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Good evening and welcome to the beginning of Mystery Adventure Quest [Better name pending]!
Things around Ponyville have been a little…off, lately. Personal and office possessions disappearing, a sudden influx of individuals and families moving into town, and a group of ponies with a secret, just to name a few of the odd goings in and about town.
It could be nothing.
But you aren't so sure.
But before we get ahead of ourselves here, the first of a few important questions demands an answer.
Who are you, exactly?
Are you Puff: Energetic Pegasus colt, beige with a brown mane, solver of small time mysteries and performer of small time stunts?
Are you Cobalt: Bulky Earth pony, growing larger than his parents, light blue bodied with a dark blue mane, a pony with a knack for succeeding in the last second, one of two who summoned another into their fold, and suffered the loss of an entire afternoon in the blink of an eye?
Are you Brynn: Once an average unicorn, now grown into a lanky, if charming, one, a bookworm, a thinker, with curiosity unfulfilled, who also summoned a third into his fold of growing friends, who harbors the spirit within as it strains against his growing mind?
Or are you someone new to this tale, with talents and knowledge yet untapped, one who wandered into town and found themselves caught in the middle?
Take time in your choosing, for once your path is set, there's no turning back.
Take the time you need, I'll check in and tally votes in about ten to twenty minutes as my coffee finishes brewing.
Things around Ponyville have been a little…off, lately. Personal and office possessions disappearing, a sudden influx of individuals and families moving into town, and a group of ponies with a secret, just to name a few of the odd goings in and about town.
It could be nothing.
But you aren't so sure.
But before we get ahead of ourselves here, the first of a few important questions demands an answer.
Who are you, exactly?
Are you Puff: Energetic Pegasus colt, beige with a brown mane, solver of small time mysteries and performer of small time stunts?
Are you Cobalt: Bulky Earth pony, growing larger than his parents, light blue bodied with a dark blue mane, a pony with a knack for succeeding in the last second, one of two who summoned another into their fold, and suffered the loss of an entire afternoon in the blink of an eye?
Are you Brynn: Once an average unicorn, now grown into a lanky, if charming, one, a bookworm, a thinker, with curiosity unfulfilled, who also summoned a third into his fold of growing friends, who harbors the spirit within as it strains against his growing mind?
Or are you someone new to this tale, with talents and knowledge yet untapped, one who wandered into town and found themselves caught in the middle?
Take time in your choosing, for once your path is set, there's no turning back.
Take the time you need, I'll check in and tally votes in about ten to twenty minutes as my coffee finishes brewing.
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HEY, BETTER IDEA: http://strawpoll.me/2008584
Vote that way. Dunno why I didn't think of it. 5 minutes and I'll consider the voting final.
>>586926
All three will be involved in what goes on within the arc.
Character knowledge will be about what it was at the end of their respective arcs, but this tale is set some years down the road.
For the purpose of continuity and all that jazz; The quest arc of the character chosen for players will be utilized as the previous context as far as relationships go. So, if you pick Puff, his backstory in Ponyville is the canon one. The other characters will be members coming to town for the first time, but with every major event involved with them being carried over, just having taken place in a different town.
Feel free to ask any further questions. This whole session is about getting everyone on the same page after all.
Vote that way. Dunno why I didn't think of it. 5 minutes and I'll consider the voting final.
>>586926
All three will be involved in what goes on within the arc.
Character knowledge will be about what it was at the end of their respective arcs, but this tale is set some years down the road.
For the purpose of continuity and all that jazz; The quest arc of the character chosen for players will be utilized as the previous context as far as relationships go. So, if you pick Puff, his backstory in Ponyville is the canon one. The other characters will be members coming to town for the first time, but with every major event involved with them being carried over, just having taken place in a different town.
Feel free to ask any further questions. This whole session is about getting everyone on the same page after all.
>>586934
I don't think so? I'm not 100% on it, but it's supposed to default check where the people voting are from and make sure they can only vote once.
I mean, post method isn't really any better. This just keeps the thread from being super huge and taking forever to load when it updates.
I don't think so? I'm not 100% on it, but it's supposed to default check where the people voting are from and make sure they can only vote once.
I mean, post method isn't really any better. This just keeps the thread from being super huge and taking forever to load when it updates.
>>586957
>>586909
You are Puff, beige Pegasus with a brown mane and tail combo. You and Sweetie had a thing when you were younger, and in school. Rarity took quite the liking to you since you treated Sweetie well and always worked hard. So much so that she took you and Sweetie to a nice dinner after Hearth's Warming Eve activities as a way to welcome you fully into their family.
But did it stay that way?
>Yes
>No…
Opportunity to reset your dating sim scores here, if you care.
>>586909
You are Puff, beige Pegasus with a brown mane and tail combo. You and Sweetie had a thing when you were younger, and in school. Rarity took quite the liking to you since you treated Sweetie well and always worked hard. So much so that she took you and Sweetie to a nice dinner after Hearth's Warming Eve activities as a way to welcome you fully into their family.
But did it stay that way?
>Yes
>No…
Opportunity to reset your dating sim scores here, if you care.
>>586960
>>586962
>>586964
>>586969
>>586970
Yesses have it, 4-2 over No and 1 unsure.
You and Sweetie stayed sweet to each other, even as you grew. One was never far from the other in daily activities, and both always smiling.
These days, she sometimes brings you lunch in a picnic basket, taking you to the park just so you get outside and can lay around with her in the warm afternoon sun.
And other times you're taking her for ice cream after long days in town, both happy to talk about what's going on at work or around town, and maybe catch a movie before parting for the night.
But…what is it you exactly do these days?
Did you enlist in the Royal Guard, like some of your classmates?
What about that Detective idea Miss Cheerilee gave you before?
Or are you still modeling things for Rarity once in a while, just to keep in touch?
Job choice will give one specific advantage based on choice.
Royal Guardsmen, even in training, are more physically fit.
A Detective is trained to piece things together quickly and logically, and has increased problem solving skills.
A model knows how to work with other ponies, and gets bonuses to talking/interacting with them.
>>586962
>>586964
>>586969
>>586970
Yesses have it, 4-2 over No and 1 unsure.
You and Sweetie stayed sweet to each other, even as you grew. One was never far from the other in daily activities, and both always smiling.
These days, she sometimes brings you lunch in a picnic basket, taking you to the park just so you get outside and can lay around with her in the warm afternoon sun.
And other times you're taking her for ice cream after long days in town, both happy to talk about what's going on at work or around town, and maybe catch a movie before parting for the night.
But…what is it you exactly do these days?
Did you enlist in the Royal Guard, like some of your classmates?
What about that Detective idea Miss Cheerilee gave you before?
Or are you still modeling things for Rarity once in a while, just to keep in touch?
Job choice will give one specific advantage based on choice.
Royal Guardsmen, even in training, are more physically fit.
A Detective is trained to piece things together quickly and logically, and has increased problem solving skills.
A model knows how to work with other ponies, and gets bonuses to talking/interacting with them.
>>586972
>>586973
>>586977
>>586978
>>586980
>>586982
Detective wins with 5, over the 3 for Model, and 0 for Guard.
