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(Chapter 7: Summer/Fall Year 1)
First thread:
>>406201
It is the final week of summer, and the Earthen Hoof Clan is busy with work for the start of the harvest season. The fields around the village are a golden sea of oats, wheat, and barley, and the village is finally beginning to look like a permanent home. Many wooden homes and halls now stand throughout the village, and the warriors' hall overlooking most of the town is now complete. Almost everypony has a place to stay that will protect them when winter comes.
The clan's current worry is getting ready for the harvest, which should soon begin. Building granaries to store the harvest, finishing tools, and praying for success occupies everypony's time, but Chief Thornshaker has called a meeting of the ring to discuss final preparations.
You are all in the clan hall. Chief Thornshaker and Thistleberry are sitting at the ring's table, though Thistleberry is snoozing quietly. Fruitcake, the lead baker of the clan, is here as well – she has brought a sampling of tarts and pies made from those strange apples found a few weeks ago.
"I've called you all to try these cakes," says Thornshaker. "Rock Jumper the warrior already tried one, so we're pretty sure they're safe."
First thread:
>>406201
It is the final week of summer, and the Earthen Hoof Clan is busy with work for the start of the harvest season. The fields around the village are a golden sea of oats, wheat, and barley, and the village is finally beginning to look like a permanent home. Many wooden homes and halls now stand throughout the village, and the warriors' hall overlooking most of the town is now complete. Almost everypony has a place to stay that will protect them when winter comes.
The clan's current worry is getting ready for the harvest, which should soon begin. Building granaries to store the harvest, finishing tools, and praying for success occupies everypony's time, but Chief Thornshaker has called a meeting of the ring to discuss final preparations.
You are all in the clan hall. Chief Thornshaker and Thistleberry are sitting at the ring's table, though Thistleberry is snoozing quietly. Fruitcake, the lead baker of the clan, is here as well – she has brought a sampling of tarts and pies made from those strange apples found a few weeks ago.
"I've called you all to try these cakes," says Thornshaker. "Rock Jumper the warrior already tried one, so we're pretty sure they're safe."
>>458852
"Pretty sure? Well, I suppose if they aren't, I'll have to earn my keep. I shouldn't complain about how healthy the clan is, but there isn't much for a doctor to do without patients."
I'll take one of the tarts.
"Well, down the hatch."
"Pretty sure? Well, I suppose if they aren't, I'll have to earn my keep. I shouldn't complain about how healthy the clan is, but there isn't much for a doctor to do without patients."
I'll take one of the tarts.
"Well, down the hatch."
>>458894
You slip a tart into your mouth. It's delightfully tangy, and it seems to pop and fizzle as you chew it.
>>458895
>>458896
>>458897
The cakes are a mix of sour and sweet. There's just a hint of the biting sourness that comes with the tarts, and they don't fizzle at all.
>>458897
"No, we didn't have enough extra apples for that," says Fruitcake. You can tell she's a little disappointed about that.
>>458898
"Oh, about a day," says Thornshaker. "I suppose it wouldn't be protection if the apples were haunted, though…"
You slip a tart into your mouth. It's delightfully tangy, and it seems to pop and fizzle as you chew it.
>>458895
>>458896
>>458897
The cakes are a mix of sour and sweet. There's just a hint of the biting sourness that comes with the tarts, and they don't fizzle at all.
>>458897
"No, we didn't have enough extra apples for that," says Fruitcake. You can tell she's a little disappointed about that.
>>458898
"Oh, about a day," says Thornshaker. "I suppose it wouldn't be protection if the apples were haunted, though…"
>>458902
"These are delicious. How about the trees themselves? Did they seem to spread too far beyond where we planted them?"
"These are delicious. How about the trees themselves? Did they seem to spread too far beyond where we planted them?"
>>458902
"Aw that's too bad." I say sympathetically. "I'm sure Brawn will bless our harvest even more next year and you'll have plenty extra." I say confidently. "and these cakes are wonderful, tell the bakers they have my compliments."
"Aw that's too bad." I say sympathetically. "I'm sure Brawn will bless our harvest even more next year and you'll have plenty extra." I say confidently. "and these cakes are wonderful, tell the bakers they have my compliments."
>>458904
"They're still just saplings," says Thornshaker. "They don't seem much different from our other young trees, though they do seem to be growing a little faster than normal."
>>458905
Fruitcake smiles and bows as she takes her dishes and leaves the clan hall.
—
As you all finish eating the pastries (or forgoing them), an elderly pony bursts into the clan hall, almost knocking poor Fruitcake down. It's Firewheel, the old mare who previously told Loam that his plan of setting up a tent near her would result in her quick demise. She's obviously agitated.
“I had a dream!” Firewheel yells. “A terrible and ominous dream! I almost died from fear last night…” She spits twice on her hoof before stomping on the ground – the traditional ward against ill omens.
“I dreamt that rats rained from the sky and ate up all of our harvest. We scurried around, and our warriors tried to drive them away, but the rats bit them. And those bitten started to waste away from hunger. No rain came, and our land baked in the sun, and our hungry clan blew away in the wind.
"It's a sign!" she says. "A sign that the ancestors are displeased with us! We've uprooted ourselves from the old country and started living in this strange land. We need to sacrifice to them to regain their favor."
Thornshaker keeps chewing on a tart before looking at all of you expectantly.
"They're still just saplings," says Thornshaker. "They don't seem much different from our other young trees, though they do seem to be growing a little faster than normal."
>>458905
Fruitcake smiles and bows as she takes her dishes and leaves the clan hall.
—
As you all finish eating the pastries (or forgoing them), an elderly pony bursts into the clan hall, almost knocking poor Fruitcake down. It's Firewheel, the old mare who previously told Loam that his plan of setting up a tent near her would result in her quick demise. She's obviously agitated.
“I had a dream!” Firewheel yells. “A terrible and ominous dream! I almost died from fear last night…” She spits twice on her hoof before stomping on the ground – the traditional ward against ill omens.
“I dreamt that rats rained from the sky and ate up all of our harvest. We scurried around, and our warriors tried to drive them away, but the rats bit them. And those bitten started to waste away from hunger. No rain came, and our land baked in the sun, and our hungry clan blew away in the wind.
"It's a sign!" she says. "A sign that the ancestors are displeased with us! We've uprooted ourselves from the old country and started living in this strange land. We need to sacrifice to them to regain their favor."
Thornshaker keeps chewing on a tart before looking at all of you expectantly.
>>458907
"Well, what would you have in mind to be an adequate sacrifice? An omen such as this deserves careful consideration."
"Well, what would you have in mind to be an adequate sacrifice? An omen such as this deserves careful consideration."
>>458907
To be clear, because I don't know if this has been stated explicitly yet: "Sacrifices" usually means grain, fruit, or treasure. Only desperate or evil clans would sacrifice ponies, and all other clans would hate them for it.
To be clear, because I don't know if this has been stated explicitly yet: "Sacrifices" usually means grain, fruit, or treasure. Only desperate or evil clans would sacrifice ponies, and all other clans would hate them for it.
>>458915
"Yeah…that would probably work better than something we killed for the heck of it."
"Yeah…that would probably work better than something we killed for the heck of it."
>>458908
>>458910
Thistleberry seems to have woken up from all of this commotion.
She chuckles and says softly, "Didn't I teach you children anything? Earthen Hoof ancestors like it when we sacrifice fruits and grain to them, but treasure will work as well."
>>458909
"Yes, that's correct, Cauthon," Thistleberry says. "If we don't have the ancestors' favor, they won't protect us from bad luck."
>>458911
Thornshaker nods. "It's possible. Maybe they don't like how we've planted these new trees in the same land as the ones we brought from the homeland, even if they are in separate fields."
>>458914
Firewheel does the whole spitting and stomping maneuver when you mention Diamond Dogs.
>>458910
Thistleberry seems to have woken up from all of this commotion.
She chuckles and says softly, "Didn't I teach you children anything? Earthen Hoof ancestors like it when we sacrifice fruits and grain to them, but treasure will work as well."
>>458909
"Yes, that's correct, Cauthon," Thistleberry says. "If we don't have the ancestors' favor, they won't protect us from bad luck."
>>458911
Thornshaker nods. "It's possible. Maybe they don't like how we've planted these new trees in the same land as the ones we brought from the homeland, even if they are in separate fields."
>>458914
Firewheel does the whole spitting and stomping maneuver when you mention Diamond Dogs.
>>458919
"And I left it his plant. A few cuttings and they became my plant, to be used medicinally!"
>>458921
"Those blue fruits. That's one."
>>458920
"Then either we sacrifice a portion of our crops, perhaps a few of the blue fruits as well, and the ancestors will be pleased that we are using this land as they would have, and we will prosper from it."
"And I left it his plant. A few cuttings and they became my plant, to be used medicinally!"
>>458921
"Those blue fruits. That's one."
>>458920
"Then either we sacrifice a portion of our crops, perhaps a few of the blue fruits as well, and the ancestors will be pleased that we are using this land as they would have, and we will prosper from it."
>>458925
"And you'd rather I simply tie down a pony in pain, instead of soothing it while they're healed? The spirits of the healers I've learned from would have killed to have something like that for their problem patients."
"And you'd rather I simply tie down a pony in pain, instead of soothing it while they're healed? The spirits of the healers I've learned from would have killed to have something like that for their problem patients."
>>458915
Thistleberry speaks. "The ancestors always appreciate a gift of a treasure, though we would likely need to burn almost all of that herb to sacrifice it to them."
>>458922
Thornshaker nods again. "The bakers have enough left that they were going to serve some at the start of the harvest. We could sacrifice the remainder, and the ancestors might be pleased. But if they are mad about planting those trees…"
>>458923
Firewheel starts gesticulating wildly at the suggestion that "not much" has happened yet.
"What about my dream?! This clan stands at the edge of doom, I tell you!"
>>458921
"We have more than enough to tide us over until harvest time. We could easily sacrifice enough just to find out what the ancestors want from us," Thornshaker says.
Thistleberry speaks. "The ancestors always appreciate a gift of a treasure, though we would likely need to burn almost all of that herb to sacrifice it to them."
>>458922
Thornshaker nods again. "The bakers have enough left that they were going to serve some at the start of the harvest. We could sacrifice the remainder, and the ancestors might be pleased. But if they are mad about planting those trees…"
>>458923
Firewheel starts gesticulating wildly at the suggestion that "not much" has happened yet.
"What about my dream?! This clan stands at the edge of doom, I tell you!"
>>458921
"We have more than enough to tide us over until harvest time. We could easily sacrifice enough just to find out what the ancestors want from us," Thornshaker says.
>>458928
"Only one way to know if they are made about us planting those trees, and even if they are I bet the taste will win them over."
"Only one way to know if they are made about us planting those trees, and even if they are I bet the taste will win them over."
>>458927
I'll frown at her.
"A real Earthen Hoof would do all he could to prevent his fellows from suffering."
>>458928
"Perhaps half of the herb, then, and a treasure besides? I'm afraid my own options are rather limited."
>>458929
"See what you say to that the next time your leg is broken and you can't walk, or are crippled because of a wound that this herb could have helped treat."
I'll frown at her.
"A real Earthen Hoof would do all he could to prevent his fellows from suffering."
>>458928
"Perhaps half of the herb, then, and a treasure besides? I'm afraid my own options are rather limited."
>>458929
"See what you say to that the next time your leg is broken and you can't walk, or are crippled because of a wound that this herb could have helped treat."
>>458933
"Some bushes, some apples, a bit of treasure, and a single diamond dog. Sounds like a plan."
"Some bushes, some apples, a bit of treasure, and a single diamond dog. Sounds like a plan."
>>458934
"Well, except for the diamond dog part. Perhaps a mix of the old, and the new? To show our ancestors we respect their ways, but that we will flourish in the new land as well."
"Well, except for the diamond dog part. Perhaps a mix of the old, and the new? To show our ancestors we respect their ways, but that we will flourish in the new land as well."
>>458936
I flick my ears back. "We need a traditional sacrifice to please the ancestors. Grain and old apples only, perhaps some treasure if we find something good."
I flick my ears back. "We need a traditional sacrifice to please the ancestors. Grain and old apples only, perhaps some treasure if we find something good."
>>458940
I soften up a bit "You really think that? What if its the new apples that are making the ancestors mad, we should stick with the old stuff we know they want."
I soften up a bit "You really think that? What if its the new apples that are making the ancestors mad, we should stick with the old stuff we know they want."
>>458949
"A traditional sacrifice of grain and apples seems to be the consensus… though I can't help but that makes us look like we're trying to hide something from our ancestors."
"A traditional sacrifice of grain and apples seems to be the consensus… though I can't help but that makes us look like we're trying to hide something from our ancestors."
>>458955
"You are, however, somewhat outnumbered. If Ziza sides with you on this matter, it is three-to-two in favor of a mixed sacrifice. If, however, this proves to be the wrong course of action… then I will accept the responsibility for it."
"You are, however, somewhat outnumbered. If Ziza sides with you on this matter, it is three-to-two in favor of a mixed sacrifice. If, however, this proves to be the wrong course of action… then I will accept the responsibility for it."
>>458955
"Then I shall side with you, my most trusted friend."
I turn back to everyone else.
"I say a traditional sacrifice."
"Then I shall side with you, my most trusted friend."
I turn back to everyone else.
"I say a traditional sacrifice."
>>458961
>>458962
"Fine. The majority says a traditional sacrifice. I'll have the clan collect the bushels of oats and we'll get started immediately."
In a few hours, the clan has assembled a high pile of grain in a large ceremonial bronze bowl set before the small shrine to your ancestors that sits in the center of town.
"If you are all ready, we can start. We'll need a spirit-talker, however. Loam, you would be a fine choice to read the signs, but if you do not feel comfortable, then Cold Fortunes or Cauthon or one of the god-talkers and priests could do it."
>>458962
"Fine. The majority says a traditional sacrifice. I'll have the clan collect the bushels of oats and we'll get started immediately."
In a few hours, the clan has assembled a high pile of grain in a large ceremonial bronze bowl set before the small shrine to your ancestors that sits in the center of town.
"If you are all ready, we can start. We'll need a spirit-talker, however. Loam, you would be a fine choice to read the signs, but if you do not feel comfortable, then Cold Fortunes or Cauthon or one of the god-talkers and priests could do it."
>>458963
"I think there were three votes for the mixture of old and new, and two for the regular sacrifice."
"I think there were three votes for the mixture of old and new, and two for the regular sacrifice."
>>458966
"True, but before we begin, we might as well have a formal vote. It's easy enough to throw some cakes and apples on the pyre.
"Everypony on the ring who wants to only have a traditional grain sacrifice, say so now. Everypony who wants to include the apples and pastries, say so now."
Thornshaker doesn't vote until the returns are in.
"True, but before we begin, we might as well have a formal vote. It's easy enough to throw some cakes and apples on the pyre.
"Everypony on the ring who wants to only have a traditional grain sacrifice, say so now. Everypony who wants to include the apples and pastries, say so now."
Thornshaker doesn't vote until the returns are in.
Thornshaker puts the remaining cakes and tarts on the pyre with some of the remaining apples and anoints them with the holy oil. He gives a torch to Loam and waits for him to begin.
Loam, go ahead and light the fire and roll, please. You'll get a small bonus from knowing "Commune."
Loam, go ahead and light the fire and roll, please. You'll get a small bonus from knowing "Commune."
>>458975
Alright, and here we go. Good thing it's my talent, right? Right. '1d20+4'
Roll #1 16 + 4 = 20
Alright, and here we go. Good thing it's my talent, right? Right. '1d20+4'
Roll #1 16 + 4 = 20
>>458976
Everyone sees the plume of smoke from the fire rise before it is caught by the wind and sent towards the area where the clan is building its granaries.
Loam:
Everyone sees the plume of smoke from the fire rise before it is caught by the wind and sent towards the area where the clan is building its granaries.
Loam:
You enter a trance and find yourself with a particularly strong link to the clan's ancestor spirits.
You are in a bright green field of rolling hills and copses of apple trees. You see many of your beloved dead here. Your great uncle suns himself on a nearby rock before he sees you and rapidly tries to hide his face and dive behind the rock.
You see your dear departed mentor, "Fizz", however, and he trots over towards you. He looks good for somepony who has been in the grave for a few years now, and he's obviously happy to see you. He's munching on one of the tarts you burned, but he soon finishes it off before greeting you.
"Loam, my boy! Good to see you again. My, my, you're turning into a strapping young doctor. I bet all the fillies are clamoring to marry you, huh?
"Hahaha, I know, I know. I'm only kidding. Listen, we don't have much time. Tell your friends that we love the cakes and apples, they're absolutely delicious. Keep them coming!
