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'The Equestrians are without a doubt the closest and most valued allies of the Crystal empire. The two nations enjoy good relations with each other and have extensive trading records. Some suggest that some day the two nations may merge into one big pony empire. If this is indeed the case, neither sides have shown any inclinations towards it. The logistics of such a merge would likely be very complicated and take many years. As it stands, most citizens are content with the current political situation. Patriotists fear such a merge would destroy many of the crystal empire's traditions.'
- Excerpt from: 'Crystals and Ponies'.
>>513664
She nervously wipes her forehead with her hoof.
"The research… it's… sensitive. I can't just spill my mouth about it to anypony who asks. I've been trying to reach the paladins in the capital by mail, but I've gotten no answers."
>>513665
You see her jumping from roof to roof with practiced ease and agility, clearly very experienced in parkour. She's quite far ahead, catching up wont be easy.
>>513666
You try to climb up the roof after him, but you lose your grip halfway up and fall back to the ground with a loud thump. That smarts.
- Excerpt from: 'Crystals and Ponies'.
>>513664
She nervously wipes her forehead with her hoof.
"The research… it's… sensitive. I can't just spill my mouth about it to anypony who asks. I've been trying to reach the paladins in the capital by mail, but I've gotten no answers."
>>513665
You see her jumping from roof to roof with practiced ease and agility, clearly very experienced in parkour. She's quite far ahead, catching up wont be easy.
>>513666
You try to climb up the roof after him, but you lose your grip halfway up and fall back to the ground with a loud thump. That smarts.
>>514661
"If you don't mind, I'd like to keep…"
Look for a light weapon, a rapier or such in the bunch.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to keep…"
Look for a light weapon, a rapier or such in the bunch.
>>514657
Well, I've got to try. If I can't catch up, maybe I can spot a way to cut her off? [1d10+3]
Roll #1 7 + 3 = 10
Well, I've got to try. If I can't catch up, maybe I can spot a way to cut her off? [1d10+3]
Roll #1 7 + 3 = 10
>>514657
Smile.
"You'd be happy to know that I travel with some Paladins and we are indeed headed towards the capital."
Smile.
"You'd be happy to know that I travel with some Paladins and we are indeed headed towards the capital."
>>514657
Damn it. Crystal ponies are not made for this. Maybe I can try to get ahead street side, go around another way? '1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
Damn it. Crystal ponies are not made for this. Maybe I can try to get ahead street side, go around another way? '1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>514659
You move away from the town hall and look around the inner city district for weapon shops. Soon enough, you find a store to your liking.
'Gemstein's Emporium: For all your self defense needs'
>>514662
There is a long silver dagger you could probably use. As you remember from your training, silver weapons are extremely effective against certain undead creatures, but tend to get worn much more quickly than steel weaponry.
>>514663
Your talent doesn't apply to this, but you beat the DC8 anyway
Using dramatic leaps, spectacular combat rolls and the occasional gravitydefying jump, you manage to plot a way to cut her off. She's no longer recognizable under the strange suit of armor she's wearing. The sleek black and white painted leather covers every inch of her body. If she were surprised by your catching up, you wouldn't be able to see her expression.
Both standing on a roof, the only thing keeping you apart is a few meters of distance.
She wastes no time and takes out a wooden tube out of her bag, moving it to the mouth hole in the mask and blowing on it. A dart is quickly flying towards you. Roll to dodge.
>>514664
"… Really? That's… a quite convenient. If you could prove this, I'd be happy to inform your paladin companion of the situation."
>>514669
Oh hey, there was a ladder right there! That sure makes things easier! You trail behind Ardent, who is trying to catch up to a shadowy figure jumping from roof to roof. He eventually catches up and cuts her off a few roofs ahead of you.
You move away from the town hall and look around the inner city district for weapon shops. Soon enough, you find a store to your liking.
'Gemstein's Emporium: For all your self defense needs'
>>514662
There is a long silver dagger you could probably use. As you remember from your training, silver weapons are extremely effective against certain undead creatures, but tend to get worn much more quickly than steel weaponry.
>>514663
Your talent doesn't apply to this, but you beat the DC8 anyway
Using dramatic leaps, spectacular combat rolls and the occasional gravitydefying jump, you manage to plot a way to cut her off. She's no longer recognizable under the strange suit of armor she's wearing. The sleek black and white painted leather covers every inch of her body. If she were surprised by your catching up, you wouldn't be able to see her expression.
Both standing on a roof, the only thing keeping you apart is a few meters of distance.
She wastes no time and takes out a wooden tube out of her bag, moving it to the mouth hole in the mask and blowing on it. A dart is quickly flying towards you. Roll to dodge.
>>514664
"… Really? That's… a quite convenient. If you could prove this, I'd be happy to inform your paladin companion of the situation."
>>514669
Oh hey, there was a ladder right there! That sure makes things easier! You trail behind Ardent, who is trying to catch up to a shadowy figure jumping from roof to roof. He eventually catches up and cuts her off a few roofs ahead of you.
>>514671
I'll let Sonnet have what she needs and then I go in and look for the happy merchant.
I'll let Sonnet have what she needs and then I go in and look for the happy merchant.
>>514671
Ohhhhh uh-uh, you got my adrenaline pumping, gurl! I am not gonna let you end this fight that easily! [1d10]
Roll #1 7 = 7
Ohhhhh uh-uh, you got my adrenaline pumping, gurl! I am not gonna let you end this fight that easily! [1d10]
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>514671
"I could try and find her. In return, maybe you could help me yourself? I need to find some documents, but they seem to be missing from the archives."
"I could try and find her. In return, maybe you could help me yourself? I need to find some documents, but they seem to be missing from the archives."
>>514675
"It might be smart for you to keep one of these weapons aswell, they might come useful."
"It might be smart for you to keep one of these weapons aswell, they might come useful."
>>514672
Got: Silver dagger: Single tagged.
>>514673
You enter the fancy shop. Inside, there are plenty of weapon racks lined up in rows, each sporting their own type of weapon. You also see a few pony mannequins wearing armor placed around the shop. Behind the counter, a crystal stallion is counting his gems.
"Shalom, esteemed customer! Welcome to my emporium!"
>>514676
No… it's a bit risky with the equipment you're wearing. Maybe you can create a bridge with something lying around?
>>514677
You narrowly dodge the unicorn's dart.
Without hesitation, she charges at you, not even pulling out another weapon at all.
>>514678
"Which archives? Don't tell me more research was stolen in my absence!"
Got: Silver dagger: Single tagged.
>>514673
You enter the fancy shop. Inside, there are plenty of weapon racks lined up in rows, each sporting their own type of weapon. You also see a few pony mannequins wearing armor placed around the shop. Behind the counter, a crystal stallion is counting his gems.
"Shalom, esteemed customer! Welcome to my emporium!"
>>514676
No… it's a bit risky with the equipment you're wearing. Maybe you can create a bridge with something lying around?
>>514677
You narrowly dodge the unicorn's dart.
Without hesitation, she charges at you, not even pulling out another weapon at all.
>>514678
"Which archives? Don't tell me more research was stolen in my absence!"
Now we're talking! -oh, shut up!-
Swing my greatsword at chest height, then use the momentum to bring it back in a downward slash. [2d10]
Roll #1 1, 3 = 4
Swing my greatsword at chest height, then use the momentum to bring it back in a downward slash. [2d10]
Roll #1 1, 3 = 4
>>514683
Maybe my father's maker instincts go carried over after all. But I am just wearing clothes and my weapon as I recall. Anyway, try to find something flat to use as a bridge '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
Maybe my father's maker instincts go carried over after all. But I am just wearing clothes and my weapon as I recall. Anyway, try to find something flat to use as a bridge '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>514683
"Me and my companions tried to find out more about the mining operations of Winterheim."
"Me and my companions tried to find out more about the mining operations of Winterheim."
>>514684
You look around helplessly, not spotting her immediately. Maybe she went inside the city hall?
>>514686
"What do you mean, haver? Come, look at my wares! I have good prices for you!"
>>514688
You swing too slowly, allowing her to get into close quarters. She swats your hoof away, disarming you and sending your sword flying off of the roof, then swipes your hooves from under you, causing you to smack down on the roof.
You are helpless.
>>514690
You pick up a wooden board lying on the flat roof you're on and place it to fill the gap, allowing you to move over. Ardent was just disarmed by the unicorn mare.
>>514691
She shakes her head.
"I'm sorry, I don't know where Winterheim even is. I'm practiced in biology, not geography or geology."
You look around helplessly, not spotting her immediately. Maybe she went inside the city hall?
>>514686
"What do you mean, haver? Come, look at my wares! I have good prices for you!"
>>514688
You swing too slowly, allowing her to get into close quarters. She swats your hoof away, disarming you and sending your sword flying off of the roof, then swipes your hooves from under you, causing you to smack down on the roof.
You are helpless.
>>514690
You pick up a wooden board lying on the flat roof you're on and place it to fill the gap, allowing you to move over. Ardent was just disarmed by the unicorn mare.
>>514691
She shakes her head.
"I'm sorry, I don't know where Winterheim even is. I'm practiced in biology, not geography or geology."
>>514697
"Yes, the mare responsible for geology was eager… however, she could not provide sufficent information. Neither her own records nor the archives had the documents. Both were missing."
"Yes, the mare responsible for geology was eager… however, she could not provide sufficent information. Neither her own records nor the archives had the documents. Both were missing."
>>514697
Get closer, draw my sword and attack her '1d10+1' "Stop. Picking. On. My. Friend."
Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11
Get closer, draw my sword and attack her '1d10+1' "Stop. Picking. On. My. Friend."
Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11
>>514698
There she is! She's talking to another crystal mare in the lobby.
>>514699
"I had no idea… Goddess be damned, I wish the guard would increase their efforts already. This city just isn't safe anymore."
>>514700
Seems like she didn't expect you to get here so quickly, you quickly beat her away from Ardent, forcing her to retreat to a safer distance.
She doesn't make another move, opting to go defensive.
>>514701
You spring back to your hooves at the sight of your paladin companion. Your sword is lying down on the ground and out of your reach, but at least you're back to speed!
There she is! She's talking to another crystal mare in the lobby.
>>514699
"I had no idea… Goddess be damned, I wish the guard would increase their efforts already. This city just isn't safe anymore."
>>514700
Seems like she didn't expect you to get here so quickly, you quickly beat her away from Ardent, forcing her to retreat to a safer distance.
She doesn't make another move, opting to go defensive.
>>514701
You spring back to your hooves at the sight of your paladin companion. Your sword is lying down on the ground and out of your reach, but at least you're back to speed!
>>514697
He talks a bit like the demon merchants from the zebra lands.
I better keep my wits about me.
"Gotti w-was looking to sell some weapons."
He talks a bit like the demon merchants from the zebra lands.
I better keep my wits about me.
"Gotti w-was looking to sell some weapons."
>>514710
"It has something to do with her research which she did not share with me just yet."
"It has something to do with her research which she did not share with me just yet."
>>514707
"Who? What pony are you talking about?"
>>514703
"Oh, you are a paladin! Have you come here per my request? I sent several mails to paladin command in the capital already."
>>514704
"Good, you want many gems, yes? I can give you a profitable prices. You will not find better prices for your wares in all of the crystal empire, goy!"
>>514708
She doesn't answer. She briefly glances around her, familiarizing herself with the immediate area.
"Who? What pony are you talking about?"
>>514703
"Oh, you are a paladin! Have you come here per my request? I sent several mails to paladin command in the capital already."
>>514704
"Good, you want many gems, yes? I can give you a profitable prices. You will not find better prices for your wares in all of the crystal empire, goy!"
>>514708
She doesn't answer. She briefly glances around her, familiarizing herself with the immediate area.
>>514714
No time to go after my sword; besides, we want her alive. Pull out my rope and jump her, trying to tie her up. [1d10+1]
Roll #1 5 + 1 = 6
No time to go after my sword; besides, we want her alive. Pull out my rope and jump her, trying to tie her up. [1d10+1]
Roll #1 5 + 1 = 6
>>514714
"Hey, are you listening at all? Or can you not talk?" Make a vague 'hurry up' gesture with my blade.
"Hey, are you listening at all? Or can you not talk?" Make a vague 'hurry up' gesture with my blade.
>>514714
Oh ancestors, they have a shekelpony infestation here.
I need to be careful and not cause any suspicion.
"OOOOH it is very late….perhaps we can do business tomorrow…."
Start slowly trotting backwards to the exit, not looking away from the shekelpony.
Try not to sweat '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
Oh ancestors, they have a shekelpony infestation here.
I need to be careful and not cause any suspicion.
"OOOOH it is very late….perhaps we can do business tomorrow…."
Start slowly trotting backwards to the exit, not looking away from the shekelpony.
Try not to sweat '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>514714
"A criminal that pillaged Winterheim and took hostages as slaves into the mines. He fled before we could apprehend him."
"A criminal that pillaged Winterheim and took hostages as slaves into the mines. He fled before we could apprehend him."
>>514716
She frowns.
"Why aren't they answering… ah, no matter. My name is Sapphire Flux, senior medical physician at the Brilliance medical research institute. There has been a theft of… very sensitive research from the institute."
>>514717
You jump her with the intent of tying you up. The mare proves to be much faster as she reacts quickly, dodging your attempt with ease. She quickly takes a few steps back, wanting to keep her distance.
>>514718
She looks at you. Or at least, you think she does. Her eyes are not visible through the armor suit.
"There is nothing to discuss. You are at a major disadvantage."
>>514720
You manage to keep your cool somewhat.
"Oy vey! Why are you leaving? You could do good business with me right now, goy! Many gems for you, yes?"
>>514721
She shakes her head.
"We've not been made aware of this. Not that the guard would care anyway."
She frowns.
"Why aren't they answering… ah, no matter. My name is Sapphire Flux, senior medical physician at the Brilliance medical research institute. There has been a theft of… very sensitive research from the institute."
>>514717
You jump her with the intent of tying you up. The mare proves to be much faster as she reacts quickly, dodging your attempt with ease. She quickly takes a few steps back, wanting to keep her distance.
>>514718
She looks at you. Or at least, you think she does. Her eyes are not visible through the armor suit.
"There is nothing to discuss. You are at a major disadvantage."
>>514720
You manage to keep your cool somewhat.
"Oy vey! Why are you leaving? You could do good business with me right now, goy! Many gems for you, yes?"
>>514721
She shakes her head.
"We've not been made aware of this. Not that the guard would care anyway."
>>514726
Dangit. Look around and familiarize myself with the area, see if I can guess what she might try. [1d10+2]
Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8
Dangit. Look around and familiarize myself with the area, see if I can guess what she might try. [1d10+2]
Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8
>>514726
Glance around as well. '1d10'+1 if CE counts right now "So.. about how many are you talking here?"
Roll #1 1 = 1
Glance around as well. '1d10'+1 if CE counts right now "So.. about how many are you talking here?"
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>514727
She nods and looks around, leading you outside of the city hall and into a desolate spot in the garden.
"I must stress again that this is confidential research that is not to be made public. Four years ago, I was assigned to a team of fellow physicians to work on a new project. I wont bore you with the details, but you no doubt are aware of the incident that happened here in Brilliance, over two decades ago, yes?"
You both are. A clan of diamond dogs tried to annex a bunch of gem mines into their territory, which lead to a conflict that lasted several months. The clan of dogs were eventually defeated and driven away from the area. After that, all diamond dogs were banished from the empire and supposedly driven out once and for all.
>>514728
You bump into a few racks and a mannequin, but manage to flee this horrifying place without having your soul stolen.
>>514731
Well, the only thing she can do is make her escape via the roofs. Despite your earlier performance, there's no doubt this pony knows this area much better than you do.
>>514732
She doesn't answer, deciding the charge at you with surprising speed. However, instead of trying to attack you, she jumps on top of you and leaps onto the roof behind you, then starts running again.
She nods and looks around, leading you outside of the city hall and into a desolate spot in the garden.
"I must stress again that this is confidential research that is not to be made public. Four years ago, I was assigned to a team of fellow physicians to work on a new project. I wont bore you with the details, but you no doubt are aware of the incident that happened here in Brilliance, over two decades ago, yes?"
You both are. A clan of diamond dogs tried to annex a bunch of gem mines into their territory, which lead to a conflict that lasted several months. The clan of dogs were eventually defeated and driven away from the area. After that, all diamond dogs were banished from the empire and supposedly driven out once and for all.
>>514728
You bump into a few racks and a mannequin, but manage to flee this horrifying place without having your soul stolen.
>>514731
Well, the only thing she can do is make her escape via the roofs. Despite your earlier performance, there's no doubt this pony knows this area much better than you do.
>>514732
She doesn't answer, deciding the charge at you with surprising speed. However, instead of trying to attack you, she jumps on top of you and leaps onto the roof behind you, then starts running again.
>>514734
Look at Ardent and give a slight nod. "Alright. If you insist on this.. come here, At least you might pin her down until I catch up." '1d10' roll to launch Ardent towards the mare, provide he is willing.
Roll #1 3 = 3
Look at Ardent and give a slight nod. "Alright. If you insist on this.. come here, At least you might pin her down until I catch up." '1d10' roll to launch Ardent towards the mare, provide he is willing.
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>514734
Dangit, if this works, I'm gonna be sore tomorrow morning…
Tackle her off the roof. [1d10]
Roll #1 2 = 2
Dangit, if this works, I'm gonna be sore tomorrow morning…
Tackle her off the roof. [1d10]
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>514735
>>514736
"The nobility feared that if the dogs managed to rouse other clans into their cause, they could pose a serious threat to the crystal empire. The issue lies in the fact that they are excellent diggers and that they could pop up just about anywhere without us seeing them coming. So… we were told to develop something that could stop them dead in their tracks. We came up with… a disease. Or rather, we changed an existing dog disease called the Tunnel Fever into becoming extremely potent and dangerous. The idea was simple, take an iconic disease diamond dogs feared and make it ten times as deadly. It would serve as a diplomatic tool to scare off any possible dog invasions."
>>514737
>>514738
Ardent smacks into the roof like a sack of potatoes, completely missing his target.
The mare glances back at this, then continues to jump from roof to roof, away from you both.
>>514736
"The nobility feared that if the dogs managed to rouse other clans into their cause, they could pose a serious threat to the crystal empire. The issue lies in the fact that they are excellent diggers and that they could pop up just about anywhere without us seeing them coming. So… we were told to develop something that could stop them dead in their tracks. We came up with… a disease. Or rather, we changed an existing dog disease called the Tunnel Fever into becoming extremely potent and dangerous. The idea was simple, take an iconic disease diamond dogs feared and make it ten times as deadly. It would serve as a diplomatic tool to scare off any possible dog invasions."
>>514737
>>514738
Ardent smacks into the roof like a sack of potatoes, completely missing his target.
The mare glances back at this, then continues to jump from roof to roof, away from you both.
>>514745
"It wasn't something we would ideally actually deploy. Just… use it as a discouragement to prevent them from attack us again."
>>514746
You get back up and start the rooftop chase again.
>>514747
His weapon is lying down on the ground. You'll need to get off the roof first before you can grab it.
"It wasn't something we would ideally actually deploy. Just… use it as a discouragement to prevent them from attack us again."
>>514746
You get back up and start the rooftop chase again.
>>514747
His weapon is lying down on the ground. You'll need to get off the roof first before you can grab it.
>>514750
You lower yourself back onto the street and grab Ardent's sword. He seems to have fallen down from the roof up ahead.
>>514753
"Like I said, the disease was stolen from the institute despite our best efforts to keep it safe and hidden until needed. I don't think I need to tell you how disastrous that is. If that disease falls into the wrong hooves…"
She trails off.
>>514754
You try to tackle her but miss, falling down onto the street yourself. The unicorn just keeps jumping, really picking up the pace now.
You lower yourself back onto the street and grab Ardent's sword. He seems to have fallen down from the roof up ahead.
>>514753
"Like I said, the disease was stolen from the institute despite our best efforts to keep it safe and hidden until needed. I don't think I need to tell you how disastrous that is. If that disease falls into the wrong hooves…"
She trails off.
>>514754
You try to tackle her but miss, falling down onto the street yourself. The unicorn just keeps jumping, really picking up the pace now.
>>514755
Work on catching back up to him. If he's going to chase ninjas on roof tops he needs to be armed.
Work on catching back up to him. If he's going to chase ninjas on roof tops he needs to be armed.
>>514755
"Has anypony else been informed? I suspect somepony is on the case already… am I correct?"
"Has anypony else been informed? I suspect somepony is on the case already… am I correct?"
>>514755
Damn that mare! Stomp the ground in frustration and hope I won't have too many bruises tomorrow morning.
Damn that mare! Stomp the ground in frustration and hope I won't have too many bruises tomorrow morning.
>>514756
You hurry your way back over to him.
>>514757
"Yes, I've informed the mayor and he promised he would have the guard help retrieve it. In the meantime… I've been working on an antidote just in case. Or trying to at least… the mayor wont give me the necessary funds for it because he considers it to be a waste."
You hurry your way back over to him.
>>514757
"Yes, I've informed the mayor and he promised he would have the guard help retrieve it. In the meantime… I've been working on an antidote just in case. Or trying to at least… the mayor wont give me the necessary funds for it because he considers it to be a waste."
>>514760
"The strain is dangerous. Should it spread to ponies, an antidote is of the utmost importance."
"The strain is dangerous. Should it spread to ponies, an antidote is of the utmost importance."
>>514761
"Lord mayor Redwood and some of the local nobility. They also funded the whole thing. Brilliance was the staging ground of the last conflict, the wounds still run deep here."
>>514763
She shakes her head.
"That's impossible, it doesn't affect equines at all. It never has and we made sure it stayed that way."
"Lord mayor Redwood and some of the local nobility. They also funded the whole thing. Brilliance was the staging ground of the last conflict, the wounds still run deep here."
>>514763
She shakes her head.
"That's impossible, it doesn't affect equines at all. It never has and we made sure it stayed that way."
>>514769
"If she was stalking us she'll come back around. Don't worry buddy." I try to console you. "Lets go see if the others are back yet."
"If she was stalking us she'll come back around. Don't worry buddy." I try to console you. "Lets go see if the others are back yet."
>>514768
"Yes it is. It's much more potent and infectious now, but it's still a dog disease. Like the feather flu to pegasi or matte fever to crystal ponies. It doesn't affect our systems."
>>514770
"Please do. Your presence here is greatly appreciated, paladin Sonnet. You must retrieve this before something disastrous occurs. The consequences of this disease finding its way to the dog clans outside of the crystal empire would be… unimaginable."
>>514772
You find the others minus Gotti talking to a mare in the garden if front of the city hall.
"Yes it is. It's much more potent and infectious now, but it's still a dog disease. Like the feather flu to pegasi or matte fever to crystal ponies. It doesn't affect our systems."
>>514770
"Please do. Your presence here is greatly appreciated, paladin Sonnet. You must retrieve this before something disastrous occurs. The consequences of this disease finding its way to the dog clans outside of the crystal empire would be… unimaginable."
>>514772
You find the others minus Gotti talking to a mare in the garden if front of the city hall.
>>514774
"Still, I will try to convince the mayor on this matter to make the right decision and fund your research."
"Still, I will try to convince the mayor on this matter to make the right decision and fund your research."
>>514777
"I… don't know. I haven't heard any word on who the suspected thieves are. I mean… it could be the Magpies. They're very active around here."
>>514778
"I doubt you will succeed in that. He's probably not even in the city hall right now, knowing him."
>>514782
The mare immediately stops talking and eyes you nervously.
>>514783
Doesn't seem like it at all!
"I… don't know. I haven't heard any word on who the suspected thieves are. I mean… it could be the Magpies. They're very active around here."
>>514778
"I doubt you will succeed in that. He's probably not even in the city hall right now, knowing him."
>>514782
The mare immediately stops talking and eyes you nervously.
>>514783
Doesn't seem like it at all!
>>514784
Fine. Walk over to the group with my ears down and head hung; I am a sad crystal pony.
Fine. Walk over to the group with my ears down and head hung; I am a sad crystal pony.
>>514784
Was it something I said? Damn it. This must be why my sister says I'll never have a mare-friend. Not that I want one. Oh never mind, just shut up and look around in case its something else '1d10'
>>514786
>>514785
"We might have something to discuss. I don't know how safe we are here"
Roll #1 3 = 3
Was it something I said? Damn it. This must be why my sister says I'll never have a mare-friend. Not that I want one. Oh never mind, just shut up and look around in case its something else '1d10'
>>514786
>>514785
"We might have something to discuss. I don't know how safe we are here"
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>514803
>>514805
>>514806
Don't mind me, I'll just wait over here, beating myself up for not being good enough to beat a single rogue.
Not like getting disarmed so easily was a blow to my confidence in skills I've worked hard to master or anything.
You were doing fine without me, I'm just a third wheel.
>>514805
>>514806
Don't mind me, I'll just wait over here, beating myself up for not being good enough to beat a single rogue.
Not like getting disarmed so easily was a blow to my confidence in skills I've worked hard to master or anything.
You were doing fine without me, I'm just a third wheel.
>>514814
We all going back big boy. You will have time to tell us what's happened once we are safe.
We all going back big boy. You will have time to tell us what's happened once we are safe.
>>514817
Rub my foreleg and look away, then shake my head. I shouldn't be worrying her just because I'm feeling incompetent.
man, it's hard to write emo without going full irritating.
Rub my foreleg and look away, then shake my head. I shouldn't be worrying her just because I'm feeling incompetent.
man, it's hard to write emo without going full irritating.
>>514824
"Mister Ardent, there is no need to be feeling anxious. Friends help each other, do they not?"
Don't call it a graveIt's a future you chose
"Mister Ardent, there is no need to be feeling anxious. Friends help each other, do they not?"
Don't call it a graveIt's a future you chose
>>514824
I'll give you a sympathetic look, its not as if I did much better. "You look like you need a drink."
I'll give you a sympathetic look, its not as if I did much better. "You look like you need a drink."
>>514827
I suppose they do, at that. Look up and give her a small smile as a sign of gratitude. At least her intentions are good.
…you know, she's… actually kinda cute when she's worried.
I suppose they do, at that. Look up and give her a small smile as a sign of gratitude. At least her intentions are good.
…you know, she's… actually kinda cute when she's worried.
>>514836
Back to the fancy hotel you go then. Edelweiss and Cassie are still there. Edelweiss seems to have taken the time to gather a near library's worth of books on law and economics to her room and is busily reading on her bed. Cassie is resting, no doubt tired after pulling that cart for hours on end. The strange crystal is located on her nightstand.
Back to the fancy hotel you go then. Edelweiss and Cassie are still there. Edelweiss seems to have taken the time to gather a near library's worth of books on law and economics to her room and is busily reading on her bed. Cassie is resting, no doubt tired after pulling that cart for hours on end. The strange crystal is located on her nightstand.
>>514840
"Everypony, we should gather up and share what informations we have. The situation seems to be coming more and more complicated by the minute."
"Everypony, we should gather up and share what informations we have. The situation seems to be coming more and more complicated by the minute."
>>514841
She nods absentmindedly, probably concentrating on reading and not really listening to what you have to say.
She nods absentmindedly, probably concentrating on reading and not really listening to what you have to say.
>>514840
about what time is it?
'1d10' look around to be sure nopony followed us up here.
Roll #1 10 = 10
about what time is it?
'1d10' look around to be sure nopony followed us up here.
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>514838
Oh. Oh wow. She's cute when she's worried, but when she smiles… She…
Absentminded dopey grin engaged. Ardent is not available right now, please try again later.
Oh. Oh wow. She's cute when she's worried, but when she smiles… She…
Absentminded dopey grin engaged. Ardent is not available right now, please try again later.
>>514845
Sit on the bed and stare at my sword. "You know why I chose vigilance as my blade? Because I can not rest knowing there is work to be done, I can not look away knowing there is darkness to move. More than just a few runes on a blade, they are who am I. Now, please, come out and tell me who you are."
Sit on the bed and stare at my sword. "You know why I chose vigilance as my blade? Because I can not rest knowing there is work to be done, I can not look away knowing there is darkness to move. More than just a few runes on a blade, they are who am I. Now, please, come out and tell me who you are."
>>514851
I, uh… I…
O-oh jeez, how long have I been staring?
Turn away and try to stop blushing. [1d10]
Roll #1 2 = 2
I, uh… I…
O-oh jeez, how long have I been staring?
Turn away and try to stop blushing. [1d10]
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>514852
You hear a chuckle and see Herald step out of a shadow.
"Always so dramatic, Gallant. You weren't here, so I let myself in."
You hear a chuckle and see Herald step out of a shadow.
"Always so dramatic, Gallant. You weren't here, so I let myself in."
>>514856
Laugh a bit. "You scared me Herald. I didn't think you'd beat me back here. You really do know your way around."
Laugh a bit. "You scared me Herald. I didn't think you'd beat me back here. You really do know your way around."
>>514860
"I just had to pick a few things up and check in on someone."
He drops his bag on the floor.
"The magpies are worried about your presence, so much I've learned."
"I just had to pick a few things up and check in on someone."
He drops his bag on the floor.
"The magpies are worried about your presence, so much I've learned."
>>514866
"Paladins tend to be impossible to bribe, so they're sweating alright. As capable as they are as thieves, they're better at running and hiding than they are at fighting. Keep that in mind when you do corner them."
>>514867
He walks up to you and grabs your hoof, kissing it.
"Herald Shadowforge at your service, my fairest lady. I am a friend of Gallant here, I assume you are as well? He always did choose the most lovely of company."
>>514869
"My lady, you hurt my feelings. I am no thief or burglar."
"Paladins tend to be impossible to bribe, so they're sweating alright. As capable as they are as thieves, they're better at running and hiding than they are at fighting. Keep that in mind when you do corner them."
>>514867
He walks up to you and grabs your hoof, kissing it.
"Herald Shadowforge at your service, my fairest lady. I am a friend of Gallant here, I assume you are as well? He always did choose the most lovely of company."
>>514869
"My lady, you hurt my feelings. I am no thief or burglar."
>>514869
"Herald is a good pony, I assure you. He's on our side, knows the city, and aside from that. I trust him as much as my own family. " give you a stare. "Anything else?"
"Herald is a good pony, I assure you. He's on our side, knows the city, and aside from that. I trust him as much as my own family. " give you a stare. "Anything else?"
>>514873
"Entering a room uninvited and not from the door is usually the sign of a burglar."
Put away my weapons.
"What do we owe this interruption to?"
"Entering a room uninvited and not from the door is usually the sign of a burglar."
Put away my weapons.
"What do we owe this interruption to?"
>>514875
"I promised to aid my friend, so here I am. He was expecting me and I certainly did use the door to enter."
"I promised to aid my friend, so here I am. He was expecting me and I certainly did use the door to enter."
>>514873
As a diplomatic gesture, I will allow him to do that.
"Lady Angelite. Indeed, I am a friend of his, and the diplomat of this travelling ensemble. May I ask you how you aim to provide help for Mister Gallant?"
As a diplomatic gesture, I will allow him to do that.
"Lady Angelite. Indeed, I am a friend of his, and the diplomat of this travelling ensemble. May I ask you how you aim to provide help for Mister Gallant?"