While Sweetie helps Miss Cheerilee with after school activities, you're usually spending your days poking your nose in other ponies business. With their permission, of course.
After you uncovered Apple Bloom being black mailed by Diamond Tiara way back when, ponies have come to you with varying mysteries in need of solving. Some of them are simple; Where's my pet turtle gotten off to? How does Donut Joe make all those donuts by himself? What's the secret ingredient in Miss Cheerilee's specialty salad?
And of course, you've had to tail some ponies a few times and help the local authorities with disappearing items. Usually clothes or outfits, weirdly enough.
>>586985
Until it reaches a satisfying conclusion. I have no idea how many sessions that will take.
>>586973
>>586977
>>586978
>>586980
>>586982
Detective wins with 5, over the 3 for Model, and 0 for Guard.
While Sweetie helps Miss Cheerilee with after school activities, you're usually spending your days poking your nose in other ponies business. With their permission, of course.
After you uncovered Apple Bloom being black mailed by Diamond Tiara way back when, ponies have come to you with varying mysteries in need of solving. Some of them are simple; Where's my pet turtle gotten off to? How does Donut Joe make all those donuts by himself? What's the secret ingredient in Miss Cheerilee's specialty salad?
And of course, you've had to tail some ponies a few times and help the local authorities with disappearing items. Usually clothes or outfits, weirdly enough.
>>586985
Until it reaches a satisfying conclusion. I have no idea how many sessions that will take.
>>586986
>>586990
Business has been slow these days, though. Most the issues you resolve are mere misunderstandings, or ponies misplacing their own belongings. You still get your bits in the end, but sometimes you wish something bigger would happen. Something….exciting.
Your daydreams are broken with a banging on your office door.
You stop leaning back in your chair, letting the legs of it hit the ground with a thump before calling whoever is knocking to enter.
The door swings open and reveals a pink mare, with golden mane and green eyes that never seem to stop searching the room.
Cherry Carnation, a member of the Royal Guard Intelligence Agency.
"Puff," she says, nodding her head once in acknowledgement before scanning the cluttered top of your desk, "Still as unorganized as ever, I see."
>>586990
Business has been slow these days, though. Most the issues you resolve are mere misunderstandings, or ponies misplacing their own belongings. You still get your bits in the end, but sometimes you wish something bigger would happen. Something….exciting.
Your daydreams are broken with a banging on your office door.
You stop leaning back in your chair, letting the legs of it hit the ground with a thump before calling whoever is knocking to enter.
The door swings open and reveals a pink mare, with golden mane and green eyes that never seem to stop searching the room.
Cherry Carnation, a member of the Royal Guard Intelligence Agency.
"Puff," she says, nodding her head once in acknowledgement before scanning the cluttered top of your desk, "Still as unorganized as ever, I see."
>>586992
>Character death, game ender?
Yes.
>>586993
>>586994
"It's my kind of organized chaos, Cherry," you say, smirking a bit as she rolls her eyes. You've always enjoyed ignoring her titles. Maybe because it bothers her, just a little. "I haven't seen you in a while. How's the Agency?"
"It's still there and still receiving minimum funding," Cherry says bluntly, raising a hoof and toying with the small desk clock you have on your desk, "But I'm not here for chit-chat. I have something I need you to do for the Agency."
You lean back in your chair.
"Alright, lemme hear it before I agree. You don't call or write, but all the sudden you want me to do something for you."
"It's nothing too serious," she says with a slight grin, "Long story short: We've had a huge influx of ponies hoping to set up residence in town this week. Nothing too weird, except for how many of them there are. Like an entire village up and moved just because they could." She stops fidgeting with your stuff and whips her mane back to keep it from her eyes. "But there's been a series of petty thefts recently. One victim is a pony you're already familiar with."
That's got your interest up. You lean forward as Cherry pulls some paper and a photo from a small bag on her back, setting them on your desk, atop your other clipped papers. You recognize the unicorn in the photo as Cherry says her name.
"One 'Miss Rarity.'"
>Character death, game ender?
Yes.
>>586993
>>586994
"It's my kind of organized chaos, Cherry," you say, smirking a bit as she rolls her eyes. You've always enjoyed ignoring her titles. Maybe because it bothers her, just a little. "I haven't seen you in a while. How's the Agency?"
"It's still there and still receiving minimum funding," Cherry says bluntly, raising a hoof and toying with the small desk clock you have on your desk, "But I'm not here for chit-chat. I have something I need you to do for the Agency."
You lean back in your chair.
"Alright, lemme hear it before I agree. You don't call or write, but all the sudden you want me to do something for you."
"It's nothing too serious," she says with a slight grin, "Long story short: We've had a huge influx of ponies hoping to set up residence in town this week. Nothing too weird, except for how many of them there are. Like an entire village up and moved just because they could." She stops fidgeting with your stuff and whips her mane back to keep it from her eyes. "But there's been a series of petty thefts recently. One victim is a pony you're already familiar with."
That's got your interest up. You lean forward as Cherry pulls some paper and a photo from a small bag on her back, setting them on your desk, atop your other clipped papers. You recognize the unicorn in the photo as Cherry says her name.
"One 'Miss Rarity.'"
>>587000
>>587002
>>587001
>>587003
"The most recent theft was last night. The victim doesn't know exactly when her mannequin went missing, but one of her many seemed to disappear after dinner and has yet to walk itself back."
You look up at Cherry.
"How did this get all the way up to you all at the RGIA?"
Cherry sighs, "We've been having a slow week, and yet we're overtaxed for the number of people in the office, and one or two in the office think she might be lying. Maybe she's storing it somewhere and claiming it was stolen to get an insurance write off. Who knows, really. That's why I'm here to ask you. Since you know her, you could figure out if she's scamming the system or if she's being genuine. And maybe get a lead on where the thing went."
"So you're saying you have no witness reports?" you ask, a bit incredulously.
"I've talked with a few who think they saw a thin looking unicorn around the boutique yesterday, but the time frames to the disappearance don't match up. That, and her sister, Sweetie Belle, is a rather skinny mare, so they might've mistaken her shadow for some other pony. Either way, I want you to figure out what's going on with this and report back. If it's something significant and she didn't just misplace it, the RGIA will take the case back off your hands and pay you for your troubles. If you solve it yourself, we'll pay you anyway. Just try not to get into anything over your head if it does turn out she's pulling insurance fraud."
You tell her you'll take the case, taking the photo of Rarity and the pair of papers, copies of interviews with witnesses, and put them in the travel bag that hangs from your chair.
"Anything else?" Cherry asks, taking a step back toward the door, "If not then I need to head back."
>>587002
>>587001
>>587003
"The most recent theft was last night. The victim doesn't know exactly when her mannequin went missing, but one of her many seemed to disappear after dinner and has yet to walk itself back."
You look up at Cherry.
"How did this get all the way up to you all at the RGIA?"
Cherry sighs, "We've been having a slow week, and yet we're overtaxed for the number of people in the office, and one or two in the office think she might be lying. Maybe she's storing it somewhere and claiming it was stolen to get an insurance write off. Who knows, really. That's why I'm here to ask you. Since you know her, you could figure out if she's scamming the system or if she's being genuine. And maybe get a lead on where the thing went."
