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Aboard the Underseaboat
Lilly has one last chance to sleep or try to stay awake. You'll be landing at Autumnsreach in the early morning, so the rest of you should try to get some shuteye.
Lilly has one last chance to sleep or try to stay awake. You'll be landing at Autumnsreach in the early morning, so the rest of you should try to get some shuteye.
>>641546
If Lilly's going to sleep, I should stay awake for a bit to keep an eye on her. Nightmares aren't fun to have if you feel like you're alone, after all.
If Lilly's going to sleep, I should stay awake for a bit to keep an eye on her. Nightmares aren't fun to have if you feel like you're alone, after all.
>>641547
"Why do you watch the sleeper? It is impolite and 'creepy' where I come from. Is this normal here?"
"Why do you watch the sleeper? It is impolite and 'creepy' where I come from. Is this normal here?"
>>641549
"Because if she has a really bad nightmare, I need to wake her up. And it's not creepy! At least, not when it's 'watching over' as opposed to just 'watching.'"
Scrunch a little.
"Don't ponies in your country watch over ponies who need rest, but might have trouble while they're resting?"
"Because if she has a really bad nightmare, I need to wake her up. And it's not creepy! At least, not when it's 'watching over' as opposed to just 'watching.'"
Scrunch a little.
"Don't ponies in your country watch over ponies who need rest, but might have trouble while they're resting?"
>>641548
>>641549
>>641547
You awaken to the hailing of the bell up above. Looks like Lilly fell asleep early last night. In any case, landing in Autumsnreach marks a number of things to get done. Lilly's mark has inched ever close to the New Moon stage, now nothing but the slightest sliver left. Iga will likely want to seek Equestrian citizenship. Flowing needs to deal with contacts in the Port Authority, so Iga can't count on having access to him.
Hopefully Marina won't have to deal with too many questions regarding the ship – though Irons had the good presence of mind to bring it up long before coming to the port.
>>641549
>>641547
You awaken to the hailing of the bell up above. Looks like Lilly fell asleep early last night. In any case, landing in Autumsnreach marks a number of things to get done. Lilly's mark has inched ever close to the New Moon stage, now nothing but the slightest sliver left. Iga will likely want to seek Equestrian citizenship. Flowing needs to deal with contacts in the Port Authority, so Iga can't count on having access to him.
Hopefully Marina won't have to deal with too many questions regarding the ship – though Irons had the good presence of mind to bring it up long before coming to the port.
>>641548
You had particularly bad nightmares last night, but no matter how scary it got, you could not wake.
When you finally do awake, you strain to recall them, but can't at all.
You had particularly bad nightmares last night, but no matter how scary it got, you could not wake.
When you finally do awake, you strain to recall them, but can't at all.
>>641551
Well shoot. I'd hoped I could have at least reassured Lilly a little while she slept.
And if we dock in a river or something, we won't have to answer questions about the ship! Though that would make dragging the altar a heck of a lot more difficult. So I guess we will have to see the port authority…
Well shoot. I'd hoped I could have at least reassured Lilly a little while she slept.
And if we dock in a river or something, we won't have to answer questions about the ship! Though that would make dragging the altar a heck of a lot more difficult. So I guess we will have to see the port authority…
>>641554
"That's not necessary, but thanks. And I think so. Now we've just to get through the docks and you can see if you can't get citizenship."
"That's not necessary, but thanks. And I think so. Now we've just to get through the docks and you can see if you can't get citizenship."
>>641553
In either case, there's no way you'd transport that big altar into town without being noticed, and you don't exactly know where you're going other than "There's a temple of the moon around Autumnsreach". Irons has the family map, entrusted to him by your mother, so he might fill you in.
In either case, there's no way you'd transport that big altar into town without being noticed, and you don't exactly know where you're going other than "There's a temple of the moon around Autumnsreach". Irons has the family map, entrusted to him by your mother, so he might fill you in.
>>641562
>>641560
Irons seems to have anticipated your arrival. Save for one crewman at the helm, gently guiding the ship into port, the rest of your small crew is lined up at attention near the stairs. The sails are already furled, and you're gently coasting in.
Irons, at parade rest, acknowledge you with the firm and confident nod of a seasoned sailor. "We'll be docking soon, Lady Marina. Shall I organize an escort, given the circumstances?"
Vlad, seemingly from nowhere, drapes a hoof around Marina's shoulder. "I am more than capable of taking care of the fair Princess myself, Captain, thank you for your concern."
Irons scrunches.
>>641563
Ignoring the scene with Marina and co., you instead look off the side of the ship into port. The most obvious sight is the huge Celestial cathedral in the center of the city. The port itself is surprisingly large, and looks well equipped for a place that Lamp Light described as having little trade. There's a very large port authority, as well, which is two stories tall – a good sign of an active port. In the sole legitimate external port out of Neighpon, a city called Nagobana, the Port Authority is four stories tall and gilded with real gold architecture. This port authority gives it a run for its bits, however, graven with quartz reliefs of leaping pegasi and heroic soldiers. Some even have plaques.
>>641560
Irons seems to have anticipated your arrival. Save for one crewman at the helm, gently guiding the ship into port, the rest of your small crew is lined up at attention near the stairs. The sails are already furled, and you're gently coasting in.
Irons, at parade rest, acknowledge you with the firm and confident nod of a seasoned sailor. "We'll be docking soon, Lady Marina. Shall I organize an escort, given the circumstances?"
Vlad, seemingly from nowhere, drapes a hoof around Marina's shoulder. "I am more than capable of taking care of the fair Princess myself, Captain, thank you for your concern."
Irons scrunches.
>>641563
Ignoring the scene with Marina and co., you instead look off the side of the ship into port. The most obvious sight is the huge Celestial cathedral in the center of the city. The port itself is surprisingly large, and looks well equipped for a place that Lamp Light described as having little trade. There's a very large port authority, as well, which is two stories tall – a good sign of an active port. In the sole legitimate external port out of Neighpon, a city called Nagobana, the Port Authority is four stories tall and gilded with real gold architecture. This port authority gives it a run for its bits, however, graven with quartz reliefs of leaping pegasi and heroic soldiers. Some even have plaques.
>>641564
Gently removing the hoof from my shoulder, I'll nod to Irons.
"As Prince Vlad is capable, he is only one pony. So I would appreciate you and another pony coming along with me and Lilly. I'll leave who you bring up to your discretion, Irons. I just hope this is a big noise about nothing, though, since there's no way my description could have gotten this far out and stayed intact, right?"
>>641565
I'll whisper to you.
"If it makes you feel better, I don't much care for it either."
Gently removing the hoof from my shoulder, I'll nod to Irons.
"As Prince Vlad is capable, he is only one pony. So I would appreciate you and another pony coming along with me and Lilly. I'll leave who you bring up to your discretion, Irons. I just hope this is a big noise about nothing, though, since there's no way my description could have gotten this far out and stayed intact, right?"
>>641565
I'll whisper to you.
"If it makes you feel better, I don't much care for it either."
>>641564
It's very kawaii. Perhaps port authority can give me a visa to start with. I will start there.
It's very kawaii. Perhaps port authority can give me a visa to start with. I will start there.
>>641566
Irons coughs. "Autumnsreach is the home of the Office of the Grand Inquisitor, as well as the Office of the Deacon of Holy Information and Communications. One might as well say that it's the headquarters of the Sunblades, if such a shadow organization has a permanent building. The point I'm making here is that we shouldn't underestimate the city. I'm going to leave most of the crew here to make sure nothing is 'investigated' by the port. In any case, Dixie Red has the best reflexes, I'll bring him along to serve as escort. I also have the map the High Priestess entrusted me with."
Vlad gives you a playful smile and fans out his wings.
>>641567
You wander off from the others into the office of the Port Authority. It's quite busy here, with ponies coming and going. Unlike Nagobana's port authority, however, there seem to be few civilians. These ponies seem to know where they're going, heading upstairs or to specific offices. There is a counter in the corner for general use, but no one is even posted at it!
Irons coughs. "Autumnsreach is the home of the Office of the Grand Inquisitor, as well as the Office of the Deacon of Holy Information and Communications. One might as well say that it's the headquarters of the Sunblades, if such a shadow organization has a permanent building. The point I'm making here is that we shouldn't underestimate the city. I'm going to leave most of the crew here to make sure nothing is 'investigated' by the port. In any case, Dixie Red has the best reflexes, I'll bring him along to serve as escort. I also have the map the High Priestess entrusted me with."
Vlad gives you a playful smile and fans out his wings.
>>641567
You wander off from the others into the office of the Port Authority. It's quite busy here, with ponies coming and going. Unlike Nagobana's port authority, however, there seem to be few civilians. These ponies seem to know where they're going, heading upstairs or to specific offices. There is a counter in the corner for general use, but no one is even posted at it!
>>641568
I'm sure he does.
"Well, let's take a quick look at it before we go into port. Lilly will need to know where the shrine is, at any rate, and I'd kind of like to know where my mom lived before everything happened, too. As for the Sunblades, let's just hope we don't run into them. Like, at all."
Scrunch-frown a little.
"Though that might happen when we bring Lamp Light to the Celestial area, since she wanted to go there."
>>641569
He's another seapony.
I'm sure he does.
"Well, let's take a quick look at it before we go into port. Lilly will need to know where the shrine is, at any rate, and I'd kind of like to know where my mom lived before everything happened, too. As for the Sunblades, let's just hope we don't run into them. Like, at all."
Scrunch-frown a little.
"Though that might happen when we bring Lamp Light to the Celestial area, since she wanted to go there."
>>641569
He's another seapony.
>>641572
I'll shake my head.
"And have you get hung up with things? Besides, I get the feeling Lamp Light is going to try to give us the brushoff once she's in sight of the Basilica."
I'll shake my head.
"And have you get hung up with things? Besides, I get the feeling Lamp Light is going to try to give us the brushoff once she's in sight of the Basilica."
>>641569
Dixie Red is a red-colored seapony, the one currently at the helm and not in the lineup. From your casual observances he seems to be a little rowdy. He has spoken up a few times, but you didn't make careful note of what he had to say. Maybe you're just getting too tired. It's not like it would've been hard to learn the names of the twelve crewmen who accompanied Irons.
"A historical shadow organization that operates under Celestia for the covert extension of her faithful. Dishonorable rogues and torturers, frankly. I won't claim to be an expert on history, but if I recall right, their name is a reference to a parallel historical organization - Northblades - that predated them."
>>641570
"From what I can tell, the shrine is actually not in the town proper – it's down here, to the south of town, but very close, practically a stone's throw. The structure of the city will still be visible, that's for sure. It's kind of odd, the map seems to imply the temple is out on the water, but that could be just a method of saving space on the paper. In any case, I think we need to talk about the kid. It might be best to hold onto her until we leave, just so she doesn't blab before we get out. I sympathize with the girl - but your safety comes first."
Vlad shrugs. "I am sure I could make sure she does not talk. I can be very… what is your word? Compelling."
Dixie Red is a red-colored seapony, the one currently at the helm and not in the lineup. From your casual observances he seems to be a little rowdy. He has spoken up a few times, but you didn't make careful note of what he had to say. Maybe you're just getting too tired. It's not like it would've been hard to learn the names of the twelve crewmen who accompanied Irons.
"A historical shadow organization that operates under Celestia for the covert extension of her faithful. Dishonorable rogues and torturers, frankly. I won't claim to be an expert on history, but if I recall right, their name is a reference to a parallel historical organization - Northblades - that predated them."
>>641570
"From what I can tell, the shrine is actually not in the town proper – it's down here, to the south of town, but very close, practically a stone's throw. The structure of the city will still be visible, that's for sure. It's kind of odd, the map seems to imply the temple is out on the water, but that could be just a method of saving space on the paper. In any case, I think we need to talk about the kid. It might be best to hold onto her until we leave, just so she doesn't blab before we get out. I sympathize with the girl - but your safety comes first."
Vlad shrugs. "I am sure I could make sure she does not talk. I can be very… what is your word? Compelling."
>>641571
No one is posted at it. You can see through the opening that there is a whole office back there, with light streaming in through the windows. It's empty inside. Here on the counter there is a strange metallic object - a hemisphere with a protruding pin. There is also a sign-in book, that looks more attuned to ship arrivals than individuals.
No one is posted at it. You can see through the opening that there is a whole office back there, with light streaming in through the windows. It's empty inside. Here on the counter there is a strange metallic object - a hemisphere with a protruding pin. There is also a sign-in book, that looks more attuned to ship arrivals than individuals.
>>641574
"I'm not just going to keep her in the dark, though. If she thinks she's being held prisoner on the boat, won't that just make her more likely to talk about us badly?"
I'll shake my head at Vlad.
"No compelling, or coercing, or anything. We'll ask her if she doesn't mind waiting a bit until Lilly's problem is taken care of, and then we'll bring her there as soon as we're done. That's fair, isn't it?"
"I'm not just going to keep her in the dark, though. If she thinks she's being held prisoner on the boat, won't that just make her more likely to talk about us badly?"
I'll shake my head at Vlad.
"No compelling, or coercing, or anything. We'll ask her if she doesn't mind waiting a bit until Lilly's problem is taken care of, and then we'll bring her there as soon as we're done. That's fair, isn't it?"
>>641574
"Good grief. And they have an office here? I'd almost be tempted to go visit it just to see how they work. I mean do they just have a bunch of clerk ponies doing their paperwork and stuff? Does one of them fetch coffee for everyone during their breaks?"
"Good grief. And they have an office here? I'd almost be tempted to go visit it just to see how they work. I mean do they just have a bunch of clerk ponies doing their paperwork and stuff? Does one of them fetch coffee for everyone during their breaks?"
>>641578
It's metal. The contact with metal causes it to vibrate and you can hear a faint, high-pitched ringing.
>>641576
Vlad raises a brow. "What if she disagrees?"
>>641577
"If they have a headquarters, I doubt it's the kind of place you can wander into. What you're talking about is kinda like the office of communications and information I mentioned earlier."
It's metal. The contact with metal causes it to vibrate and you can hear a faint, high-pitched ringing.
>>641576
Vlad raises a brow. "What if she disagrees?"
>>641577
"If they have a headquarters, I doubt it's the kind of place you can wander into. What you're talking about is kinda like the office of communications and information I mentioned earlier."
>>641579
"Then we say 'please.' She's only a filly, and no one on this ship is going to do anything that would hurt her."
I'll look at Irons.
"Right?"
"Then we say 'please.' She's only a filly, and no one on this ship is going to do anything that would hurt her."
I'll look at Irons.
"Right?"
>>641579
I see. It is a type of bell like the suzu. It makes sense in a religious place.
Tap it again. Harder this time.
I see. It is a type of bell like the suzu. It makes sense in a religious place.
Tap it again. Harder this time.
>>641584
He digs around in a cabinet and retrieves a form. It reads:
"Fill this out and head to the office of conversion. Confessor Malik should be there, third floor, second door on the left, it's 308."
He digs around in a cabinet and retrieves a form. It reads:
APPLICATION FOR SPEEDY CONVERSION
Name:
Country of Origin:
Previous Religion:
Purpose for Immigration:
Intended Residence:
Field of Specialization:
I, the undersigned, do swear to obey the laws and strictures of Equestria and its most holy faith of Celestial Worship. My conversion is in good faith and I affirm without ambiguity that it is my belief that there is solely one divine capable of salvation, and that divine is Princess Celestia of Equestria.
Signature:"Fill this out and head to the office of conversion. Confessor Malik should be there, third floor, second door on the left, it's 308."
>>641587
"Which is why we ask nicely. If she still wants to go, then we can have two of the remaining crew escort her there, and apologize for not being able to deliver her ourselves."
I'll pause for a second.
"Of course, I will ask very nicely that she not mention what we're doing here until after we leave, or at least until after tomorrow. We should be able to drop the slab, restock supplies, and be on our way out of port by then."
"Which is why we ask nicely. If she still wants to go, then we can have two of the remaining crew escort her there, and apologize for not being able to deliver her ourselves."
I'll pause for a second.
"Of course, I will ask very nicely that she not mention what we're doing here until after we leave, or at least until after tomorrow. We should be able to drop the slab, restock supplies, and be on our way out of port by then."
>>641588
Vlad winks. "You are a sneaky one aren't you? And here I was worried you wouldn't have any character. Don't get me wrong, this world needs, ah, what is the word? 'Stuffy' ponies like your captain here."
Irons ignores the comment and starts reorganizing the crew to prepare for shore procedures.
Vlad winks. "You are a sneaky one aren't you? And here I was worried you wouldn't have any character. Don't get me wrong, this world needs, ah, what is the word? 'Stuffy' ponies like your captain here."
Irons ignores the comment and starts reorganizing the crew to prepare for shore procedures.
>>641586
I bow again.
"A thousand thanks."
APPLICATION FOR SPEEDY CONVERSION
Name: 伊賀流 (Iga Ryū)
Country of Origin: Neighpon
Previous Religion: No!
Purpose for Immigration: Work
Intended Residence: Equestria
Field of Specialization: Ninjutsu
I, the undersigned, do swear to obey the laws and strictures of Equestria and its most holy faith of Celestial Worship. My conversion is in good faith and I affirm without ambiguity that it is my belief that there is solely one divine capable of salvation, and that divine is Princess Celestia of Equestria.
Signature:
Iga Ryū
I bow again.
"A thousand thanks."
APPLICATION FOR SPEEDY CONVERSION
Name: 伊賀流 (Iga Ryū)
Country of Origin: Neighpon
Previous Religion: No!
Purpose for Immigration: Work
Intended Residence: Equestria
Field of Specialization: Ninjutsu
I, the undersigned, do swear to obey the laws and strictures of Equestria and its most holy faith of Celestial Worship. My conversion is in good faith and I affirm without ambiguity that it is my belief that there is solely one divine capable of salvation, and that divine is Princess Celestia of Equestria.
Signature:
Iga Ryū
>>641591
"Of course, of course. Shall we disembark, my exotic sea bloom?"
Irons returns with Dixie in tow. "Where do you want to head first? And Lamp Light is still asleep right now, but she could wake at any moment. It's coming on seven or eight in the morning fast."
>>641592
"Just take it up when you're done."
"Of course, of course. Shall we disembark, my exotic sea bloom?"
Irons returns with Dixie in tow. "Where do you want to head first? And Lamp Light is still asleep right now, but she could wake at any moment. It's coming on seven or eight in the morning fast."
>>641592
"Just take it up when you're done."
>>641593
"Well, let's do a quick recon. Check in with the port authorities, find the stretch of beach where the temple should be, get some breakfast…"
"Well, let's do a quick recon. Check in with the port authorities, find the stretch of beach where the temple should be, get some breakfast…"
>>641594
Irons nods. "I've made arrangements with Flowing Tree to check in at the Port Authority for us. Apparently, he knows ponies here, which should help us avoid questions. I have reason to believe he won't betray us… not to the Equestrians, anyway."
Irons nods. "I've made arrangements with Flowing Tree to check in at the Port Authority for us. Apparently, he knows ponies here, which should help us avoid questions. I have reason to believe he won't betray us… not to the Equestrians, anyway."
>>641597
The higher floors seem laid out much less ornately than the primary floor - mostly office space. Confessor Malik's office is a small two-room area with a small two-chair waiting area.
You are immediately stricken, as he stands up and exits his room to greet you, that he is a Saddle Arabian - a horse - looming over you in size. His accent is quite Equestrian, though. "Welcome. How can I help you?"
>>641595
>>641598
Lamp Light is still asleep, so you head out down the southern beach. After a very short walk, Irons stops.
"This should be the place, but if it's underwater, we won't be able to see until we go under."
The higher floors seem laid out much less ornately than the primary floor - mostly office space. Confessor Malik's office is a small two-room area with a small two-chair waiting area.
You are immediately stricken, as he stands up and exits his room to greet you, that he is a Saddle Arabian - a horse - looming over you in size. His accent is quite Equestrian, though. "Welcome. How can I help you?"
>>641595
>>641598
Lamp Light is still asleep, so you head out down the southern beach. After a very short walk, Irons stops.
"This should be the place, but if it's underwater, we won't be able to see until we go under."
>>641601
"Well, we won't be gone too long. Depending on how deep it is, we might be able to get you down there without too much trouble."
"Well, we won't be gone too long. Depending on how deep it is, we might be able to get you down there without too much trouble."
>>641601
>>641600
Vlad also adds: "Perhaps we should send the muscle ahead to scout. You said this was merely reconnaissance, after all, yes? We can enjoy the waves and perhaps look for blooms along the shore."
Irons shakes his head. "It's better if Lilly can visually confirm it. I could lend her my necklace, but I wouldn't want her to remain under for long. In any case… how are we going to get the altar down there? The waves will make it very difficult to transport below, not to mention keeping it from immediately dropping like a rock."
>>641600
Vlad also adds: "Perhaps we should send the muscle ahead to scout. You said this was merely reconnaissance, after all, yes? We can enjoy the waves and perhaps look for blooms along the shore."
Irons shakes his head. "It's better if Lilly can visually confirm it. I could lend her my necklace, but I wouldn't want her to remain under for long. In any case… how are we going to get the altar down there? The waves will make it very difficult to transport below, not to mention keeping it from immediately dropping like a rock."
>>641603
"That could work, I guess."
I'll shake my head at Vlad.
"Business before pleasure, I'm afraid."
Thinking a bit, I'll mull over the options.
"Well, they had to get it out somehow. Maybe the way it was removed is how it'll be returned."
"That could work, I guess."
I'll shake my head at Vlad.
"Business before pleasure, I'm afraid."
Thinking a bit, I'll mull over the options.
"Well, they had to get it out somehow. Maybe the way it was removed is how it'll be returned."
>>641603
"You have a ship that can go underwater! Just attach it with some ropes and get as close to the temple as you can."
"You have a ship that can go underwater! Just attach it with some ropes and get as close to the temple as you can."
>>641605
"Depending on how close to the shore the temple is, we may not be able to maneuver the ship without risking damage, much less underwater."
"Depending on how close to the shore the temple is, we may not be able to maneuver the ship without risking damage, much less underwater."
>>641606
"Well, we're going to have see it first. So let's get to it. We can worry about the how later, after we've got the whole picture."
"Well, we're going to have see it first. So let's get to it. We can worry about the how later, after we've got the whole picture."
>>641608
"The water is my element, you know? Besides, it's been a while since I stretched my flippers. I could use a swim."
"The water is my element, you know? Besides, it's been a while since I stretched my flippers. I could use a swim."
>>641599
i had some internet issues. sorted now.
I stare up at him in complete silence at first. What is this?
"Yes. I have a piece of paper."
i had some internet issues. sorted now.
I stare up at him in complete silence at first. What is this?
"Yes. I have a piece of paper."
>>641611
"It'll be fine. We'll find the temple, find a way in or two, and then head back. This is just recon, after all."
"It'll be fine. We'll find the temple, find a way in or two, and then head back. This is just recon, after all."
>>641617
He chuckles, "Yes, I think I am quite well versed. In any case, my question had a practical nature – I wanted to be sure you understood the document you were signing. It's important."
>>641618
>>641616
It doesn't take much searching after moving underwater – there is a large structure, disguised by coral and sand, with a roughly square-pyramid shape. Based on a walkway stretching from the peak to the shore, it would seem that the temple becomes accessible at low tide.
He chuckles, "Yes, I think I am quite well versed. In any case, my question had a practical nature – I wanted to be sure you understood the document you were signing. It's important."
>>641618
>>641616
It doesn't take much searching after moving underwater – there is a large structure, disguised by coral and sand, with a roughly square-pyramid shape. Based on a walkway stretching from the peak to the shore, it would seem that the temple becomes accessible at low tide.
>>641619
"It is important to me. Equestria is the biggest nation of ponykind. My options are limited."
"It is important to me. Equestria is the biggest nation of ponykind. My options are limited."
>>641621
"Well, very good. In that case, this becomes easier. Do you have any questions before we continue?"
"Well, very good. In that case, this becomes easier. Do you have any questions before we continue?"
>>641624
>>641625
The top of the pyramid is a flat plateau. It seems to have unusual grooves that may be a sort of door, but they are very firmly closed.
>>641625
You also notice what appear to be modern metal pipes jutting out of the side of the highest tier of the pyramid shape, mostly obscured by coral growths. They're as big around as your leg, and there are four of them in a cluster. It doesn't seem to be part of the original architecture.
>>641626
"Canterlot is the name of the city, near the heart of Equestria on the western face of Mount Regnant. We're downriver from there, but you can still get there in a week by ship. And yes, Celestia does officially rule from there, though I believe she spends most of her personal time reigning from her private estate at the peak."
>>641625
The top of the pyramid is a flat plateau. It seems to have unusual grooves that may be a sort of door, but they are very firmly closed.
>>641625
You also notice what appear to be modern metal pipes jutting out of the side of the highest tier of the pyramid shape, mostly obscured by coral growths. They're as big around as your leg, and there are four of them in a cluster. It doesn't seem to be part of the original architecture.
>>641626
"Canterlot is the name of the city, near the heart of Equestria on the western face of Mount Regnant. We're downriver from there, but you can still get there in a week by ship. And yes, Celestia does officially rule from there, though I believe she spends most of her personal time reigning from her private estate at the peak."
>>641627
That's weird. Did someone move in after mom left?
Are they loose, or is there any sort of current coming out of or going into them?
That's weird. Did someone move in after mom left?
Are they loose, or is there any sort of current coming out of or going into them?