>>514873
"Its true, none of us here are going to be bribed away. The running part I know first hoof, running on roof tops as if they were streets."
"Its true, none of us here are going to be bribed away. The running part I know first hoof, running on roof tops as if they were streets."
>>514891
and I didn't trust him then, either. Still, I let myself relax, though I stay next to Angelite.
and I didn't trust him then, either. Still, I let myself relax, though I stay next to Angelite.
>>514881
You startle one of the guards at the city hall.
"What's wrong, citizen!?"
>>514884
"Wait, you found one?"
>>514885
He cocks a brow and carefully steps away.
>>514886
>>514889
>>514891
"They're the big boys in town. A group of skilled thieves led by a stallion called Shadow Play. Their connections allow them to roam relatively free in Brilliance without having to worry much about the guards. You wont like hearing this, but the mayor, the guards, the magpies… they're all in the same pocket."
You startle one of the guards at the city hall.
"What's wrong, citizen!?"
>>514884
"Wait, you found one?"
>>514885
He cocks a brow and carefully steps away.
>>514886
>>514889
>>514891
"They're the big boys in town. A group of skilled thieves led by a stallion called Shadow Play. Their connections allow them to roam relatively free in Brilliance without having to worry much about the guards. You wont like hearing this, but the mayor, the guards, the magpies… they're all in the same pocket."
>>514898
"There's a shekelpony in the city! We must call the guard immediately to exterminate him before he summons others!"
"There's a shekelpony in the city! We must call the guard immediately to exterminate him before he summons others!"
>>514898
Frown.
"That is troubling news indeed…"
Take a deep breath.
"I am afraid this might sound drastic… however, it is my opinion that the mayor has to be removed from his post in that case."
Frown.
"That is troubling news indeed…"
Take a deep breath.
"I am afraid this might sound drastic… however, it is my opinion that the mayor has to be removed from his post in that case."
>>514898
"Yes, Well, Ardent spotted her really, I just helped chase, a unicorn mare, she was way too fast, got away from us.." Look sad at that.
"Yes, Well, Ardent spotted her really, I just helped chase, a unicorn mare, she was way too fast, got away from us.." Look sad at that.
>>514898
"I see."
Start tapping the ground, slowly. thinking.
Then stand up.
"Gentlemares, gentlestallions.
I think this calls for drastic actions. Our next move might bring many enemies at our doorsteps. Thus, I'm not forcing anyone to come."
"I see."
Start tapping the ground, slowly. thinking.
Then stand up.
"Gentlemares, gentlestallions.
I think this calls for drastic actions. Our next move might bring many enemies at our doorsteps. Thus, I'm not forcing anyone to come."
>>514900
The guard seems flabbergasted.
"… A what?" He blurts out.
>>514901
>>514903
He clears his throat.
"Worse yet, the pocket I mentioned belongs to Obsidian Flow. He's the founder and owner of Gemco. He practically owns this city thanks to the vast wealth he possesses. With the mayor, guards and magpies under his control, he's practically untouchable."
>>514902
"I'm not surprised. This is why you have to catch them by surprise and corner them."
The guard seems flabbergasted.
"… A what?" He blurts out.
>>514901
>>514903
He clears his throat.
"Worse yet, the pocket I mentioned belongs to Obsidian Flow. He's the founder and owner of Gemco. He practically owns this city thanks to the vast wealth he possesses. With the mayor, guards and magpies under his control, he's practically untouchable."
>>514902
"I'm not surprised. This is why you have to catch them by surprise and corner them."
>>514907
I stomp my hoof.
"A shekelpony. They come to towns and take everypony's money. And they never give it back! And they talk in tongues, saying shalom and they call everypony goy. One time, one came to my uncle's farm, and my uncle didn't know about shekelponies. And when the shekelpony left, my uncle only has two beans left and no farm and no home!"
I stomp my hoof.
"A shekelpony. They come to towns and take everypony's money. And they never give it back! And they talk in tongues, saying shalom and they call everypony goy. One time, one came to my uncle's farm, and my uncle didn't know about shekelponies. And when the shekelpony left, my uncle only has two beans left and no farm and no home!"
>>514913
"We cannot have the mayor step down or throw Flow into jail without proof. And the best place is their hideout."
"We cannot have the mayor step down or throw Flow into jail without proof. And the best place is their hideout."
>>514915
"Then we shall try and find proof against him to make him resign. However, your abilities to… how shall I put it lightly, force information out of uncooperating ponies might be useful for that cause."
"Then we shall try and find proof against him to make him resign. However, your abilities to… how shall I put it lightly, force information out of uncooperating ponies might be useful for that cause."
>>514909
"Anypony who sticks around here long enough and gets to know the right people can figure this out. I'm very good at what I do."
>>514913
"I don't know that much about him, but he's a mean bastard. Ruthlessly managed to pilfer his way to the top by sabotaging, stealing and buying out rival companies."
You've heard about him before, you think you may have seen him at a royal feast back in the capital a few years ago. He's a big deal.
>>514914
"Uh… Are you talking about Gemstein, sir?"
"Anypony who sticks around here long enough and gets to know the right people can figure this out. I'm very good at what I do."
>>514913
"I don't know that much about him, but he's a mean bastard. Ruthlessly managed to pilfer his way to the top by sabotaging, stealing and buying out rival companies."
You've heard about him before, you think you may have seen him at a royal feast back in the capital a few years ago. He's a big deal.
>>514914
"Uh… Are you talking about Gemstein, sir?"
>>514919
"Resignation will not be enough.
I will personally see to the arrest of every corrupted officer in this city.
A confession alone will do us no good, not against this kind of ponies.
You are a newcomer to the law game, miss Angelite. Take it from me. We need written proof. Contable books, records of all possible kinds."
"Resignation will not be enough.
I will personally see to the arrest of every corrupted officer in this city.
A confession alone will do us no good, not against this kind of ponies.
You are a newcomer to the law game, miss Angelite. Take it from me. We need written proof. Contable books, records of all possible kinds."
>>514922
"Ah, yes. I remember now. His words do hold quite the sway. We alone might not be able to challenge him personally… no just yet."
>>514923
"Of course, Miss Sonnet.
I also know that a resignation will not be sufficent, however, if the guards are on his side we will need to remove him from his seat of power before we can take further steps towards his trialing."
"Ah, yes. I remember now. His words do hold quite the sway. We alone might not be able to challenge him personally… no just yet."
>>514923
"Of course, Miss Sonnet.
I also know that a resignation will not be sufficent, however, if the guards are on his side we will need to remove him from his seat of power before we can take further steps towards his trialing."
>>514924
Yes, where is their hideout? Try to remember anything that might help us figure out where their base is. [1d10]
Roll #1 8 = 8
Yes, where is their hideout? Try to remember anything that might help us figure out where their base is. [1d10]
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>514934
"Just please, try not to kill any of the bandits. Give them a chance to surrender first."
"Just please, try not to kill any of the bandits. Give them a chance to surrender first."
>>514941
"Killing in battle is no crime, Angelite.
But I am no bloodthirsty murderer. They will get their chance."
"Killing in battle is no crime, Angelite.
But I am no bloodthirsty murderer. They will get their chance."
There is a knock on the door.
>>514923
>>514934
Herald nods in agreement.
"The paladin is right, you need evidence first. I don't have any evidence other than hearsay."
>>514924
"I don't know exactly, but I have a few locations in mind which might be relevant. I don't think they have a central hub… just safehouses."
>>514926
"Sir, I think you are confused. Mister Gemstein is a well established citizen of Brilliance. Your accusations are rather… offensive."
>>514937
You can't remember anything relevant.
>>514923
>>514934
Herald nods in agreement.
"The paladin is right, you need evidence first. I don't have any evidence other than hearsay."
>>514924
"I don't know exactly, but I have a few locations in mind which might be relevant. I don't think they have a central hub… just safehouses."
>>514926
"Sir, I think you are confused. Mister Gemstein is a well established citizen of Brilliance. Your accusations are rather… offensive."
>>514937
You can't remember anything relevant.
There go the alarms again. I draw my sword and press myself against the wall next to the door, slowly opening it just a crack so I can see outside.
>>514954
The stallion reaches into his bags and pulls out a large rectangular envelope, giving it to you. He also presents a form to you.
"Please sign here to confirm you have received this letter, sir."
The stallion reaches into his bags and pulls out a large rectangular envelope, giving it to you. He also presents a form to you.
"Please sign here to confirm you have received this letter, sir."
>>514960
Unmarked.
Judging by the weight, there are quite a few papers in there.
"Thank you. Have a nice day."
He bags the form and leaves.
Unmarked.
Judging by the weight, there are quite a few papers in there.
"Thank you. Have a nice day."
He bags the form and leaves.
>>514964
Wait until the door is shut before I relax, releasing a breath I hadn't realized I was holding as I sheathe my sword.
Wait until the door is shut before I relax, releasing a breath I hadn't realized I was holding as I sheathe my sword.
>>514964
"And a good night to you." close the door behind him and hold up the package turning it a few times.
"this feels like paperwork."
"And a good night to you." close the door behind him and hold up the package turning it a few times.
"this feels like paperwork."
>>514975
You open the letter and find a small sheet of paper with some text on it as well as a folder with more paper inside.
The sheet of paper reads:
'Meet me on the roof of your hotel at 9 PM.
- A friend'
You open the letter and find a small sheet of paper with some text on it as well as a folder with more paper inside.
The sheet of paper reads:
'Meet me on the roof of your hotel at 9 PM.
- A friend'
>>514944
Whisper.
"That's what they always do, they try to become one of us, and then WHAM gone are the money."
Whisper.
"That's what they always do, they try to become one of us, and then WHAM gone are the money."
>>514992
"Hmmph. Well you'll be sorry when he owns all the houses in this town.
Can you then at least point me to a merchant that's not a shekelpony?"
"Hmmph. Well you'll be sorry when he owns all the houses in this town.
Can you then at least point me to a merchant that's not a shekelpony?"
>>514999
"Interesting. We have been looking for infos all day long."
Join him and check that stuff.
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
"Interesting. We have been looking for infos all day long."
Join him and check that stuff.
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>514997
He sighs and points east.
"There are plenty of shops in the commercial district, sir."
>>514999
Just past 8 PM.
This stuff is all really technical. You don't know enough about geology to understand all these terms!
>>515000
Well, it's what you expected. A ton of data and records on the old mining operations in Winterheim. There is no doubt in your mind this is the missing folder Desert Gold was looking for.
He sighs and points east.
"There are plenty of shops in the commercial district, sir."
>>514999
Just past 8 PM.
This stuff is all really technical. You don't know enough about geology to understand all these terms!
>>515000
Well, it's what you expected. A ton of data and records on the old mining operations in Winterheim. There is no doubt in your mind this is the missing folder Desert Gold was looking for.
>>515006
"Exactly for this!"
Look midly surprised at him.
"This stuff has been stolen by the geological institute!
Who sent it?"
"Exactly for this!"
Look midly surprised at him.
"This stuff has been stolen by the geological institute!
Who sent it?"
>>515003
"Thank you."
Fiddle with my hooves.
"So..you've never had problems with shekelponies yet here?"
"Thank you."
Fiddle with my hooves.
"So..you've never had problems with shekelponies yet here?"
>>515008
He sighs again and rubs the bridge of his nose.
"No, we haven't. And calling them shekelponies is very offensive too. A word of advice though, most shops are going to be closed at this hour."
He sighs again and rubs the bridge of his nose.
"No, we haven't. And calling them shekelponies is very offensive too. A word of advice though, most shops are going to be closed at this hour."
>>515007
"No idea actually. But if this is what you need then help yourselves. I don't even know how to read half this stuff."
"What are you going to do with it? Just return it?"
"No idea actually. But if this is what you need then help yourselves. I don't even know how to read half this stuff."
"What are you going to do with it? Just return it?"
>>515006
"To get a lead as for why a pony would be enslaving others to work in the abandoned, thought to be empty mines of Winterheim."
"To get a lead as for why a pony would be enslaving others to work in the abandoned, thought to be empty mines of Winterheim."
>>515011
"I'm starting to feel this will help us greatly in understanding the bigger picture. Hold on dearly to those papers."
"I'm starting to feel this will help us greatly in understanding the bigger picture. Hold on dearly to those papers."
>>515010
"Okay than. Thank you, guard pony. And watch out for those shekelponies."
I raise my hoof ominously.
"If you don't watch out, one day you'll look and all your bits are gone!"
"Okay than. Thank you, guard pony. And watch out for those shekelponies."
I raise my hoof ominously.
"If you don't watch out, one day you'll look and all your bits are gone!"
>>515023
"Please, Mister Gallant, I was most certainly not hiding anything from you. Miss Sonnet and I were already on this case so I saw it best not to trouble you with it. I assure you, all the ponies are fine. Cassie was one of the captured, actually."
"Please, Mister Gallant, I was most certainly not hiding anything from you. Miss Sonnet and I were already on this case so I saw it best not to trouble you with it. I assure you, all the ponies are fine. Cassie was one of the captured, actually."
>>515019
You come across a workshop just outside the inner city which is still open.
'Anvilhooves and sons: Smithing, spitting and swearing'
You come across a workshop just outside the inner city which is still open.
'Anvilhooves and sons: Smithing, spitting and swearing'
>>515029
"I say we storm their safehouses.
One after the other until we have enough proof to bring them to justice."
"I say we storm their safehouses.
One after the other until we have enough proof to bring them to justice."
>>515027
You enter the workshop and step into another world. Blazing hot furnaces, roughed up anvils, plumes of scorching steam, the raunchy smell of coal and sweat…
Four ripped stallions are hammering away in tune on their respective anvils with their bare hooves. Their muscles bulging and throbbing intensely.
You enter the workshop and step into another world. Blazing hot furnaces, roughed up anvils, plumes of scorching steam, the raunchy smell of coal and sweat…
Four ripped stallions are hammering away in tune on their respective anvils with their bare hooves. Their muscles bulging and throbbing intensely.
>>515034
The eldest of the stallions stops and looks at you with a very intense gaze.
He lifts up his anvil with a single hoof and tosses it into a furnace, then stomps his way over to you with a loud, thundering voice.
"HELLO THERE, BROTHER. WELCOME TO ANVILHOOVES AND SONS!"
The eldest of the stallions stops and looks at you with a very intense gaze.
He lifts up his anvil with a single hoof and tosses it into a furnace, then stomps his way over to you with a loud, thundering voice.
"HELLO THERE, BROTHER. WELCOME TO ANVILHOOVES AND SONS!"
>>515031
"Right, we just need to be careful of the corrupt guards they might stop us.. and we'd need to know which place to hit.. and be able to stop them from destroying the evidence.."
>>515036
"We could lure one into a corner, they were following us, or definitely me. So we could try to use that to ambush one."
"Right, we just need to be careful of the corrupt guards they might stop us.. and we'd need to know which place to hit.. and be able to stop them from destroying the evidence.."
>>515036
"We could lure one into a corner, they were following us, or definitely me. So we could try to use that to ambush one."
>>515041
"Your friend seems to know the place.
As for the guards…
Their stopping us would be seen as an obstruction to justice."
"Your friend seems to know the place.
As for the guards…
Their stopping us would be seen as an obstruction to justice."
>>515055
"THE ARENA OF FIRE AND STEEL, LITTLE GUY!"
He looks at the silver weapons and lifts them all up.
"THESE WEAPONS ARE NOT WORTHY ENOUGH FOR ANVILHOOVES, BUT ANVILHOOVES CAN RESHAPE METAL AS HE PLEASES."
Sell the weapons you don't use? Your wealth level will increase to 4.
Angelite to 6
Sonnet to 5
Gallant to 5
Helaine to 4
Ardent to 4
>>515058
"All of you would be."
"THE ARENA OF FIRE AND STEEL, LITTLE GUY!"
He looks at the silver weapons and lifts them all up.
"THESE WEAPONS ARE NOT WORTHY ENOUGH FOR ANVILHOOVES, BUT ANVILHOOVES CAN RESHAPE METAL AS HE PLEASES."
Sell the weapons you don't use? Your wealth level will increase to 4.
Angelite to 6
Sonnet to 5
Gallant to 5
Helaine to 4
Ardent to 4
>>515058
"All of you would be."
>>515058
"That's about the gist of it. But I'm a lot tougher than a worm, so I won't get beaten up or anything."
>>515043
"Even after this we will still need some kind of proof, this is a tough situation.."
>>515054
Stretch and yawn. "I need to stretch my legs for a bit. I'll be back soon." try to leave.
"That's about the gist of it. But I'm a lot tougher than a worm, so I won't get beaten up or anything."
>>515043
"Even after this we will still need some kind of proof, this is a tough situation.."
>>515054
Stretch and yawn. "I need to stretch my legs for a bit. I'll be back soon." try to leave.
>>515063
I don't think a letter that comes with vital information is "nothing." Discreetly trail Gallant from a distance.
I don't think a letter that comes with vital information is "nothing." Discreetly trail Gallant from a distance.
>>515064
That gets him really excited for some reason. In his excitement, he tosses another anvil into a furnace with a mighty roar.
"I CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH THE MIGHTIEST OF MACES, BROTHER."
>>515067
"They're trailing you. They've been trailing you all day to keep a close eye on you. If we go somewhere, they will follow. We just need to lead them somewhere they'll be cornered."
>>515069
"That I don't, no."
>>515063
Herald cocks a brow.
"Try not to get in trouble, okay?"
>>515069
You'll need to roll for that.
That gets him really excited for some reason. In his excitement, he tosses another anvil into a furnace with a mighty roar.
"I CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH THE MIGHTIEST OF MACES, BROTHER."
>>515067
"They're trailing you. They've been trailing you all day to keep a close eye on you. If we go somewhere, they will follow. We just need to lead them somewhere they'll be cornered."
>>515069
"That I don't, no."
>>515063
Herald cocks a brow.
"Try not to get in trouble, okay?"
>>515069
You'll need to roll for that.
>>515075
"I've managed to stay afloat so far." smile softly. "I won't be long."
find my way to the roof.
"I've managed to stay afloat so far." smile softly. "I won't be long."
find my way to the roof.
>>515076
"YOU WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE BIGGEST OF MACES, LITTLE GUY. BUT I'VE GOT JUNIOR MACES TOO."
He picks up a large and dangerous looking mace off of a rack.
"THIS ONE WAS MINE WHEN I WAS 6 YEARS OLD. I CALLED IT 'FLUFFY'."
>>515077
"Not with certainty. I have a few suspicions, but no solid confirmation. Like I said though, why bother looking for them when you can let them come for us?"
>>515079
You take the many stairs leading up to the roof. You hear faint footsteps of someone following you. >>515084
>>515083
"Not to fear, my lady, I would not allow them to inflict any harm upon you."
"YOU WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE BIGGEST OF MACES, LITTLE GUY. BUT I'VE GOT JUNIOR MACES TOO."
He picks up a large and dangerous looking mace off of a rack.
"THIS ONE WAS MINE WHEN I WAS 6 YEARS OLD. I CALLED IT 'FLUFFY'."
>>515077
"Not with certainty. I have a few suspicions, but no solid confirmation. Like I said though, why bother looking for them when you can let them come for us?"
>>515079
You take the many stairs leading up to the roof. You hear faint footsteps of someone following you. >>515084
>>515083
"Not to fear, my lady, I would not allow them to inflict any harm upon you."
>>515087
"Capturing one of them would allow us to acquire much needed information and lead us to actual evidence. We need the element of surprise to get to them."
>>515088
"MANY TIMES, BROTHER. DOGS, CHANGELINGS, DRAGONS… IT HAS A RICH HISTORY."
You're not quite sure how a 6 year old could possibly lift something like that.
Great unique weapon: Fluffy. Crits on 8 and higher, only critfails on 1. Buying this would lower your wealth by 1, because it's quite expensive.
"Capturing one of them would allow us to acquire much needed information and lead us to actual evidence. We need the element of surprise to get to them."
>>515088
"MANY TIMES, BROTHER. DOGS, CHANGELINGS, DRAGONS… IT HAS A RICH HISTORY."
You're not quite sure how a 6 year old could possibly lift something like that.
Great unique weapon: Fluffy. Crits on 8 and higher, only critfails on 1. Buying this would lower your wealth by 1, because it's quite expensive.
>>515095
Smile at you and put my hoof around you in a friendly manner. "Wouldn't let me go alone huh? Well okay Ardent, lets go to the roof."
Smile at you and put my hoof around you in a friendly manner. "Wouldn't let me go alone huh? Well okay Ardent, lets go to the roof."
>>515097
"No, too many ponies following you would attract too much attention. Besides, the Magpies are thieves, not assassins."
>>515099
"Keep it simple, just move as a group to someplace where they have little room to maneuver. They're likely waiting on you outside the hotel. I recommend going into the mines under the guise of looking for something. They'll have to follow."
>>515101
"BROTHER, I UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS. HIT ME."
>>515100
>>515102
The two of you arrive on the roof after climbing what feels like a million stairs. The sun has disappeared behind the horizon and a somewhat chilly wind blows here. The roof is flat and seemingly empty.
"No, too many ponies following you would attract too much attention. Besides, the Magpies are thieves, not assassins."
>>515099
"Keep it simple, just move as a group to someplace where they have little room to maneuver. They're likely waiting on you outside the hotel. I recommend going into the mines under the guise of looking for something. They'll have to follow."
>>515101
"BROTHER, I UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS. HIT ME."
>>515100
>>515102
The two of you arrive on the roof after climbing what feels like a million stairs. The sun has disappeared behind the horizon and a somewhat chilly wind blows here. The roof is flat and seemingly empty.
>>515108
You're right. He doesn't as much as flinch or budge.
"YOU HIT LIKE A MARE, LITTLE GUY."
>>515109
"I'll be there when you do. Just give the word when."
>>515112
"Well… you could split off from the group and just stay in the city. They'd be forced to at least send one pony after you."
>>515111
>>515113
This roof is completely empty. Is this some kind of prank? An ambush? Was that letter just a figment of your imagination? A fib? Maybe you're just going crazy, maybe it's high time you lay down the sword and retire from this life, maybe-
"Good evening."
You're right. He doesn't as much as flinch or budge.
"YOU HIT LIKE A MARE, LITTLE GUY."
>>515109
"I'll be there when you do. Just give the word when."
>>515112
"Well… you could split off from the group and just stay in the city. They'd be forced to at least send one pony after you."
>>515111
>>515113
This roof is completely empty. Is this some kind of prank? An ambush? Was that letter just a figment of your imagination? A fib? Maybe you're just going crazy, maybe it's high time you lay down the sword and retire from this life, maybe-
"Good evening."
>>515120
"You should learn to hold a sword properly or not embark in dangerous adventures like these."
"You should learn to hold a sword properly or not embark in dangerous adventures like these."
>>515118
You hit him again, with little more result than before.
>>515119
>>515120
"Your choice. Like I said, they're not fighters either from what I've seen. I've never seen or heard of them purposely attacking someone."
>>515121
>>515123
You both turn around and are surprised to see the same unicorn mare you were chasing down earlier to be standing there, a few meters away from you. She's wearing her armor suit again, but without the mask this time, allowing you to see her face. She's also carrying a saddle with some bags attached to it.
"You are early. But no matter."
You hit him again, with little more result than before.
>>515119
>>515120
"Your choice. Like I said, they're not fighters either from what I've seen. I've never seen or heard of them purposely attacking someone."
>>515121
>>515123
You both turn around and are surprised to see the same unicorn mare you were chasing down earlier to be standing there, a few meters away from you. She's wearing her armor suit again, but without the mask this time, allowing you to see her face. She's also carrying a saddle with some bags attached to it.
"You are early. But no matter."
>>515132
Nothing.
Not even the slightest reaction.
"ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE CUT OUT FOR THIS, BROTHER? MAYBE YOU SHOULD GET BACK TO GARDENING OR WRITING POETRY, YEAAAAARGH!"
>>515134
"Sorry, but I've got very little insight on that stuff. I usually stick to the worker's district. You could try and mingle with the local nobility though. You can find them here in the inner city. Tea rooms, restaurants, theaters, brothels, masquarade balls…"
>>515135
Her posture is relaxed and non-threatening in response.
"If you're going to try and kill me, this is not the place to do so."
She looks behind you.
"Only the two of you are here? I'm surprised."
>>515138
"Yes. Do you know why I am here?"
Nothing.
Not even the slightest reaction.
"ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE CUT OUT FOR THIS, BROTHER? MAYBE YOU SHOULD GET BACK TO GARDENING OR WRITING POETRY, YEAAAAARGH!"
>>515134
"Sorry, but I've got very little insight on that stuff. I usually stick to the worker's district. You could try and mingle with the local nobility though. You can find them here in the inner city. Tea rooms, restaurants, theaters, brothels, masquarade balls…"
>>515135
Her posture is relaxed and non-threatening in response.
"If you're going to try and kill me, this is not the place to do so."
She looks behind you.
"Only the two of you are here? I'm surprised."
>>515138
"Yes. Do you know why I am here?"
>>515140
"I am guessing that you either need our help, or are going to ask us to leave." Tilt my head at her.
"I am guessing that you either need our help, or are going to ask us to leave." Tilt my head at her.
>>515140
I cough loudly when he mentions brothels.
The nerve, saying such a thing in the presence of a lady!
"I see. I shall try to find some of then while you work on your case then."
I cough loudly when he mentions brothels.
The nerve, saying such a thing in the presence of a lady!
"I see. I shall try to find some of then while you work on your case then."
>>515140
suddenly I'll light up in realization. "Wait.. you wanted to speak to the others too? Why not join us inside?"
suddenly I'll light up in realization. "Wait.. you wanted to speak to the others too? Why not join us inside?"
>>515141
"Insightful. Yes, I am here to make you an offer. My name is Leadlight. I am Shadow Play's lieutenant of the group you know as the Magpies."
>>515142
He roars and smashes his hoof onto an anvil, bending it slightly.
"THAT SOUNDS LIKE EXCUUUUUSES TO ANVILHOOVES, LITTLE GUY."
>>515147
"I recommend the tea rooms, they'll be the easiest to mingle in."
>>515150
"That's not necessary. I only need one pair of ears."
"Insightful. Yes, I am here to make you an offer. My name is Leadlight. I am Shadow Play's lieutenant of the group you know as the Magpies."
>>515142
He roars and smashes his hoof onto an anvil, bending it slightly.
"THAT SOUNDS LIKE EXCUUUUUSES TO ANVILHOOVES, LITTLE GUY."
>>515147
"I recommend the tea rooms, they'll be the easiest to mingle in."
>>515150
"That's not necessary. I only need one pair of ears."
>>515153
Sit down with a nod and a smirk. "Of course we are willing to accept your surrender."
Sit down with a nod and a smirk. "Of course we are willing to accept your surrender."
>>515155
Very little effect once again.
"NO BROTHER, YOU ARE WEAK. YOU MUST TRAIN MORE AND BUFF UP."
>>515157
She shakes her head slowly and deliberately.
"That is not what I am offering. I am offering the aid of several of my comrades and I against Shadow Play, Lord Redwood and Obsidian Flow. Let that sink in for a moment."
>>515158
"We've got a plan then!"
He stretches his hoof out to you and looks at you expectantly.
[PAUSE]
Very little effect once again.
"NO BROTHER, YOU ARE WEAK. YOU MUST TRAIN MORE AND BUFF UP."
>>515157
She shakes her head slowly and deliberately.
"That is not what I am offering. I am offering the aid of several of my comrades and I against Shadow Play, Lord Redwood and Obsidian Flow. Let that sink in for a moment."
>>515158
"We've got a plan then!"
He stretches his hoof out to you and looks at you expectantly.
[PAUSE]
>>515161
Glance down at his hoof, then extend mine and shake his.
Diplomatic gestures are diplomatic gestures, after all.
Glance down at his hoof, then extend mine and shake his.
Diplomatic gestures are diplomatic gestures, after all.
'- The goddess is without a doubt the most popular deity in the Crystal Empire. Her paladins and priests are spread far and wide, upholding her teachings on Love, Compassion and Mercy. To harm an innocent or to showcase cruelty to others are often seen as the severest of offenses towards the Lover. Love itself is a sacred thing, not to be corrupted by demons like Changelings.'
Excerpt from 'The Goddess of Love'
>>515162
He looks surprised at you, then chuckles.
"Not a fan of hoofbumps, are you? That's fine."
Excerpt from 'The Goddess of Love'
>>515162
He looks surprised at you, then chuckles.
"Not a fan of hoofbumps, are you? That's fine."
>>515161
Look impressed and stay quiet a moment before answering. "That's quite the offer."
Look impressed and stay quiet a moment before answering. "That's quite the offer."
>>515774
She walks over to the edge of the roof as you remain quiet, looking out over the city. It's dark now, dusk has come and gone, replaced by a curtain of blackness. You notice there are no stars out, not even a sign of the moon. The magical shield around the city blocks it all.
"Yes. But not without a price."
She walks over to the edge of the roof as you remain quiet, looking out over the city. It's dark now, dusk has come and gone, replaced by a curtain of blackness. You notice there are no stars out, not even a sign of the moon. The magical shield around the city blocks it all.
"Yes. But not without a price."
>>515161
Consider her thoughtfully. What game is she playing that she would offer us help? This must be a power play of some kind.
Consider her thoughtfully. What game is she playing that she would offer us help? This must be a power play of some kind.
>>515775
How sad.. Nod in her direction.
"Yes, I am curious what kind of thing you could need our help with, you're clearly quite resourceful on your own."
How sad.. Nod in her direction.
"Yes, I am curious what kind of thing you could need our help with, you're clearly quite resourceful on your own."
>>515776
She turns her head to look back at you.
"You look skeptical. How could you not be? I am a thief, you are a guard of the roads… our goals conflict with one another."
>>515777
You see her smile for the first time since you were in the bar talking with Herald.
"I am skilled, but Shadow Play is better. That is why he is in charge and not me. We will help you and I will explain you why, if you agree to my conditions. If my comrades and I aid you, you will promise not to turn us in or attempt to arrest us, as would normally be your job."
She turns her head to look back at you.
"You look skeptical. How could you not be? I am a thief, you are a guard of the roads… our goals conflict with one another."
>>515777
You see her smile for the first time since you were in the bar talking with Herald.
"I am skilled, but Shadow Play is better. That is why he is in charge and not me. We will help you and I will explain you why, if you agree to my conditions. If my comrades and I aid you, you will promise not to turn us in or attempt to arrest us, as would normally be your job."
>>515778
Smile back at first, and then look concerned with a firm nod. "For my part, I won't take you in if you really help us as much as you promise. The others might take some convincing" look toward Ardent as well. "So, give me something to work with, why do you want to betray your boss?"
Smile back at first, and then look concerned with a firm nod. "For my part, I won't take you in if you really help us as much as you promise. The others might take some convincing" look toward Ardent as well. "So, give me something to work with, why do you want to betray your boss?"
>>515778
In other words, they want amnesty in exchange for their cooperation. It is… not unheard of for such arrangements to be made when dealing with particularly nasty organizations - strange bedfellows, and all that - but I am curious as to why. This assignment has certainly taken an interesting turn.
In other words, they want amnesty in exchange for their cooperation. It is… not unheard of for such arrangements to be made when dealing with particularly nasty organizations - strange bedfellows, and all that - but I am curious as to why. This assignment has certainly taken an interesting turn.
