File: 1373470673123.jpg (229.35 KB, 1536x1024, dixie.jpg)
PirateQuest: Chapter 5.2: Trifling Affairs Wf+6 No.447688[Last 50 Posts]
A few days have passed under favorable winds. It's early morning now, and the fleet cruises through a misty morn, less than 24 hours from making port at Dixie.
You wish you were in Dixie, hurray, hurray!
You wish you were in Dixie, hurray, hurray!
>>447689
You've been doing those! But you better go to the last session this morning.
>>447690
You had organized your followers into cabins and had an uneventful week.
>>447691
After that blossoming karak posing as a crow flew away, you found no more clues about the ship growth.
As for your proteges – they've been slacking ever since Red stopped showing her face around them.
>>447692
No, but over the past week you did see that diamond dog from the burning beach a few more times. Where'd he get to?
You've been doing those! But you better go to the last session this morning.
>>447690
You had organized your followers into cabins and had an uneventful week.
>>447691
After that blossoming karak posing as a crow flew away, you found no more clues about the ship growth.
As for your proteges – they've been slacking ever since Red stopped showing her face around them.
>>447692
No, but over the past week you did see that diamond dog from the burning beach a few more times. Where'd he get to?
>>447696
You hunt down Itztli in the early morning hours without Happy Puzzle.
You find him lurking near the bow.
"YES?"
>>447698
You use your dog-like nose to hunt down into the shadowy depths of the Darklantern.
Hm… you had the scent, but the trail seems to disappear here.
>>447699
In his cabin, not on it. When you arrive and knock, he opens the door and lets you in.
You are as prepared as you will be. Certain reagents will be required to work the Forge, as I outlined earlier. It will be easier to acquire them if you go into town, but I don't care what means of procurement you utilize.
He hoofs over a list of reagents you spent the past week learning about.
>>447700
It's quite early in the morning, so it's mostly just the menials about right now. Still, you see their figures moving in the morning fog.
>>447701
It's quite dark as the sun has not yet risen, but you find some knots you can retie to make them stronger.
You hunt down Itztli in the early morning hours without Happy Puzzle.
You find him lurking near the bow.
"YES?"
>>447698
You use your dog-like nose to hunt down into the shadowy depths of the Darklantern.
Hm… you had the scent, but the trail seems to disappear here.
>>447699
In his cabin, not on it. When you arrive and knock, he opens the door and lets you in.
You are as prepared as you will be. Certain reagents will be required to work the Forge, as I outlined earlier. It will be easier to acquire them if you go into town, but I don't care what means of procurement you utilize.
He hoofs over a list of reagents you spent the past week learning about.
>>447700
It's quite early in the morning, so it's mostly just the menials about right now. Still, you see their figures moving in the morning fog.
>>447701
It's quite dark as the sun has not yet risen, but you find some knots you can retie to make them stronger.
>>447703
The most simple are the glowing things. Ground fireflies, kobold iron, phantom mushroom, and Belial's Element. More complicated is the memory. You'll need to offer up a memory which – according to the texts – "fragmented your soul" – which must be trapped in a mirror. You'll also require one cup of blood and a phylactery forge burning at extremely high temperatures – which can be induced with magic, or through a special type of compressed coal gemstone called Jet.
>>447705
Like most areas belowdecks on the Darklantern, it is extremely dark here, you can hardly see a thing. This is not only a function of poor lighting and the early hour, but primarily as a result of the fact that the Darklantern is made from black and very dark wood.
>>447706
"YES THIS IS ITZTLI."
>>447707
Normally, yes, but the anticipation of arriving in port tomorrow is making it hard to focus.
The most simple are the glowing things. Ground fireflies, kobold iron, phantom mushroom, and Belial's Element. More complicated is the memory. You'll need to offer up a memory which – according to the texts – "fragmented your soul" – which must be trapped in a mirror. You'll also require one cup of blood and a phylactery forge burning at extremely high temperatures – which can be induced with magic, or through a special type of compressed coal gemstone called Jet.
>>447705
Like most areas belowdecks on the Darklantern, it is extremely dark here, you can hardly see a thing. This is not only a function of poor lighting and the early hour, but primarily as a result of the fact that the Darklantern is made from black and very dark wood.
>>447706
"YES THIS IS ITZTLI."
>>447707
Normally, yes, but the anticipation of arriving in port tomorrow is making it hard to focus.
>>447710
"The three returns."
A voice calls out from the darkness. From where, you do not know.
>>447709
It turns out Onik wasn't in the room or at The Fort because he was with Light Heart at the time. Anyway, he's been working most of the week on those guns.
>>447711
"ALL THINGS HAVE NATURAL DISORDER AND A QUALITY OF UNIQUENESS THE CHANGER SIMPLY BRINGS THIS QUALITY TO THE FOREGROUND."
"The three returns."
A voice calls out from the darkness. From where, you do not know.
>>447709
It turns out Onik wasn't in the room or at The Fort because he was with Light Heart at the time. Anyway, he's been working most of the week on those guns.
>>447711
"ALL THINGS HAVE NATURAL DISORDER AND A QUALITY OF UNIQUENESS THE CHANGER SIMPLY BRINGS THIS QUALITY TO THE FOREGROUND."
>>447722
It's very early in the morning. ZZZzzzzzzz
No answers.
>>447723
I'll assume you said that out loud.
If you specify the memory, I can extract it directly.
>>447724
"I REITERATE ALL HAVE NATURAL CHAOS WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIALITY EXISTS FOR ALL."
>>447725
She chows down, but dozes off before she finishes.
>>447726
"Do you recall what time we met?"
It's very early in the morning. ZZZzzzzzzz
No answers.
>>447723
I'll assume you said that out loud.
If you specify the memory, I can extract it directly.
>>447724
"I REITERATE ALL HAVE NATURAL CHAOS WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIALITY EXISTS FOR ALL."
>>447725
She chows down, but dozes off before she finishes.
>>447726
"Do you recall what time we met?"
>>447728
"YES BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT IS THE WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE."
>>447729
I had assumed you would be familiar with Belial, the Tartarian overlord and father of innovation. The element does not have a literal connection to Belial, it is only named after him. A miner or a forge worker might be able to help you identify it, but it is very poisonous and glows in the dark.
>>447730
Stein groans. "Ach… vat izzit?"
Wark pegs you with a boot. "Go back to sleep."
>>447731
It's early morning and the hold is locked, so you doubt it.
>>447732
"A trick of the dark."
"YES BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT IS THE WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE."
>>447729
I had assumed you would be familiar with Belial, the Tartarian overlord and father of innovation. The element does not have a literal connection to Belial, it is only named after him. A miner or a forge worker might be able to help you identify it, but it is very poisonous and glows in the dark.
>>447730
Stein groans. "Ach… vat izzit?"
Wark pegs you with a boot. "Go back to sleep."
>>447731
It's early morning and the hold is locked, so you doubt it.
>>447732
"A trick of the dark."
>>447734
"UNLIKE CERTAIN FAITHS, THIS DISRUPTION OF ORDER IS NOT A PASSIVE ONE ALMOST ALL WHO ACTIVELY TAKE UP THE CAUSE OF DEFEATING ORDER QUALIFY TO ENTER DISCORD'S REALM HIS GENEROSITY KNOWS NO BOUNDS."
>>447735
Menials direct you to the Eagle's Roost.
>>447736
"Itz not day! But… most of ze order is done. Just ze custom job left."
>>447737
Your quest takes you to the Eagle's Roost, where you find him meditating.
"UNLIKE CERTAIN FAITHS, THIS DISRUPTION OF ORDER IS NOT A PASSIVE ONE ALMOST ALL WHO ACTIVELY TAKE UP THE CAUSE OF DEFEATING ORDER QUALIFY TO ENTER DISCORD'S REALM HIS GENEROSITY KNOWS NO BOUNDS."
>>447735
Menials direct you to the Eagle's Roost.
>>447736
"Itz not day! But… most of ze order is done. Just ze custom job left."
>>447737
Your quest takes you to the Eagle's Roost, where you find him meditating.
>>447752
"Not formally. It was a nice place to spend time, if nothing else."
>>447753
"TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY."
He departs.
>>447754
Wark: "Keep it down you miserable git."
Stein: "Put it together yourself or come back later."
You feel a tap on your shoulder. "I'll help you put your gun together! And then we can play?"
It's Grey Worm.
Red hops down next to her.
"Not formally. It was a nice place to spend time, if nothing else."
>>447753
"TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY."
He departs.
>>447754
Wark: "Keep it down you miserable git."
Stein: "Put it together yourself or come back later."
You feel a tap on your shoulder. "I'll help you put your gun together! And then we can play?"
It's Grey Worm.
Red hops down next to her.
>>447799
Now that we are on deck.
"Hmmm.. how do I put this…"
"Say so far as you and me are concerned, you have appointed yourself as companion of Spring and Summer Seas. I got to say that is quite a job, you know surrendering yourself to a group such as ourselves going to sea to do our thing. That took guts.
Now that we are on deck.
"Hmmm.. how do I put this…"
"Say so far as you and me are concerned, you have appointed yourself as companion of Spring and Summer Seas. I got to say that is quite a job, you know surrendering yourself to a group such as ourselves going to sea to do our thing. That took guts.
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.447801
>>447800
"It's what I was raised to do. Keeping them safe is what anyone would have done. You've already been keeping them safe before I showed up, and they've got a few friends as it is."
I'll shrug.
"And thanks to the commodore's gentle reminder that he's in control of the situation, I've started thinking of alternate ways of getting them off the fleet. Namely by buying their freedom through work. I've already signed onto the crew, though it seems Light Heart isn't the one the commodore mentioned who wanted those two to remain on the fleet."
I'll rub my chin a little and sit down.
"So either it's someone we haven't encountered, or there's something else at work here."
"It's what I was raised to do. Keeping them safe is what anyone would have done. You've already been keeping them safe before I showed up, and they've got a few friends as it is."
I'll shrug.
"And thanks to the commodore's gentle reminder that he's in control of the situation, I've started thinking of alternate ways of getting them off the fleet. Namely by buying their freedom through work. I've already signed onto the crew, though it seems Light Heart isn't the one the commodore mentioned who wanted those two to remain on the fleet."
I'll rub my chin a little and sit down.
"So either it's someone we haven't encountered, or there's something else at work here."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.447803
>>447802
"I was the one who suggested them. Ever since Luna released miss Seas from her duties, I've been thinking of how to get them off the fleet. The plan in Reptil was to take our things and conveniently get on the 'wrong boat' after leaving a few goodbyes to those we would miss."
I'll nod slightly.
"You would have been among those receiving a letter."
"I was the one who suggested them. Ever since Luna released miss Seas from her duties, I've been thinking of how to get them off the fleet. The plan in Reptil was to take our things and conveniently get on the 'wrong boat' after leaving a few goodbyes to those we would miss."
I'll nod slightly.
"You would have been among those receiving a letter."
>>447803
"Me? I uhmm.. thanks I guess." I just give him a half smile before closing my arms.
"I think you have already figured out that it entails great risk not only to you but also to both those two if you try to escape. Perhaps that is the reason why as you said want be part of the crew is that right?"
"Me? I uhmm.. thanks I guess." I just give him a half smile before closing my arms.
"I think you have already figured out that it entails great risk not only to you but also to both those two if you try to escape. Perhaps that is the reason why as you said want be part of the crew is that right?"
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.447805
>>447804
I'll nod.
"Considering the commodore froze the assets from the temple an hour before we went down there to get it, he'll probably be five steps ahead if we just try to run. And while he doesn't care one whit about me staying on this fleet, the doctors are needed by someone who, oddly enough, isn't Light Heart."
I'll think a moment, and then shake my head.
"But, yes, that's part of the reason I joined the crew. If I can't sneak off with them, then I shall work until they're free. And then retire from the crew. Then Smitts will have no reason to hold them, nor pursue them."
I'll nod.
"Considering the commodore froze the assets from the temple an hour before we went down there to get it, he'll probably be five steps ahead if we just try to run. And while he doesn't care one whit about me staying on this fleet, the doctors are needed by someone who, oddly enough, isn't Light Heart."
I'll think a moment, and then shake my head.
"But, yes, that's part of the reason I joined the crew. If I can't sneak off with them, then I shall work until they're free. And then retire from the crew. Then Smitts will have no reason to hold them, nor pursue them."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.447816
>>447812
I'll shake my head.
"No, but either they've got enough clout to convince the commodore to help them, or they've got something on him. Considering I've not even met a tenth of the crew, the list of suspects is thankfully short, and probably consists mostly of officers, or someone in a similar position of power."
I'll rub my nose a little.
"I know it's not going to be easy, but it's the best I could come up with."
I'll shake my head.
"No, but either they've got enough clout to convince the commodore to help them, or they've got something on him. Considering I've not even met a tenth of the crew, the list of suspects is thankfully short, and probably consists mostly of officers, or someone in a similar position of power."
I'll rub my nose a little.
"I know it's not going to be easy, but it's the best I could come up with."
>>448406
Semi-awake. Lil' Emrille is pestering him while he tries to sleep.
>>448405
You go down and find him sitting outside Nihil's room.
>>448407
I don't have my notes on this computer. Are you part of the Seaworthy or the Eagle's Roost?
>>448408
"Sure!"
"Eh… why not."
>>448409
"I'm not afraid to admit the night we met I was a little bit drunk. And then I just decided to take up your offer because it was about time to get out of that heap. It gets burned down every couple months. You're lucky it wasn't ash when you showed up."
Semi-awake. Lil' Emrille is pestering him while he tries to sleep.
>>448405
You go down and find him sitting outside Nihil's room.
>>448407
I don't have my notes on this computer. Are you part of the Seaworthy or the Eagle's Roost?
>>448408
"Sure!"
"Eh… why not."
>>448409
"I'm not afraid to admit the night we met I was a little bit drunk. And then I just decided to take up your offer because it was about time to get out of that heap. It gets burned down every couple months. You're lucky it wasn't ash when you showed up."
>>448412
The collection ranges from books to scrolls, and all of them are in advanced decay, but readable. They cover a variety of herbilogical topics from various perspectives. Holistically, they provide a look at nature from just about every viewpoint you could think of.