"So you're saying you have no witness reports?" you ask, a bit incredulously.
"I've talked with a few who think they saw a thin looking unicorn around the boutique yesterday, but the time frames to the disappearance don't match up. That, and her sister, Sweetie Belle, is a rather skinny mare, so they might've mistaken her shadow for some other pony. Either way, I want you to figure out what's going on with this and report back. If it's something significant and she didn't just misplace it, the RGIA will take the case back off your hands and pay you for your troubles. If you solve it yourself, we'll pay you anyway. Just try not to get into anything over your head if it does turn out she's pulling insurance fraud."
You tell her you'll take the case, taking the photo of Rarity and the pair of papers, copies of interviews with witnesses, and put them in the travel bag that hangs from your chair.
"Anything else?" Cherry asks, taking a step back toward the door, "If not then I need to head back."
>>587005
"You know it hasn't rained in weeks, Puff. Or is that your idea of a joke?"
>>587008
"I already know you and Rarity's sister have a thing going on. It's been, what, seven years almost since we all went to school together, but I still remember that much."
"And you don't think it's a conflict of interests issue?" you ask, somewhat surprised.
"I think you knowing them is a benefit, in this case. If she IS committing fraud, maybe you can talk her out of it. If she isn't, then they'll give you info they won't give a 'callous officer of the Crown', like myself."
"Someone actually called you that?" you scoff, unable to picture someone speaking to Cherry like that.
"Yes. Right before Walnut did his thing and taught the offender some manners."
Ah, Walnut. Cherry's exceptionally large partner of investigation. He was one you didn't want to anger, and it's known he's more than a little partial for Cherry.
You shiver slightly as you imagine that huge stallion "correcting" some rude delinquent.
Cherry laughs a little at your reaction.
"Don't worry, it wasn't that bad. Can't rough them up too bad or we get in trouble. Still, I think he won't make the same mistake twice."
>>587009
>>587007
>>587006
Cherry nods and leaves ahead of you, silent save for saying "Goodbye," as the door shuts behind her.
You grab your travel bag, ensuring you have spare paper, a clipboard, some writing utensils, and your magnifying glass in it before putting it across your back. You grab your fedora, a small, respectable looking thing made by Rarity herself, a light brown with a single dark band going around it. Enough to stand out and serve as a reminder of what you do, but blends in with your overall appearance at a distance.
Stuff situated properly, you head out to the boutique to get some answers.
"You know it hasn't rained in weeks, Puff. Or is that your idea of a joke?"
>>587008
"I already know you and Rarity's sister have a thing going on. It's been, what, seven years almost since we all went to school together, but I still remember that much."
"And you don't think it's a conflict of interests issue?" you ask, somewhat surprised.
"I think you knowing them is a benefit, in this case. If she IS committing fraud, maybe you can talk her out of it. If she isn't, then they'll give you info they won't give a 'callous officer of the Crown', like myself."
"Someone actually called you that?" you scoff, unable to picture someone speaking to Cherry like that.
"Yes. Right before Walnut did his thing and taught the offender some manners."
Ah, Walnut. Cherry's exceptionally large partner of investigation. He was one you didn't want to anger, and it's known he's more than a little partial for Cherry.
You shiver slightly as you imagine that huge stallion "correcting" some rude delinquent.
Cherry laughs a little at your reaction.
"Don't worry, it wasn't that bad. Can't rough them up too bad or we get in trouble. Still, I think he won't make the same mistake twice."
>>587009
>>587007
>>587006
Cherry nods and leaves ahead of you, silent save for saying "Goodbye," as the door shuts behind her.
You grab your travel bag, ensuring you have spare paper, a clipboard, some writing utensils, and your magnifying glass in it before putting it across your back. You grab your fedora, a small, respectable looking thing made by Rarity herself, a light brown with a single dark band going around it. Enough to stand out and serve as a reminder of what you do, but blends in with your overall appearance at a distance.
Stuff situated properly, you head out to the boutique to get some answers.
>>587011
You arrive at the boutique just a little after noon. It looks the same as you last saw it a few days ago, when Sweetie had you over for dinner with her and Rarity.
You knock on the door, not wanting to barge into the place despite it's nearly a second home to you.
"Coming!"
The familiar voice behind the door makes you smile, and you greet Rarity with it when the door swings open.
"Puff!" she says happily, reaching her hooves out and giving you a firm, if brief, hug, "What a surprise! Not an unpleasant one, of course, but I didn't-" she stops as she sees you wearing your fedora, "Oh! You're here on business, then! Well then; How can I help you? Do you need some refreshments, or is it something else?"
>The RGIA gave me the case about your missing mannequin
>Let's talk about it inside
You arrive at the boutique just a little after noon. It looks the same as you last saw it a few days ago, when Sweetie had you over for dinner with her and Rarity.
You knock on the door, not wanting to barge into the place despite it's nearly a second home to you.
"Coming!"
The familiar voice behind the door makes you smile, and you greet Rarity with it when the door swings open.
"Puff!" she says happily, reaching her hooves out and giving you a firm, if brief, hug, "What a surprise! Not an unpleasant one, of course, but I didn't-" she stops as she sees you wearing your fedora, "Oh! You're here on business, then! Well then; How can I help you? Do you need some refreshments, or is it something else?"
>The RGIA gave me the case about your missing mannequin
>Let's talk about it inside
>>587017
>>587020
>>587018
>>587022
The two of you head inside, Rarity bringing out some iced tea for you despite your insistence you don't need anything. You're glad she did, you decide as you take the first sip. You hadn't realized how parched you were before.
"Yes, it's true! One of my mannequins has gone missing," Rarity says after you ask, a perplexed look on her elegant face as she ponders, "The strangest part is that it didn't even have any clothes on it! No jewelry, outfits, raw materials….nothing! Just the mannequin!"
"Any idea who might've taken it?"
"Not at all," Rarity says with a slight groan, "Not so much as a hiccup when dealing with my clients as of late. And there's nobody in town who I'd suspect of stealing from me. I mean, really, if they'd just asked I would've loaned it to them for a while. It's not like I don't have dozens of the things just sitting about."
>Take a look around the boutique
>Try to ask about the potential for insurance fraud. Delicately.
>Leave the boutique.
>>587020
>>587018
>>587022
The two of you head inside, Rarity bringing out some iced tea for you despite your insistence you don't need anything. You're glad she did, you decide as you take the first sip. You hadn't realized how parched you were before.
"Yes, it's true! One of my mannequins has gone missing," Rarity says after you ask, a perplexed look on her elegant face as she ponders, "The strangest part is that it didn't even have any clothes on it! No jewelry, outfits, raw materials….nothing! Just the mannequin!"
"Any idea who might've taken it?"
"Not at all," Rarity says with a slight groan, "Not so much as a hiccup when dealing with my clients as of late. And there's nobody in town who I'd suspect of stealing from me. I mean, really, if they'd just asked I would've loaned it to them for a while. It's not like I don't have dozens of the things just sitting about."
