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You each awoke in your respective places. Sandor and Alys in their new cabin. Felfire in Terrebonne's. The rest in the bunkhouse. The morning has been a blur of rushing feet and preparations as everyone gets ready for an assault on the most armed fortress city this side of the Manesian. Stonebriar.
The infiltration team was selected at dawn. Rahjak, Felfire, Medium John Bronze, Mellow Marsh, Ruxiang the Eye, and Lieutenant Sunnyskies. And the unicorn prisoners, of course.
After being dropped off at a cove, the ships retreated to a safe distance. Along with the infiltration team, Face, Al-Jinn, Marrowbone, and Abilio also exited the ship, though with a different intention.
Camped outside the city at the crack of dawn, you all form a conspiratorial circle. It's time for action.
The first to break off is Face, giving a wink and disappearing over the hill. You have no idea where he's headed, but before you have the opportunity to think further, you are given a new order.
Abilio entrusts Sunnyskies with a dark, pulsing stone, and then the lot of you are shooed off, leaving just Abilio, Marrowbone, and Al-Jinn keeping watch over the two unicorns.
The rest of the team has been dispatched to assault an orphanage, which is a four minute walk away.
The infiltration team was selected at dawn. Rahjak, Felfire, Medium John Bronze, Mellow Marsh, Ruxiang the Eye, and Lieutenant Sunnyskies. And the unicorn prisoners, of course.
After being dropped off at a cove, the ships retreated to a safe distance. Along with the infiltration team, Face, Al-Jinn, Marrowbone, and Abilio also exited the ship, though with a different intention.
Camped outside the city at the crack of dawn, you all form a conspiratorial circle. It's time for action.
The first to break off is Face, giving a wink and disappearing over the hill. You have no idea where he's headed, but before you have the opportunity to think further, you are given a new order.
Abilio entrusts Sunnyskies with a dark, pulsing stone, and then the lot of you are shooed off, leaving just Abilio, Marrowbone, and Al-Jinn keeping watch over the two unicorns.
The rest of the team has been dispatched to assault an orphanage, which is a four minute walk away.
Chapter 2.2: Heads Will Roll Wf+6 No.276671
>>276668
As you were not present for the meeting last night, you were not informed. You were dispatched with special orders from your newfound mentor, however, to find the Cobbler in town if your infiltration is successful. Cryptic.
>>276669
You have a hard time getting a look at it, now that it is stowed in a satchel, but it seemed devoid of light or reflections.
As you were not present for the meeting last night, you were not informed. You were dispatched with special orders from your newfound mentor, however, to find the Cobbler in town if your infiltration is successful. Cryptic.
>>276669
You have a hard time getting a look at it, now that it is stowed in a satchel, but it seemed devoid of light or reflections.
>>276674
To the contrary. You're on the hill, being guarded by Abilio, Al-Jinn, and Marrowbone in anticipation of the assault. None of them are familiar to you, as you have only had contact with Smitts aboard the Pillager's Fancy. You think you've seen Marrowbone aboard the Darklantern, but can't recall him ever speaking a word before.
To the contrary. You're on the hill, being guarded by Abilio, Al-Jinn, and Marrowbone in anticipation of the assault. None of them are familiar to you, as you have only had contact with Smitts aboard the Pillager's Fancy. You think you've seen Marrowbone aboard the Darklantern, but can't recall him ever speaking a word before.
>>276680
Not a word. Maybe if you weren't so groggy this morning, you would've thought to ask more. Hopefully she knew what she was doing, not describing this guy more.
Sunnyskies gives you a grin in reply to your remark, though. "You're a quick study. Wassername again? But you'll have a good laugh with what we're doing. Only I see the comedy in it. Heh heh. The Fullmaster is worried. Coward."
He uses exaggerated emphasis on "Fullmaster".
Not a word. Maybe if you weren't so groggy this morning, you would've thought to ask more. Hopefully she knew what she was doing, not describing this guy more.
Sunnyskies gives you a grin in reply to your remark, though. "You're a quick study. Wassername again? But you'll have a good laugh with what we're doing. Only I see the comedy in it. Heh heh. The Fullmaster is worried. Coward."
He uses exaggerated emphasis on "Fullmaster".
>>276685
Ruxiang gives you a firm shake of the head.
Mellow Marsh flutters up around you and elaborates, "Let me clarify, Felfire the Wingpony. For this plan to go off with out a hitch, we can't let a single orphan die. We're burning it down, and incapacitating or killing the staff. No children. This is critically important. Got it? Not a single one, or it won't work."
>>276687
We've already split the groups. You're with Spring Water.
Ruxiang gives you a firm shake of the head.
Mellow Marsh flutters up around you and elaborates, "Let me clarify, Felfire the Wingpony. For this plan to go off with out a hitch, we can't let a single orphan die. We're burning it down, and incapacitating or killing the staff. No children. This is critically important. Got it? Not a single one, or it won't work."
>>276687
We've already split the groups. You're with Spring Water.
>>276702
You are going to be part of the infiltration team after they finish at the orphanage. You will reconvene with them after the burning. Does that help?
>>276701
He shakes his head again. "I don't know why Terrebonne insisted we take you. You don't even know the plan. No kidnapping, either. We get in, we burn the place, we get out, and back to the hill. It's Children's Day. That's why we're assaulting today. Today is the only day Stonebriar cares about orphans. You'll understand after the burning."
You are going to be part of the infiltration team after they finish at the orphanage. You will reconvene with them after the burning. Does that help?
>>276701
He shakes his head again. "I don't know why Terrebonne insisted we take you. You don't even know the plan. No kidnapping, either. We get in, we burn the place, we get out, and back to the hill. It's Children's Day. That's why we're assaulting today. Today is the only day Stonebriar cares about orphans. You'll understand after the burning."
>>276708
You arrive at the orphanage. It's sitting a solid three hundred feet from the hulking walls of Stonebriar. No lights are on. Apparently no one is up this early.
"We have a fire kit. Silent matches. Incendiary powder. Crowbar. Billow. All the classic gear. But you get a torch."
Sunnyskies grins and lights a torch with a flourish and passes it to you.
>>276710
>>276712
Abilio eyes the two of you with concern, before clearing his throat.
"Eh-hem. I think we should have sent Doc Peg instead. I don't trust them. They don't trust us. This will only end in tears."
You arrive at the orphanage. It's sitting a solid three hundred feet from the hulking walls of Stonebriar. No lights are on. Apparently no one is up this early.
"We have a fire kit. Silent matches. Incendiary powder. Crowbar. Billow. All the classic gear. But you get a torch."
Sunnyskies grins and lights a torch with a flourish and passes it to you.
>>276710
>>276712
Abilio eyes the two of you with concern, before clearing his throat.
"Eh-hem. I think we should have sent Doc Peg instead. I don't trust them. They don't trust us. This will only end in tears."
>>276714
Al-Jinn eyes the Fullmaster warily.
"Tallow commanded the presence of Doc Peg aboard the Seaworthy. Do you defy him?"
Only a dry look in reply.
—
The crew enters the orphanage. The first floor appears to be a den and entrance hall combined. There's an empty fire pit surrounded by stone, but the rest of the orphanage is made out of logs.
>>276721
Sunnyskies nods at Felfire. "I like your moxie. You're with me and Ruxiang, setting the fire. The rest of you, evacuate the kids. Deal with any staff how you see fit."
He sets to work trailing some sort of powder across the floor as the rest of the crew bar The Eye hurry upstairs.
>>276720
He shrugs. "Not my neck on the line. Yours. Stonebriar is the home city of the Order of the Virtuous. I'm worried that they'll gut you just for associating with us, even as victims. They're wild zealots. Very wild. They hunt down raiders, then burn the towns those raiders hit to the ground. If you see Virtuous members inside the city, don't do anything to seem like a heretic."
>>276722
He gives her a sad smile, "Because I suspect you're just looking for escape, which I can sympathize with."
Al-Jinn eyes the Fullmaster warily.
"Tallow commanded the presence of Doc Peg aboard the Seaworthy. Do you defy him?"
Only a dry look in reply.
—
The crew enters the orphanage. The first floor appears to be a den and entrance hall combined. There's an empty fire pit surrounded by stone, but the rest of the orphanage is made out of logs.
>>276721
Sunnyskies nods at Felfire. "I like your moxie. You're with me and Ruxiang, setting the fire. The rest of you, evacuate the kids. Deal with any staff how you see fit."
He sets to work trailing some sort of powder across the floor as the rest of the crew bar The Eye hurry upstairs.
>>276720
He shrugs. "Not my neck on the line. Yours. Stonebriar is the home city of the Order of the Virtuous. I'm worried that they'll gut you just for associating with us, even as victims. They're wild zealots. Very wild. They hunt down raiders, then burn the towns those raiders hit to the ground. If you see Virtuous members inside the city, don't do anything to seem like a heretic."
>>276722
He gives her a sad smile, "Because I suspect you're just looking for escape, which I can sympathize with."
>>276731
You hear panicked shuffling begin upstairs as Sunnyskies spreads the ash-looking powder.
"Never heard of him. There's a mercantile district, though, so I'd start there. Makes sense, though. Only high class ponies need fancy horseshoes. This is a pretty rich city."
>>276732
He shrugs. "Not sure, to be honest. We avoid them more than we do the Holy Guard. They're Celestia-aligned, so I don't know how they feel about Luna."
You hear panicked shuffling begin upstairs as Sunnyskies spreads the ash-looking powder.
"Never heard of him. There's a mercantile district, though, so I'd start there. Makes sense, though. Only high class ponies need fancy horseshoes. This is a pretty rich city."
>>276732
He shrugs. "Not sure, to be honest. We avoid them more than we do the Holy Guard. They're Celestia-aligned, so I don't know how they feel about Luna."
>>276740
You hear the sound of some brief struggle and impacts against walls, accompanied by screams, then a flood of stampeding little fillies and colts come down the stairs. They don't give you a second look as they evacuate through the front doors. You notice no older ponies with them.
The rest of the crew quickly makes their way out the front and Ruxiang follows them.
Sunnyskies smiles and begins to trail the dust to the door. "Ready for a big bang?"
>>276741
Another shrug. "I already said I would have preferred you aboard the ships. The Commodore seems to think your daughter is more talented and even more malleable than you."
>>276742
Al-Jinn interjects here. "They fought a long time ago."
We're in the banishment era, since this is less than one thousand years before the modern era.
You hear the sound of some brief struggle and impacts against walls, accompanied by screams, then a flood of stampeding little fillies and colts come down the stairs. They don't give you a second look as they evacuate through the front doors. You notice no older ponies with them.
The rest of the crew quickly makes their way out the front and Ruxiang follows them.
Sunnyskies smiles and begins to trail the dust to the door. "Ready for a big bang?"
>>276741
Another shrug. "I already said I would have preferred you aboard the ships. The Commodore seems to think your daughter is more talented and even more malleable than you."
>>276742
Al-Jinn interjects here. "They fought a long time ago."
We're in the banishment era, since this is less than one thousand years before the modern era.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.276751
>>276749
Nod and wait for the children to be safe.
"Fire in the hole!"
Light it. Then, fly at top speed behind the hill.
Roll #0 8 = 8
Nod and wait for the children to be safe.
"Fire in the hole!"
Light it. Then, fly at top speed behind the hill.
Roll #0 8 = 8
>>276751
To the contrary of the Lieutenant's remark, there is no bang. More of a "fwoosh". In mere seconds, the whole building is consumed by flame. Soon, all of your party except Face, still missing, and Bronze, with the kids.
>>276754
It works out. Your character is young and naive.
Abilio gives you all a grim look. "I am loathe to use such powerful magic. Too much risk of something going wrong. But this is the only way. The only ones allowed into the city without a passport…"
He trails off. "When you get the Darkstone to a safe place, smash it on the ground. I'll come to break the hex. If I recall your report correctly, Humble lives here, so her house might be a good place to start. Are you ready for the disguise spell?"
To the contrary of the Lieutenant's remark, there is no bang. More of a "fwoosh". In mere seconds, the whole building is consumed by flame. Soon, all of your party except Face, still missing, and Bronze, with the kids.
>>276754
It works out. Your character is young and naive.
Abilio gives you all a grim look. "I am loathe to use such powerful magic. Too much risk of something going wrong. But this is the only way. The only ones allowed into the city without a passport…"
He trails off. "When you get the Darkstone to a safe place, smash it on the ground. I'll come to break the hex. If I recall your report correctly, Humble lives here, so her house might be a good place to start. Are you ready for the disguise spell?"
>>276765
>>276769
>>276771
I only dropped clues, I never told you outright. Felfire only got to hear one of them, having not visited the meeting, though, so she's fine for being totally oblivious.
The Fullmaster's horn, peaking out from beneath his tricorne, begins to glow with a brilliant gold color. Not what you'd expect from a warlock.
The glow encompasses everyone in the party except for Summer Seas, Marrowbone, Al-Jinn, and Abilio himself. You can feel the magic rearranging your body. This is a pretty elaborate disguise. Seconds later, you are looking up from a lower perspective.
After surveying his work, Abilio rips open a portal and trots through it, along with Marrowbone and Al-Jinn, allowing it to sew itself up behind him. You're ready for the assault.
Your age has been changed to allow you to pass as an orphan. While disguised, you don't benefit from your talent.
You'd better regroup with those orphans before the guard comes to gather them up and bring them into the city…
You recall that Abilio said he would break the hex once you found a safe place to summon him with the Darkstone…
>>276769
>>276771
I only dropped clues, I never told you outright. Felfire only got to hear one of them, having not visited the meeting, though, so she's fine for being totally oblivious.
The Fullmaster's horn, peaking out from beneath his tricorne, begins to glow with a brilliant gold color. Not what you'd expect from a warlock.
The glow encompasses everyone in the party except for Summer Seas, Marrowbone, Al-Jinn, and Abilio himself. You can feel the magic rearranging your body. This is a pretty elaborate disguise. Seconds later, you are looking up from a lower perspective.
After surveying his work, Abilio rips open a portal and trots through it, along with Marrowbone and Al-Jinn, allowing it to sew itself up behind him. You're ready for the assault.
Your age has been changed to allow you to pass as an orphan. While disguised, you don't benefit from your talent.
You'd better regroup with those orphans before the guard comes to gather them up and bring them into the city…
You recall that Abilio said he would break the hex once you found a safe place to summon him with the Darkstone…
>>276784
It's ridiculously oversized. Abilio didn't seem particularly worried about it, and he seems to be a careful planner. What is he up to?
Summer's is still carefully affixed.
>>276783
You pull her to her feet with relative ease. Your wings still seem to be strong, at least.
You are still wearing your previous effects, but they're all oversized now.
It's ridiculously oversized. Abilio didn't seem particularly worried about it, and he seems to be a careful planner. What is he up to?
Summer's is still carefully affixed.
>>276783
You pull her to her feet with relative ease. Your wings still seem to be strong, at least.
You are still wearing your previous effects, but they're all oversized now.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.276791
>>276788
Naked I was, naked I am.
Feel the wind.
Regroup with the others and pretend to look frightened.
Roll #0 8 = 8
Naked I was, naked I am.
Feel the wind.
Regroup with the others and pretend to look frightened.
Roll #0 8 = 8
>>276799
The Lieutenant, now looking a little silly in his uniform, casts off his fancy clothes and nods. "Quick study. This is war. Trojan Horse! Like the horses at Troy, we're sneaking into the city looking like civilians. Come on, we've got to regroup with the other orphans. Medium John can't hold them forever."
The Lieutenant, now looking a little silly in his uniform, casts off his fancy clothes and nods. "Quick study. This is war. Trojan Horse! Like the horses at Troy, we're sneaking into the city looking like civilians. Come on, we've got to regroup with the other orphans. Medium John can't hold them forever."
>>276791
You pull off quite the convincing act. All those years at the bar must have turned your tongue silver.
Bronze ushers all of you toward the gates, then breaks off and splits back for the Pillager's Fancy. As you arrive, you can see a frantic earth pony with a blonde mane and green eyes screaming at the guards about the fire.
She pulls you up close and says, "LOOK AT HOW SCARED THEY ARE! LOOK AT THE CHILDREN! PLEASE THINK OF THE CHILDREN! WHY WON'T ANYONE THINK OF THE CHILDREN!"
Then she subtly gives you a wink and whispers, "Good luck, Wingpony."
The guards seem concerned, and about half break off to investigate the fire or retreat inside for help. The rest begin ushering in the pack of orphans. You all seem to fit in quite well with the big crowd. The plan is starting to become clear.
You pull off quite the convincing act. All those years at the bar must have turned your tongue silver.
Bronze ushers all of you toward the gates, then breaks off and splits back for the Pillager's Fancy. As you arrive, you can see a frantic earth pony with a blonde mane and green eyes screaming at the guards about the fire.
She pulls you up close and says, "LOOK AT HOW SCARED THEY ARE! LOOK AT THE CHILDREN! PLEASE THINK OF THE CHILDREN! WHY WON'T ANYONE THINK OF THE CHILDREN!"
Then she subtly gives you a wink and whispers, "Good luck, Wingpony."
The guards seem concerned, and about half break off to investigate the fire or retreat inside for help. The rest begin ushering in the pack of orphans. You all seem to fit in quite well with the big crowd. The plan is starting to become clear.
>>276809
>>276811
>>276812
Everyone now roll to avoid becoming separated. Closer rolls = better. Higher rolls give you better luck at wandering toward a safe location.
More specifically directed at Summer Seas:
You see so many wonderful things. The city is bright, colorful, and everyone seems to be happy or laughing. It's hard to make out all it has to offer in the crowd, pushing you from all sides, but you can tell this city is a bustling metropolis.
>>276811
>>276812
Everyone now roll to avoid becoming separated. Closer rolls = better. Higher rolls give you better luck at wandering toward a safe location.
More specifically directed at Summer Seas:
You see so many wonderful things. The city is bright, colorful, and everyone seems to be happy or laughing. It's hard to make out all it has to offer in the crowd, pushing you from all sides, but you can tell this city is a bustling metropolis.
>>276815
>>276816
>>276817
>>276821
The crowd is fierce, and you quickly lose track of Ruxiang, Sunnyskies, and Marsh, but you have the good fortune to stick together perfectly. As the other foals filter away, leaving the three of you distinctly on your own, you feel extra small in the huge metropolitan center that is Stonebriar City. Nonetheless, you're safely in the city square, and together. That's what's important, right?
There's a fountain here, and there are marble pony statues of all races bathing in it. There's even a crystal pony made out of quartz. Where to first?
>>276816
>>276817
>>276821
The crowd is fierce, and you quickly lose track of Ruxiang, Sunnyskies, and Marsh, but you have the good fortune to stick together perfectly. As the other foals filter away, leaving the three of you distinctly on your own, you feel extra small in the huge metropolitan center that is Stonebriar City. Nonetheless, you're safely in the city square, and together. That's what's important, right?
There's a fountain here, and there are marble pony statues of all races bathing in it. There's even a crystal pony made out of quartz. Where to first?
>>276833
You split off from the group even further. Before long, you're deep in the slums. You quickly realize there are no inns in this part of town. A few "boarding houses" that are full of squatters, and large amounts of foreclosed or demolished houses full of poor ponies in rags. You do spot a tavern that has cheap room and board, though.
You also notice there's a triage center here, and that this area is almost completely free of guards. Instead, it is patrolled by large amounts of ponies in odd uniforms you don't recognize. They wear bronze blades, and you don't like the looks of them.
You split off from the group even further. Before long, you're deep in the slums. You quickly realize there are no inns in this part of town. A few "boarding houses" that are full of squatters, and large amounts of foreclosed or demolished houses full of poor ponies in rags. You do spot a tavern that has cheap room and board, though.
You also notice there's a triage center here, and that this area is almost completely free of guards. Instead, it is patrolled by large amounts of ponies in odd uniforms you don't recognize. They wear bronze blades, and you don't like the looks of them.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.276838
>>276834
Right. This is a perfect place, but before doing anything rash let's go to the merchantile district.
Take note of where this place is of course, I'll have to come back.
In this district, well, look for a cobbler!
Roll #0 3 = 3
Right. This is a perfect place, but before doing anything rash let's go to the merchantile district.
Take note of where this place is of course, I'll have to come back.
In this district, well, look for a cobbler!
Roll #0 3 = 3
>>276837
You don't find anything on the ground, but you do notice a lot of small pieces in the fountain.
You try to fish one out, but end up falling in and getting soaked. To make matters worse, you realize it wasn't even a coin: it was just a small metal plate!
>>276838
You return to the mercantile district, totally turned around. You try to read the signs, but your neck starts to ache from craning your head. Curse this tiny body!
You don't find anything on the ground, but you do notice a lot of small pieces in the fountain.
You try to fish one out, but end up falling in and getting soaked. To make matters worse, you realize it wasn't even a coin: it was just a small metal plate!
>>276838
You return to the mercantile district, totally turned around. You try to read the signs, but your neck starts to ache from craning your head. Curse this tiny body!
>>276842
>>276843
>>276844
You stop one of the oddly-uniformed ponies that seems to be present in this district instead of the lower class.
He considers you for a moment before softening to your puppy dog eyes, "Stay with your parents, young one. Heretics abound. If their influences corrupt you, I would have to have to cull you for the greater good."
>>276845
>>276847
Your tiny form takes some getting used to. You totally misjudge your new, smaller mass, and she pulls you into the fountain. You look just like two sisters playing in the bath.
>>276846
The next pony you stop gives you a Costanza face before turning and leaving.
>>276843
>>276844
You stop one of the oddly-uniformed ponies that seems to be present in this district instead of the lower class.
He considers you for a moment before softening to your puppy dog eyes, "Stay with your parents, young one. Heretics abound. If their influences corrupt you, I would have to have to cull you for the greater good."
>>276845
>>276847
Your tiny form takes some getting used to. You totally misjudge your new, smaller mass, and she pulls you into the fountain. You look just like two sisters playing in the bath.