All You Ever Wanted To Know (And Then Some) About Spores
Guide to Night-Blooming Flora
Head Hunter's Edible Fungi Cookbook
1001 BETTER Ways to Kill With Vines
Forbidden, Horrible Secrets of Nature that Ponies Were Not Meant To Know (Kids Edition)
The Equestrian Account
Musings on the Everfree Expedition
The Legend of Bighoof
>>448414
You head down to the hold and knock on the metal door that had that law abiding citizen behind it. He opens the slot. He grouses: "Mornin'. Whacha need?"
>>448415
She appears to now be conscripting actual children into helping her build a gun.
>>448416
"Good morning. Have you looked out the windows?"
>>448417
Red yawns at you.
Grey gives you a concerned smile.
>>448421
You go to sleep in your bed with Nurturing Heart. Zzzzz
The collection ranges from books to scrolls, and all of them are in advanced decay, but readable. They cover a variety of herbilogical topics from various perspectives. Holistically, they provide a look at nature from just about every viewpoint you could think of.
All You Ever Wanted To Know (And Then Some) About Spores
Guide to Night-Blooming Flora
Head Hunter's Edible Fungi Cookbook
1001 BETTER Ways to Kill With Vines
Forbidden, Horrible Secrets of Nature that Ponies Were Not Meant To Know (Kids Edition)
The Equestrian Account
Musings on the Everfree Expedition
The Legend of Bighoof
>>448414
You head down to the hold and knock on the metal door that had that law abiding citizen behind it. He opens the slot. He grouses: "Mornin'. Whacha need?"
>>448415
She appears to now be conscripting actual children into helping her build a gun.
>>448416
"Good morning. Have you looked out the windows?"
>>448417
Red yawns at you.
Grey gives you a concerned smile.
>>448421
You go to sleep in your bed with Nurturing Heart. Zzzzz
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.448444
>>448432
Hmm. I'll set aside the book on Spores, the guide to Night-blooming plants, the horrible forbidden secrets of nature, the Equestrian account and the Everfree expedition. I'll look through those in a moment.
The ones I didn't set aside I'll gently place back in the pile.
Let's look at the history books next.
>>448439
I'll wave at Felfire, too.
Hmm. I'll set aside the book on Spores, the guide to Night-blooming plants, the horrible forbidden secrets of nature, the Equestrian account and the Everfree expedition. I'll look through those in a moment.
The ones I didn't set aside I'll gently place back in the pile.
Let's look at the history books next.
>>448439
I'll wave at Felfire, too.
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.448453
>>448447
"Helping master Abilio with an experiment on changing marks."
I'll look back at the pile of books for a second.
"Say, you weren't looking for anything to read lately, were you? Maybe one of these history texts mentions Fervored. Or other interesting ponies."
"Helping master Abilio with an experiment on changing marks."
I'll look back at the pile of books for a second.
"Say, you weren't looking for anything to read lately, were you? Maybe one of these history texts mentions Fervored. Or other interesting ponies."
>>448435
You misunderstand. It's already a set of pieces, you just need to fit the parts together.
As for actually executing it, the design looks mostly similar to the layout of your old gun. The internals of the combustion chamber are quite different, with a feed, but you just need to screw on the barrel, clip in the butt, and then add a few screws. Even you probably can't fuck this up.
It looks like most of the more interesting parts of the design are already sealed and shielded anyway, like the repeating feed and the catalytic rune system.
>>448413
"Don't look at me. I haven't the slightest who or what you mean. In any case, the dark is good for my head."
>>448436
"Yeah, sure, one sec."
He closes the slot and you hear a series of locks clicking open. Finally he comes out and has it inspected.
"Regular wear and tear… this wood should be oiled and reinforced… Do you play the violin, or harp?"
>>448437
He shakes his head. "Not that outside. Have you looked outside a window inside the mansion?"
>>448439
He appears to have gone back to dozing.
>>448444
The Founding of Autumnsreach
Tales of a Seaside Seaweed Vendor
Understanding Modern Politics With Their Contemporary and Historical Contextual Implications
Reconstruction Era
On Molon Labe
Illuminati!
Colloquium on the Wastelands
Elements of Harmony: History and Prophecy
>>448445
It looks to be asleep from that dark warm place. Then again, that's probably a good thing. If it had started chirping in there things could've been bad.
You misunderstand. It's already a set of pieces, you just need to fit the parts together.
As for actually executing it, the design looks mostly similar to the layout of your old gun. The internals of the combustion chamber are quite different, with a feed, but you just need to screw on the barrel, clip in the butt, and then add a few screws. Even you probably can't fuck this up.
It looks like most of the more interesting parts of the design are already sealed and shielded anyway, like the repeating feed and the catalytic rune system.
>>448413
"Don't look at me. I haven't the slightest who or what you mean. In any case, the dark is good for my head."
>>448436
"Yeah, sure, one sec."
He closes the slot and you hear a series of locks clicking open. Finally he comes out and has it inspected.
"Regular wear and tear… this wood should be oiled and reinforced… Do you play the violin, or harp?"
>>448437
He shakes his head. "Not that outside. Have you looked outside a window inside the mansion?"
>>448439
He appears to have gone back to dozing.
>>448444
The Founding of Autumnsreach
Tales of a Seaside Seaweed Vendor
Understanding Modern Politics With Their Contemporary and Historical Contextual Implications
Reconstruction Era
On Molon Labe
Illuminati!
Colloquium on the Wastelands
Elements of Harmony: History and Prophecy
>>448445
It looks to be asleep from that dark warm place. Then again, that's probably a good thing. If it had started chirping in there things could've been bad.
>>448465
You tinker with it a bit and manage to get your revolver to stay together.
>>448466
Roll for perception.
>>448467
Not around here. You recall seeing one in the Viscountess's room and Goldenblood's room. There's no window in the Knife Chamber though.
"You should."
>>448469
"I like dark in a literal sense, not a metaphorical one."
>>448472
"Well, look, I don't know how much you use this bow – looking at you, I'd guess you have some experience with it. So you need to realize that there is a lot of pressure on the wood, especially in a crossbow. Obviously you know not to dry fire and to leave it in the uncocked position when not firing, but even then the wood will slowly deteriorate. With an ancient bow like this, your best bet is to reinforce it, or better yet, retire it and get a new bow. There have been several advances in woodworking and bowcrafting since this model was designed – in that respect, it's more comparable to a viola. Notice these sharp angles on the outside of the crossbow? These create undue stress: modern designs use an arch here. This bow is also yew – which is good, but it was popularized by its use in longbows. It was later learned that Ironwood or Devil's Thorn works better for a crossbow, because you don't need as much give. This firing mechanism is also ancient, no offense. You're causing yourself too much stress when you draw. The whole point of a crossbow is to take that stress off, and if you aren't taking advantage of that, you're going to get shot. With a gun."
You tinker with it a bit and manage to get your revolver to stay together.
>>448466
Roll for perception.
>>448467
Not around here. You recall seeing one in the Viscountess's room and Goldenblood's room. There's no window in the Knife Chamber though.
"You should."
>>448469
"I like dark in a literal sense, not a metaphorical one."
>>448472
"Well, look, I don't know how much you use this bow – looking at you, I'd guess you have some experience with it. So you need to realize that there is a lot of pressure on the wood, especially in a crossbow. Obviously you know not to dry fire and to leave it in the uncocked position when not firing, but even then the wood will slowly deteriorate. With an ancient bow like this, your best bet is to reinforce it, or better yet, retire it and get a new bow. There have been several advances in woodworking and bowcrafting since this model was designed – in that respect, it's more comparable to a viola. Notice these sharp angles on the outside of the crossbow? These create undue stress: modern designs use an arch here. This bow is also yew – which is good, but it was popularized by its use in longbows. It was later learned that Ironwood or Devil's Thorn works better for a crossbow, because you don't need as much give. This firing mechanism is also ancient, no offense. You're causing yourself too much stress when you draw. The whole point of a crossbow is to take that stress off, and if you aren't taking advantage of that, you're going to get shot. With a gun."
Light Heart [Warlord] No.448495
>>448486
I nod.
"And I will, of course. You have piqued my curiosity."
I sit down next to him.
"But first… would you be terribly opposed of telling me about your… goddess? I have never delved too deeply into religious matters, but lately I have found myself to be more and more drawn to them."
I nod.
"And I will, of course. You have piqued my curiosity."
I sit down next to him.
"But first… would you be terribly opposed of telling me about your… goddess? I have never delved too deeply into religious matters, but lately I have found myself to be more and more drawn to them."
Friesian Cross [Unicorn Soothsayer] No.448501
>>448486
"I don't think I could part with this little lady, she's been with me for far too long. I know her better than I know my own family. But, are we carrying any new materials or crossbows here? The way you describe it, the lass has been around the town too much to be saved and I can get a few parts off of her to carry on her legacy. I've been a skirmisher all my life, so I like weapons with range that are quiet. I might actually consider a gun if I can get a similar ability out of it."
"I don't think I could part with this little lady, she's been with me for far too long. I know her better than I know my own family. But, are we carrying any new materials or crossbows here? The way you describe it, the lass has been around the town too much to be saved and I can get a few parts off of her to carry on her legacy. I've been a skirmisher all my life, so I like weapons with range that are quiet. I might actually consider a gun if I can get a similar ability out of it."
>>448488
Red remarks, "You ain't s'posed ta dry fire a gun."
With an audible click, it slowly revolves, clean and smooth. Bellyache all you want, this is a really precise cut. It's also oiled.
>>448493
Things have been slightly shifted around. Someone was clearly here, but they don't seem to have touched your nest at all, just the boxes surrounding it.
>>448495
"The Lady of the Night? There is not much to tell beyond what you have probably heard. She controls the domain of night, and her fellowship has suffered two schisms. The Hero's Rest is her domain, and is the prize to all those that live and die in honest fellowship to her name. The heretics go to a different place. And of course, prophecy tells us that on the thousandth year of her imprisonment, she will break free and rise again. Such prophecies are very reliable, and while you and I will not live to see it, we will be vindicated in our fellowship that day."
>>448499
"I told you. It's not so hard on the head during a hangover."
>>448501
"There's a little fort on the third level where some foreigners have set up a little ring. They have some odd gun designs, you might ask them. Other than that… yeah, we have the parts, but you'd want a master craftsman to put it together."
Red remarks, "You ain't s'posed ta dry fire a gun."
With an audible click, it slowly revolves, clean and smooth. Bellyache all you want, this is a really precise cut. It's also oiled.
>>448493
Things have been slightly shifted around. Someone was clearly here, but they don't seem to have touched your nest at all, just the boxes surrounding it.
>>448495
"The Lady of the Night? There is not much to tell beyond what you have probably heard. She controls the domain of night, and her fellowship has suffered two schisms. The Hero's Rest is her domain, and is the prize to all those that live and die in honest fellowship to her name. The heretics go to a different place. And of course, prophecy tells us that on the thousandth year of her imprisonment, she will break free and rise again. Such prophecies are very reliable, and while you and I will not live to see it, we will be vindicated in our fellowship that day."
>>448499
"I told you. It's not so hard on the head during a hangover."
>>448501
"There's a little fort on the third level where some foreigners have set up a little ring. They have some odd gun designs, you might ask them. Other than that… yeah, we have the parts, but you'd want a master craftsman to put it together."
Emrille [Gunslinger] No.448519
>>448513
"Eh
You have weird tastes…
Oh, and this whole 'touch myself with the same hoof I touch dead bodies with without washing them' thing."
Shudder.
>>448515
"It was to see if the mechanism works right, smartcookie.
I'll test it with live ammo once I'm done."
Okay, let's see the rifle.
Take my time.
Be careful.
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
"Eh
You have weird tastes…
Oh, and this whole 'touch myself with the same hoof I touch dead bodies with without washing them' thing."
Shudder.
>>448515
"It was to see if the mechanism works right, smartcookie.
I'll test it with live ammo once I'm done."
Okay, let's see the rifle.
Take my time.
Be careful.
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>448518
"The Lady of the Night has not spoken to her followers in the mortal realm for a long time because she has been weakened by her imprisonment. The last commandment she gave her followers before the great silence was to fade from view, bide our time, and convert new followers to the faith, that she would have a great host when her return finally comes about. That is why I am traveling to Dixie."
>>448519
This mechanism is a lot trickier, you find yourself in need of a screwdriver.
>>448521
There's a fort built out of crates on this level, aside from the other cannons sticking out of windows. Inside the fort, there are guard patrols, a 'sleeping grounds' with mattresses and sleeping bags, and in the back, there's a pseudo armory. All the ponies inside have a superior accent.
>>448531
These boxes are full of common goods. One of them is filled with random clothing. Another is filled with bags of sand. There's one chocked full of rice. The last one is filled with cannonballs.
"The Lady of the Night has not spoken to her followers in the mortal realm for a long time because she has been weakened by her imprisonment. The last commandment she gave her followers before the great silence was to fade from view, bide our time, and convert new followers to the faith, that she would have a great host when her return finally comes about. That is why I am traveling to Dixie."
>>448519
This mechanism is a lot trickier, you find yourself in need of a screwdriver.
>>448521
There's a fort built out of crates on this level, aside from the other cannons sticking out of windows. Inside the fort, there are guard patrols, a 'sleeping grounds' with mattresses and sleeping bags, and in the back, there's a pseudo armory. All the ponies inside have a superior accent.
>>448531
These boxes are full of common goods. One of them is filled with random clothing. Another is filled with bags of sand. There's one chocked full of rice. The last one is filled with cannonballs.
>>448538
Grey gets up and fetches a screwdriver, then brings it back to you.
>>448541
He's in his room, napping.
>>448544
"Yes, we should."
You feel as though he's probing you for a moment. With his eyes, that is.
"Stop by if you ever need to learn more about the literal dark."
With that, you feel as though he's gone. Weird.
>>448545
You page through Head Hunter's book, and find no mention of the Phantom Mushroom. This doesn't particularly surprise you, because it's a book about edible mushrooms. Belial's Element was mentioned to be used in poisons and everypony knows fireflies are poisonous. It would make sense that Kobold Iron is inedible, so why should phantom mushrooms be?
