File: 1377954722360.jpg (27.17 KB, 598x269, cells.jpg, IO Exif Google TinEye)
Byzantine: (adj) (of a system or situation) excessively complicated, typically involving a great deal of administrative detail.…
…
…
You're there again. Walking with the little emperor. They're always young. Performing as you walk… He loves your music.
In the blink of an eye, they're upon you. You have just a second to give a choked gasp of surprise before a blade has sprouted from his chest. The masked ponies look you over for a fraction of a second, and they're gone again. You try to yell for help, but nothing comes out of your mouth but maggots, that begin to fester all over your face.
You sit upright with a bolt in your cot. Salamander is up, sitting your cell's chair, and he eyes you with his functional eye. He regards you for a moment, then rasps at you, mouth parched by water deprivation:
"The nightmares again? They never go away, Vox. Once you've seen death up close… tasted the exhilaration, the tension… it all becomes part of you. Once you've awakened the warrior within… it never sleeps again. You crave ever bigger tensions, ever bigger thrills. As a member of the Varangian Guard, I'd thought you would have realized that by now. Even a tin soldier – an ornament – understands what it is a simulacrum of. You care nothing for tangible wealth. The only thing that can satisfy you now is conflict. And now… they've imprisoned you. They've taken your reason to live. What will you do to take it back, I wonder?"
>>476133
He blinks his one eye at you and looks up… counting mentally.
"Maybe a week. Starting to get thirsty. We have a big day tomorrow, you know.
To sit in solemn silence /
On a dull dark dock /
In a pestilential prison /
With a life long lock /
Awaiting the sensation /
Of a short sharp shock /
From a cheap and chippy chopper /
On a big black block."
He blinks his one eye at you and looks up… counting mentally.
"Maybe a week. Starting to get thirsty. We have a big day tomorrow, you know.
To sit in solemn silence /
On a dull dark dock /
In a pestilential prison /
With a life long lock /
Awaiting the sensation /
Of a short sharp shock /
From a cheap and chippy chopper /
On a big black block."
>>476134
"A week…
To think just a few days
Could change so very much
To think that in such short time
I could go so out of touch
And to ever think
it could end like this
To what end, my friend
Tell me, what did we miss?
Where did it all
Go so very wrong
Where did we all
Give up being strong
And above all
Tell me this my friend
Why are we here, why, to what end?"
"A week…
To think just a few days
Could change so very much
To think that in such short time
I could go so out of touch
And to ever think
it could end like this
To what end, my friend
Tell me, what did we miss?
Where did it all
Go so very wrong
Where did we all
Give up being strong
And above all
Tell me this my friend
Why are we here, why, to what end?"
>>476135
He glances at the barred window.
"Everything has its beginning. But doesn't start at 'one.' It starts long before that, in chaos. That chaos is far too stirred up for us to see through it now. Keeping our future alive means putting the past to death. So what will it be, Vox? The past? Or your head?"
He glances at the barred window.
"Everything has its beginning. But doesn't start at 'one.' It starts long before that, in chaos. That chaos is far too stirred up for us to see through it now. Keeping our future alive means putting the past to death. So what will it be, Vox? The past? Or your head?"
>>476139
"You should have cut down on the smoking long ago.
But lets worry about that once we have established something to build a new life on.
After all, all we have is one more day if we don't.
One day more to our end
Or one day more to a new beginning
One day left that we can spend
One day left for plans and scheming
One day sounds like plenty
But we still need a plan
One day for its execution
…and ours, most likely."
Hit the bars on the window angrily for fucking up the end rhyme
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
"You should have cut down on the smoking long ago.
But lets worry about that once we have established something to build a new life on.
After all, all we have is one more day if we don't.
One day more to our end
Or one day more to a new beginning
One day left that we can spend
One day left for plans and scheming
One day sounds like plenty
But we still need a plan
One day for its execution
…and ours, most likely."
Hit the bars on the window angrily for fucking up the end rhyme
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>476140
You jolt loose the entire frame and the domino-formation bars fall out like a house of cards. Checkmate.
You glance over to see Salamander has stopped hacking and there is an odd little cube on the floor.
"I've been loosening the bars every night as you slept with this…"
…He smuggled a tiny Gelatinous Cube into prison… in his stomach.
"We need guns… and I need a catalyst… and maybe a doctor."
The cube quivers at you.
You jolt loose the entire frame and the domino-formation bars fall out like a house of cards. Checkmate.
You glance over to see Salamander has stopped hacking and there is an odd little cube on the floor.
"I've been loosening the bars every night as you slept with this…"
…He smuggled a tiny Gelatinous Cube into prison… in his stomach.
"We need guns… and I need a catalyst… and maybe a doctor."
The cube quivers at you.
>>476148
>>476148
You hurl yourself across the yard, directly behind a guard wandering around with a lantern.
He turns immediately as you pass him, asking himself: "Hm… what was that just now?"
After staring at the big hole in the wall for several seconds, he concludes: "Probably rats… they're into everything." Then he continues his patrol route.
Salamander gives you a curt, businesslike nod and indicates the yard ahead. Searchlights dance about and cover the yard in shifting patterns that are hard to follow.
He whispers: "They have night vision magic, too… and guards in the towers with the lights. The night-vision guards are on ground level… we'll never be able to sneak up to them… I have an idea, if you're willing."
>>476148
You hurl yourself across the yard, directly behind a guard wandering around with a lantern.
He turns immediately as you pass him, asking himself: "Hm… what was that just now?"
After staring at the big hole in the wall for several seconds, he concludes: "Probably rats… they're into everything." Then he continues his patrol route.
Salamander gives you a curt, businesslike nod and indicates the yard ahead. Searchlights dance about and cover the yard in shifting patterns that are hard to follow.
He whispers: "They have night vision magic, too… and guards in the towers with the lights. The night-vision guards are on ground level… we'll never be able to sneak up to them… I have an idea, if you're willing."
>>476151
"Right. You're one step ahead, as usual. We can't approach the night vision guards, but we can get into those towers. Take out the guards relying on the lights, then one of us can sneak out using the spotlights as the other guides it. I've seen rappelling lines up in those towers… whichever one of us makes it out can toss a line over the wall for the other to climb out."
"Right. You're one step ahead, as usual. We can't approach the night vision guards, but we can get into those towers. Take out the guards relying on the lights, then one of us can sneak out using the spotlights as the other guides it. I've seen rappelling lines up in those towers… whichever one of us makes it out can toss a line over the wall for the other to climb out."
>>476156
"This is why I said next to a wall.
…or we can double the ruse.
Push a box out into the open when they aren't near it.
Leave some of our clothes under it, poking out a little. And a lantern.
When they go investigate, they will see what they assume is a terrible attempt at sneaking over the yard. They lift the box, and BAM. Blinded by the light thanks to their night vision.
In the mean time, we simply sneak around the place while they focus on the box."
"This is why I said next to a wall.
…or we can double the ruse.
Push a box out into the open when they aren't near it.
Leave some of our clothes under it, poking out a little. And a lantern.
When they go investigate, they will see what they assume is a terrible attempt at sneaking over the yard. They lift the box, and BAM. Blinded by the light thanks to their night vision.
In the mean time, we simply sneak around the place while they focus on the box."
>>476162
As you head out into the clearing, you very loudly trip and drop the crate. As head swivel toward you, you are forced to jump inside and start hoping and praying. No atheists in the foxholes.
You hear the hoofsteps of a guard as he approaches, you realize that you were destined to be in this box. You feel secure and in peace. More ponies should come inside this box: then they'd know what you mean.
Anyway, even this dumbass box makes a decent disguise, because the guardpony prods it a couple of times with a hoof, then you hear the sound of him wandering off.
Whew.
You stay stationary in the darkness for a time, until you become cognizant of light seeping in through the cracks. The spotlight must be on you.
…Dammit, that means that Salamander knows that you had to jump inside the box.
As you head out into the clearing, you very loudly trip and drop the crate. As head swivel toward you, you are forced to jump inside and start hoping and praying. No atheists in the foxholes.
You hear the hoofsteps of a guard as he approaches, you realize that you were destined to be in this box. You feel secure and in peace. More ponies should come inside this box: then they'd know what you mean.
Anyway, even this dumbass box makes a decent disguise, because the guardpony prods it a couple of times with a hoof, then you hear the sound of him wandering off.
Whew.
You stay stationary in the darkness for a time, until you become cognizant of light seeping in through the cracks. The spotlight must be on you.
…Dammit, that means that Salamander knows that you had to jump inside the box.
>>476163
Moving with the light on me is not an option.
I have to wait for Salamander to give me a chance to slip out.
If I had some writing implements I could try to forge a delivery order for the box and hope they carry me out of the compound…
But alas, for now, lets sit tight and see what happens next
'1d10-1'
Roll #1 3 - 1 = 2
Moving with the light on me is not an option.
I have to wait for Salamander to give me a chance to slip out.
If I had some writing implements I could try to forge a delivery order for the box and hope they carry me out of the compound…
But alas, for now, lets sit tight and see what happens next
'1d10-1'
Roll #1 3 - 1 = 2
>>476170
There was a time when guards were blind.
When your voice was soft, and your word conniving.
When the world was a song.
And the song was good for sneaking.
Then it all went wrong.
You break out into a power ballad and the guards disable their nightvision and charge at you. The spotlight quickly swivels off of you, but the damage is done. A repelling rope hits you, falling from somewhere above. You think you can make out a figure with a rifle taking shots at the guards, but there's no time for that now!
The main gate is sliding closed. Get out, now!
There was a time when guards were blind.
When your voice was soft, and your word conniving.
When the world was a song.
And the song was good for sneaking.
Then it all went wrong.
You break out into a power ballad and the guards disable their nightvision and charge at you. The spotlight quickly swivels off of you, but the damage is done. A repelling rope hits you, falling from somewhere above. You think you can make out a figure with a rifle taking shots at the guards, but there's no time for that now!
The main gate is sliding closed. Get out, now!
>>476170
No.
This is a time that demands song and dance.
Let the fools run blind, hunting a ghost that sings of their folly
>>476171
For this is my day
My day of destiny
A day long thought lost
The day of victory
A day long sought
For which I long fought
A day that makes history
See me now, unbelievers
See me now, how I fly to freedom
See me now, as I take hold of my dreams
See this day, how I fled from your oppression
And gave birth to a new world
DRAMATIC EXIT
'1d10-1'
Roll #1 4 - 1 = 3
No.
This is a time that demands song and dance.
Let the fools run blind, hunting a ghost that sings of their folly
>>476171
For this is my day
My day of destiny
A day long thought lost
The day of victory
A day long sought
For which I long fought
A day that makes history
See me now, unbelievers
See me now, how I fly to freedom
See me now, as I take hold of my dreams
See this day, how I fled from your oppression
And gave birth to a new world
DRAMATIC EXIT
'1d10-1'
Roll #1 4 - 1 = 3
>>476176
With a mighty hurl, you land the line on the other side. Mere moments later, you feel him take hold of it and begin to hoist himself up. He's fast!
You anchor yourself to the ground, digging in, and soon he's at the top. He loops it around the crenellations and quickly repels down to join you. "Go, into the city, now! I know someone who can get us out of here…"
With a mighty hurl, you land the line on the other side. Mere moments later, you feel him take hold of it and begin to hoist himself up. He's fast!
You anchor yourself to the ground, digging in, and soon he's at the top. He loops it around the crenellations and quickly repels down to join you. "Go, into the city, now! I know someone who can get us out of here…"
>>476196
Your eyes flit open. You're in a room not exceedingly different from the one you spent last night in, but it doesn't have barred windows. You get up, rubbing your back, recalling where you are. Right… you're hiding out in the servants' quarters of one of the great houses of the Island of Roads. The head of house is the current Roadesian Controller, and he may be able to get you pardoned. Salamander is already up, it seems, because he's not in his bed, but he's left a note for you.
Right… your bearings… This little place will be a good HQ for now.
House Kaballarios Servants' Quarters
Stables up to 4 minions
Your eyes flit open. You're in a room not exceedingly different from the one you spent last night in, but it doesn't have barred windows. You get up, rubbing your back, recalling where you are. Right… you're hiding out in the servants' quarters of one of the great houses of the Island of Roads. The head of house is the current Roadesian Controller, and he may be able to get you pardoned. Salamander is already up, it seems, because he's not in his bed, but he's left a note for you.
Vox –
Went to secure passage for us. If there's anypony you trust, get them now, we leave today or the next day. I know some guys that might be interested in disappearing, a couple of which were suggested by my friend.
Ask about Cast Iron here in the house, Stanjez out at the Explorers' League offices in town, and Grinning Canyon out at the Sleepy Seagull inn & tavern. Traveling through town may be difficult, so use stealth, and try to remember the basics of CQC.
Be back soon
SRight… your bearings… This little place will be a good HQ for now.
House Kaballarios Servants' Quarters
Stables up to 4 minions
>>476222
You change into some peasant clothes and wander out into the hallway. Servants are moving to and fro with practiced efficiency, most of them coming and going from the stairs to the main house. Judging by the way the sun comes in from the windows, it's probably nearing breakfast, and the masters will be anticipating breakfast.
Overseeing the flow of these servants is the Butler. You know that a Butler is in charge of the dining room, wine cellar, and pantry at the very least. A leader among servants.
You change into some peasant clothes and wander out into the hallway. Servants are moving to and fro with practiced efficiency, most of them coming and going from the stairs to the main house. Judging by the way the sun comes in from the windows, it's probably nearing breakfast, and the masters will be anticipating breakfast.
Overseeing the flow of these servants is the Butler. You know that a Butler is in charge of the dining room, wine cellar, and pantry at the very least. A leader among servants.
>>476249
He glances up from his clipboard a moment. "Well… there is one thing if you're insistent. The master of the house is a noted snake eater, but obviously there are no places at market that sell snakes to cook. If you could find one before lunch and bring it to the kitchens, I'd appreciate it."
He glances up from his clipboard a moment. "Well… there is one thing if you're insistent. The master of the house is a noted snake eater, but obviously there are no places at market that sell snakes to cook. If you could find one before lunch and bring it to the kitchens, I'd appreciate it."
>>476264
You head up the stairs into the main house from the servants' quarters, and from there, up the large, winding grand staircase to the third floor. This place is huge and opulent, like all the noble houses of the Island of Roads. The third floor is less busy than the lower ones, and seems to house mostly the entertainment patronized by the family.
You head up the stairs into the main house from the servants' quarters, and from there, up the large, winding grand staircase to the third floor. This place is huge and opulent, like all the noble houses of the Island of Roads. The third floor is less busy than the lower ones, and seems to house mostly the entertainment patronized by the family.
>>476274
>>476276
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUwcz8lyu6s
You approach the doorknob and find that it is rusted. You'll have to be able to jar it free if you want any chance at talking to this so-called Cast Iron.
You assume a combat stance and withdraw your knife. Right… CQC.
>>476276
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUwcz8lyu6s
You approach the doorknob and find that it is rusted. You'll have to be able to jar it free if you want any chance at talking to this so-called Cast Iron.
You assume a combat stance and withdraw your knife. Right… CQC.
>>476317
You lodge your knife in the door and pry the mechanism open, then you pop it forth.
Inside is the most beautiful, feminine figure you've ever seen. Long, flowing hair. Beautiful curved figure. Soft, supple skin. A warm, inviting smile.
Cast Iron greets you in that same very feminine, high voice. "Thank you, I was starting to think I was trapped."
You lodge your knife in the door and pry the mechanism open, then you pop it forth.
Inside is the most beautiful, feminine figure you've ever seen. Long, flowing hair. Beautiful curved figure. Soft, supple skin. A warm, inviting smile.
Cast Iron greets you in that same very feminine, high voice. "Thank you, I was starting to think I was trapped."
>>476403
"Hm. Can't say I know where to find any of those! Do you play, or sing?"
Since you only have one pet mastery, you'll need to send one to your room when you pick up the second.
Cast Iron
Gender: Male (Eunuch)
Race: Earth Pone
Class: Singer
Skills: Inspire
Special Talent: Beautiful voice
Hits/Wounds: 2/5
Character Traits: Extremely feminine due to a lack of testosterone. Doesn't like to eat meat.
"Hm. Can't say I know where to find any of those! Do you play, or sing?"
Since you only have one pet mastery, you'll need to send one to your room when you pick up the second.
Cast Iron
Gender: Male (Eunuch)
Race: Earth Pone
Class: Singer
Skills: Inspire
Special Talent: Beautiful voice
Hits/Wounds: 2/5
Character Traits: Extremely feminine due to a lack of testosterone. Doesn't like to eat meat.
>>476483
You get an additional '1d3' books. Roll for luck at mastering natural elemental. You get it automatically, but let's see how quickly.
>>476487
But did you ever fuck Rosemary as a stallion?
"We're making port legally. No way to get in otherwise. Until then, crews are free while we scout and make transactions. I recommend taking in some culture before it gets burned down."
>>476489
And my, she has grown after the past few weeks. She's started using basic sentences and grammar, and can easily catch rats now. She has been known to glide from crates, too. So young!
In the past two weeks you've noticed two other griffons on the fleet besides the aggressive Rahjak. There's the venerable but highly intelligent General Movp and the very feminine female necromancer Dolly Doldrums, who is a specialist in wind patterns.
>>476491
That will be decided at tonight's meeting.
>>476492
Yes, indeed. In the past two weeks you were transferred to the Eagle's Roost so that General Movp could mentor you more directly.
>>476494
"Well, actually, I have a bunch of costumes in here. If you think it'd be less suspicious, we can just dress up and walk straight down there. Probably would be easy. There's… just one thing. All of my costumes are… well, mare outfits. Dresses and stuff."
Roll #1 3 = 3
You get an additional '1d3' books. Roll for luck at mastering natural elemental. You get it automatically, but let's see how quickly.
>>476487
But did you ever fuck Rosemary as a stallion?
"We're making port legally. No way to get in otherwise. Until then, crews are free while we scout and make transactions. I recommend taking in some culture before it gets burned down."
>>476489
And my, she has grown after the past few weeks. She's started using basic sentences and grammar, and can easily catch rats now. She has been known to glide from crates, too. So young!
In the past two weeks you've noticed two other griffons on the fleet besides the aggressive Rahjak. There's the venerable but highly intelligent General Movp and the very feminine female necromancer Dolly Doldrums, who is a specialist in wind patterns.
>>476491
That will be decided at tonight's meeting.
>>476492
Yes, indeed. In the past two weeks you were transferred to the Eagle's Roost so that General Movp could mentor you more directly.
>>476494
"Well, actually, I have a bunch of costumes in here. If you think it'd be less suspicious, we can just dress up and walk straight down there. Probably would be easy. There's… just one thing. All of my costumes are… well, mare outfits. Dresses and stuff."
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>476501
A bright and pleasant day. You can see the city slowly approaching. No doubt a thick, mazelike city like that will have plenty of hunting grounds. Better be careful about the guards if you want to hunt ponies, though. This city is 'impregnable' for a reason!
>>476502
He greets you warmly. "Ah, Mister Cross, good to see you in good health. How do you care for the view?"
>>476503
You do moderately well, but you don't ever stand out at it.
>>476504
Achievement Unlocked: Babykiller
"Of course. I would never shirk my duties."
>>476505
"Well, well, miss bigshot officer stopping by. You sure have been walking tall ever since my advice won you a leadership position."
>>476506
You spend the two weeks chatting with Topaz and at the forge.
>>476508
Roll for that.
>>476510
You head up to the deck and take a look. Your fur is a little disheveled. Helena is… a demanding lover. She is tossing you into bed more often than you expected, but a dog your age isn't about to complain.
The blackjay lands on your shoulder. Caw.
I have decided to tell you my name. It is Rasputin von Wittlesbach. I take great pride in my family name, so I expect you to pronounce it properly.
>>476512
"I suppose you're right… here, have some powder."
As he bends over to get things out of his bag, you get a clear view of his masculine sheath. He's a eunuch. No testosterone.
#Pause.
A bright and pleasant day. You can see the city slowly approaching. No doubt a thick, mazelike city like that will have plenty of hunting grounds. Better be careful about the guards if you want to hunt ponies, though. This city is 'impregnable' for a reason!
>>476502
He greets you warmly. "Ah, Mister Cross, good to see you in good health. How do you care for the view?"
>>476503
You do moderately well, but you don't ever stand out at it.
>>476504
Achievement Unlocked: Babykiller
"Of course. I would never shirk my duties."
>>476505
"Well, well, miss bigshot officer stopping by. You sure have been walking tall ever since my advice won you a leadership position."
>>476506
You spend the two weeks chatting with Topaz and at the forge.
>>476508
Roll for that.
>>476510
You head up to the deck and take a look. Your fur is a little disheveled. Helena is… a demanding lover. She is tossing you into bed more often than you expected, but a dog your age isn't about to complain.
The blackjay lands on your shoulder. Caw.
I have decided to tell you my name. It is Rasputin von Wittlesbach. I take great pride in my family name, so I expect you to pronounce it properly.
>>476512
"I suppose you're right… here, have some powder."
As he bends over to get things out of his bag, you get a clear view of his masculine sheath. He's a eunuch. No testosterone.
#Pause.
>>476521
You've got it, more or less.
>>476523
"I was elected to my position by my peers."
>>476524
Well technically he doesn't have junk.
You are pretty white now. Like a male geisha.
>>476525
She's on deck with her motorcycle.
>>476527
"Its resilience to change is the very reason it has remained standing."
>>476528
You meet four random officers you haven't spent much time with in this order:
'4d16'
Roll #1 4, 12, 9, 2 = 27
You've got it, more or less.
>>476523
"I was elected to my position by my peers."
>>476524
Well technically he doesn't have junk.
You are pretty white now. Like a male geisha.
>>476525
She's on deck with her motorcycle.
>>476527
"Its resilience to change is the very reason it has remained standing."
>>476528
You meet four random officers you haven't spent much time with in this order:
'4d16'
Roll #1 4, 12, 9, 2 = 27
>>476903
She gives you a nod.
>>476904
You head down into the lower city, near the docks, and enter the bar. On stage, Whiteboy James and the Blue Express are performing. Their hypnotic, down-home strumming is characterized by an old-fashioned light country-rock groove.
The whole complex is completely packed, but it gets especially dense over near the back corner. The bar is being swarmed by thirsty patrons.
>>476905
Okay.
She gives you a nod.
>>476904
You head down into the lower city, near the docks, and enter the bar. On stage, Whiteboy James and the Blue Express are performing. Their hypnotic, down-home strumming is characterized by an old-fashioned light country-rock groove.
The whole complex is completely packed, but it gets especially dense over near the back corner. The bar is being swarmed by thirsty patrons.
>>476905
Okay.
>>476912
'You want me to come?"
>>476913
"Go ahead. We have to sell off all our cargo before we even think about raiding."
>>476914
The crowd is too thick. Cast Iron mouths something to you through the loud crowd, but he points up to the second level. Maybe you can spot a buffalo from the bannister.
>>476915
"Yeah, yeah, we'll see."
'You want me to come?"
>>476913
"Go ahead. We have to sell off all our cargo before we even think about raiding."
>>476914
The crowd is too thick. Cast Iron mouths something to you through the loud crowd, but he points up to the second level. Maybe you can spot a buffalo from the bannister.
>>476915
"Yeah, yeah, we'll see."
>>476917
"On Sunday. I'm not sure how long we'll be in port. In any case, this seems just as good a place to retire as any."
>>476918
"It's important to me to take in the culture of everywhere we visit. If you could find out how long we'll be here, then I'd feel more comfortable."
>>476919
You very roughly shove your way through the thick crowd and up the stairs. It's okay, that's what the locals do.
From up here, you have a bird's eye view of the room, but soon it becomes obvious that it wasn't necessary. James and his crew step off the stage and a big buffalo gets up on stage and begins blasting his own song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5FCdx7Dn0o
>>476920
"I'm just saying, I've been hearing that for a long time, and so far all we've shot at is targets. I'm starting to wonder if this is a pirate fleet or a merchant fleet."