>Take a look around the boutique
>Try to ask about the potential for insurance fraud. Delicately.
>Leave the boutique.
>>587023
>>587027
"Sweetie is always around, dear. Much to our parents chagrin, she's taken up residence here on a more permanent basis. Due to you, no doubt."
Your cheeks redden a bit. Even after years of hearing it from her, you still get a little flustered when Rarity talks about you and Sweetie like that.
"And yes, I lock the boutique doors before bed every night. Anytime Sweetie has snuck out, and I know she has so don't play coy with me, she uses one of the windows. If somepony tried to come in that way, and didn't know the place, they'd trip over a dozen odd things and give themselves away. So I don't think that happened either. I could be wrong, of course."
"Did Sweetie sneak out last night?"
"You tell me," Rarity says with a smirk.
If she did, she didn't come visit you.
>>587028
"I saw it last night, before dinner. I had seen several clients and window shoppers that afternoon, all of whom were very pleasant, but after cleaning up and going back to work on some projects, I noticed one was missing from its usual place in my blank slate area. I've searched high and low, but have yet to find it. I reported it last night as well."
>>587024
>>587030
>>587029
Rarity smiles at your question.
"Of course, my little detective! You know the boutique inside and out about as well as I do by now, so I'm sure if I missed something you'll pick up on it. Feel free to move things around if need be, just let me know when you do so I don't think the furniture's come alive or anything."
The two of you share a laugh before you get up from your seats at the kitchen table, heading into the living room/work space and heading to the mannequin's last known location.
Rarity stands beside the empty area, waving a hoof at it like a showgirl.
"It was right here. I've looked for any kind of tracks from the culprit, but I haven't found any clues. Perhaps you'll have better luck."
>>587027
"Sweetie is always around, dear. Much to our parents chagrin, she's taken up residence here on a more permanent basis. Due to you, no doubt."
Your cheeks redden a bit. Even after years of hearing it from her, you still get a little flustered when Rarity talks about you and Sweetie like that.
"And yes, I lock the boutique doors before bed every night. Anytime Sweetie has snuck out, and I know she has so don't play coy with me, she uses one of the windows. If somepony tried to come in that way, and didn't know the place, they'd trip over a dozen odd things and give themselves away. So I don't think that happened either. I could be wrong, of course."
"Did Sweetie sneak out last night?"
"You tell me," Rarity says with a smirk.
If she did, she didn't come visit you.
>>587028
"I saw it last night, before dinner. I had seen several clients and window shoppers that afternoon, all of whom were very pleasant, but after cleaning up and going back to work on some projects, I noticed one was missing from its usual place in my blank slate area. I've searched high and low, but have yet to find it. I reported it last night as well."
>>587024
>>587030
>>587029
Rarity smiles at your question.
"Of course, my little detective! You know the boutique inside and out about as well as I do by now, so I'm sure if I missed something you'll pick up on it. Feel free to move things around if need be, just let me know when you do so I don't think the furniture's come alive or anything."
The two of you share a laugh before you get up from your seats at the kitchen table, heading into the living room/work space and heading to the mannequin's last known location.
Rarity stands beside the empty area, waving a hoof at it like a showgirl.
"It was right here. I've looked for any kind of tracks from the culprit, but I haven't found any clues. Perhaps you'll have better luck."
>>587031
>>587032
You kneel beside the empty area of Rarity's workshop, looking around it for scuff marks, hairs, anything out of place.
After not finding anything for a few minutes, you remember your magnifying glass, and use it to enhance your vision of the area, also checking the nearby window and window sill for clues.
[1d10+4]
Roll #1 5 + 4 = 9
>>587032
You kneel beside the empty area of Rarity's workshop, looking around it for scuff marks, hairs, anything out of place.
After not finding anything for a few minutes, you remember your magnifying glass, and use it to enhance your vision of the area, also checking the nearby window and window sill for clues.
[1d10+4]
Roll #1 5 + 4 = 9
>>587034
>>587033
>>587032
You find your first clue at the window.
A dent in the woodwork that makes up the sill along the bottom of the window. Large enough to be noticeable from up close, but you'd have missed it from anywhere else in the room.
"Has the windowsill always been damaged?" you ask Rarity.
"Damaged?" she says, curiosity getting the better of her and making her approach the window sill to see it firsthand. "Oh, goodness! Nothing of that sort. Anytime I've checked the window sill I've had to buff out a few shallow scratches, or fill them with paint or some such. But nothing like this."
You notice the dent is rounded, most likely caused by something blunt.
>>587033
>>587032
You find your first clue at the window.
A dent in the woodwork that makes up the sill along the bottom of the window. Large enough to be noticeable from up close, but you'd have missed it from anywhere else in the room.
"Has the windowsill always been damaged?" you ask Rarity.
"Damaged?" she says, curiosity getting the better of her and making her approach the window sill to see it firsthand. "Oh, goodness! Nothing of that sort. Anytime I've checked the window sill I've had to buff out a few shallow scratches, or fill them with paint or some such. But nothing like this."
You notice the dent is rounded, most likely caused by something blunt.
>>587041
You inspect the window's lock; a simple set of metal bolt locks set at the base, and one about a quarter of the way up from the bottom. There are no locks past the halfway mark, for the top half is immobile.
None seem tampered with or damaged.
If a pony came through these, they were either already unlocked, or the perpetrator had a way to open them without damaging them.
You inspect the window's lock; a simple set of metal bolt locks set at the base, and one about a quarter of the way up from the bottom. There are no locks past the halfway mark, for the top half is immobile.
None seem tampered with or damaged.
If a pony came through these, they were either already unlocked, or the perpetrator had a way to open them without damaging them.
>>587039
Check likely paths between the mannequin's storage location and that window for any other clues.
Also the ground outside the window when we head outside.
>>587042
Ask whether it would have been locked when the mannequin went missing, and if so whether she's relocked it since (assuming it's currently locked)
Check likely paths between the mannequin's storage location and that window for any other clues.
Also the ground outside the window when we head outside.
>>587042
Ask whether it would have been locked when the mannequin went missing, and if so whether she's relocked it since (assuming it's currently locked)
http://youtu.be/tHIQdXyNxwY
>>587045
The mannequin would've been right beside the window, making for a relatively easy grab. But one would have to be exceptionally strong to pick the mannequin up unassisted, even if it banged the window sill on the way out.
"The window's been locked for weeks now," Rarity says when you ask, "I locked them for the last rainfall and haven't opened that particular one up since. Mostly because the weather hasn't been too hot, so I haven't felt the need to cool off the workshop."
>>587044
You're beginning to think a unicorn was involved, recalling the description Cherry gave you from a witness report.
>>587043
You open the window and look outside.
In the immediate area is a small tree, whose trunk you can see straight ahead. The branches are high above, and wouldn't make any real sense to use in going through a window on the ground.
Some of the grass is pressed flat, in a large rectangular shape, as though something heavy was resting there for a while. It's in the shadow of the tree, and likely can't be seen from the road.