>>276846
The next pony you stop gives you a Costanza face before turning and leaving.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.276850
>>276848
Ah. I knew they were out for necromancy!
Keep looking damnit! Is a single district, a smith making horseshoes can't be hard to find!
Roll #0 5 = 5
Ah. I knew they were out for necromancy!
Keep looking damnit! Is a single district, a smith making horseshoes can't be hard to find!
Roll #0 5 = 5
>>276850
The district is sprawlingly large. You spend some time searching and find a horseshoe making blacksmith, but the sign definitely says "blacksmith", not cobbler, and he makes things other than shoes. You feel like this isn't the rich place. Especially because the pony there appears to be chatting with some of the heretic-hunters while making them blades.
>>276852
>>276853
Motivated by the cold of Summer's splash, you pull her out and regain your land legs. You're still soaked, but at least she's having a good time.
The district is sprawlingly large. You spend some time searching and find a horseshoe making blacksmith, but the sign definitely says "blacksmith", not cobbler, and he makes things other than shoes. You feel like this isn't the rich place. Especially because the pony there appears to be chatting with some of the heretic-hunters while making them blades.
>>276852
>>276853
Motivated by the cold of Summer's splash, you pull her out and regain your land legs. You're still soaked, but at least she's having a good time.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.276866
>>276855
Let's roam this whole place already.
'10d10'
Roll #0 10 = 10
Roll #1 7, 7, 1, 3, 5, 7, 6, 3, 2, 1 = 42
Let's roam this whole place already.
'10d10'
Roll #0 10 = 10
Roll #1 7, 7, 1, 3, 5, 7, 6, 3, 2, 1 = 42
>>276855
>>276866
You spent your time bumping into random people and getting lost, but eventually you give up and sit on the curb. You're about to chalk your life up to being over for good, essentially resigned to growing up a second time in a foreign city and never being able to practice your Art again.
Then you look up and see the sign for a cobbler directly above you. You're on the curb in front of his shop.
>>276864
>>276863
>>276857
You quickly locate a hospital, but you're stopped at the doors. "Who are you fillies here to visit?"
>>276866
You spent your time bumping into random people and getting lost, but eventually you give up and sit on the curb. You're about to chalk your life up to being over for good, essentially resigned to growing up a second time in a foreign city and never being able to practice your Art again.
Then you look up and see the sign for a cobbler directly above you. You're on the curb in front of his shop.
>>276864
>>276863
>>276857
You quickly locate a hospital, but you're stopped at the doors. "Who are you fillies here to visit?"
>>276869
In the back of the shop, you can see the faint light of a forge. This place makes all kinds of shoes, it would seem, from the classic metal to the absurdly flashy. There are even some made out of leather.
There's an old pony working the fire at the back.
>>276871
Without looking up from his clipboard, the goat drones, "Name and room number, please. I'll also need to see your city ID."
In the back of the shop, you can see the faint light of a forge. This place makes all kinds of shoes, it would seem, from the classic metal to the absurdly flashy. There are even some made out of leather.
There's an old pony working the fire at the back.
>>276871
Without looking up from his clipboard, the goat drones, "Name and room number, please. I'll also need to see your city ID."
>>276891
>>276893
He looks totally nonplussed in spite of your pleas and says, "Get out of her, you dirty orphans. You'll infect some rich ponies."
Goat.
>>276882
"Ah, yes. Terrebonne. I knew her once. And now she has sent a little filly to my shop. What could a youngling like you do with skills like mine? Can you even animate a skull?"
>>276893
He looks totally nonplussed in spite of your pleas and says, "Get out of her, you dirty orphans. You'll infect some rich ponies."
Goat.
>>276882
"Ah, yes. Terrebonne. I knew her once. And now she has sent a little filly to my shop. What could a youngling like you do with skills like mine? Can you even animate a skull?"
>>276898
He shakes his head. "No place is safe from the Order of the Virtuous. I've gone into hiding. They're zealots, every last one. Something is going to happen today, though… I can feel it."
>>276899
>>276897
You're right. My bad. Oh well, you already critfailed the first roll. He's in no mood to be convinced. Also orphans would never be in the high class hospital, so it was a bad lie.
You find a glamorous temple right away, but it's obviously attributed to the Sun. You ask around, and find out it's the only temple in town, other than a small private sunshrine in the Military District. Apparently all the merchants make offerings here before trading in the city.
The guards here are eying you suspiciously as well. What is it with this city?
He shakes his head. "No place is safe from the Order of the Virtuous. I've gone into hiding. They're zealots, every last one. Something is going to happen today, though… I can feel it."
>>276899
>>276897
You're right. My bad. Oh well, you already critfailed the first roll. He's in no mood to be convinced. Also orphans would never be in the high class hospital, so it was a bad lie.
You find a glamorous temple right away, but it's obviously attributed to the Sun. You ask around, and find out it's the only temple in town, other than a small private sunshrine in the Military District. Apparently all the merchants make offerings here before trading in the city.
The guards here are eying you suspiciously as well. What is it with this city?
>>276907
He shakes his head. "Not because of the fire. Children's Day holds special significance to this city and to the Holy Guard. The ambassador of Autumsreach, the 'blessed' city of the Holy Guard, is visiting with her daughter. She's to be inducted into the order today. I think that the Order of the Virtuous is going to try to kill both of them."
>>276906
There are a lot of ponies dressed like priests around, but none of them seems to be acting very priestly. One, for instance, appears to have spit on a merchant for daring to talk to him.
>>276911
He growls.
He shakes his head. "Not because of the fire. Children's Day holds special significance to this city and to the Holy Guard. The ambassador of Autumsreach, the 'blessed' city of the Holy Guard, is visiting with her daughter. She's to be inducted into the order today. I think that the Order of the Virtuous is going to try to kill both of them."
>>276906
There are a lot of ponies dressed like priests around, but none of them seems to be acting very priestly. One, for instance, appears to have spit on a merchant for daring to talk to him.
>>276911
He growls.
Spring Water [Charlatan] No.276916
>>276911
"Ponies like us…"
I look at her, whispering softly
"Sweetie, don't call me momma for now, okay? Just call me Spring. I know it's weird, but just stick with me on this one okay?"
>>276913
I sigh
What a nice bunch. Seems like a real holiday hotspot, this city…
I approach the friendliest looking priest/cleric/whatever '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
"Ponies like us…"
I look at her, whispering softly
"Sweetie, don't call me momma for now, okay? Just call me Spring. I know it's weird, but just stick with me on this one okay?"
>>276913
I sigh
What a nice bunch. Seems like a real holiday hotspot, this city…
I approach the friendliest looking priest/cleric/whatever '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>276916
You find one priest off to the side looking depressed. She's silently reading from scripture. You approach her, and though her words are not outright cruel, she does seem a little disturbed.
"What do you want, little one?"
>>276917
"Terrebonne swore an oath to me to send me a student capable of learning what I have to teach before I pass for the final time. But one so young… — Er, how old are you really?"
You realize Sunnyskies is the one with the darkstone, right?
You find one priest off to the side looking depressed. She's silently reading from scripture. You approach her, and though her words are not outright cruel, she does seem a little disturbed.
"What do you want, little one?"
>>276917
"Terrebonne swore an oath to me to send me a student capable of learning what I have to teach before I pass for the final time. But one so young… — Er, how old are you really?"
You realize Sunnyskies is the one with the darkstone, right?
Felfire [Necromancer] No.276927
>>276923
Yeah I am. And I have no intention of leaving town until I've razed it to the ground. But I don't think he'd like to hear this, it's his home after all. For now I'm scouting 'safe' locations.
"Urgh. You don't ask a girl her age. But I'm in my twenties. The younger the better, your art will stay alive longer, no?" Give him a smirk.
Yeah I am. And I have no intention of leaving town until I've razed it to the ground. But I don't think he'd like to hear this, it's his home after all. For now I'm scouting 'safe' locations.
"Urgh. You don't ask a girl her age. But I'm in my twenties. The younger the better, your art will stay alive longer, no?" Give him a smirk.
Spring Water [Charlatan] No.276930
>>276923
"Um… my sister and I were wondering if you could maybe help us? We… we want to join your order and train to become clerics! We already know a lot of healing spells, Summer is really good at them and so am I! It's just that we don't have a place to stay and all… so we're looking for shelter. We're willing to work for it! Really!"
"Um… my sister and I were wondering if you could maybe help us? We… we want to join your order and train to become clerics! We already know a lot of healing spells, Summer is really good at them and so am I! It's just that we don't have a place to stay and all… so we're looking for shelter. We're willing to work for it! Really!"
>>276927
He shakes his head. "We don't have time to teach conventionally. Follow me, fill— er, student."
He pulls up a trapdoor that leads to a staircase into a lower room. Inside the lower chamber, there is a small army of skeletal ponies at work on horseshoes. He trots past them to the end, and begins searching his workbench.
>>276930
She shakes her head. "I'm sorry little one. The priesthood doesn't actually have any housing. This temple is more a politi— Ah, such things are not for ears so young. Where are your parents?"
The white pegasus brings her wings to span from under her robes and draws you and your daughter up close under her feathers.
He shakes his head. "We don't have time to teach conventionally. Follow me, fill— er, student."
He pulls up a trapdoor that leads to a staircase into a lower room. Inside the lower chamber, there is a small army of skeletal ponies at work on horseshoes. He trots past them to the end, and begins searching his workbench.
>>276930
She shakes her head. "I'm sorry little one. The priesthood doesn't actually have any housing. This temple is more a politi— Ah, such things are not for ears so young. Where are your parents?"
The white pegasus brings her wings to span from under her robes and draws you and your daughter up close under her feathers.
>>276940
"What all followers of the Art aspire to have. Control. Precision. Mastery." He continues to dig, throwing out all manner of trinkets, most of them related to shoe design. "I used to joke that I was a mender of soles, but I work far more on the mechanical side of the spectrum."
>>276939
>>276938
She pats both of you on the head. "That's okay. Where are your papers, dearies?"
"What all followers of the Art aspire to have. Control. Precision. Mastery." He continues to dig, throwing out all manner of trinkets, most of them related to shoe design. "I used to joke that I was a mender of soles, but I work far more on the mechanical side of the spectrum."
>>276939
>>276938
She pats both of you on the head. "That's okay. Where are your papers, dearies?"
>>276950
"Thirty skeletons here, three per table. I have a network of birds in the city, numbering some twenty four odd. I can get up near eighty on a good day, if I really flex. It is how I have survived the culling of the Order of the Virtuous."
He withdraws a basin from his workbench.
"But my talent is not just doing what others do exceptionally well, but also creating my own magic. I can see through their eyes. Guide with perfect control. I can be in twenty places at once. Scout everywhere without leaving my shop."
>>276953
>>276951
"We'll have to take you to the Department of Transportation, I imagine. They'll be able to keep you safe there, in custody, until they find your parents. I imagine they'll fine them, but you'll be alright."
"Thirty skeletons here, three per table. I have a network of birds in the city, numbering some twenty four odd. I can get up near eighty on a good day, if I really flex. It is how I have survived the culling of the Order of the Virtuous."
He withdraws a basin from his workbench.
"But my talent is not just doing what others do exceptionally well, but also creating my own magic. I can see through their eyes. Guide with perfect control. I can be in twenty places at once. Scout everywhere without leaving my shop."
>>276953
>>276951
"We'll have to take you to the Department of Transportation, I imagine. They'll be able to keep you safe there, in custody, until they find your parents. I imagine they'll fine them, but you'll be alright."
>>276962
"Terrebonne spoke of the same potential, but her arts were as arcane to me as mine were to her. That's why I asked her to send me an unfettered soul to teach. But there is no time for that anymore."
The earth pony begins to vomit a black substance into the bowl. It seems to lack any consistency: it is as smooth as water, but does not ripple in the basin, settling immediately.
"As you may learn in your studies of the Arts, as you pursue power, you may take it upon yourself to damage the quality of your immortal soul. This is the representation of you that exists on the immortal plane after it seeps from your corpse. A soul damaged too much by frequent resurrections or other magical means cannot return to this plane. It's not my specialty, of course, but this is the basic study. Suffice to say, I do not believe I will be returning from the Eternal Rest after my next death. Take this, and keep it safe."
He hands you the basin. In spite of tilting it, the substance inside does not shift at all. It seems firmly rooted inside the basin.
>>276964
She puts you over her shoulder and pats your back, comfortingly, "Wouldn't your parents be upset if they couldn't find you? You don't want to make them worry, do you, little one?"
She looks at Summer very seriously now, "You're going to take good care of your little sister, now, right?"
"Terrebonne spoke of the same potential, but her arts were as arcane to me as mine were to her. That's why I asked her to send me an unfettered soul to teach. But there is no time for that anymore."
The earth pony begins to vomit a black substance into the bowl. It seems to lack any consistency: it is as smooth as water, but does not ripple in the basin, settling immediately.
"As you may learn in your studies of the Arts, as you pursue power, you may take it upon yourself to damage the quality of your immortal soul. This is the representation of you that exists on the immortal plane after it seeps from your corpse. A soul damaged too much by frequent resurrections or other magical means cannot return to this plane. It's not my specialty, of course, but this is the basic study. Suffice to say, I do not believe I will be returning from the Eternal Rest after my next death. Take this, and keep it safe."
He hands you the basin. In spite of tilting it, the substance inside does not shift at all. It seems firmly rooted inside the basin.
>>276964
She puts you over her shoulder and pats your back, comfortingly, "Wouldn't your parents be upset if they couldn't find you? You don't want to make them worry, do you, little one?"
She looks at Summer very seriously now, "You're going to take good care of your little sister, now, right?"
Spring Water [Charlatan] No.276972
>>276966
"But… but… We don't have to be in this city right? Can't they just send us home already and spread the word that we're fine? You have our names and a description of what we look like! Maybe… maybe they already went back home! We have a really big family, some of them still live in our hometown! Please miss, we just want to see home again…"
Keep up those pleading eyes…
Roll #0 3 = 3
"But… but… We don't have to be in this city right? Can't they just send us home already and spread the word that we're fine? You have our names and a description of what we look like! Maybe… maybe they already went back home! We have a really big family, some of them still live in our hometown! Please miss, we just want to see home again…"
Keep up those pleading eyes…
Roll #0 3 = 3
>>276970
He gives a callous laugh. "No, not quite. This is Ichor. All skilled necromancers have the potential to create this material as well. It is the blood of an immortal. If you take this substance to Terrebonne, she will be able to draw a line of communication to my soul once I've passed. Or perhaps even you will, if you are skilled at communing. This way, I can continue to educate you after my time on this plane has run out."
You carefully examine the Ichor. It looks different than any other blood you've seen before. You notice that it is perfectly flat, does not catch glare from light, and does not bear any reflective qualities at all.
>>276975
Yes, she's making a bad guess because you appear to be more composed than Spring to her.
>>276972
>>276973
She sighs. "Fine, I won't turn you into the guard, but I don't know how to help you leave the city. I will advise you that I think this is a folly path, though."
She sets you down next to Summer.
He gives a callous laugh. "No, not quite. This is Ichor. All skilled necromancers have the potential to create this material as well. It is the blood of an immortal. If you take this substance to Terrebonne, she will be able to draw a line of communication to my soul once I've passed. Or perhaps even you will, if you are skilled at communing. This way, I can continue to educate you after my time on this plane has run out."
You carefully examine the Ichor. It looks different than any other blood you've seen before. You notice that it is perfectly flat, does not catch glare from light, and does not bear any reflective qualities at all.
>>276975
Yes, she's making a bad guess because you appear to be more composed than Spring to her.
>>276972
>>276973
She sighs. "Fine, I won't turn you into the guard, but I don't know how to help you leave the city. I will advise you that I think this is a folly path, though."
She sets you down next to Summer.
>>276982
"It will not come out of the bowl. Such is the nature of Ichor. Near-instant coagulation."
He does pull out a length of rope you can use to secure it, though.
>>276981
She sighs and rolls her eyes, obviously unaccustomed to working with kids, "I can't help you if you aren't willing to let us find your parents. The most I can do for you is let you look on your own. Otherwise I can take you to the Department and find your parents."
"It will not come out of the bowl. Such is the nature of Ichor. Near-instant coagulation."
He does pull out a length of rope you can use to secure it, though.
>>276981
She sighs and rolls her eyes, obviously unaccustomed to working with kids, "I can't help you if you aren't willing to let us find your parents. The most I can do for you is let you look on your own. Otherwise I can take you to the Department and find your parents."
>>276985
"The Induction Ceremony is this afternoon, I don't know when exactly. You might be able to find out by asking around. There is to be a rather large party for the affair, from what I understand."
>>276987
>>276997
She doesn't stop you as you wander out onto the streets, but she does get up and go whisper to one of the guards. Maybe she wasn't so honest about not turning you in…
"The Induction Ceremony is this afternoon, I don't know when exactly. You might be able to find out by asking around. There is to be a rather large party for the affair, from what I understand."
>>276987
>>276997
She doesn't stop you as you wander out onto the streets, but she does get up and go whisper to one of the guards. Maybe she wasn't so honest about not turning you in…
>>277016
You don't do a much better job of being stealthy. In fact, a butterfly lands on your nose and you adorably swat at it as the guard over near the white pegasus surveys you distantly.
>>277024
You vanish and get out of there so well, people might think you're a stalker. You drag your "sister" along with you as you go.
You don't do a much better job of being stealthy. In fact, a butterfly lands on your nose and you adorably swat at it as the guard over near the white pegasus surveys you distantly.
>>277024
You vanish and get out of there so well, people might think you're a stalker. You drag your "sister" along with you as you go.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.277036
>>277030
"Oh shit! The Order!"
Fake an expresion of shock and point behind him, then run!
Roll #0 3 = 3
"Oh shit! The Order!"
Fake an expresion of shock and point behind him, then run!
Roll #0 3 = 3
Felfire [Necromancer] No.277041
>>277039
"To find a friend of mine and share candies with her?"
Try to give a convincing smile and wriggle out of his grasp.
Roll #0 10 = 10
"To find a friend of mine and share candies with her?"
Try to give a convincing smile and wriggle out of his grasp.
Roll #0 10 = 10
>>277041
He seems pretty convinced.
He catches you by the hooves this time, but grins, "Alright, how about you go get them after I give you yours?"
He starts to drag you back to his hovel to have his way with you, but just as he rounds the first bend into an alleyway, he gets clocked in the face by an opportunistic hoof, collapsing unconscious.
It's the "mare" from the front gate. "Looked like you could use a hoof, Wingpony."
He seems pretty convinced.
He catches you by the hooves this time, but grins, "Alright, how about you go get them after I give you yours?"
He starts to drag you back to his hovel to have his way with you, but just as he rounds the first bend into an alleyway, he gets clocked in the face by an opportunistic hoof, collapsing unconscious.
It's the "mare" from the front gate. "Looked like you could use a hoof, Wingpony."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.277044
>>277043
"Thanks. I really didn't want to raise something here, with all those zaelots around.
This idiot was nearly forcing me to!
Good news is, I've found a safe place to use the crystal in. Bad news is, I can't find Sunnyskies."
Roll #0 10 = 10
"Thanks. I really didn't want to raise something here, with all those zaelots around.
This idiot was nearly forcing me to!
Good news is, I've found a safe place to use the crystal in. Bad news is, I can't find Sunnyskies."
Roll #0 10 = 10
>>277044
He scratches at his flowing mane with one hoof, then sighs, "I don't know where Sunnyskies is. I'm guessing Mellow Marsh is with him, though. They probably went to hunt that mare named Humble. I found Ruxiang, though."
He indicates the little one-winged pegasus behind him, who is looking more than a little displeased.
He scratches at his flowing mane with one hoof, then sighs, "I don't know where Sunnyskies is. I'm guessing Mellow Marsh is with him, though. They probably went to hunt that mare named Humble. I found Ruxiang, though."
He indicates the little one-winged pegasus behind him, who is looking more than a little displeased.
>>277052
>>277049
"Just as well. We were going to light the place up ourselves, right? And I don't have any place else to be unless you want to act like my kid and help me pick up ladies who love a responsible guy."
He snickers a little bit, then acts struck. "Oh yeah, I'm still in disguise. Alright, Humble's it is. You know the way?"
>>277049
"Just as well. We were going to light the place up ourselves, right? And I don't have any place else to be unless you want to act like my kid and help me pick up ladies who love a responsible guy."
He snickers a little bit, then acts struck. "Oh yeah, I'm still in disguise. Alright, Humble's it is. You know the way?"
>>277054
He grins. "You should try impersonating a dignitary's wife. The only odd looks I got were after I came into the slums. Speaking of which…"
He turns down another street to head toward the middle class district.
"But it's a pretty nice. I could get by. Just as long as I don't have to meet up with my 'husband'. Things could get complicated fast."
He considers his statement for a minute. "Did I mention that mare we found in Bridgewater turned out to be a dignitary's wife visiting the country estate? Talk about luck."
He grins. "You should try impersonating a dignitary's wife. The only odd looks I got were after I came into the slums. Speaking of which…"
He turns down another street to head toward the middle class district.
"But it's a pretty nice. I could get by. Just as long as I don't have to meet up with my 'husband'. Things could get complicated fast."
He considers his statement for a minute. "Did I mention that mare we found in Bridgewater turned out to be a dignitary's wife visiting the country estate? Talk about luck."
>>277056
He shrugs. "I dunno. I always let Jones see them out after I'm done. Let 'em down easier. I don't know why he has such an obsession with dealing with all the girls I've had my way with. He said we wouldn't have to worry about her showing up in town, though, so we should be good."
You enter the middle class district, and it's a complete change of scenery again. A few guards here and there, but it is generally glean and peaceful, with much less traffic than the other districts.
He shrugs. "I dunno. I always let Jones see them out after I'm done. Let 'em down easier. I don't know why he has such an obsession with dealing with all the girls I've had my way with. He said we wouldn't have to worry about her showing up in town, though, so we should be good."
