music. There are a number of (younger) ponies dancing near them.
Not too far from there you see a Hammer strength game (slam the hammer against the pole with the gong) , a throw-the-ball game (3 tries) and a fishing ducks game.
>>484673
"The beers good and cheap. That's the most important part." says Don Juan.
Deep Glass who has drunk quite some glasses already nods at you "Very charming here, and you make it even more charming."
>>484674
"That is Priestess Pink Marble."
He points to a mare in skimpy clothing near the altar.
The first performance you find is a zebra group playing an assortment of exotic music. There are a number of (younger) ponies dancing near them.
Not too far from there you see a Hammer strength game (slam the hammer against the pole with the gong) , a throw-the-ball game (3 tries) and a fishing ducks game.
>>484673
"The beers good and cheap. That's the most important part." says Don Juan.
Deep Glass who has drunk quite some glasses already nods at you "Very charming here, and you make it even more charming."
>>484674
"That is Priestess Pink Marble."
He points to a mare in skimpy clothing near the altar.
>>484682
Well, where to start.
You know she's a priestess of Love, so that means she gets around. She knows lots of ponies around here…but she's not interested in cash. You'd have to be friends (or more~) with her to learn what she knows.
The boy is called Bronze Chisel. He's not that interesting from an informant point of view.
His talents lay elsewhere, as a priest of Love.
>>484684
Don nods.
"It's nothing but trouble around these parts. But I must be boring you. Which district do you live?"
>>484687
Deep Glass coughs in his drink. "Did you say Feline?"
Well, where to start.
You know she's a priestess of Love, so that means she gets around. She knows lots of ponies around here…but she's not interested in cash. You'd have to be friends (or more~) with her to learn what she knows.
The boy is called Bronze Chisel. He's not that interesting from an informant point of view.
His talents lay elsewhere, as a priest of Love.
>>484684
Don nods.
"It's nothing but trouble around these parts. But I must be boring you. Which district do you live?"
>>484687
Deep Glass coughs in his drink. "Did you say Feline?"
>>484688
"I have to start somewhere. Just knowing her could be useful."
"Take care, young man. If you ever find yourself in the my District, come stop by for a chat."
Prepare myself, make sure my clothes are in properly, and go ahead and introduce myself to Pink Marble.
"Hello, I'm Hokkaido, the lady of Mr. Diamond. I found myself wandering around here, and after a brief discussion with one of your priests, I wanted to come in and offer my thanks. He certainly knows how to talk to a lady in doubt."
"I have to start somewhere. Just knowing her could be useful."
"Take care, young man. If you ever find yourself in the my District, come stop by for a chat."
Prepare myself, make sure my clothes are in properly, and go ahead and introduce myself to Pink Marble.
"Hello, I'm Hokkaido, the lady of Mr. Diamond. I found myself wandering around here, and after a brief discussion with one of your priests, I wanted to come in and offer my thanks. He certainly knows how to talk to a lady in doubt."
>>486156
"Because I haven't been robbed once? Oh sure, sometimes I could swear there's a mango less than there was a minute before but I'm not going to cry over that. I haven't been raped, mugged or murdered yet, which is a real achievement in Vilitus."
>>486154
"Oh you should be. They could be watching you at any moment. Ready to kill you if somepony wants you dead. You'd be dead before you hit the ground."
"Because I haven't been robbed once? Oh sure, sometimes I could swear there's a mango less than there was a minute before but I'm not going to cry over that. I haven't been raped, mugged or murdered yet, which is a real achievement in Vilitus."
>>486154
"Oh you should be. They could be watching you at any moment. Ready to kill you if somepony wants you dead. You'd be dead before you hit the ground."
>>486191
You've got more than enough.
Your problem is time to make it without catching attention.
You wouldn't be able to make an entire underground base but a few rooms and perhaps even an escape tunnel are acceptable.
I'll roll for quality of the work, if you tell me what exactly you want.
>>486188
He seems to be talking to Don Juan outside.
He's shouting loudly while Juan tries to calm him down.
>>486190
Friends like those huh?
What would be wrong with Deep?
He was always a bit weird, but not this weird.
You've got more than enough.
Your problem is time to make it without catching attention.
You wouldn't be able to make an entire underground base but a few rooms and perhaps even an escape tunnel are acceptable.
I'll roll for quality of the work, if you tell me what exactly you want.
>>486188
He seems to be talking to Don Juan outside.
He's shouting loudly while Juan tries to calm him down.
>>486190
Friends like those huh?
What would be wrong with Deep?
He was always a bit weird, but not this weird.
>>486198
You're stealthed, see next post.
>>486199
You get some booze.
Don Juan: "You're not making any sense Deep."
Deep: "Listen, I know this sounds crazy but you've got to believe me…they've been following me, I've seen them all over…"
>>486200
You can buy an old mansion in the Aurora district. Consider it done.
The panic room is underneath the restaurant?
You're stealthed, see next post.
>>486199
You get some booze.
Don Juan: "You're not making any sense Deep."
Deep: "Listen, I know this sounds crazy but you've got to believe me…they've been following me, I've seen them all over…"
>>486200
You can buy an old mansion in the Aurora district. Consider it done.
The panic room is underneath the restaurant?
>>487305
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAYhNHhxN0A
Let's do it. Squeeze myself inside that gaping slit.
Roll #1 7 = 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAYhNHhxN0A
Let's do it. Squeeze myself inside that gaping slit.
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>487306
You manage to squeeze through fine.
You come out in a storage room. Nothing too fancy, some cleaning products and brooms, the door is closed.
You don't hear anything outside it.
>>487308
You end up walking randomly into the Snake District. You see a not too shabby house for sale in the outskirts of the District.
Check it out?
You manage to squeeze through fine.
You come out in a storage room. Nothing too fancy, some cleaning products and brooms, the door is closed.
You don't hear anything outside it.
>>487308
You end up walking randomly into the Snake District. You see a not too shabby house for sale in the outskirts of the District.
Check it out?
>>487355
I didn't specify this but the automatic one is going outside again. the crevice will be covered up and you won't be getting back in through here. Continue?
>>487359
It's a house about as big as your old one. But far older, in a good way.