"On Sunday. I'm not sure how long we'll be in port. In any case, this seems just as good a place to retire as any."
>>476918
"It's important to me to take in the culture of everywhere we visit. If you could find out how long we'll be here, then I'd feel more comfortable."
>>476919
You very roughly shove your way through the thick crowd and up the stairs. It's okay, that's what the locals do.
From up here, you have a bird's eye view of the room, but soon it becomes obvious that it wasn't necessary. James and his crew step off the stage and a big buffalo gets up on stage and begins blasting his own song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5FCdx7Dn0o
>>476920
"I'm just saying, I've been hearing that for a long time, and so far all we've shot at is targets. I'm starting to wonder if this is a pirate fleet or a merchant fleet."
>>476922
You head off to his office. His secretary is lounging about.
>>476923
"Just call us when the action starts."
>>476924
"I do think it's time to retire, now. My research is completed, and I'd rather retire at land than die at sea. In any case, Miss Terrebonne will make a fine captain for the Pillager's Fancy."
>>476925
You quickly make a tactical roll to the right and grab several goblets of wine before their owners notice and get sufficiently hammered so that you can't focus on the music anymore, and also so that you can't work.
You head off to his office. His secretary is lounging about.
>>476923
"Just call us when the action starts."
>>476924
"I do think it's time to retire, now. My research is completed, and I'd rather retire at land than die at sea. In any case, Miss Terrebonne will make a fine captain for the Pillager's Fancy."
>>476925
You quickly make a tactical roll to the right and grab several goblets of wine before their owners notice and get sufficiently hammered so that you can't focus on the music anymore, and also so that you can't work.
>>476927
"Cargo bay."
>>476928
He chuckles. "You're free to retire, too."
>>476930
"Whatever you say."
>>476929
>>476931
Maybe it's the copious amounts of very strong alcohol but you find yourself leaping down to the stage. Cast Iron yells something in surprise at you as you join Canyon below for a duet.
"HE WAS A BUFFALO SOLDIER
IN THE HEART OF EQUESTRIA
DRIVEN FROM DA MAINLAND
TO DA HEART OF DA ISLE OF ROADS."
"Cargo bay."
>>476928
He chuckles. "You're free to retire, too."
>>476930
"Whatever you say."
>>476929
>>476931
Maybe it's the copious amounts of very strong alcohol but you find yourself leaping down to the stage. Cast Iron yells something in surprise at you as you join Canyon below for a duet.
"HE WAS A BUFFALO SOLDIER
IN THE HEART OF EQUESTRIA
DRIVEN FROM DA MAINLAND
TO DA HEART OF DA ISLE OF ROADS."
>>476933
"I'm sure you'll do fine. Have confidence in yourself. Although… I suppose you never had a problem with that."
>>476934
He's surveying the menials moving large amounts of cargo out of the bay, preparing to take it off the ship and to market.
>>476936
"You may look grown up now, but you're still a filly at heart. We'll be carrying the fleet on our own if a firefight breaks out."
>>476935
You have arrived at the Island of Roads. The ships have just docked, but no PCs have exited to the docs.
>>476937
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P5qbcRAXVk
The music comes to an abrupt halt and he gives you an odd look. "Hey, look at dis white boy tink he can go wit da best a dem."
"I'm sure you'll do fine. Have confidence in yourself. Although… I suppose you never had a problem with that."
>>476934
He's surveying the menials moving large amounts of cargo out of the bay, preparing to take it off the ship and to market.
>>476936
"You may look grown up now, but you're still a filly at heart. We'll be carrying the fleet on our own if a firefight breaks out."
>>476935
You have arrived at the Island of Roads. The ships have just docked, but no PCs have exited to the docs.
>>476937
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P5qbcRAXVk
The music comes to an abrupt halt and he gives you an odd look. "Hey, look at dis white boy tink he can go wit da best a dem."
>>476939
It is time to tap into my extensive knowledge of foreign cultural sensitivity and attempt to channel what I once learned in Zebrabar Land
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR2__EkjzuY
"For sure, my sibling. This feces is most wham."
Rolling for believable zebonics '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
It is time to tap into my extensive knowledge of foreign cultural sensitivity and attempt to channel what I once learned in Zebrabar Land
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR2__EkjzuY
"For sure, my sibling. This feces is most wham."
Rolling for believable zebonics '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>476940
"A few days at least. It will take time to find buyers for all this cargo."
>>476941
"Trip? Where?"
>>476943
"That is a bet you will lose."
>>476944
She just teaches you how to work the mint and about other metals.
>>476946
The next couple of hours are a blur, but by the end of it, you're out in the gutter in the back alleyway with a splinting headache sharing a bottle with Grinning Canyon, who has also been kicked out.
"Man, whaddamI gonna do? Dat was a cherry gig, mon."
"A few days at least. It will take time to find buyers for all this cargo."
>>476941
"Trip? Where?"
>>476943
"That is a bet you will lose."
>>476944
She just teaches you how to work the mint and about other metals.
>>476946
The next couple of hours are a blur, but by the end of it, you're out in the gutter in the back alleyway with a splinting headache sharing a bottle with Grinning Canyon, who has also been kicked out.
"Man, whaddamI gonna do? Dat was a cherry gig, mon."
>>476949
"Where am I gonna find sometink like dat?"
>>476950
"She mentioned it to me before. Even with the portals, that is a considerable walk."
>>476951
You return.
>>476953
"I taught you everything you know about shooting. I remember showing you how to use a revolver back when you were knee high to me."
"Where am I gonna find sometink like dat?"
>>476950
"She mentioned it to me before. Even with the portals, that is a considerable walk."
>>476951
You return.
>>476953
"I taught you everything you know about shooting. I remember showing you how to use a revolver back when you were knee high to me."
>>476956
You are at the docks of the city of Roads, on the eponymous Island of Roads.
>>476957
"Fine, then I'll come."
>>476958
"I don like corners, mon. Been jumped too many times."
>>476959
"Well, I certainly won't stop you."
>>476962
"Nah, when I was a colt they just taught me to shoot in a straight line in the first place."
You are at the docks of the city of Roads, on the eponymous Island of Roads.
>>476957
"Fine, then I'll come."
>>476958
"I don like corners, mon. Been jumped too many times."
>>476959
"Well, I certainly won't stop you."
>>476962
"Nah, when I was a colt they just taught me to shoot in a straight line in the first place."
>>476971
It looks like you have about half an hour before lunch, though you don't know what happened to Cast Iron.
"Mebbe I'll check it out. Mebbe."
>>476973
"We just move the goods. Topaz is doing the negotiation."
>>476976
Strictly speaking, Earth Shot doesn't heal you. It restores hits, meaning it makes you stand more firmly.
"Anyone with a gun should never to worry about getting hurt in the first place."
>>476975
>>476977
A narrow escape, and into the crowd.
It looks like you have about half an hour before lunch, though you don't know what happened to Cast Iron.
"Mebbe I'll check it out. Mebbe."
>>476973
"We just move the goods. Topaz is doing the negotiation."
>>476976
Strictly speaking, Earth Shot doesn't heal you. It restores hits, meaning it makes you stand more firmly.
"Anyone with a gun should never to worry about getting hurt in the first place."
>>476975
>>476977
A narrow escape, and into the crowd.
>>476980
Right you are. Shall you go into town, or study with Skylight?
>>476981
"Tried a law office, mon?"
>>476984
You locate her on the Seaworthy, at the Fort.
>>476982
You get lost in the crowd.
>>476983
Topaz is here at market arguing with some shopkeepers.
>>476985
"Sorry if I learned how to shoot well enough that I don't need to worry about enemies. Guess that's my bad."
>>476986
"It's a very long walk. And look… I normally do this free of charge as a gesture of good will and in the spirit of good faith, but this is a considerable amount of my time and energy to walk nearly twenty kilometers even one way. We need to discuss compensation."
Right you are. Shall you go into town, or study with Skylight?
>>476981
"Tried a law office, mon?"
>>476984
You locate her on the Seaworthy, at the Fort.
>>476982
You get lost in the crowd.
>>476983
Topaz is here at market arguing with some shopkeepers.
>>476985
"Sorry if I learned how to shoot well enough that I don't need to worry about enemies. Guess that's my bad."
>>476986
"It's a very long walk. And look… I normally do this free of charge as a gesture of good will and in the spirit of good faith, but this is a considerable amount of my time and energy to walk nearly twenty kilometers even one way. We need to discuss compensation."
>>476988
"I'm not comfortable having my enemies compared to your girlfriend that way."
>>476989
Down an alleyway he's been pinned against a wall by a bunch of thugs who are trying to pull off his nice performing clothes, which in their defense looks dangerously like a dress.
"Help!"
>>476990
You don't get much done. You're about to leave when Skylight tucks you back into bed insists that you let her read to you while you drink some warm milk.
'1d10'
>>476991
She smiles and blushes a little.
>>476993
You find him in his quarters (not the clinic).
>>476992
"Just bartering. I'm a little busy right now."
>>476994
You eventually find your way back.
Roll #1 9 = 9
"I'm not comfortable having my enemies compared to your girlfriend that way."
>>476989
Down an alleyway he's been pinned against a wall by a bunch of thugs who are trying to pull off his nice performing clothes, which in their defense looks dangerously like a dress.
"Help!"
>>476990
You don't get much done. You're about to leave when Skylight tucks you back into bed insists that you let her read to you while you drink some warm milk.
'1d10'
>>476991
She smiles and blushes a little.
>>476993
You find him in his quarters (not the clinic).
>>476992
"Just bartering. I'm a little busy right now."
>>476994
You eventually find your way back.
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>477002
"I don't know. I'm not really doing this for the money. Let's say a doubloon for every hour we're out there and in travel. And you can split that cost between all of you, not per head."
>>477003
He nods and picks up a bag.
>>477004
So much. Greek culture is everywhere!
Of course nearby you see a beautiful mare being assaulted against a wall by some thugs.
The thugs are interrupted by a single white pony, but they outnumber him three to one!
>>477005
You find her on the Seaworthy with Summer.
>>477006
"Later, then."
>>477007
"You callin' us faggots?"
"We don't take kindly to those that disrespect minorities in these parts."
"Yeah, git 'em Skeeter! Show 'em we mean to create a progressive, forward thinkin' society!"
They advance on you.
"I don't know. I'm not really doing this for the money. Let's say a doubloon for every hour we're out there and in travel. And you can split that cost between all of you, not per head."
>>477003
He nods and picks up a bag.
>>477004
So much. Greek culture is everywhere!
Of course nearby you see a beautiful mare being assaulted against a wall by some thugs.
The thugs are interrupted by a single white pony, but they outnumber him three to one!
>>477005
You find her on the Seaworthy with Summer.
>>477006
"Later, then."
>>477007
"You callin' us faggots?"
"We don't take kindly to those that disrespect minorities in these parts."
"Yeah, git 'em Skeeter! Show 'em we mean to create a progressive, forward thinkin' society!"
They advance on you.
>>477013
In an attempt to summon your persona, you shoot yourself in the head.
You slip on a wet portion of the deck and clock yourself by running head-first into a cannon.
>>477012
You return with Doc Peg.
>>477014
"I was under the impression Miss Felfire was going for unrelated reasons."
Some administrative pay. Just a couple doubloons.
>>477000
"Enjoy yourself! Take in the culture. I'm sure you'll appreciate it after the Eastern Campaign. Do me a favor and find me the sweetest ale they have in town. I can't head out until later."
>>477018
Sidling away deeper into the alleyway.
You slip on a wet portion of the deck and clock yourself by running head-first into a cannon.
>>477012
You return with Doc Peg.
>>477014
"I was under the impression Miss Felfire was going for unrelated reasons."
Some administrative pay. Just a couple doubloons.
>>477000
"Enjoy yourself! Take in the culture. I'm sure you'll appreciate it after the Eastern Campaign. Do me a favor and find me the sweetest ale they have in town. I can't head out until later."
>>477018
Sidling away deeper into the alleyway.
>>477046
She sighs. "Are you sure you want to do this? I was sincere before. I would be happy to repay our parents' debt by reraising you… giving you the foalhood you never had. But… I also understand your reasons for needing to protect Summer. Just… this is your last chance, probably."
>>477049
>>477045
You hike for '1d2+2' hours. It's exhausting, any any time you lose concentration, you begin to slip and fall into the burning abyss. However, eventually you make it there safely.
>>477050
"I called you fucking mudpony filth!"
>>477048
You try to box them out, but you get kicked in the guts.
Chip: 6/7h
Roll #1 2 + 2 = 4
She sighs. "Are you sure you want to do this? I was sincere before. I would be happy to repay our parents' debt by reraising you… giving you the foalhood you never had. But… I also understand your reasons for needing to protect Summer. Just… this is your last chance, probably."
>>477049
>>477045
You hike for '1d2+2' hours. It's exhausting, any any time you lose concentration, you begin to slip and fall into the burning abyss. However, eventually you make it there safely.
>>477050
"I called you fucking mudpony filth!"
>>477048
You try to box them out, but you get kicked in the guts.
Chip: 6/7h
Roll #1 2 + 2 = 4
>>477053
"While I am most accepting of your desire to seek sexual equality among all ponies, I cannot condone your short-sighted dismissal of one based on your perception of his race.
Or kicking a bystander like that.
Now let us all agree to disagree, realize we each are flawed beings but that those flaws make us the unique marvels we are, and go our separate ways an experience richer."
"While I am most accepting of your desire to seek sexual equality among all ponies, I cannot condone your short-sighted dismissal of one based on your perception of his race.
Or kicking a bystander like that.
Now let us all agree to disagree, realize we each are flawed beings but that those flaws make us the unique marvels we are, and go our separate ways an experience richer."
>>477048
Honestly, we just got here and I'd have liked to avoid trouble. As good as Chip should be, I have an idea.
"Chip, stop picking fights like this! I know you got promoted on the fleet, but all those sailors are waiting on you and getting angsty. You don't want all of them to come at you, dont'cha?"
Honestly, we just got here and I'd have liked to avoid trouble. As good as Chip should be, I have an idea.
"Chip, stop picking fights like this! I know you got promoted on the fleet, but all those sailors are waiting on you and getting angsty. You don't want all of them to come at you, dont'cha?"
>>477054
She sets you down.
"Calling me old looking now?"
>>477055
Yep.
And he nods at you.
>>477056
The town is in shambles, mostly. Collapsed brickwork everywhere. Only the old Lower Class District is still standing in any recognizable form. The ruins there might be worth picking through for survivors.
Of course, Rosemary can probably navigate it better than you. That being said, she looks a little stressed out.
>>477058
Roll diplomacy.
She sets you down.
"Calling me old looking now?"
>>477055
Yep.
And he nods at you.
>>477056
The town is in shambles, mostly. Collapsed brickwork everywhere. Only the old Lower Class District is still standing in any recognizable form. The ruins there might be worth picking through for survivors.
Of course, Rosemary can probably navigate it better than you. That being said, she looks a little stressed out.
>>477058
Roll diplomacy.
>>477063
"Not at all. But it would be less confusing for ponies calling me your older brother, since I wouldn't be younger than you… if that makes sense. And besides, with a bit of extra time, you should be able to become a teacher, since you really seem to have a knack for it. I know I wouldn't have gotten this without your help, after all. Maybe there are other colts and fillies out there who need a guiding light?"
"Not at all. But it would be less confusing for ponies calling me your older brother, since I wouldn't be younger than you… if that makes sense. And besides, with a bit of extra time, you should be able to become a teacher, since you really seem to have a knack for it. I know I wouldn't have gotten this without your help, after all. Maybe there are other colts and fillies out there who need a guiding light?"
>>477063
>>477062
"Play along Chip. We have more important things to do here."
"I'd have expected you to skewer them if you were really trying. You don't get promoted to Jack of Swords and let random people just hit you unless you like that sort of thing."
"And you kids, don't get in fights with people thrice your size! You should be grateful he was only trying to scare you off and not have that chef serve you for lunch on the fleet."
>>477062
"Play along Chip. We have more important things to do here."
"I'd have expected you to skewer them if you were really trying. You don't get promoted to Jack of Swords and let random people just hit you unless you like that sort of thing."
"And you kids, don't get in fights with people thrice your size! You should be grateful he was only trying to scare you off and not have that chef serve you for lunch on the fleet."
>>477072
She rallies to the side of the stallion that was protecting her. She is the picture of feminine beauty. Truly a sight to behold, with long flowing hair and curves in all the right places.
>>477075
Cast Iron regroups with you. "That was close!"
>>477074
Yes, and yes.
Sunnyskies is drilling some of the raiders here. It's not huge, but it's more suitable than the jury rigged setup you've been using. Mellow Marsh is also lounging about, and Salty Slugs is instructing a pony on the use of a cannon here.
You even notice a few of the Hamburgerburgians. Benjamin, for instance, is here.
>>477076
She smiles, and with that you head over to Abilio's office. He isn't here.
She rallies to the side of the stallion that was protecting her. She is the picture of feminine beauty. Truly a sight to behold, with long flowing hair and curves in all the right places.
>>477075
Cast Iron regroups with you. "That was close!"
>>477074
Yes, and yes.
Sunnyskies is drilling some of the raiders here. It's not huge, but it's more suitable than the jury rigged setup you've been using. Mellow Marsh is also lounging about, and Salty Slugs is instructing a pony on the use of a cannon here.
You even notice a few of the Hamburgerburgians. Benjamin, for instance, is here.
>>477076
She smiles, and with that you head over to Abilio's office. He isn't here.
>>477079
"You did what you know how to do, but you were outnumbered, and even with my training, I wouldn't be much help without resorting to a projectile and escalating the whole thing unnecessarily."
>>477085
"I'm not the one who does the hiring, but some entertainment on the ship might help quell the crew on restless nights. Go look for a Gryphon named Al-Jinn, he may have come out and can probably be found some of our ships now, like the Seaworthy or the Dark Lantern and such. He'l be the one to determine if you can join."
"You did what you know how to do, but you were outnumbered, and even with my training, I wouldn't be much help without resorting to a projectile and escalating the whole thing unnecessarily."
>>477085
"I'm not the one who does the hiring, but some entertainment on the ship might help quell the crew on restless nights. Go look for a Gryphon named Al-Jinn, he may have come out and can probably be found some of our ships now, like the Seaworthy or the Dark Lantern and such. He'l be the one to determine if you can join."
>>477082
You hear moving around in the other room, so probably.
>>477083
He was the one who attended the conference with you. He does magic like you, in fact, and he does the neat elemental tricks.
>>477084
You have no trouble hitting the targets.
>>477085
"Er– I think they wanted me to sing for them."
>>477086
She unevenly hikes through the ruins of the city toward the remains of the middle class district. She gets to where her house was, but there's only rubble.
She quivers a little. There's nothing left here.
>>477087
"Er…"
You hear moving around in the other room, so probably.
>>477083
He was the one who attended the conference with you. He does magic like you, in fact, and he does the neat elemental tricks.
>>477084
You have no trouble hitting the targets.
>>477085
"Er– I think they wanted me to sing for them."
>>477086
She unevenly hikes through the ruins of the city toward the remains of the middle class district. She gets to where her house was, but there's only rubble.
She quivers a little. There's nothing left here.
>>477087
"Er…"
>>477108
She's quietly sobbing.
>>477109
No problem. You got this down pat. A good teacher, maybe.
>>477110
"Ah, fine. Just… getting ready to leave."
Skylight looks surprised. "Leave?"
"Yes, we're returning to the retirement plan. I promised Abilio that I'd give running for fleet officership a shot. Clearly it didn't go over well. Anyway, now that his research is done and I have no real future here, we're leaving the fleet. Retiring from the pirate life. I think we'll be able to get by just fine on sea chart sales, anyway."
>>477112
He gives you a friendly nod and goes back to toying with his strange elemental sword.
She's quietly sobbing.
>>477109
No problem. You got this down pat. A good teacher, maybe.
>>477110
"Ah, fine. Just… getting ready to leave."
Skylight looks surprised. "Leave?"
"Yes, we're returning to the retirement plan. I promised Abilio that I'd give running for fleet officership a shot. Clearly it didn't go over well. Anyway, now that his research is done and I have no real future here, we're leaving the fleet. Retiring from the pirate life. I think we'll be able to get by just fine on sea chart sales, anyway."
>>477112
He gives you a friendly nod and goes back to toying with his strange elemental sword.
>>477113
"That's… well, it's a shame to see you both go, but it's good to see you both going for a stable life."
I'll rub my foreleg for a moment.
"I don't suppose you know where the Fullmaster is at the moment? I managed to change my mark, with a little help, and I'm ready to grow back up a bit."
"That's… well, it's a shame to see you both go, but it's good to see you both going for a stable life."
I'll rub my foreleg for a moment.
"I don't suppose you know where the Fullmaster is at the moment? I managed to change my mark, with a little help, and I'm ready to grow back up a bit."
>>477114
You head off toward the Lower Class District, which is still mostly intact.
There are some patrolling guards near the entrance to the district. They look familiar. Wearing the colors of that old order of zealous ponies.
>>477116
Far too wide. You over-corrected!
>>477115
"Law off fuck?"
>>477118
She trembles a little as you pull her in for a wing hug. She breaths unevenly, and you just stand there for a while, paying respects.
>>477119
He chuckles and retracts the blade, then returnst o polishing it.
>>477107
The incredibly beautiful and feminine pony replies, "Actually, I'm a stallion."
>>477121
"Ah, actually, he'll be out for probably the entire day. They left via portal."
You head off toward the Lower Class District, which is still mostly intact.
There are some patrolling guards near the entrance to the district. They look familiar. Wearing the colors of that old order of zealous ponies.
>>477116
Far too wide. You over-corrected!
>>477115
"Law off fuck?"
>>477118
She trembles a little as you pull her in for a wing hug. She breaths unevenly, and you just stand there for a while, paying respects.
>>477119
He chuckles and retracts the blade, then returnst o polishing it.
>>477107
The incredibly beautiful and feminine pony replies, "Actually, I'm a stallion."
>>477121
"Ah, actually, he'll be out for probably the entire day. They left via portal."
>>477117
"If you worried over our reward being an issue, were we to perform on your fleet, I can speak to my troupe about making possible exceptions on some of our usual requirements, if you can head out to the law offices here, and see if they have any impounded exotic pet snakes you can bring me - or better yet, bring it right to the butler at the house of the house of the Roadesian Controller. He is expecting it by lunchtime.
Do this, and we can all benefit greatly. No tot mention you have an excuse to take a good look at the city."
"If you worried over our reward being an issue, were we to perform on your fleet, I can speak to my troupe about making possible exceptions on some of our usual requirements, if you can head out to the law offices here, and see if they have any impounded exotic pet snakes you can bring me - or better yet, bring it right to the butler at the house of the house of the Roadesian Controller. He is expecting it by lunchtime.
Do this, and we can all benefit greatly. No tot mention you have an excuse to take a good look at the city."
>>477123
Too wide. Control your anger!
>>477125
"That's alright. I'd like some time alone to say goodbye to the ship."
>>477127
"Er… and what?"
>>477126
Eventually she gathers herself and nods. "Let's go to the clinic."
>>477128
He pulls out a bottle from his bag and swigs it.
"Probably inside somewhere. We should try to avoid fighting, I think. We need their help to identify them."
>>477129
You take a swig out of a nearby bottle of whiskey, throw it up in the air, and shoot it as it is coming down. The bullet blasts through the glass, shattering it, then rips through a bullseye on the paper.
Too wide. Control your anger!
>>477125
"That's alright. I'd like some time alone to say goodbye to the ship."
>>477127
"Er… and what?"
>>477126
Eventually she gathers herself and nods. "Let's go to the clinic."
>>477128
He pulls out a bottle from his bag and swigs it.
"Probably inside somewhere. We should try to avoid fighting, I think. We need their help to identify them."
>>477129
You take a swig out of a nearby bottle of whiskey, throw it up in the air, and shoot it as it is coming down. The bullet blasts through the glass, shattering it, then rips through a bullseye on the paper.
>>477132
I'll nod.
