>>543581
You could ask. She just mentioned she remembered.
>>543581
>>543580
>>543579
>>543582
Getting down the other side of the mountain is considerably easier: there is a mountain pass and a road down the great slope. It must be a popular trade route because it's not long before you reach a unique phenomenon you've never encountered before.
Up ahead there is a large circle of wagons – trade caravans that have stopped for a spell to trade amongst themselves, entertain guests and generally rest before moving on. The place is nothing special: thick forested trees, but there is a nearby waterfall and ponies are drinking from the freshwater.
The goods here look more authentic than that tourist garbage back on Nagobana.
You could ask. She just mentioned she remembered.
>>543581
>>543580
>>543579
>>543582
Getting down the other side of the mountain is considerably easier: there is a mountain pass and a road down the great slope. It must be a popular trade route because it's not long before you reach a unique phenomenon you've never encountered before.
Up ahead there is a large circle of wagons – trade caravans that have stopped for a spell to trade amongst themselves, entertain guests and generally rest before moving on. The place is nothing special: thick forested trees, but there is a nearby waterfall and ponies are drinking from the freshwater.
The goods here look more authentic than that tourist garbage back on Nagobana.
>>543586
>>543591
There are five caravans parked here currently. They are as follows:
1) An agrarian caravan that is traveling north from the great rice fields. Though it is carrying mostly rice, they also have barley, tea leaves, flax, and burdock fruit. A trophy venomous greenjaw is hanging from their caravan.
2) A mercenary caravan. Various characters mill about here. They are mostly ronin, but other odd adventurers are present. One shady figure, likely ninja, and a few robed ponies which you suspect by lack of weapons must be healers or monks.
3) A traveling caravan simply providing transportation. They're headed directly west to the sea, disembarking in Akajiso.
4) An ore caravan. They sell some refined metal and weapons, but the bulk of their stock is crude ore being brought down from the village in the side of the mountain.
5) An entertainment caravan. Courtesans, jugglers, fools, musicians, and fortune tellers attempt to draw in the interest from the other caravans.
>>543587
"Yep!"
>>543588
Ponies are washing off in the pond proper. The waterfall remains clean, though.
There isn't much to look over: the weapons certainly have a different style than you're accustomed to, though. A few blades, no guns.
>>543589
You haven't had anything to eat since you left Nagobana, though it has only been one day.
>>543591
There are five caravans parked here currently. They are as follows:
1) An agrarian caravan that is traveling north from the great rice fields. Though it is carrying mostly rice, they also have barley, tea leaves, flax, and burdock fruit. A trophy venomous greenjaw is hanging from their caravan.
2) A mercenary caravan. Various characters mill about here. They are mostly ronin, but other odd adventurers are present. One shady figure, likely ninja, and a few robed ponies which you suspect by lack of weapons must be healers or monks.
3) A traveling caravan simply providing transportation. They're headed directly west to the sea, disembarking in Akajiso.
4) An ore caravan. They sell some refined metal and weapons, but the bulk of their stock is crude ore being brought down from the village in the side of the mountain.
5) An entertainment caravan. Courtesans, jugglers, fools, musicians, and fortune tellers attempt to draw in the interest from the other caravans.
>>543587
"Yep!"
>>543588
Ponies are washing off in the pond proper. The waterfall remains clean, though.
There isn't much to look over: the weapons certainly have a different style than you're accustomed to, though. A few blades, no guns.
>>543589
You haven't had anything to eat since you left Nagobana, though it has only been one day.
>>543599
There are Kabuki actors, Gagaku performers, and even a bard telling a Jōruri. The bard is using a Biwa, but the Gagaku performers have a Yu, Shinobue, and Koto.
The Kabuki actors are in full makeup and in the middle of a performance in Neighponese. Some foals are watching.
"Okay!"
>>543601
Splish splash! You feel refreshed.
You're no expert on blades, but the curvature is different. You're not sure why but the metal looks different, too.
>>543602
It is packed into large, tied off bags on the caravan. Not to say that you couldn't try for it.
The wagon itself provides some cover, as do the large sacks of goods. There are three merchants on this caravan. One sits at the front, reclining. Another is at the front, peddling wares. The third is washing his face in the pool of water.
>>543603
He exchanges a look with his partner and they both go back and forth in Neighponese.
Finally he points at a third merchant who is washing his face. "That!"
>>543604
Selena and Hircus are here. Selena is trying to get them to speak Equestrian.
There are Kabuki actors, Gagaku performers, and even a bard telling a Jōruri. The bard is using a Biwa, but the Gagaku performers have a Yu, Shinobue, and Koto.
The Kabuki actors are in full makeup and in the middle of a performance in Neighponese. Some foals are watching.
"Okay!"
>>543601
Splish splash! You feel refreshed.
You're no expert on blades, but the curvature is different. You're not sure why but the metal looks different, too.
>>543602
It is packed into large, tied off bags on the caravan. Not to say that you couldn't try for it.
The wagon itself provides some cover, as do the large sacks of goods. There are three merchants on this caravan. One sits at the front, reclining. Another is at the front, peddling wares. The third is washing his face in the pool of water.
>>543603
He exchanges a look with his partner and they both go back and forth in Neighponese.
Finally he points at a third merchant who is washing his face. "That!"
>>543604
Selena and Hircus are here. Selena is trying to get them to speak Equestrian.
>>543606
It takes a bit of time to find one who speaks your language.
"That is… yes, sometimes roads are unsafe, but mostly okay if you are on roads. Stay on trail, and good."
>>543607
"Yes, of course sir. We have a lot of tea flower. Good for white, yellow, green, oolong, pu-erh, and black."
>>543609
"Dangerous carnivorous plant we found down in the ricelands. It springs itself on wildlife and paralyzes it. The plant can't digest parts of the skin and coat, so the inside becomes furry and thick as raw leather accumulates, making it look like a bloody mouth. We uprooted this large one while picking up a rice shipment."
>>543610
"It's hard to pick up partway through… I think it's about the Emperor and the Shogun."
>>543613
The weight is totally different than what you're used to! You fumble with it, but manage to not drop it.
It takes a bit of time to find one who speaks your language.
"That is… yes, sometimes roads are unsafe, but mostly okay if you are on roads. Stay on trail, and good."
>>543607
"Yes, of course sir. We have a lot of tea flower. Good for white, yellow, green, oolong, pu-erh, and black."
>>543609
"Dangerous carnivorous plant we found down in the ricelands. It springs itself on wildlife and paralyzes it. The plant can't digest parts of the skin and coat, so the inside becomes furry and thick as raw leather accumulates, making it look like a bloody mouth. We uprooted this large one while picking up a rice shipment."
>>543610
"It's hard to pick up partway through… I think it's about the Emperor and the Shogun."
>>543613
The weight is totally different than what you're used to! You fumble with it, but manage to not drop it.
>>543616
"Preserve it and keep it as a trophy maybe sell it when we reach Akitagami."
>>543617
"I do not… ah… word for a thing you think sure…. ah, but there is war there."
>>543619
Yes, the strings blend mesmerizingly with the woodwind.
"More or less!"
Who tugs at HP's hair and they talk in Neighponese.
>>543620
None of these merchants seem to speak Equestrian. He makes motions with his legs, extending them the whole way and then bending them in. Then he taps the sword.
"Preserve it and keep it as a trophy maybe sell it when we reach Akitagami."
>>543617
"I do not… ah… word for a thing you think sure…. ah, but there is war there."
>>543619
Yes, the strings blend mesmerizingly with the woodwind.
"More or less!"
Who tugs at HP's hair and they talk in Neighponese.
>>543620
None of these merchants seem to speak Equestrian. He makes motions with his legs, extending them the whole way and then bending them in. Then he taps the sword.
>>543622
No, this is one of the transportation merchants. He's not carrying anything presently.
"Yes."
>>543623
He thinks for a bit.
"We could dredge the bag and see if any fell out."
>>543624
"Sorry! Who says that the Shogun is a… what's the Equestrian word? Jingoist? A military commander without legitimacy? I was explaining that while the emperor has symbolic and spiritual power, the shogun has practical control."
>>543625
He separates one doubloon from the others on the table.
No, this is one of the transportation merchants. He's not carrying anything presently.
"Yes."
>>543623
He thinks for a bit.
"We could dredge the bag and see if any fell out."
>>543624
"Sorry! Who says that the Shogun is a… what's the Equestrian word? Jingoist? A military commander without legitimacy? I was explaining that while the emperor has symbolic and spiritual power, the shogun has practical control."
>>543625
He separates one doubloon from the others on the table.
>>543637
"To the strongest!"
>>543636
He nods and goes back to his business.
>>543634
Strapped like a gat.
>>543635
You finish off your songs.
"They are at war with their neighboring clan which find their home in Takikaga. Everyone wise is staying away from those kuni. Though likely only the kori along the border have raised levies."
>>543638
Roll to assess targets.
"To the strongest!"
>>543636
He nods and goes back to his business.
>>543634
Strapped like a gat.
>>543635
You finish off your songs.
"They are at war with their neighboring clan which find their home in Takikaga. Everyone wise is staying away from those kuni. Though likely only the kori along the border have raised levies."
>>543638
Roll to assess targets.
>>543641
"Well just our luck."
"But the thing is we still dont know so we got to check it out still. I just hope it is not burned down cause…. arg."
>>543640
I think for a moment.
"Say just to be on the safeside, what if the place is indeed under siege and we cant access it, should we call for Abilio and use the flare?"
"Well just our luck."
"But the thing is we still dont know so we got to check it out still. I just hope it is not burned down cause…. arg."
>>543640
I think for a moment.
"Say just to be on the safeside, what if the place is indeed under siege and we cant access it, should we call for Abilio and use the flare?"
>>543645
Kori are local fiefdoms, like counties. Kuni are larger fiefdoms that encompass those.
"I cannot say since I have not been near since the war started. War always stirs up opportunistic bandits, of course."
>>543644
None of the merchants look particularly rich, but that suggests their wealth is in lockboxes on the caravans.
Kori are local fiefdoms, like counties. Kuni are larger fiefdoms that encompass those.
"I cannot say since I have not been near since the war started. War always stirs up opportunistic bandits, of course."
>>543644
None of the merchants look particularly rich, but that suggests their wealth is in lockboxes on the caravans.
>>543649
She discusses with them for a time.
"They are travelers from the Temple of the Burning Hoof adventuring for inspiration to bring into their styles. Each of them is an aspiring monk developing his or her talents. They will surely diverge in skills, but none are a healer right now."
>>543651
Varying levels of attended. Which caravan do you want to go to?
>>543653
see >>543596
She discusses with them for a time.
"They are travelers from the Temple of the Burning Hoof adventuring for inspiration to bring into their styles. Each of them is an aspiring monk developing his or her talents. They will surely diverge in skills, but none are a healer right now."
>>543651
Varying levels of attended. Which caravan do you want to go to?
>>543653
see >>543596
>>543661
They have a covered wagon and a small stage setup in front of it for performing. You can slip around back. There's nothing on this side, it's probably inside the wagon.
Chip climbs inside.
>>543662
You climb into the back of the entertainment wagon. A robed pony sits before a crystal ball. "I've been expecting you."
>>543663
Noted
They have a covered wagon and a small stage setup in front of it for performing. You can slip around back. There's nothing on this side, it's probably inside the wagon.
Chip climbs inside.
>>543662
You climb into the back of the entertainment wagon. A robed pony sits before a crystal ball. "I've been expecting you."
>>543663
Noted
>>543669
You think you spot a chest behind the fortune teller, it's hard to tell from your peeking position. Getting over there is going to be the hard part. The room is dark, but she's clearly looking in your direction – at your 'vision shield'.
>>543670
"No, all you have to do is…"
She flushes a hand.
"Pick three cards."
You think you spot a chest behind the fortune teller, it's hard to tell from your peeking position. Getting over there is going to be the hard part. The room is dark, but she's clearly looking in your direction – at your 'vision shield'.
>>543670
"No, all you have to do is…"
She flushes a hand.
"Pick three cards."