It has that stately feel. High ceilings, large rooms. Even a heartfire in the living room for those comfy winter nights that never happen in Vilitus.
I didn't specify this but the automatic one is going outside again. the crevice will be covered up and you won't be getting back in through here. Continue?
>>487359
It's a house about as big as your old one. But far older, in a good way.
It has that stately feel. High ceilings, large rooms. Even a heartfire in the living room for those comfy winter nights that never happen in Vilitus.
>>487366
It's a small room, no room to hide here, especially from trained stealth specialists.
The only other entrances you see are the windows the arabian mare went through last time.
>>487369
Let's see.
I think the last place had about 5 rooms.
Rooms here '1d4+3'
"There's also something really nice you might want to see."
He guides you towards the cellar.
"A cool cellar, perfect to store wine."
Roll #1 4 + 3 = 7
It's a small room, no room to hide here, especially from trained stealth specialists.
The only other entrances you see are the windows the arabian mare went through last time.
>>487369
Let's see.
I think the last place had about 5 rooms.
Rooms here '1d4+3'
"There's also something really nice you might want to see."
He guides you towards the cellar.
"A cool cellar, perfect to store wine."
Roll #1 4 + 3 = 7
>>487415
"Of course."
He leads you to a small kitchen.
Not too fancy, but it looks like most of the necessary appliances are there.
>>487416
You stick to the shadows, unfortunately there's already somepony there.
A shadow grips you and pushes you into a room.
It's the Arabian mare who locks the door.
"By the 7 Stars, how did you get in here."
She seems angry.
"Of course."
He leads you to a small kitchen.
Not too fancy, but it looks like most of the necessary appliances are there.
>>487416
You stick to the shadows, unfortunately there's already somepony there.
A shadow grips you and pushes you into a room.
It's the Arabian mare who locks the door.
"By the 7 Stars, how did you get in here."
She seems angry.
>>488703
"Oh I'll make sure they hear us if you don't shut your whore mouth right now!"
>>488704
You arrange for some construction crews to come along.
They'll spruce up the place. Make it look nice and official, meanwhile they also put in some custom constructions. A few rooms underneath the restaurant to hide and plan, a secondary entrance to the side of the restaurant to sneakily get in and out, listening crystals in the decorations to listen in on conversations going on.
It will take a few days to finish.
The chef knows a bit about your constructions but supposedly could be trusted since you're paying his salary after all.
Unless that's not good enough? Kill him?
"Oh I'll make sure they hear us if you don't shut your whore mouth right now!"
>>488704
You arrange for some construction crews to come along.
They'll spruce up the place. Make it look nice and official, meanwhile they also put in some custom constructions. A few rooms underneath the restaurant to hide and plan, a secondary entrance to the side of the restaurant to sneakily get in and out, listening crystals in the decorations to listen in on conversations going on.
It will take a few days to finish.
The chef knows a bit about your constructions but supposedly could be trusted since you're paying his salary after all.
Unless that's not good enough? Kill him?
>>488706
She snorts again.
"You didn't see anything here, got that?"
>>488707
Well he certainly likes you now.
Best boss ever.
Things are going smoothly for your operations.
You find a large deserted mansion in the Aurora District and make to buy the property and start sprucing it up.
Meanwhile I suppose you spend your nights still at the Inn.
It is there, a few days later that we find you again, as you wake in the middle of the night to find your windows open.
She snorts again.
"You didn't see anything here, got that?"
>>488707
Well he certainly likes you now.
Best boss ever.
Things are going smoothly for your operations.
You find a large deserted mansion in the Aurora District and make to buy the property and start sprucing it up.
Meanwhile I suppose you spend your nights still at the Inn.
It is there, a few days later that we find you again, as you wake in the middle of the night to find your windows open.
>>488709
The dagger is not under your pillow.
You look to find it impaled in the wall, not too far from where you slept a few seconds ago.
"If I came here to kill you, I'd have done so already." says a voice from the shadows.
>>488710
She steps closer to you and grabs you.
"I'm not kidding around, you slut. You didn't see nothing and I better never see you here again." She hisses seething with anger.
The dagger is not under your pillow.
You look to find it impaled in the wall, not too far from where you slept a few seconds ago.
"If I came here to kill you, I'd have done so already." says a voice from the shadows.
>>488710
She steps closer to you and grabs you.
"I'm not kidding around, you slut. You didn't see nothing and I better never see you here again." She hisses seething with anger.
>>488718
Out of the shadows flies a piece of paper and lands next to you, on it are 3 names.
"Traitors. All 3 of them work for Duke Diamond. Have them shadowed, you'll see for yourself soon enough. If you want more, put 2 candles near your window before you go to sleep."
Silence again.
Slow Shell stomps open the room with sword ready and 2 henches at your side.
They have candles to light the room but there's no one here except you.
"What's going on, boss?"
>>488719
"You arrogant little…"
She moves closer and whispers with barely contained anger.
"Since you're obviously new I'll make this clear to you. If any of my associates here find you, they'll drag you to the dungeons below and me with you. Once you're there they'll slowly tear you from limb to limb, you'll spend the rest of your little life in perpetual agony until there's nothing left of the arrogant slut you are. Only then they'll kill you, chop you up to pieces and feed the pieces to the dogs so nopony will ever find a trace of you.
They might do the same to me, since I know you must have followed me here. But they might not kill me, I might spend the next few months in isolation, I might have to work years to get back in good standing, but they might not kill me.
So what's it going to be, Ambrosia or whatever your name is, are you going to leave through that window, or are we going to face the fireworks together?"
Out of the shadows flies a piece of paper and lands next to you, on it are 3 names.
"Traitors. All 3 of them work for Duke Diamond. Have them shadowed, you'll see for yourself soon enough. If you want more, put 2 candles near your window before you go to sleep."
Silence again.
Slow Shell stomps open the room with sword ready and 2 henches at your side.
They have candles to light the room but there's no one here except you.
"What's going on, boss?"
>>488719
"You arrogant little…"
She moves closer and whispers with barely contained anger.
"Since you're obviously new I'll make this clear to you. If any of my associates here find you, they'll drag you to the dungeons below and me with you. Once you're there they'll slowly tear you from limb to limb, you'll spend the rest of your little life in perpetual agony until there's nothing left of the arrogant slut you are. Only then they'll kill you, chop you up to pieces and feed the pieces to the dogs so nopony will ever find a trace of you.