"I'm a bit sorry I never got to know you better before you left, miss Stripes. Don't forget to say goodbye to miss Seas before you go? She'll miss you, I'm sure."
And I suppose I'll leave her to her packing. Next up… well, let's-
Wait, where has Mera been this whole time? With miss Spring and Summer, I hope! Let's go find her.
I'll nod.
"I'm a bit sorry I never got to know you better before you left, miss Stripes. Don't forget to say goodbye to miss Seas before you go? She'll miss you, I'm sure."
And I suppose I'll leave her to her packing. Next up… well, let's-
Wait, where has Mera been this whole time? With miss Spring and Summer, I hope! Let's go find her.
>>477134
The clinic is in slightly better shape, in that it's still kinda standing. You're not sure it's structurally sound, and it's a bit burned out. Better not hit a wall too hard.
She trots inside.
>>477137
"Right…"
Yes, she is, over on the Seaworthy with those two.
>>477138
"Maybe. Are you ready?"
>>477139
Explorers' League, for Stanjez.
>>477141
He blushes. "It's… alright. I get it. I mean, that's what I'm mostly hired for. To play female parts and the like, because they don't like real mares on stage."
The clinic is in slightly better shape, in that it's still kinda standing. You're not sure it's structurally sound, and it's a bit burned out. Better not hit a wall too hard.
She trots inside.
>>477137
"Right…"
Yes, she is, over on the Seaworthy with those two.
>>477138
"Maybe. Are you ready?"
>>477139
Explorers' League, for Stanjez.
>>477141
He blushes. "It's… alright. I get it. I mean, that's what I'm mostly hired for. To play female parts and the like, because they don't like real mares on stage."
>>477146
This place looks pretty looted. It is surprisingly not too burned on the inside, but headed room to room you can see beds are missing, and you don't see any medical supplies like bandages. Yeah, this place was a prime spot for looters and survivors.
Rosemary heads into the back room.
>>477147
The secretary informs you that he's down in the hold.
>>477148
You hike to uptown where you locate the Explorers' League. It's a fairly impressive place, with a blend of old world marble and fine birch paneling.
This place looks pretty looted. It is surprisingly not too burned on the inside, but headed room to room you can see beds are missing, and you don't see any medical supplies like bandages. Yeah, this place was a prime spot for looters and survivors.
Rosemary heads into the back room.
>>477147
The secretary informs you that he's down in the hold.
>>477148
You hike to uptown where you locate the Explorers' League. It's a fairly impressive place, with a blend of old world marble and fine birch paneling.
>>477151
"Er… perhaps you should."
>>477153
She stops and starts panning around on the dust-covered floor.
>>477154
He gives a weak smile. "Thank… you?"
>>477155
He's down there overseeing the withdraw of crates of food.
>>477156
The Central Bureaucracy is in uptown. You stop by and find it busy with legalists and interpreters.
>>477157
Sure, you stroll on in. They get all kinds here, of course. And they're not affiliated with the government, anyway.
When I said they get all kinds, I meant it. You see all sorts here. Even a crystal pony or two. Knights in shining armor to pirate raiders, to even neighponese ninjas. It's like an adventurer's organization. You see a sign nearby:
"Er… perhaps you should."
>>477153
She stops and starts panning around on the dust-covered floor.
>>477154
He gives a weak smile. "Thank… you?"
>>477155
He's down there overseeing the withdraw of crates of food.
>>477156
The Central Bureaucracy is in uptown. You stop by and find it busy with legalists and interpreters.
>>477157
Sure, you stroll on in. They get all kinds here, of course. And they're not affiliated with the government, anyway.
When I said they get all kinds, I meant it. You see all sorts here. Even a crystal pony or two. Knights in shining armor to pirate raiders, to even neighponese ninjas. It's like an adventurer's organization. You see a sign nearby:
The white zone is for immediate departure for quests to save the world only.Adventurers with tragic backstories involving the death of their entire family or village should pick up their tax exemption 72-C form.>>477157
I just frown a bit at the thought.
"A change of scenery? Well it will be new in the first week on the sea, after that the next consecutive weeks can be tiring to anyone uninitiated to the sea since all the scenery they will see is the endless sea." I smile.
"But once the ship lands to a new port, that is where it will all pay off. A new land to explore aye?"
I just frown a bit at the thought.
"A change of scenery? Well it will be new in the first week on the sea, after that the next consecutive weeks can be tiring to anyone uninitiated to the sea since all the scenery they will see is the endless sea." I smile.
"But once the ship lands to a new port, that is where it will all pay off. A new land to explore aye?"
>>477163
He chuckles. "I may be handy with a gun, but it's not quite my life. I'm more interested in the magical side. I notice you used wind magic there."
>>477164
"Hm? Yes?"
>>477165
He gives you a friendly nod. "Benjamin of Hamburgerburg, though most call me Old Ben."
>>477166
You head up to the front where there is, indeed, a nucleus of secretaries. "Yes?"
>>477167
I thought you were against that.
>>477168
There is a front desk. There's a bit of a line, but now that you've pawned off your other work, you can afford to wait.
>>477169
"Doctor Cutter. Remember, when we first met, you were here to see him, but then we left together?"
He chuckles. "I may be handy with a gun, but it's not quite my life. I'm more interested in the magical side. I notice you used wind magic there."
>>477164
"Hm? Yes?"
>>477165
He gives you a friendly nod. "Benjamin of Hamburgerburg, though most call me Old Ben."
>>477166
You head up to the front where there is, indeed, a nucleus of secretaries. "Yes?"
>>477167
I thought you were against that.
>>477168
There is a front desk. There's a bit of a line, but now that you've pawned off your other work, you can afford to wait.
>>477169
"Doctor Cutter. Remember, when we first met, you were here to see him, but then we left together?"
>>477170
"Commodore, there are quite a number of necromancers on this fleet, correct? And they are all quite capable at moving the life force of things. As you may recall, I had that living wooden armor once upon a time, and since it was rendered into little more than glorified charcoal, I was wondering if it were possible for one of the fleet necromancers to raise it, as they would a pony. Can that be done?"
"Commodore, there are quite a number of necromancers on this fleet, correct? And they are all quite capable at moving the life force of things. As you may recall, I had that living wooden armor once upon a time, and since it was rendered into little more than glorified charcoal, I was wondering if it were possible for one of the fleet necromancers to raise it, as they would a pony. Can that be done?"
>>477175
"Become a castrato, you mean? No, nopony chooses to become a eunuch. It is not uncommon in lower class families for the younger sons to be castrated to become performers in hopes that they will strike it rich. I'm one of those who did become rather successful. I'm fortunate, and get to live a life of luxury. Maybe if I knew the life I would get, I might have chosen it, but I still would have liked to make the choice myself."
>>477176
He laughs. "I was just having a giggle with you, mate."
The room goes up in smoke as Emrille sets fire to it.
>>477177
He raises an eyebrow. The target catches on fire, and soon the ship is engorged in flame as the alcohol-socked boards light rapidly. Smoke fills the room, and heat and death surrounds you.
As it reaches the cannons, there is a series of explosions as the gunpowder detonates and the weakened deck gives away under their weight.
>>477178
"Impounded animals? Like what?"
>>477179
"Yes… I think so."
>>477180
He shakes his head. "You wouldn't have had any way of knowing this, but no one has ever managed to create a spell to raise flora from the grave. They are fundamentally different than we ponies: they don't have souls, or if they do, none like ours. They also are structurally different, down to the core, as you well know. It's a pity, but that is what makes the seed you showed me before so rare and valuable. It is the only known way to bring plants back from the grave. In fact, the information about how it functions – which I gave you earlier – was as a result of an inquiry into the idea of raising flora. It turned up no results, of course. The seed is, as I described, a reverse fungal growth that feeds life into a decayed plant. Thousands of years of masters have come and gone, and none have had any success with it, I'm afraid."
>>477181
That seems like an abuse of power. I typically read minds for the purposes of eliminating barriers and promoting peace, not manipulating ponies.
"Become a castrato, you mean? No, nopony chooses to become a eunuch. It is not uncommon in lower class families for the younger sons to be castrated to become performers in hopes that they will strike it rich. I'm one of those who did become rather successful. I'm fortunate, and get to live a life of luxury. Maybe if I knew the life I would get, I might have chosen it, but I still would have liked to make the choice myself."
>>477176
He laughs. "I was just having a giggle with you, mate."
The room goes up in smoke as Emrille sets fire to it.
>>477177
He raises an eyebrow. The target catches on fire, and soon the ship is engorged in flame as the alcohol-socked boards light rapidly. Smoke fills the room, and heat and death surrounds you.
As it reaches the cannons, there is a series of explosions as the gunpowder detonates and the weakened deck gives away under their weight.
>>477178
"Impounded animals? Like what?"
>>477179
"Yes… I think so."
>>477180
He shakes his head. "You wouldn't have had any way of knowing this, but no one has ever managed to create a spell to raise flora from the grave. They are fundamentally different than we ponies: they don't have souls, or if they do, none like ours. They also are structurally different, down to the core, as you well know. It's a pity, but that is what makes the seed you showed me before so rare and valuable. It is the only known way to bring plants back from the grave. In fact, the information about how it functions – which I gave you earlier – was as a result of an inquiry into the idea of raising flora. It turned up no results, of course. The seed is, as I described, a reverse fungal growth that feeds life into a decayed plant. Thousands of years of masters have come and gone, and none have had any success with it, I'm afraid."
>>477181
That seems like an abuse of power. I typically read minds for the purposes of eliminating barriers and promoting peace, not manipulating ponies.
>>477184
Perhaps. We will see. We need to get closer, though.
>>477185
"Nothing at all, that's the point. Only he would've known where to look. It was his old stash. He kept his personal things there so they'd be safe while he was in surgery. We didn't have a safe for personal effects, you see."
>>477186
"As I've said, for thousands of years ponies have attempted, and none have reaped success. I can say with certainty that to the extent of my knowledge – and with total sincerity – that nopony has ever been able to raise plants from the dead without one of those seeds."
>>477187
She gives you an odd look. "What, is this a joke? Come to a law office to find a snake?"
>>477188
He shrugs. "I don't mind talking about it. It's not as though I don't deal with it on a constant basis. It's not something I have to hide from, you know? It's actually the source of my fortune."
>>477189
He nods. "A eunuch."
Perhaps. We will see. We need to get closer, though.
>>477185
"Nothing at all, that's the point. Only he would've known where to look. It was his old stash. He kept his personal things there so they'd be safe while he was in surgery. We didn't have a safe for personal effects, you see."
>>477186
"As I've said, for thousands of years ponies have attempted, and none have reaped success. I can say with certainty that to the extent of my knowledge – and with total sincerity – that nopony has ever been able to raise plants from the dead without one of those seeds."
>>477187
She gives you an odd look. "What, is this a joke? Come to a law office to find a snake?"
>>477188
He shrugs. "I don't mind talking about it. It's not as though I don't deal with it on a constant basis. It's not something I have to hide from, you know? It's actually the source of my fortune."
>>477189
He nods. "A eunuch."
>>477191
>>477192
He shakes his shadowy head at you.
They're thinking about your approach pattern. Worried that you might be a threat to the innocent civilians inside. These do not seem to be the thoughts of the prejudiced and hateful.
>>477193
>>477194
You regroup with Abilio, who is appreciating a fine mural on the ground that has mostly escaped the fire.
"Poetic, is it not. Was Felfire with you?"
>>477195
He nods. "I try to see the bright side."
>>477192
He shakes his shadowy head at you.
They're thinking about your approach pattern. Worried that you might be a threat to the innocent civilians inside. These do not seem to be the thoughts of the prejudiced and hateful.
>>477193
>>477194
You regroup with Abilio, who is appreciating a fine mural on the ground that has mostly escaped the fire.
"Poetic, is it not. Was Felfire with you?"
>>477195
He nods. "I try to see the bright side."
>>477201
"Why should we trust you? You probably work for the Hunter yourself."
>>477200
Just a few more ponies. '1d3' rounds left.
"Yes. They didn't cut that off. Just the other part. The, uh… balls."
>>477199
He chuckles, "Indeed I am not, a figure of speech. In any case, I see you've had some luck with your studies."
>>477197
"Look, if you really want to find some snakes, you should try the sewers. They're teeming with rats, and that means that they're teeming with rat predators."
>>477198
"Then… don't?"
>>477202
"She split off. I figured she wanted to go find you. She might have headed over to the district that's still standing. That's where I'd look for survivors anyway."
Roll #1 2 = 2
"Why should we trust you? You probably work for the Hunter yourself."
>>477200
Just a few more ponies. '1d3' rounds left.
"Yes. They didn't cut that off. Just the other part. The, uh… balls."
>>477199
He chuckles, "Indeed I am not, a figure of speech. In any case, I see you've had some luck with your studies."
>>477197
"Look, if you really want to find some snakes, you should try the sewers. They're teeming with rats, and that means that they're teeming with rat predators."
>>477198
"Then… don't?"
>>477202
"She split off. I figured she wanted to go find you. She might have headed over to the district that's still standing. That's where I'd look for survivors anyway."
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>477203
I'll nod.
"With some help from my sister, I've even managed to get a new mark. Though I was hoping you at least would have some alternative method to the resurrection of plants, so I wouldn't be forced to rely on that flower… It seems like too much of a waste to use it for my own gain."
I'll nod.
"With some help from my sister, I've even managed to get a new mark. Though I was hoping you at least would have some alternative method to the resurrection of plants, so I wouldn't be forced to rely on that flower… It seems like too much of a waste to use it for my own gain."
>>477203
"Cut… hrm.
So you are still capable of feeling the physical pleasure but simply lack the drive to seek it?"
>>477204
"The snake thing should be handled now. Your friend Friesian went to take care of it as a part of our agreement.
As for our more immediate plans, we are here to find one Stanjez to see if he will join us.
Beyond that, I only have one last pony to track down before I am ready to call myself ready - an old comrade of mine by the name of Essan."
"Cut… hrm.
So you are still capable of feeling the physical pleasure but simply lack the drive to seek it?"
>>477204
"The snake thing should be handled now. Your friend Friesian went to take care of it as a part of our agreement.
As for our more immediate plans, we are here to find one Stanjez to see if he will join us.
Beyond that, I only have one last pony to track down before I am ready to call myself ready - an old comrade of mine by the name of Essan."
>>477210
"Decent clothes. Not starving to death. Yeah, you do."
>>477211
"Are you with this other outsider? She accuses the civilians we protect of being spies in our midst with no proof."
>>477212
He shrugs. "It is what they were made for. Natures' bounty is here for us to enjoy. Why else would it be here? In any case, congratulations. Now, on that note, I have to ask – do you happen to have a timetable for leaving this fleet yet?"
>>477213
What crap? You lit the target on fire but it went out.
>>477214
"You look like a tourist. Let me guess, bits?"
>>477215
"I… think so? I don't know if what I feel is the same as what you feel, because I was castrated before puberty. Did… the sensation feel the same for you before and after puberty?"
"Decent clothes. Not starving to death. Yeah, you do."
>>477211
"Are you with this other outsider? She accuses the civilians we protect of being spies in our midst with no proof."
>>477212
He shrugs. "It is what they were made for. Natures' bounty is here for us to enjoy. Why else would it be here? In any case, congratulations. Now, on that note, I have to ask – do you happen to have a timetable for leaving this fleet yet?"
>>477213
What crap? You lit the target on fire but it went out.
>>477214
"You look like a tourist. Let me guess, bits?"
>>477215
"I… think so? I don't know if what I feel is the same as what you feel, because I was castrated before puberty. Did… the sensation feel the same for you before and after puberty?"
>>477217
"My leaving hinges on miss Seas and her mother leaving as well. Since I don't know what or who keeps them here, I cannot work to get them freedom to leave faster. In the meantime, I'm doing work as a menial crewmember to at least carry my weight and build up some funds. Perhaps whomever is insistent on their staying can be bought off… Though at the rate of my salary, it's not likely to happen any time soon."
I'll shake my head.
"Safe to say, I'm not likely leaving the fleet for a good while."
"My leaving hinges on miss Seas and her mother leaving as well. Since I don't know what or who keeps them here, I cannot work to get them freedom to leave faster. In the meantime, I'm doing work as a menial crewmember to at least carry my weight and build up some funds. Perhaps whomever is insistent on their staying can be bought off… Though at the rate of my salary, it's not likely to happen any time soon."
I'll shake my head.
"Safe to say, I'm not likely leaving the fleet for a good while."
>>477217
"Roughly. I just learned to appreciate it more as time went on. Though my memory may be hazy. It wasn't exactly last year."
Smile from under my mustache.
Just how old is this lad anyway?
>>477218
"Let us avoid unnecessary conflict if we can. I have reasons to not want attention drawn to myself."
"Roughly. I just learned to appreciate it more as time went on. Though my memory may be hazy. It wasn't exactly last year."
Smile from under my mustache.
Just how old is this lad anyway?
>>477218
"Let us avoid unnecessary conflict if we can. I have reasons to not want attention drawn to myself."
>>477221
"I've heard a lot of ponies describe looting and tearing bread from starving children 'smart' ways to survive. We're not barbarians in here."
>>477222
"I'm not interested in keeping you here, Mister Curry. They are not here at my whim. In fact, I want them to leave. I can't imagine why they're still around."
>>477224
Probably in his early twenties. He looks gorgeous. Seriously, easily mistaken for a model mare.
>>477226
"If true, no problem. Mind waiting?"
He knocks on the door and a slit opens. "Yeah?"
"A Rosemary for Doctor Cutter."
"Right, be back soon."
The slit closes.
>>477227
He kneads his brow. "You're killing me here. Listen… what's your price range?"
"I've heard a lot of ponies describe looting and tearing bread from starving children 'smart' ways to survive. We're not barbarians in here."
>>477222
"I'm not interested in keeping you here, Mister Curry. They are not here at my whim. In fact, I want them to leave. I can't imagine why they're still around."
>>477224
Probably in his early twenties. He looks gorgeous. Seriously, easily mistaken for a model mare.
>>477226
"If true, no problem. Mind waiting?"
He knocks on the door and a slit opens. "Yeah?"
"A Rosemary for Doctor Cutter."
"Right, be back soon."
The slit closes.
>>477227
He kneads his brow. "You're killing me here. Listen… what's your price range?"
>>477230
Yessir.
The mare at the desk looks tired. She's a neighponese data analyst and speaks with a thick accent.
She smiles at you, however, and remarks, "Vox, this will probably be your first save. I'm going to make some hard copies of your codec data from this point forward, so you can review it if you ever need it later. Now, was there something you needed?"
>>477231
"This is all that remains of Stonebriar City after a terrible raid and fire."
>>477232
He shrugs. "Whatever it is, I'm tired of having civilians on my fleet. It's not profitable."
>>477233
"Look… I could maybe do 18, but that's the best I can do."
Yessir.
The mare at the desk looks tired. She's a neighponese data analyst and speaks with a thick accent.
She smiles at you, however, and remarks, "Vox, this will probably be your first save. I'm going to make some hard copies of your codec data from this point forward, so you can review it if you ever need it later. Now, was there something you needed?"
>>477231
"This is all that remains of Stonebriar City after a terrible raid and fire."
>>477232
He shrugs. "Whatever it is, I'm tired of having civilians on my fleet. It's not profitable."
>>477233
"Look… I could maybe do 18, but that's the best I can do."
>>477238
The guard you spoke to before.
>>477239
"That is not technically on the ship. You'll notice they are good about staying off of the physical ship itself. Out of the way."
>>477240
He pulls out a short black snake. It's not much, but it doesn't look old or sick or anything.
>>477241
She winks at you and passes you a crystal. "If you ever need to call one of your friends that you don't have with you, or just want to save, you can use that. As for Stanjez, he's the one in the shiny armor with the sun on it, over in the corner."
>>477242
The slit opens again. "Rosemary is fine. I don't know about these other outsiders."
The guard you spoke to before.
>>477239
"That is not technically on the ship. You'll notice they are good about staying off of the physical ship itself. Out of the way."
>>477240
He pulls out a short black snake. It's not much, but it doesn't look old or sick or anything.
>>477241
She winks at you and passes you a crystal. "If you ever need to call one of your friends that you don't have with you, or just want to save, you can use that. As for Stanjez, he's the one in the shiny armor with the sun on it, over in the corner."
>>477242
The slit opens again. "Rosemary is fine. I don't know about these other outsiders."
>>477244
She smiles at you.
>>477245
Let me clarify. There are two guards that remain at the door, and there was one behind the slit. Notice how the slit opened in that post, too?
I'll let it slide this time.
>>477246
"It's a constrictor. No fangs."
>>477247
He nods.
The secretary is here. "I told you he's in the cargo bay."
>>477248
Rosemary nods at that. He scrutinizes you. "We'll be watching you. Closely."
>>477249
You hear a weird, echo-y ring.
#Salamander here.
Sounds like you picked up your Codec Crystal, Vox.
She smiles at you.
>>477245
Let me clarify. There are two guards that remain at the door, and there was one behind the slit. Notice how the slit opened in that post, too?
I'll let it slide this time.
>>477246
"It's a constrictor. No fangs."
>>477247
He nods.
The secretary is here. "I told you he's in the cargo bay."
>>477248
Rosemary nods at that. He scrutinizes you. "We'll be watching you. Closely."
>>477249
You hear a weird, echo-y ring.
#Salamander here.
Sounds like you picked up your Codec Crystal, Vox.
>>477250
"I won't mind carrying something like this around. Thank you for your time."
Lift up the snake with telekinesis and give it a nice lookover. "Well, I guess we'll only get to know each other shorty, since you'll soon find yourself in a new home."
Let's find a stall that sells the sweet stuff Movp likes.
"I won't mind carrying something like this around. Thank you for your time."
Lift up the snake with telekinesis and give it a nice lookover. "Well, I guess we'll only get to know each other shorty, since you'll soon find yourself in a new home."
Let's find a stall that sells the sweet stuff Movp likes.
>>477252
#Good. If you have any friends of your own that are trustworthy, that might be worth looking into, too. I'm nearly finished with my own mission. We'll reconvene in the servants' quarters this evening.
>>477255
She smiles. "Nice of you to say! But it's busy, as you can see."
>>477253
She gives you a look, the decides she doesn't care and shrugs. "Wouldn't he tell you where a can was if he had one and wanted you to water?"
>>477256
>>477251
The gate slides open. The road is mostly flanked with ragged looking members of the Order of the Virtuous that have are patrolling the streets. Up ahead, you see a hastily painted red cross symbol on a board nailed to the side of a house.
The ponies here look exhausted and a little starved, but they're clearly doing better here than out there.
#Good. If you have any friends of your own that are trustworthy, that might be worth looking into, too. I'm nearly finished with my own mission. We'll reconvene in the servants' quarters this evening.
>>477255
She smiles. "Nice of you to say! But it's busy, as you can see."
>>477253
She gives you a look, the decides she doesn't care and shrugs. "Wouldn't he tell you where a can was if he had one and wanted you to water?"
>>477256
>>477251
The gate slides open. The road is mostly flanked with ragged looking members of the Order of the Virtuous that have are patrolling the streets. Up ahead, you see a hastily painted red cross symbol on a board nailed to the side of a house.
The ponies here look exhausted and a little starved, but they're clearly doing better here than out there.
>>477258
"We didn't bring any food with us."
>>477259
#Getting into the Varangian Guard chapter house may be difficult, but I doubt if you get inside you'll have any issues. Your discharge was by imperial mandate – I doubt any of your old friends in the guard believe you're guilty. Listen, if you get into trouble, keep an eye on your life gauge. The rate at which it refills is based on how full your stamina gauge is, so you might want to think about stopping for lunch before you try any frontal assaults.
>>477260
"No. And I don't care."
>>477263
Hm. There's a wine place up ahead. That seems like a good place to start. Or are you hold out for a gyro?
>>477264
She laughs. "Maybe after the mission."
"We didn't bring any food with us."