You enter the middle class district, and it's a complete change of scenery again. A few guards here and there, but it is generally glean and peaceful, with much less traffic than the other districts.
>>277070
Straightening his dress, he comes to a stop in front of a townhouse.
"I dunno. I never had a taste for rape. I mean, don't get me wrong, if we're having a raping contest, I'll rape with the best of them, but it just doesn't feel as good as when they really want it. Personal tastes, I guess. I never checked into it, but Jones is kinda a shady guy, so I figured I'd be disgusted either way."
Straightening his dress, he comes to a stop in front of a townhouse.
"I dunno. I never had a taste for rape. I mean, don't get me wrong, if we're having a raping contest, I'll rape with the best of them, but it just doesn't feel as good as when they really want it. Personal tastes, I guess. I never checked into it, but Jones is kinda a shady guy, so I figured I'd be disgusted either way."
>>277075
He tuts at you. "I raised you to be a better girl than to ask questions like that. But since you did, I know she's the widow of an old quartermaster from before my time on the ship. Apparently she takes care of mice or something now? We helped her out back in Bridgewater, so now we're assuming she'll let us use her house as a meet-up point. Did you see where the unicorns went, by the way?"
He thinks a moment, "I'm sure they'll turn up eventually. They don't want to be caught in the cannon fire, nor does the mare want to grow up as her daughter's sister."
He tuts at you. "I raised you to be a better girl than to ask questions like that. But since you did, I know she's the widow of an old quartermaster from before my time on the ship. Apparently she takes care of mice or something now? We helped her out back in Bridgewater, so now we're assuming she'll let us use her house as a meet-up point. Did you see where the unicorns went, by the way?"
He thinks a moment, "I'm sure they'll turn up eventually. They don't want to be caught in the cannon fire, nor does the mare want to grow up as her daughter's sister."
>>277086
He shrugs. "This is fine. The Darkstone doesn't actually create a portal, it just shrouds the room in darkness. Normally it is used as an escape device, like a smoke bomb, but more effective."
At this point he starts to lose confidence in what he's saying: "I'm not sure if I understand entirely… this is Warlock business, after all, but apparently colors are inverted when you look to and from Tartarus. Abilio wants to create a portal to walk straight through to this room, but the city is so well lit, it is shrouded in complete darkness…"
He pauses.
"So the darkness… will light up the room for him. Get it? I sure don't."
He shrugs. "This is fine. The Darkstone doesn't actually create a portal, it just shrouds the room in darkness. Normally it is used as an escape device, like a smoke bomb, but more effective."
At this point he starts to lose confidence in what he's saying: "I'm not sure if I understand entirely… this is Warlock business, after all, but apparently colors are inverted when you look to and from Tartarus. Abilio wants to create a portal to walk straight through to this room, but the city is so well lit, it is shrouded in complete darkness…"
He pauses.
"So the darkness… will light up the room for him. Get it? I sure don't."
>>277092
"Nothing that takes priority over the Darkstone itself. Once our base of operations is set up, then we will be more free to open our juncture. I, for one, am done with this disguise."
He tries his best to not look adorable as Humble pinches his cheek.
The good Lieutenant passes you the stone.
"Focus your necrotic energy on it, then throw it at the ground."
"Nothing that takes priority over the Darkstone itself. Once our base of operations is set up, then we will be more free to open our juncture. I, for one, am done with this disguise."
He tries his best to not look adorable as Humble pinches his cheek.
The good Lieutenant passes you the stone.
"Focus your necrotic energy on it, then throw it at the ground."
>>277098
You throw it on the ground with just the right balance of power and control. Humble's house is completely shrouded in darkness for a full minute, and when it clears, you see Abilio, Marrowbone, Alys, Sandor, and Chip standing there, next to a dark rift.
"Not bad, necrolyte. Maybe Miss Terrebonne was right about you. Perhaps some day I will teach you how to make Tartarian Gateways, if you show that kind of talent."
Face trots over to Abilio and rubs up against him, remarking, "Hey big boy, what're you doing to—"
He gets zapped by Abilio's magic, and a moment later is in his usual getup. Apparently his disguise had a little bit of magical aid as well. The Fullmaster then proceeds to remove the hex from Ruxiang, Sunnyskies, and Marsh.
Then he turns to you. "Do you want to ditch the disguise, or keep it? I can remove it at any time, but if you're finding it useful, you can wear it as long as you deem necessary. We don't plan on assaulting right away. There are some more subtle jobs we need completed to soften up their defenses first."
You throw it on the ground with just the right balance of power and control. Humble's house is completely shrouded in darkness for a full minute, and when it clears, you see Abilio, Marrowbone, Alys, Sandor, and Chip standing there, next to a dark rift.
"Not bad, necrolyte. Maybe Miss Terrebonne was right about you. Perhaps some day I will teach you how to make Tartarian Gateways, if you show that kind of talent."
Face trots over to Abilio and rubs up against him, remarking, "Hey big boy, what're you doing to—"
He gets zapped by Abilio's magic, and a moment later is in his usual getup. Apparently his disguise had a little bit of magical aid as well. The Fullmaster then proceeds to remove the hex from Ruxiang, Sunnyskies, and Marsh.
Then he turns to you. "Do you want to ditch the disguise, or keep it? I can remove it at any time, but if you're finding it useful, you can wear it as long as you deem necessary. We don't plan on assaulting right away. There are some more subtle jobs we need completed to soften up their defenses first."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.277109
>>277106
"Urgh… Nevermind. Just… Break it. Being a filly only bowed bad for me today. Anything we should do before the assault?"
Roll #0 1 = 1
"Urgh… Nevermind. Just… Break it. Being a filly only bowed bad for me today. Anything we should do before the assault?"
Roll #0 1 = 1
>>277106
>>277109
With another blast of light, you feel your legs elongating, and in seconds, where a little filly once stood, now stands a full grown mare, cutie mark intact.
"A number of things. Requests from various crew members. We have a list."
He proceeds to explain the following requests of the infiltration team:
>Landgrave: Requests that the commander of the city guard, Master Hammond, be killed before the assault, preferably quietly in his home.
>Keymaster: Requests you bring his key to the city blacksmith in the mercantile district. You will know he is the correct one if he responds positively to the question, "Are you the gatekeeper?"
>Blue Topaz: Requests you break into the city treasury and bring back the mint grips wielded by the treasury golems.
>Dolly Doldrums: Requests you find the von Blackwald family crypt in the graveyard district and commune with them to learn succession information about the Blacktongue Cult.
"When you've completed the tasks you wish to complete, return here, and we'll begin the main assault. Of course, if you raise the alarm, we'll start the assault early. So don't raise the alarm."
>>277109
With another blast of light, you feel your legs elongating, and in seconds, where a little filly once stood, now stands a full grown mare, cutie mark intact.
"A number of things. Requests from various crew members. We have a list."
He proceeds to explain the following requests of the infiltration team:
>Landgrave: Requests that the commander of the city guard, Master Hammond, be killed before the assault, preferably quietly in his home.
>Keymaster: Requests you bring his key to the city blacksmith in the mercantile district. You will know he is the correct one if he responds positively to the question, "Are you the gatekeeper?"
>Blue Topaz: Requests you break into the city treasury and bring back the mint grips wielded by the treasury golems.
>Dolly Doldrums: Requests you find the von Blackwald family crypt in the graveyard district and commune with them to learn succession information about the Blacktongue Cult.
"When you've completed the tasks you wish to complete, return here, and we'll begin the main assault. Of course, if you raise the alarm, we'll start the assault early. So don't raise the alarm."
>>277121
He grins. "Sounds fun, though I doubt we'll be able to pass as mother and child anymore."
He pauses. "Incidentally, if we have the spare time, I do plan on seducing at least one girl before we leave this wretched hive of riches and nobility. If we have time later, maybe you can help me with that."
The Lieutenant pipes up as well, "After we deal with the city guard commander would be a good time to strike at some of the rest of the commanding hierarchy. My old enemy, Major Mudwallow, lives here in Stonebriar. What I wouldn't give to wring his neck… We should go get him before we start the assault."
Marsh also adds, "If you're at odds with the Order of the Virtuous, you should help me later this afternoon. Apparently there's going to be a little shindig later, and everyone's expecting them to crash it. I plan on helping out the Holy Guard on this one. They may be our enemies, but things will get a lot worse for us out on the high seas if the Holy Guard steps up their presence in this region. We can't let the ambassador's daughter die."
Finally, Ruxiang chokes out, "I'm going to go kill mobsters in the slums and rob their casinos. If you want a cut, I'll deal you in."
[Pause]
He grins. "Sounds fun, though I doubt we'll be able to pass as mother and child anymore."
He pauses. "Incidentally, if we have the spare time, I do plan on seducing at least one girl before we leave this wretched hive of riches and nobility. If we have time later, maybe you can help me with that."
The Lieutenant pipes up as well, "After we deal with the city guard commander would be a good time to strike at some of the rest of the commanding hierarchy. My old enemy, Major Mudwallow, lives here in Stonebriar. What I wouldn't give to wring his neck… We should go get him before we start the assault."
Marsh also adds, "If you're at odds with the Order of the Virtuous, you should help me later this afternoon. Apparently there's going to be a little shindig later, and everyone's expecting them to crash it. I plan on helping out the Holy Guard on this one. They may be our enemies, but things will get a lot worse for us out on the high seas if the Holy Guard steps up their presence in this region. We can't let the ambassador's daughter die."
Finally, Ruxiang chokes out, "I'm going to go kill mobsters in the slums and rob their casinos. If you want a cut, I'll deal you in."
[Pause]
Interlude: High Society Anonymous No.278356
This morning Lady Alys awoke in her new cabin. It was nice, if a little bare. It was the Second Mate's cabin aboard the Seaworthy, bearing a silver handle: a nice touch. The interior was nice, if a little bare. A full four-poster, and even a small dining table complete with tea set. All of it was covered in dust from disuse, but Sandor made quick work of that. All in all? Better than could be expected from a pirate ship. You feel confident you made the right choice in your reward request from Dolly Doldrums.
Rolling out of bed long after the sun had risen, you make your way to the deck to find Captain Abilio of the Pillager's Fancy about to open a Tartarian Gate that will lead into the city. Since you think you have a better chance of meeting ponies of your stature there, you accompany him.
After a brief interlude in the inverted hellscape world that is Tartarus — something that you've become quite familiar with as a Warlock yourself — you find yourself in a rather humble middle class estate, looking at an old earth pony, as well as a whole gamut of foals, which Abilio somehow magically transforms into full grown ponies. They explain it's part of the infiltration plan, but you can't find it in yourself to care.
You are in the house of Humble, an earth pony, in the Middle Class District of Stonebriar City. Where will you seek diversion?
Rolling out of bed long after the sun had risen, you make your way to the deck to find Captain Abilio of the Pillager's Fancy about to open a Tartarian Gate that will lead into the city. Since you think you have a better chance of meeting ponies of your stature there, you accompany him.
After a brief interlude in the inverted hellscape world that is Tartarus — something that you've become quite familiar with as a Warlock yourself — you find yourself in a rather humble middle class estate, looking at an old earth pony, as well as a whole gamut of foals, which Abilio somehow magically transforms into full grown ponies. They explain it's part of the infiltration plan, but you can't find it in yourself to care.
You are in the house of Humble, an earth pony, in the Middle Class District of Stonebriar City. Where will you seek diversion?
>>278363
I thought you could reason it out on your own, but perhaps you need a little prodding.
The Fullmaster clears his throat and levitates a sealed envelope over to you. "Landgrave requested I give this to you. I believe it was his intention to speak with you further last night, but you retired to your quarters before he had the opportunity. Maybe this will elucidate."
I thought you could reason it out on your own, but perhaps you need a little prodding.
The Fullmaster clears his throat and levitates a sealed envelope over to you. "Landgrave requested I give this to you. I believe it was his intention to speak with you further last night, but you retired to your quarters before he had the opportunity. Maybe this will elucidate."
>>278377
Of course you don't. Your character wouldn't know anyway.
Inside the envelope you find two things. First, a letter, then a small card with a wax seal. The letter is rather short:
>"Miss Alys, you have claimed noble birth when you sought audience with me. If that is true, then you should have no trouble attending a party in my stead. Enclosed is an invitation. Should you make it out of the affair without faux pas, I shall grant your request for an audience."
The card appears to have a wax seal of a crest, and reads in very fancy letters, "You are cordially invited to the Goldenblood Estate for the 74th Annual Stonebriar Ball."
At the bottom, the name has been marked out, and a note added: "The Lady Alys will be attending in my stead."
Of course you don't. Your character wouldn't know anyway.
Inside the envelope you find two things. First, a letter, then a small card with a wax seal. The letter is rather short:
>"Miss Alys, you have claimed noble birth when you sought audience with me. If that is true, then you should have no trouble attending a party in my stead. Enclosed is an invitation. Should you make it out of the affair without faux pas, I shall grant your request for an audience."
The card appears to have a wax seal of a crest, and reads in very fancy letters, "You are cordially invited to the Goldenblood Estate for the 74th Annual Stonebriar Ball."
At the bottom, the name has been marked out, and a note added: "The Lady Alys will be attending in my stead."
>>278403
It's getting worse… has your magic touch really been dulled by that horrendous little goat that used her Touch of Death on you? You think you had some wrinkles before those two prisoner unicorns healed you.
Fortunately, Mellow Marsh brings a bucket of water from the kitchen and flings it on you, soaking you but putting it out.
It's getting worse… has your magic touch really been dulled by that horrendous little goat that used her Touch of Death on you? You think you had some wrinkles before those two prisoner unicorns healed you.
Fortunately, Mellow Marsh brings a bucket of water from the kitchen and flings it on you, soaking you but putting it out.
>>278416
You go out into the Middle Class District and wander unintentionally into the Lower Class District. You get a lot of crude whistles from thugs, but no knights in shining armor. In fact, there are no guards here at all, and you don't like the way these thugs are staring at your flank.
The only soldiers here are some oddly-uniformed ponies with bronze swords, and they're glaring at you for some reason…
You go out into the Middle Class District and wander unintentionally into the Lower Class District. You get a lot of crude whistles from thugs, but no knights in shining armor. In fact, there are no guards here at all, and you don't like the way these thugs are staring at your flank.
The only soldiers here are some oddly-uniformed ponies with bronze swords, and they're glaring at you for some reason…
>>278448
You're quickly overpowered by the thugs, and they hogtie you and put a ball gag in your mouth. The "guards" stare on, chuckling to themselves. Clearly they don't work for the city.
They take you back to one of their filthy hovels and throw you on the bed, then start casting off clothing. They look prepared for a long night. Just as they're about to have their way with you, gang-bang style, the door gets busted down and they flee in every direction. Some ponies in suits stride in and put a blindfold on you. All you hear before you're knocked unconscious is, "This is our turf. Not yours."
When you wake up, you're in a room with wooden bars. There's a comfortable waiting lounge outside of the bars, but your own "suite" is pretty nice for a jail cell. Large lounging pillows and hookah pipes. Tea sets and flower vases. Fancy. You wonder where you are.
You're quickly overpowered by the thugs, and they hogtie you and put a ball gag in your mouth. The "guards" stare on, chuckling to themselves. Clearly they don't work for the city.
They take you back to one of their filthy hovels and throw you on the bed, then start casting off clothing. They look prepared for a long night. Just as they're about to have their way with you, gang-bang style, the door gets busted down and they flee in every direction. Some ponies in suits stride in and put a blindfold on you. All you hear before you're knocked unconscious is, "This is our turf. Not yours."
When you wake up, you're in a room with wooden bars. There's a comfortable waiting lounge outside of the bars, but your own "suite" is pretty nice for a jail cell. Large lounging pillows and hookah pipes. Tea sets and flower vases. Fancy. You wonder where you are.
>>278469
There is one door to your wooden-bar cell, and no windows. You push on it firmly and it does not budge. You do notice, now that you're feeling more awake, that there is a silver tray awaiting you on a table. It has a camomile teapot, along with a few chocolate truffles. Next to it, there is a small, silver handbell, and a note. "Ring for service."
There is one door to your wooden-bar cell, and no windows. You push on it firmly and it does not budge. You do notice, now that you're feeling more awake, that there is a silver tray awaiting you on a table. It has a camomile teapot, along with a few chocolate truffles. Next to it, there is a small, silver handbell, and a note. "Ring for service."
>>278492
You try to rally your ladylike vigor to tear open the pillow, but the fabric is too firm! You throw yourself off balance and onto the table with your tray, drenching yourself in scalding hot tea and sending the bell ringing!
…A moment later, a mare in a kimono enters the room, then sits down on a rug outside the bars, bows, and remarks, "You may not be the most graceful of ponies, but you are certainly eager for work."
You try to rally your ladylike vigor to tear open the pillow, but the fabric is too firm! You throw yourself off balance and onto the table with your tray, drenching yourself in scalding hot tea and sending the bell ringing!
…A moment later, a mare in a kimono enters the room, then sits down on a rug outside the bars, bows, and remarks, "You may not be the most graceful of ponies, but you are certainly eager for work."
>>278505
She smiles and bows again.
"I am afraid you have been impressed into the House of Pleasure, owned by the Komodo Yakuza. You were trespassing. You're here to work off your debt."
She pauses.
"Also, I know you aren't pregnant. I am your Madam. I examined you when you were brought here."
She smiles and bows again.
"I am afraid you have been impressed into the House of Pleasure, owned by the Komodo Yakuza. You were trespassing. You're here to work off your debt."
She pauses.
"Also, I know you aren't pregnant. I am your Madam. I examined you when you were brought here."
>>278536
"Your transgression is rather minor. You would be free to go after servicing one client. You could continue to work here if you'd like to make some money. You look like you could use it."
She pauses.
"You may gamble with me, using potential customers as your wager. If you win, you get your freedom, and the payment that you would have earned from any customers beyond one. If you lose, I will be your first customer. I will break you, and then you will work off your new debt as a happy, drugged up, mindless sex servant at the House of Pleasure."
Another long pause.
"So what will it be? Work, or gamble? The game is Virgin's Dice. It would seem you're gambling to hold onto your virginity, so it is only fitting."
"Your transgression is rather minor. You would be free to go after servicing one client. You could continue to work here if you'd like to make some money. You look like you could use it."
She pauses.
"You may gamble with me, using potential customers as your wager. If you win, you get your freedom, and the payment that you would have earned from any customers beyond one. If you lose, I will be your first customer. I will break you, and then you will work off your new debt as a happy, drugged up, mindless sex servant at the House of Pleasure."
Another long pause.
"So what will it be? Work, or gamble? The game is Virgin's Dice. It would seem you're gambling to hold onto your virginity, so it is only fitting."
>>278553
She pulls out a small jar from her robes. Inside the jar are two dice.
"The cost to purchase your services is twenty bits. The cost to roll the dice is four bits, or six to make a declared roll. You start at negative twenty, therefore. You may request a new set of twenty bits from the banker at any time, in exchange for a promised service. In fairness to you, I will start the pot at twenty. Your freedom is in the pot. You may cash out whenever you wish: we do not have to play until the game ends."
She pushes twenty bits toward you, just in your reach through the cage. "You are now in debt to me two services. Do you wish to roll first?"
She pulls out a small jar from her robes. Inside the jar are two dice.
"The cost to purchase your services is twenty bits. The cost to roll the dice is four bits, or six to make a declared roll. You start at negative twenty, therefore. You may request a new set of twenty bits from the banker at any time, in exchange for a promised service. In fairness to you, I will start the pot at twenty. Your freedom is in the pot. You may cash out whenever you wish: we do not have to play until the game ends."
She pushes twenty bits toward you, just in your reach through the cage. "You are now in debt to me two services. Do you wish to roll first?"
>>278731
"Going for the pot already? I had hoped to get you into a few more debts before I ended this game."
You: 0
Pot: 64
She pushes a pile of 20 bits toward you. "If you accept this, you will owe me three services and we play. If not, you can work off your two and be even. Your choice?"
"Going for the pot already? I had hoped to get you into a few more debts before I ended this game."
You: 0
Pot: 64
She pushes a pile of 20 bits toward you. "If you accept this, you will owe me three services and we play. If not, you can work off your two and be even. Your choice?"
>>278763
You: 18
Pot: 74
She gives you a calm smile. "I am the Madam. I do not offer service to our clients. I teach the harlots how to behave, and when necessary, I teach them what it means to be a harlot. I take pleasure in the grace of my job. Your education will not be limited to how to satisfy a mare or stallion. You will learn to serve tea and please your clients with a gentle touch. It is not very different from the niceties I am sure your parents tutored you in. You will be a much desired addition to our collection."
'2d6'
"Five."
Roll #1 5, 2 = 7
You: 18
Pot: 74
She gives you a calm smile. "I am the Madam. I do not offer service to our clients. I teach the harlots how to behave, and when necessary, I teach them what it means to be a harlot. I take pleasure in the grace of my job. Your education will not be limited to how to satisfy a mare or stallion. You will learn to serve tea and please your clients with a gentle touch. It is not very different from the niceties I am sure your parents tutored you in. You will be a much desired addition to our collection."
'2d6'
"Five."
Roll #1 5, 2 = 7
>>278837
You: 10
Pot: 86
Her face is the perfect picture of restraint. You can't sense any emotion beyond the thin smile. Maximum power has been achieved by her poker face.
"Your spirit only makes you more tempting. I cannot wait to taste you. Twenty is a bargain. Five."
'2d10'
Roll #1 8, 5 = 13
You: 10
Pot: 86
Her face is the perfect picture of restraint. You can't sense any emotion beyond the thin smile. Maximum power has been achieved by her poker face.
"Your spirit only makes you more tempting. I cannot wait to taste you. Twenty is a bargain. Five."
'2d10'
Roll #1 8, 5 = 13
>>278925
grab what's mine
"Do I look like I'm wearing a Kimono?"
then leave or something
Roll #0 4, 3 = 7
grab what's mine
"Do I look like I'm wearing a Kimono?"
then leave or something
Roll #0 4, 3 = 7
Summer Seas [Cleric] No.278956
>>278948
That was kind of a joke. 'A filly saying a dice game where the stakes were her personal freedom and not being a whore.'