Look, we sent that dream to that old nag because the clan really is in trouble. Rats, my boy. Rats. Vermin. Mice. Locusts. They're all a problem this far south. You've got to have protection against that sort of thing, and we can't do it for you – we don't have the strength since you all moved here. If it were the old country? Bah, no rat problem! We'd talk to Briar Weed, the god of vermin for you and tell him to keep the rats away from the grain, and he'd probably do it because he's a nice guy when he's not trying to starve you out of your home. But we don't have that sort of power when you're this far away from all our graves and old homes.
"I can't tell you how to solve that problem. There are a lot of ways, of course, and I'm sure you kids will come up with something.
"Oh and watch out with that funny herb. It's got its uses but it will rot your patients' brains if they use it all the time."
"So long, Loam. Watch out for rats! And just try talking to the nice mares. You don't need to worry about them getting grossed out by the dead corpses thing, I promise!"
You feel your connection to the spirit realm slipping away. You might be able to ask him another question before you completely return to the mortal world.
You are in a bright green field of rolling hills and copses of apple trees. You see many of your beloved dead here. Your great uncle suns himself on a nearby rock before he sees you and rapidly tries to hide his face and dive behind the rock.
You see your dear departed mentor, "Fizz", however, and he trots over towards you. He looks good for somepony who has been in the grave for a few years now, and he's obviously happy to see you. He's munching on one of the tarts you burned, but he soon finishes it off before greeting you.
"Loam, my boy! Good to see you again. My, my, you're turning into a strapping young doctor. I bet all the fillies are clamoring to marry you, huh?
"Hahaha, I know, I know. I'm only kidding. Listen, we don't have much time. Tell your friends that we love the cakes and apples, they're absolutely delicious. Keep them coming!
Look, we sent that dream to that old nag because the clan really is in trouble. Rats, my boy. Rats. Vermin. Mice. Locusts. They're all a problem this far south. You've got to have protection against that sort of thing, and we can't do it for you – we don't have the strength since you all moved here. If it were the old country? Bah, no rat problem! We'd talk to Briar Weed, the god of vermin for you and tell him to keep the rats away from the grain, and he'd probably do it because he's a nice guy when he's not trying to starve you out of your home. But we don't have that sort of power when you're this far away from all our graves and old homes.
"I can't tell you how to solve that problem. There are a lot of ways, of course, and I'm sure you kids will come up with something.
"Oh and watch out with that funny herb. It's got its uses but it will rot your patients' brains if they use it all the time."
"So long, Loam. Watch out for rats! And just try talking to the nice mares. You don't need to worry about them getting grossed out by the dead corpses thing, I promise!"
You feel your connection to the spirit realm slipping away. You might be able to ask him another question before you completely return to the mortal world.
>>458980
You feel yourself slipping back into your body before your old teacher can launch into another story about his youthful exploits, thankfully.
"Eh, you know, you could try sacrificing to Briar Weed, but you don't know the right prayers and rituals. You'd probably muck it all up.
"And, yeah, you've talked to a few like that young thing back at the Blue Leaf village, but when I was your age…
"And, yeah, you've talked to a few like that young thing back at the Blue Leaf village, but when I was your age…
You feel yourself slipping back into your body before your old teacher can launch into another story about his youthful exploits, thankfully.
>>458981
I'll settle back into my own hooves.
"They liked the tarts and cakes. But Firewheel's vision was not wrong. There are rats coming. Lots of them. And if not them, then mice, or locusts."
I'll shake my head.
"There are a lot of solutions to that, they said, but Briar Weed has a plague on the way. It's happening all over the south. We need to prepare."
I'll settle back into my own hooves.
"They liked the tarts and cakes. But Firewheel's vision was not wrong. There are rats coming. Lots of them. And if not them, then mice, or locusts."
I'll shake my head.
"There are a lot of solutions to that, they said, but Briar Weed has a plague on the way. It's happening all over the south. We need to prepare."
>>458983
"Maybe… But we're too far south to call upon our ancestors to intercede on our behalf. We are too far from their resting places."
"Maybe… But we're too far south to call upon our ancestors to intercede on our behalf. We are too far from their resting places."
>>458984
"See, I told everyone we should have brought them with but but noooooo, 'Cauthon, that's a horrible idea!' 'Cauthon, how could you say such a thing?' I said we might need there help, and now here we are."
>>458985
>>458986
"Not a joke. It's just a matter of finding out what tribe we really, really hate enough to double starve them then hope the sacrifice works."
"See, I told everyone we should have brought them with but but noooooo, 'Cauthon, that's a horrible idea!' 'Cauthon, how could you say such a thing?' I said we might need there help, and now here we are."
>>458985
>>458986
"Not a joke. It's just a matter of finding out what tribe we really, really hate enough to double starve them then hope the sacrifice works."
>>458987
I'll shake my head.
"We don't know the right rituals, so we'd end up taking the brunt of it, probably. As it is, there's not much we can do at the moment. We might want to send a messenger to the Blue Leafs about the encroaching vermin, though."
>>458986
"I can't really think of anything. It's not like we'd have enough cats to take on both the rats and the mice… and locusts would be an entirely different matter."
I'll shake my head.
"We don't know the right rituals, so we'd end up taking the brunt of it, probably. As it is, there's not much we can do at the moment. We might want to send a messenger to the Blue Leafs about the encroaching vermin, though."
>>458986
"I can't really think of anything. It's not like we'd have enough cats to take on both the rats and the mice… and locusts would be an entirely different matter."
>>458987
"Cauthon, please. We don't have any enemies here, I don't intend to let you make more for us with your hateful rituals."
"Cauthon, please. We don't have any enemies here, I don't intend to let you make more for us with your hateful rituals."
>>458986
Thistleberry leans on Thornshaker as she speaks.
"In the old country, when we were worried about vermin, we would often build a granary with a staddle stone that had been blessed by a shaman so that it was imbued with cat spirits that would scare away pests. We would need to find the right sort of stone, though, and we would need to find a wild shaman who could do the task."
>>458988
Thornshaker says, "We could try asking for Brawn's blessing. He commands the wild animals and so could command the predators of the forest to protect us from vermin."
>>458983
"This could work as well. Erumal might be willing to send the vermin to another clan. But if the other clan found out, they would likely hate us.
"We could also just try building the granaries higher. Or we could try posting warriors near the granaries. We have few, though, and they would hate the work."
Thistleberry leans on Thornshaker as she speaks.
"In the old country, when we were worried about vermin, we would often build a granary with a staddle stone that had been blessed by a shaman so that it was imbued with cat spirits that would scare away pests. We would need to find the right sort of stone, though, and we would need to find a wild shaman who could do the task."
>>458988
Thornshaker says, "We could try asking for Brawn's blessing. He commands the wild animals and so could command the predators of the forest to protect us from vermin."
>>458983
"This could work as well. Erumal might be willing to send the vermin to another clan. But if the other clan found out, they would likely hate us.
"We could also just try building the granaries higher. Or we could try posting warriors near the granaries. We have few, though, and they would hate the work."
>>458992
"The vision said that posting warriors wouldn't work anyway.." I close my eyes "What about.. higher granaries, put a fence around them, and ask for brawn to protect the crop?"
"The vision said that posting warriors wouldn't work anyway.." I close my eyes "What about.. higher granaries, put a fence around them, and ask for brawn to protect the crop?"
>>458992
"I don't think guarding them would be enough. No telling what kind of germs those things would carry. Where would we find a shaman in these parts?"
"I don't think guarding them would be enough. No telling what kind of germs those things would carry. Where would we find a shaman in these parts?"
>>458995
"Well there were bandits between us and the Blue Leafs, and some ponies have lived in this valley for generations now, so I'm sure there are shamans out in the woods somewhere," says Thornshaker.
>>458994
"Nopony would like the smell, Cauthon. Wild shamans are disgusting creatures," Thornshaker laughs.
>>458996
"Yes, we could ask Garden when she wanders back into the village. I'm not sure she's up to the task, though."
"Well there were bandits between us and the Blue Leafs, and some ponies have lived in this valley for generations now, so I'm sure there are shamans out in the woods somewhere," says Thornshaker.
>>458994
"Nopony would like the smell, Cauthon. Wild shamans are disgusting creatures," Thornshaker laughs.
>>458996
"Yes, we could ask Garden when she wanders back into the village. I'm not sure she's up to the task, though."
>>458995
"That seems like the best idea for the time being. We should do that, and search for a shaman."
"That seems like the best idea for the time being. We should do that, and search for a shaman."
>>458993
Thornshaker thinks for a moment. "That could work, but Brawn is a god of work, not of animals, and while he may offer some protection, he might not protect us enough from this."
>>459000
"We could organize a party to go search for one, but with the harvest coming soon, we need everypony who can labor in the fields to do so. So that leaves only the nobles and warriors, and we don't have very many warriors.
"I think that means that all of you would need to start the search."
Thornshaker thinks for a moment. "That could work, but Brawn is a god of work, not of animals, and while he may offer some protection, he might not protect us enough from this."
>>459000
"We could organize a party to go search for one, but with the harvest coming soon, we need everypony who can labor in the fields to do so. So that leaves only the nobles and warriors, and we don't have very many warriors.
"I think that means that all of you would need to start the search."
>>459004
"I wouldn't mind searching. It seems the less I am around, the happier the rest of the village is."
"I wouldn't mind searching. It seems the less I am around, the happier the rest of the village is."
>>459004
I look defeated at his statement that Brawn can't help. "Alright, we can pray to whoever you believe would help.."
but brighten back up at the idea of a search party.
"I gladly volunteer to lead the search."
I look defeated at his statement that Brawn can't help. "Alright, we can pray to whoever you believe would help.."
but brighten back up at the idea of a search party.
"I gladly volunteer to lead the search."
>>459005
>>459006
>>459007
>>459008
"Good. We'll see you off within the week, then."
Pausing here. I'll try to pick up later in the week. Maybe Wednesday, if Andy's not running Bats then. If you want to keep talking or faff around the town a bit, feel free to do so, but the updates won't be very regular and will probably cease in an hour or so.
>>459006
>>459007
>>459008
"Good. We'll see you off within the week, then."
Pausing here. I'll try to pick up later in the week. Maybe Wednesday, if Andy's not running Bats then. If you want to keep talking or faff around the town a bit, feel free to do so, but the updates won't be very regular and will probably cease in an hour or so.
>>459009
I walk over to you.
"Hey, cheer up. Brawn inspires and grants strength in us so we can resolve our own conflicts!"
I smile at her.
I walk over to you.
"Hey, cheer up. Brawn inspires and grants strength in us so we can resolve our own conflicts!"
I smile at her.
>>459012
"Yeah, I just don't know if he's going to be happy with us for going to other gods for help.."
"Yeah, I just don't know if he's going to be happy with us for going to other gods for help.."
>>459013
"Well… It's not as if we're just running to another god to resolve our issues. We're trying to solve them ourselves, aren't we?"
"Well… It's not as if we're just running to another god to resolve our issues. We're trying to solve them ourselves, aren't we?"
>>459014
I frown "I know the other god have merit too, and I should accept that we need their help, but its just hard to imagine that Brawn really isn't the best choice for most things.." kick the dirt a bit "Hey, wanna spar a bit?"
I frown "I know the other god have merit too, and I should accept that we need their help, but its just hard to imagine that Brawn really isn't the best choice for most things.." kick the dirt a bit "Hey, wanna spar a bit?"
>>459015
"It is rather troubling, yes… But, I'm sure that this will be an excellent opportunity for us to become even stronger, and make Brawn proud!"
I let out a boisterous laugh.
"And of course. I'm always willing to spar with you, Gilded."
I walk over to a more spacious area and take up a stance.
"Well?"
"It is rather troubling, yes… But, I'm sure that this will be an excellent opportunity for us to become even stronger, and make Brawn proud!"
I let out a boisterous laugh.
"And of course. I'm always willing to spar with you, Gilded."
I walk over to a more spacious area and take up a stance.
"Well?"
>>459017
I follow you and smile. "Yeah, lets see if I've improved any since last time." '1d20+4' summon a hammer. "First to land three hits okay with you?"
Roll #1 10 + 4 = 14
I follow you and smile. "Yeah, lets see if I've improved any since last time." '1d20+4' summon a hammer. "First to land three hits okay with you?"
Roll #1 10 + 4 = 14
>>459018
"Works for me!"
I draw my warhammer, leaving the shield, and grin.
"I'll let you have the first strike."
"Works for me!"
I draw my warhammer, leaving the shield, and grin.
"I'll let you have the first strike."
>>459020
I laugh a bit "Its not fun if you're not trying." '1d20+1' I try to land a hit past your sheild
Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8
I laugh a bit "Its not fun if you're not trying." '1d20+1' I try to land a hit past your sheild
Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8
>>459021
"And neither is it when you don't too!"
I dodge your strike and try to retaliate!
'1d20+2'
Also, no shield btw. Consider it a non-thing for a fair fight.
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
"And neither is it when you don't too!"
I dodge your strike and try to retaliate!
'1d20+2'
Also, no shield btw. Consider it a non-thing for a fair fight.
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
>>459022
right, I suppose that's a hit for me.
"Don't worry that was just a warm up." I smile and try again. '1d20+1'
Roll #1 9 + 1 = 10
right, I suppose that's a hit for me.
"Don't worry that was just a warm up." I smile and try again. '1d20+1'
Roll #1 9 + 1 = 10
>>459023
I grunt as you land a blow on me.
"Seems as though you're more warmed up than I am!"
I attempt the same tactic, dodge and strike!
'1d20+2'
Roll #1 16 + 2 = 18
I grunt as you land a blow on me.
"Seems as though you're more warmed up than I am!"
I attempt the same tactic, dodge and strike!
'1d20+2'
Roll #1 16 + 2 = 18
>>459024
and that's a hit for you: 1 v 1 so far
"Seems like you're finally trying." '1d20+1' strike back, I can take the lead.
Roll #1 19 + 1 = 20
and that's a hit for you: 1 v 1 so far
"Seems like you're finally trying." '1d20+1' strike back, I can take the lead.
Roll #1 19 + 1 = 20
>>459025
"Well consider me finally warmed up then!"
I let out another laugh, interrupted by your sudden display of physical prowess as you strike back as I scramble to try and defend myself and strike another blow against you.
'1d20+2'
Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5
"Well consider me finally warmed up then!"
I let out another laugh, interrupted by your sudden display of physical prowess as you strike back as I scramble to try and defend myself and strike another blow against you.
'1d20+2'
Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5
>>459027
I give you room to breath after that hit. "Don't get distracted now, it was finally getting good!" '1d20+1'
Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11
I give you room to breath after that hit. "Don't get distracted now, it was finally getting good!" '1d20+1'
Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11
>>459028
I let out a cough, winded from the amazing hit you landed on me.
"It looks like it is!"
I breath harder and this time, attempt to parry your blow with my hammer and strike!
'1d20+2'
Roll #1 10 + 2 = 12
I let out a cough, winded from the amazing hit you landed on me.
"It looks like it is!"
I breath harder and this time, attempt to parry your blow with my hammer and strike!
'1d20+2'
Roll #1 10 + 2 = 12
>>459029
You match my speed and land you blow. I smirk "We're tied at 2 each, you're really a perfect partner for this." '1d20+1' final round, FIGHT
Roll #1 3 + 1 = 4
You match my speed and land you blow. I smirk "We're tied at 2 each, you're really a perfect partner for this." '1d20+1' final round, FIGHT
Roll #1 3 + 1 = 4
>>459030
"As are you!"
I let out one last laugh and charge for the final round!
'1d20+2'
Roll #1 12 + 2 = 14
"As are you!"
I let out one last laugh and charge for the final round!
'1d20+2'
Roll #1 12 + 2 = 14
>>459031
Your charge catches me on an unguarded side and your blow makes contact. I stand catching my breath a smile a mile wide as I do. "The match is yours Ziza. And what speed there at the end! "
Your charge catches me on an unguarded side and your blow makes contact. I stand catching my breath a smile a mile wide as I do. "The match is yours Ziza. And what speed there at the end! "
>>459032
I lean on my hammer and catch my breath, rubbing where you hit me before.
"Ah, but that was nothing compared to your previous hit! That was impressive, Gilded."
I return your mile wide smile with one of my own.
I lean on my hammer and catch my breath, rubbing where you hit me before.
"Ah, but that was nothing compared to your previous hit! That was impressive, Gilded."
I return your mile wide smile with one of my own.
>>459033
"Ha, well thanks. Still I shouldn't have used so much energy that early in the match." I touch your cheek "It seems a little red still. I guess I hit you harder than I thought."