>>641629
I'm going to have to get Irons to look at these. Maybe he can make sense of them.
Let's look for alternate entrances.
I'm going to have to get Irons to look at these. Maybe he can make sense of them.
Let's look for alternate entrances.
>>641630
It's difficult to judge, certainly a border case.
>>641631
"She has spent most of the past two years in seclusion, as it is her tradition each century to take personal time for introspection. By all reports, she is better than ever, though. Of course, I speak merely of her mortal form, and not her indefinable divine quantity which is immutable."
>>641632
The pipes themselves might work as an entrance if you were half your size and very limber. Pity Coriander isn't here. He always seemed to have a talent for squeezing things into small places, somehow.
No other parts of the structure stick out as particularly enter-able, though the rock is aged. You might be able to smash in, though that might defeat the purpose of showing penance by returning a stolen slab.
It's difficult to judge, certainly a border case.
>>641631
"She has spent most of the past two years in seclusion, as it is her tradition each century to take personal time for introspection. By all reports, she is better than ever, though. Of course, I speak merely of her mortal form, and not her indefinable divine quantity which is immutable."
>>641632
The pipes themselves might work as an entrance if you were half your size and very limber. Pity Coriander isn't here. He always seemed to have a talent for squeezing things into small places, somehow.
No other parts of the structure stick out as particularly enter-able, though the rock is aged. You might be able to smash in, though that might defeat the purpose of showing penance by returning a stolen slab.
>>641633
Maybe it's one of those stereotypical entrances from the stories that only opens when the moon shines on it…
Maybe it's one of those stereotypical entrances from the stories that only opens when the moon shines on it…
>>641634
There are hollows in the coral, but none of them access the temple. In your investigation of the coral bed, you find several holes in the rock about the size of the pipes you found earlier. But again, you're much too large.
>>641635
"Good, good. I'll just process your paperwork. May I?"
>>641636
Even those usually have you say 'Friend' in Neighponese or something
There are hollows in the coral, but none of them access the temple. In your investigation of the coral bed, you find several holes in the rock about the size of the pipes you found earlier. But again, you're much too large.
>>641635
"Good, good. I'll just process your paperwork. May I?"
>>641636
Even those usually have you say 'Friend' in Neighponese or something
>>641637
Give my paper.
"You may. I have a question that has nothing to do with Celestia or Equestria."
Give my paper.
"You may. I have a question that has nothing to do with Celestia or Equestria."
>>641637
Someone definitely moved in after mom left, then. Meet back up with Lilly, and let's head to the surface.
Someone definitely moved in after mom left, then. Meet back up with Lilly, and let's head to the surface.
>>641641
"Well, there is a front door. Looks like we could reach it by hoof at low tide. One problem, though. I think someone moved in after mom left. There are these weird pipes sticking out of the temple. Definitely not part of the original structure, they're too new."
"Well, there is a front door. Looks like we could reach it by hoof at low tide. One problem, though. I think someone moved in after mom left. There are these weird pipes sticking out of the temple. Definitely not part of the original structure, they're too new."
>>641641
"Not great. I don't know how we're going to get that altar in there without breaking anything…"
"Not great. I don't know how we're going to get that altar in there without breaking anything…"
>>641642
"If it'll surface by low tide, it's definitely too shallow for the boat. On the other hand, we might be able to hoof it over at that time. Low tide should be around noon, about three hours out."
"If it'll surface by low tide, it's definitely too shallow for the boat. On the other hand, we might be able to hoof it over at that time. Low tide should be around noon, about three hours out."
>>641645
I'll nod.
"Then we'll have to deal with the squatter. Or squatters."
Frown a little.
"But that can wait until after breakfast, since we've got three hours to kill. Let's head back to the boat and see if Lamp Light wants to help with the shopping before we deliver her to the Celestials. Going to need to pick up my funds, too."
>>641646
"I… think we might be able to squeeze it through, though it might be tight."
I'll nod.
"Then we'll have to deal with the squatter. Or squatters."
Frown a little.
"But that can wait until after breakfast, since we've got three hours to kill. Let's head back to the boat and see if Lamp Light wants to help with the shopping before we deliver her to the Celestials. Going to need to pick up my funds, too."
>>641646
"I… think we might be able to squeeze it through, though it might be tight."
>>641646
"It'll be a tight fit. Why does the altar have to be so big? I mean we can't even slice a part off of it can we? That would probably anger Nightmare Moon because of official Lunar design violations."
"It'll be a tight fit. Why does the altar have to be so big? I mean we can't even slice a part off of it can we? That would probably anger Nightmare Moon because of official Lunar design violations."
>>641649
"Well that's not great is it? What if they wanted to renovate? They'd be in for a whole lot of bother with that thing sticking around."
"Well that's not great is it? What if they wanted to renovate? They'd be in for a whole lot of bother with that thing sticking around."
>>641651
"No. I am free. Not occupied. It says specialization. I have experience fighting with the katana and shurikens but also without weaponry. Is that prohibited in Equestria?"
"No. I am free. Not occupied. It says specialization. I have experience fighting with the katana and shurikens but also without weaponry. Is that prohibited in Equestria?"
>>641653
"Water can do a whole lot of damage to structures you know. They should've considered that.
Oh and I have some money from Selena with me too."
"Water can do a whole lot of damage to structures you know. They should've considered that.
Oh and I have some money from Selena with me too."
>>641654
"No, I just wasn't sure you were serious. Don't ninjas stay… together? Remaining as part of a clan? Or is that a misconception?"
"No, I just wasn't sure you were serious. Don't ninjas stay… together? Remaining as part of a clan? Or is that a misconception?"
>>641659
"Look, I'm going to be honest. I don't like it. I wouldn't live down there. I mean it looks nice, but there wouldn't be much point to it would there? I can't see it from the outside because I can't breathe underwater. And I mean, those Lunar priests lived down there didn't they? But they haven't been back, so it can't have been that good."
"Look, I'm going to be honest. I don't like it. I wouldn't live down there. I mean it looks nice, but there wouldn't be much point to it would there? I can't see it from the outside because I can't breathe underwater. And I mean, those Lunar priests lived down there didn't they? But they haven't been back, so it can't have been that good."
>>641660
"They haven't been back because almost all of them were hunted down and killed after the whole 'eternal night' thing. And mom probably wouldn't have left without a good reason."
"They haven't been back because almost all of them were hunted down and killed after the whole 'eternal night' thing. And mom probably wouldn't have left without a good reason."
>>641658
"Yes. I am clanless. Ninjutsu is not my occupation, but I am trained to fight like it if I must."
"Yes. I am clanless. Ninjutsu is not my occupation, but I am trained to fight like it if I must."
>>641662
"It says here you were previously an atheist. Do you think this will pose problems with your ability to sustain faith?"
"It says here you were previously an atheist. Do you think this will pose problems with your ability to sustain faith?"
>>641665
If you want.
The ship seems thus-far undisturbed.
>>641666
666 post, coincidence?
Yes
"Hm, well, I suppose there is always time to learn. I'll sign off on this and get you your yellow card. It works as provisional identification while you work on your citizenship. You need to have six months of work in your first year of residence if you want to become a citizen, so bring documentation of your pay when you check in after one year. Other than that, welcome to Equestria."
He smiles and takes your paper back to his office.
If you want.
The ship seems thus-far undisturbed.
>>641666
666 post, coincidence?
Yes
"Hm, well, I suppose there is always time to learn. I'll sign off on this and get you your yellow card. It works as provisional identification while you work on your citizenship. You need to have six months of work in your first year of residence if you want to become a citizen, so bring documentation of your pay when you check in after one year. Other than that, welcome to Equestria."
He smiles and takes your paper back to his office.
>>641668
Lamp Light is awake and putting her things together. She looks up as you descend, but then returns to her work.
Lamp Light is awake and putting her things together. She looks up as you descend, but then returns to her work.
>>641669
"Hey there, Lamp. Don't suppose you'd like to join us for a meal before we drop you off at the Celestial church?"
"Hey there, Lamp. Don't suppose you'd like to join us for a meal before we drop you off at the Celestial church?"
>>641670
He sighs. "You will need to work on those names. Very well then, good luck."
>>641671
Lamp shrugs. "I was thinking I should get back as soon as possible. I stayed up late writing down everything I remember about recent events. The sooner I speak to the monastic liaison, the sooner a recovery mission can start."
He sighs. "You will need to work on those names. Very well then, good luck."
>>641671
Lamp shrugs. "I was thinking I should get back as soon as possible. I stayed up late writing down everything I remember about recent events. The sooner I speak to the monastic liaison, the sooner a recovery mission can start."
>>641672
I'll nod.
"Well, you'll give a better report with a full tummy. I know I would. Besides, there's just one thing I need to ask before we turn you over."
I'll glance at the slab, then back to Lamp.
"Please don't tell them why we came here until after we've saved Lilly's life."
I'll nod.
"Well, you'll give a better report with a full tummy. I know I would. Besides, there's just one thing I need to ask before we turn you over."
I'll glance at the slab, then back to Lamp.
"Please don't tell them why we came here until after we've saved Lilly's life."
>>641673
>>641674
Lamp Light frowns. "I haven't really thought about it. I've been thinking about other things… But, you're not doing anything wrong, right? You're not Lunites, just trying to be rid of a Lunite curse. If anything, the priests here could help you."
Irons and Vlad both glance away in opposite directions.
>>641675
Based on activity on the ship, it looks like they're still aboard. Wow, they're slow!
>>641674
Lamp Light frowns. "I haven't really thought about it. I've been thinking about other things… But, you're not doing anything wrong, right? You're not Lunites, just trying to be rid of a Lunite curse. If anything, the priests here could help you."
Irons and Vlad both glance away in opposite directions.
>>641675
Based on activity on the ship, it looks like they're still aboard. Wow, they're slow!
>>641676
"I'm not really bothered about religion to be fair. I just don't want them to get any wrong ideas."
"I'm not really bothered about religion to be fair. I just don't want them to get any wrong ideas."
>>641676
I'll sigh a bit.
"No, Lamp, we're not doing anything wrong. But we are Lunites. That's why I was so adamant about helping Lilly remove her curse. If we can't make up for the mistakes of the ones who came before us, then Princess Luna would be ashamed to call us followers."
Scrunch a little.
"I'll understand if you can't make a promise like that, but… if you could give us just two days. Two days to break Lilly's curse and disappear."
I'll sigh a bit.
"No, Lamp, we're not doing anything wrong. But we are Lunites. That's why I was so adamant about helping Lilly remove her curse. If we can't make up for the mistakes of the ones who came before us, then Princess Luna would be ashamed to call us followers."
Scrunch a little.
"I'll understand if you can't make a promise like that, but… if you could give us just two days. Two days to break Lilly's curse and disappear."
>>641682
"Isn't it natural to worry about your friends, though? I can worry about myself later."
"Isn't it natural to worry about your friends, though? I can worry about myself later."
>>641683
"That's why I'm worried about you! You gave me transport and food, it would be wrong of me to abandon you."
"That's why I'm worried about you! You gave me transport and food, it would be wrong of me to abandon you."
>>641682
"I mean… I can't even sort out this life yet. What would I be doing worrying about the next?"
"I mean… I can't even sort out this life yet. What would I be doing worrying about the next?"
>>641684
I'll smile at her.
"It's good that you care, Lamp. But, just as your princess provides for you, ours does for us. We won't be left in the cold, I'm sure of it. Besides, it's way too early for either of us to be worrying about the afterlife. Let's just do what good we can while we can, and worry about what comes after that later."
I'll smile at her.
"It's good that you care, Lamp. But, just as your princess provides for you, ours does for us. We won't be left in the cold, I'm sure of it. Besides, it's way too early for either of us to be worrying about the afterlife. Let's just do what good we can while we can, and worry about what comes after that later."
>>641687
"Well I guess that only makes sense. I'm Equestrian and I've got to work too. That's the way it is in Neighpon too isn't it?"
"Well I guess that only makes sense. I'm Equestrian and I've got to work too. That's the way it is in Neighpon too isn't it?"
>>641688
"I have a year time, but I am uncertain about my opportunities. My education was not one to become a craftworker."
"I have a year time, but I am uncertain about my opportunities. My education was not one to become a craftworker."
>>641689
"You can cook can't you? Maybe you can work in a tavern of sorts. Or just become a courier like me if you're in good physical condition."
"You can cook can't you? Maybe you can work in a tavern of sorts. Or just become a courier like me if you're in good physical condition."
>>641686
Roll Persuade
>>641691
Flowing Tree is still absent, he must be with the Port Authority.
>>641688
You are distracted by Irons directing the crew. They're planning to get it all roped up and prepare it for disembarkation. He notices you staring and scoffs. "If you wanted a last chance for personal use, this may be it. I, for one, will be glad to have it off my vessel."
Roll Persuade
>>641691
Flowing Tree is still absent, he must be with the Port Authority.
>>641688
You are distracted by Irons directing the crew. They're planning to get it all roped up and prepare it for disembarkation. He notices you staring and scoffs. "If you wanted a last chance for personal use, this may be it. I, for one, will be glad to have it off my vessel."
>>641945
Lamp scrunches. "Well, I won't lie if they ask how I got here, but I won't bring it up."
Lamp scrunches. "Well, I won't lie if they ask how I got here, but I won't bring it up."
>>641948
"I'm just teasing you, Belle. I suppose you'll be parting from us here, now that you're back home in Equestria and your curse soon to be lifted?"
"I'm just teasing you, Belle. I suppose you'll be parting from us here, now that you're back home in Equestria and your curse soon to be lifted?"
>>641947
I'll smile.
"That's all I can ask. Thank you."
Ruffle her hair a bit.
"Now, let's get you ready for departure, and then we'll all go out for lunch before we drop you off. Is that alright?"
I'll smile.
"That's all I can ask. Thank you."
Ruffle her hair a bit.
"Now, let's get you ready for departure, and then we'll all go out for lunch before we drop you off. Is that alright?"
>>641950
Lamp, as always recoils a bit from the ruffling.
"I don't mean to impose for another meal, I've already had a lot on your bit."
Lamp, as always recoils a bit from the ruffling.
"I don't mean to impose for another meal, I've already had a lot on your bit."
>>641949
"I wish. I've got a whole lot of trouble on my plate even after fixing this. Where will you guys be going?"
"I wish. I've got a whole lot of trouble on my plate even after fixing this. Where will you guys be going?"
>>641951
I'm sure that's just because she's not used to skinship. Definitely not because I'm half-seapony, and a Lunite besides.
"It's no imposition at all. We'd be terrible ponies to send you off hungry, and it's still going to be a few hours until we can take care of Lilly's problem since we have to wait for the tide."
I'll grin a little.
"Besides, this way you'll get to enjoy the sun a little before going back inside for the whole day, since I don't think they'll finish asking you questions until tonight."
I'm sure that's just because she's not used to skinship. Definitely not because I'm half-seapony, and a Lunite besides.
"It's no imposition at all. We'd be terrible ponies to send you off hungry, and it's still going to be a few hours until we can take care of Lilly's problem since we have to wait for the tide."
I'll grin a little.
"Besides, this way you'll get to enjoy the sun a little before going back inside for the whole day, since I don't think they'll finish asking you questions until tonight."
>>641954
Lamp blows her breath a little. "Very well."
>>641956
"Probably not, given that the currents actually follow each coast of the Manesian Sea. We'll likely make a sharp crossing and follow the coast past Bokis Cargo – though with the storm brewing, we may need to swing even wider, as far as Dust. In any case, we go where Miss Marina wants."
Lamp blows her breath a little. "Very well."
>>641956
"Probably not, given that the currents actually follow each coast of the Manesian Sea. We'll likely make a sharp crossing and follow the coast past Bokis Cargo – though with the storm brewing, we may need to swing even wider, as far as Dust. In any case, we go where Miss Marina wants."
>>641959
"No… I don't have much to pack. We should eat sooner, rather than later, though. There are limited Church-approved venues that are… well, not owned by the Church. This is Autumnsreach, you know."
>>641958
"Something bothering you? Reptil is not a very safe port, though we've made port there more times than I can count. It's one of the few places we don't have to put on a charade. I can get out the real log books."
"No… I don't have much to pack. We should eat sooner, rather than later, though. There are limited Church-approved venues that are… well, not owned by the Church. This is Autumnsreach, you know."
>>641958
"Something bothering you? Reptil is not a very safe port, though we've made port there more times than I can count. It's one of the few places we don't have to put on a charade. I can get out the real log books."
>>641960
"One of my sisters lives there and I reckon she needs help urgently. For all I know she might just be my last living family left… well, I think I may have more in Dixie but I've never been there."
"One of my sisters lives there and I reckon she needs help urgently. For all I know she might just be my last living family left… well, I think I may have more in Dixie but I've never been there."
>>641960
"True, but there is a market, right? And I've been dying to cook some more exotic foods. Well, not literally of course, but you know."
I'll giggle a bit.
"But, if there's somewhere you'd like to go, just let me know, okay?"
And with that, I'll go dig out my bag of bits and doubloons from my bunk area.
"True, but there is a market, right? And I've been dying to cook some more exotic foods. Well, not literally of course, but you know."
I'll giggle a bit.
"But, if there's somewhere you'd like to go, just let me know, okay?"
And with that, I'll go dig out my bag of bits and doubloons from my bunk area.
>>641963
"I could put out a good word for you if you like, but I'm not sure if I'm even employed myself anymore at this point to be honest with you."
"I could put out a good word for you if you like, but I'm not sure if I'm even employed myself anymore at this point to be honest with you."
>>641964
"I really don't know. I know my moth- errr… father grew up in Dixie but that's about it."
"I really don't know. I know my moth- errr… father grew up in Dixie but that's about it."
>>641966
"Oh, geez. Um, sorry. I thought moth ponies were, you know, a Breezie Tale. Are you pulling my leg? It's hard to tell sometimes."
"Oh, geez. Um, sorry. I thought moth ponies were, you know, a Breezie Tale. Are you pulling my leg? It's hard to tell sometimes."
>>641969
"No, no, it's just complicated. One of my mothers is really my father, all thanks to that altar."
"No, no, it's just complicated. One of my mothers is really my father, all thanks to that altar."
>>641970
"Autumnsreach is overwhelmingly supported by wheat farms that stretch on for miles out on each side. The only real culinary claim to fame are its great bakeries."
>>641971
The hue of his face chances. You're not sure if he went white or blushed red - it's kind hard to tell with a dark blue coat.
"Ah, oh, sorry I asked."
"Autumnsreach is overwhelmingly supported by wheat farms that stretch on for miles out on each side. The only real culinary claim to fame are its great bakeries."
>>641971
The hue of his face chances. You're not sure if he went white or blushed red - it's kind hard to tell with a dark blue coat.
"Ah, oh, sorry I asked."
>>641965
"It is a chance. I have time. If I help you solve your issue, it will be dealt with faster yes? Perhaps we could work together. A native Equestrian would aid my integration. I will adapt like jungle chameleon."
"It is a chance. I have time. If I help you solve your issue, it will be dealt with faster yes? Perhaps we could work together. A native Equestrian would aid my integration. I will adapt like jungle chameleon."
>>641976
And I'll follow.
As we encounter Lilly and the others, I'll mention our plans.
"Looks like we're going to a bakery. Let's go!"
And I'll follow.
As we encounter Lilly and the others, I'll mention our plans.
"Looks like we're going to a bakery. Let's go!"
>>641978
Righto. There is a newstand at the docks, or you might seek out the local postal office.
>>641977
>>641982
Autumnsreach is decidedly a city-scape, with few patches of grass left unpaved. Rising above the squat, low buildings are the various cathedrals of the complex ecclesiarchy which runs this town and much of the clergy of Equestria. One particularly old looking cathedral stands out - it's far from the tallest or the most opulent, but it is truly ancient. Lamp Light relays: "Saint Radiant's Cathedral is named for an old hero of the northern campaign. According to legend she was raised among Northerners, but came to know their wickedness through divine revelation. It was by her hoof that Celestia could leverage inside knowledge against the north to crack it. Saint Radiant is, therefore, the patron of converts, cold weather, and inexplicably, the ugly. No one knows what the Saint looked like, as her faith was so sincere that she asked all icons of her image be destroyed so as to not distract from Celestia's light."
After some swaying back and forth between two bakeries near a corner, Lamp Light selects one. "I don't remember either of these places by name, but I recommend the Square Bread. You can't get more local."
Righto. There is a newstand at the docks, or you might seek out the local postal office.
>>641977
>>641982
Autumnsreach is decidedly a city-scape, with few patches of grass left unpaved. Rising above the squat, low buildings are the various cathedrals of the complex ecclesiarchy which runs this town and much of the clergy of Equestria. One particularly old looking cathedral stands out - it's far from the tallest or the most opulent, but it is truly ancient. Lamp Light relays: "Saint Radiant's Cathedral is named for an old hero of the northern campaign. According to legend she was raised among Northerners, but came to know their wickedness through divine revelation. It was by her hoof that Celestia could leverage inside knowledge against the north to crack it. Saint Radiant is, therefore, the patron of converts, cold weather, and inexplicably, the ugly. No one knows what the Saint looked like, as her faith was so sincere that she asked all icons of her image be destroyed so as to not distract from Celestia's light."
After some swaying back and forth between two bakeries near a corner, Lamp Light selects one. "I don't remember either of these places by name, but I recommend the Square Bread. You can't get more local."
>>641983
"Then let's try that one!"
I'll think to myself that, if she were the patron of the ugly, maybe that's why she asked for her icons to be destroyed.
"Then let's try that one!"
I'll think to myself that, if she were the patron of the ugly, maybe that's why she asked for her icons to be destroyed.
>>641984
There are a few papers, including smaller fares like Equestria Daily and Pious Periodicals. You deliver all kinds of papers, though the most popular and one you're familiar with by far is the Times.
You can only see the headline and a few minor stories on the front page, but it reads:
>>641986
>>641985
Inside, you are struck by the many different kinds of bread, but perhaps more striking is the total lack of true sweets. No cakes, cupcakes, bear claws, doughnuts, or anything of the sort.
Lamp Light leans up on the glass and points through at some cubic-shaped loafs. "It's delicious. But if you're looking for something different, they have Sourdough, Flatbread, Yeast Bread, White Bread, Pretzels, Rice Bread, Leavened, Unleavened, Soda Bread, Wheat Bread, and even Cornbread, though I wouldn't recommend it."
There are a few papers, including smaller fares like Equestria Daily and Pious Periodicals. You deliver all kinds of papers, though the most popular and one you're familiar with by far is the Times.
You can only see the headline and a few minor stories on the front page, but it reads:
Tourney Champion Usurped>>641986
>>641985
Inside, you are struck by the many different kinds of bread, but perhaps more striking is the total lack of true sweets. No cakes, cupcakes, bear claws, doughnuts, or anything of the sort.
Lamp Light leans up on the glass and points through at some cubic-shaped loafs. "It's delicious. But if you're looking for something different, they have Sourdough, Flatbread, Yeast Bread, White Bread, Pretzels, Rice Bread, Leavened, Unleavened, Soda Bread, Wheat Bread, and even Cornbread, though I wouldn't recommend it."
>>641987
Well, it's a bakery, not a patisserie. Maybe the bread's just really, really good?
Hmm.
"Well, why don't we just get a bunch and try everything?"
Well, it's a bakery, not a patisserie. Maybe the bread's just really, really good?
Hmm.
"Well, why don't we just get a bunch and try everything?"
>>641990
I'll grin at her.
"Not if we split it all between us ponies. And we'd save some for Lilly, too."
I'll grin at her.
"Not if we split it all between us ponies. And we'd save some for Lilly, too."
>>641990
Five bits is outrageous! I'd rather go to the post office in that case. At least I'll support my fellow mailponies that way.
Shoot the stallpony a very disapproving look!
Five bits is outrageous! I'd rather go to the post office in that case. At least I'll support my fellow mailponies that way.
Shoot the stallpony a very disapproving look!
>>641994
You make quick work of the clearly labeled streets and navigate to the office of mail, which is an office inside the Bureau of Information. That's not even subtle! Whatever the case, your key works, and you're able to access the mail office. As usual, you have access to coffee and unseasonably warm pockets. You're feeling pretty well rested after last night's sleep.
This place looks kinda abandoned though. No mail in or out, which is odd for a city this big. There are some extras of the national newspapers left over, though. The Times has the same headline as before, so you confirm it as current at a glance.
>>641995
"Alright, that'll be…"
She does some arithmetic in her head. "Twenty five bits."
You have 123.
>>641996
"Are you from Neighpon? We have ricebread."
You make quick work of the clearly labeled streets and navigate to the office of mail, which is an office inside the Bureau of Information. That's not even subtle! Whatever the case, your key works, and you're able to access the mail office. As usual, you have access to coffee and unseasonably warm pockets. You're feeling pretty well rested after last night's sleep.
This place looks kinda abandoned though. No mail in or out, which is odd for a city this big. There are some extras of the national newspapers left over, though. The Times has the same headline as before, so you confirm it as current at a glance.
>>641995
"Alright, that'll be…"
She does some arithmetic in her head. "Twenty five bits."
You have 123.
>>641996
"Are you from Neighpon? We have ricebread."
>>641997
Good! Weird that this place is so calm though.
Flip through the times then. See what I can find.
Roll #1 1 = 1
Good! Weird that this place is so calm though.
Flip through the times then. See what I can find.
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>642000
"Three bits for a serving for one, which is two slices."
>>641998
The cook begins transferring over a large number of baked goods – as promised, one of each type.