>>543675
"The fool in the first position… you are not the wisest dog, but you're aware of it. You surround yourself with advisers and intelligent ponies to help guide you. The High Priestess in the second position… your journey will bring you in conflict with an intelligent foe who uses cunning as a weapon. The fate card… The World. How interesting. The land itself lay in the balance. Perhaps you feel you are more enlightened now?"
>>543674
It's now or never.
"The fool in the first position… you are not the wisest dog, but you're aware of it. You surround yourself with advisers and intelligent ponies to help guide you. The High Priestess in the second position… your journey will bring you in conflict with an intelligent foe who uses cunning as a weapon. The fate card… The World. How interesting. The land itself lay in the balance. Perhaps you feel you are more enlightened now?"
>>543674
It's now or never.
>>543815
One of them is shouldering a ridiculously heavy blade. "Brother to who? You? I have no brothers. My only family is coin."
There's a dwarf pony here who is looking highly disinterested in the conversation with a short sword.
A large, more jovial ronin approaches you. "Do not let him dampen your spirits! You seek to travel with the caravan? You are ronin? It is good! I am Bear. I help new ronin find their way in the world, yes?"
>>543816
"You asked where my family were. Well obviously I didn't meet them until after I found out I was a ninja. Otherwise I'd know, right?"
One of them is shouldering a ridiculously heavy blade. "Brother to who? You? I have no brothers. My only family is coin."
There's a dwarf pony here who is looking highly disinterested in the conversation with a short sword.
A large, more jovial ronin approaches you. "Do not let him dampen your spirits! You seek to travel with the caravan? You are ronin? It is good! I am Bear. I help new ronin find their way in the world, yes?"
>>543816
"You asked where my family were. Well obviously I didn't meet them until after I found out I was a ninja. Otherwise I'd know, right?"
>>543821
"That's why I got upset that you made assumptions that I know about stealth just because I happen to be a ninja! After I broke out of ninja academy I went on to pursue my real dream of being a candy striper! Then I accidentally became a board-certified physician!"
>>543822
"Dohoho. A tale or two perhaps."
"Don't let him start. I'm warning you now."
"Nonsense! What about the tale of the two-headed dragon?"
"Not that one again."
"He hasn't heard it!"
"That's why I got upset that you made assumptions that I know about stealth just because I happen to be a ninja! After I broke out of ninja academy I went on to pursue my real dream of being a candy striper! Then I accidentally became a board-certified physician!"
>>543822
"Dohoho. A tale or two perhaps."
"Don't let him start. I'm warning you now."
"Nonsense! What about the tale of the two-headed dragon?"
"Not that one again."
"He hasn't heard it!"
>>543826
"Oh, you must be confused. Striper – not stripper. A candy striper is a volunteer who cheers up patients!"
>>543827
"Anyway, the story begins when I was aiding a group of new ronin. We were to travel to the Yakamaru District of the Shimizu Province which was under the authority of the local prefect. However to get to this location we would have to travel through the Mountains Which Are Tall And Covered In Snow In Winter Mountains. One of my traveling companions, however, promised a shortcut pass through the mountains which would save us the trouble of having to climb it, if we would only go through the Caverns of Forbidding Darkness Cave. I cannot say where it is now for I have lost track of it, but sure as the sun shines today, we were lead there in great haste by our traveling companion. There is where our story truly begins!"
"Get on with it you enormous meat product."
"Oh, you must be confused. Striper – not stripper. A candy striper is a volunteer who cheers up patients!"
>>543827
"Anyway, the story begins when I was aiding a group of new ronin. We were to travel to the Yakamaru District of the Shimizu Province which was under the authority of the local prefect. However to get to this location we would have to travel through the Mountains Which Are Tall And Covered In Snow In Winter Mountains. One of my traveling companions, however, promised a shortcut pass through the mountains which would save us the trouble of having to climb it, if we would only go through the Caverns of Forbidding Darkness Cave. I cannot say where it is now for I have lost track of it, but sure as the sun shines today, we were lead there in great haste by our traveling companion. There is where our story truly begins!"
"Get on with it you enormous meat product."
>>543829
"I went to get some candy and after I filled out what I thought was the paperwork, it turned out it was the examination to become a diagnostician!"
>>543830
"We traveled with both catlike tread and haste as we were obliged to arrive at the Shimizu Province to receive our commission in three days and we were uncertain of the reliability of the cavern, though we were assured with each passing footstep by our traveling companion that we were headed the right way. Although I was skeptical at the time I was somewhat reassured by the presence of sconces which were mysteriously lit in the darkness which implied to me the presence of other ponies, though I would later learn that this was owed to a mystical force which had pervaded the caverns without my knowing."
"Just get to the part with the dragon already, he doesn't need to know any of this."
"I went to get some candy and after I filled out what I thought was the paperwork, it turned out it was the examination to become a diagnostician!"
>>543830
"We traveled with both catlike tread and haste as we were obliged to arrive at the Shimizu Province to receive our commission in three days and we were uncertain of the reliability of the cavern, though we were assured with each passing footstep by our traveling companion that we were headed the right way. Although I was skeptical at the time I was somewhat reassured by the presence of sconces which were mysteriously lit in the darkness which implied to me the presence of other ponies, though I would later learn that this was owed to a mystical force which had pervaded the caverns without my knowing."
"Just get to the part with the dragon already, he doesn't need to know any of this."
>>543834
"I am inclined to believe that magic filled those mountains as if it knew that things were building to a climax!"
"Or more likely they were put there by explorers or even the dragon itself to lure in victims and steal their gold. You have no real evidence of some magical force placing and lighting torches in caverns."
"Stop trying to ruin my story, it isn't working."
"I am inclined to believe that magic filled those mountains as if it knew that things were building to a climax!"
"Or more likely they were put there by explorers or even the dragon itself to lure in victims and steal their gold. You have no real evidence of some magical force placing and lighting torches in caverns."
"Stop trying to ruin my story, it isn't working."
>>543836
"Yeah… I guess I got distracted and never continued my past dream of being a candy striper though! But that's alright, most ponies don't live their dream at all so just for a few days is still good too!"
>>543837
"We came upon an enormous room in the cavern – huge beyond belief! You would think that we had come out topside at night but we knew were were still inside. And there it was!!"
"Yeah… I guess I got distracted and never continued my past dream of being a candy striper though! But that's alright, most ponies don't live their dream at all so just for a few days is still good too!"
>>543837
"We came upon an enormous room in the cavern – huge beyond belief! You would think that we had come out topside at night but we knew were were still inside. And there it was!!"
>>543843
"It was at this time that by sheer coincidence and luck that I had been experimenting with a naginata. So it was when the dragon seized upon us to gobble us up in one terrible gulp, I drove my pole weapon between its jaws, blade against the soft tissues of the roof of its mouth. I had hoped that when the jaw snapped shut it would drive the blade into the brain, but unfortunately the dragon was smart enough to not close its mouth. This bought us time however. Soon the second head had turned and was preparing to bellow fire down upon us, and so I reached for my flask and threw a whole tea pot full of sake at the monster! As fire came out, the head burst into flames, which is not normally a concern for a dragon, but to get fire in the eyes is a terrible thing even with flame-resistant scales! The now blinded dragon reflexively bit down and killed its other head. Bleeding profusely, blinded, and without one of its brains, it stumbled away in agony! One of the new ronin wanted to chase it down but I warned that to kill a fleeing animal is bad luck. He chased after and was never seen again and we continued on to the province to meet the prefect."
"That story is all made up clearly."
"I swear to you that it is not."
"It was at this time that by sheer coincidence and luck that I had been experimenting with a naginata. So it was when the dragon seized upon us to gobble us up in one terrible gulp, I drove my pole weapon between its jaws, blade against the soft tissues of the roof of its mouth. I had hoped that when the jaw snapped shut it would drive the blade into the brain, but unfortunately the dragon was smart enough to not close its mouth. This bought us time however. Soon the second head had turned and was preparing to bellow fire down upon us, and so I reached for my flask and threw a whole tea pot full of sake at the monster! As fire came out, the head burst into flames, which is not normally a concern for a dragon, but to get fire in the eyes is a terrible thing even with flame-resistant scales! The now blinded dragon reflexively bit down and killed its other head. Bleeding profusely, blinded, and without one of its brains, it stumbled away in agony! One of the new ronin wanted to chase it down but I warned that to kill a fleeing animal is bad luck. He chased after and was never seen again and we continued on to the province to meet the prefect."
"That story is all made up clearly."
"I swear to you that it is not."
>>543841
"Dixie is a fresh breeze from the new world, a place of sacred hospitality, plantations and gentry. It is a land of honest, down-to-earth and religious folks and… slavery too. The unicorn is subject to the earth pony, a stark contrast to the Equestrian Canterlot. Being Dixian? To be polite and hospitable. To care for one's family. To carry yourself with dignity and grace. To respect your elders and be educated."
"Dixie is a fresh breeze from the new world, a place of sacred hospitality, plantations and gentry. It is a land of honest, down-to-earth and religious folks and… slavery too. The unicorn is subject to the earth pony, a stark contrast to the Equestrian Canterlot. Being Dixian? To be polite and hospitable. To care for one's family. To carry yourself with dignity and grace. To respect your elders and be educated."
>>543845
He chuckles.
"I made not claim to undefeatability. I was simply experimenting with the weapon at the time."
>>543847
She thinks about it. "I guess that makes sense. In Neighpon, ninja are part of a separate caste. Those who are born into the clans of ninja must be educated in the art of stealth and assassination and are expected to be singularly loyal to the clan. Usually a ninja does not know their family because if they did it would create blood-feuds within the clan due to rivalries. Raised as a community. But I didn't want that kind of life! I wanted to help ponies, not devote my life to killing them!"
He chuckles.
"I made not claim to undefeatability. I was simply experimenting with the weapon at the time."
>>543847
She thinks about it. "I guess that makes sense. In Neighpon, ninja are part of a separate caste. Those who are born into the clans of ninja must be educated in the art of stealth and assassination and are expected to be singularly loyal to the clan. Usually a ninja does not know their family because if they did it would create blood-feuds within the clan due to rivalries. Raised as a community. But I didn't want that kind of life! I wanted to help ponies, not devote my life to killing them!"
>>543863
"I am quite content with diplomatic missions such as these to be entirely fair. Too much action is also too… risky. Some balance is required between action and rest."
Take my repeater rifle off of my back.
"Which does remind me… mister Strom was so kind as to gift me one of these contraptions. Not quite as magical as yours, of course, but a fine rifle nonetheless."
"I am quite content with diplomatic missions such as these to be entirely fair. Too much action is also too… risky. Some balance is required between action and rest."
Take my repeater rifle off of my back.
"Which does remind me… mister Strom was so kind as to gift me one of these contraptions. Not quite as magical as yours, of course, but a fine rifle nonetheless."
>>543899
"Do you?"
Run the tip of my wing along the barrel.
"You have more than one cartridge in there, meaning that it can jam without you knowing when you load one if you rush it. You can also knock them together if you load too fast, and you wouldn't want a bullet go off when you don't expect it to, do you?"
"Do you?"
Run the tip of my wing along the barrel.
"You have more than one cartridge in there, meaning that it can jam without you knowing when you load one if you rush it. You can also knock them together if you load too fast, and you wouldn't want a bullet go off when you don't expect it to, do you?"
>>543949
"In the first position, the reverse fool. You're good at keeping your cool, it seems. In the second position, The Lovers. Interesting. Are you vexed by love triangles? The complications motivated by positive emotions are often harder to untangle than those motivated by simple greed. Finally… oh, dear. Perhaps it's best not to say. The Tower in the final position. It symbolizes ruin in your future. It can be averted, naturally, if you change your course in time."
>>543950
She gives you a friendly smile.
"In the first position, the reverse fool. You're good at keeping your cool, it seems. In the second position, The Lovers. Interesting. Are you vexed by love triangles? The complications motivated by positive emotions are often harder to untangle than those motivated by simple greed. Finally… oh, dear. Perhaps it's best not to say. The Tower in the final position. It symbolizes ruin in your future. It can be averted, naturally, if you change your course in time."
>>543950
She gives you a friendly smile.
>>543972
"Bridle Ponies are usually very proud of their heritage, so I expected from your disposition you'd talk about it a lot, but you've never talked about your home at all!"