"Ha, well thanks. Still I shouldn't have used so much energy that early in the match." I touch your cheek "It seems a little red still. I guess I hit you harder than I thought."
>>459034
I blush slightly from the touch
"Bah, it's just a bruise! I can take worse!"
I let out a boisterous laugh again and turn away, trying to stealthily spit out a small amount of blood.
"How are you holding up? I didn't strike at you too hard, did I?"
I blush slightly from the touch
"Bah, it's just a bruise! I can take worse!"
I let out a boisterous laugh again and turn away, trying to stealthily spit out a small amount of blood.
"How are you holding up? I didn't strike at you too hard, did I?"
>>459035
I laugh with you and ignore your spitting. "No, I'm fine. But you should pick the next activity."
I laugh with you and ignore your spitting. "No, I'm fine. But you should pick the next activity."
>>459036
"Next activity? Hm… how about… Ah! Got it! How about a hoof to hoof spar? First to pin the other wins?"
"Next activity? Hm… how about… Ah! Got it! How about a hoof to hoof spar? First to pin the other wins?"
>>459038
I drop my hammer and shield on the ground.
"Let's go!"
I start and attempt to grapple you to the ground!
'1d20'
Roll #1 16 = 16
I drop my hammer and shield on the ground.
"Let's go!"
I start and attempt to grapple you to the ground!
'1d20'
Roll #1 16 = 16
>>459040
Aaand that looks like a victory for me. I push you off balance and pin you to the ground. I laugh and get up, offering you a hoof.
"First to three?"
Aaand that looks like a victory for me. I push you off balance and pin you to the ground. I laugh and get up, offering you a hoof.
"First to three?"
>>459041
"Sure, I'll be ready this time." I smile accepting your hoof and taking a better stance.
"Sure, I'll be ready this time." I smile accepting your hoof and taking a better stance.
>>459044
"Oof." I blush as the same trick worked twice. "You're good at this.." '1d20' round three roll.
Roll #1 6 = 6
"Oof." I blush as the same trick worked twice. "You're good at this.." '1d20' round three roll.
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>459045
"You're just having a bit of trouble is all! C'mon Gilded!"
I 'accidentally' lose my footing as I go in to do the same move again.
'1d6'
Roll #1 6 = 6
"You're just having a bit of trouble is all! C'mon Gilded!"
I 'accidentally' lose my footing as I go in to do the same move again.
'1d6'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>459046
evenly matched.. perhaps we are both tumbling now.. roll to end up on top '1d20'
Roll #1 7 = 7
evenly matched.. perhaps we are both tumbling now.. roll to end up on top '1d20'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>459047
Tumbling dooooown
"Oof!"
I again 'accidentally' roll in such a way that you land on top
'1d7'
Roll #1 6 = 6
Tumbling dooooown
"Oof!"
I again 'accidentally' roll in such a way that you land on top
'1d7'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>459049
I laugh again.
"Looks like you are. Looks like things are shaping up for a comeback!"
I grin.
"Another round?"
I laugh again.
"Looks like you are. Looks like things are shaping up for a comeback!"
I grin.
"Another round?"
>>459050
"Of course!" I let you back up, maybe pulling you a little hard so that you bump against me.
"Of course!" I let you back up, maybe pulling you a little hard so that you bump against me.
>>459051
And maybe I accidentally come up a bit to fast so that I bump against you.
I take a few steps back and take up a stance.
"I'll let you take the offense this time. Now come at me!"
And maybe I accidentally come up a bit to fast so that I bump against you.
I take a few steps back and take up a stance.
"I'll let you take the offense this time. Now come at me!"
>>459054
and your superior balance wins out, you're able to use my lunge to flip me and easily land your third pin, a bit harder than the others. I close my eyes on impact and then smile at you, breathing a little heavier. "You win"
and your superior balance wins out, you're able to use my lunge to flip me and easily land your third pin, a bit harder than the others. I close my eyes on impact and then smile at you, breathing a little heavier. "You win"
>>459055
I take a few deep breaths myself, pinning you for a few moments longer before getting up and offering you a hoof.
"Maybe next time I should teach you how to fight with your hooves. Still, it was fun!"
I let out yet another laugh.
I take a few deep breaths myself, pinning you for a few moments longer before getting up and offering you a hoof.
"Maybe next time I should teach you how to fight with your hooves. Still, it was fun!"
I let out yet another laugh.
>>459056
I join in laughter. "Yes, it really is fun. How did you get so good at that without me noticing?" I lean in a bit "Haven't picked up another sparring partner have you?"
I join in laughter. "Yes, it really is fun. How did you get so good at that without me noticing?" I lean in a bit "Haven't picked up another sparring partner have you?"
>>459057
"Of course not! Nobody is as good as you!"
I laugh again.
"I suppose it was all luck of the draw. Maybe your hooves were a bit wet or something."
"Of course not! Nobody is as good as you!"
I laugh again.
"I suppose it was all luck of the draw. Maybe your hooves were a bit wet or something."
>>459063
"You're the best fighter I know as well, I'm proud to have you fight at my side Ziza, and.. I'm really glad you were chosen for the Circle with me." I look into you eyes when I say that last part.
>>459064
"Perhaps not, but you can find joy in your heart, and that joy can lead to laughter." I demonstrate with a hearty laugh.
"You're the best fighter I know as well, I'm proud to have you fight at my side Ziza, and.. I'm really glad you were chosen for the Circle with me." I look into you eyes when I say that last part.
>>459064
"Perhaps not, but you can find joy in your heart, and that joy can lead to laughter." I demonstrate with a hearty laugh.
>>459067
"It really is no problem at all!"
I laugh and pull you into a hug, patting your back.
"Why wouldn't I ever trust in my be- most trusted friend?"
"It really is no problem at all!"
I laugh and pull you into a hug, patting your back.
"Why wouldn't I ever trust in my be- most trusted friend?"
>>459068
I hug you back "I don't know.. the others just don't understand, they separate from tradition too much."
I hug you back "I don't know.. the others just don't understand, they separate from tradition too much."
>>459069
"Entirely too true…"
I reluctantly let go of you.
"I can only hope we don't stray far enough as to incur the wrath of Brawn…"
I sigh.
"Entirely too true…"
I reluctantly let go of you.
"I can only hope we don't stray far enough as to incur the wrath of Brawn…"
I sigh.
>>459070
I sigh as well, "Well, Brawn will be happy if we find a reliable shaman to help us this winter." I point my hoof toward the sky, leaving enough room for you do a similar motion next to me. "I bet together we'll track one down in no time. Right Ziza?"
I sigh as well, "Well, Brawn will be happy if we find a reliable shaman to help us this winter." I point my hoof toward the sky, leaving enough room for you do a similar motion next to me. "I bet together we'll track one down in no time. Right Ziza?"
>>459071
I strike a similar pose next to you, letting out another boisterous laugh.
"Of course! No task is too great for us to overcome! Together, we're unstoppable!"
I strike a similar pose next to you, letting out another boisterous laugh.
"Of course! No task is too great for us to overcome! Together, we're unstoppable!"
>>459072
I smile and try to match your laughter. "Let that shaman just try and hide from us!"
I smile and try to match your laughter. "Let that shaman just try and hide from us!"
File: 1375668534830.jpeg (399.18 KB, 2144x1337, 387259__safe_fluttershy_a….jpeg) ImgOps Google
Thanks to the efforts of Restful Loam, the clan has obtained an explanation from the ancestors for an ominous dream that they sent to the old mare, Firewheel: The valley will be visited by a plague of vermin soon, and so the Earthen Hoof Clan must prepare for the worst.
While the clan could try to beseech Boulder,* the god of nature and animals, or even Briar Weed, the god of vermin, the clan has decided upon a solution used in the old country – find a shaman to imbue a staddle stone with cat spirits, which will chase away the vermin.
First, however, the clan will need to find a shaman, and Chief Thornshaker has given this task to the rest of the Ring. You all stand now outside of the clan hall. Thornshaker is here with Rock Jumper, one of the warriors.
"On our patrols around our lands, we have seen some evidence of a shaman living to the east – odd markings on rocks, newly-built cairns and what look like small shrines to the spirits of the river and the hills. It is possible that the farmers who live further to the east might know more," says Rock Jumper.
* – Errata: Originally I wrote that Brawn "commands the wild animals" in >>458992. Thornshaker misspoke, as all of your characters are sure to know. He meant Boulder.
While the clan could try to beseech Boulder,* the god of nature and animals, or even Briar Weed, the god of vermin, the clan has decided upon a solution used in the old country – find a shaman to imbue a staddle stone with cat spirits, which will chase away the vermin.
First, however, the clan will need to find a shaman, and Chief Thornshaker has given this task to the rest of the Ring. You all stand now outside of the clan hall. Thornshaker is here with Rock Jumper, one of the warriors.
"On our patrols around our lands, we have seen some evidence of a shaman living to the east – odd markings on rocks, newly-built cairns and what look like small shrines to the spirits of the river and the hills. It is possible that the farmers who live further to the east might know more," says Rock Jumper.
* – Errata: Originally I wrote that Brawn "commands the wild animals" in >>458992. Thornshaker misspoke, as all of your characters are sure to know. He meant Boulder.
>>464286
"Yeah!" I copy your pose, perhaps holding it a little too long and tilting slightly before setting my hooves back down.
"Yeah!" I copy your pose, perhaps holding it a little too long and tilting slightly before setting my hooves back down.
>>464307
"We might be in for a strong dust storm, you should pack some strong clothes. I can feel the wind picking up some dirt and a bunch of rocks have already started to fall on me."
"We might be in for a strong dust storm, you should pack some strong clothes. I can feel the wind picking up some dirt and a bunch of rocks have already started to fall on me."
>>464311
I shrug, flexing subtly at the same time "A little wind is not a problem for me. I won't get blown over."
I shrug, flexing subtly at the same time "A little wind is not a problem for me. I won't get blown over."
>>464283
>>464285
>>464286
>>464287
The path east from the village roughly follows the course of the river, which lies maybe a mile south. On days like today, with clear weather and a bright sun, you can catch glimpses of it winding its way to the east, fed by the melting snow in the mountains to the west.
Those mountains' foothills make the western end of your clan's territory somewhat more foreboding than your farmers would like – rocky hills and scrub land provide little soil for crops, after all. But to the east is the land that drove your clan to settle here: Fresh and green low rolling hills and long fertile stretches of plains lying along the riverbank is heaven for any Earth Pony clan – especially to one so devoted to the plow.
A short march from the village is one of the tiny groups of farmhouses that is home to small numbers of farm families. Earthen Hoof clans are divided by occupation, but within the broad group of farmers is a stratified system of organization. Thanes sit at the top of the social order, farming large tracts of the clan's land and keeping much of it to sell at the market. Below them sit the cottars, who have smaller homesteads. Cottars farm only vegetables on their own land, but they work in the thanes' fields year-round. In some other, more warlike clans, particularly those that once were subservient to the Pegasi, it is common to have a third class of thralls – mares and stallions who are the property of the clan and who perform physical labor for it. Thankfully, the Earthen Hoofs have never practiced such an un-Earthlike custom.
Out here, away from the Earthen Hoof village, these small hamlets are usually only home to maybe six families each – two thane families and then assorted cottars who work the land, too. This particular hamlet, consisting of nothing more than four small cottages sitting on a hill, is named "Greenhill." Brawn's ponies are often the unimaginative and no-nonsense sort.
You could stop here if you wish, or you can continue on towards the outskirts of your territory and the wilderness. Or you could go looking for another hamlet or something.
>>464285
>>464286
>>464287
The path east from the village roughly follows the course of the river, which lies maybe a mile south. On days like today, with clear weather and a bright sun, you can catch glimpses of it winding its way to the east, fed by the melting snow in the mountains to the west.
Those mountains' foothills make the western end of your clan's territory somewhat more foreboding than your farmers would like – rocky hills and scrub land provide little soil for crops, after all. But to the east is the land that drove your clan to settle here: Fresh and green low rolling hills and long fertile stretches of plains lying along the riverbank is heaven for any Earth Pony clan – especially to one so devoted to the plow.
A short march from the village is one of the tiny groups of farmhouses that is home to small numbers of farm families. Earthen Hoof clans are divided by occupation, but within the broad group of farmers is a stratified system of organization. Thanes sit at the top of the social order, farming large tracts of the clan's land and keeping much of it to sell at the market. Below them sit the cottars, who have smaller homesteads. Cottars farm only vegetables on their own land, but they work in the thanes' fields year-round. In some other, more warlike clans, particularly those that once were subservient to the Pegasi, it is common to have a third class of thralls – mares and stallions who are the property of the clan and who perform physical labor for it. Thankfully, the Earthen Hoofs have never practiced such an un-Earthlike custom.
Out here, away from the Earthen Hoof village, these small hamlets are usually only home to maybe six families each – two thane families and then assorted cottars who work the land, too. This particular hamlet, consisting of nothing more than four small cottages sitting on a hill, is named "Greenhill." Brawn's ponies are often the unimaginative and no-nonsense sort.
You could stop here if you wish, or you can continue on towards the outskirts of your territory and the wilderness. Or you could go looking for another hamlet or something.
>>464314
"Nah, it seems to have calmed down. But I'm certain the wind was angry for a moment. Maybe it was my imagination."
>>464315
"Nothing could stop you when you set your mind to it, huh? I bet you could take on an army by yourself."
>>464321
"We could just ask for directions. We just started, don't want to get lost, as fun as that can be."
"Nah, it seems to have calmed down. But I'm certain the wind was angry for a moment. Maybe it was my imagination."
>>464315
"Nothing could stop you when you set your mind to it, huh? I bet you could take on an army by yourself."
>>464321
"We could just ask for directions. We just started, don't want to get lost, as fun as that can be."
>>464323
"Directions to where? I doubt we could just walk up and ask 'hey, could you point us in the direction of the nearest smelly hobo?'"
"Directions to where? I doubt we could just walk up and ask 'hey, could you point us in the direction of the nearest smelly hobo?'"
As you near the hamlet, you can see that there are some foals playing in what could be called the "town square" if one were extraordinarily generous. It is likely that the adults are out working in the fields today, or perhaps they are back at the village working on the granaries.
>>464330
Ask around, see if any of the local population knows anything about any nearby shaman or strange ponies.
'1d20'
Roll #1 18 = 18
Ask around, see if any of the local population knows anything about any nearby shaman or strange ponies.
'1d20'
Roll #1 18 = 18
>>464332
This group of small houses is far too small to have a temple. There is, however, a small shrine to Brawn and Heart Petal on one side of the square. Before it are offerings of flowers and some dried fruit. Common offerings to Heart Petal if one is seeking to have a child.
>>464333
They're all several years younger than you, but none is intimidated by the sight of members of the clan nobility.
One, a little yellow filly, speaks up. "They're all out in the fields. Except for papa, he went back to village to get the cart fixed."
>>464336
Surprisingly well-fed, if a little dusty and ignorant. One young wears a simple iron medallion in the shape of a plow – a common charm for the protection of Brawn.
This group of small houses is far too small to have a temple. There is, however, a small shrine to Brawn and Heart Petal on one side of the square. Before it are offerings of flowers and some dried fruit. Common offerings to Heart Petal if one is seeking to have a child.
>>464333
They're all several years younger than you, but none is intimidated by the sight of members of the clan nobility.
One, a little yellow filly, speaks up. "They're all out in the fields. Except for papa, he went back to village to get the cart fixed."
>>464336
Surprisingly well-fed, if a little dusty and ignorant. One young wears a simple iron medallion in the shape of a plow – a common charm for the protection of Brawn.
>>464335
The little yellow one speaks again.
"Papa says we should stay away from the river because there's some strange kinda pony who lives down there. He said that he might drag us off to sell us to the fish spirits if we try to talk to him!"
The little yellow one speaks again.
"Papa says we should stay away from the river because there's some strange kinda pony who lives down there. He said that he might drag us off to sell us to the fish spirits if we try to talk to him!"
>>464350
You say your prayer to your gods. You don't know if they heard it, but you follow caring deities, so who knows?
>>464353
She said he was back in the village getting his cart fixed. It would only be a few hours' walk back to the village.
>>464356
The filly gives you a look of mild incredulity – How could somepony not know where the freaking river is? – before pointing to the south.
>>464357
"Well… Turdblossom here tends to stutter a lot!" the yellow one laughs.
"Shut up! Th-that's n-not my n-name!" yells a smaller grey colt. He shoves the yellow one and they quickly go back to wrestling in the dirt.
You say your prayer to your gods. You don't know if they heard it, but you follow caring deities, so who knows?