Lamp tears a Square Bread in half and nearly inhales it with voracious appetite.
>>641999
"Three bits for a serving for one, which is two slices."
>>641998
The cook begins transferring over a large number of baked goods – as promised, one of each type.
Lamp tears a Square Bread in half and nearly inhales it with voracious appetite.
>>641999
Additional Storms Forecasted
Mercenary Work To Open: Ponish Crusade
Whinneapolis Riots Crushed
Middle Seas League Quarterly Earnings Report
Manako Group Chair to Speak at Conference>>642001
If there are any tables nearby, then we should set up there. Then I'll divvy up the rest of the square bread, setting a piece aside for Lilly.
If there are any tables nearby, then we should set up there. Then I'll divvy up the rest of the square bread, setting a piece aside for Lilly.
>>642003
The Pious Periodical isn't even stocked here, and the Equestria Daily has devoted yet ANOTHER issue to some random magician.
There might be some more indie stock in the back if you rifle through the lockers, though. It's a little trade secret that mailponies have the best taste in news, though you'd have to "borrow" someone else's stuff. Not that they'd probably find out.
>>642002
Just a two-pony table, but the cook brings out a third chair for you.
Lamp seems content to watch you eat, having eaten what is probably a lot for a monk.
The Pious Periodical isn't even stocked here, and the Equestria Daily has devoted yet ANOTHER issue to some random magician.
There might be some more indie stock in the back if you rifle through the lockers, though. It's a little trade secret that mailponies have the best taste in news, though you'd have to "borrow" someone else's stuff. Not that they'd probably find out.
>>642002
Just a two-pony table, but the cook brings out a third chair for you.
Lamp seems content to watch you eat, having eaten what is probably a lot for a monk.
>>642004
"Don't hold yourself back on my account, Lamp. You probably won't get another chance to splurge like this for a good long time."
Next up after the square bread is the sourdough, then the flatbread, then the yeast, white, rice, leavened and unleavened, soda, wheat, the cornbread, and finally finish off with the pretzel.
Make certain there's some left for Lilly, though.
"Don't hold yourself back on my account, Lamp. You probably won't get another chance to splurge like this for a good long time."
Next up after the square bread is the sourdough, then the flatbread, then the yeast, white, rice, leavened and unleavened, soda, wheat, the cornbread, and finally finish off with the pretzel.
Make certain there's some left for Lilly, though.
>>642005
Nope! Looks like you're probably bumming Marina's ricebread.
>>642006
Hey, yesterday's issue of Horse News. It's a good source, but they insist on printing in green ink, so sometimes it's a little slow to report.
>>642007
Iga is staring at your portions hungrily!
Lamp shrugs. "I fill up easily."
Nope! Looks like you're probably bumming Marina's ricebread.
>>642006
Hey, yesterday's issue of Horse News. It's a good source, but they insist on printing in green ink, so sometimes it's a little slow to report.
Redist Uprisings Growing in Impact
Price Hikes Continue
Middle Seas Report Breakdown: What YOU Need To Know
Why Equestria Daily Sucks
Tech News: Belle Rod Finds New Use>>642007
Iga is staring at your portions hungrily!
Lamp shrugs. "I fill up easily."
>>642008
Good thing she was included in the divvying up process.
"Well, Lamp, if you want to save some for later, go right ahead."
Good thing she was included in the divvying up process.
"Well, Lamp, if you want to save some for later, go right ahead."
>>642010
>>642009
Lamp Light nods and takes some sourdough.
>>642011
Hm… You won't say it tastes like home, but it does taste like rice.
Redist Uprising Growing in Impact
I just returned from Los Pegasus with a story you wouldn't believe. A riot like the one currently brewing in Whinneapolis is practically expected: it's in the heartland of middle Equestria - one of the communities hit hardest by what Staff Economist Even Scales refers to as a 'Price Revolution'. Food prices should normally buoy a community such as this, but the growth of assembly line jobs and reduced reliance on farming means that workers are continuing to be shafted. Rioters call for reform to wages.
This is not the spectacular part, however. One might expect these riots in landlocked regions like the aforementioned, or industral-complex cities such as Anneiv, but here in Los Pegasus, the heart of entertainment and leisure, Redist ideology grows in popularity. These are ponies with the least to gain - and those that shape culture.
Equestrian leadership continues to refuse to acknowledge Redism as an ideology or movement - something that could threaten Equestrian integrity in the long run.>>642009
Lamp Light nods and takes some sourdough.
>>642011
Hm… You won't say it tastes like home, but it does taste like rice.
>>642012
Wow… I bet Red has a lot of enemies now. But this doesn't really help me much right now.
What's this article with my name in it though? Belle rod? Is that a typo?
Wow… I bet Red has a lot of enemies now. But this doesn't really help me much right now.
What's this article with my name in it though? Belle rod? Is that a typo?
>>642012
Time to make some light conversation.
"So all of this bread comes from wheat? Maybe I should try and find a sack of seeds for my brother, so he can set some up back home."
Time to make some light conversation.
"So all of this bread comes from wheat? Maybe I should try and find a sack of seeds for my brother, so he can set some up back home."
>>642012
It is good enough to please me.
Maybe I should hunt for jobs while I'm in this city. I don't know what the Equestrian job market is like right now. Have we come across any 'now hiring' signs so far?
It is good enough to please me.
Maybe I should hunt for jobs while I'm in this city. I don't know what the Equestrian job market is like right now. Have we come across any 'now hiring' signs so far?
>>642014
"Not all of it, some from corn or rice, and stuff like that."
>>642013
>>642015
None at all, which is… not INCREDIBLY strange, you were told this was an unusual city in terms of job market. It is discouraging, though.
"Not all of it, some from corn or rice, and stuff like that."
>>642013
Tech News: Belle Rod Finds New Use
A spokesman for the Manako Group was willing to speak to me outside the headquarters of the illustrious invention engine yesterday, while preparing for an upcoming conference, believed by this reporter to be the annual Lubuck Technical Conference that thus-far has gone unattended by the essence giant in the past. When questioned, the source, who prefers to remain unnamed, confirmed that the Manako Group is currently in talks to acquire rights - or license - to the Belle Rod, which found its start in Dixie City just over two decades ago. For those with foggy memories, the Belle Rod is cited by magical expert Grave Channels as being arguably the main reason, besides the barrier of the Manesian, that Dixie has remained free of Equestrian imperialism. What applications it has in the field of electrical essence, however, remain unknown.>>642015
None at all, which is… not INCREDIBLY strange, you were told this was an unusual city in terms of job market. It is discouraging, though.
>>642016
"Neat."
I'll nibble a bit on my portions.
"So, with that much bread, sweet shops must be a given, right?"
"Neat."
I'll nibble a bit on my portions.
"So, with that much bread, sweet shops must be a given, right?"
>>642017
"Not really. Sweet bread is about all. The Church doesn't approve of tempting patrons into gluttony."
"Not really. Sweet bread is about all. The Church doesn't approve of tempting patrons into gluttony."
>>642016
Dixie huh? That can't be a coincidence. Over twenty years ago… so this thing is about as old as I am! I may need to visit that place some time to see if I have any relatives there who still live.
Dixie huh? That can't be a coincidence. Over twenty years ago… so this thing is about as old as I am! I may need to visit that place some time to see if I have any relatives there who still live.
>>642018
"No sweets?"
I'll raise an eyebrow.
"But what about cakes, or cookies, or anything for celebrations?"
"No sweets?"
I'll raise an eyebrow.
"But what about cakes, or cookies, or anything for celebrations?"
>>642022
Anyway, the other stories don't really seem important. Maybe the Middle Seas one? Any mention of Red or Reptil there?
Anyway, the other stories don't really seem important. Maybe the Middle Seas one? Any mention of Red or Reptil there?
>>642026
Put it back where I found it. I've got nothing more to seek here. Where do I check for packages that need to be delivered and stuff? I want to check if there's outbound mail to Reptil or the new world.
Put it back where I found it. I've got nothing more to seek here. Where do I check for packages that need to be delivered and stuff? I want to check if there's outbound mail to Reptil or the new world.
>>642026
"I'll just see if I can get a basket to carry the rest of this out in, and then we'll be on our way. And you were right, this bread really is good."
Head over to counter.
"Pardon me, but you wouldn't happen to have a basket or something I could carry the rest of this out in? It seems our fourth didn't catch up with us in time."
"I'll just see if I can get a basket to carry the rest of this out in, and then we'll be on our way. And you were right, this bread really is good."
Head over to counter.
"Pardon me, but you wouldn't happen to have a basket or something I could carry the rest of this out in? It seems our fourth didn't catch up with us in time."
>>642029
"I hadn't really thought about it, but none of the monks were fat. We have strict vows of hunger. Well, technically I didn't have to take the vows, as I am not of age…"
>>642028
A basket is produced. "Come again."
>>642027
There's nothing incoming or outgoing. Maybe someone already handled it today.
"I hadn't really thought about it, but none of the monks were fat. We have strict vows of hunger. Well, technically I didn't have to take the vows, as I am not of age…"
>>642028
A basket is produced. "Come again."
>>642027
There's nothing incoming or outgoing. Maybe someone already handled it today.
>>642030
Smile brightly.
"Thank you, and I'll try."
Once everything is stowed in the basket, we'll be ready to go. Onward to St. Radiant's, I guess. If that's where Lamp wants to go.
Smile brightly.
"Thank you, and I'll try."
Once everything is stowed in the basket, we'll be ready to go. Onward to St. Radiant's, I guess. If that's where Lamp wants to go.
>>642032
I reckon there's still some time before the tide has lowered enough. Is Irons around?
I reckon there's still some time before the tide has lowered enough. Is Irons around?
>>642037
"I'll be honest, I'm not much wiser than when I left. … Do you know what a Belle rod is?"
"I'll be honest, I'm not much wiser than when I left. … Do you know what a Belle rod is?"
>>642040
"Some sort of magical device… I read something about it and I think a relative of mine made it."
"Some sort of magical device… I read something about it and I think a relative of mine made it."
>>642040
"You're welcome, Lamp Light. And if you ever want to get in touch with us again, well, I'll figure out a reliable way to get mail at our underwater city. Throwing bottles out into the tide only goes so far."
I'll laugh a little.
"You're welcome, Lamp Light. And if you ever want to get in touch with us again, well, I'll figure out a reliable way to get mail at our underwater city. Throwing bottles out into the tide only goes so far."
I'll laugh a little.
>>642047
>>642048
>>642049
>>642046
You reconvene, and without further ado, head down to the temple. The top tier is now slightly revealed, and there is a stone path leading out to it from shore. While the crew begins carefully unloading the altar, it's up to you to try to penetrate the outer door.
To your surprise, when you approach, the door is open – slid open by some mechanism. Nolo contesto. From here, you can access a square spiral staircase that leads down about six meters into an antechamber that has a more natural, horizontal door.
>>642048
>>642049
>>642046
You reconvene, and without further ado, head down to the temple. The top tier is now slightly revealed, and there is a stone path leading out to it from shore. While the crew begins carefully unloading the altar, it's up to you to try to penetrate the outer door.
To your surprise, when you approach, the door is open – slid open by some mechanism. Nolo contesto. From here, you can access a square spiral staircase that leads down about six meters into an antechamber that has a more natural, horizontal door.
>>642051
Well, let's eyeball the door. Is the altar even going to fit, or are we gonna have to tilt it or something?
Well, let's eyeball the door. Is the altar even going to fit, or are we gonna have to tilt it or something?
>>642052
The door is double-wide: it looks wide enough by far. Closer examination reveals that it has been shored up with metal parts. Someone reinforced this door while keeping the original stone as an outer facade.
The door is double-wide: it looks wide enough by far. Closer examination reveals that it has been shored up with metal parts. Someone reinforced this door while keeping the original stone as an outer facade.
>>642053
Someone's definitely been living here.
"Okay, let's get it down there. And be alert, whoever moved into the place after it was abandoned might still be there."
Someone's definitely been living here.
"Okay, let's get it down there. And be alert, whoever moved into the place after it was abandoned might still be there."
>>642060
More of those weird holes…
"Watch your step, who knows what's in those holes."
Let's open that door.
More of those weird holes…
"Watch your step, who knows what's in those holes."
Let's open that door.
>>642061
The door curiously does not have hoof-holds, and seems to shut in the form of two halves sliding into place horizontally in the center instead of swinging open either way.
The door curiously does not have hoof-holds, and seems to shut in the form of two halves sliding into place horizontally in the center instead of swinging open either way.
>>642062
Hmm. Means we're going to have to pull it open, and it probably won't stay open.
"Lilly, could you pull that side while I pull this one?"
Hmm. Means we're going to have to pull it open, and it probably won't stay open.
"Lilly, could you pull that side while I pull this one?"
>>642065
>>642064
The door, although at first firmly shut, gives about an inch. You can see a strange leathery material behind it forming a sealing buffer.
As it gives, you hear mechanisms beginning to move. There's a deep rumbling sound. The resistance from the doorway gives way, and it slides open – but as it does so, the roof slides closed above you. Irons & Co shout in protest as they're locked out.
At least the altar was already lowered in.
>>642064
The door, although at first firmly shut, gives about an inch. You can see a strange leathery material behind it forming a sealing buffer.
As it gives, you hear mechanisms beginning to move. There's a deep rumbling sound. The resistance from the doorway gives way, and it slides open – but as it does so, the roof slides closed above you. Irons & Co shout in protest as they're locked out.
At least the altar was already lowered in.
>>642066
Well, that's no good! Just the three of us can't move that thing but so far, especially down stairs. Slide it shut again, see if that opens the door topside.
Well, that's no good! Just the three of us can't move that thing but so far, especially down stairs. Slide it shut again, see if that opens the door topside.
>>642069
"Looks like the inner and outer doors are linked. One's open, the other's shut. So we're all gonna have to squeeze in here if we want to get this done before the tide comes back in."
"Looks like the inner and outer doors are linked. One's open, the other's shut. So we're all gonna have to squeeze in here if we want to get this done before the tide comes back in."
>>642072
I'll nod.
"Probably. Wonder if it was part of the temple before, or if it's a result of our mysterious squatter. At any rate, let's all get in here so we can open the thing up without cutting anyone off."
I'll nod.
"Probably. Wonder if it was part of the temple before, or if it's a result of our mysterious squatter. At any rate, let's all get in here so we can open the thing up without cutting anyone off."
>>642074
"So that just reinforces the idea of someone moving in. Or some group of ponies. Let's keep our ears open and eyes sharp."
"So that just reinforces the idea of someone moving in. Or some group of ponies. Let's keep our ears open and eyes sharp."
>>642073
"Just the three of us, then. The ship has to be kept manueverable while the tide comes back in."
Vlad, Dixie, and Many all come down. They'll be occupied with transporting the altar, so escort them carefully.
"Just the three of us, then. The ship has to be kept manueverable while the tide comes back in."
Vlad, Dixie, and Many all come down. They'll be occupied with transporting the altar, so escort them carefully.
>>642077
>>642078
Inward you go.
Ruins Entrance
This room would be totally dark, if not for the light being cast by the opened door. The room is roughly six meters by six meters. There are no apparent hostiles. This room is decorated in dull tan stone with two tile murals in quartz on the left and right walls respectively. There is a door directly ahead.
>>642078
Inward you go.
Ruins Entrance
This room would be totally dark, if not for the light being cast by the opened door. The room is roughly six meters by six meters. There are no apparent hostiles. This room is decorated in dull tan stone with two tile murals in quartz on the left and right walls respectively. There is a door directly ahead.
>>642080
The left mural appears to be of Luna, or Nightmare Moon. It's difficult to tell in the depiction, as it is a silhouette.
The right mural depicts a crescent moon. Waxing or waning, who can say? A moon expert.
The left mural appears to be of Luna, or Nightmare Moon. It's difficult to tell in the depiction, as it is a silhouette.
The right mural depicts a crescent moon. Waxing or waning, who can say? A moon expert.
>>642082
There are traces of driftwood in the room, but nothing to light the damp wood with.
There are traces of driftwood in the room, but nothing to light the damp wood with.
>>642081
I'll assume Luna. And if the crescent makes a "b", then it's waxing, if it's a "d" then it's waning.
I'll assume Luna. And if the crescent makes a "b", then it's waxing, if it's a "d" then it's waning.
>>642085
"Well, we can see underwater fine, though it's nice to have a light source…"
Grimace a bit, then check out the door.
"Maybe we'll get lucky and there will be torches further in?"
"Well, we can see underwater fine, though it's nice to have a light source…"
Grimace a bit, then check out the door.
"Maybe we'll get lucky and there will be torches further in?"
>>642091
>>642090
Ruined Gallery
This room is quite elongated. It extends to your left and right about twelve meters in either direction, but it is only six meters deep. The wall is covered in similar mosaics of random Lunar significance. The hallway bends left on your far left and right on your far right – the makings of half of a square. This room is illuminated by small orbs that emit a buzzing sound. They appear to be strung up along the walls, clustered near image sites – they are connected by some sort of string, which trails off to the left and around the corner.
>>642090
Ruined Gallery
This room is quite elongated. It extends to your left and right about twelve meters in either direction, but it is only six meters deep. The wall is covered in similar mosaics of random Lunar significance. The hallway bends left on your far left and right on your far right – the makings of half of a square. This room is illuminated by small orbs that emit a buzzing sound. They appear to be strung up along the walls, clustered near image sites – they are connected by some sort of string, which trails off to the left and around the corner.
>>642093
These orbs are spherical and made of common glass. They contain what appears to be a small lightning bolt. It emits an irritating droning sound, and is hot to the touch.
These orbs are spherical and made of common glass. They contain what appears to be a small lightning bolt. It emits an irritating droning sound, and is hot to the touch.
>>642096
"You're kidding! How'd they- no that doesn't matter right now, what matters is that someone put them here. So we've got to do this quick before they notice we're here."
I'll motion the other three forward, and I'll make sure to test the floor in front of them so that there aren't any traps or tripwires or things.
"You're kidding! How'd they- no that doesn't matter right now, what matters is that someone put them here. So we've got to do this quick before they notice we're here."
I'll motion the other three forward, and I'll make sure to test the floor in front of them so that there aren't any traps or tripwires or things.
>>642097
"I think you're going to have to choose a direction - unless you think this is a hidden door. Looks like a wall to me, though."
"I think you're going to have to choose a direction - unless you think this is a hidden door. Looks like a wall to me, though."
>>642098
"I… I knew that! We'll go left! I was just making sure you guys had a safe space to turn at!"
Blush a bit, and start down the left fork.
"I… I knew that! We'll go left! I was just making sure you guys had a safe space to turn at!"
Blush a bit, and start down the left fork.
>>642099
>>642100
Study Access
You come to a staircase – it heads down, at a rather sharp pace. More orbs are strung along the wall here. The string that binds them each in turn sharply ends here - leading off into a doorway about halfway down. This, unlike the first door you encountered, is actually a real door. Wood and everything. It's closed. The stairs continue past that landing without any further ado, to a final landing at a much lower altitude, where there is another turn – to the left.
>>642100
Study Access
You come to a staircase – it heads down, at a rather sharp pace. More orbs are strung along the wall here. The string that binds them each in turn sharply ends here - leading off into a doorway about halfway down. This, unlike the first door you encountered, is actually a real door. Wood and everything. It's closed. The stairs continue past that landing without any further ado, to a final landing at a much lower altitude, where there is another turn – to the left.
>>642101
Well, no sense prying in there yet, not while we're carrying the altar.
Let's keep going down.
Well, no sense prying in there yet, not while we're carrying the altar.
Let's keep going down.
>>642102
Upper Atrium Access
You arrive at the bottom of the stairs, turning left. From here, the hallway continues 24 meters ahead of you. Half way, there are exits to the left and right. All the way at the end, there is an exit to the left. Both of the left exits are stairs - the first down, the second up. The one on the right is not a stairway, and instead leads into a room that does not appear to be lit. The light orbs trail and up both stairs to the left.
Upper Atrium Access
You arrive at the bottom of the stairs, turning left. From here, the hallway continues 24 meters ahead of you. Half way, there are exits to the left and right. All the way at the end, there is an exit to the left. Both of the left exits are stairs - the first down, the second up. The one on the right is not a stairway, and instead leads into a room that does not appear to be lit. The light orbs trail and up both stairs to the left.
>>642111
It doesn't want to release easily, and it is very hot to the touch. You almost burn yourself. Maybe with a little experimentation you could work it off the line.
It doesn't want to release easily, and it is very hot to the touch. You almost burn yourself. Maybe with a little experimentation you could work it off the line.
>>642693
I'll think for a second.
"What if we used a saddlebag, or my purse, as a sort of oven mitt? Would that work?"
I'll think for a second.
"What if we used a saddlebag, or my purse, as a sort of oven mitt? Would that work?"
>>642695
"Unfortunately, we don't have any torches either. Which was kind of silly of us, after you think on it."
"Unfortunately, we don't have any torches either. Which was kind of silly of us, after you think on it."
>>642699
You break off a leg and light it. The table rattles incessantly, missing one of its legs.
You break off a leg and light it. The table rattles incessantly, missing one of its legs.
>>642701
The room is too large for one torch to light it fully. It appears to be a meeting hall of some sort - or was a meeting hall of some sort. You see two long rows of wooden tables.
The room is too large for one torch to light it fully. It appears to be a meeting hall of some sort - or was a meeting hall of some sort. You see two long rows of wooden tables.
>>642703
You wander more deeply into the room. There doesn't appear to be a back exit of any sort – in fact, the room seems rather sparse. Based on the dust in the room, it looks like some things may have been removed from the room, but nothing of the size or shape of the altar.
You wander more deeply into the room. There doesn't appear to be a back exit of any sort – in fact, the room seems rather sparse. Based on the dust in the room, it looks like some things may have been removed from the room, but nothing of the size or shape of the altar.
>>642705
"Okay. We should probably see how far the stairs going down go, so that Irons, Vlad, and Dixie don't start thinking too terribly about us."
"Okay. We should probably see how far the stairs going down go, so that Irons, Vlad, and Dixie don't start thinking too terribly about us."
>>642708
Crossways Access
You continue down the stairs for a way until you come to what appears to be an impromptu barricade. It is built out of what appear to be racks, barrels, and crates in good condition. It is not particularly hard to cross while unhindered by combat, but it would make a difficult bottleneck to overcome in a fight.
Crossways Access
You continue down the stairs for a way until you come to what appears to be an impromptu barricade. It is built out of what appear to be racks, barrels, and crates in good condition. It is not particularly hard to cross while unhindered by combat, but it would make a difficult bottleneck to overcome in a fight.
>>642709
And a pain in the ass for the altar to get over.
"Well, I guess we're going to have to clear a path for the guys."
And a pain in the ass for the altar to get over.
"Well, I guess we're going to have to clear a path for the guys."
>>642709
"This looks ominous. Why did they build barricades?
… Could this place be infested with those same things we saw at the monastery?"
"This looks ominous. Why did they build barricades?
… Could this place be infested with those same things we saw at the monastery?"
>>642711
"I really hope not, because if they are down here, we won't be able to use the sun to drive them back."
Let's start moving barrels…
"I really hope not, because if they are down here, we won't be able to use the sun to drive them back."
Let's start moving barrels…
>>642712
They're not bolted down, but they appear to be filled with sand. One bears an MSL symbol.
They're not bolted down, but they appear to be filled with sand. One bears an MSL symbol.
>>642713
Barrels of sand? Well, I suppose they'd be able to take a better hit than leaving them empty.
Next are the racks.
Barrels of sand? Well, I suppose they'd be able to take a better hit than leaving them empty.
Next are the racks.
>>642717
"I'm not sure. I think it's a brand? Sometimes workshops mark their goods so ponies know who made them, and can refer other ponies to them if the work is good."
"I'm not sure. I think it's a brand? Sometimes workshops mark their goods so ponies know who made them, and can refer other ponies to them if the work is good."
>>642722
"They're some sort of trade organization. With a lot of influence thanks to their wealth!"
"They're some sort of trade organization. With a lot of influence thanks to their wealth!"
>>642720
>>642721
Crossways
You come into a large, circular chamber which has six exits spaced evenly - you've descended from one of them. The room is lit by a number of the orbs strung across the ceiling. From left to right, the remaining five doors are as follows:
An ancient stone door. It has no apparent hoofhold or method of operation - or even crease. Little more than an indent in the wall, it is clearly not a good source of progress.
A lit door. An impromptu wooden door has been hinged roughly onto this opening. The strings that the orbs are attached to on the upper levels trace through this door to the other side.
A heavily secure door. Though the dense dolomite of this door is original stonework, it has been reinforced with steel bolting and a large padlock which looks to be very complex.
A dark door. There is nothing blocking this opening, but the room is not lit.
A sealed door. This door opens horizontally from the center like the 'airlock' you observed at the entrance. Careful examination indicates that it has a similar rubber seal.
>>642721
Crossways
You come into a large, circular chamber which has six exits spaced evenly - you've descended from one of them. The room is lit by a number of the orbs strung across the ceiling. From left to right, the remaining five doors are as follows:
An ancient stone door. It has no apparent hoofhold or method of operation - or even crease. Little more than an indent in the wall, it is clearly not a good source of progress.
A lit door. An impromptu wooden door has been hinged roughly onto this opening. The strings that the orbs are attached to on the upper levels trace through this door to the other side.
A heavily secure door. Though the dense dolomite of this door is original stonework, it has been reinforced with steel bolting and a large padlock which looks to be very complex.