>>587045
The mannequin would've been right beside the window, making for a relatively easy grab. But one would have to be exceptionally strong to pick the mannequin up unassisted, even if it banged the window sill on the way out.
"The window's been locked for weeks now," Rarity says when you ask, "I locked them for the last rainfall and haven't opened that particular one up since. Mostly because the weather hasn't been too hot, so I haven't felt the need to cool off the workshop."
>>587044
You're beginning to think a unicorn was involved, recalling the description Cherry gave you from a witness report.
>>587043
You open the window and look outside.
In the immediate area is a small tree, whose trunk you can see straight ahead. The branches are high above, and wouldn't make any real sense to use in going through a window on the ground.
Some of the grass is pressed flat, in a large rectangular shape, as though something heavy was resting there for a while. It's in the shadow of the tree, and likely can't be seen from the road.
>>587047
"Yes," Rarity answers, pointing at one of her other mannequins, "Most of my mannequins are in poses above the ground; In case I need to put shoes on to match them with the outfit or something of the sort. There's a large, rather heavy, rectangular base for the pole that holds the mannequins upright."
>>587051
"I…suppose you're right. But I didn't notice any clients go to that side of the workplace, even, during their time here. I guess I'm still set aback that someone would steal from me…."
You reassure Rarity that you'll figure out who did it and why, helping to ease some of her inner doubts.
There doesn't seem to be any other clues inside the boutique, after you search a little harder around the window and mannequin's previous resting area.
"Yes," Rarity answers, pointing at one of her other mannequins, "Most of my mannequins are in poses above the ground; In case I need to put shoes on to match them with the outfit or something of the sort. There's a large, rather heavy, rectangular base for the pole that holds the mannequins upright."
>>587051
"I…suppose you're right. But I didn't notice any clients go to that side of the workplace, even, during their time here. I guess I'm still set aback that someone would steal from me…."
You reassure Rarity that you'll figure out who did it and why, helping to ease some of her inner doubts.
There doesn't seem to be any other clues inside the boutique, after you search a little harder around the window and mannequin's previous resting area.
>>587054
You gather your things, thanking Rarity for the tea in a quick goodbye, before heading outside to check the depression in the grass.
There's not much to it; It's just a rectangle of squished grass. The rectangle is oriented with it's long side parallel to the window, meaning the mannequin was pointing toward the street or toward the back of the boutique before it was hefted off again.
The immediate question is, how did the perpetrator transport it?
And where could it be now?
>Investigate toward the street
>Investigate the back of the boutique
You gather your things, thanking Rarity for the tea in a quick goodbye, before heading outside to check the depression in the grass.
There's not much to it; It's just a rectangle of squished grass. The rectangle is oriented with it's long side parallel to the window, meaning the mannequin was pointing toward the street or toward the back of the boutique before it was hefted off again.
The immediate question is, how did the perpetrator transport it?
And where could it be now?
>Investigate toward the street
>Investigate the back of the boutique
>>587059
You ponder the thought for a moment. If the mannequin got snagged on the window sill, and fell forward, but the perpetrator caught it and set it on its base, would it be damaged at all?
It's hard to guess at. Mannequins are fairly sturdy,and falling from a height of less than five feet wouldn't destroy the thing, certainly. But could a piece of it have fallen off from the bump with the window sill?
>>587058
You head toward the street, checking the ground the entire way there.
Nothing.
And the street is merely a dirt road, traveled on to the point you wouldn't be able to tell if something was disturbed in it or not. Especially not with the amount of random litter on either side of the road. Cores of apples, banana peels, one or two torn sheets of paper, a golf ball, some other thing half buried in the sand that kind of looks like the bottom of a can…..
Ugh.
You check the other side of the road for any more grass depressions, but come up empty hooved. Whoever was taking it away must've gotten a better hold on it or found a way to transport it without disturbing the grass.
>What do?
You ponder the thought for a moment. If the mannequin got snagged on the window sill, and fell forward, but the perpetrator caught it and set it on its base, would it be damaged at all?
It's hard to guess at. Mannequins are fairly sturdy,and falling from a height of less than five feet wouldn't destroy the thing, certainly. But could a piece of it have fallen off from the bump with the window sill?
>>587058
You head toward the street, checking the ground the entire way there.
Nothing.
And the street is merely a dirt road, traveled on to the point you wouldn't be able to tell if something was disturbed in it or not. Especially not with the amount of random litter on either side of the road. Cores of apples, banana peels, one or two torn sheets of paper, a golf ball, some other thing half buried in the sand that kind of looks like the bottom of a can…..
Ugh.
You check the other side of the road for any more grass depressions, but come up empty hooved. Whoever was taking it away must've gotten a better hold on it or found a way to transport it without disturbing the grass.
>What do?
>>587065
>>587066
You head to the back of the boutique, looking for any clues.
After minutes of searching, you let out a sigh of exasperation: Nothing. No clues or disturbances. Just the locked back door, and some hedges that grow on either side of the back of the boutique for ornamentation.
There's gotta be something, though.
>Search more thoroughly (Player roll)
>Double check the road
>Go interview one of the witnesses already interviewed by the RGIA
>Player choice
>>587066
You head to the back of the boutique, looking for any clues.
After minutes of searching, you let out a sigh of exasperation: Nothing. No clues or disturbances. Just the locked back door, and some hedges that grow on either side of the back of the boutique for ornamentation.
There's gotta be something, though.
>Search more thoroughly (Player roll)
>Double check the road
>Go interview one of the witnesses already interviewed by the RGIA
>Player choice
>>587067
>>587070
>>587069
>>587072
>>587073
You really think you're missing something, so you start to check the hedges and surrounding area more thoroughly, reaching into the hedges, shaking them, etc…
#Player Roll
Unknown difficulty: Looking for stuff that might not even be there, or relevant, but looking because it's important to you.
First 5 player rolls taken. Nat 10's give bonuses/degrees of success/more things found, regardless of what they are.
No target, just need numbers to find things. Good luck!
>>587070
>>587069
>>587072
>>587073
You really think you're missing something, so you start to check the hedges and surrounding area more thoroughly, reaching into the hedges, shaking them, etc…
#Player Roll
Unknown difficulty: Looking for stuff that might not even be there, or relevant, but looking because it's important to you.
First 5 player rolls taken. Nat 10's give bonuses/degrees of success/more things found, regardless of what they are.
No target, just need numbers to find things. Good luck!
>>587074
>>587076
>>587077
>>587078
>>587081
>>587082
#29/50, one natural 10
You grunt as you take your frustration out on the hedge nearest the window, shaking the daylights out of it as you search for something, ANYTHING.
And are rewarded with a torn slip of paper that falls from the hedge and gently drifts away from you in the wind.
You chase it down in a hurry, stamping it into the ground before picking it up and trying to smooth the new creases out of it as you read the neat writing.
I shouldn't do it, but it has to be done. He doesn't need to know. He'll thank me later. I hope this kind mare will forgive my borrowing, but I need an ally stronger than her. Hopefully, this will work, or everything we did will-
The tear in the bottom of the page leaves the sentence hanging ominously.
