/q/ - Quest

ADVENTURE!

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456494[Last 50 Posts]

Light Heart:

Skylight replies: "I saw him leave after Felfire. They were headed for the library. I don't know where Mera is – only Curry ever seems able to find her when she disappears."

Felfire:

You spot one of the librarians working the shelves here on this floor, as well as one below on the first floor. Magenta reports back.

This is a draaaaaaag. There are two librarians upstairs.

Emrille:

Shopping engage.

456499

>>456494
I nod.
"Very well then. Do you dare follow us into town or would you rather stay on the fleet? I still have much work ahead of me."

456500

>>456494
You could have tried to spook her this way.

Giggle and go for the librarian on this floor.
Clear my throat as I come closer.
"Excuse me, I might need some help."

456503

>>456494
Can I ride on Spring's back?

456505

>>456500
"Looking for something in the… fiction perhaps? Our personal interest selection is rather small…"

>>456499
"I'll come if you want me to, but I can't hold my tongue if somepony starts blaspheming Celestia."

>>456503
That seems up to her. You jump up anyway.

456506

>>456503
Sure, for the sake of your little plot.

456508

>>456505
"Not looking for a book.
I need to use the teleportation array."

456512

>>456508
"Well, typically we don't do demonstrations before lunch, but I suppose we can make an exception…"

She heads down to the basement.

456513

>>456506
"Tee-hee~"
Giggle like a filly.

456514

>>456505
"I could use you. Come along then."
Turn to Stein.
"Please keep a close eye on Chivalry. Just in case, mister Stein."
Let's go get those ingredients Smitts gave us. To the sheep!

456516

>>456512
That was easy…
Guess it's time to follow Magenta's hunch and find the other librarian.

456521

>>456513
"You're going to have to give me directions."

456524

>>456516
Upstairs on the third floor is much more difficult to navigate. There are study rooms and archives everywhere. Even getting from one side to the other is difficult because there is a maze of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and filing cabinets.

>>456514
He nods.

You set off to the sheepy settlement. Roll.

456526

>>456524

Roll #1 2 = 2

456527

>>456524
If only I had more time…
Keep looking, and spare a glance at these books.
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

456528

>>456521
>>456524
"It's not far from here."
Direct Spring towards the shop.

456534

>>456526
You head down the road to the sheep settlement, but now that it is nearly noon, the tide has washed in and the road has disappeared under the marshy waters.

>>456527
You wander a bit and lose track of where you are. You try to orient yourself based on a book.

…Hm… This floor seems to be literature generally related to magic. You read a random book title:

Modern Structure Catalysts

>>456528
You ride Spring to Immortal Emporium, the local smith.

456538

>>456534
This is kinda interesting…
Eh. I have a crazy idea.
Pick the book up and start reading about Structure Catalysts as Fervy guides me.
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

456541

>>456534
"Hm."
Turn to my followers.
"Please wait here on me. I wont be long."
Take to the skies and continue by wing.

Roll #1 7 = 7

456546

>>456538
He doesn't know this place any better than you do and you wander around for a while.

The book is interesting, at least. It discusses the progression to modern pylon catalysts and their uses.

…Now that's interesting… There's a picture of one here. It looks like a flag pole. There's even a flag waving on it.

…Isn't this city strangely full of flagpoles on every building?

>>456541
You glide for a time and eventually spot the shacks below.

456547

>>456534
"Hey again!"

456550

>>456547
"Ah, you've returned with a ride, I see."

456551

>>456546
Glide down and land. There was an apothecary here right? Enter.

456552

>>456550
"And a parent's permission for that lowered scope price!"

456553

>>456550
"Yes. Emrille said you needed my permission?"

456555

>>456546
I bet that's just their southern pride.

Crap. This city is a fortress.

Keep flipping through.
What's the key component to the Structure's Catalyst power? Just its size?

456556

>>456552
>>456553
"Ah, very good then. I'll knock 10% off. Is that agreeable?"

>>456555
It seems that modern era experiments have determined that certain metals are more effective conductors than others. It also refers to something called 'lattice' structure… Oof! You hit a wall.

Ugh! You don't have time to learn the nuances of how to shape metal or its implications. If only you knew somedog who did.

456557

>>456551
You enter the tiny apothecary. A sheep is at the desk chatting, and a tall familiar unicorn is with her.

456558

>>456557
Uh? Who?
"Good morning."
Take out the list of stuff I need.

456559

>>456556
"360 bits then?"
Oh shit that's a fucking amazing deal!

456561

>>456556
Or someram. But damn you, I am taking this book. Put it away and focus, look for the librarian.
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

456562

>>456556
>>456559
I look between him and Emrille and nod.
"We'll take it."

456569

>>456558
"Be with you in a moment."

It seems Miss Terrebonne and Fullmaster Abilio are patronizing this shop this morning.

>>456559
>>456562
Your calculations are off again. I am going to have to redo doubloons to an easier conversion in Pirates 2.

You buy the scope and have 10 bits worth of doubloon left over.

>>456561
You wander for a time and open random reading rooms and can't find either. How frustrating!

456574

>>456569
Oh, how lovely.
Wait my turn, hopefully they wont be long.

456575

>>456569
Shout.
"Heeeey! Anypony heeeeere?"

456577

>>456575
One of them sticks a head out a door.

"Shh! This is a library!"

>>456574
They chat for a brief time and end up buying some odds and ends before departing.

456578

>>456569
Or he's just ripping us off.
Still worth it.
"Thanks!"
Beam with happiness as I attach it to the pistol.
I'll have Stein copy it for my rifle too!

456579

>>456577
Nod at them as they leave and step forward.
"I require some help gathering ingredients."
Put the note down on the counter.
"I am in a bit of a hurry."

456580

>>456577
Groan.
"You one of the librarians?
I've been looking for your lot!"

456586

>>456578
"Well you sure look pleased with this."

456591

>>456578
It's actually half of the cost and you had half of the amount of bits you thought.

>>456579
"We have most of dese… bitter root, morning glory, high concentration lemon juice, a sprite… Inexpensive. But we don't have this."

He indicates the last item on the list.

Giant Squid Heart – MUST BE FROZEN BEFORE IT SURFACES, VERY IMPORTANT

>>456580
"Shh!"

456596

>>456591
Glare daggers.
"Are you one of the librarians or not?"

456598

>>456591
Oh fuck me, what kind of ingredient is that!?
"Hmmm… Any ideas on where to acquire such a thing? Aside from acquiring it myself, that is."

456600

>>456596
"Yes!"

>>456598
"We have plenty of giant squid here all the time, but most of the fishersheep catch them in nets below or spear them when they surface. I could sell you a cheap breathing potion to let you swim longer… freezing… that's some sort of magic…"

456601

>>456586
"It's awesome.
Just check out how accurate it is!"

>>456591
At least I have it!

456602

>>456600
"Well I need your help with the teleporter! The other are already helping!"

456604

>>456600
… Emrille?
"Very well then. Thank you. How much for this?"

456605

>>456601
"I'm sure it's incredible."

456606

>>456605
"You don't seem too excited."

456608

>>456606
"I'm not really a gun nut like you. Sure I own a pistol, but I never even use or practice with it."

456610

>>456608
"See, that's the problem! Maybe we could practice together!"

456612

>>456604
"I'll round it down to an even fifty."

>>456602
"Fine, fine… Just keep your voice down!"

456614

>>456612
Just nod.
Two to go.
Which floor are left?

456615

>>456612
"Very well."
Pay up and bag the ingredients. Take to the skies and… return to my companions.

Roll #1 10 = 10

456621

>>456610
"I'm not really a huge fan of shooting things unless I have to… too many bad memories."
I shudder.

456624

>>456621
"How can you have bad memories about shooting?"

456627

>>456614
You saw on the first and Magenta said she noticed two up here.

>>456615
You glide back and regroup.

"That's a lot of stuff."

"Are we throwing a party?"

"I'll play a quiet bass, babe. Keep it cool…"

"Oh wow!"

456630

>>456627
"No party today, I'm afraid. These are ingredients I need."
I tap a hoof against my chin.
"I need miss Emrille and mister Curry. Miss Puzzle, could you look for mister Curry and tell him he urgently needs to look me up? Tell him that it's an order."

456634

>>456624
"I told you about them, remember? The clinic?"

456635

>>456627
Keep looking then. What's left on this floor?
'1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

456637

>>456630
"Alright… You always send me off for this stuff!"

She trots off.

>>456635
You corner Tulip, the librarian you first saw, here in the archives.

456639

>>456637
I smile as she leaves.
"That is because you are very efficient at it. Thank you, miss Puzzle."
Turn to the remaining two.
"Now… let us find miss Emrille."
Find Emrille.

Roll #1 6 = 6

456641

>>456639
You find Emrille and Spring idling in town.

456643

>>456637
Okay. Gotta be careful with this one.
"Hey there. Can we talk?
Pleasedon'trun!"

456646

456647

>>456641
"Miss Emrille? I require your aid."

456648

>>456646
'1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

456656

>>456648
"W-what do you want?"

456660

>>456656
Keep talking slowly.
"Just some help. For a minute or two only, I swear. Your other friends are already downstairs, for the teleport.
Could you help too?"

456662

>>456660
"Alright… but be quick."

She vanishes.

456664

>>456662
Let out a sigh of relief.
Find the last one.
On the first floor.
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

456667

>>456664
#Pause

456678

>>456634
"Yeah, and? Too much recoil?"

456686

456687

>>456678
"No. Nothing like that. I just… it was a terrible experience and I don't want to think about it."

456703

>>456687
"Does Summer know about that?
I mean, y'know."

456706

>>456703
Motherfucker. >>456647

456709

>>456703
"She wasn't there to witness it…"

456710

>>456706
That's what I'm aiming at, yes.

>>456647
"Oh, hey. Yeah, why? Need something shot?"

>>456709
"So you didn't tell her."

456714

>>456710
I shake my head.
"She shouldn't worry herself about those things, so no."
I look at Light Heart expectantly.

456717

>>456710
"Yes, actually. But it may not be quite what you expect. Do you believe you could freeze something solid with those magical bullets you possess, miss Emrille?"

456719

>>456714
"I wonder if she'd call you a murderer too.."

>>456717
"If I hit it just right, yes. I don't know if you know it, but magic is not the most reliable thing in the world."

456723

>>456719
"Of course. There is a small lake in the forest in which giant squids live. I need a frozen giant heart squid. One that was frozen before it surfaced. It is of utmost importance that you keep that detail in mind. Do you believe you can do this for me?"

456724

>>456719
I just frown and listen to the ongoing conversation.

456726

>>456724
Shrug.
"You can never know with her."

>>456723
Blink.
"Come again?"

456731

>>456726
"It is as I said it. The heart of a giant squid, frozen before it surfaced. This is extremely important."

456733

>>456731
"Okay, and did you stop for a minute to think about how I will shoot my gun, which, y'know, I pretty much need to make the icy stuff, under the water?"

456737

>>456733
"You are a resourceful pony, miss Emrille. Perhaps you can fly over the water and shoot it when you see one. I'm certain you will find a way."

456748

>>456737
"That's what I was thinking, but again, you own a gun. Accuracy suffers a great deal when it hits water. I need them to be lured close to the surface, so even the slowed down bullets can hit them."

456753

>>456748
"There are sheep fishing there oftentimes, perhaps you can enlist their help and their nets."
Take out two doubloons out of my bag and hoof it to her.
"In case they require payment for their help, use my own money."

456784

>>456753
Grin and take the money.
"Of course! I'll get right to it. I'll need somepony with a knife or somesh- something though. To cut it out after I freeze it. Possibly somepony who can fly, so swimming won't be needed."

456785

>>456784
"I'm afraid all my other partners are already busy with their own things. Mister Wark should be out in the woods however, I am simply not sure where exactly. There is also Onik, but she is exploring the town right now. Perhaps miss Spring and her daughter can accompany you."

456792

>>456785
"No offense, but I doubt the unicorns a-
Wait."
Turn to Spring.
"You're good at surgery and stuff? Could you get a heart out of a squid after I freeze it?"

456795

>>456792
I nod.
"A squid isn't the same as a pony, but I should be able to. I guess I'll have to use my sword or something…"

456796

>>456795
>>456785
Grin at Light Heart.
"I think we are good to go then. One pre-surfaced-frozen squid heart, coming right up.
Where will we find you?
And what if the expenses will be higher than expected?"
Wink wink

456798

Tony, Sateo, and Chip:

You approach the Mather estate from the north, but spotting a watchtower on the edge of the plantation, you think better of it and edge out along the south road. The road here leads directly up to the house – to some sort of carriage port.

To the right of the garage is the main estate itself. You can see several windows looking into the fine dining room and the living room from here, as well as a couple into what appears to be a guest room.

The mansion is three stories tall. On the other side there is the field full of singing unicorn laborers.

456803

>>456796
Hoof her the bag of ingredients I already gathered.
"Bring it and these to mister Smitts. He will put something together. Once you have that, head to my cabin and deliver it to mister Stein or miss Rosemary. The expenses should not be so high, it is a rather simple and harmless task."

456806

>>456803
Take the bag.
"Allright, allright, got it.
I'll try to be as fast as I can."
Glance at Spring.
"Ready when you are."

456807

>>456798
I nod to the spotter.
"You've got the best eyes. See any guards?"

456810

>>456806
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be, I guess. Just have to pick up Summer…"

456811

>>456798
>>456807
Stay beside tony

456812

>>456806
>>456810
"Excellent. Good hunting to the both of you."

456814

>>456810
"Eh, we can go without her.
Make sure she won't get swallowed by a squid or something."

456817

>>456807
"Quite a few… I see regular patrols near the front… up in the living room, too. That pony at the piano definitely isn't a family member, either. I'd say we have three options: go up long the left side of the house through the carriage port and try to go along the pool, go down the right side and stick to the trees, or through the windows of the guest room.

Remember, we can't just fight them outright: they'll lock this place down."

456818

>>456798
I probably have my snake with me, Monty will surely be helpful on this stealth mission.
"Do you think we can pop open a window, or.."

456820

>>456814
"I'm not leaving her alone without anypony to watch over her. This town is too dangerous!"
Go collect Summer, put her on my back and rejoin you.

456821

I was in the library. If Felfire's still there. Idly poking through fiction until she was done, since I'm not much help at anything.

456822

>>456818
"We could pop open a window… it'll be locked, though, and smashing one will make a lot of noise."

456823

>>456821
>>456664
You two regroup on floor one. The last librarian is patrolling here.

456825

>>456820
Fine, let's head to that lake then.

456828

>>456817
>>456818
"How about we go through the trees and stick in."
I then look at the spotter.
"Also spotter, are there diamond dog workers in the plant that you see? Perhaps we can disguise ourselves."

456830

>>456817
"I think the guest room might be our best option."

456832

>>456823
Grand.
I'll help Felfire look, then. '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

456834

>>456820
Fine, let's head to that lake then, just let's do it.

456840

>>456823
Very well.
Go find her.
Use the shadows and curry to blindside her from all angles!
SHE'S MIIIIINE!
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

456841

>>456825
You head out to the sheep lake and find a large number of shacks lazily built around it. There are sheep casting lines and nets into the lake.

>>456828
"None at all. Very explicitly so, too. A lot of ponies won't hire diamond dogs around here – and they definitely won't enslave dogs."

>>456830
"I don't see anyone in there now… but there are patrols."

>>456832
But you can see her.

456842

>>456840
You tackle the remaining librarian.

"…Can I help you?"

456847

>>456841
>>456830
I nod "Aye, guest room it be then."

456848

>>456841
Any ponies near the lake's shore?

456850

>>456842
"We needed your help for something!"

456856

>>456841
So Happy Puzzle still hasn't returned yet… Damn. I still have to go visit Usher, but I need Curry and Mera as well…
Arg. Let's just… go check on Glory.
"Miss Skylight, mister Sitar, please wait for me outside the Abbey."

456858

>>456841
>>456847
I nod with Sateo.
I look at Tony
"Anything you can do to make us invisible or something?"

456860

>>456847
You slowly creep up to the house. Roll.

>>456856
They nod.

>>456850
Happy Puzzle taps you on the shoulder. "Light Heart needs YOU!"

The librarian groans. "What do you need?"

456861

>>456842
"Yes! Teleportation array! Downstairs! Everyone!"
Now, and only now, I can get the shadows off her.

456862

>>456860
Head back inside Glory's room and see how she's faring.

456864

>>456860
I'll turn to look at the catsuited mare.
"Huh? But I'm helping Feflire with something. What does she need help with that needs me?"
>>456861
And I'll start trailing behind the others.

456866

>>456858
"No, I'm not a sorcerer. We'll have to do this the old-fashioned way."
Creep with Sateo '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

456867

456868

>>456860
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

456869

>>456866
>>456860
I just gulp and stay low, even crawl and stealth
>rng pls
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

456872

>>456864
Raise a brow at the newcomer.
"Who is she?"

456873

>>456872
"She's one of Light Heart's new associates. I don't think we were ever introduced, though."

456876

>>456861
"Well, I'm a little too busy for that I'm afraid. I'd only be able to do that if I had finished running my errand I was about to go on – I needed to pick up my copy of Discerning the Transmundane from the restoration shop down on Elm Street."

>>456848
There are no ponies here at all other than yourselves. Only sheep.

>>456862
You go visit Glory, who has fallen asleep.

>>456864
"Something about her house, I think? Anyway, you gotta come with me."

Though… if you leave her, Felfire will have to endure the frozen north all alone… the dangerous wilds… and the toxic, explosive fungi.

>>456868
>>456866
The two of you quickly make it to the window with the lookout. "It's clear. Locksmith?"

He nods at Tony.

>>456869
A pony staring out a window spots Chip immediately and disappears quickly. Uh oh.

456878

>>456876
Work that lock '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

456879

>>456876
Uh better not follow Tony and Sateo and make my way back.

456880

>>456876
Ah… bless her. I wont wake the poor thing. Just watch over her for a moment, then take my leave again.

456883

>>456876
Oh!
Well, land beside one of them.
"Hey there.
Had any squid problems recently?"

456884

>>456876
stay quiet and watch him work

456885

>>456876
Fervy, would you?

"Give the money to this shadow."

Seance on him.

456887

>>456883
Follow after her.

456893

>>456876
"How urgent is it? Because I promised to help Felfire with her stuff, and I don't want to abandon her now."

456903

>>456879
You retreat to the bushes as a few ponies stream out the front door and start searching the grounds.

>>456878
You try to jimmy it but keep hitting the ward and letting triggers come loose.

"Come on, come on!"

>>456883
A sheep gives you a bored look.

"De squid die easy enough. Only da sick come so close ta da surface. Dey live in da deep where dere is pressure."

>>456885
She shakes her head. "I've already paid for it, it just needs to be picked up."

He nods.

>>456893
"It seemed pretty urgent. She's been running around all morning!"

456905

>>456903
"Tell him your name and how to get there. I can assure you he's fast."
Grin.

456907

>>456903
Damn.
"Do you know of any ways how to lure them up? The healthy ones?"

456910

>>456903
Gotta lockpick fast '1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

456913

>>456907
"Food maybe? Maybe Mera could have helped here…"

456915

>>456903
I'll fidget a little.
>>456905
"Hey, Felfire, how long do you think it'll be until you try the teleporter?"

456916

>>456905
"Merry Carriage."

He zips off.

Waiting game.

>>456907
He gestures at the lake. "Does dis lake look deep enough for giant squid? Go ask da fishers dat fish da sea, up north of da village."

>>456910
It only takes you a second more and you flick it open, and hurdle inside.

"Go, go, go! Get in, they're looking for us!"

456917

>>456915
Shrug.
"No idea.
And no idea how long it will take to come back.
You want to go that bad, go."

456921

>>456917
"But… but I promised I'd help you, and I don't want to just let you go alone…"
I'll dither a minute.
"If I could just be in two places at once, we wouldn't have a problem…"

456922

>>456916
get inside.

456926

>>456916
"I don't need them to be giant.
I was told I'd find them in this lake."

>>456913
"Mera as squid food? Could work."

456927

>>456916
I'm inside, what does it look like?

456929

>>456903
Just retreat further and make sure to watch them out. Also wait if I can see Sateo and the others are coming out.

456930

>>456926
I roll my eyes.
"You know what I mean."

456933

>>456916
I go looking for Felfire.

456937

>>456930
"Think you can find her quick."

456939

>>456916
"Soooo…
Hey! I've heard of that book before!"
>>456921
"Oh I could cleave you in half if that's what you want."
Roll my eyes.

456942

456945

>>456937
"I don't know… she could be anywhere."

456946

>>456939
I'll frown a little.
"If it were only that easy."
I'll pace back and forth a little.
"I really don't want you going alone into some unknown frozen wasteland. Friends don't abandon each other. I know you've got Fervored, but you'd still be going mostly alone…"
Continue pacing.
"But I owe Light Heart a lot… Do you think if I really hurry, I might make it back before you leave?"

456948

>>456945
"On the ships? Aren't you friends and stuff?"