That does leave the book about spores…
>>448548
"You should talk to Strom. We've elected him president of this fortification."
A couple of nearby ponies clap reverently in reflection.
>>448555
You get the spore book because I decided she was reading the edible fungus one.
The book on spores IS indexed. There are chapters on introduction, definition, taxonomy, anatomy, dispersal, and species.
Grey gets up and fetches a screwdriver, then brings it back to you.
>>448541
He's in his room, napping.
>>448544
"Yes, we should."
You feel as though he's probing you for a moment. With his eyes, that is.
"Stop by if you ever need to learn more about the literal dark."
With that, you feel as though he's gone. Weird.
>>448545
You page through Head Hunter's book, and find no mention of the Phantom Mushroom. This doesn't particularly surprise you, because it's a book about edible mushrooms. Belial's Element was mentioned to be used in poisons and everypony knows fireflies are poisonous. It would make sense that Kobold Iron is inedible, so why should phantom mushrooms be?
That does leave the book about spores…
>>448548
"You should talk to Strom. We've elected him president of this fortification."
A couple of nearby ponies clap reverently in reflection.
>>448555
You get the spore book because I decided she was reading the edible fungus one.
The book on spores IS indexed. There are chapters on introduction, definition, taxonomy, anatomy, dispersal, and species.
>>448564
You arrive on deck, it's midmorning now, and there is breakfast being distributed. There is vegetable soup and carnal stew, still piping hot, being shoveled out here.
>>448565
You need to screw, not unscrew. You click the chamber into place and turn a few screws.
Roll again.
>>448568
You don't find any type of mushroom that evokes ghosts or spirits with its name. That said, most of these are scientific names. Maybe if you asked for details about what kind of mushroom it is, you could narrow your search.
>>448570
"Perhaps a dream. But nonetheless, it is oft easier to convert those with no opinion than those who have explicitly shunned the lady."
>>448573
"At the back in the armory. And most of us are from Hamburgerburg or its outskirts."
You arrive on deck, it's midmorning now, and there is breakfast being distributed. There is vegetable soup and carnal stew, still piping hot, being shoveled out here.
>>448565
You need to screw, not unscrew. You click the chamber into place and turn a few screws.
Roll again.
>>448568
You don't find any type of mushroom that evokes ghosts or spirits with its name. That said, most of these are scientific names. Maybe if you asked for details about what kind of mushroom it is, you could narrow your search.
>>448570
"Perhaps a dream. But nonetheless, it is oft easier to convert those with no opinion than those who have explicitly shunned the lady."
>>448573
"At the back in the armory. And most of us are from Hamburgerburg or its outskirts."
Friesian Cross [Unicorn Soothsayer] No.448601
>>448591
"Maybe when this tour is over, I might visit before I finally keel over. Thank you for your time."
Head over to Strom in the back.
"Sorry for the interruption, but I was instructed to ask for you regarding ranged weapons." Hoist up my crossbow.
"As you can see, my lovely Behemoth has been through quite a few storms with me, and I was instructed to ask you for your opinion on a suitable replacement."
"Maybe when this tour is over, I might visit before I finally keel over. Thank you for your time."
Head over to Strom in the back.
"Sorry for the interruption, but I was instructed to ask for you regarding ranged weapons." Hoist up my crossbow.
"As you can see, my lovely Behemoth has been through quite a few storms with me, and I was instructed to ask you for your opinion on a suitable replacement."
>>448595
You know it glows, obviously.
Your studies suggest it's translucent and really, really hard. Also, you were warned not to expose it to flame before it gets mixed in.
>>448596
It clips when you try to affix it to the butt. Its not going in! You'll need a hammer to gently adjust the flangs.
>>448597
"There is nothing to be lost from it."
>>448601
Strom appears to be busy affixing a telescope to a knife.
"Well, I'd definitely suggest a gun. What are you looking for? Those arrows aren't very high caliber."
>>448608
It's surprisingly pretty good. The water is WAY too salty, though.
You know it glows, obviously.
Your studies suggest it's translucent and really, really hard. Also, you were warned not to expose it to flame before it gets mixed in.
>>448596
It clips when you try to affix it to the butt. Its not going in! You'll need a hammer to gently adjust the flangs.
>>448597
"There is nothing to be lost from it."
>>448601
Strom appears to be busy affixing a telescope to a knife.
"Well, I'd definitely suggest a gun. What are you looking for? Those arrows aren't very high caliber."
>>448608
It's surprisingly pretty good. The water is WAY too salty, though.
>>448637
There are three mushrooms that glow as far as you can see.
Omphalotus olearius, the "Jack O Lantern" mushroom. It appears to be highly poisonous, and can be found all over the world. The gills glow at night. They create white softrot on dead trees that they grow on.
Cantharellus noxim, the "Foxfire Mushroom". It's a symbiote fungus that grows primarily on vascular plants such as cacti in deserts and cattail reeds in swamps. This glowing mushroom provides toxin and drought resistance to its host plant in exchange for sustenance.
Calyptella fistula. The "Tube Mushroom". This long mushroom is native to the north of Equestria. Supposedly its ancestor was popular in technological innovations and political coups, but its hardiness comes from the fact that unlike its ancestor, it was crystallized by he Crystal Event which began the empire.
>>448638
There you go! You tap it back into place and screw the butt on without damaging the mechanism. It looks ready to go.
>>448640
You're right. I mixed her and Happy Puzzle up in the rooms. You go there instead.
Grey has showed up here and is helping Emrile with a gun.
There are three mushrooms that glow as far as you can see.
Omphalotus olearius, the "Jack O Lantern" mushroom. It appears to be highly poisonous, and can be found all over the world. The gills glow at night. They create white softrot on dead trees that they grow on.
Cantharellus noxim, the "Foxfire Mushroom". It's a symbiote fungus that grows primarily on vascular plants such as cacti in deserts and cattail reeds in swamps. This glowing mushroom provides toxin and drought resistance to its host plant in exchange for sustenance.
Calyptella fistula. The "Tube Mushroom". This long mushroom is native to the north of Equestria. Supposedly its ancestor was popular in technological innovations and political coups, but its hardiness comes from the fact that unlike its ancestor, it was crystallized by he Crystal Event which began the empire.
>>448638
There you go! You tap it back into place and screw the butt on without damaging the mechanism. It looks ready to go.
>>448640
You're right. I mixed her and Happy Puzzle up in the rooms. You go there instead.
Grey has showed up here and is helping Emrile with a gun.
>>448677
"Well Dixie is a good place from what I heard, we have many things to do there if we got port."
I then try to get his attention.
"Rusty, I'd like you to meet someone. Rusty, this is Seekkill, a member of the crew and a good one."
>>448681
"Seek, this is Rusty, one of the personnel handling the ships repairs."
"He has answers to your questions."
"Well Dixie is a good place from what I heard, we have many things to do there if we got port."
I then try to get his attention.
"Rusty, I'd like you to meet someone. Rusty, this is Seekkill, a member of the crew and a good one."
>>448681
"Seek, this is Rusty, one of the personnel handling the ships repairs."
"He has answers to your questions."
>>448678
There was once a drawn depiction, but it's so decayed that it's not very useful. For one, there's no color, and two, the drawing has spots and decay all over it, like most of the text. That doesn't matter too much for reading letters, but the picture is just barely recognizable as a stem-and-cap mushroom. It has some spots, and the cap is slightly upturned near the edges. The gills are drawn prominently.
>>448679
When you arrive. Who knows what he's scheming?
>>448680
She sticks her tongue out. "I gots yousful energy. Er – Youthful."
>>448681
Yes, it is. He's a large, bulky fellow, and covered in fur. Not a kind of coat like ponies or your backside.
>>448684
"I reckon you can use a stool for that. Shove off me."
It does nicely click, though.
>>448688
He nods. "Well met."
There was once a drawn depiction, but it's so decayed that it's not very useful. For one, there's no color, and two, the drawing has spots and decay all over it, like most of the text. That doesn't matter too much for reading letters, but the picture is just barely recognizable as a stem-and-cap mushroom. It has some spots, and the cap is slightly upturned near the edges. The gills are drawn prominently.
>>448679
When you arrive. Who knows what he's scheming?
>>448680
She sticks her tongue out. "I gots yousful energy. Er – Youthful."
>>448681
Yes, it is. He's a large, bulky fellow, and covered in fur. Not a kind of coat like ponies or your backside.
>>448684
"I reckon you can use a stool for that. Shove off me."
It does nicely click, though.
>>448688
He nods. "Well met."
>>448693
>>448695
"Ship spell. Upkeep enchantment. Like doors. Officer doors. Permission required. Keymaster knows. Ask him. Or commodore. Helps fix. Not fast."
>>448696
You take out the blank book. You can copy whichever you want.
>>448699
They are long and elongated. As a function of being crystal, it is transparent. It seems to flourish in the cold, dark caves of the north.
>>448695
"Ship spell. Upkeep enchantment. Like doors. Officer doors. Permission required. Keymaster knows. Ask him. Or commodore. Helps fix. Not fast."
>>448696
You take out the blank book. You can copy whichever you want.
>>448699
They are long and elongated. As a function of being crystal, it is transparent. It seems to flourish in the cold, dark caves of the north.
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.448736
>>448732
"You keep your grubby hooves, wings, and whatever else you've got available off my sister. Besides, Tela would be heartbroken knowing you're already lusting after other mares."
I'll shrug.
"And to think, she spent all that time hunting you down and this is how lightly you treat her feelings."
"You keep your grubby hooves, wings, and whatever else you've got available off my sister. Besides, Tela would be heartbroken knowing you're already lusting after other mares."
I'll shrug.
"And to think, she spent all that time hunting you down and this is how lightly you treat her feelings."
>>448718
He shrugs. "Show me."
>>448720
This book is a historical summary of the Elements of Harmony and their worship. It outlines the beliefs of each of the sects: Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, Laughter, and Magic. There is a foreword and philosophical commentary from some scholarly pony about Magic's role in the Elements. The book is split into three tripartite sections. The first is the overview with each of the cults of harmony. The second is a historical summary, including times that cults have clashed, made up, and of course, the rare occasions that avatars are chosen for each element and they unite to conquer a great evil. The final section is on prophecy. Some of these sound like events that might have happened, but only a pony that knew a lot of history like Friesian Cross could confirm it. Others are upcoming. The last recorded in the tome is the most interesting, though. According to the prophecy itself, there will come a day when the Elements will reach a zenith of power, and in one great climax, a new divine sphere will be born. The Elements will no longer be merely a philosophy – they will become a full religion, with the benefits of an afterlife.
>>448723
"Morning…" She rubs her belly.
"What's going on?"
>>448736
She waves at you. "Curry, just ignore her. Didn't the commodore say you two would get in trouble if you talked? Let her get strung up, I don't want to see you hurt."
He shrugs. "Show me."
>>448720
This book is a historical summary of the Elements of Harmony and their worship. It outlines the beliefs of each of the sects: Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, Laughter, and Magic. There is a foreword and philosophical commentary from some scholarly pony about Magic's role in the Elements. The book is split into three tripartite sections. The first is the overview with each of the cults of harmony. The second is a historical summary, including times that cults have clashed, made up, and of course, the rare occasions that avatars are chosen for each element and they unite to conquer a great evil. The final section is on prophecy. Some of these sound like events that might have happened, but only a pony that knew a lot of history like Friesian Cross could confirm it. Others are upcoming. The last recorded in the tome is the most interesting, though. According to the prophecy itself, there will come a day when the Elements will reach a zenith of power, and in one great climax, a new divine sphere will be born. The Elements will no longer be merely a philosophy – they will become a full religion, with the benefits of an afterlife.
>>448723
"Morning…" She rubs her belly.
"What's going on?"
>>448736
She waves at you. "Curry, just ignore her. Didn't the commodore say you two would get in trouble if you talked? Let her get strung up, I don't want to see you hurt."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.448749
>>448741
I'll close the book for now. That one might be good to copy down and resell. I'm going to need to get some sort of bags or special bindings so these don't get water damaged…
"It's probably, okay, Skylight. If Smitts was going to punish Emrille for running her mouth, he'd have done so already."
>>448744
>>448745
"Have a good walk. Do you want Mera to go with you?"
I'll close the book for now. That one might be good to copy down and resell. I'm going to need to get some sort of bags or special bindings so these don't get water damaged…
"It's probably, okay, Skylight. If Smitts was going to punish Emrille for running her mouth, he'd have done so already."
>>448744
>>448745
"Have a good walk. Do you want Mera to go with you?"
>>448766
"They're alright. But I've been used to these guns for nearly a week now. I'm starting to think they should be improved. I'm going to have a look at the designs. As for handling? Well, you're going to need some practice with recoil. It's totally different than with a single chamber weapon."
>>448767
>>448769
She shrugs, and gets up to follow Light Heart.
>>448770
"I haff had some tinkerink with ze metals, yes."
They are serving vegetable soup and carnal stew on deck.
"They're alright. But I've been used to these guns for nearly a week now. I'm starting to think they should be improved. I'm going to have a look at the designs. As for handling? Well, you're going to need some practice with recoil. It's totally different than with a single chamber weapon."
>>448767
>>448769
She shrugs, and gets up to follow Light Heart.
>>448770
"I haff had some tinkerink with ze metals, yes."
They are serving vegetable soup and carnal stew on deck.
>>448773
There is no table of contents, but there is a foreword.
>>448774
"Keymaster knows. His job. And commodore."
>>448775
He taps up and down it a bit.
"Not sure. Uneven break. Like talons."
>>448776
"It's not big enough for that. Go shoot off the bow or something. Or maybe there's space on that big junker."
>>448777
"Yes, it was pleasant, even if we didn't get an answer."
>>448779
"Ach, Kobold Iron. Very unusual metal. It is blue, and when exposed to heat, it glows unnaturally. Ze material is said to haff been used by kobolds, hence ze name."
There is no table of contents, but there is a foreword.
FOREWARNING
The following pages contain terrible, horrible, no good, very bad secrets about nature that no pony should ever know. The author is not to be held liable for any miserable fate which befalls the reader.>>448774
"Keymaster knows. His job. And commodore."
>>448775
He taps up and down it a bit.
