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You're in your clan's hall. It's a large structure made of aged oak, just like all of the large ubuildings in your clan's ancient home. But Unlike most of the other buildings in your clan's village, this one possess a solid wood roof, and it sits on a wooden floor. It has been here, it is said, for centuries – only the clan's lorekeeper knows for certain when it was built. The unicorns or pegasi who come to visit might say that It's musty and smells of ponies who have spent too much time in the fields and not enough in the river, but it is covered with the trophies and regalia of your clan's history. It's a proud history, or so the elders say.
This is where the youngest of the clan's ponies spend their days learning from their elders while their parents work, train, or rule over the clan. You are surrounded by your fellow fillies and colts, waiting for today's first lesson.
Thistleberry is one of the oldest of the clan's elders, and she spends much of her time talking to you, the clan's young nobles. She lays down in the center of the room and smiles softly, turning the soft wrinkles of her face into a rolling landscape of green crevices. She waits for the gaggle of young ponies around her to settle down before she starts to speak.
"Ponies like to tell stories. Well, all creatures like to tell stories, but Ponies especially. This is a story we tell, and it is the most important one you can remember.
It is said that, long ago, after the parched earth cried out in thirst, and after the sky provided it with water, and after the plants and animals grew forth from the earth, there existed three gods: Silver Moon, Light Chaser, and Heart Petal.
Silver Moon, of course, ruled the stars and moon. Light Chaser was lord of the sun and sky. And Heart Petal was caretaker of the earth and soil.
As the Unicorns tell the story…"
A few of the older fillies and colts boo and hiss at the word "Unicorn," but Thistleberry quiets them down.
"…they say that Silver Moon decided one day to make children who would be her equals in grace and majesty, and so she created the unicorns. The other two gods grew jealous of the Graceful One's perfect children, and so they each crafted the Pegasi and Earth Ponies as pale imitations of the Unicorn race.
"The Pegasi tell aother story, of course," she laughs. "They say that Light Chaser crafted the Pegasi out of a piece of the firmament and a ray of sunlight, and that the other gods each attempted to copy the Golden One's craft, only to fail.
"But Earth Ponies tell the best story. They say that Heart Petal made all of the ponies out of her love for all living things, and that while she gifted the Unicorns and the Pegasi to her friends to be their faithful children, she made Earth Ponies to be the caretakers of the soil and of the natural world."
This is where the youngest of the clan's ponies spend their days learning from their elders while their parents work, train, or rule over the clan. You are surrounded by your fellow fillies and colts, waiting for today's first lesson.
Thistleberry is one of the oldest of the clan's elders, and she spends much of her time talking to you, the clan's young nobles. She lays down in the center of the room and smiles softly, turning the soft wrinkles of her face into a rolling landscape of green crevices. She waits for the gaggle of young ponies around her to settle down before she starts to speak.
"Ponies like to tell stories. Well, all creatures like to tell stories, but Ponies especially. This is a story we tell, and it is the most important one you can remember.
It is said that, long ago, after the parched earth cried out in thirst, and after the sky provided it with water, and after the plants and animals grew forth from the earth, there existed three gods: Silver Moon, Light Chaser, and Heart Petal.
Silver Moon, of course, ruled the stars and moon. Light Chaser was lord of the sun and sky. And Heart Petal was caretaker of the earth and soil.
As the Unicorns tell the story…"
A few of the older fillies and colts boo and hiss at the word "Unicorn," but Thistleberry quiets them down.
"…they say that Silver Moon decided one day to make children who would be her equals in grace and majesty, and so she created the unicorns. The other two gods grew jealous of the Graceful One's perfect children, and so they each crafted the Pegasi and Earth Ponies as pale imitations of the Unicorn race.
"The Pegasi tell aother story, of course," she laughs. "They say that Light Chaser crafted the Pegasi out of a piece of the firmament and a ray of sunlight, and that the other gods each attempted to copy the Golden One's craft, only to fail.
"But Earth Ponies tell the best story. They say that Heart Petal made all of the ponies out of her love for all living things, and that while she gifted the Unicorns and the Pegasi to her friends to be their faithful children, she made Earth Ponies to be the caretakers of the soil and of the natural world."
>>406201
"Your clan is an ancient one, my little ponies. We know of all the pony gods: Heart Petal, Silver Moon, and Sun Chaser, of course. But also Rain Flash, who guides our warriors, and Brawn, who gives us strength. And Golden Heart who helps us craft and trade, and Springsong who guides us in the wilds. And we know of Nightstar, who guides us into the next world. We even know about the other gods like Boulder who lives in the forest and Erumal who plays tricks on the mean.
"But can you tell me which of those gods is our most beloved – the one who watches over us and protects us the most?"
You know she's looking for an answer. You can see all the little ponies wracking their brains for the answer… it's just on the tip of your tongue. What is it?
"Your clan is an ancient one, my little ponies. We know of all the pony gods: Heart Petal, Silver Moon, and Sun Chaser, of course. But also Rain Flash, who guides our warriors, and Brawn, who gives us strength. And Golden Heart who helps us craft and trade, and Springsong who guides us in the wilds. And we know of Nightstar, who guides us into the next world. We even know about the other gods like Boulder who lives in the forest and Erumal who plays tricks on the mean.
"But can you tell me which of those gods is our most beloved – the one who watches over us and protects us the most?"
You know she's looking for an answer. You can see all the little ponies wracking their brains for the answer… it's just on the tip of your tongue. What is it?
>>406207
Thistleberry smiles and laughs. "No, Cauthon, it's not Erumal. The Laughing One is a friend to all those who need help against the powerful, but he is not our protector."
>>406212
"Good, Restful Loam – the Earth Mother is beloved by all of the Earth Ponies, but she is not our patroness, and nor is the Traveler or the Great Bear."
>>406208
>>406209
"That's right, Ziza and Striker. Brawn is our protector. He gives us the strength to pull the plow and to swing the hammer. And he even gives our warriors strength when they need to fight. He is the child of the Earth Mother and the Stormbringer, born when Rain Flash declared his strength with a thunderbolt that crashed into the living soil. He has his mother's devotion and his father's great spirit."
She waits for the other ponies to settle before continuing.
"After Heart Petal created the Earth Ponies, we all learned a specific task from the gods. Tell me, what did we do first: Learn to fight from Rain Flash, learn to craft from Golden Heart, or did we learn to grow great fruit trees from Brawn?"
Thistleberry smiles and laughs. "No, Cauthon, it's not Erumal. The Laughing One is a friend to all those who need help against the powerful, but he is not our protector."
>>406212
"Good, Restful Loam – the Earth Mother is beloved by all of the Earth Ponies, but she is not our patroness, and nor is the Traveler or the Great Bear."
>>406208
>>406209
"That's right, Ziza and Striker. Brawn is our protector. He gives us the strength to pull the plow and to swing the hammer. And he even gives our warriors strength when they need to fight. He is the child of the Earth Mother and the Stormbringer, born when Rain Flash declared his strength with a thunderbolt that crashed into the living soil. He has his mother's devotion and his father's great spirit."
She waits for the other ponies to settle before continuing.
"After Heart Petal created the Earth Ponies, we all learned a specific task from the gods. Tell me, what did we do first: Learn to fight from Rain Flash, learn to craft from Golden Heart, or did we learn to grow great fruit trees from Brawn?"
>>406219
>>406220
>>406222
>>406223
>>406224
>>406225
Thistleberry smiles at your discussion, but she waits for you all to calm down before continuing.
"Striker and Loam are right, we learned to grow great big trees first. And, Ziza, Brawn may give us strength to fight when we need it, but he is first a lover of work, not fighting. I am happy that you remembered who showed us a skill first, though."
"First we learned to grow our trees, and then Golden Heart showed us how to carve and gild and hammer, and then finally Rain Flash taught us how to defend what we grow and make."
>>406231
"Children, if you don't stop arguing then I'll have to take away your pie at tonight's dinner. Now you don't want that, do you?"
She continues.
"After we learned to grow and craft and fight, the Ponies fought a great war against their many enemies, who were jealous of our skill and wealth. Who did the Unicorn King Valorous have us fight? Was it the Griffins, high on their mountains? Was it the Diamond Dogs who live in the caves and underneath the ground? Or was it the Dragons and their kin?"
>>406220
>>406222
>>406223
>>406224
>>406225
Thistleberry smiles at your discussion, but she waits for you all to calm down before continuing.
"Striker and Loam are right, we learned to grow great big trees first. And, Ziza, Brawn may give us strength to fight when we need it, but he is first a lover of work, not fighting. I am happy that you remembered who showed us a skill first, though."
"First we learned to grow our trees, and then Golden Heart showed us how to carve and gild and hammer, and then finally Rain Flash taught us how to defend what we grow and make."
>>406231
"Children, if you don't stop arguing then I'll have to take away your pie at tonight's dinner. Now you don't want that, do you?"
She continues.
"After we learned to grow and craft and fight, the Ponies fought a great war against their many enemies, who were jealous of our skill and wealth. Who did the Unicorn King Valorous have us fight? Was it the Griffins, high on their mountains? Was it the Diamond Dogs who live in the caves and underneath the ground? Or was it the Dragons and their kin?"
>>406236
"No, I'm afraid even we aren't that strong, Ziza. No clan can fight everyone and win. This is an important lesson you need to learn if you want to someday serve on the Ring."
>>406237
>>406234
>>406233
"That's right, children. It was the Diamond Dogs, our most hated enemies. They tried to kidnap us and force us to work in their mines, but Brawn gave us his unending will and the strength to resist them."
She rests here eyes for a moment before continuing.
"One day, after the war, King Valorous sent us another clan of Earth Ponies – the Stickpickers. They had lost much in the war, and they were to merge with our clan, which was still strong. Did we adopt them as equals and family, or did we make them into thralls to serve beneath us?"
There's an important note here to be made about how thralldom would work – Thralls aren't exactly chattel slaves. They're more like medieval serfs. They have certain rights, and killing them would be seen as barbaric by the other clans. Thralldom is also not passed on through generations – someone born to a thrall mother or father is a full member of the clan he's born into. Most Earth Pony clans don't take thralls, but a few do.
"No, I'm afraid even we aren't that strong, Ziza. No clan can fight everyone and win. This is an important lesson you need to learn if you want to someday serve on the Ring."
>>406237
>>406234
>>406233
"That's right, children. It was the Diamond Dogs, our most hated enemies. They tried to kidnap us and force us to work in their mines, but Brawn gave us his unending will and the strength to resist them."
She rests here eyes for a moment before continuing.
"One day, after the war, King Valorous sent us another clan of Earth Ponies – the Stickpickers. They had lost much in the war, and they were to merge with our clan, which was still strong. Did we adopt them as equals and family, or did we make them into thralls to serve beneath us?"
There's an important note here to be made about how thralldom would work – Thralls aren't exactly chattel slaves. They're more like medieval serfs. They have certain rights, and killing them would be seen as barbaric by the other clans. Thralldom is also not passed on through generations – someone born to a thrall mother or father is a full member of the clan he's born into. Most Earth Pony clans don't take thralls, but a few do.
>>406243
"Cauthon! That's horrible! I want you to wash your mouth out as soon as we're done with your lessons!"
>>406244
>>406245
>>406246
"Yes, we adopted them into the Earthen Hoof clan, and we became stronger because of it."
With a bit of effort, Thistleberry rises to her hooves.
"You must remember our history to know how to lead us, my children. One day you may sit on the Ring and make the decisions that matter for our clan. The days are getting harder, and you must be ready for the challenges ahead of us all."
She shakes the dust off of her flanks and nudges a few of the younger foals off of the floor.
"Now run along and go play outside. You can worry about all of that later."
Y'all can continue to RP here for a bit, but we'll probably be jumping ahead about fifteen/twenty years soon.
"Cauthon! That's horrible! I want you to wash your mouth out as soon as we're done with your lessons!"
>>406244
>>406245
>>406246
"Yes, we adopted them into the Earthen Hoof clan, and we became stronger because of it."
With a bit of effort, Thistleberry rises to her hooves.
"You must remember our history to know how to lead us, my children. One day you may sit on the Ring and make the decisions that matter for our clan. The days are getting harder, and you must be ready for the challenges ahead of us all."
She shakes the dust off of her flanks and nudges a few of the younger foals off of the floor.
"Now run along and go play outside. You can worry about all of that later."
Y'all can continue to RP here for a bit, but we'll probably be jumping ahead about fifteen/twenty years soon.
>>406249
>>406250
>>406251
>>406252
You're all outside now. The clan's hall dominates the village, rising above all of the other buildings, but there are a few other large buildings – namely your temples dedicated to Brawn and Heart Petal. The clan's village houses maybe seven-hundred ponies. More live in houses flung around the clan's lands, or "tulla." Your clan is large and strong, though not the largest or strongest or wealthiest.
>>406254
You tag Ziza and send him tumbling to the ground. Your own strength is pretty surprising, given how it's packed into the body of a little filly.
>>406255
Knocked firmly onto your rump, you try to desperately tag Striker before she can get away. Despite your youthful athleticism, she's much too fast for you, and you're left with your hooves flailing in the air.
>>406250
>>406251
>>406252
You're all outside now. The clan's hall dominates the village, rising above all of the other buildings, but there are a few other large buildings – namely your temples dedicated to Brawn and Heart Petal. The clan's village houses maybe seven-hundred ponies. More live in houses flung around the clan's lands, or "tulla." Your clan is large and strong, though not the largest or strongest or wealthiest.
>>406254
You tag Ziza and send him tumbling to the ground. Your own strength is pretty surprising, given how it's packed into the body of a little filly.
>>406255
Knocked firmly onto your rump, you try to desperately tag Striker before she can get away. Despite your youthful athleticism, she's much too fast for you, and you're left with your hooves flailing in the air.
It is many seasons later, and much has changed since your carefree days as foals.
As the seasons have gone by, famine and blizzards have wreaked havoc upon the Pony homeland. And as the food shortage has gotten worse, the rule of the Unicorns and demands of the Pegasi have gotten all the more despotic. The old balance – the Unicorns use their magic to help the tribes, the Pegasi control the weather and protect the Ponies, and the Earth Ponies grow the food – has fallen apart.
Many Earth Pony clans have decided to leave the homeland, traveling south into the pass through the Crystal Mountains. The first arrived several years ago, but more arrive every season. Your clan was one that decided to leave the homeland, uproot its history and its whole life, and travel the many miles south.
"Pony Pass," as they've named it, was your clan's destination, and it is everything the stories led you to believe: A green, fertile valley stretching for miles and miles in all directions, nestled between the peaks of the Crystal Mountains. There are stories, true, of Griffins, Diamond Dogs, and Dragons carrying off whole villages in the night, but your clan leaders have decided that the risk is worth it.
The Earthen Hoof clan has found land suitable for your new tulla and has begun to settle it, clearing the land and making it ready for a new village and farming. You stand now in a makeshift clan hall. The clan's chief, Thornshaker, has called you here personally, though you do not know why. He should be here in any minute.
As the seasons have gone by, famine and blizzards have wreaked havoc upon the Pony homeland. And as the food shortage has gotten worse, the rule of the Unicorns and demands of the Pegasi have gotten all the more despotic. The old balance – the Unicorns use their magic to help the tribes, the Pegasi control the weather and protect the Ponies, and the Earth Ponies grow the food – has fallen apart.
Many Earth Pony clans have decided to leave the homeland, traveling south into the pass through the Crystal Mountains. The first arrived several years ago, but more arrive every season. Your clan was one that decided to leave the homeland, uproot its history and its whole life, and travel the many miles south.
"Pony Pass," as they've named it, was your clan's destination, and it is everything the stories led you to believe: A green, fertile valley stretching for miles and miles in all directions, nestled between the peaks of the Crystal Mountains. There are stories, true, of Griffins, Diamond Dogs, and Dragons carrying off whole villages in the night, but your clan leaders have decided that the risk is worth it.
The Earthen Hoof clan has found land suitable for your new tulla and has begun to settle it, clearing the land and making it ready for a new village and farming. You stand now in a makeshift clan hall. The clan's chief, Thornshaker, has called you here personally, though you do not know why. He should be here in any minute.
>>406278
>>406279
>>406280
Thornshaker walks into the room. A large stallion, a devotee of Brawn, he wears the yoke that shows his status as a priest of your clan's patron deity. Except for a golden rope that hangs just above the yoke, nothing denotes him as the Earthen Hoof chieftain except his obvious age and experience.
"Striker, Loam… Ziza… Cauthon." He seems a little unsure of the last two and lets out a small sigh before each.
"I'll be blunt. We need to replace the members of the ring who were lost in the trek to this place or who chose to retire when we got here. That means we need new leaders, and the consensus among the remaining Ring members – that's, uh, just me and Thistleberry, by the way – is that it's time for the young to step up and start making some of the decisions. We're in a new land, and new ideas and voices will be needed.
"Thistleberry recommended the lot of you. She has followed you closely in your chosen work, and she thinks you all have something to offer us here on the Ring. Yes, even Cauthon.
"If you accept, we'll need your input immediately on the right rituals to perform and the crops we'll be growing. And we'll need someone to start exploring the area around our tulla. The gods only know what's out there.
"So do you accept? The clan needs you."
>>406279
>>406280
Thornshaker walks into the room. A large stallion, a devotee of Brawn, he wears the yoke that shows his status as a priest of your clan's patron deity. Except for a golden rope that hangs just above the yoke, nothing denotes him as the Earthen Hoof chieftain except his obvious age and experience.
"Striker, Loam… Ziza… Cauthon." He seems a little unsure of the last two and lets out a small sigh before each.
"I'll be blunt. We need to replace the members of the ring who were lost in the trek to this place or who chose to retire when we got here. That means we need new leaders, and the consensus among the remaining Ring members – that's, uh, just me and Thistleberry, by the way – is that it's time for the young to step up and start making some of the decisions. We're in a new land, and new ideas and voices will be needed.
"Thistleberry recommended the lot of you. She has followed you closely in your chosen work, and she thinks you all have something to offer us here on the Ring. Yes, even Cauthon.
"If you accept, we'll need your input immediately on the right rituals to perform and the crops we'll be growing. And we'll need someone to start exploring the area around our tulla. The gods only know what's out there.
"So do you accept? The clan needs you."
>>406295
>>406294
>>406293
>>406292
"Good, glad to hear it."
