>>562164
"I appreciate your efforts, but they are not necessary. I have enough left in me to face Sunsong.
Without Sweet Potato… I had no intention of making it out alive."
>>562169
"Listen to them. Makes me want to knock the support from under every last one of these whorehouses and leave then to bleed out in the shattered ruins."
>>562168
She gasps loudly, drawing a lot of attention to exactly what you're doing.
"I appreciate your efforts, but they are not necessary. I have enough left in me to face Sunsong.
Without Sweet Potato… I had no intention of making it out alive."
>>562169
"Listen to them. Makes me want to knock the support from under every last one of these whorehouses and leave then to bleed out in the shattered ruins."
>>562168
She gasps loudly, drawing a lot of attention to exactly what you're doing.
>>562189
"Okay, buster, listen here."
Stop and press back against him, staring him down eye to eye.
"We ran into Sweet Potato when we were trying to get access to Midnight Castle so we could kill Tirek. She knew that if she didn't tell the Witness of Dreams what our true intentions were, this world she fell in love with would probably die when we completed our mission. And do you know what she did?
She helped us. She didn't tell them our true intentions, convinced them to let us come here and get permission to enter the castle. And all we had to do to get her to help was talk to her.
You could have saved her, Grace. You could have held onto something that most ponies are lucky to find once in their entire lifetimes. But no, you threw it away because it was a problem you couldn't solve by just swinging your sword at it."
Snort and turn away from him.
"You call me a heretic? Well, for a follower of Cadence, there is no worse heresy than to throw away true love."
"Okay, buster, listen here."
Stop and press back against him, staring him down eye to eye.
"We ran into Sweet Potato when we were trying to get access to Midnight Castle so we could kill Tirek. She knew that if she didn't tell the Witness of Dreams what our true intentions were, this world she fell in love with would probably die when we completed our mission. And do you know what she did?
She helped us. She didn't tell them our true intentions, convinced them to let us come here and get permission to enter the castle. And all we had to do to get her to help was talk to her.
You could have saved her, Grace. You could have held onto something that most ponies are lucky to find once in their entire lifetimes. But no, you threw it away because it was a problem you couldn't solve by just swinging your sword at it."
Snort and turn away from him.
"You call me a heretic? Well, for a follower of Cadence, there is no worse heresy than to throw away true love."
>>562224
You hear the idle whispering of young lovers, the soft sighs of those lost in eachothers' eyes. The small moans born from burning kisses. The calm breaths of couples resting together in a loving embrace.
>>562223
"I suppose this is where we say our goodbyes then."
>>562228
"Don't I?
It would be the most worthy cause I have left."
You hear the idle whispering of young lovers, the soft sighs of those lost in eachothers' eyes. The small moans born from burning kisses. The calm breaths of couples resting together in a loving embrace.
>>562223
"I suppose this is where we say our goodbyes then."
>>562228
"Don't I?
It would be the most worthy cause I have left."
>>562228
"I damned my soul to save the world! He damned his because he's too stubborn to see any way of living other than violence and pain and death!"
>>562231
"…And what would you do, Grace, if we succeeded, and when we returned to Equestria with this island destroyed, found Sweet Potato still alive, no longer attached to this place? What would you do then?"
"I damned my soul to save the world! He damned his because he's too stubborn to see any way of living other than violence and pain and death!"
>>562231
"…And what would you do, Grace, if we succeeded, and when we returned to Equestria with this island destroyed, found Sweet Potato still alive, no longer attached to this place? What would you do then?"
>>562236
"When did I say I believed them? Would you have me slaughter them because they've been deceived? How many of those abominations have you seen around? These ponies are here because they don't know what they're worshipping! I'm trying to save them before it's too late! Why are you here?"
>>562237
"What?"
"When did I say I believed them? Would you have me slaughter them because they've been deceived? How many of those abominations have you seen around? These ponies are here because they don't know what they're worshipping! I'm trying to save them before it's too late! Why are you here?"
>>562237
"What?"
>>562255
"We're not actually giving it to them, we're just saying we are so they'll let us in!"
>>562258
"I don't understand how you can throw away somepony who made you happy so… so callously! Sweet Potato saved your life time after time, and you decide to just abandon her instead of fighting for her?"