They might do the same to me, since I know you must have followed me here. But they might not kill me, I might spend the next few months in isolation, I might have to work years to get back in good standing, but they might not kill me.
So what's it going to be, Ambrosia or whatever your name is, are you going to leave through that window, or are we going to face the fireworks together?"
>>488721
You recognize 1, one of the thugs you hired.
The other 2 might be underlings hired by some of your servants, you don't know their names.
Slow Shell nods towards one of the thugs who quickly does as ordered.
>>488722
She looks you over, seizing you up.
"Sickle, Silver Sickle is my name. Now go, I'll find you…if I'm interested in that kind of thing."
You recognize 1, one of the thugs you hired.
The other 2 might be underlings hired by some of your servants, you don't know their names.
Slow Shell nods towards one of the thugs who quickly does as ordered.
>>488722
She looks you over, seizing you up.
"Sickle, Silver Sickle is my name. Now go, I'll find you…if I'm interested in that kind of thing."
>>488730
He looks over the names himself.
"Shit….I know those names, one is one of the guys we hired and the other 2. Well I had a run-in with them since they were acting oddly. But their leader assured me they could be trusted….that was that same guy now I think about it."
>>488731
He's working on papers back in the Bureau.
"Yes?"
>>488731
He looks over the names himself.
"Shit….I know those names, one is one of the guys we hired and the other 2. Well I had a run-in with them since they were acting oddly. But their leader assured me they could be trusted….that was that same guy now I think about it."
>>488731
He's working on papers back in the Bureau.
"Yes?"
>>488731
>>488736
"Mission reports, scout reports, news reports, inventory, all sorts of orders, etc. You don't think all these weapons and food get restocked magically do you? Or that our archives write themselves?"
>>488737
"I'll make sure to call her.
Shall I have those smugglers shadow the ponies on that paper?"
"Mission reports, scout reports, news reports, inventory, all sorts of orders, etc. You don't think all these weapons and food get restocked magically do you? Or that our archives write themselves?"
>>488737
"I'll make sure to call her.
Shall I have those smugglers shadow the ponies on that paper?"
>>488748
They're a bunch of dirty ponies, donks and zebras. But they seem quite glad to be here.
The half finished rooms still under construction must seem like heaven compared to their usual place.
"We followed dem ponies, milord."
>>488749
"Apparently….Just do me the favor, don't slip anything about us, and if she slips anything about them, you tell me."
They're a bunch of dirty ponies, donks and zebras. But they seem quite glad to be here.
The half finished rooms still under construction must seem like heaven compared to their usual place.
"We followed dem ponies, milord."
>>488749
"Apparently….Just do me the favor, don't slip anything about us, and if she slips anything about them, you tell me."
>>488751
Slow Shell coughs.
"Go on."
"We saw the leader of them try to send a message away. One of the underlings acted like a messenger. He slipped that message to one of the Snake District guards. Don't know about the second underling. But we only checked for just one day. But there's definately something fishy going on."
>>488752
"Good, if anypony ever touched that collection, I might just feed you to the dogs."
Slow Shell coughs.
"Go on."
"We saw the leader of them try to send a message away. One of the underlings acted like a messenger. He slipped that message to one of the Snake District guards. Don't know about the second underling. But we only checked for just one day. But there's definately something fishy going on."
>>488752
"Good, if anypony ever touched that collection, I might just feed you to the dogs."
>>488767
"Tomorrow maybe. I'll tell you about that time I infiltrated the Celestial temple full of nuns, disguised as a statue."
>>488770
At night…
You patiently wait at the restaurant until a struggling pony is brought in. There's a bag tied around his head to make sure he can't recognize his surroundings and he's tied up tightly. The thugs put him on the chair and tie him down.
His breath is loud and fast. This will be fun.
"Tomorrow maybe. I'll tell you about that time I infiltrated the Celestial temple full of nuns, disguised as a statue."
>>488770
At night…
You patiently wait at the restaurant until a struggling pony is brought in. There's a bag tied around his head to make sure he can't recognize his surroundings and he's tied up tightly. The thugs put him on the chair and tie him down.
His breath is loud and fast. This will be fun.
>>488773
>>488774
His thoughts are chaotic but you clearly see him delivering messages to known thugs working for Diamond.
>>488772
He shakes his head as you trot away and gets back to his notes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D5PED2o_sk
The Master is sitting on his cushions smoking a hookah.
"What brings you here?"
>>488774
His thoughts are chaotic but you clearly see him delivering messages to known thugs working for Diamond.
>>488772
He shakes his head as you trot away and gets back to his notes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D5PED2o_sk
The Master is sitting on his cushions smoking a hookah.
"What brings you here?"
>>488810
There's a few moments of silence between the both of you.
"You have been performing quite well, Echo. Your training is progressing rapidly.
Yet, training you in the shadow arts is not enough. To become a true assassin you require discipline, maturity, a sense of duty.
Virtues you lack."
>>488810
Right, his name is Low Brow."
"What how much?" he sounds confused.
There's a few moments of silence between the both of you.
"You have been performing quite well, Echo. Your training is progressing rapidly.
Yet, training you in the shadow arts is not enough. To become a true assassin you require discipline, maturity, a sense of duty.
Virtues you lack."
>>488810
Right, his name is Low Brow."
"What how much?" he sounds confused.
>>488826
"Are you saying that's a wrong impression then?"
>>488828
"You're a sick fuck, you know that! Everypony told me that you were a sick fuck, but you're even worse than I imagined."
How about the tongue shears to rip out a tongue, that hurts or maybe the crocodile shears to tear of those bits he won't need anymore?
Of course the lighting and fire elemental rod is always a classic.
"Are you saying that's a wrong impression then?"
>>488828
"You're a sick fuck, you know that! Everypony told me that you were a sick fuck, but you're even worse than I imagined."
How about the tongue shears to rip out a tongue, that hurts or maybe the crocodile shears to tear of those bits he won't need anymore?
Of course the lighting and fire elemental rod is always a classic.