It does look fun though!
But yeah, I did enjoy last session. Even if I wasn't feeling my best, I definitely do wanna dig in deeper into this city.
That was kind of a joke. 'A filly saying a dice game where the stakes were her personal freedom and not being a whore.'
It does look fun though!
But yeah, I did enjoy last session. Even if I wasn't feeling my best, I definitely do wanna dig in deeper into this city.
>>278951
You quickly make your way out of the developed part of the slums. As you leave, you take note of the brothel and the casinos. This is where the Komodo Yakuza must operate. Around here, you don't see any guards or zealous uniformed ponies, just stallions and mares in suits, keeping a watchful eye.
You cross back into the lower slums, which are populated by the zealous ponies, which glare at you again as you pass, and you enter the mercantile district. It doesn't take you long to locate a dress shop, and soon you're safe inside. You note that this portion of the city is full of cheerful, laughing ponies, and there are regular patrols of guards.
You quickly make your way out of the developed part of the slums. As you leave, you take note of the brothel and the casinos. This is where the Komodo Yakuza must operate. Around here, you don't see any guards or zealous uniformed ponies, just stallions and mares in suits, keeping a watchful eye.
You cross back into the lower slums, which are populated by the zealous ponies, which glare at you again as you pass, and you enter the mercantile district. It doesn't take you long to locate a dress shop, and soon you're safe inside. You note that this portion of the city is full of cheerful, laughing ponies, and there are regular patrols of guards.
>>279016
You put most of your bits into a very reasonable dress. You have twenty left.
You arrive in the Upper Class District. You're stopped at the ornate archway and gate by a snappily dressed donkey, which checks your invitation, then lets you through, remarking only briefly, "You're traveling on foot? Miss, I would be remiss if I did not warn you… Everyone else will arrive by carriage."
You put most of your bits into a very reasonable dress. You have twenty left.
You arrive in the Upper Class District. You're stopped at the ornate archway and gate by a snappily dressed donkey, which checks your invitation, then lets you through, remarking only briefly, "You're traveling on foot? Miss, I would be remiss if I did not warn you… Everyone else will arrive by carriage."
Interlude: Meanwhile... Wf+6 No.279940
When we last left off, you had been restored to your natural age by Fullmaster Abilio, warlock and captain of the Pillager's Fancy. He made it clear to you that you can access your "disguise" any time while in Stonebriar by approaching him and asking to be hexed again.
One of the ponies that came through the portal with him, a unicorn named Alys, noticed her dress was on fire and ran out into the city to replace it. Pansy.
What will you do?
One of the ponies that came through the portal with him, a unicorn named Alys, noticed her dress was on fire and ran out into the city to replace it. Pansy.
What will you do?
>>279943
He considers your request for a moment, then nods his head.
"It would be good for you to become familiar with the realm of Tartarus. Very well, I will escort you through, but we have a timelimit to operate on. We should be back by the time the new Warlock finishes whatever Landgrave sent her to accomplish."
He rips open a gateway. Through it, you see the land of Tartarus. Most of it seems shrouded in shadow, with dark flicking all around. Then, he walks through. Roll to maintain your composition as you enter.
He considers your request for a moment, then nods his head.
"It would be good for you to become familiar with the realm of Tartarus. Very well, I will escort you through, but we have a timelimit to operate on. We should be back by the time the new Warlock finishes whatever Landgrave sent her to accomplish."
He rips open a gateway. Through it, you see the land of Tartarus. Most of it seems shrouded in shadow, with dark flicking all around. Then, he walks through. Roll to maintain your composition as you enter.
>>279945
As you enter the portal, you're struck by a wall of hot air and thick ash that sends you into a coughing fit. As you clear your eyes and throat of the acrid sulfur, you realize the world you viewed through the portal was inverted. This realm is not dark at all: it's intensely bright, with flames flickering on all sides. You seem to be standing on nothingness in the void next to Abilio. He turns and examines you for a moment before walking a few steps forward, supported, as though by some invisible bridge.
This realm is incredibly expansive. Through holes in the smoke, you feel as though you can see for all eternity. But all vision is blocked by the smog eventually. Apparently a long walk is not necessary, however, because after about twenty meters, Abilio comes to a stop, and rips open another portal seemingly without any reference point. This gateway appears to lead to a completely white room, though in the middle of it there is a shadow swaying side to sight, projecting darkness at all angles.
He beckons you, then crosses through…
As you enter the portal, you're struck by a wall of hot air and thick ash that sends you into a coughing fit. As you clear your eyes and throat of the acrid sulfur, you realize the world you viewed through the portal was inverted. This realm is not dark at all: it's intensely bright, with flames flickering on all sides. You seem to be standing on nothingness in the void next to Abilio. He turns and examines you for a moment before walking a few steps forward, supported, as though by some invisible bridge.
This realm is incredibly expansive. Through holes in the smoke, you feel as though you can see for all eternity. But all vision is blocked by the smog eventually. Apparently a long walk is not necessary, however, because after about twenty meters, Abilio comes to a stop, and rips open another portal seemingly without any reference point. This gateway appears to lead to a completely white room, though in the middle of it there is a shadow swaying side to sight, projecting darkness at all angles.
He beckons you, then crosses through…
>>279947
A pillar of hot air hits you from below, throwing you off-balance. As soon as you lose your confidence in your footing, your support seems to evaporate immediately and you fall several stories before you can focus yourself enough to slow the descent. Abilio pokes his head back through the portal, then uses his telekinesis to lift you by the nape of your neck and pull you upwards, through the portal, just before it closes.
Back on the other side of the portal, you can see the colors were once again inverted. This room is totally dark, but with a single lit candle in the middle of it.
"It's not so bad. Many do not do so well their first time."
A pillar of hot air hits you from below, throwing you off-balance. As soon as you lose your confidence in your footing, your support seems to evaporate immediately and you fall several stories before you can focus yourself enough to slow the descent. Abilio pokes his head back through the portal, then uses his telekinesis to lift you by the nape of your neck and pull you upwards, through the portal, just before it closes.
Back on the other side of the portal, you can see the colors were once again inverted. This room is totally dark, but with a single lit candle in the middle of it.
"It's not so bad. Many do not do so well their first time."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.279957
>>279953
"Oh Terrabonne! Your friend gave me his ichor, we should be golden now!"
Give her the bowl.
Also, look around the room for unusual stuff other than what I noticed last time.
Roll #0 8 = 8
"Oh Terrabonne! Your friend gave me his ichor, we should be golden now!"
Give her the bowl.
Also, look around the room for unusual stuff other than what I noticed last time.
Roll #0 8 = 8
>>279957
Terrebonne nods and accepts the inert ichor, setting it down on the table next to all the brain jars.
"Dat will do. He musta been more desperate tan I thought."
Now that your eyes are adjusted, you can read the labels on all of the brain jars:
>Gar the Terrible
>Instructor Thatch
>Narrow Moonbeam
You can also see she has decorated the extremities of her room with masks and shrunken heads. In the corner, she has a large cauldron, but there doesn't appear to be a place to light a fire.
You also notice there are small picture frames hanging on the wall. Right away, you recognize a young Terrebonne, but you'd have to get closer and use a light to have any hope at identifying the others there.
Terrebonne nods and accepts the inert ichor, setting it down on the table next to all the brain jars.
"Dat will do. He musta been more desperate tan I thought."
Now that your eyes are adjusted, you can read the labels on all of the brain jars:
>Gar the Terrible
>Instructor Thatch
>Narrow Moonbeam
You can also see she has decorated the extremities of her room with masks and shrunken heads. In the corner, she has a large cauldron, but there doesn't appear to be a place to light a fire.
You also notice there are small picture frames hanging on the wall. Right away, you recognize a young Terrebonne, but you'd have to get closer and use a light to have any hope at identifying the others there.
>>279980
Having been snatched away by your "sister", you find yourself looking for something else to do. Fortunately, you're in the happiest place in town, the merchant district! You see an ice cream shop, a toy shop, and some more mundane locations, like a groomer and a dress maker.
Unfortunately, you're guessing they all take money.
>>279983
Basically. If you ask them about the imagery they'll elaborate IC.
Having been snatched away by your "sister", you find yourself looking for something else to do. Fortunately, you're in the happiest place in town, the merchant district! You see an ice cream shop, a toy shop, and some more mundane locations, like a groomer and a dress maker.
Unfortunately, you're guessing they all take money.
>>279983
Basically. If you ask them about the imagery they'll elaborate IC.
>>279986
If you want to join us, you're at Humble's house in the Middle Class District. Alys left earlier to go to a fancy party. It's was only one invitation, so she left you behind! You can use this opportunity to scout the city, if you'd like.
Did you read up on what all happened to Alys?
If you want to join us, you're at Humble's house in the Middle Class District. Alys left earlier to go to a fancy party. It's was only one invitation, so she left you behind! You can use this opportunity to scout the city, if you'd like.
Did you read up on what all happened to Alys?
>>279996
>>279983
>>279979
>>279999
Here, I'll save us all some trouble and force you to talk to the NPCs.
Though you focus your power mightily, trying to force the foal to talk, it doesn't reply. Instead, it mimics your actions.
"You won't have much luck with that."
Abilio seems to be watching you, interestedly. "There are two ways to use the mirror, as Miss Terrebonne mentioned. One is as a tool to commune. The other is as a mirror into your own soul. It gives insight about who you truly are. Only you can see your reflection, I'm afraid, so I have no idea what you're looking at. Let's hope it's a star pupil."
>>279983
>>279979
>>279999
Here, I'll save us all some trouble and force you to talk to the NPCs.
Though you focus your power mightily, trying to force the foal to talk, it doesn't reply. Instead, it mimics your actions.
"You won't have much luck with that."
Abilio seems to be watching you, interestedly. "There are two ways to use the mirror, as Miss Terrebonne mentioned. One is as a tool to commune. The other is as a mirror into your own soul. It gives insight about who you truly are. Only you can see your reflection, I'm afraid, so I have no idea what you're looking at. Let's hope it's a star pupil."
>>279996
Try to look for Lady Alys.
She might be in the fancy ponies in the fancy district.
That's what she likes.
Roll #0 2 = 2
Try to look for Lady Alys.
She might be in the fancy ponies in the fancy district.
That's what she likes.
Roll #0 2 = 2
>>280009
You head into to the Lower Class District, and there's an immediate change of scenery. There are no guards here, but instead there are uniformed ponies with bronze swords. You see a crowd up ahead.
>>280011
You wander through the Lower Class District just in time to see some dumb unicorn harlot being dragged off to work in the whorehouse. Scum.
Then you nearly trip over a unicorn filly, but you right yourself in time that you think no one noticed. They're all crowding around some event, anyway.
You finally make it to the mercantile district. You can feel you're getting close.
>>280016
She cocks her head. "It could mean anyting, really. Was da filly you? Could mean yah immature. Or have room to grow. Or dat yah are innocent, but I doubt dat one. Childran are good learners. Maybe dat's what it's saying? Da focus is a mysterious tool. Even I struggle with its readings. Perhaps it's best yah try ta commune with it again, see if yah make progress."
You head into to the Lower Class District, and there's an immediate change of scenery. There are no guards here, but instead there are uniformed ponies with bronze swords. You see a crowd up ahead.
>>280011
You wander through the Lower Class District just in time to see some dumb unicorn harlot being dragged off to work in the whorehouse. Scum.
Then you nearly trip over a unicorn filly, but you right yourself in time that you think no one noticed. They're all crowding around some event, anyway.
You finally make it to the mercantile district. You can feel you're getting close.
>>280016
She cocks her head. "It could mean anyting, really. Was da filly you? Could mean yah immature. Or have room to grow. Or dat yah are innocent, but I doubt dat one. Childran are good learners. Maybe dat's what it's saying? Da focus is a mysterious tool. Even I struggle with its readings. Perhaps it's best yah try ta commune with it again, see if yah make progress."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.280028
>>280023
"Yeah, maybe I should… What do you see when you look at it?"
Meanwhile, Commune!
Roll #0 8 = 8
"Yeah, maybe I should… What do you see when you look at it?"
Meanwhile, Commune!
Roll #0 8 = 8
>>280028
"Someting diffrent ev'ry time."
Abilio gives her a sly look. "That's not much of an answer."
You zero-in intently on the Focus and see distant imagery. There is a dark pit, and someone is falling through it, screaming. Screaming… or laughing. You can't tell. Just when you think you have finally identified the figure, a huge monster bursts from the depths and opens its mighty maw, consuming the figure in one fell swoop. The beast proper seems to be an amalgam of many different animals, like some dread chimera. Is this a memory? A prophecy? A warning? A story? Who were you communing with? Your head swims, and soon you find yourself having to back away from the mirror. You feel like you understand a little more about how the Focus works, though.
>>280027
You find your way to the gates to the Upper Class District, but you have no invitation to enter. You tell them you're here looking for Lady Alys, and they tell you that while there is a party going on today, she has not arrived at the gates yet.
"So are you her butler? A manservant?"
"Someting diffrent ev'ry time."
Abilio gives her a sly look. "That's not much of an answer."
You zero-in intently on the Focus and see distant imagery. There is a dark pit, and someone is falling through it, screaming. Screaming… or laughing. You can't tell. Just when you think you have finally identified the figure, a huge monster bursts from the depths and opens its mighty maw, consuming the figure in one fell swoop. The beast proper seems to be an amalgam of many different animals, like some dread chimera. Is this a memory? A prophecy? A warning? A story? Who were you communing with? Your head swims, and soon you find yourself having to back away from the mirror. You feel like you understand a little more about how the Focus works, though.
>>280027
You find your way to the gates to the Upper Class District, but you have no invitation to enter. You tell them you're here looking for Lady Alys, and they tell you that while there is a party going on today, she has not arrived at the gates yet.
"So are you her butler? A manservant?"
>>280038
He gives a shrug. "You're awfully high and mighty for someone WITHOUT certification, then. This is Stonebriar, the City of Nobles. The Crown Jewel of the southern Manesian. There's a reason all of this wealth has gone so long undisturbed. Every last servant knows how to fight, and well. Certification is the only way to get a job in security, these days. Your mistress isn't even at the party yet. As long as you're waiting, why not visit the campus grounds of the Academy? You might pick up something more useful than how to brew tea. All respect due."
>>280037
Abilio pauses a moment before answering. "That is a complicated question to give you the true answer for. We can see everything when you commune, but only you see exactly what you see. Using the Focus is a matter of using your control and restraint to view one event, otherwise you get overwhelmed by all events at once."
Terrebonne interjects, "Like yah first time."
He continues: "So we could see a number of events playing out, but I don't know which one you chose to view. I did not see a draconequus in any of those I saw, but it is certainly possible."
He gives a shrug. "You're awfully high and mighty for someone WITHOUT certification, then. This is Stonebriar, the City of Nobles. The Crown Jewel of the southern Manesian. There's a reason all of this wealth has gone so long undisturbed. Every last servant knows how to fight, and well. Certification is the only way to get a job in security, these days. Your mistress isn't even at the party yet. As long as you're waiting, why not visit the campus grounds of the Academy? You might pick up something more useful than how to brew tea. All respect due."
>>280037
Abilio pauses a moment before answering. "That is a complicated question to give you the true answer for. We can see everything when you commune, but only you see exactly what you see. Using the Focus is a matter of using your control and restraint to view one event, otherwise you get overwhelmed by all events at once."
Terrebonne interjects, "Like yah first time."
He continues: "So we could see a number of events playing out, but I don't know which one you chose to view. I did not see a draconequus in any of those I saw, but it is certainly possible."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.280040
>>280039
"Well it was not a draconequus just… Many monsters, smashed together. But yeah, will get my head around it tomorrow, I guess."
Sit on the floor.
"You mastered the 'Focus' too, Abilio?"
Roll #0 1 = 1
"Well it was not a draconequus just… Many monsters, smashed together. But yeah, will get my head around it tomorrow, I guess."
Sit on the floor.
"You mastered the 'Focus' too, Abilio?"
Roll #0 1 = 1
>>280040
>>280043
Abilio nods. "Control is the most important aspect as a warlock. To master one's minions and even Tartarian power. I have a tool in my chambers that I have used every night for many years to practice balancing power and control. At my advanced level, I can simultaneously view several images in the focus at once."
>>280042
He shrugs and walks out of the gatehouse, casting off his blade and pistol. The other guards circle around the two of you. "Feel free to use your weapon, but I am confident I can best you without mine."
>>280043
Abilio nods. "Control is the most important aspect as a warlock. To master one's minions and even Tartarian power. I have a tool in my chambers that I have used every night for many years to practice balancing power and control. At my advanced level, I can simultaneously view several images in the focus at once."
>>280042
He shrugs and walks out of the gatehouse, casting off his blade and pistol. The other guards circle around the two of you. "Feel free to use your weapon, but I am confident I can best you without mine."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.280052
>>280047
"And that tool… You know, couldn't a little, innocent, willing to learn filly like me give it a look?"
Do a pair of puppy eyes.
Roll #0 5 = 5
"And that tool… You know, couldn't a little, innocent, willing to learn filly like me give it a look?"
Do a pair of puppy eyes.
Roll #0 5 = 5
>>280052
Keeping a straight face, he responds to your non-literal statement totally literally.
"I already restored your age before we came here. It is not necessary to be young to use the Sand Scales, unless you think it will help you in some way."
>>280055
He replies, "If you can hit me once before I knock you down, I will offer my full apologies. Fair warning, I was salutatorian at the Academy."
Keeping a straight face, he responds to your non-literal statement totally literally.
"I already restored your age before we came here. It is not necessary to be young to use the Sand Scales, unless you think it will help you in some way."
>>280055
He replies, "If you can hit me once before I knock you down, I will offer my full apologies. Fair warning, I was salutatorian at the Academy."
>>280063
As you clumsily charge past him, he sidesteps and gives you a powerful kick in the flank, nearly sending you sprawling after the first strike. You take four hits.
You have four hits remaining.
>>280064
He nods. "Yes, you will in time, I am sure."
I will be a bit slow on this next reply. Moving locale.
As you clumsily charge past him, he sidesteps and gives you a powerful kick in the flank, nearly sending you sprawling after the first strike. You take four hits.
You have four hits remaining.
>>280064
He nods. "Yes, you will in time, I am sure."
I will be a bit slow on this next reply. Moving locale.
Interlude III: The Interlude Strikes Back Wf+6 No.280788
Sandor's Story
Having knocked you to the ground, a round of cheers goes up from all the other guards and they close in to give the gate captain a pat on the back. He puts a hoof down on top of your claymore.
"Looks like your fundamentals could use some work. Is our dispute of honor settled? I bear no ill will. It was good exercise in an otherwise boring day."
Felfire's Story
Abilio raises a brow.
"The Voidwalk has only been self-taught once in history, as far as I know. The Tartarian Gates have been passed down, master to student, for perhaps as long as Tartarus has been known to ponykind. I've long suspected my particular Magical Dynasty can be traced back to the original mage-guardians of Tartarus, though I have no real proof. Due to obvious social stigmas associated with the realm, it is a talent which has survived on the fringes of society, or in more accepting social climates altogether."
Summer Seas's Story
Up ahead, you see a crowd gathering and clamoring excitedly. Most of them appear to be thugs or uniformed officers, but there are some regular poor commoners mixed in with the others, simply as onlookers.
Having knocked you to the ground, a round of cheers goes up from all the other guards and they close in to give the gate captain a pat on the back. He puts a hoof down on top of your claymore.
"Looks like your fundamentals could use some work. Is our dispute of honor settled? I bear no ill will. It was good exercise in an otherwise boring day."
Felfire's Story
Abilio raises a brow.
"The Voidwalk has only been self-taught once in history, as far as I know. The Tartarian Gates have been passed down, master to student, for perhaps as long as Tartarus has been known to ponykind. I've long suspected my particular Magical Dynasty can be traced back to the original mage-guardians of Tartarus, though I have no real proof. Due to obvious social stigmas associated with the realm, it is a talent which has survived on the fringes of society, or in more accepting social climates altogether."
Summer Seas's Story
Up ahead, you see a crowd gathering and clamoring excitedly. Most of them appear to be thugs or uniformed officers, but there are some regular poor commoners mixed in with the others, simply as onlookers.
>>280802
He grins at you. "That's just the thing. I have no tricks. No special abilities or magic. No traps or surprises. They cheer me on because I fight like a stallion!"
The other guards give him another round of hurrahs.
"Your problem is not that you lack a special skill. It's that you're fundamentally not very good at the ones you have. Such parlor tricks may work against a novice or perhaps a half-starved road bandit on his last leg, but they have no place in the ring of honor. How do you expect to defend your mistress if a REAL assassin comes for her?"
>>280800
"Such societies have existed. But no society exists in a vacuum. Usually adventurers are hired to run off covens, and greater settlements are burned, then salted, by their neighbor nations. So be it. Here, outside of society, the Pillager's Fancy has accrued a more talented cast of necromancers and practitioners of various arts than all the courts of the Continents put together."
He grins at you. "That's just the thing. I have no tricks. No special abilities or magic. No traps or surprises. They cheer me on because I fight like a stallion!"
The other guards give him another round of hurrahs.
"Your problem is not that you lack a special skill. It's that you're fundamentally not very good at the ones you have. Such parlor tricks may work against a novice or perhaps a half-starved road bandit on his last leg, but they have no place in the ring of honor. How do you expect to defend your mistress if a REAL assassin comes for her?"
>>280800
"Such societies have existed. But no society exists in a vacuum. Usually adventurers are hired to run off covens, and greater settlements are burned, then salted, by their neighbor nations. So be it. Here, outside of society, the Pillager's Fancy has accrued a more talented cast of necromancers and practitioners of various arts than all the courts of the Continents put together."