>>515784
"We were travelling in the same direction, and the roads near Winterheim were not safe. We decided to stick together for the time being, as we head towards the capital."
"We were travelling in the same direction, and the roads near Winterheim were not safe. We decided to stick together for the time being, as we head towards the capital."
>>515784
Blink. I certainly didn't see that one coming. There's an ulterior motive, I know it… but I can't help but feel curious about what she's trying to do.
Blink. I certainly didn't see that one coming. There's an ulterior motive, I know it… but I can't help but feel curious about what she's trying to do.
>>515785
"And now you decided to get mixed up in Brilliance politics and corruption…"
>>515786
"I was assigned to shadowing you, it will seem as if I am doing my job. There are others too, but they are on our side as well. Do you accept these conditions?"
She looks equally ready to hear either acceptance or rejection.
"And now you decided to get mixed up in Brilliance politics and corruption…"
>>515786
"I was assigned to shadowing you, it will seem as if I am doing my job. There are others too, but they are on our side as well. Do you accept these conditions?"
She looks equally ready to hear either acceptance or rejection.
>>515788
Turn to Gallant and nod. Sure, it's probably a trap, but… I want to see where this goes.
Turn to Gallant and nod. Sure, it's probably a trap, but… I want to see where this goes.
>>515788
"On the contrary, I do not want to 'get mixed up' in it, I want to clear this city of it as much as I can."
"On the contrary, I do not want to 'get mixed up' in it, I want to clear this city of it as much as I can."
>>515790
"Yeah… let's hope that works out. Gallant may be an old friend of mine, but I'm not keen on dying for him just yet."
>>515789
>>515791
"Go inform your friends. If they do not agree to our conditions, there can be no deal. If they accept, you will all visit a bar called the Rusty Stool tomorrow. I will be there, watching you. You will get the goods that were stolen back from us if you accept. Consider the papers you received an early gift, more is to come."
"Yeah… let's hope that works out. Gallant may be an old friend of mine, but I'm not keen on dying for him just yet."
>>515789
>>515791
"Go inform your friends. If they do not agree to our conditions, there can be no deal. If they accept, you will all visit a bar called the Rusty Stool tomorrow. I will be there, watching you. You will get the goods that were stolen back from us if you accept. Consider the papers you received an early gift, more is to come."
>>515792
"I am hoping to achieve our goal with the least amount of violence possible as well."
"I am hoping to achieve our goal with the least amount of violence possible as well."
>>515792
Nod absentmindedly. It's going to be interesting seeing how the rest of the group reacts; I can't imagine that the zealot will take very kindly to the idea of working with a criminal.
Nod absentmindedly. It's going to be interesting seeing how the rest of the group reacts; I can't imagine that the zealot will take very kindly to the idea of working with a criminal.
>>515796
"Should we act fast and smooth, we may be able to restore order in the city before he gets to know. Once the city is safe, so to say, we will be able to deal with him properly, but not without help."
"Should we act fast and smooth, we may be able to restore order in the city before he gets to know. Once the city is safe, so to say, we will be able to deal with him properly, but not without help."
>>515798
"Well, I'm about all the help you've got. There's a few guards who don't allow themselves to get bribed and are clean but… they're usually posted someplace they can't cause trouble for him."
>>515799
You just have to decide whether to sell the silver weapons and to buy the new mace.
>>515800
She's already gone. You return to the same room as before.
"Well, I'm about all the help you've got. There's a few guards who don't allow themselves to get bribed and are clean but… they're usually posted someplace they can't cause trouble for him."
>>515799
You just have to decide whether to sell the silver weapons and to buy the new mace.
>>515800
She's already gone. You return to the same room as before.
>>515808
And a mace.
Unique Weapon: Fluffy
Great Mace
Crits on 8 and above
Only critfails on 1
The handle is made of silver colored wood while the head is solid steel, sharp and heavy. Cracking heads has never been so child friendly!
And a mace.
Unique Weapon: Fluffy
Great Mace
Crits on 8 and above
Only critfails on 1
The handle is made of silver colored wood while the head is solid steel, sharp and heavy. Cracking heads has never been so child friendly!
>>515816
>>515813
serious face again. "She is a Lieutenant of the Magpie group, she and her allies would help, and they would return more things like that file. She would wish to travel with us."
direct this part toward Sonnet particularly. "And we can not arrest them."
"We all have to agree on this, or it won't work. So What do you think?"
>>515819
"Her name is Leadlight."
>>515813
serious face again. "She is a Lieutenant of the Magpie group, she and her allies would help, and they would return more things like that file. She would wish to travel with us."
direct this part toward Sonnet particularly. "And we can not arrest them."
"We all have to agree on this, or it won't work. So What do you think?"
>>515819
"Her name is Leadlight."
>>515823
Raise an eyebrow at her. I'm pretty sure there have been legal cases where pardons were granted in exchange for cooperation.
Raise an eyebrow at her. I'm pretty sure there have been legal cases where pardons were granted in exchange for cooperation.
>>515824
Stare at him.
"If you have something to say, find a way to express it or don't give me that look."
Stare at him.
"If you have something to say, find a way to express it or don't give me that look."
>>515823
"You have to look at this situation in the great scheme of things. You would let a petty thief go to apprehend a pony who has enough power to corrupt a city."
"You have to look at this situation in the great scheme of things. You would let a petty thief go to apprehend a pony who has enough power to corrupt a city."
>>515820
You head back to the hotel. You notice it's gotten dark outside but… there are no stars, no moon. Creepy…
The others have gathered in Gallant's room. There's a stallion there you haven't seen before. Cassie and Edelweiss are both in their own rooms, both of them reading books of their own interests.
>>515821
"That's… odd. I didn't know there was so much dissent inside their organization."
>>515826
You've got it!
You head back to the hotel. You notice it's gotten dark outside but… there are no stars, no moon. Creepy…
The others have gathered in Gallant's room. There's a stallion there you haven't seen before. Cassie and Edelweiss are both in their own rooms, both of them reading books of their own interests.
>>515821
"That's… odd. I didn't know there was so much dissent inside their organization."
>>515826
You've got it!
>>515827
"Or we could arrest both and explain how the thief helped us, still letting the law run its course."
"Or we could arrest both and explain how the thief helped us, still letting the law run its course."
>>515832
I perk my ears and look at you weirdly.
"Why Sonnet think Gotti helpless? Gotti powerful warrior of zebra tribe!"
Puff my chest.
I perk my ears and look at you weirdly.
"Why Sonnet think Gotti helpless? Gotti powerful warrior of zebra tribe!"
Puff my chest.
>>515843
"I agree to her help. It is indispensable for the success of our mission.
I also know my duties and will turn her over to the proper authorities once the time comes."
"I agree to her help. It is indispensable for the success of our mission.
I also know my duties and will turn her over to the proper authorities once the time comes."
>>515847
>>515845
Sigh. "The message has been passed on, its up to you to come to an agreement, if we all agree to her help and conditions, I know where to meet her.. She also mentioned that she could do more things, like how she returned that file to us."
Turn away a moment, go stand in a section of the room slightly away from the others to indicate they should talk.
>>515848
"I feel the same way, thank you Ardent."
>>515845
Sigh. "The message has been passed on, its up to you to come to an agreement, if we all agree to her help and conditions, I know where to meet her.. She also mentioned that she could do more things, like how she returned that file to us."
Turn away a moment, go stand in a section of the room slightly away from the others to indicate they should talk.
>>515848
"I feel the same way, thank you Ardent."
>>515849
"It is not our place to promise her that. I can however tell of her help to the authorities."
"It is not our place to promise her that. I can however tell of her help to the authorities."
>>515851
"Actually, the new mayor of the city could give her amnesty. Provided that we can arrest the current mayor and elect a new one, not touched by corruption, I think it would be reasonable to ask for this favor in light of the help she would provide in making it possible."
"Actually, the new mayor of the city could give her amnesty. Provided that we can arrest the current mayor and elect a new one, not touched by corruption, I think it would be reasonable to ask for this favor in light of the help she would provide in making it possible."
>>515851
NOT OUR PLACE!? You who are so quick to lay down judgements of guilt and punishments now claim that temperance and pardons are not within your authority?
NOT OUR PLACE!? You who are so quick to lay down judgements of guilt and punishments now claim that temperance and pardons are not within your authority?
When or if consensus has been reached, you may sleep to skip to the next day if you so desire.
>>515851
"I'm sure she will be comforted by the fact that we will tell the potentially corrupt authorities of her help bringing down corruption."
"I'm sure she will be comforted by the fact that we will tell the potentially corrupt authorities of her help bringing down corruption."
>>515855
"Law might be a strict, written set of rules, however each case must be also overviewed seperately so the best judgement would come to pass. If you weight up this situation I think it is quite clear that the arrest should be postponed until further notice, which is until it becomes null once the amnesty has been issued."
>>515858
"Is there a problem, Mister Gotti?"
"Law might be a strict, written set of rules, however each case must be also overviewed seperately so the best judgement would come to pass. If you weight up this situation I think it is quite clear that the arrest should be postponed until further notice, which is until it becomes null once the amnesty has been issued."
>>515858
"Is there a problem, Mister Gotti?"
>>515863
"I am not as well versed on the law as you are, however, I definitely know that during the investigation of embezzlement, if a pony provides written proof, documents which would be illegal to hand over otherwise, the pony is pardoned in the name of discovering the bigger crime. I am sure that there must be a clause for this case as well."
"I am not as well versed on the law as you are, however, I definitely know that during the investigation of embezzlement, if a pony provides written proof, documents which would be illegal to hand over otherwise, the pony is pardoned in the name of discovering the bigger crime. I am sure that there must be a clause for this case as well."
>>515864
Groan.
"It is about the reach of our hooves, mister Gotti.
Whatever it is in our right to decide the fate of a pony, or if this decision should be left to those appointed by our laws at that role."
>>515865
"And then why would arresting her be a problem, if she can, and I will testify this, provide help much needed to solve the case?
Arresting her is merely a required passage to then have her cleared of charges."
Groan.
"It is about the reach of our hooves, mister Gotti.
Whatever it is in our right to decide the fate of a pony, or if this decision should be left to those appointed by our laws at that role."
>>515865
"And then why would arresting her be a problem, if she can, and I will testify this, provide help much needed to solve the case?
Arresting her is merely a required passage to then have her cleared of charges."
>>515873
"If an amnesty is issued, that is fine with me."
Just know that mares like her will never change.
"If an amnesty is issued, that is fine with me."
Just know that mares like her will never change.
>>515876
I suppose that's as far as we can hope to get for now, and I need a bath. I politely take my leave and go to my room.
I suppose that's as far as we can hope to get for now, and I need a bath. I politely take my leave and go to my room.
>>515873
"We'll need to figure out which of the nobles aren't dirty if you don't want another corrupt mayor to take his place…"
"We'll need to figure out which of the nobles aren't dirty if you don't want another corrupt mayor to take his place…"
>>515876
"If you believe that will work, we should meet with her tomorrow at the Rusty Stool."
"If you believe that will work, we should meet with her tomorrow at the Rusty Stool."
>>515883
>>515884
You all enjoy a full night's rest, well-deserved after the long hike to here today. The beds are very comfortable to sleep in and you feel fully rejuvenated as you wake up in the morning. After taking a hot bath and sharing a lovely breakfast in the hotel, you are all set for today. Cassie has decided to find a smithy to work at today, hoping to earn some money. Edelweiss will continue devouring books on law and economics in her room.
>>515884
You all enjoy a full night's rest, well-deserved after the long hike to here today. The beds are very comfortable to sleep in and you feel fully rejuvenated as you wake up in the morning. After taking a hot bath and sharing a lovely breakfast in the hotel, you are all set for today. Cassie has decided to find a smithy to work at today, hoping to earn some money. Edelweiss will continue devouring books on law and economics in her room.
>>515888
Aaaaaah, a comfy bed and a pleasant bath… I needed this.
If only I could start the day with painting a pretty picture, but alas, I have obligations!
"I hope all of you had a pleasant night."
Aaaaaah, a comfy bed and a pleasant bath… I needed this.
If only I could start the day with painting a pretty picture, but alas, I have obligations!
"I hope all of you had a pleasant night."
>>515888
Roll out of bed and do morning routine, stretching, washing, eating and finally donning my armor.
Go into the common hall.
Roll out of bed and do morning routine, stretching, washing, eating and finally donning my armor.
Go into the common hall.
>>515888
Spend a while cleaning my sword and armor, then put them on and my Order tunic over them. Feeling the extra weight of the bits Gotti distributed to the group on my sides, I make a mental note to keep an eye open for any shops as I rejoin the group.
Spend a while cleaning my sword and armor, then put them on and my Order tunic over them. Feeling the extra weight of the bits Gotti distributed to the group on my sides, I make a mental note to keep an eye open for any shops as I rejoin the group.
>>515892
Herald can totally share my room, its big enough, no homo.
Get ready and meet up with the others.
Herald can totally share my room, its big enough, no homo.
Get ready and meet up with the others.
>>515896
Tap my hooves at the ground.
"Good morning everypony. After this rest, I hope you are all ready to continue what we have started yesterday."
Tap my hooves at the ground.
"Good morning everypony. After this rest, I hope you are all ready to continue what we have started yesterday."
>>515906
Oh, nevermind then.
"Right, how could I forget. Anyway, we should get going then." too the Rusty Stool?
Oh, nevermind then.
"Right, how could I forget. Anyway, we should get going then." too the Rusty Stool?
So, does the party leave for the Rusty Stool?
>>515915
"Be careful. Some of the nobles are just as rotten, from what I've heard."
>>515915
"Be careful. Some of the nobles are just as rotten, from what I've heard."
>>515918
You leave the fancy hotel lobby behind you and strike out into the city. The sun is shining outside, seemingly the only thing strong enough to pierce the magical shield. The temperatures are nice and temperate, not too hot or cold to comfortably.
You leave the fancy hotel lobby behind you and strike out into the city. The sun is shining outside, seemingly the only thing strong enough to pierce the magical shield. The temperatures are nice and temperate, not too hot or cold to comfortably.
>>515922
Well, you could come along with the party. Or join Angelite with the nobles. Or follow Cassie. Or do something else?
Well, you could come along with the party. Or join Angelite with the nobles. Or follow Cassie. Or do something else?
>>515925
"We are meeting Ardet's friend. Our plan is easy, we explained it last night. Did you forget?"
"We are meeting Ardet's friend. Our plan is easy, we explained it last night. Did you forget?"
Well, let's head out by myself then.
Look for a fancy place. a really fancy one. Possibly a teahouse.
Look for a fancy place. a really fancy one. Possibly a teahouse.
>>515929
Whisper to him.
"We are being followed, so it's not safe to talk.
But to make it quick, we will meet with Ardet's informer, raid the Magpies' safehouses and find proof of their crimes."
Then, after a second, add.
"Anypony could be our enemy."
Whisper to him.
"We are being followed, so it's not safe to talk.
But to make it quick, we will meet with Ardet's informer, raid the Magpies' safehouses and find proof of their crimes."
Then, after a second, add.
"Anypony could be our enemy."
>>515930
>>515923
>>515933
You arrive at the Rust Stool. Gallant and Ardent recognize the place, it's where they met Herald the day before.
"Funny how it was apparently right under our nose the whole time…"
The place isn't as busy as the day before as it's quite early. Signs of yesterday's binge drinking are still somewhat visible. A few lone ponies are nursing a drink at the bar.
The unicorn mare is nowhere to be seen.
>>515931
You strike out on your own! It's 10 AM and the streets are flourishing with activity. The inner city really does make you feel at home, the grandness of it all reminds you of the palace back at the capital. You still remember visiting it when you were a mere filly, a day you wont soon forget.
You look around for a while and find a tea room which is located on the top of a large building, overlooking the city. The sight is absolutely breath taking! Several groups of ponies are sitting around their respective table, clearly forming small groups to boast about their latest purchases and laugh at the peasants on the ground.
>>515923
>>515933
You arrive at the Rust Stool. Gallant and Ardent recognize the place, it's where they met Herald the day before.
"Funny how it was apparently right under our nose the whole time…"
The place isn't as busy as the day before as it's quite early. Signs of yesterday's binge drinking are still somewhat visible. A few lone ponies are nursing a drink at the bar.
The unicorn mare is nowhere to be seen.
>>515931
You strike out on your own! It's 10 AM and the streets are flourishing with activity. The inner city really does make you feel at home, the grandness of it all reminds you of the palace back at the capital. You still remember visiting it when you were a mere filly, a day you wont soon forget.
You look around for a while and find a tea room which is located on the top of a large building, overlooking the city. The sight is absolutely breath taking! Several groups of ponies are sitting around their respective table, clearly forming small groups to boast about their latest purchases and laugh at the peasants on the ground.
>>515935
Smile at the overlook of the cityscape.
This is quite pleasant indeed… however, can I find a group of ponies who are just having a moderate discussion I might join?
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
Smile at the overlook of the cityscape.
This is quite pleasant indeed… however, can I find a group of ponies who are just having a moderate discussion I might join?
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>515935
Check the alley where I caught her before for her or anything she might have accidentally dropped. [1d10+2]
Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7
Check the alley where I caught her before for her or anything she might have accidentally dropped. [1d10+2]
Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7
>>515936
You sit at the counter, the barkeep eyeing you with some curiosity.
>>515937
Two stallions and a mare are having a relaxed conversation about their planned travels.
"Indeed, I specifically hired the Manehatten weather pegasi to ensure only the best of weather during my stay there. It would be dreadful to have my vacation ruined by bad weather."
>>515938
Nothing at all.
>>515939
You enjoy a light drink as you wait… which you don't have to do for long.
A voice sounds from behind you.
"You have come."
You sit at the counter, the barkeep eyeing you with some curiosity.
>>515937
Two stallions and a mare are having a relaxed conversation about their planned travels.
"Indeed, I specifically hired the Manehatten weather pegasi to ensure only the best of weather during my stay there. It would be dreadful to have my vacation ruined by bad weather."
>>515938
Nothing at all.
>>515939
You enjoy a light drink as you wait… which you don't have to do for long.
A voice sounds from behind you.
"You have come."
>>515940
Walk over slowly, then do a little curtsey.
"Good morning, Ladies and Gentlecolts.
Might I have a seat in your company?"
Walk over slowly, then do a little curtsey.
"Good morning, Ladies and Gentlecolts.
Might I have a seat in your company?"
>>515941
A mare just addressed Gallant.
She looks… not like what you expected at all. She has heavy armor on, a sword and shield on her back and… hey, that's the same symbol as on Ardent's armor!
>>515942
There's a mare standing behind Gallant, but she's wearing full armor… Hospitallion armor. You can't even see her face!
>>515943
"That's irrelevant. Follow me."
You hear her walk away behind you.
>>515944
"Why of course, my lady! How lovely to see a new face around here."
There's an empty seat for you to sit on.
A mare just addressed Gallant.
She looks… not like what you expected at all. She has heavy armor on, a sword and shield on her back and… hey, that's the same symbol as on Ardent's armor!
>>515942
There's a mare standing behind Gallant, but she's wearing full armor… Hospitallion armor. You can't even see her face!
>>515943
"That's irrelevant. Follow me."
You hear her walk away behind you.
>>515944
"Why of course, my lady! How lovely to see a new face around here."
There's an empty seat for you to sit on.
>>515946
You're right next to them, you heard everything they said and see the mare in armor walk away.
You're right next to them, you heard everything they said and see the mare in armor walk away.
>>515945
turn around to follow, but.. Look around for the others, and try to subtly motion to them. they should follow me as well! '1d10' roll to do that well.
Roll #1 2 = 2
turn around to follow, but.. Look around for the others, and try to subtly motion to them. they should follow me as well! '1d10' roll to do that well.
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>515945
Smile gratefully and take the seat.
"Thank you. It is always a delight to meet new ponies to me as well. My name is Angelite, a diplomat of Crystapolis."
Smile gratefully and take the seat.
"Thank you. It is always a delight to meet new ponies to me as well. My name is Angelite, a diplomat of Crystapolis."
>>515952
Enter the mare's restroom with the rest of the group, then fix her with a glare that switches between her and the armor she's wearing. Where the heck did she get that armor from?
Enter the mare's restroom with the rest of the group, then fix her with a glare that switches between her and the armor she's wearing. Where the heck did she get that armor from?
>>515953
>>515955
>>515956
She removes her helmet and looks around. "Nopony is around. Good."
She walks up to one of the toilet stalls and opens it up. She pulls the flushing lever, which triggers some kind of mechanism, flipping the wall behind the toilet around. She carefully moves one of her hooves over the wall.
"If you are wondering where I got this armor from… take a guess. It works well as a disguise, so sorry for taking it."
She finishes touching the wall and takes step back as a magical portal materializes into the wall.
"Now follow."
She steps through the portal, disappearing from sight as she does.
>>515954
"How wonderful to have you here in our lovely city, lady Angelite. I am certain you are finding it quite to your liking, yes?"
A waiter pony approaches the table.
"Does madame wish for a refreshment?"
>>515955
>>515956
She removes her helmet and looks around. "Nopony is around. Good."
She walks up to one of the toilet stalls and opens it up. She pulls the flushing lever, which triggers some kind of mechanism, flipping the wall behind the toilet around. She carefully moves one of her hooves over the wall.
"If you are wondering where I got this armor from… take a guess. It works well as a disguise, so sorry for taking it."
She finishes touching the wall and takes step back as a magical portal materializes into the wall.
"Now follow."
She steps through the portal, disappearing from sight as she does.
>>515954
"How wonderful to have you here in our lovely city, lady Angelite. I am certain you are finding it quite to your liking, yes?"
A waiter pony approaches the table.
"Does madame wish for a refreshment?"
>>515957
"It is quite a brilliant city, as the name suggests."
I nod to the waiter.
"Which tea would you recommend?"
"It is quite a brilliant city, as the name suggests."
I nod to the waiter.
"Which tea would you recommend?"
>>515957
Taking… Well, stolen is still better than… the alternative method. Follow her through the portal.
Taking… Well, stolen is still better than… the alternative method. Follow her through the portal.
'Sunstone island, once the royal family's favorite holiday spot, is a mere shell of what it once was. Located to the west of the Crystal Empire and Equestria, the former mining colony was abandoned during the reign of Discord. It became easy prey for ambitious individuals wishing to get away from the pony kingdoms and the law.'
Excerpt from 'The ten most dangerous places in the world!'
>>515958
"This year's Chineighse black tea is rather excellent madame. I believe you will find it quite pleasant to your tastes. It also comes with a pair of authentic biscuit rolls."
>>515959
>>515960
>>515961
As you step through the portal, the world around you goes black. Opening your eyes, you see you are no longer present inside the mare's restrooms. The portal has led you to a large circular room with only one visible exit, a large wooden door on the opposite side of the room. The walls look weathered and grey, lit up by a row torches. A dusty old chandelier hangs from the ceiling, lighting up the area even further. Spread around the ground are several bedrolls, some of them in a better state than the others. Old barrels and crates are stacked to the ceiling to the left of you, while a large dusty carpet covers the floor of the middle of the room. A few tables with candles, empty mugs and plates on top of them are scattered around, as well as a few burning braziers.
There's only a handful of ponies here, a stallion and a mare are sitting at one of the tables, engaged in a quiet conversation, another stallion is digging around in one of the crates, while yet another stallion is sweeping the floor with a broom. Finally a colt and a filly running around the room playing tag. Sonnet recognizes the colt as the same one she asked to fetch paper and a quill for her the day before.
Leadlight glances around the room, then turns to you.
"Welcome to our home."
Excerpt from 'The ten most dangerous places in the world!'
>>515958
"This year's Chineighse black tea is rather excellent madame. I believe you will find it quite pleasant to your tastes. It also comes with a pair of authentic biscuit rolls."
>>515959
>>515960
>>515961
As you step through the portal, the world around you goes black. Opening your eyes, you see you are no longer present inside the mare's restrooms. The portal has led you to a large circular room with only one visible exit, a large wooden door on the opposite side of the room. The walls look weathered and grey, lit up by a row torches. A dusty old chandelier hangs from the ceiling, lighting up the area even further. Spread around the ground are several bedrolls, some of them in a better state than the others. Old barrels and crates are stacked to the ceiling to the left of you, while a large dusty carpet covers the floor of the middle of the room. A few tables with candles, empty mugs and plates on top of them are scattered around, as well as a few burning braziers.
There's only a handful of ponies here, a stallion and a mare are sitting at one of the tables, engaged in a quiet conversation, another stallion is digging around in one of the crates, while yet another stallion is sweeping the floor with a broom. Finally a colt and a filly running around the room playing tag. Sonnet recognizes the colt as the same one she asked to fetch paper and a quill for her the day before.
Leadlight glances around the room, then turns to you.
"Welcome to our home."
>>516477
Well, this is interesting. Bringing us to their home instead of a remote meeting place implies a level of trust towards us.
Well, this is interesting. Bringing us to their home instead of a remote meeting place implies a level of trust towards us.
>>516479
With the party still.
>>516478
"With haste, madame."
He walks off.
One of the stallions speaks up.
"How does the capital fare, miss Angelite? My schedule has not been kind to me these last few months, so I must admit I am somewhat out of loop."
>>516480
Injured? None of them are injured, I don't know where you got that from.
>>516481
>>516482
Seeing your lack of response, she turns around and starts walking away, going for the door.
With the party still.
>>516478
"With haste, madame."
He walks off.
One of the stallions speaks up.
"How does the capital fare, miss Angelite? My schedule has not been kind to me these last few months, so I must admit I am somewhat out of loop."
>>516480
Injured? None of them are injured, I don't know where you got that from.
>>516481
>>516482
Seeing your lack of response, she turns around and starts walking away, going for the door.
>>516485
Gently grab her shoulder and give her a questioning look, gesturing toward the children.
Gently grab her shoulder and give her a questioning look, gesturing toward the children.
>>516485
"I have been away for some weeks myself. However, the last time I was there it was still a shining standard of crystal pony life."
"I have been away for some weeks myself. However, the last time I was there it was still a shining standard of crystal pony life."
>>516486
The stallion sweeping the floor is giving you the eye…
Leadlight reaches to open up the door, but is interrupted as Ardent reaches over.
>>516487
She tenses up at your touch and grabs your hoof in one swift motion, ready to counter your move. When she sees what you're gesturing at, she relaxes.
"Mining accidents sometimes leaves Brilliance with nothing but orphans. We sometimes offer them a home and a full belly for their services. None ever decline."
>>516488
As I said in meta, Angelite is not with the party.
Also, the unicorn mare you are following looks very similar to the one who shot Cassie with a dart way back.
>>516489
"Splendid! I cannot wait to get back there and enjoy my holiday estate."
>>516490
"I am not showing you around. This is a safe place for you to be without any spying eyes around, which is why we are here. We have what you desire stored deeper inside this place. You are here because you accepted my offer, which required a certain amount of trust from you. I will show you we can and will back up our own end of the bargain."
The stallion sweeping the floor is giving you the eye…
Leadlight reaches to open up the door, but is interrupted as Ardent reaches over.
>>516487
She tenses up at your touch and grabs your hoof in one swift motion, ready to counter your move. When she sees what you're gesturing at, she relaxes.
"Mining accidents sometimes leaves Brilliance with nothing but orphans. We sometimes offer them a home and a full belly for their services. None ever decline."
>>516488
As I said in meta, Angelite is not with the party.
Also, the unicorn mare you are following looks very similar to the one who shot Cassie with a dart way back.
>>516489
"Splendid! I cannot wait to get back there and enjoy my holiday estate."
>>516490
"I am not showing you around. This is a safe place for you to be without any spying eyes around, which is why we are here. We have what you desire stored deeper inside this place. You are here because you accepted my offer, which required a certain amount of trust from you. I will show you we can and will back up our own end of the bargain."
>>516499
"If it so happens we might even be able to share a meal with some friends, should you be inclined, Mister?"
"If it so happens we might even be able to share a meal with some friends, should you be inclined, Mister?"
>>516499
Just ignore the stink eye, give him a small friendly smile, I'm not here to take him in or anything.
"Seems.. cozy." I'll try to offer as a compliment.
Just ignore the stink eye, give him a small friendly smile, I'm not here to take him in or anything.
"Seems.. cozy." I'll try to offer as a compliment.
>>516499
What?! Oh dear God… or Dear Celestia if that is appropriate here?! Oh dear what to do what to do…
Is it really she? Can I identify her while still following her like nothing is happening?
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
What?! Oh dear God… or Dear Celestia if that is appropriate here?! Oh dear what to do what to do…
Is it really she? Can I identify her while still following her like nothing is happening?
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>516501
"There is no sense in rushing our target. Paladin or no, you must practice restraint."
>>516502
"Lord Meadow Star. A name I am sure you know well."
You have heard of the Star family for sure, but not him in particular.
>>516505
"It is one of our temporary homes, shifting and changing as time passes."
She opens the door, revealing a hallway behind it. The walls are lit by torches. More doors are present ahead.
"Please stay close to me."
>>516509
It's definitely her. I linked a summary in meta by the way, it's best you read it.
Pause as I eat the pizza now
"There is no sense in rushing our target. Paladin or no, you must practice restraint."
>>516502
"Lord Meadow Star. A name I am sure you know well."
You have heard of the Star family for sure, but not him in particular.
>>516505
"It is one of our temporary homes, shifting and changing as time passes."
She opens the door, revealing a hallway behind it. The walls are lit by torches. More doors are present ahead.
"Please stay close to me."
>>516509
It's definitely her. I linked a summary in meta by the way, it's best you read it.
Pause as I eat the pizza now
>>516521
Hold back a snicker at Sonnet being chastised.
"It makes sense, but if you travel here by portal you'd think it would be a bit safer to settle in more permanently."
Hold back a snicker at Sonnet being chastised.
"It makes sense, but if you travel here by portal you'd think it would be a bit safer to settle in more permanently."
>>516521
I just remain fidgety near her, are we properly introduced in the past or is this the first time I saw her again in the city?
I just remain fidgety near her, are we properly introduced in the past or is this the first time I saw her again in the city?
'Please do not touch the Crystal Heart.'
- Writing on the plaque marking the Crystal Heart
>>516526
He gestures to the mare sitting next to him.
"My sister, Tranquil Star."
She gives you a polite nod.
"Charmed, miss Angelite."
The waiter comes back with your Chineighse black tea on a neat little plate.
"Your refreshment, my lady."
It smells rather nice, if a bit foreign. There's a strange cookie lying next to the cup.
>>516528
"I am not wasting time, paladin. Merely…"
She stops at one of the doors. It looks very sturdy and has a strange looking lock on it.
"… keeping my end on the bargain."
Taking out a set of keys, she begins to unlock the door, which appears to take quite a bit of hassle.
>>516530
"Absolutely not. This dimension will eventually destabilize and become too dangerous to enter."
>>516542
This is the first time you've seen her again since the incident. Ardent and Gallant have met her before though, but they don't know it's the same mare that you encountered because they never saw her back then.
She no doubt recognized you as well, but hasn't cared to comment on it.
- Writing on the plaque marking the Crystal Heart
>>516526
He gestures to the mare sitting next to him.
"My sister, Tranquil Star."
She gives you a polite nod.