456951

>>456948
"Yes, but she tends to go swim and explore during the day!"

456952

>>456933
You wander a while and find her in the lobby of the library.

>>456922
>>456927
You quickly jump the window and roll out onto the large guest bed. It's queen sized. This room is rather small, but there are three doors. Two on your left, one on your right. Better be very careful from here on out.

>>456926
"You'd have better luck finding squid at sea, but if you insist, try the deepest part."

>>456929
You fall back, and the front lawn is thoroughly searched by guard pones.

>>456939
"Have you?"

456953

>>456939
"What doing?"

456955

>>456946
Frown and look at him in slight disbelief.
"Just go already! Shoo!"
>>456952
"Can't quite remember where… Maybe I saw it on a shelf…"
>>456953
"Going North. Looking for something."

456956

>>456955
"It's possible. It's a popular magic book."

456958

>>456952
three doors? is there a vent or something connecting the rooms, or can I hear anything behind the doors? '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

456959

>>456958
I'll wait for the result of this.

456960

>>456952
Stay on the front lawn and wait for the others. If the guards appears to be nearing, retreat further

456962

>>456955
"Sorry if I don't make it back in time."
Alright, now where's that mare in a catsuit? Should still be there right? Since she never told me where Light Heart is?

456963

>>456956
"Learning magic, uh?"
Scratch the back of my head.

456966

>>456955
"Looking for what?"

>>456962
"Why you still small? What you wear?"
I pick you up and look you over.

456967

>>456958
You press an ear up against the second door on the left, and realize it opens out. You roll out into the foyer, right as a few guards are patrolling into the room.

Your lookout bolts through the third door. "Get out!"

>>456960
Noted.

>>456962
Yep. She leads you back to a road, then stops. "Well, she was here before… maybe she got fed up waiting?"

>>456963
"It's an introduction to scrying."

456970

>>456967
I'm going to bolt with the lookout '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

456971

>>456967
follow that look out!

456972

>>456967
"Oh. Seer. Well that's interesting. I have a friend who can do that."
Sit down somewhere.
"Or at least, I think he can, because he always knows what will happen.
Being dead didn't help his psyche though, so he just shouts riddles."

456973

>>456966
I'll flail a little at the sudden lifting.
"I'm small because I'm still helping Abilio with an experiment. And these are clothes. Ridiculous clothes, but not wearing them is apparently rude."
>>456967
"Well, you did say she was running around a lot."
I'll think.
"Hey, I don't think I ever got your name. I'm Curry."
I'll offer her a hoof.

456974

>>456970
You do a faceplant in the bed, and go helpless as a few guards engage you in combat, calling for others!

>>456971
You flee with the lookout into the guest bathroom. He smashes the window with a paw and dives out.

>>456973
She shakes it with vigor.

"Happy Puzzle!"

456976

>>456974
Oh for fuck's sake.
I'll go find them myself then.

Roll #1 9 = 9

456977

>>456974
Get up. '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

456978

>>456976
You return and find Happy Puzzle cheerfully waiting with Curry where you dispatched her.

>>456977
You roll to your feet, and a couple more guards join the melee.

456980

>>456974
..but where is Tony? go back and grab him '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

456981

456983

>>456973
Are you with Felfire?

>>456981
>>456966

456984

>>456967
>>456970
Shit help the others stand up and escape
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

456985

>>456978
"Ah, mister Curry, you have decided to show up at last. Excellent. I need your aid in a personal and extremely urgent matter."

456986

>>456974
"Nice to meet you!"
>>456983
I was. We can just sort of split time for half a second.

456988

>>456966
"A mushroom.
Ingredient for a spell. Must be somewhere out in the wilds."

456990

>>456985
"Sure thing. What do you need me to do?"

456991

>>456978
I throw that smoke bomb against the ground '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

456995

>>456990
"Time is a luxury I cannot afford at this time, so I will try to keep this explanation brief. As you are aware, I lived with my family here in Dixie until I left them over a decade ago. Unfortunately, my sister, my parents, my brother-in-law have all found their demise during that time. They were murdered and I intend to find out why and by whom exactly."

456996

>>456995
Well, that's sobering.
"Alright, so what do you need me to do? Ask around?"

456998

>>456986
I start tossing you into the air and catching you.
"Magic that makes small. Magic that steals penis. World is strange. Seekkill miss island."

>>456988
"We go looking now?"

457003

We need to pull him out, where is tony? '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

457006

>>456998
"You want to come? Sure. I could use the help. It's gonna be cold over there though."

457008

>>456998
In another circumstance, I probably would be enjoying this. As it is, and regarding who is tossing me, that may be less than enjoyable.
"Right. Very strange."

457009

>>456996
I shake my head.
"I have been collecting clues myself, but I need you and miss Mera for a specific task. My family home, the house of Belle, was burned down by a group calling themselves the Loyalists. Unfortunately, It sank away in a lake of sorts. I need miss Mera to visit it and search for clues, any clues, that could help me."

457011

>>457006
"Yes. Want play catch?"

>>457008
I start tossing you from one claw to the other.
"Seekkill see new things so world not all bad."

457016

>>457009
"Isn't Mera on the boats, though? And if you needed her, why call for me? She's not that hard to find…"

457022

>>457016
"She is, as it turns out. And I need you to back her up, that is not much of me to ask you, is it? There should still be parts of the mansion that are accessible without needing to dive underwater as well."

457023

>>457011
Shake my head.
"Not gonna touch him.
Ask Magenta if she wants."

Seance Magenta.

457025

>>456952
"And that is where?
And what do they eat?
Give me a clue here!"

457028

>>456980
You try to pull him out but get knocked to the ground by angry earth pone guards.

>>456972
"… I see."

>>456984
You're not near them, so you use the commotion as cover to quickly cover ground and sneak up the right side of the house to regroup with the lookout.

>>456986
"You too!"

>>456991
You lob it wide, and they pound you into submission.

>>457003
You already took an action.

>>457023
"Yeaaaaah alright, but I want to get to some aaaaaaction."

457033

>>457028
"Shit they're caught."I told the lookout

457034

457035

>>457011
"You know, even at this size I could probably still take you. That'll have to wait for when we're back on the boat, though. And seeing new things is good."
>>457022
"Not at all. I'll go find her, then. Where's the Belle mansion, by the way?"

457036

>>457028
Submission?
I'm not helpless right?
Get up otherwise use Invent Self to turn into something good. '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

457038

>>457028
"Ma-jen-ta. Want play catch?"

>>457035
"Take where?"
I fly up into the air and stat tossing you around up there.

457040

>>457028
I was talking about playing catch with Curry, telling Seekkill to ask Magenta if she wanted to.
"At least he is a good bard."
Still no Fervy in sight?

457045

>>457035
[Insert directions here]
"Any more questions? Be thorough, this is… something rather personal."

457049

>>457038
"It was a figure of speech. I meant that I could still probably beat you in a fight."
>>457045
"Not at the moment, but there will be a few once we're done here, miss Belle."
And off to the boats to find Mera.

457050

>>457028
I have no idea.. just try to get us out then. '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

457051

>>457025
"Dey'll eat anything they can catch. Shrimp. Clams. Fish. Sharks. Whales. Unfortunate ponies."

>>457033
"Shh! Stay low… we can still get them out if we keep our cool."

>>457036
Right.

And you do! You turn into a Rhino for six seconds and knock them back.

>>457040
Finally he returns.

She was too scared. Finally I got it.

>>457049
You locate her on the shores.

457052

>>457049
I chuckle.
"I do not doubt it. Thank you, mister Curry. Do be careful please."

Now…
>>457051
Usher. I was given his address, so I'll go visit him.

457053

>>457050
You fail to get to your paws. And you need to! Guards are piling in.

457054

>>457051
I nod at this and keep a look out

457055

>>457049
"Seekkill not think so."
I start tossing you around and flying over to where you will be and catching you.

>>457051
>>457053
"Ma-jen-ta. Want play catch?"

457056

>>457051
"I don't suppose you have any fish you don't want to use I could use as bait?"

457057

>>457052
You head down to his little place on… Elm or Dove? Wherever.

457058

>>457055
"Okay. Do it."

>>457056
"If you got da coin."

457059

>>457057
It was in the last thread somewhere, I forgot.
Anyway, knock on the door.

457060

>>457051
"Hey Mera! Light Heart needs our help with something. Feel like exploring a sunken underwater mansion?"
>>457055
"The size of the body matters little to the size of the spirit."
>>457058
Oh boy.

457061

>>457051
Roar and charge, stomping everyone off Sateo.
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

457062

>>457058
I toss Curry at the shadow.

>>457060
"Size of body not matter much."

457064

>>457053
'1d10+1' well i have misogi so I can get up.

Roll #1 4 + 1 = 5

457067

>>457058
Turn to Spring.
"Okay, we're finding Mera instead."

To the ships we go.

457068

>>457059
"Yes?"

A female voice. Elderly.

>>457061
You charge, but they hold you at bay with spears until it wears off and then they start stabbing relentlessly!

You need to escape!

[Living Paradox triggers]

5/5H, 0/5W

>>457064
Right. Do remember to apply that bonus! I'll let you get up this time, but please remember to apply it or I will forget.

You're up. Gogogo!

5/5H, 4/5W

>>457062
She catches and returns.

457070

>>457056
>>457067
I nod.
"We really could use her help here. This sounds hard."

457073

>>457067
You find Curry with her on the beach

457074

>>457068
"Good morning miss. I am here to visit mister Usher. I need to speak to him urgently."

457076

>>457068
I catch him again and toss him from a new angle.
"Seekkill would do this with angry filly, but she has guns."

457077

>>457068
Well Sateo looks like he can handle himself.
Escape through the window '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

457079

>>457068
"Come on, Come on!" I encourage Tony as I run back toward that window. '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

457081

>>457068
"Hey, Mera, we need a squidbait for Light Heart, and quick."

457084

>>457068
Can I see them?

457087

>>457076
"And I have magic!"
Can I use TK to at least stop myself from being tossed hither and thither. '1d10'
>>457081
"If she needed squids, then why would she be telling me to get Mera to help swim around her sunken mansion?"

Roll #1 7 = 7

457090

>>457087
"Oh for…"
Show the bag of stuff.
"She needs these, and the heart of a squid that is frozen before it surfaces."

457096

>>457084
Yes, they're back in the room. But the Lookout taps you. "Draw their attention. Head north, and meet at the stairs."

>>457081
"…What?"

>>457079
>>457077
The two of you get battered and bruised in the worst way. This just isn't your day, is it?

Sateo: 0/5H, 3/5W
Tony: 2/5H, 0/5W

>>457074
"Mister Usher isn't feeling well, I'm afraid… He never is."

>>457087
Yes. You push Seekkill off and grab a shelf to slide down.

457097

>>457096
Nope.
Can I get out now pls? '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

457098

>>457090
"Well, she didn't tell me that when she asked me to find Mera. So, sorry, but I'd rather do what she asked instead of letting you use Mera as bait."

457099

>>457096
"So I have heard. My name is Liberty Belle and I am looking for answers. I believe mister Usher, a friend of my family, could enlighten me."

457100

>>457096
"Lake.
Squids.
Squid hearts.
Light Heart needs it, but they are at the bottom of the lake.
I can't shoot them until they come up."

457103

>>457051
Poor thing.

Chuckle.
Nod towards the girl.

Go on, give it to her.

457105

>>457098
"… What about after that? Could you help once you're done?"

457106

>>457096
Now that the game is over, I land.

>>457098
"Game over?"

>>457103
"When we going?"

457107

>>457096
'1d10+1' just got to get up, get us out..

Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8

457110

>>457098
"My word means more than yours.
And she tasked me to. So you can help us, and then we can help you.
How about that, huh?"

457111

>>457106
"For now. I've got to run if I expect to help Light Heart and try and get back here in any reasonable time."
And off I scoot.
>>457105
"Sure. But Mera's not bait."

457112

>>457106
"When the librarians are ready, I guess. We are just waiting on her."

457113

>>457111
Whoa you are not going anywhere just yet.
>>457110

457116

>>457111
"Of course she's not! But she could help us a lot!"

>>457110
I nod
"We could help each other!"

457118

457120

>>457110
>>457116
I'll huff.
"I'm sorry, but it seems every time I'm expected to work together with Emrille, I either end up worse off than before, or shot. So I'd rather avoid that for one day."
I'll shake my head.
"And besides, where's Summer? I know this town is known for its hospitality, but that doesn't mean she's free to wander."

457121

>>457096
I nod at this and head north
Anything I can do to distract the guards?'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

457122

>>457120
Summer is inactive on my back.
"How are we supposed to kill a giant squid without help…"

457123

>>457112
>>457106
FF gives her the book and they go to the pentagon and begin the ritual.

"Step inside, whoever is going."

>>457097
You get skewered terribly and pass out.

Tony: UNC

>>457099
"I'm afraid he's not in the condition to enlighten anyone, but you can see him… I know the Belles."

>>457100
Heh heh heh

>>457107
You roll to your own feet, but you see Tony is out. Maybe you should come back for him later, he won't be getting up.

457125

>>457121
You charge north but few guards follow you. You spot another door from your location in the bushes.

457128

>>457123
I step inside.

457129

>>457123
Step into the pentagon with my shadows.
"Ready."

457130

>>457123
I nod.
"Thank you."
Wait for her to open up, then enter.

457131

>>457123
can't I drag his body with me? I might not be able to come back in time.. '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

457134

>>457123
Was it something I said?

>>457120
"From what I hear, you are now part of the crew, and I am an officer.
So you can consider this an order. And before you say Light Heart ordered you, she did me too. And I'd hate to tell her that I couldn't do my job because of you."

457140

>>457123
How about the pony we are to rescue, where is she?!
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

457144

>>457122
"It's not like that. Just…"
>>457134
"Light Heart told me that finding clues on who sank the Belle mansion was urgent, because the Loyalists killed her entire family in the process. So she wanted information. She said it was very urgent. How urgent are these squid hearts?"

457145

>>457128
>>457129
The world shudders and shifts… and a moment later you're in a stone room. The pentagon on this side hums with energy… you probably need to get back before it runs out.

It's not so bad here. You expected it to be colder… now where are you? Some kind of cement chamber, just a cube. But there are stairs up…

>>457131
You jerk it onto your back as the guards beat on you and you hoist it into the bathroom.

>>457140
You look in through a nearby window… you don't see here. She must be elsewhere in the house.

457152

>>457145
Let's hope it's not freezing out.
Hop up the stairs at a brisk pace.
No wait. Flutter up. I can fly again!

457153

>>457145
'1d10' if there is a window here jump out not caring about glass cuts just getting us both out.

Roll #1 1 = 1

457155

>>457144
"Fucked if I know. She sounded like she needs it.
…that does sound more important though.
Fine. Just this once.
Oh, and you better start working on your cutie mark before I start it for you."

457156

457157

>>457145
Ah damnit go inside and find her
>damnit rng
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

457158

>>457155
"Patience is a virtue."
Let's all head to the sunken mansion, then.

457159

>>457145
I go up the stairs.

457161

>>457158
Let's.

457162

>>457157
Come on!!!
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

457164

>>457152
>>457159
You open the door and the wind hits you like a brick wall. It's fucking freezing! It offends every pore of your southern skin.

Its a wasteland of frost out here… You've got to find a cave…

>>457130
It's a nicely kept place. The elderly pone leads you to the back room where a very pale earth pone is in bed, twitching. His very large, luminous eyes fix on you.

>>457157
>>457162
A guard spots you and calls for help.

>>457158
You lead the slog up to the Belle estate. All you find is a small lake there, though. A mountain lake. A tarn.

>>457153
You should care. You get caught on the glass, and the guards beat you until you also fade from consciousness.

Tony: UNC
Sateo: UNC

Hopefully Chip can get back to you and get you up… or that lookout.

457167

>>457164
WELP.
Look for one from here, don't leave the refuge of the door.
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

457168

>>457164
What the heck am I supposed to find here?
"Mera, can you see if there's anything down there?"

457169

>>457164
I try to spot one.
[1d10+3]

Roll #1 9 + 3 = 12

457170

>>457164
Hmmm…
"What ails him, exactly?"
I glance over to Skylight as well.

457171

>>457164
Shit fuck

Go and find Annabelle or whoever she is. Wherre is that harlot hiding?
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

457172

>>457158
"Virtue my…" grumble grumble.

>>457164
>>457168
"And hurry it up."

457188

>>457167
IT'S TOO COLD AND YOUR EVERY SENSE IS SCREAMING THAT THIS WAS A BAD IDEA FELFIRE.

>>457169
There's a cave… the wind is thick and harsh, though.

>>457168
"I'll take a look…"

She dives in.

>>457170
She shrugs.

And he himself speaks. "It's that house."

>>457171
The guards engage you and start to slash at you! Go hide!

Chip: 5/7H, 7/7W

457194

>>457188
I raise a brow and take a few steps closer.
"That house? The house of Belle?"

457197

>>457188
Alright let's dig underground that's what we are good at right?
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

457198

>>457188
I WISH I WAS HOME ON MY BOAT READING BOOKS!

Shield my eyes and take a step back down the stairs.
Can I see trees, at least?
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

457201

>>457188
"So now we wait until she comes back?"

457202

>>457201
"Pretty much. Unless you can breathe underwater."

457203

>>457188
>>457198
I point out the cave to you.

457204

>>457201
"I guess… how did a mansion sink into a lake like this anyway?"

457205

>>457194
"Yes… there was an atmosphere… terrible… infectious… I knew right away I could not help… but I stayed…"

>>457197
Sure, but it's really hard to dig when you're getting the shit kicked out of you.

Chip: 2/5H, 7/7W

>>457198
TREES? IT'S ALL SNOW OUT HERE! SNOW AND COLD AND DARK AND AWFUL!

YOU THINK YOU MAKE OUT A CAVE ACROSS THE WAY THOUGH.

457206

>>457204
"I left my architect hat on the ships, sorry."

>>457202
"You could try."

457207

>>457205
"… A bad atmosphere? Conflict within the family?"

457208

>>457203
"GREAT!"
Eheh… Yeaaaaah.
Because surely, I can make the distance!
>>457205
WELL LETS RUN FOR THE CAVE!
AND OH PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE WHATEVER DIVINE IS LISTENING, GUIDE ME!
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

457209

>>457205
Goddamnit fuck! Go and find a place to hide and dig out of here
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

457212

>>457205
I fly towards the cave.
[1d10]

Roll #1 8 = 8

457215

>>457204
"Light Heart said something about the loyalists doing it. Don't know how, unless they were Diamond Dogs. You've seen mister Chip, and even Sateo, dig through solid stone. With enough of them, even sinking a building shouldn't be too hard."
>>457206
I'll just ignore her for now.

457219

>>457215
"I haven't really seen any diamond dogs around here. Well, aside from the ones on the fleet."

457220

>>457207
"The air itself… the land wanted to kill us…"

>>457208
IT'S SO COLD COLD COLD COLD COLD

Seekkill drags you in.

>>457212
You drag her in.

>>457209
You leap out into the bushes. By the time they get to them, you're already ten feet deep, and you collapse the tunnel. Okay… game plan. Gotta go save Sateo and Tony. And meet the lookout at the stairs.

>>457215
Mera surfaces.

"I found… something."

457221

>>457219
>>457215
"You missed the huge statue of the diamond dog?"

457226

>>457220
I puff my feathers up a bit to try and get warmer.

>>457208
"Where we find mushroom?"

457227

>>457220
Hmmm…
"What of the Loyalists?"

457230

>>457221
"… Yes?"

>>457220
"What did you find?"

457231

>>457227
"By the end, not even words were loyal to us…"

His eyes are glassy and unfocused.

>>457226
It doesn't really help. The cold is permeating and all-consuming.

457233

>>457220
Shake away.
>>457226
"I-i-i-t-t-t-t sh-o-o-o-o-uld be he-e-e-ere…"

Give a quick gaze around for the mushroom.
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

457234

>>457220
"What is it?"

457235

>>457231
Well this may just be senseless banter… but still.
"Could you tell me what happened to your brother? Gentile?"

457236

>>457220
"What?"

>>457230
"Apparently Diamond Dogs from Novowherethefuck founded this place."

457237

>>457220
Think Chip, when is the last time I saw Sateo and Tony? Perhaps I can dig there and drag them down.
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

457240

>>457231
I look for the mushroom.
[1d10+3]

Roll #1 2 + 3 = 5

457246

>>457230
>>457234
She leaps out of the water.

"Ugh…" shaking herself. "First off, I don't ever want to go into that water again. That water was disgusting – it was black in a lot of places! I've never been in such terrible water! I had to hold my breath…"

She wipes off a pristine blade.

"This is all I could find…"

>>457233
You see a twisted up tubular mushroom on one of the walls that matches its description.

>>457235
"Gone… gone… hark! Like lightning. She bore him the ground a corpse!"

>>457237
You dig to an approximate position below them…

>>457240
Hm… you don't even know what it looks like.