He sits down at his seat at the Ring's table. It's an immense oak table, one of the few pieces of the clan's old village that was brought to Pony Pass. Long enough to seat six or seven members of the Ring, it dominates the tiny clan hall.
"The first order of business is to perform the rituals for the coming year. We were fortunate to arrive just at the beginning of spring. We should be able to plant and harvest as normal. But I fear our clan magic hasn't held up in the move here. So we won't be able to make all of the necessary rituals – you'll have to just choose one.
"Just as a refresher course in case any of you don't remember your lessons: We can perform the sacred rituals that will help our crops grow, others that will help our fruit orchard or make our mares more fertile, protect us in war or from disease, or help us in trade and crafting.
"Once we accumulate some more magic, maybe we can use that on more than one thing. But for right now you'll need to just pick one ritual. We'll perform it immediately. We don't have much time before planting season has to begin, anyways.
He leans back in his chair and chews on a bit of hay that he pulls out of his robe.
"I would recommend performing the crop ritual, of course. It will protect the crops from disease or lack of rain. It might help out the harvest, too.
"We could also use protection against disease or against our enemies. We don't need any more children than we'll get naturally. Just more mouths to feed when we're at our weakest.
"But it's up to all of you. Thistleberry is ill right now, so she'll abstain. And I'll only vote if we need to break a tie."
>>406294
>>406293
>>406292
"Good, glad to hear it."
He sits down at his seat at the Ring's table. It's an immense oak table, one of the few pieces of the clan's old village that was brought to Pony Pass. Long enough to seat six or seven members of the Ring, it dominates the tiny clan hall.
"The first order of business is to perform the rituals for the coming year. We were fortunate to arrive just at the beginning of spring. We should be able to plant and harvest as normal. But I fear our clan magic hasn't held up in the move here. So we won't be able to make all of the necessary rituals – you'll have to just choose one.
"Just as a refresher course in case any of you don't remember your lessons: We can perform the sacred rituals that will help our crops grow, others that will help our fruit orchard or make our mares more fertile, protect us in war or from disease, or help us in trade and crafting.
"Once we accumulate some more magic, maybe we can use that on more than one thing. But for right now you'll need to just pick one ritual. We'll perform it immediately. We don't have much time before planting season has to begin, anyways.
He leans back in his chair and chews on a bit of hay that he pulls out of his robe.
"I would recommend performing the crop ritual, of course. It will protect the crops from disease or lack of rain. It might help out the harvest, too.
"We could also use protection against disease or against our enemies. We don't need any more children than we'll get naturally. Just more mouths to feed when we're at our weakest.
"But it's up to all of you. Thistleberry is ill right now, so she'll abstain. And I'll only vote if we need to break a tie."
>>406296
>>406297
I'll nod at that.
"But we should first be able to support ourselves before worrying about things beyond our control. The crop ritual will help fill our stores, and keep us fed once we start doing other rituals, such as the one against disease, or enemies."
I'll gesture slightly to Ziza and Striker.
"The ones who've seen us safely here should be able to protect us, at least until we get our hooves under us."
>>406297
I'll nod at that.
"But we should first be able to support ourselves before worrying about things beyond our control. The crop ritual will help fill our stores, and keep us fed once we start doing other rituals, such as the one against disease, or enemies."
I'll gesture slightly to Ziza and Striker.
"The ones who've seen us safely here should be able to protect us, at least until we get our hooves under us."
>>406297
>>406298
>>406299
>>406300
Thornshaker nods his head.
"Yes, the crop ritual would be best. I'll inform the priestesses and we'll get started immediately."
"In the meantime, you should all decide what you're going to do while the clan plants and gets ready for the coming year. You could go exploring. That's very necessary right now, since we know so little about the surrounding area. Even our tulla is mostly unexplored.
"You could also direct some of the workers to build some buildings around the village. We need houses, but we also need real temples. Brawn will not bless us if his temple is a mere tent.
"Or you could just hold court and see if anyone has any issues they need sorted out.
"You could also go raiding, I suppose, but the clan needs all available hooves for the planting season. Nopony can be spared, and we go raiding now, we might endanger our whole livelihood here."
>>406298
>>406299
>>406300
Thornshaker nods his head.
"Yes, the crop ritual would be best. I'll inform the priestesses and we'll get started immediately."
"In the meantime, you should all decide what you're going to do while the clan plants and gets ready for the coming year. You could go exploring. That's very necessary right now, since we know so little about the surrounding area. Even our tulla is mostly unexplored.
"You could also direct some of the workers to build some buildings around the village. We need houses, but we also need real temples. Brawn will not bless us if his temple is a mere tent.
"Or you could just hold court and see if anyone has any issues they need sorted out.
"You could also go raiding, I suppose, but the clan needs all available hooves for the planting season. Nopony can be spared, and we go raiding now, we might endanger our whole livelihood here."
>>406316
After regaling one of the workers with stories about the dead, he decides to sneak off and work in the fields for the rest of the day. The whole building enterprise is hampered by his absence.
>>406317
A small trick you try to play on the foreman doesn't go over so well when it turns out he's allergic to sneezing powder. He's quite mad at you for the rest of the afternoon.
Still, it's pretty funny to hear him curse at you while unable to breathe out of his nostrils.
>>406318
You make a pretty good effort, all considered. As the only dedicated craftspony on the ring, the builders listen to you closely, but you're distracted by the others' screw-ups.
>>406320
You get into a strength contest with some of the workers, showing them how many tree trunks you can carry. You're able to beat all of them, but this doesn't help the building effort much.
One of the workers runs up to all of you. It's Pots, one of the younger craftsponies you roped into helping.
"We found something when we were digging for the foundation! I think it's a spear." He presents to you a bronze spearhead, gilded along the edges.
"What do you think it's from?"
After regaling one of the workers with stories about the dead, he decides to sneak off and work in the fields for the rest of the day. The whole building enterprise is hampered by his absence.
>>406317
A small trick you try to play on the foreman doesn't go over so well when it turns out he's allergic to sneezing powder. He's quite mad at you for the rest of the afternoon.
Still, it's pretty funny to hear him curse at you while unable to breathe out of his nostrils.
>>406318
You make a pretty good effort, all considered. As the only dedicated craftspony on the ring, the builders listen to you closely, but you're distracted by the others' screw-ups.
>>406320
You get into a strength contest with some of the workers, showing them how many tree trunks you can carry. You're able to beat all of them, but this doesn't help the building effort much.
One of the workers runs up to all of you. It's Pots, one of the younger craftsponies you roped into helping.
"We found something when we were digging for the foundation! I think it's a spear." He presents to you a bronze spearhead, gilded along the edges.
"What do you think it's from?"
>>406370
>>406371
>>406372
>>406373
Potts takes the suit of armor and hangs it up behind the Ring's table in the Clan Hall.
It looks good. Everypony who passes by says it makes the clan look strong. Which is good, because they also say that the unfinished temple to Brawn makes the Earthen Hooves look lazy.
We're going to pause here.
>>406371
>>406372
>>406373
Potts takes the suit of armor and hangs it up behind the Ring's table in the Clan Hall.
It looks good. Everypony who passes by says it makes the clan look strong. Which is good, because they also say that the unfinished temple to Brawn makes the Earthen Hooves look lazy.
We're going to pause here.
File: 1367372872948.png (147.94 KB, 972x1524, 250597__UNOPT__safe_armor_helm…, IO Google TinEye)
It has been several weeks since the Earthen Hoof Clan's Ring made an abortive attempt at constructing a new temple to Brawn and happened upon a set of bronze armor. While the ancient armor has undoubtedly raised everypony's spirits after being placed in the clan's makeshift hall, construction on the new temple is still slow, and probably won't be completed until the end of the season.
Planting seems to be going well. The wheat, barley, and oat fields have most everypony's attention for now, but the clan's farmers are also starting to plant the sapling apple and pear trees they brought from the north. Within a few years you should have a burgeoning crop of fruit.
Right now you are all in the clan hall. Chief Thornshaker has called a meeting of the ring to discuss plans for the remainder of the spring season.
"We need to explore the area. We know almost nothing about what is around us. We don't even have a very good idea of what other pony clans are nearby. We only know that our old allies, the Mud Turtles, are several miles to the east. We've also heard that our enemies the Tree Shakers arrived here about a year before we did. They should be somewhere to the northwest, but the reports we've gotten from wanderers and traders aren't clear."
"Because of that, I've brought in Coiled Garden to help you out in the wilds if you decide to explore. We picked her up as we were moving down here, and since she's lived most of her life out in the woods, she should know how to get around."
Planting seems to be going well. The wheat, barley, and oat fields have most everypony's attention for now, but the clan's farmers are also starting to plant the sapling apple and pear trees they brought from the north. Within a few years you should have a burgeoning crop of fruit.
Right now you are all in the clan hall. Chief Thornshaker has called a meeting of the ring to discuss plans for the remainder of the spring season.
"We need to explore the area. We know almost nothing about what is around us. We don't even have a very good idea of what other pony clans are nearby. We only know that our old allies, the Mud Turtles, are several miles to the east. We've also heard that our enemies the Tree Shakers arrived here about a year before we did. They should be somewhere to the northwest, but the reports we've gotten from wanderers and traders aren't clear."
"Because of that, I've brought in Coiled Garden to help you out in the wilds if you decide to explore. We picked her up as we were moving down here, and since she's lived most of her life out in the woods, she should know how to get around."
>>409383
"Boulder helps us find what we need, but we still have to survive on our own. Boulder will guide us to rivers and food, but we still have to be careful not to fall in or eat the poisonous ones. He'll help us find the bear homes, but he'll make us choose what to do when we get there."
>>409377
"Sorry, but I like being outside in the woods, finding plants and ponies. I get excited just thinking about all the things Boulder put out there."
"Boulder helps us find what we need, but we still have to survive on our own. Boulder will guide us to rivers and food, but we still have to be careful not to fall in or eat the poisonous ones. He'll help us find the bear homes, but he'll make us choose what to do when we get there."
>>409377
"Sorry, but I like being outside in the woods, finding plants and ponies. I get excited just thinking about all the things Boulder put out there."
Thornshaker speaks again. "You could also try to speed up construction on the temple and around the village, but what we really need right now is more knowledge of what is around us."
"To the south is the river we've been drawing water from, and to the north is the forest. If you head too far to the east you start to run into the foothills of the eastern Crystal Mountains. The west is largely more open plains."
"To the south is the river we've been drawing water from, and to the north is the forest. If you head too far to the east you start to run into the foothills of the eastern Crystal Mountains. The west is largely more open plains."
>>409430
>>409434
>>409435
You all set out from the nascent Earth Hoof settlement, venturing north towards the part of the forest that is on your tulla. You follow Cauthon the trickster for a while before realizing that he was just leading you in a great loop back towards the village, but eventually you all get your bearings and find yourselves in the woods.
The woods here near your village are slightly sparser than they are back home in the north. A few short oaks make give the area shade, but it's mostly scrub brush around here. Compared to the towering pines of the north, this is pretty unimpressive.
You have found a cave. By cave standards, it looks pretty nice and doesn't smell too bad, but you can't really tell from the outside. Bandits could easily hide out in there, if they wanted.
>>409434
>>409435
You all set out from the nascent Earth Hoof settlement, venturing north towards the part of the forest that is on your tulla. You follow Cauthon the trickster for a while before realizing that he was just leading you in a great loop back towards the village, but eventually you all get your bearings and find yourselves in the woods.
The woods here near your village are slightly sparser than they are back home in the north. A few short oaks make give the area shade, but it's mostly scrub brush around here. Compared to the towering pines of the north, this is pretty unimpressive.
You have found a cave. By cave standards, it looks pretty nice and doesn't smell too bad, but you can't really tell from the outside. Bandits could easily hide out in there, if they wanted.
>>409458
You don't find any poop, nor tracks or any real evidence of an inhabitant.
>>409451
>>409452
>>409455
You're overcome by a powerful stench as you enter the cave – something that makes you gag and almost wretch up your breakfast. It's the small of something rotting, you're sure.
Nonetheless, you press on, knowing that where there's rotting garbage, there's likely to be discarded bits of gold, silver, personal documents, and the like.
What you find is not a treasure trove of abandoned goods, however. You instead find yourself ensnared in a web – a literal web, several feet tall. And above you looms eight glowing red eyes!
You try to quickly leap out of the way, but this only causes the web to stick to your hooves and coat further.
You are helpless.
>>409463
You can dimly see Cauthon struggling to free himself from a sticky situation.
You don't find any poop, nor tracks or any real evidence of an inhabitant.
>>409451
>>409452
>>409455
You're overcome by a powerful stench as you enter the cave – something that makes you gag and almost wretch up your breakfast. It's the small of something rotting, you're sure.
Nonetheless, you press on, knowing that where there's rotting garbage, there's likely to be discarded bits of gold, silver, personal documents, and the like.
What you find is not a treasure trove of abandoned goods, however. You instead find yourself ensnared in a web – a literal web, several feet tall. And above you looms eight glowing red eyes!
You try to quickly leap out of the way, but this only causes the web to stick to your hooves and coat further.
You are helpless.
>>409463
You can dimly see Cauthon struggling to free himself from a sticky situation.
>>409475
You only entangle yourself further, making it quite difficult to move. The enormous spider is getting closer…
>>409479
Remember: -1 point to attack since you only spent one point on the proficiency.
Your shot dings the giant spider in the top of its head and stuns it momentarily. It moves back a few steps and looks at you before chittering somehow.
>>409482
You throw a rock at the spider. It knocks him in a leg, but doesn't seem to hurt him any.
The spider is a few moments away from Cauthon. You can't be sure what it plans on doing to the poor trickster, but it can't be good.
You only entangle yourself further, making it quite difficult to move. The enormous spider is getting closer…
>>409479
Remember: -1 point to attack since you only spent one point on the proficiency.
Your shot dings the giant spider in the top of its head and stuns it momentarily. It moves back a few steps and looks at you before chittering somehow.
>>409482
You throw a rock at the spider. It knocks him in a leg, but doesn't seem to hurt him any.
The spider is a few moments away from Cauthon. You can't be sure what it plans on doing to the poor trickster, but it can't be good.
>>409494
The rock strikes the spider in the body and makes it pause for a second. It chitters at you again, clearly telling you to back off because it has some business it would like to attend to.
>>409496
Your shot misses wildly, colliding with a stalactite hanging from above the web. There are a lot of them in here. Must be a limestone cave, experience tells you.
>>409498
Your struggle is in vain. As you struggle against the sticky strands you only make them tighter.
The rock strikes the spider in the body and makes it pause for a second. It chitters at you again, clearly telling you to back off because it has some business it would like to attend to.
>>409496
Your shot misses wildly, colliding with a stalactite hanging from above the web. There are a lot of them in here. Must be a limestone cave, experience tells you.
>>409498
Your struggle is in vain. As you struggle against the sticky strands you only make them tighter.
>>409501
Your rock misses. The spider mostly ignores your plea.
>>409502
You let your tongue loll out and let your eyes cross horribly. A bit of skill with holding your breath and some control of your heartbeat completes the illusion.
The spider looks at you, curious for a moment, before turning its attention to your companions. It leaps off of its web and starts to move down the cave towards the exit where your friends are standing.
>>409507
Oh right good point. Well it shouldn't have mattered up until now, anyways
Perhaps startled by the quick-moving spider, your shot clatters into the limestone ground.
Your rock misses. The spider mostly ignores your plea.
>>409502
You let your tongue loll out and let your eyes cross horribly. A bit of skill with holding your breath and some control of your heartbeat completes the illusion.
The spider looks at you, curious for a moment, before turning its attention to your companions. It leaps off of its web and starts to move down the cave towards the exit where your friends are standing.
>>409507
Oh right good point. Well it shouldn't have mattered up until now, anyways
Perhaps startled by the quick-moving spider, your shot clatters into the limestone ground.
>>409515
>>409516
>>409516
Certainly
Knowing what a sucker webs are for a bit of reverse psychology, you stop struggling so hard and dislocate your shoulders, convincing the silken spidery strands to let you go. What a clever ruse! You are no longer helpless.
>>409517
Your rock nails the spider directly in the head. He falls to the ground, stunned and helpless for the moment.
>>409520
Oh no, the bonuses were always formulated on the basis of d20. The only big change is that a standard CM is worth +4 now.
A cloud of bees hears your plea for help, but as they see the great spider (or, as they put it in their native tongue, "bzzbzzbzzdangerpheromonebzzbzz," roughly translated to "horrible thing"), they immediately fly away, terrified.
>>409516
>>409516
Certainly
Knowing what a sucker webs are for a bit of reverse psychology, you stop struggling so hard and dislocate your shoulders, convincing the silken spidery strands to let you go. What a clever ruse! You are no longer helpless.
>>409517
Your rock nails the spider directly in the head. He falls to the ground, stunned and helpless for the moment.
>>409520
Oh no, the bonuses were always formulated on the basis of d20. The only big change is that a standard CM is worth +4 now.
A cloud of bees hears your plea for help, but as they see the great spider (or, as they put it in their native tongue, "bzzbzzbzzdangerpheromonebzzbzz," roughly translated to "horrible thing"), they immediately fly away, terrified.
>>409527
Your rocks strike true, but they hit some sort of armored carapace along the spider's back. Who put that there? Probably Ctretat, the spider demon of chaos, you're sure.
>>409528
Let's give you +2 or something for that last extrication, shall we? So 16.
And club away you do! Rearing back and winding up with your club, you give the spider a truly wicked wallop to the back of the skull (if spiders had skulls, which they don't).
Badly brained, the spider looks quite hurt.
>>409530
That's right.
You feel your body harden and calcify. Your bones become granite. Your skin becomes also granite.
+2 to physical attack rolls while in this form. So a total of +3.
The spider tries to stand up and scurry away.
'1d20'
Roll #1 14 = 14
Your rocks strike true, but they hit some sort of armored carapace along the spider's back. Who put that there? Probably Ctretat, the spider demon of chaos, you're sure.
>>409528
Let's give you +2 or something for that last extrication, shall we? So 16.
And club away you do! Rearing back and winding up with your club, you give the spider a truly wicked wallop to the back of the skull (if spiders had skulls, which they don't).
Badly brained, the spider looks quite hurt.
>>409530
That's right.
You feel your body harden and calcify. Your bones become granite. Your skin becomes also granite.