>>464353
She said he was back in the village getting his cart fixed. It would only be a few hours' walk back to the village.
>>464356
The filly gives you a look of mild incredulity – How could somepony not know where the freaking river is? – before pointing to the south.
>>464357
"Well… Turdblossom here tends to stutter a lot!" the yellow one laughs.
"Shut up! Th-that's n-not my n-name!" yells a smaller grey colt. He shoves the yellow one and they quickly go back to wrestling in the dirt.
>>464364
I make a mental note of finding a pony I can call Turdblossom.
"None of you ever find crazy ponies while exploring in the woods?"
I make a mental note of finding a pony I can call Turdblossom.
"None of you ever find crazy ponies while exploring in the woods?"
>>464364
smile at Ziza and go back to the others. "These are good ponies. We shouldn't bother them too much."
smile at Ziza and go back to the others. "These are good ponies. We shouldn't bother them too much."
>>464374
"Ye. One group goes to the village to search for more clues, one group stays here to investigate more and check out the river."
"Ye. One group goes to the village to search for more clues, one group stays here to investigate more and check out the river."
>>464388
The older yellow one pins him to the ground. Little Turdblossom starts to cry before scrambling out from underneath his tormenter and galloping to the south.
The older yellow one pins him to the ground. Little Turdblossom starts to cry before scrambling out from underneath his tormenter and galloping to the south.
>>464385
"Wolf if we find something, sparrow if we are in trouble, got it. If we have a question for anyone else should we scream in pain and terror?"
"Wolf if we find something, sparrow if we are in trouble, got it. If we have a question for anyone else should we scream in pain and terror?"
>>464404
The yellow one's dad went westward, back to the village.
The rest are in the fields, which are scattered around, but most are to the north and east. The south is a bit hillier and has more trees. There's only one small field to the south, and it doesn't look like anypony is working out there.
>>464400
"Huh? Nah, like I said. Papa said we shouldn't go down there, so we don't. Well Turtle there does, but I don't know what he does down there. Probably cries a lot."
>>464401
"Papa said he knew ponies like that back in the old place. He said they're stinky and they have bad manners."
You know that it's relatively common for individual clan members – particularly farmers out here near the wilderness – to make deals with shamans, but it's usually frowned upon by the rest of the clan. Shaman deals can harm the whole clan, after all.
The yellow one's dad went westward, back to the village.
The rest are in the fields, which are scattered around, but most are to the north and east. The south is a bit hillier and has more trees. There's only one small field to the south, and it doesn't look like anypony is working out there.
>>464400
"Huh? Nah, like I said. Papa said we shouldn't go down there, so we don't. Well Turtle there does, but I don't know what he does down there. Probably cries a lot."
>>464401
"Papa said he knew ponies like that back in the old place. He said they're stinky and they have bad manners."
You know that it's relatively common for individual clan members – particularly farmers out here near the wilderness – to make deals with shamans, but it's usually frowned upon by the rest of the clan. Shaman deals can harm the whole clan, after all.
>>464404
"That's the direction of the river…"
I scrunch up before perking up,
"Wait! He's running towards the shaman!"
I try to chase after him!
'1d20'
Roll #1 2 = 2
"That's the direction of the river…"
I scrunch up before perking up,
"Wait! He's running towards the shaman!"
I try to chase after him!
'1d20'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>464416
You rush forward only to stumble on an odd-looking rock. Ouch!
>>464417
You rush to the south, but lose track of Turtle as he disappears into the southern field of tall wheat.
>>464419
>>464421
You both rush into the field and easily track Turtle to the riverbank. He's sitting down underneath a tall willow tree, staring at the water.
You rush forward only to stumble on an odd-looking rock. Ouch!
>>464417
You rush to the south, but lose track of Turtle as he disappears into the southern field of tall wheat.
>>464419
>>464421
You both rush into the field and easily track Turtle to the riverbank. He's sitting down underneath a tall willow tree, staring at the water.
>>464439
"Eat every drop of your stew and you might get as fast as me Coiled." I smile at you.
"Eat every drop of your stew and you might get as fast as me Coiled." I smile at you.
>>464431
Scratched onto the western side of the willow tree is a symbol you recognize from your days first learning about the Horned One from the goats. It's the goat symbol for Vodya, the god of the river. Beneath it is a small pile of stones smoothed by the river. This is a typical shrine to Vodya.
Like Erumal, Vodya is worshiped by ponies (well, sacrificed to, because few clans have temples to him or hold him as a patron). Ponies long ago adopted much of the goat pantheon into their own, probably thanks to goats living within pony lands without causing much trouble.
This might be a sign that the shaman lives near here, but it could also simply mean that one of the locals is particularly worried about floods.
>>464435
>>464430
>>464429
Turtle sits by the riverbank, sniffling to himself. He looks up at you quickly, startled.
"W-what? W-why d-did you f-follow m-me?"
Scratched onto the western side of the willow tree is a symbol you recognize from your days first learning about the Horned One from the goats. It's the goat symbol for Vodya, the god of the river. Beneath it is a small pile of stones smoothed by the river. This is a typical shrine to Vodya.
Like Erumal, Vodya is worshiped by ponies (well, sacrificed to, because few clans have temples to him or hold him as a patron). Ponies long ago adopted much of the goat pantheon into their own, probably thanks to goats living within pony lands without causing much trouble.
This might be a sign that the shaman lives near here, but it could also simply mean that one of the locals is particularly worried about floods.
>>464435
>>464430
>>464429
Turtle sits by the riverbank, sniffling to himself. He looks up at you quickly, startled.
"W-what? W-why d-did you f-follow m-me?"
>>464453
"Do you know where a shaman is?" I ask gently, rolling for gentleness. '1d20'
Roll #1 19 = 19
"Do you know where a shaman is?" I ask gently, rolling for gentleness. '1d20'
Roll #1 19 = 19
>>464453
"There is a shrine to Vodya here. The shaman comes around here often enough, I think."
I pick out a smooth river stone and add it to the shrine.
"There is a shrine to Vodya here. The shaman comes around here often enough, I think."
I pick out a smooth river stone and add it to the shrine.
>>464454
>>464456
Soothed by your gentle tone, he stops sniffling so much.
"I just like c-coming d-down here. It's p-peaceful."
"I d-don't k-know ab-ab-about any 'shamaman." B-but I've seen a w-weird g-goat a few t-times. He g-gave m-me some b-berries once."
"He live d-down the r-river. Th-that way." He points further east and across the river to where a thick copse of trees lies at the bottom of a rocky hill.
>>464456
Soothed by your gentle tone, he stops sniffling so much.
"I just like c-coming d-down here. It's p-peaceful."
"I d-don't k-know ab-ab-about any 'shamaman." B-but I've seen a w-weird g-goat a few t-times. He g-gave m-me some b-berries once."
"He live d-down the r-river. Th-that way." He points further east and across the river to where a thick copse of trees lies at the bottom of a rocky hill.
>>464466
"No, they are a shrine. That's what I just said."
>>464468
"A goat you say? Excellent. Come along, everyone, but be polite. Vodya worshipers are generally jaded and abrasive. There is no fun in their lives, but they do favor the color green. Their prays are typically common words pronounced with a buzz."
I start walking down the rover in the direction indicated.
"No, they are a shrine. That's what I just said."
>>464468
"A goat you say? Excellent. Come along, everyone, but be polite. Vodya worshipers are generally jaded and abrasive. There is no fun in their lives, but they do favor the color green. Their prays are typically common words pronounced with a buzz."
I start walking down the rover in the direction indicated.
>>464468
I pat the kid on the head. "There, that's all we wanted to know, go ahead and play now. Your friends are waiting." I point toward his village.
I pat the kid on the head. "There, that's all we wanted to know, go ahead and play now. Your friends are waiting." I point toward his village.
>>464475
"Th-they aren't m-my friends. Th-they're a b-bunch of m-mud eaters."
He stands up, ready to face the little bastards again when you take him back.
"Th-they aren't m-my friends. Th-they're a b-bunch of m-mud eaters."
He stands up, ready to face the little bastards again when you take him back.
>>464501
"Wh-what I n-need is a w-way to p-pound them."
He sulks a bit. Despite the Brawn medallion, he's a pretty scrawny little colt. He can't be older than seven or eight years old, but he's about as tall as a colt maybe two years younger than he is.
You can see why the yellow one back at the hamlet is able to pick on him. That and the stuttering can't help him out too much.
"Wh-what I n-need is a w-way to p-pound them."
He sulks a bit. Despite the Brawn medallion, he's a pretty scrawny little colt. He can't be older than seven or eight years old, but he's about as tall as a colt maybe two years younger than he is.
You can see why the yellow one back at the hamlet is able to pick on him. That and the stuttering can't help him out too much.
>>464506
he doesn't need meditation, he needs to work hard to build his muscles. I'm sure he'll figure it out, onto the hut.
he doesn't need meditation, he needs to work hard to build his muscles. I'm sure he'll figure it out, onto the hut.
>>464506
"You need to work out to get strong. Let's do hoof-ups while we head back."
Try to impress him with how many I can do with one hoof. [1d20]
Roll #1 6 = 6
"You need to work out to get strong. Let's do hoof-ups while we head back."
Try to impress him with how many I can do with one hoof. [1d20]
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>464514
Walk him back a bit.
"The important part is not giving up. Watch how many I do this time with both hooves!"
[1d20]
Now you try.
Roll #1 3 = 3
Walk him back a bit.
"The important part is not giving up. Watch how many I do this time with both hooves!"
[1d20]
Now you try.
Roll #1 3 = 3
File: 1375751685589.png (92.43 KB, 423x378, 130777__UNOPT__artist-bris….png) ImgOps Google
After leaving the village to find a wild shaman who can make the blessed staddle stone your clan needs to fend off the coming plague of vermin, you all arrived at one of the clan's outlying hamlets – just a group of a few farmsteads populated by two thane households and a few cottars.
While the hamlet's adults were out in the fields or back in the village, you were able to speak to the resident foals, who informed you that there may be a goat shaman living across the river and further to the east.
You are all back in the hamlet, having returned the youngest foal, Turtle, to his tormentors. He goes into one of the larger houses – really just a large hut with a thatched roof – and shuts the rickety wooden door.
Restful Loam –
Pointed in this direction by passing warriors on patrol, you have arrived at the hamlet, as well. It's a small collection of four houses sitting on top of a hill. To the south is the river that flows down from the mountains to the far west, marking the southern border of your clan's effective territory. To the east is more Earthen Hoof land – flat plains and rolling hills populated by your clan's largest groups of farmers.
While the hamlet's adults were out in the fields or back in the village, you were able to speak to the resident foals, who informed you that there may be a goat shaman living across the river and further to the east.
You are all back in the hamlet, having returned the youngest foal, Turtle, to his tormentors. He goes into one of the larger houses – really just a large hut with a thatched roof – and shuts the rickety wooden door.
Restful Loam –
Pointed in this direction by passing warriors on patrol, you have arrived at the hamlet, as well. It's a small collection of four houses sitting on top of a hill. To the south is the river that flows down from the mountains to the far west, marking the southern border of your clan's effective territory. To the east is more Earthen Hoof land – flat plains and rolling hills populated by your clan's largest groups of farmers.
>>465209
Good to know that we're expanding. Though I suppose they'd be about as pleased to see me as anyone else…
But, I'm looking for a shaman. Let's get asking around for such a pony. One more in tune with the earth than the others. '1d20'
Roll #1 19 = 19
Good to know that we're expanding. Though I suppose they'd be about as pleased to see me as anyone else…
But, I'm looking for a shaman. Let's get asking around for such a pony. One more in tune with the earth than the others. '1d20'
Roll #1 19 = 19
>>473960
A yellow filly, clearly the leader of the small group of children playing in the hamlet's center, tells you the same thing she told the others.
"Papa thinks there's some weirdo living down by the river. We sent those other noble-looking types down there – they were asking about the same thing."
>>473964
>>473966
Okay, you're still by the river. Turtle walked back on his own.
Turtle told you that there's a strange goat who lives across the river, and you've seen signs that a goat shaman might be around.
The river here is shallow, but the current is strong. Crossing here would be possible, but it might be best to try for a better crossing point further downstream.
A yellow filly, clearly the leader of the small group of children playing in the hamlet's center, tells you the same thing she told the others.
"Papa thinks there's some weirdo living down by the river. We sent those other noble-looking types down there – they were asking about the same thing."
>>473964
>>473966
Okay, you're still by the river. Turtle walked back on his own.
Turtle told you that there's a strange goat who lives across the river, and you've seen signs that a goat shaman might be around.
The river here is shallow, but the current is strong. Crossing here would be possible, but it might be best to try for a better crossing point further downstream.
>>473973
You trot further to the west. As you head in this direction, the woods get a little thicker, but you know from looking around while on top of the hamlet's hill that the woods on this side of the river soon give way to wide open plains.
>>473974
It's just a short gallop, from the hill down to the riverbank and you soon see your friends.
>>473976
You wade into the river, picking the shallowest part you can find. As you push your way towards the center of the river, you find that you've drifted maybe another hundred feet downriver. You can still stand here, but the water is at your withers, and the force from the current is very strong here.
Roll again to get to the other side.
>>473978
Following Cauthon further downriver, you do find, in the thicker copse of trees, a large log. While it's covered in lichen, it doesn't appear to be rotten, and it might be possible to turn this into a makeshift bridge at some point further downriver when the river narrows significantly.
You trot further to the west. As you head in this direction, the woods get a little thicker, but you know from looking around while on top of the hamlet's hill that the woods on this side of the river soon give way to wide open plains.
>>473974
It's just a short gallop, from the hill down to the riverbank and you soon see your friends.
>>473976
You wade into the river, picking the shallowest part you can find. As you push your way towards the center of the river, you find that you've drifted maybe another hundred feet downriver. You can still stand here, but the water is at your withers, and the force from the current is very strong here.
Roll again to get to the other side.
>>473978
Following Cauthon further downriver, you do find, in the thicker copse of trees, a large log. While it's covered in lichen, it doesn't appear to be rotten, and it might be possible to turn this into a makeshift bridge at some point further downriver when the river narrows significantly.
>>473988
You pull on the log with all your might, but it won't budge.
If only somepony really strong were here…
>>473989
You brave the puny water's puny efforts to push you further, and you soon make it to the other side, though you had to swim the last twenty feet or so.
>>473990
That it is. You can tell from your learnings.
You pull on the log with all your might, but it won't budge.
If only somepony really strong were here…
>>473989
You brave the puny water's puny efforts to push you further, and you soon make it to the other side, though you had to swim the last twenty feet or so.
>>473990
That it is. You can tell from your learnings.
>>473992
I laugh triumphantly when I reach the other side.
"Ha! You thought you could best me water?! Nopony bests Ziza!"
I try to triumphantly flex.
'1d20'
Roll #1 20 = 20
I laugh triumphantly when I reach the other side.
"Ha! You thought you could best me water?! Nopony bests Ziza!"
I try to triumphantly flex.
'1d20'
Roll #1 20 = 20
>>474001
You push hard, but the log won't move at all. Maybe it's just the way you're pushing it, you know?
>>473995
Remembering what you've learned about the principles of leverage, you look around for something long and strong to wedge beneath the log to get it rolling. While Striker is busy throwing her strength into pushing the fallen tree at its exposed roots, you find a long, flat stone perfect for acting as a lever. You wedge it beneath the log and begin to push. The log gradually lifts off the ground…
>>473998
Not seeing Loam's efforts, you rear back and prepare to buck the tree with all your might. Using your strong Earth Pony glutes, you strike the log as hard as you can.
Were the log lodged firmly in the earth, you'd probably have simply uprooted it and sent it on a gentle roll. Instead, you struck just as Loam dislodged the log from its place, and you send the log flying. It soon crashes back down to the earth, but it begins rolling downhill, totally uncontrolled.
Fortunately for you all, it takes a sharp left turn right as the river begins to narrow, and its great momentum allows it to leap the gap over the river before falling back down and forming a natural bridge.
You could probably chalk that one up to the log spirits, or maybe Vodya decided to smile upon your group's efforts to cross his river.
>>474006
You flex your muscles and the river seems to stop moving quite so quickly. You hear a few frogs ribbit happily on the shoreline. What's more, you hear some rustling and turn around to see a small pony-like figure dart off into the woods.
You're a few hundred feet from your friends on the other side of the river.
You push hard, but the log won't move at all. Maybe it's just the way you're pushing it, you know?