"Charmed, miss Angelite."
The waiter comes back with your Chineighse black tea on a neat little plate.
"Your refreshment, my lady."
It smells rather nice, if a bit foreign. There's a strange cookie lying next to the cup.
>>516528
"I am not wasting time, paladin. Merely…"
She stops at one of the doors. It looks very sturdy and has a strange looking lock on it.
"… keeping my end on the bargain."
Taking out a set of keys, she begins to unlock the door, which appears to take quite a bit of hassle.
>>516530
"Absolutely not. This dimension will eventually destabilize and become too dangerous to enter."
>>516542
This is the first time you've seen her again since the incident. Ardent and Gallant have met her before though, but they don't know it's the same mare that you encountered because they never saw her back then.
She no doubt recognized you as well, but hasn't cared to comment on it.
>>517836
"I see that you two love a touch of class. Do not we all?"
Chuckle a bit.
Nod my thanks at the waiter, but stop him.
"If I may ask, what is that little treat beside it?"
"I see that you two love a touch of class. Do not we all?"
Chuckle a bit.
Nod my thanks at the waiter, but stop him.
"If I may ask, what is that little treat beside it?"
>>517837
The lock is probably enchanted, similar to the shackles back in the old mines in Winterheim. In a place full of thieves… only the best locks will keep something shut to the wrong ponies.
As she nimbly manipulates the keys with her telekinesis to move from lock to lock, you suddenly sense an intense feeling of dread washing over you. Something horrible is about to come!
>>517840
She's too busy concentrating on the lock to pay attention to you. You too feel a powerful emotion surge through you. Your paladin sense is tingling and it's detecting something horrible.
>>517839
This hallway is long and dusty, there's not much to see here in the dim light of the torches along the walls. There are several doors up ahead which are all closed as well. Further ahead, the hallway takes a sharp turn to the left.
>>517838
"A fortune cookie, my lady. A traditional treat from the orient containing a special message."
He bows his head a little and walks off.
The lock is probably enchanted, similar to the shackles back in the old mines in Winterheim. In a place full of thieves… only the best locks will keep something shut to the wrong ponies.
As she nimbly manipulates the keys with her telekinesis to move from lock to lock, you suddenly sense an intense feeling of dread washing over you. Something horrible is about to come!
>>517840
She's too busy concentrating on the lock to pay attention to you. You too feel a powerful emotion surge through you. Your paladin sense is tingling and it's detecting something horrible.
>>517839
This hallway is long and dusty, there's not much to see here in the dim light of the torches along the walls. There are several doors up ahead which are all closed as well. Further ahead, the hallway takes a sharp turn to the left.
>>517838
"A fortune cookie, my lady. A traditional treat from the orient containing a special message."
He bows his head a little and walks off.
>>517841
Smile.
"How delightful!"
Take a modest sip of my tea, then turn to the others.
"This fortune cookie seems like an amusing concept, does it not? I wonder why it is not more widespread."
Smile.
"How delightful!"
Take a modest sip of my tea, then turn to the others.
"This fortune cookie seems like an amusing concept, does it not? I wonder why it is not more widespread."
>>517836
Get myself in position and snarl.
"You! What are you doing here? Planning to kidnap us again wont you?"
I glance around and see if her accomplice is nearby.
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
Get myself in position and snarl.
"You! What are you doing here? Planning to kidnap us again wont you?"
I glance around and see if her accomplice is nearby.
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>517842
>>517844
>>517845
The mare reacts in an instant, dropping the keys and unsheathing a long dagger, ready to attack you.
"And they say us thieves have no honor. You have made a mistake coming here just to attack us in our own homes."
Nothing else seems to be happening… Though the feeling of dread is still strong inside the minds of the paladins.
>>517843
Meadow nods in agreement.
"The Neighpons certainly are quite creative when it comes to these things. It is a shame they are so… different in regards of manners."
Tranquil.
"It is quite exotic. Only befitting for the higher class and not the peasantry."
>>517844
>>517845
The mare reacts in an instant, dropping the keys and unsheathing a long dagger, ready to attack you.
"And they say us thieves have no honor. You have made a mistake coming here just to attack us in our own homes."
Nothing else seems to be happening… Though the feeling of dread is still strong inside the minds of the paladins.
>>517843
Meadow nods in agreement.
"The Neighpons certainly are quite creative when it comes to these things. It is a shame they are so… different in regards of manners."
Tranquil.
"It is quite exotic. Only befitting for the higher class and not the peasantry."
>>517846
Turn my back on her and look around. Can I find anything that would suggest why the paladins are acting like we're about to get jumped? [1d10+2]
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
Turn my back on her and look around. Can I find anything that would suggest why the paladins are acting like we're about to get jumped? [1d10+2]
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
>>517846
"What? I didnt come here to find you! I stumbled here and here you are! Drawing daggers and all."
Do I see Ardent or Sonnet Glory nearby?
"What? I didnt come here to find you! I stumbled here and here you are! Drawing daggers and all."
Do I see Ardent or Sonnet Glory nearby?
>>517847
"Miss Angelite please spare me those kind of thoughts. We are the elite. The peasantry work for us while we rule them. They would be lost if it weren't for us."
>>517848
You lack the special training they received on detecting anomalies, so no.
>>517850
>>517851
She opens her mouth to answer, but is interrupted as a deafening screech sounds through the hallway, making her cringe. The sound is completely unponylike and seemingly pierces your very soul. Even more worrying is the fact that you can't even tell where it exactly came from.
Leadlight looks around in complete surprise.
"… Not good. That sounded like invading spirits again. A rift must have opened into this dimension… come!"
She gathers the keys and pockets them, then starts sprinting further down the hallway with impressive speed.
>>517849
Yes, you are all here together!
"Miss Angelite please spare me those kind of thoughts. We are the elite. The peasantry work for us while we rule them. They would be lost if it weren't for us."
>>517848
You lack the special training they received on detecting anomalies, so no.
>>517850
>>517851
She opens her mouth to answer, but is interrupted as a deafening screech sounds through the hallway, making her cringe. The sound is completely unponylike and seemingly pierces your very soul. Even more worrying is the fact that you can't even tell where it exactly came from.
Leadlight looks around in complete surprise.
"… Not good. That sounded like invading spirits again. A rift must have opened into this dimension… come!"
She gathers the keys and pockets them, then starts sprinting further down the hallway with impressive speed.
>>517849
Yes, you are all here together!
>>517852
Sip my tea in a refined manner as she talks.
"We work for the lower classes as much as they work for us. Without their continued efforts and contributions, we would starve without food. There would be nopony to provide us with fabric. We would have no furniture to speak of and we would have no roof above our heads. I strongly believe that society is built on relying on each other, and I implore you to consider this yourself."
'1d10' Good Word.
Roll #1 2 = 2
Sip my tea in a refined manner as she talks.
"We work for the lower classes as much as they work for us. Without their continued efforts and contributions, we would starve without food. There would be nopony to provide us with fabric. We would have no furniture to speak of and we would have no roof above our heads. I strongly believe that society is built on relying on each other, and I implore you to consider this yourself."
'1d10' Good Word.
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>517858
I shake my head.
"Abominations? Inside the Crystal city?! I thought it is safe in here?" I gasp as I try to follow.
I shake my head.
"Abominations? Inside the Crystal city?! I thought it is safe in here?" I gasp as I try to follow.
>>517853
>>517855
>>517858
>>517859
You all run down the hallway after her.
"As time goes on, these pocket dimensions destabilize… which sometimes results in small rifts opening up. Most of the time these can be closed without much issue but…"
She stops in front of a set of large wooden doors at the end of the hallway.
"… other times they bring in beings that cause trouble. Be on your guard."
She looks back at the two paladins of the group.
"Although it seems you sensed them long before we did."
>>517857
She waves a hoof dismissively.
"I will not hear any more of this nonsense. I suggest you learn how the world truly works, miss Angelite. Your childish views on these things are hardly fact."
[PAUSE]
>>517855
>>517858
>>517859
You all run down the hallway after her.
"As time goes on, these pocket dimensions destabilize… which sometimes results in small rifts opening up. Most of the time these can be closed without much issue but…"
She stops in front of a set of large wooden doors at the end of the hallway.
"… other times they bring in beings that cause trouble. Be on your guard."
She looks back at the two paladins of the group.
"Although it seems you sensed them long before we did."
>>517857
She waves a hoof dismissively.
"I will not hear any more of this nonsense. I suggest you learn how the world truly works, miss Angelite. Your childish views on these things are hardly fact."
[PAUSE]
>>517861
I rubbed my head, trying to make it all clear in my head.
"Wait, I thought this city had it all solved out? What is this pocket dimension thingy?" I look at the commanding officer."
Also be on guard as I ready my hat for some casting to be done.
I rubbed my head, trying to make it all clear in my head.
"Wait, I thought this city had it all solved out? What is this pocket dimension thingy?" I look at the commanding officer."
Also be on guard as I ready my hat for some casting to be done.
>>517861
Nod firmly. "Yes. The feeling was quite clear. We need to defeat whatever is coming from that rift. Get those foals out of here before something happens to them."
Nod firmly. "Yes. The feeling was quite clear. We need to defeat whatever is coming from that rift. Get those foals out of here before something happens to them."
>>517861
"On the contrary, views such as yours are the exact reason why many ponies think that nobility has an incurable superiority complex, which can severly damage the public image of Houses, as you might imagine."
"On the contrary, views such as yours are the exact reason why many ponies think that nobility has an incurable superiority complex, which can severly damage the public image of Houses, as you might imagine."
>>519372
The fancy mare gives you a condescending look.
"We simply see the world as it is, it is our money that keeps the country running. The peasantry is powerless and penniless."
The two stallions also sitting at the table remain quiet, simply listening to the argument while enjoying their tea.
The fancy mare gives you a condescending look.
"We simply see the world as it is, it is our money that keeps the country running. The peasantry is powerless and penniless."
The two stallions also sitting at the table remain quiet, simply listening to the argument while enjoying their tea.
>>519373
Well I will enjoy my tea as well before answering, calm as ever!
"Our money is only worth the price that it is worth as long as the country is in stability and peace. Should this, by your words, 'powerless' mass rise against their current state, the worth of gold would plummet, not to mention what other damage an uprising may create. Therefore, it is my opinion that it is for the sake of everypony to keep the working class happy."
Well I will enjoy my tea as well before answering, calm as ever!
"Our money is only worth the price that it is worth as long as the country is in stability and peace. Should this, by your words, 'powerless' mass rise against their current state, the worth of gold would plummet, not to mention what other damage an uprising may create. Therefore, it is my opinion that it is for the sake of everypony to keep the working class happy."
>>519374
"We keep them happy enough, they are locked up in their own little world. Give the masses bread and circuses and they will stay happy. Our fair city is the perfect example of that. The peasants are happy enough to toil in the mines while we give them rewards for doing so. They should be grateful for this!"
"We keep them happy enough, they are locked up in their own little world. Give the masses bread and circuses and they will stay happy. Our fair city is the perfect example of that. The peasants are happy enough to toil in the mines while we give them rewards for doing so. They should be grateful for this!"
>>519376
"We are simply more than just that. Perhaps your youthfulness is to blame for your naivety, miss Angelite. In time you will learn that peasants and nobility are two separate entities, pieces of a pyramid where we stand on top while they stand at the bottom."
"We are simply more than just that. Perhaps your youthfulness is to blame for your naivety, miss Angelite. In time you will learn that peasants and nobility are two separate entities, pieces of a pyramid where we stand on top while they stand at the bottom."
>>519377
"A full wallet does not make one pony better than one without one, Miss Tranquil."
Sip my tea with a smile.
"A full wallet does not make one pony better than one without one, Miss Tranquil."
Sip my tea with a smile.
>>519378
She lets out an undignified snort.
"I believe the time has come to excuse myself and return to my estate."
She gets up and walks away from the table, head held high. Meadow Star excuses himself as well and takes his leave after her, leaving you alone with the stallion whose name you haven't asked.
She lets out an undignified snort.
"I believe the time has come to excuse myself and return to my estate."
She gets up and walks away from the table, head held high. Meadow Star excuses himself as well and takes his leave after her, leaving you alone with the stallion whose name you haven't asked.
>>519379
I will chalk that up as a victory.
Sip my tea again and look at him with a smile.
"I hope you do not share his views, Mister?"
I will chalk that up as a victory.
Sip my tea again and look at him with a smile.
"I hope you do not share his views, Mister?"
>>519380
"Silver Lining, from Crystalport."
Your trained ears catch the hint of an Equestrian accent in his speech. He looks like a crystal pony though. You don't recognize his family name.
"Lady Tranquils views are extreme, but sadly not all that unique."
"Silver Lining, from Crystalport."
Your trained ears catch the hint of an Equestrian accent in his speech. He looks like a crystal pony though. You don't recognize his family name.
"Lady Tranquils views are extreme, but sadly not all that unique."
>>519381
This will require further investigation!
"A pleasure to meet you, Mister Silver."
Nod.
"I just hope that one day she will see the light of day and come to realize how wrong she was."
This will require further investigation!
"A pleasure to meet you, Mister Silver."
Nod.
"I just hope that one day she will see the light of day and come to realize how wrong she was."
>>519385
I can afford a dignified chuckle as well.
"I firmly believe that all ponies can change."
I can afford a dignified chuckle as well.
"I firmly believe that all ponies can change."
>>519387
"On occasions, the change itself is already within the pony, Mister Silver.
With a good mediator, said change could blossom and turn the pony to the better."
"On occasions, the change itself is already within the pony, Mister Silver.
With a good mediator, said change could blossom and turn the pony to the better."
>>519388
"Perhaps you are right, but I am a business pony, not a psychologist or a priest of the heart."
"Perhaps you are right, but I am a business pony, not a psychologist or a priest of the heart."
>>519389
"Neither am I. I am just a mere diplomat myself. However, many ponies can be surprised at the power of words."
"Neither am I. I am just a mere diplomat myself. However, many ponies can be surprised at the power of words."
>>519390
He takes a sip from his tea.
"If I may be so bold, what is it that brings you here to Brilliance?"
He takes a sip from his tea.
"If I may be so bold, what is it that brings you here to Brilliance?"
>>519391
"Me and a few accompanies have been headed towards the Capital. We decided to stay for a while, after a string of events."
"Me and a few accompanies have been headed towards the Capital. We decided to stay for a while, after a string of events."
>>519394
"Your assumption is correct. I wonder why you are interested in that detail, however."
"Your assumption is correct. I wonder why you are interested in that detail, however."
>>519395
"You seemed very set on defending your ideals in regards to those of common lineage and I wondered how much sincerity there was in your words. The fact that you surround yourself with commoner ponies shows that you do believe what you say."
"You seemed very set on defending your ideals in regards to those of common lineage and I wondered how much sincerity there was in your words. The fact that you surround yourself with commoner ponies shows that you do believe what you say."
>>519418
"I have to correct you on one part, though, I do not view them as if they were commoners, I view them as if they were friends."
"I have to correct you on one part, though, I do not view them as if they were commoners, I view them as if they were friends."
>>519425
"Yes, but they are still objectively commoners. Even if you do not see them as such, others most definitely will."
"Yes, but they are still objectively commoners. Even if you do not see them as such, others most definitely will."
>>519427
"If anypony thinks that would damage my image then, pardon me, but I can safely disregard their opinion in the matter. I was lucky enough to be born in a wealthy family, however that does not mean I am better than anypony else."
"If anypony thinks that would damage my image then, pardon me, but I can safely disregard their opinion in the matter. I was lucky enough to be born in a wealthy family, however that does not mean I am better than anypony else."
>>519432
"You said you are a diplomat, correct? I would think the image other nobles have of you is quite important indeed."
"You said you are a diplomat, correct? I would think the image other nobles have of you is quite important indeed."
>>519433
"Yet even they must understand, that as a diplomat and negotiatior I not only move within noble circles. Ponies from other social classes have problems that need to be solved as well. I would rather that these problems are solved peacefully, which is why I help everypony equally."
"Yet even they must understand, that as a diplomat and negotiatior I not only move within noble circles. Ponies from other social classes have problems that need to be solved as well. I would rather that these problems are solved peacefully, which is why I help everypony equally."
>>519435
"I understand, but others may not. No matter how many words you spill, they may stick to their stance."
"I understand, but others may not. No matter how many words you spill, they may stick to their stance."
>>519437
"That does not befit a diplomat, my lady. You must be flexible and willing to twist the truth a little. Do not waste your breath on fighting lost battles like against lady Tranquil. Instead take a different approach and keep your opinions to yourself."
You crack open the fortune cookie. Inside you find a rolled up small piece of paper.
"That does not befit a diplomat, my lady. You must be flexible and willing to twist the truth a little. Do not waste your breath on fighting lost battles like against lady Tranquil. Instead take a different approach and keep your opinions to yourself."
You crack open the fortune cookie. Inside you find a rolled up small piece of paper.
>>519438
"I do not like to lie, true. Yet if I see a chance to make a pony change his or her mind I try to take it.
Thank you for concern, however, this was merely a chat. As much as it pains me on occasions, I do have to remain neutral on more serious matters."
Let's roll it out and read it!
"I do not like to lie, true. Yet if I see a chance to make a pony change his or her mind I try to take it.
Thank you for concern, however, this was merely a chat. As much as it pains me on occasions, I do have to remain neutral on more serious matters."
Let's roll it out and read it!
>>519439
"We all must make sacrifices, I'm afraid."
You roll open the paper and read:
'Leave Brilliance or you will regret it'
"We all must make sacrifices, I'm afraid."
You roll open the paper and read:
'Leave Brilliance or you will regret it'
>>519456
"That it is."
Raise my head proudly.
"However, I will not let myself be threatened. Some ponies obviously do not like my presence here, which tells me I am doing something good. I might be a diplomat, but as my father used to say, you will not accomplish anything without making a few enemies."
"That it is."
Raise my head proudly.
"However, I will not let myself be threatened. Some ponies obviously do not like my presence here, which tells me I am doing something good. I might be a diplomat, but as my father used to say, you will not accomplish anything without making a few enemies."
>>519460
"Your father sounds like a wise man then. But receiving threats through fortune cookies? That does not sound like a secret admirer to me."
"Your father sounds like a wise man then. But receiving threats through fortune cookies? That does not sound like a secret admirer to me."
>>519461
"On the contrary, the pony would definitely admire me as I was leaving the city.
I am afraid he or she will be severely disappointed."
"On the contrary, the pony would definitely admire me as I was leaving the city.
I am afraid he or she will be severely disappointed."
>>519462
"That sounds like a troubling situation. Do you have any clues as to whom it might come from? I myself am here in Brilliance for a mere few days before I return to Crystalport."
"That sounds like a troubling situation. Do you have any clues as to whom it might come from? I myself am here in Brilliance for a mere few days before I return to Crystalport."
>>519467
"Yes… they are somewhat troublesome. Our family owns a trading company, you see. We ferry goods mostly from Equestria and the Crystal empire. The Magpies have not been shy about stealing items from our shipments passing through Brilliance and elsewhere."
"Yes… they are somewhat troublesome. Our family owns a trading company, you see. We ferry goods mostly from Equestria and the Crystal empire. The Magpies have not been shy about stealing items from our shipments passing through Brilliance and elsewhere."
>>519472
Smile.
"I was right about your Equestrian accent then.
Anyhow-"
Clear my throat.
"As it seems to me, even the magpies are small fish in this city, so to say."
Smile.
"I was right about your Equestrian accent then.
Anyhow-"
Clear my throat.
"As it seems to me, even the magpies are small fish in this city, so to say."
>>519474
"Are they? I admit I am not too versed on their exact workings, only their past deeds."
"Are they? I admit I am not too versed on their exact workings, only their past deeds."
>>519477
"Hm… well, if they feel threatened by your presence then I can only applaud you. They have no taken the time to address me, which raises some questions about my methods. Indeed, perhaps I am being too lax. Do be careful, my lady. They are still crooks."
"Hm… well, if they feel threatened by your presence then I can only applaud you. They have no taken the time to address me, which raises some questions about my methods. Indeed, perhaps I am being too lax. Do be careful, my lady. They are still crooks."
>>519480
"I will.
May I inquire what you are undertaking that they might have taken a notice of your methods?"
"I will.
May I inquire what you are undertaking that they might have taken a notice of your methods?"
>>519486
"I have been attempting to persuade the lord mayor into taking stricter action. Our family also lends monetary support to the Hospitallion knights to help increase the safety of the road network. The paladins… something else has recently enthralled them completely."
"I have been attempting to persuade the lord mayor into taking stricter action. Our family also lends monetary support to the Hospitallion knights to help increase the safety of the road network. The paladins… something else has recently enthralled them completely."
>>519491
"Oh, you might find it interesting, but one pony in our group is a Hospitallion! As well as paladins. What exactly got their attention, if you do not mind sharing?"
"Oh, you might find it interesting, but one pony in our group is a Hospitallion! As well as paladins. What exactly got their attention, if you do not mind sharing?"
>>519496
"Haven't you heard? I do suppose it is not that relevant here this far away from the coast. The island of Sunstone has been invaded and taken over by a changeling hive."
[PAUSE]
"Haven't you heard? I do suppose it is not that relevant here this far away from the coast. The island of Sunstone has been invaded and taken over by a changeling hive."
[PAUSE]
>>517862
You are here with the party, Herald (A friend of Gallant) and Leadlight (The unicorn thief).
"This place… it's not part of the world we live in. It's a separate dimension we can enter through the use of magic rifts and portals. These pocket dimension are very useful but also unstable at times. Rifts to dangerous places will sometimes form, allowing these spirits to enter and wreak havoc."
>>517863
"Don't worry about them. All we need to do is get these restless spirits out of this place and close the rift. You are a paladin, you should be able to do that."
You theorize you could indeed use spellbreaker to break these portals.
You hear Herald whisper in your ear, having already taken to the shadows to hide.
"I hope you put on your paladin pants today, Gallant. This isn't my field of expertise."
Leadlight slowly unlocks the wooden doors and swing them open, revealing a large room ahead, similar to the one you arrived in. There are no living ponies in here though. You count eight spirits rampaging around the room. They look vaguely ponylike except more spectral, though their exact shapes are actually quite hard to see. The paladins know that these entities are more resilient to physical attacks, but also weaker to magical spells. There is a large glowing tear in one of the walls, glowing with the same kind of intensity as the portal you entered through to get here.
"There it is, the rift they got through. We have to close at soon as possible."
Leadlight pulls out six daggers with her telekinesis.
The spirits have spotted you and are howling as they move in to attack. They are blocking the path to the rift, so you'll need to at least fend them off first.
You are here with the party, Herald (A friend of Gallant) and Leadlight (The unicorn thief).
"This place… it's not part of the world we live in. It's a separate dimension we can enter through the use of magic rifts and portals. These pocket dimension are very useful but also unstable at times. Rifts to dangerous places will sometimes form, allowing these spirits to enter and wreak havoc."
>>517863
"Don't worry about them. All we need to do is get these restless spirits out of this place and close the rift. You are a paladin, you should be able to do that."
You theorize you could indeed use spellbreaker to break these portals.
You hear Herald whisper in your ear, having already taken to the shadows to hide.
"I hope you put on your paladin pants today, Gallant. This isn't my field of expertise."
Leadlight slowly unlocks the wooden doors and swing them open, revealing a large room ahead, similar to the one you arrived in. There are no living ponies in here though. You count eight spirits rampaging around the room. They look vaguely ponylike except more spectral, though their exact shapes are actually quite hard to see. The paladins know that these entities are more resilient to physical attacks, but also weaker to magical spells. There is a large glowing tear in one of the walls, glowing with the same kind of intensity as the portal you entered through to get here.
"There it is, the rift they got through. We have to close at soon as possible."
Leadlight pulls out six daggers with her telekinesis.
The spirits have spotted you and are howling as they move in to attack. They are blocking the path to the rift, so you'll need to at least fend them off first.
>>519643
Draw the silver weapon.
Point at them.
"Stand down horrid creatures, and face justice!"
Word of power.
'1d10+2'
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
Draw the silver weapon.
Point at them.
"Stand down horrid creatures, and face justice!"
Word of power.
'1d10+2'
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
>>519498
Gasp, but cover my mouth with my hoof.
"Oh my, that sounds horrible! Are the ponies there safe?"
Gasp, but cover my mouth with my hoof.
"Oh my, that sounds horrible! Are the ponies there safe?"
>>519643
…So, ghosts.
Those are ghosts.
Ghosts are real.
…Well alright then.
Okay, whatever they are, they're hostile. Right. I can deal with hostile.
I ready my sword and eye the hostiles up. Are there any apparent weaknesses or patterns of behavior? [1d10+2]
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
…So, ghosts.
Those are ghosts.
Ghosts are real.
…Well alright then.
Okay, whatever they are, they're hostile. Right. I can deal with hostile.
I ready my sword and eye the hostiles up. Are there any apparent weaknesses or patterns of behavior? [1d10+2]
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
>>519643
"If you can, cast spells at them!" I'll call out and try a spell breaker on the tear in the wall '1d10'
"I never leave home without my faith Herald."
Roll #1 8 = 8
"If you can, cast spells at them!" I'll call out and try a spell breaker on the tear in the wall '1d10'
"I never leave home without my faith Herald."
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>519644
Surprisingly so, you manage to shout at least one of them down, freezing it in place. It wont be able to move or attack next turn.
>>519645
This was mentioned before in one of those quotes I put when starting a new session and Angelite must definitely know this, but Sunstone is not actually part of the Crystal Empire. It is an old mining colony settled on an island to the west of Equestria and the Crystal empire. It was also a popular destination for crystal nobles to visit during those times. This was ages ago, however, the island was abandoned by the crystal empire, causing all kinds of outlaws, pirates, thieves, bandits and other rogues to use it as their own little resort. It's independent, but obviously not considered a state of its own. Still, a pegasus mare called Storm Cloud has managed to exercise some control over the island, keeping it from tearing itself apart. The island is inhabited by all kinds of species, diamond dogs, crystal ponies, gryphons, normal ponies, donkeys… it's a melting pot.
"I imagine not. Some of them seem to have gotten out in time however. Including Storm Cloud who is currently taking shelter in Crystalport. She is exceedingly angry about losing her turf to changelings, as you may imagine."
>>519646
They don't really seem like ghosts. Ghosts are completely immaterial and non-solid. These spirits are at least somewhat solid, meaning physical attacks do actually work on them, but aren't as effective as say magic. They seem intelligent, not like mindless animals.
>>519649
>They are blocking the path to the rift, so you'll need to at least fend them off first.
You can't reach it, there's a spirit in the way! It attacks you, but you hit it with your spellbreaker, which does seem to have a very damaging effect on these spirits.
>>519652
You shoot a bolt at one of the spirits, but it easily dodges it. It smacks your crossbow out of your grip and onto the ground.
Helaine 4/5
Surprisingly so, you manage to shout at least one of them down, freezing it in place. It wont be able to move or attack next turn.
>>519645
This was mentioned before in one of those quotes I put when starting a new session and Angelite must definitely know this, but Sunstone is not actually part of the Crystal Empire. It is an old mining colony settled on an island to the west of Equestria and the Crystal empire. It was also a popular destination for crystal nobles to visit during those times. This was ages ago, however, the island was abandoned by the crystal empire, causing all kinds of outlaws, pirates, thieves, bandits and other rogues to use it as their own little resort. It's independent, but obviously not considered a state of its own. Still, a pegasus mare called Storm Cloud has managed to exercise some control over the island, keeping it from tearing itself apart. The island is inhabited by all kinds of species, diamond dogs, crystal ponies, gryphons, normal ponies, donkeys… it's a melting pot.
"I imagine not. Some of them seem to have gotten out in time however. Including Storm Cloud who is currently taking shelter in Crystalport. She is exceedingly angry about losing her turf to changelings, as you may imagine."
>>519646
They don't really seem like ghosts. Ghosts are completely immaterial and non-solid. These spirits are at least somewhat solid, meaning physical attacks do actually work on them, but aren't as effective as say magic. They seem intelligent, not like mindless animals.
>>519649
>They are blocking the path to the rift, so you'll need to at least fend them off first.
You can't reach it, there's a spirit in the way! It attacks you, but you hit it with your spellbreaker, which does seem to have a very damaging effect on these spirits.
>>519652
You shoot a bolt at one of the spirits, but it easily dodges it. It smacks your crossbow out of your grip and onto the ground.
Helaine 4/5
>>519654
Empower my silver Weapon and rush at the closest one, slashing it apart!
'1d10+3'
Roll #1 1 + 3 = 4
Empower my silver Weapon and rush at the closest one, slashing it apart!
'1d10+3'
Roll #1 1 + 3 = 4
>>519654
Thanks
"I can imagine. Do you think the changelings can be contained in time, before they can spread?"
Thanks
"I can imagine. Do you think the changelings can be contained in time, before they can spread?"
>>519654
"Don't let your guard down."
Fair enough. Then target the nearest one and..
'1d10' Blast!
Roll #1 4 = 4
"Don't let your guard down."
Fair enough. Then target the nearest one and..
'1d10' Blast!
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>519654
Seeing as I don't actually have much in the way of overt magic, let's see just how effective steel is against these creatures. I attack the closest one. [2d10]
Roll #1 3, 2 = 5
Seeing as I don't actually have much in the way of overt magic, let's see just how effective steel is against these creatures. I attack the closest one. [2d10]
Roll #1 3, 2 = 5
>>519655
You channel the power of LAW and ORDER into your teeny weeny silver dagger and slash at the spirit you just incapacitated. It's a good thing it can't move because you somehow manage to completely miss it and leave yourself open for a potential counterattack… which never comes.
>>519656
"That is what is keeping the paladins so busy at the moment. They are worried that Sunstone will be used as a staging ground to invade Equestria or the empire. Now, they likely don't have the numbers to perform a full scale invasion, but they could still hit one of the towns along the coast… like Crystalport."
>>519657
You swing your runed longsword at the spirit, fueled with holy power… but miss! The spirit moves in to attack, only to be beaten back by a magic bolt from Herald, saving you from retaliation.
… When did he learn how to use magic anyway?
>>519658
The spirit's agility catches you off guard and it dodges your strikes completely, allowing it to attack your flank with ease.
You are helpless.
Helaine 4/5
Ardent Helpless/4
You channel the power of LAW and ORDER into your teeny weeny silver dagger and slash at the spirit you just incapacitated. It's a good thing it can't move because you somehow manage to completely miss it and leave yourself open for a potential counterattack… which never comes.
>>519656
"That is what is keeping the paladins so busy at the moment. They are worried that Sunstone will be used as a staging ground to invade Equestria or the empire. Now, they likely don't have the numbers to perform a full scale invasion, but they could still hit one of the towns along the coast… like Crystalport."
>>519657
You swing your runed longsword at the spirit, fueled with holy power… but miss! The spirit moves in to attack, only to be beaten back by a magic bolt from Herald, saving you from retaliation.
… When did he learn how to use magic anyway?
>>519658
The spirit's agility catches you off guard and it dodges your strikes completely, allowing it to attack your flank with ease.
You are helpless.
Helaine 4/5
Ardent Helpless/4
>>519654
"EEEP!!" I shout in fright
Try to grab some…. anti-ghost spray inside my hat and keep these buggers away from us!!