A dark door. There is nothing blocking this opening, but the room is not lit.
A sealed door. This door opens horizontally from the center like the 'airlock' you observed at the entrance. Careful examination indicates that it has a similar rubber seal.
>>642726
Based on the total lack of holds, creases, openings, locks, inserts, puzzles, or symbols on the door, you determine it must be opened by a mechanism elsewhere.
Based on the total lack of holds, creases, openings, locks, inserts, puzzles, or symbols on the door, you determine it must be opened by a mechanism elsewhere.
>>642728
>>642729
Leaning inside with the torch – this is a long, narrow room. About three meters wide but ten meters long. It looks like things have been removed from this room. At the end of the room, there are four crates: two against the back wall, with one on top and one in front of the other two. This room is not lit.
>>642729
Leaning inside with the torch – this is a long, narrow room. About three meters wide but ten meters long. It looks like things have been removed from this room. At the end of the room, there are four crates: two against the back wall, with one on top and one in front of the other two. This room is not lit.
>>642737
It's heavy, but not immovable. To gently lower it, due to size and weight, you'd need more than one. Or you could just shove it off.
It's heavy, but not immovable. To gently lower it, due to size and weight, you'd need more than one. Or you could just shove it off.
An ear-shattering sound rends the room. You there is a sickening clatter as the sound of smashing clay fills the air.
>>642739
You shove off the crate. There is a loud sound, and the top comes loose. A few pieces of pottery slide out.
>>642739
You shove off the crate. There is a loud sound, and the top comes loose. A few pieces of pottery slide out.
>>642744
You… want to stuff a hoof-full of noodles into your bag? The noodles fall out of your backpack's pockets!
The lower crates are nailed shut.
You… want to stuff a hoof-full of noodles into your bag? The noodles fall out of your backpack's pockets!
The lower crates are nailed shut.
>>642767
Looks like liquid. The sheen from your torch makes it hard to tell, but it seems clear, and doesn't give off a smell.
>>642769
You throw down a smokebomb and hide away from Lilly's torch.
>>642768
You jump behind the broken crate, which is the only crate forward enough to hide behind (the others are against the wall or against another crate). It's very cramped here and you're being poked by broken clay and wood.
>>642770
You're too slow, and illuminated by a torch.
"What are you doing? You've smashed the food stores!"
There's an orange unicorn of the cloth in the Crossways with a lantern. They look upset.
Looks like liquid. The sheen from your torch makes it hard to tell, but it seems clear, and doesn't give off a smell.
>>642769
You throw down a smokebomb and hide away from Lilly's torch.
>>642768
You jump behind the broken crate, which is the only crate forward enough to hide behind (the others are against the wall or against another crate). It's very cramped here and you're being poked by broken clay and wood.
>>642770
You're too slow, and illuminated by a torch.
"What are you doing? You've smashed the food stores!"
There's an orange unicorn of the cloth in the Crossways with a lantern. They look upset.
>>642773
"There are lights! Who did you think turned them on? And why would you smash unattended crates in an abandoned place anyway? Those noodles have to stay dry or they'll get moldy!"
Orange ponoe scrunches.
"There are lights! Who did you think turned them on? And why would you smash unattended crates in an abandoned place anyway? Those noodles have to stay dry or they'll get moldy!"
Orange ponoe scrunches.
>>642774
"Probably the people who I assumed to have been killed off by sinister, pissed off demons!
Don't you realize how dangerous this place is!?"
"Probably the people who I assumed to have been killed off by sinister, pissed off demons!
Don't you realize how dangerous this place is!?"
>>642775
It's a stallion, but he's a priest or scholar of some sort as indicated by his clothing.
>>642776
"The upper levels are safe, all of the dangerous things - unmapped traps, Nightmare beasts, and the great worship hall - they're all locked away on the lower floors. And now that your curiosity is sated, you should get out of here. This is quite a mess to clean up…"
It's a stallion, but he's a priest or scholar of some sort as indicated by his clothing.
>>642776
"The upper levels are safe, all of the dangerous things - unmapped traps, Nightmare beasts, and the great worship hall - they're all locked away on the lower floors. And now that your curiosity is sated, you should get out of here. This is quite a mess to clean up…"
>>642777
"I'll help clean it up but I need some help now that you're here, all I'm here for is to return a Lunar altar before I get my soul flayed by Nightmare Moon. I need to know where it was originally taken from."
"I'll help clean it up but I need some help now that you're here, all I'm here for is to return a Lunar altar before I get my soul flayed by Nightmare Moon. I need to know where it was originally taken from."
>>642780
"Nightmare Moon is angry at me because my parents took an altar from this temple decades ago. I came here to return it and save myself! That's not so hard to understand is it?"
"Nightmare Moon is angry at me because my parents took an altar from this temple decades ago. I came here to return it and save myself! That's not so hard to understand is it?"
>>642780
What's a Celestial doing here?
I'll clear my throat and step out from behind the crate debris.
"Excuse me, but I think both of us need some ground covered here. What are you, a Celestial, doing in an old Lunar temple?"
What's a Celestial doing here?
I'll clear my throat and step out from behind the crate debris.
"Excuse me, but I think both of us need some ground covered here. What are you, a Celestial, doing in an old Lunar temple?"
>>642783
The unicorn spooks, but composes himself.
"The better question - and one that I've been asked to answer - is what a Lunar temple is doing inside Autumnsreach. Just how many more of you are hiding behind my food supplies?"
The unicorn spooks, but composes himself.
"The better question - and one that I've been asked to answer - is what a Lunar temple is doing inside Autumnsreach. Just how many more of you are hiding behind my food supplies?"
>>642788
"Not alone you're not. I'd really prefer no one know we were here, since ponies of our faith aren't generally welcome anywhere the Celestials are."
I'll nod at Irons.
"My friend will accompany you there and back, just we don't end up having a group of inquisitors breathing down our necks before we can help this mare."
"Not alone you're not. I'd really prefer no one know we were here, since ponies of our faith aren't generally welcome anywhere the Celestials are."
I'll nod at Irons.
"My friend will accompany you there and back, just we don't end up having a group of inquisitors breathing down our necks before we can help this mare."
>>642788
Follow him.
"Why are you here though? Do you have a deathwish or something? This place is horrible!"
Follow him.
"Why are you here though? Do you have a deathwish or something? This place is horrible!"
>>642789
Irons runs up after, but the altar is now immobile.
>>642790
The stallion runs after clearing the corner, up another flight of stairs, and then turns another corner. You keep up through two rooms because of your phenomenal stealthiness without breaking out of your stealth. It's very difficult to keep up with a run quietly, though!
>>642791
He doesn't answer you and proceeds immediately to the top floor at a sprint.
Irons runs up after, but the altar is now immobile.
>>642790
The stallion runs after clearing the corner, up another flight of stairs, and then turns another corner. You keep up through two rooms because of your phenomenal stealthiness without breaking out of your stealth. It's very difficult to keep up with a run quietly, though!
>>642791
He doesn't answer you and proceeds immediately to the top floor at a sprint.
>>642792
You motherfucker.
Try to get him with a Knockout Trick Marksman Shot before he gets away!
Roll #1 3 = 3
You motherfucker.
Try to get him with a Knockout Trick Marksman Shot before he gets away!
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>642797
>>642798
He's on the stairs.
"Argh—agh, my leg! Aaahg…"
He breaks into a heaving dry sob.
>>642796
Dixie shrugs. "Um… not really? That was always a problem back in Aquamarine, remember? The lack of doctors?"
Vlad shrugs. "So obviously he made a dash. This is, how you say, inevitable? So what? Celestials have killed Lunites before. We should check the body for a key now, hm?"
>>642798
He's on the stairs.
"Argh—agh, my leg! Aaahg…"
He breaks into a heaving dry sob.
>>642796
Dixie shrugs. "Um… not really? That was always a problem back in Aquamarine, remember? The lack of doctors?"
Vlad shrugs. "So obviously he made a dash. This is, how you say, inevitable? So what? Celestials have killed Lunites before. We should check the body for a key now, hm?"
>>642799
Sigh heavily.
"But that doesn't mean we should sink to that level, Vlad. Hopefully he's still alive, and we can at least try to reason with him."
Sighing again, I'll head up the stairs after them.
"If you two could guard the altar, that'd be great. We don't know if he was the only one down here or not."
Sigh heavily.
"But that doesn't mean we should sink to that level, Vlad. Hopefully he's still alive, and we can at least try to reason with him."
Sighing again, I'll head up the stairs after them.
"If you two could guard the altar, that'd be great. We don't know if he was the only one down here or not."
>>642800
"If you insist."
>>642801
Irons brutally clocks you in the face with a hoof. Your grapple fails and the injured pony slides down a few stairs, but doesn't move.
"You're not killing an unarmed prisoner as part of an interrogation! If you want to kill him, you're going through me first."
He draws his blade.
"If you insist."
>>642801
Irons brutally clocks you in the face with a hoof. Your grapple fails and the injured pony slides down a few stairs, but doesn't move.
"You're not killing an unarmed prisoner as part of an interrogation! If you want to kill him, you're going through me first."
He draws his blade.
>>642800
You arrive upstairs. Iga and Irons are facing down with weapons drawn. The priest has a mangled rear leg and is bleeding out on the stairway. Lilly is here too.
You arrive upstairs. Iga and Irons are facing down with weapons drawn. The priest has a mangled rear leg and is bleeding out on the stairway. Lilly is here too.
>>642799
I shake my head.
"Why'd you have to run away like a madpony? I just want to drop off this altar! I just can't get any more inquisitors involved to protect the ponies who have been helping me."
I shake my head.
"Why'd you have to run away like a madpony? I just want to drop off this altar! I just can't get any more inquisitors involved to protect the ponies who have been helping me."
>>642803
This… is almost worse than what I expected.
"Alright, stand down, both of you."
To the priest.
"Do you have any medical supplies? Bandages, something we can use to fix your leg? I'm sorry, but none of us are healers…"
This… is almost worse than what I expected.
"Alright, stand down, both of you."
To the priest.
"Do you have any medical supplies? Bandages, something we can use to fix your leg? I'm sorry, but none of us are healers…"
>>642808
"And you halted him! And then you threatened to finish the job when he obviously wasn't a threat anymore. What are you playing at? We're not leaving a body down here for more reasons than I can count on my front hooves."
"And you halted him! And then you threatened to finish the job when he obviously wasn't a threat anymore. What are you playing at? We're not leaving a body down here for more reasons than I can count on my front hooves."
>>642807
"Maybe if you explain that's not how we do things in Equestria, she'll listen."
>>642808
"And you couldn't tackle him, or just trip him? Or hit him with the blunt end of your sword? I appreciate you stopping him, but there are better ways."
>>642805
"Lilly, could you help me move him to his study?"
>>642810
"Irons, arguing methods can wait until after we've patched up this priest. Let's move."
"Maybe if you explain that's not how we do things in Equestria, she'll listen."
>>642808
"And you couldn't tackle him, or just trip him? Or hit him with the blunt end of your sword? I appreciate you stopping him, but there are better ways."
>>642805
"Lilly, could you help me move him to his study?"
>>642810
"Irons, arguing methods can wait until after we've patched up this priest. Let's move."
>>642813
Ruined Gallery
This room is quite elongated. It extends to your left and right about twelve meters in either direction, but it is only six meters deep. The wall is covered in similar mosaics of random Lunar significance. The hallway bends left on your far left and right on your far right – the makings of half of a square. This room is illuminated by small orbs that emit a buzzing sound. They appear to be strung up along the walls, clustered near image sites – they are connected by some sort of string, which trails off to the left and around the corner.
Ruined Gallery
This room is quite elongated. It extends to your left and right about twelve meters in either direction, but it is only six meters deep. The wall is covered in similar mosaics of random Lunar significance. The hallway bends left on your far left and right on your far right – the makings of half of a square. This room is illuminated by small orbs that emit a buzzing sound. They appear to be strung up along the walls, clustered near image sites – they are connected by some sort of string, which trails off to the left and around the corner.
>>642810
"If I wished him dead he would be dead. One stab and no more. I did not plan to stab again!"
"If I wished him dead he would be dead. One stab and no more. I did not plan to stab again!"
>>642818
"You said you were going to!"
>>642817
Study Access
You come to a staircase – it heads down, at a rather sharp pace. More orbs are strung along the wall here. The string that binds them each in turn sharply ends here - leading off into a doorway about halfway down. This, unlike the first door you encountered, is actually a real door. Wood and everything. It's closed. The stairs continue past that landing without any further ado, to a final landing at a much lower altitude, where there is another turn – to the left.
"You said you were going to!"
>>642817
Study Access
You come to a staircase – it heads down, at a rather sharp pace. More orbs are strung along the wall here. The string that binds them each in turn sharply ends here - leading off into a doorway about halfway down. This, unlike the first door you encountered, is actually a real door. Wood and everything. It's closed. The stairs continue past that landing without any further ado, to a final landing at a much lower altitude, where there is another turn – to the left.
>>642820
>>642821
The door is not locked.
Solar Study
This room looks quite lived in. It is about three meters by three meters, and on the far wall there are two large bookcases with a selection of texts. Your eyes play across a number of titles such as
In this room, there is a large MSL crate that has had its top removed. You can casually see a number of pots inside containing various goods, including noodles in one and water in another. One such pot is opened on the central desk of the room, a half-eaten mixture of the two.
By far, however, the bulk of the room is taken up by a number of artifacts that seem to be locally sourced. They've been tagged and bagged with painstaking care to ensure they have not been damaged. Someone cares about their work.
In the corner you observe a bedroll. It's still kind of messy, and shows signs of tossing and turning. Adjacent to the bedroll is some sort of box that the cables from the lighting orbs go into it. They're routed out through the other side and continue back out the door and down the stairway - to the lower room you saw that they ultimately terminate in. On the wall, there's a calendar. Tomorrow is circled.
>>642822
He grimaces. "I do not trust you."
>>642821
The door is not locked.
Solar Study
This room looks quite lived in. It is about three meters by three meters, and on the far wall there are two large bookcases with a selection of texts. Your eyes play across a number of titles such as
Luna in Reptil, Modern Piracy, Mera Collected, Paradise Lost, Sisters in Twilight, Sunset for Dixie, and others. They seem decidedly religious-themed, but they seem more like histories and historiographical texts than religious holy books.In this room, there is a large MSL crate that has had its top removed. You can casually see a number of pots inside containing various goods, including noodles in one and water in another. One such pot is opened on the central desk of the room, a half-eaten mixture of the two.
By far, however, the bulk of the room is taken up by a number of artifacts that seem to be locally sourced. They've been tagged and bagged with painstaking care to ensure they have not been damaged. Someone cares about their work.
In the corner you observe a bedroll. It's still kind of messy, and shows signs of tossing and turning. Adjacent to the bedroll is some sort of box that the cables from the lighting orbs go into it. They're routed out through the other side and continue back out the door and down the stairway - to the lower room you saw that they ultimately terminate in. On the wall, there's a calendar. Tomorrow is circled.
>>642822
He grimaces. "I do not trust you."
>>642823
"What a mess…"
Gently set the priest on the bedroll.
"Where are the bandages?"
To Lilly:
"Can you set some water to boil, so I can clean his leg?"
"What a mess…"
Gently set the priest on the bedroll.
"Where are the bandages?"
To Lilly:
"Can you set some water to boil, so I can clean his leg?"
>>642826
Let's get to work, then. Can those lightning bottles be used as a heater for the water, since Lilly burned herself on one?
Let's get to work, then. Can those lightning bottles be used as a heater for the water, since Lilly burned herself on one?
>>642829
You can't think of a reason why not. It might be a little unwieldy to get one over here, though, given that they're strung up to the wall.
You also notice the box they're routed through is emanating a lot of heat. Probably kept near the bedroll for that very reason: it's rather clammy down here.
>>642828
You have no trouble locating a pot, but where will you heat the water?
The priest seems to be in shock, but mumbles something about boiling.
You can't think of a reason why not. It might be a little unwieldy to get one over here, though, given that they're strung up to the wall.
You also notice the box they're routed through is emanating a lot of heat. Probably kept near the bedroll for that very reason: it's rather clammy down here.
>>642828
You have no trouble locating a pot, but where will you heat the water?
The priest seems to be in shock, but mumbles something about boiling.
>>642831
There's the bedroll, and some towels in the crate.
>>642832
The box does seem very hot - hotter than the lights, even. You set the pot on top.
Though his eyes are unfocused, he manages: "Strike… the bottom."
>>642833
It's hard to tell through the burlap bags, but you read some tags.
There's the bedroll, and some towels in the crate.
>>642832
The box does seem very hot - hotter than the lights, even. You set the pot on top.
Though his eyes are unfocused, he manages: "Strike… the bottom."
>>642833
It's hard to tell through the burlap bags, but you read some tags.
Statue, small
Statue, small
Statue, small
Statue, small, inlaid with gemstones, amethyst
Painting, medium, azurite composition
Painting, medium, unknown composition
Art, medium, charcoal, possibly very old>>642835
He weakly shoves his face over a nearby empty noodle pot and vomits unevenly into it.
He weakly shoves his face over a nearby empty noodle pot and vomits unevenly into it.
>>642836
…Ew. Well, I guess until the water's ready I'll just have to make sure he doesn't choke on his own stress vomit.
…Ew. Well, I guess until the water's ready I'll just have to make sure he doesn't choke on his own stress vomit.
>>642834
These must be valuable. Would they be missed I wonder? I require money. Could I hide such a small statue in my bags?
These must be valuable. Would they be missed I wonder? I require money. Could I hide such a small statue in my bags?
>>642850
"What? No! We're trying to return something that was stolen, not steal more things!"
I'll stop for a second.
"Even though it wouldn't really be stealing, and more like re-acquiring…"
Shake my head.
"Just forget it for now, we can worry about what to do with this after this is all done and over with."
"What? No! We're trying to return something that was stolen, not steal more things!"
I'll stop for a second.
"Even though it wouldn't really be stealing, and more like re-acquiring…"
Shake my head.
"Just forget it for now, we can worry about what to do with this after this is all done and over with."
>>642849
You move the boiling water - which is now settling into less of a roil and more of a simple light steam.
You move the boiling water - which is now settling into less of a roil and more of a simple light steam.
>>642853
Right, let's… let's get this cleaned up.
Moisten the towel, wring it out, and start cleaning around the wound.
Being gentle, of course. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
Right, let's… let's get this cleaned up.
Moisten the towel, wring it out, and start cleaning around the wound.
Being gentle, of course. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>642854
"They're in the crate where the towels are. We're probably gonna need a good amount of bandages… and any cotton pads he might have so that he doesn't just bleed through immediately."
"They're in the crate where the towels are. We're probably gonna need a good amount of bandages… and any cotton pads he might have so that he doesn't just bleed through immediately."
>>642859
"They're really not bad ponies, honest. Lilly's just under a lot of stress since she's almost out of time, and Iga has only been in Equestrian seas for like, three days, tops. She's still learning customs, but her heart's in the right place, I'm sure."
"They're really not bad ponies, honest. Lilly's just under a lot of stress since she's almost out of time, and Iga has only been in Equestrian seas for like, three days, tops. She's still learning customs, but her heart's in the right place, I'm sure."
>>642859
I frown at his comment.
"Sniper? It wasn't even a conventional bullet. You made yourself a target sprinting like a madpony!"
I frown at his comment.
"Sniper? It wasn't even a conventional bullet. You made yourself a target sprinting like a madpony!"
>>642862
"Well, regardless of what's down there, we've got to do it."
Let's take his mind off of things.
"By the way, I'm Marina. What's your name?"
"Well, regardless of what's down there, we've got to do it."
Let's take his mind off of things.
"By the way, I'm Marina. What's your name?"
>>642862
"Trespassing? This is your temple now? I'm sorry about ruining your food, but I'm being chased down by a giant demondog so I'm a little bit on edge right now! I didn't want any of this! I don't want to die!"
"Trespassing? This is your temple now? I'm sorry about ruining your food, but I'm being chased down by a giant demondog so I'm a little bit on edge right now! I didn't want any of this! I don't want to die!"
>>642864
"Can we calm down for just a minute, please, and get this guy's leg patched up? We can yell at each other after wounds are taken care of!"
"Can we calm down for just a minute, please, and get this guy's leg patched up? We can yell at each other after wounds are taken care of!"
>>642866
"The historical society? You must have been very busy here, then, since this place is about as old as dirt."
Make sure to rinse and wring out the towel after each pass over the wounded area.
"The historical society? You must have been very busy here, then, since this place is about as old as dirt."
Make sure to rinse and wring out the towel after each pass over the wounded area.
>>642869
"Hey! Tomorrow! What's special about tomorrow? Why did you circle tomorrow's date on that calendar?"
"Hey! Tomorrow! What's special about tomorrow? Why did you circle tomorrow's date on that calendar?"
>>642869
I'll raise an eyebrow.
"That's pretty odd, considering how they usually treat any Lunite temple they run across. I suppose there's a market for artifacts these days, though. And I'm not talking about museums."
I'll wring out the towel again and keep working on keeping his leg clean.
>>642870
"Lilly, if you could hoof me the bandages, please?"
I'll raise an eyebrow.
"That's pretty odd, considering how they usually treat any Lunite temple they run across. I suppose there's a market for artifacts these days, though. And I'm not talking about museums."
I'll wring out the towel again and keep working on keeping his leg clean.
>>642870
"Lilly, if you could hoof me the bandages, please?"
>>642874
"It's just an estimate, you probably wouldn't understand… if you don't have a background Equinorbital studies…"
"It's just an estimate, you probably wouldn't understand… if you don't have a background Equinorbital studies…"
>>642876
I'll cock my head curiously.
"Would it have something to do with the moon, maybe? Because that date is also when Lilly's time runs out and the thing chasing her catches up."
I'll cock my head curiously.
"Would it have something to do with the moon, maybe? Because that date is also when Lilly's time runs out and the thing chasing her catches up."
>>642877
"Temple sometimes has reactions to the new moon… usually a regular date every month. Looks like it's going to be a day late this month.. not sure why."
In any case, he fishes through his pocket and levitates up a key. "You should send the others on to the depths. You could probably stand guard alone, if you're in such a hurry. Unless you think an unarmed historian can wrestle you down."
>>642878
His attentions have been drawn to the priest answering questions.
"Temple sometimes has reactions to the new moon… usually a regular date every month. Looks like it's going to be a day late this month.. not sure why."
In any case, he fishes through his pocket and levitates up a key. "You should send the others on to the depths. You could probably stand guard alone, if you're in such a hurry. Unless you think an unarmed historian can wrestle you down."
>>642878
His attentions have been drawn to the priest answering questions.
>>642879
"If I ask nicely, would you wait here until we finish? I mean, you're in no shape to go running off, and you've taken really good care of the stuff you've been cataloging."
I'll take the key.
"I only ask because I'm pretty sure that I need to go with her down there. If for no other reason than to have someone related to the clergy to oversee the altar being put back."
"If I ask nicely, would you wait here until we finish? I mean, you're in no shape to go running off, and you've taken really good care of the stuff you've been cataloging."
I'll take the key.
"I only ask because I'm pretty sure that I need to go with her down there. If for no other reason than to have someone related to the clergy to oversee the altar being put back."
>>642880
"Would you believe me if I said I would? If you're really headed for the great ritual chamber, it won't matter anyway. There is an undead hydra that guards the deepest reaches of the temple. Far too dangerous for six ponies…"
"Would you believe me if I said I would? If you're really headed for the great ritual chamber, it won't matter anyway. There is an undead hydra that guards the deepest reaches of the temple. Far too dangerous for six ponies…"
>>642881
I'll blanch.
"Well, we didn't think it would be easy, but… if we've got to, we've got to."
I'll set another pot of water to heat up so I can wash my legs.
"And I believe that you wouldn't put any stress on your leg for at least a few hours, because you wouldn't want to risk it bleeding again."
>>642882
"It's news to me, Lilly. I don't think Lunites have ever really dug into necromancy. At least, not that I can remember."
I'll blanch.
"Well, we didn't think it would be easy, but… if we've got to, we've got to."
I'll set another pot of water to heat up so I can wash my legs.
"And I believe that you wouldn't put any stress on your leg for at least a few hours, because you wouldn't want to risk it bleeding again."
>>642882
"It's news to me, Lilly. I don't think Lunites have ever really dug into necromancy. At least, not that I can remember."
>>642883
>>642882
"The lowest levels remain flooded. You can't even ac– well, maybe some of you could access them, by the looks of you. Every room on the far right of the flood is part of the atmosphere controller. There a high-volume pumps that can allow water to flow in or out, like the piping on the airlock to the entrance. I'm not sure if the lower pumps still work, but that would be your first goal. With the water out… at least you'd see the hydra coming, if nothing else."
>>642882
"The lowest levels remain flooded. You can't even ac– well, maybe some of you could access them, by the looks of you. Every room on the far right of the flood is part of the atmosphere controller. There a high-volume pumps that can allow water to flow in or out, like the piping on the airlock to the entrance. I'm not sure if the lower pumps still work, but that would be your first goal. With the water out… at least you'd see the hydra coming, if nothing else."
>>642883
"Why is this even a thing? What kind of a sadist thought it was a good idea to put an undead hydra in the basement!"
"Why is this even a thing? What kind of a sadist thought it was a good idea to put an undead hydra in the basement!"
>>642885
"You should get going. It's probably evening up above, though you won't know the true hour until you reach the Lunarium."