457249

>>457246
Great. And where there is one, there have to be more.
Pick that one up and see if deeper into the cave there is anything.
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

457251

>>457246
"She? … Charity?"

457252

>>457246
Can I feel any movement above? Is my tremorsense at work?

457255

>>457246
Can I see any like the one Felfire just picked?
[1d10+3]

Roll #1 5 + 3 = 8

457259

>>457249
>>457255
As you reach for the mushroom, you hear a terrible roar. A large bipedal, furred creature charge you two! Roll to dodge.

>>457252
There is movement above…

>>457251
"Like a doorway."

457260

>>457246
I'll look at it curiously.
"That might just have to do… But black water? That's odd. Maybe Light Heart can shed a little light on that. Unfortunately, we don't know where to find her, so I guess we can help out with Emrille's task for now. Do you want to hold onto that, or should I?"

457261

>>457260
"Can you not-lose if?"

457264

>>457259
AERIAL DODGE!
IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I'VE DONE THIS!
'1d10+1'

Roll #1 3 + 1 = 4

457265

>>457259
I shake my head.
This makes no sense at all… damn.
"I'm sorry Usher, I'm afraid I do not understand."

457270

>>457259
I got to go and get reinforcement. discretely dig to the look outs hiding place and poke my head.
"We got to rescue the others, come and help me!"

457272

>>457259
[1d10]

Roll #1 1 = 1

457277

>>457264
Unfortunately you're out of practice and take a slash from the yeti.

Felfire: 4/5H

>>457260
"It was awful! But you can hold it if you want."

>>457265
"The bronze and the powder… the lightning came!"

>>457272
While it only takes a swing at Felfire, it leaps on you and sinks its huge tusks into you.

Seekkill: 0/5H, 4/5W

>>457270
You poke your head out in the bushes. Looks like he's moved… where could he be?

457279

>>457277
I punch it in the face until it lets me go then stand up.
[1d10]

Roll #1 6 = 6

457280

>>457277
Ugggh…. Alright go back to the area where Sateo and Tony is.

Perhaps we can make a sink hole underneath it.
Lets dig.
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

457282

>>457277
"Hmmm…"
I turn to the old lady
"How long has he been like this? Do you know anything that may help?"

457283

>>457277
I'll hold onto it.
"At least we don't have to worry about going back down there. Though maybe mister Chip, Sateo, and Tony might be able to drain it? That might take some time, though…"
>>457261
"Which way?"

457284

>>457277
Oh no it doesn't.
Shadow 1 Helps Seekkill up-
Nevermind.

Boys! Stop him!

One shadow per leg.
'2d10'

I wil jump at its head wi-
Fuck. My scythe.
I will throw a snowball at it.
'1d10'

Roll #1 5, 4 = 9 / Roll #2 10 = 10

457288

>>457283
"Forget it.
Anyway, let's go to the lake and stop wasting time.
Come on, quick."
Head there

457290

>>457279
You do so, then roll to your side and to your talons.

Seekkill: 5/5, 4/5

>>457280
You dig… and your head is drenched with water. Right. You just dug into the water main. They were in a bathroom.

>>457282
"Nothing. His mind was ruined by whatever happened."

>>457283
It's a brilliantly light rapier that is inscribed B# Blade.

>>457284
Magenta is annoyed. Boys who?

You really bloody his nose with a snowball, though, as Magenta gets slashed and Fervored has to back off.

Fel: 5/5
>M: 4/5
>FF: 5/5

>>457288
You head over to the lake.

457293

>>457290
"He seems to insist something about lightening… I wonder if it has any meaning."

457294

>>457290
Is it poisoned or will I need to attack again?

457295

>>457290
Uh. Well that was surprisingly effective.

I'm sorry Magy.
I meant friends.


Smile a bit.

ANOTHER SNOWBALL!
'1d10'

'2d10' for the shadows.

Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 9, 10 = 19

457297

>>457290
B#? Well, that's odd. A maker's mark, perhaps.
Still, feels nice to have a weapon again, even if I'm going to hoof it over to Heart.

457300

>>457290
"Okay, Mera, you go in, lure on near the surface, and I try to freeze it. Sounds good?"

457302

>>457294
That roll was to get up.

You should attack separately.

>>457293
"I can't make sense of it."

>>457295
Your shadows tear into it when you provide an opening with a snowball to the face.

>>457300
"You said I wasn't playing bait!

457303

>>457300
"How big a squid are you trying to attract?"
I'll frown.
"And I said Mera isn't bait!"

457304

>>457290
Oh I see.
Alright the trap is ready but dont spring it yet. However, ready my Cutlass and go and dig up and see if I can rescue Tony and Sateo. Cut up any guards that come and stop me.

'1d10+1'

Roll #1 1 + 1 = 2

457305

>>457302
"AHAH!"
Start laughing maniacally.

Keep going!
Snowballs!
Snowballs are so damn fun!
'1d10'

We should have done this earlier!

'2d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 6, 3 = 9

457307

>>457302
I stay back and shoot it with a poisoned dart.
[1d10]

Roll #1 1 = 1

457310

>>457302
"I lied.
Now hop in."

>>457303
"She's faster than some stupid squid, isn't she?"

457314

>>457302
"I'm afraid I can't either."
I pause for a moment and observe him.
This is very troublesome…
"Very well, perhaps I will return later. Thank you, miss."

457315

>>457310
"Probably. But she's not going to do it. She's not a part of the crew, so she doesn't have to follow your orders."

457325

>>457315
Pull out my rifle, and make sure it is loaded.
"Oh, she will do it.
Now can we stop wasting fucking time already?"

457328

>>457325
"No, she won't. I'm not letting your ego put her in harm's way. She is not bait, and that's final."

457335

>>457328
"Don't make me make the decision for her too easy.
Light needs that thing.
We need squids for that.
That is final too.
So will you stop fucking around already?"

457338

>>457335
>>457328
"What if… Mera just uses fish to bait the squid?"

457340

>>457305
FF gets scratched up, but you and Magenta score hits.

FF: 3/5

>>457307
You try to, but it smashes you against a wall painfully.

Seekkilll: 0/5, 3/5

>>457314
"Of course, Miss Belle."

>>457325
She sticks her tongue out at you. "Stop being a little Tartarian."

457342

>>457335
"What 'thing'? I still don't know what this 'thing' is!"
>>457338
"Or this. Why didn't you just do that?"

457345

>>457340
Fervy tries to help Seekkill up.
'1d10'
I keep throwing snowballs with stones inside.
'1d10'
Magenta rips and tears.
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5 / Roll #2 1 = 1 / Roll #3 6 = 6

457346

>>457340
I try to get up again.

457347

>>457340
"Thank you for your work on caring for him."
Bow slightly and take my leave…
Damn, now what? I should probably go see if Glory is awake again. My followers should wait outside for me.

457349

>>457346
[1d10]

Roll #1 6 = 6

457350

>>457342
>>457338
"As long as she fucking does it, and all of you will stop being a fucking nuisance who cannot comply to a simple fucking order, it is fine.
Damn, why must all of you whine all the fucking time?"

>>457342
"The heart of a squid frozen before it is surfaced."

>>457340
"Then start doing what you have to!"

457354

>>457350
"You could at least explain why she needs it!"
I'll snort.
"And how are you going to freeze it if you can't shoot it underwater?"

457357

>>457345
FF can't close the distance to help Seekkill up, and Magenta scores a hit, but as you attempt to pack rocks into your snowballs, the Yeti slams you against the wall of the cave, causing icicles to shatter and a booming reverberation.

>>457349
You roll to your talons again.

>>457347
She's awake now.

"Oh… you're back…"

She seems genuinely pleased.

>>457350
"Before it surfaces… you said you wanted me to lead it to the surface!"

457358

>>457357
I smile and walk up to her bed, sitting down next to her.
"Yes… I'm back. Are you feeling well, dear niece? I wanted to ask a few more things…"

457359

>>457354
"I can shoot underwater, but it needs to be close, because water slows down the bullet and messes with accuracy."

>>457357
Roll my eyes.
"Near the surface, not the actual surface."

457360

457361

>>457359
"Okay, and how are you going to freeze the heart if the whole rest of the squid is in the way?"

457362

>>457358
"What?"

>>457359
"Are you sure it wasn't important that it stays somewhere deep…?"

>>457304
You dig further into the water main and drench yourself and causing the tunnel to collapse on you painfully.

457363

>>457357
"Ah!"
Oh god kick it away!
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

457364

>>457363
SHADOWS HELP ME!
'2d10'

Roll #1 9, 1 = 10

457365

>>457362
"Do you… remember Usher?"

457366

>>457365
"Uncle Usher, sure…"

457369

>>457362
Argh damn.
Try to stand up and continue to dig to see if Tony and Sateo are here in the bathroom
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

457370

>>457366
"When did you last see him? Do you know where he ended up?"

457373

>>457363
>>457364
You get yourself bruised up in your struggle, and Fervored gets smashed, dismissing him and closing your shadow.

Felfire: 0/5, 2/5w
>Magenta: 4/5

>>457369
You dig up, and finally spot the two… just got to wake them up and get them to safety.

457376

>>457373
I Touch of Life the yeti and give the wounds to Felfire.

457378

>>457361
"I'll freeze it all."

>>457362
"Light Heart only told me the heart needs to be frozen before it surfaces. That was all."

457380

>>457376
[1d10]

Roll #1 4 = 4

457381

457384

>>457373
But there was a nine in there!
Alright, let's try to get up again!
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

457385

>>457373
M-magenta pls…

Roll #1 10 = 10

457386

>>457373
Shake them up.
"Hey you two! Wake up, no time for dozing off.!"

457388

>>457378
Bah.
"Mera, do you want to help? Otherwise I'm pretty sure we can rig something up with a rope."

457391

>>457378
"Okay…"

>>457384
You know, that was an order of application bad for me.

You should be up, I'll take that as another attack from you instead, and Magenta crit attacks, causing the Yeti to collapse, dead.

>>457380
You don't manage to get the flow of life.

>>457386
Sateo: 5/5H, 1/5W
Tony: 5/5H, 1/5W

Better move out.

>>457388
"I can do it…"

She flits down and resurfaces with a couple fish. "I don't see squid here, though. Maybe we should try the sea that's feeding it…"

457393

457394

>>457391
"Fine, but no more complaints after that."
Let's go to that fucking sea already then.
Ugh

457396

>>457370
"I don't know… before the incident? They said he's sick now…"

457397

>>457391
"Thanks."
Time to get the fuck out of here.

457400

>>457396
"I see… what of your brother? Chivalry? They say he disappeared years ago. Why?"

457401

>>457391
"AHAHAH!"
Keep laughing like a maniac.
"THIS WAS GREAT!"

Now raise Fervored in the yeti's shadow.

"Seekkill, are you alright?"
Walk over to the bird.

457402

>>457397
>>457391
I look at him.
"Where's Broomhilda?"

457405

>>457385
"Good fight. Now eat while body hot."

>>457391
I dig into the yeti's corpse.

457407

>>457402
"I don't have any idea, but we're not going to find her while this whole house is in full alert."

457408

>>457394
You head out to the seaside.

>>457397
You carefully retreat by tunnel away from the estate. Hopefully next time you'll have more luck. If only you had Stealth!

>>457400
"I wish I knew… he seemed stressed out before he disappeared, but he wouldn't talk to me about it."

>>457402
The Lookout remarks, "She must be on floor three. Let's retreat for now."

>>457405
It tastes good: yeah, yeah, yeah. It's not bad: no, no, no.

457409

>>457408
#Pause

So tired…

457412

>>457405
Poke the yeti with a hoof.
"I… Don't think I could ever eat raw meat…"

457415

>>457408
>>457409
I keep on eating.
Thanks for running.

>>457412
"Felfire rather freeze? Meat warm."

457420

>>457408
"Odd…"
I sigh
"Rest assured that I'm working hard to figure this whole matter out, my good niece. It is proving to be rather hard however. I seem to be missing so much information. I have sent ponies out to investigate the house of Belle already."

457422

>>457415
"No, I usually heat cooked…"
Keep running my hoof up and down the meat.
Not like I can cut it with anything.

457423

>>457422
>heat
eat.

457427

>>457422
I give you my knife.

457428

>>457407
>>457408
I just grit my teeth.
"Alright, I dug a hole leading outside, lets get out of here."

457429

>>457427
Sigh and take the knife, cutting out a piece of yeti.
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

457431

>>457429
Good enough?
Size up the meat.

"So… How does it taste?"

457443

>>457431
"Warm."

457450

>>457443
Drop it.
Wipe my hooves on…
The snow, I guess.
Shake my head looking down, talking to myself.
"No. No. Not gonna happen.
I can't… Eat that. Not warm."

457455

>>457450
I shrug.
"Seekkill not paying for your res-ur-ection if you freeze."

457459

>>457455
Chuckle.
"Oh s-shut up y-y-y-ou."
Yeah, it's cold out here.
"I'd-d-d-d ress-sss you!"

457469

>>457459
I pull you close and tuck you under a warm wing while I keep eating.
"Seekkill not want you die, but Seekkill not paying if you die for turning down meal."

457514

>>457469
"Hey!"
Stand very still for a second.
"S-s-sekkill. I have p-p-problems t-t-touching living…"
Shut my eyes.

457516

>>457514
"You have bigger problems freezing. When Seekkill chick he have problems eating meat. Seekkill keep eating until problems go away."
I continue to rip into the body when I'm not eating.

457526

457529

>>457516
"NHhhhggghhh!"
Shut down everything and stand still, beneath Seekkill's wing.
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

457533

>>457529
Eh.
Nope.
I scream and roll out of there.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!"

457538

>>457529
>>457533
I shrug and keep eating.

457693

>>457420
"I haven't seen it since what happened…"

457697

>>457693
Okay.
After the embarassing moment of wetting myself in the snow, let's see if there are other mushrooms.
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

457698

457699

>>457693
Right. So. We're seaside.
"I'd go down there with you if I could, Mera."

457700

>>457693
"Where were you at the time?"

457703

>>457693
Am I away from the mansion yet?

457704

>>457698
>>457697
Wetting yourself? Who are you, epona?

You don't spot any other growths in the vicinity.

>>457699
"Alright…"

She dives down below. '1d10'

>>457700
"At the Nylis Library… the one near the seaside."

Roll #1 8 = 8

457705

>>457408
>>457699
"In you go."
Flutter up above the sea.

457707

457708

>>457704
>>457705
She shoots out above the surface a minute or two later and tentacles burst free from the surface and lash out at the group!

457709

>>457707
If I have time, I'll pass by Itztli again, it's time to pick ut Stealth again.

457710

>>457708
Alright, let's see if my Improved TK can keep it immobile. '1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

457712

>>457428
>>457703
>>457704
>>457709
I look at Tony.
"Now that the place is riled up, do you think there's a chance to get in?"

457717

>>457704
"I imagine that cannot have been easy on your heart, hence why you are here."
I pet her mane a little.
"Know that justice will be served for this. Perhaps not today or even tomorrow, but it will be served."

457718

>>457704
The universe has a way to get back at you for stuff like that.

Next, lets use HftF on the yeti's corpse.
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

457720

>>457708
Okay, aim at the base of the tentacles.
AKA the Squid.
Frost Shot.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10

457721

>>457712
"We'll wait for a bit.
It will calm down again.
They don't know why we were there.
For all they know, we were just a bunch of common thieves they scared away."

457723

>>457708
I shriek and try to help Curry with containing the beast.

Roll #1 7 = 7

457727

>>457704
Are there any more mushrooms?
[1d10+3]

Roll #1 2 + 3 = 5

457732

>>457709
You locate Itztli at the fountain as promised.

"YOU ARRIVE SOONER THAN EXPECTED."

>>457710
You hold a couple of tentacles in place.

>>457717
"I don't know if it will bring me peace…"

>>457718
You stitch the pieces that remain back together.

>>457720
You blast it and turn it into a popsicle!

>>457723
You help restrain it.

>>457727
You can't spot any, but it may be the extreme cold clouding your judgment. After all, even out of the direct path of the wind, there is clearly a blizzard raging outside. The cold has a way of sliding between your feathers and chilling your very bones.

457734

>>457712
>>457721
I nod at this.

457736

>>457732
Good.
Raise it.
'1d10'
If successful, go and explore deeper down the cave with it.

Roll #1 7 = 7

457737

>>457732
"You will need to find peace with things eventually."
I look down.
"… I will leave Dixie tonight again."

457739

>>457732
Aw shit.
"I do. Is it time already for the big caper? Because I also seem to be needed to kidnap some girl from a mansion."

457740

>>457732
Maintain that.
"Did that do it?"

457741

>>457732
>>457736
I follow her deeper.
"How much longer we staying? Why Felfire not say it be cold?"

457742

>>457732
Keep trying to restrain it!
"How do we keep it underwater!?"

Roll #1 8 = 8

457744

>>457732
>>457742
>>457740
"I think it did! Now somepony cut out the frozen heart!"

457746

>>457741
Rattle my teeth.
"I c-c-can res-s-s-ist.. J-j-j-just a f-f-f-ew more…"

457748

>>457746
"Okay."

457750

>>457744
"You're the one with wings!"

457753

>>457750
"Do I look like I have shit to cut it out on me?"

457754

>>457736
You travel deeper into the cave and come to a fork.

>>457736
>>457746
You have accrued one layer of Hypothermia.

-1 all rolls.

1 frost damage assigned.

Felfire: 1/5w
Seekkill: 2/5w

Also, the teleportation array is likely low on power…

>>457737
"So soon?"

>>457739
"THERE IS TIME YET TAKE CARE OF YOUR ENGAGEMENT."

457756

>>457754
Well fuck.
I didn't come all the way here to die of hypotermia without even getting my mushroom.
'1d10-1' to check the left passage, '1d10' for Fervy to check the right one.

Roll #1 6 - 1 = 5 / Roll #2 10 = 10

457757

>>457754
"That's what I'm here to discuss.
I feel my more sneaky self might be better for this one."

457759

>>457754
I nod.
"Yes… The ship I came here with will move on again, I'm afraid. I truly wish I could stay here by your side for a while longer, but I cannot. I… will return however. I wont wait another decade this time. And I will find a way to help you with your heart. That is a promise."

457760

>>457753
"Do I look like…"
I'll remember the knife.
"Oh yeah, I do. Hey Mera! I think we can eat the rest so long as Emrille gets the heart! Grab the blade here while Spring and I keep if from sinking!"

457765

>>457760
"Eat it?"
Make a gagging motion with my hoof.
"Anyway, just get it while it's still frozen!"

457768

>>457754
I stomp my legs and shiver.

457769

>>457756
You start down the left passage but collapse from the cold. Your vision starts to lose focus, and you feel like with each breath, the last of your warmth has abandoned you.

Fervored pulls you to your hooves. He has a few more growths of mushrooms with him.

>>457757
"I CAN ONLY RESTORE YOUR POTENTIALITY."

>>457759
She sighs and is quiet for a while.

"…Alright."

>>457760
>>457765
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

457771

>>457765
"Hey, you have obviously never had cooked squid before! It's really good, especially if you serve it with its own ink!"

457772

>>457769
Mera takes the knife but doesn't know where to cut.

"Uhh…"

…The Squid is thawing!

457773

>>457769
"…so I'll have to learn how to be sneaky, all over again?"

457774

>>457769
I love him…
Use the yeti to bring me and Seekkill back out of here.
Lets leave this place.
Yeti should be able to walk without problems in the blizzard, right?
And kiss Fervy. '1d10+1'

Roll #1 9 + 1 = 10

457776

>>457769
"I doubt you would want to come along, Glory. Now… I never asked… When I left, you had yet to earn your cutie mark. What did end up being?"

457777

>>457772
Do squids even have hearts?
"Hey, Emrille! You should probably shoot it again!"

457778

>>457772
"Fuck!"
'1d10+2'

>>457777
"No shit!"

Roll #1 9 + 2 = 11

457780

>>457769
>>457774
I let the yeti carry me.

457781

>>457777
"They should have, cephalopods are not much different from fish to my knowledge."

457783

>>457781
Err, didn't mean to put quotes

457790

>>457773
"YES."

>>457774
You can't tell if you're seeing fireworks because your brain isn't getting enough oxygen or because it's a great kiss.

…But you won't forget it soon.

In any case, you'll still have to cross the storm to get back to that building.

>>457776
She slides the sheets down. There's a flag on a pole.

>>457778
The frost spreads back over the squid. '1d10'

>>457780
Fiiiiine. The yeti corpse drags the two of you back to the structure.

Back inside it feels a lot warmer after you shut the door. The circle has nearly depleted… if you don't enter it soon, you'll be trapped in the frozen north!

Roll #1 9 = 9

457791

>>457790
Mera cuts in and extracts the heart.

457792

>>457790
"Hmmmm… how did you earn it?"

457793

>>457790
"…meh…how hard can it be?"
Kneel
"Warp me up again."
Drop Sleight of Hand.

457794

>>457790
But the yeti!
It should carry us both without problems!