"Not sure. Uneven break. Like talons."
>>448776
"It's not big enough for that. Go shoot off the bow or something. Or maybe there's space on that big junker."
>>448777
"Yes, it was pleasant, even if we didn't get an answer."
>>448779
"Ach, Kobold Iron. Very unusual metal. It is blue, and when exposed to heat, it glows unnaturally. Ze material is said to haff been used by kobolds, hence ze name."
>>448781
"Uncommon, but not rare. Slightly less common than White Copper or Natural Copper, but much more common zan say, Pig Silver."
>>448783
The book appears to be a personal account and manuscript by Zaldann the Unclean, a diamond dog mystic that lived out in the wilderness, though it has been edited by Clean Account, a sociologist and researcher. The book is quite old – it seems it was old when the library at the temple was new. It's a surprise it survived.
The first chapter seems to be about Zaldann going about his daily life. He notes in passing that he has been researching the control of blood in veins through the water within, but ultimately remarking that he didn't think it was going anywhere.
It would seem Zaldann kept ponies away from his little hermitage primarily by manipulation of the weather, and by using animal scouts to warn him of others nearby. He didn't appear to have much respect for the animals, because unlike most shamans, he was a devoted carnivore.
>>448786
"A stirring? Could you elaborate?"
>>448787
No, you still have to LEARN it! You have the "catalyst" required to use it now, though.
"Uncommon, but not rare. Slightly less common than White Copper or Natural Copper, but much more common zan say, Pig Silver."
>>448783
The book appears to be a personal account and manuscript by Zaldann the Unclean, a diamond dog mystic that lived out in the wilderness, though it has been edited by Clean Account, a sociologist and researcher. The book is quite old – it seems it was old when the library at the temple was new. It's a surprise it survived.
The first chapter seems to be about Zaldann going about his daily life. He notes in passing that he has been researching the control of blood in veins through the water within, but ultimately remarking that he didn't think it was going anywhere.
It would seem Zaldann kept ponies away from his little hermitage primarily by manipulation of the weather, and by using animal scouts to warn him of others nearby. He didn't appear to have much respect for the animals, because unlike most shamans, he was a devoted carnivore.
>>448786
"A stirring? Could you elaborate?"
>>448787
No, you still have to LEARN it! You have the "catalyst" required to use it now, though.
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.448800
>>448794
Well, that's interesting… Definitely going to have to transcribe this too. Well, I'm going to transcribe all of them, but Felfire might think this is neat. Wonder if she'd like a copy?
Well, anyway, let's keep reading… actually, wait. I've not had breakfast yet. And you don't learn anything on an empty stomach.
So, I'll carefully shut the book, place it on the stack, and head out to get something to eat.
Well, that's interesting… Definitely going to have to transcribe this too. Well, I'm going to transcribe all of them, but Felfire might think this is neat. Wonder if she'd like a copy?
Well, anyway, let's keep reading… actually, wait. I've not had breakfast yet. And you don't learn anything on an empty stomach.
So, I'll carefully shut the book, place it on the stack, and head out to get something to eat.
>>448795
"Belial's Element? Zat will be… much trickier. It iz hard to get it entirely pure, and it iz not very common. It iz a potent poison, so it might be easier to distill it by extracting it from a poison zan actually finding it in ze natural world or as raw material."
>>448808
There are still a few vegetables in here, like carrots and cauliflower, but it's mostly beef and fish.
>>448804
"Hm? Oh… no, not at all, that's fine."
"Belial's Element? Zat will be… much trickier. It iz hard to get it entirely pure, and it iz not very common. It iz a potent poison, so it might be easier to distill it by extracting it from a poison zan actually finding it in ze natural world or as raw material."
>>448808
There are still a few vegetables in here, like carrots and cauliflower, but it's mostly beef and fish.
>>448804
"Hm? Oh… no, not at all, that's fine."
Friesian Cross [Unicorn Soothsayer] No.448822
>>448614
"I need something with range and preferably quiet. I'm not a young horse anymore and I can't be caught in a close fight anymore. Got anything like that?"
"Oh, and have you had any experience with modifying crossbows? I met a weaponsmith in Reptil and he had given me a good idea of what to do with this one."
"I need something with range and preferably quiet. I'm not a young horse anymore and I can't be caught in a close fight anymore. Got anything like that?"
"Oh, and have you had any experience with modifying crossbows? I met a weaponsmith in Reptil and he had given me a good idea of what to do with this one."
>>448814
"I mean, I can scoop you out just fish, but it's stew. There's gonna be beef flavor. If you're a softie we got vegatable."
>>448813
He nods.
>>448816
She gives you an uncomfortable look.
>>448818
"I could try… I tink I could use a centrifuge and a calcinator… I don't tink it's explosive."
>>448822
"Not really. Work with guns, myself. As for something quiet, that's a tough one. Might be able to get a muffled design… I'll see what I can come up with. If nothing else, it'll keep me entertained."
>>448830
Yep.
>>448834
It's quite tasty. The beef is a new flavor you were not familiar with, but it is a very juicy and delectable one.
"I mean, I can scoop you out just fish, but it's stew. There's gonna be beef flavor. If you're a softie we got vegatable."
>>448813
He nods.
>>448816
She gives you an uncomfortable look.
>>448818
"I could try… I tink I could use a centrifuge and a calcinator… I don't tink it's explosive."
>>448822
"Not really. Work with guns, myself. As for something quiet, that's a tough one. Might be able to get a muffled design… I'll see what I can come up with. If nothing else, it'll keep me entertained."
>>448830
Yep.
>>448834
It's quite tasty. The beef is a new flavor you were not familiar with, but it is a very juicy and delectable one.
>>448926
You swallow a big one and nearly choke, but you cough it up. On the plus side, the stew is actually pretty good. The fact that it's hot and the morning is so cool probably helps, though. You feel as though life is spreading into your body, slowly seeping to your extremities.
>>448927
"Altar?" She looks confused and thinks for a minute.
"Oh, there was an enchanted ritual stone in one of the higher rooms, wasn't there? But I didn't like to go up there, with the Chimera…"
>>448928
You are where you want to be, as long as it's on the fleet. Last I heard, you were sleeping in. Five days have passed, and it's still morning. Most everyone is sleeping.
You were moved to Light Heart's room on the Sirocco. You're sharing a room with Skylight, Curry, Spring Water, Mocking Wark, Weeping Sitar, Red (a tough earth pone filly about your age), and Stein. Light Heart herself is actually staying elsewhere.
Looks like Emrille came by earlier and woke everyone up, though.
>>448929
You go back to the cabin but find it empty. Looks like he has already returned below. Just as well, even if you had the quantities you would have to actually be at the forge to make it.
>>448930
Probably, though Keymaster is the safer bet, since he never seems to sleep. You go hunt him down on the Darklantern, and find him in the hold. He's leaning up against one of the walls of the ship, holding out a lamp, pretending to be a lamp post.
You swallow a big one and nearly choke, but you cough it up. On the plus side, the stew is actually pretty good. The fact that it's hot and the morning is so cool probably helps, though. You feel as though life is spreading into your body, slowly seeping to your extremities.
>>448927
"Altar?" She looks confused and thinks for a minute.
"Oh, there was an enchanted ritual stone in one of the higher rooms, wasn't there? But I didn't like to go up there, with the Chimera…"
>>448928
You are where you want to be, as long as it's on the fleet. Last I heard, you were sleeping in. Five days have passed, and it's still morning. Most everyone is sleeping.
You were moved to Light Heart's room on the Sirocco. You're sharing a room with Skylight, Curry, Spring Water, Mocking Wark, Weeping Sitar, Red (a tough earth pone filly about your age), and Stein. Light Heart herself is actually staying elsewhere.
Looks like Emrille came by earlier and woke everyone up, though.
>>448929
You go back to the cabin but find it empty. Looks like he has already returned below. Just as well, even if you had the quantities you would have to actually be at the forge to make it.
>>448930
Probably, though Keymaster is the safer bet, since he never seems to sleep. You go hunt him down on the Darklantern, and find him in the hold. He's leaning up against one of the walls of the ship, holding out a lamp, pretending to be a lamp post.
Light Heart [Warlord] No.448935
>>448931
"Indeed. It possessed the power to change one's gender in a instant. The details are lost to me but… what matters is the result. It appears your lady of the Night quite fancied a bit of shapeshifting. Not entirely odd considering the moon changes shape every day as well. Perhaps it is somewhat symbolic, not unlike Discord's chocolate milk."
"Indeed. It possessed the power to change one's gender in a instant. The details are lost to me but… what matters is the result. It appears your lady of the Night quite fancied a bit of shapeshifting. Not entirely odd considering the moon changes shape every day as well. Perhaps it is somewhat symbolic, not unlike Discord's chocolate milk."
Spring Water [Doctor] No.448936
To wake or not to wake.
Roll #1 1 = 1
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>448932
Of course, but that still won't change his location.
Still, let's save ourselves a bunch of posts and assume your education over the past five days included that. You'll need enough Kobold Iron to create a vessel the size of your heart. One cup of your own blood. A hoofful of fireflies, Belial's Element, and Phantom Mushroom.
>>448933
You find him in his clinic, up early, working his still.
>>448934
Which will it be?
>>448935
She shrugs. "I read a book once that said it is easier for females to connect to her. If she was weaker during her waning days, it would make sense to find a means to connect to her more closely. But this pendant doesn't just shapeshift!"
>>448936
More like, "to coma, or to stop breathing?"
Of course, but that still won't change his location.
Still, let's save ourselves a bunch of posts and assume your education over the past five days included that. You'll need enough Kobold Iron to create a vessel the size of your heart. One cup of your own blood. A hoofful of fireflies, Belial's Element, and Phantom Mushroom.
>>448933
You find him in his clinic, up early, working his still.
>>448934
Which will it be?
>>448935
She shrugs. "I read a book once that said it is easier for females to connect to her. If she was weaker during her waning days, it would make sense to find a means to connect to her more closely. But this pendant doesn't just shapeshift!"
>>448936
More like, "to coma, or to stop breathing?"
Light Heart [Warlord] No.448940
>>448938
"Indeed it does not. It gave you speech. Self-consciousness. The ability of critical inquiry. You are the exception rather than the norm, miss Mera. I have seen what seaponies can do to us land ponies. It is not a pretty thing in the slightest."
I wave a hoof.
"But as I said… you are different. I can only wonder why."
"Indeed it does not. It gave you speech. Self-consciousness. The ability of critical inquiry. You are the exception rather than the norm, miss Mera. I have seen what seaponies can do to us land ponies. It is not a pretty thing in the slightest."
I wave a hoof.
"But as I said… you are different. I can only wonder why."
>>448941
He nods. "S'p'd s'm' b'n'cl's o' th' f'cle."
>>448943
He nods as he pumps a lever up and down.
>>448944
Chapter two surrounds Zaldann's grievances with the swamp ponies, who he claims had previously populated the opposite side of this forest for some time but in recent days have been encroaching on his grounds. He remarks his frustration that they are not scared off by weather like normal ponies – which he describes as 'tourists'.
He writes at length about how the swamp ponies perform rituals that even he considers unsavory – involving not a small amount of torture and pain worship. His understanding of their rituals is that they feel that by cutting up trees and ponies, they can create a common feeling that drew fauna and flora closer together. Ultimately he abandons the line of thought, dismissing the whole practice as 'heathen savagery', and returns to his own more civilized musings on blood drinking and voodoo magic.
Chapter three is all about animals. On a whim, Zaldann decided to postpone all of his research three weeks to simply catalog every single animal he could see and aspects such as coloration, height, weight, abilities, migration patterns, and social behavior, as well as highly questionable attributes, such as thoughts, hoariness (that is to say, how gray the animal was), horniness (that is to say, how many antlers or horns the animal possessed), and virility (that is to say, how likely the animal was to claim a mate this season). Zaldann spends two days attempting to turn a captive frog into a toad, but only succeeds in turning it into a newt before deciding to give up on the practice entirely.
Chapter four is all about the reeds in the local river. Colors, smells, use in musical instruments. There are sixteen pages of poetry about reeds. At this point, Zaldann grows decidedly bored of reeds and even remarks that he plans to tear these pages out of the manuscript later. Clear Account clarifies in the footnotes that these pages were recovered from a cavity in a tree.
The book continues. Read more?
>>448945
She looks uncomfortable, but finally nods.
>>448947
She's not with you, he mis-linked.
He nods. "S'p'd s'm' b'n'cl's o' th' f'cle."
>>448943
He nods as he pumps a lever up and down.
>>448944
Chapter two surrounds Zaldann's grievances with the swamp ponies, who he claims had previously populated the opposite side of this forest for some time but in recent days have been encroaching on his grounds. He remarks his frustration that they are not scared off by weather like normal ponies – which he describes as 'tourists'.
He writes at length about how the swamp ponies perform rituals that even he considers unsavory – involving not a small amount of torture and pain worship. His understanding of their rituals is that they feel that by cutting up trees and ponies, they can create a common feeling that drew fauna and flora closer together. Ultimately he abandons the line of thought, dismissing the whole practice as 'heathen savagery', and returns to his own more civilized musings on blood drinking and voodoo magic.
Chapter three is all about animals. On a whim, Zaldann decided to postpone all of his research three weeks to simply catalog every single animal he could see and aspects such as coloration, height, weight, abilities, migration patterns, and social behavior, as well as highly questionable attributes, such as thoughts, hoariness (that is to say, how gray the animal was), horniness (that is to say, how many antlers or horns the animal possessed), and virility (that is to say, how likely the animal was to claim a mate this season). Zaldann spends two days attempting to turn a captive frog into a toad, but only succeeds in turning it into a newt before deciding to give up on the practice entirely.
Chapter four is all about the reeds in the local river. Colors, smells, use in musical instruments. There are sixteen pages of poetry about reeds. At this point, Zaldann grows decidedly bored of reeds and even remarks that he plans to tear these pages out of the manuscript later. Clear Account clarifies in the footnotes that these pages were recovered from a cavity in a tree.
The book continues. Read more?
>>448945
She looks uncomfortable, but finally nods.
>>448947
She's not with you, he mis-linked.