>>477259
#Getting into the Varangian Guard chapter house may be difficult, but I doubt if you get inside you'll have any issues. Your discharge was by imperial mandate – I doubt any of your old friends in the guard believe you're guilty. Listen, if you get into trouble, keep an eye on your life gauge. The rate at which it refills is based on how full your stamina gauge is, so you might want to think about stopping for lunch before you try any frontal assaults.
>>477260
"No. And I don't care."
>>477263
Hm. There's a wine place up ahead. That seems like a good place to start. Or are you hold out for a gyro?
>>477264
She laughs. "Maybe after the mission."
>>477267
The nucleus of command seems to come from two places. The medical center on one side, and the other, a ramshackle chapel.
>>477268
She shrugs. "Whatever."
>>477269
It's actually a house. A sign hammered to the side of a house.
Rosemary dashes inside. You walk in to see a charming scene, she's hugging Cutter, re-united at last.
"I was so worried about you, Doctor!"
"I thought you died. I didn't know if I could get by without my best nurse."
"Aw… but really… have you been here this whole time?"
"Treating those I can. Easing those I can't."
>>477270
"We mostly trade in gyros and gyro accessories. Hence the name, 'The Gyro's Welcome'!"
>>477271
#Right. Salamander out.
You take a look at him. He's standing off to the side, basking in the sun coming in from the window. As you approach him, he regards you.
"Ah, hello! You don't look weak, far from it. I am Stanjez of Artsyz. Now that I am a knight, I have come to this place, the heart of Trotantine power to seek great glory. Ha ha ha ha ha!"
>>477272
"I'm here to help Vox! But really, you need to let the next pony in line come up!"
The nucleus of command seems to come from two places. The medical center on one side, and the other, a ramshackle chapel.
>>477268
She shrugs. "Whatever."
>>477269
It's actually a house. A sign hammered to the side of a house.
Rosemary dashes inside. You walk in to see a charming scene, she's hugging Cutter, re-united at last.
"I was so worried about you, Doctor!"
"I thought you died. I didn't know if I could get by without my best nurse."
"Aw… but really… have you been here this whole time?"
"Treating those I can. Easing those I can't."
>>477270
"We mostly trade in gyros and gyro accessories. Hence the name, 'The Gyro's Welcome'!"
>>477271
#Right. Salamander out.
You take a look at him. He's standing off to the side, basking in the sun coming in from the window. As you approach him, he regards you.
"Ah, hello! You don't look weak, far from it. I am Stanjez of Artsyz. Now that I am a knight, I have come to this place, the heart of Trotantine power to seek great glory. Ha ha ha ha ha!"
>>477272
"I'm here to help Vox! But really, you need to let the next pony in line come up!"
>>477274
Not at all. You step in and see Rosemary hugging a doctor pone.
>>477275
The doctor acknowledges you. "Oh? Who's this?"
"I've been traveling with her. She helped me get out of the city when everything went… bad."
"Oh, I see. I owe her a great deal for bringing you back to me."
>>477276
Day and night is meaningless when your room has no windows.
No luck on finding a can, either.
>>477277
He's clan in armor, you can't see his face.
He chuckles. "I'm sorry. Did you find that introduction strange? No need to hide your reaction. I get those kinds of looks all the time. Tell you what, I have a proposition for you.
[Yes] [No]"
>>477278
The other ponies step up to speak to her.
>>477279
"Sure, sure! Whaddya want on it?"
Not at all. You step in and see Rosemary hugging a doctor pone.
>>477275
The doctor acknowledges you. "Oh? Who's this?"
"I've been traveling with her. She helped me get out of the city when everything went… bad."
"Oh, I see. I owe her a great deal for bringing you back to me."
>>477276
Day and night is meaningless when your room has no windows.
No luck on finding a can, either.
>>477277
He's clan in armor, you can't see his face.
He chuckles. "I'm sorry. Did you find that introduction strange? No need to hide your reaction. I get those kinds of looks all the time. Tell you what, I have a proposition for you.
[Yes] [No]"
>>477278
The other ponies step up to speak to her.
>>477279
"Sure, sure! Whaddya want on it?"
>>477281
"Not here. Maybe we could find some records of who is in town, or ask around?"
>>477282
"So I didn't scare you! The way I see it, our fates appear to be intertwined. In a land brimming with infidels, why not help each other on this lonely journey?
[Yes] [No]"
>>477284
It is.
Yes.
>>477283
"Oh? Then I'll bet you've set a record for waiting time in my office. Does it still ail you, or have you keeled over dead yet?"
Rosemary suppresses a girlish giggle.
>>477286
"Yeah, I can do that. No problem. Two bits. Real cheap!"
"Not here. Maybe we could find some records of who is in town, or ask around?"
>>477282
"So I didn't scare you! The way I see it, our fates appear to be intertwined. In a land brimming with infidels, why not help each other on this lonely journey?
[Yes] [No]"
>>477284
It is.
Yes.
>>477283
"Oh? Then I'll bet you've set a record for waiting time in my office. Does it still ail you, or have you keeled over dead yet?"
Rosemary suppresses a girlish giggle.
>>477286
"Yeah, I can do that. No problem. Two bits. Real cheap!"
>>477288
"This pleases me greatly! We are amidst strange ponies in a strange land. Together we will cross the gaps of this land and engage in jolly cooperation. Take this. I will stay behind for, and gaze at the sun. The sun is a wondrous body, and so grossly incandescent. Contact me when you require my aid. Perhaps if these charts interest you, we can set out for adventure there, as well."
Got: Sea Charts
>>477289
He toasts you up a fresh gyro. It's got a little of everything. It may not have much meat, but if you like pepper? Fuggedabowdit!"
>>477290
What an odd question. Why would I answer anything you want to know at all?
>>477291
"Three, remember? Maybe less now. I know their faces and now their names"
>>477292
"How terrible. I'm afraid I can't do much for you long term for that."
"This pleases me greatly! We are amidst strange ponies in a strange land. Together we will cross the gaps of this land and engage in jolly cooperation. Take this. I will stay behind for, and gaze at the sun. The sun is a wondrous body, and so grossly incandescent. Contact me when you require my aid. Perhaps if these charts interest you, we can set out for adventure there, as well."
Got: Sea Charts
>>477289
He toasts you up a fresh gyro. It's got a little of everything. It may not have much meat, but if you like pepper? Fuggedabowdit!"
>>477290
What an odd question. Why would I answer anything you want to know at all?
>>477291
"Three, remember? Maybe less now. I know their faces and now their names"
>>477292
"How terrible. I'm afraid I can't do much for you long term for that."
>>477295
"A good question. And it would be to save us both time, and a bit of displeasure. You see, there's one way I can find out, though it involves you having an unfortunate accident. If you'd like to remain potted and whole, it would just be easier to tell me."
I'll shrug.
"Of course, if you don't answer it, and I do go through with the plan, then I'll have my answer regardless if you show up again, all in one piece. I've nothing against you, personally, and in fact find you a rather charming plant, so I would be loathe to do something we both will regret."
"A good question. And it would be to save us both time, and a bit of displeasure. You see, there's one way I can find out, though it involves you having an unfortunate accident. If you'd like to remain potted and whole, it would just be easier to tell me."
I'll shrug.
"Of course, if you don't answer it, and I do go through with the plan, then I'll have my answer regardless if you show up again, all in one piece. I've nothing against you, personally, and in fact find you a rather charming plant, so I would be loathe to do something we both will regret."
>>477296
"You can't skip the Apollo Theater. There's a play about Nemesis on today through Friday."
>>477298
"I am not sure how to describe the job other than researcher, but all three were unicorns."
>>477299
He nods. "Things are getting better, though. Even a few weeks ago I could have never stopped for a full conversation!"
>>477300
Unless he kills you.
"You can't skip the Apollo Theater. There's a play about Nemesis on today through Friday."
>>477298
"I am not sure how to describe the job other than researcher, but all three were unicorns."
>>477299
He nods. "Things are getting better, though. Even a few weeks ago I could have never stopped for a full conversation!"
>>477300
Unless he kills you.
>>477297
"I got a friend there. Thought I'd ask him if he needed some fresh air too."
>>477295
"If you want adventure, seek me out tonight at the leader's house servant quarters. There, we can engage in your jovial cooperations."
Now, is there anything more to be done here, or should I go seek out something to eat?
Perhaps return to base and see if this Friesian fellow got my snake.
"I got a friend there. Thought I'd ask him if he needed some fresh air too."
>>477295
"If you want adventure, seek me out tonight at the leader's house servant quarters. There, we can engage in your jovial cooperations."
Now, is there anything more to be done here, or should I go seek out something to eat?
Perhaps return to base and see if this Friesian fellow got my snake.
>>477301
"Well, yes, that's more than equally possible. But there is a plant I must revive, and if Smitts knows how to raise it, he's playing coy. I know it's wise not to show one's entire hoof, but his dancing around the issue is giving me the impression that I'm not worth the time to teach. So I must use alternative methods. Asking you seemed the most direct, next to pestering Smitts himself."
I'll sit next to the plant.
"So, if you would please answer the question truthfully, I will be out and away in moments, and we can forget this entire thing happened."
"Well, yes, that's more than equally possible. But there is a plant I must revive, and if Smitts knows how to raise it, he's playing coy. I know it's wise not to show one's entire hoof, but his dancing around the issue is giving me the impression that I'm not worth the time to teach. So I must use alternative methods. Asking you seemed the most direct, next to pestering Smitts himself."
I'll sit next to the plant.
"So, if you would please answer the question truthfully, I will be out and away in moments, and we can forget this entire thing happened."
>>477302
To the Mother Base, then?
>>477303
"Right, right. I'm hopeful. We're nearly back on our feet already, and with Rosemary back home, things will go much faster."
>>477304
You head in and find a selection of fruity wines. These are truly exotic. Grapefruit and dragonfruit?
>>477305
"This is actually just the lower class district. It's slightly set apart from the rest of the city, so it didn't burn in the fire."
>>477306
Why did you open with a murder threat?
>>477308
#Interior security shouldn't be a problem, Vox. Like I said, it should still be full of your old buddies from the Varangians. The front entrance is probably a non-option, though. Imperial Guards are watching the place for you. You should be careful, they will expect disguises.
To the Mother Base, then?
>>477303
"Right, right. I'm hopeful. We're nearly back on our feet already, and with Rosemary back home, things will go much faster."
>>477304
You head in and find a selection of fruity wines. These are truly exotic. Grapefruit and dragonfruit?
>>477305
"This is actually just the lower class district. It's slightly set apart from the rest of the city, so it didn't burn in the fire."
>>477306
Why did you open with a murder threat?
>>477308
#Interior security shouldn't be a problem, Vox. Like I said, it should still be full of your old buddies from the Varangians. The front entrance is probably a non-option, though. Imperial Guards are watching the place for you. You should be careful, they will expect disguises.
>>477309
I'll sigh, and frown a little.
"I… I don't know, really. Perhaps I'm getting more influenced by the fleet than I'd thought. Maybe it's Emrille's bad nature rubbing off on me. I am sorry, though. For what it's worth, I wouldn't have gone through with the threat."
I'll frown a little deeper.
"I was raised better than to be some common thug… though I fear I might be turning into one."
I'll sigh, and frown a little.
"I… I don't know, really. Perhaps I'm getting more influenced by the fleet than I'd thought. Maybe it's Emrille's bad nature rubbing off on me. I am sorry, though. For what it's worth, I wouldn't have gone through with the threat."
I'll frown a little deeper.
"I was raised better than to be some common thug… though I fear I might be turning into one."
>>477311
"We owe quite a bit to the Order of the Virtuous. The guards you see around here are from an order that is dedicated to protecting the poor from corrupt nobles."
>>477310
You get back there.
"Ah, do you have the snake? We really need to get cooking now if it's to be ready by lunch time. Ideally it would have been here before, but I think we can still make it."
>>477312
"Well, are you familiar with Dixie Barleywine?"
>>477313
He looks confused. "Rosemary is leaving with you?"
She looks a little distressed.
"But… this is her home."
>>477314
Mmm. Fine. Smitts has perfected some kind of revival. I don't know if 'raising the dead' is a literal translation. Plants and meat are different.
"We owe quite a bit to the Order of the Virtuous. The guards you see around here are from an order that is dedicated to protecting the poor from corrupt nobles."
>>477310
You get back there.
"Ah, do you have the snake? We really need to get cooking now if it's to be ready by lunch time. Ideally it would have been here before, but I think we can still make it."
>>477312
"Well, are you familiar with Dixie Barleywine?"
>>477313
He looks confused. "Rosemary is leaving with you?"
She looks a little distressed.
"But… this is her home."
>>477314
Mmm. Fine. Smitts has perfected some kind of revival. I don't know if 'raising the dead' is a literal translation. Plants and meat are different.
>>477318
"It's fine. We weren't counting on having one anyway. Really, it would have to be right now, by the time you could get to market and back, it would be too late to cook it."
>>477317
"Unfortunately, their religious leader, Provost Seed Sower, was lost in the attack."
>>477316
"Very sweet. Barleywine as you probably know is not a true wine, but instead a grain alcohol. That's not totally true in Dixie where they add fermented grapes and sugar cane as well. This creates a highly sweet flavor."
>>477319
She looks very torn.
>>477320
You should ask him.
"It's fine. We weren't counting on having one anyway. Really, it would have to be right now, by the time you could get to market and back, it would be too late to cook it."
>>477317
"Unfortunately, their religious leader, Provost Seed Sower, was lost in the attack."
>>477316
"Very sweet. Barleywine as you probably know is not a true wine, but instead a grain alcohol. That's not totally true in Dixie where they add fermented grapes and sugar cane as well. This creates a highly sweet flavor."
>>477319
She looks very torn.
>>477320
You should ask him.
>>477321
Take her hoof and look her in the eyes.
"You should… listen to your heart, miss Rosemary. I understand you must be utterly torn… I was too when we had to leave Dixie. Leaving what little remained of my former life behind again after losing most of it before was… very hard. That said, it is your choice."
Take her hoof and look her in the eyes.
"You should… listen to your heart, miss Rosemary. I understand you must be utterly torn… I was too when we had to leave Dixie. Leaving what little remained of my former life behind again after losing most of it before was… very hard. That said, it is your choice."
>>477321
"I did. He said that nopony has managed to make a spell to bring dead plants back to life. When I mentioned that he said no pony, he claimed it was a figure of speech. That's what made me suspicious and why I came to ask you. You're around him most of the day, so you'd have been bound to see something like that happen…"
I'll think for a minute.
"Maybe I'm going about this the wrong way. Maybe I should try talking to that flower, and see if it can't shed any light on the problem. If Smitts won't teach me, then I'll just have to learn on my own."
Getting up, I'll nod to the flower.
"I'm sorry for the bad start, and hope you grow well and long."
I'll cough slightly.
"I'd also appreciate it if this chat doesn't reach Smitts' ears, but I know that that's likely an impossible request."
"I did. He said that nopony has managed to make a spell to bring dead plants back to life. When I mentioned that he said no pony, he claimed it was a figure of speech. That's what made me suspicious and why I came to ask you. You're around him most of the day, so you'd have been bound to see something like that happen…"
I'll think for a minute.
"Maybe I'm going about this the wrong way. Maybe I should try talking to that flower, and see if it can't shed any light on the problem. If Smitts won't teach me, then I'll just have to learn on my own."
Getting up, I'll nod to the flower.
"I'm sorry for the bad start, and hope you grow well and long."
I'll cough slightly.
"I'd also appreciate it if this chat doesn't reach Smitts' ears, but I know that that's likely an impossible request."
>>477322
"I'm not sure, they may be able to tell you."
>>477323
Weirdly, in spite of actual explosions and collapsing cannons, by the time the room is clear of smoke, there's no trace of fire. The deck seems unharmed, if a bit black.
What.
Anyway, the regulars of the ship have a good laugh about it and go about their business.
>>477324
"It's not supposed to. I'm a stallion – or, a gelding, technically, I just play a mare on stage. Everyone in the audience knows I'm a stallion – that's the whole point."
>>477326
"Don't stress too much about it. Actually, if you really want to impress the mater of the house, there are these famous twin snakes that live in the nearby sewers. They're albinos, and real nasty ones. The guard keeps trying to smoke them out, because at night they'll creep up and bite ponies. If you could gut them, they'd be more than just a meal: their fangs would be trophies."
Hm. The snake eater wants those twin snakes.
>>477327
She closes her eyes for a time and thinks, and finally says, "No… I am happy with my new life. I want to see the world. Stonebriar can recover without me."
Cutter seems a bit disappointed, but acknowledges her decision.
>>477328
Yes.
"I'm not sure, they may be able to tell you."
>>477323
Weirdly, in spite of actual explosions and collapsing cannons, by the time the room is clear of smoke, there's no trace of fire. The deck seems unharmed, if a bit black.
What.
Anyway, the regulars of the ship have a good laugh about it and go about their business.
>>477324
"It's not supposed to. I'm a stallion – or, a gelding, technically, I just play a mare on stage. Everyone in the audience knows I'm a stallion – that's the whole point."
>>477326
"Don't stress too much about it. Actually, if you really want to impress the mater of the house, there are these famous twin snakes that live in the nearby sewers. They're albinos, and real nasty ones. The guard keeps trying to smoke them out, because at night they'll creep up and bite ponies. If you could gut them, they'd be more than just a meal: their fangs would be trophies."
Hm. The snake eater wants those twin snakes.
>>477327
She closes her eyes for a time and thinks, and finally says, "No… I am happy with my new life. I want to see the world. Stonebriar can recover without me."
Cutter seems a bit disappointed, but acknowledges her decision.
>>477328
Yes.
>>477331
Summer is the only other one that seems bewildered.
He nods. "Yeah, we noticed that tendency too. Neat, huh?"
>>477330
"I forget what they call it. A basilica or something. Anyway, its that big cathedral made out of all different kinds of wood with the stained glass. Really, can't miss it."
>>477332
There's no sun down here, and no way to put in a window. I don't suppose you can think of a way to get any sun in here, do you?
>>477333
"There's a grate outside the quarters. It may not sound like prestigious work now, but you're sure to impress if you're successful."
>>477334
He shrugs. "The worst is passed now. Although… Rosemary, you never actually got your certification, did you? You were close, but I never signed off on it."
She slowly nods.
"Well, if you cared for a patient with arrhythmia for this long, I think that warrants your remaining number of hours of care. Here…"
He digs through his effects and pulls out a certificate that has already been filled out except for the last line. He signs it.
"There… congratulations, doctor Rosemary."
She hugs him, and begins to cry hysterically as he pats her on the back.
>>477335
He raises a brow. "You don't understand. In my culture, mares aren't allowed to perform on stage, but they need ponies that can convincingly act as mares in plays, and hit the beautiful high notes that only mares can. So as a stallion I am allowed to perform and fill those roles."
Summer is the only other one that seems bewildered.
He nods. "Yeah, we noticed that tendency too. Neat, huh?"
>>477330
"I forget what they call it. A basilica or something. Anyway, its that big cathedral made out of all different kinds of wood with the stained glass. Really, can't miss it."
>>477332
There's no sun down here, and no way to put in a window. I don't suppose you can think of a way to get any sun in here, do you?
>>477333
"There's a grate outside the quarters. It may not sound like prestigious work now, but you're sure to impress if you're successful."
>>477334
He shrugs. "The worst is passed now. Although… Rosemary, you never actually got your certification, did you? You were close, but I never signed off on it."
She slowly nods.
"Well, if you cared for a patient with arrhythmia for this long, I think that warrants your remaining number of hours of care. Here…"
He digs through his effects and pulls out a certificate that has already been filled out except for the last line. He signs it.
"There… congratulations, doctor Rosemary."
She hugs him, and begins to cry hysterically as he pats her on the back.
>>477335
He raises a brow. "You don't understand. In my culture, mares aren't allowed to perform on stage, but they need ponies that can convincingly act as mares in plays, and hit the beautiful high notes that only mares can. So as a stallion I am allowed to perform and fill those roles."
>>477339
"Oh, yeah, we noticed it weeks ago when we were playing with cannons. You know I'm not sure what it takes to damage this tub to the point where it won't fix itself. It just seems to be a bit lazy about self-repairing really minor problems like cracks or anything to do with sails. Also it eats crap. I mean that literally."
>>477340
"Of course. In fact… we'll get you some different clothes. Burn those when you're done."
>>477341
She finally finishes hugging him and lets go.
"Cutter… I'll miss you…"
He smiles weakly. "Me too, but I understand that you have to go."
>>477342
Mmm… feels… warm.
"Oh, yeah, we noticed it weeks ago when we were playing with cannons. You know I'm not sure what it takes to damage this tub to the point where it won't fix itself. It just seems to be a bit lazy about self-repairing really minor problems like cracks or anything to do with sails. Also it eats crap. I mean that literally."
>>477340
"Of course. In fact… we'll get you some different clothes. Burn those when you're done."
>>477341
She finally finishes hugging him and lets go.
"Cutter… I'll miss you…"
He smiles weakly. "Me too, but I understand that you have to go."
>>477342
Mmm… feels… warm.
>>477344
"What if they don't have the body?"
>>477345
I'm sure Skylight would be very proud to see you as the little sun you are.
>>477346
You know how to send internal mail. You never sent those letters to Dixie.
>>477347
He nods. "It's just a different culture."
>>477348
#Alright. I'm almost done here. I'll meet you at the sewer entrance when I'm done. I've been able to get some guns from some Trotantine nationalists. These guns of patriots will definitely be useful.
>>477349
He shrugs. "I dunno, but it makes for a good story."
"What if they don't have the body?"
>>477345
I'm sure Skylight would be very proud to see you as the little sun you are.
>>477346
You know how to send internal mail. You never sent those letters to Dixie.
>>477347
He nods. "It's just a different culture."
>>477348
#Alright. I'm almost done here. I'll meet you at the sewer entrance when I'm done. I've been able to get some guns from some Trotantine nationalists. These guns of patriots will definitely be useful.
>>477349
He shrugs. "I dunno, but it makes for a good story."
>>477351
Did you? I'll check later.
Anyway you don't have a quartermaster to hand these off to at your location.
>>477352
"Most ships just empty chamberpots into the ocean, but this ship has an actual relief room. So we thought: no way it's just emptying into a room or something down there, that would be terrible. We searched up and down the side of the ship to see if there was a chute, but of course there wasn't. Anyway, we ended up smashing a hole in the wall to determine what it was doing with all the waste."
>>477353
"Mind reader?"
You head inside. Many ponies are sitting here at benches, praying.
>>477354
You head back over to the room.
>>477355
You reunite with them.
"I was just joking about the sewers before! I really don't want to go down there."
>>477356
"I was just answering your questions, that's all."
Did you? I'll check later.
Anyway you don't have a quartermaster to hand these off to at your location.
>>477352
"Most ships just empty chamberpots into the ocean, but this ship has an actual relief room. So we thought: no way it's just emptying into a room or something down there, that would be terrible. We searched up and down the side of the ship to see if there was a chute, but of course there wasn't. Anyway, we ended up smashing a hole in the wall to determine what it was doing with all the waste."
>>477353
"Mind reader?"
You head inside. Many ponies are sitting here at benches, praying.
>>477354
You head back over to the room.
>>477355
You reunite with them.
"I was just joking about the sewers before! I really don't want to go down there."
>>477356
"I was just answering your questions, that's all."
>>477358
"Good timing! She'll be here any minute. Have a seat, she is very kind, I'm sure she'll be willing to talk to you."
>>477359
He sighs in relief. "Thank you."
>>477360
She smiles. "Thanks."
>>477361
"Yeah, well, mostly. It absorbs most of it, seems like. They make one of the poor menial workers scrape out what it doesn't take at the end of the week. We didn't do a very scientific study. After we figured that out, we were plenty sated."
"Good timing! She'll be here any minute. Have a seat, she is very kind, I'm sure she'll be willing to talk to you."
>>477359
He sighs in relief. "Thank you."
>>477360
She smiles. "Thanks."
>>477361
"Yeah, well, mostly. It absorbs most of it, seems like. They make one of the poor menial workers scrape out what it doesn't take at the end of the week. We didn't do a very scientific study. After we figured that out, we were plenty sated."