>>473995
Remembering what you've learned about the principles of leverage, you look around for something long and strong to wedge beneath the log to get it rolling. While Striker is busy throwing her strength into pushing the fallen tree at its exposed roots, you find a long, flat stone perfect for acting as a lever. You wedge it beneath the log and begin to push. The log gradually lifts off the ground…
>>473998
Not seeing Loam's efforts, you rear back and prepare to buck the tree with all your might. Using your strong Earth Pony glutes, you strike the log as hard as you can.
Were the log lodged firmly in the earth, you'd probably have simply uprooted it and sent it on a gentle roll. Instead, you struck just as Loam dislodged the log from its place, and you send the log flying. It soon crashes back down to the earth, but it begins rolling downhill, totally uncontrolled.
Fortunately for you all, it takes a sharp left turn right as the river begins to narrow, and its great momentum allows it to leap the gap over the river before falling back down and forming a natural bridge.
You could probably chalk that one up to the log spirits, or maybe Vodya decided to smile upon your group's efforts to cross his river.
>>474006
You flex your muscles and the river seems to stop moving quite so quickly. You hear a few frogs ribbit happily on the shoreline. What's more, you hear some rustling and turn around to see a small pony-like figure dart off into the woods.
You're a few hundred feet from your friends on the other side of the river.
>>474018
"Hm? Hey! Come back here!"
I attempt to chase after the pony like figure!
'1d20'
Roll #1 19 = 19
"Hm? Hey! Come back here!"
I attempt to chase after the pony like figure!
'1d20'
Roll #1 19 = 19
>>474018
"Well. Problem solved, I suppose."
I'll give a wan smile at Striker.
"Brain's a muscle too, Striker. It needs exercise, just like all the others."
"Well. Problem solved, I suppose."
I'll give a wan smile at Striker.
"Brain's a muscle too, Striker. It needs exercise, just like all the others."
>>474019
You wheel around and gallop hard at the figure disappearing into the treeline. The water sparkles off your coat and shimmers off of every straining muscle as you leap on top of the hooded figure.
You immediately begin to regret this act, as the smell from the figure begins to assault your nose.
"Ooooh hee hee hee hee," the goat cackles as you pin him to the ground, "I see I've made a new boyfriend~" He farts a happy fart and cackles some more.
The goat is probably the shaman you're looking for. He fits the type – his coat is matted with all types of mud and other matter, sticks and assorted foliage are woven into his hair and beard, and he bears that typical look of the crazed loner living in the woods.
>>474026
>>474027
>>474028
>>474029
You all cross the bridge. It's a little wobbly, but it holds up. You can see Ziza galloping into the woods from here.
You wheel around and gallop hard at the figure disappearing into the treeline. The water sparkles off your coat and shimmers off of every straining muscle as you leap on top of the hooded figure.
You immediately begin to regret this act, as the smell from the figure begins to assault your nose.
"Ooooh hee hee hee hee," the goat cackles as you pin him to the ground, "I see I've made a new boyfriend~" He farts a happy fart and cackles some more.
The goat is probably the shaman you're looking for. He fits the type – his coat is matted with all types of mud and other matter, sticks and assorted foliage are woven into his hair and beard, and he bears that typical look of the crazed loner living in the woods.
>>474026
>>474027
>>474028
>>474029
You all cross the bridge. It's a little wobbly, but it holds up. You can see Ziza galloping into the woods from here.
>>474035
Oh sweet Brawn why did I-
I let off of him and try to restrain my gag reflex and defend myself from the assault from the atrociously nauseating smell.
'1d20'
Roll #1 3 = 3
Oh sweet Brawn why did I-
I let off of him and try to restrain my gag reflex and defend myself from the assault from the atrociously nauseating smell.
'1d20'
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>474037
>>474038
>>474040
You arrive at the riverbank where Ziza is. Your friend is gagging and retching while a disgusting-looking goat rolls around on the ground and laughs maniacally.
>>474044
You manage to stifle your body's desire to vomit up your breakfast, but you can't stop coughing and wheezing. He really does smell awful.
>>474038
>>474040
You arrive at the riverbank where Ziza is. Your friend is gagging and retching while a disgusting-looking goat rolls around on the ground and laughs maniacally.
>>474044
You manage to stifle your body's desire to vomit up your breakfast, but you can't stop coughing and wheezing. He really does smell awful.
>>474051
You punch him right in the flank. He cackles even louder.
"I didn't do anything! I think he likes me~"
You punch him right in the flank. He cackles even louder.
"I didn't do anything! I think he likes me~"
>>474062
"I'd like to officially extend a request to perform the rite of plague protection on the saddle stone of our clan."
"I'd like to officially extend a request to perform the rite of plague protection on the saddle stone of our clan."
>>474062
I summon a lightning hammer. '1d20+3'
"Stop that odd chanting, or this will get really bad for you."
Roll #1 18 + 3 = 21
I summon a lightning hammer. '1d20+3'
"Stop that odd chanting, or this will get really bad for you."
Roll #1 18 + 3 = 21
>>474062
I get up, frowning upon noticing his chanting and try to interrupt it.
"What are you chanting?!"
'1d20'
Roll #1 16 = 16
I get up, frowning upon noticing his chanting and try to interrupt it.
"What are you chanting?!"
'1d20'
Roll #1 16 = 16
>>474070
I perk up at her mention of me, and a small blush forms on my cheeks and I cough.
"Erm… Gilded, I was on the ground because of this… filthy goat's odor. I pinned him to the ground and he started… letting off gas. The smell was overwhelming."
I perk up at her mention of me, and a small blush forms on my cheeks and I cough.
"Erm… Gilded, I was on the ground because of this… filthy goat's odor. I pinned him to the ground and he started… letting off gas. The smell was overwhelming."
>>474058
>>474062
Your skin and coat begins to itch terribly. You have the almost uncontrollable urge to scratch.
The lightning hammer you summon from the clouds appears in your hooves with a huge thunderclap. It does seem like an awfully good back scratcher…
>>474065
"Oh, just a bit of the ol' summon-ems for the flea spirits. They're a cantankerous bunch, you know, but they're great for using on bullies!" He laughs some more.
>>474063
"Hmm… 'officially'…. 'request'…. hmmm yes. I like the sound of that!
"Ooh, but plague protection is going to cost you, especially depending on the plague. What sort of payment are we talking here?"
He looks you up and down and munches a bit on your clothing.
"Hmm, yes, yes. An earth pony clan from the north, and nobles, no less!
"I want the works! You gotta give me hospitality and a banquet, and a full feast, and lots of pretty dresses like that one, and uh lots of gold, and OF COURSE a seat on your lead council thingy, and I get to come and go as I please…" he goes on like this for a while.
>>474062
Your skin and coat begins to itch terribly. You have the almost uncontrollable urge to scratch.
The lightning hammer you summon from the clouds appears in your hooves with a huge thunderclap. It does seem like an awfully good back scratcher…
>>474065
"Oh, just a bit of the ol' summon-ems for the flea spirits. They're a cantankerous bunch, you know, but they're great for using on bullies!" He laughs some more.
>>474063
"Hmm… 'officially'…. 'request'…. hmmm yes. I like the sound of that!
"Ooh, but plague protection is going to cost you, especially depending on the plague. What sort of payment are we talking here?"
He looks you up and down and munches a bit on your clothing.
"Hmm, yes, yes. An earth pony clan from the north, and nobles, no less!
"I want the works! You gotta give me hospitality and a banquet, and a full feast, and lots of pretty dresses like that one, and uh lots of gold, and OF COURSE a seat on your lead council thingy, and I get to come and go as I please…" he goes on like this for a while.
>>474082
Hmm.
"I've got a rather peculiar plant that you might like. Sparingly, of course! It's a great aid to relaxing."
Hmm.
"I've got a rather peculiar plant that you might like. Sparingly, of course! It's a great aid to relaxing."
>>474082
my face turns a bit red as he lists of demands.
mom always told me not to itch.. resist.. '1d20'
Roll #1 18 = 18
my face turns a bit red as he lists of demands.
mom always told me not to itch.. resist.. '1d20'
Roll #1 18 = 18
>>474086
You manage to avoid scratching, and you only fidget in place a bit. You still realllly want to scratch, though.
>>474085
"A relaxing plant, huh? Well that might work, in lieu of SOME of my demands."
He nibbles some more on Loam's clothing, deep in thought.
>>474089
"No? Well then I guess you'll just have to do without your PRECIOUS WHATEVER IT IS!" He glares at you for a moment before crossing his eyes and sticking his tongue out.
"Hey, wait a minute… Come on back to my home and we can talk details about this. I might have a job you can do."
He hops off into the woods, beckoning you all to follow.
You manage to avoid scratching, and you only fidget in place a bit. You still realllly want to scratch, though.
>>474085
"A relaxing plant, huh? Well that might work, in lieu of SOME of my demands."
He nibbles some more on Loam's clothing, deep in thought.
>>474089
"No? Well then I guess you'll just have to do without your PRECIOUS WHATEVER IT IS!" He glares at you for a moment before crossing his eyes and sticking his tongue out.
"Hey, wait a minute… Come on back to my home and we can talk details about this. I might have a job you can do."
He hops off into the woods, beckoning you all to follow.
>>474099
>>474105
>>474121
The party follows him further into the woods. His shack isn't very far from the shoreline, in fact, but it is carefully concealed among the trees, under piles of leaves and branches. Were you not looking for it, you might mistake it for a mound of rotting wood amongst the forest's undergrowth.
The goat leads you into his home. Inside are all the trappings of a wild shaman: Various herbs and mushrooms hang from the ceiling in bunches, ready to be cooked into a magical brew. Strange symbols are carved into the walls and painted on every surface. A bed of various rags and leaves sits in the corner – the shack's only real furniture.
"Meetings first," the goat says. "It's the proper way of doing things! My name is Babka. Who are you and what is your clan? The little colt never told me much, and his father usually kept quiet, too."
>>474105
>>474121
The party follows him further into the woods. His shack isn't very far from the shoreline, in fact, but it is carefully concealed among the trees, under piles of leaves and branches. Were you not looking for it, you might mistake it for a mound of rotting wood amongst the forest's undergrowth.
The goat leads you into his home. Inside are all the trappings of a wild shaman: Various herbs and mushrooms hang from the ceiling in bunches, ready to be cooked into a magical brew. Strange symbols are carved into the walls and painted on every surface. A bed of various rags and leaves sits in the corner – the shack's only real furniture.
"Meetings first," the goat says. "It's the proper way of doing things! My name is Babka. Who are you and what is your clan? The little colt never told me much, and his father usually kept quiet, too."
>>474123
I'll nod to the Goat.
"I am Restful Loam, of the Earthen Hoof clan. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Babka Wildshaman."
I'll nod to the Goat.
"I am Restful Loam, of the Earthen Hoof clan. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Babka Wildshaman."
>>474123
I stand uneasely, keeping my hammer close.
"Gilded Striker, of the Earthen Hoof clan.. I suppose I owe you an apology for earlier, but it did appear suspicious.."
I stand uneasely, keeping my hammer close.
"Gilded Striker, of the Earthen Hoof clan.. I suppose I owe you an apology for earlier, but it did appear suspicious.."
>>474123
"I am Cauthon, and we are from the Earthen Hoof clan. It is an honor to see a goat again, even if you worship the nature spirits."
"I am Cauthon, and we are from the Earthen Hoof clan. It is an honor to see a goat again, even if you worship the nature spirits."
>>474127
>>474126
>>474125
"Mm. Earthen Hoof… Never heard of it. Badgerfaces? Heard of them. Trust Rocks? Heard of them. Blue Leafs, Firewhistles, Wheat Manes? Definitely heard of them – they used to bother me around here all the time.
"But I've never heard of the Earthen Hooves. So you're both new here AND you're not famous.
"But that's okay. I don't like those haughty types anyways. And the Wheat Manes are SOOO haughty. Might as well be unicorns, if you ask me."
He searches through a pile of bottles and books and herbs before tugging out a ball that appears to be made out of old cloth. He shows it to all of you.
"This is a spirit sack, and it's like a home for spirits I need. I'll tell you what – if you go out into the woods and use the bag to catch some of the spirits I need for my rituals, I'll consider blessing your whosawhatsit."
>>474126
>>474125
"Mm. Earthen Hoof… Never heard of it. Badgerfaces? Heard of them. Trust Rocks? Heard of them. Blue Leafs, Firewhistles, Wheat Manes? Definitely heard of them – they used to bother me around here all the time.
"But I've never heard of the Earthen Hooves. So you're both new here AND you're not famous.
"But that's okay. I don't like those haughty types anyways. And the Wheat Manes are SOOO haughty. Might as well be unicorns, if you ask me."
He searches through a pile of bottles and books and herbs before tugging out a ball that appears to be made out of old cloth. He shows it to all of you.
"This is a spirit sack, and it's like a home for spirits I need. I'll tell you what – if you go out into the woods and use the bag to catch some of the spirits I need for my rituals, I'll consider blessing your whosawhatsit."
>>474130
"Catching things. now that's something I can understand, we just put a cat in the bag then?"
"Catching things. now that's something I can understand, we just put a cat in the bag then?"
>>474131
"Clay spirits. They live on a nearby hill further south in the forest."
>>474132
"Absolutely necessary!"
>>474133
"That's right. You just open the bag up and the spirits will fly right in. It's like a little holiday for them – they love it."
>>474134
"No, it's not. First you have to coax the little buggers out."
He digs through his pile again before finding a glass tube filled with sand.
"Now we can do this the easy way or the smart way.
"Easy way: I give you this spirit dust. It's my own special recipe – good stuff! And it makes the little spirits of the forest show themselves when you scatter it. Makes them go crazy or something.
"Smart way: I teach one of you how to summon them out of the ground. It'll take a little more time, but if you get hungry and eat the dust, it won't be as disastrous."
>>474135
He stares at you for a moment.
'1d20'
Roll #1 15 = 15
"Clay spirits. They live on a nearby hill further south in the forest."
>>474132
"Absolutely necessary!"
>>474133
"That's right. You just open the bag up and the spirits will fly right in. It's like a little holiday for them – they love it."
>>474134
"No, it's not. First you have to coax the little buggers out."
He digs through his pile again before finding a glass tube filled with sand.
"Now we can do this the easy way or the smart way.
"Easy way: I give you this spirit dust. It's my own special recipe – good stuff! And it makes the little spirits of the forest show themselves when you scatter it. Makes them go crazy or something.
"Smart way: I teach one of you how to summon them out of the ground. It'll take a little more time, but if you get hungry and eat the dust, it won't be as disastrous."
>>474135
He stares at you for a moment.
'1d20'
Roll #1 15 = 15
>>474142
So, obviously, the main candidate to learn from him is Fortunes. Garden would also be good, but she's not active right now.
So, obviously, the main candidate to learn from him is Fortunes. Garden would also be good, but she's not active right now.
>>474143
He tugs on a ribbon on the ball and it opens up. There's a small sparkling of magical energy when he does this.
"Just do it when the spirits have shown themselves, and they'll pile right into the bag."
He tugs on a ribbon on the ball and it opens up. There's a small sparkling of magical energy when he does this.
"Just do it when the spirits have shown themselves, and they'll pile right into the bag."
>>474138
"The smart way would likely be better, though the easy way will save time… A pity I can't speak with nature spirits as easily as I can the dead."
"The smart way would likely be better, though the easy way will save time… A pity I can't speak with nature spirits as easily as I can the dead."
>>474148
"Not very! You just need to be in tune with the natural world and know the right chant. Sometimes they'll speak to you and want a little something in return for helping you. The spirit bag should be enough to get them into the bag, though. They really like the bag, usually."
He digs through his pile and finds a gnarled staff covered in feathers, which are themselves covered with mud.
"If you like, I can show you now. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes."
>>474150
He simply closes all of the sides and wraps the ribbon around the mass of rags.
"You don't need to get it totally right. The spirits don't take up much space."
He flips the bag to you.
"Not very! You just need to be in tune with the natural world and know the right chant. Sometimes they'll speak to you and want a little something in return for helping you. The spirit bag should be enough to get them into the bag, though. They really like the bag, usually."
He digs through his pile and finds a gnarled staff covered in feathers, which are themselves covered with mud.
"If you like, I can show you now. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes."
>>474150
He simply closes all of the sides and wraps the ribbon around the mass of rags.
"You don't need to get it totally right. The spirits don't take up much space."
He flips the bag to you.
>>474152
Babka takes everyone outside.
"I'll show you how to summon a plant spirit. They're usually pretty easy to get BUT THEY NEVER HAVE ANYTHING IMPORTANT TO SAY!"