Hat trick.
'1d10+2'
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
"EEEP!!" I shout in fright
Try to grab some…. anti-ghost spray inside my hat and keep these buggers away from us!!
Hat trick.
'1d10+2'
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
>>519659
That guy is full of surprises.
'1d10+1' lets try a might swing with Vigilance (sword) while I collect my energies again.
Roll #1 8 + 1 = 9
That guy is full of surprises.
'1d10+1' lets try a might swing with Vigilance (sword) while I collect my energies again.
Roll #1 8 + 1 = 9
>>519659
"I hope that it will turn out for the best, then. I can see why this is concerning for you."
"I hope that it will turn out for the best, then. I can see why this is concerning for you."
>>519660
You successfully roll out of the way and get back up. You receive a +1 to getting back up yourself or helping someone get back up for the remainder of combat.
>>519661
You pull out a small spray can of Spiritonidazolepidogrelasteride. And use it to spray the spirit.
Well…
It doesn't seem to like it, at least!
>>519662
This time you make contact, although it is a mere physical contact. Some ectoplasm bleeds out of it, a strange liquid often associated with spiritual things. Still, it doesn't seem too hurt by this!
>>519663
"I do hope the same, lady Angelite. Changelings are horrible creatures, believe me."
Helaine 4/5
Ardent 5/4
You successfully roll out of the way and get back up. You receive a +1 to getting back up yourself or helping someone get back up for the remainder of combat.
>>519661
You pull out a small spray can of Spiritonidazolepidogrelasteride. And use it to spray the spirit.
Well…
It doesn't seem to like it, at least!
>>519662
This time you make contact, although it is a mere physical contact. Some ectoplasm bleeds out of it, a strange liquid often associated with spiritual things. Still, it doesn't seem too hurt by this!
>>519663
"I do hope the same, lady Angelite. Changelings are horrible creatures, believe me."
Helaine 4/5
Ardent 5/4
>>519664
"Fortunately, I have never met any of them in person, but I have read and heard stories about them."
"Fortunately, I have never met any of them in person, but I have read and heard stories about them."
>>519664
Well, I can only do so much magic!
"Keep it up guys." '1d10' spell breaker on one of the spirits.
Roll #1 1 = 1
Well, I can only do so much magic!
"Keep it up guys." '1d10' spell breaker on one of the spirits.
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>519664
Whelp! If that doesnt work then lets see if they will run away with…
THIS!
Fire a magic bolt at one of the ghost.
'1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
Whelp! If that doesnt work then lets see if they will run away with…
THIS!
Fire a magic bolt at one of the ghost.
'1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>519664
Alright, they're fast. Keep my blade spinning in a slicing whirlwind. [2d10]
Roll #1 1, 6 = 7
Alright, they're fast. Keep my blade spinning in a slicing whirlwind. [2d10]
Roll #1 1, 6 = 7
>>519665
"Then you know the dangers they pose."
He clears his throat and gets up.
"It was lovely talking to you, miss Angelite, but I must get going now. If you do ever find yourself in Crystalport, you are very welcome to look me up."
>>519666
Your mind blanks out as the spell backfires. You lose consciousness for a second and when you wake back up again, you're down on the ground.
Helpless.
>>519667
It dodges your bolt but doesn't come in for an attack after it got sprayed by you.
>>519668
You actually manage to hit it! Unfortunately, you are rewarded by a counterattack from the spirit in the form of a magical blastwave which knocks you to the ground.
Helpless.
Ardent Helpless/3
Gallant Helpless/4
Helaine 4/5
Leadlight destroys one of the spirits by sending a volley of daggers with her telekinesis at it, leaving her exhausted. 7 remain.
"Then you know the dangers they pose."
He clears his throat and gets up.
"It was lovely talking to you, miss Angelite, but I must get going now. If you do ever find yourself in Crystalport, you are very welcome to look me up."
>>519666
Your mind blanks out as the spell backfires. You lose consciousness for a second and when you wake back up again, you're down on the ground.
Helpless.
>>519667
It dodges your bolt but doesn't come in for an attack after it got sprayed by you.
>>519668
You actually manage to hit it! Unfortunately, you are rewarded by a counterattack from the spirit in the form of a magical blastwave which knocks you to the ground.
Helpless.
Ardent Helpless/3
Gallant Helpless/4
Helaine 4/5
Leadlight destroys one of the spirits by sending a volley of daggers with her telekinesis at it, leaving her exhausted. 7 remain.
>>519670
You get back up, ready to serve some spirit fools.
>>519671
He walks out as you finish up your tea. The waiter returns to your table.
"Would the lady care for anything more?"
>>519672
You too get back up. +2 to your next getting up rolls.
>>519673
This time your crossbow hits its mark with a bolt straight to the face of one of the spirit. Some ectoplasm bleeds out of it as well!
You get back up, ready to serve some spirit fools.
>>519671
He walks out as you finish up your tea. The waiter returns to your table.
"Would the lady care for anything more?"
>>519672
You too get back up. +2 to your next getting up rolls.
>>519673
This time your crossbow hits its mark with a bolt straight to the face of one of the spirit. Some ectoplasm bleeds out of it as well!
>>519674
I still need to find more possible help… obviously the Star family will not be any.
"I would like to order another cup."
I still need to find more possible help… obviously the Star family will not be any.
"I would like to order another cup."
>>519674
I hug my crossbow in surprise.
"Oh!… OH! I mean it works!!"
I then stand up and point my horn at the ghost!
"Lets see if this works to you!!"
Magic bolt
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
I hug my crossbow in surprise.
"Oh!… OH! I mean it works!!"
I then stand up and point my horn at the ghost!
"Lets see if this works to you!!"
Magic bolt
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>519675
The spirit once again dodges the holy blow, giving it a chance to deliver a blow of its own to your head.
>>519676
You hit the spirit with your sword, wounding it further. These blows aren't as effective, but they still have an effect! The spirit seems to fade slightly, obviously hurt.
>>519677
"Of course."
He bows and walks off again.
As you are sitting there waiting, you suddenly hear a female voice whispering uncomfortably close to your ear from behind you.
"You are not safe here."
>>519678
Your magic bolt narrowly misses the spirit as it moves out of the way to dodge.
Gallant 4/4
Ardent 5/3
Helaine 4/5
The spirit once again dodges the holy blow, giving it a chance to deliver a blow of its own to your head.
>>519676
You hit the spirit with your sword, wounding it further. These blows aren't as effective, but they still have an effect! The spirit seems to fade slightly, obviously hurt.
>>519677
"Of course."
He bows and walks off again.
As you are sitting there waiting, you suddenly hear a female voice whispering uncomfortably close to your ear from behind you.
"You are not safe here."
>>519678
Your magic bolt narrowly misses the spirit as it moves out of the way to dodge.
Gallant 4/4
Ardent 5/3
Helaine 4/5
>>519679
"How many of them are there? Also why are they attacking us!!" I scrunched as I readied my crossbow again for another shot while dodging.
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
"How many of them are there? Also why are they attacking us!!" I scrunched as I readied my crossbow again for another shot while dodging.
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>519679
Get Gallant's attention and point towards the portal, then leap forward and clear him a path. [2d10]
Roll #1 6, 4 = 10
Get Gallant's attention and point towards the portal, then leap forward and clear him a path. [2d10]
Roll #1 6, 4 = 10
>>519680
Before you can shoot, your are knocked aside again by another spirit.
>>519681
You feel something sharp slightly press into your back, but then disappear again.
"No. Lucky you. Why aren't you with your friends? Didn't mommy and daddy tell you it's unsafe to play on your own? I had to come aaaall the way up here and lie to my colleague to get him away from you."
>>519682
You slash away at the wounded spirit, finally finishing it off. Another one slams into you in retaliation, however.
>>519683
Your attack misses once again, these spirits sure are quick! It howls at you.
Herald launches another pair of magic bolts at one of the spirits, destroying it.
4 remain.
Gallant 3/4
Ardent 4/3
Helaine 3/5
Before you can shoot, your are knocked aside again by another spirit.
>>519681
You feel something sharp slightly press into your back, but then disappear again.
"No. Lucky you. Why aren't you with your friends? Didn't mommy and daddy tell you it's unsafe to play on your own? I had to come aaaall the way up here and lie to my colleague to get him away from you."
>>519682
You slash away at the wounded spirit, finally finishing it off. Another one slams into you in retaliation, however.
>>519683
Your attack misses once again, these spirits sure are quick! It howls at you.
Herald launches another pair of magic bolts at one of the spirits, destroying it.
4 remain.
Gallant 3/4
Ardent 4/3
Helaine 3/5
>>519684
So they can die. Show this one why you don't mess with a Hospitallion. [2d10]
Roll #1 5, 8 = 13
So they can die. Show this one why you don't mess with a Hospitallion. [2d10]
Roll #1 5, 8 = 13
>>519684
"Ack! Okay okay that hurts. Ow.."
Try to focus and fire a bolt of magic at one of those ghost.
Magic bolt.
'1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
"Ack! Okay okay that hurts. Ow.."
Try to focus and fire a bolt of magic at one of those ghost.
Magic bolt.
'1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>519685
"I'm here to look after you. You me and every dirty little secret~"
You hear a soft giggle.
"Seriously though, I'm watching you. Leadlight says whatever business you have in mind should be dealt with as quick as you can. The longer you're out here… the more danger you're in. We wouldn't want that pretty face of yours to be ruined, now would we?"
>>519686
You slash back at the spirit, wounding it slightly and causing it to back off slightly.
>>519687
You perform a calculated charge and swing your sword with some divine help at one of the spirits, damaging it severely. The strike is so strong that the resulting blast hurts several other spirits as well!
>>519688
You are hit by a very powerful magical blast from one of the spirits, sending you flying through the air and smashing helpless into the ground.
Helaine Helpless/4
"I'm here to look after you. You me and every dirty little secret~"
You hear a soft giggle.
"Seriously though, I'm watching you. Leadlight says whatever business you have in mind should be dealt with as quick as you can. The longer you're out here… the more danger you're in. We wouldn't want that pretty face of yours to be ruined, now would we?"
>>519686
You slash back at the spirit, wounding it slightly and causing it to back off slightly.
>>519687
You perform a calculated charge and swing your sword with some divine help at one of the spirits, damaging it severely. The strike is so strong that the resulting blast hurts several other spirits as well!
>>519688
You are hit by a very powerful magical blast from one of the spirits, sending you flying through the air and smashing helpless into the ground.
Helaine Helpless/4
>>519689
Lower my voice even more.
Try to appear like I'm not talking to anypony.
"In danger from who, aside from the magpies, who are common thieves?"
Lower my voice even more.
Try to appear like I'm not talking to anypony.
"In danger from who, aside from the magpies, who are common thieves?"
>>519689
"…… *gasp*…."
"uhhh… no.. damnit… stand up.."
Shake my head and try to get my bearing.
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
"…… *gasp*…."
"uhhh… no.. damnit… stand up.."
Shake my head and try to get my bearing.
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>519689
Smile a bit as I feel the support of the light with me. Try to finish off the spirit, with a sword strike. '1d10+2'
Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7
Smile a bit as I feel the support of the light with me. Try to finish off the spirit, with a sword strike. '1d10+2'
Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7
>>519690
With an impressive show of swordsmanship you slash the wounded spirit in half and follow that up with another slash which wounds a different spirit.
>>519691
"Hired thugs, sweetheart. The magpies may not be much of a threat aside from keeping an eye on that precious flank of yours, but the big guy has plenty of other cards on his hoof."
>>519692
You scramble back to your hoofsies!
>>519693
Isn't that +1?
You slash at the wounded one Ardent hit, finishing it off for good.
Two remain, you can easily reach the rift now!
With an impressive show of swordsmanship you slash the wounded spirit in half and follow that up with another slash which wounds a different spirit.
>>519691
"Hired thugs, sweetheart. The magpies may not be much of a threat aside from keeping an eye on that precious flank of yours, but the big guy has plenty of other cards on his hoof."
>>519692
You scramble back to your hoofsies!
>>519693
Isn't that +1?
You slash at the wounded one Ardent hit, finishing it off for good.
Two remain, you can easily reach the rift now!
>>519694
Nod to Gallant, then give the remaining spirits something to think about. This is what I do best! [2d10+2]
Roll #1 6, 2 + 2 = 10
Nod to Gallant, then give the remaining spirits something to think about. This is what I do best! [2d10+2]
Roll #1 6, 2 + 2 = 10
>>519696
"The mayor isn't the biggest fish in the pond, you silly filly. I'm talking about Obsidian Flow. He's got a lot of money too, you know… and he's kinda cute looking~"
>>519695
You destroy one of the wounded spirits with your strike, but the last one retaliates by tackling you.
>>519697
You charge forward, speeding towards the portal to close it before more of these beings flood in. As you close in, two more of them pop out in front of you, but are torn apart by a volley of daggers and magic bolts in mere seconds. You hit the magical rift with your spell, causing it to collapse into itself as the tear mends itself and closes.
>>519698
Finally, Helaine destroys the last spirit using a pair of magic bolts to shoot it out of the sky.
It is done. The rift has been closed and all the invading spirits have been destroyed.
Leadlight pockets her daggers while Herald smirks triumphantly.
"Well done… it seems we have succeeded."
[Minor pause]
"The mayor isn't the biggest fish in the pond, you silly filly. I'm talking about Obsidian Flow. He's got a lot of money too, you know… and he's kinda cute looking~"
>>519695
You destroy one of the wounded spirits with your strike, but the last one retaliates by tackling you.
>>519697
You charge forward, speeding towards the portal to close it before more of these beings flood in. As you close in, two more of them pop out in front of you, but are torn apart by a volley of daggers and magic bolts in mere seconds. You hit the magical rift with your spell, causing it to collapse into itself as the tear mends itself and closes.
>>519698
Finally, Helaine destroys the last spirit using a pair of magic bolts to shoot it out of the sky.
It is done. The rift has been closed and all the invading spirits have been destroyed.
Leadlight pockets her daggers while Herald smirks triumphantly.
"Well done… it seems we have succeeded."
[Minor pause]
>>519699
I breath in relief
"Whew! Well that fixed things! I mean for a minute there I thought we are goners. Well with all those ghost and paranormal business and stuff I mean you know… wow… "
……..
I then look at Leadlight and Herald.
"You're both ghost hunter?!"
I breath in relief
"Whew! Well that fixed things! I mean for a minute there I thought we are goners. Well with all those ghost and paranormal business and stuff I mean you know… wow… "
……..
I then look at Leadlight and Herald.
"You're both ghost hunter?!"
>>519699
"An egg could look pristine on the outside but that does not mean it cannot be rotten to the core."
"An egg could look pristine on the outside but that does not mean it cannot be rotten to the core."
>>519699
Get back up and brush myself off. Guess spirit-hunting isn't so different from what I normally do after all.
Get back up and brush myself off. Guess spirit-hunting isn't so different from what I normally do after all.
>>519700
Leadlight stares at you for a moment, then softly shakes her head and starts walking out of the room.
Herald laughs and shakes his head.
"No, I just happened to dabble a little bit into magic."
>>519701
"And you're not rotten, aren't you? No… you're a perfect little egg. A perfect noble egg with such a brittle shell."
The waiter returns with your tea, which makes your new friend go silent.
"Your Chineighse black tea, my lady."
>>519702
Some of your companions look a bit weary, but nothing too serious.
>>519703
Leadlight nods as she walks out of the room back to the door she was unlocking earlier.
"I agree. Just a moment."
Leadlight stares at you for a moment, then softly shakes her head and starts walking out of the room.
Herald laughs and shakes his head.
"No, I just happened to dabble a little bit into magic."
>>519701
"And you're not rotten, aren't you? No… you're a perfect little egg. A perfect noble egg with such a brittle shell."
The waiter returns with your tea, which makes your new friend go silent.
"Your Chineighse black tea, my lady."
>>519702
Some of your companions look a bit weary, but nothing too serious.
>>519703
Leadlight nods as she walks out of the room back to the door she was unlocking earlier.
"I agree. Just a moment."
>>519705
look again at Herald.
"Were you following us the whole time? You were awfully quiet earlier."
look again at Herald.
"Were you following us the whole time? You were awfully quiet earlier."
>>519706
>>519708
After dealing with the intricate lock for another minute, she finally manages to unlock the door. She pushes the heavy steel doors open, causing them to creak. The vault is open to you. Inside there are rows upon rows of boxes and bags spread around the room. All of them have tags on them.
"A large portion of items that have been recently stolen by order of either the mayor or Obisidian Flow are stored here, they have the tags GCOF and LMBR."
She walks over to a bag.
"… This was stolen from the medical institute. You've no doubt heard about it from doctor Sapphire Flux."
>>519709
"This place may have its issues, but it also has a lot of merits. That said, it changes and shifts as time goes on anyway. It could be somewhere completely different by tomorrow."
>>519707
He bows and leaves again.
"I don't give a shit. Just hurry up cupcake, and don't squander too much time. I'll be watching after you, don't worry~"
>>519708
After dealing with the intricate lock for another minute, she finally manages to unlock the door. She pushes the heavy steel doors open, causing them to creak. The vault is open to you. Inside there are rows upon rows of boxes and bags spread around the room. All of them have tags on them.
"A large portion of items that have been recently stolen by order of either the mayor or Obisidian Flow are stored here, they have the tags GCOF and LMBR."
She walks over to a bag.
"… This was stolen from the medical institute. You've no doubt heard about it from doctor Sapphire Flux."
>>519709
"This place may have its issues, but it also has a lot of merits. That said, it changes and shifts as time goes on anyway. It could be somewhere completely different by tomorrow."
>>519707
He bows and leaves again.
"I don't give a shit. Just hurry up cupcake, and don't squander too much time. I'll be watching after you, don't worry~"
>>519711
Walk up to her and extend a hoof, waiting for the bag.
"Yes, we have.
But what links all of this to the mayor and Obsidian Flow?"
Walk up to her and extend a hoof, waiting for the bag.
"Yes, we have.
But what links all of this to the mayor and Obsidian Flow?"
>>519711
Sigh a bit at her explanation about staying here.
"Well.. this is what you wanted us to see?" '1d10' can I see what's in the bag.
Roll #1 2 = 2
Sigh a bit at her explanation about staying here.
"Well.. this is what you wanted us to see?" '1d10' can I see what's in the bag.
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>519710
He nods.
"I decided to hide in the shadows and stay there in case you-"
Leadlight interrupts him.
"I saw you hiding, but decided not to comment on it."
>>519713
She looks at your hoof and shakes her head.
"You don't want to carry these around just yet. We have work to do first. As I said, these items were stolen by their orders. They gave us a target and we retrieved whatever it was. The collection of goods we've stolen range from old maps of the empire to…"
She kicks the bag softly.
"Biological weapons. A bit odd, do you not agree?"
>>519712
You finish your lovely Chineighse tea. The fortune cookie still sits on your plate.
>>519715
There's all sorts of folders filled with papers and vials filled with strange liquids inside.
"This is my part of the bargain. You still have yours to fulfill."
>>519716
There are a lot of other bags tagged with different codes. These guys sure have been busy.
He nods.
"I decided to hide in the shadows and stay there in case you-"
Leadlight interrupts him.
"I saw you hiding, but decided not to comment on it."
>>519713
She looks at your hoof and shakes her head.
"You don't want to carry these around just yet. We have work to do first. As I said, these items were stolen by their orders. They gave us a target and we retrieved whatever it was. The collection of goods we've stolen range from old maps of the empire to…"
She kicks the bag softly.
"Biological weapons. A bit odd, do you not agree?"
>>519712
You finish your lovely Chineighse tea. The fortune cookie still sits on your plate.
>>519715
There's all sorts of folders filled with papers and vials filled with strange liquids inside.
"This is my part of the bargain. You still have yours to fulfill."
>>519716
There are a lot of other bags tagged with different codes. These guys sure have been busy.
>>519719
"You might think that at a first glance, but it runs deeper than that. You were looking for those mining documents on Winterheim alone at first. Why? Did you witness something there?"
>>519720
You crack open the cookie and unfurl the paper.
It reads: 'U You have a hot flank'
The waiter comes over and receives your payment.
>>519721
"You seem to be confused. In this bag lie the biological blueprints of a certain disease that has been modified by the good ponies of the medical institute. It only affects diamond dogs and is extremely deadly and contagious."
"You might think that at a first glance, but it runs deeper than that. You were looking for those mining documents on Winterheim alone at first. Why? Did you witness something there?"
>>519720
You crack open the cookie and unfurl the paper.
It reads: '
The waiter comes over and receives your payment.
>>519721
"You seem to be confused. In this bag lie the biological blueprints of a certain disease that has been modified by the good ponies of the medical institute. It only affects diamond dogs and is extremely deadly and contagious."
>>519723
"Little of your concern.
If you do not have proof that links all this to who you say it does, this meeting is over."
"Little of your concern.
If you do not have proof that links all this to who you say it does, this meeting is over."
>>519723
Specifically targeting diamond dogs? To what end?
…No. The answer is obvious and nearly unthinkable. These ponies are planning to attempt genocide.
Keep listening to her.
Specifically targeting diamond dogs? To what end?
…No. The answer is obvious and nearly unthinkable. These ponies are planning to attempt genocide.
Keep listening to her.
>>519724
"They are looking for something. Something old and hidden underground. The old mining reports on various places in the empire, the old maps of the empire, the history books… I think they are attempting to dig around in various places to pinpoint the location of whatever it is they are looking for. I don't know what and I don't know why, but I believe you are all involved in it. The other things that were stolen… I am not sure which purpose they serve to them, but it cannot be good."
>>519726
You do so. Now what?
>>519728
You are in a vault where the thieves store stolen goods.
"They are looking for something. Something old and hidden underground. The old mining reports on various places in the empire, the old maps of the empire, the history books… I think they are attempting to dig around in various places to pinpoint the location of whatever it is they are looking for. I don't know what and I don't know why, but I believe you are all involved in it. The other things that were stolen… I am not sure which purpose they serve to them, but it cannot be good."
>>519726
You do so. Now what?
>>519728
You are in a vault where the thieves store stolen goods.
>>519729
"Oh… Oh."
What are the goods that they have stolen? Food? Weapons etc? Anything that looked important or that will make me beautifull/eyecatching?
"Oh… Oh."
What are the goods that they have stolen? Food? Weapons etc? Anything that looked important or that will make me beautifull/eyecatching?
>>519730
>>519733
"They are stolen goods with their names on it, I gave you what you wanted. Now I require your help back with something you will no doubt want to do anyway."
>>519731
There is some jewelry in some of the bags as well, but the thief lady will probably be very angry at you if you steal their stolen goods.
>>519732
You head to one of the parks in the inner city. It's one of the few places where you aren't completely surrounded by towering buildings! You sit down on a bench looking over a small pond with koi fish in it.
After a few minutes of silence, you hear the voice from behind you again.
"Are you going to just sit there?"
>>519733
"They are stolen goods with their names on it, I gave you what you wanted. Now I require your help back with something you will no doubt want to do anyway."
>>519731
There is some jewelry in some of the bags as well, but the thief lady will probably be very angry at you if you steal their stolen goods.
>>519732
You head to one of the parks in the inner city. It's one of the few places where you aren't completely surrounded by towering buildings! You sit down on a bench looking over a small pond with koi fish in it.
After a few minutes of silence, you hear the voice from behind you again.
"Are you going to just sit there?"
>>519736
"What do you think? I once had to hide under a bed for a whole night so I wouldn't get caught."
There's a few seconds of silence.
"Awww, are you mad because of that cookie? Can't take a joke, miss fancy lady?"
>>519737
>>519738
"I want your help taking down Shadow Play, our current leader. He is firmly inside Obsidian Flow's pocket and is secretly plotting to kill me. Once he and his closest allies are gone, the Magpies can move on."
"What do you think? I once had to hide under a bed for a whole night so I wouldn't get caught."
There's a few seconds of silence.
"Awww, are you mad because of that cookie? Can't take a joke, miss fancy lady?"
>>519737
>>519738
"I want your help taking down Shadow Play, our current leader. He is firmly inside Obsidian Flow's pocket and is secretly plotting to kill me. Once he and his closest allies are gone, the Magpies can move on."
>>519740
As I thought, the motivation for helping us is making a power-play and self-preservation. Now, we need to know where he is.
As I thought, the motivation for helping us is making a power-play and self-preservation. Now, we need to know where he is.
>>519750
"Whatever the fuck you need to do! If you don't have anything to do, you'll probably want to get back to your friends and the boss, because you'll be out of sight and safe… mostly."
>>519751
"We will fight him in a pocket dimension similar to this one. My comrades will ensure he'll have no portals to flee through."
"Whatever the fuck you need to do! If you don't have anything to do, you'll probably want to get back to your friends and the boss, because you'll be out of sight and safe… mostly."
>>519751
"We will fight him in a pocket dimension similar to this one. My comrades will ensure he'll have no portals to flee through."
>>519754
"Do you spy on other ponies as well? Would that not mean that you have information about other ponies?"
"Do you spy on other ponies as well? Would that not mean that you have information about other ponies?"
>>519748
"That sounds like a quick way to make short use of any possible contradiction or dissenting voice to your story."
"That sounds like a quick way to make short use of any possible contradiction or dissenting voice to your story."
>>519754
Out of curiosity, start poking through some of the bags in the room. [1d10+2]
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
Out of curiosity, start poking through some of the bags in the room. [1d10+2]
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
>>519755
"Oh. Ohohoho yes. I know lots of dirty little secrets. I love spying on nobles here in this district."
>>519757
She looks down for a second.
"Yes."
>>519758
"Yes it is. There should be no worries there."
>>519759
Leadlight is keeping an eye on you as you rummage through some of the bags and boxes belonging to the mayor and Obsidian Flow, you can feel it.
There's a blueprint of some sort of machine, old tomes filled with spells, runes, books on history of the empire and several… empty bags inside a bag?
"Oh. Ohohoho yes. I know lots of dirty little secrets. I love spying on nobles here in this district."
>>519757
She looks down for a second.
"Yes."
>>519758
"Yes it is. There should be no worries there."
>>519759
Leadlight is keeping an eye on you as you rummage through some of the bags and boxes belonging to the mayor and Obsidian Flow, you can feel it.
There's a blueprint of some sort of machine, old tomes filled with spells, runes, books on history of the empire and several… empty bags inside a bag?
>>519761
"I ill care for dirty secrets. However, you may be an useful asset, after all. I am in dire need of nobles who share our views and want the current mayor gone."
"I ill care for dirty secrets. However, you may be an useful asset, after all. I am in dire need of nobles who share our views and want the current mayor gone."
>>519762
"That is a bag of holding, it uses the same pocket dimension mechanics to create near infinite space to store items in. Very valuable, as you might imagine."
>>519763
"Oh there's several, you know. The Stars, the Roses and the Flux's all dislike Redwood. They're clever enough to not challenge him openly though."
She seemingly gets moves closer to your ear.
"Will I get a kiss for helping you like this?"
>>519765
"And what will you do when he escapes?"
>>519766
"I am sorry, I realize I am asking you to put your trust in me an awful lot. But I did not go through all of this just to simply backstab you in the end."
"That is a bag of holding, it uses the same pocket dimension mechanics to create near infinite space to store items in. Very valuable, as you might imagine."
>>519763
"Oh there's several, you know. The Stars, the Roses and the Flux's all dislike Redwood. They're clever enough to not challenge him openly though."
She seemingly gets moves closer to your ear.
"Will I get a kiss for helping you like this?"
>>519765
"And what will you do when he escapes?"
>>519766
"I am sorry, I realize I am asking you to put your trust in me an awful lot. But I did not go through all of this just to simply backstab you in the end."
>>519767
Shake my head slowly and glance at the evidence pile, does most of it seem legit? '1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
Shake my head slowly and glance at the evidence pile, does most of it seem legit? '1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>519767
"Absolutely not."
Flick my ear.
"The Stars did not seem very cooperative. I could see why the Flux family would disagree, however."
Do I know the Rose family?
"Absolutely not."
Flick my ear.
"The Stars did not seem very cooperative. I could see why the Flux family would disagree, however."
Do I know the Rose family?
>>519768
She regards you silently for a while before speaking again.
"You are a harsh paladin."
>>519769
Books are books and papers are papers. If you are wondering if they are genuinely stolen, then yes they probably are seeing how they are locked up in a vault guarded by thieves.
>>519770
It's a pouch about as big as your head.
>>519772
You do, they are fairly important and not just in Brilliance. The Flux family is not very powerful and is limited to Brilliance. The Stars are quite spread out over the crystal empire and certainly not unimportant!
"Why not? I brush my teeth every day, I promise!"
She regards you silently for a while before speaking again.
"You are a harsh paladin."
>>519769
Books are books and papers are papers. If you are wondering if they are genuinely stolen, then yes they probably are seeing how they are locked up in a vault guarded by thieves.
>>519770
It's a pouch about as big as your head.
>>519772
You do, they are fairly important and not just in Brilliance. The Flux family is not very powerful and is limited to Brilliance. The Stars are quite spread out over the crystal empire and certainly not unimportant!
"Why not? I brush my teeth every day, I promise!"
>>519774
"I am afraid you will have to look for affection elsewhere. Now, what can you tell me about the local Roses?"
"I am afraid you will have to look for affection elsewhere. Now, what can you tell me about the local Roses?"
>>519776
"I will. We can open a portal up to our current main base where he resides so we can confront him."
[PAUSE]
"I will. We can open a portal up to our current main base where he resides so we can confront him."
[PAUSE]
>>519774
Nod at the evidence. "Hopefully this will be enough to convict the real villains. And I think Sonnet is right, we should at least attempt a live capture.. And killing someone is more harsh than breaking their bones."
Nod at the evidence. "Hopefully this will be enough to convict the real villains. And I think Sonnet is right, we should at least attempt a live capture.. And killing someone is more harsh than breaking their bones."
'No trespassing allowed, dogs will be prosecuted.'
- The most commonly sign found inside gem mines
>>519777
"The big name is Prim Rose. A bit of an uptight cunt, but he doesn't take shit from anybody, not even Obsidian Flow. His sister Lavender Rose left a while back and went for the capital. She's just as uptight as he is, but she likes it rough in bed from what I hear. The Roses own a lot of the farms around here. That's kinda their thing, y'know?"
>>519778
There is only blackness. You have no idea. Magic maybe?
>>519782
"Not if it is a swift death."
- The most commonly sign found inside gem mines
>>519777
"The big name is Prim Rose. A bit of an uptight cunt, but he doesn't take shit from anybody, not even Obsidian Flow. His sister Lavender Rose left a while back and went for the capital. She's just as uptight as he is, but she likes it rough in bed from what I hear. The Roses own a lot of the farms around here. That's kinda their thing, y'know?"
>>519778
There is only blackness. You have no idea. Magic maybe?
>>519782
"Not if it is a swift death."
>>521114
Flatten my ears.
"Please, do mind the language and focus on the important parts. Where can I find Prim Rose?"
Flatten my ears.
"Please, do mind the language and focus on the important parts. Where can I find Prim Rose?"
>>521121
"Out in the hillside- Wait are you planning on visiting him? It's a pain in the ass to sneak around there!"
"Out in the hillside- Wait are you planning on visiting him? It's a pain in the ass to sneak around there!"