"You should get going. It's probably evening up above, though you won't know the true hour until you reach the Lunarium."
>>642888
"Thanks. And again, I'm really sorry about your leg."
I'll turn to the others after I finish cleaning up.
"Alright, let's go. We've got a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in."
"Thanks. And again, I'm really sorry about your leg."
I'll turn to the others after I finish cleaning up.
"Alright, let's go. We've got a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in."
>>642889
Irons: "I assume Vlad hasn't gotten himself into trouble. How much could he get into in a room with doors?"
Irons: "I assume Vlad hasn't gotten himself into trouble. How much could he get into in a room with doors?"
>>642893
"That's not exactly guarding the altar."
Sigh a little, then head into the lit room.
"Vlad, we're back."
"That's not exactly guarding the altar."
Sigh a little, then head into the lit room.
"Vlad, we're back."
>>642894
This room is filled with large pots, one of with Vlad is looking into, and a large mechanical monstrosity that the cables from the light orbs terminate in. It's making a loud sound and vibrating.
"Ya, ya. Let's go."
He follows you out.
This room is filled with large pots, one of with Vlad is looking into, and a large mechanical monstrosity that the cables from the light orbs terminate in. It's making a loud sound and vibrating.
"Ya, ya. Let's go."
He follows you out.
>>642895
I'll look at the huge thing.
"You think maybe this is the water pump Camin mentioned? Irons, can you make sense of it? We're going to need to drain the water out of the lower levels so we can actually move the altar down there."
I'll look at the huge thing.
"You think maybe this is the water pump Camin mentioned? Irons, can you make sense of it? We're going to need to drain the water out of the lower levels so we can actually move the altar down there."
>>642896
"I'm not an engineer by any stretch, but I remember the unicorn said all the pump rooms would be oriented toward starboard. That would be that room."
He indicates the one with the rubber seals.
Vlad nods. "This machine seems for something else. It maybe eats this foul ichor? Hm… and the lights grow from it like… what is the word? Vine will do."
"I'm not an engineer by any stretch, but I remember the unicorn said all the pump rooms would be oriented toward starboard. That would be that room."
He indicates the one with the rubber seals.
Vlad nods. "This machine seems for something else. It maybe eats this foul ichor? Hm… and the lights grow from it like… what is the word? Vine will do."
>>642897
"Yeah, that's another big part of this. Though, since it's undead it shouldn't be too fast, right? Between the six of us, we should be able to get that altar down there fairly quickly if we all work together."
>>642898
"Oh. Maybe it's what keeps the lights going?"
Anyway, time to open up that valve room.
"Yeah, that's another big part of this. Though, since it's undead it shouldn't be too fast, right? Between the six of us, we should be able to get that altar down there fairly quickly if we all work together."
>>642898
"Oh. Maybe it's what keeps the lights going?"
Anyway, time to open up that valve room.
>>642900
>>642899
You force the door. It slides open, with some effort.
There seems to be fairly sophisticated mechanisms in this room, with two large bronze cisterns integrated into the stonework. It looks very old. One huge lever stands out: it's shifted down.
In the right corner of the room there is a pool of water.
>>642899
You force the door. It slides open, with some effort.
There seems to be fairly sophisticated mechanisms in this room, with two large bronze cisterns integrated into the stonework. It looks very old. One huge lever stands out: it's shifted down.
In the right corner of the room there is a pool of water.
>>642901
Well… if it's down and the water level is up, then that means if I push it up, the water level goes down, right? Right.
Push the lever.
Well… if it's down and the water level is up, then that means if I push it up, the water level goes down, right? Right.
Push the lever.
>>642905
The sound grows higher pitched, and the water stops rising. Slowly it begins to lower back down.
Irons interjects: "I suspect, based on the description we received, that there is a pump station for each floor."
The sound grows higher pitched, and the water stops rising. Slowly it begins to lower back down.
Irons interjects: "I suspect, based on the description we received, that there is a pump station for each floor."
>>642906
I'll blush a bit.
"So it would seem. That means you, Dixie, and I will be looking for the one downstairs so that Vlad, Iga, and Lilly can join us."
I'll blush a bit.
"So it would seem. That means you, Dixie, and I will be looking for the one downstairs so that Vlad, Iga, and Lilly can join us."
>>642908
"Hopefully the pump room will be in areas too small for the hydra zombie to squeeze into."
"Hopefully the pump room will be in areas too small for the hydra zombie to squeeze into."
>>642911
>>642912
You descend the stairs. It is totally dark here except for the torch that Lilly carries. All of the doors in this room have the rubber seal design you're familiar with from the pump room, and are closed. This room is about 5 meters by 5 meters. There appear to be inscriptions above each door, but they are too worn to make out. One door is to your left, one directly ahead, and one to your right.
>>642912
Upper Primary AccessYou descend the stairs. It is totally dark here except for the torch that Lilly carries. All of the doors in this room have the rubber seal design you're familiar with from the pump room, and are closed. This room is about 5 meters by 5 meters. There appear to be inscriptions above each door, but they are too worn to make out. One door is to your left, one directly ahead, and one to your right.
>>642914
"At least one of these is going to be flooded, isn't it?"
Which room is directly beneath the one with the pump in the floor above us?
"At least one of these is going to be flooded, isn't it?"
Which room is directly beneath the one with the pump in the floor above us?
>>642915
None of them, you had to proceed forward to go down the stairs, meaning you are not aligned with any of them. It should be to your right and rear.
None of them, you had to proceed forward to go down the stairs, meaning you are not aligned with any of them. It should be to your right and rear.
>>642919
With some effort, you manage to shove the door back into place. It seals tight.
Level: 55%
Rate: 0%
With some effort, you manage to shove the door back into place. It seals tight.
Level: 55%
Rate: 0%
>>642922
"Well, it's not like we can just drag one of those Lightning Bottle lines down here!"
I'll stop for a second.
"Can we?"
"Well, it's not like we can just drag one of those Lightning Bottle lines down here!"
I'll stop for a second.
"Can we?"
>>642923
"I doubt it, but we can try I guess. Maybe your priest friend has flares lying around or something. He must have some supplies lying around at least."
"I doubt it, but we can try I guess. Maybe your priest friend has flares lying around or something. He must have some supplies lying around at least."
>>642924
"Well, since they're too hot to hold onto by themselves, what about if we held them by the rope they're on instead? Two ponies in front with each end of the strand, so that we can see where we're going?"
"Well, since they're too hot to hold onto by themselves, what about if we held them by the rope they're on instead? Two ponies in front with each end of the strand, so that we can see where we're going?"
>>642926
With a nod, I'll scoot up the stairs as quick as I can.
I'll see if I can't grab the end of a line of lightning bottles, as opposed to one in the middle.
With a nod, I'll scoot up the stairs as quick as I can.
I'll see if I can't grab the end of a line of lightning bottles, as opposed to one in the middle.
Maeda and Selena
Yesterday didn't work out for meeting with DLC, but you've made a new appointment for noon today! Now that you've rallied you can all go as a group.
>>642927
You pull down a string near the top of the room and bring it down with you below. It lights the room quite well. The buzzing sound of the lights seems slightly ominous, and the water around you grows warm.
Yesterday didn't work out for meeting with DLC, but you've made a new appointment for noon today! Now that you've rallied you can all go as a group.
>>642927
You pull down a string near the top of the room and bring it down with you below. It lights the room quite well. The buzzing sound of the lights seems slightly ominous, and the water around you grows warm.
>>642928
"Okay well… let's hope the lightning inside doesn't go mental. Try a different door?"
"Okay well… let's hope the lightning inside doesn't go mental. Try a different door?"
>>642933
Since we lost a day, could we decide on what stupid downtime stuff we did during it?
Off we go.
Since we lost a day, could we decide on what stupid downtime stuff we did during it?
Off we go.
>>642934
>>642935
Quarters Access
This elongated corridor stretches at least twenty meters down. The left side is intermittently broken up by normal, wooden doors - six of them. On the right side, there are only two doors on the right side, one about half way, and another at the end. The first portal has no door to speak of, and the ultimate one has an airlock-type rubberized door. There is also one more airlock-type door at the far end on the opposite wall.
The water level here is slowly draining.
Water level: 18%
>>642937
>>642936
You spent the day with Aira, of course. Eventually she forgave you for being a rude inquisitor.
Aira is with you, running her hoof along a phantom instrument.
>>642935
Quarters Access
This elongated corridor stretches at least twenty meters down. The left side is intermittently broken up by normal, wooden doors - six of them. On the right side, there are only two doors on the right side, one about half way, and another at the end. The first portal has no door to speak of, and the ultimate one has an airlock-type rubberized door. There is also one more airlock-type door at the far end on the opposite wall.
The water level here is slowly draining.
Water level: 18%
>>642937
>>642936
You spent the day with Aira, of course. Eventually she forgave you for being a rude inquisitor.
Aira is with you, running her hoof along a phantom instrument.
>>642938
Well, there are drains, so that's something.
"Think we should check the one at the left end first, or the one on the right wall?"
Well, there are drains, so that's something.
"Think we should check the one at the left end first, or the one on the right wall?"
>>642937
>>642936
You head up past the bouncers to what appears to be a board room of sorts on the top floor. It's filled with all sorts of nicely dressed ponoes. At the far end of the table, dressed in a white suit and a Dixie-style ten gallon white hat is Delano Landry Charles himself.
"Well well, right on time today. Now I hear, I say I hear you girls have something to say about the inquisition? Those are mighty powerful words to throw around in my town, I hope you have something worth my time."
Though he has a jolly attitude, it seems almost ominous when he says that…
>>642936
You head up past the bouncers to what appears to be a board room of sorts on the top floor. It's filled with all sorts of nicely dressed ponoes. At the far end of the table, dressed in a white suit and a Dixie-style ten gallon white hat is Delano Landry Charles himself.
"Well well, right on time today. Now I hear, I say I hear you girls have something to say about the inquisition? Those are mighty powerful words to throw around in my town, I hope you have something worth my time."
Though he has a jolly attitude, it seems almost ominous when he says that…
>>642941
Step forth.
"I will go straight to the point.
An old ritual is about to unfold in Enkilj and it must be stopped.
Now, seeing how you are a pony of business, I, on behalf of the inquistion, have an offer to discuss."
Step forth.
"I will go straight to the point.
An old ritual is about to unfold in Enkilj and it must be stopped.
Now, seeing how you are a pony of business, I, on behalf of the inquistion, have an offer to discuss."
>>642944
Well, the ones that are open have most likely already been gone through, and only the rubberized doors would be the ones with the drain lever, since it would be waterproofed.
Well, the ones that are open have most likely already been gone through, and only the rubberized doors would be the ones with the drain lever, since it would be waterproofed.
>>642946
"Well, spit it out then, girl, I don't need all the trimmin's just get to the bottom of it."
>>642945
The first portal opens to a somewhat open space, it's too dark to see inside.
The second one is a rubberized airlock-type door.
>>642947
>>642946
You force the second door on the right. It's a pumping station! The lever is up.
"Well, spit it out then, girl, I don't need all the trimmin's just get to the bottom of it."
>>642945
The first portal opens to a somewhat open space, it's too dark to see inside.
The second one is a rubberized airlock-type door.
>>642947
>>642946
You force the second door on the right. It's a pumping station! The lever is up.
>>642948
"Turn the end of season quests into a full scale attack on Enkilj.
I'm talking formations, ranks, battleplans, all the stuff.
Wipe the city off the map, burn it to the ground. The Inquisition will cover half the expenses."
"Turn the end of season quests into a full scale attack on Enkilj.
I'm talking formations, ranks, battleplans, all the stuff.
Wipe the city off the map, burn it to the ground. The Inquisition will cover half the expenses."
>>642952
"It's a bold strategy, girl, I'll give you that. And you can guarantee your end of the bargain?"
"It's a bold strategy, girl, I'll give you that. And you can guarantee your end of the bargain?"
>>642954
"The Inquisition is already aware of the situation.
They are quite loose with the treasury when it comes to world-ending threats.
"The Inquisition is already aware of the situation.
They are quite loose with the treasury when it comes to world-ending threats.
>>642956
"Hm. Well, in that case, I think we have a deal! That is… if you can convince… my three executive directors."
Dun dun dunnn!
A secretary ponoe rolls in a chalkboard with some notes for you:
Executive A [Hostile]: "But what about the working ponies?"
Executive B [Hostile]: "I fail to see how this expands our core competency."
Executive C [Hostile]: "Gameshows are back."
"Hm. Well, in that case, I think we have a deal! That is… if you can convince… my three executive directors."
Dun dun dunnn!
A secretary ponoe rolls in a chalkboard with some notes for you:
Nothing is more dangerous, arbitrary, or has a looser grip on reality than an executive director. You can roll diplomacy targeted at each director to try and improve their opinion. Make sure you include one of these important business buzzwords!
>Innovation
>Synergy
>Monetize
>Sustainability
>Networking
>Holistic
Try to figure out what each executive likes!Executive A [Hostile]: "But what about the working ponies?"
Executive B [Hostile]: "I fail to see how this expands our core competency."
Executive C [Hostile]: "Gameshows are back."
>>642958
Alert!
"Selena! I will need your help on this!"
Strike a winning pose, hoof pointing towards the endless possibilities of tomorrow!
"It's about fidelization of the core audience while offering positive innovation to the focus-group tested formula!"
Alert!
"Selena! I will need your help on this!"
Strike a winning pose, hoof pointing towards the endless possibilities of tomorrow!
"It's about fidelization of the core audience while offering positive innovation to the focus-group tested formula!"
>>642958
Targeting executive A.
"Think about all the work that will be needed afterwards! Rebuilding homes, building gardens, farms! You know how much earth ponies love to farm! You can monetize the farming!
Imagine it! You give them money for harvesting the crops, and then offer them new and better shiny seeds, which they buy of course with the money you offered them earlier for the crops!
It's free food!
You can call it… Farmquest! A new way to quest! The adventure of farming!"
Do I have to roll for that?
Targeting executive A.
"Think about all the work that will be needed afterwards! Rebuilding homes, building gardens, farms! You know how much earth ponies love to farm! You can monetize the farming!
Imagine it! You give them money for harvesting the crops, and then offer them new and better shiny seeds, which they buy of course with the money you offered them earlier for the crops!
It's free food!
You can call it… Farmquest! A new way to quest! The adventure of farming!"
Do I have to roll for that?
>>642959
>>642960
A secretary rolls in a chalk board that reads:
Executive A [Reluctant]: "I can see how we could operationalize that solution-centric infrastructure."
Executive B [Hostile]: "Do we have the brand technologies to manage this kind of mission statement?"
Executive C [Hostile]: "Our marketability is based on a transition between client-centric solutions and market place profitabilities."
>>642960
A secretary rolls in a chalk board that reads:
Round 2!Executive A [Reluctant]: "I can see how we could operationalize that solution-centric infrastructure."
Executive B [Hostile]: "Do we have the brand technologies to manage this kind of mission statement?"
Executive C [Hostile]: "Our marketability is based on a transition between client-centric solutions and market place profitabilities."
>>642963
"But that's not all! You can synergize it with your subscriptions. Only ponies with a high rank can buy that shiny fence for their little plot of field!" '1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
"But that's not all! You can synergize it with your subscriptions. Only ponies with a high rank can buy that shiny fence for their little plot of field!" '1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>642963
"The infrastructure needed is a stepping stone in the building of a sustainable working environment for all your employees, using synergy as the first mean of brand propulsion!"
'1d10'
Still B.
Roll #1 6 = 6
"The infrastructure needed is a stepping stone in the building of a sustainable working environment for all your employees, using synergy as the first mean of brand propulsion!"
'1d10'
Still B.
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>642964
A secretary rolls in a chalk board that reads:
Executive A [Approving]: "Hm! That's a real paradigm shift in client-centric solvency."
Executive B [Reluctant]: "Leveraging market integrations such as that won't be possible without management reform."
Executive C [Approving]: "Functionality at this point is only as viable as our ability to supply fundamentals to a future-visualizing generation of globalizers!"
A secretary rolls in a chalk board that reads:
Round 3! Coffee break SOON!Executive A [Approving]: "Hm! That's a real paradigm shift in client-centric solvency."
Executive B [Reluctant]: "Leveraging market integrations such as that won't be possible without management reform."
Executive C [Approving]: "Functionality at this point is only as viable as our ability to supply fundamentals to a future-visualizing generation of globalizers!"
>>642967
Wink at executive A "That's genius of you!"
Is C also approving? Then I'll wait for Maeda to finish off B and smile at Aira.
Wink at executive A "That's genius of you!"
Is C also approving? Then I'll wait for Maeda to finish off B and smile at Aira.
>>642966
"The right attitude will bring in an holistic thinking, a swoop of sustainability to create what's bound to be the essence of your brand's future name and place in the world!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
"The right attitude will bring in an holistic thinking, a swoop of sustainability to create what's bound to be the essence of your brand's future name and place in the world!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>642969
>>642970
Executive A [Optimistic]: "Hm! That's a real paradigm shift in client-centric solvency."
Executive B [Reluctant]: "Terrible! Are you drinking the Kool-Aid? Modern structure is a hollistic-free experience."
Executive C [Hostile]: "Robust solutions can't be achieved on the bleeding edge!"
DLC waves his hooves. "Gentleponies, gentleponies. Let's think on it over coffee, and then pick it up after."
A secretary brings in coffee for everyone. You can strategize on vision fulfillment and pick up after. Tell me when you're ready.
>>642970
Executive A [Optimistic]: "Hm! That's a real paradigm shift in client-centric solvency."
Executive B [Reluctant]: "Terrible! Are you drinking the Kool-Aid? Modern structure is a hollistic-free experience."
Executive C [Hostile]: "Robust solutions can't be achieved on the bleeding edge!"
DLC waves his hooves. "Gentleponies, gentleponies. Let's think on it over coffee, and then pick it up after."
A secretary brings in coffee for everyone. You can strategize on vision fulfillment and pick up after. Tell me when you're ready.
I forgot new text for Executive A. But it's somehow realistic that he would repeat the same thing.
>>642973
"I think that executives approve less over time if you don't pay attention to them. Also at least one of them seems to be changing his opinion purely at random!"
"I think that executives approve less over time if you don't pay attention to them. Also at least one of them seems to be changing his opinion purely at random!"
>>642977
"Right. Let's do this.
Selena, you take on Exec. B, I'm not breaking through with him!"
And up we go! Retaliate against Ex.C!
"The edge must be bled dry for innovation to happen on the other side! And those cut behind are the dead weight of the old world!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
"Right. Let's do this.
Selena, you take on Exec. B, I'm not breaking through with him!"
And up we go! Retaliate against Ex.C!
"The edge must be bled dry for innovation to happen on the other side! And those cut behind are the dead weight of the old world!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>642971
B
"That's not necessarily a bad thing!It's an opportunity to streamline the organization and make the company more sustainable!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
B
"That's not necessarily a bad thing!It's an opportunity to streamline the organization and make the company more sustainable!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>642980
>>642981
A secretary brings out a new chalkboard.
Executive A [Optimistic]: "Can we afford not to invest in efficiency?"
Executive B [Optimistic]: "These trajectories satisfy market advancements of recycled corporatism."
Executive C [Optimistic]: "Down-sizing is core to our strategic administration."
>>642981
A secretary brings out a new chalkboard.
Round 4!Executive A [Optimistic]: "Can we afford not to invest in efficiency?"
Executive B [Optimistic]: "These trajectories satisfy market advancements of recycled corporatism."
Executive C [Optimistic]: "Down-sizing is core to our strategic administration."
>>642984
>>642986
A secretary rolls in another board.
Executive A [Optimistic]: "Can you punch up that message? We need to get back to fundamentals."
Executive B [Optimistic]: "What are you bringing to the table in terms of scalable profitability?"
Executive C [Approving]: "Flexibility is important not just to our customer base, but also to potential customer bases."
>>642986
A secretary rolls in another board.
Round 5Executive A [Optimistic]: "Can you punch up that message? We need to get back to fundamentals."
Executive B [Optimistic]: "What are you bringing to the table in terms of scalable profitability?"
Executive C [Approving]: "Flexibility is important not just to our customer base, but also to potential customer bases."
>>642987
A.
"What's more fundamental than farming. We're going back to the roots. That's sure to appeal to the urban market."
I hope appeal to a market is also a good word like one of that list you gave
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
A.
"What's more fundamental than farming. We're going back to the roots. That's sure to appeal to the urban market."
I hope appeal to a market is also a good word like one of that list you gave
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>642987
"The ability to synergize normal questing with the explosion of the latest biz will create an holistic effect on the popularity of the brand!"
"The ability to synergize normal questing with the explosion of the latest biz will create an holistic effect on the popularity of the brand!"
>>642993
A
"I'm glad you agree. This new plan will synergize well with the current organization!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
A
"I'm glad you agree. This new plan will synergize well with the current organization!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>642993
Address B.
"With the Infrastructure of hope for the future, localizing the focus of your questers into the difference from job a to job b on a quarterly scale!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
Address B.
"With the Infrastructure of hope for the future, localizing the focus of your questers into the difference from job a to job b on a quarterly scale!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>642995
>>642994
A was already Approving, so Selena talks to C instead. She doesn't make a dumb mistake that would cost Maeda the deal by talking to B.
Executive A [Approving]: "Now that's synergy without any of the red-tape of innovation!"
Executive B [Approving]: "I love it! It's a new level of networking. Networking 2.0! And not holistic in scope, either."
Executive C [Approving]: "I didn't listen to a word you said, but I sure had some good coffee."
DLC nods approvingly. "You've made some good points. Hell, if you can convince my executives, it has my stamp of approval. We'll start organizing something. Have your ponies call my ponies."
>>642994
A was already Approving, so Selena talks to C instead. She doesn't make a dumb mistake that would cost Maeda the deal by talking to B.
Executive A [Approving]: "Now that's synergy without any of the red-tape of innovation!"
Executive B [Approving]: "I love it! It's a new level of networking. Networking 2.0! And not holistic in scope, either."
Executive C [Approving]: "I didn't listen to a word you said, but I sure had some good coffee."
DLC nods approvingly. "You've made some good points. Hell, if you can convince my executives, it has my stamp of approval. We'll start organizing something. Have your ponies call my ponies."
>>642996
Let out a long, hard sigh of relief and fall back on the ground!
"Fighting monsters is easier!"
Let out a long, hard sigh of relief and fall back on the ground!
"Fighting monsters is easier!"
>>642998
>>642997
"Please, call me DLC! Everyone does! And help yourselves to some coffee on the way out. Now about that 2 o'clock…"
He starts reorganizing the executives. None of them actually leave the room, he just directs them to sit in different seats. Clearly the high-power business world is a mysterious one.
Pause
>>642997
"Please, call me DLC! Everyone does! And help yourselves to some coffee on the way out. Now about that 2 o'clock…"
He starts reorganizing the executives. None of them actually leave the room, he just directs them to sit in different seats. Clearly the high-power business world is a mysterious one.
Pause
You spent the rest of day in conferences about strategy.
Maeda, Selena, and Rhanna
Tomorrow is the day of the big event. All around town you can see adventurers getting ready, and the last minute sales of gear is out in force.
If you have something you want to get done before the attack on Enkilj, it's probably best to get it done today.
Maeda, Selena, and Rhanna
Tomorrow is the day of the big event. All around town you can see adventurers getting ready, and the last minute sales of gear is out in force.
If you have something you want to get done before the attack on Enkilj, it's probably best to get it done today.
>>643634
One for Aira definitely!
Hmmmm.
I should get some spell potions going!
Take my time and brew 2 Bolster potions and a Homing Magic potion!
One for Aira definitely!
Hmmmm.
I should get some spell potions going!
Take my time and brew 2 Bolster potions and a Homing Magic potion!
>>643648
>>643647
Near the monastery dock, you find a group of 20-30 adventurers staking out the area, setting up tents, hauling empty treasure chests off a nearby cutter, and generally preparing a forward post. Enkilj is further south still.
You head into the interior of the jungle and pass the ruins. They seem quiet and undisturbed since the last time you visited. Something gives you a chill, recalling it, but maybe that's just because one of you was a cloth doll at the time.
You approach the now-infamous bridge. Nesting birds lurk below on the cliffs.
>>643647
Near the monastery dock, you find a group of 20-30 adventurers staking out the area, setting up tents, hauling empty treasure chests off a nearby cutter, and generally preparing a forward post. Enkilj is further south still.
You head into the interior of the jungle and pass the ruins. They seem quiet and undisturbed since the last time you visited. Something gives you a chill, recalling it, but maybe that's just because one of you was a cloth doll at the time.
You approach the now-infamous bridge. Nesting birds lurk below on the cliffs.
>>643651
>>643649
>>643652
I knew that!
"What's the deal with all those ponies With the chests back there anyways? Oh and maybe you could fly over the bridge away from them… I'm smaller so maybe if I go through the bridge reeeeeally quietly they'll not go after me and Maeda… Hmn… I don't know… I could carry her if she was a cute little doll again…"
>>643649
>>643652
I knew that!
"What's the deal with all those ponies With the chests back there anyways? Oh and maybe you could fly over the bridge away from them… I'm smaller so maybe if I go through the bridge reeeeeally quietly they'll not go after me and Maeda… Hmn… I don't know… I could carry her if she was a cute little doll again…"
>>643657
"I need you to…"
In a solemn tone, take a deep breath before continuing.
"Make as much noise as possible and run away from the bridge!"