Light Heart [Warlord] No.448950
>>448948
I smile gently at her.
"Thank you. You do not have to answer if you do not wish to but… I admit I am a very curious mare with a lot of questions."
I pause for a moment.
"What was it like? Before the pendant, I mean. Was there only a sense of bloodlust? Survival? Did you… every kill a pony? Eat a pony? If so, why? To simply sate your hunger? Perhaps self-defense? Or a lust to draw blood?"
I smile gently at her.
"Thank you. You do not have to answer if you do not wish to but… I admit I am a very curious mare with a lot of questions."
I pause for a moment.
"What was it like? Before the pendant, I mean. Was there only a sense of bloodlust? Survival? Did you… every kill a pony? Eat a pony? If so, why? To simply sate your hunger? Perhaps self-defense? Or a lust to draw blood?"
Summer Seas [Cleric] No.448951
>>448947
"Hi mister Chip! What are you doing here?"
>>448948
"A few days ago my legs went completely numb and I couldn't move them! I checked over my legs and they seemed just fine… muscle function was normal and blood flow was normal too, so they weren't asleep or anything! I just couldn't move them… What do you think happened?"
"Hi mister Chip! What are you doing here?"
>>448948
"A few days ago my legs went completely numb and I couldn't move them! I checked over my legs and they seemed just fine… muscle function was normal and blood flow was normal too, so they weren't asleep or anything! I just couldn't move them… What do you think happened?"
>>448949
Chapter five is about math. Zaldann carefully times his morning walks to the top of the highest tree (up a ramp he has constructed) in his camp, then documents this. By leaping into a nearby lake, he determines an approximation of the time he would save if he had wings. After some amount of calculation he determines that he can afford to spent three days developing a spell to grant himself wings if he wants to net saved time over the course of a five year period based on the amount of time he would save each morning. However, he then realizes he has spent three mornings timing himself already, and resolves to finish that afternoon. He is successful, and invents a shapeshifting spell in a single afternoon, but discards it when he determines that he spent an hour too long on it and has netted himself a loss in time. Clear Account notes that this mistake here is that discarding the research doesn't regain him his time, so in this case, it's a double loss of time because he didn't keep the wings.
In chapter six, Zaldann attempts beekeeping. His hives produce eighty pounds of honey in two days, but he abandons the venture after he gets stung once on the upper thigh. The hermit muses that bees are not worth the trouble and burns down all of the hives.
Chapter seven is written entirely in an incomprehensible language. Clear Account notes that this must be an invented language, because it matches no known languages or dialects, and it is only included for completedness.
>>448951
He shrugs. Then he looks pensive for a moment and writes something down before floating it to you. It says:
Below, scrawled as an afterthought:
>>448950
She looks really uncomfortable. "It's… fuzzy. But I didn't get the pendant until after I was fully… 'awake'."
>>448952
"S'd I sc'p'd s'me b'r'n'cl's o' th' D'kl't'n."
Chapter five is about math. Zaldann carefully times his morning walks to the top of the highest tree (up a ramp he has constructed) in his camp, then documents this. By leaping into a nearby lake, he determines an approximation of the time he would save if he had wings. After some amount of calculation he determines that he can afford to spent three days developing a spell to grant himself wings if he wants to net saved time over the course of a five year period based on the amount of time he would save each morning. However, he then realizes he has spent three mornings timing himself already, and resolves to finish that afternoon. He is successful, and invents a shapeshifting spell in a single afternoon, but discards it when he determines that he spent an hour too long on it and has netted himself a loss in time. Clear Account notes that this mistake here is that discarding the research doesn't regain him his time, so in this case, it's a double loss of time because he didn't keep the wings.
In chapter six, Zaldann attempts beekeeping. His hives produce eighty pounds of honey in two days, but he abandons the venture after he gets stung once on the upper thigh. The hermit muses that bees are not worth the trouble and burns down all of the hives.
Chapter seven is written entirely in an incomprehensible language. Clear Account notes that this must be an invented language, because it matches no known languages or dialects, and it is only included for completedness.
>>448951
He shrugs. Then he looks pensive for a moment and writes something down before floating it to you. It says:
Felfire:
Ask Moonbeam about legBelow, scrawled as an afterthought:
Good luck>>448950
She looks really uncomfortable. "It's… fuzzy. But I didn't get the pendant until after I was fully… 'awake'."
>>448952
"S'd I sc'p'd s'me b'r'n'cl's o' th' D'kl't'n."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.448958
>>448954
I'll make a small tch noise at the lost flight spell. That could have been useful. Abilio might be able to puzzle out the language, though. He's smart.
Shame about the bees, though.
I'll shut the book for now, and rub my eyes.
So far this hasn't mentioned anything about doing anything like how my teacher seemed to fuse with nature.
Maybe… Maybe I have to try talking to Luna. But to do that, I'd need the altar from Autumnsreach…
I'll sigh. It's not like we took it with us.
Well, no sense moping. I'll get up and stretch a little. Sitting here isn't going to do me any good. Time for some exercise. Go for a trot around the Sirocco, after placing the book carefully back in the pile.
I'll make a small tch noise at the lost flight spell. That could have been useful. Abilio might be able to puzzle out the language, though. He's smart.
Shame about the bees, though.
I'll shut the book for now, and rub my eyes.
So far this hasn't mentioned anything about doing anything like how my teacher seemed to fuse with nature.
Maybe… Maybe I have to try talking to Luna. But to do that, I'd need the altar from Autumnsreach…
I'll sigh. It's not like we took it with us.
Well, no sense moping. I'll get up and stretch a little. Sitting here isn't going to do me any good. Time for some exercise. Go for a trot around the Sirocco, after placing the book carefully back in the pile.
>>448975
"Ah yes to business."
I scratch my head.
"Mister Rusty, the buffalo who repairs ship told me about the ships… regenerative magic. Well it is not within my power to use magic but if I may, I would like to know the specifics of how it work? Can the ship close down its holes when fired with cannons? How many of our ships are already imbued by the same magic. You know just so that a ship builder like me knows when and when not to repair a ship."
"Ah yes to business."
I scratch my head.
"Mister Rusty, the buffalo who repairs ship told me about the ships… regenerative magic. Well it is not within my power to use magic but if I may, I would like to know the specifics of how it work? Can the ship close down its holes when fired with cannons? How many of our ships are already imbued by the same magic. You know just so that a ship builder like me knows when and when not to repair a ship."
>>448976
"That's fine. What were you doing?"
>>448974
She takes you up to the rear of the Sirocco where she has set up a little sun shrine. It's very minimalistic, so much so that it could be easily overlooked. Because of the way the ship is sailing, you can see the sun directly ahead of you.
She sits down and offers you a hoof.
>>448977
"The magic that repairs the ships is very slow and not as effective as what is done by our shipwrights. If the damage isn't extensive, don't worry about it, it will solve itself. More serious injuries, like cracks in the mast and damage sustained from cannonballs in sea combat should be repaired right away. Think of it like an injury you would sustain. You wouldn't go see the doctor over a papercut, would you?"
"That's fine. What were you doing?"
>>448974
She takes you up to the rear of the Sirocco where she has set up a little sun shrine. It's very minimalistic, so much so that it could be easily overlooked. Because of the way the ship is sailing, you can see the sun directly ahead of you.
She sits down and offers you a hoof.
>>448977
"The magic that repairs the ships is very slow and not as effective as what is done by our shipwrights. If the damage isn't extensive, don't worry about it, it will solve itself. More serious injuries, like cracks in the mast and damage sustained from cannonballs in sea combat should be repaired right away. Think of it like an injury you would sustain. You wouldn't go see the doctor over a papercut, would you?"
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.448981
>>448978
"Mostly just tidying up around deck. Don't want anyone to trip over some loose rope and fall overboard. I'm half-convinced less than a third of the crew actually knows how to swim."
I'll look up at Mera for a moment.
"Anything you'd like to do? I'm just trying to get out a little so I don't start growing mushrooms while reading those old books."
"Mostly just tidying up around deck. Don't want anyone to trip over some loose rope and fall overboard. I'm half-convinced less than a third of the crew actually knows how to swim."
I'll look up at Mera for a moment.
"Anything you'd like to do? I'm just trying to get out a little so I don't start growing mushrooms while reading those old books."
>>448979
"It is coming along. But developing the spell across the entire hull takes a long time. It is not a simple spell to cast. It will be completely enchanted soon."
>>448980
"Meditate a moment, find your center, take a breath, and then pray. If you have trouble thinking about what to say, it's easy to remember to begin by thanking for what you have, then ask what you can do better, then ask for what you want. And remember, you probably won't get a response."
>>448981
"Normally, I go for a swim, but I don't feel up to it today. I think I'm going to take a nap."
"It is coming along. But developing the spell across the entire hull takes a long time. It is not a simple spell to cast. It will be completely enchanted soon."
>>448980
"Meditate a moment, find your center, take a breath, and then pray. If you have trouble thinking about what to say, it's easy to remember to begin by thanking for what you have, then ask what you can do better, then ask for what you want. And remember, you probably won't get a response."
>>448981
"Normally, I go for a swim, but I don't feel up to it today. I think I'm going to take a nap."
Light Heart [Warlord] No.448988
>>448982
"Or to put it more optimistically, I may get a response."
I chuckle, then relax and try to clear my head of any other thoughts but the questions I have.
Where do I stand? Where should I go from here and what should I change?
Roll #1 7 = 7
"Or to put it more optimistically, I may get a response."
I chuckle, then relax and try to clear my head of any other thoughts but the questions I have.
Where do I stand? Where should I go from here and what should I change?
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>448988
You can't tell if it's the morning sun you're basking in or the prayer, but you do feel filled with inner warmth. It's a good feeling. No response, though.
>>448987
She nods, and scoops you up to race back to the cabin, laughing all the while. At least you've cheered her up.
>>448989
He nods.
"That's correct. Enough rhetorical questions though, what's the point you're making?"
You can't tell if it's the morning sun you're basking in or the prayer, but you do feel filled with inner warmth. It's a good feeling. No response, though.
>>448987
She nods, and scoops you up to race back to the cabin, laughing all the while. At least you've cheered her up.
>>448989
He nods.
"That's correct. Enough rhetorical questions though, what's the point you're making?"
Light Heart [Warlord] No.448996
>>448993
Again?
Well… it doesn't hurt to try once more. Let's see if this feeling of warmth has anything to it… or if all of this is just a massive waste of my precious time.
Roll #1 7 = 7
Again?
Well… it doesn't hurt to try once more. Let's see if this feeling of warmth has anything to it… or if all of this is just a massive waste of my precious time.
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>448996
No answer, though you're now sure it can't be entirely just the morning sun's heat.
In any case, Skylight seems pleased that you took the time to join her in prayer.
>>448995
"Just paying him menial wage, why?"
>>448997
She seems satisfied with it, and dozes off on the big bed after a time. You feel pretty heavy-lidded yourself.
No answer, though you're now sure it can't be entirely just the morning sun's heat.
In any case, Skylight seems pleased that you took the time to join her in prayer.
>>448995
"Just paying him menial wage, why?"
>>448997
She seems satisfied with it, and dozes off on the big bed after a time. You feel pretty heavy-lidded yourself.
>>449113
Nope. He was notably absent this morning. Who knows where he keeps disappearing to. He seemed in oddly good health last time you saw him, but then, you didn't really talk to him then.
>>449114
This is a book written entirely by Jerky Joe, a pony that suffered from some sort of degenerative disease that made it hard to move smoothly. The first chapter is about his personal life. He made a living by collecting seaweed off the shores, before cleaning, cooking, and reselling it. He ends the chapter remarking that in all his days walking the shores and speaking to all the sailors that came through port, he had collected many, many stories.
Chapter two is about Nightmare Night, which leads Jerky Joe to cite a supposed insider for information. It poses a contrarian viewpoint. Unlike other books that place Luna's fall entirely on jealousy, this insider suggests that it also had to do with encroachment on her personal rights and diminishment of her role in the government. Apparently her followers had already been discriminated against early on, and according to the source, her uprising was to defend them. However, as they say, history is written by the winners.
>>449117
>>449118
"We're not staying long enough for anything like that. I just want to get in and get out with the food."
>>449121
I guess so, since Sol isn't here.
Nope. He was notably absent this morning. Who knows where he keeps disappearing to. He seemed in oddly good health last time you saw him, but then, you didn't really talk to him then.
>>449114
This is a book written entirely by Jerky Joe, a pony that suffered from some sort of degenerative disease that made it hard to move smoothly. The first chapter is about his personal life. He made a living by collecting seaweed off the shores, before cleaning, cooking, and reselling it. He ends the chapter remarking that in all his days walking the shores and speaking to all the sailors that came through port, he had collected many, many stories.
Chapter two is about Nightmare Night, which leads Jerky Joe to cite a supposed insider for information. It poses a contrarian viewpoint. Unlike other books that place Luna's fall entirely on jealousy, this insider suggests that it also had to do with encroachment on her personal rights and diminishment of her role in the government. Apparently her followers had already been discriminated against early on, and according to the source, her uprising was to defend them. However, as they say, history is written by the winners.
>>449117
>>449118
"We're not staying long enough for anything like that. I just want to get in and get out with the food."
>>449121
I guess so, since Sol isn't here.
>>449125
Felfire rubs her scars uneasily.
"I thought that's what you wanted."
>>449126
The third chapter is about sea dragons. You gather from context clues that at the time, they were a serious problem to shipping lanes. There are several stories about terrible dragons that would sweep away entire small fleets at night before the alarm could be raised. You passively wonder where all the dragons went. Were they hunted out? Left? Died out?
>>449127
He's sleeping in and has moved to the bed now that everyone else is gone (except Spring Water who is sharing the bed, though passed out).
>>449128
You wander about for a while and locate the gun range that Friesian Cross set up in the Eagle's Roost hold.
Itztli is here in the hold inspecting the crates.
Felfire rubs her scars uneasily.
"I thought that's what you wanted."
>>449126
The third chapter is about sea dragons. You gather from context clues that at the time, they were a serious problem to shipping lanes. There are several stories about terrible dragons that would sweep away entire small fleets at night before the alarm could be raised. You passively wonder where all the dragons went. Were they hunted out? Left? Died out?