+2 to physical attack rolls while in this form. So a total of +3.
The spider tries to stand up and scurry away.
'1d20'
Roll #1 14 = 14
>>409538
The spider gets up, leaping onto the cave ceiling!
>>409539
Your rock knocks him in the abdomen. You doubt it hurt him much, but he seems to wince.
>>409540
As he leaps up you give him a good whack in the leg, but it comes nowhere close to breaking the exoskeleton. Ctretat makes these spider abominations strong.
>>409542
The CM bonus will be at the start, yes.
You attempt to buck the spider hard with your new stoney appendages, but your weight is off and you only succeed in striking the cave wall. The spider manages to spit a bit of web at you with his spinneret. It's sticky, but it doesn't impede your movement much. Still, it's pretty gross.
The spider gets up, leaping onto the cave ceiling!
>>409539
Your rock knocks him in the abdomen. You doubt it hurt him much, but he seems to wince.
>>409540
As he leaps up you give him a good whack in the leg, but it comes nowhere close to breaking the exoskeleton. Ctretat makes these spider abominations strong.
>>409542
The CM bonus will be at the start, yes.
You attempt to buck the spider hard with your new stoney appendages, but your weight is off and you only succeed in striking the cave wall. The spider manages to spit a bit of web at you with his spinneret. It's sticky, but it doesn't impede your movement much. Still, it's pretty gross.
>>409545
You attempt to jump into the air and grab the enormous arachnid, but the spider nimbly dodges you. You are sent tumbling back to the earth and you crash into the cave wall. Even with your new granite body, that hurts pretty bad, and you're knocked senseless, but you're still on your hooves.
You have two more turns remaining of your transformation.
>>409547
The Spider is much too quick for you as you awkwardly swing your club in the cave's confines. He easily dodges your attack before spitting some web on you. Ew.
>>409554
Arriving late to the party, you quickly gather that the party is in danger, and you spring into action. Your fire hammer burns into existence in your hooves, glowing bright orange and red, like a molten slab of iron.
+3 to attacks with it.
You attempt to jump into the air and grab the enormous arachnid, but the spider nimbly dodges you. You are sent tumbling back to the earth and you crash into the cave wall. Even with your new granite body, that hurts pretty bad, and you're knocked senseless, but you're still on your hooves.
You have two more turns remaining of your transformation.
>>409547
The Spider is much too quick for you as you awkwardly swing your club in the cave's confines. He easily dodges your attack before spitting some web on you. Ew.
>>409554
Arriving late to the party, you quickly gather that the party is in danger, and you spring into action. Your fire hammer burns into existence in your hooves, glowing bright orange and red, like a molten slab of iron.
+3 to attacks with it.
>>409559
As you lunge at the spider, he spits another spurt of web at you, staggering you momentarily.
>>409560
You throw some more rocks, but they all miss terribly. One ricochets off a nearby wall and strikes you in the flank. Ouch!
>>409561
That +3 is for Andy, munckin-kun
>9
Galloping into battle, your hammer strikes the spider right in the armored carapace. Even a stallion as strong as you has difficulty penetrating such strong chitin. The spider returns your ineffective blow with a spurt of sticky silk.
>>409562
You jump into the air and bash the spider in the abdomen with a strong buck from your rear legs. Down he tumbles onto the ground, helpless.
>>409564
You deliver a stunning coup de grace to the wounded spider's head. It is smashed into gooey spidery bits instantly by your fire hammer. The tainted beast is dead.
Aside from a bit of spider silk on everyone, you are all unwounded.
As you lunge at the spider, he spits another spurt of web at you, staggering you momentarily.
>>409560
You throw some more rocks, but they all miss terribly. One ricochets off a nearby wall and strikes you in the flank. Ouch!
>>409561
That +3 is for Andy, munckin-kun
>9
Galloping into battle, your hammer strikes the spider right in the armored carapace. Even a stallion as strong as you has difficulty penetrating such strong chitin. The spider returns your ineffective blow with a spurt of sticky silk.
>>409562
You jump into the air and bash the spider in the abdomen with a strong buck from your rear legs. Down he tumbles onto the ground, helpless.
>>409564
You deliver a stunning coup de grace to the wounded spider's head. It is smashed into gooey spidery bits instantly by your fire hammer. The tainted beast is dead.
Aside from a bit of spider silk on everyone, you are all unwounded.
You can see the light from outside flickering off of the cave walls. The caves clearly go a bit deeper than the small cavern in which you fought the spider.
>>409575
Lighting a torch, you see that there is a smaller cavern branching off to your right. You go down the tunnel and see a small treasure trove – collected belongings from the spider's many victims over the years.
>>409575
Lighting a torch, you see that there is a smaller cavern branching off to your right. You go down the tunnel and see a small treasure trove – collected belongings from the spider's many victims over the years.
>>409586
>>409588
You find a beautiful red silken shirt with inlaid gold threads. It seems like it would fit you.
>>409590
You find a sword only partly dulled by time and the cave's damp. Its hilt is gilded, worked to resemble wings. Even a non-warrior like you can tell that this is a well-balanced sword.
>>409589
You find an iron shield, long and oddly shaped. While not gilded or obviously magical in any way, it is beautifully painted in blue and purple in a startling geometric pattern. You have heard that this type of shield is used by strange folks who live far to the south.
>>409591
You find a necklace of bear teeth, scrimshawed to show scenes from the legends about Boulder. This is a beloved symbol of your god, taken from bears who die of old age in the care of priests of the bear god.
>>409592
Your hammer melts away into the aether. You find a rather short hammer that is clearly well-made. Its head is shaped like that of a ram.
You all gather up the remainder of the treasure, most of which is in foreign coins and small trinkets.
>>409588
You find a beautiful red silken shirt with inlaid gold threads. It seems like it would fit you.
>>409590
You find a sword only partly dulled by time and the cave's damp. Its hilt is gilded, worked to resemble wings. Even a non-warrior like you can tell that this is a well-balanced sword.
>>409589
You find an iron shield, long and oddly shaped. While not gilded or obviously magical in any way, it is beautifully painted in blue and purple in a startling geometric pattern. You have heard that this type of shield is used by strange folks who live far to the south.
>>409591
You find a necklace of bear teeth, scrimshawed to show scenes from the legends about Boulder. This is a beloved symbol of your god, taken from bears who die of old age in the care of priests of the bear god.
>>409592
Your hammer melts away into the aether. You find a rather short hammer that is clearly well-made. Its head is shaped like that of a ram.
You all gather up the remainder of the treasure, most of which is in foreign coins and small trinkets.
You all take the treasure back to the village. The traders estimate its value at about 50 bushels worth of apples. A great haul for the village, everyone knows.
It is now late in the season. The planting is finishing up, and the Ring has finished its immediate business. The temple to Brawn is receiving its finishing touches. Its high roof and small steeple rises above everything else in the village. Clusters of small houses now dot the village, though much of the population is still housed in shacks and tents. The town hall remains just a large house. Hopefully it will be expanded in the coming seasons.
You can explore the village if you like or attend to other business. Try speeding up construction on something, go off exploring on your own, try making something, whatever you can think of. We'll probably pause soonish, depending.
It is now late in the season. The planting is finishing up, and the Ring has finished its immediate business. The temple to Brawn is receiving its finishing touches. Its high roof and small steeple rises above everything else in the village. Clusters of small houses now dot the village, though much of the population is still housed in shacks and tents. The town hall remains just a large house. Hopefully it will be expanded in the coming seasons.
You can explore the village if you like or attend to other business. Try speeding up construction on something, go off exploring on your own, try making something, whatever you can think of. We'll probably pause soonish, depending.
>>409605
There are a few full priests of Brawn in the village, of course, but the one in charge of the temple is Silver Plow. He's clearly a little uneasy about having a trickster in the temple, but he welcomes you nonetheless.
"We know the rituals to ask Brawn for a blessing to help our stallions work harder in the fields. They will be able to plow more land next year. We also know the rituals to ask the Strong One for greater strength for our warriors.
"We can't constantly perform both rituals, of course, unless we make the temple even bigger. So for now we can perform a continuous ritual for strength in battle and perform a sacrifice for greater strength in the fields when harvest and planting come. Or we could do it the other way around."
>>409606
Right now there's just a few houses where some of the village's old mares and midwives live. They tend to know more about medicine than most others, and sick or injured ponies get taken to them.
You set up your tent over near their houses, but pretty soon old Firewheel, one of the oldest mares in the village but far from the quietest, approaches you.
"Get your house of death away from my home, you cretin! It's an ill omen to have a place like that next to a pony's house. Next thing you know, Nightstar will come and take us all to our next lives!"
>>409608
You tag along with Cauthon. Silver Plow speaks to you.
"We worship Brawn because he taught our ancestors how to plow the soil and tend to the trees, and our ancestors always loved him more than any of the gods. He is our protector.
"He gives strength to those who need it – the strength to till the earth or swing the craftsman's hammer or use the sword to defend your home."
>>409607
There's a makeshift forge near the center of the village, but no elaborate smithy yet. The craftsponies – the goldsmiths, potters, artists and the like – have set up on the southeast side of the village, but they do not yet have much in the way of permanent dwellings yet.
Bluebird is usually considered the leader of the craftsponies. He's an ironsmith by trade, and you've worked with him before. Indeed, he taught you a great deal about ironworking.
There are a few full priests of Brawn in the village, of course, but the one in charge of the temple is Silver Plow. He's clearly a little uneasy about having a trickster in the temple, but he welcomes you nonetheless.
"We know the rituals to ask Brawn for a blessing to help our stallions work harder in the fields. They will be able to plow more land next year. We also know the rituals to ask the Strong One for greater strength for our warriors.
"We can't constantly perform both rituals, of course, unless we make the temple even bigger. So for now we can perform a continuous ritual for strength in battle and perform a sacrifice for greater strength in the fields when harvest and planting come. Or we could do it the other way around."
>>409606
Right now there's just a few houses where some of the village's old mares and midwives live. They tend to know more about medicine than most others, and sick or injured ponies get taken to them.
You set up your tent over near their houses, but pretty soon old Firewheel, one of the oldest mares in the village but far from the quietest, approaches you.
"Get your house of death away from my home, you cretin! It's an ill omen to have a place like that next to a pony's house. Next thing you know, Nightstar will come and take us all to our next lives!"
>>409608
You tag along with Cauthon. Silver Plow speaks to you.
"We worship Brawn because he taught our ancestors how to plow the soil and tend to the trees, and our ancestors always loved him more than any of the gods. He is our protector.
"He gives strength to those who need it – the strength to till the earth or swing the craftsman's hammer or use the sword to defend your home."
>>409607
There's a makeshift forge near the center of the village, but no elaborate smithy yet. The craftsponies – the goldsmiths, potters, artists and the like – have set up on the southeast side of the village, but they do not yet have much in the way of permanent dwellings yet.
Bluebird is usually considered the leader of the craftsponies. He's an ironsmith by trade, and you've worked with him before. Indeed, he taught you a great deal about ironworking.
>>409612
I'll look hurt.
"I didn't… I mean…"
My head will droop.
"Yes'm."
And I'll wrap everything up, and find a nice, deserted spot of the tula well-away from homes and shrine.
"Wasn't going to be a funeral home, anyway… it was supposed to be a place of new life, and healing the sick or injured."
Grumbling mostly to myself, how long does it take me to set up my tent? '1d20'
Roll #1 18 = 18
I'll look hurt.
"I didn't… I mean…"
My head will droop.
"Yes'm."
And I'll wrap everything up, and find a nice, deserted spot of the tula well-away from homes and shrine.
"Wasn't going to be a funeral home, anyway… it was supposed to be a place of new life, and healing the sick or injured."
Grumbling mostly to myself, how long does it take me to set up my tent? '1d20'
Roll #1 18 = 18
>>409613
"Much of our knowledge of the gods' rituals was lost in our move to this place. We know how to ask Heart Petal for fertility, but that is all. We will need to sacrifice to learn the gods' mysteries or ask other clans to give us those secrets."
>>409614
You quickly find a nice secluded space on the north side of the village, far away from anypony's house, but still close to the clan hall and the temple. You have your space set up almost immediately. All your tools and scrolls and books are here now.
>>409615
You help the workers put the finishing touches on the temple's roof. When a worker slips and falls on the roof, you haul him back up single-hoofedly. Everyone is impressed with your strength, and Silver Plow offers a short prayer to Boulder and Brawn in thanks.
Now all that is left is some carpentry inside. The temple will certainly be ready by the start of Summer.
>>409621
>>409622
Huffing and puffing in your mad dash to the temple, you both reach it in record time (the previous record being set by little Ginger Snaps, age four, sometime last week). The small crowd that watches the two of you cheers at your great display of physical strength.
"Much of our knowledge of the gods' rituals was lost in our move to this place. We know how to ask Heart Petal for fertility, but that is all. We will need to sacrifice to learn the gods' mysteries or ask other clans to give us those secrets."
>>409614
You quickly find a nice secluded space on the north side of the village, far away from anypony's house, but still close to the clan hall and the temple. You have your space set up almost immediately. All your tools and scrolls and books are here now.
>>409615
You help the workers put the finishing touches on the temple's roof. When a worker slips and falls on the roof, you haul him back up single-hoofedly. Everyone is impressed with your strength, and Silver Plow offers a short prayer to Boulder and Brawn in thanks.
Now all that is left is some carpentry inside. The temple will certainly be ready by the start of Summer.
>>409621
>>409622
Huffing and puffing in your mad dash to the temple, you both reach it in record time (the previous record being set by little Ginger Snaps, age four, sometime last week). The small crowd that watches the two of you cheers at your great display of physical strength.
>>409623
Well, I don't expect to get many visitors here. Not until I can train a doctor or two. And gather remedies from the town midwives and wise ladies. And, of course, earn some of their trust.
Though, perhaps I should go to the smith. Get this dull old sword sharpened a bit. I think I'll do that.
Well, I don't expect to get many visitors here. Not until I can train a doctor or two. And gather remedies from the town midwives and wise ladies. And, of course, earn some of their trust.
Though, perhaps I should go to the smith. Get this dull old sword sharpened a bit. I think I'll do that.
>>409629
You go down to the forge area and ask Bluebird to sharpen your new weapon.
"This is a fine blade," he says. "It looks old, though. Clearly earth pony work, but it was made for a pegasus knight. Do you see the markings here?"
He points at a star and horseshoe engraved into the bottom of the blade.
"That's the symbol for the Star Prancer clan. They're renowned weaponsmiths. I've heard that they traveled to the pass a few years ago, but I'm not sure what happened to them."
He sharpens the blade and returns it to you.
>>409633
There's really no such thing as a restaurant in a pony village, of course (there's really no such thing as a "city" for that matter), but the clan hall always has servants making something at this time of day. But for soup, your best bet would be to try the warriors. They always like a good vegetable stew, and they make sure that their servants keep it coming.
The warriors don't have a great hall yet, but they do have an elaborate set of tents on the west end of the village.
You go down to the forge area and ask Bluebird to sharpen your new weapon.
"This is a fine blade," he says. "It looks old, though. Clearly earth pony work, but it was made for a pegasus knight. Do you see the markings here?"
He points at a star and horseshoe engraved into the bottom of the blade.
"That's the symbol for the Star Prancer clan. They're renowned weaponsmiths. I've heard that they traveled to the pass a few years ago, but I'm not sure what happened to them."
He sharpens the blade and returns it to you.
>>409633
There's really no such thing as a restaurant in a pony village, of course (there's really no such thing as a "city" for that matter), but the clan hall always has servants making something at this time of day. But for soup, your best bet would be to try the warriors. They always like a good vegetable stew, and they make sure that their servants keep it coming.
The warriors don't have a great hall yet, but they do have an elaborate set of tents on the west end of the village.
>>409634
"Thank you. We found it in a cave with a rather large spider. It might have taken one of them before they could bring the sword to bear."
After thanking the smith, I'll start heading back to my tent before blinking a few times.
"Ah. I could have just asked the dead there, couldn't I?"
Shake my head.
"Ah well. Let the dead stay at peace."
Now, let's see… what else can I check on that won't get me driven away because of my patron? The Brawn temple. Let's see how that's finishing up.
"Thank you. We found it in a cave with a rather large spider. It might have taken one of them before they could bring the sword to bear."
After thanking the smith, I'll start heading back to my tent before blinking a few times.
"Ah. I could have just asked the dead there, couldn't I?"
Shake my head.
"Ah well. Let the dead stay at peace."
Now, let's see… what else can I check on that won't get me driven away because of my patron? The Brawn temple. Let's see how that's finishing up.
>>409635
>>409636
The temple itself is mostly complete. All that needs doing now is carpentry and skilled crafting to turn it from a simple building into a temple worthy of the clan's most beloved god. Brawnite temples are never ornate, but they still require some good carving and a few treasures here and there.
From the outside, the temple is a wooden building with a low-sloping roof. A single tall steeple stretches about twenty feet into the air over the roof. Once finally completed, the exterior will feature many beautiful carvings in rolling geometric patterns favored by Brawnites. A bell for the steeple will hopefully one day be cast or purchased, but it isn't strictly necessary.
The inside is very similar to the outside. Large wooden planks that will soon feature more elaborate carving line the walls. A simple altar stands at the center of the temple on a raised dais. The rest of the temple is bare, but the carpenters have created a system by which a great deal of light can be let in through shutters in the roof, which can then be closed during the winter or in the rain.
>>409640
It doesn't look any different to you. Silver Plow welcomes you to the temple.
"I think you're our only priest of Nightstar, right Loam? Maybe in a few seasons the ring can set up a shrine to the Night Watcher."
>>409636
The temple itself is mostly complete. All that needs doing now is carpentry and skilled crafting to turn it from a simple building into a temple worthy of the clan's most beloved god. Brawnite temples are never ornate, but they still require some good carving and a few treasures here and there.
From the outside, the temple is a wooden building with a low-sloping roof. A single tall steeple stretches about twenty feet into the air over the roof. Once finally completed, the exterior will feature many beautiful carvings in rolling geometric patterns favored by Brawnites. A bell for the steeple will hopefully one day be cast or purchased, but it isn't strictly necessary.
The inside is very similar to the outside. Large wooden planks that will soon feature more elaborate carving line the walls. A simple altar stands at the center of the temple on a raised dais. The rest of the temple is bare, but the carpenters have created a system by which a great deal of light can be let in through shutters in the roof, which can then be closed during the winter or in the rain.