He screams that last bit and lets the words echo through the woods. His eyes dart back and forth as if he's waiting for someone to respond. His eyes cross again and he sticks out his tongue. He draws a large circle in the dirt before drawing some symbols in the middle of it. He stands inside the circle
The goat stretches a bit before assuming a standing posture, holding the staff in front of him. He bangs the staff on the ground a few times.
"Arise, spirit! Spirit, arise! Arise, spirit! Spirit, arise!"
He then begins chanting in a strange language. It's not pony, but it's not goatish, either. You make note of the words.
Several greenish lights appear in front of all of you, swirling around. They coalesce around Babka, and he speaks to them in whispers before they depart back into the forest.
"There, that's how you do the plants."
He makes sure that you know the ritual to summon plant spirits before teaching you the ritual for the clay spirits. It's largely the same ceremony, though the symbols inscribed in the circle are different, and the chant uses different gibberish. You're probably ready to summon some spirits.
So this is how I'm going to handle spirits – you roll to contact the spirits by performing the ritual. You can't contact spirits that you don't know the rituals for. Dealing with the spirits once summoned is a whole different matter. And if you want to summon spirits but are not a shaman, another roll will be necessary to make sure you're in the right mindset.
Babka takes everyone outside.
"I'll show you how to summon a plant spirit. They're usually pretty easy to get BUT THEY NEVER HAVE ANYTHING IMPORTANT TO SAY!"
He screams that last bit and lets the words echo through the woods. His eyes dart back and forth as if he's waiting for someone to respond. His eyes cross again and he sticks out his tongue. He draws a large circle in the dirt before drawing some symbols in the middle of it. He stands inside the circle
The goat stretches a bit before assuming a standing posture, holding the staff in front of him. He bangs the staff on the ground a few times.
"Arise, spirit! Spirit, arise! Arise, spirit! Spirit, arise!"
He then begins chanting in a strange language. It's not pony, but it's not goatish, either. You make note of the words.
Several greenish lights appear in front of all of you, swirling around. They coalesce around Babka, and he speaks to them in whispers before they depart back into the forest.
"There, that's how you do the plants."
He makes sure that you know the ritual to summon plant spirits before teaching you the ritual for the clay spirits. It's largely the same ceremony, though the symbols inscribed in the circle are different, and the chant uses different gibberish. You're probably ready to summon some spirits.
So this is how I'm going to handle spirits – you roll to contact the spirits by performing the ritual. You can't contact spirits that you don't know the rituals for. Dealing with the spirits once summoned is a whole different matter. And if you want to summon spirits but are not a shaman, another roll will be necessary to make sure you're in the right mindset.
File: 1378690927741.png (128.21 KB, 548x612, 1370845837465.png) ImgOps Google
When last we left our brave Earthen Hoofs, you had met Babka, the gassy goat shaman who lives in the woods to the southwest of your clan's territory. He has agreed, it seems, to make the blessed staddle stone your clan needs if you gather some clay spirits for him. He has taught Cold Fortunes how to perform the rituals that will summon clay and plant spirits, but he has also given you spirit dust that can do the trick, as well as a spirit bag to use to collect the spirits.
Babka shoos you all outside of his hut. He points towards the south.
"There are some large clay hills in that direction. Can't miss them. Should be chock full of spirits.
"Isn't too dangerous around here. Watch out for bears and wolves, but they'll leave you alone if you leave them alone and you don't smell too tasty.
"Sometimes your fellow pony clans farther south or west like to come up here and have arguments about which of them owns the woods or the river or what have you. They don't cause much trouble, though.
"In the meantime, I'll get started on your ghost rock."
He makes a show of turning over various stones, looking for the right shape of rock, you guess. He makes soft cat noises while doing so.
Babka shoos you all outside of his hut. He points towards the south.
"There are some large clay hills in that direction. Can't miss them. Should be chock full of spirits.
"Isn't too dangerous around here. Watch out for bears and wolves, but they'll leave you alone if you leave them alone and you don't smell too tasty.
"Sometimes your fellow pony clans farther south or west like to come up here and have arguments about which of them owns the woods or the river or what have you. They don't cause much trouble, though.
"In the meantime, I'll get started on your ghost rock."
He makes a show of turning over various stones, looking for the right shape of rock, you guess. He makes soft cat noises while doing so.
>>481643
>>481644
>>481645
>>481646
You come upon a clearing in the woods – a small meadow surrounding three deep red mounds. There are many markings drawn on the the surrounding trees, as well as what appear to be minor shrines – probably set up by Babka.
It's eerily quiet here, except for the sound of a thrush happily chirping in a nearby tree. Wind rustles the leaves at the tops of the trees, but otherwise the meadow is motionless.
Fortunes, you can start the ritual whenever you are ready.
>>481644
>>481645
>>481646
You come upon a clearing in the woods – a small meadow surrounding three deep red mounds. There are many markings drawn on the the surrounding trees, as well as what appear to be minor shrines – probably set up by Babka.
It's eerily quiet here, except for the sound of a thrush happily chirping in a nearby tree. Wind rustles the leaves at the tops of the trees, but otherwise the meadow is motionless.
Fortunes, you can start the ritual whenever you are ready.
>>481648
"Pretty sure. Just keep an eye out, will you?"
I take out the bag and set it on the ground before drawing the circle around myself and filling it with the symbols he showed me. Then I start banging the staff against the ground and chanting.
"Arise, spirit! Spirit, arise! Arise, spirit! Spirit, arise!"
>>481650
>her
Roll #1 8 = 8
"Pretty sure. Just keep an eye out, will you?"
I take out the bag and set it on the ground before drawing the circle around myself and filling it with the symbols he showed me. Then I start banging the staff against the ground and chanting.
"Arise, spirit! Spirit, arise! Arise, spirit! Spirit, arise!"
>>481650
>her
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>481651
>>481652
Tiny lights filter out of the ground – ruddy brown orbs that get lazily rise towards the sun. Soon, though, they begin to animate, dancing back and forth and jittering wildly.
A sharp hissing sound fills the meadow. It seems the spirits are restless. Before you know it, one is hovering near Cauthon…
>>481657
A light hovers in front of your face before flying at one of your ears. Yow! It bit you! And it looks like its friends are coming to join in the feast!
>>481652
Tiny lights filter out of the ground – ruddy brown orbs that get lazily rise towards the sun. Soon, though, they begin to animate, dancing back and forth and jittering wildly.
A sharp hissing sound fills the meadow. It seems the spirits are restless. Before you know it, one is hovering near Cauthon…
>>481657
A light hovers in front of your face before flying at one of your ears. Yow! It bit you! And it looks like its friends are coming to join in the feast!
>>481658
"Uh… Fortunes? Is this where we stuff them in the bag?…"
I slowly start backing away from them.
"Uh… Fortunes? Is this where we stuff them in the bag?…"
I slowly start backing away from them.
>>481660
"I think so. Babka said they seemed to like it."
I hold the bag up and start trying to coax them into it.
Roll #1 1 = 1
"I think so. Babka said they seemed to like it."
I hold the bag up and start trying to coax them into it.
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>481660
"They're just spirits, Ziza. All we need do is put them in the bag."
Shoo spirits into the bag. '1d20'
Roll #1 16 = 16
"They're just spirits, Ziza. All we need do is put them in the bag."
Shoo spirits into the bag. '1d20'
Roll #1 16 = 16
Cauthon had the bag
>>481659
You open the bag, and just as Babka said, the spirits really like it. They immediately stop biting you and begin to pile into the bag…
>>481661
…before Cold Fortunes produces his own non-spirit bag and stamps wildly on the clay earth to attract the spirits. They surge over the poor shaman, biting mercilessly.
You are now helpless.
>>481662
You run around waving at the few spirits who chose to not bite Cauthon or Fortunes. They meander their way into the bag like fat bumblebees.
>>481659
You open the bag, and just as Babka said, the spirits really like it. They immediately stop biting you and begin to pile into the bag…
>>481661
…before Cold Fortunes produces his own non-spirit bag and stamps wildly on the clay earth to attract the spirits. They surge over the poor shaman, biting mercilessly.
You are now helpless.
>>481662
You run around waving at the few spirits who chose to not bite Cauthon or Fortunes. They meander their way into the bag like fat bumblebees.
>>481664
Well, fat bumblebees or not, they'll bumble their way into that spirit bag of Cauthon's. Let's shoo the ones attacking Fortunes. '1d20'
Roll #1 3 = 3
Well, fat bumblebees or not, they'll bumble their way into that spirit bag of Cauthon's. Let's shoo the ones attacking Fortunes. '1d20'
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>481673
I frown "Oh, well.. let me know if you want me to 'encourage' those spirits for you.. with my hammer."
I frown "Oh, well.. let me know if you want me to 'encourage' those spirits for you.. with my hammer."
>>481672
You shoo a small number into the bag, but they're still pretty interested in Fortunes.
You remember Babka did say something about talking to the spirits.
You shoo a small number into the bag, but they're still pretty interested in Fortunes.
You remember Babka did say something about talking to the spirits.
>>481676
Well yeah you'd probably have trouble doing it. But he taught Fortunes how to talk to plant and clay spirits
>>481677
The remaining spirits on the edges of the hill just sleepily fall into the ground.
>>481679
They don't seem so much to speak back at you as just giggle at your plight. You do eventually make out a few whispers, though.
"Toooooo much noise! Toooooo much noise! Be quiet, noisy ones!"
>>481678
Picking up a small clump of clay, you throw it into the spirit bag. The remaining spirits disappear into the bag, giggling the whole time.
Well yeah you'd probably have trouble doing it. But he taught Fortunes how to talk to plant and clay spirits
>>481677
The remaining spirits on the edges of the hill just sleepily fall into the ground.
>>481679
They don't seem so much to speak back at you as just giggle at your plight. You do eventually make out a few whispers, though.
"Toooooo much noise! Toooooo much noise! Be quiet, noisy ones!"
>>481678
Picking up a small clump of clay, you throw it into the spirit bag. The remaining spirits disappear into the bag, giggling the whole time.
>>481679
I'll try and heal a bit of the spirit bites that Fortunes has been suffering.
'1d20+1'
Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8
I'll try and heal a bit of the spirit bites that Fortunes has been suffering.
'1d20+1'
Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8
>>481680
I close the bag tight.
"And that, fillies and colts, is why you never interrupt a Erumalite's plans, unless being interrupted is part of his plan in which case your should."
I close the bag tight.
"And that, fillies and colts, is why you never interrupt a Erumalite's plans, unless being interrupted is part of his plan in which case your should."
>>481687
Easily.
>>481686
>>481687
>>481688
The meadow remains still. A small giggling and bubbling sound resonates from the spirit bag, but otherwise the whole meadow is silent.
>>481685
You hear the crack of a twig snapping on the forest floor. It sounds like it's coming from the… west or south.
Something inside of you tells you that you're being watched from the meadow's edges.
Easily.
>>481686
>>481687
>>481688
The meadow remains still. A small giggling and bubbling sound resonates from the spirit bag, but otherwise the whole meadow is silent.
>>481685
You hear the crack of a twig snapping on the forest floor. It sounds like it's coming from the… west or south.
Something inside of you tells you that you're being watched from the meadow's edges.
>>481690
"We should return to Babka with the spirits. The saddlestone should be almost finished, don't you think?"
"We should return to Babka with the spirits. The saddlestone should be almost finished, don't you think?"
>>481697
I'll frown at Cauthon.
"This had better not be one of your pranks…"
I'll be ready to draw my sword if something hostile comes at us.
I'll frown at Cauthon.
"This had better not be one of your pranks…"
I'll be ready to draw my sword if something hostile comes at us.
>>481697
I look out in those directions and try to pay attention to what I hear and see.
'1d20'
Roll #1 4 = 4
I look out in those directions and try to pay attention to what I hear and see.
'1d20'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>481702
"With a big strong stallion protecting me I have no reason to fear."
I swoon and flutter my eyelashes.
"With a big strong stallion protecting me I have no reason to fear."
I swoon and flutter my eyelashes.
>>481702
An enormous firey hammer materializes in your hooves. +2 to rolls with it.
>>481697
>>481699
>>481700
"Ah, I see you brought a trickster with you. Bad idea. Tricksters are for entertainment – not for raids."
The voice is cool and even, and the pony who produced it emerges from the woods to the southwest. With him are four other ponies – all earth ponies, all holding spears. All seem to be covered in soot or dirt – you can't tell which.
>>481701
"Oh, that's no way to behave when you're trespassing."
The lead pony grins and gestures at the surrounding forest.
"Let me explain. This is Firewhistle territory. All lands west of the mountain are ours. All lands south of the Firetail river are ours. So you are in our forest, strangers, likely preparing to raid our settlements. We will not let you.
"Come peacefully back to our Ring and we will let them pass judgment on you. Resist, and we will kill most of you and enthrall the rest."
An enormous firey hammer materializes in your hooves. +2 to rolls with it.
>>481697
>>481699
>>481700
"Ah, I see you brought a trickster with you. Bad idea. Tricksters are for entertainment – not for raids."
The voice is cool and even, and the pony who produced it emerges from the woods to the southwest. With him are four other ponies – all earth ponies, all holding spears. All seem to be covered in soot or dirt – you can't tell which.
>>481701
"Oh, that's no way to behave when you're trespassing."
The lead pony grins and gestures at the surrounding forest.
"Let me explain. This is Firewhistle territory. All lands west of the mountain are ours. All lands south of the Firetail river are ours. So you are in our forest, strangers, likely preparing to raid our settlements. We will not let you.
"Come peacefully back to our Ring and we will let them pass judgment on you. Resist, and we will kill most of you and enthrall the rest."
>>481705
"We are not here to raid. Our ancestors warned us of a coming plague, so we seek to prepare ourselves for that. You should look to your own farms and ponies before worrying about ours."
"We are not here to raid. Our ancestors warned us of a coming plague, so we seek to prepare ourselves for that. You should look to your own farms and ponies before worrying about ours."
>>481705
"Raid? Us? Clearly you haven't seen what happened the last time we met another clan…"
"Raid? Us? Clearly you haven't seen what happened the last time we met another clan…"
>>481706
The leader eyes you suspiciously. He looks around in an attempt to get his bearings.
He turns to one of his kinsponies. "Did we, uh, did we cross the river?" The other pony just shrugs.
"Irrelevant. All lands west of the mountains are still ours, and…" he points at the mountains in the sky to the east before trailing off.
>>481707
"You will be our prisoners. According to our clan's traditions, prisoners will work for the clan until we decide to release them.
"You look strong. You'd make a good thrall."
>>481708
"You're on our lands. That's trespassing. They have laws in whatever land you come from, yes?"
>>481709
"So you're spreading plagues, too? I'll add that to the list of crimes."
>>481710
"And which clan did you meet?" he snorts. "Did the Wheat Manes lie to you and say that this was their land?"
The leader eyes you suspiciously. He looks around in an attempt to get his bearings.
He turns to one of his kinsponies. "Did we, uh, did we cross the river?" The other pony just shrugs.
"Irrelevant. All lands west of the mountains are still ours, and…" he points at the mountains in the sky to the east before trailing off.
>>481707
"You will be our prisoners. According to our clan's traditions, prisoners will work for the clan until we decide to release them.
"You look strong. You'd make a good thrall."
>>481708
"You're on our lands. That's trespassing. They have laws in whatever land you come from, yes?"
>>481709
"So you're spreading plagues, too? I'll add that to the list of crimes."
>>481710
"And which clan did you meet?" he snorts. "Did the Wheat Manes lie to you and say that this was their land?"
>>481709
You remember that Sunflower back in the Blue Leaf village told you that she studied Nightstar's ways with some "Firewhistles" years ago.
You remember that Sunflower back in the Blue Leaf village told you that she studied Nightstar's ways with some "Firewhistles" years ago.
>>481711
"You are deliberately mishearing me."
I'll frown at him.
"We should not fight here, where the spirits dwell, lest the wrath of Brawn, Boulder, and Nightstar all come down on us all."
"You are deliberately mishearing me."
I'll frown at him.
"We should not fight here, where the spirits dwell, lest the wrath of Brawn, Boulder, and Nightstar all come down on us all."
>>481712
Ah yes.
"By the way, do you recall the Blue Leaf mare, Sunflower? She spoke of your clan well."
Ah yes.
"By the way, do you recall the Blue Leaf mare, Sunflower? She spoke of your clan well."
>>481711
"All the lands west of the mountains are yours? Please, we all know the world is round, and that means all the world is technically east of the mountains. There is no such thing as west."
Bluff.
[1d20]
Roll #1 1 = 1
"All the lands west of the mountains are yours? Please, we all know the world is round, and that means all the world is technically east of the mountains. There is no such thing as west."
Bluff.