>>449127
He's sleeping in and has moved to the bed now that everyone else is gone (except Spring Water who is sharing the bed, though passed out).
>>449128
You wander about for a while and locate the gun range that Friesian Cross set up in the Eagle's Roost hold.
Itztli is here in the hold inspecting the crates.
>>449132
Noted.
>>449133
The surface is covered in a frosty sheen.
"I AM NOT HERE FOR THE GUNS."
>>449134
She seems a little reassured and offers you a smile. "That's good. You were pretty badly torn up. Nasty cuts on your wings."
>>449135
Probably in the mansion.
You go there and wander around a bit, and eventually find her in Landgrave's art parlor painting. Paper is spread across the marble floor, and she's spattering a canvas in a fury of art.
>>449136
Topaz is up. She's working on adjusting the screws in some kind of fine mechanism over in the corner.
"Yes?"
Noted.
>>449133
The surface is covered in a frosty sheen.
"I AM NOT HERE FOR THE GUNS."
>>449134
She seems a little reassured and offers you a smile. "That's good. You were pretty badly torn up. Nasty cuts on your wings."
>>449135
Probably in the mansion.
You go there and wander around a bit, and eventually find her in Landgrave's art parlor painting. Paper is spread across the marble floor, and she's spattering a canvas in a fury of art.
>>449136
Topaz is up. She's working on adjusting the screws in some kind of fine mechanism over in the corner.
"Yes?"
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449147
>>449138
Hmm. I'm in a bit of a pickle. If I get up to pester Light Heart about stationary, then I'll probably disturb Mera's nap. If I just sit here, I'll end up falling asleep myself.
Well, little harm in that, I suppose, so long as I wake up before the day's out and can talk to the others. Especially miss Topaz, concerning my pay and when I can retrieve it. So I guess I'll just relax a bit for now.
Hmm. I'm in a bit of a pickle. If I get up to pester Light Heart about stationary, then I'll probably disturb Mera's nap. If I just sit here, I'll end up falling asleep myself.
Well, little harm in that, I suppose, so long as I wake up before the day's out and can talk to the others. Especially miss Topaz, concerning my pay and when I can retrieve it. So I guess I'll just relax a bit for now.
>>449141
She doesn't turn around. "This mechanism is used for creating doubloons. It is called a mint."
>>449142
"Yes!"
She continues… art… ing.
>>449143
Felfire cocks her head, and the scars slowly disappear from her face, leaving her quite pretty.
"Why is that?"
>>449144
"I DETECT SOMETHING ODD ABOUT THE CRATES IN THIS SHIP AND THE CRATES IN THE HOURGLASS I AM INVESTIGATING THEM AND HAVE BEEN FOR DAYS."
She doesn't turn around. "This mechanism is used for creating doubloons. It is called a mint."
>>449142
"Yes!"
She continues… art… ing.
>>449143
Felfire cocks her head, and the scars slowly disappear from her face, leaving her quite pretty.
"Why is that?"
>>449144
"I DETECT SOMETHING ODD ABOUT THE CRATES IN THIS SHIP AND THE CRATES IN THE HOURGLASS I AM INVESTIGATING THEM AND HAVE BEEN FOR DAYS."
>>449152
Go for it. She's still sleeping in the tub, though.
>>449153
In the foreground, there is an immaculate tree, created with consummate skill. It casts dancing shadows and scatters light across its roots.
In the background, there are chaotic swirls and spatters of random colors with seemingly no meaning at all.
"That's for you to decide! Haven't you ever seen modern art?"
>>449154
Felfire steps a little closer. "Some ponies make a living off a pretty face. Look at Face."
>>449155
"Yes… though the tuning is important on most days. To keep inflation stable coins are minted at a precise rate."
>>449158
Bullseye.
"NOTHING YET WE WILL SEE."
Go for it. She's still sleeping in the tub, though.
>>449153
In the foreground, there is an immaculate tree, created with consummate skill. It casts dancing shadows and scatters light across its roots.
In the background, there are chaotic swirls and spatters of random colors with seemingly no meaning at all.
"That's for you to decide! Haven't you ever seen modern art?"
>>449154
Felfire steps a little closer. "Some ponies make a living off a pretty face. Look at Face."
>>449155
"Yes… though the tuning is important on most days. To keep inflation stable coins are minted at a precise rate."
>>449158
Bullseye.
"NOTHING YET WE WILL SEE."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449167
>>449160
I'll chuckle slightly.
"She must be really tired…"
I'll head out on deck, and shut the door. Don't want anyone to disturb her while she's relaxing.
Don't suppose I can head over to the Darklantern to see Topaz, can I? Or am I going to have to try and find a lift?
I'll chuckle slightly.
"She must be really tired…"
I'll head out on deck, and shut the door. Don't want anyone to disturb her while she's relaxing.
Don't suppose I can head over to the Darklantern to see Topaz, can I? Or am I going to have to try and find a lift?
>>449162
"I have it under control. Get ready for Dixie. Find a suit or something, or just don't leave the boat. I swear we're going to get sunk ten minutes after making port because someone makes a rude remark. Politeness is very important to these ponies. Actually – do you know that little guinea pig that Abilio has been working on? Tell Emrille she shouldn't leave the boats, that crass little pig."
>>449164
"POSSIBLY I ALSO GROW BORED IT IS A MEANS OF CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIME."
>>449165
Felfire frowns. "I thought you were friends? He said as much last time he came for a checkup. He called you a 'wingpony'. But then he said you hadn't come to visit in a long time, and even then, it was just to ask for something."
>>449167
You can. Chip is here, Topaz is working on some kind of mechanism.
"I have it under control. Get ready for Dixie. Find a suit or something, or just don't leave the boat. I swear we're going to get sunk ten minutes after making port because someone makes a rude remark. Politeness is very important to these ponies. Actually – do you know that little guinea pig that Abilio has been working on? Tell Emrille she shouldn't leave the boats, that crass little pig."
>>449164
"POSSIBLY I ALSO GROW BORED IT IS A MEANS OF CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIME."
>>449165
Felfire frowns. "I thought you were friends? He said as much last time he came for a checkup. He called you a 'wingpony'. But then he said you hadn't come to visit in a long time, and even then, it was just to ask for something."
>>449167
You can. Chip is here, Topaz is working on some kind of mechanism.
>>449178
"AND CHAOS IS PROGRESSIVE QUITE THE SYLLOGISM ISN'T IT?"
>>449179
"He didn't like it at all when I used the walls!"
She pulls out a large brush and dips it into a blue bucket nearby. With just a few deft strokes she fills in the sky… and the seemingly random strokes of paint from below now show through the blue and create radiant sunlight in various colors, beating down in midmorning hues on the tree.
>>449182
Felfire offers you a weak smile. "I know a thing or two about having a past you don't feel comfortable talking about."
>>449184
She shrugs. "Whatever you think."
"AND CHAOS IS PROGRESSIVE QUITE THE SYLLOGISM ISN'T IT?"
>>449179
"He didn't like it at all when I used the walls!"
She pulls out a large brush and dips it into a blue bucket nearby. With just a few deft strokes she fills in the sky… and the seemingly random strokes of paint from below now show through the blue and create radiant sunlight in various colors, beating down in midmorning hues on the tree.
>>449182
Felfire offers you a weak smile. "I know a thing or two about having a past you don't feel comfortable talking about."
>>449184
She shrugs. "Whatever you think."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449225
>>449221
So just in time then, grand.
"I'll leave you to your work then, miss Topaz. Lovely speaking with you."
And then up top. Starting to get a bit hungry… the Darklantern should have a kitchen galley somewhere…
Can I smell anything cooking, or is it just the salty sea air that I smell? '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
So just in time then, grand.
"I'll leave you to your work then, miss Topaz. Lovely speaking with you."
And then up top. Starting to get a bit hungry… the Darklantern should have a kitchen galley somewhere…
Can I smell anything cooking, or is it just the salty sea air that I smell? '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>449233
"POTENTIALITY FOR ANYTHING."
>>449234
The bilge is an unpleasant place. It smells strongly of salt, and ponies labor away at pumps here to keep the water out.
Well, normally. It seems that while most of the pumps eliminate water, some of them are pumping water into barrels.
>>449235
Yep. Though in fairness, a flowing gown isn't choice for painting.
>>449237
You'd get a meal anyway as part of your payment. They tell you to go back to your ship.
"POTENTIALITY FOR ANYTHING."
>>449234
The bilge is an unpleasant place. It smells strongly of salt, and ponies labor away at pumps here to keep the water out.
Well, normally. It seems that while most of the pumps eliminate water, some of them are pumping water into barrels.
>>449235
Yep. Though in fairness, a flowing gown isn't choice for painting.
>>449237
You'd get a meal anyway as part of your payment. They tell you to go back to your ship.
>>449250
"DIFFERENT THINGS DEPENDING ON HOW YOU COULD HAVE SPENT YOUR TIME FOR INSTANCE LEARNING TO ACCOUNT FOR RECOIL INSTEAD OF LEARNING TO UTILIZE NONLETHAL ROUNDS."
>>449252
"I don't build it. Ask Topaz or something. She makes all this stuff."
>>449253
"It rained and we called it off! Why are you being so intrusive all of a sudden?"
>>449254
He's not in his cabin. Hm.
"DIFFERENT THINGS DEPENDING ON HOW YOU COULD HAVE SPENT YOUR TIME FOR INSTANCE LEARNING TO ACCOUNT FOR RECOIL INSTEAD OF LEARNING TO UTILIZE NONLETHAL ROUNDS."
>>449252
"I don't build it. Ask Topaz or something. She makes all this stuff."
>>449253
"It rained and we called it off! Why are you being so intrusive all of a sudden?"
>>449254
He's not in his cabin. Hm.
>>449262
"Mhmmm."
She wanders into the kitchen and starts pulling out bowls and ingredients.
>>449265
Tastes non-salty.
>>449261
You run into Felfire as she is emerging from the belowdecks with some water.
>>449266
You heard she's in Landgrave's cabin, so you go over to the Darklantern. You are outside Landgrave's door.
"Mhmmm."
She wanders into the kitchen and starts pulling out bowls and ingredients.
>>449265
Tastes non-salty.
>>449261
You run into Felfire as she is emerging from the belowdecks with some water.
>>449266
You heard she's in Landgrave's cabin, so you go over to the Darklantern. You are outside Landgrave's door.
>>449269
>>449278
Doc Peg opens the door and lets you in.
>>449269
She hands you a dictionary (where did she get that?) and opens it to P, then scrolls down the page and points at:
>>449275
A pony in a fine suit opens the door.
"Does sir have business in this residence?"
Behind him you can see a sight that boggles the mind. There's a full mansion, with marble floors and columns. No way that fits on the ship.
>>449278
Doc Peg opens the door and lets you in.
>>449269
She hands you a dictionary (where did she get that?) and opens it to P, then scrolls down the page and points at:
POLITE FICTION>>449275
A pony in a fine suit opens the door.
"Does sir have business in this residence?"
Behind him you can see a sight that boggles the mind. There's a full mansion, with marble floors and columns. No way that fits on the ship.
>>449292
You continue reading:
You continue reading:
POLITE FICTION: (n) A polite fiction is a social scenario in which all participants are aware of a truth, but pretend to believe in some alternative version of events to avoid conflict or embarrassment. Polite fictions are closely related to euphemism, in which a word or phrase that might be impolite, disagreeable, or offensive is replaced by another word or phrase that both speaker and listener understand to have the same meaning.
An example would be of a man who goes out drinking, but tells his family that he is merely going for an evening walk to enjoy the night air. Even though everyone knows he will only be walking as far as the bar and will come home drunk, they all pretend that he really is going out for a walk, and pretend not to notice his drunkenness when he returns. Another common example is a couple that has had an argument, after which one of them absents him or herself from a subsequent social gathering, with the other claiming that he or she is "ill".Light Heart [Warlord] No.449318
>>449315
"Landgrave's 'cabin' is rather unique, yes. Quite peculiar, in fact."
I look him over.
"You no doubt are aware of Dixie's customs. The ponies who live there are extremely polite and expect the same of anypony who visits them. The elite of Dixie consists of earth ponies, not unicorns or pegasi. In fact, they tend to enslave unicorns more often than not to use them for their fieldwork."
"Landgrave's 'cabin' is rather unique, yes. Quite peculiar, in fact."
I look him over.
"You no doubt are aware of Dixie's customs. The ponies who live there are extremely polite and expect the same of anypony who visits them. The elite of Dixie consists of earth ponies, not unicorns or pegasi. In fact, they tend to enslave unicorns more often than not to use them for their fieldwork."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449324
>>449321
"Well, I was wondering what prompted you to get rid of the scars. When last we spoke of them, you seemed very proud of each one, so you suddenly showing up without any of them that I could see was rather curious. Well, at least until I saw your wings weren't covered in copper, anyway."
I'll fiddle my hooves a bit.
"So I was really just wondering if it was by choice, or by side effect of restoring your wings."
"Well, I was wondering what prompted you to get rid of the scars. When last we spoke of them, you seemed very proud of each one, so you suddenly showing up without any of them that I could see was rather curious. Well, at least until I saw your wings weren't covered in copper, anyway."
I'll fiddle my hooves a bit.
"So I was really just wondering if it was by choice, or by side effect of restoring your wings."
>>449318
"Ponies enslaving ponies? That is the first time I hear that. Interesting I suppose." I scratch my chin.
"As for politeness and etiquette and all those rules, Ms Topaz told me this dog vest wont do and that I should find a nice set of clothing if I want to set my feet on port, she says like a 'suit' or something. Can I borrow one of yours if you have any?"
"Ponies enslaving ponies? That is the first time I hear that. Interesting I suppose." I scratch my chin.
"As for politeness and etiquette and all those rules, Ms Topaz told me this dog vest wont do and that I should find a nice set of clothing if I want to set my feet on port, she says like a 'suit' or something. Can I borrow one of yours if you have any?"
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449338
>>449333
I'll chuckle.
"Well, he's only half of the ponies you need to be happy about the decision. You're the other half."
I'll think a little.
"Still, this is a rather large step for you, and I must confess I'm a little curious as to where you plan on going with it."