H-here I go…
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

457795

>>457790
>>457791
"Good work, Mera!"
Now, let's drag that frozen carcass over onto the beach. '1d10' With Telekinesis.

Roll #1 3 = 3

457796

>>457790
Into the circle I go.

457797

>>457790
>>457794
Wait scratch that, I missed the 'you make it' part.
Lets step into the circle with my yeti.

457798

>>457790
>>457795
Help him.
"Do you really want to eat this thing?"

Roll #1 5 = 5

457800

>>457791
>>457790
"Only bring it up if it's frozen! And give ti to me!"
Flutter down to the edge of water.

457805

>>457792
"Um… that complicated to answer. In short, research on catalysts."

>>457793
He touches you and you feel your potentiality shift.

>>457794
>>457796
You step in and find yourself back in the empty basement.

…Whew. The hot autumn day in Dixie is a welcome change from a raging ice storm.

>>457795
>>457798
You lose concentration and it sinks under the waves.

>>457800
She passes you the frozen heart.

457807

>>457798
"Cooked properly? It's actually quite tasty."
>>457805
Ah, no, really?
"Damnation! There it goes…"

457808

>>457805
"Oh?"
I smile slightly.
"That must be quite the interesting field of study. I'm glad to hear you've found such a nice place in the world."

457809

>>457805
Aaaah~
I could just pass out now.
Try to avoid that though.
'1d10'
"T-thanks…"

Roll #1 2 = 2

457810

>>457805
Right.
"Thanks. I'll be back soon for Discords will."

Now, do I remember anyone who is sneaky, or do I see anyone around here '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

457812

>>457807
>>457805
"Thanks. I'm off to Smitts. I'll meet up with you once this done. Gotta' go fast now!"
Quick! To the cabin of Smitts!

457813

>>457805
What a shame.
Not really.

>>457807
"Fishfood."

457814

>>457810
So what shall we do next?

457815

>>457814
I'm getting Stealth, somewhere.
Don't know what you'll do in the meantime.

457816

>>457812
"Wait, wasn't that for Light Heart?"
>>457813
"No helping it, I suppose. Still we should probably look for Light Heart."

457818

>>457816
I nod.
"We should, yes."

457820

>>457808
"Yes… I was doing work for the lieutenant governor before the attack…"

>>457809
Zzzzzz

>>457810
Remember that guy who told you he could teach you to master shadows?

>>457812
You run down to the cabin. Smitts lets you in and examines the heart.

"The air bubbles in this blood are not pressurized. It must have been killed near the surface."

457821

>>457820
I guess what happens depends of Fervy then.
Does he wake me up, take me back to the ship, find someplace else?

457823

>>457820
"What kind of work, if you do not mind me asking?"

457824

>>457820
"You've got to be shitting me… how else are we going to freeze a squid?"

457826

>>457818
>>457820
Going to look for Light Heart. '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

457827

>>457820
Right, he was pretty edgy.
Is he still with the Count? Go there then.

457828

457831

>>457823
Before she can answer, a pony knocks on the door. Two members of the Fraternal Order of the Olive are stranding in the doorway.

"Recovering well, Glory Belle?"

"Ah… yes."

"Good. The Lieutenant Governor has asked us to provide you with extra security so that you don't feel endangered."

"Oh, thank you…"

>>457824
"The heart isn't even important. It could've been a lung or a fish. The blood system maintains the higher pressure longer, which makes it easier to succeed."

>>457826
You hear she is at the abbey on the edge of town.

>>457827
The Knave? He was your lookout, remember?

457834

>>457831
He was our lookout? I don't even remember.
I'm too tired for this. I'll go to bed. Sorry my fellow Dogs.

457835

>>457831
So…
What happens now?

457836

>>457831
To the abbey.

457837

>>457831
"For what exactly? And are you sure this one isn't good?"

457840

>>457831
Anything I can do while waiting for tony?

457841

>>457831
I raise a brow.
I don't like any of this… no sir.
Get up anyway.
"I will be back later, dearest niece. Stay strong."
Take my leave and head outside.

457842

>>457837
"For a very roundabout cure that Miss Heart insists on having."

>>457840
Wander town, meet up with others, etc.

>>457837
"I told you, the heart itself isn't important. It's the pressure of the air."

>>457836
Her followers are outside.

>>457835
You wake up back in Terrebonne's cabin.

>>457841
Curry is here.

457845

>>457842
Great.
"I had the worst dream…"
Is Terrebonne even here?

457846

>>457842
"Ah, mister Curry. What news?"

457847

>>457842
"And are you sure it won't work?"

457848

>>457842
>>457846
"Nothing much, sadly. Just some dark water that Mera didn't like, and this weird blade. Don't suppose you know what the mark on it means?"
I'll hoof it over.
"And why did you need Emrille to get a giant squid's heart, anyway?"

457849

>>457845
Nope.

"What was it?"

>>457847
"Well… it's not great, but there are a few remnant high pressure bubbles as a result of the rapid ascent. We'll have to hope it works."

457851

>>457842
Lets just hope no one recognizes me.
Go around town anything that interest me? any LH look alike
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

457852

>>457848
"Hmm…"
Take the blade and inspect it closely.
"To create a cure for a very specific drug."

Roll #1 3 = 3

457853

>>457849
Uh? Who answered?
"I was feezing to death… And Seekkill wanted to winghug me…
And there was this slimy, warm meat…
But Fervy was there~"
Rub my eyes and stand up.
Try to.
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

457854

>>457849
Hoof over the bag too.
"That's the best frozen heart I can deliver I'm afraid."

457856

>>457852
"Huh. She said it was for you, though. Didn't realize you needed a cure for a drug."
The blade has a B# Blade mark on it.

457859

>>457851
There are a lot of pretty mares here.

>>457852
It's a fine rapier of unique material and remarkable make. It's inscribed:

B# Blade

>>457853
"That all happened. You passed out when we came back."

It's Fervored.

You still feel weak.

>>457854
He mixes the reageants and a few of his own and creates a smoking concoction.

457860

>>457856
"It is for my beloved nephew."
Does this ring a belle at all?

457863

>>457859
"Ready?"

457864

>>457860
You don't recognize it. Though… your father was quite fond of swords and music. It could be his.

You almost feel as though you wouldn't be able to get the fullest out of this weapon until you fully understand it.

457865

>>457863
"It''ll have to be."

457866

>>457859
"Help me up…"

Try to reach for him.
'1d10'

"I still have to buy something in town… No blizzards this time."
Chuckle.

Roll #1 10 = 10

457867

>>457860
I'll roll my eyes.
"We're going to need to have a long talk after all this is over."

457868

>>457866
He helps you up and you feel stronger for it.

457870

>>457865
"Thanks. I'll deliver it to her room then."

457871

>>457864
Well, I know a few smiths who may be able to tell me more about it. Heck, maybe Glory or Chivalry know.
"It may have belonged to my father. But I cannot be certain. I will investigate it further however."

>>457867
"Oh I'm certain of that, yes. You have my thanks for retrieving this. Nothing else?"

457872

>>457859
Approach a group and do my charm.
"Hello.~"
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

457874

>>457872
Diamond Dogs aren't popular around here, and that doesn't help your charm at all. They scatter!

457876

>>457868
Mhmh~

There is one thing I should do now.
Start leaving. Is Terrebonne on the ship? Ask around.
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

457879

>>457871
"Mera didn't find anything, other than patches of black water that she couldn't breathe in. If we had more time, I'd wonder if mister Chip, Sateo, and Tony wouldn't be able to drain it so that we could get in there, but…"

457883

>>457876
She's apparently out in the western swamp in the sheep town. You must've missed her.

457884

>>457879
"But time is a luxury we cannot afford. No doubt the black water is a result of the ashes and rubble coming from the burned mansion. How unfortunate."
I look around.
"I'm afraid I have not solved this case yet… but maybe this next bit will help. Come."
Motion him to follow. Head back to the fleet and my cabin.

457885

>>457883
And I was so worried, for nothing. I will go there in a minute.
First, one thing.

Fervy, do you trust me? I will see you in a few hours~

Dismiss him.

Go into town and look for a flower shop. And those that sell parfumes and candles and stuff.

'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

457886

>>457874
Aw he'll.
Let's go back and find the look out dog that has come with us.
"Hey there.,care for a little talk?"

457889

>>457884
"I would, but I did promise Felfire I'd help her out today."
I'll gesture to the bags with the iron in them.
"And she could use the friend."
And now I'll trundle off to find Felfire. '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

457892

>>457889
"I may need your further aid, mister Curry."

457894

>>457886
"Okay… shoot."

>>457889
You locate Felfire in town

>>457885
You wander a while and can't find a shop that sells both at once.

457896

>>457892
"But… What can I possibly even do to help? Especially at this size?"

457897

>>457894
Go back to my cabin.

457898

>>457894
O-one at a time?
Stop in the closest!
>>457889
"Mhmh?"

457901

>>457896
"When have I ever doubted your abilities?"

457902

>>457897
I should be there with your stuff now

457904

>>457901
"You would be one of the few who haven't."
>>457898
"Hey there! I guess I missed the trip…"

457905

>>457897
>>457902
You meet up at the cabin.

>>457898
You stop in an aroma shop.

457906

>>457905
"Here you go."

457907

>>457894
I confide next to him.
"Sooo….. Should we tell the count about our failure. My friend can stil salvage the situation when he come back but I have ideas on reporting to the count about what happened. It then occurs to me it might not be the brightest idea."

457908

>>457904
"Yeah. It was fun. Snowballs and mushrooms and I made a new friend.
And Fervy kisses ever so greatly~"
Dance a little.
>>457905
"H-hello?"
Tentatively walk in.

457910

>>457904
"Well, from what I hear you are beginning to learn how to speak to plants. That may come in quite handy."

>>457905
>>457906
"Excellent. How did it go?"

457912

>>457910
"Could have gone better, but I'm not a deep diver."

457913

>>457907
"I think we should still try to succeed."

>>457908
"Yes?"

457915

>>457908
I'll smile a bit.
"A shame I missed it. I've never really gotten to play about in the snow… Autumnsreach is too coastal."
>>457910
I'll look a little surprised.
"Who told you that?"
"I was going to keep it a secret."

457924

>>457913
"Alright thAts decided."
"Say what's your name? Mines chip"

457925

>>457912
"You don't seem like the sort."
I chuckle.
"Keep the money, I may need your services again."

>>457915
"You hardly kept it a secret, walking around with that plant all the time and attempting to speak to it. Whether you are successful or not remains a mystery, but one must get some result through trial and error, no?"

457926

>>457913
"I'm looking for… A parfume… Something for a romantic night…"
>>457915
"Yeah. New experience for me too. Including nearly dying of hypotermia."

457927

>>457913
I'll just wait for the others to get done?

457929

>>457925
Smirk.
"Gladly~"

457930

>>457925
I'll harrumph.
"Better to be thought mad than successful. I trust that particular skill will remain secret?"
>>457926
"Well, I don't think I could have helped with that… I'm too small to provide much warmth…"

457931

>>457930
Groan.
"Please no. Seekkill tried.
I don't wanna talk about it."

457933

>>457931
I'll look a little curious, but keep that to myself.
"Well, I'm just glad you made it back in one piece. Did you find the mushroom you were looking for?"

457934

>>457929
"Very well."
Head inside my cabin. Chivalry still in shape?

>>457930
"So you did achieve something then? Good. None shall hear it from me."

457937

>>457934
"Thanks. I'll be with you later, and then we can have a good long talk on our way out of port."
And then I'll rejoin the Felfire timeline.

457938

>>457933
"Fervy did~"
Roll my eyes dreamingly.
"I really have to reward him…"

457941

>>457934
"So, what now?"

457942

>>457938
Goodness me, she's practically a moon-eyed filly.
"Is that what the perfume's for?"

457944

>>457941
"If you wish to accompany me, you may go ahead. Otherwise, you are dismissed until I call for aid again."

457945

>>457942
"And I will need flowers, too.
And candles.
And…"
Bite my lower lip.
"I wonder if I can find some sexy lingerie…"

457947

>>457944
"That depends on what you are up to."

457949

>>457947
"Join me and you will see. You may always leave if it bores you."

457951

>>457945
I'll hold up a hoof.
"Okay, whoa, hold on. That might be going a bit further than I think I'm willing to help you look for. The flowers and candles, fine, but I don't think it would be proper for me to help you shop for lingerie, sexy or otherwise. Whatever that is. You might be better served asking miss Spring. Or Light Heart."

457954

>>457951
Look at his bags and raise a brow.
"Wait, are you still carrying that stuff on your back?"

457956

>>457949
"I don't have anything better to do anyway."
Land on her back.
"May I?"

457958

>>457956
"Of course."
Now let's go inside and check on Chivalry.

457962

>>457954
"Well, yeah. Did you expect me to just leave it on the floor in the library?"

457963

>>457962
"What, Light Heart just let go of you and you ran straight back?"

457966

>>457963
"After I helped her with what she needed, yeah. I did tell her I was helping you today."

457967

>>457966
Groan.
"Well thank you very much, but I'm done. No more heavy duties around here.
I only have to buy silly girly things from now on.
Happy?
You can go back to the ship."

457969

>>457958
Wf? Did you die?

457974

>>457967
I'll look at her sideways.
"Are you sure you don't want me tagging along? It's no bother, so long as we can swing by a bookstore on the way back. I need to pick up some empty books and ink so I can transcribe the books we took from the lunar library."

457988

>>457974
"Still working on those?"

457992

>>457988
"Haven't really started, actually. I only got my first wages today, so I've just taken the first step to reprinting and then, hopefully, reselling them."

457997

>>457992
"Oh, you got paid? Weren't you Light Heart's little slave?"

458002

>>457997
"I joined the crew so that Mera, Spring, and Summer would have a place to sleep. Quartermasters don't exactly hoof out hammocks for free, after all. Plus, this way I can work enough to maybe get Smitts to let them go alive."

458007

>>458002
Grumble a bit.

458010

>>458007
"What's the matter?"

458012

>>458010
"That kid is the matter.
She should have ran long ago."

458013

>>458012
"And if she had, then none of us would have made it off the boat. The commodore made that clear in Reptil by locking down everything an hour before we even started trying to run. In a city like that, getting onto the wrong boat isn't too hard."

458014

>>458013
"Forget it, I'm shouting nonsense."
Take a pirouette.
"What color?"

458015

>>458014
I'll think a minute.
"Well, with your coloring… Maybe a blue? I mean, black goes with everything, but a little bit of color never hurt."

458016

>>458015
Widen my eyes.
"Goddamnit you were really thinking about it!"

458017

>>458016
"Well, you asked! Was I supposed to lie and ask what you were talking about?"

458018

>>458017
"You have been so dismissive so far!"
Shake my head.
"Seriously, what was I expecting."

458020

>>458018
"Of course I have! I'm too old to be thinking about romance, and most of all I know you have your own problem. I would never try to touch you unless you were completely alright with it. And even then, Fervored would probably have my head if I tried to make a move on his lady fair."

458021

>>458020
"Oh you can bet on that kid!"
Grunt.
And now I will go to sleep.

458022

>>458021
Night.
"I'm older than you!"

459127

>>457908
The scent hits your nostrils like a cannonball hits a glass window. This shop can only be described as "miasmic". The smell seems to have taken on a tangible presence and hangs in the air in a sickly state, lazily shifting aside as you walk through it, as though it were a perpetually hanging curtain.

A bell attached to the door rings as you come in, and a pony breaks into a loud coughing fit in the back room before fighting through the thick conglomerate of scents to the counter.

"Ah– sorry about all this. You came at a bit of a bad time."

459129

>>457958
You go into the room and find the emaciated youth struggling in your assassin-size bed. He's been strapped down by leather straps, though his eyes seem glazed over anyway, and he's babbling incoherently.

Stein is cackling a little, though.

459202

>>459129
Eh? Cackling?
"Are you quite amused, mister Stein?"
Walk over to Chivalry and see if I can hear what he's saying.

459409

>>459202
"Oh, nutzink, go ahead."

It's gibberish. A word salad.

459411

>>459409
Since my fellow Dogs aren't here, I should juice up on stealth.
Go find the Knave, wherever he is.

459412

>>459127
Stare wide-eyed at all this.
"Yeah, I can see that… What happened?"

459413

>>459409
I expected as much…
The cure?
"Miss Happy Puzzle, miss Skylight, miss Rosemary, any clues on how we go about this?"

459414

>>459127
Oh my, that's a rather… potent aroma.
I think I'll stick by the door. Where there's oxygen.

459416

>>459411
You try a few different places before finally finding success in the cellar from before.

>>459413
"You should administer it orally!"

She pauses. "But not with your mouth! Just pour it into his!"

>>459412
"We have a terrible infestation of giant rats. Typically we hire adventurers to kill these things for petty coin, but it's the slow season. In any case, they seem to be local to this building – but they keep knocking over barrels of incense and the like, and some of these magics don't play nice together!"

459417

>>459414
>>459416
"Well now. How many of them you said?"
Exchange a look with Curry.

459418

>>459416
So where was I?

459419

>>459416
My ears will perk up at that, and I'll peek in the door.
>>459417
I'll nod to Felfire.

459420

>>459416
I walk over to him.
"Knave, I need your help."

459422

>>459417
>>459419
"Look, dear, this isn't a matter of 'kill ten rats'. They're coming from somewhere! It just needs to be stopped. Plug the hole or wherever they're getting in, and they'll give up and go back to the woods."

>>459418
You dropped off the cure at Light Heart's room.

>>459420
"With…?"

459423

>>459422
Is she gone?

459424

>>459423
She's inside.

459425

>>459422
"I….forgot how to be stealthy."

459427

>>459425
"What?"

459428

>>459422
"We can do that."

459429

So what'd you need me for?

459430

>>459429
To eat ice cream, of course. When you're done, say so.

459431

>>459424
Well are we going to move out or what?

459432

>>459422
Shrug.
Raise Curry's shadow with Zivur's spirit in it.

I need help. there's a hole in this building and I can't ask Fervy to look for it because this has to be a surprise. Can you do it?

459434

>>459430
I thought I finished a while ago?
I was just enjoying the weird floaty hover stuff that it gave me.

459439

>>459416
"Very well."
Do so. Carefully…

459440

>>459434
Correct, we're in LH's cabin right now after hunting giant squid.

459695

>>459428
"Oh? Are you sure? It's work for ruffians."

>>459431
Ask her. She's right there.

>>459434
>>459440
Well, there's still the rest of the town to explore, then.

>>459439
He struggles, but you force the smoking concoction down his throat, and he lays still for a time.

"Now you should give it time to work."

459700

>>459695
Well, send zivur's shadow to look for the hole.
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

459701

>>459700
But he didn't reply!

459704

>>459701
PAGING ZIVUR FROM OUTER SPACE!

459706

>>459695
"So are we going now or what?"

459707

459711

>>459707
I am trying to set up a surprise for Fervy… Could you help me?

459714

>>459711
M-Me? Help? What could I do?

459715

>>459695
I'll smile at the shopkeep.
"I may not look like it, but I'm more than a little rough. Rats should be no problem at all compared to some of the things I've taken care of."

459716

459717

>>459695
"Very well…"

>>459706
"Not yet."
Turn to Stein and show him the rapier.
"Mister Stein. What do you make of this weapon?"

459722

>>459715
>>459716
"These are giant rats, though. They're the kind that undead hunt for ponanity. Beware their venomous bite!"

>>459717
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

459723

>>459714
Could you… Help us find a hole?

459724

>>459717
>>459722
"Curious metal properties… und vhat an odd description. I'm not entirely sure vhat it's made out of. Where did you get zis?"

459725

>>459723
W-What kind of hole?

459726

>>459725
damnit

459727

>>459724
"From my old family home. I believe it belonged to my father."

459728

>>459724
"Mera fished it out from the ruins."

459729

>>459722
"Pshaw. All I need's my…"
Reaching back for the trident that isn't there, I'll realize I've been unarmed this whole time.
"…my, uh. Hm. A stick. Yes, a good solid stick should do the trick."

459731

>>459725
Just a stupid rat hole. Nothing dangerous. It's silly, I know, but… It really matters to me.
I will make it up to you, I know just the place.

459733

>>459731
O-Okay…. and how will I fit down a rat hole?

459736

>>459727
"He had an interest in ze metalwork?"

>>459729
"If you say so."

459740

>>459736
"He was quite fond of swords at least… and music. Aside from that, I do not quite know what he occupied himself with the last decade."

459744

>>459736
I'll nod, and then sit by the door until Felfire's finished.

459745

>>459740
"It has some sort of latent magical property… not sure what is required to activate it…"

459746

>>459733
It's around here, just give a look through this shop.

Do I roll or does he roll?

459749

>>459746
You have to actually go look.

The shopkeeper hefts open a large trapdoor.

"Careful… like I said, it's dark down there."