>>543971
"Hm… I see… four figures… armed and traveling together… they spot you… and they begin to sprint toward you. I can almost make them out… they are all different races. One of each pony race, and one not a pony…. and the mists are obscuring them again… I can't see anymore."
"Bridle Ponies are usually very proud of their heritage, so I expected from your disposition you'd talk about it a lot, but you've never talked about your home at all!"
>>543971
"Hm… I see… four figures… armed and traveling together… they spot you… and they begin to sprint toward you. I can almost make them out… they are all different races. One of each pony race, and one not a pony…. and the mists are obscuring them again… I can't see anymore."
>>543999
She is wearing loose-fitting robes. You can't see her face in the darkness, but you can see she has black hooves.
>>544000
Body-tight robes with only a slit for eyes. He has a pouch on his left flank and a sheath on his back. He reclines on the caravan.
I say he for the purposes of ease. You can't make out a gender.
She is wearing loose-fitting robes. You can't see her face in the darkness, but you can see she has black hooves.
>>544000
Body-tight robes with only a slit for eyes. He has a pouch on his left flank and a sheath on his back. He reclines on the caravan.
I say he for the purposes of ease. You can't make out a gender.
>>543850
"Very well, just a friendly fight! Allow me to collect my arms, then!"
He ushers a great Northern Crystal Tortoise out of the caravan and fishes out a shortbow, naginata, as well as his pair of wakizashi and katana. Sheathing his bow, and swords, he sits atop the tortoise and wields his naginata/shield combination.
"Are you prepared?"
>>544004
Who: "What?"
HP: "He's a ninja! Oh, you meant him!"
>>544005
"Only if that's the case… I can do readings by cards or look with my crystal ball. Which do you prefer?"
"Very well, just a friendly fight! Allow me to collect my arms, then!"
He ushers a great Northern Crystal Tortoise out of the caravan and fishes out a shortbow, naginata, as well as his pair of wakizashi and katana. Sheathing his bow, and swords, he sits atop the tortoise and wields his naginata/shield combination.
"Are you prepared?"
>>544004
Who: "What?"
HP: "He's a ninja! Oh, you meant him!"
>>544005
"Only if that's the case… I can do readings by cards or look with my crystal ball. Which do you prefer?"
>>544014
"Come at me, then!"
>>544013
He finally lands in your hair and hangs upside down from your bangs.
"A little."
>>544012
"Hm… I see… I see a great Neighponese city with high walls. You are being received there… I see a great samurai lord, perhaps a daimyo… he is angry that you… did not remove your hat in his presence… and he is yelling and ordering you be removed… Yes. I foresee this future!"
"Come at me, then!"
>>544013
He finally lands in your hair and hangs upside down from your bangs.
"A little."
>>544012
"Hm… I see… I see a great Neighponese city with high walls. You are being received there… I see a great samurai lord, perhaps a daimyo… he is angry that you… did not remove your hat in his presence… and he is yelling and ordering you be removed… Yes. I foresee this future!"
>>544017
"No! It's true, I see it all here. Sometimes the crystal ball sees into the distant future, sometimes the next day. It is most fickle. Now draw three."
>>544016
The tortoise catapults itself forward with amazing speed, and he slams his shield directly into your blades, absorbing the strikes, as he swings around his naginata in a wide arc to attack you.
"How swift your blade is! But I have perfected the Offensive Shield Technique! Perhaps I will share some of my secrets with you in time!"
Flowing [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
>>544018
"No. Do you go to bed with mares?"
"No! It's true, I see it all here. Sometimes the crystal ball sees into the distant future, sometimes the next day. It is most fickle. Now draw three."
>>544016
The tortoise catapults itself forward with amazing speed, and he slams his shield directly into your blades, absorbing the strikes, as he swings around his naginata in a wide arc to attack you.
"How swift your blade is! But I have perfected the Offensive Shield Technique! Perhaps I will share some of my secrets with you in time!"
Flowing [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
>>544018
"No. Do you go to bed with mares?"
>>544019
Jump back.
Time to think.
"A technique which cannot be defeated by attack alone, is it?"
Okay, but if it's the 'offensive shield', and if he had to taunt me into attacking, he must be relying on my strikes to attack me.
Which means, as long as I don't strike, I'm safe.
I do have one similar technique though…
Get ready to Retaliate!
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
Jump back.
Time to think.
"A technique which cannot be defeated by attack alone, is it?"
Okay, but if it's the 'offensive shield', and if he had to taunt me into attacking, he must be relying on my strikes to attack me.
Which means, as long as I don't strike, I'm safe.
I do have one similar technique though…
Get ready to Retaliate!
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>544020
"Aha! The Devil in the first position. You are a reckless one, aren't you? Propelling yourself into danger without a second thought! Oh… The Emperor in the second position. You will come into conflict with authority. Perhaps no surprises there, either? Hm? And the final card… The Lovers in the upright position. In the third position the Lovers represent The Ordeal and in the reverse position represent the Two Roads. Will your conflict with authority decide the fate of your lovelife? The cards seem to think so."
>>544021
"I was a trapper. As time went on I learned how to make larger and larger traps. The first were for ants, the last were for ponies. Do you go to bed with her specifically?"
He indicates HP.
>>544022
He strikes again.
"Trying something tricky, hm? I guarantee you won't defeat me in a single attack!"
Flowing [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
"Aha! The Devil in the first position. You are a reckless one, aren't you? Propelling yourself into danger without a second thought! Oh… The Emperor in the second position. You will come into conflict with authority. Perhaps no surprises there, either? Hm? And the final card… The Lovers in the upright position. In the third position the Lovers represent The Ordeal and in the reverse position represent the Two Roads. Will your conflict with authority decide the fate of your lovelife? The cards seem to think so."
>>544021
"I was a trapper. As time went on I learned how to make larger and larger traps. The first were for ants, the last were for ponies. Do you go to bed with her specifically?"
He indicates HP.
>>544022
He strikes again.
"Trying something tricky, hm? I guarantee you won't defeat me in a single attack!"
Flowing [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
>>544033
You trade barrages of blows but he knocks you helpless with one last sweep of his naginata. Helplessness unleashes your magic spell, which blasts him back, off his tortoise.
Flowing [▓░░░░░░░░░] HLP
He calls up from his laying position.
"Ha ha… you win! Was good fight!"
>>544035
"Interesting that you are more concerned with what is at stake than what imperils it… would a conflict with authority be acceptable if I had drawn The World or The Empress in the third position? How interesting."
>>544036
Still resting at the camp. Others have received card readings.
>>544037
"Hmmm. Okay."
You trade barrages of blows but he knocks you helpless with one last sweep of his naginata. Helplessness unleashes your magic spell, which blasts him back, off his tortoise.
Flowing [▓░░░░░░░░░] HLP
He calls up from his laying position.
"Ha ha… you win! Was good fight!"
>>544035
"Interesting that you are more concerned with what is at stake than what imperils it… would a conflict with authority be acceptable if I had drawn The World or The Empress in the third position? How interesting."
>>544036
Still resting at the camp. Others have received card readings.
>>544037
"Hmmm. Okay."
>>544046
"I cannot say, but beware the vagueness of the tarots. They say your conflict with authority may lead your relationship to ruin. Could it be that shooting an important politician ruins your love life? Could your lover be the one in authority in the future, and new power structure strains your relationship? Could you be the one in a position of power, and your abuses scare away your lover? You must think very carefully about your future if you wish to avert it."
>>544048
Chip is here hitting on her.
"I cannot say, but beware the vagueness of the tarots. They say your conflict with authority may lead your relationship to ruin. Could it be that shooting an important politician ruins your love life? Could your lover be the one in authority in the future, and new power structure strains your relationship? Could you be the one in a position of power, and your abuses scare away your lover? You must think very carefully about your future if you wish to avert it."
>>544048
Chip is here hitting on her.
>>544054
"Okay, bye!"
>>544056
"I'll see what I can do!"
She tops you off with her healing magics with less rubbing hooves on your body than you'd like.
>>544057
"Mmm, tell me something first. Suppose you are firing your weapon at the shooting range on a windy day. Does the bullet from your gun follow a perfectly straight path?"
"Okay, bye!"
>>544056
"I'll see what I can do!"
She tops you off with her healing magics with less rubbing hooves on your body than you'd like.
>>544057
"Mmm, tell me something first. Suppose you are firing your weapon at the shooting range on a windy day. Does the bullet from your gun follow a perfectly straight path?"
File: 1395859612309.jpg (210.03 KB, 1032x774, structure.jpg, IO exif Google TinEye)
>>544088
>>544087
>>544085
Travel up the northwestern road takes hours on end, so it is a welcome sight when you finally spot something other than rolling hills and endless plains. The treeline to your right gives way to the ocean. It seems that after a day and a half of travel you've reached the northern end of Neighpon.
Stretched out on the other end of a bridge is a massive, ornate building.
>>544087
>>544085
Travel up the northwestern road takes hours on end, so it is a welcome sight when you finally spot something other than rolling hills and endless plains. The treeline to your right gives way to the ocean. It seems that after a day and a half of travel you've reached the northern end of Neighpon.
Stretched out on the other end of a bridge is a massive, ornate building.
>>544128
Wark shatters the guard of one of the Gokenin, and Who follows it up with lash from his whip-like branch. HP sets up Substitute.
One soldier slashes at HP, but she disappears!
Wark absorbs hits for you and himself, but he can't protect Who in time due to injuries!
Who gets smashed between the shields of two soldiers and looks dazed.
>>544130
You're having a hard time focusing with all these soldiers bearing down on you. Nonetheless you open up the leader for attack.
Two soldiers come to take you out, but you gracefully dodge back and knock one over, only taking a glancing blow from one.
The leader, perhaps the daimyo's hatamoto based on his jitte, approaches through the chaos of the battlefield. "I will handle this myself!"
In a single motion, he draws his blade from the sheathe knocks you to the ground as he lashes you across the stomach with his katana.
>>544129
You douse them all in fire! Many guards are broken.
Two corner you and slam you with their blades, crushing you down into the dirt.
>>544131
It's up in the air!
Two soldiers come at you – slashing at you from both sides!
>>544132
You easily leap down to a ledge on the cliffs, concealed from view.
Light Heart [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] STH
>Mocking Wark [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░] DZD
Emrille [▓░░░░░░░░░] HLP
Flowing [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░░] HLP
Tela [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] ORB-3
Hircus [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] STH
Wark shatters the guard of one of the Gokenin, and Who follows it up with lash from his whip-like branch. HP sets up Substitute.
One soldier slashes at HP, but she disappears!
Wark absorbs hits for you and himself, but he can't protect Who in time due to injuries!
Who gets smashed between the shields of two soldiers and looks dazed.
>>544130
You're having a hard time focusing with all these soldiers bearing down on you. Nonetheless you open up the leader for attack.
Two soldiers come to take you out, but you gracefully dodge back and knock one over, only taking a glancing blow from one.
The leader, perhaps the daimyo's hatamoto based on his jitte, approaches through the chaos of the battlefield. "I will handle this myself!"
In a single motion, he draws his blade from the sheathe knocks you to the ground as he lashes you across the stomach with his katana.
>>544129
You douse them all in fire! Many guards are broken.
Two corner you and slam you with their blades, crushing you down into the dirt.
>>544131
It's up in the air!
Two soldiers come at you – slashing at you from both sides!
>>544132
You easily leap down to a ledge on the cliffs, concealed from view.
Light Heart [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] STH
>Mocking Wark [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░] DZD
Emrille [▓░░░░░░░░░] HLP
Flowing [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░░] HLP
Tela [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] ORB-3
Hircus [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] STH
>>544133
Take another shot at the same guard '1d10'
HP Lovepone can immediately start healing Wark '1d10'
Who and Wark should… probably not attack, but they'll get attacked themselves no matter what because of this system, so I guess they should attack after all. '1d10' '1d10+1'
Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 4 = 4 / Roll #3 4 = 4 / Roll #4 5 + 1 = 6
Take another shot at the same guard '1d10'
HP Lovepone can immediately start healing Wark '1d10'
Who and Wark should… probably not attack, but they'll get attacked themselves no matter what because of this system, so I guess they should attack after all. '1d10' '1d10+1'
Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 4 = 4 / Roll #3 4 = 4 / Roll #4 5 + 1 = 6
>>544134
>>544135
6, 6
The two of you manage to pull yourselves to your feet.