>>519735
>>521114
I sat next to the paladins a bit ill tempered of the situation.
"How is it that all of you are acting like there is nothing happening? There are ghosts in this… vault, hideout… thing. We should get out of here!"
I then look at Leadlight
"I assume this pony is the one who lead you guys here,:
>>521114
I sat next to the paladins a bit ill tempered of the situation.
"How is it that all of you are acting like there is nothing happening? There are ghosts in this… vault, hideout… thing. We should get out of here!"
I then look at Leadlight
"I assume this pony is the one who lead you guys here,:
>>521127
"They have always been here. We've taken care of them for now so there is no reason to leave. And I am. My name is Leadlight and I am Shadow Play's right hoof."
>>521128
You hear some soft curses before she answers.
"… Fucking south. There's those weird farms placed on those hills you passed by when you arrived, those are the Rose's."
>>521130
You leave the vault and head back into the main room on your own. Not much has changed there. The stallion from earlier is still sweeping the floor while the others are doing their own thing. Those kids seem to be fumbling around with a locked chest. The stallion who was digging inside one of the crates earlier has settled down to sharpen a set of daggers. The couple of crystal ponies are still engaged in a conversation with one another.
"They have always been here. We've taken care of them for now so there is no reason to leave. And I am. My name is Leadlight and I am Shadow Play's right hoof."
>>521128
You hear some soft curses before she answers.
"… Fucking south. There's those weird farms placed on those hills you passed by when you arrived, those are the Rose's."
>>521130
You leave the vault and head back into the main room on your own. Not much has changed there. The stallion from earlier is still sweeping the floor while the others are doing their own thing. Those kids seem to be fumbling around with a locked chest. The stallion who was digging inside one of the crates earlier has settled down to sharpen a set of daggers. The couple of crystal ponies are still engaged in a conversation with one another.
>>521132
That should teach her a lesson then!
"Thank you."
Get up, and start walking towards that direction!
That should teach her a lesson then!
"Thank you."
Get up, and start walking towards that direction!
>>521132
I frown as I flare my wings in readiness.
"And? What if you are someone's shadow, or right hoof? You and that stallion friend of yours treathened me and my friend. Why are you with these paladins? As a hostage?"
I frown as I flare my wings in readiness.
"And? What if you are someone's shadow, or right hoof? You and that stallion friend of yours treathened me and my friend. Why are you with these paladins? As a hostage?"
>>521138
"Maybe there's some profit to be had out of it for us."
"You wish, stealing from paladins would just draw a shitload of attention towards us. I don't want to have to face down one of those warhammers."
"Don't you think they have bigger worries?"
"Maybe, but once they've dealt with those they'll still remember. Besides, they deserve better than being targeted by us, they'll need those supplies."
"I guess you're right…"
>>521139
You leave the towering spires of the inner city behind you and soon leave the city altogether. Heading down the same road as before, you are once again surrounded by hills covered with large stone slabs used as farming surfaces. Terrace farms as you recall them being called.
"Take the path left, sweetcheeks.."
>>521141
She stares you down.
"I did no such thing. Neither am I a hostage."
"Maybe there's some profit to be had out of it for us."
"You wish, stealing from paladins would just draw a shitload of attention towards us. I don't want to have to face down one of those warhammers."
"Don't you think they have bigger worries?"
"Maybe, but once they've dealt with those they'll still remember. Besides, they deserve better than being targeted by us, they'll need those supplies."
"I guess you're right…"
>>521139
You leave the towering spires of the inner city behind you and soon leave the city altogether. Heading down the same road as before, you are once again surrounded by hills covered with large stone slabs used as farming surfaces. Terrace farms as you recall them being called.
"Take the path left, sweetcheeks.."
>>521141
She stares you down.
"I did no such thing. Neither am I a hostage."
>>521144
Well, thieves with honor; for a certain value of "honor," at least. Keep listening. '1d10+2'
Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8
Well, thieves with honor; for a certain value of "honor," at least. Keep listening. '1d10+2'
Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8
>>521144
Fly higher than her stare and cross my hooves
"Really? So you are not only a thief but a liar too. I've met ponies like you on the road and all they do is attract trouble. Come to think of it we are in trouble right now and I blame it all to you."
I then look at the other paladins.
"Why are you not arresting her? Do something!"
Fly higher than her stare and cross my hooves
"Really? So you are not only a thief but a liar too. I've met ponies like you on the road and all they do is attract trouble. Come to think of it we are in trouble right now and I blame it all to you."
I then look at the other paladins.
"Why are you not arresting her? Do something!"
>>521146
"Hey."
"What?"
"You look kinda worried there, what's wrong?"
"Just hoping we're making the right choice here. I… don't want to die."
"Don't you trust 'Light?"
"I do but… shit. There's a lot on the line."
"I hear you. But if there's one pony who can help us get to the other side, it's her."
>>521147
"I shot your friend so she and you wouldn't die. I threatened no one, I only took action."
>>521145
"I'm complimenting you, that's all. You could learn something from that you cold cunt."
"Hey."
"What?"
"You look kinda worried there, what's wrong?"
"Just hoping we're making the right choice here. I… don't want to die."
"Don't you trust 'Light?"
"I do but… shit. There's a lot on the line."
"I hear you. But if there's one pony who can help us get to the other side, it's her."
>>521147
"I shot your friend so she and you wouldn't die. I threatened no one, I only took action."
>>521145
"I'm complimenting you, that's all. You could learn something from that you cold cunt."
>>521149
"I do not want to criticize you, Miss, however you seem to possess some misconceptions about the definition of compliments."
"I do not want to criticize you, Miss, however you seem to possess some misconceptions about the definition of compliments."
>>521151
"Y-Yeah, I guess."
"Just keep your head clear. You'll be fine."
"I think I'll need another drink for that…"
>>521152
"You have nice soft looking cheeks, how is that not a good thing?"
You see a large mansion up ahead, nestled between two hills. A fence surrounds the estate, as well as a rather large garden. The mansion itself is quite big and made out of red crystal.
>>521156
"It was likely that the stallion you attacked would have hurt you. I interfered to prevent that. Taking down your friend was necessary."
"Y-Yeah, I guess."
"Just keep your head clear. You'll be fine."
"I think I'll need another drink for that…"
>>521152
"You have nice soft looking cheeks, how is that not a good thing?"
You see a large mansion up ahead, nestled between two hills. A fence surrounds the estate, as well as a rather large garden. The mansion itself is quite big and made out of red crystal.
>>521156
"It was likely that the stallion you attacked would have hurt you. I interfered to prevent that. Taking down your friend was necessary."
>>521157
"It all lies in the wording as well as knowing your limitations. Giving a compliment on the… assets of somepony can be very rude, you see."
Fitting for Roses!
Onwards!
"It all lies in the wording as well as knowing your limitations. Giving a compliment on the… assets of somepony can be very rude, you see."
Fitting for Roses!
Onwards!
>>521157
"Impossible, it is clear both of you have ill intent on the three of us. If not then why the hell are you two skulking near that winter cabin in the first place?"
I snarl at her being just 'too cool' about the situation, something is fishy. Is she lying? What do my guts tell?
'1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
"Impossible, it is clear both of you have ill intent on the three of us. If not then why the hell are you two skulking near that winter cabin in the first place?"
I snarl at her being just 'too cool' about the situation, something is fishy. Is she lying? What do my guts tell?
'1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>521160
"That's fucking stupid."
You feel someone tug your tail, stopping you in your tracks. As you turn around to look, you are surprised to see a crystal mare standing behind you. She's wearing a nice dress and has a simple, yet proper manestyle.
She grabs your hoof and gently leads you along towards the gate of the estate.
"Come on, my cousin."
>>521163
Several times. Seems like they're practicing their skills. In time, they'll no doubt be skilled thieves. The same thieves you'll be on the lookout for while on the job.
>>521164
It's hard to say, she's keeping a pokerface on and has a relaxed posture.
"I was shadowing him and he took the initiative. When I saw where things were going, I stepped in to intervene."
"That's fucking stupid."
You feel someone tug your tail, stopping you in your tracks. As you turn around to look, you are surprised to see a crystal mare standing behind you. She's wearing a nice dress and has a simple, yet proper manestyle.
She grabs your hoof and gently leads you along towards the gate of the estate.
"Come on, my cousin."
>>521163
Several times. Seems like they're practicing their skills. In time, they'll no doubt be skilled thieves. The same thieves you'll be on the lookout for while on the job.
>>521164
It's hard to say, she's keeping a pokerface on and has a relaxed posture.
"I was shadowing him and he took the initiative. When I saw where things were going, I stepped in to intervene."
>>521167
Give her a surprised look.
Then return to my proper poise.
"I seriously hope you do not expect me to lie about my family."
Give her a surprised look.
Then return to my proper poise.
"I seriously hope you do not expect me to lie about my family."
>>521173
"No choice there, I'm afraid. Unless you want to introduce me as your marefriend?"
She bites her lower lip and gives you a suggestive look.
"… Or just your friend, that works too. I wanted to feel like a pretty little noble pony though."
"No choice there, I'm afraid. Unless you want to introduce me as your marefriend?"
She bites her lower lip and gives you a suggestive look.
"… Or just your friend, that works too. I wanted to feel like a pretty little noble pony though."
>>521167
I keep quiet for a moment.
"If you are following him then what the hell is he doing there in the first place…"
I keep quiet for a moment.
"If you are following him then what the hell is he doing there in the first place…"
>>521177
"He was given a mission by our leader and I followed him to figure out what it was. He had no idea I was even there until I showed myself."
"He was given a mission by our leader and I followed him to figure out what it was. He had no idea I was even there until I showed myself."
>>521167
Sad, that they see this as their only available path in life. What about that guy sweeping? What is he sweeping for?
Sad, that they see this as their only available path in life. What about that guy sweeping? What is he sweeping for?
>>521180
She bumps against you.
"Alright. Call me… Clementina, I'll call you Angy~."
You approach the gate. There is a guard standing there who stops you.
"What business do you two have here on the Rose estate?"
She bumps against you.
"Alright. Call me… Clementina, I'll call you Angy~."
You approach the gate. There is a guard standing there who stops you.
"What business do you two have here on the Rose estate?"
>>521185
"I would appreciate if you used my proper name."
When we arrive.
"Good day, Mister. My name is Angelite, a diplomat from the Crystal Capital. I would like to see Mister Prim Rose."
"I would appreciate if you used my proper name."
When we arrive.
"Good day, Mister. My name is Angelite, a diplomat from the Crystal Capital. I would like to see Mister Prim Rose."
>>521191
Shake my head.
"Sadly, I do not.
However, I wish to discuss matters that will be surely of his interest."
Shake my head.
"Sadly, I do not.
However, I wish to discuss matters that will be surely of his interest."
>>521228
"I believe he may. Please follow me to the sitting room, you may need to wait a moment for him to arrive."
He opens the door and leads you inside the red mansion. Inside everything is as polished and neat as the outside. Works of art decorate the glistening walls while a beautiful carpet brings some warmth to the cold floor.
>>521229
They've gotten themselves a fresh drink and have moved a bit closer to each other, their bodies nearly touching now.
"I believe he may. Please follow me to the sitting room, you may need to wait a moment for him to arrive."
He opens the door and leads you inside the red mansion. Inside everything is as polished and neat as the outside. Works of art decorate the glistening walls while a beautiful carpet brings some warmth to the cold floor.
>>521229
They've gotten themselves a fresh drink and have moved a bit closer to each other, their bodies nearly touching now.
>>521237
Seeing as they're the most interesting thing going on, I think I'll start listening in on them again.
Seeing as they're the most interesting thing going on, I think I'll start listening in on them again.
>>521240
You arrive in the sitting room. It is quite open and has a fair amount of windows looking into the garden.
The servant directs you to some comfortable seats to sit on and takes his leave with a bow.
'Clementina' fidgets uncomfortably.
"… There's a lot of shit in here I've seen so far that I'd love to get my hooves on."
>>521241
You'll have to roll to not be noticed eavesdropping.
>>521248
She shrugs ever so slightly.
"One is more negative than the other."
You arrive in the sitting room. It is quite open and has a fair amount of windows looking into the garden.
The servant directs you to some comfortable seats to sit on and takes his leave with a bow.
'Clementina' fidgets uncomfortably.
"… There's a lot of shit in here I've seen so far that I'd love to get my hooves on."
>>521241
You'll have to roll to not be noticed eavesdropping.
>>521248
She shrugs ever so slightly.
"One is more negative than the other."
>>521253
Take a seat.
Keep my voice low.
"I will have to ask you to keep your hooves to yourself, unless you wish me to hoof you over to the guard on the way out. Or worse for you, my good friend Sonnet Glory."
Take a seat.
Keep my voice low.
"I will have to ask you to keep your hooves to yourself, unless you wish me to hoof you over to the guard on the way out. Or worse for you, my good friend Sonnet Glory."
>>521253
"Then gang it is you brigand, if you view yourself that low then better give your group the appropriate title."
I then look around anyone else who are with this group that I can converse other than this thief.
"Then gang it is you brigand, if you view yourself that low then better give your group the appropriate title."
I then look around anyone else who are with this group that I can converse other than this thief.
>>521263
Sonnet and Gallant are here, but their players aren't.
Ardent has left the vault and went to the main room where the other thieves are.
>>521257
"Oooh, feisty~ I like you more than her though, so don't get jealous. You're softer and sweeter."
She leans in a bit closer to you.
>>521259
"- To Crystalport."
"Really?"
"That's where Storm Cloud is."
"I seriously hope she's not going to ask us to fight changelings."
"Nah… I'm sure she wont. She'll use us for the subtler parts."
Sonnet and Gallant are here, but their players aren't.
Ardent has left the vault and went to the main room where the other thieves are.
>>521257
"Oooh, feisty~ I like you more than her though, so don't get jealous. You're softer and sweeter."
She leans in a bit closer to you.
>>521259
"- To Crystalport."
"Really?"
"That's where Storm Cloud is."
"I seriously hope she's not going to ask us to fight changelings."
"Nah… I'm sure she wont. She'll use us for the subtler parts."
>>521278
"Like?"
"Recon, espionage, maybe some sabotage."
"Fuck me, if we get caught-"
"We wont."
"But-"
"We. Wont."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because we're the best at what we do. Once that bastard Shadow Play is gone, we'll have the best leader we could ask for."
>>521281
She frowns and backs off again, grumbling to herself.
Before long you hear the sound of hoofsteps coming from behind you. As you turn around, you see a crystal stallion has entered the room. His shiny coat is a pale yellow while his mane is light red. He's wearing pristine looking garment as well as a monocle.
"Good day ladies. I am Prim Rose, the owner of this wonderful estate and the lands surrounding it. To what do I have the honor of having you here to thank for?"
"Like?"
"Recon, espionage, maybe some sabotage."
"Fuck me, if we get caught-"
"We wont."
"But-"
"We. Wont."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because we're the best at what we do. Once that bastard Shadow Play is gone, we'll have the best leader we could ask for."
>>521281
She frowns and backs off again, grumbling to herself.
Before long you hear the sound of hoofsteps coming from behind you. As you turn around, you see a crystal stallion has entered the room. His shiny coat is a pale yellow while his mane is light red. He's wearing pristine looking garment as well as a monocle.
"Good day ladies. I am Prim Rose, the owner of this wonderful estate and the lands surrounding it. To what do I have the honor of having you here to thank for?"
>>521287
Smile at him.
"Good day to you as well, Mister Prim!
I am Angelite, a diplomat from the Crystal Capital. This is my friend Clementina.
I am here to discuss a serious matter which requires some level of discretion."
Smile at him.
"Good day to you as well, Mister Prim!
I am Angelite, a diplomat from the Crystal Capital. This is my friend Clementina.
I am here to discuss a serious matter which requires some level of discretion."
>>521290
"Hey… is that guy listening in on us?"
"… Damn you and your constant yapping."
The mare turns to glare at you, clearly not amused by your eavesdropping.
>>521292
"A serious matter you say? Well then…"
He motions at a servant to bring some tea, then walks over to one of the chairs and settles down in it.
"I am all ears, miss Angelite and Clementina."
"Hey… is that guy listening in on us?"
"… Damn you and your constant yapping."
The mare turns to glare at you, clearly not amused by your eavesdropping.
>>521292
"A serious matter you say? Well then…"
He motions at a servant to bring some tea, then walks over to one of the chairs and settles down in it.
"I am all ears, miss Angelite and Clementina."
>>522134
"Let me give you some context first, Mister Prim. My friends and I have been travelling towards the Capital from a small town. Said smalltown was recently attacked by some ruffians, who took some of the ponies as captives to the nearby mines. We managed to deal with these bandits and free the hostages, who have been made to work in a seemingly abandoned mine. Once we have arrived in this city we tried to get some geological information on the surrounding area, which lead to a small investigation of… quite interesting results."
"Let me give you some context first, Mister Prim. My friends and I have been travelling towards the Capital from a small town. Said smalltown was recently attacked by some ruffians, who took some of the ponies as captives to the nearby mines. We managed to deal with these bandits and free the hostages, who have been made to work in a seemingly abandoned mine. Once we have arrived in this city we tried to get some geological information on the surrounding area, which lead to a small investigation of… quite interesting results."
>>522553
"Indeed? May I ask which town you speak of?"
Even 'Clementina' is very interested to hear what you have to say now.
"Indeed? May I ask which town you speak of?"
Even 'Clementina' is very interested to hear what you have to say now.
>>522555
He nods.
"I see. I am not terribly informed over said town however, why come to me? What were your findings?"
He nods.
"I see. I am not terribly informed over said town however, why come to me? What were your findings?"
>>522556
"My findings are much more troubling than any of us was expecting it. Altough we did not manage to find solid evidence, it might be plausible that the one who was behind that assault was none other than the company Gemco."
"My findings are much more troubling than any of us was expecting it. Altough we did not manage to find solid evidence, it might be plausible that the one who was behind that assault was none other than the company Gemco."
>>522557
He frowns.
"Obsidian… How certain are you of this? What purpose would that have? I know enough that Winterheim has run dry on minerals. Not to mention that he has enough employees to not have to rely on bandits to do the digging."
He frowns.
"Obsidian… How certain are you of this? What purpose would that have? I know enough that Winterheim has run dry on minerals. Not to mention that he has enough employees to not have to rely on bandits to do the digging."
>>522558
"It is unclear, but this string of events has lead us to discover something else… Concerning Mayor Redwood. What can you tell me about him?"
"It is unclear, but this string of events has lead us to discover something else… Concerning Mayor Redwood. What can you tell me about him?"
>>522559
"He and I have our differences, miss. I tend to avoid the city itself because of this."
"He and I have our differences, miss. I tend to avoid the city itself because of this."
>>522561
"I feel he lacks certain qualities as a mayor. Yet has enough friends to remain in a position of power."
"I feel he lacks certain qualities as a mayor. Yet has enough friends to remain in a position of power."
>>522563
"That is what I said, miss Angelite. The city of Brilliance is faring well if you look at it from the outside, but a closer look will reveal its true form."
"That is what I said, miss Angelite. The city of Brilliance is faring well if you look at it from the outside, but a closer look will reveal its true form."
>>522564
"Do you think this might be the time to replace him then by somepony who is better at fulfilling the tasks of a mayor then?"
"Do you think this might be the time to replace him then by somepony who is better at fulfilling the tasks of a mayor then?"
>>522566
Clear my throat.
"That corruption is not beneficial for the good of the Empire. I, personally, serve the Empire and strive to make it the best it possibly can be. Do you?"
Clear my throat.
"That corruption is not beneficial for the good of the Empire. I, personally, serve the Empire and strive to make it the best it possibly can be. Do you?"
>>522567
"Of course I do. Our family swore fealty to the empire. But Lord Redwood currently holds the office and as I said before, he is backed by powerful benefactors."
A servant arrives with tea, pausing the conversation.
'Clementina' takes a very refined sip from the cup, staying in character quite well.
"Of course I do. Our family swore fealty to the empire. But Lord Redwood currently holds the office and as I said before, he is backed by powerful benefactors."
A servant arrives with tea, pausing the conversation.
'Clementina' takes a very refined sip from the cup, staying in character quite well.
>>522568
I sip my tea as well after thanking the servant.
"That is why I am the lookout for allies myself. Should we find solid evidence of his corruption and a suitable replacement, I believe that we could make a change with the power of the people."
I sip my tea as well after thanking the servant.
"That is why I am the lookout for allies myself. Should we find solid evidence of his corruption and a suitable replacement, I believe that we could make a change with the power of the people."
>>522569
"Acquiring evidence… I suppose that could work well as a diplomatic weapon of sorts. How would you acquire said evidence however? He has a lot of allies protecting him after all."
"Acquiring evidence… I suppose that could work well as a diplomatic weapon of sorts. How would you acquire said evidence however? He has a lot of allies protecting him after all."
>>522570
"I am not quite sure.."
Glance at 'Clementina'.
"Unless we can get our hooves on some documents they are hiding, I only have a single idea. We need to try and lure them into a fake investment."
"I am not quite sure.."
Glance at 'Clementina'.
"Unless we can get our hooves on some documents they are hiding, I only have a single idea. We need to try and lure them into a fake investment."
>>522571
She winks stealthily at you.
"A fake investment? What kind are you proposing? How would this help us?"
She winks stealthily at you.
"A fake investment? What kind are you proposing? How would this help us?"
>>522572
"We would be the investors, incognito. Propose them a deal which would be beneficial to them, but not the City, then let the world know what kind of ponies they are."
"We would be the investors, incognito. Propose them a deal which would be beneficial to them, but not the City, then let the world know what kind of ponies they are."
>>522573
"That sounds rather risky, miss Angelite. It easily could backfire on us if something were to go wrong."
"That sounds rather risky, miss Angelite. It easily could backfire on us if something were to go wrong."
>>522575
"The alternative of getting evidence might be less risky. But… it will not come for free either."
'Clementina' offers.
"The alternative of getting evidence might be less risky. But… it will not come for free either."
'Clementina' offers.
>>522577
"Well… there are ponies who could help you acquiring evidence for a price that we know of, no?"
"Well… there are ponies who could help you acquiring evidence for a price that we know of, no?"
>>522579
"You'll have to discuss it with them, I think."
Prim Rose speaks up again.
"My family has quite a bit of funds ready. The problem has been finding anypony who was willing to accept it so far. If you two can help the city of Brilliance… we would be grateful and happy to extend a reward."
"You'll have to discuss it with them, I think."
Prim Rose speaks up again.
"My family has quite a bit of funds ready. The problem has been finding anypony who was willing to accept it so far. If you two can help the city of Brilliance… we would be grateful and happy to extend a reward."
>>522580
"The best reward I am hoping for would be a mayor who would be in office to be on the lookout for the people."
Smile at him.
"Can I count on you on this matter then?"
"The best reward I am hoping for would be a mayor who would be in office to be on the lookout for the people."
Smile at him.
"Can I count on you on this matter then?"
>>522582
"I trust you, Mister Prim. That is why I came to you, and why I must ask you to gather the fellow minded ponies together. Tell them that change is coming."
"I trust you, Mister Prim. That is why I came to you, and why I must ask you to gather the fellow minded ponies together. Tell them that change is coming."
>>522584
I nod.
"Of course. We all should be. From what I have heard we are treading on dangerous waters."
I nod.
"Of course. We all should be. From what I have heard we are treading on dangerous waters."
>>522585
He gets up.
"Good. We shall see each other soon again then. Let us hope we are successful. If you do find evidence… I suggest you bring it to the capital rather than here. You never know, after all."
He gets up.
"Good. We shall see each other soon again then. Let us hope we are successful. If you do find evidence… I suggest you bring it to the capital rather than here. You never know, after all."
>>522586
I nod and stand up as well.
"One more thing. I expect that you know the local political circle better than I do. Should we find the evidence and bring it to the capital for justice to be served, do you know anypony who can take the position?"
I nod and stand up as well.
"One more thing. I expect that you know the local political circle better than I do. Should we find the evidence and bring it to the capital for justice to be served, do you know anypony who can take the position?"
>>522587
"I will likely be appointed temporary mayor by the magistrates until they have sufficiently studied this whole case."
"I will likely be appointed temporary mayor by the magistrates until they have sufficiently studied this whole case."
>>522589
"If it helps this city, I am glad to aid. I will pray for your success, miss Angelite."
"If it helps this city, I am glad to aid. I will pray for your success, miss Angelite."
>>522591
"My servant will lead you out."
He takes his leave.
The servant bows and leads you away from the sitting room, back outside.
"Have a pleasant day, my ladies."
"My servant will lead you out."
He takes his leave.
The servant bows and leads you away from the sitting room, back outside.
"Have a pleasant day, my ladies."
>>522593
You start walking back through the garden.
'Clementina' plucks a few flowers and chows down on them, offering some to you as well.
"Whant sum flowyers?"
She speaks with a full mouth.
You start walking back through the garden.
'Clementina' plucks a few flowers and chows down on them, offering some to you as well.
"Whant sum flowyers?"
She speaks with a full mouth.
>>522594
"Please, have you no manners at all? A lady does not speak with her mouth full.
Not to mention these flowers are serving a decorative purpose."
"Please, have you no manners at all? A lady does not speak with her mouth full.
Not to mention these flowers are serving a decorative purpose."
>>522595
She swallows, leaving behind a petal at the corner of her mouth.
"You really need to loosen up a bit. After acting like an uptight noble for that long, I need some winding down."
You reach and pass by the gates.
She swallows, leaving behind a petal at the corner of her mouth.
"You really need to loosen up a bit. After acting like an uptight noble for that long, I need some winding down."
You reach and pass by the gates.
>>522596
"I do not want to seem rude, but you have leftovers on your mouth."
Keep walking.
"Sitting still with the right poistrure could not have been that taxing, could it?"
"I do not want to seem rude, but you have leftovers on your mouth."
Keep walking.
"Sitting still with the right poistrure could not have been that taxing, could it?"
>>522597
She licks her lips, removing the petal.
"I thought I was going to fucking die. I hate this dress."
She looks around and jumps into a nearby bush.
She licks her lips, removing the petal.
"I thought I was going to fucking die. I hate this dress."
She looks around and jumps into a nearby bush.
>>522600
There is only one matter I should take care of before telling the others what I have achieved.
Look for a bookstore!
Roll #1 7 = 7
There is only one matter I should take care of before telling the others what I have achieved.
Look for a bookstore!
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>522601
You easily find one once you arrive back in the Inner city. The building is quite tall and has a lot of floor, so the selection is sure to be varied!
"What the fuck are you doing? Are you going shopping now?"
You easily find one once you arrive back in the Inner city. The building is quite tall and has a lot of floor, so the selection is sure to be varied!
"What the fuck are you doing? Are you going shopping now?"
>>522602
"Calm down, this shall only take a few minutes."
Enter, and try to find an employee who might be able to help.
"Calm down, this shall only take a few minutes."
Enter, and try to find an employee who might be able to help.
>>522603
You head inside the book-filled store. There are many rows of racks here, all of them categorized. You spot an employee busy with unpacking books out a box. It's not too busy in here at the moment, it seems.
You head inside the book-filled store. There are many rows of racks here, all of them categorized. You spot an employee busy with unpacking books out a box. It's not too busy in here at the moment, it seems.
>>522610
"Sign language? Oh dear… Let me think… Oh I think we do. One moment please."
She walks off.
"She's kinda cute. Not as cute as you though. Did you check that flank of hers?"
"Sign language? Oh dear… Let me think… Oh I think we do. One moment please."
She walks off.
"She's kinda cute. Not as cute as you though. Did you check that flank of hers?"
>>522617
"Seriously? It looks nice and squishy! Probably from sitting around all the time. Yours is squishy too though, so don't get jealous again."
She goes quiet again as the mare returns with two books.
"I believe these two will be to your liking. They both cover the subject extensively."
"Seriously? It looks nice and squishy! Probably from sitting around all the time. Yours is squishy too though, so don't get jealous again."
She goes quiet again as the mare returns with two books.
"I believe these two will be to your liking. They both cover the subject extensively."
>>522625
You now have two sign language guides in your possession. Not much of a strain on your current budget!
You now have two sign language guides in your possession. Not much of a strain on your current budget!
>>522638
"Whatever. Keep walking straight."
You follow her directions and find yourself in the less reputable parts of town before long, eventually being lead to a bar called 'The Rusty Stool'.
It seems… rather dirty and unfit for a high class lady such as yourself.
"Whatever. Keep walking straight."
You follow her directions and find yourself in the less reputable parts of town before long, eventually being lead to a bar called 'The Rusty Stool'.
It seems… rather dirty and unfit for a high class lady such as yourself.
>>522649
"Getting you back to your friends. What does the lack of money and posh shit offend your sensitive eyes? Go inside."
"Getting you back to your friends. What does the lack of money and posh shit offend your sensitive eyes? Go inside."
>>522654
You enter the bar. It's not very busy inside as it is still early on in the day. It doesn't smell too hygienic in here, but it's bearable… as long as you don't have to stick around for longer than 10 minutes.
The bartender gives you a weird look.
"To the mare bathrooms."
You enter the bar. It's not very busy inside as it is still early on in the day. It doesn't smell too hygienic in here, but it's bearable… as long as you don't have to stick around for longer than 10 minutes.
The bartender gives you a weird look.
"To the mare bathrooms."
>>522658
"Good day."
Quickly excuse myself to the mare bathrooms.
"I hope you are not planning anything rotten."
"Good day."
Quickly excuse myself to the mare bathrooms.
"I hope you are not planning anything rotten."
>>522661
"Leadlight would kill me if I did. And that mare is dangerous. I gave her a nice compliment once and she smacked me with her tail!"
The bathrooms are not all too clean. There are several stalls in here, all of them open.
You hear the door close behind you. As you turn around, you see 'Clementina' standing there. For the first time without a disguise at that. She's wearing a sleek looking black and white armor which covers every inch of her body. Even most of her face is obstructed by a plain mask, leaving only her eyes unobstructed.
"Leadlight would kill me if I did. And that mare is dangerous. I gave her a nice compliment once and she smacked me with her tail!"
The bathrooms are not all too clean. There are several stalls in here, all of them open.
You hear the door close behind you. As you turn around, you see 'Clementina' standing there. For the first time without a disguise at that. She's wearing a sleek looking black and white armor which covers every inch of her body. Even most of her face is obstructed by a plain mask, leaving only her eyes unobstructed.
>>522670
Look her over.
"So, why are we in this nasty place again? I hope it was not for the sole purpose of you showing yourself."
Look her over.
"So, why are we in this nasty place again? I hope it was not for the sole purpose of you showing yourself."
>>522695
"Of course not, just have some damn patience."
She brushes past you and walks over to the third stall, opening it up. After fiddling around with the toilet inside some, the wall suddenly flips over revealing… an empty wall. She begins to move her hooves over the bare wall for some reason you cannot fathom. You notice the outfit she's wearing doesn't leave room for a tail to come out, leaving her with a tailless flank.
"Of course not, just have some damn patience."
She brushes past you and walks over to the third stall, opening it up. After fiddling around with the toilet inside some, the wall suddenly flips over revealing… an empty wall. She begins to move her hooves over the bare wall for some reason you cannot fathom. You notice the outfit she's wearing doesn't leave room for a tail to come out, leaving her with a tailless flank.