>>587076
>>587077
>>587078
>>587081
>>587082
#29/50, one natural 10
You grunt as you take your frustration out on the hedge nearest the window, shaking the daylights out of it as you search for something, ANYTHING.
And are rewarded with a torn slip of paper that falls from the hedge and gently drifts away from you in the wind.
You chase it down in a hurry, stamping it into the ground before picking it up and trying to smooth the new creases out of it as you read the neat writing.
I shouldn't do it, but it has to be done. He doesn't need to know. He'll thank me later. I hope this kind mare will forgive my borrowing, but I need an ally stronger than her. Hopefully, this will work, or everything we did will-
The tear in the bottom of the page leaves the sentence hanging ominously.
>>587087
Well, that rules out it being anyone close to her.
And it's evidence we can use against the insurance fraud line the RGIA were considering.
Anything on the paper that could help us identify the source? It being lined, or having some ringbinder holes in it or anything?
>He doesn't need to know
Damnit Brynn, you said we were in this together, remember?
Well, that rules out it being anyone close to her.
And it's evidence we can use against the insurance fraud line the RGIA were considering.
Anything on the paper that could help us identify the source? It being lined, or having some ringbinder holes in it or anything?
>He doesn't need to know
Damnit Brynn, you said we were in this together, remember?
>>587089
You pull out the interviews given to you by Cherry. They have names and addresses of two individuals; Rarity's neighbors. One lives across the street, the other lives in a small, single story house about fifty yards down the road.
>>587091
The paper is lined, but regular sized. Likely from an average sized notebook if you had to guess. No holes in the side, which means the page would have a corrugated edge for easy tearing, if it weren't in such poor shape.
Why exactly is it ripped into thirds, as far as you can tell, anyway? What happened?
And who is this referring to?
At least this'll debunk the RGIA's fraud hypothesis.
But you can't help feeling this is something a lot bigger than petty theft. A whole lot bigger.
You shake your head as you put all your papers in your bag. You're probably blowing it out of proportion. Better get back to the task at hand.
>Search for more strips of paper
>Do something else
You pull out the interviews given to you by Cherry. They have names and addresses of two individuals; Rarity's neighbors. One lives across the street, the other lives in a small, single story house about fifty yards down the road.
>>587091
The paper is lined, but regular sized. Likely from an average sized notebook if you had to guess. No holes in the side, which means the page would have a corrugated edge for easy tearing, if it weren't in such poor shape.
Why exactly is it ripped into thirds, as far as you can tell, anyway? What happened?
And who is this referring to?
At least this'll debunk the RGIA's fraud hypothesis.
But you can't help feeling this is something a lot bigger than petty theft. A whole lot bigger.
You shake your head as you put all your papers in your bag. You're probably blowing it out of proportion. Better get back to the task at hand.
>Search for more strips of paper
>Do something else
>>587096
>>587098
You cross the street, careful not to step in the pile of litter, and pull out the interview associated with the address.
Summer Cloud, is the name.
…You briefly wonder if it's a nickname.
You put the paper back in your bag, heading up to the front door of the two story house. It looks rather cozy, with a well decorated porch and door of someone really into horticulture.
The knock on the door goes unanswered.
You knock again, calling out the name listed on the paper.
Suddenly, the door opens. Slowly, at first, and you don't notice anyone at the door.
Until you look down, that is.
Standing before you is a small, light purple filly, with a starkly silver mane.
You pull out the interviewee paper as the two of you have a silent stare down, then quickly check the paper for a description of the mare who gave the testimony.
Definitely not the same.
So this must be her daughter? Or sister?
>>587098
You cross the street, careful not to step in the pile of litter, and pull out the interview associated with the address.
Summer Cloud, is the name.
…You briefly wonder if it's a nickname.
You put the paper back in your bag, heading up to the front door of the two story house. It looks rather cozy, with a well decorated porch and door of someone really into horticulture.
The knock on the door goes unanswered.
You knock again, calling out the name listed on the paper.
Suddenly, the door opens. Slowly, at first, and you don't notice anyone at the door.
Until you look down, that is.
Standing before you is a small, light purple filly, with a starkly silver mane.
You pull out the interviewee paper as the two of you have a silent stare down, then quickly check the paper for a description of the mare who gave the testimony.
Definitely not the same.
So this must be her daughter? Or sister?
>>587104
>>587105
>>587106
>>587107
You briefly wonder how to best approach questioning the filly, before deciding it's best to just ask her if she's seen anything strange.
She looks from left to right, quickly. A sudden contrast to the slowness of opening the door and her head shaking.
When she's done, she looks at you and nods rapidly.
"What did you see?" you ask, a strange twisting feeling developing in your gut.
She leans in, motioning for you to do the same. You do, eager to hear what she has to say.
"A hairless pony," she whispers, "With a pole in its back. Running down the road."
>>587105
>>587106
>>587107
You briefly wonder how to best approach questioning the filly, before deciding it's best to just ask her if she's seen anything strange.
She looks from left to right, quickly. A sudden contrast to the slowness of opening the door and her head shaking.
When she's done, she looks at you and nods rapidly.
"What did you see?" you ask, a strange twisting feeling developing in your gut.
She leans in, motioning for you to do the same. You do, eager to hear what she has to say.
"A hairless pony," she whispers, "With a pole in its back. Running down the road."
>>587111
"By itself?"
She nods.
"Was there anything else weird about it?"
She pauses, then whispers, "It was running funny. Maybe because of the pole in its back. But the legs weren't bending right. It was scary."
>>587112
>>587110
She shakes her head, "It was by itself. Maybe it was scared, too."
"Which way did it go?" you ask.
"Are you gonna help it?" she asks suddenly, "Summer didn't believe me. Said I had a nightmare. But if it heads into town, and ponies think it's scary, maybe it won't get help."
"So it headed toward town?"
She nods, pointing a hoof down the road, toward town, "It was starting to get dark out, so I didn't see it go far. But it was heading toward the market; The same way Summer and I go when we need food."
"Thank you….uh…"
"My name is Moonlight."
"Well, thank you, Moonlight. I'm Puff."
"Will you help that pony?"
"Yes," you say softly, "I just need to find it first."
"I hope you find it, then," she says, simply.
"By itself?"
She nods.
"Was there anything else weird about it?"
She pauses, then whispers, "It was running funny. Maybe because of the pole in its back. But the legs weren't bending right. It was scary."
>>587112
>>587110
She shakes her head, "It was by itself. Maybe it was scared, too."
"Which way did it go?" you ask.
"Are you gonna help it?" she asks suddenly, "Summer didn't believe me. Said I had a nightmare. But if it heads into town, and ponies think it's scary, maybe it won't get help."
"So it headed toward town?"
She nods, pointing a hoof down the road, toward town, "It was starting to get dark out, so I didn't see it go far. But it was heading toward the market; The same way Summer and I go when we need food."
"Thank you….uh…"
"My name is Moonlight."
"Well, thank you, Moonlight. I'm Puff."
"Will you help that pony?"
"Yes," you say softly, "I just need to find it first."
"I hope you find it, then," she says, simply.