459752

>>459745
"Hmmm… Very well. Thank you."
Magic… maybe Abilio will know? Or Glory.
Hmph.
I suppose I should focus on solving this whole murder thing first. Landgrave has no contacts in Dixie he said, so no help from him. That leaves Smitts. Though I don't like relying on him for stuff. Whatever. Go to his office and knock.
"Commodore, do you have a moment?"

459754

>>459752
"For a time. What is it?"

459757

>>459749
I don't suppose I can see much better in the dark?

459759

>>459754
Enter.
"I was wondering if you could help me with something… I am attempting to solve a murder mystery on my family. I was wondering if perhaps you heard something about this matter.

459761

File: 1375223436534.png (8.16 KB, 530x338, alone in the dark.png, IO Google TinEye)

>>459757
No. You trot down into the dark… it's dark down here! Your dulled shadow senses aren't helping search, either…

>


>>459759
"Only a few details, I'm afraid."

459763

>>459761
"Perhaps they may be of help."

459764

>>459749
>>459761
Hmm. I never did pick up that light spell. Not from the book, anyway. Might be good to do that back on the ship. As it is…
"Say, I could try lighting up my horn, if you'd like a bit more light there. Not too sure it will work, though. I never did find the actual spell for it…"

459765

>>459761
Well…start in a random direction?
'1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

459770

>>459763
"What are you intending to learn? And besides, I'm not interested in sacking this port. It's best you wash your hooves of your old life like you already did. I'm eager to move on to the Island."

>>459764
"You can try…"

>>459765
You head northwest and carefully navigate a large box. It's dark here.

459772

>>459770
I know it's dark!
Can I at least use my sense of touch to navigate?
Do I even have sense of touch?
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

459773

>>459770
In the meanwhile…
"While my friend helps…
I need something for a romantic night. what do you suggest?"

459775

>>459770
Well, I'll stick my head down there, and try to light up my horn. Should be easy, right? '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

459776

>>459772
It's like feeling everything through a layer of thick cotton. The feeling is there, but dull.

>>459773
"Well, ponies have a lot of different ideas about romance. Old reliable is roses."

459777

>>459775
You fall down head first, and rats begin to gather around you.

459779

>>459776
"Yeah. Roses. They would be nice…"
Look around awkwardly.
"And something like… Candles or something?"

459780

>>459777
Can I find that rat hole?
Tap the wall low with my hooves!
'1d10'

>>459777
"Gah! What w-was that?!"

Roll #1 2 = 2

459781

>>459777
Well.
Maybe a little improved TK to suspend as many rats in the air as possible should teach them not to mess with me. '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

459782

>>459427
"Forgot might not be the best word.
I gave it up to a chaos bunny in order to get something else.
But now I need to relearn that."

459783

>>459770
"I wish to know who the ones responsible are and why it happened in the first place. I do not have any plans on sacking anything at this time, I assure you. Even if I cannot punish the ones responsible today, I will at least know their names. Perhaps one day I can return here and get my vengeance. I cannot let such a crime against my family go unpunished. Even if I am completely estranged from them after all these years."

459784

459785

>>459777
>>459784
Are we ready?

459786

>>459785
No. Soon hopefully.
Also Sateo isn't here.

459790

>>459779
"Well, we definitely have candles. You like bee's wax?"

>>459780
Which direction are you going?

Also, you detect that you are being watched.

>>459781
One leaps at you, it's half as big as you are!

You wrestle it to the ground, for now, but it's venomous teeth are ever-present!

>>459782
"Alright… well, let's do it, then…"

He begins to show you the shadows, and how to move between them. In no time, you feel it coming back to you.

>>459783
"As far as I have gleaned, your family was killed by Loyalists – a group of diamond dogs descended of Persius the Explorer, a Novdogodian that founded Dixie, and his followers. I don't know what caused the explosion at your family estate."

459791

>>459790
Pull nervousely on my mane.
"What is it like?"

459792

>>459790
Uh, where am I now?
West I guess?

459793

>>459790
"An explosion? Interesting… from what I hear, it was intentional."

459794

>>459790
Stupid RoUSes.
Grab a nearby rat by the tail, and use it as a rat-flail to beat up the other rats. '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

459795

>>459790
I remember I was talking with the look-out.
"So, whats your name? How did a dog like you end up with the count?"

459796

>>459792
Navigating
'1d10'
And try to ignore that feeling too.

Roll #1 7 = 7

459797

>>459790
Slap my head.
"Of course, of course. It's all coming back to me now."
Stealth '1d10"

459798

>>459797
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

459799

>>459791
"Bee's wax? Pretty good. Lotta ponies think it's more humane than tallow wax, y'know."

>>459792
>>459796
You carefully navigate west through some large stacks of barrels…

>>459794
You would make an ancient monk proud. With a Highlander-esque scream, you charge through the rats, pounding them with your flail. They flee… for now.

>>459795
"I know him from way back. This is the first I've seen of him since we got in from Reptil, though."

>>459793
"I can't say with certainty. I haven't been out to the estate."

>>459797
>>459798
You blend in with the shadows.

459800

>>459799
Right. Let's try that light again. '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

459801

>>459799
"Thanks, Knave. I feel ready for another infiltration now."
Not really, since Sateo isn't here. Just talk

459802

>>459799
"Hmmm… well if that is all… at the very least, it confirmed some suspicions. Thank you, mister Smitts. Oh, and one more thing. How long until the cure will work its course?"

459803

>>459799
Still no rat hole?
Keep…well, touching?
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

459804

>>459799
"N-no, I mean, does it smell of something?"

459805

>>459799
"Why? Anything wrong?" I fold my arms.
"This is the first time I've heard of him though, looks like a dog that can handle himself."

459807

>>459800
Out of the darkness, you are assaulted by – IT CAN'T BE! THE RAT KING!

A rat king is supposedly what forms when rats are so densely populated their tails intertwine and grow together… a living mass of ten or more rats fused at the tail!

The rat king seizes upon you and bites you ten times over with its venomous teeth!

You are helpless!

>>459802
"Half an hour or so."

>>459803
You continue to head west and find a wall after tripping.

>>459804
"Wax. We have scented candles if you want."

>>459805
"What do you mean by wrong?"

459808

>>459807
Oh! Maybe this will be it!
Slide alongside the wall and look for that damn hole!
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

459810

>>459807
Oh bother. I knew I should have brought a stick. And a lantern. Try to get up. '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

459811

>>459807
"Y-yeah, I would like those. Scent of what?"

459812

>>459807
"Very well, have a pleasant day."
Take my leave again.
Abilio is most likely not on the fleet right now so… I'm stuck. Has Wark returned yet or is he still MIA?

459816

>>459808
You hit something metal with your head.

>>459810
The huge rats swarm you and start biting you all over! This is terrible!

The venom is starting to take effect…

Curry: 0/5h, 2/5w

>>459811
"We have orange and incense. Twice as much as most shops."

>>459812
MIA. You could always ask someone musically inclined about your weapon, or go into town, or visit your estate…

459817

>>459816
Ouch…
Touch it.
What's that?

459818

>>459816
Stupid rats! I need to get up and get away. At least back onto natural terrain. That'll get the poison out of me… '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

459819

>>459816
I could… yes.
Is Sitar around? Wait, I have him in my party, don't I?
"Mister Sitar… why do you not take a look at this sword?"

459820

>>459816
Where am I and how long has it been since I got off the boat?

459821

>>459816
"Orange… Or incense…"
Think a bit.
"What would be more…
Seductive?"

459823

>>459807
"Well. just asking if there is any problem with him but it looks like there is none I assume. Forget what I said." I shrug and relax.

"Dont mind if I ask but why does the count have interest on that Pony, you know. The Broomhilda gal."

459825

>>459817
Some sort of tube. This is stupid. Who puts it a tube in their building? They definitely didn't do this back in Clopantinople.

>>459818
You do a combat roll away to the ladder, and take a hit of poison.

Curry: 5/5, 1/5w

Just… gotta get up before it overcomes you… or the rat king does.

>>459819
He shrugs. "Okay."

He stares at the inscription for a while.

"Hm… heh, that's a good one."

>>459820
You went by that library, right? How was the yeti meat?

Anyway, it's a little after noon.

>>459821
"I'd go with orange. Incense is for prayer and that sort of stuff.

459826

>>459825
Flee while I'm able. '1d10'
Just have to get outside, and I'm good to go…

Roll #1 4 = 4

459828

>>459825
"Is it? What makes you say that?"

459829

>>459825
Is it an open tube? Is this the rat hole?

459833

>>459828
"These wavy lines may look like a staff, but they're not. You know what B# is?"

>>459826
The rat king catches you as you try to climb the ladder. The poison will drain the life out of you soon…

Curry: 4/5h, 1/5w

>>459829
You feel along it for a while, then find an opening on the end of it.

459834

>>459825
I go back to the ship and check on my chick.

459836

>>459833
"Not quite, I'm afraid…"

459837

>>459833
All I have to do is get outside. Get to the dirt… I can do that! I have to do that! '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

459838

>>459834
It's up and about, chirping in the nest.

459839

>>459825
"T-then give me a few. Four or five…"
>>459837
Can I see this?

459840

459841

>>459833
Oh, this might be it!
"H-Hey! I might have found something!"

459844

>>459836
He waves the weapon and then holds it out.

"This isn't a B# Blade. It's a Sword of the C."

The weapon seems to faintly glow blue as he says that.

>>459837
>>459839
"Righto."

He sets aside some orange candles as Curry drags himself out of the cellar and into the sun.

>>459823
"I have no idea. Like I said, this is the first time I've seen him since last time I was here, months ago. Didn't you know I came with you on the ships?"

459846

>>459833
I walk over and look down at it.

459847

>>459844
I'll just… sit here for a minute and not die.

459848

>>459844
"… And what does this mean exactly?"

459849

>>459841
Seance him

"What is it?"

>>459847
"Something wrong? Did you find the hole?"
>>459844
Great.

459850

>>459849
"I found a ten-headed rat. It decided to come out after I scared away the smaller ones."

459851

>>459849
Some sort of… tube? It has a hole in it's end!

459852

>>459847
Sun feels good. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

It's a little bit of a stretch to call the paved street of a capital city "wilderness", though.

>>459848
"Are you for real? Look at the wavy lines. Sword of the C. Sword of the Sea."

>>459846
This is a griffon chick. There are many like it, but this one is yours.

>>459849
No LOS. Casting failed.

459854

>>459852
Paved streets? Ugh.
Can I see something like a park? Or just a patch of dirt? '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

459857

>>459852
"Sword of the sea?"
Take a look at the lines.
"These are merely decorations, are they not? Mister Stein did say it had magical properties."

459858

>>459851
Great. Can you point exactly where it is? Come back.
>>459852
"My friend might have found something."
>>459854
>>459850
"What the… Hey, don't tell me you are about to kick it!"

459861

>>459852
I pick it up and let it stand on my claw.

459862

>>459854
The immediate danger gone you drag yourself to a nearby shrub and hope that counts.

>>459857
"I don't know about that sort of thing."

459863

>>459858
"Oh please. If I was so easy to kill, I wouldn't be here right now."

459864

>>459861
She's getting big after that travel time from Reptil. She climbs from there up onto your shoulder.

Chirp.

459865

>>459862
"So what makes this such a special sword then? It reacted when you said it's name…"

459867

>>459844
"Of course I know, I just thought you might know better." I shrug.
Sit down and…. do nothing but wait for Tony to come back or until I came up with something.

459868

>>459862
Shrub, you had better count.
I need a weapon. May have to pester Abilio for one, since he made one for Emrille… but that would probably cost me. Topaz wouldn't just make one for free, either.
I miss my trident.

459869

>>459858
>>459864
Found something, the shadow, etc?
Can't I hear shadows from afar if I've already opened a commune link with them?

459871

>>459863
"Well okay. But don't do that again."
Leave him outside.

459873

>>459865
"I told you, I don't know. But I guess it has to do with music or the sea."

>>459867
It's nice having a chance to rest for a while. You never thought about how busy you've been lately. Your legs are tired, and it feels good to get off of them.

>>459868
Shouldn't you be defending yourself with plants?

>>459869
With LOS, same as casting. You're phoning in this adventure, you know!

459875

>>459858
Go back.
I-It's on the wall.. to the west… I'm not sure it's that very h-hole though…

459876

>>459864
Does she look hungry?

459878

>>459873
Oh dear.
"Very well then."
Let's just go check on Chivalry. I can figure this out later.

459879

>>459876
Since you're always hungry, you're probably not the best judge of that.

>>459875
Actually the hole was on a pipe connected to a wall.

>>459878
He seems to be sleeping, letting the medicine work.

459880

>>459879
Has a half hour passed?

459881

>>459873
Yes, because there are so many plants in a cellar. And I can't rip up portions of the floor, that would be rude.
I'll sigh.
Looks like I'm even more useless now than I was before.

459882

>>459875
Let's assume we had all that conversation again then.
Good job.
>>459879
Turn to the guy.
"A hole in the pipe on the west wall."

459883

>>459879
I start stalking around and killing rats to eat while she sits on my shoulder.

459886

>>459879
>>459882
Uh.. a pipe in the wall.

459888

>>459873
Well thats good to hear, but I cant rest indefinetely since we are going to staying in Dixie for a day as far as I recall.

…..
Nah.
While sitting down, look at the passing mare's or dogs in the area. Anyone worth to woo?
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

459892

>>459880
No.

>>459881
At least you didn't die.

>>459882
"And you plugged it?"

>>459883
Roll for rats.

>>459888
Nah. They all look too prudish for a strapping guy like yourself.

459895

>>459892
[1d10+1]

Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11

459896

>>459892
"Did you see me move?
Give me something to plug it with and I will send the shadow again."

459900

>>459892
Alright, I'll have to occupy myself with something else then.
I have that waterbreathing potion right? Maybe I could go see the estate for myself. I'll need goggles though. Let's go into town and find a shop that sells them.

Roll #1 1 = 1

459902

>>459892
As if I'd be such a loss.
Still, I can't let Felfire go down there by herself. That hydrat might still be there.
Any good sticks laying around that aren't broom handles or someone's property? '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

459906

>>459892
Too prudish in this area.
Stand up and go to another area of the Dixie's town, any shy looking gal for a swagger like myself.
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

459907

>>459895
You skewer a mobbing rats on your gauntlets.

You collect '1d3+3' rats.

>>459896
He hoofs you some rags. "That'll hold it until I can get somepony to look at it."

>>459900
You head into town when you're stopped by some members of the FOO at the end of the pier.

"You've been selected for a random search."
"Please come with us."

>>459902
You find a nice looking stick almost immediately. What luck!

>>459906
Hm… no luck here, either.

Maybe out west?

Roll #1 2 + 3 = 5

459910

>>459907
U-uh… so I should take that?

459911

>>459907
Such luck.
"Very well. Lead the way. Although you do realize I am a citizen of Dixie?"

459912

>>459907
>>459910
Yes Zivur, please, do take them and stuff the hole. I promise I will take you someplace great once this is over.

Zivur can take the rags.
"Now, I do believe we have earnt something, after helping you?"

459913

>>459912
O-Okay…
Go down, and find the hole again to stuff it with the rags.
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

459914

>>459911
"Yes."

They take you to a tent set up to the side. Ten or twelve Fraternal members are milling about here outside the tent. You enter, and find four more stationed on either side of a nicely dressed pony sitting at a table.

"Please, sit down, Miss Belle."

>>459912
"I'll give you a little discount on the candles."

>>459913
The Rat King leaps from the shadows and chews on your shadowy face.

Zivur: 3/5w

459915

>>459907
I start eating them and watch the chick.

459916

>>459914
Oh joy.
Do as told.
"Thank you."

459918

>>459914
Aaaah! Get it off!
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

459920

>>459918
Since LH is gone, let's go wander the town again.
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

459921

>>459916
"You probably don't recognize me. I wasn't in office when you were here last. I am Lieutenant Governor Cloud. I understand you've been taking an interest in your kin. That's always good to see."

>>459915
The chick, perched on your shoulder, stretches out its neck to try and nip at the food, but is forced to lean back to maintain balance.

>>459918
You push it off, but it looks ready to strike again!

459922

>>459914
"There was a rat king down there! And my son almost kicked it!"

459924

>>459920
You wander through town and see a convention area set up. Huh. You even notice one of the Hamburgerburgians outside of it.

>>459922
"By the sounds of it, it's still down there, and you don't seem concerned enough to go down yourself."

459927

>>459921
"That is correct. Family is important after all, don't you agree?"

459930

>>459921
Shadow jab it or something!
'1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

459931

>>459924
What?
Fly nearby them.
"What's going on?"

459932

>>459924
"I'm just a poor mare!
Unarmed, at that!"

459937

>>459921
"No."
I put her on the ground and hold the rats out of her reach.
"You must catch own food."

459940

>>459927
"I would've thought it wasn't to you. You are a… privateer after all. And you did abandon them."

>>459930
You smash it where the rats are fused together, and they squeal before retreating.

They're gone… back to the shadows for now.

>>459931
"A convention on westernization. It's interesting stuff. Maybe you should go meet up with Ben in the magic seminar."

>>459932
"Your son is also unarmed…"

>>459937
She leaps, with a single wing flap, and tackles one of your rats out of your hand before biting into it.

459941

>>459907
Wohoo! Out west we go.
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

459943

>>459940
Uh, wow!
I didn't know I could do that…
Anyway, find the pipe and seal it!
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

459944

>>459940
"He's just very sturdy.
What if you throw a few roses in the mix?"

459945

>>459940
"Westernization? Huh.
And where's that seminar and Ben?"

459947

>>459940
"Lieutenant, when I left home I was an adult capable of standing on her own hooves. I had a task set in my mind to complete and my career of acting to pursue. As lovely as Dixie is, I simply had to leave and expand my borders in order to achieve success."

459955

>>459941
You head out west into the swamp and find a sheep village. These lazy ewes seem disinterested in you, though.

>>459943
You stuff it full of rags.

>>459944
"Alright, I can throw in some roses."

>>459945
"He's in there… it's that third tent."

>>459947
"Yes, I can see you have certain ideas about how to achieve that success. Point being, I think you're a dangerous influence on your niece. Why don't you kindly just leave this city in peace?"

459956

>>459955
Okay, go back up.

459957

>>459955
"Thanks."
Right. Buy a few candles. And get the roses.
>>459956
Thank you so much for helping me. It has to really be a surprise for Fervy, and I'm sure Magenta would have just screwed around…

459958

>>459957
I-I tried… Uh… I undid that big r-rat thing and sealed the p-pipe

459960

>>459955
I raise a brow.
"I will leave the city when I wish to leave the city. And I will visit my niece when I wish to visit my niece. As is my right as a citizen of Dixie and her aunt. I understand your concerns, but I assure you that I do not wish to 'corrupt' my niece. She is dear to me."

459961

>>459940
I whack her on the back of the head and pull the rat away.
"No! Chick must learn catch and kill her own food. Not steal food."
I eat all of my rats and put her in one of my bags.
"Seekkill need take you to Doc so you not get sick."

459962

>>459955
"Thanks."
Enter the third tent!

459964

>>459958
You were great. How would you like to visit the library here? It's filled with stuff! Everything you might ever want to read!

459967

>>459964
A l-library? That sounds nice…

459969

>>459955
Feel depressed, I thought this town will have more LH types around.
Walk back to town and go back to the look outs location to wait for Tony and Sateo.

Of course while on the look out targets
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

459970

>>459967
It is. And the librarians are the quiet kind, that never shows their faces.

459971

>>459970
N-No crowds?

459972

>>459971
It was literally empty.
Smile.

459974

>>459957
You buy some candles on the cheap.

>>459960
"You have the right? You have the privilege. I question your ability to keep yourself in check. You best get along."

>>459961
You don't cause poison damage unless you're using Poison Trick Shot. I'll find a different way to work it in when you modernize.

>>459962
There's a Western Magic seminar going on. You recognize one of the Hamburgerburg pones here, who you assume is Benjamin of Hamburgerburg.

>>459969
There are many pretty mares. Very pretty. So pretty you doubt they want to be with an average joe like you.

459976

>>459972
T-That sounds nice!

459977

>>459974
Flutter next to him.
"What' up?"

459979

>>459974
I could have sworn the gauntlets were poison too. Never mind.
I guess I take the rats, eat them, and nudge her towards the live rats.

459981

>>459974
Now I need two more things. Give Zivur the stuff to curry, first.
Now… Oh god I can't believe I'm doing this.
I need a shop to but…
Urgh.
Sexy underwear.
'1d10'
>>459976
Maybe we can even read something together.

Roll #1 4 = 4

459982

>>459974
"I assure you I am very adept at keeping myself in check, lieutenant. I do not allow my business and private matters to be intertwine. So regardless of what you think about my line of work, I still love Dixie. And I love my family. Nothing will change that."

459985

>>459974
Alright, lets do something before this feeling takes over me. Approach a group and see if their body is ready. I'm a nasty dog and nasty dogs mean a thing.
"So how you doin?" I grin
>pls rng.
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

459987

>>459979
They are, but that was fluff. It may be your only way of doing poison after you modernize, though.