[1d20]
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>481711
I give an annoyed glare and then put on a fake smile. "We are not here to harm you, we are simply scouting the area. There's no need to lie to these ponies, particularly not silly lies about spirits. Should we arrange an official meeting with your clan leaders later this month?"
I give an annoyed glare and then put on a fake smile. "We are not here to harm you, we are simply scouting the area. There's no need to lie to these ponies, particularly not silly lies about spirits. Should we arrange an official meeting with your clan leaders later this month?"
>>481711
"Yes. We do. And I'm sure that wherever you hail from you too have civility?"
I snort again
"Why, all this meeting is doing is convincing me that you are the raiders! Nothing more than a group of common bandits, looking for travelers to mob and rob like the petty thieves you are!"
"Yes. We do. And I'm sure that wherever you hail from you too have civility?"
I snort again
"Why, all this meeting is doing is convincing me that you are the raiders! Nothing more than a group of common bandits, looking for travelers to mob and rob like the petty thieves you are!"
>>481717
"Ziza, be at peace. We can still settle this without coming to blows, if we both keep calm heads."
"Ziza, be at peace. We can still settle this without coming to blows, if we both keep calm heads."
>>481715
He laughs heartily. "Round world? You've been listening to unicorn lies, trespasser. And we don't like those who consort with unicorns."
The Firewhistle party holds their spears a little more aggressively.
>>481714
The leader hardly listens to you, but one of the other stallions in the group speaks up.
"Sir, I studied with Sunflower. She came here from the Blue Leaf clan, and we all know that they keep their word…"
The leader seems to soften up a bit, considering what the other one said.
>>481716
"Why should our Ring meet with you? Who are you? Where are you from? You have offered no explanation so far, so you must be bandits, no?"
>>481717
Your rant doesn't help leader's thinking. He glares at you.
"The Firewhistle Clan is no group of thieves! Watch your tongue, or you won't have one when you're working in our fields!"
The Firewhistles are clearly on edge. One false move here could set them all off.
He laughs heartily. "Round world? You've been listening to unicorn lies, trespasser. And we don't like those who consort with unicorns."
The Firewhistle party holds their spears a little more aggressively.
>>481714
The leader hardly listens to you, but one of the other stallions in the group speaks up.
"Sir, I studied with Sunflower. She came here from the Blue Leaf clan, and we all know that they keep their word…"
The leader seems to soften up a bit, considering what the other one said.
>>481716
"Why should our Ring meet with you? Who are you? Where are you from? You have offered no explanation so far, so you must be bandits, no?"
>>481717
Your rant doesn't help leader's thinking. He glares at you.
"The Firewhistle Clan is no group of thieves! Watch your tongue, or you won't have one when you're working in our fields!"
The Firewhistles are clearly on edge. One false move here could set them all off.
>>481720
I'll clear my throat.
"My apologies, we've been terribly rude. We've not even offered a proper introduction. I am Restful Loam, of the Earthen Hoof clan."
I'll clear my throat.
"My apologies, we've been terribly rude. We've not even offered a proper introduction. I am Restful Loam, of the Earthen Hoof clan."
>>481720
I sigh and step forward. "Let me explain then. We're scouts from the Earthen Hoof Clan. We recently settled in this valley, and didn't know it was your territory." I add with a scoff " Apparently Wheat Manes are untrustworthy."
I sigh and step forward. "Let me explain then. We're scouts from the Earthen Hoof Clan. We recently settled in this valley, and didn't know it was your territory." I add with a scoff " Apparently Wheat Manes are untrustworthy."
>>481720
"Please, ignore him. He's just a little boastful. I'm Cold Fortunes, also of Earthen Hoof. We're just here to talk a bit with the spirits, then we'll be on our way."
"Please, ignore him. He's just a little boastful. I'm Cold Fortunes, also of Earthen Hoof. We're just here to talk a bit with the spirits, then we'll be on our way."
>>481720
I laugh.
"Calm down you nervous fool. We mean no harm. We're from the Earthen Hoof clan. I'm Ziza the Strong."
I laugh.
"Calm down you nervous fool. We mean no harm. We're from the Earthen Hoof clan. I'm Ziza the Strong."
>>481724
He looks like he's ready to charge you, but he calms himself with a huff and a loud whinny.
>>481721
>>481722
>>481725
"Earthen Hooves…"
The leader turns to the pony who spoke about Sunflower and the Blue Leafs. They whisper quietly to one another before the leader turns to speak once more.
"Yes, our scouts saw you arrive in the pass several seasons ago. They said you headed near the mountains. That is our territory, Earthen Hoof ponies. I suggest you tell your leaders that you are living on Firewhistle land, and we do not allow trespassers and squatters."
The leader holds his hoof up in a signal to the rest of his party.
"We will let you return to your village as a sign of mercy. Tell your leaders what happened. Expect our lawspeaker soon."
The squad prepares to head back into the forest.
He looks like he's ready to charge you, but he calms himself with a huff and a loud whinny.
>>481721
>>481722
>>481725
"Earthen Hooves…"
The leader turns to the pony who spoke about Sunflower and the Blue Leafs. They whisper quietly to one another before the leader turns to speak once more.
"Yes, our scouts saw you arrive in the pass several seasons ago. They said you headed near the mountains. That is our territory, Earthen Hoof ponies. I suggest you tell your leaders that you are living on Firewhistle land, and we do not allow trespassers and squatters."
The leader holds his hoof up in a signal to the rest of his party.
"We will let you return to your village as a sign of mercy. Tell your leaders what happened. Expect our lawspeaker soon."
The squad prepares to head back into the forest.
>>481727
"Thank you for your consideration."
I'll nod.
"And I was not making light of that plague. There is a terrible one coming, so make certain that your stores and fields are warded."
"Thank you for your consideration."
I'll nod.
"And I was not making light of that plague. There is a terrible one coming, so make certain that your stores and fields are warded."
>>481732
"Leave it be for now, Ziza. It will be sorted out soon enough."
I'll make a small cutting motion across my throat.
"Leave it be for now, Ziza. It will be sorted out soon enough."
I'll make a small cutting motion across my throat.
>>481732
"I'm worried too, but fighting them here and now is too dangerous with so many weaker ponies among us.. and a child too.. "
"I'm worried too, but fighting them here and now is too dangerous with so many weaker ponies among us.. and a child too.. "
>>481732
"Yes. The Firewhistle clan has lived in this pass for generations. We claimed the territory along the Firetail river for ourselves before your clan came out of the North – before you were born or your parents were born. You settle on land our ancestors fought for and pried out of Griffin talons. You do not get to just come along and take it for nothing."
"Yes. The Firewhistle clan has lived in this pass for generations. We claimed the territory along the Firetail river for ourselves before your clan came out of the North – before you were born or your parents were born. You settle on land our ancestors fought for and pried out of Griffin talons. You do not get to just come along and take it for nothing."
>>481736
"Honorable Firewhistle, this matter will be settled by our respective lawspeakers. Let us depart from this place in peace, so that we do not disgrace ourselves with unnecessary violence."
"Honorable Firewhistle, this matter will be settled by our respective lawspeakers. Let us depart from this place in peace, so that we do not disgrace ourselves with unnecessary violence."
>>481737
"Flowery words, Earthen Hoof, but at least respectful ones. We will send our envoy soon, I am sure."
"Flowery words, Earthen Hoof, but at least respectful ones. We will send our envoy soon, I am sure."
>>481740
I try to disguise myself as Ziza. Let's make this disguise an obvious mockery.
[1d20+1]
Roll #1 11 + 1 = 12
I try to disguise myself as Ziza. Let's make this disguise an obvious mockery.
[1d20+1]
Roll #1 11 + 1 = 12
>>481745
"I am not scared of you, little filly."
>>481744
You pull out your makeup chalk and whiten up your face's coat. A cloak strapped to each of your forelegs, appropriately bunched up and bulging, simulates the muscles.
You do a brief clowny impression of your kinspony, first falling over yourself and then engaging in comical business with a small rock you pretend to be too weak to lift.
The opposing party nervously laughs. They're obviously too on edge to fully appreciate your physical comedy, but they seem to have loosened up their grips on their spears, at least.
>>481746
"Fine, Earthen Hoofs. We are leaving. Go now from this side of the river, and do not come back here unless invited."
The squad disappears into the woods to the south.
"I am not scared of you, little filly."
>>481744
You pull out your makeup chalk and whiten up your face's coat. A cloak strapped to each of your forelegs, appropriately bunched up and bulging, simulates the muscles.
You do a brief clowny impression of your kinspony, first falling over yourself and then engaging in comical business with a small rock you pretend to be too weak to lift.
The opposing party nervously laughs. They're obviously too on edge to fully appreciate your physical comedy, but they seem to have loosened up their grips on their spears, at least.
>>481746
"Fine, Earthen Hoofs. We are leaving. Go now from this side of the river, and do not come back here unless invited."
The squad disappears into the woods to the south.
>>481747
I'll exhale in relief and sink slightly.
"Thank the gods. Now can we please just go back to Babka and get that saddlestone?"
I'll exhale in relief and sink slightly.
"Thank the gods. Now can we please just go back to Babka and get that saddlestone?"
>>481747
were they pegasi?
I snort annoyed and start to walk back to the wild shaman's place
"I thought they'd never leave."
were they pegasi?
I snort annoyed and start to walk back to the wild shaman's place
"I thought they'd never leave."
>>481750
No, earth ponies.
You do know, however, that the earth clans that were under the control of the Pegasi back home tended to adopt some Pegasi practices – notably the tradition of taking thralls. Few Earth Pony clans do that unless they were once levies for the warrior Pegasi.
No, earth ponies.
You do know, however, that the earth clans that were under the control of the Pegasi back home tended to adopt some Pegasi practices – notably the tradition of taking thralls. Few Earth Pony clans do that unless they were once levies for the warrior Pegasi.
>>481747
I wait until they are gone then buck the nearest tree as hard as I can. '1d20'
"Those… those… GRAAH."
I let out a few heavy breaths as I try to channel the remainder of my anger out.
Roll #1 15 = 15
I wait until they are gone then buck the nearest tree as hard as I can. '1d20'
"Those… those… GRAAH."
I let out a few heavy breaths as I try to channel the remainder of my anger out.
Roll #1 15 = 15
>>481755
"I know that, and that's why I said we were just scouts, who didn't know about their claims. I'm not stupid.."
"I know that, and that's why I said we were just scouts, who didn't know about their claims. I'm not stupid.."
>>481757
I chuckle a bit, its actually kind of funny. "Come on, this isn't the time for games."
I chuckle a bit, its actually kind of funny. "Come on, this isn't the time for games."
>>481755
I snort again.
"And even the youngest warrior is also taught about defending the honor of his clan."
I snort again.
"And even the youngest warrior is also taught about defending the honor of his clan."
>>481759
I'll just shake my head again.
"Still, threatening them after they'd started calming down certainly didn't make the situation any better. Brawn doesn't protect fools."
I'll glance briefly at Ziza for the last part.
I'll just shake my head again.
"Still, threatening them after they'd started calming down certainly didn't make the situation any better. Brawn doesn't protect fools."
I'll glance briefly at Ziza for the last part.
You all make your way back to the river and Babka's house. Babka is waiting for you, perched on top of his shack.
"Where have you been? You didn't try eating the spirits, did you? They don't taste like anything, if you want to know."
"Where have you been? You didn't try eating the spirits, did you? They don't taste like anything, if you want to know."
>>481764
"Firewhistle? They haven't been near this section of the river in… at least a year, I'd say. I've talked to them plenty. They're all sticks in the mud. Too much law and order and the god of the dead and such from them. So boring."
He munches on a bundle of leaves absentmindedly.
"The Wheat Manes aren't any better. They think they're just the bees knees, if you know what I mean, which I don't."
>>481765
"Good, good. I've got the stone here. It's just full to the brim with hungry cat spirits. Don't ask me how I got them into the rock. It took some coaxing, but they're in there."
He jumps off of his roof and nudges two rocks – one roughly a hemisphere and the other a short cylinder – towards you.
"Now if I could just have that spirit bag, you can take this and be on your way."
"Firewhistle? They haven't been near this section of the river in… at least a year, I'd say. I've talked to them plenty. They're all sticks in the mud. Too much law and order and the god of the dead and such from them. So boring."
He munches on a bundle of leaves absentmindedly.
"The Wheat Manes aren't any better. They think they're just the bees knees, if you know what I mean, which I don't."
>>481765
"Good, good. I've got the stone here. It's just full to the brim with hungry cat spirits. Don't ask me how I got them into the rock. It took some coaxing, but they're in there."
He jumps off of his roof and nudges two rocks – one roughly a hemisphere and the other a short cylinder – towards you.
"Now if I could just have that spirit bag, you can take this and be on your way."
>>481761
I pat you on the back "Maybe we should have just beat them up, all that talk of taking thralls unnerved me, dirty Pegasi talk that stuff. No earth ponies should be doing that."
I pat you on the back "Maybe we should have just beat them up, all that talk of taking thralls unnerved me, dirty Pegasi talk that stuff. No earth ponies should be doing that."
>>481767
"Yeah, we got that impression. Now we have to put up with their speaker telling us how much we suck."
"Yeah, we got that impression. Now we have to put up with their speaker telling us how much we suck."
>>481767
I'll nod.
"Cauthon, if you'd be so kind?"
I'll try and lift the cylinder one. It shouldn't be too heavy, right? '1d20'
Roll #1 20 = 20
I'll nod.
"Cauthon, if you'd be so kind?"
I'll try and lift the cylinder one. It shouldn't be too heavy, right? '1d20'
Roll #1 20 = 20
>>481767
I nod and look a little tired. "Yep, I can carry those just give him the bags and lets go home.."
I say in the general direction of whoever has the bag now, and carry the stones on my back.
I nod and look a little tired. "Yep, I can carry those just give him the bags and lets go home.."
I say in the general direction of whoever has the bag now, and carry the stones on my back.
>>481769
"My advice: Give into 'em. Tell 'em you'll do whatever they want. And then just don't do it. Or do a crappy job. That's how you get 'em to stop botherin' you."
>>481770
Whoa there… someone's been getting stronger from all that practice with the sword! You lift the stone easily.
>>481771
He takes the bag from Cauthon. You can now head back to the village, if you wish. Or you can wander off into the mountains, never to return. You know, it's up to you.
"My advice: Give into 'em. Tell 'em you'll do whatever they want. And then just don't do it. Or do a crappy job. That's how you get 'em to stop botherin' you."
>>481770
Whoa there… someone's been getting stronger from all that practice with the sword! You lift the stone easily.
>>481771
He takes the bag from Cauthon. You can now head back to the village, if you wish. Or you can wander off into the mountains, never to return. You know, it's up to you.
>>481778
"..right, we'll see what we can do about setting up something for visitors of the shamanistic sort.."
"..right, we'll see what we can do about setting up something for visitors of the shamanistic sort.."
>>481782
You all trek back to the village toting the blessed staddle stone. The villagers are overjoyed to see the new treasure, and the carpenters immediately place it underneath the largest of the granaries. Foals duck underneath the building to try to put their ears up against the stone – some say they can hear cats purring.
Chief Thornshaker is pleased with the results (though not excited by the prospect of a smelly goat shaman soon visiting the village for hospitality), but he is worried by your story about the Firewhistles.
"They claim an absurd amount of land. Nopony was using this land when we arrived. Nopony defended this land from our claim. To come to us after we have sown our fields and just as we are about to harvest them – they have no claim!" He's obviously upset, but he doesn't appear to be worried.
"They won't fight us over a stretch of land so far from their homes, I'm sure."
Paused. If you want to interact with the village or something, I'll stick around for a bit.
You all trek back to the village toting the blessed staddle stone. The villagers are overjoyed to see the new treasure, and the carpenters immediately place it underneath the largest of the granaries. Foals duck underneath the building to try to put their ears up against the stone – some say they can hear cats purring.
Chief Thornshaker is pleased with the results (though not excited by the prospect of a smelly goat shaman soon visiting the village for hospitality), but he is worried by your story about the Firewhistles.
"They claim an absurd amount of land. Nopony was using this land when we arrived. Nopony defended this land from our claim. To come to us after we have sown our fields and just as we are about to harvest them – they have no claim!" He's obviously upset, but he doesn't appear to be worried.
"They won't fight us over a stretch of land so far from their homes, I'm sure."
Paused. If you want to interact with the village or something, I'll stick around for a bit.
>>481783
"They take thralls out of anyone on 'their land' please make sure everyone going that way is warned of this and goes properly armed.."
"They take thralls out of anyone on 'their land' please make sure everyone going that way is warned of this and goes properly armed.."