>>522719
A few seconds later, she takes a step back as a large magical tear appears in the wall. It looks like some kind of magical portal! Dark purple streaks swirl around in it.
"There we go."
A few seconds later, she takes a step back as a large magical tear appears in the wall. It looks like some kind of magical portal! Dark purple streaks swirl around in it.
"There we go."
>>522739
"We can can have a hot makeout session later. Go ahead and step through, it'll take you to a pocket dimension where your pals are."
"We can can have a hot makeout session later. Go ahead and step through, it'll take you to a pocket dimension where your pals are."
>>522744
You hear some chuckling from her before the world around you goes dark. Opening your eyes, you see you are no longer present inside the mare's restrooms. The portal has led you to a large circular room with only one visible exit, a large wooden door on the opposite side of the room. The walls look weathered and grey, lit up by a row torches. A dusty old chandelier hangs from the ceiling, lighting up the area even further. Spread around the ground are several bedrolls, some of them in a better state than the others. Old barrels and crates are stacked to the ceiling to the left of you, while a large dusty carpet covers the floor of the middle of the room. A few tables with candles, empty mugs and plates on top of them are scattered around, as well as a few burning braziers.
There's only a handful of ponies here, a stallion and a mare are sitting at one of the tables, engaged in a quiet conversation, another stallion is sitting near the wall and sharpening his daggers, while yet another stallion is sweeping the floor with a broom. Ardent is standing around as well but isn't here. Finally a colt and a filly are busy fiddling around with a locked chest. They both turn to look at you as you arrive and start whispering to each other, casting you the occasional glance.
'Clementina' steps in from behind you.
"Welcome to our crib."
You hear some chuckling from her before the world around you goes dark. Opening your eyes, you see you are no longer present inside the mare's restrooms. The portal has led you to a large circular room with only one visible exit, a large wooden door on the opposite side of the room. The walls look weathered and grey, lit up by a row torches. A dusty old chandelier hangs from the ceiling, lighting up the area even further. Spread around the ground are several bedrolls, some of them in a better state than the others. Old barrels and crates are stacked to the ceiling to the left of you, while a large dusty carpet covers the floor of the middle of the room. A few tables with candles, empty mugs and plates on top of them are scattered around, as well as a few burning braziers.
There's only a handful of ponies here, a stallion and a mare are sitting at one of the tables, engaged in a quiet conversation, another stallion is sitting near the wall and sharpening his daggers, while yet another stallion is sweeping the floor with a broom. Ardent is standing around as well but isn't here. Finally a colt and a filly are busy fiddling around with a locked chest. They both turn to look at you as you arrive and start whispering to each other, casting you the occasional glance.
'Clementina' steps in from behind you.
"Welcome to our crib."
>>522782
"It's not a palace, but it's also only temporary. So don't start bitching again if you don't like it."
"It's not a palace, but it's also only temporary. So don't start bitching again if you don't like it."
>>522786
"I know you so well~"
She looks back at you and winks.
"Stay put in here, okay? I'll go tell Leadlight our little princess has finally arrived."
She walks away and through the door, disappearing from sight.
The colt and filly carefully walk over to you when she's gone.
"Spare some change, miss?"
"We're soooo hungry!"
"I know you so well~"
She looks back at you and winks.
"Stay put in here, okay? I'll go tell Leadlight our little princess has finally arrived."
She walks away and through the door, disappearing from sight.
The colt and filly carefully walk over to you when she's gone.
"Spare some change, miss?"
"We're soooo hungry!"
>>522787
Take out a bit of money, worth of a few good meals, and hoof it over to them.
"Here you go. I trust that you will be honest with this money, as I give it to you to get food from it. I would be terribly sad if you were to cheat me on this, even though I may never know if you did."
Take out a bit of money, worth of a few good meals, and hoof it over to them.
"Here you go. I trust that you will be honest with this money, as I give it to you to get food from it. I would be terribly sad if you were to cheat me on this, even though I may never know if you did."
>>522788
"Bless you!"
They seem very pleased by this and run off again.
Moments later, 'Clementina' returns with a unicorn mare you've not seen before. She's not wearing a mask, allowing you to see her face. She seems to be in her early thirties and appears to be quite calm and relaxed. If you were to spot her walking on the street, you'd never suspect her of being a scoundrel!
"Good day, miss Angelite. My name is Leadlight and I am the watcher of this place. Your friends are all here as well, we have been discussing some things regarding this whole situation."
"Bless you!"
They seem very pleased by this and run off again.
Moments later, 'Clementina' returns with a unicorn mare you've not seen before. She's not wearing a mask, allowing you to see her face. She seems to be in her early thirties and appears to be quite calm and relaxed. If you were to spot her walking on the street, you'd never suspect her of being a scoundrel!
"Good day, miss Angelite. My name is Leadlight and I am the watcher of this place. Your friends are all here as well, we have been discussing some things regarding this whole situation."
>>522797
She looks back at Clementina for a moment, before returning her gaze to you.
"So I have heard. I hope Shimmermist hasn't caused you any grief, she can be quite the hooffull."
"Hey! We're good friends already!"
She looks back at Clementina for a moment, before returning her gaze to you.
"So I have heard. I hope Shimmermist hasn't caused you any grief, she can be quite the hooffull."
"Hey! We're good friends already!"
>>522801
"Now I know her name. Apart from her bad manners and distasteful jokes, she was merely a creepy stalker. However, I believe that was her intended purpose in the first place?"
"Now I know her name. Apart from her bad manners and distasteful jokes, she was merely a creepy stalker. However, I believe that was her intended purpose in the first place?"
>>522807
"She was there for your protection. I'm sorry it has to be this way, but there are ponies who do not like you digging around in Brilliance. You may not believe me, but she's one of my best ponies. She was there to keep you safe from harm and it appears she has done so successfully."
"She was there for your protection. I'm sorry it has to be this way, but there are ponies who do not like you digging around in Brilliance. You may not believe me, but she's one of my best ponies. She was there to keep you safe from harm and it appears she has done so successfully."
>>522811
"Good. Soon, we will begin setting things in motion. You and your friends will join me and take down Shadow Play. In return, I will grant you all the items that were stolen on request by mayor Redwood and Obsidian Flow by the Magpies."
"Good. Soon, we will begin setting things in motion. You and your friends will join me and take down Shadow Play. In return, I will grant you all the items that were stolen on request by mayor Redwood and Obsidian Flow by the Magpies."
>>522813
"Our current leader. He works for Obsidian Flow and wishes to see me killed, although he is not aware I am aware of the latter. This is reason enough for me to remove him from his throne."
"Our current leader. He works for Obsidian Flow and wishes to see me killed, although he is not aware I am aware of the latter. This is reason enough for me to remove him from his throne."
>>522814
"If he is indeed working for Obsidian Flow and you are against him, I can assist you, within certain boundaries of course."
"If he is indeed working for Obsidian Flow and you are against him, I can assist you, within certain boundaries of course."
>>522815
"As was agreed in the deal we made."
Shimmermist pokes Leadlight's flank.
"Hey Lead, we should talk in private for a sec."
Leadlight nods and walks off with Shimmermist, leaving you alone once again.
PAUSED
"As was agreed in the deal we made."
Shimmermist pokes Leadlight's flank.
"Hey Lead, we should talk in private for a sec."
Leadlight nods and walks off with Shimmermist, leaving you alone once again.
PAUSED
Once the two mares walk away, I make my way over to my friend standing around.
"Good day, Mister Ardent."
"Good day, Mister Ardent."
>>524608
Nod in confirmation, then make a questioning gesture at the mare you came in with.
Nod in confirmation, then make a questioning gesture at the mare you came in with.
>>524609
Look at the way they walked.
"Oh, yes. Her name is Shimmermist, apparently. She has been, for the lack of a better word, stalking me for the most part of the day."
Look at the way they walked.
"Oh, yes. Her name is Shimmermist, apparently. She has been, for the lack of a better word, stalking me for the most part of the day."
>>524615
"Mister Ardent, I can take care of myself. She even warned me about possible threats and claimed to be there partially to assure my safety. I do not believe she was lying about that."
"Mister Ardent, I can take care of myself. She even warned me about possible threats and claimed to be there partially to assure my safety. I do not believe she was lying about that."
>>524618
Nod and hold the door to the hallway open for her with a smile, leading her back to the rest of the group
Nod and hold the door to the hallway open for her with a smile, leading her back to the rest of the group
>>524623
Smile a bit cheekily.
"First I had some lovely tea at a tea house. Afterwards, I had a countryside walk, then I paid visit to a noble estate. Before coming here, I also went to do a bit of shopping."
Smile a bit cheekily.
"First I had some lovely tea at a tea house. Afterwards, I had a countryside walk, then I paid visit to a noble estate. Before coming here, I also went to do a bit of shopping."
>>524624
Wow, that sounds impressive! Nod and tilt my head with an slightly eager expression.
Wow, that sounds impressive! Nod and tilt my head with an slightly eager expression.
>>524625
Cover my mouth and chuckle softly.
"Jesting aside, I visited the teahouse to look for potential allies. It was not what I would call a success, however, afterwards I did visit the Rose mansion. I had a conversation about Mister Prim Rose, who is against Mayor Redwood just as much as we are. Provided we can get any proof of his corruption that we can take to the Capital, Prim Rose will take control of Brilliance until a proper election is held."
Cover my mouth and chuckle softly.
"Jesting aside, I visited the teahouse to look for potential allies. It was not what I would call a success, however, afterwards I did visit the Rose mansion. I had a conversation about Mister Prim Rose, who is against Mayor Redwood just as much as we are. Provided we can get any proof of his corruption that we can take to the Capital, Prim Rose will take control of Brilliance until a proper election is held."
>>524626
Nod and consider this new information, still giving her that slightly eager expression.
Nod and consider this new information, still giving her that slightly eager expression.
>>524627
"That concludes my productivity to the task at hoof for the most part. However, I believe I have managed to pick up a gift for you, Mister Ardent!"
"That concludes my productivity to the task at hoof for the most part. However, I believe I have managed to pick up a gift for you, Mister Ardent!"
>>524629
Smile widely at his visible excitement.
"I do hope you like books!"
Take one of the sign-language books out of my saddlebags and hoof it over!
Smile widely at his visible excitement.
"I do hope you like books!"
Take one of the sign-language books out of my saddlebags and hoof it over!
>>524630
Take it eagerly and read the cover. Then pause, my expression becoming unreadable as I open it and start flipping through the pages.
Take it eagerly and read the cover. Then pause, my expression becoming unreadable as I open it and start flipping through the pages.
>>524632
"I have got one for myself as well! I hope you do not mind, but I was thinking that as the diplomat of the group, it is my obligation to assure that everyone in the party can communicate their desires or objections about matters. I need to learn it myself, so it will definitely a learning experience!"
"I have got one for myself as well! I hope you do not mind, but I was thinking that as the diplomat of the group, it is my obligation to assure that everyone in the party can communicate their desires or objections about matters. I need to learn it myself, so it will definitely a learning experience!"
>>524633
Look from the book, to her, to the book, back to her… Then give her the biggest hug ever. [1d10]
Roll #1 6 = 6
Look from the book, to her, to the book, back to her… Then give her the biggest hug ever. [1d10]
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>524634
Smile and hug back, letting out a relaxed sigh.
"Thank goodness, for a moment I was afraid I offended you!"
Smile and hug back, letting out a relaxed sigh.
"Thank goodness, for a moment I was afraid I offended you!"
>>524635
Give her the biggest smile I possibly can, then flip through the book until I find what I'm looking for, and try to sign "thank you." [1d10]
Roll #1 6 = 6
Give her the biggest smile I possibly can, then flip through the book until I find what I'm looking for, and try to sign "thank you." [1d10]
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>524636
Keep smiling.
"Hold on, please!"
I open my book as well, and try to find out what he was trying to say.
Roll #1 6 = 6
Keep smiling.
"Hold on, please!"
I open my book as well, and try to find out what he was trying to say.
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>524637
:"Are they?" I stretched and lie down again before resting my head near your hoof
"Naaahh… let them talk, well if Ardent can convey his message at all that is."
"As for me, all those ghost plaguing this place took a drain on me and I just want to have my beauty rest. Thats all."
"Say why dont you greet them?" I raise an eyebrow.
:"Are they?" I stretched and lie down again before resting my head near your hoof
"Naaahh… let them talk, well if Ardent can convey his message at all that is."
"As for me, all those ghost plaguing this place took a drain on me and I just want to have my beauty rest. Thats all."
"Say why dont you greet them?" I raise an eyebrow.
>>524640
"I am glad that you like it. Maybe after we have learnt it properly, we could lend the book to the others as well, should they want to communicate better with you."
"I am glad that you like it. Maybe after we have learnt it properly, we could lend the book to the others as well, should they want to communicate better with you."
>>524641
"I just don't want to interrupt. But I remembered you being a little distraught earlier. I hope you know you're safe with us, but Angelite is a nice pony to talk to if you're still feeling upset."
Smile softly. "Look how happy Ardent is."
"I just don't want to interrupt. But I remembered you being a little distraught earlier. I hope you know you're safe with us, but Angelite is a nice pony to talk to if you're still feeling upset."
Smile softly. "Look how happy Ardent is."
>>524646
Stare directly at your eyes, bowing slightly.
"I will use my light to protect you from harm, and will never lift my blade nor my words toward you in malice."
After a moment I will offer you my sword slowly.
"If you believe I speak falsely in this. Then take my blade, Vigilance, before I can harm you."
Stare directly at your eyes, bowing slightly.
"I will use my light to protect you from harm, and will never lift my blade nor my words toward you in malice."
After a moment I will offer you my sword slowly.
"If you believe I speak falsely in this. Then take my blade, Vigilance, before I can harm you."
>>524650
Smile and shake my head in amusement. Let's see if I can find "beautiful," "funny," and "angry." Not signing anything until I know what I'm "saying." '1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
Smile and shake my head in amusement. Let's see if I can find "beautiful," "funny," and "angry." Not signing anything until I know what I'm "saying." '1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>524651
With that I wipe away the tears that welled up
"Thank you Ma'm Striker, that really helped."
I then put a hoof on Vigilance and push it slowly aside as I lift my head and smile
"There is no need for that, the offer is proof enough and I thank you for that."
With that I wipe away the tears that welled up
"Thank you Ma'm Striker, that really helped."
I then put a hoof on Vigilance and push it slowly aside as I lift my head and smile
"There is no need for that, the offer is proof enough and I thank you for that."
>>524652
NOPE, I know that sign and it is not what I want! Flip the page before she sees! '1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
NOPE, I know that sign and it is not what I want! Flip the page before she sees! '1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>524656
Well I'll just sit here and hide my face behind my hooves as I slowly die of embarrassment. '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
Well I'll just sit here and hide my face behind my hooves as I slowly die of embarrassment. '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>524658
Just, flip the book shut already. My whole face is burning red as I try to disappear into the floor. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
Just, flip the book shut already. My whole face is burning red as I try to disappear into the floor. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>524659
Oh dear, he seems to be pretty embarassed.
"Do not worry Mister Ardent. I know curiosity is a strong thing…"
Oh dear, he seems to be pretty embarassed.
"Do not worry Mister Ardent. I know curiosity is a strong thing…"
>>524660
Shake my head furiously. It was an accident, an accident! Ugh. Try to look up "accident" without stumbling on any more traps like that. '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
Shake my head furiously. It was an accident, an accident! Ugh. Try to look up "accident" without stumbling on any more traps like that. '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>524659
Man.. I wish there was something I could do.
For now just try to give him an encouraging look.
Man.. I wish there was something I could do.
For now just try to give him an encouraging look.
>>524665
"Accident." "Accident." Oh, look, here's the sign for "stupid." Perfect description for me right now.
"Accident." "Accident." Oh, look, here's the sign for "stupid." Perfect description for me right now.
>>524670
"It is nice to see you as well. I have already told Mister Ardent about some of the progress I managed to make in our case."
"It is nice to see you as well. I have already told Mister Ardent about some of the progress I managed to make in our case."
>>524671
'3d10' Okay. now I will take my time and look over for the phrase
would you like to see a show
Roll #1 2, 6, 6 = 14
'3d10' Okay. now I will take my time and look over for the phrase
would you like to see a show
Roll #1 2, 6, 6 = 14
>>524675
"You should ask her."
'1d10' try to find a few other words. like parkdinerflowers
Roll #1 2 = 2
"You should ask her."
'1d10' try to find a few other words. like parkdinerflowers
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>524678
"Once he and I are finished learning, I could lend the book to you, should you want to talk to him more convinietly. Unless you'd like to join us as we learn it."
"Once he and I are finished learning, I could lend the book to you, should you want to talk to him more convinietly. Unless you'd like to join us as we learn it."
>>524677
Well, alright… Wait, "would you like to see a show?"
…See if I can find a way of phrasing it that isn't as likely to get taken the wrong way. '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
Well, alright… Wait, "would you like to see a show?"
…See if I can find a way of phrasing it that isn't as likely to get taken the wrong way. '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>524689
Blush a bit when I look those up.
"Oh, Mister Ardent, you need not worry. It is not necessary, I assure you. However, I do appreciate the thought!"
Blush a bit when I look those up.
"Oh, Mister Ardent, you need not worry. It is not necessary, I assure you. However, I do appreciate the thought!"
>>524705
Accept his help, rubbing my throat ruefully as I fight down the last of my giggles.
Accept his help, rubbing my throat ruefully as I fight down the last of my giggles.
>>524708
"You did not."
Look between the two of them.
"Stallions will be stallions, or so the saying goes."
"You did not."
Look between the two of them.
"Stallions will be stallions, or so the saying goes."
>>524710
"Would it be any consolidation if I said I have been listening to certain implications all day coming from a mare?"
Cover my mouth and chuckle softly.
"Would it be any consolidation if I said I have been listening to certain implications all day coming from a mare?"
Cover my mouth and chuckle softly.
>>524712
My ears shoot up in suprise as I gape at her, then glance out the doorway and gesture at the area we came from, or more importantly where Shimmmermist is.
My ears shoot up in suprise as I gape at her, then glance out the doorway and gesture at the area we came from, or more importantly where Shimmmermist is.
Silk Orchid
Look at you now, trudging along the snowy road through a roaring blizzard. Just a few months ago you still had it all, money, family, a place to call home, friends… where did it all go wrong? Was it really worth it to run away? Well, you know the answer to that question thoroughly and it wont help you now that your hooves are freezing off.
The capital can't be far now… but it's getting darker and this snow storm isn't making it any easier on you to navigate. You're still following the road as far as you are aware, but even that is hard to tell as it's been covered under a blanket of snow. Your hooves can't even feel the surface your walking on and the harsh icy wind is making you squint your eyes, lest you go blind.
Fortunately for you, it seems Lady luck is smiling upon you as you spot faint signs of light up ahead. Could it be the capital city? Could this icy torment finally be over?
Look at you now, trudging along the snowy road through a roaring blizzard. Just a few months ago you still had it all, money, family, a place to call home, friends… where did it all go wrong? Was it really worth it to run away? Well, you know the answer to that question thoroughly and it wont help you now that your hooves are freezing off.
The capital can't be far now… but it's getting darker and this snow storm isn't making it any easier on you to navigate. You're still following the road as far as you are aware, but even that is hard to tell as it's been covered under a blanket of snow. Your hooves can't even feel the surface your walking on and the harsh icy wind is making you squint your eyes, lest you go blind.
Fortunately for you, it seems Lady luck is smiling upon you as you spot faint signs of light up ahead. Could it be the capital city? Could this icy torment finally be over?
>>525128
You press on, pushing away those submissive thoughts, and trudge your way through the snow towards the sources of light. You've been regretting not just taking a comfortable carriage for some time, but now that you finally have your goal in sights you're happy to have succeeded nonetheless. As you close in on the lights, you notice some of them are actually quite high up. Soon enough, you see the faint silhouette of a tall building where the lights are emanating from. Not long after you see two more silhouettes of tall buildings surrounding the tower in the center, though these two don't seem to reach as high.
As you get close, you finally can make out some details. The towers seem to be made out of some kind of greenish crystal and are connected with each other through bridges in the sky. The weather is making it hard to discern too many other details, unfortunately, but these buildings are definitely inhabited by people. You push through an opened iron gate in the fencing surrounding the area and see the entrance to the largest of the three towers up ahead, a large wooden set of doors lit up by a set of heavy torches. The pathway leading up to it seems to be illuminated in some other way, as the snow lights up in various colors. Perhaps more crystals that give off light?
You press on, pushing away those submissive thoughts, and trudge your way through the snow towards the sources of light. You've been regretting not just taking a comfortable carriage for some time, but now that you finally have your goal in sights you're happy to have succeeded nonetheless. As you close in on the lights, you notice some of them are actually quite high up. Soon enough, you see the faint silhouette of a tall building where the lights are emanating from. Not long after you see two more silhouettes of tall buildings surrounding the tower in the center, though these two don't seem to reach as high.
As you get close, you finally can make out some details. The towers seem to be made out of some kind of greenish crystal and are connected with each other through bridges in the sky. The weather is making it hard to discern too many other details, unfortunately, but these buildings are definitely inhabited by people. You push through an opened iron gate in the fencing surrounding the area and see the entrance to the largest of the three towers up ahead, a large wooden set of doors lit up by a set of heavy torches. The pathway leading up to it seems to be illuminated in some other way, as the snow lights up in various colors. Perhaps more crystals that give off light?
>>525129
Carriages are the easiest way to get caught.
They can be stopped.
At least on hoof they don't know your route.
I try to go up the pathway and knock on the door.
Put on my most sad puppy face.
Should be easy, I'm pretty miserable.
Carriages are the easiest way to get caught.
They can be stopped.
At least on hoof they don't know your route.
I try to go up the pathway and knock on the door.
Put on my most sad puppy face.
Should be easy, I'm pretty miserable.
>>525130
It takes a solid minute before the door finally opens, revealing a young crystal stallion wearing some simple brown robes. His eyebrow arches as he sees you.
"Equestrian?"
He glances at your forehead and frowns.
"Not a unicorn… darn. Uh… good evening miss?"
It takes a solid minute before the door finally opens, revealing a young crystal stallion wearing some simple brown robes. His eyebrow arches as he sees you.
"Equestrian?"
He glances at your forehead and frowns.
"Not a unicorn… darn. Uh… good evening miss?"
>>525131
"H-hello, mister. I've been travelling from Equestria to the crystal capital. Is it near?"
"H-hello, mister. I've been travelling from Equestria to the crystal capital. Is it near?"
>>525132
"The capital? Oh my, um… about an hour or three on hoof from here I think."
He glances at the outside behind you.
"Through that weather though? You'll want to add a few hours to that. Not like you can fly in that."
"The capital? Oh my, um… about an hour or three on hoof from here I think."
He glances at the outside behind you.
"Through that weather though? You'll want to add a few hours to that. Not like you can fly in that."
>>525133
I look at the storm sadly.
"Oh…I think I might make it…If it's not too much of a bother, you seem like a generous stallion, could I ask for a tiny cup of tea? I haven't eaten anything today and my wings are nearly frozen…"
Unwrap my beautiful wings slowly, and shake them a bit as if I have trouble moving them.
I look at the storm sadly.
"Oh…I think I might make it…If it's not too much of a bother, you seem like a generous stallion, could I ask for a tiny cup of tea? I haven't eaten anything today and my wings are nearly frozen…"
Unwrap my beautiful wings slowly, and shake them a bit as if I have trouble moving them.
>>525134
He looks at them with some sense of wonder.
"Oh! Um… sure!"
He steps aside.
"Come in then. Welcome to the Jade Towers, miss."
He looks at them with some sense of wonder.
"Oh! Um… sure!"
He steps aside.
"Come in then. Welcome to the Jade Towers, miss."
>>525135
"Oh thank you!"
Run my hoof over his chest for a second.
"If there were more stallions like you, this world would be a much better place."
Trot inside.
What does the place look like?
"Oh thank you!"
Run my hoof over his chest for a second.
"If there were more stallions like you, this world would be a much better place."
Trot inside.
What does the place look like?
>>525136
His seems a little flustered by the gesture and you move past him inside. He closes the doors behind you, stopping the cold from coming in any further. The inside of the tower is just as shiny as the outside. The floor is nicely polished and the walls give of a warm magical glow, lighting up the area quite nicely. Up ahead there are stairs which lead up to an elevated level, which in turn seems to lead up to the next floor. To the left and right are two doorways, both of them flanked by a set of statues of ponies. It's nice and warm in here, making your hooves kind of hurt. Still, you're grateful to be out of that wretched cold.
"… Miss? I don't think I caught your name…"
His seems a little flustered by the gesture and you move past him inside. He closes the doors behind you, stopping the cold from coming in any further. The inside of the tower is just as shiny as the outside. The floor is nicely polished and the walls give of a warm magical glow, lighting up the area quite nicely. Up ahead there are stairs which lead up to an elevated level, which in turn seems to lead up to the next floor. To the left and right are two doorways, both of them flanked by a set of statues of ponies. It's nice and warm in here, making your hooves kind of hurt. Still, you're grateful to be out of that wretched cold.
"… Miss? I don't think I caught your name…"
>>525137
I take a second to enjoy the warmth.
A bit of pain is a lot better than freezing.
"Silk…Silk Orchid. What a beautiful place you have. I've never seen anything like it."
Reminds me a bit of home.
I take a second to enjoy the warmth.
A bit of pain is a lot better than freezing.
"Silk…Silk Orchid. What a beautiful place you have. I've never seen anything like it."
Reminds me a bit of home.
>>525143
He opens his mouth to answer but is interrupted as another crystal stallion materializes out of thin air between the two of you. He appears to be a few years older than the other stallion, probably in his late twenties, and is wearing a white cloak.
"Why hello there miss Orchid, welcome to the Jade Towers."
He grabs your hoof and shakes it.
"My name is Golden Flux the enchanter, owner of this here estate. You've found us during some very exciting times."
He opens his mouth to answer but is interrupted as another crystal stallion materializes out of thin air between the two of you. He appears to be a few years older than the other stallion, probably in his late twenties, and is wearing a white cloak.
"Why hello there miss Orchid, welcome to the Jade Towers."
He grabs your hoof and shakes it.
"My name is Golden Flux the enchanter, owner of this here estate. You've found us during some very exciting times."
>>525147
"Oh my…lovely to meet you, mister Flux. And thank you both for your hospitality. Might I ask what is so exciting about these times?"
"Oh my…lovely to meet you, mister Flux. And thank you both for your hospitality. Might I ask what is so exciting about these times?"
>>525150
"Progress of course! In truth, times are always exciting around here because we're always pushing the boundaries of magical research. My apprentices have their own personal projects while I have mine as well."
The other stallion scrunches and walks off to get you some tea.
Golden Flux leads you up the stairs to the second level.
"We don't usually see pegasi up here, so I'm afraid the towers aren't too flight friendly."
"Progress of course! In truth, times are always exciting around here because we're always pushing the boundaries of magical research. My apprentices have their own personal projects while I have mine as well."
The other stallion scrunches and walks off to get you some tea.
Golden Flux leads you up the stairs to the second level.
"We don't usually see pegasi up here, so I'm afraid the towers aren't too flight friendly."
>>525153
"Oh that's quite allright. My wings are not in good condition right now anyway. All the cold, you understand. I should really preen them…"
I look around.
"And I've always been fascinated by the magical arts even if they've been beyond my reach. What are you working on, mister Flux?"
"Oh that's quite allright. My wings are not in good condition right now anyway. All the cold, you understand. I should really preen them…"
I look around.
"And I've always been fascinated by the magical arts even if they've been beyond my reach. What are you working on, mister Flux?"
>>525156
"Magical shield spells, ones that are powerful enough to protect this entire facility from the roughest of attacks! If fact, they are so strong that they could cut a pony in half should they stand in its way."
You reach the second level, there's a large rack of books on one end of the wall, as well as several iron cauldrons on top of what you assume to be furnaces. A mare is stirring a large wooden stick in one of them and looks back at the two of you as you pass by. Smells like… chocolate. Mmmm.
"Magical shield spells, ones that are powerful enough to protect this entire facility from the roughest of attacks! If fact, they are so strong that they could cut a pony in half should they stand in its way."
You reach the second level, there's a large rack of books on one end of the wall, as well as several iron cauldrons on top of what you assume to be furnaces. A mare is stirring a large wooden stick in one of them and looks back at the two of you as you pass by. Smells like… chocolate. Mmmm.
>>525161
I wave at her "That smells divine!"
Turn back to the wizard pony.
"Amazing, Lord Archmage, how did you accomplish such a feat?"
I wave at her "That smells divine!"
Turn back to the wizard pony.
"Amazing, Lord Archmage, how did you accomplish such a feat?"
>>525166
She ignores you.
He takes your hoof and raises it in the air with his own.
"Reckless magic!"
Moving onward, you take the stairs to the next level, filled with chests and closets of various sizes. This appears to be some kind of storage space. What's more eyecatching however are the ponylike constructs walking around here, seemingly cleaning the place.
"Can't forget about our golems helping us out a ton as well. These guys are responsible for keeping everything clean and organized. Never do we have to pick up a broom ourselves!"
She ignores you.
He takes your hoof and raises it in the air with his own.
"Reckless magic!"
Moving onward, you take the stairs to the next level, filled with chests and closets of various sizes. This appears to be some kind of storage space. What's more eyecatching however are the ponylike constructs walking around here, seemingly cleaning the place.
"Can't forget about our golems helping us out a ton as well. These guys are responsible for keeping everything clean and organized. Never do we have to pick up a broom ourselves!"
>>525177
"Magical constructs of metal and enchanted crystals! These particular models are simple and only have a single function, but we have other types as well to fulfill other tasks. Cooking, spellcasting, gardening, defense, everything that's useful!"
You continue up again. This time the room is filled to the brim with racks of books, looks like some kind of library.
"Tomes, books, scrolls, everything literate goes here. One of our three grand libraries!"
There's another mare and stallion busy here. The former sifting through one of the racks in search of something while the latter is taking his time to read through an old tome.
"Magical constructs of metal and enchanted crystals! These particular models are simple and only have a single function, but we have other types as well to fulfill other tasks. Cooking, spellcasting, gardening, defense, everything that's useful!"
You continue up again. This time the room is filled to the brim with racks of books, looks like some kind of library.
"Tomes, books, scrolls, everything literate goes here. One of our three grand libraries!"
There's another mare and stallion busy here. The former sifting through one of the racks in search of something while the latter is taking his time to read through an old tome.
>>525179
I wave to her. "Hello!"
Turn to the wizard.
"My, Lord Archmage, this is so much to take in at once. Simply amazing."
I wave to her. "Hello!"
Turn to the wizard.
"My, Lord Archmage, this is so much to take in at once. Simply amazing."
>>525180
"The Jade towers are something special, you haven't-"
He trails off as the younger stallion you saw earlier runs over. He stops and bows his head respectfully, then moves over to whisper something in Golden Flux's ear.
"Mmm?… Oh… right-… yeah no-… I see… Yes… of course…"
Both turn to look at you.
"I'm sorry, it seems my attention is needed elsewhere with an urgent matter. Nothing to worry about of course. It's not like the entire building could blow up or anything."