"We're not actually giving it to them, we're just saying we are so they'll let us in!"
>>562258
"I don't understand how you can throw away somepony who made you happy so… so callously! Sweet Potato saved your life time after time, and you decide to just abandon her instead of fighting for her?"
>>562284
"Because you can't solve problems by running away from them like you're trying to.
I won't stop you from fighting your old mentor, and if you survive I'll gladly accept your help wiping out everyone inside that castle."
Turn and walk towards our destination.
"But after that, you, me, and Sweet Potato are all going to get together and have a nice long talk."
"Because you can't solve problems by running away from them like you're trying to.
I won't stop you from fighting your old mentor, and if you survive I'll gladly accept your help wiping out everyone inside that castle."
Turn and walk towards our destination.
"But after that, you, me, and Sweet Potato are all going to get together and have a nice long talk."
>>562289
"You hold no command over me, demon-lover. Just be glad I don't smite you all the same."
He follows.
Dulltooth puts Fern back in the basket and starts walking as well.
Sunsong never left your side. Nor did Silk.
>>562287
"What is so wrong about it?
All I have seen here so far is, well, love."
The Inner Gardens loom before you. A vast moonlit forest on unknown dangers.
Prepare yourselves.
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
A WALK IN THE PARK
A SPOT OF GARDENING
AND A DIP IN THE POOL
"You hold no command over me, demon-lover. Just be glad I don't smite you all the same."
He follows.
Dulltooth puts Fern back in the basket and starts walking as well.
Sunsong never left your side. Nor did Silk.
>>562287
"What is so wrong about it?
All I have seen here so far is, well, love."
The Inner Gardens loom before you. A vast moonlit forest on unknown dangers.
Prepare yourselves.
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
A WALK IN THE PARK
A SPOT OF GARDENING
AND A DIP IN THE POOL
>>562552
"I won't.
Come, let us be off."
>>562555
From here… nothing.
The Inner Gardens are a forest growing within the temple. There is a small gravel path lined with shiny stones, offering a romantic stroll for any willing to stride down it in the endless moonlight.
Or you can brave the forests of the garden instead if you so desire. The giggles of lovers hiding in secluded nooks mixing with the sound of nightly insects and the rushing of water from an artificial waterfall give the place a strange ambiance. The scent of incense has given way to pure, cool night air. The world around seems calm and still.
But you cannot help but wonder how it would retaliate if you dared disturb that calm.
"I won't.
Come, let us be off."
>>562555
From here… nothing.
The Inner Gardens are a forest growing within the temple. There is a small gravel path lined with shiny stones, offering a romantic stroll for any willing to stride down it in the endless moonlight.
Or you can brave the forests of the garden instead if you so desire. The giggles of lovers hiding in secluded nooks mixing with the sound of nightly insects and the rushing of water from an artificial waterfall give the place a strange ambiance. The scent of incense has given way to pure, cool night air. The world around seems calm and still.
But you cannot help but wonder how it would retaliate if you dared disturb that calm.
>>562566
Years of training have also given you a keen sense of direction. Judging by the way the path curves, it is likely that it's the scenic route. But it may also be the easiest way to reach the second floor, where the waterfall begins. That is most likely where these… pools are.
Cutting through the woods may be faster, but will call for some climbing.
>>562570
"You seem distracted, sir."
Years of training have also given you a keen sense of direction. Judging by the way the path curves, it is likely that it's the scenic route. But it may also be the easiest way to reach the second floor, where the waterfall begins. That is most likely where these… pools are.
Cutting through the woods may be faster, but will call for some climbing.
>>562570
"You seem distracted, sir."
>>562617
>>562618
"Find it in your hearts to forgive him."
>>562616
>>562617
You then break off, and head into the forest, following the sound of water.
A deep mist covers many areas, blurring your sense of space and making it hard to be sure exactly how large this whole area is.
Roll to see what you run into.
>>562618
"Find it in your hearts to forgive him."
>>562616
>>562617
You then break off, and head into the forest, following the sound of water.
A deep mist covers many areas, blurring your sense of space and making it hard to be sure exactly how large this whole area is.
Roll to see what you run into.