>>459977
"Shh."

He indicates the speaker discussing magic. You watch for a while, and find it hard to stay focused on, but useful. Maybe Ben got more out of it than you.

At the end, a Neighponese pony comes up to ask at the end, "You say you got inspiration from Japanese ponies… what do you think of modern Neighponese magics?"

"I think they suck. They're terrible and have to get with the times."

They laugh at him as he retreats in shame.

>>459979
'1d10'

>>459981
Well, at least Dixie is the kind of place that sells clothes!

You do find a clothing store…

>>459982
"Well, for your sake, I hope so."

He waves at the six Order members here in the room. "She's free to go."

>>459985
Only one of them even acknowledges you.

"What do you want?"

Roll #1 3 = 3

459990

>>459987
"Excellent. A pleasant day to you all."
Be off then. I need to get some goggles so I can actually see something underwater.

459991

>>459907
Nothing's ever that easy. Common sense roll. '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

459994

>>459981
M-Maybe….

459997

>>459987
Give it a second look.
Oh well.
I can't live in fear. Yeah.
Go to the counter.
"H-hey.
I n-need something."

459999

>>459987
Hehe.
It's not over, is it?
Keep watching.

460003

>>459994
I'm sure there is so much we can find there~

460009

>>460003
A-Are there books on necromancy?

460011

>>460009
I'm sure there are. So much to catch up on.

460013

>>459991
Nope, this seems like a pretty good stick to you.

>>459990
You go… well, where?

>>459997
It's a stately male pone at the counter.

In his highly distinguished voice he asks, "…Yeeeeees?"

>>459999
The Q&A goes on for a little while, then it gets out. You're inspired to stop being like a backwards Easterner and be more like a foreward-thinking Westerner.

Lost Skill: Elemental Shot
Gained Skill: Elemental Ammo

460014

>>459987
"You dont mind helping a new dog go around in town, I'm a bit lost and it looks like you ponies know a thing or two. Places to go, places to avoid, that sort of thing." I give her the looks.
"So what do you say?"
'1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

460015

>>460013
Is there a store that would sell such a thing?

Roll #1 3 = 3

460017

>>460013
Well, Felfire's already left, so I don't need it anymore… but I miss having a decent weapon-shaped object… I'll pick it up. It is just lying on the ground, right?

460018

>>460013
Start fidgeting with my hooves.
"Well y-you see, I have this boyf-boyfriend and…
I'd like to make a s-surprise for him and…"

460021

>>460018
…and um… the… y-you know..

460023

>>460021
What is it?

460025

>>460023
T-those are the b-books we are looking f-for?

460028

>>460014
"Well… it would be the hospitable thing to do. What do you like to do?"

>>460015
Maybe… a… glasses store?

>>460017
Yep. You take it with you. Nothing could possibly go wrong.

>>460018
"Ah. You want new linens for your bed, of course."

460030

>>460028
Right! See if I can find one!

Roll #1 10 = 10

460031

>>460025
No, I am here to pick something up for…

Sigh

I am trying to… Cure myself.

>>460028
Shake my head.
"I d-don't have a bed.
Just s-something to look… You know…
Better."
Look down at the counter.
STARE THAT COUNTER TO HELL AND BACK.
"In bed…"

460032

>>460028
Of course. Nothing at all.
It isn't a cane or anything, is it?
Now, after Felfire… wait, she was going lingerie shopping. I should probably wait outside the building for that.

460034

>>460031
Um…oh sweet death this is awkward.
uuuh…

460036

>>460034
H-hey don't go all silent like that!
It's important to me. A lot!
Y-you have no idea what…

460039

>>460036
S-Sorry… sorry.. I-I'm not judging but…

460044

>>460039
W-what is it? It's… Wrong, isn't it? Oh god I'm making a huge mistake.

460046

>>460044
N-No, no!

I-I'm ju-just…

…I-I c-can't handle m-mare stuff like this…

460047

>>460028
Oh.
Come nearer to this mare and rate her in my mind.
"A dog like me is weary in travel and I deem it wise to ask the townsfolk about certain locations instead of mumbling about. What do you say we go to town and tell me where is the best places to drink and relax, or perhaps stay for a few hours, if you'd like."
I offer my paw.
"Name's Chip, how about yours?"

460048

>>460046
W-well we are more s-similar than you think I…
I can't even have somepony touch me…

460049

>>460048
…. b-being dead sort of solved that for me…

460050

>>460013
Great I guess?

460051

>>460049
Yeah… I wanted to… Become a lich and stuff.
So I would never have to touch a pony again.

460057

>>460030
You see a strange looking shop called "Eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg".

>>460032
It's not a cane.

>>460031
"Ah. I see. Are you looking for something simple, or fancy?"

>>460047
Better than you cold probably get.

She accepts it just briefly. "Golden Stream."

>>460050
Indeed. How forward thinking you are!

460059

>>460057
What's the difference though?

460060

>>460057
"S-simple."

460062

>>460057
Hahaa! Enter that shop!
"Good afternoon, I would like to purchase some diving goggles if at all possible."

460065

>>460057
Or a crutch? Or even a walking stick?
Well, I guess I'll just sit outside the lingerie shop, playing with my stick. At least until Felfire's done in there. Pretty sure little colts aren't allowed in such places.

460076

>>460059
You can't just shoot an element anymore. If you want to do that, you have to use a skill like Barrage or Marksman Shot. If you want to use one on an 'auto attack', you have to have Custom Job.

You do gain 2 Elementalists, though! It was a very inclusive seminar.

Got: Nature Element, Mineral Element

>>460060
"Do you have a favorite color?"

>>460062
"Alright… just fifteen bits."

>>460065
I bet you're playing with your stick at the thought of Felfire in lingerie.

460079

>>460057
"Nice knowing you darlin." I bow.
"If you would like to lead the way and show me anything that might interest me about the town then you are welcome."

460080

>>460076
"J-just something… I don't know…
Oh gosh…
Golden like my mane?"

460082

>>460080
Slink off to quietly.
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

460083

>>460076
You're rather crass, voice in my head.
Any trees around? Or grass?
…wait. Were there trees near the sinkhole that used to be Light Heart's mansion?

460085

>>460076
Custom job?
And what can those do?

460086

>>460076
"Of course."
Pay up and get my goggles! Then head over to the sunken mansion.

460090

>>460083
You mean the tarn? Yes.

>>460080
"We have some of those. How are these? Here, if you like, I'll slip them on you and bring the mirror."

>>460082
You trip and land face first in mare panties.

At least nopony is wearing these.

>>460079
She leads you to a statue of a diamond dog. "This is the only dog related thing I know…"

>>460085
Nature Element causes berserk on crit. Mineral increases crit range by 1.

>>460086
You arrive.

460094

>>460090
Gaaah!
Get them off!
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

460098

>>460090
Maybe I could ask the trees what happened there. Their roots probably go deep, so they'd know if there were dogs involved…
Should I leave Felfire alone, though?
I'll peek inside the shop.
"Hey, Felfire?"

460099

>>460094
You quickly extricate yourself.

460101

>>460090
And what does nature do on a non-crit?
Also, what's custom job?

460103

>>460099
Okay, now hide somewhere and just stay there until needed.

460105

>>460090
Lovely. Take off my gear and turn to my followers.
"I am going to take a dive and inspect this myself."
Put on the goggles and take out the waterbreathing potion.
"Please stay on the lookout."
Down the potion and jump in the tarn.

460106

>>460090
Widen my eyes.
"N-no! I can look at them from h-here!"
Well, how are they?
What does horse lingerie even look like!

460111

>>460090
"Ah, interesting."
Look at the statue, what does it look like?
"Anything you can tell me about it?"

460112

>>460101
The same thing lightning does on non-crit.

Custom Job is a 1pt that lets you customize your weapon. Read your 2.0!

>>460103
You do that.

>>460105
The water is dark and sickly here. Mossy and probably riddled with parasites. You also can't see more than a few inches from your face.

You may be able to breathe water, but it certainly doesn't seem appetizing.

>>460106
They're a dark yellow or goldenrod.

460113

>>460111
Looks like a tall, well-built diamond dog.

"That's Persius. I don't know anything about him except he was involved in exploring this area."

460114

>>460112
This doesn't seem like a good trade at all

460115

>>460112
Well.
"I-I will take them."

460116

>>453373
Let's talk to one of their salespony, or at least whoever is manning the register. Let's see if they have anything that we can use to salvage Behemoth, since there is still a bit of life left in that crossbow.

460118

>>460112
Well that's great.
I can just tell this is going to be a fun dive.
Let's see if I can find my way into the mansion…

Roll #1 3 = 3

460122

>>460115
"Hey Felfire!"
I'll wave from the doorway.
"I'm going to go to the tarn for a minute. Where should I meet you when I'm done up there?"

460124

>>460113
"Persius, havent heard of him."
Or the count could.
"Weird, why is a stutue of a dog in a pony town, Ms. Stream?" I look at her.

460125

>>460122
"Just go already! You almost died once today!"

460129

>>460114
But now you can say you're modern~

>>460115
"Good, good. That'll just be twenty five bits."

>>460116
Well, he's there. Talk!

>>460118
You make the mistake of opening your mouth and take in a gulp of what tastes like oily ferns.

>>460124
"I told you. He was involved in exploring here."

460131

>>460129
Well that fucking helps a lot

460134

>>460129
Oh god why.
P-Press on! Disgusting or not! I need to do this.

Roll #1 9 = 9

460136

>>460129
Twenty five bits in doubloons coming right up.
It's a quarter of doubloon, right?
"Could you… Make a package or something?"

460138

>>460129
"Sir, I'm here today looking for some material to help keep my crossbow going. I'm already getting one of those new firearms, but I've been though a lot with her and I'm not to keen on parting with her."

Hoist up Behemoth so he can see her.

"Is there anything that can be done to keep her going just a little bit longer?"

460140

>>460129
"I see. Looks like an important dog for the townsfolk around here."
I gave the statue one last look before looking at her.
"Any place you got in mind Ms. Stream? If you'd like we could go and grab some food to eat."

460151

>>460136
Half, and he does.

>>460134
Well, you determine why this is as far as Mera got. The house is completely collapsed. There's no way in.

It does appear split down the middle, though. And there was an explosion at the base.

>>460138
"Well… I dunno. It'll never be as effective as a gun could be, but we have some options… take a look at these."

He shows you some reinforcement tools, sights, and elemental implants.

>>460140
"There's a honey place nearby…"

#Pause

460154

>>460151
" Why lets go there and grab something."

460158

>>460151
Hmmm… Surely there must be a way in. Through the windows or something? Or that split? No?

Roll #1 2 = 2

460159

>>460151
I can't believe I actually did it…
Fly off, back to the ship, and hide all this stuff very well in Terre's cabin.
Then, time to go to the library. For Zivur.

460164

>>460125
I'll nod.
"Meet you back at the boats, then!"
And off to the tarn.

460172

>>460151
"I might need those reinforcement tools, but I should check the fleet first, but those elemental add-ons, what are they? If I get those, what would I have to change from my Behemoth?"

460435

>>460154
She leads you to a place called Apathetic Apiarist.

…Is this a chain? You swear you've seen one before.

>>460158
It's all debris, and you can't find your hooves, much less a definitive opening.

At this point, you think Mera was lucky to find the sword.

>>460159
You do that.

To the libraratorium!

>>460164
You see some bubbles coming up. Someone or something is inside!

>>460172
"Eh, they're probably not for you. Very hard to graft onto old weapons… what about this? We could put in a reservoir for trick ammo…, or what about a second draw so you can fire two at once?"

460436

>>460435
And I bet Zivur would have a lovely time here, if only he was around.
Anyway, let's look for more about these Structure Catalysts.
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

460437

>>460436
You totally lose track of where those books were and end up appreciating some modern art hanging on the wall.

It's nice art.

460438

>>460435
Well, that's odd. Who'd have a reason to be down there?
Let's talk to the grass and plants.
"Hey, who jumped into the tarn? What did they look like?

460439

460440

>>460438
You've got that old timey rock, but where's your roll?

460441

>>460435
Well this is a letdown… how am I supposed to find my way around?
Surface again.
I need… a way to light the way down there… but how? I wonder if Stein could craft something to help me out here…

460442

>>460437
Art of what?

460443

>>460440
Oh foo. You let Felfire talk with her spirits out of combat as an auto action…
'1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

460444

>>460441
Curry is here moping around.

>>460442
This art depicts a great battle.. or something. You're not totally sure because it's modern art. There's a little plaque below it if you're interested in learning more.

>>460443
Sure, but that's because she paid two points for Shadows, which are her friends, not minions. She'd have to roll for Commune every time if she still had zombies.

In any case, you notice most of the plants here are dead, but you finally find one stately oak that isn't.

Another comes.

460445

>>460444
"I'm a little curious why they aren't more plants next to a lake… tarn… thing. Anyway, do you know who just jumped in there?"

460446

>>460444
Oh? Swim over there and jump-fly out of the water.
"Mister Curry. What news?"

460447

>>460444
Yes actually.
Let's check it out.

460448

>>460446
I'll hop a bit sideways.
"Oh! You were the one who was down there."
I'll scratch the back of my neck.
"I had an idea. Since plants usually stick around a lot longer than ponies, I had thought to ask around the tarn to see if any of them could remember how your old home sank."

460449

>>460445
The Belle girl. She oughtn't have done that.

>>460447
The plaque reads: The Quest for Knowledge by Sailing Swan. You could probably find a book about this guy if you wanted to.

460450

>>460449
I'll look at the tree curiously.
"Why not? Is it because of the dark water?"

460451

>>460448
"I see, that sounds like an excellent idea."
Look back at the water.
"Quite murky down there, I must say. Very hard to see anything at all, unfortunately. I must say I'm surprised miss Mera managed to find anything at all without any source of light."

460452

>>460450
I cock my head slightly.
"I'm sorry?"

460453

>>460451
"She's very talented. And it makes sense, since there wasn't much light under the temple…"
>>460452
"The tree said you shouldn't have dived down there. I'm asking why."

460454

>>460450
Great decay has overtaken this place. The lesser, the ephemeral, the transient have succumbed. The majestic remain.

460455

>>460449
Hey, I've lost clues about the other books, so why not.
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

460456

>>460453
"Oh. Well I am not quite sure it was a healthy thing to do."

460457

>>460455
You wander a while and find the arts section. This seems like a good place to start.

460458

>>460454
I'll think for a moment.
"Alright, let's assume that I know absolutely nothing about this 'great decay.' What is it, and is it related to how the house that used to be here sank into the ground?"
I'll pause a half-beat.
"Please."
>>460456
"It probably wasn't. Come to think of it, I should get Mera to visit doc Peg or one of the other doctors, just in case. Who knows what that stuff does…"

460459

>>460457
Lets go by autho- no wait.
Books about modern art.
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

460460

>>460458
"I was planning to do the very same."
I cock my head slightly
"Great decay? That sounds rather ominous."

460461

>>460459
You think you've found one, then realize it's POST-Modern art. Hm… It's a shame Seekkill isn't here. He's an art connoisseur isn't he?

>>460458
The decay which you feel with every sip of water that you put to your roots, and every breath that you let pass through your leaves. A decay that has set unchecked for far too long.

460462

>>460461
Seekkill? Doesn't he just stash random stuff around his nest?
What about… Yeah, let's see if this Sailing Swan has wrote any book himself.
'1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

460463

>>460461
I'll cock my head slightly.
"I've only just come to Dixie this morning. I don't understand what you mean. What is the decay that's been left unchecked for too long?"

460465

>>460435
Did I?
Go inside and see what drinks and food they have in store.

460466

>>460462
The Young Person's Guide to Modern Art by Sailing Swan!

Interesting! Right here in the introduction he mentions that while he is a peaceable buffalo, he has always preferred to work with blood. He says that it represents passion – and why most of his art is red. Though most of his work is his own blood, he uses other blood when he can get it.

Perception check.

>>460463
The water. The air. The land hereabouts.

>>460465
They only sell honey here!

460467

>>460466
Whooops?
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

460468

>>460466
"But… what is it? Is it like that dark water? Or is it something else? Something that doesn't happen naturally?"

460469

>>460468
>>460460
"Interesting… Earlier today, I visited the brother of my brother-in-law and friend of my family. I had heard that he had gone mad and was hallucinating. He kept insisting that the atmosphere around house Belle was… 'infectious'. And… well… that the land and the air itself wanted to kill them. At the time I thought it was merely mad-talk but…"
I look around.
"Now I am starting to reconsider."

460470

>>460467
Reading is for eggheads.

Nice picture, though.

>>460468
Yes… it seeped up through the earth.

460471

>>460466
"Honey?" I look at Stream.

460472

>>460470
Wait back down, picture of what?

460473

>>460469
"You have a brother?"
I'll raise my eyebrows a little.
"Will the surprises ever stop, I wonder."
I'll consider a minute.
"You don't suppose it could be a curse? Or some kind of necromancy used for evil?"
>>460470
"Seeped up? Your roots must go deep, old oak, can you tell me when it started? Or how?"

460474

>>460472
I meant the picture you already saw on the wall.

>>460473
No.

>>460471
"Well… that's why I brought you here."

460475

>>460474
Eh. Alright.
But was that really made of blood?
I mean, was it just red?

460476

>>460473
"The brother of my brother-in-law, mister Curry. And I'm not certain. What I have learned is that the ones most likely responsible for the fire and explosion was a group calling themselves The Loyalists'. A diamond dog group loyal to a certain Novdogodian explorer called Persius, who first settled Dixie."

460477

>>460474
I'll frown a bit in dismay.
"Then… do you know how the mansion itself sank into the tarn?"

460478

>>460475
The foreground. The background was black.

>>460477
The explosion.

460479

>>460476
"Oh. Well, that might-"
>>460478
"Wait, what explosion?"

460480

>>460478
Well what did he make that out of?
Check the book.
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

460481

>>460477
"The explosion and fire was. But how this great decay and the explosion are related… I cannot tell."

>>460479
"The one the Loyalists were most likely responsible for that killed most of my family, mister Curry."

460483

>>460480
All this reading is making you tired… You can't bring yourself to look through.

>>460479
There was only one.

460484

>>460474
"Hmmm… Care to teach me how to eat it or drink to be precise." I grin at her.

460485

>>460483
Nevermind then. Put the book down.
I must walk some.
See if one of the librarians is here, warn them about Zivur, first of all…
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

460486

>>460481
"Maybe."
>>460483
"You'll have to forgive me, but I wasn't here for it. What happened before the explosion? And right after?"

460488

>>460486
A great storm before, the house sank after. You grow incessant with your questions for one of my regal stature. I am a Royal Oak.

>>460485
You fall asleep. Zzzzzz.

>>460484
"You… don't know how to eat honey?"

460489

>>460488
Okay.
Do I dream of anything?
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

460490

>>460488
I shrug.
"There is always a first time for everything, dont you agree Ms. Stream?" I give her the looks.
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

460491

>>460488
"I apologize if I seem rude, but I thought that, being a Royal Oak, you would be the one to ask. Surely no other plant here is as knowledgeable on the matter as you are, and it is with gratitude I offer thanks for what you have already told me. But, like a sapling freshly sprouted, what I know is too little to measure. I lack understanding, and asking questions is the only way I know how to learn."

460492

>>460489
You have a horrible nightmare that Zivur rapes you.

…When you finally gasp yourself awake, you realize what a silly premise that is.

>>460490
"Excuse me? Just what are you implying?"

>>460491
Then be done now that I my rest on my laurels.

460494

>>460492
Well this really sets the mood for tonight, uh?
Oh god. I should…
Call Magenta. I need someone to talk to.

I'm doing a huge mistake, aren't I?

460495

>>460492
"I have but one question more, and I shall leave you to rest. Were diamond dogs responsible for the explosion?"

460497

>>460494
You're in a constaaaant state of making bad mistakes. Thaaaaaat's what makes you funny.

>>460495
Diamond dogs haven't passed my path to the house in many years, perhaps decades.

460499

>>460492
Oh shit, compose myself.
"Implying? This is my first time eating honey, lets go grab a bite shall we."
Approach the owner of the place.
"Hello there."

460501

>>460497
"Thank you, mighty Oak. Though they weren't quite the answers I was looking for, they may be the ones I need."

460502

>>460497
Snort.

I'm glad to entertain you. But here I need a serious opinion.
Zivur thinks it's idiocy too!
What if I… Yeah, what if I chicken up and then screw it up and he hates me?
Or if then I hate him after we have…

460503

>>460501
I patiently wait for him to be done.

460505

>>460499
She frowns but follows.

>>460501
Good.

>>460502
Who? What? Oh, the palaaaaaaadin thing? You're still thinking about that? Look, the more you think about something, the more you're gonna regret it later. Think about it: it works well and you regret doubting yourself, or it works badly and you regret going forward when you had doubts. It's dumb to think aheaaaaaad!

460507

>>460505
That… Was incredibly deep, actually.

Smile.

Thanks Magenta.