Your clan's first harvest in this new land has been a frantic time – a headlong rush to get the year's final crop in before the coming winter covers the fields in ice. Everypony – including the clan's nobles – have helped somehow, whether by hauling grain, mending carts, praying for blessings from Brawn and Heartpetal, or organizing the work.
It has been an exhausting effort, but the harvest is almost completed, and the attention of the Earthen Hoof ring now turns to making plans for the coming winter.
Chief Thornshaker has called the ring to a meeting in the clan hall. Bits of treasure and relics still line the great room's walls, but it doesn't have quite the luster it did a few months ago: time spent dusting ancient trophies and polishing armor is time taken from harvest work, after all.
"The way I see it," Thornshaker says, "we've got two big problems: First, the Firewhistles are going to send that envoy sometime in the next year, and we need to convince them to leave us alone. Second, we should probably plan for a feast at the start of winter."
It has been an exhausting effort, but the harvest is almost completed, and the attention of the Earthen Hoof ring now turns to making plans for the coming winter.
Chief Thornshaker has called the ring to a meeting in the clan hall. Bits of treasure and relics still line the great room's walls, but it doesn't have quite the luster it did a few months ago: time spent dusting ancient trophies and polishing armor is time taken from harvest work, after all.
"The way I see it," Thornshaker says, "we've got two big problems: First, the Firewhistles are going to send that envoy sometime in the next year, and we need to convince them to leave us alone. Second, we should probably plan for a feast at the start of winter."
>>487185
"If we turned the feast into a festival we could recruit traveling warriors and convince them to join our clan. That would help solve the Firewheel problem. In fact, we can invite our neighbors, too."
"If we turned the feast into a festival we could recruit traveling warriors and convince them to join our clan. That would help solve the Firewheel problem. In fact, we can invite our neighbors, too."
>>487185
"The firewhistles are making outrageous claims, we just have to call the brutes out on this." I say with a bit of irritation.
"A feast shouldn't be a real problem, we can just hold one as always."
"The firewhistles are making outrageous claims, we just have to call the brutes out on this." I say with a bit of irritation.
"A feast shouldn't be a real problem, we can just hold one as always."
>>487188
"No, a feast shouldn't require a great deal, but perhaps we should make this special. The end of the harvest is the most important part of the year, and a new harvest in a new land should be celebrated in the right way!"
"I agree, though – they are making claims that are completely ridiculous. But they are strong. And we have to respect that."
>>487186
>>487188
Thornshaker rubs his chin. "Yes… that does sound like a good idea."
"No, a feast shouldn't require a great deal, but perhaps we should make this special. The end of the harvest is the most important part of the year, and a new harvest in a new land should be celebrated in the right way!"
"I agree, though – they are making claims that are completely ridiculous. But they are strong. And we have to respect that."
>>487186
>>487188
Thornshaker rubs his chin. "Yes… that does sound like a good idea."
>>487192
"Actually, how come they never came to us before? Why would they even want to get rid of us?"
"Actually, how come they never came to us before? Why would they even want to get rid of us?"
>>487192
I shake my head "I'll let the law speaking ponies handle the firewhistle guest, just keep the pony away from me."
"For making the feast special, what would you suggest? More food than normal? An offering to ancestors?"
I shake my head "I'll let the law speaking ponies handle the firewhistle guest, just keep the pony away from me."
"For making the feast special, what would you suggest? More food than normal? An offering to ancestors?"
>>487196
"Well, if we do go with Cauthon's idea of a festival, we'd need activities. Tests of strength, that sort of thing."
"Well, if we do go with Cauthon's idea of a festival, we'd need activities. Tests of strength, that sort of thing."
>>487197
"Ziza, every clan we've spoken to has said that the Firewhistles are strong. They have lived in this valley for generations.
"And, more than that, they supposedly were hoofsoldiers for the Rainstriker Pegasi in the homeland. If that is true, then they undoubtedly keep a large number of warriors… well-trained warriors."
>>487201
"Visiting the Firewhistles may be a good idea, but visiting them when they said that they would visit us might be seen as aggressive.
"But a warrior's clan like that might respect such a bold move. I can't really say."
"Ziza, every clan we've spoken to has said that the Firewhistles are strong. They have lived in this valley for generations.
"And, more than that, they supposedly were hoofsoldiers for the Rainstriker Pegasi in the homeland. If that is true, then they undoubtedly keep a large number of warriors… well-trained warriors."
>>487201
"Visiting the Firewhistles may be a good idea, but visiting them when they said that they would visit us might be seen as aggressive.
"But a warrior's clan like that might respect such a bold move. I can't really say."
>>487200
"Exactly! Tests of strength, apple bucking, fruit picking, and story telling will showcase stallions and help our mares find husbands, too!"
"Exactly! Tests of strength, apple bucking, fruit picking, and story telling will showcase stallions and help our mares find husbands, too!"
>>487202
I'll nod.
"Something like that. Other things can be log tossing, pulling a plow the fastest, hoofraces. And the finishing event will be a small tournament."
>>487203
"We could at least send them a message about the festival. They can bring a hooffull of their ponies to participate in the games, and they can see what we Earthen Hooves are made of."
I'll nod.
"Something like that. Other things can be log tossing, pulling a plow the fastest, hoofraces. And the finishing event will be a small tournament."
>>487203
"We could at least send them a message about the festival. They can bring a hooffull of their ponies to participate in the games, and they can see what we Earthen Hooves are made of."
>>487206
"There's a certain degree of sense to it. Political marriage can cement alliances, and make sure we don't end up inbreeding ourselves to weakness."
"There's a certain degree of sense to it. Political marriage can cement alliances, and make sure we don't end up inbreeding ourselves to weakness."
>>487206
"After making sure we don't starve, our most important job as members of the Ring is to make sure that the clan keeps going, shaman. Remember that."
>>487207
"That's a good point. But would they attack even a messenger under a flag of peace? I hope not, though I have heard that some clans that were once bonded to the Pegasi are ruthless and cold-hearted."
"After making sure we don't starve, our most important job as members of the Ring is to make sure that the clan keeps going, shaman. Remember that."
>>487207
"That's a good point. But would they attack even a messenger under a flag of peace? I hope not, though I have heard that some clans that were once bonded to the Pegasi are ruthless and cold-hearted."
>>487207
"Well, I could deliver the message. They might have some respect for one who follows Nightstar."
>>487209
"That is a question. Do we have anything worth enough to be a prize? That armor we found, perhaps? Maybe some of those herbs…"
>>487210
"More like we'd be taking them into our clan, and making them stronger for it."
"Well, I could deliver the message. They might have some respect for one who follows Nightstar."
>>487209
"That is a question. Do we have anything worth enough to be a prize? That armor we found, perhaps? Maybe some of those herbs…"
>>487210
"More like we'd be taking them into our clan, and making them stronger for it."
>>487209
I grin a bit at the talk of a festival. "I could speak to the crafts ponies about making some kind of prize."
I grin a bit at the talk of a festival. "I could speak to the crafts ponies about making some kind of prize."
>>487208
"At the same time it just puts us at risk of being absorbed right into them though. We're not really in a position to bargain that now."
"At the same time it just puts us at risk of being absorbed right into them though. We're not really in a position to bargain that now."
>>487214
"That really depends on whether their stallions or mares meet our standards. It might be a bit of an insult, but we're not just going to marry all of our eligible to one clan."
"That really depends on whether their stallions or mares meet our standards. It might be a bit of an insult, but we're not just going to marry all of our eligible to one clan."
>>487215
"I thought that the festival idea was to help assuage our… petty dispute with the Firewhistles?"
"I thought that the festival idea was to help assuage our… petty dispute with the Firewhistles?"
>>487221
"This is hardly needless. And if they do come, with a small number of their best, and we beat them soundly in our tournament and the games, then they will be forced to respect us."
>>487222
"Only if you're a follower of the Trickster, Cauthon. With the other clans we'll have invited, any misbehavior on their part would lower them in the eyes of their neighbors."
"This is hardly needless. And if they do come, with a small number of their best, and we beat them soundly in our tournament and the games, then they will be forced to respect us."
>>487222
"Only if you're a follower of the Trickster, Cauthon. With the other clans we'll have invited, any misbehavior on their part would lower them in the eyes of their neighbors."
>>487223
"Unless they have a Trickster too. Trickster shadow wars are great fun, but we shouldn't get involve in any until we've been here…"
I scratch at the floor a few times with my hoof.
"…Three years and five seasons."
"Unless they have a Trickster too. Trickster shadow wars are great fun, but we shouldn't get involve in any until we've been here…"
I scratch at the floor a few times with my hoof.
"…Three years and five seasons."
Thornshaker takes a moment to adjust the yoke on his neck.
>>487226
"We can send out messengers to the other pony clans in the area. The Blue Leaves, certainly, but also the Wheat Manes to the south. There are a few others who are close enough that they may come."
>>487230
Thornshaker laughs a long, rolling belly laugh.
>>487226
"We can send out messengers to the other pony clans in the area. The Blue Leaves, certainly, but also the Wheat Manes to the south. There are a few others who are close enough that they may come."
>>487230
Thornshaker laughs a long, rolling belly laugh.
>>487231
"We should invite everyone, but watch the ones we have trouble with. Oh, and pamper the ones we owe favors to so that we can pay our favors off."
"We should invite everyone, but watch the ones we have trouble with. Oh, and pamper the ones we owe favors to so that we can pay our favors off."
>>487234
"Fortunately, we left most of those we owed favors to behind in the old country. And our Tree Shaker enemies are reportedly many miles away to the northwest. We have a pretty clean slate here, though we should make better friends of the Blue Leafs."
"Fortunately, we left most of those we owed favors to behind in the old country. And our Tree Shaker enemies are reportedly many miles away to the northwest. We have a pretty clean slate here, though we should make better friends of the Blue Leafs."
>>487247
"Well, there could be the general invitation, with private invitations if you wanted any specific pony to come along."
"Well, there could be the general invitation, with private invitations if you wanted any specific pony to come along."
"Okay, we'll send out messengers to the Blue Leafs and others soon.
"Now what about the Firewhistles?"
"Now what about the Firewhistles?"
>>487250
"I would suggest a message being sent, if only out of courtesy. And it would give them a chance to see that, though their lawspeaker will find us wronged with their accusation, we can be gracious."
"I would suggest a message being sent, if only out of courtesy. And it would give them a chance to see that, though their lawspeaker will find us wronged with their accusation, we can be gracious."
>>487250
"Invite their lawspeaker, their clan leader's significant other, and their thralls."
"Invite their lawspeaker, their clan leader's significant other, and their thralls."
>>487254
"Right. We'd be coming up to them in a peaceful manner, dressed appropriately. It's usually very impolite to harm a messenger."
I'll think a moment.
"We'd probably have more to worry from bandits than we will the Firewhistles."
"Right. We'd be coming up to them in a peaceful manner, dressed appropriately. It's usually very impolite to harm a messenger."
I'll think a moment.
"We'd probably have more to worry from bandits than we will the Firewhistles."
>>487258
"I was considering it. What knowledge I have is already recorded, and another can easily fill my place as a doctor."
"I was considering it. What knowledge I have is already recorded, and another can easily fill my place as a doctor."
>>487264
"No, I don't think that would be smart."
>>487265
"Say the Firewhistles come to our festival, and not just their lawspeaker. They bring a few of their best. Let's say our clan beats them in the games. They would be forced to have at least some respect for us, wouldn't they? And with the other clans there, we can't be accused of it being a set-up."
"No, I don't think that would be smart."
>>487265
"Say the Firewhistles come to our festival, and not just their lawspeaker. They bring a few of their best. Let's say our clan beats them in the games. They would be forced to have at least some respect for us, wouldn't they? And with the other clans there, we can't be accused of it being a set-up."
>>487268
"So you're only going there to deliver a message? Why do we not just send a messenger to do it? Why do you need to go yourself?"
"So you're only going there to deliver a message? Why do we not just send a messenger to do it? Why do you need to go yourself?"
>>487271
"The Firewhistles might have more respect for a follower of Nightstar. Since Sunflower of the Blue Leaf clan went there to learn about Nightstar, they probably have a shrine, which means that Nightstar will not enjoy the senseless death of a follower."
I'll rub my chin.
"That's no guarantee, of course, but it's better than sending someone else who wouldn't have that small amount of protection. And I am the only follower of Nightstar in our clan."
"The Firewhistles might have more respect for a follower of Nightstar. Since Sunflower of the Blue Leaf clan went there to learn about Nightstar, they probably have a shrine, which means that Nightstar will not enjoy the senseless death of a follower."
I'll rub my chin.
"That's no guarantee, of course, but it's better than sending someone else who wouldn't have that small amount of protection. And I am the only follower of Nightstar in our clan."
>>487271
"I would rather we simply send a messenger, but there is value in sending a member of the Ring.
"But it would be unwise to send a leader to a potential enemy without some measure of protection."
>>487272
"If you wish to take up this mission, I don't think we'll be able to stop you. But let somepony else go with you if they wish."
He looks at the rest of you.
"Who else is going? Keep in mind that the last time you all met with the Firewhistles, they interpreted it as a raiding party. It might be best to send only a few. And perhaps the warriors would be best to stay at home…"
"I would rather we simply send a messenger, but there is value in sending a member of the Ring.
"But it would be unwise to send a leader to a potential enemy without some measure of protection."
>>487272
"If you wish to take up this mission, I don't think we'll be able to stop you. But let somepony else go with you if they wish."
He looks at the rest of you.
"Who else is going? Keep in mind that the last time you all met with the Firewhistles, they interpreted it as a raiding party. It might be best to send only a few. And perhaps the warriors would be best to stay at home…"
>>487274
"I'll go. If anything happens and we have to run, Boulder will help us make it through a forest without getting pricked by a thorn or tearing a piece of clothing."
"I'll go. If anything happens and we have to run, Boulder will help us make it through a forest without getting pricked by a thorn or tearing a piece of clothing."
>>487277
"Who says that you didn't end up getting abducted on the road by bandits? You aren't thinking sly enough, Loam."
"Who says that you didn't end up getting abducted on the road by bandits? You aren't thinking sly enough, Loam."
>>487280
"Well, if everypony else is going, Ziza, what harm is there in sending another? But be on your best behavior."
"Well, if everypony else is going, Ziza, what harm is there in sending another? But be on your best behavior."
>>487280
"A rattlesnake? Act out the only way they know, and then react to what we do. If we had cowed away, they might have just sent their warriors and taken everyone. Since we stood up to them, they might be sizing us up and we have to make ourselves known that we can't be scared away."
"A rattlesnake? Act out the only way they know, and then react to what we do. If we had cowed away, they might have just sent their warriors and taken everyone. Since we stood up to them, they might be sizing us up and we have to make ourselves known that we can't be scared away."
>>487280
"But they will abide by the practices of hospitality, or they'll just be a big group of brutes that the other clans won't trade with."
>>487283
I'll shake my head.
"We can't risk the entire ring. We need some to stay here and help prepare for the festival. If just one of us is a fat target, then all of us would be something they wouldn't be able to resist."
"But they will abide by the practices of hospitality, or they'll just be a big group of brutes that the other clans won't trade with."
>>487283
I'll shake my head.
"We can't risk the entire ring. We need some to stay here and help prepare for the festival. If just one of us is a fat target, then all of us would be something they wouldn't be able to resist."
>>487287
"We'd stop at the other clans first and tell them our plans. If they did anything like trying to take us, the other clans would get mad and it could cause them more problems than just ruining one festival."
"We'd stop at the other clans first and tell them our plans. If they did anything like trying to take us, the other clans would get mad and it could cause them more problems than just ruining one festival."
>>487293
I shake my head "This is not a smart plan." I turn to walk out.
"Let me know if you decide you want to survive the journey, I'll be at the temple."
I shake my head "This is not a smart plan." I turn to walk out.
"Let me know if you decide you want to survive the journey, I'll be at the temple."
>>487296
"It's not a matter of wanting, Cauthon. I just can't put the rest of the ring in danger if this turns out to be a bad idea. I don't want that on my shoulders."
"It's not a matter of wanting, Cauthon. I just can't put the rest of the ring in danger if this turns out to be a bad idea. I don't want that on my shoulders."
>>487301
"Welp, good luck."
I clap you on the back leaving a Kick Me sign and leave.
I'm done for the night.
"Welp, good luck."
I clap you on the back leaving a Kick Me sign and leave.
I'm done for the night.
>>487302
"I'll probably need it."
And then I'll brush off the kick-me sign.
Thanks for sticking around.
"I'll probably need it."
And then I'll brush off the kick-me sign.
Thanks for sticking around.