He chuckles and whistles the mare who was sifting through the books over.
"Take over from me for a minute, would you? Make sure to make our guest feel welcome."
She looks at you, then back to him with a nod.
"Alright, sure. Uh… is the western tower safe today?"
Golden Flux nods in reply.
"Yes, don't worry. It'll be fine. There's just some leftover energies floating about."
With that finished, he turns around and fastwalks away with the younger stallion, out of sight.
"The Jade towers are something special, you haven't-"
He trails off as the younger stallion you saw earlier runs over. He stops and bows his head respectfully, then moves over to whisper something in Golden Flux's ear.
"Mmm?… Oh… right-… yeah no-… I see… Yes… of course…"
Both turn to look at you.
"I'm sorry, it seems my attention is needed elsewhere with an urgent matter. Nothing to worry about of course. It's not like the entire building could blow up or anything."
He chuckles and whistles the mare who was sifting through the books over.
"Take over from me for a minute, would you? Make sure to make our guest feel welcome."
She looks at you, then back to him with a nod.
"Alright, sure. Uh… is the western tower safe today?"
Golden Flux nods in reply.
"Yes, don't worry. It'll be fine. There's just some leftover energies floating about."
With that finished, he turns around and fastwalks away with the younger stallion, out of sight.
>>525190
I blink at that question.
"I'm not a magic practitioner, but I wouldn't say I fear it. I respect it and treat it carefully."
I blink at that question.
"I'm not a magic practitioner, but I wouldn't say I fear it. I respect it and treat it carefully."
>>525191
"… Alright. Nice. Follow me then."
She walks up the next set of stairs which leads you to the next floor. Just like the previous one this is filled with racks of books. Instead of head up the next set of stairs however, she leads you through the maze of books until you come face to face with a tunnel. Or rather, one of the bridges you saw earlier, spanning between the towers. Luckily, they aren't opened and exposed, being just as warm and shiny as the rest of the tower.
"I'm taking you to the western tower. Uh… if you see a small ball of light flying around, don't freak out okay?"
"… Alright. Nice. Follow me then."
She walks up the next set of stairs which leads you to the next floor. Just like the previous one this is filled with racks of books. Instead of head up the next set of stairs however, she leads you through the maze of books until you come face to face with a tunnel. Or rather, one of the bridges you saw earlier, spanning between the towers. Luckily, they aren't opened and exposed, being just as warm and shiny as the rest of the tower.
"I'm taking you to the western tower. Uh… if you see a small ball of light flying around, don't freak out okay?"
>>525194
She nods.
"I'm his third cousin thrice removed."
You walk through the tunnel, seeing the storm still raging outside through the windows. Arriving at the western tower safely, you now find yourself in a room filled with glass bottles and vials, carefully placed inside glass cupboards. There are also several tables set up here with equipment placed on top of them. This looks like some kind of alchemical room…
The mare starts digging around inside one of the cupboards.
"Try not to wreck any of these vials, some of them are pretty potent."
She nods.
"I'm his third cousin thrice removed."
You walk through the tunnel, seeing the storm still raging outside through the windows. Arriving at the western tower safely, you now find yourself in a room filled with glass bottles and vials, carefully placed inside glass cupboards. There are also several tables set up here with equipment placed on top of them. This looks like some kind of alchemical room…
The mare starts digging around inside one of the cupboards.
"Try not to wreck any of these vials, some of them are pretty potent."
>>525202
"I wouldn't want to be too much of a bother. I'm just glad to be out of the storm."
"I wouldn't want to be too much of a bother. I'm just glad to be out of the storm."
>>525203
As she keeps digging around, a small ball of blueish light flies past you, landing on the tip of your nose and making it tingle slightly. It looks… like it's made out of pure energy. It's certainly not solid… it doesn't feel solid.
As she keeps digging around, a small ball of blueish light flies past you, landing on the tip of your nose and making it tingle slightly. It looks… like it's made out of pure energy. It's certainly not solid… it doesn't feel solid.
>>525206
It flies up again as you speak, then quickly rushes inside your mouth. You now have a ball of magical energy inside you.
It flies up again as you speak, then quickly rushes inside your mouth. You now have a ball of magical energy inside you.
>>525209
"Mmmm? Ah!"
She finally fishes out a vial of greenish liquid out of the cupboard.
"Here, drink this. Don't worry, it's not harmful. I just want to see how it'll affect a pegasus."
"Mmmm? Ah!"
She finally fishes out a vial of greenish liquid out of the cupboard.
"Here, drink this. Don't worry, it's not harmful. I just want to see how it'll affect a pegasus."
>>525214
She gives you a flat look.
"Try burping. … Actually here-"
She digs out another vial of liquid, this one red.
"Drink this first."
She gives you a flat look.
"Try burping. … Actually here-"
She digs out another vial of liquid, this one red.
"Drink this first."
>>525217
You drink up the red liquid, which actually has a nice spicy taste. The crystal mare looks at you expectantly.
Roll.
You drink up the red liquid, which actually has a nice spicy taste. The crystal mare looks at you expectantly.
Roll.
>>525221
You feel your belly swelling up for a moment and feel a sudden need to burp. Which you do. One mighty burp accompanied with a ball of floating energy later, you're back to normal.
Olivina smiles.
"That works, are you okay?"
You feel your belly swelling up for a moment and feel a sudden need to burp. Which you do. One mighty burp accompanied with a ball of floating energy later, you're back to normal.
Olivina smiles.
"That works, are you okay?"
>>525230
You down the green liquid from the vial and feel something stir deep inside you… but nothing else.
Olivina's grin widens as she looks at you.
"That's amazing!"
Confused, you look yourself over to see if something changed and are quick to spot that your wings are no longer their feathery selves! Instead, they now look like colorful pretty butterfly wings.
"I was sure the potion would just grow you another set of wings, but instead it morphed your current ones."
You down the green liquid from the vial and feel something stir deep inside you… but nothing else.
Olivina's grin widens as she looks at you.
"That's amazing!"
Confused, you look yourself over to see if something changed and are quick to spot that your wings are no longer their feathery selves! Instead, they now look like colorful pretty butterfly wings.
"I was sure the potion would just grow you another set of wings, but instead it morphed your current ones."
>>525237
She nods and moves in to inspect them more closely.
"I don't think you'd be able to fly as well with these as with your actual wings though… they're pretty, but not practical when you already have a set of existing wings."
You do feel lighter… more fluttery.
"The potion will wear out after a few hours… but if you want I could just turn them back to normal right now."
She nods and moves in to inspect them more closely.
"I don't think you'd be able to fly as well with these as with your actual wings though… they're pretty, but not practical when you already have a set of existing wings."
You do feel lighter… more fluttery.
"The potion will wear out after a few hours… but if you want I could just turn them back to normal right now."
>>525242
I flap them.
"Oh no that's fine. You don't always have butterfly wings, I should enjoy it for a little bit."
I flap them.
"Oh no that's fine. You don't always have butterfly wings, I should enjoy it for a little bit."
>>525244
"Alright… I'm sorry to use you like a test subject like this, but pegasi aren't exactly common around here. My curiosity is sated though, please follow me."
She seems friendlier and more open now and leads you out of the room to the upstairs. This level has a large dining table in the middle of the room. Once again some of those pony statues are standing along the walls. Smaller tables surrounded by fluffy couches are set up in the corners and she leads you over to one.
"Go ahead and sit down, I'll make sure you'll get your tea."
She walks over to one of the statues and says something to it, prompting it to start moving! Looks like that's another golem and not just an ordinary statue. The golems lumbers out of the room as Olivine joins you.
"Wont take long, don't worry. I don't know how much longer you're stuck with me, but if you're tired I could make sure you have a room to rest in. We have several unoccupied ones."
"Alright… I'm sorry to use you like a test subject like this, but pegasi aren't exactly common around here. My curiosity is sated though, please follow me."
She seems friendlier and more open now and leads you out of the room to the upstairs. This level has a large dining table in the middle of the room. Once again some of those pony statues are standing along the walls. Smaller tables surrounded by fluffy couches are set up in the corners and she leads you over to one.
"Go ahead and sit down, I'll make sure you'll get your tea."
She walks over to one of the statues and says something to it, prompting it to start moving! Looks like that's another golem and not just an ordinary statue. The golems lumbers out of the room as Olivine joins you.
"Wont take long, don't worry. I don't know how much longer you're stuck with me, but if you're tired I could make sure you have a room to rest in. We have several unoccupied ones."
>>525251
"Oh if it's not too much of a bother. I don't want to disturb all the amazing experiments that are happening here."
"Oh if it's not too much of a bother. I don't want to disturb all the amazing experiments that are happening here."
>>525253
"It's a crazy place we have here, I know. But it's our home. We don't always succeed in reaching our goals, but when we do we find out amazing stuff about the world of magic. We're not… really your average noble family."
"It's a crazy place we have here, I know. But it's our home. We don't always succeed in reaching our goals, but when we do we find out amazing stuff about the world of magic. We're not… really your average noble family."
>>525257
"Yeah we do, they're nice because we don't have to maintain a full staff of ponies to do the chores around here. Some of them are more valuable than the others though."
"Yeah we do, they're nice because we don't have to maintain a full staff of ponies to do the chores around here. Some of them are more valuable than the others though."
>>525267
She nods.
"Everything their owners ask them to. … Everything they're equipped to do, at least."
She gives you a sly wink.
The golem returns with a tray of tea, setting it down onto the table without a word. Smells like…rose hip. The construct returns to his position alongside the wall.
She nods.
"Everything their owners ask them to. … Everything they're equipped to do, at least."
She gives you a sly wink.
The golem returns with a tray of tea, setting it down onto the table without a word. Smells like…rose hip. The construct returns to his position alongside the wall.
>>525280
"Well…I'd love to have one. A mare travelling alone could use some protection. But I'm not sure if I could afford it."
"Well…I'd love to have one. A mare travelling alone could use some protection. But I'm not sure if I could afford it."
>>525283
"Well you could ask Spinel about it, you know, the stallion that was accompanying you and Golden? He's in charge of regulating them and stuff."
"Well you could ask Spinel about it, you know, the stallion that was accompanying you and Golden? He's in charge of regulating them and stuff."
>>525293
"Is there any way I can help you out? I feel like I should repay in some way for all this hospitality."
"Is there any way I can help you out? I feel like I should repay in some way for all this hospitality."
>>525296
"Well there's always the potion testing… or if you're not into that, you could ask one of the other apprentices if they need help. There's several others in this tower alone."
Another one of those energy orbs flies by, prompting Olivine to swat it away with a hoof.
"Stupid wisps."
"Well there's always the potion testing… or if you're not into that, you could ask one of the other apprentices if they need help. There's several others in this tower alone."
Another one of those energy orbs flies by, prompting Olivine to swat it away with a hoof.
"Stupid wisps."
>>525302
"Physical manifestations of pure magical energy. They're attracted to places rich with magic, these towers being one of those for obvious reasons. They're not aggressive, but tend to get in the way and just be a bother to us."
"Physical manifestations of pure magical energy. They're attracted to places rich with magic, these towers being one of those for obvious reasons. They're not aggressive, but tend to get in the way and just be a bother to us."
>>525314
"A little, but not completely remove them. In fact, they're probably the only things who could still get in once that shield is up. Not by just physically flying in, but by taking… the backdoor."
"A little, but not completely remove them. In fact, they're probably the only things who could still get in once that shield is up. Not by just physically flying in, but by taking… the backdoor."
>>525320
"I'm not sure how else to word a transdimensional rift between this universe and a pocket dimension."
"I'm not sure how else to word a transdimensional rift between this universe and a pocket dimension."
>>525324
She nods.
"Thus, a backdoor. Like I said though, it's not like they cause harm. Or much harm anyway."
She glares at the little ball of light.
"They knock stuff over sometimes. That's why those vials downstairs are safely locked away."
She nods.
"Thus, a backdoor. Like I said though, it's not like they cause harm. Or much harm anyway."
She glares at the little ball of light.
"They knock stuff over sometimes. That's why those vials downstairs are safely locked away."
>>525329
"Well, I'll swat one of I see them. Now, would you mind if I looked around the Tower a little bit?"
"Well, I'll swat one of I see them. Now, would you mind if I looked around the Tower a little bit?"
>>525330
"Go ahead. Just be careful not to interfere with any experiments. Explosions would be… problematic."
"Go ahead. Just be careful not to interfere with any experiments. Explosions would be… problematic."
>>525332
You return downstairs and head through the tunnel to the main tower. the stallion that was reading here earlier is still there, but no sign of the stallion who let you in.
You return downstairs and head through the tunnel to the main tower. the stallion that was reading here earlier is still there, but no sign of the stallion who let you in.
>>525339
"Hey, I'm Silk Orchid. I thought I'd introduce myself. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"Hey, I'm Silk Orchid. I thought I'd introduce myself. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
>>525341
He waves a hoof, still looking relaxed.
"Nah, it's cool filly. You need help with something?"
He waves a hoof, still looking relaxed.
"Nah, it's cool filly. You need help with something?"
>>525343
"Acoustics. Er… soundwaves, you know. Working on spells that create specific types of them to manipulate my surroundings."
"Acoustics. Er… soundwaves, you know. Working on spells that create specific types of them to manipulate my surroundings."
>>525350
"Nah filly, that's more of a hobby."
He gets up and stretches a little.
"Right now I'm trying to pinpoint the brown note. It's a hypothetical infrasonic frequency that could cause ponies to lose control of their bowels because of resonance."
"Nah filly, that's more of a hobby."
He gets up and stretches a little.
"Right now I'm trying to pinpoint the brown note. It's a hypothetical infrasonic frequency that could cause ponies to lose control of their bowels because of resonance."
>>525355
He chuckles.
"Hey I know how it sounds. But imagine using a spell like that on a large scale against the enemy during a war. Could be a handy tool of demoralization. But really, the main purpose is it being a test of proof. If soundwaves can effect our bodies that way, we could finetune the spell to do other things as well to act like some kind of alternative therapy for ponies with digestion issues or heart issues or whatever."
He chuckles.
"Hey I know how it sounds. But imagine using a spell like that on a large scale against the enemy during a war. Could be a handy tool of demoralization. But really, the main purpose is it being a test of proof. If soundwaves can effect our bodies that way, we could finetune the spell to do other things as well to act like some kind of alternative therapy for ponies with digestion issues or heart issues or whatever."
>>525365
"Relax filly, it was just an example. Like I said, soundwaves to manipulate the surroundings. I got a spell that allows you to unlock a lock with air vibrations alone."
He looks you over.
"You don't look like you know your magic though, what a pity."
"Relax filly, it was just an example. Like I said, soundwaves to manipulate the surroundings. I got a spell that allows you to unlock a lock with air vibrations alone."
He looks you over.
"You don't look like you know your magic though, what a pity."
>>525366
"Magic has never been my forte. But I'm always fascinated to meet one with such talents."
"Magic has never been my forte. But I'm always fascinated to meet one with such talents."
>>525370
"Mister Golden got called away earlier. Is he working on anything else besides shields?"
"Mister Golden got called away earlier. Is he working on anything else besides shields?"
>>525371
"Not right now, but he's had past projects as well. He helps us out too with our own projects when he can. Once he's finished his he'll publish it, then he'll move on to another."
"Not right now, but he's had past projects as well. He helps us out too with our own projects when he can. Once he's finished his he'll publish it, then he'll move on to another."
>>525373
"For his family and the state. The Flux's are nobles, y'know? Not the biggest family around, but they're all involved in magic. His sister works in Brilliance, a city to the east of here. His mother is the current archmage of the empire."
"For his family and the state. The Flux's are nobles, y'know? Not the biggest family around, but they're all involved in magic. His sister works in Brilliance, a city to the east of here. His mother is the current archmage of the empire."
>>525376
I laugh.
"Say, there was a stallion here earlier who let me inside. Do you know where he went?"
I laugh.
"Say, there was a stallion here earlier who let me inside. Do you know where he went?"
>>525377
"He was doing something with Golden, but he returned to the forge in the eastern tower I think."
"He was doing something with Golden, but he returned to the forge in the eastern tower I think."
>>525378
"Thanks, see you around."
Beam him a smile as I walk away.
What a creep. With all his scat fetishes.
Get to the forge.
"Thanks, see you around."
Beam him a smile as I walk away.
What a creep. With all his scat fetishes.
Get to the forge.
>>525379
You take the other tunnel that leads out of the room you're in, this one leading to the eastern tower. It appears to be… some kind of magical arena! There are seats surrounding a platform situated in the middle, which appears to be surrounded by some kind of magical seethrough shield. Two ponies appear to be battling inside, but no one is watching them.
You take the other tunnel that leads out of the room you're in, this one leading to the eastern tower. It appears to be… some kind of magical arena! There are seats surrounding a platform situated in the middle, which appears to be surrounded by some kind of magical seethrough shield. Two ponies appear to be battling inside, but no one is watching them.
>>525381
There's no one here except for the mages inside the magical shield, who don't seem to hear or notice you. One of the mages shoots a volley of magical missiles at the other, who counters by conjuring a fiery shield to block said missiles.
There's no one here except for the mages inside the magical shield, who don't seem to hear or notice you. One of the mages shoots a volley of magical missiles at the other, who counters by conjuring a fiery shield to block said missiles.
>>525383
No, these are ponies you've not seen before.
You can go up or down from here. Or spectate the battle. Your choice.
No, these are ponies you've not seen before.
You can go up or down from here. Or spectate the battle. Your choice.
>>525385
After blocking the magic missiles, the mare goes on the offense by hurling a ball of magical energy at the stallion. He manages to dodge it only narrowly as the ball explodes where he stood just moments ago. Not wanting to give him time to rest, the mare presses her attack and conjures a flaming spear which she hurls at the stallion. The stallion sends another volley of his own magic missiles at her, just in time to destroy the spear midflight.
After blocking the magic missiles, the mare goes on the offense by hurling a ball of magical energy at the stallion. He manages to dodge it only narrowly as the ball explodes where he stood just moments ago. Not wanting to give him time to rest, the mare presses her attack and conjures a flaming spear which she hurls at the stallion. The stallion sends another volley of his own magic missiles at her, just in time to destroy the spear midflight.
>>525387
There's a table with some refreshments on it. A few cans of water and a large bowl of fruit.
Meanwhile in the arena, the mare has been hit by some of the missiles the stallion sent at her and now seems to have gone on the defensive using her shield. Without a way to get back at the stallion, she seems to be pinned under his constant magical barrage, probably looking for a way out.
There's a table with some refreshments on it. A few cans of water and a large bowl of fruit.
Meanwhile in the arena, the mare has been hit by some of the missiles the stallion sent at her and now seems to have gone on the defensive using her shield. Without a way to get back at the stallion, she seems to be pinned under his constant magical barrage, probably looking for a way out.
>>525389
It appears the mare was simply taking a moment to rest while allowing the stallion to wear himself out. Having successfully kept her shield up, she has come out unharmed and seems to be casting a spell. To your surprise, a pony made out of pure fire materializes in the arena, you assume it to be some kind of conjuration of sorts. The fire pony unleashes a stream of fire at the stallion, who dodges out of the way but still gets his tail burned. The mare seems exhausted too now, the spell having taken a lot out of her.
It appears the mare was simply taking a moment to rest while allowing the stallion to wear himself out. Having successfully kept her shield up, she has come out unharmed and seems to be casting a spell. To your surprise, a pony made out of pure fire materializes in the arena, you assume it to be some kind of conjuration of sorts. The fire pony unleashes a stream of fire at the stallion, who dodges out of the way but still gets his tail burned. The mare seems exhausted too now, the spell having taken a lot out of her.
>>525391
Somehow, she manages to hear your cheering and looks around confused until she sees you. Unfortunately for her, letting her guard down was all the stallion needed as he uses the last of his strength to burrow her under a torrent of magic missiles which slam into her chest. She falls helplessly onto her back and with a flash of light, the fire pony disappears.
Somehow, she manages to hear your cheering and looks around confused until she sees you. Unfortunately for her, letting her guard down was all the stallion needed as he uses the last of his strength to burrow her under a torrent of magic missiles which slam into her chest. She falls helplessly onto her back and with a flash of light, the fire pony disappears.
>>525393
The magic shield around the arena dissipates as the stallion helps the mare back up with a grunt. She seems pretty dazed.
"You alright there Thaumia?"
A few mumbles is all the response he gets as she covers her face in her hooves with a pained groan.
The magic shield around the arena dissipates as the stallion helps the mare back up with a grunt. She seems pretty dazed.
"You alright there Thaumia?"
A few mumbles is all the response he gets as she covers her face in her hooves with a pained groan.
>>525395
The stallion looks you over.
"Hey I haven't seen you around before… and you're a pegasus? Are you a visiting mage from Equestria?"
The stallion looks you over.
"Hey I haven't seen you around before… and you're a pegasus? Are you a visiting mage from Equestria?"
>>525396
"I'm a visitor, yes. But not a mage. My name is Silk Orchid, nice to meet you."
Offer my hoof to help the mare up.
"I'm a visitor, yes. But not a mage. My name is Silk Orchid, nice to meet you."
Offer my hoof to help the mare up.
>>525397
She's already up, the stallion helped her.
She lowers her hooves and squints at you.
"How did you manage to pierce the shield with your voice like that?"
She's already up, the stallion helped her.
She lowers her hooves and squints at you.
"How did you manage to pierce the shield with your voice like that?"
>>525399
"Yeah no kidding… wow, that one hurt."
"Sorry Thaumia, I figured I made sure you were out before your elemental scorched me."
"Yeah no kidding… wow, that one hurt."
"Sorry Thaumia, I figured I made sure you were out before your elemental scorched me."
>>525401
"No I'll be fine, those were practice spells. They can hurt you but they don't do anything serious. Still exhausting though… you just kept going with those missiles!"
"No I'll be fine, those were practice spells. They can hurt you but they don't do anything serious. Still exhausting though… you just kept going with those missiles!"
>>525403
They look at each other for a moment and smile.
"We've been abusing that arena every day for the last few months now. If it wasn't for that shield, I'm pretty sure this tower would have burned down already."
They look at each other for a moment and smile.
"We've been abusing that arena every day for the last few months now. If it wasn't for that shield, I'm pretty sure this tower would have burned down already."
>>525405
"We've got to be ready to defend these towers if the need arises. And it's fun too, the magic duels."
"We've got to be ready to defend these towers if the need arises. And it's fun too, the magic duels."
>>525408
The mare smirks and jabs the stallion in the side with her hoof.
"Nothing wrong with a bit of competition."
He frowns back at her and rubs his side.
"Well you lost the match, Thaumia. That means you get gardening duty tomorrow."
She scrunches in return.
The mare smirks and jabs the stallion in the side with her hoof.
"Nothing wrong with a bit of competition."
He frowns back at her and rubs his side.
"Well you lost the match, Thaumia. That means you get gardening duty tomorrow."
She scrunches in return.
File: 1391293055114.png (11.14 KB, 626x780, Jade towers.png) ImgOps Google
>>525607
"The forge? Yeah, bottom floor of this tower. Hard to miss it."
"The forge? Yeah, bottom floor of this tower. Hard to miss it."
>>525609
You descend down to the level below and find a room almost identical as the one you were just in. A second arena for mages to fight in safely without having to worry about destroying everything within a twenty kilometer radius.
You descend down to the level below and find a room almost identical as the one you were just in. A second arena for mages to fight in safely without having to worry about destroying everything within a twenty kilometer radius.
>>525616
No, you're all alone in here. This tower does a good job of giving you a sense of looming loneliness when there's no one else nearby. Good thing the rooms are all so colorful and lit up, or else this place would look very spooky!
No, you're all alone in here. This tower does a good job of giving you a sense of looming loneliness when there's no one else nearby. Good thing the rooms are all so colorful and lit up, or else this place would look very spooky!
>>525626
You go down the next set of stairs and arrive in a room filled with weapon racks, chests and armor ponequins. You see some heavier stuff like crystal armor and swords, crossbows, hammers and waraxes, all of them having a strange aura to them… those must be enchanted weaponry! There's also quite a lot of light armor and robes on the ponequins in addition to various magical staves and wands lying around on some sturdy tables.
You go down the next set of stairs and arrive in a room filled with weapon racks, chests and armor ponequins. You see some heavier stuff like crystal armor and swords, crossbows, hammers and waraxes, all of them having a strange aura to them… those must be enchanted weaponry! There's also quite a lot of light armor and robes on the ponequins in addition to various magical staves and wands lying around on some sturdy tables.
>>525631
Nobody here. You do spot a few statues standing along the walls though, which you now know to be golems. They kind of look like ponequins wearing armor, but you know better.
The robes are available in various colors. Some of them have hoods, others don't. The material they're made of feels very soft to the touch, but you're unaware of what the fabric exactly is. Some of the robes are decorated with symbols like yellow stars or red hearts. It's actually very cute.
Nobody here. You do spot a few statues standing along the walls though, which you now know to be golems. They kind of look like ponequins wearing armor, but you know better.
The robes are available in various colors. Some of them have hoods, others don't. The material they're made of feels very soft to the touch, but you're unaware of what the fabric exactly is. Some of the robes are decorated with symbols like yellow stars or red hearts. It's actually very cute.
>>525637
You put on a light pink robe with a few red hearts riding on the flankzone. The fabric feels really nice and comfortable. Having one of these and a mug of coco on a cold night would be comfy as fuck.
You put on a light pink robe with a few red hearts riding on the flankzone. The fabric feels really nice and comfortable. Having one of these and a mug of coco on a cold night would be comfy as fuck.
>>525641
It fits you perfectly! Doesn't get in the way of your movement at all, nor is it tight or itchy!
It fits you perfectly! Doesn't get in the way of your movement at all, nor is it tight or itchy!
>>525643
Oh my, I feel in heaven.
But alas, these kinds of things don't last.
Put it back and go into the next level.
Oh my, I feel in heaven.
But alas, these kinds of things don't last.
Put it back and go into the next level.
>>525645
You fold it back up and put it neatly where you found it, then head for the stairs to the next level.
You arrive in a world of workbenches, chipped wood, nails and hammers. A workshop. You see unfinished wands and staves lying around, as well as various pieces of damaged furniture ready for repair. … Looks like these ponies deal with damaged furniture quite a lot.
A crystal mare is busy hammering away some nails into a busted chair.
You fold it back up and put it neatly where you found it, then head for the stairs to the next level.
You arrive in a world of workbenches, chipped wood, nails and hammers. A workshop. You see unfinished wands and staves lying around, as well as various pieces of damaged furniture ready for repair. … Looks like these ponies deal with damaged furniture quite a lot.
A crystal mare is busy hammering away some nails into a busted chair.
>>525659
She stops as you call out to her and wipes her forehead with a hoof. She seems to be sweating a bit from all the hard work. Maybe she's not used to it?
"No actually, not at all."
She points at the workbench.
"This right here is boring and hard work, you know that? … Wait, who are you?"
She stops as you call out to her and wipes her forehead with a hoof. She seems to be sweating a bit from all the hard work. Maybe she's not used to it?
"No actually, not at all."
She points at the workbench.
"This right here is boring and hard work, you know that? … Wait, who are you?"
>>525668
She's actually not all that shiny herself, come to think of it.
"How did you end up here? You're a long way from home… are you a mage too? A traveling mage?"
She's actually not all that shiny herself, come to think of it.
"How did you end up here? You're a long way from home… are you a mage too? A traveling mage?"
>>525671
"Uh…"
She blushes slightly.
"Well… I kind of messed up one of my spells earlier today, which did some damage to the chapel. Because I broke regulations, Golden punished me by making me repair the damage myself instead of having the golems do it…"
She motions at the inactive golems standing around.
"Uh…"
She blushes slightly.
"Well… I kind of messed up one of my spells earlier today, which did some damage to the chapel. Because I broke regulations, Golden punished me by making me repair the damage myself instead of having the golems do it…"
She motions at the inactive golems standing around.
>>525678
"Nonsense, I'd be happy to help. But I have to admit I've never repaired furniture before. Do you have something for a beginner?"
"Nonsense, I'd be happy to help. But I have to admit I've never repaired furniture before. Do you have something for a beginner?"
>>525679
"I hadn't either when I started earlier today."
She motions towards a wooden end table which is missing two of its legs.
"Try that maybe? Grab some nails and a hammer and try to put the legs back on."
"I hadn't either when I started earlier today."
She motions towards a wooden end table which is missing two of its legs.
"Try that maybe? Grab some nails and a hammer and try to put the legs back on."
>>525685
"No problem!"
This shouldn't be too hard.
Just a little roughing it up.
Whack a few nails into that chair '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
"No problem!"
This shouldn't be too hard.
Just a little roughing it up.
Whack a few nails into that chair '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>525696
That's a really sloppy job you did on that one! But it's back on anyway.
Spring finished the chair as well.
"So… how long are you staying here?"
That's a really sloppy job you did on that one! But it's back on anyway.
Spring finished the chair as well.
"So… how long are you staying here?"
>>525702
"Oh my… you know, I'm kind of jealous. I'd love to go out there and explore other lands like Equestria like you evidently are."
"Oh my… you know, I'm kind of jealous. I'd love to go out there and explore other lands like Equestria like you evidently are."
>>525710
She looks at you in confusion for a moment, before a spark of realization lights up her eyes.
"Oh… so you don't like it. Well there is a nasty blizzard going on outside at the moment, true…"
She looks at you in confusion for a moment, before a spark of realization lights up her eyes.
"Oh… so you don't like it. Well there is a nasty blizzard going on outside at the moment, true…"
>>525713
"Oh don't get me wrong, it has it's good moment, but it also has really bad, almost freezing your tail off moments."
"Oh don't get me wrong, it has it's good moment, but it also has really bad, almost freezing your tail off moments."
>>525715
"Well, I'm still kinda jealous you know. I mean sure it has its bads, but it can't snow forever!"
"Well, I'm still kinda jealous you know. I mean sure it has its bads, but it can't snow forever!"
>>525719
"Even if that happened, this place is self-sustainable. We could be trapped here for years and survive without any issues."
"Even if that happened, this place is self-sustainable. We could be trapped here for years and survive without any issues."
>>525721
"Wow. I still can't believe how well organized you are. You have everything one can imagine here."
Try my hoof at more repair work '1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
"Wow. I still can't believe how well organized you are. You have everything one can imagine here."
Try my hoof at more repair work '1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>525723
You make very quick work of repairing the next few pieces of furniture with impressive skill. A chair, a table, a priceless longcase clock… you can fix it!
"Yeah… they spared no expense building this place. Even the mage academy can be jealous of this place."
You make very quick work of repairing the next few pieces of furniture with impressive skill. A chair, a table, a priceless longcase clock… you can fix it!
"Yeah… they spared no expense building this place. Even the mage academy can be jealous of this place."
>>525730
"Well, the Flux's all love magic from what I hear. I mean, his own mother is the current archmage! His uncle and aunt both work in the academy and his sister works in the arcane research department of Brilliance. I'm guessing they have a lot of dosh thanks to all that."
"Well, the Flux's all love magic from what I hear. I mean, his own mother is the current archmage! His uncle and aunt both work in the academy and his sister works in the arcane research department of Brilliance. I'm guessing they have a lot of dosh thanks to all that."