>>280811
You use your size to your advantage quite effectively, and you find a stallion bent over a chopping block, with several of the uniformed ponies restraining him. The spokesman shouts,
"Do you see this, Stonebriar? This is the FACE OF CORRUPTION. This is what it looks like!"
There are a few boos from the crowd, and everyone seems to get restless. The restrained pony tries to pull away, but he's forced back down.
"So who among you today will help us set Virtue on its due course? What about YOU?"
He jabs a hoof straight at you, sitting in the front row.
>>280818
"You lack practice. Too many tea parties, perhaps. You have some spare time. Go see what the Academy has to offer you, and maybe you'll be able to best me when you come back. Until then, you're not coming through the gate."
>>280822
"You may, if you are done here. The Scale is not a very impressive device to look at. It is not unlike a set of weights for magical ability. A way to practice both power and restraint."
You use your size to your advantage quite effectively, and you find a stallion bent over a chopping block, with several of the uniformed ponies restraining him. The spokesman shouts,
"Do you see this, Stonebriar? This is the FACE OF CORRUPTION. This is what it looks like!"
There are a few boos from the crowd, and everyone seems to get restless. The restrained pony tries to pull away, but he's forced back down.
"So who among you today will help us set Virtue on its due course? What about YOU?"
He jabs a hoof straight at you, sitting in the front row.
>>280818
"You lack practice. Too many tea parties, perhaps. You have some spare time. Go see what the Academy has to offer you, and maybe you'll be able to best me when you come back. Until then, you're not coming through the gate."
>>280822
"You may, if you are done here. The Scale is not a very impressive device to look at. It is not unlike a set of weights for magical ability. A way to practice both power and restraint."
>>280842
You spit into the wind and it flies directly into your eye, eliciting a few laughs from the crowd. The gate watchman gives you a concerned smile.
After you wander for a bit, you end up locating a building that fits the description of the Academy in the Mercantile District. The sign reads: "Stonebriar Academy of Combat Butlery". It now seems that he may not have been condescending when he called you a butler before. There are young ponies of all ages inside the courtyard, through the archway. On the campus grounds, there appear to be mares and stallions alike sparring in unarmed combat, fencing, and even practicing on pistol ranges. Most of the attention, however, is focused around the central buildings, which you assume are centered around the formal training, as opposed to the impromptu affair out in the yard.
>>280843
She shrugs. "I was jast makin yah bed when yah arrived. Go ahead."
The two of you go to the cabin diagonally across from Terrebonne's, passing the first and third mate's rooms, to the captain's cabin, which bears a large knocker. He takes it in his hoof and knocks firmly once. A few second later, you hear a click, and he takes you into his room.
The cabin is a dramatic shift from Terrebonne's, and it resembles much more what you would expect out of a pirate ship. There's a large, four poster bed, and a few tables that are littered with maps and devices like astrolabes. In fact, there are so many navigational devices, you're not sure if you can locate which devices could be used for magical training. You should have a look around…
>>280847
"Do you want the honor of walking the Pathway of Virtue, filly? Or is your heart tainted by weakness and heresy? This…"
He turns to the crowd dramatically, "HERETIC has been accused of crimes against the Faith. There is only one Justice for this crime. He must be given the Provost's Peace."
You spit into the wind and it flies directly into your eye, eliciting a few laughs from the crowd. The gate watchman gives you a concerned smile.
After you wander for a bit, you end up locating a building that fits the description of the Academy in the Mercantile District. The sign reads: "Stonebriar Academy of Combat Butlery". It now seems that he may not have been condescending when he called you a butler before. There are young ponies of all ages inside the courtyard, through the archway. On the campus grounds, there appear to be mares and stallions alike sparring in unarmed combat, fencing, and even practicing on pistol ranges. Most of the attention, however, is focused around the central buildings, which you assume are centered around the formal training, as opposed to the impromptu affair out in the yard.
>>280843
She shrugs. "I was jast makin yah bed when yah arrived. Go ahead."
The two of you go to the cabin diagonally across from Terrebonne's, passing the first and third mate's rooms, to the captain's cabin, which bears a large knocker. He takes it in his hoof and knocks firmly once. A few second later, you hear a click, and he takes you into his room.
The cabin is a dramatic shift from Terrebonne's, and it resembles much more what you would expect out of a pirate ship. There's a large, four poster bed, and a few tables that are littered with maps and devices like astrolabes. In fact, there are so many navigational devices, you're not sure if you can locate which devices could be used for magical training. You should have a look around…
>>280847
"Do you want the honor of walking the Pathway of Virtue, filly? Or is your heart tainted by weakness and heresy? This…"
He turns to the crowd dramatically, "HERETIC has been accused of crimes against the Faith. There is only one Justice for this crime. He must be given the Provost's Peace."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.280878
>>280870
"Every time I enter one of these cabins I'm afraid I'll break something…"
Look around then! Anything that feels.. Right at first glance?
Roll #0 7 = 7
"Every time I enter one of these cabins I'm afraid I'll break something…"
Look around then! Anything that feels.. Right at first glance?
Roll #0 7 = 7
>>280878
You see such a large variety of tools, it's hard to tell which is which, so you try to detect if any of the objects has a necromatic charge. Nothing seems to feel right. In fact, you don't know if you can see anything in this room that feels very necromantic.
Aside from sea charts and maps, you see a variety of star charts, compasses (both for navigation and drawing circles), astrolabes, globes, and clocks tuned to different times. You also notice a sundial, which seems out of place indoors. On a shelf near his bed, you do see something that resembles a scale, but it has chutes leading down to each balance from the fulcrum, where a piece of sedimentary rock sits. Examining the floor, you see most of it is covered in arcane markings and runic circles, and your eyes are finally drawn to a set of shelves covered in various materials, including silver, rosemary, and salt.
>>280881
Inside, you see a map of the inside of the campus. It would seem you're in the B.B.R. Fencing Building. You see a little bust and plaque dedicated to someone named B. B. Rodriguez here in the lobby. You walk the halls for a while and notice no one around in the halls. Peeking through the gaps in the walls, you can see masses of students in lectures, apparently sorted by age group… or possibly skill level. There is a hallway that is labeled so as to suggest it leads to the Unarmed Combat building. Out in the quad, in the middle of the building, you can see two ponies arguing.
>>280892
He smiles triumphantly. "Then prepare to learn, young mind! Behold, the Provost's Peace! The only solution for HERETICS."
In one fluid motion, he draws his blade and jabs inside the collarbone of the restrained pony, near the neck, causing him to crumble instantly. The spokesman wipes off his blade with a handkerchief, then remarks, "Bring me one of your own, and I will let you walk the Path! For now, the rest of you are dismissed!"
The crowd begins to disperse. You wonder how many were ordered there, and how many came voluntarily.
You see such a large variety of tools, it's hard to tell which is which, so you try to detect if any of the objects has a necromatic charge. Nothing seems to feel right. In fact, you don't know if you can see anything in this room that feels very necromantic.
Aside from sea charts and maps, you see a variety of star charts, compasses (both for navigation and drawing circles), astrolabes, globes, and clocks tuned to different times. You also notice a sundial, which seems out of place indoors. On a shelf near his bed, you do see something that resembles a scale, but it has chutes leading down to each balance from the fulcrum, where a piece of sedimentary rock sits. Examining the floor, you see most of it is covered in arcane markings and runic circles, and your eyes are finally drawn to a set of shelves covered in various materials, including silver, rosemary, and salt.
>>280881
Inside, you see a map of the inside of the campus. It would seem you're in the B.B.R. Fencing Building. You see a little bust and plaque dedicated to someone named B. B. Rodriguez here in the lobby. You walk the halls for a while and notice no one around in the halls. Peeking through the gaps in the walls, you can see masses of students in lectures, apparently sorted by age group… or possibly skill level. There is a hallway that is labeled so as to suggest it leads to the Unarmed Combat building. Out in the quad, in the middle of the building, you can see two ponies arguing.
>>280892
He smiles triumphantly. "Then prepare to learn, young mind! Behold, the Provost's Peace! The only solution for HERETICS."
In one fluid motion, he draws his blade and jabs inside the collarbone of the restrained pony, near the neck, causing him to crumble instantly. The spokesman wipes off his blade with a handkerchief, then remarks, "Bring me one of your own, and I will let you walk the Path! For now, the rest of you are dismissed!"
The crowd begins to disperse. You wonder how many were ordered there, and how many came voluntarily.
>>280922
You approach the ponies. There's an older mare staring amusedly at a young colt who seems to think he's impossibly skilled with a weapon.
"…NOT ONLY AM I EXTENSIVELY TRAINED IN UNARMED COMBAT, BUT I HAVE ACCESS TO THE ENTIRE ARSENAL OF THE STONEBRIAR CITY GUARD, AND I WILL USE IT TO ITS FULL EXTENT TO WIPE YOUR MISERABLE ASS OFF THE CONTINENT! YOU LITTLE SHIT! IF YOU HAD ONLY KNOWN WHAT KIND OF UNHOLY RETRIBUTION YOUR LITTLE 'CLEVER' COMMENT WAS ABOUT TO BRING, YOU WOULD HAVE HELD YOUR FUCKING TONGUE."
Having decided the screaming had gone on long enough, the mare sweeps the legs of the little colt, completely distracted by his rant, and he collapses, biting his tongue. You almost feel an epiphany about getting angry or worked up in the midst of combat.
>>280919
"The scale is the Sand Scale. Observe."
He picks up the stone telekinetically and slices through it with his cutlass. Inside, there are perfectly circular rings of white and black. Closer examination reveals that the white lines are sand, whereas the black are actually just dirt.
"The sand scales involve using your magic to shave the rock and split each grain to the proper pile… then rebuild the stone with perfect symmetry. Each layer must be completed at the same time, simultaneously, or one of the scales will tilt."
>>280937
He's gasping bloodily, but you can tell from your training that his lungs have been punctured. What a rotten way to die.
You approach the ponies. There's an older mare staring amusedly at a young colt who seems to think he's impossibly skilled with a weapon.
"…NOT ONLY AM I EXTENSIVELY TRAINED IN UNARMED COMBAT, BUT I HAVE ACCESS TO THE ENTIRE ARSENAL OF THE STONEBRIAR CITY GUARD, AND I WILL USE IT TO ITS FULL EXTENT TO WIPE YOUR MISERABLE ASS OFF THE CONTINENT! YOU LITTLE SHIT! IF YOU HAD ONLY KNOWN WHAT KIND OF UNHOLY RETRIBUTION YOUR LITTLE 'CLEVER' COMMENT WAS ABOUT TO BRING, YOU WOULD HAVE HELD YOUR FUCKING TONGUE."
Having decided the screaming had gone on long enough, the mare sweeps the legs of the little colt, completely distracted by his rant, and he collapses, biting his tongue. You almost feel an epiphany about getting angry or worked up in the midst of combat.
>>280919
"The scale is the Sand Scale. Observe."
He picks up the stone telekinetically and slices through it with his cutlass. Inside, there are perfectly circular rings of white and black. Closer examination reveals that the white lines are sand, whereas the black are actually just dirt.
"The sand scales involve using your magic to shave the rock and split each grain to the proper pile… then rebuild the stone with perfect symmetry. Each layer must be completed at the same time, simultaneously, or one of the scales will tilt."
>>280937
He's gasping bloodily, but you can tell from your training that his lungs have been punctured. What a rotten way to die.
>>280946
Everyone is gone except the Spokesman. He notices you edging closer.
"Ah, too young to hunt your own quarry? Very well, I can sympathize with your zeal, but you must strive to be stronger in the future! I will let you deal the death blow."
He pulls loose a small bludgeon from his belt and drops it at your feet.
Everyone is gone except the Spokesman. He notices you edging closer.
"Ah, too young to hunt your own quarry? Very well, I can sympathize with your zeal, but you must strive to be stronger in the future! I will let you deal the death blow."
He pulls loose a small bludgeon from his belt and drops it at your feet.
>>280949
She nods her head. "I am the Dean of the School of Custodial Engineering. Apparently this little one…" She rests one of her hooves on his back, "Thought that my time behind a desk had dulled my skills. Or perhaps he just does not see Custodianship as a noble pursuit. You look like a smart young stallion, I trust you can respect a well-polished teacup?"
She nods her head. "I am the Dean of the School of Custodial Engineering. Apparently this little one…" She rests one of her hooves on his back, "Thought that my time behind a desk had dulled my skills. Or perhaps he just does not see Custodianship as a noble pursuit. You look like a smart young stallion, I trust you can respect a well-polished teacup?"
>>280967
"Have you heard of our Sister City, Briarthorn? It sits not far from here. The closest city by sea. Here was a city that had everything. Absolutely everything. And now? A few years later? It's the world's biggest pit of disease. You want to know why? One word: Godlessness. Let me say that again. GODLESSNESS. It wasn't gangs. It wasn't the plagues. No one escapes their past. No one escapes JUDGMENT. You think she's not up there, in Canterlot, watching? She tested us… and we passed. Briarthorn? Not so. We must keep our streets clear of Heretics, lest judgment come here as well."
>>280975
He shakes his head. "It's not necessary. The scale is an instrument fueled by raw magic. It works on its own. It's not about being a craftsman or very precise. It handles the precision for you as long as you can handle the flow of magic. You must find a perfect balance between power and control. A perfect parallel for my Tartarian Power."
>>280985
She gives you a knowing smile. "One of our old students giving you trouble, no doubt. An Academy diploma usually requires years to attain, but I can see you're in a hurry. If you can pass a few examinations in each school of the Academy, you could, in theory, walk out with one in a few hours."
"Have you heard of our Sister City, Briarthorn? It sits not far from here. The closest city by sea. Here was a city that had everything. Absolutely everything. And now? A few years later? It's the world's biggest pit of disease. You want to know why? One word: Godlessness. Let me say that again. GODLESSNESS. It wasn't gangs. It wasn't the plagues. No one escapes their past. No one escapes JUDGMENT. You think she's not up there, in Canterlot, watching? She tested us… and we passed. Briarthorn? Not so. We must keep our streets clear of Heretics, lest judgment come here as well."
>>280975
He shakes his head. "It's not necessary. The scale is an instrument fueled by raw magic. It works on its own. It's not about being a craftsman or very precise. It handles the precision for you as long as you can handle the flow of magic. You must find a perfect balance between power and control. A perfect parallel for my Tartarian Power."
>>280985
She gives you a knowing smile. "One of our old students giving you trouble, no doubt. An Academy diploma usually requires years to attain, but I can see you're in a hurry. If you can pass a few examinations in each school of the Academy, you could, in theory, walk out with one in a few hours."
>>281002
He considers the statement. "There are certain realities you have to deal with when operating on a ship of thieves. You don't leave valuables unsecured and expect them to not be stolen. The blame is quite nearly on yourself if you do so."
>>281001
He gives you a glare and slightly draws his blade from its hilt. "I will forgive that comment because you are young and naive. Speak more carefully, or one might think you're a HERETIC SYMPATHIZER."
He trots off, leaving the bloodied stallion coughing his last breaths. You chatted through his critical condition. You could try to save him, but only very exceptional luck would save him at this point…
>>281000
"I am holding an examination in about an hour. Until then, you're only a few minutes late for the unarmed examination. I am sure you could slip in if you hurry."
He considers the statement. "There are certain realities you have to deal with when operating on a ship of thieves. You don't leave valuables unsecured and expect them to not be stolen. The blame is quite nearly on yourself if you do so."
>>281001
He gives you a glare and slightly draws his blade from its hilt. "I will forgive that comment because you are young and naive. Speak more carefully, or one might think you're a HERETIC SYMPATHIZER."
He trots off, leaving the bloodied stallion coughing his last breaths. You chatted through his critical condition. You could try to save him, but only very exceptional luck would save him at this point…
>>281000
"I am holding an examination in about an hour. Until then, you're only a few minutes late for the unarmed examination. I am sure you could slip in if you hurry."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281012
>>281008
"Good enough for me…"
Try to focus my magic on the scale then.
See if I can find the balance.
Roll #0 3 = 3
"Good enough for me…"
Try to focus my magic on the scale then.
See if I can find the balance.
Roll #0 3 = 3
>>281011
She points at the hallway you saw before, and you head down that path.
On the other end, you find a sort of coliseum. There is a line of mares, and a few stallions, lined up to clash with a few different trainers. You feel like you could probably try to gather information from their training to improve your own performance, while you wait.
You are three turns from getting the opportunity to clash.
>>281012
He seems a little bit disappointed by your answer. You wonder briefly what he wanted to hear in response to that statement, but then set to work. You're a little worried about cracking what appears to be a fragile stone, and only manage to pull off a few flakes out the outer shell. As the outermost layer is entirely dirt, the black side of the scale immediately tips.
"Keep at it. It's your first time."
Roll requires 4-7 to pass.
>>281016
You try to heal up his wounds, but there is blood everywhere. You dull his pain, and he smiles, and tries to wheeze out some last words as you heal him, using up precious strength.
"I-in life, no one gave a shit about me. No parents, grew up an orphan. Worked hard anyway…"
Another cough of blood.
"Scraped enough together for a city ID. Thought it would all turn around. I was a real citizen."
Wheeze.
"Then I lived in the slums. The nobles and merchants… don't give a shit. They spit on us. They don't see us as any better… than outsiders. Some ponies…"
A very weak cough.
"Join the Order… or Yakuza. Or become guards. I finally went and told them it wasn't right. Celestia wanted… more. So they smote me… And for the first time someone gives a shit… it's an orphan on Children's Day. Life's… just a joke, isn't it?"
He bleeds out, eyes still open. You couldn't save him.
It was a DC9.
She points at the hallway you saw before, and you head down that path.
On the other end, you find a sort of coliseum. There is a line of mares, and a few stallions, lined up to clash with a few different trainers. You feel like you could probably try to gather information from their training to improve your own performance, while you wait.
You are three turns from getting the opportunity to clash.
>>281012
He seems a little bit disappointed by your answer. You wonder briefly what he wanted to hear in response to that statement, but then set to work. You're a little worried about cracking what appears to be a fragile stone, and only manage to pull off a few flakes out the outer shell. As the outermost layer is entirely dirt, the black side of the scale immediately tips.
"Keep at it. It's your first time."
Roll requires 4-7 to pass.
>>281016
You try to heal up his wounds, but there is blood everywhere. You dull his pain, and he smiles, and tries to wheeze out some last words as you heal him, using up precious strength.
"I-in life, no one gave a shit about me. No parents, grew up an orphan. Worked hard anyway…"
Another cough of blood.
"Scraped enough together for a city ID. Thought it would all turn around. I was a real citizen."
Wheeze.
"Then I lived in the slums. The nobles and merchants… don't give a shit. They spit on us. They don't see us as any better… than outsiders. Some ponies…"
A very weak cough.
"Join the Order… or Yakuza. Or become guards. I finally went and told them it wasn't right. Celestia wanted… more. So they smote me… And for the first time someone gives a shit… it's an orphan on Children's Day. Life's… just a joke, isn't it?"
He bleeds out, eyes still open. You couldn't save him.
It was a DC9.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281048
>>281044
"I sure won't give up now…"
Retry.
"And yeah, I'd love to leave the scale here. One more excuse to visit the captain's cabin after all."
Roll #0 10 = 10
"I sure won't give up now…"
Retry.
"And yeah, I'd love to leave the scale here. One more excuse to visit the captain's cabin after all."
Roll #0 10 = 10
>>281048
Distracted by trying to please him with your answer, you put too much juice into the scales and the whole stone explodes in a poof of dust, sending you coughing.
From across the room, Abilio individually picks every piece of sand and dirt out telekinetically, and in an eyeblink they all re-conglomerate into a perfectly formed stone, complete with symmetrical lines. That's a literal eyeblink, mind: you can feel pieces of dust being picked from your eyes and throat.
While he gives your statement a smile, it's still not the answer he was looking for, clearly.
Consider his statement again, then correct for error.
Distracted by trying to please him with your answer, you put too much juice into the scales and the whole stone explodes in a poof of dust, sending you coughing.
From across the room, Abilio individually picks every piece of sand and dirt out telekinetically, and in an eyeblink they all re-conglomerate into a perfectly formed stone, complete with symmetrical lines. That's a literal eyeblink, mind: you can feel pieces of dust being picked from your eyes and throat.
While he gives your statement a smile, it's still not the answer he was looking for, clearly.
Consider his statement again, then correct for error.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281084
>>281060
"This was overdoing it a bit…"
Retry.
"What you meant by 'certain realities', anyway?"
Roll #0 3 = 3
"This was overdoing it a bit…"
Retry.
"What you meant by 'certain realities', anyway?"
Roll #0 3 = 3
>>281076
The mare in front of you scrunches when you say that. "I don't remember seeing you at all this semester! Did you skip every class, then expect to pass the exam?"
Roll
>>281084
You have similar results to your first try, again too worried about damaging the fragile sandirt stone.
Your question doesn't seem like it's down the right train of thought, but he answers you anyway, "While I like to think we're all among friends here, you pretty much have to bolt everything down that you don't want stolen. That's why we melt bits into doubloons, after all: it's much harder to walk away with a doubloon than it is to fish a handful of bits out of a bag. You notice when a doubloon is missing."
He made a remark about you that is incorrect, fishing for information. He wants you to correct him.
>>281091
You can't see through your tears and end up running until a pony stops you. It's a kindly old mare, and she puts a patchwork blanket over you. "What's the matter, little one?"
The mare in front of you scrunches when you say that. "I don't remember seeing you at all this semester! Did you skip every class, then expect to pass the exam?"
Roll
>>281084
You have similar results to your first try, again too worried about damaging the fragile sandirt stone.
Your question doesn't seem like it's down the right train of thought, but he answers you anyway, "While I like to think we're all among friends here, you pretty much have to bolt everything down that you don't want stolen. That's why we melt bits into doubloons, after all: it's much harder to walk away with a doubloon than it is to fish a handful of bits out of a bag. You notice when a doubloon is missing."
He made a remark about you that is incorrect, fishing for information. He wants you to correct him.