>>488831
"Is it? Who I am during my private time isn't the same pony that I am while I'm doing a mission. I think I have the right to be myself when not at work. In a fucked up city like this, I need something to take my mind off of things. Otherwise I'll just become another pile of misery, devoid of emotion like those empty husks in the changeling hives."
"Is it? Who I am during my private time isn't the same pony that I am while I'm doing a mission. I think I have the right to be myself when not at work. In a fucked up city like this, I need something to take my mind off of things. Otherwise I'll just become another pile of misery, devoid of emotion like those empty husks in the changeling hives."
>>488836
"It is extremely difficult to keep private time and professional time seperate in our line.
It simply bleeds through.
We all have to deal with that in our way.
If you say that your way works for you, I will not interfere as long as you get results.
But I know from experience that that way usually doesn't work forever."
>>488838
>>488840
You start with a good electric shock.
He screams in agony.
"It is extremely difficult to keep private time and professional time seperate in our line.
It simply bleeds through.
We all have to deal with that in our way.
If you say that your way works for you, I will not interfere as long as you get results.
But I know from experience that that way usually doesn't work forever."
>>488838
>>488840
You start with a good electric shock.
He screams in agony.
>>488852
He nods.
"As for your question, I can tell you that I've identified the runes as similar to a set of runes found in the temples of the Scarab District.
So I believe this is the work of some kind of extremistic cult.
That's all you need to now.
Anything else?"
>>488853
Shell leaves.
The whole night is one long agony for the guy before you send him screaming and insane to the afterlife. The guardians of the afterlife will have a field day getting this guy back together.
He didn't know much. His employers made sure he couldn't spill too much. But you do know the place where the messengers meet up with Diamonds thugs.
He nods.
"As for your question, I can tell you that I've identified the runes as similar to a set of runes found in the temples of the Scarab District.
So I believe this is the work of some kind of extremistic cult.
That's all you need to now.
Anything else?"
>>488853
Shell leaves.
The whole night is one long agony for the guy before you send him screaming and insane to the afterlife. The guardians of the afterlife will have a field day getting this guy back together.
He didn't know much. His employers made sure he couldn't spill too much. But you do know the place where the messengers meet up with Diamonds thugs.
>>488880
Next session.
>>488883
"I know a place."
She brings you to a bar called the Fata Morgana.
It seems to be a rather boring old bar at first sight.
But she drags you through a door marked "Private" which leads to a stairs and another door guarded by a large bouncer.
Inside soft lounge music is playing, there are lots of soft seats, a richly decorated bar, and a lot of sexily dressed waitresses walking around.
"This is such a good place, in most places some idiot tries to pick you up every few seconds. Here with all the bouncers, you can actually talk in peace."
>>488885
Let's meet up with stealthy voice next time.
PAUSE
Next session.
>>488883
"I know a place."
She brings you to a bar called the Fata Morgana.
It seems to be a rather boring old bar at first sight.
But she drags you through a door marked "Private" which leads to a stairs and another door guarded by a large bouncer.
Inside soft lounge music is playing, there are lots of soft seats, a richly decorated bar, and a lot of sexily dressed waitresses walking around.
"This is such a good place, in most places some idiot tries to pick you up every few seconds. Here with all the bouncers, you can actually talk in peace."
>>488885
Let's meet up with stealthy voice next time.
PAUSE
>>489252
You keep your dignified appearance intact.
"If I were you, I'd go talk to Morgana, at the Fata Morgana in the Vulture District.
Her family has lived in Vilitus for more than a century and she knows many, many ponies and things around here.
When you go in the bar, go through a door marked "Private", nopony will stop you, and you'll get to the real bar. You should find her there."
>>489251
Uuuuuuuhhhhh…. You wanted to talk to Morgana about the house right?
>>489250
"It's a hard life. Saddle-Arabia isn't the best place to live on the streets."
You keep your dignified appearance intact.
"If I were you, I'd go talk to Morgana, at the Fata Morgana in the Vulture District.
Her family has lived in Vilitus for more than a century and she knows many, many ponies and things around here.
When you go in the bar, go through a door marked "Private", nopony will stop you, and you'll get to the real bar. You should find her there."
>>489251
Uuuuuuuhhhhh…. You wanted to talk to Morgana about the house right?
>>489250
"It's a hard life. Saddle-Arabia isn't the best place to live on the streets."
>>489254
"Have a nice day yourself.
And you're always welcome, cutie~"
The Vulture District is rough, rowdy and smelly as always.
You ignore the occasional whistling from less dignified stallions and manage to find a large ancient stately building with a withered sign "Fata Morgana".
The inside is rather small and cheap, with wooden chairs and tables.
A small mare is cleaning some glasses at the bar and a few old stallions are smoking their pipes.
There's a door marked "Private" on the other side of the bar.
>>489255
You arrive again at the Fata Morgana.
One of Morganas girls asks you to wait at the bar, since Morgana is occupied with important matters for a little while longer.
>>489256
You're drunk as shit.
"It's no joke around here…even worse than Saddle-Arabia to live on the streets here.
I had to do it for a little while when I got taken here. Before I found a new job."
"Have a nice day yourself.
And you're always welcome, cutie~"
The Vulture District is rough, rowdy and smelly as always.
You ignore the occasional whistling from less dignified stallions and manage to find a large ancient stately building with a withered sign "Fata Morgana".
The inside is rather small and cheap, with wooden chairs and tables.
A small mare is cleaning some glasses at the bar and a few old stallions are smoking their pipes.
There's a door marked "Private" on the other side of the bar.
>>489255
You arrive again at the Fata Morgana.
One of Morganas girls asks you to wait at the bar, since Morgana is occupied with important matters for a little while longer.
>>489256
You're drunk as shit.
"It's no joke around here…even worse than Saddle-Arabia to live on the streets here.
I had to do it for a little while when I got taken here. Before I found a new job."
>>489259
"The bugs? Shit, they weren't my worst problem when I got here.
Sure, there are some of them in the sewers, and let me tell you, when they take somepony those are never seen again.
But it was more the ponies chasing me at the time I was afraid of.
You see, I came here on board of one of the slave ships. I managed to get out and sneak out while they were anchoring here. Suffice to say they didn't like that when they found out."
She takes another swig of her rum.