>>587113
>>587115
>>587114
>>587116
You take out your small notepad and write your name and your office address on it. Tearing the page and handing it to her, you tell her to send Summer or come see you if she sees this pony again.
She just nods as she takes the paper.
"And, thanks for your time, Moonlight. I'm really glad you could help me out."
She nods again, a small smile stretching her young face as you stand up straight and leave as you hear the door softly shut behind you.
There's still another neighbor to interview, or you can head into town and ask around.
>>587115
>>587114
>>587116
You take out your small notepad and write your name and your office address on it. Tearing the page and handing it to her, you tell her to send Summer or come see you if she sees this pony again.
She just nods as she takes the paper.
"And, thanks for your time, Moonlight. I'm really glad you could help me out."
She nods again, a small smile stretching her young face as you stand up straight and leave as you hear the door softly shut behind you.
There's still another neighbor to interview, or you can head into town and ask around.
>>587121
Head into town on the route the thing took then, keeping our eyes open.
There won't be much by way of clues on this well-travelled road, but if it was spooked maybe it'll have done some damage when it left the road.
>Main thing that has been stolen is clothes
Maybe it's clothing itself? Maybe as a mannequin it has an inherent desire for clothes?
Assuming Puffs knows Twilight (I haven't read Puffs quest, just Cobalt: where can I catch up?) we should swing by her place when we're done or wind up in the area and ask her what sort of animation spell we might be dealing with.
Head into town on the route the thing took then, keeping our eyes open.
There won't be much by way of clues on this well-travelled road, but if it was spooked maybe it'll have done some damage when it left the road.
>Main thing that has been stolen is clothes
Maybe it's clothing itself? Maybe as a mannequin it has an inherent desire for clothes?
Assuming Puffs knows Twilight (I haven't read Puffs quest, just Cobalt: where can I catch up?) we should swing by her place when we're done or wind up in the area and ask her what sort of animation spell we might be dealing with.
>>587123
>>587124
>>587122
>>587125
You head back into town, noting the daylight is starting to wane. Sunset isn't far off, and your stomach growls as dinner time is approaching.
You head through the slowly closing marketplace. Most vendors are packing up for the day, ready to head home with what remains of their supplies and whatever bits they raked in during the day. One or two sell candles and other goods that might be useful at night, though they seem ready to pack up in a moments notice as well.
You ask one of the nearby vendors if they saw anything strange last night.
"Boy, weird doesn't even describe it," an older stallion says from behind the counter of a glow stick covered cart. "And I've seen some weird things in my time."
"Describe it to me, please, Mr….?"
"Ray."
"Alright, Mr. Ray," you take out your notepad and pencil, "Can you describe what you saw?"
"You won't believe me. Nobody does."
"Try me, please."
"Alright. I saw a mannequin turn into a beautiful young mare. Right here before my eyes."
You stop writing almost immediately.
"A mannequin?"
"Yes."
"Did it have a pole in its back?"
"It was pretty dark by that point, I couldn't tell. Probably?"
"Okay. And, it turned into a young mare, you said?"
"A beautiful one. Like, one second it was a mannequin, the next it was this chocolate coated mare, with luxurious dark mane that flowed like water down to her shoulders. Almost exotic, like."
"And what did she do, Mr. Ray?"
"Took a few of my glow sticks while I was dumbstruck. Not that I mind, the things are ten for a bit or something, and she took maybe five. Put them around her neck like a necklace and gave me a smile that nearly melted my heart, I tell ya."
"Uh huh. And which way did she go?"
"That's the other thing. After she smiled at me, she disappeared. No smoke or nothin, just straight up vanished."
You nearly throw down your notepad in exasperation.
"Now now there, boy," Ray chides, "I didn't say the other part. It'll confuse you even more."
"What other part?"
"The part where she disappeared, but a blue unicorn with big ol' glasses stood in her place, wearin' the same glow stick necklace."
>>587125
The original cute quest is available here in the archive, under the Aspirant tab. Puff didn't develop relationships with hardly any of the main 6 in the original Cute Quest, but since he's a detective in town now, and fairly well known, assume that they've at least heard of him.
>>587124
>>587122
>>587125
You head back into town, noting the daylight is starting to wane. Sunset isn't far off, and your stomach growls as dinner time is approaching.
You head through the slowly closing marketplace. Most vendors are packing up for the day, ready to head home with what remains of their supplies and whatever bits they raked in during the day. One or two sell candles and other goods that might be useful at night, though they seem ready to pack up in a moments notice as well.
You ask one of the nearby vendors if they saw anything strange last night.
"Boy, weird doesn't even describe it," an older stallion says from behind the counter of a glow stick covered cart. "And I've seen some weird things in my time."
"Describe it to me, please, Mr….?"
"Ray."
"Alright, Mr. Ray," you take out your notepad and pencil, "Can you describe what you saw?"
"You won't believe me. Nobody does."
"Try me, please."
"Alright. I saw a mannequin turn into a beautiful young mare. Right here before my eyes."
You stop writing almost immediately.
"A mannequin?"
"Yes."
"Did it have a pole in its back?"
"It was pretty dark by that point, I couldn't tell. Probably?"
"Okay. And, it turned into a young mare, you said?"
"A beautiful one. Like, one second it was a mannequin, the next it was this chocolate coated mare, with luxurious dark mane that flowed like water down to her shoulders. Almost exotic, like."
"And what did she do, Mr. Ray?"
"Took a few of my glow sticks while I was dumbstruck. Not that I mind, the things are ten for a bit or something, and she took maybe five. Put them around her neck like a necklace and gave me a smile that nearly melted my heart, I tell ya."
"Uh huh. And which way did she go?"
"That's the other thing. After she smiled at me, she disappeared. No smoke or nothin, just straight up vanished."
You nearly throw down your notepad in exasperation.
"Now now there, boy," Ray chides, "I didn't say the other part. It'll confuse you even more."
"What other part?"
"The part where she disappeared, but a blue unicorn with big ol' glasses stood in her place, wearin' the same glow stick necklace."
>>587125
The original cute quest is available here in the archive, under the Aspirant tab. Puff didn't develop relationships with hardly any of the main 6 in the original Cute Quest, but since he's a detective in town now, and fairly well known, assume that they've at least heard of him.
>>587128
"Twas a colt, about your age if I had to guess. Tall, skinny, with almost comically large glasses. Mane was slicked back, but long and curly at the ends. Didn't seem natural."
You jot everything into your notepad, but wonder how accurate this testimony really is.
Transforming mannequins?
>>587129
>>587127
"Did you see his cutie mark?"
"I did, matter of fact," Ray says happily, "Since he took off running in a confused state."
"What was it?"
"A small stack of books. I'd say no more than three high."
You don't know anyone off the top of your head who fits the description. Strange, since cutie marks are unique.
Still, it's useful information, and you're sure to write it all down.
But the day is completely spent, the sun having gone down during your interview with Ray. Your stomach growls audibly, and you feel a slight weariness in the corners of your eyes that tells you it's time to hang the hat up for the day.
You head back to your office, which is the bottom floor of a small home. A home whose upper floor is your true place of residence. Wouldn't do to have a detective living with his parents, you'd decided some time ago.