"I need you to…"
In a solemn tone, take a deep breath before continuing.
"Make as much noise as possible and run away from the bridge!"
>>643658
"Maeda, no.
We're either going over that bridge together or not at all!"
Scratch my head and pull out of my hat an encyclopedia about dangerous birds '1d10+2'
Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5
"Maeda, no.
We're either going over that bridge together or not at all!"
Scratch my head and pull out of my hat an encyclopedia about dangerous birds '1d10+2'
Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5
File: 1443308804273.png (29.17 KB, 754x497, Dungeon.png) ImgOps Google
>>642957
>>642955
Iga, Marina, and Lilly
Quarters Access
Turning back to the elogonated hall, it has fully drained now. There are an assortment of doors on the opposite side of the hall, as well as a couple on this side of the hall. If you went all the way down to the left end, you'd be back in the Upper Primary Access. If you went to the far left end, you'd find another rubberized door.
>>642955
Iga, Marina, and Lilly
Quarters Access
Turning back to the elogonated hall, it has fully drained now. There are an assortment of doors on the opposite side of the hall, as well as a couple on this side of the hall. If you went all the way down to the left end, you'd be back in the Upper Primary Access. If you went to the far left end, you'd find another rubberized door.
>>644146
Well, let's check the rooms, now that the water's drained. No surprise flooding to worry about now. Starting at the nearest door to the pumping station and working back towards the landing.
Well, let's check the rooms, now that the water's drained. No surprise flooding to worry about now. Starting at the nearest door to the pumping station and working back towards the landing.
>>644147
Quarters
These five rooms on the north end of the hall serve as modest quarters. With bunk-style beds, each would be suitable for four ponies, with little extra room. The drawers here already look rifled. It seems as though statues and paintings were probably removed.
The exploration of these five rooms leaves only the door at the end of the hall, and the other door on the south side of the hall.
>>644148
That's very vague.
Quarters
These five rooms on the north end of the hall serve as modest quarters. With bunk-style beds, each would be suitable for four ponies, with little extra room. The drawers here already look rifled. It seems as though statues and paintings were probably removed.
The exploration of these five rooms leaves only the door at the end of the hall, and the other door on the south side of the hall.
>>644148
That's very vague.
>>644146
If these are the quarters then this is where ponies slept yes? There must be bedrooms here.
If these are the quarters then this is where ponies slept yes? There must be bedrooms here.
>>644149
There's two passages behind us (one going north and the other west), it's not vague at all! I want to see what's there.
There's two passages behind us (one going north and the other west), it's not vague at all! I want to see what's there.
>>644156
"I'm still trying to think about that. I mean, it'd be one thing if we had any idea what it's doing here or who brought it back to life, but I don't even know what's on the next floor."
Grumble a little.
"Kinda wish mom would have at least told me which room the altar's supposed to go in."
"I'm still trying to think about that. I mean, it'd be one thing if we had any idea what it's doing here or who brought it back to life, but I don't even know what's on the next floor."
Grumble a little.
"Kinda wish mom would have at least told me which room the altar's supposed to go in."
>>644154
You force the 'airlock' rubberized door.
Moon Pool
This is a large, circular chamber with a domed glass roof. Outside, you can see sealife and encrusted vestiges of the shoreline, such as seaweed and barnacle growth.
The room itself is tiled in mosaic and features a prominent, shallow pool, no deeper than half a meter. It seems to have some ritual significance. Telltale rings around the pool suggest the removal of statues.
Your compatriots split off from you to look in a different room.
>>644155
>>644156
Iga and Lilly split off from Marina to force a different door.
Workshop Access
This moderately-sized squarish room is not square with the rest of the building, instead oriented at 45 degrees. It features four prominent sets of double doors on each wall. The room has sconces for torches, but none are lit. It is still moist and smells of the sea, as it was filled with water not long ago.
You force the 'airlock' rubberized door.
Moon Pool
This is a large, circular chamber with a domed glass roof. Outside, you can see sealife and encrusted vestiges of the shoreline, such as seaweed and barnacle growth.
The room itself is tiled in mosaic and features a prominent, shallow pool, no deeper than half a meter. It seems to have some ritual significance. Telltale rings around the pool suggest the removal of statues.
Your compatriots split off from you to look in a different room.
>>644155
>>644156
Iga and Lilly split off from Marina to force a different door.
Workshop Access
This moderately-sized squarish room is not square with the rest of the building, instead oriented at 45 degrees. It features four prominent sets of double doors on each wall. The room has sconces for torches, but none are lit. It is still moist and smells of the sea, as it was filled with water not long ago.
>>644158
Well, I didn't expect it to be untouched, what with the cataloging Cumin was doing.
I don't suppose there are any places that look like an altar would fit?
Well, I didn't expect it to be untouched, what with the cataloging Cumin was doing.
I don't suppose there are any places that look like an altar would fit?
>>644162
You'd think.
Anyway, I'll go rejoin the others. It's not like we'd be lucky enough that the altar would be so far from the bottom, where that hydra is.
You'd think.
Anyway, I'll go rejoin the others. It's not like we'd be lucky enough that the altar would be so far from the bottom, where that hydra is.
>>644163
They've headed into the Workshop Access. This moderately-sized squarish room is not square with the rest of the building, instead oriented at 45 degrees. It features four prominent sets of double doors on each wall. The room has sconces for torches, but none are lit. It is still moist and smells of the sea, as it was filled with water not long ago.
They've headed into the Workshop Access. This moderately-sized squarish room is not square with the rest of the building, instead oriented at 45 degrees. It features four prominent sets of double doors on each wall. The room has sconces for torches, but none are lit. It is still moist and smells of the sea, as it was filled with water not long ago.
>>644164
Well, if it's the access, that means the workshops aren't far. Let's check the double doors on the wall opposite of where I entered.
Well, if it's the access, that means the workshops aren't far. Let's check the double doors on the wall opposite of where I entered.
>>644167
You know what I mean. The set of doors along the wall that is across from the entrance.
You know what I mean. The set of doors along the wall that is across from the entrance.
>>644169
>>644168
You open the doors to the forward-left. This room is roughly triangular shaped, with your side representing the hypotenuse. There are a series of long workbenches in this chamber and two central brick mounds which likely served as heating braziers. The top of this room is funneled to channel smoke up.
This room is still littered with unlooted goods. Spears, tongs, and rough, empty buckler frames. The weapon's rack is tipped over. The whole room reeks of the smell of the sea: obviously it was completely submerged.
>>644168
You open the doors to the forward-left. This room is roughly triangular shaped, with your side representing the hypotenuse. There are a series of long workbenches in this chamber and two central brick mounds which likely served as heating braziers. The top of this room is funneled to channel smoke up.
This room is still littered with unlooted goods. Spears, tongs, and rough, empty buckler frames. The weapon's rack is tipped over. The whole room reeks of the smell of the sea: obviously it was completely submerged.
>>644170
What condition are these tools in?
"I like the smell of the sea, but it's just a little too intense down here."
What condition are these tools in?
"I like the smell of the sea, but it's just a little too intense down here."
>>644175
Careful examination reveals a large, dead yellowtail amberjack. It was 'beached' by the removal of water from the chamber. Looks fresh.
>>644176
Woodcraft Workshop
This room is characterized by a series of desks which create a rough circle, though most are toppled over inward or outward. In the center, there is a huge wooden statue of Luna, which itself has lost balance and is leaning against the far wall. The wood in this room is completely soaked through. The floor is dotted with loose carving knives and miniature idols, torches, stock poles, buckler cores, and various worship goods such as prayer beads.
Careful examination reveals a large, dead yellowtail amberjack. It was 'beached' by the removal of water from the chamber. Looks fresh.
>>644176
Woodcraft Workshop
This room is characterized by a series of desks which create a rough circle, though most are toppled over inward or outward. In the center, there is a huge wooden statue of Luna, which itself has lost balance and is leaning against the far wall. The wood in this room is completely soaked through. The floor is dotted with loose carving knives and miniature idols, torches, stock poles, buckler cores, and various worship goods such as prayer beads.
>>644178
You arrive in the Woodcraft Workshop. There are two other workshops you haven't visited, also.
You arrive in the Woodcraft Workshop. There are two other workshops you haven't visited, also.
>>644536
>>644533
Flooded Workshop
With great effort, you force the door. After it becomes dislodged, it blasts back, sending the three of you sprawling onto your backs. A wave of water washes into the room, and it slowly begins to fill. The reason becomes immediately apparent. A large section of the rear wall of this workshop appears to be missing: it's pouring in faster than the tubes can pump water out. Whatever this workshop once was, anything in it has long disintegrated or washed away.
>>644533
Flooded Workshop
With great effort, you force the door. After it becomes dislodged, it blasts back, sending the three of you sprawling onto your backs. A wave of water washes into the room, and it slowly begins to fill. The reason becomes immediately apparent. A large section of the rear wall of this workshop appears to be missing: it's pouring in faster than the tubes can pump water out. Whatever this workshop once was, anything in it has long disintegrated or washed away.
>>644544
"Wait whaaat?" I turn to you, flustered
"Now you just made me look stupid!"
Cross my arms
"Well at least miss Selena will think of something I guess…"
"Wait whaaat?" I turn to you, flustered
"Now you just made me look stupid!"
Cross my arms
"Well at least miss Selena will think of something I guess…"
>>644555
A smoke grenade could totally work! But I guess we have to do something else.
Describe the surroundings please.
A smoke grenade could totally work! But I guess we have to do something else.
Describe the surroundings please.
>>644555
Also let's take a good look at those seagulls and see what we can make out of them, put that brain to work
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
Also let's take a good look at those seagulls and see what we can make out of them, put that brain to work
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>644558
>>644558
You are at a precarious old wooden bridge, though you know from past experience that it was successfully borne the weight of several ponies running at once: it's stronger than it looks. Nearby are a mix of tropical trees, you recognize palm among them. The cliffs proper are home to a number of bird nests which, to casual observation, look like common birds of prey, similar to pelicans. Only with your knowledge of the scale do you know they are quite large. Their habitation location seems prime to hunt, but they are surprisingly high up on the cliffs rather than near the water. The bridge proper is a rope bridge with suspension reinforcement. Wooden and three layers of old, frayed rope.
The path leading to and from the bridge is a worn dirt path, characterized by occasional use. This area seems like it has active game. There are probably useful wild flora in this region.
>>644559
Upper Menagerie
You force another workshop door. This room is totally dark, save for your torch. It's a narrow mezzanine with a balcony overlooking a larger room below. On the opposite wall, around the large central opening to the lower room, there is a stairway down, half-hidden in the shadows.
>>644562
They are not sea-gulls, they are large birds of prey that seem more closely related to pelicans. They seem well adapted to hunt flying animals as opposed to fish.
>>644564
Earth Pony
>>644558
You are at a precarious old wooden bridge, though you know from past experience that it was successfully borne the weight of several ponies running at once: it's stronger than it looks. Nearby are a mix of tropical trees, you recognize palm among them. The cliffs proper are home to a number of bird nests which, to casual observation, look like common birds of prey, similar to pelicans. Only with your knowledge of the scale do you know they are quite large. Their habitation location seems prime to hunt, but they are surprisingly high up on the cliffs rather than near the water. The bridge proper is a rope bridge with suspension reinforcement. Wooden and three layers of old, frayed rope.
The path leading to and from the bridge is a worn dirt path, characterized by occasional use. This area seems like it has active game. There are probably useful wild flora in this region.
>>644559
Upper Menagerie
You force another workshop door. This room is totally dark, save for your torch. It's a narrow mezzanine with a balcony overlooking a larger room below. On the opposite wall, around the large central opening to the lower room, there is a stairway down, half-hidden in the shadows.
>>644562
They are not sea-gulls, they are large birds of prey that seem more closely related to pelicans. They seem well adapted to hunt flying animals as opposed to fish.
>>644564
Earth Pony
>>644573
"I'm just gonna look for a book in an old dusty library, there should be no danger!"
"I'm just gonna look for a book in an old dusty library, there should be no danger!"
>>644586
"Well, no, but wouldn't screaming alert it to us before we're ready for it? I think you're smart enough not to panic like that."
"Well, no, but wouldn't screaming alert it to us before we're ready for it? I think you're smart enough not to panic like that."
>>644586
It's dark down there!
You can't see the whole way down, but you see the tops of a number of metal cages. They don't look very rusty, which is a perk.
From deep below, you hear an ominous clicking sound.
It's dark down there!
You can't see the whole way down, but you see the tops of a number of metal cages. They don't look very rusty, which is a perk.
From deep below, you hear an ominous clicking sound.
>>644590
You can take six outside of combat.
You accidentally toss the smoke bomb down the hole instead of hitting the ground. Whoops, it's dark.
You can take six outside of combat.
You accidentally toss the smoke bomb down the hole instead of hitting the ground. Whoops, it's dark.
>>644589
"Because you've got the torch and can fly, silly."
I'll poke around the workshop a little longer.
"At any rate, we're going to need to find the doors to that set of stairs."
"Because you've got the torch and can fly, silly."
I'll poke around the workshop a little longer.
"At any rate, we're going to need to find the doors to that set of stairs."
>>644597
''Hey! hey! get outta here! shoo shoo!'' I wait until it tries to peck me again so I can jump and grab it!
'1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
''Hey! hey! get outta here! shoo shoo!'' I wait until it tries to peck me again so I can jump and grab it!
'1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
Maeda moved back.
>>644600
You fire wildly and trip!
A giant bird moves forward and snaps you up into its beak. You're trapped inside! (Critical)
>>644603
You climb onto its back. It turns its head and attempts to peck you while fluttering madly, attempting to dislodge you.
The damage is glancing, and you remain onboard.
Giant Bird [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Giant Bird [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░] HLP (TRP)
>>644600
You fire wildly and trip!
A giant bird moves forward and snaps you up into its beak. You're trapped inside! (Critical)
>>644603
You climb onto its back. It turns its head and attempts to peck you while fluttering madly, attempting to dislodge you.
The damage is glancing, and you remain onboard.
Giant Bird [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Giant Bird [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░] HLP (TRP)
>>644608
Oh dang I just got the craziest idea
Let's ride it and fly it around, it shall be our new mount!
''Hyaa! Calm down boy!'' Let's try holding into it and lead it to a crash course with the other bird that got Selena!
'1d10' CHAAARGE
Roll #1 10 = 10
Oh dang I just got the craziest idea
Let's ride it and fly it around, it shall be our new mount!
''Hyaa! Calm down boy!'' Let's try holding into it and lead it to a crash course with the other bird that got Selena!
'1d10' CHAAARGE
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>644610
Any instructor would definitely tell you this is a very stupid idea. Wild birds can't be tamed without significant personal training by a skilled expert. Fortunately, you're mostly just trying to get it to crash.
You jerk uneasily on the giant bird's neck, causing it to lurch sideways and collide into Selena's foe. I wouldn't count on that happening again.
You get minorly injured, but retain your seat.
>>644612
You get spat out, but you're still helpless from tripping!
The bird that spat you out struggles up from helplessness.
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░] HLP
Any instructor would definitely tell you this is a very stupid idea. Wild birds can't be tamed without significant personal training by a skilled expert. Fortunately, you're mostly just trying to get it to crash.
You jerk uneasily on the giant bird's neck, causing it to lurch sideways and collide into Selena's foe. I wouldn't count on that happening again.
You get minorly injured, but retain your seat.
>>644612
You get spat out, but you're still helpless from tripping!
The bird that spat you out struggles up from helplessness.
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Selena [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░] HLP
>>644620
Do a sick backflip and get up on the roll and stand back up and shoot the bird!
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
Do a sick backflip and get up on the roll and stand back up and shoot the bird!
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>644621
You decide not to do a backflip while standing on the bridge. Yes, that seems like a better idea.
It tries to dodge and escape, but you finish it off. It crashes into the expanse below.
>>644623
You glancingly stab at it with your polearm. It replies in-kind with a return glancing peck.
>>644624
You coat the bird in acid with a high-pressure spray. It looks badly burned.
Giant Bird 1
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] FER
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Selena [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
You decide not to do a backflip while standing on the bridge. Yes, that seems like a better idea.
It tries to dodge and escape, but you finish it off. It crashes into the expanse below.
>>644623
You glancingly stab at it with your polearm. It replies in-kind with a return glancing peck.
>>644624
You coat the bird in acid with a high-pressure spray. It looks badly burned.
Giant Bird 1
Maeda [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] FER
Rhanna [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Selena [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
>>644632
You head deeper into the jungle. As you crest the next hill, you make out the distant stone architecture of St. Szwall.
The trip there is mostly uneventful, and you arrive without further incident. The place doesn't look as though it has changed since you last visited, at least from casual observation.
You head deeper into the jungle. As you crest the next hill, you make out the distant stone architecture of St. Szwall.
The trip there is mostly uneventful, and you arrive without further incident. The place doesn't look as though it has changed since you last visited, at least from casual observation.
>>644636
I'd hope to be not too much of a casual by this point, so let's '1d10' observe.
Then move in for the library.
Roll #1 7 = 7
I'd hope to be not too much of a casual by this point, so let's '1d10' observe.
Then move in for the library.
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>644644
The rain from the other night seems to have washed away your hoofprints from your last visit. The well retains the rope ladder that you used to remove wealth from its depths. There are a few recently broken windows, but it's hard to tell if that happened when the demons were here.
You head to the library. What do you want to look for?
The rain from the other night seems to have washed away your hoofprints from your last visit. The well retains the rope ladder that you used to remove wealth from its depths. There are a few recently broken windows, but it's hard to tell if that happened when the demons were here.
You head to the library. What do you want to look for?
>>644647
You search the library at length for a copy of Annals of Yore. It takes nearly an hour just to find it.
You open it to the page from the vision. It appears to be a poetry book.
Reach
Crowns Stacked
Three Tiers Atop
First, For Wealth
Second, For Freedom
Third, For Revenge
Final Room
Escape Is Made
Storm Rages Below
Moment Arrives
No Option Remains
Far Away
Do Not Fear
Dash And Fly
More cryptic clues… still, it does provoke some thought into why your vision lead you to this poem. What did the author mean? Was it intended for you, or just repurposed? How much is useful to you?
Hm.
You search the library at length for a copy of Annals of Yore. It takes nearly an hour just to find it.
You open it to the page from the vision. It appears to be a poetry book.
Reach
Crowns Stacked
Three Tiers Atop
First, For Wealth
Second, For Freedom
Third, For Revenge
Final Room
Escape Is Made
Storm Rages Below
Moment Arrives
No Option Remains
Far Away
Do Not Fear
Dash And Fly
More cryptic clues… still, it does provoke some thought into why your vision lead you to this poem. What did the author mean? Was it intended for you, or just repurposed? How much is useful to you?
Hm.
>>644655
It's a big library. You find books.
Experience Fillydelphia
Enhancing the Well-Being of Children Through Interventions
Implementing Strategic Sourcing
The Murder at Vicarsgate
Approaches to Basic Physics
Living the Dream
Le Viandier de Taillevent
On Translation
Scholarship Review Questions CSPT 799CE v1.2
An Apprentice to Truth
Writing Colors
It's a big library. You find books.
Experience Fillydelphia
Enhancing the Well-Being of Children Through Interventions
Implementing Strategic Sourcing
The Murder at Vicarsgate
Approaches to Basic Physics
Living the Dream
Le Viandier de Taillevent
On Translation
Scholarship Review Questions CSPT 799CE v1.2
An Apprentice to Truth
Writing Colors
>>644662
The former is from the fiction section. It's hard to judge what it's about due to its narrative nature.
The latter is from the arts section. It's about approaches to teaching watercolor painting.
The former is from the fiction section. It's hard to judge what it's about due to its narrative nature.
The latter is from the arts section. It's about approaches to teaching watercolor painting.
>>644667
"It's not something which has to happen. Not if some mare can show her the light of day."
"It's not something which has to happen. Not if some mare can show her the light of day."
>>644670
"Maybe I can, or if not I'll guard her for the rest of my life.
But I don't want her to die.
I can't allow that."
"Maybe I can, or if not I'll guard her for the rest of my life.
But I don't want her to die.
I can't allow that."
>>644673
"This library might hold the secret to stopping that, without hurting anypony.
This is what I'm looking for."
"This library might hold the secret to stopping that, without hurting anypony.
This is what I'm looking for."
>>644676
I nod.
"Maeda, just please, both you and Red are the children of ponies very dear to me. Don't force me to chose…"
I nod.
"Maeda, just please, both you and Red are the children of ponies very dear to me. Don't force me to chose…"
>>644679
"I'm not asking you to choose between me and anyone else.
I'm telling you that the time will come when Red will have to stand down, for the good of Equestria.
And if she won't, she will have to confront the final judgment."
"I'm not asking you to choose between me and anyone else.
I'm telling you that the time will come when Red will have to stand down, for the good of Equestria.
And if she won't, she will have to confront the final judgment."
>>644687
"You seem convinced she's going to cause a war. She hasn't yet. And she doesn't have an army."
"You seem convinced she's going to cause a war. She hasn't yet. And she doesn't have an army."
>>644690
"If Red gets enough support to start a revolution, maybe something really is wrong. Perhaps the Inquisition could spend some money helping the poor in Reptil instead of running after Red."
"If Red gets enough support to start a revolution, maybe something really is wrong. Perhaps the Inquisition could spend some money helping the poor in Reptil instead of running after Red."
>>644693
"Even if just ten thousand ponies revolt, in a country of one hundred millions, it will be ten thousand dead ponies.
Because of the stubbornness of a charismatic mare who could not steady her hoof in the face of truth."
"Even if just ten thousand ponies revolt, in a country of one hundred millions, it will be ten thousand dead ponies.
Because of the stubbornness of a charismatic mare who could not steady her hoof in the face of truth."
>>644703
"Then you have to convince her of the truth, not kill her! What are you looking for in here?!?"
"Then you have to convince her of the truth, not kill her! What are you looking for in here?!?"
>>644709
"Not really. It's a vision, can't make sense of it myself as things stand right now."
"Not really. It's a vision, can't make sense of it myself as things stand right now."
>>644711
"We go back, I guess. And focus on killing the bad ponies this time.
That's one of those 'good' things everypony can agree on, no?"
"We go back, I guess. And focus on killing the bad ponies this time.
That's one of those 'good' things everypony can agree on, no?"
>>644715
>>644714
The trip is uneventful until you reach the bridge.
Rhanna spent the time studying the birds and informs you that the reason that they have attacked every time you have tried to cross the bridge is that every time somepony was flying. They prey upon flying animals. They didn't attack the time that Marina and Maeda went because neither can fly.
>>644714
The trip is uneventful until you reach the bridge.
Rhanna spent the time studying the birds and informs you that the reason that they have attacked every time you have tried to cross the bridge is that every time somepony was flying. They prey upon flying animals. They didn't attack the time that Marina and Maeda went because neither can fly.
>>644727
>>644728
As you're traveling back north up the coast, you run into a pack of settlers who seem unconcerned about the mounting war effort along the coast. They're toting large sleds full of goods to help settle the savage lands of the south. They seem upbeat and cheerful, and give you a friendly wave as you approach from the distance, but make no move to stop as you draw closer. They wear extremely unusual garments, black leather with spikes. You'd think they were raiders, if they weren't so naturally amiable.
Do you want to stop and chat?
>>644728
As you're traveling back north up the coast, you run into a pack of settlers who seem unconcerned about the mounting war effort along the coast. They're toting large sleds full of goods to help settle the savage lands of the south. They seem upbeat and cheerful, and give you a friendly wave as you approach from the distance, but make no move to stop as you draw closer. They wear extremely unusual garments, black leather with spikes. You'd think they were raiders, if they weren't so naturally amiable.
Do you want to stop and chat?
>>644733
They look like friendly fellows, let's chat
''Howdy''
But also take a good look at them as I do with everything that moves
'1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
They look like friendly fellows, let's chat
''Howdy''
But also take a good look at them as I do with everything that moves
'1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>644734
>>644739
>>644738
The party leader is a mild-mannered looking young mare with a blue mane. Unlike her compatriots, she is not wearing leather and spikes, but rather an open-back starry blue dress. She has a tail-band, too. One of her fellows seems to follow directly behind her, perhaps serving as a bodyguard.
"Afternoon, neighbors. I expect you're headed up the coast to New Earth?"
>>644738
They don't seem like they have hostile intentions. It's difficult for you to put your claw on what's strange about their garb, because it isn't something in your expertise.
>>644739
>>644738
The party leader is a mild-mannered looking young mare with a blue mane. Unlike her compatriots, she is not wearing leather and spikes, but rather an open-back starry blue dress. She has a tail-band, too. One of her fellows seems to follow directly behind her, perhaps serving as a bodyguard.
"Afternoon, neighbors. I expect you're headed up the coast to New Earth?"
>>644738
They don't seem like they have hostile intentions. It's difficult for you to put your claw on what's strange about their garb, because it isn't something in your expertise.
>>644742
"Yes, we're about half an hour gone by now. The way has been mild for us, at least, it seems there are quite a few sellswords clearing the coast, so it should be easy enough to make your way back."
>>644743
"Just making conversation. You did signal us to stop, after all. What was it you needed?"
The stallion draws a little closer to his apparent charge.
"Yes, we're about half an hour gone by now. The way has been mild for us, at least, it seems there are quite a few sellswords clearing the coast, so it should be easy enough to make your way back."
>>644743
"Just making conversation. You did signal us to stop, after all. What was it you needed?"