>>281091
You can't see through your tears and end up running until a pony stops you. It's a kindly old mare, and she puts a patchwork blanket over you. "What's the matter, little one?"
>>281111
You feel like you're gathering the pattern that they're clashing with each of the three trainers. You can't seem to figure out the timing, though.
>>281117
She pats you on the back. "It's okay, dear. Even if you had brought him to us in time, there is little we could have done. Our supplies are so limited right now…"
You look around and see you're in a sort of impromptu triage clinic. There are mares running from table to table, examining victims and applying slaves. The few unicorns among them are trying their horns at magic.
You feel like you're gathering the pattern that they're clashing with each of the three trainers. You can't seem to figure out the timing, though.
>>281117
She pats you on the back. "It's okay, dear. Even if you had brought him to us in time, there is little we could have done. Our supplies are so limited right now…"
You look around and see you're in a sort of impromptu triage clinic. There are mares running from table to table, examining victims and applying slaves. The few unicorns among them are trying their horns at magic.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281127
>>281106
"I'm not terribly concerned. Terrebonne's room feels secure enough."
Try again damnit!
Roll #0 1 = 1
"I'm not terribly concerned. Terrebonne's room feels secure enough."
Try again damnit!
Roll #0 1 = 1
>>281127
This time your control is overwhelmingly keeping your power in check. Nothing happens to the rock at all, and you feel very much like a non-magical pony.
Then you realize your necklace snapped and fell off. You actually ARE a non-magical pony without that. What a bitter reminder.
He does seem pleased with your correction, though. "I had suspected she took you in. I didn't want to come out and ask, though. You aren't… going to be… What I mean to say is that I respect your privacy, given that I myself have an admirer, so I am in no place to judge, but…"
He pauses.
"I am something of a traditionalist when it comes to the Master-Student relationship and…"
Another awkward pause. "You're not planning on depriving our Fleet Resurrectionist of sleep at night, are you?"
>>281140
You get distracted by one pony hitting the mat very hard, and before you know it, you've moved closer to the front of the line. How did that move go, again?
>>281139
You see several nurses crowding around one mare that has several bones sticking out of her skin in each of her legs. It looks nauseating. The only thing that could cause this is jumping from a great height…
This time your control is overwhelmingly keeping your power in check. Nothing happens to the rock at all, and you feel very much like a non-magical pony.
Then you realize your necklace snapped and fell off. You actually ARE a non-magical pony without that. What a bitter reminder.
He does seem pleased with your correction, though. "I had suspected she took you in. I didn't want to come out and ask, though. You aren't… going to be… What I mean to say is that I respect your privacy, given that I myself have an admirer, so I am in no place to judge, but…"
He pauses.
"I am something of a traditionalist when it comes to the Master-Student relationship and…"
Another awkward pause. "You're not planning on depriving our Fleet Resurrectionist of sleep at night, are you?"
>>281140
You get distracted by one pony hitting the mat very hard, and before you know it, you've moved closer to the front of the line. How did that move go, again?
>>281139
You see several nurses crowding around one mare that has several bones sticking out of her skin in each of her legs. It looks nauseating. The only thing that could cause this is jumping from a great height…
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281158
>>281149
Tie the necklace back in place. Damn thing.
"Wha… No, don't worry! Ahah!" Give a laughter.
"I'm not really interested in ponies or.. Well, ewes for the matter. And Terrebonne is letting me sleep there just because the bunkhead was a mess.
It's more of a coincidence than anything."
Retry.
"Were you saying, about a certain admirer?"
Give him a grin.
Roll #0 8 = 8
Tie the necklace back in place. Damn thing.
"Wha… No, don't worry! Ahah!" Give a laughter.
"I'm not really interested in ponies or.. Well, ewes for the matter. And Terrebonne is letting me sleep there just because the bunkhead was a mess.
It's more of a coincidence than anything."
Retry.
"Were you saying, about a certain admirer?"
Give him a grin.
Roll #0 8 = 8
>>281153
She shakes her head. "It doesn't matter if you get overpowered. It's all about technique. See, watch that one!"
She indicates a mare that gets flipped onto the ground, but she quickly sweeps legs from her position below and rolls back onto her own.
Roll for comprehension.
>>281157
You start to mend the bones, but then realize they're mending in the wrong shapes, and outside of the skin. One of the unicorn nurses pushes you back and shouts, "Be careful! You have to set the bones first! You're going to cripple her for life!"
>>281158
For the first time since boarding the ship you see Abilio scrunch. "A slip of the tongue." He sighs a bit, releasing the tension in his chest. "I don't even know who she is. It's a secret admirer. I have a few suspicions but she won't come forward… We've been communicating by letter. She's on board one of these ships. That dog you saw come through the portal with me to Stonebriar knows. He took the last letter."
She shakes her head. "It doesn't matter if you get overpowered. It's all about technique. See, watch that one!"
She indicates a mare that gets flipped onto the ground, but she quickly sweeps legs from her position below and rolls back onto her own.
Roll for comprehension.
>>281157
You start to mend the bones, but then realize they're mending in the wrong shapes, and outside of the skin. One of the unicorn nurses pushes you back and shouts, "Be careful! You have to set the bones first! You're going to cripple her for life!"
>>281158
For the first time since boarding the ship you see Abilio scrunch. "A slip of the tongue." He sighs a bit, releasing the tension in his chest. "I don't even know who she is. It's a secret admirer. I have a few suspicions but she won't come forward… We've been communicating by letter. She's on board one of these ships. That dog you saw come through the portal with me to Stonebriar knows. He took the last letter."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281178
>>281167
"Now I'm curious… And what you feel for her? Did she say why she won't come forward?"
RETRY DAMNIT!
Roll #0 6 = 6
"Now I'm curious… And what you feel for her? Did she say why she won't come forward?"
RETRY DAMNIT!
Roll #0 6 = 6
>>281172
She nods. "Yes, they evaluate not only your technique, but your creativity. Performance helps, but you get thirty seconds with each trainer either way."
Then the mare goes up to take her turn. You'll be up next…
>>281178
He trots over to his nightstand and levitates a letter. "She does make beautiful maps… She has an eye for subtlety I've not seen from anyone but myself. And hers is better, by far. I think she may just be shy, I am a rather powerful—" He stops.
"There! You've got it! You just had to take your mind off it."
You realize he's right. Once you stopped focusing too hard on it, it felt natural. This Scale seems to be the opposite of a Focus.
>>281185
Your magic goes awry and you painfully cause bursts in several of the mare's muscles. A male nurse physically drags you away from the patient, and the others get more frantic as they apply more painkiller and try to fix the damage. Your intrusion may have cost the mare her ability to walk for the rest of her life.
She nods. "Yes, they evaluate not only your technique, but your creativity. Performance helps, but you get thirty seconds with each trainer either way."
Then the mare goes up to take her turn. You'll be up next…
>>281178
He trots over to his nightstand and levitates a letter. "She does make beautiful maps… She has an eye for subtlety I've not seen from anyone but myself. And hers is better, by far. I think she may just be shy, I am a rather powerful—" He stops.
"There! You've got it! You just had to take your mind off it."
You realize he's right. Once you stopped focusing too hard on it, it felt natural. This Scale seems to be the opposite of a Focus.
>>281185
Your magic goes awry and you painfully cause bursts in several of the mare's muscles. A male nurse physically drags you away from the patient, and the others get more frantic as they apply more painkiller and try to fix the damage. Your intrusion may have cost the mare her ability to walk for the rest of her life.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281202
>>281195
Squee in glee and look at the scale!
"This is incredible!"
Then back at him!
"But back on topic! We have to find this mare! For you of course!"
Roll #0 1 = 1
Squee in glee and look at the scale!
"This is incredible!"
Then back at him!
"But back on topic! We have to find this mare! For you of course!"
Roll #0 1 = 1
>>281200
Your magic, fueled by your upset fervor, explodes from your horn, and a wave of healing washes over the patients. Most of them end up shaking themselves off and getting out of their beds, feeling good as new. The more serious cases, like the one you elevated, though, only feel pain relief.
The nurse that restrained you just stares. "You're certainly powerful, aren't you? If only you knew how to use that magic…"
>>281201
She's so fast. You're impressed, for her size, and oh my — her tail seems to go every which way as she really works that trainer, up and down, left and right. You normally have eyes for no one but Alys, but you can't help but have your eyes drawn to her backside…
Before you realize it, you're being ushered up to take your attempt.
Roll 3d10.
>>281202
He shakes his head. "I don't want to force it if she's shy. She'll come to me eventually, surely. I mean, if you wanted to urge her to come to me sooner, I wouldn't stop you, but it would be improper for me to deny her of her privacy personally. If I had wished to spy on her I would have scryed. Or perhaps just asked my seemingly omniscient first mate…"
Your magic, fueled by your upset fervor, explodes from your horn, and a wave of healing washes over the patients. Most of them end up shaking themselves off and getting out of their beds, feeling good as new. The more serious cases, like the one you elevated, though, only feel pain relief.
The nurse that restrained you just stares. "You're certainly powerful, aren't you? If only you knew how to use that magic…"
>>281201
She's so fast. You're impressed, for her size, and oh my — her tail seems to go every which way as she really works that trainer, up and down, left and right. You normally have eyes for no one but Alys, but you can't help but have your eyes drawn to her backside…
Before you realize it, you're being ushered up to take your attempt.
Roll 3d10.
>>281202
He shakes his head. "I don't want to force it if she's shy. She'll come to me eventually, surely. I mean, if you wanted to urge her to come to me sooner, I wouldn't stop you, but it would be improper for me to deny her of her privacy personally. If I had wished to spy on her I would have scryed. Or perhaps just asked my seemingly omniscient first mate…"
Summer Seas [Cleric] No.281228
>>281215
I blink in disbelief at what just happened.
"H- Huh?…"
I turn to the mare.
"I- I do know how to use my magic! My momma and I used to run a clinic back in our home town and she taught me all about how to heal ponies! I- I… I'm just not that good at it…"
I sadly turn back to look at the poor mare who's condition I worsened.
I blink in disbelief at what just happened.
"H- Huh?…"
I turn to the mare.
"I- I do know how to use my magic! My momma and I used to run a clinic back in our home town and she taught me all about how to heal ponies! I- I… I'm just not that good at it…"
I sadly turn back to look at the poor mare who's condition I worsened.
>>281219
"The Quartermaster, Smitts. I've never known a man so dedicated to making things run smoothly. Really, it gives me much more time to devote to my craft. He will make a splendid captain for the Pillager's Fancy one day, assuming I die before him, though it will be the first time in several generations we have not had a necromancer in command."
>>281222
Taking on the first trainer, you nearly trip up right away, but shift your weight side to side and feint right before hitting from the left. You realize you wouldn't have even though to feint if you hadn't watched the first stallion go.
At the second trainer, you charge straight through his brace and send him to the ground.
At the final trainer, he gracefully sidesteps you, not unlike the gatekeeper, and then pushes you over, but you remember your previous combat, and seeing the other mare sweep the legs, and attempt to do the same. You nearly pull it off, but his footing is too true.
You come to the evaluation table at the other side. You briefly read your examination results. You scored 25 out of 30. You required 25 to pass.
You notice most of the ponies are trotting out to the yard. You suspect the next exam is there…
>>281228
He thinks a moment, then says, "Come with me. Maybe you can help with this. We need a fresh pair of eyes."
He leads you into a tent, and you see the silhouette of a pony behind a cloth barrier. The nurse offers you a mask.
"This is our worst patient. She's dying, slowly and painfully, and we have no idea what to do. The doctor of the clinic tried to help her without a mask on, and she's dead now. Don't take off the mask."
"The Quartermaster, Smitts. I've never known a man so dedicated to making things run smoothly. Really, it gives me much more time to devote to my craft. He will make a splendid captain for the Pillager's Fancy one day, assuming I die before him, though it will be the first time in several generations we have not had a necromancer in command."
>>281222
Taking on the first trainer, you nearly trip up right away, but shift your weight side to side and feint right before hitting from the left. You realize you wouldn't have even though to feint if you hadn't watched the first stallion go.
At the second trainer, you charge straight through his brace and send him to the ground.
At the final trainer, he gracefully sidesteps you, not unlike the gatekeeper, and then pushes you over, but you remember your previous combat, and seeing the other mare sweep the legs, and attempt to do the same. You nearly pull it off, but his footing is too true.
You come to the evaluation table at the other side. You briefly read your examination results. You scored 25 out of 30. You required 25 to pass.
You notice most of the ponies are trotting out to the yard. You suspect the next exam is there…
>>281228
He thinks a moment, then says, "Come with me. Maybe you can help with this. We need a fresh pair of eyes."
He leads you into a tent, and you see the silhouette of a pony behind a cloth barrier. The nurse offers you a mask.
"This is our worst patient. She's dying, slowly and painfully, and we have no idea what to do. The doctor of the clinic tried to help her without a mask on, and she's dead now. Don't take off the mask."
>>281253
Abilio offers a shrug. "He is a hard sort to pin down. He is an enigma, though he makes no attempt to be secretive. He doesn't lock his door, and has no problem inviting ponies inside. Even I don't know his secret. It's probably some sort of magic, but he always seems to know what goes on here on the ships, even if he's been away on a mission."
>>281255
Out in the yard, there are lines for pistol practice. They seem to be scoring on speed, accuracy, and precision.
Abilio offers a shrug. "He is a hard sort to pin down. He is an enigma, though he makes no attempt to be secretive. He doesn't lock his door, and has no problem inviting ponies inside. Even I don't know his secret. It's probably some sort of magic, but he always seems to know what goes on here on the ships, even if he's been away on a mission."
>>281255
Out in the yard, there are lines for pistol practice. They seem to be scoring on speed, accuracy, and precision.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281268
>>281262
"I've seen a pony able to see the world through the eyes of his minions.
And ponies treating shadows just like I'd treat a bag of bones minus the love.
Wouldn't surprise me if he had shadows all around the place, watching all that goes on."
Walk around the table a bit.
"So now that I've seen the scale, when do I start learning about Tartarus?"
"I've seen a pony able to see the world through the eyes of his minions.
And ponies treating shadows just like I'd treat a bag of bones minus the love.
Wouldn't surprise me if he had shadows all around the place, watching all that goes on."
Walk around the table a bit.
"So now that I've seen the scale, when do I start learning about Tartarus?"
>>281263
You don't recognize any of the symptoms at all. They're very strange. Her eyes are crusted over, and her mouth seems to have melted away: she struggles to breathe through her nose. She's oozing blood out of her ears.
"We periodically come in to slice open a new mouth for her. It helps her breathing, but it must be very painful. We thought it was a curse, but it seems transmittable."
>>281266
As you get in line, you notice that the ponies seem to be loading their guns carefully, without a rush, but once the timer starts, they draw almost instantly and point at the target, then they release a barrage at the targets.
>>281268
He chuckles. "You're eager, aren't you? But last night Terrebonne spoke with me. I don't think you're quite ready for my training. See what she has to offer you. Or better yet, talk to Doc Peg: he would have much more to offer one of your skill level, and probably much more to interest you, as he deals with bodies, not Tartarian spirits. You might even find philosophical and intellectual benefits from chatting with Dolly Doldrums over on the Seaworthy or Instructor Thatch in Terrebonne's room. That will be the least skill-intensive, but might provide insight to make your work easier."
>>281277
>1
As you wander through the streets, some old mare thinks you're they're foal and erroneously takes you and puts you in daycare. It takes you a fair amount of time you bust out over that accursed half-doorway that daycare teachers seem so fond of.
What a waste of time. At least you got a pretty good juice box out of it.
You don't recognize any of the symptoms at all. They're very strange. Her eyes are crusted over, and her mouth seems to have melted away: she struggles to breathe through her nose. She's oozing blood out of her ears.
"We periodically come in to slice open a new mouth for her. It helps her breathing, but it must be very painful. We thought it was a curse, but it seems transmittable."
>>281266
As you get in line, you notice that the ponies seem to be loading their guns carefully, without a rush, but once the timer starts, they draw almost instantly and point at the target, then they release a barrage at the targets.
>>281268
He chuckles. "You're eager, aren't you? But last night Terrebonne spoke with me. I don't think you're quite ready for my training. See what she has to offer you. Or better yet, talk to Doc Peg: he would have much more to offer one of your skill level, and probably much more to interest you, as he deals with bodies, not Tartarian spirits. You might even find philosophical and intellectual benefits from chatting with Dolly Doldrums over on the Seaworthy or Instructor Thatch in Terrebonne's room. That will be the least skill-intensive, but might provide insight to make your work easier."
>>281277
>1
As you wander through the streets, some old mare thinks you're they're foal and erroneously takes you and puts you in daycare. It takes you a fair amount of time you bust out over that accursed half-doorway that daycare teachers seem so fond of.
What a waste of time. At least you got a pretty good juice box out of it.
>>281287
You head up onto the main deck of the ship, then into the forecastle, and find no one in his clinic. You wonder where he could have gone…
When you roll, be sure to specify if you're examining the room or looking for Doc Peg.
>>281288
You do a quick scan of the shops in the mercantile district, then remember that Summer commented earlier about not having any money, and you take off for the Lower Class District. You have a good feeling she's here, but you have no idea where to look.
>>281290
As the nurse cuts open a new mouth, she takes a gasp-scream, but thanks him. You manage to dull most of the pain, but then you start to notice a pattern. Perhaps it's your unique perspective, or the fact that you were just traumatized, but you notice that the symptoms are completely confined to the centers for speaking, hearing, and seeing. You start by healing the bleed in the ears, then helping the nurse remove the crusts from her eyes, and then you remember hearing about some magical diseases that had been developed before, once, as a traveling doctor was speaking with your mother back in your home town. You also remember what the Spokesman said about Briarthorn being stricken by a plague of judgment.
Your instinct tells you that this was an engineered disease.
>>281291
You take stock of the situation and notice that even the ponies who can't seem to hit near the center still seem to be performing well if their shots are near each other. It seems there is more depth to this test than simply shooting the middle of the target.
You head up onto the main deck of the ship, then into the forecastle, and find no one in his clinic. You wonder where he could have gone…
When you roll, be sure to specify if you're examining the room or looking for Doc Peg.
>>281288
You do a quick scan of the shops in the mercantile district, then remember that Summer commented earlier about not having any money, and you take off for the Lower Class District. You have a good feeling she's here, but you have no idea where to look.
>>281290
As the nurse cuts open a new mouth, she takes a gasp-scream, but thanks him. You manage to dull most of the pain, but then you start to notice a pattern. Perhaps it's your unique perspective, or the fact that you were just traumatized, but you notice that the symptoms are completely confined to the centers for speaking, hearing, and seeing. You start by healing the bleed in the ears, then helping the nurse remove the crusts from her eyes, and then you remember hearing about some magical diseases that had been developed before, once, as a traveling doctor was speaking with your mother back in your home town. You also remember what the Spokesman said about Briarthorn being stricken by a plague of judgment.
Your instinct tells you that this was an engineered disease.
>>281291
You take stock of the situation and notice that even the ponies who can't seem to hit near the center still seem to be performing well if their shots are near each other. It seems there is more depth to this test than simply shooting the middle of the target.
>>281305
The room looks pretty sterile. If he keeps corpses somewhere, it's elsewhere. You get distracted by a poster about equine anatomy and can't seem to focus on looking, anyway.
>>281307
The concentration, or "precision", of the bullets seems to weigh heavily. Other ponies seem to be going for "accuracy" — having the average position of their bullets be the middle.
The highest scorers seem to be the gunslingers that can do both AND draw/aim quickly.
You'll be up soon.
>>281308
You ask around for a while and while the ponies here are much more friendly and willing to help a foal in need than the ones in other districts, none of them have seen your daughter. Finally, you try one of the uniformed ponies with a bronze sword. He mentions remembering seeing a young unicorn like her attempting the Pathway of Virtue, to give a dangerous heretic the Provost's Peace. He wishes you a blessed day, and offers you a loaf of bread as you go, noting that you look malnourished.
The room looks pretty sterile. If he keeps corpses somewhere, it's elsewhere. You get distracted by a poster about equine anatomy and can't seem to focus on looking, anyway.
>>281307
The concentration, or "precision", of the bullets seems to weigh heavily. Other ponies seem to be going for "accuracy" — having the average position of their bullets be the middle.
The highest scorers seem to be the gunslingers that can do both AND draw/aim quickly.
You'll be up soon.
>>281308
You ask around for a while and while the ponies here are much more friendly and willing to help a foal in need than the ones in other districts, none of them have seen your daughter. Finally, you try one of the uniformed ponies with a bronze sword. He mentions remembering seeing a young unicorn like her attempting the Pathway of Virtue, to give a dangerous heretic the Provost's Peace. He wishes you a blessed day, and offers you a loaf of bread as you go, noting that you look malnourished.
>>281320
You wander around the looking for Doc Peg, shouting for him, when a blue-feathered gryphon pops out of the side room. "Please stop breaking my concentration. I am praying to Grogar for the success of the mission I've asked of the assault team. Doc Peg is over on the Darklantern. Commodore Tallow asked for him."
>>281325
This is literally the only male nurse in the hospital. He seems a little bit embarrassed and emasculated by your statement.
"Really?" He starts in between a blush, crossing his legs and backing out of the tent. "That's insightful, especially for one so young. Y-you don't really think I'm that girly, right? No need to call me Miss… please."
>>281327
You finally run into a triage center, and remember that you tried to take her to a hospital before. This seems like the right place. They all respond positively to having seen your "sister". They apparently note that she cured a bunch of minor diseases, but then crippled the legs of a mare in critical condition.
>>281331
You feel totally unprepared. You hate the way your nostrils feel invaded by the sulfurous smell. You're up next.
You wander around the looking for Doc Peg, shouting for him, when a blue-feathered gryphon pops out of the side room. "Please stop breaking my concentration. I am praying to Grogar for the success of the mission I've asked of the assault team. Doc Peg is over on the Darklantern. Commodore Tallow asked for him."