>>562621
>>562622
The Inner Gardens prove to be quite peaceful. As you cut through the forest, all you are treated to are the occasional disgruntled looks from couples you disturb by running through the bushes they were nesting behind. The night air clears your heads and revitalizes your bodies, helping you come to your senses after all you put up with earlier.
However, your fortune comes to an end as you near the bottom of the waterfall. A group of guards are patrolling the area, clearly looking for something, or someone.
Grace snarls.
>>562626
"You're just particularly bad at hiding it, sir."
>>562622
The Inner Gardens prove to be quite peaceful. As you cut through the forest, all you are treated to are the occasional disgruntled looks from couples you disturb by running through the bushes they were nesting behind. The night air clears your heads and revitalizes your bodies, helping you come to your senses after all you put up with earlier.
However, your fortune comes to an end as you near the bottom of the waterfall. A group of guards are patrolling the area, clearly looking for something, or someone.
Grace snarls.
>>562626
"You're just particularly bad at hiding it, sir."
>>562636
"Sir, I am a bodyguard. I disapprove of the misuse of-"
Dulltooth grabs him by the neck
"Quiet. Ember need this. We need Ember."
Sunsong looks rather spooked
"S-sir?"
Silk just chuckles
"You boys have fun. I think I'll just stay off to the side and watch."
>>562637
He looks furious
"Why are protecting the lives of these heretics again?"
>>562638
The patrol just offer a quaint smile
"Carry on, lovers."
"But remain vigilant. We are seeking a dangerous pony who may have entered the Temple of Love."
"Sir, I am a bodyguard. I disapprove of the misuse of-"
Dulltooth grabs him by the neck
"Quiet. Ember need this. We need Ember."
Sunsong looks rather spooked
"S-sir?"
Silk just chuckles
"You boys have fun. I think I'll just stay off to the side and watch."
>>562637
He looks furious
"Why are protecting the lives of these heretics again?"
>>562638
The patrol just offer a quaint smile
"Carry on, lovers."
"But remain vigilant. We are seeking a dangerous pony who may have entered the Temple of Love."
>>562663
>>562659
"Look, both of you.
I know this…this isn't what you both want to do. But think about what's the biggest heresy here right now. It's in Midnight Castle. It's the one we should get to the fastest and kill. We can't afford to get buried here in corpses.
That's why I say, rush to Midnight Castle, kill the rest when we get back."
>>562659
"Look, both of you.
I know this…this isn't what you both want to do. But think about what's the biggest heresy here right now. It's in Midnight Castle. It's the one we should get to the fastest and kill. We can't afford to get buried here in corpses.
That's why I say, rush to Midnight Castle, kill the rest when we get back."
>>562667
His face is stone cold, and his equipment is not cooperating
"Sir I am not one to disobey orders, but I am not sure if I'm the most fitting candidate for this."
Dulltooth takes a firm grasp of your flanks and gestures to Silk
"New guy need help."
Silk rolls her eyes with a smile and saunters up to Sunsong "Don't worry. Let me help you get started."
She then turns to you "with you permission, of course."
>>562664
>>562668
>>562669
>>562663
Grace shakes his head
"Listening to you two makes my head hurt. But fine. Fine. Lets try it your way."
>>562670
The easiest option would be to just have him take it off and wear something else.
His face is stone cold, and his equipment is not cooperating
"Sir I am not one to disobey orders, but I am not sure if I'm the most fitting candidate for this."
Dulltooth takes a firm grasp of your flanks and gestures to Silk
"New guy need help."
Silk rolls her eyes with a smile and saunters up to Sunsong "Don't worry. Let me help you get started."
She then turns to you "with you permission, of course."
>>562664
>>562668
>>562669
>>562663
Grace shakes his head
"Listening to you two makes my head hurt. But fine. Fine. Lets try it your way."
>>562670
The easiest option would be to just have him take it off and wear something else.
>>562674
"You disgust and disgrace me. You deny me my methods and now ask me to discard the symbols of my-"
Cloudcover has heard enough
"Yes. Yes he does. As did I. I, a guard of Canterlot, someone whose position is far more official than yours. I gave up my armor so as to not draw attention, and so damn well can you!"