>>409640
It doesn't look any different to you. Silver Plow welcomes you to the temple.
"I think you're our only priest of Nightstar, right Loam? Maybe in a few seasons the ring can set up a shrine to the Night Watcher."
>>409646
"Priest is a bit strong of a word, but Nightstar is my patron. Likely the only shrine will be in my tent, unless I can convince the others to allow one being added on here."
I'll shrug.
"Though that will, of course, likely be after the shrines to Heart Petal, Boulder, Golden Heart, Springsong, and possibly a small one to Erumal to please Cauthon and keep him in line."
I'll shake my head.
"Regardless, as part of the Ring, I need to make certain you, the builders, and everyone else has what they need."
"Priest is a bit strong of a word, but Nightstar is my patron. Likely the only shrine will be in my tent, unless I can convince the others to allow one being added on here."
I'll shrug.
"Though that will, of course, likely be after the shrines to Heart Petal, Boulder, Golden Heart, Springsong, and possibly a small one to Erumal to please Cauthon and keep him in line."
I'll shake my head.
"Regardless, as part of the Ring, I need to make certain you, the builders, and everyone else has what they need."
>>409650
You introduce Coiled Garden to the small cadre of warriors your clan keeps. Not counting the other nobles who serve on the ring or perform other tasks, the Earthen Hoofs have eight dedicated warriors who guard the clan. In a raid, of course, the stallions will turn out to fight, but only the warriors and nobles are really trained in combat.
The captain of the warriors is Rock Jumper. He's a big, strong stallion who you knew growing up.
>>409651
They're not in need of anything. The nearby forest has everything they need. Still, they would like you to discuss with the rest of the Ring making a logging camp and clearing more forest this summer.
>>409653
"We are fine for now. The temple is coming along nicely, and by the start of the summer we should be done. I can then perform the rituals that our ancestors have performed since… well forever, I guess."
You introduce Coiled Garden to the small cadre of warriors your clan keeps. Not counting the other nobles who serve on the ring or perform other tasks, the Earthen Hoofs have eight dedicated warriors who guard the clan. In a raid, of course, the stallions will turn out to fight, but only the warriors and nobles are really trained in combat.
The captain of the warriors is Rock Jumper. He's a big, strong stallion who you knew growing up.
>>409651
They're not in need of anything. The nearby forest has everything they need. Still, they would like you to discuss with the rest of the Ring making a logging camp and clearing more forest this summer.
>>409653
"We are fine for now. The temple is coming along nicely, and by the start of the summer we should be done. I can then perform the rituals that our ancestors have performed since… well forever, I guess."
>>409654
I'll nod.
"Good."
After a moment, I'll continue.
"You… wouldn't happen to know a way that I could get on Firewheel's good side, do you? I'd like to learn the remedies and poultices that the midwives and wisemares have at their disposal, since at some point I would like to build a place where we can take our sick or injured to be healed."
I'll nod.
"Good."
After a moment, I'll continue.
"You… wouldn't happen to know a way that I could get on Firewheel's good side, do you? I'd like to learn the remedies and poultices that the midwives and wisemares have at their disposal, since at some point I would like to build a place where we can take our sick or injured to be healed."
>>409657
"Aren't you a bit small for the warrior's tent?"
"But, if you're a friend of the Ring, you are welcome here."
A servant comes and ladles you out a big bowl of vegetable soup.
>>409658
"Gilded, it's good to see you! Yes, we do need some more permanent workshops. When the Ring gets the time and resources, we'd very much appreciate it."
okay, we're pausing. Thanks for playing, everyone.
We'll tentatively schedule for Friday, okay?
"Aren't you a bit small for the warrior's tent?"
"But, if you're a friend of the Ring, you are welcome here."
A servant comes and ladles you out a big bowl of vegetable soup.
>>409658
"Gilded, it's good to see you! Yes, we do need some more permanent workshops. When the Ring gets the time and resources, we'd very much appreciate it."
okay, we're pausing. Thanks for playing, everyone.
We'll tentatively schedule for Friday, okay?
The Earthen Hoof clan has sown its crops, planted its saplings, and started to build its settlement into a permanent village, just in time for the start of the summer season.
For Earth Ponies, summer is a time of relative leisure. The intense bustle of the planting season fades into a long string of weeks spent on more diverse activities. Summer is traditionally the season of trade and barter, of exploration and foraging, and (of course) of raiding.
You have all gathered in the clan hall. After weeks of work spent on it, the hall is now a more impressive structure – a long house across from the temple dedicated to Brawn, decorated with intricate wood carvings and with its shingled roof painted a dull orange made from clay. The inside is covered in the simple tapestries brought from the homeland, the ancient clan treasures, and the bronze armor found beneath the temple's foundations. The armor is mounted just above the long table where the Ring sits, showing everyone how fortunate and favored your clan is by the spirits.
The treasure you recovered from the spider is displayed around the hall: silver bowls and chalices, foreign gold coins, new gems woven into your clan's tapestries. It's an impressive sight, the clan is sure.
Chief Thornshaker has called a meeting of the Ring to both make plans for the start of the season and to address petitions brought by the rest of the clan. Three of your kinsponies stand before the Ring, waiting for your attention: Bluebird, the craftspony forepony; Rockhoof, a clan warrior; and Brightly, one of the clan farmers. Bluebird is patiently waiting for the Ring to speak to him, but Brightly seems obviously agitated. He avoids looking at Rockhoof, who only smiles smugly.
"First we should talk about the requests of the rest of the clan. Brightly and Bluebird both have things they'd like to speak with us about," says Thornshaker.
For Earth Ponies, summer is a time of relative leisure. The intense bustle of the planting season fades into a long string of weeks spent on more diverse activities. Summer is traditionally the season of trade and barter, of exploration and foraging, and (of course) of raiding.
You have all gathered in the clan hall. After weeks of work spent on it, the hall is now a more impressive structure – a long house across from the temple dedicated to Brawn, decorated with intricate wood carvings and with its shingled roof painted a dull orange made from clay. The inside is covered in the simple tapestries brought from the homeland, the ancient clan treasures, and the bronze armor found beneath the temple's foundations. The armor is mounted just above the long table where the Ring sits, showing everyone how fortunate and favored your clan is by the spirits.
The treasure you recovered from the spider is displayed around the hall: silver bowls and chalices, foreign gold coins, new gems woven into your clan's tapestries. It's an impressive sight, the clan is sure.
Chief Thornshaker has called a meeting of the Ring to both make plans for the start of the season and to address petitions brought by the rest of the clan. Three of your kinsponies stand before the Ring, waiting for your attention: Bluebird, the craftspony forepony; Rockhoof, a clan warrior; and Brightly, one of the clan farmers. Bluebird is patiently waiting for the Ring to speak to him, but Brightly seems obviously agitated. He avoids looking at Rockhoof, who only smiles smugly.
"First we should talk about the requests of the rest of the clan. Brightly and Bluebird both have things they'd like to speak with us about," says Thornshaker.
Thornshaker sighs and shakes his head before he points at Brightly. The farmer speaks up immediately.
"Just a few days ago, I went outside my house to find this pony," he points at Rockhoof, "on my land, trampling on my vegetable garden and tearing up my scarecrow! I asked him why he did this, and he said that he needed my land for 'training!'" He practically whines the word "training" in a ridiculous voice.
"He destroyed my crops and my property. He owes me at least two bushels worth of compensation! More! But he refuses to pay! He just says that the warriors have the right to use land they need, and that I should move farther from the village if I don't like it."
Rockhoof continues to smirk and sit quietly.
You all know that Rockhoof is right. Warriors do have the right to use land they need, but it's very irregular for one to just take it without first talking to the Ring. Unusual, but not necessarily unlawful.
Thornshaker whispers to all of you, "This is a shaky issue. The farmers are already upset that the warriors didn't have to help plant like everypony else when we moved here…"
"Just a few days ago, I went outside my house to find this pony," he points at Rockhoof, "on my land, trampling on my vegetable garden and tearing up my scarecrow! I asked him why he did this, and he said that he needed my land for 'training!'" He practically whines the word "training" in a ridiculous voice.
"He destroyed my crops and my property. He owes me at least two bushels worth of compensation! More! But he refuses to pay! He just says that the warriors have the right to use land they need, and that I should move farther from the village if I don't like it."
Rockhoof continues to smirk and sit quietly.
You all know that Rockhoof is right. Warriors do have the right to use land they need, but it's very irregular for one to just take it without first talking to the Ring. Unusual, but not necessarily unlawful.
Thornshaker whispers to all of you, "This is a shaky issue. The farmers are already upset that the warriors didn't have to help plant like everypony else when we moved here…"
>>415146
"Rockhoof should have asked the Ring first, so that Brightly would have had the time to transplant his crops to another location."
I'll look to the others.
"The land may be up for use, but the destruction of property, and more importantly crops, is an offense to Brightly."
>>415147
"Possibly for no other reason than that it was there."
>>415148
"I had a different sort of compromise in mind. Until Rockhoof pays back Brightly for the destruction of property, he will work for him, repairing anything that needs repairing, planting anything that needs planting, and helping harvest if his debt is not paid by then."
I'll look at Rockhoof.
"It is shameful for a warrior to turn against the hoof that feeds him."
"Rockhoof should have asked the Ring first, so that Brightly would have had the time to transplant his crops to another location."
I'll look to the others.
"The land may be up for use, but the destruction of property, and more importantly crops, is an offense to Brightly."
>>415147
"Possibly for no other reason than that it was there."
>>415148
"I had a different sort of compromise in mind. Until Rockhoof pays back Brightly for the destruction of property, he will work for him, repairing anything that needs repairing, planting anything that needs planting, and helping harvest if his debt is not paid by then."
I'll look at Rockhoof.
"It is shameful for a warrior to turn against the hoof that feeds him."
>>415147
Rockhoof speaks up.
"I needed a target for sword practice, and his scarecrow was nearby. We don't have enough warriors, and we don't have room to train in the village, so I did the next best thing: Use this crop-picker's yard. It was for the good of the clan!"
>>415149
"I shouldn't have to pay for his stupid property! The ring hasn't treated the warriors right – we don't have the stuff we need to protect the clan, and we don't have enough warriors, either. You all favor the farmers too much. We might be a farming clan, but that doesn't mean you can ignore us warriors!"
>>415148
Rockhoof looks aghast for a moment before speaking.
"If that's the sort of punishment the Ring wants to give, we warriors will bear yet another burden. For the clan." The smug stallion holds his head high. Brightly rolls his eyes.
"I can't feed my family with a stupid name!" says the farmer.
Rockhoof speaks up.
"I needed a target for sword practice, and his scarecrow was nearby. We don't have enough warriors, and we don't have room to train in the village, so I did the next best thing: Use this crop-picker's yard. It was for the good of the clan!"
>>415149
"I shouldn't have to pay for his stupid property! The ring hasn't treated the warriors right – we don't have the stuff we need to protect the clan, and we don't have enough warriors, either. You all favor the farmers too much. We might be a farming clan, but that doesn't mean you can ignore us warriors!"
>>415148
Rockhoof looks aghast for a moment before speaking.
"If that's the sort of punishment the Ring wants to give, we warriors will bear yet another burden. For the clan." The smug stallion holds his head high. Brightly rolls his eyes.
"I can't feed my family with a stupid name!" says the farmer.
>>415150
"His 'stupid property' is what fills your belly and keeps your swordhoof strong. If you cannot respect that, then you will be incapable of protecting it."
I'll let out a small snort.
"And if our warriors behave like colts fresh from their dam's apron strings, then they should be treated as such."
>>415152
"That was our next project anyway, wasn't it? Aside from the crafter's shops? Though now I'm beginning to think we should put priority on the crafters instead."
"His 'stupid property' is what fills your belly and keeps your swordhoof strong. If you cannot respect that, then you will be incapable of protecting it."
I'll let out a small snort.
"And if our warriors behave like colts fresh from their dam's apron strings, then they should be treated as such."
>>415152
"That was our next project anyway, wasn't it? Aside from the crafter's shops? Though now I'm beginning to think we should put priority on the crafters instead."
>>415146
"Well, warriors do have the right to use whatever land they may need, because a strong warrior population means a strong clan!"
>>415151
"…But as Gilded says, Brawn finds it an offense to trample one who works the earth's work. And to be a strong clan, we need hearty to feed our warriors with…"
>>415150
"You don't have what you need to protect the clan? What?!"
I stomp my hoof on the ground angrily.
"Well, warriors do have the right to use whatever land they may need, because a strong warrior population means a strong clan!"
>>415151
"…But as Gilded says, Brawn finds it an offense to trample one who works the earth's work. And to be a strong clan, we need hearty to feed our warriors with…"
>>415150
"You don't have what you need to protect the clan? What?!"
I stomp my hoof on the ground angrily.
File: 1368589663811.gif (909.1 KB, 271x372, Applebloom chef hat.gif, IO Google TinEye)
>>415148
"STEW! Of course! But whose was it?"
>>415150
"Don't you have axes? Couldn't you have attacked the trees then, so we could have wood for the temples and you and the rest of the warriors would have had some practice chopping things?"
>>415153
"The crafters can make things so the warriors can break them, right?"
"STEW! Of course! But whose was it?"
>>415150
"Don't you have axes? Couldn't you have attacked the trees then, so we could have wood for the temples and you and the rest of the warriors would have had some practice chopping things?"
>>415153
"The crafters can make things so the warriors can break them, right?"
>>415154
"That's right! We don't have enough warriors or swords or shields or or or…. uh…"
"Oh right, we don't have enough space to train, either. Yeah."
>>415156
"I'm not going to go wander out into the woods so we can just train! That's a long way off."
Bluebird speaks up.
"And, uh, we craftsponies aren't going to make things just for the meath- uh, warriors, to break."
>>415158
>>415157
Rockhoof speaks. "Yeah, a training area could work. But we still need more warriors. And stuff."
>>415152
Rockhoof seems to wince at the mention of physical labor.
"That's right! We don't have enough warriors or swords or shields or or or…. uh…"
"Oh right, we don't have enough space to train, either. Yeah."
>>415156
"I'm not going to go wander out into the woods so we can just train! That's a long way off."
Bluebird speaks up.
"And, uh, we craftsponies aren't going to make things just for the meath- uh, warriors, to break."
>>415158
>>415157
Rockhoof speaks. "Yeah, a training area could work. But we still need more warriors. And stuff."
>>415152
Rockhoof seems to wince at the mention of physical labor.
>>415156
"Well the crafters need things as well. But I am sure blue bird can tell us more in that in a moment "
>>415160
>>415161
I smile "well of course there is much joy in creating things, the forge is a wonderful place to be, and seeing a completed piece on use.. well its a very unique pleasure."
"But seeing something used wrongly or destroyed can be sad."
"Well the crafters need things as well. But I am sure blue bird can tell us more in that in a moment "
>>415160
>>415161
I smile "well of course there is much joy in creating things, the forge is a wonderful place to be, and seeing a completed piece on use.. well its a very unique pleasure."
"But seeing something used wrongly or destroyed can be sad."
>>415162
"The warriors want their house, but they have to have the craftspony make it, who don't want the warrior-ponies to break 'em."
"How about this: the fighting-ponies go and bring the stuff that the craftspony need to build? That way, when the fighters break things, it was the warrior's things anyway cause they went to get the stuff to make it?"
"The warriors want their house, but they have to have the craftspony make it, who don't want the warrior-ponies to break 'em."
"How about this: the fighting-ponies go and bring the stuff that the craftspony need to build? That way, when the fighters break things, it was the warrior's things anyway cause they went to get the stuff to make it?"
>>415162
"That's unacceptable!"
I stomp my hoof on the ground again.
"We need to begin construction on a training hall immediately! And a forge to construct new weaponry and shields… Have everypony in town help! The warriors can bring raw materials back to keep their strength up, and the whole clan can be involved in the construction!"
I hop up on the highest thing near me and look out, trying to find a space for a training hall.
'1d20'
Roll #1 8 = 8
"That's unacceptable!"
I stomp my hoof on the ground again.
"We need to begin construction on a training hall immediately! And a forge to construct new weaponry and shields… Have everypony in town help! The warriors can bring raw materials back to keep their strength up, and the whole clan can be involved in the construction!"
I hop up on the highest thing near me and look out, trying to find a space for a training hall.
'1d20'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>415165
"Hey, yeah…. that could work…"
>>415166
>>415167
Rockhoof nods in acceptance. He's not the warrior leader (that would be Rock Jumper, his brother), but if it's acceptable to one of the more hard-headed warriors, your plan will probably be acceptable to the others.
Ziza, you dash outside and see a hill on the south side of the village. It overlooks the river to the south and would make both a good training space and a good watchtower. But you've heard that some of the craftsponies and farmers want to put a mill there some day, or perhaps a temple to Heart Petal. Using it for a warrior camp might upset them, though perhaps less so than taking Brightly's land.
Brightly taps his hoof. "And what about my compensation? I need those two bushels of goods? Are the warriors going to give it to me?"
>>415169
"Why should I move? I like my land. It's near to the village."
"Hey, yeah…. that could work…"
>>415166
>>415167
Rockhoof nods in acceptance. He's not the warrior leader (that would be Rock Jumper, his brother), but if it's acceptable to one of the more hard-headed warriors, your plan will probably be acceptable to the others.
Ziza, you dash outside and see a hill on the south side of the village. It overlooks the river to the south and would make both a good training space and a good watchtower. But you've heard that some of the craftsponies and farmers want to put a mill there some day, or perhaps a temple to Heart Petal. Using it for a warrior camp might upset them, though perhaps less so than taking Brightly's land.
Brightly taps his hoof. "And what about my compensation? I need those two bushels of goods? Are the warriors going to give it to me?"
>>415169
"Why should I move? I like my land. It's near to the village."
>>415171
"He'll have a fenced-in sparring area. He won't need to go anywhere else."
I'll square a look at Rockhoof.
"And if he does decide to 'appropriate' Brightly's new farm, then perhaps there's more to this than just boredom on his part."
>>415172
"You likely aren't going to get them from Rockhoof. I'm afraid you may have to settle this with Rock Jumper."
I'll shake my head a little sadly.
"I'm sorry."
"He'll have a fenced-in sparring area. He won't need to go anywhere else."
I'll square a look at Rockhoof.