>>477368
She shakes her head. "I think I'll just catch up with Cutter for a while."
>>477366
They begin to sing a hymn. Whatever is coming, you sense it is about to arrive.
>>477369
He shrugs. "I never thought to date it. Maybe you should ask Burnside."
>>477370
Yes ma'am.
Your honey nearly burned down a ship.
She shakes her head. "I think I'll just catch up with Cutter for a while."
>>477366
They begin to sing a hymn. Whatever is coming, you sense it is about to arrive.
>>477369
He shrugs. "I never thought to date it. Maybe you should ask Burnside."
>>477370
Yes ma'am.
Your honey nearly burned down a ship.
>>477381
>>477377
He nods. "Let's go."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcoEU6PDqNc
Punished Salamander
Gender: Male
Race: Earth Pone
Class: Foxiest of Hounds
Skills: Homing Magic, Elementalist - Fire
Special Talent: Guns +1
Hits/Wounds: 3/5
Character Traits: A half-blinded (missing one eye) pony you "liberated" from prison.
>>477380
You locate her on the range of the Seaworthy. You learned in the last two weeks that she was reassigned here to be a full officer.
>>477378
>>477376
Light Heart regroups with Felfire in the church. As the hymn finishes, the room fills with blinding light. When you open your eyes, standing before you at the altar is none other than
Celestia, God-Princess of the Sun
>>477377
He nods. "Let's go."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcoEU6PDqNc
Punished Salamander
Gender: Male
Race: Earth Pone
Class: Foxiest of Hounds
Skills: Homing Magic, Elementalist - Fire
Special Talent: Guns +1
Hits/Wounds: 3/5
Character Traits: A half-blinded (missing one eye) pony you "liberated" from prison.
>>477380
You locate her on the range of the Seaworthy. You learned in the last two weeks that she was reassigned here to be a full officer.
>>477378
>>477376
Light Heart regroups with Felfire in the church. As the hymn finishes, the room fills with blinding light. When you open your eyes, standing before you at the altar is none other than
Celestia, God-Princess of the Sun
>>477387
>>477388
She's the real deal, alright.
"My loyal followers! Long have you suffered, but with each day, you grow in strength. Know that I have not abandoned you, and will continue to protect you! Even now, more supplies are on their way. You must keep strong, and soon, Stonebriar will be restored to its former glory!"
The ponies here cheer and shout exclamations of devotion. One pony hobbles forward, missing limbs, and begs for healing.
The alicorn's horn glows, and in an instant, new legs sprout.
"I must go now to the most distant parts of the principality to aid my other suffering subjects. Keep the faith!"
With another flourish of light, she's gone.
>>477389
You may simply return to the ship if he sleeps and rejoin him next time.
>>477390
You miss and shoot Tela in the stomach with a fire-y bullet. She goes up in fire as the bullet breaks against a bone and gets lodged deep inside her body.
>>477388
She's the real deal, alright.
"My loyal followers! Long have you suffered, but with each day, you grow in strength. Know that I have not abandoned you, and will continue to protect you! Even now, more supplies are on their way. You must keep strong, and soon, Stonebriar will be restored to its former glory!"
The ponies here cheer and shout exclamations of devotion. One pony hobbles forward, missing limbs, and begs for healing.
The alicorn's horn glows, and in an instant, new legs sprout.
"I must go now to the most distant parts of the principality to aid my other suffering subjects. Keep the faith!"
With another flourish of light, she's gone.
>>477389
You may simply return to the ship if he sleeps and rejoin him next time.
>>477390
You miss and shoot Tela in the stomach with a fire-y bullet. She goes up in fire as the bullet breaks against a bone and gets lodged deep inside her body.
>>477401
We have a shadow bond. I could feel your heart swell with anticipation.
>>477401
"I was able to get a hold of the town annals. Only one of them ever checked in, but they left town. The other two probably died in the fire."
>>477402
After several minutes of waiting someone finally drags down a dazed looking nurse.
"Yes…? Is something wrong…?"
She's pretty cute, you have to admit, but looks like an airhead. A unicorn, of course.
We have a shadow bond. I could feel your heart swell with anticipation.
>>477401
"I was able to get a hold of the town annals. Only one of them ever checked in, but they left town. The other two probably died in the fire."
>>477402
After several minutes of waiting someone finally drags down a dazed looking nurse.
"Yes…? Is something wrong…?"
She's pretty cute, you have to admit, but looks like an airhead. A unicorn, of course.
>>477414
I felt.
>>477415
She frowns. "It's more complicated. I have to extract the bullet or else the lead poisoning will kill her."
She floats over a bottle of alcohol.
>>477416
"Drink this."
She uncorks it and stuffs it in your mouth. It's extremely high proof alcohol, and it hits you immediately.
She then begins using telekinesis to pull chunks of bullet out of your torso as you remain conscious. Hopefully this alcohol won't leave you that way long.
I felt.
>>477415
She frowns. "It's more complicated. I have to extract the bullet or else the lead poisoning will kill her."
She floats over a bottle of alcohol.
>>477416
"Drink this."
She uncorks it and stuffs it in your mouth. It's extremely high proof alcohol, and it hits you immediately.
She then begins using telekinesis to pull chunks of bullet out of your torso as you remain conscious. Hopefully this alcohol won't leave you that way long.
>>477431
HP cheerily says, "Nope!"
Onik adds neutrally. "No. I am glad I came. It would have been a shame to miss that."
>>477430
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
You can't describe the pain, so you just convulse miserably.
Finally, she minds the muscle and flesh, and wanders off as you hack up large quantities of alcohol and blood.
>>477432
"Not as far as I know."
>>477429
"A letter has come in from Novdogod for you."
They hand you a letter and depart.
HP cheerily says, "Nope!"
Onik adds neutrally. "No. I am glad I came. It would have been a shame to miss that."
>>477430
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
You can't describe the pain, so you just convulse miserably.
Finally, she minds the muscle and flesh, and wanders off as you hack up large quantities of alcohol and blood.
>>477432
"Not as far as I know."
>>477429
"A letter has come in from Novdogod for you."
They hand you a letter and depart.
>>477434
It's rare for her to leave the palace. Unsafe. There can be enemies about.
>>477435
Vladimir Shirz
>>477436
Roll for that. Come on, helping up is a basic rule.
>>477439
You pull yourself to your feet.
>>477438
"Yes."
>>477442
>>477443
"His name was Weatherford."
It's rare for her to leave the palace. Unsafe. There can be enemies about.
>>477435
Chip,
Your father Block passed away recently. You may recall that he was a world famous archeologist. He was secretly researching a powerful artifact for our dogs in Roads. You are his natural successor. The serene republic expects you to pick up where he left off. Go retrieve your father's journal at the following address. Do not disappoint us, Chip.
455 Winding Boulevard
Signed,Vladimir Shirz
Vladimir Shirz, Minister of Information>>477436
Roll for that. Come on, helping up is a basic rule.
>>477439
You pull yourself to your feet.
>>477438
"Yes."
>>477442
>>477443
"His name was Weatherford."
>>477445
"He was… blue. Green eyes. Dark blue mane."
>>477447
You head over to the address. Just as you're about to arrive at the house, you'll pulled into an alleyway with a bunch of diamond dogs lurking in it.
"I suppose you're here for the journal, eh? Well I'm glad to be rid of it. It's cost me my fortune, my luck, my happiness, and half of my fingers."
He shoves a parcel in your hand, then you feel someone hit you from behind over the head with a blunt object. When you come to a little later, your groan about how all this cloak and dagger nonsense gives you a headache.
>>477450
2 doubloons
"He was… blue. Green eyes. Dark blue mane."
>>477447
You head over to the address. Just as you're about to arrive at the house, you'll pulled into an alleyway with a bunch of diamond dogs lurking in it.
"I suppose you're here for the journal, eh? Well I'm glad to be rid of it. It's cost me my fortune, my luck, my happiness, and half of my fingers."
He shoves a parcel in your hand, then you feel someone hit you from behind over the head with a blunt object. When you come to a little later, your groan about how all this cloak and dagger nonsense gives you a headache.
>>477450
2 doubloons
>>477456
You pull yourself to your feet and drag yourself out of the alleyway. Well… it looks like you ended up in the same place you left off. Nothing has been taken. Hm… well, better check out that journal.
>>477462
You fish out that flower from your stuff.
>>477469
You go find those gate guardians.
"Wasn't your entry conditional on sticking with Rosemary? Why are you wandering around on your own?"
You pull yourself to your feet and drag yourself out of the alleyway. Well… it looks like you ended up in the same place you left off. Nothing has been taken. Hm… well, better check out that journal.
>>477462
You fish out that flower from your stuff.
>>477469
You go find those gate guardians.
"Wasn't your entry conditional on sticking with Rosemary? Why are you wandering around on your own?"
>>477597
The city is tiered, each level higher than the last one. In an assault scenario, it would be a nightmare: gunshots would rain down on invading troops for miles as they snake their way up to the top of the city. Each district is more opulent the last as you proceed vertically. The most mundane is the wharf district down at the bottom, relatively poor, but up at the top, great palaces and structures stand. You think you see a faint shimmering in the distance.
Gliding over the wharf district you notice entrances to the sewers. No doubt they're crawling with edibles. The streets are also crawling with edibles, packed crowds everywhere – street vendors, too, trying to peddle cheap food and goods.
As far as you can make out, you'd split the city into four parts. The lowest tier, the wharf district, houses the poor and working classes, but is full of the bustle of business as the marketplace roars. The next tier is home to the service industry and the middle class – great performance halls and institutes for higher learning are here. The third tier, near the top, has mostly guards about and is quite green with plenty of plantlife. You see small mansions where the rich must dwell. The highest tier is beyond even greater walls than the outside of the city. The palace district for nobles and royals only.
>>477598
"Ah, that is Neighponese Fire Wine. A little spicy, but you wouldn't even know it's alcohol. We do have some local brews, but neither of those two you're looking at is local."
>>477599
Yes.
The city is tiered, each level higher than the last one. In an assault scenario, it would be a nightmare: gunshots would rain down on invading troops for miles as they snake their way up to the top of the city. Each district is more opulent the last as you proceed vertically. The most mundane is the wharf district down at the bottom, relatively poor, but up at the top, great palaces and structures stand. You think you see a faint shimmering in the distance.
Gliding over the wharf district you notice entrances to the sewers. No doubt they're crawling with edibles. The streets are also crawling with edibles, packed crowds everywhere – street vendors, too, trying to peddle cheap food and goods.
As far as you can make out, you'd split the city into four parts. The lowest tier, the wharf district, houses the poor and working classes, but is full of the bustle of business as the marketplace roars. The next tier is home to the service industry and the middle class – great performance halls and institutes for higher learning are here. The third tier, near the top, has mostly guards about and is quite green with plenty of plantlife. You see small mansions where the rich must dwell. The highest tier is beyond even greater walls than the outside of the city. The palace district for nobles and royals only.
>>477598
"Ah, that is Neighponese Fire Wine. A little spicy, but you wouldn't even know it's alcohol. We do have some local brews, but neither of those two you're looking at is local."
>>477599
Yes.
>>477600
"Good. I was afraid that you wouldn't be able to unless you took root in something, and by then it'd be too late."
I'll look at the flower a moment.
"I'd like to ask you… how do you revive plants? There is one I must bring back to life, but I feel that if I used you, I would be squandering your potential…"
"Good. I was afraid that you wouldn't be able to unless you took root in something, and by then it'd be too late."
I'll look at the flower a moment.
"I'd like to ask you… how do you revive plants? There is one I must bring back to life, but I feel that if I used you, I would be squandering your potential…"
>>477605
You're not sure what, but that one word response was totally unlike any other time you've ever spoken to a plant. You are filled with a faint feeling of loss, wishing you knew more about plants to be able to determine more.
>>477607
Like no matter how close you fly, it seems to shift about so that you can't get closer to it.
A guard patrols by and starts yelling at you to go back down to the lower districts. You do notice something odd before you are shooed away, though: there's a large cathedral here in the palace district with a skull symbol on it. Hm.
>>477606
"You've come quite some ways if that's the case. Very well, would you like an entire bottle?"
You're not sure what, but that one word response was totally unlike any other time you've ever spoken to a plant. You are filled with a faint feeling of loss, wishing you knew more about plants to be able to determine more.
>>477607
Like no matter how close you fly, it seems to shift about so that you can't get closer to it.
A guard patrols by and starts yelling at you to go back down to the lower districts. You do notice something odd before you are shooed away, though: there's a large cathedral here in the palace district with a skull symbol on it. Hm.
>>477606
"You've come quite some ways if that's the case. Very well, would you like an entire bottle?"
>>477610
You flip to the page about Nature's Gift. All of it seems pretty normal, but then you notice two pages are stuck together. The next two pages are just about some mundane fungus, but it looks like whoever owned this book before you left a note inside!
Sister Cloudflare returns from visit to Supreme Steward. In rare exception, he answers a question. Cloudflare believes, based on answer, that the flower Nature's Gift contains a small fragment of Mother Nature's immortal divine soul, which demonstrates why previous attempts to speak to the flower have been impossible. Mother Nature speaks to no more than three or perhaps four in a generation.
>>477609
"I'd recommend Mount Hero. It's a little bluff out on the west side of the island where all the great historical figures of Trotantium are immortalized in stone."
>>477611
>>477612
There are a lot of alleys, but they are pretty narrow for your wingspan, meaning they'd be hard for you to follow in as well.
Perhaps elsewhere on the island, outside city limits would be a better option.
>>477613
Nothing was stolen from your bag of holding.
The journal is in the unmistakeable penmanship of your father. It speaks of an ancient tomb out in the countryside of the island that has a great sun map reputed to point to the location of a powerful artifact. To work the sun map, though, one would need the legendary Staff of Dal, which has been split up into pieces.
He had the easiest time finding the Shaft of Dal, which is currently on display in the museum called Panama – the museum that is lost and can only be found by the extremely perceptive. Supposedly there is a pirate gang in Roads that may know more, known as the Mad Hatters. He has a note scrawled to the side:
#Password: Swordfish
The Gem of Dal supposedly fell into the possession of a very rich member of the upperclass, Lord Startlemonger. Your father was denied an audience with him, but perhaps you'll have better luck.
Finally, the Headpiece of Dal was said to be lost to the wilds outside the city. Your father picked up clues pointing to it falling into the hands of the pygmy ponies that lurk in the ruined city of C'j – the ruins of which are on this very island.
You flip to the page about Nature's Gift. All of it seems pretty normal, but then you notice two pages are stuck together. The next two pages are just about some mundane fungus, but it looks like whoever owned this book before you left a note inside!
Sister Cloudflare returns from visit to Supreme Steward. In rare exception, he answers a question. Cloudflare believes, based on answer, that the flower Nature's Gift contains a small fragment of Mother Nature's immortal divine soul, which demonstrates why previous attempts to speak to the flower have been impossible. Mother Nature speaks to no more than three or perhaps four in a generation.
>>477609
"I'd recommend Mount Hero. It's a little bluff out on the west side of the island where all the great historical figures of Trotantium are immortalized in stone."
>>477611
>>477612
There are a lot of alleys, but they are pretty narrow for your wingspan, meaning they'd be hard for you to follow in as well.
Perhaps elsewhere on the island, outside city limits would be a better option.
>>477613
Nothing was stolen from your bag of holding.
The journal is in the unmistakeable penmanship of your father. It speaks of an ancient tomb out in the countryside of the island that has a great sun map reputed to point to the location of a powerful artifact. To work the sun map, though, one would need the legendary Staff of Dal, which has been split up into pieces.
He had the easiest time finding the Shaft of Dal, which is currently on display in the museum called Panama – the museum that is lost and can only be found by the extremely perceptive. Supposedly there is a pirate gang in Roads that may know more, known as the Mad Hatters. He has a note scrawled to the side:
#Password: Swordfish
The Gem of Dal supposedly fell into the possession of a very rich member of the upperclass, Lord Startlemonger. Your father was denied an audience with him, but perhaps you'll have better luck.
Finally, the Headpiece of Dal was said to be lost to the wilds outside the city. Your father picked up clues pointing to it falling into the hands of the pygmy ponies that lurk in the ruined city of C'j – the ruins of which are on this very island.
>>477615
There's more to this island than the great city of Roads, not unlike the island that Reptil sat on. In the distance, you see a bluff with gray flecks that you can't make out from here. In the valley, you think you see some ruins. On the far side of the island, you think you see a small village.
There's more to this island than the great city of Roads, not unlike the island that Reptil sat on. In the distance, you see a bluff with gray flecks that you can't make out from here. In the valley, you think you see some ruins. On the far side of the island, you think you see a small village.
>>477614
"Oh, even more antiquities. I may be an old mercenary, but I haven't forgotten some of my simpler pleasures. Thank you for your time and the alcohol."
"By the way, before I forget, there's a particular address I need to get to." Ask her about the location that Voxam gave to me. I have an address, but I don't know where exactly it is.
"Oh, even more antiquities. I may be an old mercenary, but I haven't forgotten some of my simpler pleasures. Thank you for your time and the alcohol."
"By the way, before I forget, there's a particular address I need to get to." Ask her about the location that Voxam gave to me. I have an address, but I don't know where exactly it is.
>>477614
I'll consider the weight of that for a moment, then look at the flower.
"You are a rather special flower, aren't you?"
Closing the book, I'll consider my options.
"…alright. I won't press you for the answer that I can't understand yet. I need to learn more about nature, plants, everything… before I can even think of trying to copy what you do simply by taking root."
I'll sigh.
"I don't even know if you're the last Gift of Nature, or if there are thousands more scattered about the world…"
I'll consider the weight of that for a moment, then look at the flower.
"You are a rather special flower, aren't you?"
Closing the book, I'll consider my options.
"…alright. I won't press you for the answer that I can't understand yet. I need to learn more about nature, plants, everything… before I can even think of trying to copy what you do simply by taking root."
I'll sigh.
"I don't even know if you're the last Gift of Nature, or if there are thousands more scattered about the world…"
>>477620
You hike on up to the third tier and head in the servants' entrance. Locating the butler in the servants' kitchen, he sighs as you approach snake in hoof. "Ah, you must be the one that he delegated the task of the snake to. I'm afraid you're too late for lunch, and he's already headed down into the sewers to find another."
You hike on up to the third tier and head in the servants' entrance. Locating the butler in the servants' kitchen, he sighs as you approach snake in hoof. "Ah, you must be the one that he delegated the task of the snake to. I'm afraid you're too late for lunch, and he's already headed down into the sewers to find another."
>>477621
I'll regard the flower, and then gently put it away.
"I will return to ask more questions in the future, when I feel I'm ready, and capable of understanding the answers you give."
Looks like I've got to pester Smitts about this. Though if it's something as stupid as 'eat the flower', I'm going to be quite put out.
He's probably still busy, though. I wonder if there are any other nature-following folk on-board? I suppose I could ask some of the random crewmates who are flitting about on-deck.
I'll regard the flower, and then gently put it away.
"I will return to ask more questions in the future, when I feel I'm ready, and capable of understanding the answers you give."
Looks like I've got to pester Smitts about this. Though if it's something as stupid as 'eat the flower', I'm going to be quite put out.
He's probably still busy, though. I wonder if there are any other nature-following folk on-board? I suppose I could ask some of the random crewmates who are flitting about on-deck.
>>477623
"Down into the sewers next to the house. He may not have even left yet."
DM can't play until later.
>>477624
The ruins look similar to those you saw in Reptil and back on your home island. They were probably created many, many years ago by the Molon Labe tribe. You wonder briefly if Trotantines gained inspiration for their necromantic magics from your ancient ancestors.
>>477625
You get a variety of answers. Some of the folks on deck point you toward a diamond dog on the Eagle's Roost that no one can seem to remember details about. Others point you toward an old soldier that generally accompanies General Movp. Still others suggest that there might be a deer somewhere on the fleet – and deer typically know about plants.
"Down into the sewers next to the house. He may not have even left yet."
DM can't play until later.
>>477624
The ruins look similar to those you saw in Reptil and back on your home island. They were probably created many, many years ago by the Molon Labe tribe. You wonder briefly if Trotantines gained inspiration for their necromantic magics from your ancient ancestors.
>>477625
You get a variety of answers. Some of the folks on deck point you toward a diamond dog on the Eagle's Roost that no one can seem to remember details about. Others point you toward an old soldier that generally accompanies General Movp. Still others suggest that there might be a deer somewhere on the fleet – and deer typically know about plants.
>>477627
Where to? Ask random crewmembers, or pester Smitts?
>>477628
Legend takes you to the Eagle's Roost. You could start in the room of the three doors. You could push in the door to the right, and a staircase might lead you down into the wall climb. Here, you must choose a new path. You could head up into the galley, spin around to your left and pass into the room of the treasure display. You could head below into the shrine, or into the shrine of the silver monkey. If the torch is there, you could descend into the elevator into the mine shaft. Knock down the stone wall, and you may find the key, allowing you to enter the Tomb of Kings. If the correct door is unlocked, you may be able to leap into the pit of the spiders, and if you survive, sit on the throne of the pretender. If you choose the correct door, you may find yourself in the lair of the dragon king. Climb up the forbidden pathway of the forgotten banished demon, allowing you to cross into the bunkhouse, where you may meet Ciddir, the deer. Alternatively, you could just head down the port side stairs. The choices are yours and yours alone.
>>477629
You glide too low over the village and spears and arrows get chucked at you. You crash to the ground outside the village limits, where you see a warning sign:
Hm.
>>477630
The plays would be on the second tier, inside city limits.
Where to? Ask random crewmembers, or pester Smitts?
>>477628
Legend takes you to the Eagle's Roost. You could start in the room of the three doors. You could push in the door to the right, and a staircase might lead you down into the wall climb. Here, you must choose a new path. You could head up into the galley, spin around to your left and pass into the room of the treasure display. You could head below into the shrine, or into the shrine of the silver monkey. If the torch is there, you could descend into the elevator into the mine shaft. Knock down the stone wall, and you may find the key, allowing you to enter the Tomb of Kings. If the correct door is unlocked, you may be able to leap into the pit of the spiders, and if you survive, sit on the throne of the pretender. If you choose the correct door, you may find yourself in the lair of the dragon king. Climb up the forbidden pathway of the forgotten banished demon, allowing you to cross into the bunkhouse, where you may meet Ciddir, the deer. Alternatively, you could just head down the port side stairs. The choices are yours and yours alone.
>>477629
You glide too low over the village and spears and arrows get chucked at you. You crash to the ground outside the village limits, where you see a warning sign:
WARNING
Pygmy City of C'j ahead. Pygmy ponies are stupid, aggressive, and will attack without warning. Most importantly, these idiotic, retarded, fucking useless dangerous wastes of breath can't read our language, so they have no idea what this sign says.Hm.
>>477630
The plays would be on the second tier, inside city limits.
>>477632
You're fine, just a little scuffed up.
>>477633
There's a murmured consensus amongst the crew that they must be moored in port somewhere. You should look for the ponies all wearing top hats.
>>477634
You hike up into the second tier. It's no less busy than the first, and quite crowded as a result. There are a variety of performance halls here. Where to?
>>477635
You head down the port side stairs and find the deer known as Ciddir sitting by the window working on a wood carving.
You're fine, just a little scuffed up.
>>477633
There's a murmured consensus amongst the crew that they must be moored in port somewhere. You should look for the ponies all wearing top hats.
>>477634
You hike up into the second tier. It's no less busy than the first, and quite crowded as a result. There are a variety of performance halls here. Where to?
>>477635
You head down the port side stairs and find the deer known as Ciddir sitting by the window working on a wood carving.
>>477637
He stares at you for a time.
"How do you know my name?"
>>477638
You glide back around and land at the site of the ruins. They look a little picked over by scavengers and looters, but you can still see a way in.
>>477639
Pushing your way through the crowd, you find a showing of Nemesis. The performance is… interesting. It's an opera, and entirely in some foreign language you don't know (but that's not uncommon for an opera). Following the performance in the program, you learn that the story is about a mare that gets rid of competitor so she can win the heart of her beloved. At the end of the play, she's left sobbing in the gutter, having lost everything because she trusted him too much. You wonder why it's called Nemesis, because no one ever showed up to take revenge on her.