I'll chuckle.
"Well, he's only half of the ponies you need to be happy about the decision. You're the other half."
I'll think a little.
"Still, this is a rather large step for you, and I must confess I'm a little curious as to where you plan on going with it."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449343
>>449340
"I must confess I was a bit distracted. And you'll have to forgive me for tuning out Emrille whenever she talks."
I'll shrug.
"But that is good to hear. I won't pry into what, or who, caused this change."
I'll smile up at her.
"Now all we need to do, if you're willing, is to overcome the aversion to being close to living ponies."
I'll scratch the back of my head a little sheepishly.
"Though, that does hinge on you wanting to get over that aversion, I suppose. I should really stop assuming what you might do."
"I must confess I was a bit distracted. And you'll have to forgive me for tuning out Emrille whenever she talks."
I'll shrug.
"But that is good to hear. I won't pry into what, or who, caused this change."
I'll smile up at her.
"Now all we need to do, if you're willing, is to overcome the aversion to being close to living ponies."
I'll scratch the back of my head a little sheepishly.
"Though, that does hinge on you wanting to get over that aversion, I suppose. I should really stop assuming what you might do."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449352
>>449344
I'll blink for a moment.
"What made… oh, right."
I'll knock my forehead a little.
"I know that. You and Fervored are practically soul mates, Felfire. I wouldn't dream of trying to do anything untoward to the lover of someone I respect. But with Dixie coming up, and their focus on politeness, a hoofshake might mean the difference between an easy stop and, well, a less easy stop."
I'll blink for a moment.
"What made… oh, right."
I'll knock my forehead a little.
"I know that. You and Fervored are practically soul mates, Felfire. I wouldn't dream of trying to do anything untoward to the lover of someone I respect. But with Dixie coming up, and their focus on politeness, a hoofshake might mean the difference between an easy stop and, well, a less easy stop."
>>449356
"Most diamond dogs, but this one is skeptical at best. But if a pony proves herself worthy then that dogs mindset will change all together."
I then close my arms.
"You've proven yourself time and again LightHeart and I have no doubt that you can command a ship, or two even. Perhaps as town mayor? Maybe?"
"But the world? How?" I just tilt my head and smile at her.
"Most diamond dogs, but this one is skeptical at best. But if a pony proves herself worthy then that dogs mindset will change all together."
I then close my arms.
"You've proven yourself time and again LightHeart and I have no doubt that you can command a ship, or two even. Perhaps as town mayor? Maybe?"
"But the world? How?" I just tilt my head and smile at her.
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449384
>>449375
"Probably."
I'll think a moment.
"Oh, hey, one thing. I was planning on transcribing those old books and trying to sell them off to get some coin on the side, since they shouldn't have any diagrams or things that need to be transferred exactly. Would you like a copy of one of them? There's a book on this odd wizard, Zanabb, I think his name was, that lived out in the middle of a swamp. Kinda nutty, but there are some interesting things in there."
"Probably."
I'll think a moment.
"Oh, hey, one thing. I was planning on transcribing those old books and trying to sell them off to get some coin on the side, since they shouldn't have any diagrams or things that need to be transferred exactly. Would you like a copy of one of them? There's a book on this odd wizard, Zanabb, I think his name was, that lived out in the middle of a swamp. Kinda nutty, but there are some interesting things in there."
>>449380
"It appears your stay and experience with the other folks abroad and aboard this ship have lengthen your patience to certain offenses. If not perhaps I might have a few holes in me right now." I scratch my head.
"Hey perhaps you should teach Emrille about dealing with other individuals aye?"
"It appears your stay and experience with the other folks abroad and aboard this ship have lengthen your patience to certain offenses. If not perhaps I might have a few holes in me right now." I scratch my head.
"Hey perhaps you should teach Emrille about dealing with other individuals aye?"
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449391
>>449385
"You'd have to read it, the guy was a real odd duck. Spent months making his own flight spell and then just threw it away. Kept a bunch of beehives for easy access to honey, but burnt them all when he got stung once."
I'll shake my head.
"He even invented his own language, and I was thinking of asking master Abilio to try and decipher it."
"You'd have to read it, the guy was a real odd duck. Spent months making his own flight spell and then just threw it away. Kept a bunch of beehives for easy access to honey, but burnt them all when he got stung once."
I'll shake my head.
"He even invented his own language, and I was thinking of asking master Abilio to try and decipher it."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449400
>>449397
"I'm pretty sure he existed. The journals were gathered by someone named Clean Account, and one part of it was found stuffed in a tree because it was ripped out and left there after Zabann or whatever his name was decided it was a tremendous waste of time and stuffed it into a tree."
I'll think a moment.
"Though I must admit that necromancy is an excellent way to double-check."
"I'm pretty sure he existed. The journals were gathered by someone named Clean Account, and one part of it was found stuffed in a tree because it was ripped out and left there after Zabann or whatever his name was decided it was a tremendous waste of time and stuffed it into a tree."
I'll think a moment.
"Though I must admit that necromancy is an excellent way to double-check."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449409
>>449407
"Well, you'll probably be the first to get a copy, once I get the materials. Assuming I get paid enough tomorrow to cover the costs of the ink, paper, and bindings for at least one book. Still, if you'd like something to read tonight, I could lend it to you. I imagine some of the history texts might be interesting as well, and Fervored might enjoy a good book as well."
"Well, you'll probably be the first to get a copy, once I get the materials. Assuming I get paid enough tomorrow to cover the costs of the ink, paper, and bindings for at least one book. Still, if you'd like something to read tonight, I could lend it to you. I imagine some of the history texts might be interesting as well, and Fervored might enjoy a good book as well."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449415
>>449414
"Well, perhaps you can ask? Or surprise him and try to guess. I'm not going to say that I've any knowledge of how romance should work, especially between the living and the departed, but I think the intention behind the gift will mean more to him than the gift itself."
"Well, perhaps you can ask? Or surprise him and try to guess. I'm not going to say that I've any knowledge of how romance should work, especially between the living and the departed, but I think the intention behind the gift will mean more to him than the gift itself."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.449419
>>449416
I'll shrug slightly.
"Were it me, I think the greatest gift I could have is a bit of that heaven on earth. A place to rest my spirit and renew myself."
I'll nod to Felfire.
"You could be that. His haven on earth, a piece of the glorious beyond walking the earth to keep him company."
I'll scratch my nose for a moment.
"Well, that might be a bit flowery, but you get the meaning. They say that the home is where the heart is, so you can be his heart, and his home. You give him a place to come back to."
I'll shrug slightly.
"Were it me, I think the greatest gift I could have is a bit of that heaven on earth. A place to rest my spirit and renew myself."
I'll nod to Felfire.
"You could be that. His haven on earth, a piece of the glorious beyond walking the earth to keep him company."
I'll scratch my nose for a moment.
"Well, that might be a bit flowery, but you get the meaning. They say that the home is where the heart is, so you can be his heart, and his home. You give him a place to come back to."
>>449680
I nod at this.
"Well I'm just here to tell you about what Smitts told me, orders from him so I got too aye."
"And also, Ms. Topaz told me that you got to find a decent dress for Dixie if you want to go out and explore, if you want more idea how Dixie works ask Light Heart. She lives there one time aye?"
I nod at this.
"Well I'm just here to tell you about what Smitts told me, orders from him so I got too aye."
"And also, Ms. Topaz told me that you got to find a decent dress for Dixie if you want to go out and explore, if you want more idea how Dixie works ask Light Heart. She lives there one time aye?"
Light Heart [Warlord] No.450158
>>450156
"You can find assholes in every nook and cranny of the world."
I smirk slightly as I pause and look at her.
"But they'll always stay polite no matter what. The same is expected of you. Think of it as a city filled with Light Heart's. Except they don't ever drop the pretense."
"You can find assholes in every nook and cranny of the world."
I smirk slightly as I pause and look at her.
"But they'll always stay polite no matter what. The same is expected of you. Think of it as a city filled with Light Heart's. Except they don't ever drop the pretense."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.450246
>>450242
[!]
Well, let's see, I think it was nearly lunch. Mera might like something warm to eat, and I still need to pester Light Heart about the possible prices of ink and empty books necessary for transcribing those old texts. So I'll be picking up lunch and then heading back to Light Heart's cabin to share with Mera.
[!]
Well, let's see, I think it was nearly lunch. Mera might like something warm to eat, and I still need to pester Light Heart about the possible prices of ink and empty books necessary for transcribing those old texts. So I'll be picking up lunch and then heading back to Light Heart's cabin to share with Mera.
>>450247
"TEMPORAL SHIFT POSSIBLE REALLOCATION PLAUSIBLE."
>>450246
You did that all afternoon and then had dinner. It's now evening. Early tomorrow morning you'll arrive.
>>450248
You go checkout on Rosemary for a bit and spend your afternoon this way. It's now evening. Early tomorrow morning you will arrive.
"TEMPORAL SHIFT POSSIBLE REALLOCATION PLAUSIBLE."
>>450246
You did that all afternoon and then had dinner. It's now evening. Early tomorrow morning you'll arrive.
>>450248
You go check
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.450254
>>450251
Well, the day certainly went by fast.
…Though the thought does come to mind that, if Dixie is heavy on politeness, they won't want me walking about flapping in the breeze. Nor would they want Mera to be going undressed as well.
I should probably go hunt down Light Heart to see whether or not that will be an issue.
Well, the day certainly went by fast.
…Though the thought does come to mind that, if Dixie is heavy on politeness, they won't want me walking about flapping in the breeze. Nor would they want Mera to be going undressed as well.
I should probably go hunt down Light Heart to see whether or not that will be an issue.
>>450260
"SIMPLE QUESTION BEGETS COMPLEX ANSWER IN SHORT NO BUTTERFLY EFFECT SMALL CHANGE CAUSES STRANGE UNEXPECTED IMPLICATIONS EXAMPLE REMOVE PAST NONLETHAL TRAINING WILL BE MORE RESTED PREPARED FOR TRAINING TODAY PROCESS MAY ALSO CONSUME ROUGHLY SIX HOURS INSTANTLY."
>>450259
"Go ahead, then."
>>450262
You knock on his door but get no answer.
"SIMPLE QUESTION BEGETS COMPLEX ANSWER IN SHORT NO BUTTERFLY EFFECT SMALL CHANGE CAUSES STRANGE UNEXPECTED IMPLICATIONS EXAMPLE REMOVE PAST NONLETHAL TRAINING WILL BE MORE RESTED PREPARED FOR TRAINING TODAY PROCESS MAY ALSO CONSUME ROUGHLY SIX HOURS INSTANTLY."
>>450259
"Go ahead, then."
>>450262
You knock on his door but get no answer.
>>450276
"We'll perform reconnaissance on site. Even if we decide not to raid, it won't be a lost trip. Strictly speaking, burning down the city wouldn't be necessary as it was in Stonebriar. Roads only has one prize worth targeting – the ancient Imperial Vault. One heist. One getaway. Hopefully, no direct confrontation with guards."
"We'll perform reconnaissance on site. Even if we decide not to raid, it won't be a lost trip. Strictly speaking, burning down the city wouldn't be necessary as it was in Stonebriar. Roads only has one prize worth targeting – the ancient Imperial Vault. One heist. One getaway. Hopefully, no direct confrontation with guards."
>>450280
"Oh, no, Commodore Tallow was quite interested in the matter. Still, Landgrave remains a useful asset while he stays in line. He has no actual sailing or raiding skill, though. You may have noticed how he holds an honorary First Mate title and is totally excluded from all fleet succession. This is intentional."
>>450281
You go outside and notice it's already dark out. Weird.
Then you arrive at the fort. Patrols are out at the fort.
>>450282
They're back in the room. Skylight boops you on the nose, though:
"You didn't join us for morning prayer."
"Oh, no, Commodore Tallow was quite interested in the matter. Still, Landgrave remains a useful asset while he stays in line. He has no actual sailing or raiding skill, though. You may have noticed how he holds an honorary First Mate title and is totally excluded from all fleet succession. This is intentional."
>>450281
You go outside and notice it's already dark out. Weird.
Then you arrive at the fort. Patrols are out at the fort.
>>450282
They're back in the room. Skylight boops you on the nose, though:
"You didn't join us for morning prayer."
>>450285
Technically they're all from Hamburgerburg. That's like saying "Find Equestria guy".
You're looking for Strom.
>>450286
"It's unclear whether or not Canterlot Intelligence is aware either. He does have compelling evidence, though."
>>450287
Not quite. It's dark out, but you won't arrive in Dixie for another eight hours, in the early hours of the morning.
>>450288
"Alright then… Although… we'll be arriving tomorrow."
Technically they're all from Hamburgerburg. That's like saying "Find Equestria guy".
You're looking for Strom.
>>450286
"It's unclear whether or not Canterlot Intelligence is aware either. He does have compelling evidence, though."
>>450287
Not quite. It's dark out, but you won't arrive in Dixie for another eight hours, in the early hours of the morning.
>>450288
"Alright then… Although… we'll be arriving tomorrow."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.450292
>>450290
I'll nod.
"I was actually trying to find out from Light Heart if they had any sort of dress code, or something. Mera and I would look rather silly walking down the way with not a thread between us if the local customs encouraged being clothed."
I'll just sigh a little.
"It's going to be tough to not make trouble, especially if something happens."
I'll nod.
"I was actually trying to find out from Light Heart if they had any sort of dress code, or something. Mera and I would look rather silly walking down the way with not a thread between us if the local customs encouraged being clothed."
I'll just sigh a little.
"It's going to be tough to not make trouble, especially if something happens."
>>450293
"If you're so interested, why don't you ask him?"
>>450292
"I think they probably get dressed up. I think I remember Chip coming by asking Light Heart for dress advice…"
>>450294
"Alright, kiddo. Get your gun and let's find somewhere to practice."
He wanders off to the main deck.
>>450296
Emrille and Strom are setting up on the main deck to practice with guns.
"If you're so interested, why don't you ask him?"
>>450292
"I think they probably get dressed up. I think I remember Chip coming by asking Light Heart for dress advice…"
>>450294
"Alright, kiddo. Get your gun and let's find somewhere to practice."