Flowing is particularly impressive: The samurai begins to coup de grace him but he rolls out of the way just in time.
>>544136
Your round finishes off one of the Gokenin.
HP bursts from the shadows with streamers and gives Wark a wave of healing!
Who and Wark tear into another soldier. Who looks like he's recovered from his Daze.
Wark blocks hits for himself and Who, but can't yours. Two soldiers rip into you from both sides.
HP gets slashed up by a fourth assailant.
>>544137
You slam into the soldier, and he crumples in a single hit!
Another soldier takes the opportunity to drive a blade through the back of your armor, though, and you fall down bloodily.
>>544138
You sneakily leap up and give him the grenade, which blows up in a big display of fire. You've certainly got their attention now. One less soldier to deal with.
Three soldiers close in on you, ready to avenge their buddy. You zip around the legs of one of them, causing him to fall off the cliff to his doom. The other two are a little faster on the uptake, though, and take turns slashing at you.
Light Heart [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
>Mocking Wark [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░]
Emrille [▓░░░░░░░░░]
Flowing [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░░]
Tela [▓░░░░░░░░░░░] ORB-2 HLP
Hircus [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>544135
6, 6
The two of you manage to pull yourselves to your feet.
Flowing is particularly impressive: The samurai begins to coup de grace him but he rolls out of the way just in time.
>>544136
Your round finishes off one of the Gokenin.
HP bursts from the shadows with streamers and gives Wark a wave of healing!
Who and Wark tear into another soldier. Who looks like he's recovered from his Daze.
Wark blocks hits for himself and Who, but can't yours. Two soldiers rip into you from both sides.
HP gets slashed up by a fourth assailant.
>>544137
You slam into the soldier, and he crumples in a single hit!
Another soldier takes the opportunity to drive a blade through the back of your armor, though, and you fall down bloodily.
>>544138
You sneakily leap up and give him the grenade, which blows up in a big display of fire. You've certainly got their attention now. One less soldier to deal with.
Three soldiers close in on you, ready to avenge their buddy. You zip around the legs of one of them, causing him to fall off the cliff to his doom. The other two are a little faster on the uptake, though, and take turns slashing at you.
Light Heart [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
>Mocking Wark [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░]
Emrille [▓░░░░░░░░░]
Flowing [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░░]
Tela [▓░░░░░░░░░░░] ORB-2 HLP
Hircus [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>544140
With incredible speed you tear into the hatamoto. You slash through his armor with crushing blows and slay him!
"Glory!"
A soldier behind you takes the opportunity to strike at you now.
>>544143
You fire off another shot and execute one of the soldiers with a single blast!
>>544144
Bonk! He starts bleeding where you impacted him with your club. He tries to reply but he falls over, disabled.
You're not ready for the soldier who snuck up behind you, though. He kicks you to the cliff, and you scramble to barely hold on! You have to pull yourself up!
>>544141
HP helps Wark continue recovering.
He and Who manage to dispatch that soldier in a tag team strike!
Wark takes another hit but he's too weak to continue blocking blows. HP and you both get ripped into by soldiers.
>>544142
You're breathless… just gotta rest a moment more…
Light Heart [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓░░░░░]
>Mocking Wark [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░]
Emrille [▓░░░░░░░░░]
Flowing [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
Tela [▓░░░░░░░░░░░] ORB-1 HLP
Hircus [▓▓▓░░░░░░░] HLP
Gokenin 1
Gokenin 2
Gokenin 3
Gokenin 4
Gokenin 5
Gokenin 6
With incredible speed you tear into the hatamoto. You slash through his armor with crushing blows and slay him!
"Glory!"
A soldier behind you takes the opportunity to strike at you now.
>>544143
You fire off another shot and execute one of the soldiers with a single blast!
>>544144
Bonk! He starts bleeding where you impacted him with your club. He tries to reply but he falls over, disabled.
You're not ready for the soldier who snuck up behind you, though. He kicks you to the cliff, and you scramble to barely hold on! You have to pull yourself up!
>>544141
HP helps Wark continue recovering.
He and Who manage to dispatch that soldier in a tag team strike!
Wark takes another hit but he's too weak to continue blocking blows. HP and you both get ripped into by soldiers.
>>544142
You're breathless… just gotta rest a moment more…
Light Heart [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓░░░░░]
>Mocking Wark [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░]
Emrille [▓░░░░░░░░░]
Flowing [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
Tela [▓░░░░░░░░░░░] ORB-1 HLP
Hircus [▓▓▓░░░░░░░] HLP
Gokenin 1
Gokenin 2
Gokenin 3
Gokenin 4
Gokenin 5
Gokenin 6
>>544148
You're back on your hooves!
>>544149
You swing wide over onto the ledge and then leap back up into battle!
>>544146
Blam! You blast one back away from Tela.
>>544147
You bloody the first soldier, but stab the other in the throat, twice, killing him bloodily.
One soldier flees at top speed. (natural 10)
>>544150
You pick off a soldier near Tela and Wark finishes off one behind Flowing Tree. Who slashes up another.
Wark blocks blows for two of them.
Light Heart [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓░░░░░]
>Mocking Wark [▓░░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░]
Emrille [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Flowing [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
Tela [▓░░░░░░░░░░░] ORB-0
Hircus [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Gokenin 1
Gokenin 2
You're back on your hooves!
>>544149
You swing wide over onto the ledge and then leap back up into battle!
>>544146
Blam! You blast one back away from Tela.
>>544147
You bloody the first soldier, but stab the other in the throat, twice, killing him bloodily.
One soldier flees at top speed. (natural 10)
>>544150
You pick off a soldier near Tela and Wark finishes off one behind Flowing Tree. Who slashes up another.
Wark blocks blows for two of them.
Light Heart [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓░░░░░]
>Mocking Wark [▓░░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░]
Emrille [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Flowing [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
Tela [▓░░░░░░░░░░░] ORB-0
Hircus [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Gokenin 1
Gokenin 2
>>544151
Just a constant battle to keep Wark alive… HP keeps healing him '1d10'
Shoot one of the remaining soldiers in the legs, Cheap shot '1d10'
Wark… you know the drill. '1d10'
Can Who go full colossus hunter mode and use Portable cage with some professional jumps and leaps if one of them goes helpless? '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 10 = 10 / Roll #3 8 = 8 / Roll #4 9 = 9
Just a constant battle to keep Wark alive… HP keeps healing him '1d10'
Shoot one of the remaining soldiers in the legs, Cheap shot '1d10'
Wark… you know the drill. '1d10'
Can Who go full colossus hunter mode and use Portable cage with some professional jumps and leaps if one of them goes helpless? '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 10 = 10 / Roll #3 8 = 8 / Roll #4 9 = 9
>>544161
Most of these guys are poor-ass grunts, but you manage to pick out 2300 songs between them.
The hatamoto has the nice stuff. He's wearing two really nice swords but it would be totally illegal for you to wear those openly here.
He also has a golden apple which is probably valuable.
>>544165
You are going to have to roll.
>>544162
>>544159
>>544164
>>544162
HP finally gets around to looking each of you over over the new few minutes to revive you.
Most of these guys are poor-ass grunts, but you manage to pick out 2300 songs between them.
The hatamoto has the nice stuff. He's wearing two really nice swords but it would be totally illegal for you to wear those openly here.
He also has a golden apple which is probably valuable.
>>544165
You are going to have to roll.
>>544162
>>544159
>>544164
>>544162
HP finally gets around to looking each of you over over the new few minutes to revive you.
>>544185
I'm sure of that. Carrying four swords around might be strange.
What of HP? She'd need papers for that I imagine.
>>544186
"He will probably come back with an army. We should finish our mission before he has the chance to."
>>544188
"We had to put many aswell.
Most of the kids didn't think past the basic kill and pillage routine."
I'm sure of that. Carrying four swords around might be strange.
What of HP? She'd need papers for that I imagine.
>>544186
"He will probably come back with an army. We should finish our mission before he has the chance to."
>>544188
"We had to put many aswell.
Most of the kids didn't think past the basic kill and pillage routine."
>>544262
>>544263
>>544264
>>544260
>>544258
Hircus, Wark, and Emmy are up top.
Tela, Light Heart, Flowing, and HP fall down below.
It seems you are not the only ones lurking down at the bottom of this chasm, though. You're surrounded by black-clad ninja with drawn swords. Based on the impromptu structures and the covered fire, it seems you have fallen directly into their campsite.
>>544263
>>544264
>>544260
>>544258
Hircus, Wark, and Emmy are up top.
Tela, Light Heart, Flowing, and HP fall down below.
It seems you are not the only ones lurking down at the bottom of this chasm, though. You're surrounded by black-clad ninja with drawn swords. Based on the impromptu structures and the covered fire, it seems you have fallen directly into their campsite.
>>544274
Lean forward, showing my sword.
"On the honor this steel commends, we will do nothing of the sort.
In fact, our matters are so far removed from yours we do not care or know for Tokusatsu in the least.
Ninjas might not abide to the same code samurai do, but you must surely know what it stands for, to us."
Turn around.
"And besides, these are foreigners. We have nothing to do with feudal quarrels."
Lean forward, showing my sword.
"On the honor this steel commends, we will do nothing of the sort.
In fact, our matters are so far removed from yours we do not care or know for Tokusatsu in the least.
Ninjas might not abide to the same code samurai do, but you must surely know what it stands for, to us."
Turn around.
"And besides, these are foreigners. We have nothing to do with feudal quarrels."
A great buzz fills the village, today. It is the first day of spring, and in the outside world, the cherry blossoms have begun to bloom. The magic of nature has opened the portal between your world and that of the giant ponies. But for one Breezie, today was not so much a day of celebration as a day to make a plan.
Deep under the roots of the Great Sycamore Tree, in the secret workshop of Manako, there is a rumbling under the floorboards…
It has been almost a year since the last time the great portal opened and you returned home, and you have a guest you need to check up on in the other room…
Deep under the roots of the Great Sycamore Tree, in the secret workshop of Manako, there is a rumbling under the floorboards…
It has been almost a year since the last time the great portal opened and you returned home, and you have a guest you need to check up on in the other room…
>>544588
You're greeted by a giant face.
"Is it tiiiiime yet?"
Oh right. The whole reason you've been stressing about the portal opening again. About half a year ago when the portal closed you found an injured, foreigner filly out in the woods. With no time to heal the poor kid before the portal closed, you just shoved her through the portal and have been keeping her secretly in your workshop for months on end. Like a pet. A pet that is ten times your size at least. Sneaking her out is going to be a challenge, but your charity has had its perks. At last you had someone to talk to who wasn't a hippy obsessed with nature. Here was a pony who could appreciate your work! Your sketches and designs! Even if she was just a kid. And besides, she taught you Equestrian. That has to count for something.
"Well? I felt something weird this morning! It's time to go, right?"
>>544586
"Alright… let me see your hoof…"
You're greeted by a giant face.
"Is it tiiiiime yet?"
Oh right. The whole reason you've been stressing about the portal opening again. About half a year ago when the portal closed you found an injured, foreigner filly out in the woods. With no time to heal the poor kid before the portal closed, you just shoved her through the portal and have been keeping her secretly in your workshop for months on end. Like a pet. A pet that is ten times your size at least. Sneaking her out is going to be a challenge, but your charity has had its perks. At last you had someone to talk to who wasn't a hippy obsessed with nature. Here was a pony who could appreciate your work! Your sketches and designs! Even if she was just a kid. And besides, she taught you Equestrian. That has to count for something.
"Well? I felt something weird this morning! It's time to go, right?"
>>544586
"Alright… let me see your hoof…"
>>544595
"The hoof has more character. This reading is about the past, I need to see where you've been – I get nothing from air resistance. Ready?"