"And if he does decide to 'appropriate' Brightly's new farm, then perhaps there's more to this than just boredom on his part."
>>415172
"You likely aren't going to get them from Rockhoof. I'm afraid you may have to settle this with Rock Jumper."
I'll shake my head a little sadly.
"I'm sorry."
>>415173
"Well, what if everyone chose to help? What about the other stuff that has to be done? And what if no one helped, that would be bad too. And if the craftsponies didn't want to help, that would be bad too."
"If the warrior ponies want a house, they should help make it. It's only fair, right?"
"Well, what if everyone chose to help? What about the other stuff that has to be done? And what if no one helped, that would be bad too. And if the craftsponies didn't want to help, that would be bad too."
"If the warrior ponies want a house, they should help make it. It's only fair, right?"
>>415193
Thornshaker nods.
"The warriors will give Brightly three bushels of goods after the next raid, and the clan will build a training hall for the warriors as soon as we can. The warriors will help build the hall, too."
Brightly looks reasonably satisfied, and Rockhoof seems very pleased with himself. You've probably avoided the worst of any sort of conflict within the clan.
Bluebird, the craftspony, speaks after Thornshaker signals for him to go ahead.
"Well now that we've talked about building more things, I think my concern is even more of an issue. We craftsponies need material and tools – forges, anvils, cloth and the like. And we can't get all of it ourselves from wandering traders or foraging.
"We need the clan to send a trading party out to a nearby clan as soon as we can. Hopefully they will have some of the things we need.
"We know that our friends the Mud Turtles are a ways to the east, but that's far into the foothills and might be dangerous. We also know that some of the clans around here are pretty well-established and might be able to trade.
"There are the Wheat Manes to the south, way across the river. The rumors we've heard say that they've got a large apple orchard, so they're probably pretty well-off. And then there are the Blue Leafs to the north. We've heard different things about them. They might be unfriendly or they might not, but they were one of the first clans to come here, so they probably have something to trade. The Firewhistles are to the east. They probably have some of the things we really need like iron and forges, but we've heard they're unfriendly and warlike. And taking us that way would put our traders near to the Tree Shakers, who have always hated us. But it might be worth it."
"You should consider sending out a trading party before the season is over. Or perhaps you could go yourselves as envoys."
Thornshaker nods.
"The warriors will give Brightly three bushels of goods after the next raid, and the clan will build a training hall for the warriors as soon as we can. The warriors will help build the hall, too."
Brightly looks reasonably satisfied, and Rockhoof seems very pleased with himself. You've probably avoided the worst of any sort of conflict within the clan.
Bluebird, the craftspony, speaks after Thornshaker signals for him to go ahead.
"Well now that we've talked about building more things, I think my concern is even more of an issue. We craftsponies need material and tools – forges, anvils, cloth and the like. And we can't get all of it ourselves from wandering traders or foraging.
"We need the clan to send a trading party out to a nearby clan as soon as we can. Hopefully they will have some of the things we need.
"We know that our friends the Mud Turtles are a ways to the east, but that's far into the foothills and might be dangerous. We also know that some of the clans around here are pretty well-established and might be able to trade.
"There are the Wheat Manes to the south, way across the river. The rumors we've heard say that they've got a large apple orchard, so they're probably pretty well-off. And then there are the Blue Leafs to the north. We've heard different things about them. They might be unfriendly or they might not, but they were one of the first clans to come here, so they probably have something to trade. The Firewhistles are to the east. They probably have some of the things we really need like iron and forges, but we've heard they're unfriendly and warlike. And taking us that way would put our traders near to the Tree Shakers, who have always hated us. But it might be worth it."
"You should consider sending out a trading party before the season is over. Or perhaps you could go yourselves as envoys."
>>415194
"As I'm not really needed yet, as none have fallen ill or require my talents, I can be our representative. The others are still needed here."
I'll consider a moment.
"I would suggest heading to either the Wheat Manes or Blue Leaves. Once we're on more equal hoofing with the Firewhistles, we can think about sending an envoy there."
I'll look to the others.
"Does that sound reasonable?"
"As I'm not really needed yet, as none have fallen ill or require my talents, I can be our representative. The others are still needed here."
I'll consider a moment.
"I would suggest heading to either the Wheat Manes or Blue Leaves. Once we're on more equal hoofing with the Firewhistles, we can think about sending an envoy there."
I'll look to the others.
"Does that sound reasonable?"
>>415199
>>415201
I shake my head.
"But that would leave the ring underponed. Should Ziza, Cauthon, and Striker stay, there will be a good three votes on what must be done."
I'll smile slightly at Garden.
"And while I appreciate the offer, young one, I can't possibly accept. Even if we knew the roads, we don't about bandits or the like."
>>415201
I shake my head.
"But that would leave the ring underponed. Should Ziza, Cauthon, and Striker stay, there will be a good three votes on what must be done."
I'll smile slightly at Garden.
"And while I appreciate the offer, young one, I can't possibly accept. Even if we knew the roads, we don't about bandits or the like."
>>415213
"That might be good. I will leave it to your discretion to choose what you'd think might fetch a good price…"
I'll frown slightly for a moment.
"However, you might want to send somepony who's a good haggler. I doubt I would get us any deals…"
>>415214
"Like when you left a half-dozen spiders in my notebooks when we were children?"
"That might be good. I will leave it to your discretion to choose what you'd think might fetch a good price…"
I'll frown slightly for a moment.
"However, you might want to send somepony who's a good haggler. I doubt I would get us any deals…"
>>415214
"Like when you left a half-dozen spiders in my notebooks when we were children?"
>>415216
"Bah. Pranks and jokes are all the same to you, anyway."
I'll huff slightly.
>>415217
"You won't need to worry about that for a few summers yet. And the matrons of the town will set you right on that regard. Though, I personally prefer those who are simply themselves, instead of what they think their partner would like."
>>415218
"Then it seems we're going as a group."
"Bah. Pranks and jokes are all the same to you, anyway."
I'll huff slightly.
>>415217
"You won't need to worry about that for a few summers yet. And the matrons of the town will set you right on that regard. Though, I personally prefer those who are simply themselves, instead of what they think their partner would like."
>>415218
"Then it seems we're going as a group."
Thornshaker speaks. "If you all want to go on this trade mission, it seems like a fine idea to me. I can oversee the survey of the area for a new training site and make sure the village is defended. If anything comes up, I'm sure that I and Thistleberry can handle it."
"Whatever you decide, I'll tell the traders to start packing up some goods for trade. They'll want to send a representative, I'm sure."
We're going to pause here. If you want to continue to RP, go for it.
"Whatever you decide, I'll tell the traders to start packing up some goods for trade. They'll want to send a representative, I'm sure."
We're going to pause here. If you want to continue to RP, go for it.
File: 1369099883473.png (128.9 KB, 1280x886, 298139__UNOPT__safe_oc_riding_…, IO Google TinEye)
The ring has decided on embarking of a trade mission, and the lot of you are tagging along to oversee those efforts. A trade caravan offers a good opportunity to scout the wilderness and get to know the clans around you, though it also offers a tempting target to roving bands of monsters and bandits.
The clan's craftsponies have put together three wagons of goods to take with you to the Blue Leafs. A few bushels of dried fruit from your clan's stores, as well as much of the treasure you liberated from the spider's lair. They hope you will bring back iron, anvils, tools, and other goods that will help your crafters, farmers, and warriors in the coming year.
Chief Thornshaker surveys the wagons in the town square. "There is much of our clan's wealth going on this caravan. You must be careful. If we were to lose the goods to bandits or monsters or a poor trade, the coming year would be very tough on us.
"And we only have eight warriors in the clan. We'll need most of them to stay here, but if you like, we can send more to help you."
He gestures at another pony nearby. "I'm sending Cold Fortune here with you. She's one of our best magic-users. I offered her a position on the ring back before we arrived in this country, but she only decided to join now." He chuckles a little and says, "I think your victory over the spider in the woods convinced her that we might just survive out here."
Bluebird, the leader of the craftsponies, also speaks. "I'd like to send Juniper with you, if you like. She's our best law-talker, and she'd be a good pony to have in a negotiation," he says. "She knows all we know about the surrounding clans."
You all knew Juniper growing up. She's a smart mare, and she's been angling for a position on the ring for some time. If she harbors any resentment towards you over your appointments to the clan's leadership, she doesn't show it on her face. She just smiles and bows at all of you.
"If it pleases all of you, I will be happy to help negotiate for the clan."
The clan's craftsponies have put together three wagons of goods to take with you to the Blue Leafs. A few bushels of dried fruit from your clan's stores, as well as much of the treasure you liberated from the spider's lair. They hope you will bring back iron, anvils, tools, and other goods that will help your crafters, farmers, and warriors in the coming year.
Chief Thornshaker surveys the wagons in the town square. "There is much of our clan's wealth going on this caravan. You must be careful. If we were to lose the goods to bandits or monsters or a poor trade, the coming year would be very tough on us.
"And we only have eight warriors in the clan. We'll need most of them to stay here, but if you like, we can send more to help you."
He gestures at another pony nearby. "I'm sending Cold Fortune here with you. She's one of our best magic-users. I offered her a position on the ring back before we arrived in this country, but she only decided to join now." He chuckles a little and says, "I think your victory over the spider in the woods convinced her that we might just survive out here."
Bluebird, the leader of the craftsponies, also speaks. "I'd like to send Juniper with you, if you like. She's our best law-talker, and she'd be a good pony to have in a negotiation," he says. "She knows all we know about the surrounding clans."
You all knew Juniper growing up. She's a smart mare, and she's been angling for a position on the ring for some time. If she harbors any resentment towards you over your appointments to the clan's leadership, she doesn't show it on her face. She just smiles and bows at all of you.
"If it pleases all of you, I will be happy to help negotiate for the clan."
You all begin to trudge steadily northwards, past the farmland that surrounds your clan's village, past the treeline that marks the edge of Earthen Hoof territory, into the woods claimed by no pony clan you know of.
The wagon train travels for a little more than a day in the woods, following a path that would not be obvious to you unless somepony pointed it out – a thin area of the forest free of larger trees and bushes, with the barest hint of ruts left by wagons and carts before you.
"Ponies have lived in this pass for a long time," Juniper says, "but most of the clans in this valley have only arrived in the last few years. There are some, though, like the Blue Leafs, who have been here for decades. If we can get on their good side, I think it will help us-"
Juniper stops talking as one of the stallions pulling the carts stops and holds up a hoof.
Everyone roll.
The wagon train travels for a little more than a day in the woods, following a path that would not be obvious to you unless somepony pointed it out – a thin area of the forest free of larger trees and bushes, with the barest hint of ruts left by wagons and carts before you.
"Ponies have lived in this pass for a long time," Juniper says, "but most of the clans in this valley have only arrived in the last few years. There are some, though, like the Blue Leafs, who have been here for decades. If we can get on their good side, I think it will help us-"
Juniper stops talking as one of the stallions pulling the carts stops and holds up a hoof.
Everyone roll.
>>417766
Your hammer appears in your hooves. It's a really good hammer. +1 to rolls with it.
>>417767
There are lots of trees, as well as the bush everypony is now staring at. It looks like a mulberry bush.
>>417768
You jump up as high as you can in an effort to see over and around the bush. You can make out a fuzzy red tail shaking slightly.
Your hammer appears in your hooves. It's a really good hammer. +1 to rolls with it.
>>417767
There are lots of trees, as well as the bush everypony is now staring at. It looks like a mulberry bush.
>>417768
You jump up as high as you can in an effort to see over and around the bush. You can make out a fuzzy red tail shaking slightly.
>>417797
"You- bu- I don't even know…"
I plop down on the ground and scratch my head again, putting a hoof down and idly scratching out points representing events and mumbling as I try to recall.
"Okay, so… I found the fox, then Gildy tried to catch it, then I tried to catch it… then Cauthon shoved me out of the way and somehow appeared on the other side… with a bag he didn't have before… yeah!"
I stand back up.
"Where did you get that empty bag from? And how'd you even get over there so fast?"
"You- bu- I don't even know…"
I plop down on the ground and scratch my head again, putting a hoof down and idly scratching out points representing events and mumbling as I try to recall.
"Okay, so… I found the fox, then Gildy tried to catch it, then I tried to catch it… then Cauthon shoved me out of the way and somehow appeared on the other side… with a bag he didn't have before… yeah!"
I stand back up.
"Where did you get that empty bag from? And how'd you even get over there so fast?"
>>417801
"From the priestesses of Golden Heart. In the old country, our allies the Mud Turtles had a shrine dedicated to the goddess of crafts and trade. I studied there for a while."
>>417802
It walks a few steps from you and seems to give a little bow before running off into the woods.
You feel the wind blow through the woods, and you could swear you hear a bleaty giggle on it. It also smells like pretty dresses. You're pretty sure Erumal is pleased.
"I think we should press on," Juniper says.
"From the priestesses of Golden Heart. In the old country, our allies the Mud Turtles had a shrine dedicated to the goddess of crafts and trade. I studied there for a while."
>>417802
It walks a few steps from you and seems to give a little bow before running off into the woods.
You feel the wind blow through the woods, and you could swear you hear a bleaty giggle on it. It also smells like pretty dresses. You're pretty sure Erumal is pleased.
"I think we should press on," Juniper says.
You all continue walking north, following the meandering path through the woods.
Juniper continues speaking about her plans for trade with the Blue Leafs.
"They're a powerful clan, from what we've heard. They're well-established. They have a large orchard, temples to many gods, and they trade their fruit all over the pass. Most importantly, though, we've heard that they have access to iron somewhere on their lands. And that's what we need in order to recruit more warriors, build tools, and grow."
Everyone roll.
Juniper continues speaking about her plans for trade with the Blue Leafs.
"They're a powerful clan, from what we've heard. They're well-established. They have a large orchard, temples to many gods, and they trade their fruit all over the pass. Most importantly, though, we've heard that they have access to iron somewhere on their lands. And that's what we need in order to recruit more warriors, build tools, and grow."
Everyone roll.
>>417807
An arrow strikes you right in the flank. You yowl in pain and collapse on the ground, helpless.
>>417808
>>417809
"I think that our-
"Watch out!"
Juniper dives to the ground as arrows whiz past your heads.
>>417810
The three wagon ponies are taken by surprise as arrows strike their carts. The one in the rear of the caravan takes an arrow to the leg and falls down, helpless. The others begin to unhitch themselves and prepare for battle.
An arrow strikes you right in the flank. You yowl in pain and collapse on the ground, helpless.
>>417808
>>417809
"I think that our-
"Watch out!"
Juniper dives to the ground as arrows whiz past your heads.
>>417810
The three wagon ponies are taken by surprise as arrows strike their carts. The one in the rear of the caravan takes an arrow to the leg and falls down, helpless. The others begin to unhitch themselves and prepare for battle.
>>417813
You pull the arrow from your flank with your teeth. You rise to your hooves and draw your hammer and shield.
These ponies aren't going to take your clan's stuff! Not without a fight! +2 to your next roll.
>>417814
>12+4 = 16
A bolt of living ice stretches forth from your hoof and strikes one of the bandits in the chest. He writhes around in pain but stays on his hooves.
>>417815
You feel a cold chill run up your spine. Perhaps you shouldn't have invoked the name of Nightstar like that. -2 to your next roll.
"Well if you won't surrender, I guess it's death you want!" shouts the bandit leader. He and his bandits charge into your midst.
There are five bandits and their leader. Juniper and the teamster ponies have circled their wagons and are attempting to revive the downed puller.
You pull the arrow from your flank with your teeth. You rise to your hooves and draw your hammer and shield.
These ponies aren't going to take your clan's stuff! Not without a fight! +2 to your next roll.
>>417814
>12+4 = 16
A bolt of living ice stretches forth from your hoof and strikes one of the bandits in the chest. He writhes around in pain but stays on his hooves.
>>417815
You feel a cold chill run up your spine. Perhaps you shouldn't have invoked the name of Nightstar like that. -2 to your next roll.
"Well if you won't surrender, I guess it's death you want!" shouts the bandit leader. He and his bandits charge into your midst.
There are five bandits and their leader. Juniper and the teamster ponies have circled their wagons and are attempting to revive the downed puller.
>>417819
>14+4 = 18
Charging at the pony you struck with your magic ice bolt, you rear back and hit him in the head with your staff, wielding it like a particularly long and heavy bat.
He falls to the ground, out cold.
>>417818
"Brrawwwwwwwwwwwn strooooooooooonnnnnnnng!" you shout as your giant warhammer connects with one of the bandits, striking him in the gut with a brutal blow. He keels over with an "oof" and and "ugh," unconscious on the ground.
>>417817
You lure the bandit leader towards you before leaping over his head and bonking him as hard as you can. You hear a sickening crack as your club connects with the back of his skull. He's down on the ground, helpless.
There are three bandits left standing. Each is much more cautious now, but they are still determined to teach you punks a lesson.
>14+4 = 18
Charging at the pony you struck with your magic ice bolt, you rear back and hit him in the head with your staff, wielding it like a particularly long and heavy bat.
He falls to the ground, out cold.
>>417818
"Brrawwwwwwwwwwwn strooooooooooonnnnnnnng!" you shout as your giant warhammer connects with one of the bandits, striking him in the gut with a brutal blow. He keels over with an "oof" and and "ugh," unconscious on the ground.
>>417817
You lure the bandit leader towards you before leaping over his head and bonking him as hard as you can. You hear a sickening crack as your club connects with the back of his skull. He's down on the ground, helpless.
There are three bandits left standing. Each is much more cautious now, but they are still determined to teach you punks a lesson.
>>417822
The bandits have formed a tight circle to defend against you, but you're having none of it. You charge in and start swinging again, breaking up their circle and delivering a wicked blow to one of their number.
>>417823
You try to leap out from cover and bean a bandit in the skull again, but the bandit didn't live this long in the wilderness to be ambushed by some goat-worshiping hipster. As you lunge at him, he sidesteps you and punches you in the gut.
>>417824
>15+4 = 19
As the pony Ziza attacked is still reeling from your large comrade's onslaught, you follow up the attack with another blow to the face. He's out on the ground, helpless.
The two remaining bandits try to run away.
'2d10'
Roll #1 6, 6 = 12
The bandits have formed a tight circle to defend against you, but you're having none of it. You charge in and start swinging again, breaking up their circle and delivering a wicked blow to one of their number.