You enter your office, hanging your hat on the coat rack by the door as you flip the lights on. You're nearly halfway up the steps when you realize something that wasn't there before is on your desk.
You slowly walk over, feeling a chill down your spine as you recognize a series of glow sticks connected in the shape of a circle.
Underneath it is a note.
It's between me and him. If you get involved, I can't guarantee your safety. He's already in a bad spot as it is, and I fear he'll make it worse. I'm the only one who can put an end to this. I ask you to leave it to me, his once-friend.
She must be given back.
You set the note back down with shaking hooves, suddenly unsure if this case is worth pursuing after all.
#END OF PROLOGUE
"Twas a colt, about your age if I had to guess. Tall, skinny, with almost comically large glasses. Mane was slicked back, but long and curly at the ends. Didn't seem natural."
You jot everything into your notepad, but wonder how accurate this testimony really is.
Transforming mannequins?
>>587129
>>587127
"Did you see his cutie mark?"
"I did, matter of fact," Ray says happily, "Since he took off running in a confused state."
"What was it?"
"A small stack of books. I'd say no more than three high."
You don't know anyone off the top of your head who fits the description. Strange, since cutie marks are unique.
Still, it's useful information, and you're sure to write it all down.
But the day is completely spent, the sun having gone down during your interview with Ray. Your stomach growls audibly, and you feel a slight weariness in the corners of your eyes that tells you it's time to hang the hat up for the day.
You head back to your office, which is the bottom floor of a small home. A home whose upper floor is your true place of residence. Wouldn't do to have a detective living with his parents, you'd decided some time ago.
You enter your office, hanging your hat on the coat rack by the door as you flip the lights on. You're nearly halfway up the steps when you realize something that wasn't there before is on your desk.
You slowly walk over, feeling a chill down your spine as you recognize a series of glow sticks connected in the shape of a circle.
Underneath it is a note.
It's between me and him. If you get involved, I can't guarantee your safety. He's already in a bad spot as it is, and I fear he'll make it worse. I'm the only one who can put an end to this. I ask you to leave it to me, his once-friend.
She must be given back.
You set the note back down with shaking hooves, suddenly unsure if this case is worth pursuing after all.
#END OF PROLOGUE
I can do a short Q&A if I lost any of you during that. Also the ending is abrupt because I don't want to tread too far into the sequence of things that'll take you to more or we'll never get out of here.
Thank you all for joining me, I promise it ramps up the further we go along, so bear with me.
Like I said, if you have any questions, I'll do my best to address them real quick.
Thank you all for joining me, I promise it ramps up the further we go along, so bear with me.
Like I said, if you have any questions, I'll do my best to address them real quick.
>>587139
>>587143
Drat, can't find the Cobalt Quest archive easily to look up Harley's description.
>Brynn breaks into Carousel Boutique
>Somehow moves a very heavy mannequin outside
>Animates it somehow
>Somehow loses 1/3 of a page out of a journal (Some sort of struggle?)
>I need an ally stronger than her (Stronger than Rarity? Stronger than Harley? Stronger than someone else? Why does he need a strong ally? Why can't he enlist Cobalt, when burly is pretty much precisely his schtick?)
>Mannequin (Now fused with Brynn?) goes running off down the road (Where did the base stand go?)
>Heads to market stall, turns into sexy chocolate mare in plain sight (Was that Harley? If not, has he picked up another spirit?)
>Steals glowsticks (Just because?) and then transforms again in plain sight (Whatever happened to keeping the spirit thing under wraps?)
>Somehow got wind of our enquiries (Saw us, I guess?) and left a message on our desk.
>Message has glowsticks so must be from Brynn/Harley/Other Spirit/Mannequin: Talks from a perspective that implies Brynn is not aware, claims to be his once-friend (Has to be Harley, unless he's somehow absorbed Cobalt into his legion-esque mind too) (Why only once-friend? Has he gotten into bad terms with her?)
>She must be given back (Who? If this is Harley, she must be talking about someone else -the other spirit? Given back to who/where?)(Maybe Cobalt about Harley? Note has to have come from the mannequin body though.)
These questions aren't aimed at your FAQ of course, Aspirant, I know this is stuff we'll work out as we go. Thanks for the session looking forward to digging up the answers in the future sessions.
>>587143
Drat, can't find the Cobalt Quest archive easily to look up Harley's description.
>Brynn breaks into Carousel Boutique
>Somehow moves a very heavy mannequin outside
>Animates it somehow
>Somehow loses 1/3 of a page out of a journal (Some sort of struggle?)
>I need an ally stronger than her (Stronger than Rarity? Stronger than Harley? Stronger than someone else? Why does he need a strong ally? Why can't he enlist Cobalt, when burly is pretty much precisely his schtick?)
>Mannequin (Now fused with Brynn?) goes running off down the road (Where did the base stand go?)
>Heads to market stall, turns into sexy chocolate mare in plain sight (Was that Harley? If not, has he picked up another spirit?)
>Steals glowsticks (Just because?) and then transforms again in plain sight (Whatever happened to keeping the spirit thing under wraps?)
>Somehow got wind of our enquiries (Saw us, I guess?) and left a message on our desk.
>Message has glowsticks so must be from Brynn/Harley/Other Spirit/Mannequin: Talks from a perspective that implies Brynn is not aware, claims to be his once-friend (Has to be Harley, unless he's somehow absorbed Cobalt into his legion-esque mind too) (Why only once-friend? Has he gotten into bad terms with her?)
>She must be given back (Who? If this is Harley, she must be talking about someone else -the other spirit? Given back to who/where?)(Maybe Cobalt about Harley? Note has to have come from the mannequin body though.)
These questions aren't aimed at your FAQ of course, Aspirant, I know this is stuff we'll work out as we go. Thanks for the session looking forward to digging up the answers in the future sessions.
>>587144
Sorry I went out and didn't see this reply in time but if you're still here, yeah that's pretty much what I think happened. Haven't thought on the why things are going on but I definitely have some questions.
And just to nit pick, I don't think it was Brynn fused with the mannequin. He was probably just in the other realm that Harley is in when they switch places.
Sorry I went out and didn't see this reply in time but if you're still here, yeah that's pretty much what I think happened. Haven't thought on the why things are going on but I definitely have some questions.
And just to nit pick, I don't think it was Brynn fused with the mannequin. He was probably just in the other realm that Harley is in when they switch places.
>>587147
Or alternatively the mannequin is still in the physical world, but now it's being possessed by Brynn somehow giving the appearance of a swap. After all, the previous swaps were just Harley possessing his body.
…Has Brynn become a spirit? That'd be one way to get past a locked window.
I suppose he still would have needed to magically relock it from the outside, though, which means incorporeality wouldn't really be a benefit with that.
Or alternatively the mannequin is still in the physical world, but now it's being possessed by Brynn somehow giving the appearance of a swap. After all, the previous swaps were just Harley possessing his body.
…Has Brynn become a spirit? That'd be one way to get past a locked window.
I suppose he still would have needed to magically relock it from the outside, though, which means incorporeality wouldn't really be a benefit with that.