>>544597
She has a silly Equestrian name. Felix Dimples. Covering her is going to be the real issue. You managed to sneak her in with the confusion last time, but this time everyone will be headed out, not in. Your best bet is to wait until the crowd thins a bit – but perhaps you could employ a genius contraption! Roll for number of genius contraptions you already have fabricated in your workshop. 1d7-1
"The hoof has more character. This reading is about the past, I need to see where you've been – I get nothing from air resistance. Ready?"
>>544597
She has a silly Equestrian name. Felix Dimples. Covering her is going to be the real issue. You managed to sneak her in with the confusion last time, but this time everyone will be headed out, not in. Your best bet is to wait until the crowd thins a bit – but perhaps you could employ a genius contraption! Roll for number of genius contraptions you already have fabricated in your workshop. 1d7-1
>>544600
You have tons of kooky inventions for stuff like this! Maybe you should use your Beguilement-Concealer. Or your Camouflage-Shroud Shrouder. Or your Enthralling Hypnotizer. Or your Glowing Hypnotic Enchanter! Or just go all out and use the Light Beam! Or maybe just the Solar Hypnotism-Captivator.
Which will it be?
She squirms to look through the doorway with one of her big eyes. "Hey, what have you got in there?"
>>544601
"Hmm… in your most recent past, I see a struggle to change and evolve… before that a time of great trauma… oh, interesting, another great shift, from one love to another. How interesting… you seem to be more pliable and able to adapt than even you give yourself credit for… how interesting… a fateful meeting in a bar changed your life… Ah, here's where I'm getting into the meat. Years as a sellsword… They sharpened your skills but not your manners… A great sense of honor and duty to a contract, a good trait in a sellsword, but so uncharacteristic for you otherwise… Ah, I'm seeing it now. There was a great shift, here in your childhood. This is the major fault-line in your hoof, see? This big crack across the center, you've probably always wondered of it if you've looked at your hoof at all. A loss of identity… perhaps from abandonment? No… You were taken in… but there is a great confusion… I see! It is all clear to me now! To resolve your troubles, you must undo this snarl that formed at the beginning. That which creates all the other knots in your hoof. You must return to the place of your childhood and confront your past. You must return to Anneiv, in Germaney!"
You have tons of kooky inventions for stuff like this! Maybe you should use your Beguilement-Concealer. Or your Camouflage-Shroud Shrouder. Or your Enthralling Hypnotizer. Or your Glowing Hypnotic Enchanter! Or just go all out and use the Light Beam! Or maybe just the Solar Hypnotism-Captivator.
Which will it be?
She squirms to look through the doorway with one of her big eyes. "Hey, what have you got in there?"
>>544601
"Hmm… in your most recent past, I see a struggle to change and evolve… before that a time of great trauma… oh, interesting, another great shift, from one love to another. How interesting… you seem to be more pliable and able to adapt than even you give yourself credit for… how interesting… a fateful meeting in a bar changed your life… Ah, here's where I'm getting into the meat. Years as a sellsword… They sharpened your skills but not your manners… A great sense of honor and duty to a contract, a good trait in a sellsword, but so uncharacteristic for you otherwise… Ah, I'm seeing it now. There was a great shift, here in your childhood. This is the major fault-line in your hoof, see? This big crack across the center, you've probably always wondered of it if you've looked at your hoof at all. A loss of identity… perhaps from abandonment? No… You were taken in… but there is a great confusion… I see! It is all clear to me now! To resolve your troubles, you must undo this snarl that formed at the beginning. That which creates all the other knots in your hoof. You must return to the place of your childhood and confront your past. You must return to Anneiv, in Germaney!"
>>544617
"The hoof reading answers only 'what', not 'why'. That is up for you to determine. But I certainly see the traits of a Germane hoof here."
>>544612
She squints at you. "This isn't going to be like the time you tried to make a self-lighting fireplace, right?""
Got it! It has all the technological considerations that a camouflage-shroud shrouder SHOULD have, with none of the cut out extras! You should shroud so many camouflage-shrouds with this thing! You grab an extra camouflage-shroud for use with it just in case the first one falls off.
This thing is huge for you. Bazooka-sized. You built it out of paperclips, gum wrapper foil, and dreams.
"The hoof reading answers only 'what', not 'why'. That is up for you to determine. But I certainly see the traits of a Germane hoof here."
>>544612
She squints at you. "This isn't going to be like the time you tried to make a self-lighting fireplace, right?""
Got it! It has all the technological considerations that a camouflage-shroud shrouder SHOULD have, with none of the cut out extras! You should shroud so many camouflage-shrouds with this thing! You grab an extra camouflage-shroud for use with it just in case the first one falls off.
This thing is huge for you. Bazooka-sized. You built it out of paperclips, gum wrapper foil, and dreams.
>>544633
Nabbed it. She'll have to come out the other way, since your door is way too small for her.
You head up a series of winding tunnels and come out behind the bookcase in your humble little breezy room on ground level. Whenever you give the signal she will surface.
Right now you can see the portal is open and breezies are still streaming out of it into the great wood.
Nabbed it. She'll have to come out the other way, since your door is way too small for her.
You head up a series of winding tunnels and come out behind the bookcase in your humble little breezy room on ground level. Whenever you give the signal she will surface.
Right now you can see the portal is open and breezies are still streaming out of it into the great wood.
>>544704
You push her through just in time! But they keep coming! Felix shrieks in surprise and grabs you and jams you into her pocket alongside lint and spare paperclips. "Sorry sis, we have to go!"
With that she sprints off at blazing speeds – she gallops so fast! Must be nice being a big pony! The yells of surprise from your old Breezie neighbors grows quiet so quickly!
You better think on your feet… you know from chatting with little sis – the same little sister who is now carrying you in her pocket – that Breezies aren't totally accepted in pony society… but you're sure you'll figure something out.
To be continued…
You push her through just in time! But they keep coming! Felix shrieks in surprise and grabs you and jams you into her pocket alongside lint and spare paperclips. "Sorry sis, we have to go!"
With that she sprints off at blazing speeds – she gallops so fast! Must be nice being a big pony! The yells of surprise from your old Breezie neighbors grows quiet so quickly!
You better think on your feet… you know from chatting with little sis – the same little sister who is now carrying you in her pocket – that Breezies aren't totally accepted in pony society… but you're sure you'll figure something out.
To be continued…
>>544788
The post you replied to said "roll diplomacy"! Read it!
"Most honorable ponies born in honor die in disgrace. I could float a junk on the river of samurai blood I have killed alone. But you are just a ronin, you clearly have no connection to Tokusatsu. Consider your band lucky, ronin."
Smokebombs go off all across the canyon sending the whole party into a coughing fit. With that, the ninja are gone: fire doused, tents missing, and no sign of any of them.
>>544792
You've been riding for a while. Doesn't she EVER get tired? It looks like you're approaching a huge wall.
The post you replied to said "roll diplomacy"! Read it!
"Most honorable ponies born in honor die in disgrace. I could float a junk on the river of samurai blood I have killed alone. But you are just a ronin, you clearly have no connection to Tokusatsu. Consider your band lucky, ronin."
Smokebombs go off all across the canyon sending the whole party into a coughing fit. With that, the ninja are gone: fire doused, tents missing, and no sign of any of them.
>>544792
You've been riding for a while. Doesn't she EVER get tired? It looks like you're approaching a huge wall.
File: 1396037472680.jpg (70.57 KB, 483x721, imgl0017.jpg, IO exif Google TinEye)
>>544819
>>544820
>>544821
>>544822
>>544823
>>544824
You observe nearby a shallow pond full of cattails. In it, Red-Crowned Cranes bob for fish.
>>544826
She frowns a little.
"Hm… I'm not sure how to do that! It's… across the water. We'd need to somehow get a ship that would let us come on… and we don't have paperwork… I lost my papers before you took me in."
>>544820
>>544821
>>544822
>>544823
>>544824
You observe nearby a shallow pond full of cattails. In it, Red-Crowned Cranes bob for fish.
>>544826
She frowns a little.
"Hm… I'm not sure how to do that! It's… across the water. We'd need to somehow get a ship that would let us come on… and we don't have paperwork… I lost my papers before you took me in."
>>544841
>>544840
>>544839
>>544838
>>544837
You move out of the woods with an odd feeling of being left out of the loop. It's probably nothing!
Outside of the woods is a great plains. You travel alongside a river which ends in a waterfall back near the cliffside. On the other side of the river there is a rice-farming community, but there is no bridge over the river.
>>544840
>>544839
>>544838
>>544837
You move out of the woods with an odd feeling of being left out of the loop. It's probably nothing!
Outside of the woods is a great plains. You travel alongside a river which ends in a waterfall back near the cliffside. On the other side of the river there is a rice-farming community, but there is no bridge over the river.
>>544856
She smiles, but then yelps and shoves you back into the pocket.
Then she whispers to you through the fabric. "Sorry big sis… remember how I had to hide before? Now you gotta hide for a while until I come up with something… I have an idea though! Don't worry!"
Someone outside with a deep voice and neighponese accent asks, "Are you talking to your clothes?"
"Ha ha! Just nervous! Can… I come inside? My parents are in there?"
"Get on then."
>>544864
You find a place a little ways up the river that looks more calm.
She smiles, but then yelps and shoves you back into the pocket.
Then she whispers to you through the fabric. "Sorry big sis… remember how I had to hide before? Now you gotta hide for a while until I come up with something… I have an idea though! Don't worry!"
Someone outside with a deep voice and neighponese accent asks, "Are you talking to your clothes?"
"Ha ha! Just nervous! Can… I come inside? My parents are in there?"
"Get on then."
>>544864
You find a place a little ways up the river that looks more calm.
>>544870
There are a lot of neighponese voices all around you but then you detect that you're headed into a building.
"I hope they speak Equestrian, my Neighponese never got very good…"
She stumbles through a few sentences trying to buy something from the clerk, then grows frustrated and runs out.
Finally she pulls you out of her pocket in the alleyway behind a shop.
"I couldn't figure out what to say to buy something when I don't have any money, but I did get… this!"
She shows you a little ragdoll she clearly nabbed from the shop. She pulls the doll part out and throws it away, and hoofs you the doll outfit. "You can wear this and pretend to be my doll, and tell me what to say. I'll just repeat your Neighponese since you're so much better at it than me! Good plan, right?!"
She seems pretty proud of this.
>>544875
You take a big gulp of water as you get washed downstream. Suddenly you're encased in a block of ice!
>>544879
You pull him out on the other side, no prob.
>>544877
You freeze a chunk of water. The group quickly crosses before water buildup dislodges it, but Flowing is still an icicle. Better fish him out.
There are a lot of neighponese voices all around you but then you detect that you're headed into a building.
"I hope they speak Equestrian, my Neighponese never got very good…"
She stumbles through a few sentences trying to buy something from the clerk, then grows frustrated and runs out.
Finally she pulls you out of her pocket in the alleyway behind a shop.
"I couldn't figure out what to say to buy something when I don't have any money, but I did get… this!"
She shows you a little ragdoll she clearly nabbed from the shop. She pulls the doll part out and throws it away, and hoofs you the doll outfit. "You can wear this and pretend to be my doll, and tell me what to say. I'll just repeat your Neighponese since you're so much better at it than me! Good plan, right?!"
She seems pretty proud of this.
>>544875
You take a big gulp of water as you get washed downstream. Suddenly you're encased in a block of ice!
>>544879
You pull him out on the other side, no prob.
>>544877
You freeze a chunk of water. The group quickly crosses before water buildup dislodges it, but Flowing is still an icicle. Better fish him out.
>>544898
You get your hoof caught in the ice and start getting dragged along for the ride!
>>544900
You pull Emrille free.
>>544901
>>544902
And the two of you drag Flowing to shore.
>>544903
Before he busts out of his icy prison.
>>544899
The doll outfit covers your wings, so you keep them furled up. She licks your antennae so they're slicked back into your mane.
"There! Now you'll pass as a doll no problem! Okay… so we have to find a boat, but now you can look around and help me talk. Where should we go first?"
You get your hoof caught in the ice and start getting dragged along for the ride!
>>544900
You pull Emrille free.
>>544901
>>544902
And the two of you drag Flowing to shore.
>>544903
Before he busts out of his icy prison.