Grace looks a little surprised
"…I never knew you were a guard."
"AND EVERYONE HERE KNOWS YOU'RE A PALADIN OF CELESTIA! Now listen to Whisper and stop being such a damn donkey."
Grace groans, but ultimately takes his armor off. It is understandable why he liked it so much. The scars on him are far from pretty, and his battles with the cultists earlier have left bits of him twisted and mutated.
"You disgust and disgrace me. You deny me my methods and now ask me to discard the symbols of my-"
Cloudcover has heard enough
"Yes. Yes he does. As did I. I, a guard of Canterlot, someone whose position is far more official than yours. I gave up my armor so as to not draw attention, and so damn well can you!"
Grace looks a little surprised
"…I never knew you were a guard."
"AND EVERYONE HERE KNOWS YOU'RE A PALADIN OF CELESTIA! Now listen to Whisper and stop being such a damn donkey."
Grace groans, but ultimately takes his armor off. It is understandable why he liked it so much. The scars on him are far from pretty, and his battles with the cultists earlier have left bits of him twisted and mutated.
>>562684
"Sir I…
…I submit to your will. Lets get this overwITH!"
His voice takes a notable change in pitch as Silk bends under him, getting to work making his privates stand at attention.
Dulltooth idly taps his fingers against your flanks, waiting for the green light to start thrusting.
>>562687
>>562683
Cloudcover nods
"Lets move. We still need to get up there."
>>562682
You gently take Grace's hoof, which surprises him quite a bit. Focusing on the light in your heart, you softly whisper a prayer, making the twisted, darkened flesh unravel and lighten up once more, returning much of his body back to normal
"…I…
…thank you. I did not know I was… worth that."
"Sir I…
…I submit to your will. Lets get this overwITH!"
His voice takes a notable change in pitch as Silk bends under him, getting to work making his privates stand at attention.
Dulltooth idly taps his fingers against your flanks, waiting for the green light to start thrusting.
>>562687
>>562683
Cloudcover nods
"Lets move. We still need to get up there."
>>562682
You gently take Grace's hoof, which surprises him quite a bit. Focusing on the light in your heart, you softly whisper a prayer, making the twisted, darkened flesh unravel and lighten up once more, returning much of his body back to normal
"…I…
…thank you. I did not know I was… worth that."
>>562704
No. She resides in the Sanctum, which should be just past the Pools, which are at the top of this waterfall you reached the bottom of.
>>562701
A few of them try to playfully splash water at you, but you ignore them.
After a little climbing you realize there is a tunnel behind the waterfall. You may be able to use it as well if you do not want to climb up the cliff.
>>562706
"Of course."
he grabs onto your sides
"How's it look up there, Whisper!?"
>>562705
Dulltooth starts pushing himself in you
Your kiss makes Sunsong grimace, but Silk's fluffing has been most effective. Try not to make fun of his size though.
"If we must, sir… open wide, I suppose."
No. She resides in the Sanctum, which should be just past the Pools, which are at the top of this waterfall you reached the bottom of.
>>562701
A few of them try to playfully splash water at you, but you ignore them.
After a little climbing you realize there is a tunnel behind the waterfall. You may be able to use it as well if you do not want to climb up the cliff.
>>562706
"Of course."
he grabs onto your sides
"How's it look up there, Whisper!?"
>>562705
Dulltooth starts pushing himself in you
Your kiss makes Sunsong grimace, but Silk's fluffing has been most effective. Try not to make fun of his size though.
"If we must, sir… open wide, I suppose."
>>562720
He tenses up immediately, gasping loudly at the sensation, keeping his eyes closed.
Dulltooth pushes harder from his end, forcing you to take Sunsong far deeper into your throat than intended.
>>562736
>>562737
>>562738
You see something big rushing towards you down the tunnel. It seems to be the source of the screaming!
What will you do?
He tenses up immediately, gasping loudly at the sensation, keeping his eyes closed.
Dulltooth pushes harder from his end, forcing you to take Sunsong far deeper into your throat than intended.
>>562736
>>562737
>>562738
You see something big rushing towards you down the tunnel. It seems to be the source of the screaming!
What will you do?