>>489258
The fuck? There's a pony entering unlike any you've ever seen before.
A mare, and she's all shiny like. Like she is made of crystal.
She attracts a lot of attention.
>>489260
You go through a small corridor and enter a richly decorated bar. Soft music fills the room and you see this is definately a gentlestallions club. A few sexy clothed waitresses are carrying drinks around while a singer is performing on stage.
More than a few heads turn when you enter.
You must be the first crystal pony they saw ever.
"The bugs? Shit, they weren't my worst problem when I got here.
Sure, there are some of them in the sewers, and let me tell you, when they take somepony those are never seen again.
But it was more the ponies chasing me at the time I was afraid of.
You see, I came here on board of one of the slave ships. I managed to get out and sneak out while they were anchoring here. Suffice to say they didn't like that when they found out."
She takes another swig of her rum.
>>489258
The fuck? There's a pony entering unlike any you've ever seen before.
A mare, and she's all shiny like. Like she is made of crystal.
She attracts a lot of attention.
>>489260
You go through a small corridor and enter a richly decorated bar. Soft music fills the room and you see this is definately a gentlestallions club. A few sexy clothed waitresses are carrying drinks around while a singer is performing on stage.
More than a few heads turn when you enter.
You must be the first crystal pony they saw ever.
>>489262
Well you can see her up close now.
She comes to sit next to you at the bar.
>>489264
You order a light fruity cocktail.
Most of them you've never seen before.
They look like the more wealthy visitors of Vilitus, captains and businessponies mostly.
One of them stands out amongst the rest.
The stallion next to you. He seems a bit different from the rest.
>>489263
"While I was on the streets in Saddle-Arabia, I was what you'd call an easy target. They brought me here with a bunch of others."
Well you can see her up close now.
She comes to sit next to you at the bar.
>>489264
You order a light fruity cocktail.
Most of them you've never seen before.
They look like the more wealthy visitors of Vilitus, captains and businessponies mostly.
One of them stands out amongst the rest.
The stallion next to you. He seems a bit different from the rest.
>>489263
"While I was on the streets in Saddle-Arabia, I was what you'd call an easy target. They brought me here with a bunch of others."
>>489265
"What a bunch of fucking bastards… guess I got it luckier than you then. I just lived it out… stole food… sold myself when things got hard during a war… ran with gangs. Shit, at least it was all by choice!"
Drunkenly lean forward and try to hug her without just falling onto the floor.
"I'm sorry mare! I'm sorry! Fffffuck!"
Roll #1 3 = 3
"What a bunch of fucking bastards… guess I got it luckier than you then. I just lived it out… stole food… sold myself when things got hard during a war… ran with gangs. Shit, at least it was all by choice!"
Drunkenly lean forward and try to hug her without just falling onto the floor.
"I'm sorry mare! I'm sorry! Fffffuck!"
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>489269
"Me? I'm just another pony who ventured out of a recently-liberated kingdom you may have heard about, hoping to find her treasure in this world."
Take a drink.
"Perhaps I could have made a few better choices earlier, but sometimes we have to make jewelry out of more difficult gems. It's rare for me to meet someone so upfront, so how about you share next and I'll consider your debt paid?"
Is Hokkaido getting tipsy from this little thing? [1d10]
Roll #1 2 = 2
"Me? I'm just another pony who ventured out of a recently-liberated kingdom you may have heard about, hoping to find her treasure in this world."
Take a drink.
"Perhaps I could have made a few better choices earlier, but sometimes we have to make jewelry out of more difficult gems. It's rare for me to meet someone so upfront, so how about you share next and I'll consider your debt paid?"
Is Hokkaido getting tipsy from this little thing? [1d10]
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>489270
"You won't find much treasure here."
I sip of my drink as well.
"That's a fair deal. I live in this town. Have been for a good long while. I'm here at this bar because I want to speak with somepony who would allow me to get a better view out of my window when waking up.
I still don't know your name though."
"You won't find much treasure here."
I sip of my drink as well.
"That's a fair deal. I live in this town. Have been for a good long while. I'm here at this bar because I want to speak with somepony who would allow me to get a better view out of my window when waking up.
I still don't know your name though."
>>489271
Head and hooves on the table, then. Don't want to show these ponies what a shattered Crystal Pony looks like.
>>489272
"It's considered good manners for the stallion to offer his name first, but I'll make an exception. I am Hokkaido, rather recent arrival to Vilitus and hoping to claim my future from it. If you ever happen to find yourself in the Snake district, come talk to me again."
"Now, might you offer me your name and the name of the one you are waiting for? We can chat in the meantime."
Head and hooves on the table, then. Don't want to show these ponies what a shattered Crystal Pony looks like.
>>489272
"It's considered good manners for the stallion to offer his name first, but I'll make an exception. I am Hokkaido, rather recent arrival to Vilitus and hoping to claim my future from it. If you ever happen to find yourself in the Snake district, come talk to me again."
"Now, might you offer me your name and the name of the one you are waiting for? We can chat in the meantime."
>>489280
"Me running for my life to start anew won't help me or whatever plans you have boiling in your head, Dear. So try to enjoy the basic things of existence."
>>489281
"That is a good reason to move out. So many ponies cling to old ways and things, even if it drags them to the bottom of a furnace to be forgotten and burnt away to nothing. So Mister Grey Leg, what do you do for a living? The Snake District is nice, but it does come with its own set of costs."
"Me running for my life to start anew won't help me or whatever plans you have boiling in your head, Dear. So try to enjoy the basic things of existence."
>>489281
"That is a good reason to move out. So many ponies cling to old ways and things, even if it drags them to the bottom of a furnace to be forgotten and burnt away to nothing. So Mister Grey Leg, what do you do for a living? The Snake District is nice, but it does come with its own set of costs."
>>489284
"Shame on me for assuming so much, but you've probably been so consumed with your machinations, you probably forget to even enjoy a simple drink like this. Or are you living vicariously through me?"
>>489286
"Well then, I must presume that such a career brought you to many ponies in the know, since you are here now and thinking about moving up. So, how about I offer my own deal? I have considerable authority at the hotel I'm staying at, and I can see to it that you get a consistent job there. Someone doesn't end up here without knowing a few important people, and I'd like to see if I can find a few more here who I can rely on. What do you say?"