He stares at you for a time.
"How do you know my name?"
>>477638
You glide back around and land at the site of the ruins. They look a little picked over by scavengers and looters, but you can still see a way in.
>>477639
Pushing your way through the crowd, you find a showing of Nemesis. The performance is… interesting. It's an opera, and entirely in some foreign language you don't know (but that's not uncommon for an opera). Following the performance in the program, you learn that the story is about a mare that gets rid of competitor so she can win the heart of her beloved. At the end of the play, she's left sobbing in the gutter, having lost everything because she trusted him too much. You wonder why it's called Nemesis, because no one ever showed up to take revenge on her.
>>477645
He shakes his head. "Nemesis refers to one of the ancient pantheon. Before the rise of what we know today as true Gods and Goddesses with sway over the afterlife, ponies worshiped constructs like Nemesis. The word nemesis – meaning a foe that seeks revenge – comes from the name of the Goddess of Justice. Justice in the ancient, traditional sense didn't just mean bad ponies getting their dues, either. Total karmic balance. If you have great fortune one day, you should expect Nemesis to make sure you have bad fortune the next. Struck by lightning? Better enter your local raffle. Of course, Nemesis isn't real, unlike beings like Tirek or Celestia which are nowadays worshiped as Gods."
>>477646
He surveys you for another long time.
>>477647
While you outstretch your beak to sniff about, you lose your balance and tumble down the stairs. Eek! Oof! Ow! Kapow!
He shakes his head. "Nemesis refers to one of the ancient pantheon. Before the rise of what we know today as true Gods and Goddesses with sway over the afterlife, ponies worshiped constructs like Nemesis. The word nemesis – meaning a foe that seeks revenge – comes from the name of the Goddess of Justice. Justice in the ancient, traditional sense didn't just mean bad ponies getting their dues, either. Total karmic balance. If you have great fortune one day, you should expect Nemesis to make sure you have bad fortune the next. Struck by lightning? Better enter your local raffle. Of course, Nemesis isn't real, unlike beings like Tirek or Celestia which are nowadays worshiped as Gods."
>>477646
He surveys you for another long time.
>>477647
While you outstretch your beak to sniff about, you lose your balance and tumble down the stairs. Eek! Oof! Ow! Kapow!
>>477656
You reach the wall. Hm.
>>477657
"It just depends on what you want to see. I'm not sure what performances the other performance halls have in town right now, but most of these are traveling shows, so you might see them elsewhere, too. If you're just in town to tour, there are some other sights inside the city. For instance, the botanical gardens. It's tradition to leave a wood carving from wood from a foreign land there as good luck, so if you visit, be sure to take part in the tradition."
You recall Ciddir, the dear carving a totem as you sailed into port.
>>477658
"I don't. I reshape things."
You reach the wall. Hm.
>>477657
"It just depends on what you want to see. I'm not sure what performances the other performance halls have in town right now, but most of these are traveling shows, so you might see them elsewhere, too. If you're just in town to tour, there are some other sights inside the city. For instance, the botanical gardens. It's tradition to leave a wood carving from wood from a foreign land there as good luck, so if you visit, be sure to take part in the tradition."
You recall Ciddir, the dear carving a totem as you sailed into port.
>>477658
"I don't. I reshape things."
>>477659
"I think I might just know someone who can help with that. Thank you."
I'll fight my way through the crowds to try and get back to the ship and deliver the alcohol to Movp, and then I can ask Ciddir if he'd like to join me going to the Gardens. It should help make up for when I left him on our way to the Hourglass.
"I think I might just know someone who can help with that. Thank you."
I'll fight my way through the crowds to try and get back to the ship and deliver the alcohol to Movp, and then I can ask Ciddir if he'd like to join me going to the Gardens. It should help make up for when I left him on our way to the Hourglass.
>>477672
I'll look at Fresian.
"Oh, hey there mister Cross. I was askign Ciddir a few questions about a plant that I'd run across in one of the old books I've got floating around. You ever hear of something called 'Nature's Gift'? It can restore life to dead earth due to the tiny piece of Nature's spirit in it."
I'll look at Fresian.
"Oh, hey there mister Cross. I was askign Ciddir a few questions about a plant that I'd run across in one of the old books I've got floating around. You ever hear of something called 'Nature's Gift'? It can restore life to dead earth due to the tiny piece of Nature's spirit in it."
>>477675
"Sorry, I can't say that I have. I tended to work with a rougher bunch that probably couldn't prepare a carrot if their lives depended on it."
Why do you ask, did you hear about one being here in Roads from someone and you want to go find it."
Offer him a big smile at the end of that sentence.
"Sorry, I can't say that I have. I tended to work with a rougher bunch that probably couldn't prepare a carrot if their lives depended on it."
Why do you ask, did you hear about one being here in Roads from someone and you want to go find it."
Offer him a big smile at the end of that sentence.
>>477687
"I know where one is, and it is safe. I've simply been trying anything else to resurrect the plant so that I don't squander the…"
I'll close my mouth a bit, then sigh and shrug.
"Well, I suppose you would have figured it out anyway. Yes, There's one in my possession. It was recovered from the vault in the Saint Radiant Basilica in Autumnsreach. What I plan on bringing back to life is a set of wooden armor, living wood that served the moon long, long ago. I asked the plant how I would go about doing so, but I couldn't understand its answer. That's why I came to talk to Ciddir."
"I know where one is, and it is safe. I've simply been trying anything else to resurrect the plant so that I don't squander the…"
I'll close my mouth a bit, then sigh and shrug.
"Well, I suppose you would have figured it out anyway. Yes, There's one in my possession. It was recovered from the vault in the Saint Radiant Basilica in Autumnsreach. What I plan on bringing back to life is a set of wooden armor, living wood that served the moon long, long ago. I asked the plant how I would go about doing so, but I couldn't understand its answer. That's why I came to talk to Ciddir."
>>477700
I'll look a little sad.
"Well, if you're sure. Who knows when the next time you'll see a Nature's Gift will be."
I'll pause for a moment.
"Though if you think about it, everything is nature's gift, isn't it? The flower's just a tiny piece of it, same as everything else."
I'll shake my head.
"Bah, no time for philosophizing, there are plants to question."
I'll look a little sad.
"Well, if you're sure. Who knows when the next time you'll see a Nature's Gift will be."
I'll pause for a moment.
"Though if you think about it, everything is nature's gift, isn't it? The flower's just a tiny piece of it, same as everything else."
I'll shake my head.
"Bah, no time for philosophizing, there are plants to question."
>>477705
>>477708
Contrariness of deer.
Anyway, we'll be off to the Sirocco, back to the room, and then I'll haul out the tome and the plant… and the charred remains of the once-living armor.
"Well, here's everything. A catalog of dozens of funguses and plants, from hundreds of years ago and transcribed to a more durable binding. One Nature's Gift flower, that I don't want to use unless absolutely necessary. And the thing I want to bring back to life, charred to a crisp courtesy of Emrille."
>>477708
Contrariness of deer.
Anyway, we'll be off to the Sirocco, back to the room, and then I'll haul out the tome and the plant… and the charred remains of the once-living armor.
"Well, here's everything. A catalog of dozens of funguses and plants, from hundreds of years ago and transcribed to a more durable binding. One Nature's Gift flower, that I don't want to use unless absolutely necessary. And the thing I want to bring back to life, charred to a crisp courtesy of Emrille."
>>477713
"She lit it on fire. I'd like to think it was by accident, as she was being attacked by a rather large plant at the time, but her continued disdain and the amount of abuse she heaps on me put that to doubt."
I'll shrug.
"Regardless, this is a loss that shouldn't have happened. It waited hundreds of years after the Darkest Night, and the selfsame day it gets used again, it's torched. It's a travesty."
"She lit it on fire. I'd like to think it was by accident, as she was being attacked by a rather large plant at the time, but her continued disdain and the amount of abuse she heaps on me put that to doubt."
I'll shrug.
"Regardless, this is a loss that shouldn't have happened. It waited hundreds of years after the Darkest Night, and the selfsame day it gets used again, it's torched. It's a travesty."
>>477724
No response.
>>477723
He surveys you with curiosity.
>>477725
The walls here seem somewhat less pillaged. The runes… they look similar to the ones you're familiar with, but they're some different dialect or something. Hm. You wonder if there's a way to learn how to use this dialect.
>>477726
This stately city is four-tiered. You're in the wharf district, the lowest and the poorest. There's a service district above, with the middle class and many of the performers. The upper class district above that is full of extravagant mansions, and the highest tier is the palace district.
Even the wharf district is not without wealth, however. Being the closest to the ships, it houses the huge market of Roads.
No response.
>>477723
He surveys you with curiosity.
>>477725
The walls here seem somewhat less pillaged. The runes… they look similar to the ones you're familiar with, but they're some different dialect or something. Hm. You wonder if there's a way to learn how to use this dialect.
>>477726
This stately city is four-tiered. You're in the wharf district, the lowest and the poorest. There's a service district above, with the middle class and many of the performers. The upper class district above that is full of extravagant mansions, and the highest tier is the palace district.
Even the wharf district is not without wealth, however. Being the closest to the ships, it houses the huge market of Roads.
>>477741
One inventor is selling pots with a crack in them so that you won't overwater your plants. Another is selling a sword with a knife for a hilt so that you can use the whole weapon as a weapon.
>>477742
"I don't. I don't know. I don't. I would advise you to respect it."
>>477743
"There are no plants like this but this."
One inventor is selling pots with a crack in them so that you won't overwater your plants. Another is selling a sword with a knife for a hilt so that you can use the whole weapon as a weapon.
>>477742
"I don't. I don't know. I don't. I would advise you to respect it."
>>477743
"There are no plants like this but this."
>>477746
I'll nod.
"I do respect it. That's why I didn't use it instantly. As much as I would like having this armor back alive, I know there are places that need the help of this flower far more than I do. I can't justify using it for something selfish."
>>477748
I'll sigh.
"We've likely got a long wait. This flower only speaks to two or three out of an entire generation."
I'll rub the bridge of my snout.
"If only I could understand what it said! That feeling of loss, of helplessness… I can't help but feel it's disappointed in me. That it measured me, and found me lacking."
I'll nod.
"I do respect it. That's why I didn't use it instantly. As much as I would like having this armor back alive, I know there are places that need the help of this flower far more than I do. I can't justify using it for something selfish."
>>477748
I'll sigh.
"We've likely got a long wait. This flower only speaks to two or three out of an entire generation."
I'll rub the bridge of my snout.
"If only I could understand what it said! That feeling of loss, of helplessness… I can't help but feel it's disappointed in me. That it measured me, and found me lacking."
>>477752
I'll shake my head.
"I think it will always be the teacher, in this. Inside each of these flowers is a tiny piece of the spirit of Mother Nature herself. That's how it manages to bring the dead earth back to life. It answered me, once, and I couldn't understand the scope of it."
I'll shake my head.
"Without Ciddir's help on this, I'm stuck with only one more option. And I doubt he's going to be too willing to help."
I'll shake my head.
"I think it will always be the teacher, in this. Inside each of these flowers is a tiny piece of the spirit of Mother Nature herself. That's how it manages to bring the dead earth back to life. It answered me, once, and I couldn't understand the scope of it."
I'll shake my head.
"Without Ciddir's help on this, I'm stuck with only one more option. And I doubt he's going to be too willing to help."
>>477749
A shifty looking magician has a booth with signs that claim his mystery mixture can make you more in touch with your emotions. They're offering free samples. It seems questionable, but could they really afford to give out free samples if it didn't work?
There's a book handing out pamphlets about some kind of magical connection to everyone else in the world.
And another booth is selling magic lanterns. Instead of running on oil, you power them with your own magic.
>>477750
He looks at you a little odd. "The world was put here for us to use."
A shifty looking magician has a booth with signs that claim his mystery mixture can make you more in touch with your emotions. They're offering free samples. It seems questionable, but could they really afford to give out free samples if it didn't work?
There's a book handing out pamphlets about some kind of magical connection to everyone else in the world.
And another booth is selling magic lanterns. Instead of running on oil, you power them with your own magic.
>>477750
He looks at you a little odd. "The world was put here for us to use."
>>477757
The pamphlets describe what is referred to as the Kínima – a sort of psychic bond between many ponies. It describes being able to mentally communicate over long distances, and to fully submerse ones' consciousness on passing. There's a cult meeting for it later this evening outside of town.
>>477758
"Yes. When it is used, the fragment will return to Her."
>>477759
"Bringing plants back to life is impossible. No magic can do it beyond Her gift. To even speak of it is an abomination."
The pamphlets describe what is referred to as the Kínima – a sort of psychic bond between many ponies. It describes being able to mentally communicate over long distances, and to fully submerse ones' consciousness on passing. There's a cult meeting for it later this evening outside of town.
>>477758
"Yes. When it is used, the fragment will return to Her."
>>477759
"Bringing plants back to life is impossible. No magic can do it beyond Her gift. To even speak of it is an abomination."
>>477760
"Think about it though, that armor would do you, and everyone who depends on you, a whole lotta good. If you die, what's to stop some pony from just throwing it out or using it for kindling?"
"And see, >>477762, Nature gets back what is hers anyways. Though I'm not so keen on that abomination part."
"Think about it though, that armor would do you, and everyone who depends on you, a whole lotta good. If you die, what's to stop some pony from just throwing it out or using it for kindling?"
"And see, >>477762, Nature gets back what is hers anyways. Though I'm not so keen on that abomination part."
>>477771
The flower takes root, and quickly shrivels up.
You can see the flow of life trace through the vascular structure of the wood, and soon the armor thrums with life once more.
>>477772
You guzzle the sample and you already feel more emotional. Forgive me for making the comparison, but it's not terribly unlike PMS.
The flower takes root, and quickly shrivels up.
You can see the flow of life trace through the vascular structure of the wood, and soon the armor thrums with life once more.
>>477772
You guzzle the sample and you already feel more emotional. Forgive me for making the comparison, but it's not terribly unlike PMS.
>>477791
"I don't. Though I suppose seeking such a skill would be considered as such…"
I'll ponder a moment.
"To help those that are within my reach to help?"
I'll consider that answer.
"No, no. That's not it. I suppose the real answer is that I'm afraid. Afraid that I will fail, and someone will get hurt. Afraid that this armor will suffer again. And I just can't bear to live with any of those things happening, but I'm weak. I know this won't make me strong, but it may at least help."
"I don't. Though I suppose seeking such a skill would be considered as such…"
I'll ponder a moment.
"To help those that are within my reach to help?"
I'll consider that answer.
"No, no. That's not it. I suppose the real answer is that I'm afraid. Afraid that I will fail, and someone will get hurt. Afraid that this armor will suffer again. And I just can't bear to live with any of those things happening, but I'm weak. I know this won't make me strong, but it may at least help."
>>477805
You are filled with incredible power and feel stronger than you've ever felt before! Even this trained swordsmaster falters as you smash through his blade with a deft swipe and send him stumbling.
"Impossible! Oh, but of course! How could I not see before? You must be one of the legendary Varangians!"
The crowd that has gathered whoops and hollers for you. Wow… you feel really, really, great.
Lost: Toughness
Gained: Crystal Emotions
>>477803
You notice that Tela seems… shinier than usual. Huh?
You are filled with incredible power and feel stronger than you've ever felt before! Even this trained swordsmaster falters as you smash through his blade with a deft swipe and send him stumbling.
"Impossible! Oh, but of course! How could I not see before? You must be one of the legendary Varangians!"
The crowd that has gathered whoops and hollers for you. Wow… you feel really, really, great.
Lost: Toughness
Gained: Crystal Emotions
>>477803
You notice that Tela seems… shinier than usual. Huh?
>>477804
"Which is admirable. However, I am no buck. I am a stallion in the form of a colt, who will return to somewhere in the middle so that I have enough years left to carry out my duty."
I'll look Ciddir in the eyes.
"Do you have something, or someone, that you would fight and die for, Ciddir? Someone that you would go to any length to keep safe from harm? The number of those important to me keeps increasing, but my strength does not measure up. Without that, what good am I?"
"Which is admirable. However, I am no buck. I am a stallion in the form of a colt, who will return to somewhere in the middle so that I have enough years left to carry out my duty."
I'll look Ciddir in the eyes.
"Do you have something, or someone, that you would fight and die for, Ciddir? Someone that you would go to any length to keep safe from harm? The number of those important to me keeps increasing, but my strength does not measure up. Without that, what good am I?"
>>477818
You are certainly a crystal pony. You glimmer in the morning sun.
"Something… wrong? If you are a northerner of such consummate skill and you are not a Varangian, you should go see your brothers and sisters at the Varangian Guard chapterhouse on the higher tiers of the city. I am sure they would welcome an addition such as yourself to their ranks."
You are certainly a crystal pony. You glimmer in the morning sun.
"Something… wrong? If you are a northerner of such consummate skill and you are not a Varangian, you should go see your brothers and sisters at the Varangian Guard chapterhouse on the higher tiers of the city. I am sure they would welcome an addition such as yourself to their ranks."
>>477837
>>477838
>>477839
You hike up into the second tier. It's just as crowded here as on the first! However, the buildings look even nicer. This whole tier seems to be full of service industries, like massage parlors, escort establishments, concert halls, a Colosseum, and more. There's a great law office here, too.
>>477838
>>477839
You hike up into the second tier. It's just as crowded here as on the first! However, the buildings look even nicer. This whole tier seems to be full of service industries, like massage parlors, escort establishments, concert halls, a Colosseum, and more. There's a great law office here, too.
>>477864
Inside the drawing room there is a crystal pony… drawing. On a big canvas with a piece of charcoal. He looks bored. And he's talking to himself.
"Wow, this art is nearly as bad as my job. Everything is awful."
>>477866
He raises a brow in question. "These are harsh times. Most of the city is dead. A lack of security is a comfort we cannot afford."
>>477868
Yes. Friesian Cross, the elderly pony warrior from before came and went.
>>477870
Not going to stick with Tela?
Inside the drawing room there is a crystal pony… drawing. On a big canvas with a piece of charcoal. He looks bored. And he's talking to himself.
"Wow, this art is nearly as bad as my job. Everything is awful."
>>477866
He raises a brow in question. "These are harsh times. Most of the city is dead. A lack of security is a comfort we cannot afford."
>>477868
Yes. Friesian Cross, the elderly pony warrior from before came and went.
>>477870
Not going to stick with Tela?
>>477890
"That is correct."
>>477891
He looks you over. "You look cute. Can I draw you?"
>>477893
You forgot to dial a frequency! Your codec
seems to be pretty untuned at the moment. Meeting more ponies will help you unlock more.
[140.48] - Punished Salamander
[140.96] - Meh Ling
>>477894
"No blue unicorns in here at all."
>>477896
Not yet.
As I recall, you had returned to that dark tomb. >>477728
"That is correct."
>>477891
He looks you over. "You look cute. Can I draw you?"
>>477893
You forgot to dial a frequency! Your codec
seems to be pretty untuned at the moment. Meeting more ponies will help you unlock more.
[140.48] - Punished Salamander
[140.96] - Meh Ling
>>477894
"No blue unicorns in here at all."
>>477896
Not yet.
As I recall, you had returned to that dark tomb. >>477728
>>477904
They're too complex. If you had something to write down these symbols in, you could note down the context of each as you encounter them and possibly learn the local dialect.
>>477905
He groans miserably. "I bet now you won't even be willing to sleep with me and our race will die out forever. Clearly you hate me. Ugh… Why does everyone hate me? I'm going to go get a drink."
>>477906
"That's right."
>>477908
"Look, he was a weirdo that kept to himself. No one cared where he left to. Probably right out into the swamp to die."
>>477910
See, that's why you need to dial your codec crystal, so it's clear who you're talking to.
Brrring Brrring
#[140.96]
Vox, I'm busy with adventurers! Listen, talk to Yor about getting more support staff when you visit the Varangian chapterhouse! Once you're there, you can open your START menu and select new support staff that can do things like give you information on items, or help with behind the scenes stuff like insertion and exfiltration. And I don't mean it like that!
They're too complex. If you had something to write down these symbols in, you could note down the context of each as you encounter them and possibly learn the local dialect.
>>477905
He groans miserably. "I bet now you won't even be willing to sleep with me and our race will die out forever. Clearly you hate me. Ugh… Why does everyone hate me? I'm going to go get a drink."
>>477906
"That's right."
>>477908
"Look, he was a weirdo that kept to himself. No one cared where he left to. Probably right out into the swamp to die."
>>477910
See, that's why you need to dial your codec crystal, so it's clear who you're talking to.
Brrring Brrring
#[140.96]
Vox, I'm busy with adventurers! Listen, talk to Yor about getting more support staff when you visit the Varangian chapterhouse! Once you're there, you can open your START menu and select new support staff that can do things like give you information on items, or help with behind the scenes stuff like insertion and exfiltration. And I don't mean it like that!
>>477922
>>477926
"A few days ago."
>>477928
Or go track down those privateers. Or try to beg/borrow/steal from the marketplace for lunch. Friesian said something about dropping off a snake when he stopped by earlier, too!
>>477931
He groans. "No wonder our whole race is dead when ponies don't even care about our heritage or abilities. I get where your denial comes from. There's not a day that goes by that I wouldn't trade the incredible powers that being a crystal pony gives me for being normal and not being hated by everypony."
>>477935
Any trees that would've grown around this temple were cut down for firewood centuries ago.
>>477926
"A few days ago."
>>477928
Or go track down those privateers. Or try to beg/borrow/steal from the marketplace for lunch. Friesian said something about dropping off a snake when he stopped by earlier, too!
>>477931
He groans. "No wonder our whole race is dead when ponies don't even care about our heritage or abilities. I get where your denial comes from. There's not a day that goes by that I wouldn't trade the incredible powers that being a crystal pony gives me for being normal and not being hated by everypony."
>>477935
Any trees that would've grown around this temple were cut down for firewood centuries ago.
>>477958
"He just wouldn't get to vote on anything we vote on at that session."
>>477957
"If I had to guess, into the swamp. There's supposedly a mansion out there some ponies have been living in."
>>477961
"What, you mean the amazing abilities that make crystal ponies the master race? Well of course we're more in touch with our emotions. When we succeed, we feel good and that fuels even more success. Depression on the other hand… It hurts our abilities. And not to mention because of our great powers everyone hates us. It's awful."
>>477960
"Thinking dirty, are we, Vox? Could be… but there's gas in the air all over this place. There's no guarantee we could get out safely."
"He just wouldn't get to vote on anything we vote on at that session."
>>477957
"If I had to guess, into the swamp. There's supposedly a mansion out there some ponies have been living in."
>>477961
"What, you mean the amazing abilities that make crystal ponies the master race? Well of course we're more in touch with our emotions. When we succeed, we feel good and that fuels even more success. Depression on the other hand… It hurts our abilities. And not to mention because of our great powers everyone hates us. It's awful."
>>477960
"Thinking dirty, are we, Vox? Could be… but there's gas in the air all over this place. There's no guarantee we could get out safely."
>>477972
"Probably is."
>>477973
"If you think so."
>>477974
"Well… the old captain was arrested the other day, but he broke out of prison before his execution. Again, amazing terrible strength that only attracts awe, loathing, and fear. There's Colonel Yor, but he doesn't go into combat anymore. Oh, right, and there's one city of crystal ponies left up in the north of Equestria."
>>477976
He grumbles something about security.
>>477980
"Let's just make sure we can make it out of here alive, even if it means jumping into that filthy water."
"Probably is."
>>477973
"If you think so."
>>477974
"Well… the old captain was arrested the other day, but he broke out of prison before his execution. Again, amazing terrible strength that only attracts awe, loathing, and fear. There's Colonel Yor, but he doesn't go into combat anymore. Oh, right, and there's one city of crystal ponies left up in the north of Equestria."
>>477976
He grumbles something about security.
>>477980
"Let's just make sure we can make it out of here alive, even if it means jumping into that filthy water."