>>562741
>>562742
>>562744
You hug the sides of the tunnel as a couple of happily screaming ponies slide by, giving a bit "ooooh!" at the shiny sparkles left by the cure before the end of the waterslide dumps them in the pond by the waterfall, where they laugh, share a kiss and swim to shore.
Cloudcover looks back
"…we're in a waterslide?"
>>562747
Dulltooth picks you up like a wheelbarrow while pounding away, each thrust pushing more and more stallion meat into your mouth from the other end while Sunsong shudders and breathes heavily, fighting his own hips as he tries to remain still.
You can hear Silk enjoying the view just a few steps off to the side.
>>562742
>>562744
You hug the sides of the tunnel as a couple of happily screaming ponies slide by, giving a bit "ooooh!" at the shiny sparkles left by the cure before the end of the waterslide dumps them in the pond by the waterfall, where they laugh, share a kiss and swim to shore.
Cloudcover looks back
"…we're in a waterslide?"
>>562747
Dulltooth picks you up like a wheelbarrow while pounding away, each thrust pushing more and more stallion meat into your mouth from the other end while Sunsong shudders and breathes heavily, fighting his own hips as he tries to remain still.
You can hear Silk enjoying the view just a few steps off to the side.
>>562759
>>562760
>>562761
Cloudcover gives an apologetic smile "Guess I got a little carried away.
So, do we keep going or go chat with the ones down in the pond?"
>>562763
Your acrobatics make everything a little difficult as you run out of balance points.
Silk signs and comes to help, letting you put a hoof down as she takes up the task of tending to your lonely member dangling alone in the wind.
"S-sir… Am I doing something incorrectly?"
>>562760
>>562761
Cloudcover gives an apologetic smile "Guess I got a little carried away.
So, do we keep going or go chat with the ones down in the pond?"
>>562763
Your acrobatics make everything a little difficult as you run out of balance points.
Silk signs and comes to help, letting you put a hoof down as she takes up the task of tending to your lonely member dangling alone in the wind.
"S-sir… Am I doing something incorrectly?"
>>562766
>>562768
>>562772
Another trio slides past you before you reach the top, where you come face to face with a surprised couple who were just about to jump in.
"Uh…"
"Hey?"
>>562770
"S-sir… yes… sir."
He swallows audibly and starts idly thrusting, not really putting much effort into it
Dulltooth on the other hand feels like he might be tiring himself out at this rate.
>>562768
>>562772
Another trio slides past you before you reach the top, where you come face to face with a surprised couple who were just about to jump in.
"Uh…"
"Hey?"
>>562770
"S-sir… yes… sir."
He swallows audibly and starts idly thrusting, not really putting much effort into it
Dulltooth on the other hand feels like he might be tiring himself out at this rate.
>>562777
>>562781
>>562785
"Oh"
"Ew."
"Should we go back to the hot spring"
"Sounds like a plan, dear~"
They head back down the little staircase leading to the waterslide.
As you gaze down, you see countless pools of water here, ranging from barely enough to fir two ponies to large ones where one can swim freely.
Fireflies fly from pool to pool, and luminous reeds grow from their edges like little natural lamps.
Somewhere in the far distance, a beautiful, almost sad song echoes over the water.
>>562781
>>562785
"Oh"
"Ew."
"Should we go back to the hot spring"
"Sounds like a plan, dear~"
They head back down the little staircase leading to the waterslide.
As you gaze down, you see countless pools of water here, ranging from barely enough to fir two ponies to large ones where one can swim freely.
Fireflies fly from pool to pool, and luminous reeds grow from their edges like little natural lamps.
Somewhere in the far distance, a beautiful, almost sad song echoes over the water.
>>562776
Start thrusting back into Dulltooth, holding onto Sunsong's hips so I can pull his thrusts deeper than he intended.
"Come on, get mad at me! What did you say to Sunset that you'd do; "Drown yourself in hedonistic sin?" Aren't you angry at me for forcing you into this, for abusing my power so flagrantly? Come on, put your back into it, you lazy recruit! Show me there's more to you than just talk!"
Maybe if I can get him mad… Hope this works.
Start thrusting back into Dulltooth, holding onto Sunsong's hips so I can pull his thrusts deeper than he intended.