"Shame on me for assuming so much, but you've probably been so consumed with your machinations, you probably forget to even enjoy a simple drink like this. Or are you living vicariously through me?"
>>489286
"Well then, I must presume that such a career brought you to many ponies in the know, since you are here now and thinking about moving up. So, how about I offer my own deal? I have considerable authority at the hotel I'm staying at, and I can see to it that you get a consistent job there. Someone doesn't end up here without knowing a few important people, and I'd like to see if I can find a few more here who I can rely on. What do you say?"
>>489288
"A freelancer who gets the jobs piled on, you must be really good at your job. The offer stands, since you seem to be making yourself a better catch, but I can see if I can offer a job here or there if you ever need it."
Take another sip and try to keep from slurring too much. [1d10]
"You're quite intriguing Mister Leg, and I would like to meet you again if you do move there."
Roll #1 5 = 5
"A freelancer who gets the jobs piled on, you must be really good at your job. The offer stands, since you seem to be making yourself a better catch, but I can see if I can offer a job here or there if you ever need it."
Take another sip and try to keep from slurring too much. [1d10]
"You're quite intriguing Mister Leg, and I would like to meet you again if you do move there."
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>489308
I scrunch up in anger and slam a hoof down onto the bar.
"Yeah, that fucking whore stabbed me, that's what! With a speshul enchanted dagger of… of… petrification or something. Stab somepony with it and that pony turns to solid fucking rock immediately… like with those cocks… uh… cockatrishes or whatever."
I scrunch up in anger and slam a hoof down onto the bar.
"Yeah, that fucking whore stabbed me, that's what! With a speshul enchanted dagger of… of… petrification or something. Stab somepony with it and that pony turns to solid fucking rock immediately… like with those cocks… uh… cockatrishes or whatever."
>>489333
She grabs it and looks at it.
"Grey, we've known each other for a very long time now. And it's been good, I hope I've been a good…friend as well as a business partner.
And as a friend…I'd ask you to reconsider this.
Green…she doesn't need a new house, she needs you most of all."
>>489334
"Too bad we don't have any time travel spells huh. Well, except maybe Ahrimina."
She orders another shot rum, and keeps the bottle.
She grabs it and looks at it.
"Grey, we've known each other for a very long time now. And it's been good, I hope I've been a good…friend as well as a business partner.
And as a friend…I'd ask you to reconsider this.
Green…she doesn't need a new house, she needs you most of all."
>>489334
"Too bad we don't have any time travel spells huh. Well, except maybe Ahrimina."
She orders another shot rum, and keeps the bottle.
>>489346
She takes another sip.
"Right I keep forgetting you don't know shit about this place."
She talks a bit lower.
"Okay, you know what the Triumvirate is, right?"
>>489349
She sighs.
"It's your choice….Just give the word and I'll go talk to him.
He'll do it, I'm sure of it, but he'll make sure you pay him back….."
She takes another sip.
"Right I keep forgetting you don't know shit about this place."
She talks a bit lower.
"Okay, you know what the Triumvirate is, right?"
>>489349
She sighs.
"It's your choice….Just give the word and I'll go talk to him.
He'll do it, I'm sure of it, but he'll make sure you pay him back….."
>>489354
"You could say that. The 3 Queens that live in the Oasis. Anyway, not much is known about them.
Their names are supposedly Wadjet, Ahrimina and Umbra.
Wadjet has the biggest hive and does most of the soldiering.
Umbra sends her scouts far and wide.
And Ahrimina….she's a Queen interested in magic.
She supposedly has a great Library in her hive, even bigger than the one in Canterlot and Trotantium combined."
>>489356
She nods sadly.
"You're a good pony, Grey. She's very lucky to have you."
"You could say that. The 3 Queens that live in the Oasis. Anyway, not much is known about them.
Their names are supposedly Wadjet, Ahrimina and Umbra.
Wadjet has the biggest hive and does most of the soldiering.
Umbra sends her scouts far and wide.
And Ahrimina….she's a Queen interested in magic.
She supposedly has a great Library in her hive, even bigger than the one in Canterlot and Trotantium combined."
>>489356
She nods sadly.
"You're a good pony, Grey. She's very lucky to have you."
>>489955
"So what?"
I lean in closer, still looking at her unevenly
"Religion isn't about how the others around you follow it… it's about how you choose to follow it yourself! I mean fuck, there were these two… morons talking about how love inspired Mother Mature to create that patch of green in Vilitus. That's bullshit, but if they wanna believe it… that's their business. Fuck 'em. I do my own thing."
"So what?"
I lean in closer, still looking at her unevenly
"Religion isn't about how the others around you follow it… it's about how you choose to follow it yourself! I mean fuck, there were these two… morons talking about how love inspired Mother Mature to create that patch of green in Vilitus. That's bullshit, but if they wanna believe it… that's their business. Fuck 'em. I do my own thing."
>>489970
She smiles.
"I guess you got me there."
>>489972
She takes another sip from her rum.
"I suppose you followed me back to my…residence, right? That's how you found us?"
>>489973
You know, dear. I could just rip apart time for a second and have the future happen right now.
It's a bit messy, but it works.
The barkeep hoofs you another cocktail
She smiles.
"I guess you got me there."
>>489972
She takes another sip from her rum.
"I suppose you followed me back to my…residence, right? That's how you found us?"
>>489973
You know, dear. I could just rip apart time for a second and have the future happen right now.
It's a bit messy, but it works.
The barkeep hoofs you another cocktail
>>489974
"Oh, such a strong voice inside my head. How could I ever think of not obeying your whims. Tell me then, what is it that you want? What you really want. You spend all this time in my head that I don't have to tell you what it is I seek, but a little exchange could improve relations, dearie."
"Oh, such a strong voice inside my head. How could I ever think of not obeying your whims. Tell me then, what is it that you want? What you really want. You spend all this time in my head that I don't have to tell you what it is I seek, but a little exchange could improve relations, dearie."
>>489990
"A book club…come to think of it, there is one there. Near that restaurant, Manehattan Dining or something it's called. Just a few houses next to it."
>>489991
So now you're trying to seduce the voice in your head? I figured you were getting desperate.