>>417823
You try to leap out from cover and bean a bandit in the skull again, but the bandit didn't live this long in the wilderness to be ambushed by some goat-worshiping hipster. As you lunge at him, he sidesteps you and punches you in the gut.
>>417824
>15+4 = 19
As the pony Ziza attacked is still reeling from your large comrade's onslaught, you follow up the attack with another blow to the face. He's out on the ground, helpless.
The two remaining bandits try to run away.
'2d10'
Roll #1 6, 6 = 12
>>417826
You easily overtake one of the fleeing bandits, knocking him to the ground and pummeling him with your hammer. He's soon unconscious.
>>417827
Your bolt of ice whizzes by the remaining bandit helplessly.
>>417828
You're struck by a sudden coughing fit and have to sit down for a minute. The bandit actually starts to run faster.
>>417829
You successfully catch up to the fleeing bandit, only to trip and fall on a rock.
The bandit flees into the woods, and you cannot tell where he went from here. But you can no longer hear hime gallop.
Five bandits, including the bandit leader, lay unconscious on the forest floor. All of your compatriots are okay, including the teamster pony who was struck by an arrow. Juniper has healed his wound.
"Wow," says Juniper, "that was quite the show."
You easily overtake one of the fleeing bandits, knocking him to the ground and pummeling him with your hammer. He's soon unconscious.
>>417827
Your bolt of ice whizzes by the remaining bandit helplessly.
>>417828
You're struck by a sudden coughing fit and have to sit down for a minute. The bandit actually starts to run faster.
>>417829
You successfully catch up to the fleeing bandit, only to trip and fall on a rock.
The bandit flees into the woods, and you cannot tell where he went from here. But you can no longer hear hime gallop.
Five bandits, including the bandit leader, lay unconscious on the forest floor. All of your compatriots are okay, including the teamster pony who was struck by an arrow. Juniper has healed his wound.
"Wow," says Juniper, "that was quite the show."
File: 1369790063927.png (467.63 KB, 1000x898, 1368159690126.png, IO Google TinEye)
Venturing north on a trade mission to the Blue Leafs, a wealthy clan that has been in the pass for generations, your party stumbled into a bandit ambush (and also had a brief escapade with an injured fox). You defeated the bandits without incident, and five of them lay unconscious around you. However, a sixth bandit escaped deeper into the forest.
Juniper, the trader from your clan appointed as a negotiator for the mission, speaks up.
"We've got to decide what to do with these bandits. If we leave them here, they might harass us later."
You all also have one skillpoint to spend. Please tell me how you're going to spend it (or if you're just going to save it) in your first post.
Juniper, the trader from your clan appointed as a negotiator for the mission, speaks up.
"We've got to decide what to do with these bandits. If we leave them here, they might harass us later."
You all also have one skillpoint to spend. Please tell me how you're going to spend it (or if you're just going to save it) in your first post.
>>421966
"What's wrong is banditry."
>>421967
"What one Erumaly does with another pony's fur is his own sacred business, and also incredibly private."
I lean over and whisper in your ear.
"I'm going to leave it where it falls, but don't tell anypony."
>>421969
"To mark them as bandits and teach them a lesson. We could brand them, I guess, if you are the sort of barbarian that does that sort of thing."
"What's wrong is banditry."
>>421967
"What one Erumaly does with another pony's fur is his own sacred business, and also incredibly private."
I lean over and whisper in your ear.
"I'm going to leave it where it falls, but don't tell anypony."
>>421969
"To mark them as bandits and teach them a lesson. We could brand them, I guess, if you are the sort of barbarian that does that sort of thing."
>>421958
Correct. +1 to Heal now.
>>421959
Talked about this on steam. Putting the point into dual-wielding is probably better. Is that okay final answer?
>>421960
Bluff's at -1 now.
>>421963
Staff's at +0 now.
>>421961
Sling's at +0 now.
>>421965
"Fortunately for them, I'm pretty sure they don't do that anywhere south of the Coldspire Forest back home," Juniper giggles.
>>421961
"This is a Blue Leaf road, I think. It's possible that the Blue Leafs will reward us for bringing these bandits back to them.
"Or they could say that we were all trespassing on their territory. But probably they'd like it."
Correct. +1 to Heal now.
>>421959
Talked about this on steam. Putting the point into dual-wielding is probably better. Is that okay final answer?
>>421960
Bluff's at -1 now.
>>421963
Staff's at +0 now.
>>421961
Sling's at +0 now.
>>421965
"Fortunately for them, I'm pretty sure they don't do that anywhere south of the Coldspire Forest back home," Juniper giggles.
>>421961
"This is a Blue Leaf road, I think. It's possible that the Blue Leafs will reward us for bringing these bandits back to them.
"Or they could say that we were all trespassing on their territory. But probably they'd like it."
>>421975
As you start to tie up the lead bandit, he wakes up and headbutts you in the snout! Fortunately, the headbutt takes its toll on him, and he stays on the ground, dazed.
>>421978
You quickly tie off a good knot on the bandit leader's hooves while he's dazed from his assault on Loam's face. You then tie up the rest of the bandits, as well.
"Police? You mean like guards? No clan could afford to send warriors out into the forest to guard a trade route that's hardly ever used! Maybe a whole tribe could organize something like that, but not a single clan. Not even a wealthy one like the Blue Leafs.
As you start to tie up the lead bandit, he wakes up and headbutts you in the snout! Fortunately, the headbutt takes its toll on him, and he stays on the ground, dazed.
>>421978
You quickly tie off a good knot on the bandit leader's hooves while he's dazed from his assault on Loam's face. You then tie up the rest of the bandits, as well.
"Police? You mean like guards? No clan could afford to send warriors out into the forest to guard a trade route that's hardly ever used! Maybe a whole tribe could organize something like that, but not a single clan. Not even a wealthy one like the Blue Leafs.
>>421994
>>421993
>>421992
>>421991
>>421995
The journey north is a quiet one – much quieter than your previous days in the forest. The woods are immense, and while the trees are smaller and younger than those of your homeland, the forest is no less impressive.
On your fourth day of travel, the forest suddenly stops on an escarpment, and below you the landscape opens up onto a rolling plain. Seemingly every acre that stretches before you is covered in wheat or oats, and far off in the distance you can see both the Blue Leaf village and their famous orchard, two green jewels on the horizon.
Your caravan follows one of the thin dirt roads that cuts through the farmlands, passing by numerous small outposts and farmhouses. The ponies you see stop to gawk at you, but they do not greet you with anything but a wave.
The Earthen Hoof caravan soon encounters a patrol of Blue Leaf warriors, however, galloping up the road to you. They hold up their hooves and shout for you to stop.
"These are the lands of the Blue Leaf clan. Why do you come here?" asks one of the warriors.
She, like the others, is dressed in a shirt of iron scales and wears an iron helmet that covers most of her face. These sorts of helmets were typically worn by Earth Pony auxiliaries in Pegasus armies back in the homeland, but the Blue Leaf helmets are more ornate than the utilitarian garb of the Earth Pony soldiers.
>>421993
>>421992
>>421991
>>421995
The journey north is a quiet one – much quieter than your previous days in the forest. The woods are immense, and while the trees are smaller and younger than those of your homeland, the forest is no less impressive.
On your fourth day of travel, the forest suddenly stops on an escarpment, and below you the landscape opens up onto a rolling plain. Seemingly every acre that stretches before you is covered in wheat or oats, and far off in the distance you can see both the Blue Leaf village and their famous orchard, two green jewels on the horizon.
Your caravan follows one of the thin dirt roads that cuts through the farmlands, passing by numerous small outposts and farmhouses. The ponies you see stop to gawk at you, but they do not greet you with anything but a wave.
The Earthen Hoof caravan soon encounters a patrol of Blue Leaf warriors, however, galloping up the road to you. They hold up their hooves and shout for you to stop.
"These are the lands of the Blue Leaf clan. Why do you come here?" asks one of the warriors.
She, like the others, is dressed in a shirt of iron scales and wears an iron helmet that covers most of her face. These sorts of helmets were typically worn by Earth Pony auxiliaries in Pegasus armies back in the homeland, but the Blue Leaf helmets are more ornate than the utilitarian garb of the Earth Pony soldiers.
You reach the village by mid-day, just as the warriors said. The village sits on the shore of a small lake fed by a creek running from the east, and both the lake and their large orchard blow blue-green in the noonday sunlight. The village itself is green for another reason: most of the buildings in the village are made of earth, and from their roofs spring grasses and wildflowers. Only a few buildings are made of more permanent materials: two large temples and the clan hall, all in the center of town.
Surrounding the village is a thick wooden palisade guarded by a few warriors. They open the wall's gate for you, and you find yourself in the Blue Leaf village, a thick maze of earthen mounds and living plants through which many ponies mill about. None rush to great you, but many silently watch you for a while.
Soon a small party of well-dressed ponies emerges from the clan hall, flanked by warriors in the same sort of armor you saw before.
A small dark-brown mare dressed in an elaborate gilded blue robe greets you with a raised hoof.
"I am Notch, the chief of the Blue Leaf Clan. Welcome, strangers. I understand that you are here to trade, and that you bring gifts. But first there must be introductions. From where do you come?"
Surrounding the village is a thick wooden palisade guarded by a few warriors. They open the wall's gate for you, and you find yourself in the Blue Leaf village, a thick maze of earthen mounds and living plants through which many ponies mill about. None rush to great you, but many silently watch you for a while.
Soon a small party of well-dressed ponies emerges from the clan hall, flanked by warriors in the same sort of armor you saw before.
A small dark-brown mare dressed in an elaborate gilded blue robe greets you with a raised hoof.
"I am Notch, the chief of the Blue Leaf Clan. Welcome, strangers. I understand that you are here to trade, and that you bring gifts. But first there must be introductions. From where do you come?"
>>422016
>>422015
>>422013
"Excellent, Earthen Hoofs. You are welcome here."
"Come into our clan hall, and we will talk."
>>422017
"Yes, there is a group of bandits living in the forest to the south that has been harassing trade caravans.
"As for a reward… we did not offer any, no. But if you deliver them to us, perhaps we can return the favor somehow."
Warriors grab the bandits from your carts and lead them away. Notch and her entourage head into the clan hall and beckon you all to follow.
Juniper speaks up.
"If you need me to negotiate for you, just ask. I'm sure diplomacy is your purview, but if you need me to negotiate a good price with their crafters and traders for the things we need, I'm at your disposal."
>>422015
>>422013
"Excellent, Earthen Hoofs. You are welcome here."
"Come into our clan hall, and we will talk."
>>422017
"Yes, there is a group of bandits living in the forest to the south that has been harassing trade caravans.
"As for a reward… we did not offer any, no. But if you deliver them to us, perhaps we can return the favor somehow."
Warriors grab the bandits from your carts and lead them away. Notch and her entourage head into the clan hall and beckon you all to follow.
Juniper speaks up.
"If you need me to negotiate for you, just ask. I'm sure diplomacy is your purview, but if you need me to negotiate a good price with their crafters and traders for the things we need, I'm at your disposal."
The interior of the clan hall is impressive but not overly ornate. While it is taller and larger than most of the other buildings in the village, the hall still clings to the earth like most of the clan's architecture.
Tapestries and various trophies line the walls. Carvings of famous deeds and legends are engraved into the rafters below the low-set roof.
Notch sits at the head of the Blue Leaf ring's table: A long and ancient piece of wood that looks like it was taken from some immense tree – far larger than any tree you've seen in the Pass. It must have been brought from the north. Six ponies, including Notch, sit behind it, all looking as dour as their chieftain. All except for one bouncy yellow stallion who fidgets in his seat uncomfortably.
"Your clan must be new in this land, Earthen Hoofs," says Notch. "We have been here a long time, but be warned that this is a dangerous place, even for us. You must learn to survive on your own, or the Pass will take everything you have and leave you with nothing.
"We are pleased that you brought those bandits to us. Tonight we can feast your arrival. But, first, tell us what you need from us. Food? Aid in war?"
Tapestries and various trophies line the walls. Carvings of famous deeds and legends are engraved into the rafters below the low-set roof.
Notch sits at the head of the Blue Leaf ring's table: A long and ancient piece of wood that looks like it was taken from some immense tree – far larger than any tree you've seen in the Pass. It must have been brought from the north. Six ponies, including Notch, sit behind it, all looking as dour as their chieftain. All except for one bouncy yellow stallion who fidgets in his seat uncomfortably.
"Your clan must be new in this land, Earthen Hoofs," says Notch. "We have been here a long time, but be warned that this is a dangerous place, even for us. You must learn to survive on your own, or the Pass will take everything you have and leave you with nothing.
"We are pleased that you brought those bandits to us. Tonight we can feast your arrival. But, first, tell us what you need from us. Food? Aid in war?"
"We would be willing to discuss a trade route, perhaps. But it is a bit early to be establishing such formal ties with such a new clan. Perhaps it w-"
Notch stops talking when a large commotion erupts outside. One of the warriors bursts into the clan hall.
"Chief Notch! The bandits! They've escaped! One of them had a knife and cut his bonds while we weren't looking. He knocked out the warrior guarding him and took him and a few craftsponies hostage. The bandits are holed up in the smithy with their captives!
"They planned this!" he shouts, pointing his hoof at all of you.
Notch looks aghast at you.
Notch stops talking when a large commotion erupts outside. One of the warriors bursts into the clan hall.
"Chief Notch! The bandits! They've escaped! One of them had a knife and cut his bonds while we weren't looking. He knocked out the warrior guarding him and took him and a few craftsponies hostage. The bandits are holed up in the smithy with their captives!
"They planned this!" he shouts, pointing his hoof at all of you.
Notch looks aghast at you.
>>422040
You scuff up your face with dirt and put a scowl on your face. It's all in the attitude, really.
You look almost exactly like the bandit leader. It's pretty remarkable.
>>422042
"You must have given him the knife!" yells the warrior.
"Silence, Dustmane. You have no proof of that," says Notch.
"I doubt you planned any sort of betrayal, Earthen Hoof clan. But nonetheless, you brought these bandits into our midst."
>>422043
"If you believe that you can free our hostages and defeat the bandits, then I am willing to give you the chance.
"But if you fail, we won't be rendering aid to your clan any time soon."
>>422044
Juniper glances up from searching for her dagger.
"It's more likely that they'll try to bargain their way out of the village: Threaten to kill the hostages if the Blue Leafs don't let them go."
You scuff up your face with dirt and put a scowl on your face. It's all in the attitude, really.
You look almost exactly like the bandit leader. It's pretty remarkable.
>>422042
"You must have given him the knife!" yells the warrior.
"Silence, Dustmane. You have no proof of that," says Notch.
"I doubt you planned any sort of betrayal, Earthen Hoof clan. But nonetheless, you brought these bandits into our midst."
>>422043
"If you believe that you can free our hostages and defeat the bandits, then I am willing to give you the chance.
"But if you fail, we won't be rendering aid to your clan any time soon."
>>422044
Juniper glances up from searching for her dagger.
"It's more likely that they'll try to bargain their way out of the village: Threaten to kill the hostages if the Blue Leafs don't let them go."
>>422068
"Only a weakling hurt's themselves in fear, and weaklings can't put much force behind their attack so its nothing to worry about." I assure you giving you a pat on the head. "And you're no weakling so you won't have to worry about it."
>>422070
>>422071
"Fine, but I don't like this sneaky plan, Cauthon can't conjure a weapon, and will be helpless if found out."
"Only a weakling hurt's themselves in fear, and weaklings can't put much force behind their attack so its nothing to worry about." I assure you giving you a pat on the head. "And you're no weakling so you won't have to worry about it."
>>422070
>>422071
"Fine, but I don't like this sneaky plan, Cauthon can't conjure a weapon, and will be helpless if found out."
The guards lead you all out to the smithy. A ring of warriors stands in front of it, swords and shields drawn, ready to storm the building at any moment. A large crowd has gathered to watch.
"Bandits, we've brought you a new hostage!" yells the lead warrior.
After a moment, you hear a voice call out from inside. "Wot?! We don't need no new hostage!"
"We've brought you our chief. We don't want her anymore, but she's worth a lot more than those ponies in there. If you take her, we'll let you leave our lands unharmed. Just give her back when you're done."
A bandit head pokes out from the inside of the smithy. He stares at "Notch" for a moment…
'1d20-5'
Roll #1 16 - 5 = 11
"Bandits, we've brought you a new hostage!" yells the lead warrior.
After a moment, you hear a voice call out from inside. "Wot?! We don't need no new hostage!"
"We've brought you our chief. We don't want her anymore, but she's worth a lot more than those ponies in there. If you take her, we'll let you leave our lands unharmed. Just give her back when you're done."
A bandit head pokes out from the inside of the smithy. He stares at "Notch" for a moment…
'1d20-5'
Roll #1 16 - 5 = 11
>>422098
They push the other hostages out of the smithy. They run into the crowd and rejoin their crying loved ones.
It's all very touching.
>>422099
He catches a glimpse of your glare as he pulls Cauthon inside. He sticks his tongue out at you.
>>422098
The inside of the Smithy is almost totally dark. The fire is out and the windows are shut. But you can see that all of the bandits are here, including their leader. He smacks you in the back of the head as you come inside.
"NO TRICKS!" he says.
"Colts, let's prepare to move. Get your things. Grab some weapons. Anythin' will do."
They push the other hostages out of the smithy. They run into the crowd and rejoin their crying loved ones.
It's all very touching.
>>422099
He catches a glimpse of your glare as he pulls Cauthon inside. He sticks his tongue out at you.
>>422098
The inside of the Smithy is almost totally dark. The fire is out and the windows are shut. But you can see that all of the bandits are here, including their leader. He smacks you in the back of the head as you come inside.
"NO TRICKS!" he says.
"Colts, let's prepare to move. Get your things. Grab some weapons. Anythin' will do."
>>422104
They're bumped into.
"Alright, here's the plan. We leave, we take this mare with us, and then when we're at the forest we'll leave her and run. Any questions?"
The bandits shake their heads.
"Okay, let's go."
You're led out of the smithy. The warriors and crowd eye the bandits carefully and part, allowing them to move out of the town square and out of the village.
It's a few hours of walking from here to the forest from here. The warriors (and presumably our party?) follow the bandits.
Continue from here, or does anyone have something they'd like to try?
They're bumped into.