Okay, let's find this librarian before leaving. I have to tell them about Zivur before I leave him here to read!
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

460508

>>460505
I'll sigh.
>>460503
"Well, according to the tree, no diamond dogs have crossed his path in decades. And whatever it is that's in the water down there is not natural, and it's been seeping up from the ground to poison the earth, water, and eventually ponies above it. That's why there's no plant life near the tarn. He said there was a huge storm before the mansion blew up, and then it sank."
I'll shake my head.
"Do you think maybe whatever seeped up from the ground was explosive?"

460509

>>460505
Ah damn.
Go inside(if I am still not) and see what the shop have? Lets see what we can grab and eat.

460510

>>460508
"Diamond dogs usually stick underground, not above it."
I contemplate this for a moment.
"Usher did repeat the word lightening several times… which implies a storm. There may be a connection with the explosion, yes…"
I shake my head
"But I do need more information. I simply must speak to Chivalry about this. And Glory as well."

460511

>>460510
"Who's Glory? Another surprise family member?"

460513

>>460507
You find the shy librarian known as Tulip on the top floor.

>>460509
You are inside! A very bored pony at the counter is pushing honey.

#Pause

460514

>>460511
"My niece, I have told you about her. Chivalry is her brother and my nephew. Usher is the brother of their father, who is my sister's husband."
I shake my head.
"No matter, this has been quite enlightening. But I still lack much information here, so further investigation is required. Thank you for your aid so far, mister Curry. I… greatly appreciate it."

460517

>>460514
"Well, come on. I can't just leave you hanging. I mean, you lost nearly your entire family in one go. That's normally enough to bring even a strong pony to their knees."
I'll nod a moment.
"And trees do have roots, Light Heart. They can see what happens beneath them. Sorta. Or at least feel."
I'll consider a few things.
"You don't suppose that yours and your niece's condition is related to that stuff, do you? I mean, if it was enough to drive your brother out, that must mean he was sensitive to how unnatural it was. And that saved his life, though at the cost of his sanity."

460519

>>460517
I shake my head.
"From what I understand, it is something that runs in the family. As for Chivalry's condition… it may be one similar to that of Usher. I will need to compare the symptoms. Perhaps it affects males differently than females. Then, Chivalry left three years ago and I am not quite sure if the area was already being affected back then. I suppose the only way to find out is to ask him and hope he cooperates."

460695

>>460519
"Why wouldn't he cooperate, aside from the whole 'lost his mind' part?"

460696

>>460695
"He seemed rather hostile when we met. I believe he was attempting to kill me or at least remove me from the picture."

460697

>>460696
"Well, he was crazed and living out of, what, the woods? Isolation does things to a colt's mind. I'm lucky I turned out as well as I did, but that was only because I had someone for the first decade or two."
I'll think a moment.
"Do you think he'd talk to anyone else?"

460698

>>460697
"I am not quite certain, but if you feel like trying, feel free to. I have a feeling that he will be too paranoid however."

460699

>>460698
"Well, there must be some common ground. And even if there isn't, if you leave a plant with him, and he decides to talk to himself…"
I'll shrug.
"If it decides to cooperate, I'd be able to get the important bits out of it."

460700

>>460699
"That is reassuring, at the very least. He is currently one of my more important leads aside from Glory herself."

460701

>>460700
"Well, I don't expect immediate results."
I'll scratch my chin a little.
"I don't suppose I could meet Glory?"

460702

>>460701
"… Perhaps you could. Although I would expect you not to say a thing about my occupation. Am I correct in making this assumption?"

460703

>>460702
"What, I shouldn't mention you're a traveling businessmare who happens to ride on a ship, and decided to visit her family?"
I'll shrug.
"Well, I probably shouldn't mention that last bit. You've likely already did that part."

460704

>>460703
I nod.
"Good. I do not wish for her to suffer from yet another heart attack. So bear that fact in mind."

460705

>>460704
"She must be a bit worse off than you if she's getting them this badly at such a young age."
A brief pause.
"Not that I'm making any implications, of course. A mare in her prime, such as yourself, doesn't need to worry about such things."

460706

>>460705
"She is currently quite stressed already due to what happened, which makes it easier for her to suffer from one. Now you see why I insist on staying calm and keeping a level head at all times, mister Curry, even during these dire moments. If I wish to solve this matter, it will have to happen without constant heart attacks."

460707

>>460706
"Of course."
I'll tug at the neck of the sailor outfit I got shoved into.
"Should I play up the 'adorable colt' angle and feign being, well, a child? Or would you rather I not, since I'm fairly sure I've forgotten how children actually act."

460708

>>460707
"You could pretend to suffer from dwarfism, I suppose."

460709

>>460708
"In this get-up?"
I'll raise an eyebrow.
"No one would be able to take me seriously."

460710

>>460709
"You could simply take it off. Or we could be honest with her and tell her age magic is involved."

460711

>>460710
I'll shake my head.
"If I take it off, I'll probably get accosted by concerned mares again. Better to play off either childishness or come clean."
I'll rub my nose.
"Speaking of, you should probably bathe in clean water before we visit. We really don't know what was in that tarn water."

460712

>>460711
"Of course. I will most likely swing by the good doctor Peg as well, out of caution."

460713

>>460712
"Hopefully there will be colt-sized clothing floating around as well… As much as I appreciate the gesture, I look ridiculous. It was a stroke of fortune that Emrille was more focused on that giant squid heart than on what I was wearing when she forcibly borrowed Mera."

460714

>>460713
"Perhaps mister Abilio could provide you with some, though he may be out in town. In any case, Chivalry is my current priority. He may know useful information that could help solve this puzzle."

460715

>>460714
"Of course. Not that I know too many pieces. As I've said before, once this is over we'll have to have a nice, long talk."

460716

>>460715
"A long talk? My, you make it sound like I am in trouble, mister Curry."
I chuckle.

460717

>>460716
"I'd just rather get the whole story, as opposed to bits and pieces. I do trust you, but I like to know who I work with. So that means I'd need it all, from the top, miss Belle."
I'll wave a hoof.
"But as I said, that can all wait until we're at sea. For now, we focus on the task at hoof."

460718

>>460717
"Of course. And in case you were wondering, it is Liberty Belle."

460719

>>460718
"A pleasure to have your name, Liberty. Now, let's head back to the boats to change into something more fitting for a convalescence visit."

460720

>>460719
"Indeed."
Walk back over to round up my followers and pick up my gear, then start walking back to the fleet.
Take a dip in the seawater when we're close, to wash off some of this shit.

460721

>>460720
And I guess this is after I'm heading back from that shit.
"Taking a dip, huh?"
Make sure to smirk.

460722

>>460721
"Indeed I am, miss Emrille. I had wondered where you ran off to."

460723

>>460722
"Eh, it was nothing compared to this."

460724

>>460723
"This?"
I toss my wet mane.

460725

>>460724
Grin even wider.
"Mhhhm, that."

460726

>>460725
I chuckle.
"Well I am pleased to hear you enjoy the sights of Dixie."

460727

>>460726
Just sit down on the sand/whatever.
"Say, I think you missed a spot back there. You better go back and scrub it real quick."

460728

>>460727
"Oh I am quite certain that it will be fine. I am in a bit of a hurry, you see. With the murderous plot I am attempting to uncover and all."

460729

>>460728
"You can't uncover dirty secrets if you aren't clean, can you now?
And I'll assist you with that, don't worry. When we get to the 'shoot stuff' part at least."

460730

>>460729
"I may be close to uncovering who the culprits were. I believe it was a group of diamond dogs who call themselves the Loyalists. Why they would do such a thing, I do not know however."

460731

>>460730
"I'm guessing you are heading to find out right after this?"

460732

>>460731
"I was heading over to see if that cure had worked its magic on Chvialry, actually. I simply must speak to him and see what he knows first."

460733

>>460732
"Oh, that thing you needed the heart for."

460734

>>460733
"Correct. Your cooperation in that matter was highly appreciated. It saved me quite a lot of time."

460735

>>460734
"Smitts said it was 'meh' though."

460736

>>460735
"Well as long as it works out, I will be pleased. The result is what matters here."

460737

>>460736
"What does he need medicine for in the first place?"

460738

>>460737
"Drug addiction. He accidentally took in some of mister Sitar's drug."

460739

>>460738
Roll my eyes.
"You sure Ruxiang didn't have a hoof in it either?"

460740

>>460739
"Quite certain. No need to worry about him."

460741

>>460740
"Yeah, just, y'know. Because of the-"
Make a long snorting motion.

460742

>>460741
I give her a questioning look.

460743

>>460742
"You mean Ruxiang never tried to sell you 'magic dust'?"

460744

>>460743
"I cannot say he has, although that sounds like something I would steer clear from."

460745

>>460744
"Since that one time he opened a bag, forced my nose into it, got me high and then Al-Jinn had to fish me out of the sea, yeah, I'm doing that too."

460746

>>460745
I raise a brow.
"You poor thing. Although at the very least, it wasn't the kind of drug that causes physical addiction after a single usage."

460747

>>460746
"I'd have been pretty pissed then. I have one addiction I have to deal with already."

460748

>>460747
"Oh? Whatever are you talking about?"

460749

>>460748
Smirk.
"Oh, I thought you knew."

460750

>>460749
Smile.
"Perhaps you should enlighten me."

460751

>>460750
"Fine, fine, but you got to come closer.
I don't want just about everypony to know this weakness."
Motion her closer.

460752

>>460751
Gee, I wonder what she's going to do.
Flutter over to where she is.

460753

>>460752
I flutter up as well right next to her ears.
"I'm addicted to mares, y'know. I get trigger happy if I spend too much time without one."

460754

>>460753
I smile.
"Oh? Mares, miss Emrille? A mare like yourself liking other mares? Some would call such deviancy unnatural."

460755

>>460754
"They obviously never scissored anypony yet then.
That would change their opinions pretty quick."

460756

>>460755
"I'm sure it would. Especially with a little filly such as yourself, yes?"

460757

>>460756
Throw my hooves in the air dramatically.
"No! If it wasn't like this I could be showing Tela the sweet sweet love mares can do to each other already!"
Then pout.

460758

>>460757
"Oh you poor thing. It must be horrific for you, not being able to show your love to your beloved mare."
I chuckle.
"I for one can still taste Rosemary in my mouth."

460759

>>460758
Pout even harder.
"Hey! No fair!
That's just mean!"

460760

>>460759
"I meant the Rosemary flower, of course. Do you not enjoy eating flowers, miss Emrille? They are quite… fragrant. The unpicked ones are especially delicious."

460761

>>460760
"Now that you mention it, I do remember the taste of the first ever cherry I ate."

460762

>>460761
I chuckle.
"It is not a taste everypony appreciates, those blooming cherries."

460763

>>460762
"I'd say it's pretty could. So good you could almost hear it."

460764

>>460763
"I myself was too busy listening to different sounds to notice."

460765

>>460764
"Do tell."

460766

>>460765
"Some ponies can be a little loud."

460767

>>460766
"I wonder about Tela…
Never really heard her like that before."

460768

>>460767
"She may not be vocal at all."

460769

>>460768
"That would be a shame.
Or maybe I just didn't get to have my fun with her yet."

460770

>>460769
"On the other hoof, I would be surprised if Tela of all ponies would not be vocal."
I chuckle.

460771

>>460770
"Only one way to find out, huh?"

460782

>>460771
"I suppose so. Come, walk with me."
BACK ON THE ROAD WITH ME I GO

460787

>>460782
"I'd rather fly."
And there we go.

460901

Unpause.

460902

>>460901
Headed back to the fleet and took a dip in the sea to wash off this shit.
I'd like to visit Doctor Peg first if he's available.

460903

>>460902
Doctor Peg? Pff.

You wash off in the salty (but comparatively clean) seawater. Dixie fresh!

Anyway, you end up returning to Peg's clinic on the Pillager's Fancy.

460904

>>460903
Knock and enter!
"Doctor, I require your aid if possible. I need to be checked for any dangerous toxins inside my body which I may have inhaled whilst swimming in a lake."

460905

>>460903
Shy librarian mare!
"Hello?"

460906

>>460904
He nods and indicates a table for you to sit at.

>>460905
Roll diplomacy.

460907

>>460906
Do so. Sit perfectly still.

460908

>>460907
I'll just stand around

460909

>>460906
Plssss.
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

460910

>>460909
"Ah– yes…?"

>>460907
He examines your coat closely, then has you open your mouth, and he takes a swab of your tongue and looks at your tonsils with some kind of magnifying glass.

Then he gives you a hoofs up!

460911

>>460910
Well that's a relief.
"Thank you, doctor. Good day then."
Hop off of the table and head back to my cabin!

460912

>>460911
I'll hop on you back if you don't mind.

460913

Library you say?
Any interesting books?
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

460914

>>460910
"You see, I have brought someone here who would like to read the books about magic, and he really needs to be left alone.
Especially by mares.
I can guarantee he won't give you problems though."

460915

>>460913
Meditations on the Fall of the Trotantine Empire by Sunny Day

>>460911
>>460912
You return to your cabin, where you keep most of your followers.

>>460914
"Uh… alright…"

460916

>>460915
Excellent. How is Chivalry Belle looking? Any progress on that front?

460917

>>460915
Uh…
Okay, that might be interesting, even though I was looking for death and necromancy centered ones.
Give it a quick read!

460918

>>460916
A quick read? It's a tome!

You skim the foreword. It discusses the military and political decline of the Empire in its late stages, and professes to preview the commentary in the later parts of the book surrounding the ultimate fall.

Maybe you should look in the magic section if you don't want history books!

>>460916
He's asleep, but he should be better now… you think. Well, not drugged up anymore. There's still the insane condition he was in when you first found him.

460919

>>460918
That's true. He's tied down though, isn't he? As long as he can't do anything silly…
"I suppose this is where the tearful reunion between aunt and nephew comes in. Be on guard everyone."
He doesn't have a catalyst on him or anything that he can cast bee spells with or some shit does he? If not, I try to wake him up.

Roll #1 10 = 10

460920

Perk up.
"Great!
Oh, and… Could you tell me something about the painting in the back?
I mean, I found a book from the author that talks about painting with blood and all, but what does he use for the black colors?"

460921

>>460919
He drearily awakes from his reverie of sleep.

"Mmm… can't… move…"

Right. Belted down, not just tied.

>>460920
"Uh… probably more blood… you know… it clots and turns black…"

460922

>>460918
Oh, right!
The magic section!
'1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

460923

>>460921
"And… How would the rest remain red and shining?"

460924

>>460921
"That is because you are belted down tightly, my beloved nephew."
Sit down next to the bed.
"A dreadful thing to do, I know. But you did attack me, so I have to be a bit careful here. How are you feeling?"

460925

>>460922
Apotheosis in Antioch
Crows Head Findings: Longevity
A Study in Black
Modern Colloquiums on the Noble Practices
Academy Commentary on Neurology
Necromancer's Hoofguide to States of Decay
Understanding Rigor Mortis and Other Posthumous Afflictions
Dawn of the Dead

>>460923
"Ah– just! …!"

She winks away.

>>460924
"Hard… to… breathe…"

460926

>>460925
Okay… Let's wait…
In the meanwhile, give a look at the books around here.
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

460927

>>460925
"That is unfortunate. Why did you attack me?"

460928

>>460926
You're still in the artsy area. Just a bunch of books on those kinds of things.

>>460927
"You… wanted to… belt me down… and take me back… to the manor…"

460929

>>460928
"Hardly. The manor was blown up and is now at the bottom of a toxic tarn. Why did you run from home? Why did you not want to return to the manor?"

460930

>>460925
>>460925
Crows Head Findings: Longevity!!!!!
RIGHT THIS INSTANT!

460931

>>460928
Well I guess I will have to wait that mare here.
Anything about music?
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

460932

>>460931
There's a collection of suites from an Anneivian composer nearby.

>>460930
This book is a collection of gathered notes from various members of the Crow's Head Society, not only on how to preserve pony life, but also to extend the usefulness of corpse minions. It dates back to the founding of the Crow's Head Society, and even mentions some of your contemporaries. Reading into the third chapter, you're certain you recognize some of your own notes on how to slow the aging of corpse flesh.

460933

>>460929
"What? Then… to what end did you come after me and attack me?"

460934

>>460932
Oh…
I guess I did wrote that notes about Nid…
Anyway, read more! This is very very interesting!
I want this book!

460935

>>460932
Oh boy.
I'm sure it's gonna make my head spin just looking at them.
But do it anyway.
'1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

460936

>>460933
"Correction, you attacked me. I am visiting Dixie and wanted to talk to my family. Nothing more. Now answer the question. Why run from home?"

460937

>>460935
Actually, opening the book, you recognize the famous tune The Orphanarium Suite right away. It's a dance, of course, but you can hear it in your head without needing to play it. What a light, pleasant sound, with a hint of mystery. It's program music, and the cycle tells a story about an adventurer who gave up wandering to create an orphanage with 88 children.

>>460934
There are lengthy passages on Phylactery Forges and means of extending pony lives, but they don't get any further than the first step on creating a Lich. Nonetheless, there are a variety of different studies. This book is more of an anthology of notes and different experiments than it is a single discussion: there is no guiding narrator between chapters or between works.

>>460936
"But… you did attack me… and you destroyed my mansion… And you let the cats out…"

460938

>>460937
"Answer the question. Why did you leave home, Chivalry? What happened?"

460939

>>460937
Well I did take notes on looking for eternal life beside lichdom, maybe someone else did too!

460940

>>460937
Okay. I need this music.
I do.
Is the mare back already?

460941

>>460938
"IT WAS YOU! I LEARNED IT FROM YOU!"

>>460939
No doubt. The whole book is a collection of them. They range from striking deals with Tartarians, to taking your vitamins every morning, to attempting the dangerous "alicornification" process, to even more outlandish things. It seems that living forever was of paramount interest to many members of the Crow's Head.

>>460940
You don't think she's coming back.

460942

>>460941
I hate that kid. With every fiber of my being, I hate her.
How big is this book containing the suites?

460943

>>460941
I…I guess I should feel honored that my notes are in there too.
I'll give this tome a full read for sure.

Just… quickly give a skim of the other books before that.
To see what I can find in those.

460944

>>460941
"Why did you leave home?"

460945

>>460942
It's pretty thick and wide.

>>460943
Apotheosis in Antioch is another Trotantine book on decay and the Touch of Death.
A Study in Black is an outsider's look at necromancy.
Modern Colloquiums is an ancient Northern book on Necromancy, Demonology, and Neurology
Academy Commentary is from the Canterlot Academy, and deals with Transfixing
Hoofguide is a hoofbook with different corpse stages of decay, how to repair them, and other useful tips about how to prevent corpse destruction
Understanding Rigor Mortis is about the stages of corpse decay and diseases that corpses can carry
Dawn of the Dead is a book about Grogarian necromancy

>>460944
"The same reason… you did! Freedom…"

460946

>>460945
"Understandable. But why were you afraid of returning?"

460947

>>460945
Take it to the entrance.
I want to check it out.
Anypony at the desk?

460948

>>460947
Yes, indeed. The librarian emphasizing quiet is here.

460949

>>460946
"Won't let me leave…"

460950

>>460948
"I want to buy this."
Drop the book on the desk.
"And that librarian keeps disappearing in the middle of conversations."
Sound pissed. And keep a reasonably mid-high tone of voice.

460951

>>460949
"Who? Gentile and Charity? Your parents?"

460952

>>460950
"Shh! This is a library!"

>>460951
He struggles a little against the belts.

460953

>>460945
Let's see…
Out of those, let's pick up Apotheosis, the Academy Commentary, the hoofguide, and the rigor mortis too!

460954

>>460952
"With a lot to learn in terms of librarians."
Give her a hard stare.

460955

>>460952
"I assume that is a yes. You were… thirteen? When you left? That is awfully young. There must have been more to it than just a desire for freedom."

460956

>>460954
She changes her tone to a warning voice. "You're being very impolite."

>>460953
Okay. You have a stack of five books now.

>>460955
He begins humming frantically.

460957

>>460956
Great!
Off to the nearest reading desk!

460958

>>460956
Narrow my eyes.
"Fine! Now, can I check this out or is it reading only?"

460959

>>460956
"There is no point in trying to avoid this, Chivalry. These are just a few simple question I want answered."

460960

>>460957
You find a reading desk in one of the study rooms off to the side.

>>460958
"Yes, it's available for check out. Do you have a card?"

>>460959
He hums louder.

460961

>>460960
Shake my head vigorously.

460962

>>460960
This is actually going to be good!
Start with the tome, of course!

460963

>>460960
"Stop acting like a child. I require your help here."

460964

>>460961
"Would you like to apply for a card?"

>>460962
Which tome?

>>460963
"It was… why you left."

460965

>>460964
"How long would it take?"

460966

>>460964
The one with the longetivity and lichdom and everything!

460967

>>460964
"I left when I was an adult, you left when you were barely a teenager without so much as telling anypony. Clearly, there must have been something which drove you away."