>>489989
"Right here in Vilitus. They frown upon alcohol in Arabia."
"A book club…come to think of it, there is one there. Near that restaurant, Manehattan Dining or something it's called. Just a few houses next to it."
>>489991
So now you're trying to seduce the voice in your head? I figured you were getting desperate.
>>489989
"Right here in Vilitus. They frown upon alcohol in Arabia."
>>489994
"You must be a male to think this is seduction. This is just idle lady chat. Maybe if you talked to other voices in other people's heads you'd understand."
"How about you do your favorite trick. This bartender, he looks like a nice enough fellow to talk up, what can you say about him? He does look pretty cute?"
[1d10]
Roll #1 6 = 6
"You must be a male to think this is seduction. This is just idle lady chat. Maybe if you talked to other voices in other people's heads you'd understand."
"How about you do your favorite trick. This bartender, he looks like a nice enough fellow to talk up, what can you say about him? He does look pretty cute?"
[1d10]
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>490004
"Who wouldn't? The Diamond District is not a place for ponies like her."
>>490005
"She's talking to a fr-..oh wait she's there."
You see Morgana walking towards you.
"Hello, my apologies to keep you waiting.
I had some business to attend to. I trust my staff took good care of you while you waited?"
"Who wouldn't? The Diamond District is not a place for ponies like her."
>>490005
"She's talking to a fr-..oh wait she's there."
You see Morgana walking towards you.
"Hello, my apologies to keep you waiting.
I had some business to attend to. I trust my staff took good care of you while you waited?"
>>490007
"Their skills are simply wonderful. Even a light drink was almost able to floor me. You must be proud of them."
"Excuse me, where are my manners? I'm Hokkaido, of the Snake District. A recent friend mentioned that I should meet you, and thought it a wonderful idea. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Their skills are simply wonderful. Even a light drink was almost able to floor me. You must be proud of them."
"Excuse me, where are my manners? I'm Hokkaido, of the Snake District. A recent friend mentioned that I should meet you, and thought it a wonderful idea. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
>>490008
"I understand that…but the Snake District is such a heavy cost. You could come to the Vulture District. I know a place not too far from here.
And it's not that bad here."
>>490011
"I am Morgana, owner of this fine establishment. Such a joy to meet you. I had heard there was a crystal pony in the company of Mr Diamond lately."
"I understand that…but the Snake District is such a heavy cost. You could come to the Vulture District. I know a place not too far from here.
And it's not that bad here."
>>490011
"I am Morgana, owner of this fine establishment. Such a joy to meet you. I had heard there was a crystal pony in the company of Mr Diamond lately."
>>491636
She giggles.
"You'd be surprised how creative some mares can be though. Even those wearing a burka.
The only thing the stallions can see are the eyes and the hooves, and the mares make sure to make those look extra, extra nice.
And the occasional little meeting in a sidehall. It has its charms in a way."
She drinks another rum.
"Well, if you've never known anything else."
She giggles.
"You'd be surprised how creative some mares can be though. Even those wearing a burka.
The only thing the stallions can see are the eyes and the hooves, and the mares make sure to make those look extra, extra nice.
And the occasional little meeting in a sidehall. It has its charms in a way."
She drinks another rum.
"Well, if you've never known anything else."
>>491689
Sickle bumps you.
"It's an old term referring to the assassins of the Feline District. Because we move so silent and unseen."
She turns to the older pony.
"But I have not heard that term in a while. My mentor only mentioned it was used in the older days."
The pony nods.
"I have been in Vilitus for quite a long time."
Sickle bumps you.
"It's an old term referring to the assassins of the Feline District. Because we move so silent and unseen."
She turns to the older pony.
"But I have not heard that term in a while. My mentor only mentioned it was used in the older days."
The pony nods.
"I have been in Vilitus for quite a long time."
>>491699
Sickle giggles.
"Ponies took everything more serious in those days."
The pony shakes his head.
"It seems to go in cycles. Why, about 30 years ago even the Diamond District was an pleasurable place to live. However, about 30 years before that it was an even worse dump than it is currently.
Perhaps the Queens want it so for some reason beyond our understanding."
Sickle giggles.
"Ponies took everything more serious in those days."
The pony shakes his head.
"It seems to go in cycles. Why, about 30 years ago even the Diamond District was an pleasurable place to live. However, about 30 years before that it was an even worse dump than it is currently.
Perhaps the Queens want it so for some reason beyond our understanding."
>>491764
"How am I supposed to know what stars think about? They must be doing something. It must be pretty boring out there in that black stuff and having the Moon and the Sun push you around all the time. They might look down and say let's mess a bit with those ponies down there."
She chuckles.
"Well I would."
"How am I supposed to know what stars think about? They must be doing something. It must be pretty boring out there in that black stuff and having the Moon and the Sun push you around all the time. They might look down and say let's mess a bit with those ponies down there."
She chuckles.
"Well I would."
>>491804
"We are already here."
The carriage stops and the older pony trots out.
You look out to see you're in the Scarab district. The Temple to the Sun and the Moon and the shrine of Discord are close by.
The old pony ignores both and slowly walks to an alley. He stops without looking back, waiting.
Sickle looks out as well. "Okaaay, this is creepy."
"We are already here."
The carriage stops and the older pony trots out.
You look out to see you're in the Scarab district. The Temple to the Sun and the Moon and the shrine of Discord are close by.
The old pony ignores both and slowly walks to an alley. He stops without looking back, waiting.
Sickle looks out as well. "Okaaay, this is creepy."
>>491814
Holy shit it's a large hall with a large fucking party.
There's loud music, bright lights, tons of booze, cakes everywhere. And then you recognize the symbols of the Laughing One on all the walls.
The old pony calmly walks through the revellers. Some ponies who notice him give a quick greeting before continuing the party.
Sickle peeks in as well.
"Ooooooh, so it's here the Laughing followers come to party. I've been looking for this."
Holy shit it's a large hall with a large fucking party.
There's loud music, bright lights, tons of booze, cakes everywhere. And then you recognize the symbols of the Laughing One on all the walls.
The old pony calmly walks through the revellers. Some ponies who notice him give a quick greeting before continuing the party.
Sickle peeks in as well.