>>281325
This is literally the only male nurse in the hospital. He seems a little bit embarrassed and emasculated by your statement.
"Really?" He starts in between a blush, crossing his legs and backing out of the tent. "That's insightful, especially for one so young. Y-you don't really think I'm that girly, right? No need to call me Miss… please."
>>281327
You finally run into a triage center, and remember that you tried to take her to a hospital before. This seems like the right place. They all respond positively to having seen your "sister". They apparently note that she cured a bunch of minor diseases, but then crippled the legs of a mare in critical condition.
>>281331
You feel totally unprepared. You hate the way your nostrils feel invaded by the sulfurous smell. You're up next.
>>281342
>him
You're unflappable! Which is good for a pegasus.
She shakes her head. "I'm just here because he has a shrine to Grogar. My name is Dolly Doldrums. I am the windmaster of the fleet."
>>281340
They direct you into a tent in the back, but warn you that entering without a mask is certain death. Then they offer you a mask.
>>281349
You're offered a flintlock pistol. It seems to be a technical marvel right off the line, because this one can fire four shots before needing to be reloaded. It uses some sort of revolving chambers. You take the time to carefully load the gun and get a feel for it.
>him
You're unflappable! Which is good for a pegasus.
She shakes her head. "I'm just here because he has a shrine to Grogar. My name is Dolly Doldrums. I am the windmaster of the fleet."
>>281340
They direct you into a tent in the back, but warn you that entering without a mask is certain death. Then they offer you a mask.
>>281349
You're offered a flintlock pistol. It seems to be a technical marvel right off the line, because this one can fire four shots before needing to be reloaded. It uses some sort of revolving chambers. You take the time to carefully load the gun and get a feel for it.
>>281364
She thinks a moment. "I'd assume in the hold near the bottom of the ship, to avoid the effects of the miasma — poison gas released by decaying bodies. I've always thought that it should be weaponized, but I don't have any real necromantic talent, and I've never met a necromancer with my kind of talent for the skies."
>>281365
>>281369
You shakily load your gun. You have to really slam it to get the rotational feed back in place, and something feels bent. This won't bode well.
When you are ready to start the exam, roll 1d10 for speed, then 4d10 for aim.
>>281363
>>281372
"A-alright. Maybe we'll have someone look—"
As he's backing up, one of his forehooves bent back, covering his genitals in shame, he backs directly over Spring Water, now entering the tent. Fortunately, due to her newly shortened stature, she avoids getting bumped or stepped on and is able to finally reunite with her "sister".
She thinks a moment. "I'd assume in the hold near the bottom of the ship, to avoid the effects of the miasma — poison gas released by decaying bodies. I've always thought that it should be weaponized, but I don't have any real necromantic talent, and I've never met a necromancer with my kind of talent for the skies."
>>281365
>>281369
You shakily load your gun. You have to really slam it to get the rotational feed back in place, and something feels bent. This won't bode well.
When you are ready to start the exam, roll 1d10 for speed, then 4d10 for aim.
>>281363
>>281372
"A-alright. Maybe we'll have someone look—"
As he's backing up, one of his forehooves bent back, covering his genitals in shame, he backs directly over Spring Water, now entering the tent. Fortunately, due to her newly shortened stature, she avoids getting bumped or stepped on and is able to finally reunite with her "sister".
>>281405
You give her a big hug, but she quickly pulls away to go see her patient.
>>281402
The tendons in her muscles were totally burst. They were forced to amputate the legs. She's alive, though, and her breathing as finally slowed. The nurses are covered in blood. It looks like they barely managed to save her.
>>281403
She flexes her wings. They almost seem too big for the room. They're huge!
>>281406
This time, you take forever to draw the gun, and only one of them even gets inside the inner half of the target. One misses the target entirely, and none of the remaining shots seem anywhere close to each other.
Your scores:
>Accuracy: 2/10
>Precision: 3/10
>Speed: 2/10
>Required to pass: 25/30 (You scored 7).
You give her a big hug, but she quickly pulls away to go see her patient.
>>281402
The tendons in her muscles were totally burst. They were forced to amputate the legs. She's alive, though, and her breathing as finally slowed. The nurses are covered in blood. It looks like they barely managed to save her.
>>281403
She flexes her wings. They almost seem too big for the room. They're huge!
>>281406
This time, you take forever to draw the gun, and only one of them even gets inside the inner half of the target. One misses the target entirely, and none of the remaining shots seem anywhere close to each other.
Your scores:
>Accuracy: 2/10
>Precision: 3/10
>Speed: 2/10
>Required to pass: 25/30 (You scored 7).
>>281430
"Yeah, it's in here. It's the real deal, too. Not the fake dumb thing I have next to my bed in the bunkhouse. Doc Peg told me he can talk to Grogar himself with it, but I don't know how to commune. Apparently, if you bring living sacrifices, he'll even help you do more powerful spells. But I can't even get him to talk back to me… You get points for trying, I like to think, though. I mean, surely he likes to know you're at least praying, right?"
>>281438
"Failed miserably on the first. The second was better, but still a fail. Why don't you come back later and take your remedial test at the appointed hour? Maybe you'll have an epiphany."
"Yeah, it's in here. It's the real deal, too. Not the fake dumb thing I have next to my bed in the bunkhouse. Doc Peg told me he can talk to Grogar himself with it, but I don't know how to commune. Apparently, if you bring living sacrifices, he'll even help you do more powerful spells. But I can't even get him to talk back to me… You get points for trying, I like to think, though. I mean, surely he likes to know you're at least praying, right?"
>>281438
"Failed miserably on the first. The second was better, but still a fail. Why don't you come back later and take your remedial test at the appointed hour? Maybe you'll have an epiphany."
Summer Seas [Cleric] No.281443
>>281415
My ears drop to my head in shame and I stare at the sight, whimpering.
>>281433
"I- I tried to help the mare just like you taught me mo- sis… but my magic messed up and her tendons… b- burst…"
I slowly decrease in volume as I speak, barely whispering on the last word as tears start flowing down my face.
My ears drop to my head in shame and I stare at the sight, whimpering.
>>281433
"I- I tried to help the mare just like you taught me mo- sis… but my magic messed up and her tendons… b- burst…"
I slowly decrease in volume as I speak, barely whispering on the last word as tears start flowing down my face.
>>281455
"According to the Doc, he subvocalizes. I can't hear it, but you can try if you want."
>>281447
You go back indoors and find yourself in the Custodial Engineering building. Checking the clock, you realize an hour has passed already. Everyone seems to be heading into lockers to get showered off and to change into dresses and suits.
>>281460
A nearby nurse mare grimaces, "Not as sorry as she is that it happened to HER."
She's clearly not warmed up to the idea of little foals in her triage center.
"According to the Doc, he subvocalizes. I can't hear it, but you can try if you want."
>>281447
You go back indoors and find yourself in the Custodial Engineering building. Checking the clock, you realize an hour has passed already. Everyone seems to be heading into lockers to get showered off and to change into dresses and suits.
>>281460
A nearby nurse mare grimaces, "Not as sorry as she is that it happened to HER."
She's clearly not warmed up to the idea of little foals in her triage center.
>>281488
"I asked the ponies sent into town to go investigate a tomb. You see, I'm part of a cult that worships Grogar, but our grandmaster disappeared. Many of us were sent on journeys across the world, myself being sent aboard this ship to visit all its places. Our succession system is very complex and important to our magic. If you can, get him to bless the trip into town. I don't really know how he operates, but the Blackwald family may be key to finding out the True Name of our old grandmaster, which would help find him."
>>281495
A nearby mare in a french maid outfit almost laughs at you, but manages to hold it in. "What good is a servant that can fight but not serve? This is the custodial portion. They'll be testing you to see how well you care for your charge under pressure."
She tosses a suit at him. "Go get 'em, you big ape."
"I asked the ponies sent into town to go investigate a tomb. You see, I'm part of a cult that worships Grogar, but our grandmaster disappeared. Many of us were sent on journeys across the world, myself being sent aboard this ship to visit all its places. Our succession system is very complex and important to our magic. If you can, get him to bless the trip into town. I don't really know how he operates, but the Blackwald family may be key to finding out the True Name of our old grandmaster, which would help find him."
>>281495
A nearby mare in a french maid outfit almost laughs at you, but manages to hold it in. "What good is a servant that can fight but not serve? This is the custodial portion. They'll be testing you to see how well you care for your charge under pressure."
She tosses a suit at him. "Go get 'em, you big ape."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281514
>>281508
"Oh. That. I will ask him. Be sure."
Turn my undivided attention towards the shrine.
Commune.
Roll #0 3 = 3
"Oh. That. I will ask him. Be sure."
Turn my undivided attention towards the shrine.
Commune.
Roll #0 3 = 3
>>281512
She gives him her best Costanza face. "Yeah, if you want to fail, maybe. Everyone knows that tea is served with a light soup or salad."
>>281514
Having never used one, you're having a hard time figuring out what you're supposed to focus your magic on to actually commune. You several different place on the altar, but to no avail.
>>281515
>>281526
She shakes her head sadly and just walks away. "I'm just sorry for the mare who will have to go the rest of her life asking her three colts to go to work to earn for the family and to push her cart around."
Luna, as always, endures the Great Silence of her banishment. She will not speak to you.
You are feeling very lightheaded from all the blood and disease around you, not to mention the implications of your deeds, though.
Autohypnotism roll to maintain consciousness.
She gives him her best Costanza face. "Yeah, if you want to fail, maybe. Everyone knows that tea is served with a light soup or salad."
>>281514
Having never used one, you're having a hard time figuring out what you're supposed to focus your magic on to actually commune. You several different place on the altar, but to no avail.
>>281515
>>281526
She shakes her head sadly and just walks away. "I'm just sorry for the mare who will have to go the rest of her life asking her three colts to go to work to earn for the family and to push her cart around."
Luna, as always, endures the Great Silence of her banishment. She will not speak to you.
You are feeling very lightheaded from all the blood and disease around you, not to mention the implications of your deeds, though.
Autohypnotism roll to maintain consciousness.
>>281556
You give the altar a look over. It's certainly well kept. It's three-tiered, and on each shelf, there are a few candles and carved skulls of various races. At the top, there is a wreathe of bells, supported by a network of wires that keep them in a circular shape, as opposed to drooping like a necklace.
>>281555
You're quickly changed and before long you're in the operations theater. You can see several custodians being graded on their bows/curtsies, service at the table, and then they are led into the back room for something else.
>>281557
It's too much, and you pass out, but you manage to at least not vomit. Your little body slums against your mother's, and threatens to tip her over, being around your weight at the moment.
…
Most unconsciousness is met with dreamless sleep, but this one is different. First, you see the moon… and the craters in the shape of a mare's head. In a flash, you see a mare before you. Having never seen her before, it takes you a moment to realize it is Luna.
"IT IS A RARE EXCEPTION FOR US TO APPEAR IN THE DREAMS OF FOLLOWERS. IT STRAINS OUR POWERS. BUT YOU ARE WORTHY. I GRANT YOU OUR BOON."
Seconds later, you shake yourself awake. You almost feel like you know how you could re-attach those legs… if only you gave it a try.
You give the altar a look over. It's certainly well kept. It's three-tiered, and on each shelf, there are a few candles and carved skulls of various races. At the top, there is a wreathe of bells, supported by a network of wires that keep them in a circular shape, as opposed to drooping like a necklace.
>>281555
You're quickly changed and before long you're in the operations theater. You can see several custodians being graded on their bows/curtsies, service at the table, and then they are led into the back room for something else.
>>281557
It's too much, and you pass out, but you manage to at least not vomit. Your little body slums against your mother's, and threatens to tip her over, being around your weight at the moment.
…
Most unconsciousness is met with dreamless sleep, but this one is different. First, you see the moon… and the craters in the shape of a mare's head. In a flash, you see a mare before you. Having never seen her before, it takes you a moment to realize it is Luna.
"IT IS A RARE EXCEPTION FOR US TO APPEAR IN THE DREAMS OF FOLLOWERS. IT STRAINS OUR POWERS. BUT YOU ARE WORTHY. I GRANT YOU OUR BOON."
Seconds later, you shake yourself awake. You almost feel like you know how you could re-attach those legs… if only you gave it a try.
>>281579
You can focus on it, for every two minutes you focus, you get a +1 to the roll attempt.
If you meditate more than ten minutes, Dolly will give up and leave.
>>281581
They're doing so many different things, you can't seem to wrap your head around it. You feel like a colt who showed up on test day without taking the class. Oh wait.
Two more in front of you.
>>281582
She shakes her head. They're still by the bed. We bandaged her stumps. It was all we could do.
You can focus on it, for every two minutes you focus, you get a +1 to the roll attempt.
If you meditate more than ten minutes, Dolly will give up and leave.
>>281581
They're doing so many different things, you can't seem to wrap your head around it. You feel like a colt who showed up on test day without taking the class. Oh wait.
Two more in front of you.
>>281582
She shakes her head. They're still by the bed. We bandaged her stumps. It was all we could do.
>>281592
There's no time for preparation! The nurses are trying to remove the legs from the table when they see what you're thinking! The time for action is now!
>>281587
You barely get a connection, and it's fuzzy. Maybe you should have waited to ask Doc Peg how to work it. Nonetheless, you manage to get a voice in your head, though faint.
"You are not prepared, Felfire."
The connection ends. You hope you can convince Dolly that Grogar promised to bless you.
>>281590
You remember a bunch of needless niceties that she taught you, but she never actually asked you to act on anything but cutting down people! You panic a little. One more in front!
There's no time for preparation! The nurses are trying to remove the legs from the table when they see what you're thinking! The time for action is now!
>>281587
You barely get a connection, and it's fuzzy. Maybe you should have waited to ask Doc Peg how to work it. Nonetheless, you manage to get a voice in your head, though faint.
"You are not prepared, Felfire."
The connection ends. You hope you can convince Dolly that Grogar promised to bless you.
>>281590
You remember a bunch of needless niceties that she taught you, but she never actually asked you to act on anything but cutting down people! You panic a little. One more in front!
>>281612
You try to help, but you have no idea how to fix issues this severe. You back off when you realize you'd just make matters worse.
>>281600
>>281605
>>281609
>>281613
Though you try and try, nothing seems to work. It looked so clear in your head, but it's slipping from you! Blood is getting everywhere, nurses are screaming, and trying to pull you off. Why can't you do it? Why don't you have enough skill?
Suddenly, you can feel something inside you well up, and seizing control of your body. Telekinesis pushes everyone away from the table, and you approach it. You feel terrified, but you move calmly. Dreamlike, you see your hoof move up and make contact with the mare's flank, and in a flash, the legs are reattached, and she's moving them wildly. You feel the power leave you, and you slump over onto the ground, helpless.
Something has changed about you…
>>281606
Dolly looks a little disappointed, but offers, "Well at least he spoke to you. Maybe we should talk to the Doctor, first."
>>281607
You can't seem to gather anything out of this gamut of displays. Looks like you're going to have to run it impromptu.
First, make a roll for appearance, then make a roll for service.
Then roll 7 dice for unspecified purposes that you couldn't even figure out.
You try to help, but you have no idea how to fix issues this severe. You back off when you realize you'd just make matters worse.
>>281600
>>281605
>>281609
>>281613
Though you try and try, nothing seems to work. It looked so clear in your head, but it's slipping from you! Blood is getting everywhere, nurses are screaming, and trying to pull you off. Why can't you do it? Why don't you have enough skill?
Suddenly, you can feel something inside you well up, and seizing control of your body. Telekinesis pushes everyone away from the table, and you approach it. You feel terrified, but you move calmly. Dreamlike, you see your hoof move up and make contact with the mare's flank, and in a flash, the legs are reattached, and she's moving them wildly. You feel the power leave you, and you slump over onto the ground, helpless.
Something has changed about you…
>>281606
Dolly looks a little disappointed, but offers, "Well at least he spoke to you. Maybe we should talk to the Doctor, first."
>>281607
You can't seem to gather anything out of this gamut of displays. Looks like you're going to have to run it impromptu.
First, make a roll for appearance, then make a roll for service.
Then roll 7 dice for unspecified purposes that you couldn't even figure out.
>>281636
She moves out of your way and walks up to the deck with you.
"It's a thought I always had. You see, rotting corpses expel miasma, which is incredibly poisonous. That's why diamond dogs make a heap for corpses outside their fortresses. I've listened to the Doc talk about the chemistry of corpses many times while visiting the shrine. I feel like a necromancer could amplify it somehow to be used like a weapon. But they'd also need to understand air currents and how to control the wind to make it any use, otherwise you'd kill all your allies, or worse, yourself."
>>281644
You're totally in a heap. Something seized you entirely, and now that it is gone, you feel almost empty.
You don't feel like Crusading ever again. You have lost the Crusading skill.
>>281643
You don't pull off that suit well at all, but you manage to please the guests at the first table. Unfortunately, after that, you pretty much crash and burn. You tap dance when you're supposed to bow, and you collapse into the pile of mud you're supposed to help bridge. At least they walked over your collapsed body nice and dry!
She moves out of your way and walks up to the deck with you.
"It's a thought I always had. You see, rotting corpses expel miasma, which is incredibly poisonous. That's why diamond dogs make a heap for corpses outside their fortresses. I've listened to the Doc talk about the chemistry of corpses many times while visiting the shrine. I feel like a necromancer could amplify it somehow to be used like a weapon. But they'd also need to understand air currents and how to control the wind to make it any use, otherwise you'd kill all your allies, or worse, yourself."
>>281644
You're totally in a heap. Something seized you entirely, and now that it is gone, you feel almost empty.
You don't feel like Crusading ever again. You have lost the Crusading skill.
>>281643
You don't pull off that suit well at all, but you manage to please the guests at the first table. Unfortunately, after that, you pretty much crash and burn. You tap dance when you're supposed to bow, and you collapse into the pile of mud you're supposed to help bridge. At least they walked over your collapsed body nice and dry!
>>281672
"He was a headmaster at a necromancy school back in one of the Old Countries. I never saw him in person, of course, but he fled and joined our crew after they burned his school down and destroyed his homeland. He was a necromancer on this crew for a long time. Now he's dead. Permanently dead, not that I know how that works."
>>281677
You shake yourself off and get up. Everyone's staring at you. You reattached her legs perfectly. Well… "you" did. Whatever seized you, anyway. You turn to look at the mare, but notice on your flank, there's the image of a heart… backed by a full moon.
You have earned your cutie mark.
>>281674
You feel much better about the weapon-drawing portion of the test, having practiced your draw. You even feel a little better about aiming.
You see a few birds fly by and it makes you feel like going on a journey, but then you dismiss such thoughts and prepare for the exam. There's only two ponies in front of you this time. Better get ready.
"He was a headmaster at a necromancy school back in one of the Old Countries. I never saw him in person, of course, but he fled and joined our crew after they burned his school down and destroyed his homeland. He was a necromancer on this crew for a long time. Now he's dead. Permanently dead, not that I know how that works."
>>281677
You shake yourself off and get up. Everyone's staring at you. You reattached her legs perfectly. Well… "you" did. Whatever seized you, anyway. You turn to look at the mare, but notice on your flank, there's the image of a heart… backed by a full moon.
You have earned your cutie mark.
>>281674
You feel much better about the weapon-drawing portion of the test, having practiced your draw. You even feel a little better about aiming.
You see a few birds fly by and it makes you feel like going on a journey, but then you dismiss such thoughts and prepare for the exam. There's only two ponies in front of you this time. Better get ready.
>>281706
You nail the draw-speed test due to your practice, and you even do well with your shots. Much better than before, anyway.
>Score
>Speed: 9/10
>Accuracy: 8/10
>Precision: 8/10
>Final: 25/30 (requires 25 to pass)
Whew. That was close.
>>281707
You almost strangle your "sister". You suddenly realize that there's only one cutie mark between the two of you again, given that in her filly form, she doesn't have one.
And not that it mattered or ever will again, but you don't get a Crusading bonus from an adult without a cutie mark, even if they're hexed to not have one.
You nail the draw-speed test due to your practice, and you even do well with your shots. Much better than before, anyway.
>Score
>Speed: 9/10
>Accuracy: 8/10
>Precision: 8/10
>Final: 25/30 (requires 25 to pass)
Whew. That was close.
>>281707
You almost strangle your "sister". You suddenly realize that there's only one cutie mark between the two of you again, given that in her filly form, she doesn't have one.
And not that it mattered or ever will again, but you don't get a Crusading bonus from an adult without a cutie mark, even if they're hexed to not have one.
Summer Seas [Cleric] No.281728
>>281720
Right.
I'm not too familiar with manufactured, pony made diseases… but I'll give it another try!
Just like I did before!
I put on the mask and walk in the tent again, and look over the mare.
I engulf her with my magic and try to determine just what I'm dealing with here… airborne, obviously, but what else? '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
Right.
I'm not too familiar with manufactured, pony made diseases… but I'll give it another try!
Just like I did before!
I put on the mask and walk in the tent again, and look over the mare.
I engulf her with my magic and try to determine just what I'm dealing with here… airborne, obviously, but what else? '1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>281727
You shower off once again and SUIT UP.
Again, two ponies in front of you, giving you a little time to prepare. Roll twice for preparation, then nine times for the exam.
>>281728
You give her the once over, and can't detect any new symptoms. You examine the ear bleeds and eye crusts, but you're not sure what sort of disease it is. Is it even locally situated? You'll need a closer look. Or maybe just start blasting.
>>281729
He cocks his head. "Pegasus? He he. Okay. Gimme a tick."
He slowly slides his head back through the crack, eyes still on you, then shuts it. You hear hooves back and forth, then he opens the door a crack and sidles out, then relocks it.
"Okay. Talk time. Let's talk."
You shower off once again and SUIT UP.
Again, two ponies in front of you, giving you a little time to prepare. Roll twice for preparation, then nine times for the exam.
>>281728
You give her the once over, and can't detect any new symptoms. You examine the ear bleeds and eye crusts, but you're not sure what sort of disease it is. Is it even locally situated? You'll need a closer look. Or maybe just start blasting.