"Alright, here's the plan. We leave, we take this mare with us, and then when we're at the forest we'll leave her and run. Any questions?"
The bandits shake their heads.
"Okay, let's go."
You're led out of the smithy. The warriors and crowd eye the bandits carefully and part, allowing them to move out of the town square and out of the village.
It's a few hours of walking from here to the forest from here. The warriors (and presumably our party?) follow the bandits.
Continue from here, or does anyone have something they'd like to try?
>>422112
"Alright, let's go!" says the leader of the bandits.
"Wait," says one of the others, "If we take her with us, we could ransom her back! Or at least have a slave or something, right?"
"You idiot, Dirteye! What would we need a slave for?"
"I don't know, for laundry and stuff. I'm tired of scrubbing blankets and your dirty armor."
The bandits are bickering right now.
"Alright, let's go!" says the leader of the bandits.
"Wait," says one of the others, "If we take her with us, we could ransom her back! Or at least have a slave or something, right?"
"You idiot, Dirteye! What would we need a slave for?"
"I don't know, for laundry and stuff. I'm tired of scrubbing blankets and your dirty armor."
The bandits are bickering right now.
>>422126
>>422125
Cauthon and the Bandit leader are locked in a wrestling match over his dick when Cauthon takes a bad shot to the testicles. He crumples over and doesn't post for the rest of the session ;_;
>>422128
-2, RAW
You swing your pegasus sword high and charge at one of the bandits… only to trip over a root and stumble a bit. The bandit throws a rock at you in retaliation and keeps running.
5 hits
>>422129
You beat the Leader's head with your loaded sling. He yowls in pain and tries to stab you with Juniper's dagger, but you're far too lithe for that nonsense, and you just bean him again.
>>422130
You easily catch up to the bandit you threw that rock at your nerdy friend. You bring the hammer down on his right flank, and he's sent tumbling to the ground. He quickly springs to his hooves and draws his sword, ready for a fight.
>>422131
Your crackling bolt of ice freezes the air, only to bend back towards you and give you a bit of freezer burn on your hoof. It stings a bit.
5 hits
>>422125
Cauthon and the Bandit leader are locked in a wrestling match over his dick when Cauthon takes a bad shot to the testicles. He crumples over and doesn't post for the rest of the session ;_;
>>422128
-2, RAW
You swing your pegasus sword high and charge at one of the bandits… only to trip over a root and stumble a bit. The bandit throws a rock at you in retaliation and keeps running.
5 hits
>>422129
You beat the Leader's head with your loaded sling. He yowls in pain and tries to stab you with Juniper's dagger, but you're far too lithe for that nonsense, and you just bean him again.
>>422130
You easily catch up to the bandit you threw that rock at your nerdy friend. You bring the hammer down on his right flank, and he's sent tumbling to the ground. He quickly springs to his hooves and draws his sword, ready for a fight.
>>422131
Your crackling bolt of ice freezes the air, only to bend back towards you and give you a bit of freezer burn on your hoof. It stings a bit.
5 hits
>>422134
The hammer fizzles in your hooves and just leaves you with a terrible feeling of numbness.
3 hits
>>422135
You rear back to deliver a killing blow, but the Bandit lunges forward and strikes you in your delicious meaty ribs.
4 hits
>>422137
Yeah, it's active, of course.
>10
Your rock goes wild and sails out of control. It strikes a nearby tree harmlessly.
>>422138
The Bandit Leader draws his sword and strikes you in the rear hooves with it, slicing you open badly.
3 hits
The hammer fizzles in your hooves and just leaves you with a terrible feeling of numbness.
3 hits
>>422135
You rear back to deliver a killing blow, but the Bandit lunges forward and strikes you in your delicious meaty ribs.
4 hits
>>422137
Yeah, it's active, of course.
>10
Your rock goes wild and sails out of control. It strikes a nearby tree harmlessly.
>>422138
The Bandit Leader draws his sword and strikes you in the rear hooves with it, slicing you open badly.
3 hits
>>422143
You flail around with your staff trying to force him to retreat, but you only succeed in leaving several openings for him to stab you. He jabs you in the side, and you fall to the ground, helpless.
2 wounds
>>422140
You deliver a terrific whack to his head, and he's out cold. His breathing seems a bit shallow, but he's still alive.
>>422141
You gallop after Ziza's target and try to deliver a flying kick to his face. Unfortunately you miss wildly and fly straight into an enormous oak tree. You feel a little woozy.
2 hits
>>422142
You pray to Nightstar to heal your friend, but all you feel is a foreboding silence.
You flail around with your staff trying to force him to retreat, but you only succeed in leaving several openings for him to stab you. He jabs you in the side, and you fall to the ground, helpless.
2 wounds
>>422140
You deliver a terrific whack to his head, and he's out cold. His breathing seems a bit shallow, but he's still alive.
>>422141
You gallop after Ziza's target and try to deliver a flying kick to his face. Unfortunately you miss wildly and fly straight into an enormous oak tree. You feel a little woozy.
2 hits
>>422142
You pray to Nightstar to heal your friend, but all you feel is a foreboding silence.
When we last left our heroes, you were all fighting the escaped bandits.
Currently, the bandit leader is knocked out cold, while Ziza is attacking another bandit. The rest are busy fleeing into the woods.
>>422145
Your flaming hammer erupts forth from the aether and lands in your hooves. +2 to attacks with it.
>>422146
Your aid momentarily dulls Fortunes' pain, but does little to heal her wounds.
>>422147
You struggle to rise to your hooves, but you immediately collapse back to the ground.
>>422148
You fling a stone at one of the fleeing bandits, striking him weakly in the buttocks.
>>422149
Your main stands on end, your nostrils flare, your muscles ripple, and you let out a tremendous whinny. The group of bandits before you scream in terror as they turn to see your fearsome visage. The one you are fighting falls to the ground, stricken with terror, while two others trip and fall as they attempt to flee.
>>422151
You deliver a whack to the back of the leader's head. He is most certainly unconscious now.
Currently, the bandit leader is knocked out cold, while Ziza is attacking another bandit. The rest are busy fleeing into the woods.
>>422145
Your flaming hammer erupts forth from the aether and lands in your hooves. +2 to attacks with it.
>>422146
Your aid momentarily dulls Fortunes' pain, but does little to heal her wounds.
>>422147
You struggle to rise to your hooves, but you immediately collapse back to the ground.
>>422148
You fling a stone at one of the fleeing bandits, striking him weakly in the buttocks.
>>422149
Your main stands on end, your nostrils flare, your muscles ripple, and you let out a tremendous whinny. The group of bandits before you scream in terror as they turn to see your fearsome visage. The one you are fighting falls to the ground, stricken with terror, while two others trip and fall as they attempt to flee.
>>422151
You deliver a whack to the back of the leader's head. He is most certainly unconscious now.
>>424131
He is very much kicked in the dick now. Were he conscioius, he would probably cry out in pain.
>>424130
Nightstar doesn't answer your pleas for help. He's an enigmatic god, you know.
>>424134
You prepare to unleash hell from your sling, but one of the bandits turns around and tosses a hatchet at you. You're able to dodge the worst of the blow, but it cuts you badly in the flank.
4 hits.
>>424137
>24
You leap to your hooves and channel a freezing ray from your hooves, freezing one of the fleeing bandits solid. Stuck in a solid block of ice, he won't be going anywhere.
>>424138
You kick the terrified bandit in front of you and send him sprawling, and then you find one of the bandits who ran from you and whack him solidly in the head. His skull collapses in on itself, and he is very much dead.
One bandit has fled deeper into the woods, but he is now frozen solid by Cold Fortunes. The bandit leader is unconscious, another bandit is helpless and terrified of Ziza, another is attempting to scramble to his hooves, and the last is dead.
He is very much kicked in the dick now. Were he conscioius, he would probably cry out in pain.
>>424130
Nightstar doesn't answer your pleas for help. He's an enigmatic god, you know.
>>424134
You prepare to unleash hell from your sling, but one of the bandits turns around and tosses a hatchet at you. You're able to dodge the worst of the blow, but it cuts you badly in the flank.
4 hits.
>>424137
>24
You leap to your hooves and channel a freezing ray from your hooves, freezing one of the fleeing bandits solid. Stuck in a solid block of ice, he won't be going anywhere.
>>424138
You kick the terrified bandit in front of you and send him sprawling, and then you find one of the bandits who ran from you and whack him solidly in the head. His skull collapses in on itself, and he is very much dead.
One bandit has fled deeper into the woods, but he is now frozen solid by Cold Fortunes. The bandit leader is unconscious, another bandit is helpless and terrified of Ziza, another is attempting to scramble to his hooves, and the last is dead.
>>424145
>>424151
You both run over and bean him in the back of the head. He's out cold.
>>424144
One, two, three, four, five……
Yep, that's all of them.
>>424143
You run forward behind Cauthon, ready to murder the last bloodthirsty killer, only to trip on a root and hit your head.
Good thing none of the Blue Leafs were watching. That would have been most embarrassing for the Earthen Hoof Clan.
The Blue Leaf warriors gallop up behind you. Their leader speaks.
"Well, it looks like you got them. Good work! The clan leaders will be pleased."
>>424152
You easily lift the frozen bandit, though hauling a solid block of ice is a bit uncomfortable. The Blue Leaf warriors all applaud your strength.
"Come with us," says the lead warrior. She's the same mare you met when you first got to the Blue Leaf lands. "The ring will want to order a feast in your honor, I'm sure."
"I'm Brighteyes, by the way," she says.
>>424151
You both run over and bean him in the back of the head. He's out cold.
>>424144
One, two, three, four, five……
Yep, that's all of them.
>>424143
You run forward behind Cauthon, ready to murder the last bloodthirsty killer, only to trip on a root and hit your head.
Good thing none of the Blue Leafs were watching. That would have been most embarrassing for the Earthen Hoof Clan.
The Blue Leaf warriors gallop up behind you. Their leader speaks.
"Well, it looks like you got them. Good work! The clan leaders will be pleased."
>>424152
You easily lift the frozen bandit, though hauling a solid block of ice is a bit uncomfortable. The Blue Leaf warriors all applaud your strength.
"Come with us," says the lead warrior. She's the same mare you met when you first got to the Blue Leaf lands. "The ring will want to order a feast in your honor, I'm sure."
"I'm Brighteyes, by the way," she says.
The Blue Leaf warriors gather up the surviving bandits. A small detachment of warriors leads the bandits out further into the woods. Knowing earth pony custom, you doubt the bandits will return.
As you return to the Blue Leaf village, Notch and the Blue Leaf Ring great you.
"Thank you, Earthen Hoofs. You rescued our kinsponies and brought the bandits to justice. Tonight we will celebrate your bravery and skill, as well as our good fortune in finding you. I hope that our two clans will forge new bonds of friendship over the coming years."
In the center of the village, the Blue Leafs construct a large bonfire, and many tables and blankets are brought out for the coming feast. You can smell the baking of pies and fresh bread, as well as dishes of vegetables, wildflowers, nuts, and honey. The feast is enormous compared to the relatively meager meals the Earthen Hoof village has prepared over the past few months.
You all have seats of honor next to the Clan Ring. In celebration of his ingenious plan to free the hostages, Cauthon is given a traditional wreath of wheat and barley to wear around his neck.
Everyone at the feast agreed that the Blue Leafs and the Earthen Hoofs would be good friends in the future, and that the prospects for trade were good. Tomorrow, Juniper will negotiate for what the clan needs, but she is confident, she says, that they will give you what you want.
You're free to roleplay a bit if you like, talk to the Blue Leafs or each other or even explore around the village. I might be a bit slow, but I'll be willing to go for a while if you like.
As you return to the Blue Leaf village, Notch and the Blue Leaf Ring great you.
"Thank you, Earthen Hoofs. You rescued our kinsponies and brought the bandits to justice. Tonight we will celebrate your bravery and skill, as well as our good fortune in finding you. I hope that our two clans will forge new bonds of friendship over the coming years."
In the center of the village, the Blue Leafs construct a large bonfire, and many tables and blankets are brought out for the coming feast. You can smell the baking of pies and fresh bread, as well as dishes of vegetables, wildflowers, nuts, and honey. The feast is enormous compared to the relatively meager meals the Earthen Hoof village has prepared over the past few months.
You all have seats of honor next to the Clan Ring. In celebration of his ingenious plan to free the hostages, Cauthon is given a traditional wreath of wheat and barley to wear around his neck.
Everyone at the feast agreed that the Blue Leafs and the Earthen Hoofs would be good friends in the future, and that the prospects for trade were good. Tomorrow, Juniper will negotiate for what the clan needs, but she is confident, she says, that they will give you what you want.
You're free to roleplay a bit if you like, talk to the Blue Leafs or each other or even explore around the village. I might be a bit slow, but I'll be willing to go for a while if you like.
>>424181
>>424180
>>424179
>>424178
You all feast on the prepared food. Wine flows and there is much merriment.
>>424183
There are many smaller fillies and colts running around the outskirts of the feast. A small group of slightly older children about your age, on the cusp of adulthood, are eating at their own table nearby.
>>424180
>>424179
>>424178
You all feast on the prepared food. Wine flows and there is much merriment.
>>424183
There are many smaller fillies and colts running around the outskirts of the feast. A small group of slightly older children about your age, on the cusp of adulthood, are eating at their own table nearby.
>>424186
"Hey," says one of the young stallions. A few of the others greet you with half-hearted hoof waves or a simple mane-flip.
"Lame party, huh? I guess you're with the ponies from out of town. I'm Sunwalker. Who are you?"
Sunwalker seems to be the leader of the bunch, but all of them seem pretty disaffected and bored, not really looking at you or him.
"Hey," says one of the young stallions. A few of the others greet you with half-hearted hoof waves or a simple mane-flip.
"Lame party, huh? I guess you're with the ponies from out of town. I'm Sunwalker. Who are you?"
Sunwalker seems to be the leader of the bunch, but all of them seem pretty disaffected and bored, not really looking at you or him.
>>424194
A lot of ponies are lying on the ground, passed out from too much drink and too much food.
You see the Blue Leaf warriors at the other end of your table. You also see Brighteyes there. She's making googly eyes at you…
…or maybe she's having a stroke. You can't really tell from this distance. You've had a lot to drink, too.
>>424195
There are a lot of ponies lying near the fire. Though it's early summer, the night air is still chilly, and the bonfire feels nice and warm.
You can see the light casting shadows onto the two temples in the center of town. One is clearly a temple to Heartpetal – hence the engravings of hearts, flowers, mares in various stages of pregnancy, and earth pony families.
The other seems to be a temple to Light Chaser, the Pegasus goddess of the sun. There is a large sun carved above the temple's doorway, and huge windows would let a great deal of light into the temple during the day.
>>424197
Seated to your right, a few seats down, is the same yellow stallion you saw earlier on the Blue Leaf ring. Judging from his attempts to place a fake spider on the mane of one of the other ring members, you'd guess that he could be another trickster.
A lot of ponies are lying on the ground, passed out from too much drink and too much food.
You see the Blue Leaf warriors at the other end of your table. You also see Brighteyes there. She's making googly eyes at you…
…or maybe she's having a stroke. You can't really tell from this distance. You've had a lot to drink, too.
>>424195
There are a lot of ponies lying near the fire. Though it's early summer, the night air is still chilly, and the bonfire feels nice and warm.
You can see the light casting shadows onto the two temples in the center of town. One is clearly a temple to Heartpetal – hence the engravings of hearts, flowers, mares in various stages of pregnancy, and earth pony families.
The other seems to be a temple to Light Chaser, the Pegasus goddess of the sun. There is a large sun carved above the temple's doorway, and huge windows would let a great deal of light into the temple during the day.
>>424197
Seated to your right, a few seats down, is the same yellow stallion you saw earlier on the Blue Leaf ring. Judging from his attempts to place a fake spider on the mane of one of the other ring members, you'd guess that he could be another trickster.
>>424204
You waggle your hooves in front of the older stallion and try to get his attention, but he somehow sees through your ploy and whips around to stare at the yellow stallion.
The trickster, however, has quickly hidden the fake spider behind his back, and puts on an entirely blank expression.
"Dammit, Hillclimber, what were you trying to do?!" shouts the old timer.
"Nothing, Sparkles, I promise," says Hillclimber.
The old stallion grumbles something and goes back to his drink. "…not to call me that…. right in the gullet…"
Hillclimber leans back in his seat and gives you a wink.
>>424206
You have some difficulty navigating the maze of bodies around the feast, and you stumble across several poor ponies on your way to Brighteyes. A few ponies shout at you to stop stepping on them and dragging your tail in their soup, but you ignore them, the weaklings.
"Sho, yooooooooooo're…. Bright (hic) eyeshh, huh?" you ask.
She giggles at you.
"Yeah, that's right. And you're very drunk, Ziza."
You waggle your hooves in front of the older stallion and try to get his attention, but he somehow sees through your ploy and whips around to stare at the yellow stallion.
The trickster, however, has quickly hidden the fake spider behind his back, and puts on an entirely blank expression.
"Dammit, Hillclimber, what were you trying to do?!" shouts the old timer.
"Nothing, Sparkles, I promise," says Hillclimber.
The old stallion grumbles something and goes back to his drink. "…not to call me that…. right in the gullet…"
Hillclimber leans back in his seat and gives you a wink.
>>424206
You have some difficulty navigating the maze of bodies around the feast, and you stumble across several poor ponies on your way to Brighteyes. A few ponies shout at you to stop stepping on them and dragging your tail in their soup, but you ignore them, the weaklings.
"Sho, yooooooooooo're…. Bright (hic) eyeshh, huh?" you ask.
She giggles at you.
"Yeah, that's right. And you're very drunk, Ziza."
>>424215
You just manage to avoid stepping on a mare who is evidently reading in front of the fire.
A quick glance at her book tells you that it seems to be a copy of the Black Tome, one of the most holy books in the Nighstarite discipline.
>>424218
"Shi'm not DRUNK!" you shout. A few ponies around you laugh heartily.
She's a pretty attractive mare, save for a few scars that mar the light blue coat on her flanks and legs. Muscled and toned, a little larger than most of the other mares you know. She's about your age, you think. At least that's what you remember thinking before you got completely wasted on pear wine.
>>424216
You find a space to sit on a blanket a few yards back from most of the other ponies. Hillclimber trots over to meet you a minute later, carrying two cups in his mouth.