He wanders off to the main deck.
>>450296
Emrille and Strom are setting up on the main deck to practice with guns.
>>450298
"So instead of thinking of it as five separate shots, think of it as one shot with multiple trigger pulls. You need to find your center and apply pressure, but the most important part is practice. You need to get a feel for the weight. Here, I'll show you."
He holds you in place with his hooves. "Okay, go ahead. Try to keep your arms straight, kiddo."
>>450299
You return. Everypony is here, they've turned in early to get ready for Dixie.
Except Onik who is up practicing.
>>450300
"Loanshark?"
"So instead of thinking of it as five separate shots, think of it as one shot with multiple trigger pulls. You need to find your center and apply pressure, but the most important part is practice. You need to get a feel for the weight. Here, I'll show you."
He holds you in place with his hooves. "Okay, go ahead. Try to keep your arms straight, kiddo."
>>450299
You return. Everypony is here, they've turned in early to get ready for Dixie.
Except Onik who is up practicing.
>>450300
"Loanshark?"
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.450303
>>450301
"He's greedy, if nothing else. Charges ridiculous amounts for things, though I can sort of see the logic behind it. You don't exactly loan things out to pirates and expect them to come back. Regardless, I wouldn't have the coin for an outfit for both myself and Mera. You have your robes, so at least that is covered."
"He's greedy, if nothing else. Charges ridiculous amounts for things, though I can sort of see the logic behind it. You don't exactly loan things out to pirates and expect them to come back. Regardless, I wouldn't have the coin for an outfit for both myself and Mera. You have your robes, so at least that is covered."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.450307
>>450304
"I fear being too optimistic about the Dixie-landers' generosity. Just because they are polite doesn't mean they're friendly. Or hospitable."
I'll sigh.
"And master Abilio didn't answer when I dropped by his office, so he's likely with his wife, miss Stripes."
"I fear being too optimistic about the Dixie-landers' generosity. Just because they are polite doesn't mean they're friendly. Or hospitable."
I'll sigh.
"And master Abilio didn't answer when I dropped by his office, so he's likely with his wife, miss Stripes."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.450310
>>450309
"Not an official one, though I do recall offering to preside at one point. And any of the other captains or the Commodore could preside as well, and I could just have missed the ceremony. Which I suppose is understandable. Miss Stripes was, to the last of my knowledge, rather skittish about ponies she doesn't know. And wasn't too keen on going outside of her room that often, if she could help it."
"Not an official one, though I do recall offering to preside at one point. And any of the other captains or the Commodore could preside as well, and I could just have missed the ceremony. Which I suppose is understandable. Miss Stripes was, to the last of my knowledge, rather skittish about ponies she doesn't know. And wasn't too keen on going outside of her room that often, if she could help it."
Curry [Male Unicorn Landkeeper] No.450323
>>450312
"Well, so would have I, but I feel that it would have been something for close friends alone."
I'll ponder a moment.
"Do you think we'll have enough time before landfall to pester Light Heart and Abilio about this? I get my pay on Sun's Day, so there's that if we're desperate."
"Well, so would have I, but I feel that it would have been something for close friends alone."
I'll ponder a moment.
"Do you think we'll have enough time before landfall to pester Light Heart and Abilio about this? I get my pay on Sun's Day, so there's that if we're desperate."
Light Heart [Warlord] No.450333
>>450331
… Why would a blind pony needs lights? Unless… ah. Abilio. Heh.
I chuckle.
"Very well, I can take a hint."
I guess I'll ask her tomorrow morning instead.
Hmmm… Maybe I should head back to my room to sleep. Or just speak to Rosemary.
I don't suppose we're going to reach Dixie this session yet?
… Why would a blind pony needs lights? Unless… ah. Abilio. Heh.
I chuckle.
"Very well, I can take a hint."
I guess I'll ask her tomorrow morning instead.
Hmmm… Maybe I should head back to my room to sleep. Or just speak to Rosemary.
I don't suppose we're going to reach Dixie this session yet?
>>450338
You overextend and the recoil makes you fall off the deck!
Strom catches you by the tail and hoists you back up with a pat.
"Careful there, kiddo. It's okay, though. I got plenty of bottles. Jimmy Ray sure can drink 'em through."
>>450339
She chuckles lightly. "Oh my, a whole town of Light Hearts."
>>450340
Yes, you had a lovely afternoon brewing.
You overextend and the recoil makes you fall off the deck!
Strom catches you by the tail and hoists you back up with a pat.
"Careful there, kiddo. It's okay, though. I got plenty of bottles. Jimmy Ray sure can drink 'em through."
>>450339
She chuckles lightly. "Oh my, a whole town of Light Hearts."
>>450340
Yes, you had a lovely afternoon brewing.
>>450358
"Sure. You might wanna hold your breath though, I make the magic here."
He's not lying, though it's not unpleasant. In the grim world of the past where most ponies don't take baths and the process of tanning leather literally involves shit and fermentation, smelling usually isn't a pleasant sensation, but this cabin is full of some kind of intoxicating aroma. It's clearly a mix, but you detect wildflowers… maybe lilac. And frankincense.
>>450359
You narrow your eyes and for half a second, the world seems to stand still. You hear your heartbeat slow… and stop. In between breaths, you visualize the bottles not as five targets, but as one. You have a feel for the recoil, and…
POW
POW
POW
POW
POW
They all seem to shatter simultaneously.
"Well done! I think you've got it."
Skill acquired.
"Sure. You might wanna hold your breath though, I make the magic here."
He's not lying, though it's not unpleasant. In the grim world of the past where most ponies don't take baths and the process of tanning leather literally involves shit and fermentation, smelling usually isn't a pleasant sensation, but this cabin is full of some kind of intoxicating aroma. It's clearly a mix, but you detect wildflowers… maybe lilac. And frankincense.
>>450359
You narrow your eyes and for half a second, the world seems to stand still. You hear your heartbeat slow… and stop. In between breaths, you visualize the bottles not as five targets, but as one. You have a feel for the recoil, and…
POW
POW
POW
POW
POW
They all seem to shatter simultaneously.
"Well done! I think you've got it."
Skill acquired.
>>450383
He raises a brow. "Those statements seem to contradict."
>>450384
"Hm. Pretty interesting. I've heard of it before… You probably haven't ever heard the term used, but in Hamburgerburg such mage-marksponies were called Mystic Gunslingers, though they preferred dual-wielding revolvers like the one you're using. You might even be able to refine your skill if we have somepony who knows a bit more about it."
He raises a brow. "Those statements seem to contradict."
>>450384
"Hm. Pretty interesting. I've heard of it before… You probably haven't ever heard the term used, but in Hamburgerburg such mage-marksponies were called Mystic Gunslingers, though they preferred dual-wielding revolvers like the one you're using. You might even be able to refine your skill if we have somepony who knows a bit more about it."
>>450435
He raises a brow again. "Well, the offer remains open if you want somepony with experience to make you feel good. But whatever happened to you in the past, you've got to let it go. There are two kinds of pain, y'know. Useful pain… the kind that makes us stronger. Like when you work out, or you burn your hoof and learn not to touch a fire… and useless pain. If this pain is stopping you from having a happy life, that's useless pain. And there's only one thing to do with useless pain."
He takes a swig.
He raises a brow again. "Well, the offer remains open if you want somepony with experience to make you feel good. But whatever happened to you in the past, you've got to let it go. There are two kinds of pain, y'know. Useful pain… the kind that makes us stronger. Like when you work out, or you burn your hoof and learn not to touch a fire… and useless pain. If this pain is stopping you from having a happy life, that's useless pain. And there's only one thing to do with useless pain."
He takes a swig.
>>450455
He nods. "Well, if you end up needing advice in bed, don't hesitate to stop by. I'm not particularly proud of it, but I confess my job as fleet diplomat frequently has me serving those that I don't find attractive. Meaning on more than one occasion I have had to familiarize myself with how to pleasure a stallion."
He nods. "Well, if you end up needing advice in bed, don't hesitate to stop by. I'm not particularly proud of it, but I confess my job as fleet diplomat frequently has me serving those that I don't find attractive. Meaning on more than one occasion I have had to familiarize myself with how to pleasure a stallion."
>>450509
"Well I… have seen two mare's kissing before on some of the downtrodden ports when I was young, Also there was that bitch and mare and my god that sight is something that will stick to my mind." I breath out reminiscing past events.
"But two females getting it on, nah I have no clue, though I have idea's but of course that maybe inaccurate from the truth." I shrug
"Well I… have seen two mare's kissing before on some of the downtrodden ports when I was young, Also there was that bitch and mare and my god that sight is something that will stick to my mind." I breath out reminiscing past events.
"But two females getting it on, nah I have no clue, though I have idea's but of course that maybe inaccurate from the truth." I shrug
>>450638
"It looks like Tela is out of my grasp them, that makes one more mare out of my list, and a few more less potential mates." I scratch my chin.
"All I know about Tela is that she is a strong pony so that will take some time for you to get on with it if my imagination is exact."
"It looks like Tela is out of my grasp them, that makes one more mare out of my list, and a few more less potential mates." I scratch my chin.
"All I know about Tela is that she is a strong pony so that will take some time for you to get on with it if my imagination is exact."
>>450684
"One must not let one's appetite for women be sated lest you be a husk of a man." I fold my arms, being proud of that statement. "Reptil had me satisfied, but there are many drinks yet to be had, mare's to swoon and their vessels yet to be filled and I will try my best to fulfill my duty."
I then bow.
"One must not let one's appetite for women be sated lest you be a husk of a man." I fold my arms, being proud of that statement. "Reptil had me satisfied, but there are many drinks yet to be had, mare's to swoon and their vessels yet to be filled and I will try my best to fulfill my duty."
I then bow.
>>450696
"Where did I learn my things? Of course from the various females that I go to bed with. Every time I am with one, I am not the only one who leaves something inside them for they also leave something inside me." I point to my head.
"And sometimes, here." I point to my heart.
"Well sometimes some men can teach you one thing or two but the best teacher is experience and that is the thing that only a female companion can give, whatever their age maybe or whatever race they are, leaves something to their partner to learn with."
"Where did I learn my things? Of course from the various females that I go to bed with. Every time I am with one, I am not the only one who leaves something inside them for they also leave something inside me." I point to my head.
"And sometimes, here." I point to my heart.
"Well sometimes some men can teach you one thing or two but the best teacher is experience and that is the thing that only a female companion can give, whatever their age maybe or whatever race they are, leaves something to their partner to learn with."
>>450710
"Well, perhaps now you understand why also I have gone after you. You are a cute sample after all, either be it that of a mare or of that of a filly."
"The thing that I learned from you is that sometimes not all females can be swooned with no matter how hard you try." I grin.
"Well, perhaps now you understand why also I have gone after you. You are a cute sample after all, either be it that of a mare or of that of a filly."
"The thing that I learned from you is that sometimes not all females can be swooned with no matter how hard you try." I grin.
Emrille [Gunslinger] No.450722
>>450716
"Yeah.
And I hope you learned that sometimes mares like other mares, and just mares.
But hey, I'm glad you realized you should stop hounding me. It'd be awfully terrible if I had to do the same thing with your weapons I did to those bottles, wouldn't it?"
Grin at him mischievously.
"Yeah.
And I hope you learned that sometimes mares like other mares, and just mares.
But hey, I'm glad you realized you should stop hounding me. It'd be awfully terrible if I had to do the same thing with your weapons I did to those bottles, wouldn't it?"
Grin at him mischievously.
>>450744
"Well, all I can say is that those two are… an enigma in the fleet. They are both a part and separate from the crew and its hard to know exactly where and how to put those two in their rightful places. Still all those help, though with grudge from the mothers side is a life-saver,:"
"But now that that she didnt even try to comfort you… well thats a bit trecherous I might say." I fold my arms.
"Well, all I can say is that those two are… an enigma in the fleet. They are both a part and separate from the crew and its hard to know exactly where and how to put those two in their rightful places. Still all those help, though with grudge from the mothers side is a life-saver,:"
"But now that that she didnt even try to comfort you… well thats a bit trecherous I might say." I fold my arms.
>>450746
"Seems you really care for her and everything she says. Its a bit of a bummer that this will end that way. All I can say is that she is a mother with a child beside her, Summer may have reminded Spring of her past, and truth be told is the only thing left from her. Its a hard contest if you ask me."
"Seems you really care for her and everything she says. Its a bit of a bummer that this will end that way. All I can say is that she is a mother with a child beside her, Summer may have reminded Spring of her past, and truth be told is the only thing left from her. Its a hard contest if you ask me."
Emrille [Gunslinger] No.450748
>>450747
Shrug.
"Whatever.
I tried to fucking do everything to win their favor, hell, for them not to despise me, but it seems I can't do that.
I bet they like you but me? I'm just a murderer, arsonist rapist pirate or someshit.
And Summer can choke on a dick, she has it easy."
Shrug.
"Whatever.
I tried to fucking do everything to win their favor, hell, for them not to despise me, but it seems I can't do that.
I bet they like you but me? I'm just a murderer, arsonist rapist pirate or someshit.
And Summer can choke on a dick, she has it easy."
>>450750
I scratch my head.
"Well….. I dont know, Spring herself is not too warm with my presence as she herself is not that warm to anyone else except for her daughter, but I am trying to talk with them and all. However Summer is friendly with me since I spent more time with her and most likely save her life more times than I count, specially in Stonebriar."
I scratch my head.
"Well….. I dont know, Spring herself is not too warm with my presence as she herself is not that warm to anyone else except for her daughter, but I am trying to talk with them and all. However Summer is friendly with me since I spent more time with her and most likely save her life more times than I count, specially in Stonebriar."
>>450753
"Hmmm…. if thats the case then its impossible to recover your reputation with the little thing. I could talk to Spring though if you want, poke about and see if she has something that is bothering her as to why it ends up unceremoniously as you describe."
"As for Summer, I dont know what to say, or even do." I shrug.
"Hmmm…. if thats the case then its impossible to recover your reputation with the little thing. I could talk to Spring though if you want, poke about and see if she has something that is bothering her as to why it ends up unceremoniously as you describe."
"As for Summer, I dont know what to say, or even do." I shrug.