>>477946
He's pretty busy with the unloading. "Okay. But enough of this, finish what you are busy with so we can hunt."
He gives you a
>>477988
"Sounds like the manor we visited before."
>>477991
It's probably in one of these myriad of holes in the wall.
>>477992
"They would be on the second level of the city."
He's pretty busy with the unloading. "Okay. But enough of this, finish what you are busy with so we can hunt."
He gives you a
code journal and quill to record your findings in.>>477988
"Sounds like the manor we visited before."
>>477991
It's probably in one of these myriad of holes in the wall.
>>477992
"They would be on the second level of the city."
>>477997
Very matter-of-factly he states, "He was framed for the murder of the Emperor. Not surprising that they want to blame the crystal ponies. Everyone hates us. Why am I so awful?"
>>477998
"Will that be all? This is actually more involved than it looks."
>>477999
These runes don't have any context. You should look around the temple to find runes that look like they might be signs or describing things so that you can start learning what the pictoglyphs mean.
>>478001
The smallest are a few centimeters, the largest are water "pipes" of stone a full meter across.
>>478002
"This would've been easier if we brought that griffon necromancer, Seekkill. He has a nose for this kind of thing."
Very matter-of-factly he states, "He was framed for the murder of the Emperor. Not surprising that they want to blame the crystal ponies. Everyone hates us. Why am I so awful?"
>>477998
"Will that be all? This is actually more involved than it looks."
>>477999
These runes don't have any context. You should look around the temple to find runes that look like they might be signs or describing things so that you can start learning what the pictoglyphs mean.
>>478001
The smallest are a few centimeters, the largest are water "pipes" of stone a full meter across.
>>478002
"This would've been easier if we brought that griffon necromancer, Seekkill. He has a nose for this kind of thing."
>>478013
>>478014
"All I had to do was change my camera angle with > and I can see the snake lurking in that waterway, there. It's twin is nearby, no doubt."
>>478015
You're standing next to a hall deeper inside, or you can fly down below and look for more exits down there.
>>478016
"We will determine if that is viable based on scouting information to be performed after the sales are complete. You can expect that to happen sooner if you let me finish my job."
>>478018
You do that.
>>478019
"What? Of course it is. Who did you think ruled it?"
>>478014
"All I had to do was change my camera angle with > and I can see the snake lurking in that waterway, there. It's twin is nearby, no doubt."
>>478015
You're standing next to a hall deeper inside, or you can fly down below and look for more exits down there.
>>478016
"We will determine if that is viable based on scouting information to be performed after the sales are complete. You can expect that to happen sooner if you let me finish my job."
>>478018
You do that.
>>478019
"What? Of course it is. Who did you think ruled it?"
>>478023
You can't see much because it is so crowded.
>>478024
Here, in the depths, you find many spooky scary skeletons. There is a door to the north, and there are some glyphs on the wall here.
>>478025
"Emrille, take a hint and go."
>>478026
"I told you, he was murdered, and the old captain was framed."
>>478029
Perception check.
>>478031
You get some really general reports that trace back to somewhere on the wharf.
You can't see much because it is so crowded.
>>478024
Here, in the depths, you find many spooky scary skeletons. There is a door to the north, and there are some glyphs on the wall here.
>>478025
"Emrille, take a hint and go."
>>478026
"I told you, he was murdered, and the old captain was framed."
>>478029
Perception check.
>>478031
You get some really general reports that trace back to somewhere on the wharf.
>>478036
"Stabbed in the gut, I heard."
>>478034
Nothing unusual. Maybe Light Heart will detect something.
>>478037
You swing around the corner and jab your greatsword into the tunnel, stabbing it. As you do so, its twin snake bursts forth from the disgusting water behind you. Salamander discharges his rifle at its face, causing it to shriek in pain.
>>478038
You regroup with Tela at the Varangian Guard Chapterhouse.
>>478041
Yes. You're having difficulty discerning them, though.
>>478043
Yep, there they are. The Mad Hatters. The crew of the legendary pirate, Captain Crunch.
>>478045
>>478053
You head up into the second tier of the city and find a variety of opera houses, but the crowd is thick and you end up pushed into a small time performance hall.
Some weirdo pony is performing 'My Bologna' here.
"Stabbed in the gut, I heard."
>>478034
Nothing unusual. Maybe Light Heart will detect something.
>>478037
You swing around the corner and jab your greatsword into the tunnel, stabbing it. As you do so, its twin snake bursts forth from the disgusting water behind you. Salamander discharges his rifle at its face, causing it to shriek in pain.
>>478038
You regroup with Tela at the Varangian Guard Chapterhouse.
>>478041
Yes. You're having difficulty discerning them, though.
>>478043
Yep, there they are. The Mad Hatters. The crew of the legendary pirate, Captain Crunch.
>>478045
>>478053
You head up into the second tier of the city and find a variety of opera houses, but the crowd is thick and you end up pushed into a small time performance hall.
Some weirdo pony is performing 'My Bologna' here.
>>478060
'1d10'
>>478059
Hm…
Right… you note this down as meaning, 'look out for falling snacks'.
>>478061
The ones that you can see are guarding the ramp to their ship.
>>478062
You scream and yell and pitch a fit.
A bouncer approaches to remove you from the club.
>>478063
A snake lunges at you but you roll out of the way just in time. It seems like rolling would be highly inefficient and leave you open for an attack, but it works somehow and you stab it in the neck.
The other snake tries to get you from behind, but its eye explodes into a fine red mist as Salamander takes another shot.
>>478066
"It's more complicated than that. If you ask the lawyers, they might be able to tell you their relationship."
Roll #1 1 = 1
'1d10'
>>478059
Hm…
‡£¢°£¬¬¤©»€°©µ
¬¬°¢¬‡¤•¥€°®¿Ø
¿»‡‰¿¶®Ø‰®¶¥€£
‰‡£‡¤«¶¢°§«µ‡®Right… you note this down as meaning, 'look out for falling snacks'.
>>478061
The ones that you can see are guarding the ramp to their ship.
>>478062
You scream and yell and pitch a fit.
A bouncer approaches to remove you from the club.
>>478063
A snake lunges at you but you roll out of the way just in time. It seems like rolling would be highly inefficient and leave you open for an attack, but it works somehow and you stab it in the neck.
The other snake tries to get you from behind, but its eye explodes into a fine red mist as Salamander takes another shot.
>>478066
"It's more complicated than that. If you ask the lawyers, they might be able to tell you their relationship."
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>478086
The other snake shoots out toward Salamander, who deftly avoids it and jams his gun up to its skull and pulls the trigger, killing it.
This distracts you somewhat, and you find yourself knocked into the terrible smelling water. Ugh!
>>478089
Apparently they are legendary fighters, but they will accept anyone amongst them that can succeed at Insult Beer Pong.
They also recommend a good shop where you can buy a Big Book of Pirate Insults.
>>478090
"We caught him before he escaped, didn't we?"
You can't.
>>478091
Tell that to him, not me.
"You should leave." He grabs you by the shoulder and escorts you out.
>>478093
You head deeper into the hall. Things get darker and more sinister. You might want more backup if you want to go very deep.
Meanwhile you do wander deeper in to find an antechamber with several passages ahead. There are signs here with glyphs.
>>478094
"That's what I've been saying!"
The other snake shoots out toward Salamander, who deftly avoids it and jams his gun up to its skull and pulls the trigger, killing it.
This distracts you somewhat, and you find yourself knocked into the terrible smelling water. Ugh!
>>478089
Apparently they are legendary fighters, but they will accept anyone amongst them that can succeed at Insult Beer Pong.
They also recommend a good shop where you can buy a Big Book of Pirate Insults.
>>478090
"We caught him before he escaped, didn't we?"
You can't.
>>478091
Tell that to him, not me.
"You should leave." He grabs you by the shoulder and escorts you out.
>>478093
You head deeper into the hall. Things get darker and more sinister. You might want more backup if you want to go very deep.
Meanwhile you do wander deeper in to find an antechamber with several passages ahead. There are signs here with glyphs.
>>478094
"That's what I've been saying!"
>>478101
Nope.
"Oh, I didn't think to look which way he went."
>>478102
The snake dives into the water and begins to constrict you, squeezing your life out as you gasp – tasking on water.
Salamander tries to spark things up with his Fire magic, but triggers an explosion of methane directly on himself that sends him collapsing into the water.
Vox: 0/5, 2/5w
Salamander: 0/3, 4/5w
>>478103
There are opera houses, a Colosseum… down below you see the market/bazaar. Up above there's the botanical gardens. And of course you can seek out Emrille.
>>478106
"Yeah, but it would just make me more miserable, so I won't bother."
>>478110
Hm…
You'll need some context. Better try each of the tunnels to see what's down there.
>>478113
Okay, the guards are before you. They size you up. "Yeah, what do you want?"
Nope.
"Oh, I didn't think to look which way he went."
>>478102
The snake dives into the water and begins to constrict you, squeezing your life out as you gasp – tasking on water.
Salamander tries to spark things up with his Fire magic, but triggers an explosion of methane directly on himself that sends him collapsing into the water.
Vox: 0/5, 2/5w
Salamander: 0/3, 4/5w
>>478103
There are opera houses, a Colosseum… down below you see the market/bazaar. Up above there's the botanical gardens. And of course you can seek out Emrille.
>>478106
"Yeah, but it would just make me more miserable, so I won't bother."
>>478110
Hm…
•®°§«‰±¬•»¿§€•
£§°¿‰±¥£¤±©¿±¢
¶°©¢¶®¤€€¥±¿®©
¿«±©©±©‡£µ¥¥¶®You'll need some context. Better try each of the tunnels to see what's down there.
>>478113
Okay, the guards are before you. They size you up. "Yeah, what do you want?"
>>478121
"I'm an artist but I'm terrible and everyone hates my work. But you don't need to be told that since you hate me obviously. Ugh."
>>478123
You find thoroughly looted plants here. Unsurprising that these fine flowers were taken by looters for eating.
>>478124
The two of you struggle in the water for breath, but only end up losing more air.
Vox: 0/5, 2/5w
Salamander: 0/3, 3/5w
>>478127
You track her and Tela to the Varangian Guard Chapter House one level up.
>>478126
We will serve forever.
"I'm an artist but I'm terrible and everyone hates my work. But you don't need to be told that since you hate me obviously. Ugh."
>>478123
You find thoroughly looted plants here. Unsurprising that these fine flowers were taken by looters for eating.
>>478124
The two of you struggle in the water for breath, but only end up losing more air.
Vox: 0/5, 2/5w
Salamander: 0/3, 3/5w
>>478127
You track her and Tela to the Varangian Guard Chapter House one level up.
>>478126
We will serve forever.
>>478135
Coughing in fits, the two of you drag yourselves out of the water.
Vox: 5/5, 1/5w
Salamander: 3/3, 3/5w
Note: I didn't notice that you should've taken a -1 after that roll of 0, so I applied the extra wound of damage now. Probably won't make a difference anyway.
>>478137
Yes.
>>478138
"We would only share that kind of information with one of our own. I'm sure you know what it takes to earn our respect."
>>478140
>>478142
"Okay, we've established that you hate me and I'm awful, why don't you just leave me alone?"
>>478143
You find some deer tracks. Small game hunting!
>>478145
You coast over the town. You spot Tela and Emrille through a window and Chip down at the wharfs.
Coughing in fits, the two of you drag yourselves out of the water.
Vox: 5/5, 1/5w
Salamander: 3/3, 3/5w
Note: I didn't notice that you should've taken a -1 after that roll of 0, so I applied the extra wound of damage now. Probably won't make a difference anyway.
>>478137
Yes.
>>478138
"We would only share that kind of information with one of our own. I'm sure you know what it takes to earn our respect."
>>478140
>>478142
"Okay, we've established that you hate me and I'm awful, why don't you just leave me alone?"
>>478143
You find some deer tracks. Small game hunting!
>>478145
You coast over the town. You spot Tela and Emrille through a window and Chip down at the wharfs.
>>478156
You start to hike off without Abilio or Light Heart.
Eventually you lose the trail, but find boat tracks instead. Shrugging, you follow those. Finally, they meet up with some pony tracks and you follow the blood to a tree where there is a blue unicorn bleeding out. He looks up at you, surprised.
"Just a matter of time, I suppose. It's you isn't it…? You've come to kill me."
Doc Peg drops his disguised form. "Yes."
"After what happened… after what we did… I thought about killing myself. I knew that one day you'd come for me. I didn't know what they'd do to you."
"What they did was only possible because of you."
"What we did was for the prospect of peace. Is it wrong to hold out for that kind of hope?"
"I haven't come for what you hoped to do."
"Are you going to kill me now?"
"Yes."
"Will there be pain?"
"No…"
There's a long pause. "… Is it meaningless to apologize?"
"Never."
"I'm so sorry."
With that, Doc Peg extends one of his black, gnarled limbs and touches the unicorn, sapping the rest of its life away in an instant.
The Changeling stands in silence for a time, just staring at the corpse.
>>478157
The snake slams into the wall between the two of you, sending you scattering to left and right.
Vox: 2/5h, 1/5w
Salamander: 1/3h, 3/5w
I have faith in you.
>>478158
You hike out onto deck. Where to?
>>478159
"Of course I know useful things. I'm the loremaster."
>>478169
"Good! Come with me!"
He leads you into the depths of the ship where there is a table set up. "Are you preparrrrred?"
You start to hike off without Abilio or Light Heart.
Eventually you lose the trail, but find boat tracks instead. Shrugging, you follow those. Finally, they meet up with some pony tracks and you follow the blood to a tree where there is a blue unicorn bleeding out. He looks up at you, surprised.
"Just a matter of time, I suppose. It's you isn't it…? You've come to kill me."
Doc Peg drops his disguised form. "Yes."
"After what happened… after what we did… I thought about killing myself. I knew that one day you'd come for me. I didn't know what they'd do to you."
"What they did was only possible because of you."
"What we did was for the prospect of peace. Is it wrong to hold out for that kind of hope?"
"I haven't come for what you hoped to do."
"Are you going to kill me now?"
"Yes."
"Will there be pain?"
"No…"
There's a long pause. "… Is it meaningless to apologize?"
"Never."
"I'm so sorry."
With that, Doc Peg extends one of his black, gnarled limbs and touches the unicorn, sapping the rest of its life away in an instant.
The Changeling stands in silence for a time, just staring at the corpse.
>>478157
The snake slams into the wall between the two of you, sending you scattering to left and right.
Vox: 2/5h, 1/5w
Salamander: 1/3h, 3/5w
I have faith in you.
>>478158
You hike out onto deck. Where to?
>>478159
"Of course I know useful things. I'm the loremaster."
>>478169
"Good! Come with me!"
He leads you into the depths of the ship where there is a table set up. "Are you preparrrrred?"
>>478197
"Yes, of course. I've lived here my entire life."
>>478198
Once more into the fray.
Taking one last breath of greedily stolen air – so perfectly sweet in its desperation in spite of its acrid odor – you charge, leaking blood, tears, and desperation. With a mighty yell and roar of battle, you bring your greatsword down inside the snake's brain, killing it utterly.
>>478202
"I didn't come for revenge. I came for closure. Now… they can't find me. Ever. It was the only way to be sure."
"Yes, of course. I've lived here my entire life."
>>478198
Once more into the fray.
Taking one last breath of greedily stolen air – so perfectly sweet in its desperation in spite of its acrid odor – you charge, leaking blood, tears, and desperation. With a mighty yell and roar of battle, you bring your greatsword down inside the snake's brain, killing it utterly.
>>478202
"I didn't come for revenge. I came for closure. Now… they can't find me. Ever. It was the only way to be sure."
>>478195
That's a fair question. With my probably slightly-less than two doubloons, I can't buy much. Though I could try selling one of those books I copied. I'll test the waters by putting the transcribed fungal tome up for sale.
So! Back to the room, grab the copy I made, throw on my cloak and take the Good Stick I grabbed in Dixie, and it's off to hunt down a bookstore. I'll ask Mera if she'd like to come, if she isn't already out in the town with the doctors.
That's a fair question. With my probably slightly-less than two doubloons, I can't buy much. Though I could try selling one of those books I copied. I'll test the waters by putting the transcribed fungal tome up for sale.
So! Back to the room, grab the copy I made, throw on my cloak and take the Good Stick I grabbed in Dixie, and it's off to hunt down a bookstore. I'll ask Mera if she'd like to come, if she isn't already out in the town with the doctors.
>>478204
He serves the ball at you with ferocity, yelling, "When I'm through with ye, ye'll be crying like a little girl!"
>>478210
You get lost on the way to the bookstore and end up spotting Chip on his way into a ship, and Seekkill, Tela, Emrille, and Summer in a chapter house.
You also hear some loud noises from the sewer.
Would you like to investigate one of those, or keep looking for a bookstore?
>>478213
"I think so."
He serves the ball at you with ferocity, yelling, "When I'm through with ye, ye'll be crying like a little girl!"
>>478210
You get lost on the way to the bookstore and end up spotting Chip on his way into a ship, and Seekkill, Tela, Emrille, and Summer in a chapter house.
You also hear some loud noises from the sewer.
Would you like to investigate one of those, or keep looking for a bookstore?
>>478213
"I think so."
>>478209
"Hmm… tell you what, do you got any detailed maps of the city?
Like, with every nook and cranny?
I'm sure I could show that to someone who'd really love you."
>>478211
"I meant gold.
Gems.
Y'know, money. Treasure. Anything?"
>>478212
"Fine, yeah, and how!"
Poke Tela with a wing.
"She was like pudding, not like a crystal."
Snicker and make some distance to the side so Tela can't hit me.
"Hmm… tell you what, do you got any detailed maps of the city?
Like, with every nook and cranny?
I'm sure I could show that to someone who'd really love you."
>>478211
"I meant gold.
Gems.
Y'know, money. Treasure. Anything?"
>>478212
"Fine, yeah, and how!"
Poke Tela with a wing.
"She was like pudding, not like a crystal."
Snicker and make some distance to the side so Tela can't hit me.
>>478217
"I don't make maps, just art. Who could really love me?"
>>478218
You nailed the snake before it could get to him. He's fine.
>>478220
You hop down the nearest grate into the sewers to find two… mercenaries? Sewer cleaners? Hungry hungry hobos? having just finished killing two extremely large albino snakes.
>>478222
"Maybe. In truth, I am getting closure by running from my past. Where are you from in Prance?"
"I don't make maps, just art. Who could really love me?"
>>478218
You nailed the snake before it could get to him. He's fine.
>>478220
You hop down the nearest grate into the sewers to find two… mercenaries? Sewer cleaners? Hungry hungry hobos? having just finished killing two extremely large albino snakes.
>>478222
"Maybe. In truth, I am getting closure by running from my past. Where are you from in Prance?"
>>478225
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEkKWKLwIrU
"Lets drag these bastards back topside. They should damn well earn us a hefty reward…"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEkKWKLwIrU
"Lets drag these bastards back topside. They should damn well earn us a hefty reward…"
>>478228
"I should hope so, yeah. I could definitely go for something to eat, too."
>>478230
"Weaknesses of the city? Oooh boy, you're sure lucky I hate the insufferable government so much or I'd report you for that."
>>478231
"Prance was diligent about colonizing the world, weren't they?"
>>478232
Roll.
>>478233
"Yeah… mostly in one piece."
"I should hope so, yeah. I could definitely go for something to eat, too."
>>478230
"Weaknesses of the city? Oooh boy, you're sure lucky I hate the insufferable government so much or I'd report you for that."
>>478231
"Prance was diligent about colonizing the world, weren't they?"
>>478232
Roll.
>>478233
"Yeah… mostly in one piece."
>>478245
"No one could ever love me. I walk a miserable road of torment at every corner. That's how I knew you were lying."
>>478246
"Maybe someday. I don't know. I guess… what I mean to say is that is a choice you need to make for yourself, so you never regret it. Don't let others influence you on it."
>>478249
Like a brilliant sun, you fill the sewer with light.
Vox: 3/5w
"No one could ever love me. I walk a miserable road of torment at every corner. That's how I knew you were lying."
>>478246
"Maybe someday. I don't know. I guess… what I mean to say is that is a choice you need to make for yourself, so you never regret it. Don't let others influence you on it."
>>478249
Like a brilliant sun, you fill the sewer with light.
Vox: 3/5w
Shortly after the revival of the wooden armor, Friesian pulls Curry aside for a conversation.
"Alright Curry, listen, what you just did, was the best thing you could have done with the options available to you. I can vouch for that. You tried talking to it, you asked for a second opinion, you even went through that book of yours, which I'll want to read later, and came up with no objectionable reasons not to use it."
"Now, I know what you are going to say and I'll beat you to it, what if we run across another place that could have used that. It's a good thought of you looking out for others, but as a military man who has fought on the front lines, I'll tell you that you still have to look out for yourself. If anything happened to you, that plant might have been lost, the armor thrown out to sea, and whatever barren place could have used it never would have had the chance. As it stands right now, you might run into it again. What were the chances a plant that can bring dead wood back to life would have fallen into the hooves of someone with a dead, wooden armor?"
"In the end, no matter how much we want to know, we only get so much and have to make a decision based on that, and we have to live with it. I've made some choices that didn't help a lot of ponies see the next day, but you made one that might help you and others make it through the night."
"Alright Curry, listen, what you just did, was the best thing you could have done with the options available to you. I can vouch for that. You tried talking to it, you asked for a second opinion, you even went through that book of yours, which I'll want to read later, and came up with no objectionable reasons not to use it."
"Now, I know what you are going to say and I'll beat you to it, what if we run across another place that could have used that. It's a good thought of you looking out for others, but as a military man who has fought on the front lines, I'll tell you that you still have to look out for yourself. If anything happened to you, that plant might have been lost, the armor thrown out to sea, and whatever barren place could have used it never would have had the chance. As it stands right now, you might run into it again. What were the chances a plant that can bring dead wood back to life would have fallen into the hooves of someone with a dead, wooden armor?"
"In the end, no matter how much we want to know, we only get so much and have to make a decision based on that, and we have to live with it. I've made some choices that didn't help a lot of ponies see the next day, but you made one that might help you and others make it through the night."
>>478402
"That's a good thing to think about. You should always be worried about your next step, and I expect you to come up with some ideas."
"Look, it took a lot out of you just to get you to the point where you made a decision. In the future, you may not get those chances to think. Now I heard down the grapevine that you ended signing up with the fleet, but Light Heart told me about your situation when I met her."
"All I can say is you've come a long way, but you still have more to go. I might be seeing the end of the line for myself, but you got a second chance here. While we go out, I want you to think about what you want to do what you want to achieve. Think about some, and I'll help you any way I can. The fact that you were able to even talk to plants and bring some back to life, and lamenting that you should have been able to do more, that's a good sign. It means you have at least one thing to look forwards to. I want you to have more though, or you'll fall into a trap so many others I've met have."
"That's a good thing to think about. You should always be worried about your next step, and I expect you to come up with some ideas."
"Look, it took a lot out of you just to get you to the point where you made a decision. In the future, you may not get those chances to think. Now I heard down the grapevine that you ended signing up with the fleet, but Light Heart told me about your situation when I met her."
"All I can say is you've come a long way, but you still have more to go. I might be seeing the end of the line for myself, but you got a second chance here. While we go out, I want you to think about what you want to do what you want to achieve. Think about some, and I'll help you any way I can. The fact that you were able to even talk to plants and bring some back to life, and lamenting that you should have been able to do more, that's a good sign. It means you have at least one thing to look forwards to. I want you to have more though, or you'll fall into a trap so many others I've met have."
>>478404
"Yeah, but it catches us in weird ways. Sometimes we long for a skill, a tool, something that we think will aid us and ignore all the viable options at out hooves. Sometimes we're so close it blinds us to other decent options, if only because we refuse to let our effort be 'wasted'. Thing is, it's a different thing for different ponies. Right now, tell me, what is it that you want. The one thing you think will make you truly happy."