The traditional Trickster greeting is mutual pranks
You just manage to avoid stepping on a mare who is evidently reading in front of the fire.
A quick glance at her book tells you that it seems to be a copy of the Black Tome, one of the most holy books in the Nighstarite discipline.
>>424218
"Shi'm not DRUNK!" you shout. A few ponies around you laugh heartily.
She's a pretty attractive mare, save for a few scars that mar the light blue coat on her flanks and legs. Muscled and toned, a little larger than most of the other mares you know. She's about your age, you think. At least that's what you remember thinking before you got completely wasted on pear wine.
>>424216
You find a space to sit on a blanket a few yards back from most of the other ponies. Hillclimber trots over to meet you a minute later, carrying two cups in his mouth.
The traditional Trickster greeting is mutual pranks
>>424224
Before he arrives, you pull out some yellow paint from your makeup kit and smear it on your face. A few carefully-placed hairpins and a constant smirk complete the illusion.
He does a double-take as soon as he sees you before almost doubling over with laughter.
"I can see why the bandits believed you were Notch! Here, try this. It's my grandmother's special recipe."
He passes over one of the cups.
>>424225
"I'm a follower of the Dark Watcher" she says in a dull monotone. She looks you up and down, paying attention to your clothing.
"Are you one of his priests, too?" she asks, excitedly. Well, her monotone warbles a bit.
>>424226
"Yoooo know (hic)… yoooor rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreallllly pretty, Brighteyeshhh."
She giggles again before taking a drink of booze, herself.
Roll.
>>424229
You're just tipsy enough to be enjoying yourself.
Before he arrives, you pull out some yellow paint from your makeup kit and smear it on your face. A few carefully-placed hairpins and a constant smirk complete the illusion.
He does a double-take as soon as he sees you before almost doubling over with laughter.
"I can see why the bandits believed you were Notch! Here, try this. It's my grandmother's special recipe."
He passes over one of the cups.
>>424225
"I'm a follower of the Dark Watcher" she says in a dull monotone. She looks you up and down, paying attention to your clothing.
"Are you one of his priests, too?" she asks, excitedly. Well, her monotone warbles a bit.
>>424226
"Yoooo know (hic)… yoooor rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreallllly pretty, Brighteyeshhh."
She giggles again before taking a drink of booze, herself.
Roll.
>>424229
You're just tipsy enough to be enjoying yourself.
>>424233
Is.. is the party spinning? You hit the ground with a thud, completely drunk off your ass.
You can roll to wake up, but I'd like to start finishing this stuff up, so this is a good stopping point for you, don't you think?
>>424234
"Mm. Likewise. I studied with the Firewhistle Clan a few years ago. They're devoted to Nighstar, you know, and when they came into this valley, they established the only shrine to him outside of the old country."
>>424236
Ohgodsittastessohorriblegetitoutgetit- wait…
It's water.
Hillclimber giggles. "See, you'd be expecting a prank, and so the only real prank is to not pull one!" He laughs at his own joke for a while.
Is.. is the party spinning? You hit the ground with a thud, completely drunk off your ass.
You can roll to wake up, but I'd like to start finishing this stuff up, so this is a good stopping point for you, don't you think?
>>424234
"Mm. Likewise. I studied with the Firewhistle Clan a few years ago. They're devoted to Nighstar, you know, and when they came into this valley, they established the only shrine to him outside of the old country."
>>424236
Ohgodsittastessohorriblegetitoutgetit- wait…
It's water.
Hillclimber giggles. "See, you'd be expecting a prank, and so the only real prank is to not pull one!" He laughs at his own joke for a while.
>>424244
You wake up a few minutes later with Brighteyes standing over you.
"C'mon, lightweight, I'll take you back to the Warriors' Hall."
>>424242
"The ancestors will speak if you are willing to listen to them. When times are tough, the Ring often has me speak to our ancestors for advice."
>>424246
The two of you talk until the break of dawn.
The feast lasts all night. In the morning, the clan gradually shuffles into their homes before shutting the door and napping until late in the afternoon. It's not until a few days later that Juniper gets around to actually negotiating the trades, but within the week you all have the materials your clan needs.
We'll pick up from there on Tuesday, probably. If you want your character to do something while you're in the Blue Leaf village, just talk to me and we can work something out so you can have a chance to finish it before y'all get back to the Earthen Hoofs.
Paused.
You wake up a few minutes later with Brighteyes standing over you.
"C'mon, lightweight, I'll take you back to the Warriors' Hall."
>>424242
"The ancestors will speak if you are willing to listen to them. When times are tough, the Ring often has me speak to our ancestors for advice."
>>424246
The two of you talk until the break of dawn.
The feast lasts all night. In the morning, the clan gradually shuffles into their homes before shutting the door and napping until late in the afternoon. It's not until a few days later that Juniper gets around to actually negotiating the trades, but within the week you all have the materials your clan needs.
We'll pick up from there on Tuesday, probably. If you want your character to do something while you're in the Blue Leaf village, just talk to me and we can work something out so you can have a chance to finish it before y'all get back to the Earthen Hoofs.
Paused.
File: 1372037576104.jpg (55.02 KB, 524x800, 1331452629127.jpg, IO exif Google TinEye)
Your trip to the Blue Leaf clan has gone well, despite (or perhaps because of) the bandits' escape and the resulting hostage situation. The Earthen Hoof clan has gained a new ally, you have all met some new friends, and Juniper has negotiated a good trade deal for the clan.
You have spent the last few days in the Blue Leaf village, but it is now time to leave. Juniper and the cartponies are waiting outside the village's pallisade, prepared to haul all of the clan's new tools and iron back to your home.
The Blue Leaf clan's ring is also here, waiting to wish you a formal goodbye.
The day is young and the morning sun shines down on the green and flowered roofs of the Blue Leaf village. The sky is clear and you should be able to make it back to the Earthen Hoof clan territory in a few days travel.
There is still time for you to finish any business you have with the Blue Leafs, if you like.
You have spent the last few days in the Blue Leaf village, but it is now time to leave. Juniper and the cartponies are waiting outside the village's pallisade, prepared to haul all of the clan's new tools and iron back to your home.
The Blue Leaf clan's ring is also here, waiting to wish you a formal goodbye.
The day is young and the morning sun shines down on the green and flowered roofs of the Blue Leaf village. The sky is clear and you should be able to make it back to the Earthen Hoof clan territory in a few days travel.
There is still time for you to finish any business you have with the Blue Leafs, if you like.
>>437353
Brighteyes is standing with the ring. She waves at you.
>>437354
You say goodbye to Sunflower.
"Travel safely, Loam. Take this with you."
It's a shiny obsidian disc shined to almost a mirror polish – a frequent talisman among earth ponies but especially amongst Nightstar devotees.
>>437355
You exchange farewell japes and kick-me signs before you find the cart ready to leave.
>>437357
The cart is ready to go. You can see all of the tools Juniper traded for. They look like they're of good quality.
>>437356
You say goodbye to some of the other colts and fillies.
Brighteyes is standing with the ring. She waves at you.
>>437354
You say goodbye to Sunflower.
"Travel safely, Loam. Take this with you."
It's a shiny obsidian disc shined to almost a mirror polish – a frequent talisman among earth ponies but especially amongst Nightstar devotees.
>>437355
You exchange farewell japes and kick-me signs before you find the cart ready to leave.
>>437357
The cart is ready to go. You can see all of the tools Juniper traded for. They look like they're of good quality.
>>437356
You say goodbye to some of the other colts and fillies.
>>437380
>>437381
>>437383
>>437384
You all notice that the light filters through the trees in a particularly pleasing manner here. Juniper suggests you set up camp here for the night, as it is starting to get dark.
>>437382
You notice, hidden behind a rock as you walk, a lovely ceramic bowl, patterned with a distinct geometric pattern of triangles and hexagons, painted intricately so as to suggest several pony figures.
>>437381
>>437383
>>437384
You all notice that the light filters through the trees in a particularly pleasing manner here. Juniper suggests you set up camp here for the night, as it is starting to get dark.
>>437382
You notice, hidden behind a rock as you walk, a lovely ceramic bowl, patterned with a distinct geometric pattern of triangles and hexagons, painted intricately so as to suggest several pony figures.
>>437391
You can't tell who made it, but it definitely doesn't look like something that the Earthen Hooves would have made. The style is all wrong. Your clan's potters prefer much more curvilinear and organic patterns.
>>437393
It does look pretty valuable.
>>437392
You could easily wrap it up and place it near the front of the smallest cart, away from all of the tools and anvils and metal ore.
Juniper and the rest set up the camp and get a fire going.
You can't tell who made it, but it definitely doesn't look like something that the Earthen Hooves would have made. The style is all wrong. Your clan's potters prefer much more curvilinear and organic patterns.
>>437393
It does look pretty valuable.
>>437392
You could easily wrap it up and place it near the front of the smallest cart, away from all of the tools and anvils and metal ore.
Juniper and the rest set up the camp and get a fire going.
>>437399
Gosh… you're getting sleepy….
>>437398
You find some twigs from that bush Cauthon is chowing down on. The cartponies begin burning it.
>>437400
Those leaves are pretty tasty. You feel full enough that you could nod off if you weren't careful.
>>437401
Not feeling satisfied with Loam's puny efforts, you uproot the whole bush and throw it on the fire.
Everyone besides Cauthon and Striker please roll again.
Gosh… you're getting sleepy….
>>437398
You find some twigs from that bush Cauthon is chowing down on. The cartponies begin burning it.
>>437400
Those leaves are pretty tasty. You feel full enough that you could nod off if you weren't careful.
>>437401
Not feeling satisfied with Loam's puny efforts, you uproot the whole bush and throw it on the fire.
Everyone besides Cauthon and Striker please roll again.
>>437404
oh, shit – I thought you just didn't feel like playing. I should have asked to make sure. My fault.
You begin to feel sluggish and sleepy. You lie down just to take the edge off.
>>437406
>>437408
You both breathe in a big whiff of the bush before noticing that it seems to make your mind buzz and go numb. There's something wrong with these leaves and twigs!
Before you can tell the others, though, you begin to hear what sound like two thunderous hooves marching through the forest. Suddenly, with an enormous crash as it swings its club to clear the brush out of the way, you hear and see a huge minotaur – half bull, half thing – roar and charge through the thicket.
"OOOS BEEN MESSIN WIT ME FUNNY BUSH?" he growls. His nostrils flare and he begins to growl at all of you.
Striker – you are extra-sluggish as a result of plant smoke. You roll at -4 to start (you can roll to recover from the effects at any time).
Ziza and Loam – neither of you are affected.
Everyone else – you roll at -2, but may roll to negate the effects.
oh, shit – I thought you just didn't feel like playing. I should have asked to make sure. My fault.
You begin to feel sluggish and sleepy. You lie down just to take the edge off.
>>437406
>>437408
You both breathe in a big whiff of the bush before noticing that it seems to make your mind buzz and go numb. There's something wrong with these leaves and twigs!
Before you can tell the others, though, you begin to hear what sound like two thunderous hooves marching through the forest. Suddenly, with an enormous crash as it swings its club to clear the brush out of the way, you hear and see a huge minotaur – half bull, half thing – roar and charge through the thicket.
"OOOS BEEN MESSIN WIT ME FUNNY BUSH?" he growls. His nostrils flare and he begins to growl at all of you.
Striker – you are extra-sluggish as a result of plant smoke. You roll at -4 to start (you can roll to recover from the effects at any time).
Ziza and Loam – neither of you are affected.
Everyone else – you roll at -2, but may roll to negate the effects.
>>437424
Your hammer just fizzles before it goes up in a haze of smoke.
>>437426
"I LIVE 'ERE! YOOOU DON'T, PONY."
He raises his axe. If you want to resolve this in a nonviolent fashion, you'll all need to do it quickly.
>>437427
You don't feel any clearer-headed. Also you feel a little gassy.
>>437429
>>437430
>>437432
Not knowing of any minotaur gods, you dress yourself as BULLROARER OF THE THUNDERING REAR, a being of your own making. This involves a lot of rude noises and two skillfully-placed "horns" in your mane.
>>437428
"'twas ALL SPARKLY AND COLORFUL! AN' IT HAD LI'L SKINNY GOATS AND DEERS ON IT"
He seems receptive of your pleas for calm until he sees Cauthon.
"'e's MOCKIN' MAH PA!"
That's it. In his rage, he swings his mighty club at the nearest tree, splintering it instantly, before setting his eyes on all of you.
>>437433
It's no good. Everything's still bleary and your every muscle is sluggish.
Your hammer just fizzles before it goes up in a haze of smoke.
>>437426
"I LIVE 'ERE! YOOOU DON'T, PONY."
He raises his axe. If you want to resolve this in a nonviolent fashion, you'll all need to do it quickly.
>>437427
You don't feel any clearer-headed. Also you feel a little gassy.
>>437429
>>437430
>>437432
Not knowing of any minotaur gods, you dress yourself as BULLROARER OF THE THUNDERING REAR, a being of your own making. This involves a lot of rude noises and two skillfully-placed "horns" in your mane.
>>437428
"'twas ALL SPARKLY AND COLORFUL! AN' IT HAD LI'L SKINNY GOATS AND DEERS ON IT"
He seems receptive of your pleas for calm until he sees Cauthon.
"'e's MOCKIN' MAH PA!"
That's it. In his rage, he swings his mighty club at the nearest tree, splintering it instantly, before setting his eyes on all of you.
>>437433
It's no good. Everything's still bleary and your every muscle is sluggish.
>>437435
The minotaur takes a deep breath before roaring, "NOOOO–"
his eyes begin to dilate and he starts to grin.
"Yeah… okay. That'd be alright, I guess. You still killed the bush, though!"
>>437436
Quickly realizing your error, you remove the twigs and stop farting. The minotaur seems to mellow out a bit at this.
>>437437
>>437439
Neither of you are able to shake the lingering effects, but it occurs to you that this isn't so bad, all considering.
>>437438
"Yeah… so you did." He takes the bowl and unwraps it before giving it a little kiss.
"'twas a gift from me ma," he says.
>>437440
He looks over at the tree he smashed.
"Oh, hell, did I do that? I'm so sorry."
The minotaur sits down by the fire and seems to drift off.
The minotaur takes a deep breath before roaring, "NOOOO–"
his eyes begin to dilate and he starts to grin.
"Yeah… okay. That'd be alright, I guess. You still killed the bush, though!"
>>437436
Quickly realizing your error, you remove the twigs and stop farting. The minotaur seems to mellow out a bit at this.
>>437437
>>437439
Neither of you are able to shake the lingering effects, but it occurs to you that this isn't so bad, all considering.
>>437438
"Yeah… so you did." He takes the bowl and unwraps it before giving it a little kiss.
"'twas a gift from me ma," he says.
>>437440
He looks over at the tree he smashed.
"Oh, hell, did I do that? I'm so sorry."
The minotaur sits down by the fire and seems to drift off.
>>437447
He's not moving a lot and seems to just be chuckling to himself.
>>437446
Your head begins to clear a bit.
>>437445
His own sharp eyes managed to grab it from the cart already. He's now wearing it like a hat.
>>437444
You're not entirely sure, but it looks like the minotaur isn't likely to try to eat you right now.
>>437443
He grins and nods at you. "Thank you, little pony. And there are always more bushes! Hahahaha!"
Juniper and the cartponies are huddling wide-eyed near the carts.
"M-maybe we should go before he comes around," says Juniper.
He's not moving a lot and seems to just be chuckling to himself.
>>437446
Your head begins to clear a bit.
>>437445
His own sharp eyes managed to grab it from the cart already. He's now wearing it like a hat.
>>437444
You're not entirely sure, but it looks like the minotaur isn't likely to try to eat you right now.
>>437443
He grins and nods at you. "Thank you, little pony. And there are always more bushes! Hahahaha!"
Juniper and the cartponies are huddling wide-eyed near the carts.
"M-maybe we should go before he comes around," says Juniper.
The minotaur defeated, you all arrive back in Earthen Hoof territory in a few days. The village seems to have grown in the weeks since you left – a few more houses dot the farms around the village, and construction on the new hall for the warriors has come along well.
When you arrive in the village, Chief Thornshaker greets you all.
"Welcome home!" he says. "I see your mission was successful. I hope the Blue Leafs treated you well."
When you arrive in the village, Chief Thornshaker greets you all.
"Welcome home!" he says. "I see your mission was successful. I hope the Blue Leafs treated you well."
>>437481
"I plan on planting them near my home, and near the site of the hospital. That way, the supply would be close to where I can study it, and close to where it is needed. And it won't be wiped out in one unlucky chance."
>>437483
"Exceedingly. Though helping them with a bandit problem fostered that attitude. You can actually thank Cauthon for that."
"I plan on planting them near my home, and near the site of the hospital. That way, the supply would be close to where I can study it, and close to where it is needed. And it won't be wiped out in one unlucky chance."
>>437483
"Exceedingly. Though helping them with a bandit problem fostered that attitude. You can actually thank Cauthon for that."
>>437475
Ready.
>>437480
"Then we would get ponies who come to our village just to see it and smell the strange smoke. They could buy things from our craftsponies with whatever trade goods they bring. We could call those ponies…"
I tap my chin with my hoof a few times.
"I know. We could call them tourists."
Ready.
>>437480
"Then we would get ponies who come to our village just to see it and smell the strange smoke. They could buy things from our craftsponies with whatever trade goods they bring. We could call those ponies…"
I tap my chin with my hoof a few times.
"I know. We could call them tourists."
>>437496
>>437497
>>437498
>>437499
>>437500
You enter the Clan Hall and small pile of apples – blue apples – arranged on the Ring's table.
"We found these apples in the forest. The colts who found them said that they don't know what trees they come from – they were windfalls, but no apple trees were nearby.
"I ate one, and so did some of the colts, and it's a pretty sour and tangy fruit. We could try planting them, or we could just give them over to the bakers. They might keep well, though, and we could trading them later."
>>437497
>>437498
>>437499
>>437500
You enter the Clan Hall and small pile of apples – blue apples – arranged on the Ring's table.
"We found these apples in the forest. The colts who found them said that they don't know what trees they come from – they were windfalls, but no apple trees were nearby.
"I ate one, and so did some of the colts, and it's a pretty sour and tangy fruit. We could try planting them, or we could just give them over to the bakers. They might keep well, though, and we could trading them later."