The stallion draws a little closer to his apparent charge.
>>644744
"We just wanted to say hi and wish you a pleasant journey!
Where are you from? I love your clothes!"
"We just wanted to say hi and wish you a pleasant journey!
Where are you from? I love your clothes!"
>>644745
"Come by and visit. We're hoping to get a robust trade route set up soon."
>>644747
"Ah, my dear, I am a mare. That's alright though, I'm actually a bit of a sweet tooth and if I had just one caramel, it would get me too hungry for more! I appreciate the offer, though."
>>644748
"We're Equestrian settlers. We've received a charter to build a new town to the far south of here. Admittedly, some are more eager than others to get to the civilization building, but I imagine we'll have a robust town up soon. Not more than a week out we expect our first ship of arrivals, and by that time I hope to have a dock, townhouse, and storehouse up. It'll be a lot of work, but we're earth ponies – equal to the task at least. It sounds like your friends are ready to get moving, and we shouldn't dally either. How about a promotional flyer you can keep?"
The stallion accompanying the mare bends down to inspect her tail more closely, at least, as far as you can tell from your angle. He breaks off as they start moving, and soon, they're far off.
You examine the pamphlet:
"Come by and visit. We're hoping to get a robust trade route set up soon."
>>644747
"Ah, my dear, I am a mare. That's alright though, I'm actually a bit of a sweet tooth and if I had just one caramel, it would get me too hungry for more! I appreciate the offer, though."
>>644748
"We're Equestrian settlers. We've received a charter to build a new town to the far south of here. Admittedly, some are more eager than others to get to the civilization building, but I imagine we'll have a robust town up soon. Not more than a week out we expect our first ship of arrivals, and by that time I hope to have a dock, townhouse, and storehouse up. It'll be a lot of work, but we're earth ponies – equal to the task at least. It sounds like your friends are ready to get moving, and we shouldn't dally either. How about a promotional flyer you can keep?"
The stallion accompanying the mare bends down to inspect her tail more closely, at least, as far as you can tell from your angle. He breaks off as they start moving, and soon, they're far off.
You examine the pamphlet:
Help Tame Scenic New World>>644767
I see DLC's got this thing rolling already.
Stop a bunch of adventurers and ask them what their plans are.
I see DLC's got this thing rolling already.
Stop a bunch of adventurers and ask them what their plans are.
>>644768
His voice echoes in your memory:
> "The Repair-Type bolt solves a degradation problem I've run into. I've heard they have them up in Novdogod. The #1 Ionium Jet is a Manako Group design, somewhere up in Equestria. I need it to boost propulsion to break the atmosphere. Finally, there's the Omega Stabilizer. I can make it myself, but I need Ghost Sponge, and it only grows on the shores of Abeardeen."
>>644770
>>644771
Soon…
Pause
His voice echoes in your memory:
> "The Repair-Type bolt solves a degradation problem I've run into. I've heard they have them up in Novdogod. The #1 Ionium Jet is a Manako Group design, somewhere up in Equestria. I need it to boost propulsion to break the atmosphere. Finally, there's the Omega Stabilizer. I can make it myself, but I need Ghost Sponge, and it only grows on the shores of Abeardeen."
>>644770
>>644771
Soon…
Pause
>>644817
There is a narrow stone stairway on the opposite side of the room, if you follow the edge around the balcony.
There is a narrow stone stairway on the opposite side of the room, if you follow the edge around the balcony.
>>644819
"But that doesn't help the guys with the alter, though. We'll need to find a way down they can use, too."
"But that doesn't help the guys with the alter, though. We'll need to find a way down they can use, too."
>>644820
"Which there clearly isn't, Marina. Come on. There's a stairway on the other side of the room, we'll need to reach a way around to that.
"Which there clearly isn't, Marina. Come on. There's a stairway on the other side of the room, we'll need to reach a way around to that.
>>644821
"I'm pretty sure it's through that other door we haven't gone through, yet, but if you want to jump ahead, I guess that's your call."
"I'm pretty sure it's through that other door we haven't gone through, yet, but if you want to jump ahead, I guess that's your call."
>>644822
>>644823
There are two doors you haven't visited. Exiting the workshop access in the upper primary access, the door on your left, or continuing to the quarters access, on your right.
You can also just walk around.
>>644824
You can creep around on the ground. There's not much to see far from Lilly's torch, though, due to the complete lack of lighting in here.
>>644823
There are two doors you haven't visited. Exiting the workshop access in the upper primary access, the door on your left, or continuing to the quarters access, on your right.
You can also just walk around.
>>644824
You can creep around on the ground. There's not much to see far from Lilly's torch, though, due to the complete lack of lighting in here.
>>644825
Maybe We can walk around and check where those stairs go on the other side of this room. Let's do that.
Maybe We can walk around and check where those stairs go on the other side of this room. Let's do that.
>>644825
I kinda meant that third door at the landing, where we came down to this floor, but if there's another workshop here, we should probably poke around.
I kinda meant that third door at the landing, where we came down to this floor, but if there's another workshop here, we should probably poke around.
>>644828
Fuck sake. The altar is way too heavy for this.
I want to know what this clicking is. I'm investigating the source if I can.
Fuck sake. The altar is way too heavy for this.
I want to know what this clicking is. I'm investigating the source if I can.
>>644828
Bleugh. We need a map-taker. Cartographer. That's the word. Should have seen if Cumin had drawn up a map while he was down here.
Let's check that left-side door.
Bleugh. We need a map-taker. Cartographer. That's the word. Should have seen if Cumin had drawn up a map while he was down here.
Let's check that left-side door.
>>644829
>>644830
Lower Menagerie
This chamber is much larger than the observation room above. Your torch does not light it completely, and the cages in this room cast terrifying shadows in all directions. The room is moist. Enormous shellfish seem to have rooted onto the walls. Almost all of the cages are open, but those that aren't either feature skeletons or are broken open.
The room is littered with uncanny vines. Watch your step. The clicking is much louder now. It seems to come from forward in the chamber, beyond the reach of the torch.
>>644831
Neophyte's Vista
This room is totally dark. Based on the clammy, stagnant air that now flows past you, you estimate the room is much larger than any you have entered so far.
>>644830
Lower Menagerie
This chamber is much larger than the observation room above. Your torch does not light it completely, and the cages in this room cast terrifying shadows in all directions. The room is moist. Enormous shellfish seem to have rooted onto the walls. Almost all of the cages are open, but those that aren't either feature skeletons or are broken open.
The room is littered with uncanny vines. Watch your step. The clicking is much louder now. It seems to come from forward in the chamber, beyond the reach of the torch.
>>644831
Neophyte's Vista
This room is totally dark. Based on the clammy, stagnant air that now flows past you, you estimate the room is much larger than any you have entered so far.
>>644832
Hmm. Prooooobably should stick with Lilly and the others and not wander off in the dark. She's got the string of lightning bottles, after all. Scurry off after those two.
Hmm. Prooooobably should stick with Lilly and the others and not wander off in the dark. She's got the string of lightning bottles, after all. Scurry off after those two.
>>644833
You backtrack. Based on the lighting now covering the lower portion of the room, you quickly surmise she has descended the stairs.
You backtrack. Based on the lighting now covering the lower portion of the room, you quickly surmise she has descended the stairs.
>>644839
You narrowly avoid tripping down yet another flight of stairs. The clicking echos on from below…
You narrowly avoid tripping down yet another flight of stairs. The clicking echos on from below…
>>644844
So, does that clicking sound like how crabs moved back home, or is this some more sinister form of click-clacking?
So, does that clicking sound like how crabs moved back home, or is this some more sinister form of click-clacking?
>>644847
>>644846
>>644845
Menagerie Depths
The light of the torch casts unevenly over this small chamber. Featured prominently in the center is a barred pit, which has been snapped open. That's not what holds your attention, however.
There is a large shellfish creature hanging from the ceiling. Reacting to the light, it begins to quiver more quickly, and suddenly, it snaps open, bathing the room in acid.
Uh oh.
Ancient Krust
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░] BRN
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░] STH BRN
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░] BRN
>>644846
>>644845
Menagerie Depths
The light of the torch casts unevenly over this small chamber. Featured prominently in the center is a barred pit, which has been snapped open. That's not what holds your attention, however.
There is a large shellfish creature hanging from the ceiling. Reacting to the light, it begins to quiver more quickly, and suddenly, it snaps open, bathing the room in acid.
Uh oh.
Ancient Krust
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░] BRN
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░] STH BRN
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░] BRN
>>644851
You roll across the room and stab your blade deep into the great krust. It writhes.
The Ancient Krust unleashes a triptych of acid balls! One misses, one hits, and one leaves terrible burns! You're hurt by acid burns!
Ancient Krust
Iga [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
>>644850
>>644849
Lower Menagerie
You flee back up the stairs. The shellfish upstairs have opened and are spraying acid!
Lilly is hit glancingly twice!
Marina is hit glancingly once, and terribly burned by a crit!
Everyone is hurt by the Ancient Krust's acid!
Awakened Krust 1
Awakened Krust 2
Awakened Krust 3
Awakened Krust 4
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░] BRN
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] BRN
You roll across the room and stab your blade deep into the great krust. It writhes.
The Ancient Krust unleashes a triptych of acid balls! One misses, one hits, and one leaves terrible burns! You're hurt by acid burns!
Ancient Krust
Iga [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
>>644850
>>644849
Lower Menagerie
You flee back up the stairs. The shellfish upstairs have opened and are spraying acid!
Lilly is hit glancingly twice!
Marina is hit glancingly once, and terribly burned by a crit!
Everyone is hurt by the Ancient Krust's acid!
Awakened Krust 1
Awakened Krust 2
Awakened Krust 3
Awakened Krust 4
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░] BRN
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] BRN
>>644852
Why. Why is this a thing.
"Lilly, go grab Iga before she gets melted to death!"
That water shouldn't have completely drained yet, I've got to wash all this crap off of me and maybe hopefully there's enough of a table left in the workshops that I can use as a shield for the three of us.
Why. Why is this a thing.
"Lilly, go grab Iga before she gets melted to death!"
That water shouldn't have completely drained yet, I've got to wash all this crap off of me and maybe hopefully there's enough of a table left in the workshops that I can use as a shield for the three of us.
>>644854
You clothe yourself in darkness after throwing a smoke bomb.
With nothing to target, the Ancient Krust pulses the whole room with acid again. Your acid coat was renewed!
Iga [▓▓▓░░░░░░░] STH BRN
>>644853
>>644855
You flee up to the Upper Menagerie. There are a few more half-hearted acid volleys, but eventually the krusts calm down.
You are hurt by acid!
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Marina [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
You clothe yourself in darkness after throwing a smoke bomb.
With nothing to target, the Ancient Krust pulses the whole room with acid again. Your acid coat was renewed!
Iga [▓▓▓░░░░░░░] STH BRN
>>644853
>>644855
You flee up to the Upper Menagerie. There are a few more half-hearted acid volleys, but eventually the krusts calm down.
You are hurt by acid!
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Marina [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
>>644859
"Hopefully not, but for the moment, we know what's in there. And that acid could be used against the zombie hydra."
"Hopefully not, but for the moment, we know what's in there. And that acid could be used against the zombie hydra."
>>644861
"Well, I mean, that stuff really hurts, right? Then we lure it in here, the thingies spit acid on it, it melts, falls apart while it keeps trying to come after us."
I'll give a sorta nervous half-smile.
"Right?"
"Well, I mean, that stuff really hurts, right? Then we lure it in here, the thingies spit acid on it, it melts, falls apart while it keeps trying to come after us."
I'll give a sorta nervous half-smile.
"Right?"
>>644858
You have difficulty navigating the stairs in the perfect dark, but you eventually stumble your way up. At least the krusts don't detect you.
You have difficulty navigating the stairs in the perfect dark, but you eventually stumble your way up. At least the krusts don't detect you.
>>644866
"Wait, are you saying that towards the room is bigger, or the hydra? Because we never saw the rest of the room."
"Wait, are you saying that towards the room is bigger, or the hydra? Because we never saw the rest of the room."
>>644872
You already were up the stairs. You're in the Upper Menagerie. On the other side of the observing balcony which stretches around the perimeter of the room, you see a door that leads to the Workshop Access.
You already were up the stairs. You're in the Upper Menagerie. On the other side of the observing balcony which stretches around the perimeter of the room, you see a door that leads to the Workshop Access.
>>644873
I guess we should keep heading out, to see where that third door at the main landing leads us.
…I'm really regretting that none of us know any healing magic. If only mom had tried a little harder on getting me into that field.
I guess we should keep heading out, to see where that third door at the main landing leads us.
…I'm really regretting that none of us know any healing magic. If only mom had tried a little harder on getting me into that field.
>>644873
That's it? Great. Back to the workshop. Let's try some place we haven't gone yet, because the layout of this place is really confusing me at this point. Why on earth is the only entrance to this room a balcony? Whatever.
That's it? Great. Back to the workshop. Let's try some place we haven't gone yet, because the layout of this place is really confusing me at this point. Why on earth is the only entrance to this room a balcony? Whatever.
>>644876
The lower menagerie is full of Krusts, so until we've got some sort of acid-proof coat, no thanks. And of course she does.
The lower menagerie is full of Krusts, so until we've got some sort of acid-proof coat, no thanks. And of course she does.
>>644887
Your instincts tell you that this room will be full of rotten food, but that's not what your nose says.
You only have dim light to work with based on what shines over the service counter, but the nearby cutting board is coated in dried blood. There's a crate next to it that is opened.
There are two other crates in here, as well, and both are open.
Your instincts tell you that this room will be full of rotten food, but that's not what your nose says.
You only have dim light to work with based on what shines over the service counter, but the nearby cutting board is coated in dried blood. There's a crate next to it that is opened.
There are two other crates in here, as well, and both are open.
>>644890
"Well, if that Cumin guy shares your dislike of anything meat, I doubt these are his…"
"Well, if that Cumin guy shares your dislike of anything meat, I doubt these are his…"
>>644890
>>644891
With the aid of Lilly's torch, you can see better. The cutting board was actually coated in tomato juice.
The nearby container has a fresh bounty from the sea: seaweed, sea grapes, and sea plantain. There is also spongy coral.
The second box contains more noodle jars, but it's almost empty.
The third box has a few old baked goods. They look mostly stale.
The light also helps you locate a coffer of stone built into the wall.
>>644891
With the aid of Lilly's torch, you can see better. The cutting board was actually coated in tomato juice.
The nearby container has a fresh bounty from the sea: seaweed, sea grapes, and sea plantain. There is also spongy coral.
The second box contains more noodle jars, but it's almost empty.
The third box has a few old baked goods. They look mostly stale.
The light also helps you locate a coffer of stone built into the wall.
>>644893
The only thing interesting to me is that coffer. I'm not too keen on seafood at this point.
The only thing interesting to me is that coffer. I'm not too keen on seafood at this point.
>>644893
I'll blink in surprise.
Then squint at the plantains and grapes.
"How did… Where did he get these?"
I'll blink in surprise.
Then squint at the plantains and grapes.
"How did… Where did he get these?"
>>644894
You pop it open. It contains some truly ancient fish, and a lot of them. They look salted for preservation - and also completely untouched.
You pop it open. It contains some truly ancient fish, and a lot of them. They look salted for preservation - and also completely untouched.
>>644901
Well, we've got a little time, and…
>>644903
I'll puff up my cheeks at that.
"Well sorry for putting the temple underwater!"
My tail will swish uncomfortably into the counter.
Frowning, I'll continue.
"And if you don't want anything to eat, I guess you don't have to eat."
With a little huff, I'll start piling up the fruits, seaweed, and whatever else I can get my hooves on. It's gonna be so gosh-darn delicious.
'1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
Well, we've got a little time, and…
>>644903
I'll puff up my cheeks at that.
"Well sorry for putting the temple underwater!"
My tail will swish uncomfortably into the counter.
Frowning, I'll continue.
"And if you don't want anything to eat, I guess you don't have to eat."
With a little huff, I'll start piling up the fruits, seaweed, and whatever else I can get my hooves on. It's gonna be so gosh-darn delicious.
'1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>644904
>>644903
>>644902
Marina pulls some of her extra supplies and sets to work. After about ten minutes, she finishes with a full meal.
Appetizer: Time-Lost Sushi Rolls (with Vegan Sea Plantain option)
Main Course: Sea Salad with All the Trimmings
Dessert: Seaweed Sorbet
Eating such a delicious meal… it fills you with determination. HP fully restored.
(You gained 1 temporary skill point)
>>644903
>>644902
Marina pulls some of her extra supplies and sets to work. After about ten minutes, she finishes with a full meal.
Appetizer: Time-Lost Sushi Rolls (with Vegan Sea Plantain option)
Main Course: Sea Salad with All the Trimmings
Dessert: Seaweed Sorbet
Eating such a delicious meal… it fills you with determination. HP fully restored.
(You gained 1 temporary skill point)
War Party
You've been invited to a special meeting concerning the attack on Enkilj today. It's at the command tent near the coast, a few miles from the front. When you're ready, you can head there and be briefed.
You've been invited to a special meeting concerning the attack on Enkilj today. It's at the command tent near the coast, a few miles from the front. When you're ready, you can head there and be briefed.
>>645276
War Party?
I'm not a soldier.
What's going on?
Why do they call it a war party?
Try to not show Aira I'm confused by all this terminology '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
War Party?
I'm not a soldier.
What's going on?
Why do they call it a war party?
Try to not show Aira I'm confused by all this terminology '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>645275
I'm ready to go deep inside the menageries depths. I want to penetrate those depths. Feel them. Touch them. Savor them.
I'm ready to go deep inside the menageries depths. I want to penetrate those depths. Feel them. Touch them. Savor them.
>>645277
When you're getting ready to go, Aira asks, "Do you want me to come with you to the meeting, or do you want to go on your own?"
When you're getting ready to go, Aira asks, "Do you want me to come with you to the meeting, or do you want to go on your own?"
>>645278
First you'll need to deal with the awakened krusts of the lower menagerie. You head to the upper menagerie to stage your attack.
First you'll need to deal with the awakened krusts of the lower menagerie. You head to the upper menagerie to stage your attack.
>>645287
More shadows! I am at home in the shadows, but they are so dark i cannot see a thing. When we are out of this temple of doom, I will meditate over a solution.
For now I shall hide in my smoke [1d10]
Roll #1 9 = 9
More shadows! I am at home in the shadows, but they are so dark i cannot see a thing. When we are out of this temple of doom, I will meditate over a solution.
For now I shall hide in my smoke [1d10]
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>645293
"Did you forget the horrible shellfish on the ceiling? The ones that spat acid? The Menagerie level is where those are."
"Did you forget the horrible shellfish on the ceiling? The ones that spat acid? The Menagerie level is where those are."
>>645294
"I could have sworn we hadn't gone down here already… why don't you take the lead instead?"
"I could have sworn we hadn't gone down here already… why don't you take the lead instead?"
>>645290
>>645289
You head out into the town. It seems nearly empty… most of the ponies here have already left, one way or the other. No need to walk the coast today, though: there are ferries leaving from the New Earth docks to take you to the staging area.
The docks are one of the last remaining places where ponies congregate. It's a loud and uneven journey, but eventually you make it to the raiding camp.
Proceeding into the central tent, you're welcomed with the following sights:
To your immediate left, Maeda is sitting, quietly absorbing the information. To her left is a white-and-gold robed mare wearing glasses. To her left is a heavily armored mare whose armor leaves openings for great, powerful wings. Her armor is decoratively gilded with sun imagery. On the opposite side of the table are Executives A, B, and C, as well as DLC himself, and his two secretaries. In the back of the room, sitting behind you, are Fly, Mama Anne, and a few others you don't recognize. At the head of the table is a grizzled looking stallion with a full beard and a camouflage softcap.
One of DLC's secretaries claps cheerfully. "That's everyone. Let's get started. Are introductions in order? First, I'll let our guests of honor introduce themselves, the ones who made the sales pitch."
Attention turns to you.
>>645292
You hide in the dark.
>>645294
>>645295
Where to?
>>645289
You head out into the town. It seems nearly empty… most of the ponies here have already left, one way or the other. No need to walk the coast today, though: there are ferries leaving from the New Earth docks to take you to the staging area.
The docks are one of the last remaining places where ponies congregate. It's a loud and uneven journey, but eventually you make it to the raiding camp.
Proceeding into the central tent, you're welcomed with the following sights:
To your immediate left, Maeda is sitting, quietly absorbing the information. To her left is a white-and-gold robed mare wearing glasses. To her left is a heavily armored mare whose armor leaves openings for great, powerful wings. Her armor is decoratively gilded with sun imagery. On the opposite side of the table are Executives A, B, and C, as well as DLC himself, and his two secretaries. In the back of the room, sitting behind you, are Fly, Mama Anne, and a few others you don't recognize. At the head of the table is a grizzled looking stallion with a full beard and a camouflage softcap.
One of DLC's secretaries claps cheerfully. "That's everyone. Let's get started. Are introductions in order? First, I'll let our guests of honor introduce themselves, the ones who made the sales pitch."
Attention turns to you.
>>645292
You hide in the dark.
>>645294
>>645295
Where to?
>>645295
"Well, we went to the lower menagerie, and this seems to be the upper level. Point remains, those things are there and we need some way of dealing with them. Maybe there's a table or something we could use for cover? It'll block at least a few spits of acid, right?"
I'll shuffle my hooves.
"And judging by the name of it, the vista is probably just living quarters for the new converts. So if nothing else, there should be something like that in there."
>>645296
Sidenote, taking Heal and Mend for the temporary skills. I figure I'll need those more than the extra HP.
"Well, we went to the lower menagerie, and this seems to be the upper level. Point remains, those things are there and we need some way of dealing with them. Maybe there's a table or something we could use for cover? It'll block at least a few spits of acid, right?"
I'll shuffle my hooves.
"And judging by the name of it, the vista is probably just living quarters for the new converts. So if nothing else, there should be something like that in there."
>>645296
Sidenote, taking Heal and Mend for the temporary skills. I figure I'll need those more than the extra HP.
>>645296
I shift uncomfortably, looking at Selena as well, unsure if I should introduce myself too.
For now I just decide to stay quiet
I shift uncomfortably, looking at Selena as well, unsure if I should introduce myself too.
For now I just decide to stay quiet
>>645296
My companions are very indecisive. I shall go to this vista to see what there is to find.
My companions are very indecisive. I shall go to this vista to see what there is to find.
>>645302
Somepony coughs.
The grizzled pony at the head clears his throat. "Enough of that. I am Knight-Commander Stalwart Shield, and I will be organizing our main strategy for this attack. To my right are our crusading consultants, Wing Commander Golden Wing, Blessed Doctor Waxing Spark, and Inquisitor Maeda Tree. I do not think I need to introduce Mr. Charles and his executives to anyone here. That being said, I'd like to direct your attention to this map."
He indicates a map covering the table. Get a closer look at the map and pay attention, or size up the audience?
>>645305
>>645304
>>645301
Neophyte's Vista
After a brief corridor, this room widens. Based on the seating, it appears to be a viewing platform for the room below. Moving to the edge, you can see the faint glow of light streaming from a large crystal in the room sprawled out below you. The bluish light fills the room faintly, and allows you to make out its rough contours. The room is very large, like a central worship chamber, and five-sided. The walls are overgrown with plantlife, and shadowy figures are shifting around below. There seems to be some kind of altar in the center of the chamber, too.
With the torch, you can see that there is a stairwell down on the side that leads down into the chamber.
Somepony coughs.
The grizzled pony at the head clears his throat. "Enough of that. I am Knight-Commander Stalwart Shield, and I will be organizing our main strategy for this attack. To my right are our crusading consultants, Wing Commander Golden Wing, Blessed Doctor Waxing Spark, and Inquisitor Maeda Tree. I do not think I need to introduce Mr. Charles and his executives to anyone here. That being said, I'd like to direct your attention to this map."
He indicates a map covering the table. Get a closer look at the map and pay attention, or size up the audience?
>>645305
>>645304
>>645301
Neophyte's Vista
After a brief corridor, this room widens. Based on the seating, it appears to be a viewing platform for the room below. Moving to the edge, you can see the faint glow of light streaming from a large crystal in the room sprawled out below you. The bluish light fills the room faintly, and allows you to make out its rough contours. The room is very large, like a central worship chamber, and five-sided. The walls are overgrown with plantlife, and shadowy figures are shifting around below. There seems to be some kind of altar in the center of the chamber, too.
With the torch, you can see that there is a stairwell down on the side that leads down into the chamber.
>>645306
Well, I'm going to frown at that.
"I don't know what those shadowy things are. Could be sealife, could be zombies if the guy who made the hydra is still here."
Well, I'm going to frown at that.
"I don't know what those shadowy things are. Could be sealife, could be zombies if the guy who made the hydra is still here."
>>645309
You sneak down the stairwell into the faintly lit
Great Worship Chamber
As you get off the stairs, the central altar is to your left. To your right, there seems to be an airlock-type door. There are probably other doors here, if you look around. There are long wooden pews that have long ago decayed away. The faint trickle of water is the only sound here, except the torch far above.
>>645310
You fly out around the room with the torch, attracting the attention of the monsters below!
They begin to move towards the walls and, without slowing, move up them, and then to the ceiling. They're closing fast!
>>645307
You're bathed in darkness as Lilly leaves with the torch. The shadows in the other room start to move toward her.