"Yeah, but it catches us in weird ways. Sometimes we long for a skill, a tool, something that we think will aid us and ignore all the viable options at out hooves. Sometimes we're so close it blinds us to other decent options, if only because we refuse to let our effort be 'wasted'. Thing is, it's a different thing for different ponies. Right now, tell me, what is it that you want. The one thing you think will make you truly happy."
>>478407
"Until I find out who wanted them on the fleet in the first place? No. Until I get more information, I'm earning a wage. Transcribing the books we brought with us from the old library where I was picked up for a bit of extra money, though they're a few hundred years out of date."
I'll shake my head.
"We almost got away in Reptil, but the Commodore locked down everything a scant hour before we came to take it. So now I'm going for the slower, if steadier, route. I'll figure something out, though I don't want to involve the few friends I've made on this fleet. Felfire, mister Chip, Light Heart and her retinue… I don't want to bring them down with us in case I fail."
"Until I find out who wanted them on the fleet in the first place? No. Until I get more information, I'm earning a wage. Transcribing the books we brought with us from the old library where I was picked up for a bit of extra money, though they're a few hundred years out of date."
I'll shake my head.
"We almost got away in Reptil, but the Commodore locked down everything a scant hour before we came to take it. So now I'm going for the slower, if steadier, route. I'll figure something out, though I don't want to involve the few friends I've made on this fleet. Felfire, mister Chip, Light Heart and her retinue… I don't want to bring them down with us in case I fail."
>>478408
"Okay, I'll probably have to stop here, but I think I came to a realization. Even if you were to escape, run off in the belly of a whale, what's to stop that person, or group, from going back after you? I can tell you have a lot of good in you, but I don't want to lose another good soldier before their time, so I'm going to ask you, while you are working on your books, while your practicing, to just sit down and think for a moment what you want to achieve and how you are going to do it. If you're transcribing books, that means you have the tools necessary to do that. Getting big, getting strong, those are just tools, how are you going to apply them?"
"I know I'm saying much and most of it might have already been stuff you've been thinking about, but I want you to do well because it means I can rely on you. That your sister and all the other can rely on you to get them out of trouble. You can sleep well knowing that you did the best with what you had. Maybe you'll be lucky and have much less than I to think about in the dark times when bad memories come up. You still have those chances."
"Okay, I'll probably have to stop here, but I think I came to a realization. Even if you were to escape, run off in the belly of a whale, what's to stop that person, or group, from going back after you? I can tell you have a lot of good in you, but I don't want to lose another good soldier before their time, so I'm going to ask you, while you are working on your books, while your practicing, to just sit down and think for a moment what you want to achieve and how you are going to do it. If you're transcribing books, that means you have the tools necessary to do that. Getting big, getting strong, those are just tools, how are you going to apply them?"
"I know I'm saying much and most of it might have already been stuff you've been thinking about, but I want you to do well because it means I can rely on you. That your sister and all the other can rely on you to get them out of trouble. You can sleep well knowing that you did the best with what you had. Maybe you'll be lucky and have much less than I to think about in the dark times when bad memories come up. You still have those chances."
>>478409
"I'd like to think that, if I managed to get the doctors, my sister, Mera, and myself away from the fleet, I'd have figured out who wanted them there in the process. And if they aren't keen on requests, and letting things lie, then I might have to resort to something I wouldn't be able to tell the others about."
I'll shrug.
"As for applications of strength, well, that would really boil down to what I know at the time. Things change rather swiftly on the fleet, and what's known as fact one day could just be passing scuttlebutt. As for my chances, and luck, I've likely used those up just living as long as I have. I will always have the thoughts that I could have done better, regrets that I've missed a chance."
I'll give Fresian a bit of a sad smile.
"Any chances I have I'm going to have to rip from their resting places, as they won't come easily."
"I'd like to think that, if I managed to get the doctors, my sister, Mera, and myself away from the fleet, I'd have figured out who wanted them there in the process. And if they aren't keen on requests, and letting things lie, then I might have to resort to something I wouldn't be able to tell the others about."
I'll shrug.
"As for applications of strength, well, that would really boil down to what I know at the time. Things change rather swiftly on the fleet, and what's known as fact one day could just be passing scuttlebutt. As for my chances, and luck, I've likely used those up just living as long as I have. I will always have the thoughts that I could have done better, regrets that I've missed a chance."
I'll give Fresian a bit of a sad smile.
"Any chances I have I'm going to have to rip from their resting places, as they won't come easily."
>>478410
"It's alright to have those regrets, even though it'll probably take you two or three lives to get close to the number I have, but it's also good that you've accepted that you're going to have to work for it. Regrets, mistakes, all those missed opportunities make us who we are, the important thing about all of them is that we use them as building blocks to move forward."
"The way things are now, me and the others are going to count on you, but I want to make sure you can count on me too. If you have any questions or thoughts that you can't shake, come to me. Chances are I've already encountered them or something close enough during my younger, military days. Now come on, maybe this was too much for one day, but it's still young. Let's go enjoy the town."
"It's alright to have those regrets, even though it'll probably take you two or three lives to get close to the number I have, but it's also good that you've accepted that you're going to have to work for it. Regrets, mistakes, all those missed opportunities make us who we are, the important thing about all of them is that we use them as building blocks to move forward."
"The way things are now, me and the others are going to count on you, but I want to make sure you can count on me too. If you have any questions or thoughts that you can't shake, come to me. Chances are I've already encountered them or something close enough during my younger, military days. Now come on, maybe this was too much for one day, but it's still young. Let's go enjoy the town."
"Honestly, how do I find myself in these situations? I know I'm getting old, but I can't be getting myself lost so easily, can I? No choice then, time to ask for some help."
Spotting an odd figure off in the distance with an odd toy, I guess now is a good a time as any.
"Um, excuse me, sorry to be a bother, but you wouldn't mind helping an old horse out, would you? Oh, where are my manners? I'm Friesian Cross, formerly of the Seaworthy but now assigned to the Eagle's Roost."
Spotting an odd figure off in the distance with an odd toy, I guess now is a good a time as any.
"Um, excuse me, sorry to be a bother, but you wouldn't mind helping an old horse out, would you? Oh, where are my manners? I'm Friesian Cross, formerly of the Seaworthy but now assigned to the Eagle's Roost."
>>478551
"Maybe I'm not figuring it the way you do, but I think so. I've been in action, and sometimes, when it got too hot even for me, I had to tune everything it out and figure myself above it. Like, I was a pegasus looking down on all the hoopla, trying to surmise where the others where going to go and where I should go and the where orders would fall. Something like that?"
"Maybe I'm not figuring it the way you do, but I think so. I've been in action, and sometimes, when it got too hot even for me, I had to tune everything it out and figure myself above it. Like, I was a pegasus looking down on all the hoopla, trying to surmise where the others where going to go and where I should go and the where orders would fall. Something like that?"
>>478553
"Well, as much as I hate to admit to it sometimes, but age has taken a beating to my memories, and far too many of them where made under the exhilaration of battle that I don't think they formed properly, just a blur. Most of my life has ended up in fights one way or another, but I clearly recall the eastern campaign, some of my old commanders, and then life as a bow for hire after it ended."
"As for noticing things, I can't really say. Like I mentioned, I've been around. Something that catches my eyes or ears might just be a memory trying to resurface. I know the sounds of cannon fire usually brings up memories when I go to sleep."
"Well, as much as I hate to admit to it sometimes, but age has taken a beating to my memories, and far too many of them where made under the exhilaration of battle that I don't think they formed properly, just a blur. Most of my life has ended up in fights one way or another, but I clearly recall the eastern campaign, some of my old commanders, and then life as a bow for hire after it ended."
"As for noticing things, I can't really say. Like I mentioned, I've been around. Something that catches my eyes or ears might just be a memory trying to resurface. I know the sounds of cannon fire usually brings up memories when I go to sleep."
>>478556
"Never mind. Maybe we could.. talk more."
Show a slight hint of unfamiliarity with my frown.
"Ever have any vivid dreams? Most recently, I was again dreaming I was an old goat nanny who worked an odd piece of necromancy. And sometimes I'm a politician in a distant Northern land. You ever have anything like that? "
"Never mind. Maybe we could.. talk more."
Show a slight hint of unfamiliarity with my frown.
"Ever have any vivid dreams? Most recently, I was again dreaming I was an old goat nanny who worked an odd piece of necromancy. And sometimes I'm a politician in a distant Northern land. You ever have anything like that? "
>>478557
"Nothing like that. Mine are mundane in comparison to those, and but your deams sound more interesting that hearing another complaint about my meat from those dogs. They just don't appreciate that good food sometimes takes some effort to achieve.""
"As big as this fleet is, it lacks interesting conversation partners, so tell me what you remember about those. If you recognized it as Necromancy, are you from the Darklantern, like all the other Necromancers I've met?"
"Nothing like that. Mine are mundane in comparison to those, and but your deams sound more interesting that hearing another complaint about my meat from those dogs. They just don't appreciate that good food sometimes takes some effort to achieve.""
"As big as this fleet is, it lacks interesting conversation partners, so tell me what you remember about those. If you recognized it as Necromancy, are you from the Darklantern, like all the other Necromancers I've met?"
>>478558
"No. The Fleet picked me up from.. hmm? I can't quite remember. It was so long ago. Was it? Oh, dear…. Well, it was a city with a bank I assisted in breaking into. And I've never heard of Darklantern nor dabbled in Necromancy. It all seems so mundane, doesn't it? What I work with is magic that brings us beyond the boundaries of what we know as real. To find the many folded layers beyond what we sense. And my work has gotten some interesting results of late, though I doubt I can tell you. "
"No. The Fleet picked me up from.. hmm? I can't quite remember. It was so long ago. Was it? Oh, dear…. Well, it was a city with a bank I assisted in breaking into. And I've never heard of Darklantern nor dabbled in Necromancy. It all seems so mundane, doesn't it? What I work with is magic that brings us beyond the boundaries of what we know as real. To find the many folded layers beyond what we sense. And my work has gotten some interesting results of late, though I doubt I can tell you. "
>>478559
"You should, even if I don't understand it. One thing I learned is that all stories can abruptly end in ways we never experienced. You yourself said you weren't in this dimension much, so what happens if you don't come back the next time? Some other poor sap might try to follow and repeat the mistake. Maybe I can save someone the trouble."
"I found myself here without a reason, maybe this was it in the end."
"You should, even if I don't understand it. One thing I learned is that all stories can abruptly end in ways we never experienced. You yourself said you weren't in this dimension much, so what happens if you don't come back the next time? Some other poor sap might try to follow and repeat the mistake. Maybe I can save someone the trouble."
"I found myself here without a reason, maybe this was it in the end."
>>478560
"It could be. Providence may have directed you. If you want to hear about my results, well, through use of a glyph of some sort, I managed to enter a place called the Astral Theatre and fjfv ujjc swxh klblbob dddjdjzh jllnbsd illvn bighdew scjcjchcmkk. Jfysyskbk fjiic fhlpphh aqqgegbnk hgljbg hjvkdjfhm kmjggh.. Fjjytkbn lllf. Wwyfgdycfhaa bkjkbvbkj frgg and then I was back in my own body. It was quite interesting and I'm preparing for another trip in. I eas told that my attunement to dhhcjn kkky ddho place like this was a rarity.
"It could be. Providence may have directed you. If you want to hear about my results, well, through use of a glyph of some sort, I managed to enter a place called the Astral Theatre and fjfv ujjc swxh klblbob dddjdjzh jllnbsd illvn bighdew scjcjchcmkk. Jfysyskbk fjiic fhlpphh aqqgegbnk hgljbg hjvkdjfhm kmjggh.. Fjjytkbn lllf. Wwyfgdycfhaa bkjkbvbkj frgg and then I was back in my own body. It was quite interesting and I'm preparing for another trip in. I eas told that my attunement to dhhcjn kkky ddho place like this was a rarity.
>>478573
I'll frown at her.
"I'm saving up enough to maybe buy the freedom of miss Seas and miss Spring from the fleet. Provided I find out who it is is keeping them here, and they're pliable with enough money."
I'll shrug.
"That's why I'm transcribing the books, so I can sell the copies. It's something I can do aside from blunder about like some blind seagull."
I'll frown at her.
"I'm saving up enough to maybe buy the freedom of miss Seas and miss Spring from the fleet. Provided I find out who it is is keeping them here, and they're pliable with enough money."
I'll shrug.
"That's why I'm transcribing the books, so I can sell the copies. It's something I can do aside from blunder about like some blind seagull."
>>478579
"Extended towards those who won't take advantage of it to suit their own needs. I'm far too familiar with your tricks, Emrille, and I'm aware any 'help' you might need will either end with me in some embarrassing situation, in trouble, or shot. So you'll excuse me for not wanting any of those things."
"Extended towards those who won't take advantage of it to suit their own needs. I'm far too familiar with your tricks, Emrille, and I'm aware any 'help' you might need will either end with me in some embarrassing situation, in trouble, or shot. So you'll excuse me for not wanting any of those things."
>>478581
"Well I certainly don't like you. You've given me extremely little reason to."
I'll stand up.
"Now, if all you wanted was to complain about how little I think of you, you'll have to find another audience. I've got more important things to worry about than the bruised ego of a pity-assigned officer."
"Well I certainly don't like you. You've given me extremely little reason to."
I'll stand up.
"Now, if all you wanted was to complain about how little I think of you, you'll have to find another audience. I've got more important things to worry about than the bruised ego of a pity-assigned officer."
>>478590
"The first explanation is more likely, knowing you."
I'll frown a little.
"But that still doesn't explain why she'd mention you every other sentence, practically dismiss me because we don't like each other, or give you most of her own money instead of learning for free from the Hamburgers like I am."
"The first explanation is more likely, knowing you."
I'll frown a little.
"But that still doesn't explain why she'd mention you every other sentence, practically dismiss me because we don't like each other, or give you most of her own money instead of learning for free from the Hamburgers like I am."
>>478594
"I said 'like me' not 'from me.' I'm learning how to shoot from Old Ben, one of the Hamburgers. Apparently they believe that it's a pony's right to have and know how to operate a gun, and will teach anyone who comes to them for lessons."
I'll squirm a little.
"I don't plan on becoming a master markspony, but knowing enough to at least put a little fear into enemies is better than flailing about with nothing at all. And a trident only reaches so far."
"I said 'like me' not 'from me.' I'm learning how to shoot from Old Ben, one of the Hamburgers. Apparently they believe that it's a pony's right to have and know how to operate a gun, and will teach anyone who comes to them for lessons."
I'll squirm a little.
"I don't plan on becoming a master markspony, but knowing enough to at least put a little fear into enemies is better than flailing about with nothing at all. And a trident only reaches so far."
>>478607
"Please. A tiny piece of iron isn't going to scare me. The only thing that could at this point is finding something worse than that hydra. And so far Smitts is the only thing I've run across that seems more dangerous."
I'll wave a hoof dismissively.
"Though, the lessons are interesting."
"Please. A tiny piece of iron isn't going to scare me. The only thing that could at this point is finding something worse than that hydra. And so far Smitts is the only thing I've run across that seems more dangerous."
I'll wave a hoof dismissively.
"Though, the lessons are interesting."
>>478656
"You also burned a book that likely only has a single other copy in the world. One that would have helped miss Seas, perhaps even pointed out spells that could further bolster or heal us."
I'll shrug.
"I suppose I should say we were lucky it wasn't entirely reduced to a cinder, but there were better ways of getting out of that. And only one plant had so far proven hostile."
Sighing, I'll shake my head.
"But that's months in the past now. What did you need, Emrille? Or can I leave?"
"You also burned a book that likely only has a single other copy in the world. One that would have helped miss Seas, perhaps even pointed out spells that could further bolster or heal us."
I'll shrug.
"I suppose I should say we were lucky it wasn't entirely reduced to a cinder, but there were better ways of getting out of that. And only one plant had so far proven hostile."
Sighing, I'll shake my head.
"But that's months in the past now. What did you need, Emrille? Or can I leave?"
>>478684
"It usually revolves around money, which mare you'll try to get into your bed - though that's been curtailed to a degree thanks to Tela - and how much you'll enjoy doing something. For example, you would enjoy shooting me tremendously, but it would cost you money since you might be reprimanded and have your pay put on hold for a trifling amount of time, not to mention lose the services of miss Spring and miss Seas. It's not good business."
I'll shrug.
"Doing so would also likely bother the Commodore, and would show you aren't fit to lead if one single menial crewmember can get under your skin so easily."
"It usually revolves around money, which mare you'll try to get into your bed - though that's been curtailed to a degree thanks to Tela - and how much you'll enjoy doing something. For example, you would enjoy shooting me tremendously, but it would cost you money since you might be reprimanded and have your pay put on hold for a trifling amount of time, not to mention lose the services of miss Spring and miss Seas. It's not good business."
I'll shrug.
"Doing so would also likely bother the Commodore, and would show you aren't fit to lead if one single menial crewmember can get under your skin so easily."
>>478704
"After you lit me on fire, no. No I wasn't. I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt, though, and forgive you after the incident in the temple. Same as I did to Felfire, and she sold out the place to the fleet. But the difference between the two of you is that I could become friends with Felfire, but you and I get along like oil and water."
"After you lit me on fire, no. No I wasn't. I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt, though, and forgive you after the incident in the temple. Same as I did to Felfire, and she sold out the place to the fleet. But the difference between the two of you is that I could become friends with Felfire, but you and I get along like oil and water."
>>478717
"I'm not so inexperienced as that. And no, stallions are most definitely not 'my thing.' It's pleasant, but nothing to obsess over to the degree you do."
I'll shrug.
"Though I suppose it's just the differences in how we were raised. You value the here and now, and all the pleasures you might find in it, and I don't much think about it until well-after."
"I'm not so inexperienced as that. And no, stallions are most definitely not 'my thing.' It's pleasant, but nothing to obsess over to the degree you do."
I'll shrug.
"Though I suppose it's just the differences in how we were raised. You value the here and now, and all the pleasures you might find in it, and I don't much think about it until well-after."
>>478719
"I meant the act itself. With the right partner, it could even be worth placing as much importance on it as you do."
I'll shrug again.
"And what's the present without a past? Or a future to look towards? If you don't think ahead, or reflect on the past, you're doomed to have a miserable present, don't you think?"
"I meant the act itself. With the right partner, it could even be worth placing as much importance on it as you do."
I'll shrug again.
"And what's the present without a past? Or a future to look towards? If you don't think ahead, or reflect on the past, you're doomed to have a miserable present, don't you think?"
>>478723
"Seems rather shallow, to me. Not caring a thought to the future besides whether or not she'll be sharing your bed? What if her future is different than just being a friend that you have sex with? You might hurt her simply by living in the present and having no thought to consequence."
I'll nod slightly.
"Well, not thought to emotional consequence. Were you completely oblivious to the concept of consequence, you'd have been dead quite a long time ago."
"Seems rather shallow, to me. Not caring a thought to the future besides whether or not she'll be sharing your bed? What if her future is different than just being a friend that you have sex with? You might hurt her simply by living in the present and having no thought to consequence."
I'll nod slightly.
"Well, not thought to emotional consequence. Were you completely oblivious to the concept of consequence, you'd have been dead quite a long time ago."
>>478729
"Not completely true. I did venture into the city every so often to buy things I couldn't make myself. Like soap."
I'll wistfully stroke my chin.
"And beard wax."
I'll clear my throat.
"Ahem. But whenever I wasn't in town, I was usually down there, trying to whittle away at the hydra, being left alive simply because it couldn't reach my body to finish the job and eat me. Twenty years of that, and it never got easier. Until you lot showed up with your mushroom."
"Not completely true. I did venture into the city every so often to buy things I couldn't make myself. Like soap."
I'll wistfully stroke my chin.
"And beard wax."
I'll clear my throat.
"Ahem. But whenever I wasn't in town, I was usually down there, trying to whittle away at the hydra, being left alive simply because it couldn't reach my body to finish the job and eat me. Twenty years of that, and it never got easier. Until you lot showed up with your mushroom."
>>478816
"Just trying to supplement my income on the side. Even you should appreciate the idea of trying to make some extra bits on the side."
I'll shrug.
"Besides, it was either that or transfer to the Seaworthy so I'd actually get paid for helping the Hamburgers with things."
>>478817
"She'd also probably ruin the books on purpose. And not the blank ones, the actual source material. She's not coming within eyesight of those books."
"Just trying to supplement my income on the side. Even you should appreciate the idea of trying to make some extra bits on the side."
I'll shrug.
"Besides, it was either that or transfer to the Seaworthy so I'd actually get paid for helping the Hamburgers with things."
>>478817
"She'd also probably ruin the books on purpose. And not the blank ones, the actual source material. She's not coming within eyesight of those books."
>>478847
"Yes. After you passed out, Emrille decided to play 'bait the drunk unicorn.' I ended up throwing her gun into the ocean after she blew out my knees. I likely would have done more than that if she hadn't got away."
>>478848
"You should really consider your audience when you make a joke. Some things just aren't funny."
"Yes. After you passed out, Emrille decided to play 'bait the drunk unicorn.' I ended up throwing her gun into the ocean after she blew out my knees. I likely would have done more than that if she hadn't got away."
>>478848
"You should really consider your audience when you make a joke. Some things just aren't funny."
>>479141
"A wizard got fed up with society and decided to go live out in the swamp to practice his own magic. The book is actually recovered bits of his journals, with a few notes by the original collator. I've actually bookmarked a weather manipulation spell near the back there that's mentioned, and I thought it would be good for further research, when and if I had the time."
"A wizard got fed up with society and decided to go live out in the swamp to practice his own magic. The book is actually recovered bits of his journals, with a few notes by the original collator. I've actually bookmarked a weather manipulation spell near the back there that's mentioned, and I thought it would be good for further research, when and if I had the time."
>>479157
My smile will fall a bit.
"I never said you were. I just thought it was good that you were making more friends. There's a power to companionship, after all."
I'll huff.
"And you should know by now that even though I'm absolutely terrible with phrasing things, I'm at least sincere in their intent."
My smile will fall a bit.
"I never said you were. I just thought it was good that you were making more friends. There's a power to companionship, after all."
I'll huff.
"And you should know by now that even though I'm absolutely terrible with phrasing things, I'm at least sincere in their intent."
>>479169
I'll nod.
"He's actually very knowledgeable about the subject. He doesn't keep those plants in his office for show, after all. He's currently teaching me something that I saw my old teacher do, becoming almost one with nature. She was as much a pony-shaped bundle of seaweed as she was a pony. Apparently it's rather dangerous, and difficult. But I think I'm making steady progress."
I'll nod.
"He's actually very knowledgeable about the subject. He doesn't keep those plants in his office for show, after all. He's currently teaching me something that I saw my old teacher do, becoming almost one with nature. She was as much a pony-shaped bundle of seaweed as she was a pony. Apparently it's rather dangerous, and difficult. But I think I'm making steady progress."
>>479171
"I doubt he saw anything extraordinary. The only reason he's teaching me at all is because the Fullmaster lobbied on my behalf after my sister agreed to help him with his experiments."
I'll shake my head.
"Were it up to Smitts, I'd have been dumped overboard at the nearest convenience, living or dead. The fact I'm still on this fleet confused him slightly, I think."
"I doubt he saw anything extraordinary. The only reason he's teaching me at all is because the Fullmaster lobbied on my behalf after my sister agreed to help him with his experiments."
I'll shake my head.
"Were it up to Smitts, I'd have been dumped overboard at the nearest convenience, living or dead. The fact I'm still on this fleet confused him slightly, I think."
>>479177
"Are you sure about that? Remember that armor we found way back in Autumnsreach, that Emrille torched along with the rest of that hallway? It felt alive. I could almost hear it talking to me, but I would have had no way of answering."
I'll shrug.
"Who's to say that plants have no souls, or are just parts of a larger one? It's all part of nature, isn't it?"
"Are you sure about that? Remember that armor we found way back in Autumnsreach, that Emrille torched along with the rest of that hallway? It felt alive. I could almost hear it talking to me, but I would have had no way of answering."
I'll shrug.
"Who's to say that plants have no souls, or are just parts of a larger one? It's all part of nature, isn't it?"