>>544899
The doll outfit covers your wings, so you keep them furled up. She licks your antennae so they're slicked back into your mane.
"There! Now you'll pass as a doll no problem! Okay… so we have to find a boat, but now you can look around and help me talk. Where should we go first?"
>>544931
>>544930
>>544921
>>544918
As previously mentioned, there is a rice farming community here on the other side of the bridge.
>>544920
You ride on her back as she wanders through town. Big ponies even tower over her! You come to a harbor, but curiously there are no ships here. From the harbor you can see nearly everything, though: market lane, the big castle, and the city walls.
>>544930
>>544921
>>544918
As previously mentioned, there is a rice farming community here on the other side of the bridge.
>>544920
You ride on her back as she wanders through town. Big ponies even tower over her! You come to a harbor, but curiously there are no ships here. From the harbor you can see nearly everything, though: market lane, the big castle, and the city walls.
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>>544941
Rest? That's up to you.
>>544942
"Alright, let's try there first…"
It's certainly impressive. Big walls are around the keep. There are guards at the gates.
She gulps. "Are you sure? You better tell me what to say in Neighponese."
>>544943
Hutward bound! You knock on the door. No answer.
There are ponies out working the rice fields, though.
Rest? That's up to you.
>>544942
"Alright, let's try there first…"
It's certainly impressive. Big walls are around the keep. There are guards at the gates.
She gulps. "Are you sure? You better tell me what to say in Neighponese."
>>544943
Hutward bound! You knock on the door. No answer.
There are ponies out working the rice fields, though.
>>544956
She nervously approaches and tries to initiate conversation.
"Good morning!"
It's afternoon.
"I am here for boats! What is boats now? I see no boats!"
The guard gives her an extremely confused look. His face is as big as you are.
"What exactly are you trying to ask little girl?"
"Psst! Help!"
>>544958
"The battle hasn't reached it yet as far as I know."
>>544957
"He says the daimyo send his men weeks ago to draft soldiers!"
>>544959
Well, try.
>>544960
Eeek! This water is full of leeches! Get it off!
…Don't those have alchemical applications?
She nervously approaches and tries to initiate conversation.
"Good morning!"
It's afternoon.
"I am here for boats! What is boats now? I see no boats!"
The guard gives her an extremely confused look. His face is as big as you are.
"What exactly are you trying to ask little girl?"
"Psst! Help!"
>>544958
"The battle hasn't reached it yet as far as I know."
>>544957
"He says the daimyo send his men weeks ago to draft soldiers!"
>>544959
Well, try.
>>544960
Eeek! This water is full of leeches! Get it off!
…Don't those have alchemical applications?
>>544971
"He says that they try to avoid thinking about the war here. A stallion from every family has been drafted! Awa is close, but… hm, I'm not sure how to translate this? It's an expression, but… well, literally it means that Nagobana is closer to the Forbidden City than Yotok, a little farming village outside of the city. So, the meaning is that big cities are more closely connected even though they have great separation, get it?"
>>544973
"Why are you asking? Is this a test? The daimyo might say to share this information is treason."
>>544976
They don't seem to understand. One knows a little, though. "Uh, Awa? Up road. Go on road. Very soon. Close."
>>544978
You nab several leeches and pry off the one on your face.
"He says that they try to avoid thinking about the war here. A stallion from every family has been drafted! Awa is close, but… hm, I'm not sure how to translate this? It's an expression, but… well, literally it means that Nagobana is closer to the Forbidden City than Yotok, a little farming village outside of the city. So, the meaning is that big cities are more closely connected even though they have great separation, get it?"
>>544973
"Why are you asking? Is this a test? The daimyo might say to share this information is treason."
>>544976
They don't seem to understand. One knows a little, though. "Uh, Awa? Up road. Go on road. Very soon. Close."
>>544978
You nab several leeches and pry off the one on your face.
>>544974
She takes a deep breath.
"[Gibberish] me sir. Where [gibberish] the boats?"
"Oh. The ships. They are being used by His Honorable Lordship in the war effort. Why are you looking for ships little one?"
"I didn't understand half of that! What's he saying?"
>>544982
Oh, you meant the BOTTLE! They're squirming. Some are fat, others are sleek.
She takes a deep breath.
"[Gibberish] me sir. Where [gibberish] the boats?"
"Oh. The ships. They are being used by His Honorable Lordship in the war effort. Why are you looking for ships little one?"
"I didn't understand half of that! What's he saying?"
>>544982
Oh, you meant the BOTTLE! They're squirming. Some are fat, others are sleek.
>>544991
"Are you talking to that doll?"
"Uh, uh… I need a boat!! Where [Gibberish] a boat ride? Ferry?"
"Hm? No boats in town right now. Listen, little girl, you need to go find your parents."
>>544993
"It is very close. You could make it by the end of the day if you hurry, then."
>>544996
What game do you want to play?
"Are you talking to that doll?"
"Uh, uh… I need a boat!! Where [Gibberish] a boat ride? Ferry?"
"Hm? No boats in town right now. Listen, little girl, you need to go find your parents."
>>544993
"It is very close. You could make it by the end of the day if you hurry, then."
>>544996
What game do you want to play?
>>545010
>>545011
>>545007
>>545002
You travel onward for a few miles. In the distance, you see the great city of Awa.
>>545013
You've got a long way to go.
Let's get down to business
To defeat Takikaga!
Did they send me mares
When I asked for stallions?
You're the saddest mare I've ever met
But you can bet, before we're through
Emrille I'll make a gunslinger out of you!
Tranquil as that river you just crossed
But on Fire Shot within
Once you find your target
You are sure to win!
Okay this has gone on long enough.
>>545011
>>545007
>>545002
You travel onward for a few miles. In the distance, you see the great city of Awa.
>>545013
You've got a long way to go.
Let's get down to business
To defeat Takikaga!
Did they send me mares
When I asked for stallions?
You're the saddest mare I've ever met
But you can bet, before we're through
Emrille I'll make a gunslinger out of you!
Tranquil as that river you just crossed
But on Fire Shot within
Once you find your target
You are sure to win!
Okay this has gone on long enough.
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>>545025
>>545024
>>545022
>>545019
The city walls are huge here, but it is certainly not on fire. The protection of the walls guards a great keep in the distance.
The entrance is under heavy guard. These men scrutinize everyone who enters.
>>545021
"Sorry [Gibberish]. I will go [Gibberish] to them right [Gibberish]. Are [Gibberish] boats next town?"
"Most boats have been temporarily seized. Your best bet is to wait for a merchant vessel. They come once in every few days."
Little Sis Felix offers a little curtsy and backs off.
>>545024
>>545022
>>545019
The city walls are huge here, but it is certainly not on fire. The protection of the walls guards a great keep in the distance.
The entrance is under heavy guard. These men scrutinize everyone who enters.
>>545021
"Sorry [Gibberish]. I will go [Gibberish] to them right [Gibberish]. Are [Gibberish] boats next town?"
"Most boats have been temporarily seized. Your best bet is to wait for a merchant vessel. They come once in every few days."
Little Sis Felix offers a little curtsy and backs off.
>>545056
Here around the castle it is highly maintained with bunkers and chest-high-walls for archers. There are even braziers for early-warning and lighting arrows on fire. Siege engineers are currently working on reinforcing it in case a siege comes upon the city.
>>545057
Pestering the guard in what appears to be broken Neighponese.
>>545059
A whole pack of Equestrians is here with three Neighponese guides. They even have an ENORMOUS dog monster that walks on two legs!
"Eep! Big sis what should I do??"
>>545054
>>545055
>>545052
"Uhhh… uhhh…"
Here around the castle it is highly maintained with bunkers and chest-high-walls for archers. There are even braziers for early-warning and lighting arrows on fire. Siege engineers are currently working on reinforcing it in case a siege comes upon the city.
>>545057
Pestering the guard in what appears to be broken Neighponese.
>>545059
A whole pack of Equestrians is here with three Neighponese guides. They even have an ENORMOUS dog monster that walks on two legs!
"Eep! Big sis what should I do??"
>>545054
>>545055
>>545052
"Uhhh… uhhh…"
>>545085
In this order:
1) Big dog monster! Scary!
2) Weird serene pegasus lady! She has a donkey and a earth pony with her… The earth pony is a ninja from Neighpon!
3) A pegasus that won't stop playing with her guns. She seems like she has a bad temper!
4) A weirdo goat.
5) A pegasus lady with all kinds of baubles hanging off her outfit!
6) A sparkly pony made out of crystals! You've never imagined something so amazing!
7) A tough looking samurai with rapiers talking to the guards.
>>545086
She nabs them without a second thought and gives you a big smile. "Thank you thank you!"
>>545089
Nah, she's just some kid. More concerningly you seem to have stepped into a bucket of water.
>>545090
"Eeeew!"
>>545091
"The war is good for us. His Honorable Lordship employs the mightiest samurai in Neighpon, save for those of his Imperial Grace, the Shogun, of course. On land we are unmatched, but we are losing at sea. The cowards must rely on their cannons and ships. To make matters worse, they refuse to honorably sail in a straight line and do all kinds of weaving and avoiding of our return fire."
In this order:
1) Big dog monster! Scary!
2) Weird serene pegasus lady! She has a donkey and a earth pony with her… The earth pony is a ninja from Neighpon!
3) A pegasus that won't stop playing with her guns. She seems like she has a bad temper!
4) A weirdo goat.
5) A pegasus lady with all kinds of baubles hanging off her outfit!
6) A sparkly pony made out of crystals! You've never imagined something so amazing!
7) A tough looking samurai with rapiers talking to the guards.
>>545086
She nabs them without a second thought and gives you a big smile. "Thank you thank you!"
>>545089
Nah, she's just some kid. More concerningly you seem to have stepped into a bucket of water.
>>545090
"Eeeew!"
>>545091
"The war is good for us. His Honorable Lordship employs the mightiest samurai in Neighpon, save for those of his Imperial Grace, the Shogun, of course. On land we are unmatched, but we are losing at sea. The cowards must rely on their cannons and ships. To make matters worse, they refuse to honorably sail in a straight line and do all kinds of weaving and avoiding of our return fire."
>>545095
"Uh, wait, there's just one thing I have to make sure of first!"
>>545090
>>545089
>>545088
>>545087
>>545086
"If I go with you, I have to be able to bring my doll, okay? You can't change your mind! We're a package deal!"
>>545098
"I gotta get home to Equestria!"
>>545097
"Of course, but they refuse to honorably dock with us and secure ships. They just keep sailing out of reach and firing!"
"Uh, wait, there's just one thing I have to make sure of first!"
>>545090
>>545089
>>545088
>>545087
>>545086
"If I go with you, I have to be able to bring my doll, okay? You can't change your mind! We're a package deal!"
>>545098
"I gotta get home to Equestria!"
>>545097
"Of course, but they refuse to honorably dock with us and secure ships. They just keep sailing out of reach and firing!"
>>545154
>>545153
>>545152
>>545151
>>545148
"We expected you in the morning, but this is good as well. I am His Honorable Lordship's representative. All I need from you is to sign off on the paperwork and you can signal your ships to dock."
His voice is a little higher pitched than most stallions, like a mare's. You are not being shown to the room of the daimyo himself it seems.
>>545150
"Good thinking big sis! Anyway it sounds like their ships will arrive soon."
>>545153
>>545152
>>545151
>>545148
"We expected you in the morning, but this is good as well. I am His Honorable Lordship's representative. All I need from you is to sign off on the paperwork and you can signal your ships to dock."
His voice is a little higher pitched than most stallions, like a mare's. You are not being shown to the room of the daimyo himself it seems.
>>545150
"Good thinking big sis! Anyway it sounds like their ships will arrive soon."
>>545148
Cultural information: the courts of daimyos and high lords are attended by eunuchs, which this stallion obviously is. They live their entire lives inside the castle keep and have the ear of the daimyo. They can be trusted to have absolute loyalty because they have no life beyond the palace walls.
>>545166
She is talking to her little doll.
"Hmph. Hard to say… maybe… finding someone to care about?"
>>545167
He's probably hiding somewhere now that you're in civilization.
>>545163
He withdraws some papers and sets them on the desk.