"Ooooooh, so it's here the Laughing followers come to party. I've been looking for this."
>>491832
You both walk in and the door shuts itself.
The same symbols of the Laughing One are hanging here. But in contrast to the party, these here are black.
"Many know the Laughing One as the god of parties. But those do not understand the true nature of him. Or why his worshippers party.
Not even most of his so-called followers do.
But here in the Inner Sanctum, the Laughing One offers you a chance to understand."
He motions to a large mirror on the wall.
You both walk in and the door shuts itself.
The same symbols of the Laughing One are hanging here. But in contrast to the party, these here are black.
"Many know the Laughing One as the god of parties. But those do not understand the true nature of him. Or why his worshippers party.
Not even most of his so-called followers do.
But here in the Inner Sanctum, the Laughing One offers you a chance to understand."
He motions to a large mirror on the wall.
>>491841
"It is your decision. If you'd rather leave and join the revellers outside you are free to leave.
The Laughing One is the Keeper of Secrets.
And once a secret is learned you cannot unlearn it…"
It looks like a normal mirror albeit very large.
Sickle walks towards it a bit wearily as well.
"This is your last chance to go back…
Gaze into it…or leave…"
"It is your decision. If you'd rather leave and join the revellers outside you are free to leave.
The Laughing One is the Keeper of Secrets.
And once a secret is learned you cannot unlearn it…"
It looks like a normal mirror albeit very large.
Sickle walks towards it a bit wearily as well.
"This is your last chance to go back…
Gaze into it…or leave…"
>>493452
You open the door and the great party hall you first entered is now completely empty. The colors on the walls have changed into a drab grey tint. It still shows the same decoration.
The comfortable cushions and tons of beer are gone though.
You can't see any sign like there's ever even been a party here.
You open the door and the great party hall you first entered is now completely empty. The colors on the walls have changed into a drab grey tint. It still shows the same decoration.
The comfortable cushions and tons of beer are gone though.
You can't see any sign like there's ever even been a party here.
>>493454
You go outside.
The nightsky has turned to an eerie grey color without stars, casting the whole city into a grey tint. A cold wind is blowing.
All sound has died down. You can't see anypony in the streets. Not even a rat. As you set a step forwars you step on something painful.
You lift your hoof to see a ten-sided die.
You go outside.
The nightsky has turned to an eerie grey color without stars, casting the whole city into a grey tint. A cold wind is blowing.
All sound has died down. You can't see anypony in the streets. Not even a rat. As you set a step forwars you step on something painful.
You lift your hoof to see a ten-sided die.
>>493470
"You cannot meet him, because you speak to him all the time. It are his words that weave the world into existence, mold and change it. You cannot walk in the world without speaking to him. And I am not going to him. I merely return this tool to its proper place. It is a vital piece of the Grand Design.
And the world is supposed to be this way now. We're pausing."
He keeps trotting forward through all sorts of alleys.
"You cannot meet him, because you speak to him all the time. It are his words that weave the world into existence, mold and change it. You cannot walk in the world without speaking to him. And I am not going to him. I merely return this tool to its proper place. It is a vital piece of the Grand Design.
And the world is supposed to be this way now. We're pausing."
He keeps trotting forward through all sorts of alleys.
>>493474
You enter an enormously long hallway with thousands of different the doors.
The grey pony moves quickly and enters one of the doors.
You find yourself in a comfortable room with a heartfire. The walls are covered with red drapes. In the middle is a giant table. Next to it are 10 seats. One marked with a sun, the other with a moon, another with a heart, another with a tree and so on.
The table itself shows a board. On it are many different miniatures of ponies.
All of them are colored and most have bronze bases, 5 of them have silver bases and one a gold base.
The grey pony opens up a closet on the side and puts the die away.
You enter an enormously long hallway with thousands of different the doors.
The grey pony moves quickly and enters one of the doors.
You find yourself in a comfortable room with a heartfire. The walls are covered with red drapes. In the middle is a giant table. Next to it are 10 seats. One marked with a sun, the other with a moon, another with a heart, another with a tree and so on.
The table itself shows a board. On it are many different miniatures of ponies.
All of them are colored and most have bronze bases, 5 of them have silver bases and one a gold base.
The grey pony opens up a closet on the side and puts the die away.
>>493493
"I'll be straight. I've been looking for a few more ponies I can put my trust in. The reason I left the Crystal Kingdom, while something I intend to keep to myself, I partially attribute to having no one I could confide in. As such, I vowed to try and find that wherever I ended up. I won't run away with my tail between my legs again. I have something I decided to acquire on my own, and I hope I can come to confide in you."
"I'll be straight. I've been looking for a few more ponies I can put my trust in. The reason I left the Crystal Kingdom, while something I intend to keep to myself, I partially attribute to having no one I could confide in. As such, I vowed to try and find that wherever I ended up. I won't run away with my tail between my legs again. I have something I decided to acquire on my own, and I hope I can come to confide in you."
>>493494
"As we say here, I rub your back, you rub mine. I'm sure an alliance between to confident mares such as ourselves can only yield benefits."
>>493498
"The Game. This is where the gods play their games. The bronze miniatures are the lesser pawns, the silver ones important, the gold ones are special because the Laughing One talks to them directly."
"As we say here, I rub your back, you rub mine. I'm sure an alliance between to confident mares such as ourselves can only yield benefits."
>>493498
"The Game. This is where the gods play their games. The bronze miniatures are the lesser pawns, the silver ones important, the gold ones are special because the Laughing One talks to them directly."
Testing.
You pick up the miniature again and suddenly start feeling completely drowsy, the world starts spinning and as your vision grows black. The miniature drops from your hoof and falls back upon the table. Your head starts hurting and as you open your eyes again you're in your bed at the Bureau, with a headache like you've never had before.
Whisper opens the door.
"I thought I told you explicitely that I didn't care about you drinking as long as you're fit for training today."
You pick up the miniature again and suddenly start feeling completely drowsy, the world starts spinning and as your vision grows black. The miniature drops from your hoof and falls back upon the table. Your head starts hurting and as you open your eyes again you're in your bed at the Bureau, with a headache like you've never had before.
Whisper opens the door.
"I thought I told you explicitely that I didn't care about you drinking as long as you're fit for training today."