>>281729
He cocks his head. "Pegasus? He he. Okay. Gimme a tick."
He slowly slides his head back through the crack, eyes still on you, then shuts it. You hear hooves back and forth, then he opens the door a crack and sidles out, then relocks it.
"Okay. Talk time. Let's talk."
>>281736
He gives you an odd look, then says, "Didn't… the pegasus want to talk… to me? What about should we talk?" His head sort of lolls to the side oddly, then snaps back up.
>>281737
>Appearance: 10/10
>Service: 7/10
>Responsiveness: 8/10
>Score: 25
You just barely manage to scrape by, and only then because you successfully analyzed the performances of those who came before you.
Looks like you've passed!
>>281738
You notice the blood is clotting oddly around the irritation points, but is fine elsewhere. During exploratory surgery on the mouth, you notice that skin production is incredibly rapid, causing it to seal over. Further inspection of the eyes reveals some sort of petrification of skin around them, not unlike the Gorgon's Glare, which you've read about, causing the crusty material to form as skin rapidly replaces the petrified portion. You inspect the ears more closely and notice the insides are highly inflamed and are swollen shut. Speculation on the matter suggests that she's noticing fatigue as her body burns all of her excess energy to perform unnecessary repairs. You need to apply magic to reduce swelling and regulate the body's repair rate.
+3 to heal if performed next turn.
He gives you an odd look, then says, "Didn't… the pegasus want to talk… to me? What about should we talk?" His head sort of lolls to the side oddly, then snaps back up.
>>281737
>Appearance: 10/10
>Service: 7/10
>Responsiveness: 8/10
>Score: 25
You just barely manage to scrape by, and only then because you successfully analyzed the performances of those who came before you.
Looks like you've passed!
>>281738
You notice the blood is clotting oddly around the irritation points, but is fine elsewhere. During exploratory surgery on the mouth, you notice that skin production is incredibly rapid, causing it to seal over. Further inspection of the eyes reveals some sort of petrification of skin around them, not unlike the Gorgon's Glare, which you've read about, causing the crusty material to form as skin rapidly replaces the petrified portion. You inspect the ears more closely and notice the insides are highly inflamed and are swollen shut. Speculation on the matter suggests that she's noticing fatigue as her body burns all of her excess energy to perform unnecessary repairs. You need to apply magic to reduce swelling and regulate the body's repair rate.
+3 to heal if performed next turn.
>>281745
They have a nice little ceremony prepared for the graduates, which you totally ruin by walking through the middle, knocking over chairs in every single row and jumping onto the stage to fish your certificate out of the box and leave without shaking hooves with the deans. Some stallions just want to watch the world burn.
>>281744
"Damnit, pegasus, I'm a Doctor not a teacher! Which urgh training do you want? Corpses to blow up? Bones to resurrect? Anything really. I just want to training you! And it's my kind of field."
>>281747
With a blast of light, you purge her blood and it begins to flow more peacefully. After you apply the scalpel, you've quickly reformed her mouth, eyes, and ears. She seems to be better! Your mother "sister" is very proud.
They have a nice little ceremony prepared for the graduates, which you totally ruin by walking through the middle, knocking over chairs in every single row and jumping onto the stage to fish your certificate out of the box and leave without shaking hooves with the deans. Some stallions just want to watch the world burn.
>>281744
"Damnit, pegasus, I'm a Doctor not a teacher! Which urgh training do you want? Corpses to blow up? Bones to resurrect? Anything really. I just want to training you! And it's my kind of field."
>>281747
With a blast of light, you purge her blood and it begins to flow more peacefully. After you apply the scalpel, you've quickly reformed her mouth, eyes, and ears. She seems to be better! Your mother "sister" is very proud.
>>281755
"Alright. Do it."
He urges you on, even though the corpse is old. You're not confident as to what he even wants you to do. Maybe you should ask?
>>281753
You head back to the gatehouse and show the gatekeeper your certificate. He just gives a knowing smile. "I bet you learned something, right? And guess what? I in the mean time, your Lady Alys showed up. I even ordered her a carriage: she came on foot in a fetching black dress."
>>281758
She tries uncertainly at first, gurgling, but then makes out, "Trrring…"
Then, "…yes." Weakly. She gives you a smile, then faints.
She looks much better, though.
"Alright. Do it."
He urges you on, even though the corpse is old. You're not confident as to what he even wants you to do. Maybe you should ask?
>>281753
You head back to the gatehouse and show the gatekeeper your certificate. He just gives a knowing smile. "I bet you learned something, right? And guess what? I in the mean time, your Lady Alys showed up. I even ordered her a carriage: she came on foot in a fetching black dress."
>>281758
She tries uncertainly at first, gurgling, but then makes out, "Trrring…"
Then, "…yes." Weakly. She gives you a smile, then faints.
She looks much better, though.
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281763
>>281759
"I take you don't want me to explode it, since we are this close."
Raise Dead on the corpse.
Roll #0 3 = 3
"I take you don't want me to explode it, since we are this close."
Raise Dead on the corpse.
Roll #0 3 = 3
>>281763
The corpse is days old and decayed, and you have no luck raising it. He seems frustrated.
"You don't want THIS."
He waves a hoof and motions for you to back off, then violently kicks the corpse, and it stands up and shakes itself off.
"We are…"
He struggles. He seems to be gesturing for you to finish what he means to say.
The corpse is days old and decayed, and you have no luck raising it. He seems frustrated.
"You don't want THIS."
He waves a hoof and motions for you to back off, then violently kicks the corpse, and it stands up and shakes itself off.
"We are…"
He struggles. He seems to be gesturing for you to finish what he means to say.
>>281762
He raises a brow. "A gentleman wouldn't ask, and a lady wouldn't tell, so why should I have that information? That being said, she's at the Goldenblood Estate. 14 Primrose Drive."
>>281764
The male nurse, still pretty embarrassed over the encounter before, goes in, and comes out relieved, and looking very proud of you. "You did a very good job! I'm so—"
He thinks better of appearing emotional in front of the filly that called him a mare and puts on a stoic face. "Uh… very good. Professional work in there, that. You have a future. Congratulations." He offers you a hoofshake and then goes to fish out a bag.
"We're a free clinic that runs on donations, but I think you earned this, if you can show your work."
He drops a sack of fifty bits in front of you.
He raises a brow. "A gentleman wouldn't ask, and a lady wouldn't tell, so why should I have that information? That being said, she's at the Goldenblood Estate. 14 Primrose Drive."
>>281764
The male nurse, still pretty embarrassed over the encounter before, goes in, and comes out relieved, and looking very proud of you. "You did a very good job! I'm so—"
He thinks better of appearing emotional in front of the filly that called him a mare and puts on a stoic face. "Uh… very good. Professional work in there, that. You have a future. Congratulations." He offers you a hoofshake and then goes to fish out a bag.
"We're a free clinic that runs on donations, but I think you earned this, if you can show your work."
He drops a sack of fifty bits in front of you.
>>281769
He shakes his head. "You're cross!"
Then he points back at the minion. "From the Country."
He looks a little confused, and Dolly jumps in. "Do you want her to practice her magic on the corpse? Or examine its anatomy? Can you explain the sort of spell you want to be used, or what you're trying to teach her about the minion? Until you are with us, it's out of our control."
He seems a little relieved and replies: "Examine its anatomy: The sort of spell to teach is about practicing magic on the minion. With control. Examine."
He kicks it again and it collapses, dead.
"Spell!" He near-shouts at you, pointing at the corpse.
He shakes his head. "You're cross!"
Then he points back at the minion. "From the Country."
He looks a little confused, and Dolly jumps in. "Do you want her to practice her magic on the corpse? Or examine its anatomy? Can you explain the sort of spell you want to be used, or what you're trying to teach her about the minion? Until you are with us, it's out of our control."
He seems a little relieved and replies: "Examine its anatomy: The sort of spell to teach is about practicing magic on the minion. With control. Examine."
He kicks it again and it collapses, dead.
"Spell!" He near-shouts at you, pointing at the corpse.
Summer Seas [Cleric] No.281773
>>281767
My face lights up, and I pull him into a big hug.
"Thank you thank you thank you!"
My eyes go wide and my ears flop to my head and I pull away from the hug though, looking at the ground.
"I can't accept that. Momma says we heal ponies for the sake of good, not to be paid"
My face lights up, and I pull him into a big hug.
"Thank you thank you thank you!"
My eyes go wide and my ears flop to my head and I pull away from the hug though, looking at the ground.
"I can't accept that. Momma says we heal ponies for the sake of good, not to be paid"
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281774
>>281772
"Alright no need to shout!"
Freak.
Try to examine the corpse. To feel its muscles and nerves and bones with my magic.
Roll #0 5 = 5
"Alright no need to shout!"
Freak.
Try to examine the corpse. To feel its muscles and nerves and bones with my magic.
Roll #0 5 = 5
>>281771
The Goldenblood Estate is gated as well. When you arrive, you're informed that for the Children's Day ball, the only ones allowed inside with the guests are their children, and he speculates you seem a little too old to be Alys's son. You try showing him your certificate, but he replies, "Guards are particularly disallowed!"
You're stuck, unless you can find a way inside, but they'd probably still throw you out. Well, at least you got some good combat experience out of all of this…
Originally I intended for your mini-sidequest to be over here, and you to collect your reward thusly, but since Dsty isn't going to be here, I'll let you sneak in and help him finish his mini-sidequest. There are three main ways I can think of to get inside, or alternatively, you can be done for the night and just explore the city.
>>281773
His face softens a little. "What if I bought you some ice cream instead?"
>>281774
He seems to get frustrated again, and keeps saying "Minion!" every time you prod it.
Dolly whispers to you, "He has some sort of language thing. He's really a brilliant doctor, but he's hard to work with."
The Goldenblood Estate is gated as well. When you arrive, you're informed that for the Children's Day ball, the only ones allowed inside with the guests are their children, and he speculates you seem a little too old to be Alys's son. You try showing him your certificate, but he replies, "Guards are particularly disallowed!"
You're stuck, unless you can find a way inside, but they'd probably still throw you out. Well, at least you got some good combat experience out of all of this…
Originally I intended for your mini-sidequest to be over here, and you to collect your reward thusly, but since Dsty isn't going to be here, I'll let you sneak in and help him finish his mini-sidequest. There are three main ways I can think of to get inside, or alternatively, you can be done for the night and just explore the city.
>>281773
His face softens a little. "What if I bought you some ice cream instead?"
>>281774
He seems to get frustrated again, and keeps saying "Minion!" every time you prod it.
Dolly whispers to you, "He has some sort of language thing. He's really a brilliant doctor, but he's hard to work with."
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281776
>>281775
Whisper back to dolly
"Don't you say?" and roll my eyes.
Very well.
Reanimate the fucker again. I need it to make Control, don't I?
Roll #0 9 = 9
Whisper back to dolly
"Don't you say?" and roll my eyes.
Very well.
Reanimate the fucker again. I need it to make Control, don't I?
Roll #0 9 = 9
>>281776
The corpse stands up, and then the Doctor pulls off something more impressive than his word shenanigans. He kicks it again and all of a sudden, you feel your ties to the minion collapse, like it was killed or you release the control. But it doesn't fall over. Instead he gestures and it begins to dance.
"Minion."
>>281777
Two of the ways aren't very sneaky, but go ahead and explore!
>>281778
The nurse washes his hands at a sink, then notices you're too short and picks both you and your mother up and sets you on the counter.
"Wash up and we'll go over to the mercantile district. That's where the ice cream is."
You suddenly realize you're more covered in bodily fluids from all that work than you realized. Good thing you were wearing a mask!
The corpse stands up, and then the Doctor pulls off something more impressive than his word shenanigans. He kicks it again and all of a sudden, you feel your ties to the minion collapse, like it was killed or you release the control. But it doesn't fall over. Instead he gestures and it begins to dance.
"Minion."
>>281777
Two of the ways aren't very sneaky, but go ahead and explore!
>>281778
The nurse washes his hands at a sink, then notices you're too short and picks both you and your mother up and sets you on the counter.
"Wash up and we'll go over to the mercantile district. That's where the ice cream is."
You suddenly realize you're more covered in bodily fluids from all that work than you realized. Good thing you were wearing a mask!
>>281788
"You wanted a corpse?"
>>281785
You wander back into the mercantile district. You notice some little unicorns following somepony in a nurse outfit into an icecream shop, but there are much more interesting things to do in town. You see signs for a casino, a blacksmith, and a bar. You're not sure any would give you anything for free, though.
"You wanted a corpse?"
>>281785
You wander back into the mercantile district. You notice some little unicorns following somepony in a nurse outfit into an icecream shop, but there are much more interesting things to do in town. You see signs for a casino, a blacksmith, and a bar. You're not sure any would give you anything for free, though.
>>281797
Dolly pulls you to your feet, off of the minion.
"So you want to teach her about anatomy and how to seize control of minions, basically?"
He nods. "Anatomy. Control of minions. Basic."
>>281798
You head out into the city, then into the ice cream shop. Inside, they have more flavors than you've ever heard of. They have normals, like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, but they also have zapapple, and even "trick" icecream with poison joke, that comes with a glass of antidote on the side. They also have sherberts of most of the flavors. In addition to the staggering number of flavors, they also have a huge number of sides, ranging from the mundane, like peanuts, to the obscure, like phoenix dust: whatever that is.
On the slightly stranger side, they also let you pick the source animal of most of the icecreams. Cow, pony, goat, et cetera. This is pretty nonstandard, you think, as far as ice cream shops go. Rich people are weird.
Dolly pulls you to your feet, off of the minion.
"So you want to teach her about anatomy and how to seize control of minions, basically?"
He nods. "Anatomy. Control of minions. Basic."
>>281798
You head out into the city, then into the ice cream shop. Inside, they have more flavors than you've ever heard of. They have normals, like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, but they also have zapapple, and even "trick" icecream with poison joke, that comes with a glass of antidote on the side. They also have sherberts of most of the flavors. In addition to the staggering number of flavors, they also have a huge number of sides, ranging from the mundane, like peanuts, to the obscure, like phoenix dust: whatever that is.
On the slightly stranger side, they also let you pick the source animal of most of the icecreams. Cow, pony, goat, et cetera. This is pretty nonstandard, you think, as far as ice cream shops go. Rich people are weird.
>>281802
You trudge through the streets looking for work, but no one seems to be willing to help. You end up wandering into the red light district, and see ponies in suits everywhere. They size you up for money, decide you've got nothing and shoo you off.
>>281811
"Right. Show."
He pokes it with his horn a little bit, and it explodes… sort of. The explosion is controlled, and the ribcage pops open, displaying all the organs inside. He pulls out a length of intestine and says, "Right show!"
You trudge through the streets looking for work, but no one seems to be willing to help. You end up wandering into the red light district, and see ponies in suits everywhere. They size you up for money, decide you've got nothing and shoo you off.
>>281811
"Right. Show."
He pokes it with his horn a little bit, and it explodes… sort of. The explosion is controlled, and the ribcage pops open, displaying all the organs inside. He pulls out a length of intestine and says, "Right show!"
Felfire [Necromancer] No.281819
>>281814
And Grogar talks with this ass rather than me?
I'm about to lose it.
Start pulling out and calling by name the various organs.
Roll #0 7 = 7
And Grogar talks with this ass rather than me?
I'm about to lose it.
Start pulling out and calling by name the various organs.
Roll #0 7 = 7
>>281819
He's seems a little satisfied after you've finished, and then ushers you upstairs, dragging the corpse. He dismisses Dolly, then indicates you follow him into his clinic.
Inside, he pulls the corpse out onto a table in a very professional manner, then recompiles the pieces with his telekinesis. From under his operating table, he pulls out a bottle of vodka and takes a huge gulp. He pauses for a moment, then continues.
"I am feeling better now, Pegasus. I apologize for the earlier interaction. I am a little out of myself when I am on edge. You weren't being very accommodating, but I can hardly blame you, I imagine. I can't practice my eloquence to its full extent without a drink. It's part of the consequences of my severance. Social inhibitors still plague my mind. Even I cannot cure myself."
>>281817
He smiles and lifts you up to the counter so you can see the whole selection. "Tell me when you've picked out what you want. Should we get some for your sister, too?"
>>281816
You're already in the lower districts! You take a look around and try to get one of the suited ponies to offer you work, but they don't seem interested in helping you out. After a few tries, one of them relents and tells you to try the local Bishop, at the temple in the mercantile district.
He's seems a little satisfied after you've finished, and then ushers you upstairs, dragging the corpse. He dismisses Dolly, then indicates you follow him into his clinic.
Inside, he pulls the corpse out onto a table in a very professional manner, then recompiles the pieces with his telekinesis. From under his operating table, he pulls out a bottle of vodka and takes a huge gulp. He pauses for a moment, then continues.
"I am feeling better now, Pegasus. I apologize for the earlier interaction. I am a little out of myself when I am on edge. You weren't being very accommodating, but I can hardly blame you, I imagine. I can't practice my eloquence to its full extent without a drink. It's part of the consequences of my severance. Social inhibitors still plague my mind. Even I cannot cure myself."
>>281817
He smiles and lifts you up to the counter so you can see the whole selection. "Tell me when you've picked out what you want. Should we get some for your sister, too?"
>>281816
You're already in the lower districts! You take a look around and try to get one of the suited ponies to offer you work, but they don't seem interested in helping you out. After a few tries, one of them relents and tells you to try the local Bishop, at the temple in the mercantile district.
>>281836
The Bishop seems quite the opposite of a religious nut. In fact, he seems quite cynical and completely uninterested in dealings of the cloth. As you approach, he narrows his eyes and remarks,
"I can tell from the armor you're here for mercenary work. I hope you're better than the last saps I sent to their deaths. You at least have certification, right?"
The Bishop seems quite the opposite of a religious nut. In fact, he seems quite cynical and completely uninterested in dealings of the cloth. As you approach, he narrows his eyes and remarks,
"I can tell from the armor you're here for mercenary work. I hope you're better than the last saps I sent to their deaths. You at least have certification, right?"
>>281843
He shakes his head. "This isn't normal liquor. It's enchanted. My solution to an otherwise unsolvable problem. Without it, I can only repeat what others say. Hence my earlier frustration: you speak in very short phrases. I prefer to speak with the long-winded. Mellow Marsh, for instance, is my kind of company. I requested him aboard this ship when he started. Helped him get promoted to Duty Officer."
He points to the corpse. "Him? Bullet to chest a raid. Couldn't you tell when examining him before? He couldn't cry out from the crow's nest. Got to him too late. He was out of money, anyway. Gotta have money."
>>281849
He examines the one you've got. "No, this will probably be sufficient. Probably. I don't lose anything if you die, anyway. Listen: I'm running a business here, and to run a business, you have to stomp out the competition. I've run a brutal campaign of economics, raising tithes as high as 35%, and even added special tithes. Sure, you have to tithe once a month, but also before trading or going on a trip. It's bringing in a lot of money. But there is another Church trying to open in this city that says Celestia will love and bless you even if you don't tithe. This is ridiculous and is going to kill my profits, so I want you to kill them. They're across town. Slaughter all of the priests and anyone else you see fit. Don't get caught by the guards, and don't end up traceable back to me. You'll be paid handsomely. Fair warning: the last group I sent were gutted by the City Watch."
He shakes his head. "This isn't normal liquor. It's enchanted. My solution to an otherwise unsolvable problem. Without it, I can only repeat what others say. Hence my earlier frustration: you speak in very short phrases. I prefer to speak with the long-winded. Mellow Marsh, for instance, is my kind of company. I requested him aboard this ship when he started. Helped him get promoted to Duty Officer."
He points to the corpse. "Him? Bullet to chest a raid. Couldn't you tell when examining him before? He couldn't cry out from the crow's nest. Got to him too late. He was out of money, anyway. Gotta have money."
>>281849
He examines the one you've got. "No, this will probably be sufficient. Probably. I don't lose anything if you die, anyway. Listen: I'm running a business here, and to run a business, you have to stomp out the competition. I've run a brutal campaign of economics, raising tithes as high as 35%, and even added special tithes. Sure, you have to tithe once a month, but also before trading or going on a trip. It's bringing in a lot of money. But there is another Church trying to open in this city that says Celestia will love and bless you even if you don't tithe. This is ridiculous and is going to kill my profits, so I want you to kill them. They're across town. Slaughter all of the priests and anyone else you see fit. Don't get caught by the guards, and don't end up traceable back to me. You'll be paid handsomely. Fair warning: the last group I sent were gutted by the City Watch."
>>281858
"Exactly what I demonstrated to you before. I can show you how to wrest control from other necromancers, or more generally just enslave undead. I suppose, if you have the talent for the Touch of Death, I could show you a few things about that as well."
>>281857
You locate it pretty quickly. There are plenty of ponies walking in and out. It's practically a shack: it's too small to hold more than ten ponies at a time, but there are two priests there, and it's packed wall to wall with ponies praying and thanking the priests. You notice no money is being collected.
"Exactly what I demonstrated to you before. I can show you how to wrest control from other necromancers, or more generally just enslave undead. I suppose, if you have the talent for the Touch of Death, I could show you a few things about that as well."
>>281857
You locate it pretty quickly. There are plenty of ponies walking in and out. It's practically a shack: it's too small to hold more than ten ponies at a time, but there are two priests there, and it's packed wall to wall with ponies praying and thanking the priests. You notice no money is being collected.
>>281885
The flimsy wood collapses and the back falls down, landing on a few of the ponies inside. The roof starts to loose stability, then falls down toward you, while the other sides stay up. There's a lot of screaming, and ponies start fleeing out the front door.
Roll to dodge falling roof.
The flimsy wood collapses and the back falls down, landing on a few of the ponies inside. The roof starts to loose stability, then falls down toward you, while the other sides stay up. There's a lot of screaming, and ponies start fleeing out the front door.
Roll to dodge falling roof.