"I hope you'll forgive the absence of the daimyo. These are times of war, after all. None can be trusted, even his most loyal soldiers. Perhaps you've heard of the three assassins?"
>>545168
You tactlessly shove your head between his legs and determine he is a court eunuch. He is very professional and ignores your outburst, though.
Cultural information: the courts of daimyos and high lords are attended by eunuchs, which this stallion obviously is. They live their entire lives inside the castle keep and have the ear of the daimyo. They can be trusted to have absolute loyalty because they have no life beyond the palace walls.
>>545166
She is talking to her little doll.
"Hmph. Hard to say… maybe… finding someone to care about?"
>>545167
He's probably hiding somewhere now that you're in civilization.
>>545163
He withdraws some papers and sets them on the desk.
"I hope you'll forgive the absence of the daimyo. These are times of war, after all. None can be trusted, even his most loyal soldiers. Perhaps you've heard of the three assassins?"
>>545168
You tactlessly shove your head between his legs and determine he is a court eunuch. He is very professional and ignores your outburst, though.
>>545173
She hugs her doll.
"Aye, she is a fine mare… but she has someone."
>>545174
Nothing suspicious in the wording, it's a standard contract for a letter of marque.
"Assassins are everywhere of course, but Takikaga employs three particularly deadly assassins. Serene Waterfall, Reaching Spear, and Ocean. For the last ten years, since they last assaulted the palace, none have advanced within one hundred paces of the throne, safe for His Honorable Lordship's closest attendants. He has not even removed his armor in that time."
>>545176
"I think the diamond dog is watching us…"
Oh. That's what that thing is called.
She hugs her doll.
"Aye, she is a fine mare… but she has someone."
>>545174
Nothing suspicious in the wording, it's a standard contract for a letter of marque.
"Assassins are everywhere of course, but Takikaga employs three particularly deadly assassins. Serene Waterfall, Reaching Spear, and Ocean. For the last ten years, since they last assaulted the palace, none have advanced within one hundred paces of the throne, safe for His Honorable Lordship's closest attendants. He has not even removed his armor in that time."
>>545176
"I think the diamond dog is watching us…"
Oh. That's what that thing is called.
>>545184
"Good. You are free to signal your fleet, then. I should mention of these three assassins, there is a rather enormous bounty on them, but you should stay out of their way. Two of them were able to brush away the palace guards like leaves on the breeze. Any one of them is enormously dangerous."
>>545187
"If you so desire."
"Good. You are free to signal your fleet, then. I should mention of these three assassins, there is a rather enormous bounty on them, but you should stay out of their way. Two of them were able to brush away the palace guards like leaves on the breeze. Any one of them is enormously dangerous."
>>545187
"If you so desire."
>>545231
"That would be good, but then they might learn you're a breezie!"
>>545230
"Most of the war's information is not necessary to you. What is most important is that there are three ports that serve as the main supply-line to Takikaga. If you can cut those off, the siege will no doubt succeed. Any wealth or ships owned by Takikaga that you pillage or seize are yours for the taking, but the daimyo will pay a bounty on intact ships so you don't need to find a seller if you do not want to trouble with the market. He will also play a smaller bounty on sunk ships, which is why we will be sending a representative with you, bearing approval, to confirm kills."
>>545240
Wark gives you a warm smile.
"That would be good, but then they might learn you're a breezie!"
>>545230
"Most of the war's information is not necessary to you. What is most important is that there are three ports that serve as the main supply-line to Takikaga. If you can cut those off, the siege will no doubt succeed. Any wealth or ships owned by Takikaga that you pillage or seize are yours for the taking, but the daimyo will pay a bounty on intact ships so you don't need to find a seller if you do not want to trouble with the market. He will also play a smaller bounty on sunk ships, which is why we will be sending a representative with you, bearing approval, to confirm kills."
>>545240
Wark gives you a warm smile.
>>545254
>>545255
>>545256
>>545253
The ships have now docked. They are the only ships in the entire, large harbor!
Abilio is at the helm of the Darklantern.
>>545257
"That is all for now. While you will almost certainly not encounter them at sea, if you make landfall, make sure to beware the three assassins."
>>545255
>>545256
>>545253
The ships have now docked. They are the only ships in the entire, large harbor!
Abilio is at the helm of the Darklantern.
>>545257
"That is all for now. While you will almost certainly not encounter them at sea, if you make landfall, make sure to beware the three assassins."
>>545263
They are some fine ships indeed!
The Sirocco is a light, stately ship made of some light wood like birch. It is quite aquadynamic and has chase guns.
The Darklantern is a HUGE ship of the line with incredibly dark, ebon wood. It's also heavily plated with lead armor. A noble command vessel for any fleet!
The Hourglass is a little support dhow, so it is kinda outclassed.
>>545264
"Oh, uh, cool. Thanks!"
>>545266
He humors your hug.
"That's good to hear.
>>545267
No, the representative.
>>545268
>>545269
"Good to see you're all safe."
>>545270
The Darklantern looks pretty slow with all that armor weighing it down. The ship next to it, the Sirocco, looks… wow, those are some interesting designs… wait, would that really work? It's… interesting. If it works like it should… that ship must be REALLY fast.
They are some fine ships indeed!
The Sirocco is a light, stately ship made of some light wood like birch. It is quite aquadynamic and has chase guns.
The Darklantern is a HUGE ship of the line with incredibly dark, ebon wood. It's also heavily plated with lead armor. A noble command vessel for any fleet!
The Hourglass is a little support dhow, so it is kinda outclassed.
>>545264
"Oh, uh, cool. Thanks!"
>>545266
He humors your hug.
"That's good to hear.
>>545267
No, the representative.
>>545268
>>545269
"Good to see you're all safe."
>>545270
The Darklantern looks pretty slow with all that armor weighing it down. The ship next to it, the Sirocco, looks… wow, those are some interesting designs… wait, would that really work? It's… interesting. If it works like it should… that ship must be REALLY fast.
>>545273
He points to some fine calligraphed drawings on the wall.
"You will know because they will decimate anyone in their path. Serene Waterfall and Reaching Spear typically work together."
>>545274
"Now? Now we rest for the night before our real journey begins."
>>545275
Who has popped out from HP's neckline.
"Hm, so I see. Well, I'll trust your judgment."
He points to some fine calligraphed drawings on the wall.
"You will know because they will decimate anyone in their path. Serene Waterfall and Reaching Spear typically work together."
>>545274
"Now? Now we rest for the night before our real journey begins."
>>545275
Who has popped out from HP's neckline.
"Hm, so I see. Well, I'll trust your judgment."
>>545285
"Enjoy yourselves tonight. Tomorrow we enter battle!"
>>545286
>>545287
"We will likely not need to worry about them at sea, only if we head inland."
>>545288
Everyone is on the Darklantern.
>>545289
They have turned their attentions to the Commodore.
>>545278
"Uh uh… can you take me to the other ship? It's pretty."
>>545291
"Good! Take this time to get to know your new crewmates."
"Enjoy yourselves tonight. Tomorrow we enter battle!"
>>545286
>>545287
"We will likely not need to worry about them at sea, only if we head inland."
>>545288
Everyone is on the Darklantern.
>>545289
They have turned their attentions to the Commodore.
>>545278
"Uh uh… can you take me to the other ship? It's pretty."
>>545291
"Good! Take this time to get to know your new crewmates."
>>545344
Nod.
"Indeed you are.
But what of others?
Why should our strategy with the rest of the crew to just throw them at the enemy to thin their numbers as the few experienced enough will slice their way though them, and bring them back again as nothing more than cannon fodder?
Instead, here's my proposal.
A small group, no more than forty, of finely trained swordfighters, manning a quick and small ship, set to accomplish dangerous boarding actions during battles."
Nod.
"Indeed you are.
But what of others?
Why should our strategy with the rest of the crew to just throw them at the enemy to thin their numbers as the few experienced enough will slice their way though them, and bring them back again as nothing more than cannon fodder?
Instead, here's my proposal.
A small group, no more than forty, of finely trained swordfighters, manning a quick and small ship, set to accomplish dangerous boarding actions during battles."
>>545370
"Um… kinda adopted."
>>545372
"Yeah, she's really smart and pretty."
>>545371
You trail along behind the two mares and filly without saying a word. Not creepy!
>>545373
"The Sirocco is a chase ship, but the flag ship is a ship of the line and an armored powerhouse. If we can line up shots on the Darklantern, the enemy ships will not stand a chance."
"Um… kinda adopted."
>>545372
"Yeah, she's really smart and pretty."
>>545371
You trail along behind the two mares and filly without saying a word. Not creepy!
>>545373
"The Sirocco is a chase ship, but the flag ship is a ship of the line and an armored powerhouse. If we can line up shots on the Darklantern, the enemy ships will not stand a chance."
>>545391
"She's super smart and she can fix anything, like a cut or a broken ribbon or a wheel or whatever!"
>>545393
"It might be worth trying when we have a ship suitable for boarding. Certainly I'll look into it later if you are impressive as you say, but the Sirocco is too lightly armored to risk in a boarding operation. But meanwhile we also can't lose too much of our crew. We need money to hire on actual fighting ponies and fill out the rest of our compliment of menial workers. Right now we're not even at optimal capacity to run these ships in a firefight – we can't lose even more workers to death in battle, or even just being away from their stations to fight."
He sighs. "Don't take this as me being uninterested. I am. But we need to deal with our funding crisis first. Maybe you can demonstrate your boarding skills while we're at sea if you're so confident."
>>545394
"Colors will be thrilled?"
"She's super smart and she can fix anything, like a cut or a broken ribbon or a wheel or whatever!"
>>545393
"It might be worth trying when we have a ship suitable for boarding. Certainly I'll look into it later if you are impressive as you say, but the Sirocco is too lightly armored to risk in a boarding operation. But meanwhile we also can't lose too much of our crew. We need money to hire on actual fighting ponies and fill out the rest of our compliment of menial workers. Right now we're not even at optimal capacity to run these ships in a firefight – we can't lose even more workers to death in battle, or even just being away from their stations to fight."
He sighs. "Don't take this as me being uninterested. I am. But we need to deal with our funding crisis first. Maybe you can demonstrate your boarding skills while we're at sea if you're so confident."
>>545394
"Colors will be thrilled?"
>>545407
Nod.
"I will take my leave then."
Go to the bunks and-
No wait.
"Commodore? One more thing.
A group of warriors was sent to kill us. Amongst them, a Samurai."
Take out the fallen samurai's katana.
"This is his sword. I personally slew him, so it belongs to me now.
Nopony outside of me can openly carry it in neighpon.
It's only useful to harm unarmored targets and it's more of a cerimonial item than anything else.
Please, accept it as a gift. A pledge of allegiance."
Nod.
"I will take my leave then."
Go to the bunks and-
No wait.
"Commodore? One more thing.
A group of warriors was sent to kill us. Amongst them, a Samurai."
Take out the fallen samurai's katana.
"This is his sword. I personally slew him, so it belongs to me now.
Nopony outside of me can openly carry it in neighpon.
It's only useful to harm unarmored targets and it's more of a cerimonial item than anything else.
Please, accept it as a gift. A pledge of allegiance."
>>545423
"Not inviting me to sleep here the night? It would be little secret."
>>545424
"She sounds like a lot of fun!"
>>545425
"Captain is above commander. But it's good to see you're in one piece as well. Something you needed?"
>>545426
"Yeah, I think I'm going to enjoy the city tonight! Your two lovebirds would probably like it if you checked in on the little ones, thought!"
"Not inviting me to sleep here the night? It would be little secret."
>>545424
"She sounds like a lot of fun!"
>>545425
"Captain is above commander. But it's good to see you're in one piece as well. Something you needed?"
>>545426
"Yeah, I think I'm going to enjoy the city tonight! Your two lovebirds would probably like it if you checked in on the little ones, thought!"
>>545427
>>545429
>goats
"She was a fun girl. Very energetic. Perhaps a bit too much. She got us into all kinds of trouble.
Why, once when we were at a doctor, she got hungry and ate the stairs to the doctors office."
>Who
"Mmmm, I don't know…" I continue playfully.
"You don't snore, do you?"