460968

>>460965
"Just fill out this form and have it processed."

She slides a form across the desk.

>>460966
You spend a time studying your old colleagues' findings in detail.

It's good.

>>460967
"A few years… perhaps…"

460969

>>460968
Okay. What's in the forms?

460970

>>460968
"A few years what?"

460971

>>460968
Oh boy
This is so good
It's a shame I couldn't write more.
ON TO THE NEXT BOOK AT RANDOM!

460972

>>460970
"Four years… you had… more than me… that's all."

>>460969
Standard information. Name. Date. Citizen Number. Contact information. How you heard about the library.

>>460971
You read the Hoofguide. It's… more reference material than light reading. There are nice sketched pictures and descriptions of corpses and their treatments, but it's totally disjunct, like an encyclopedia.

460973

>>460972
"Can non-citizen apply for a card?"

460974

>>460972
"Four years is still a lot of time. You have been gone for three and look what happened to you. Why did you really leave? From what I hear, you were displaying signs of nervousness before you left."

460975

>>460973
"If you're planning on immigrating I can just forward your information to the office of immigration and help you get your citizen number. We could get that done in maybe an hour, it's a quick process."

>>460974
Perception check.

"I told you… freedom… from that place… and those ponies…"

460976

>>460975
'1d10'
"Did they hurt you in some way?"

Roll #1 1 = 1

460977

>>460975
"Maybe later."
Go find Zivur.

460978

>>460972
More books!

460979

>>460976
You think it's a lovely day and open the window so that the refreshing sea breeze will make Chivalry more talkative.

A swarm of bees flies in through the window and begin to land on Chivalry.

"KITTENS! YOU CAME!"

Swarmlord Chivalry Belle?
Restrained Heir Appar– Is He Really Capable of Fighting Like That?

>>460977
You head upstairs and find Zivur in a reading room.

>>460978
Apotheosis in Antioch speaks at length about the ancient ways of the Touch of Death and Touch of Life, and their progression through the ages. It also refers to early study on the Lifestream. This book could be useful to anygriffon looking to modernize their Touch arsenal.

460980

>>460978
Hey. Having fun?

Drop the music book near him.

460981

>>460980
Rolling to see how started I get.
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

460982

>>460979
Let's move on to th-

>>460980
GAH!

460983

>>460979
Oh for crying out loud. How the hell is that even possible?
Quickly push my followers out of the room and leave, closing the door behind me.
"I am starting to get exceedingly annoyed."

460984

>>460982
Stay silent and wait for him to recover.

Must have been really interesting to capture you like that.

460985

>>460983
"Lemme go!"

460986

>>460985
"Not before you remove those bees, Chivalry."

460987

>>460984
I-I found my own notes!

460988

>>460987
Whoa.
That must be a priviledge.

460989

>>460986
"Nuh uh! You have to… get rid of the… belts first!"

460990

>>460988
It f-feels nice…
It's not m-much though…

Show her my notes in the book about preserving corpses and what I did to Nid and the other undead.

460991

>>460989
"You are covered in bees, I cannot possibly do that."

460992

>>460990
"Eh."
Chuckle a bit.
>>460989
What's of interest for me in here?
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

460993

>>460992
He has a whole stack of books.

Apotheosis in Antioch
Crows Head Findings: Longevity
Academy Commentary on Neurology
Necromancer's Hoofguide to States of Decay
Understanding Rigor Mortis and Other Posthumous Afflictions

460994

>>460991
"They… won't hurt you… if you… leave me alone…"

460995

>>460993
Wait a second.
Neurology.
Maybe that would…
Yeah. Maybe I will find how to place his soul in s n-
Stop daydreaming and check the book.

460996

>>460994
"You proved your untrustworthiness before by attacking me without reason? Why should I believe you now? What stops you from killing me? If you really want me to trust you, then answer my questions and I will free you and leave you alone. That is a promise."

460998

>>460995
This book is all about the studies of the mind… kind of. It's not research directly, it's the commentary of the Dean of the School of Necromancy on neurological research from the Canterlot Academy. There is some information here, but it's mostly surface-level research and more focused on the philosophy of the research. There's probably a better option in terms of something neurologically speaking.

>>460996
"You… attacked me! And destroyed… my house! And… let my kittens out! … Do you have any idea… how hard… it is… to keep them in one place?"

They swarm about him.

460999

>>460998
Damn.
Let's go on around the book about Longevity.
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

461001

>>460998
"I did not attack you, unless you consider verbal communication as a way of physical violence. You blew up your own house and let out your own bees. So why do we not solve this the easy way and have you answer a simple question so I can let you walk free? I promise you, no harm will befall you. You are still kin of mine and the reason I am doing this is because I want to find out what happened to our family and why they are now dead."

461004

>>460998
I keep reading too!

461007

>>461004
That leaves the book on Rigor Mortis and the like.

It's pretty interesting and talks about diseases like Gravechill and other things you can pick up on a corpse… and of course the miasma.

You get a little creeped out when it talks about Corpseworm. Ew.

>>461001
"Lies! LIES! You've been drinking the tarn!"

>>460999
It's almost entirely in Trotantine. There is no narration or summary: it's a colleciton of notes and experiments from many different authors.

461008

>>461007
I raise a brow.
"I did take a dive in it to investigate it. How do you know?"

461009

>>461007
Yes, but what of them? Did they figure out anything on lichdom we don't know?

461010

>>461008
"YOU'RE CRAZY! EVERYPONY THAT DRINKS THE TARN GOES CRAZY!"

He's frothing at the mouth a little.

>>461009
You don't know Trotantine.

461011

>>461007
Creeped out?
It's fascinating!
Almost as fascinating as coffinbirth!

461012

>>461010
That's… actually disconcerting.
"How do you know this? What's in the tarn that makes everypony go crazy? Help me here, Chivalry."

461013

>>461010
Great.
Onwards to the other books then.
'1d10'
>>461011
What's in this book about Longevity?

Roll #1 1 = 1

461014

>>461011
Okay you creepy pone.

>>461012
"It's noxious! Now… free me… before you cut out my eyes!"

>>461013
You trip and knock all five books off so they slide under a shelf. Ugh.

461015

>>461014
I'm a zebra.

>>461014
…um

461016

>>461014
I approach him and start undoing the belts.
"How do you know about this? What kind of toxin is it? Where does it originate from?"

461017

>>461014
Recover them.
'1d10'
>>461015
I made a mess, help me with the books.

Roll #1 3 = 3

461018

>>461017
uh…
Help with the books.
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

461019

>>461015
Sure you are.

>>461016
The 'kittens' buzz uneasily, but don't attack you.

"It comes from the tarn! It's maddening dust! I poured it out on my desk, and when it dried… POWDER!"

>>461017
You just… can't… reach.

461020

>>461018
Your shadowy oddly dimensioned body has no trouble reaching under there.

461021

>>461019
"So that is why you left? Because of this toxin? Why did you not warn your parents?"

461022

>>461019
Give up and groan. Put the music book down here near Zivur.
>>461018
I am leaving for a while. Is it okay if I leave you here alone with the books?

461023

>>461021
"They're in on it… with you! And you all want me to drink it! I won't go mad like you!"

'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

461024

>>461023
He struggles against the remaining belts.

461025

>>461022
Y-Yes, yes, I can read them!

461026

>>461023
>>461024
Undo those as well.
"I do not want you to drink from it, Chivalry. If I did, I would have made you do so already. Please calm down."

461027

>>461025
Great. I will leave this music book too. Guard it.
>>461024
And now, leave. To the sheeps' village!

461029

>>461027
O-Okay.
Is it any interesting?

461030

>>461026
He withdraws to the corner of the room. The bees trail after him.

"Leave me bee."

>>461027
You hike out. It takes about half an hour.

>>461029
It's a music book with some really famous suites. Do you like music and dancing? Fair warning: this has ballerinas.

461033

>>461030
A nice walk.
Is Terrebonne anywhere around?
'1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

461035

>>461030
NOPE
Back to coprseworms

461036

>>461033
You wander around town – that is to say, the three public buildings – and find her in the restaurant with Abilio. They're having mushrooms.

461037

>>461030
"Come Chivalry, you may leave now."
Open the door for him.

461039

>>461036
Smile.
"Fancy meeting you two here."

461040

>>461037
He bolts. You give a slight sigh of relief when all of the bees follow him.

>>461035
There are three whole pages with a detailed illustration on several different kinds of worms and maggots that prefer corpses. You're surprised at how many are transmitted through birds and slugs. Eggs get laid on leaves and ponies ingest them… host dies… larvae feast.

>>461039
"Ah, Felfire. Enjoying your stay?"

"Yas, come, what ave ya seen?"

461041

>>461040
That sure wasn't as helpful as I'd hoped it'd be…
Bah. I need to go take sample of that water. Any bottles around in my cabin that I can fill up? Somewhere in the trash maybe?

Roll #1 10 = 10

461042

>>461040
And they say death is the end of all things!
See, it's not true, it can create new life!

461043

>>461040
Ah, great. Sit down.
"Yes, it's a fashinating place. A well furbished one, too.
Their library is impressive.
And they have a teleporter to northern Equestria.
Oh, and did you ever think about building Structure Catalysts into the ships?
They'd be a great help in battle!

461044

>>461041
You nick one of Stein's beakers from his bag. He won't miss it, you're sure.

>>461042
So it would seem!

461045

>>461044
Off to the tarn I go.
Fill the beaker with the water and close the lid. Maybe collect some dead plant samples as well?

Roll #1 3 = 3

461046

OKAY now what the hell do I have to do.

461047

>>461043
"That kind of thing is probably best for taking up with the commodore – or at least somepony in the engineering corps. It'd be a large scale project…"

>>461045
You pick some plants but end up dropping them into the water by accident. At least you got the water.

>>461046
You wander town for a while and notice a pony is waving at you.

461048

>>461047
Ugh. Pick some more.

Roll #1 4 = 4

461049

>>461047
Huh? A pony is waving at me?
"Momma says I'm not supposed to talk to strangers, mister."

461050

>>461047
"You have no idea how much stuff I've found!
And Zivur is still back in the library looking through even more books!
I must find a way to get them out of that place without too much fuss.
So! What have you two been doing?"

461051

>>461047
What kind of pony?

Roll #1 3 = 3

461056

>>461048
This all looks dead.

>>461049
"Sure! But I'm not a stranger. I'm a friend."

>>461050
"Catching up."
"I'm from dis town."

>>461051
A unicorn pony.

461058

>>461056
Just… grab some and return to the fleet. I'm going to ask Smitts about this.

Roll #1 8 = 8

461059

>>461056
"I noticed from the marks."
Chuckle.
"What's that you're eating?"

461060

>>461056
I frown and walk up to him.
"Don't bother my daughter. We don't know who you are."

461061

>>461056
I scrunch up.
"But I don't know you."

461062

>>461060
>>461061
He passes you a letter with a broken chain symbol on it. "Just stop by later if you believe in freedom."

Then he runs off.

>>461059
"Swamper's Delight."

"It's a mushroom dish."

>>461058
You go back to the ship.

#Pause

461063

>>461062
Head over to Smitts' office and knock.

461064

>>461062
"Damn, I will have one."
Motion the waiter or the innkeeper or whoever for it.

461065

>>461062
I raise a brow and eye the letter.
"Now what's this…?"

461123

It's just a step to the left…

There is blood in this painting.
And I have not to worry about communing anymore.
Let's try to chat with it then. I still have to ask about the blood.
'1d10' to commune with the blood on the painting.

Roll #1 2 = 2

461124

>>461123
"Hello, and who might you be?

461125

>>461124
Somepony curious about your technique, master Swan.

461126

>>461125
Swan? You mean that painter Sailing Swan? Sorry, I'm not him. I met him once. Wanted to make some kind of great painting.

461127

>>461126
Oh. Guess that's why then. Asked for some of your blood?

461128

>>461127
Yea, I didn't see any harm in letting him have it. I'm Kilana.. by the way, what does the thing look like? I never got to see it finished.

461129

>>461128
Wait. Aren't you… How do you know I'm looking at the picture?

461130

>>461129
Please, you brought me hear to ask about the painter, I'm dead not stupid.

461131

>>461130
Most spirits don't… Realize they are dead.
They remain stuck in their last few moments.
You are taking this awfully well.

461132

>>461131
Well, wouldn't you realize if you were dead, you're a necromancer aren't you?

461133

>>461132
I never died yet, so I wouldn't know. My friends have different opinions on the matter.

461134

>>461133
Oh, Sorry to disappoint, Is it too late to fake being like the others? can I laugh, I try to laugh.

461135

>>461134
I'd rather have a decent conversation for once, instead.
So what was that you did, in life?

461136

>>461135
Pretty close to what you do I imagine, bring up long dead ponies to question them about things they most likely don't know.

461137

>>461136
Wait, so you were a necromancer too?
First you had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.


Sit down in front of the painting.

461138

>>461137
Oh, you want to know what more about me? tell me… Do the Equestrian Empresses still live?

461139

>>461138
Mhmh. Were you one of those following King Platinum in his quest against them?

461140

>>461139
…King Platinum? I did fight against Equestria, but.. I don't know that name..

461141

>>461140
Equestria has a lot of enemies.
What cause did you fight for, then?

461142

>>461141
For our homes, in the North. I followed King Frostmourn. Do you know that name?

461143

>>461142
Can't say I do. But yet again, I'm no historian.
I guess that didn't exactly end up how you had hoped to.

461145

>>461143
No.. I was going to live forever you know.. I bet that stupid Sun Empress made us look like the bad guys too. I can't believe she's still alive.

461147

>>461145

Yeah. Happens. So you were about to become a lich?
Then what?

461153

>>461147
Stay vigilant and guard the North in case they tried to take it from us. I guess that doesn't sound like much of a plan, but an undead army would be a pretty big deterrent.

461154

>>461153
Yeah but I mean, what stopped you?

461156

>>461154
What.. What stopped me? I died in battle against their forces. They had a better army, it was hopeless but we gave it everything we had.

461158

>>461156
You mean you… Actually went into battle against them?

Whoa.

That's… A lot to image.

461159

>>461158
It was less of a battle and more of a blood bath. I was just hoping that somehow they would be dead too.. I don't like the idea that they got away with killing everyone I knew and loved so they could have our homes..

461161

>>461159
How long… What year was it?

461169

>>461161
Wait.. what year is it now?

461170

>>461169
It's… Around 700AL.

461171

>>461170
AL?! What kind of year is that?

461172

>>461171
After… Luna's banishment.
Nevermind. Guess it's even earlier than that.
Be happy to know one of your foes turned on the other, then.

461177

>>461172
That brings me little comfort, thank you pony.

461188

>>461177
Call me Felfire. What's your name?

461190

>>461188
I am Kilana. That is my name. I thought I said as much earlier but I guess not.

461205

>>461190
There is no shame in getting something wrong, once you are dead.
Figure I know this bard who messes up all the details.
I bet he does some of that on purpouse, too.


Sigh.

Some kind of seer he is.

461209

>>461205
Details, yes, but it seems I've been dead a very long time… What can I help you with Felfire?

461211

>>461209
This all depends on… How much experience you have, Kilana.
There is something I am trying to do.

461224

>>461211
I was the best necromancer in the North, I was going to be the head of the Dark Academy, which was a brand new thing. A wonderful thing, for the safe research and practice of the Dark Arts, that was supposed to teach a whole new generation of necromancers and.. it doesn't exist anymore does it?

461229

>>461224
Closest thing I've heard to that was the Black Cloyster… But that's been destroyed long ago.
I found a similar place, though.

461233

>>461229
Oh.. okay then..

461243

>>461233
It's not exactly the most reputable of groups but…
There's plenty of necromancers, of all kinds and talents.
So much knowledgence.
So.
One thing I wanted to ask you. Do you know how to move souls into different bodies?

461245

>>461243
Perhaps, I was able to move souls around with a special scythe I had… If you could find it

461248

>>461245
Chuckle.
I use a scythe too. Always good to keep ponies away.
Where do you think this scythe would be, then?

461255

>>461248
well, last time I saw it was when that paladin kicked it away from me, thinking it was my only catalyst, I had extra, he didn't know, I reached up and touched his face, watched as his life drained into me. ..I don't know what happened to it after that, maybe Celestia has it as a trophy somewhere??

461256

>>461255
Celestia's treasury.
Okay.
Not the easiest place to rob even with a fleet of pirates.
Guess I will need a plan B…

461258

>>461256
I could try telling you what it was like to move a soul, it was kind of like.. grabbing their essence..

461259

>>461258
Was it anything like moving souls into shadows?

461260

>>461259
Oh, you use shadows? My master used shadows, she was also able to move souls, bind them to different things. I bet it is similar, but I didn't use shadows myself, I had a really big minion that I kept improving.

461261

>>461260
Improving a minion?
How would that even work? Closest I've heard is fusing different bodies together, but that can't be it!

461262

>>461261
that sounds about right actually. Using the strengths of many bodies as one.

461264

>>461262
But… If what you say is true, then…
Say, would you be against moving into a shadow for a short while?
It's nothing too distressing, but it will allow us to commune whenever we need.
There is someone I think you should talk with.

461265

>>461264
I don't mind, but it might make Grogar mad.

461270

>>461265
Oh, you in his plane? It will be no ill, I talked to him. He's allowed me to move souls between our words.

461274

>>461270
If you're sure about that, go ahead when you're ready.

461276

>>461274
Right. Let me prepare for this…

Try to move Kilana's mind into a shadow.
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

461279

>>461276
So.. this is what its like to be a shadow.. try to copy you pose as if I was your shadow '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

461283

>>461279
I've been told the feeling is quite dull. Takes a while to get used to.

461286

>>461283
I now So, I guess this makes you my master now?

461290

461292

>>461286
Is that what you into?
No. Those I share a shadow with are mostly friends.
Not anything less.

461297

>>461292
No, sorry, I just thought.. whenever I used necromancy on someone It was always that way, they had to listen to me, even if I did try to be friendly to them.. they were under my control you know what I mean?

461299

>>461297
All too well.
I… I was like that too, before meeting my mentor.
She taught me to respect the dead.
Tell you the truth, I am still a bit scared…
You have complete control of the shadow. It's not like a corpse.

461301

>>461299
Interesting, So.. I could just go away?

461302

>>461301
I still have control over your form.
I could send you back whenever I want.
Sorry.
I need to be safe.

461305

>>461302
I see, well, not as if I had anywhere to go after all.. from what you say the North just doesn't exist..

461310

>>461305
There is one port left.
And I've just been to a place called Wintergrasp, but that's just stones and snow now.

461312

>>461310
Wintergrasp, yes, I would like to go see what its like there, how far is it?

461314

>>461312
The other side of the world, more or less.

461315

>>461314
What, where am I even? get a look at that painting while I can.

461316

>>461315
You are in Dixie, town of the so called…

Say that with more than a hint of disgust in my face.

New world.

461319

>>461316
This isn't by any chance.. in trotinham?

461323

>>461319
Far from it actually.
But I know someone from there. He's a necromancer like us, studying the books of this library in another one of my shadows.

461324

>>461323
Well, I'm completely lost then. And.. what is that you're wearing?

461326

>>461324
This?

Pirouette around the black dress.

It's just something to withstand the sea breeze…

461328

>>461326
Its.. um.. is that what the mares wear now?

461330

>>461328
Only evil necromancers enbarked on pirate ships.

Chuckle.

461332

>>461330
I shake my head at that I'm not sure what a pirate is, but if it means you have to wear that I'd get another job.

461335

>>461332
H-hey! I like this dress!

Look it over.

What's wrong with it…

461337

>>461335
Its.. just.. so plain, gloomy even, I feel like you're going to a funeral.

461339

>>461337
Yeah. Well it helps. I can be safe in it.

461341

>>461339
Fine, I'm sorry I mentioned it. I sigh. Also, I've been dead for an awfully long time, it might be in fashion for all I know.

461343

>>461341
Whatever. It's not a problem. We should focus on necromancy, instead.

461346

>>461343
If you insist, Mistress Felfire. What do you want to know?

461349

>>461346
Urgh.

No. Wait. I'm just… I'm getting nervous today.
Important stuff that I can't control.
That I'm not sure is even right to do.

461351

>>461349
tilt my head at you You don't mean demons do you?

461352

>>461351
Demons?
Oh no, I have that one under control.

461353

>>461352
Then what are you having trouble with?

461354

>>461353
It's more of a personal thing.

461357

>>461354
Want to talk about it?

461358

>>461357
Want to hear about it?
Not the prettiest of stories.

461360

>>461358
I nod I'm supposed to be here to help you, so I might as well try.

461366

>>461360
Stare at the shadow for the longest time.

You know what, forget it.
I can't dump this on you.
It's my life, it has always been.

461368

>>461366
I give a frustrated moan Fine, where is this pony you wanted me to meet?

461369

>>461368
This way. But be careful. He has a problem with mares.

461374

>>461369
following

461375

>>461374
And here we should pause.

461376

>>461375
rough start, but I suppose it will do


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