>>645311
The Wing Commander has the biggest wings you've ever seen, but you still wonder how she supports that heavy plate armor. Spark doesn't look like a fighter at all. Maeda is being quieter than usual. You suspect the audience behind you are all members of the third tier club at the Upper Hoof.
>>645308
It's a map depicting some sort of large, squarish temple. Battle lines are drawn around it.
"We plan to move forward to these lines and dig out siege trenches, in case this fight becomes protracted. We would prefer to not order a full frontal assault just yet, as most of our group are not trained soldiers and may break formation. The crusading contingent is very small, and we'll be utilizing them for air raids. As for our foe, most of their force is a mix of low-level Enkilj acolytes, and mercenaries hired on to fight us off. Their commander is this pony…"
He throws an artist's rendering onto the table. It's a crystal pony with a mustache and eye patch. "They work for the mercenary. The patched pony."
Someone in the tent murmurs: "Vox?"
"Aye."
You sneak down the stairwell into the faintly lit
Great Worship Chamber
As you get off the stairs, the central altar is to your left. To your right, there seems to be an airlock-type door. There are probably other doors here, if you look around. There are long wooden pews that have long ago decayed away. The faint trickle of water is the only sound here, except the torch far above.
>>645310
You fly out around the room with the torch, attracting the attention of the monsters below!
They begin to move towards the walls and, without slowing, move up them, and then to the ceiling. They're closing fast!
>>645307
You're bathed in darkness as Lilly leaves with the torch. The shadows in the other room start to move toward her.
>>645311
The Wing Commander has the biggest wings you've ever seen, but you still wonder how she supports that heavy plate armor. Spark doesn't look like a fighter at all. Maeda is being quieter than usual. You suspect the audience behind you are all members of the third tier club at the Upper Hoof.
>>645308
It's a map depicting some sort of large, squarish temple. Battle lines are drawn around it.
"We plan to move forward to these lines and dig out siege trenches, in case this fight becomes protracted. We would prefer to not order a full frontal assault just yet, as most of our group are not trained soldiers and may break formation. The crusading contingent is very small, and we'll be utilizing them for air raids. As for our foe, most of their force is a mix of low-level Enkilj acolytes, and mercenaries hired on to fight us off. Their commander is this pony…"
He throws an artist's rendering onto the table. It's a crystal pony with a mustache and eye patch. "They work for the mercenary. The patched pony."
Someone in the tent murmurs: "Vox?"
"Aye."
>>645314
They're strange and blobish. You think you see some sort of tentacles. They look really creepy. They remind you of the Cralund.
They're strange and blobish. You think you see some sort of tentacles. They look really creepy. They remind you of the Cralund.
>>645312
This doesn't sound so good
raise my head ''Excuse me, what is the deal with the eye patch crystal guy?''
This doesn't sound so good
raise my head ''Excuse me, what is the deal with the eye patch crystal guy?''
>>645315
Why is it always tentacles?
I'm going to dive down to the crystal and check it out while those things blubber around.
Why is it always tentacles?
I'm going to dive down to the crystal and check it out while those things blubber around.
>>645316
"Voxam is a legendary soldier who has fought in more wars than everyone in this tent combined. I had thought he was too old to lead a mercenary force – apparently I was wrong. That is why I am being cautious with an attack plan. We should see how the initial assault progresses, and if we can't break them quickly, plan a strike against the leadership."
"Voxam is a legendary soldier who has fought in more wars than everyone in this tent combined. I had thought he was too old to lead a mercenary force – apparently I was wrong. That is why I am being cautious with an attack plan. We should see how the initial assault progresses, and if we can't break them quickly, plan a strike against the leadership."
>>645318
''If you're against an army lead by a legend, then you are into for a load of trouble…'' Cross my arms as I wait for the rest of the plan
''If you're against an army lead by a legend, then you are into for a load of trouble…'' Cross my arms as I wait for the rest of the plan
>>645319
There is limited light, a strange bluish hue being given off from the central altar. You see the faint outlines of doors to your right, under the the Neophytes' Vista, ahead and to the left, in the corner. You think you saw another before descending the stairs, but it's not visible from here.
>>645317
Without warning, you drop in altitude as something very heavy hits your back. You're grounded!
>>645321
Something fell from the ceiling and hit Lilly, she's surrounded. It's time to fight!
Nightmare Amalgam 1
Nightmare Amalgam 2
Nightmare Amalgam 3
Lilly
Marina
Iga
There is limited light, a strange bluish hue being given off from the central altar. You see the faint outlines of doors to your right, under the the Neophytes' Vista, ahead and to the left, in the corner. You think you saw another before descending the stairs, but it's not visible from here.
>>645317
Without warning, you drop in altitude as something very heavy hits your back. You're grounded!
>>645321
Something fell from the ceiling and hit Lilly, she's surrounded. It's time to fight!
Nightmare Amalgam 1
Nightmare Amalgam 2
Nightmare Amalgam 3
Lilly
Marina
Iga
>>646558
Aw ponyfeathers. I guess I need to get down there and help her out! Spear at the ready, I charge down the… ramp? Stairs? Stairs. I really hope I don't trip.
Aw ponyfeathers. I guess I need to get down there and help her out! Spear at the ready, I charge down the… ramp? Stairs? Stairs. I really hope I don't trip.
>>646558
if Lilly is in trouble I must help and backstab the demon which bodyslammed her.
Roll #1 10 = 10
if Lilly is in trouble I must help and backstab the demon which bodyslammed her.
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>646562
You tear out of the darkness and slash through the creature. It ruptures, covering you in an inky black liquid!
Amalgam 3 breaths on you from its terrible muzzle. The acid it spits up burns you!
>>646560
You yelp and fire wildly!
Amalgam 2 grips your throat with its terrible hooves. As you gasp for breath, your vision swims with images of Red's rotting corpse.
>>646559
You relocate to the downstairs. More shadows are coalescing here in the darkness away from the altar.
Two of them move to corner you. You see the face of a long-dead paladin in the flesh of one. It grimaces in pain, and vanishes from sight.
Nightmare Amalgam 2
Nightmare Amalgam 3
Nightmare Amalgam 4
Nightmare Amalgam 5
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░]
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
You tear out of the darkness and slash through the creature. It ruptures, covering you in an inky black liquid!
Amalgam 3 breaths on you from its terrible muzzle. The acid it spits up burns you!
>>646560
You yelp and fire wildly!
Amalgam 2 grips your throat with its terrible hooves. As you gasp for breath, your vision swims with images of Red's rotting corpse.
>>646559
You relocate to the downstairs. More shadows are coalescing here in the darkness away from the altar.
Two of them move to corner you. You see the face of a long-dead paladin in the flesh of one. It grimaces in pain, and vanishes from sight.
Nightmare Amalgam 2
Nightmare Amalgam 3
Nightmare Amalgam 4
Nightmare Amalgam 5
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░]
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>646564
Ah. Well shit. Now I really wish I'd paid attention to mom's cleric lessons.
Regardless, whoever these used to be are long dead, and need to be put to rest.
Stab the nearest Amalgam. I'm assuming it's either 4 or 5. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
Ah. Well shit. Now I really wish I'd paid attention to mom's cleric lessons.
Regardless, whoever these used to be are long dead, and need to be put to rest.
Stab the nearest Amalgam. I'm assuming it's either 4 or 5. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>646565
Right before your blade makes contact, the creature reforms into the shape of your mother's face. You stab deeply into its left eye, and it screams. It chills you to the bone.
More amalgams surround you. You are surrounded by 4, 5, 6, and 7!
>>646566
You struggle helplessly. The room grows darker. You feel every blood vessel in your body burst simultaneously as 2 and 3 tear at you from both ends.
>>646567
(Situational bonus: Very dark room)
You leap back into the smoke screen and regain your cover.
Nightmare Amalgam 2
Nightmare Amalgam 3
Nightmare Amalgam 4
Nightmare Amalgam 5
Nightmare Amalgam 6
Nightmare Amalgam 7
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░]
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Right before your blade makes contact, the creature reforms into the shape of your mother's face. You stab deeply into its left eye, and it screams. It chills you to the bone.
More amalgams surround you. You are surrounded by 4, 5, 6, and 7!
>>646566
You struggle helplessly. The room grows darker. You feel every blood vessel in your body burst simultaneously as 2 and 3 tear at you from both ends.
>>646567
(Situational bonus: Very dark room)
You leap back into the smoke screen and regain your cover.
Nightmare Amalgam 2
Nightmare Amalgam 3
Nightmare Amalgam 4
Nightmare Amalgam 5
Nightmare Amalgam 6
Nightmare Amalgam 7
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░]
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>646568
How would it even know to do that. It can't have seen her. That's just… That's just impossible.
I can't let them separate me from Lilly and Iga, though! Gotta bust through.
Try to get past them, and over to Lilly! '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
How would it even know to do that. It can't have seen her. That's just… That's just impossible.
I can't let them separate me from Lilly and Iga, though! Gotta bust through.
Try to get past them, and over to Lilly! '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>646570
It rearranges into a copy of your paperwork from the customs office right before you strike it. There's a terrible ripping sound.
The third slashes at you!
>>646569
The second continues to choke you out as you flounder!
>>646571
More nightmares form, boxing you in!
Five seven and nine shove you back and forth between them. You feel your regrets cover you like a sweat.
Nightmare Amalgam 2
Nightmare Amalgam 3
Nightmare Amalgam 4
Nightmare Amalgam 5
Nightmare Amalgam 6
Nightmare Amalgam 7
Nightmare Amalgam 8
Nightmare Amalgam 9
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
It rearranges into a copy of your paperwork from the customs office right before you strike it. There's a terrible ripping sound.
The third slashes at you!
>>646569
The second continues to choke you out as you flounder!
>>646571
More nightmares form, boxing you in!
Five seven and nine shove you back and forth between them. You feel your regrets cover you like a sweat.
Nightmare Amalgam 2
Nightmare Amalgam 3
Nightmare Amalgam 4
Nightmare Amalgam 5
Nightmare Amalgam 6
Nightmare Amalgam 7
Nightmare Amalgam 8
Nightmare Amalgam 9
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Marina [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
>>646575
You vanish into the shadows. You remember your credo: number one first!
>>646574
You struggle fruitlessly in the dark.
>>646573
You push through, closing the distance, but you're still being barraged by nightmares!
Six seven and nine begin to drag you away into the shadows! (Three crits!)
(Protect lasts one more turn)
More shadows coalesce from the darkness!
Nightmare Amalgam 2
Nightmare Amalgam 3
Nightmare Amalgam 4
Nightmare Amalgam 5
Nightmare Amalgam 6
Nightmare Amalgam 7
Nightmare Amalgam 8
Nightmare Amalgam 9
Nightmare Amalgam 10
Nightmare Amalgam 11
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Marina [▓▓▓░░░░░░░░░]
You vanish into the shadows. You remember your credo: number one first!
>>646574
You struggle fruitlessly in the dark.
>>646573
You push through, closing the distance, but you're still being barraged by nightmares!
Six seven and nine begin to drag you away into the shadows! (Three crits!)
(Protect lasts one more turn)
More shadows coalesce from the darkness!
Nightmare Amalgam 2
Nightmare Amalgam 3
Nightmare Amalgam 4
Nightmare Amalgam 5
Nightmare Amalgam 6
Nightmare Amalgam 7
Nightmare Amalgam 8
Nightmare Amalgam 9
Nightmare Amalgam 10
Nightmare Amalgam 11
Lilly [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Marina [▓▓▓░░░░░░░░░]
>>646576
NGaaaah! Eat SPEAR! '1d10'
Aiming for the one that's got Lilly in a death grip.
"Lilly, you've got to get out of here! Fly up and escape!"
Roll #1 2 = 2
NGaaaah! Eat SPEAR! '1d10'
Aiming for the one that's got Lilly in a death grip.
"Lilly, you've got to get out of here! Fly up and escape!"
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>646578
>>646577
You bust Lilly free, killing 2 and 3 in the process! You are coated in a black, inky ichor.
Marina is dragged away into the dark! She vanishes from all view!
The central altar glints faintly in the faint light of the chamber. With your torch rolled away into the damp of the room, the faint blue that it emits is the only real light in this room.
>>646582
2 was already finished off, so you aim for the wounded four instead! You rip through it, coating yourself in its black juices.
Many of the amalgams surround you and mob you with their black forms. As they lash at you, you can feel deep down that the mob knows where you are, and they are on their way.
Nightmare Amalgam 5
Nightmare Amalgam 6
Nightmare Amalgam 7
Nightmare Amalgam 8
Nightmare Amalgam 9
Nightmare Amalgam 10
Nightmare Amalgam 11
Nightmare Amalgam 12
Nightmare Amalgam 13
Lilly [▓▓▓░░░░░░░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
>>646577
You bust Lilly free, killing 2 and 3 in the process! You are coated in a black, inky ichor.
Marina is dragged away into the dark! She vanishes from all view!
The central altar glints faintly in the faint light of the chamber. With your torch rolled away into the damp of the room, the faint blue that it emits is the only real light in this room.
>>646582
2 was already finished off, so you aim for the wounded four instead! You rip through it, coating yourself in its black juices.
Many of the amalgams surround you and mob you with their black forms. As they lash at you, you can feel deep down that the mob knows where you are, and they are on their way.
Nightmare Amalgam 5
Nightmare Amalgam 6
Nightmare Amalgam 7
Nightmare Amalgam 8
Nightmare Amalgam 9
Nightmare Amalgam 10
Nightmare Amalgam 11
Nightmare Amalgam 12
Nightmare Amalgam 13
Lilly [▓▓▓░░░░░░░░]
Iga [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
>>646584
I'm going to stab each and every one of these things straight in the fucking neck.
I'm starting with number 6 and 7 with a dual marksman trick strike.
Roll #1 10 = 10
I'm going to stab each and every one of these things straight in the fucking neck.
I'm starting with number 6 and 7 with a dual marksman trick strike.
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>646584
"There are many foes. We must finish them swiftly before more come."
I have to change tactics! Just gonna go straight for the katana kills without smoke effects! I strike Amalgam 6!
Roll #1 7 = 7
"There are many foes. We must finish them swiftly before more come."
I have to change tactics! Just gonna go straight for the katana kills without smoke effects! I strike Amalgam 6!
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>646587
You slash through the amalgam, but it reforms into the shape of one of your smokebombs, making you cough. Egh.
You're surrounded by amalgams 12, 13, 14, and 15. They prepare to make the final strike! (See below)
>>646586
You blast away another pair. Blackness bursts free of their thin skin like a popped balloon, showering you like an ebon rain.
More amalgams form! You are surrounded by Nightmare Amalgam 5, 8, 9, 10, and 11. They glower, and prepare for a final strike (see below).
–
Both
Up above, from the Neophyte's Vista, a sharp, bright golden light pierces the darkness! All of the amalgams are staggered!
A shambling figure up above, with an oddly shaped leg shakily collapses onto the balcony and yells: "You fools! The altar! Hurry! NOW!" The voice sounds ragged and uneven. Male, but not very deep. Pain-ridden.
The figure propels something small and silver through the air toward you! Roll to catch it!
You slash through the amalgam, but it reforms into the shape of one of your smokebombs, making you cough. Egh.
You're surrounded by amalgams 12, 13, 14, and 15. They prepare to make the final strike! (See below)
>>646586
You blast away another pair. Blackness bursts free of their thin skin like a popped balloon, showering you like an ebon rain.
More amalgams form! You are surrounded by Nightmare Amalgam 5, 8, 9, 10, and 11. They glower, and prepare for a final strike (see below).
–
Both
Up above, from the Neophyte's Vista, a sharp, bright golden light pierces the darkness! All of the amalgams are staggered!
A shambling figure up above, with an oddly shaped leg shakily collapses onto the balcony and yells: "You fools! The altar! Hurry! NOW!" The voice sounds ragged and uneven. Male, but not very deep. Pain-ridden.
The figure propels something small and silver through the air toward you! Roll to catch it!
>>646592
>>646591
Iga propels herself up by her wings and nabs it out of the air!
It appears to be a necklace. There are prayer beads made of lustrous pearls, each with inscriptions. The centerpiece is a small, pure-silver crescent moon symbol. The whole thing looks very valuable to your greedy eyes.
"NOW! GO!"
As the amalgams gather themselves from the disruptive light, Vlad, Dixie, and Many Irons joined the fight, holding back the line!
…Who's protecting the thing you came to return?
>>646591
Iga propels herself up by her wings and nabs it out of the air!
It appears to be a necklace. There are prayer beads made of lustrous pearls, each with inscriptions. The centerpiece is a small, pure-silver crescent moon symbol. The whole thing looks very valuable to your greedy eyes.
"NOW! GO!"
As the amalgams gather themselves from the disruptive light, Vlad, Dixie, and Many Irons joined the fight, holding back the line!
…Who's protecting the thing you came to return?
>>646597
You move through the cloud cover with perfect stealth, cloaking your visage with its faint expansion. Bursting free of the other side, you roll to a stop by the central altar.
The stallions are becoming overwhelmed by the opposing force.
You move through the cloud cover with perfect stealth, cloaking your visage with its faint expansion. Bursting free of the other side, you roll to a stop by the central altar.
The stallions are becoming overwhelmed by the opposing force.
>>646601
You gingerly stretch out a hoof and drop the necklace onto the centerpiece of the altar. While you do so, you take a moment to examine this centerpiece more closely.
It is a masterly crated small bench, about three meters across and one meter deep. It is carved from marble with coral flourishes. Large, blue crystals appear to be "growing" out of the piece of furniture, giving off a fair blue light. The center of the altar is a great bowl inlaid with silver garnishing. Around the bowl, you see a few similar necklaces, a knife, and a bottle. The bottle seems to be forged of primitive glass.
With a clatter, you drop the necklace into the bowl. With a groan, the room begins to shake. You hack out a cough as a layer of dust falls from the ceiling. The room is bathed in light from above, so brightly that it hurts to look up. The light refracts through the altar, being cast in all directions!
The amalgams writhe, drawing at first back to the shady corners, and then out of existence as they too are filled with light.
Irons and Vlad rush over to the side of Marina, crumpled up by a pew not far from your location. Dixie Red seems to be struggling with Lilly's altar at the stairs. The figure with the lantern is still clutching the balcony, using it for support.
You gingerly stretch out a hoof and drop the necklace onto the centerpiece of the altar. While you do so, you take a moment to examine this centerpiece more closely.
It is a masterly crated small bench, about three meters across and one meter deep. It is carved from marble with coral flourishes. Large, blue crystals appear to be "growing" out of the piece of furniture, giving off a fair blue light. The center of the altar is a great bowl inlaid with silver garnishing. Around the bowl, you see a few similar necklaces, a knife, and a bottle. The bottle seems to be forged of primitive glass.
With a clatter, you drop the necklace into the bowl. With a groan, the room begins to shake. You hack out a cough as a layer of dust falls from the ceiling. The room is bathed in light from above, so brightly that it hurts to look up. The light refracts through the altar, being cast in all directions!
The amalgams writhe, drawing at first back to the shady corners, and then out of existence as they too are filled with light.
Irons and Vlad rush over to the side of Marina, crumpled up by a pew not far from your location. Dixie Red seems to be struggling with Lilly's altar at the stairs. The figure with the lantern is still clutching the balcony, using it for support.
>>646609
Good old Iga, concerned with loot before anything else.
It appears to be a liquid! It's hard to judge through the waxy brown glass, but it looks to be clear. You ARE a toxicologist, do you want to smell it?
Good old Iga, concerned with loot before anything else.
It appears to be a liquid! It's hard to judge through the waxy brown glass, but it looks to be clear. You ARE a toxicologist, do you want to smell it?
>>646610
I am putting my life at risk for these people. I will not smell it directly but use a hoof to wave the smell towards me.
I am putting my life at risk for these people. I will not smell it directly but use a hoof to wave the smell towards me.
>>646614
Very wise! That's a technique called "wafting".
It smells like alcohol. Really old alcohol. Strong, too, like, nearly pure ethanol. It's noxious like poison.
>>646615
Dixie Red groans as he works on the altar. Touching it blasts you back and sends you rolling away.
"You're not a Lunite, remember? That was the whole point of this - urgh - division of labor. I think I'll… just rest a minute…"
Red sits down on the stairs. He has some blood running down his side, looks like he was cut up pretty badly in the fight as well.
Very wise! That's a technique called "wafting".
It smells like alcohol. Really old alcohol. Strong, too, like, nearly pure ethanol. It's noxious like poison.
>>646615
Dixie Red groans as he works on the altar. Touching it blasts you back and sends you rolling away.
"You're not a Lunite, remember? That was the whole point of this - urgh - division of labor. I think I'll… just rest a minute…"
Red sits down on the stairs. He has some blood running down his side, looks like he was cut up pretty badly in the fight as well.
>>646616
I thought they dragged it with chains or rope or something! Of course I wouldn't just touch it directly! I don't want to have a penis!
"How do you stallions even deal with that thing constantly flopping around down there?"
I thought they dragged it with chains or rope or something! Of course I wouldn't just touch it directly! I don't want to have a penis!
"How do you stallions even deal with that thing constantly flopping around down there?"
>>646616
I close the bottle and put it away. I inspect the knife, is there anything special about it?
Roll #1 7 = 7
I close the bottle and put it away. I inspect the knife, is there anything special about it?
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>646620
"Look, when you make sinister gender mutating altars and leave them lying around like this you're bound to have people start to ask questions like these. Don't give me that sassy look."
"Look, when you make sinister gender mutating altars and leave them lying around like this you're bound to have people start to ask questions like these. Don't give me that sassy look."
>>646622
Yes, three more of similar make to the one you dropped in the bowl.
>>646623
She starts: "I didn't make it, miss. And I don't–" Then, noticing her higher voice, rolls her eyes and taps the altar again before resuming, "Appreciate having to lug this heavy thing around AND do the fightin'. We're only here because the High Priestess's daughter wants to do YOU a favor, and now she's hurt, somethin' bad by the looks of it. None of this here in this temple means squat to me. I'd just as soon take off back for the city."
Yes, three more of similar make to the one you dropped in the bowl.
>>646623
She starts: "I didn't make it, miss. And I don't–" Then, noticing her higher voice, rolls her eyes and taps the altar again before resuming, "Appreciate having to lug this heavy thing around AND do the fightin'. We're only here because the High Priestess's daughter wants to do YOU a favor, and now she's hurt, somethin' bad by the looks of it. None of this here in this temple means squat to me. I'd just as soon take off back for the city."
>>646625
"Hey, we put our lives on the line fighting weird chaos creatures for you guys too, yeah? The things we encountered there, good grief!"
"Hey, we put our lives on the line fighting weird chaos creatures for you guys too, yeah? The things we encountered there, good grief!"
>>646627
"Yeah, but by my measure we're square for that, with the ferrying to the New World and lugging your stuff around and taking extra-long all-night shifts to get you to Autumnsreach as fast as a ship can travel. Not to mention that we had a run-in with those crazy stallionfriends solely because Marina is outside of the protection of the Aquamarine City. I just want to get this job done with."
He points around the room. "I see a few doors around here, but I figure there's no point in trying any of them without asking the featherweight."
"Yeah, but by my measure we're square for that, with the ferrying to the New World and lugging your stuff around and taking extra-long all-night shifts to get you to Autumnsreach as fast as a ship can travel. Not to mention that we had a run-in with those crazy stallionfriends solely because Marina is outside of the protection of the Aquamarine City. I just want to get this job done with."
He points around the room. "I see a few doors around here, but I figure there's no point in trying any of them without asking the featherweight."
>>646633
He points his not-bloody hoof up to the balcony where the figure is no longer clutching the balcony, but instead crumpled at the side of it.
He points his not-bloody hoof up to the balcony where the figure is no longer clutching the balcony, but instead crumpled at the side of it.
>>646635
Mysteries
>>646636
Cumin, the Celestial historian is here. He seems to have fashioned himself a makeshift splint out of a plank that appears to have come from one of his crates. He's cradling the leg, which appears to be re-broken. His lantern has tipped over and gone out.
He grimaces up at you. "Told you… not to…"
Mysteries
>>646636
Cumin, the Celestial historian is here. He seems to have fashioned himself a makeshift splint out of a plank that appears to have come from one of his crates. He's cradling the leg, which appears to be re-broken. His lantern has tipped over and gone out.
He grimaces up at you. "Told you… not to…"
>>646638
Impressive, you've got to admire his guts at least.
I'm not a doctor, but I should at least help him get in a more comfortable position.
"Mistakes were made."
Impressive, you've got to admire his guts at least.
I'm not a doctor, but I should at least help him get in a more comfortable position.
"Mistakes were made."
>>646641
"You…" He pauses to catch his breath. "Turn back… Last stairs before… Not strong enough."
"You…" He pauses to catch his breath. "Turn back… Last stairs before… Not strong enough."
>>646648
"What!? Fuck! Where does the altar go! Tell me! Last stairs before what goddammit!?"
"What!? Fuck! Where does the altar go! Tell me! Last stairs before what goddammit!?"
>>646650
Take a shaky breath.
"I'm sorry. I… got to go. Just don't die, please don't die."
Fuck.
Shit.
Dive down from the balcony.
"It's happening! It's here! And the altar is not where it needs to be so we're about to get flayed alive!"
Take a shaky breath.
"I'm sorry. I… got to go. Just don't die, please don't die."
Fuck.
Shit.
Dive down from the balcony.
"It's happening! It's here! And the altar is not where it needs to be so we're about to get flayed alive!"