>>545428
"Please, just Selena will do."
>>545429
>goats
"She was a fun girl. Very energetic. Perhaps a bit too much. She got us into all kinds of trouble.
Why, once when we were at a doctor, she got hungry and ate the stairs to the doctors office."
>Who
"Mmmm, I don't know…" I continue playfully.
"You don't snore, do you?"
>>545428
"Please, just Selena will do."
>>545431
Commander and Captain are both naval ranks in the US and in Pirate Quest.
Commander is a senior officer rank, with the pay grade of O-5. A captain is a senior officer of pay grade O-6. See meta.
"Enjoy your time ashore. I think I'm going to turn in early tonight. The seas were uneven on the trip in because we had to head out so far from shore."
>>545430
Wark and Rosemary are curled up on the bed with the babbies. You'd nearly think they were the parents. Well, technically they are, but you're missing from the equation. It's all smiles greeting you, though.
>>545432
"No! Maybe you don't want me to get comfy because you want to keep me up all night with fun, huh?"
Commander and Captain are both naval ranks in the US and in Pirate Quest.
Commander is a senior officer rank, with the pay grade of O-5. A captain is a senior officer of pay grade O-6. See meta.
"Enjoy your time ashore. I think I'm going to turn in early tonight. The seas were uneven on the trip in because we had to head out so far from shore."
>>545430
Wark and Rosemary are curled up on the bed with the babbies. You'd nearly think they were the parents. Well, technically they are, but you're missing from the equation. It's all smiles greeting you, though.
>>545432
"No! Maybe you don't want me to get comfy because you want to keep me up all night with fun, huh?"
>>545435
There's no answer, but loud passion sounds coming from within.
>>545436
Nope! Nor did you ever give a straight answer about whether or not you'll actually treat the donkey as your own.
Rosemary practically leaps out of bed to hug you. "OH! I missed you SO much!"
Wark remains on the bed with a protective leg around the little ones – showing no discrimination between Rosemary's child and his. He gives a good-hearted chuckle.
"Twas only three days, lass."
>>545437
He waggles his eyelashes at you.
There's no answer, but loud passion sounds coming from within.
>>545436
Nope! Nor did you ever give a straight answer about whether or not you'll actually treat the donkey as your own.
Rosemary practically leaps out of bed to hug you. "OH! I missed you SO much!"
Wark remains on the bed with a protective leg around the little ones – showing no discrimination between Rosemary's child and his. He gives a good-hearted chuckle.
"Twas only three days, lass."
>>545437
He waggles his eyelashes at you.
>>545447
A few dignified mares giggle and flutter their fans at you, but it may've just been out of respect for the blade.
>>545448
Sure. You knock. "Come on in, I'm just about to turn in for the night."
>>545449
You bound around a bit until you come to a Crow's Nest where Diamond Luck is sitting. He's a red unicorn with a covered up cutie mark. Even though it's night time he has his sunglasses on.
A few dignified mares giggle and flutter their fans at you, but it may've just been out of respect for the blade.
>>545448
Sure. You knock. "Come on in, I'm just about to turn in for the night."
>>545449
You bound around a bit until you come to a Crow's Nest where Diamond Luck is sitting. He's a red unicorn with a covered up cutie mark. Even though it's night time he has his sunglasses on.
>>545450
"She was super harsh! She was mean to us momma! She said I couldn't have ice cream just cause we don't have any!"
"Pfff too soft more like. I reckon she'd be a pretty bad king."
Wark has pulled himself out of bed and mosied over. Even though he clearly doesn't want to make a show of it, you can feel the affection when he gives you a very brief nuzzle. Do you return it?
>>545452
All over! There are tavern halls and music halls – but the loudest comes from the courtyard of the palace. Then it hits you: no one can approach the throne of the daimyo, but he still enjoys music. He has to employ extremely loud performers outside his palace to play.
>>545453
"Any time for Theia's girl. What's the matter?"
"She was super harsh! She was mean to us momma! She said I couldn't have ice cream just cause we don't have any!"
"Pfff too soft more like. I reckon she'd be a pretty bad king."
Wark has pulled himself out of bed and mosied over. Even though he clearly doesn't want to make a show of it, you can feel the affection when he gives you a very brief nuzzle. Do you return it?
>>545452
All over! There are tavern halls and music halls – but the loudest comes from the courtyard of the palace. Then it hits you: no one can approach the throne of the daimyo, but he still enjoys music. He has to employ extremely loud performers outside his palace to play.
>>545453
"Any time for Theia's girl. What's the matter?"
>>545454
I sit down.
"There was something I wanted to discuss with you for some time. I heard that you're very skilled in the magical arts. I uh have a bit of skill too in that regard, but I've never had anypony to train me in it. My mother taught me everything she knew about alchemy, but she didn't know about this kind of magic."
I sit down.
"There was something I wanted to discuss with you for some time. I heard that you're very skilled in the magical arts. I uh have a bit of skill too in that regard, but I've never had anypony to train me in it. My mother taught me everything she knew about alchemy, but she didn't know about this kind of magic."
>>545455
Even outside the palace you can hear the pounding of the instruments, beautiful crescendos of the chimes, and the piping of the woodwinds. You're not the only one who thought to capitalize on the free music. A fine dignified lady, in complete getup with chalk-white face and traditional makeup and kimono is here on a bench enjoying the tunes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xY6OSv9KyY
Even outside the palace you can hear the pounding of the instruments, beautiful crescendos of the chimes, and the piping of the woodwinds. You're not the only one who thought to capitalize on the free music. A fine dignified lady, in complete getup with chalk-white face and traditional makeup and kimono is here on a bench enjoying the tunes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xY6OSv9KyY
>>545456
"No… I hate to say this because it's going to sound like telling you to leave, but I came up here because it's quiet and I needed to get away from the crowds for a while."
>>545457
"Well, if it's magic you want to learn about, there are few better teachers. I've taught many ponies on this fleet. Unfortunately while they have found what they were looking for in a teacher, I am still looking for my match in a student."
>>545459
He seems quite pleased that you did so, and returns to looking after the little ones.
"When Emrille was here before we tricked her into making icicles and we made it ourselves! I learned on the streets in Reptil!"
"Yeah, she ain't too bad. I said I'd make her cupbear or somethin for that."
>>545460
With perfect elegance, she turns her head to face you, moonlight catching her face.
Wow. She truly is the embodiment of a Neighponese mare tonight, isn't she? You wonder how such a perfect lady could be here all alone.
"No… I hate to say this because it's going to sound like telling you to leave, but I came up here because it's quiet and I needed to get away from the crowds for a while."
>>545457
"Well, if it's magic you want to learn about, there are few better teachers. I've taught many ponies on this fleet. Unfortunately while they have found what they were looking for in a teacher, I am still looking for my match in a student."
>>545459
He seems quite pleased that you did so, and returns to looking after the little ones.
"When Emrille was here before we tricked her into making icicles and we made it ourselves! I learned on the streets in Reptil!"
"Yeah, she ain't too bad. I said I'd make her cupbear or somethin for that."
>>545460
With perfect elegance, she turns her head to face you, moonlight catching her face.
Wow. She truly is the embodiment of a Neighponese mare tonight, isn't she? You wonder how such a perfect lady could be here all alone.
>>545462
She flutters the fan in front of her face.
"Tonight is a night of morning. Two years ago today my beloved died in a war not unlike this one. Now I spend all my nights alone. It is so cold and sad."
>>545463
You can Take 6 since you're not under pressure.
"Ah, I've seen this a few times before. You certainly have some talent."
She flutters the fan in front of her face.
"Tonight is a night of morning. Two years ago today my beloved died in a war not unlike this one. Now I spend all my nights alone. It is so cold and sad."
>>545463
You can Take 6 since you're not under pressure.
"Ah, I've seen this a few times before. You certainly have some talent."
>>545470
She's like a mirror image of you, with your expression.
"Is there something you wanted to learn in particular? Maybe I can pull some books from my library."
>>545467
"Cupbear. You know, a king's gotta have a court bear that brings her a cup or whatever. I heard it before so you ain't gonna tell me that's the wrong word I know it's right."
>>545471
You're startled from your stupor when a loud, terrifying voice speaks from the darkness.
"WHY ARE YOU ALL ALONE INSTEAD OF MAKING FRIENDS?"
>>545472
Her expression is coyly concealed behind her fan, but she scoots over so that you can sit next to her.
>>545473
Yep! You got a tour of the Sirocco. Selena took off to the Darklanter and Light Heart went to her cabin on this ship.
"Whew… we made it big sis… I can't believe we got through it all without getting caught!"
She's like a mirror image of you, with your expression.
"Is there something you wanted to learn in particular? Maybe I can pull some books from my library."
>>545467
"Cupbear. You know, a king's gotta have a court bear that brings her a cup or whatever. I heard it before so you ain't gonna tell me that's the wrong word I know it's right."
>>545471
You're startled from your stupor when a loud, terrifying voice speaks from the darkness.
"WHY ARE YOU ALL ALONE INSTEAD OF MAKING FRIENDS?"
>>545472
Her expression is coyly concealed behind her fan, but she scoots over so that you can sit next to her.
>>545473
Yep! You got a tour of the Sirocco. Selena took off to the Darklanter and Light Heart went to her cabin on this ship.
"Whew… we made it big sis… I can't believe we got through it all without getting caught!"
>>545477
There's no one here!
Wait… there's a… cute little bunny?
"WE ARE BEYOND GREETING PHASE WE HAVE ENTERED THE QUESTION ANSWERING PHASE."
Yes. Yes, the cute little bunny is asking spooky questions.
>>545478
"They totally fell for it! Hehe… today was fun… almost as fun as that time you tried to make that acorn peeler and it bounced all around your house until I caught it!"
>>545479
"Illusion magic along with hat magic is part of what some mysticologists refer to as 'stagemancy'. It's all about putting on a show. That being said, I have seen much more… life-filled doppelgangers. I may have a book on it or two."
>>545480
"Ah, the Letter of Marque. Yes, just as expected. That all? I thought you were going to surprise me."
>>545481
She scratches her head. "Pretty sure it's a cupbear."
>>545482
"Oh?"
There's no one here!
Wait… there's a… cute little bunny?
"WE ARE BEYOND GREETING PHASE WE HAVE ENTERED THE QUESTION ANSWERING PHASE."
Yes. Yes, the cute little bunny is asking spooky questions.
>>545478
"They totally fell for it! Hehe… today was fun… almost as fun as that time you tried to make that acorn peeler and it bounced all around your house until I caught it!"
>>545479
"Illusion magic along with hat magic is part of what some mysticologists refer to as 'stagemancy'. It's all about putting on a show. That being said, I have seen much more… life-filled doppelgangers. I may have a book on it or two."
>>545480
"Ah, the Letter of Marque. Yes, just as expected. That all? I thought you were going to surprise me."
>>545481
She scratches her head. "Pretty sure it's a cupbear."
>>545482
"Oh?"
http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html
http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html
http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html
http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html
>>545485
"I'm workin' on it! You weren't a girl jackass before!"
>>545486
"I think he was trying to keep them for himself! He was always turning into a squirrel!"
http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html
http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html
http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html
>>545485
"I'm workin' on it! You weren't a girl jackass before!"
>>545486
"I think he was trying to keep them for himself! He was always turning into a squirrel!"
>>545483
I scratch my head.
"Well that is the surprise. I guess I am not good with making surprises."
I then relax.
"Say, Ms. September. What do you think with all of this? The pirating, the pillaging then… the mutiny? We've been together for some time and both of us have not talked with each other that much."
I then stand up and bow.
"Excuse me if this is all out of a sudden, I mean I am not that kind of Dog that get serious that much but I'd like to know more about my captain, the Captain of the Hourglass."
I scratch my head.
"Well that is the surprise. I guess I am not good with making surprises."
I then relax.
"Say, Ms. September. What do you think with all of this? The pirating, the pillaging then… the mutiny? We've been together for some time and both of us have not talked with each other that much."
I then stand up and bow.
"Excuse me if this is all out of a sudden, I mean I am not that kind of Dog that get serious that much but I'd like to know more about my captain, the Captain of the Hourglass."