"Come on, get mad at me! What did you say to Sunset that you'd do; "Drown yourself in hedonistic sin?" Aren't you angry at me for forcing you into this, for abusing my power so flagrantly? Come on, put your back into it, you lazy recruit! Show me there's more to you than just talk!"
Maybe if I can get him mad… Hope this works.
>>562807
"Sir I…
Sir please, I…
Sir I insist that you…
SIR! ENOUGH."
He forces you away from under him and smacks you across the face
"Mare, away from this… abuser of authority. He does not deserve your pleasuring."
Silk giggles at this… surprisingly genuine anger, but does as he commands to play along.
"Dog, turn him on his back."
"…Ember, is this-"
"NOW, DOG."
Silk winks at him, and he winks back, flipping you around on your back, flagpole flying high in the wind
"And nobody dare touch him. He does not deserve to enjoy this.
Now, Ember, you are demoted to cleaning duty. Lets see about you being allowed to give orders again after seeing how it feels to be on the receiving end." With that, he lets his equipment fall on your face "Get to work."
…it's entirely possible he thinks this is a genuine punishment
>>562808
>>562811
You wade through the mist, eventually finding a larger open area with some food tables and a bar.
"Hello lovers! What can I get you?"
Cloudcover whispers
"Should we ask for directions? I feel a bit.. lost."
>>562810
As you wander through the mist and steam, your robes and armor start to really weigh down on you. A slight slip of a hoof later, you find yourself sinking into deep blue water, and when you open your eyes again, you see a smiling, dripping wet Grace over you, your armor and robes off to the side.
"Almost thought I lost you there. Hauling you up in all that stuff wasn't easy."
"Sir I…
Sir please, I…
Sir I insist that you…
SIR! ENOUGH."
He forces you away from under him and smacks you across the face
"Mare, away from this… abuser of authority. He does not deserve your pleasuring."
Silk giggles at this… surprisingly genuine anger, but does as he commands to play along.
"Dog, turn him on his back."
"…Ember, is this-"
"NOW, DOG."
Silk winks at him, and he winks back, flipping you around on your back, flagpole flying high in the wind
"And nobody dare touch him. He does not deserve to enjoy this.
Now, Ember, you are demoted to cleaning duty. Lets see about you being allowed to give orders again after seeing how it feels to be on the receiving end." With that, he lets his equipment fall on your face "Get to work."
…it's entirely possible he thinks this is a genuine punishment
>>562808
>>562811
You wade through the mist, eventually finding a larger open area with some food tables and a bar.
"Hello lovers! What can I get you?"
Cloudcover whispers
"Should we ask for directions? I feel a bit.. lost."
>>562810
As you wander through the mist and steam, your robes and armor start to really weigh down on you. A slight slip of a hoof later, you find yourself sinking into deep blue water, and when you open your eyes again, you see a smiling, dripping wet Grace over you, your armor and robes off to the side.
"Almost thought I lost you there. Hauling you up in all that stuff wasn't easy."
>>562838
>>562840
"Ah, you are… those types, then?
Well, I don't judge. The Sanctum is not far from here, if you cut through the Great Spring. Mind yourselves though. It's reserved for those who bring gifts to the Witness."
>>562839
"There there. You should be fine now.
How do you feel?"
he lies down next to you.
>>562841
"I SAID GET TO WORK. DO I NEED TO HOLD YOUR HOOF?"
Oddly… his yelling seems to have gotten him more excited as well.
>>562840
"Ah, you are… those types, then?
Well, I don't judge. The Sanctum is not far from here, if you cut through the Great Spring. Mind yourselves though. It's reserved for those who bring gifts to the Witness."
>>562839
"There there. You should be fine now.
How do you feel?"
he lies down next to you.
>>562841
"I SAID GET TO WORK. DO I NEED TO HOLD YOUR HOOF?"
Oddly… his yelling seems to have gotten him more excited as well.
>>562847
"Some old warrior type. A soldier in need of love he had forsaken his whole life.
I think he might actually be there in the springs even today. He does seem to like it there."
>>562846
"Good. Now, do not forget the rest."
He smacks his sack against your face
"Or does a gelding like you not know how important it is to attend to them?"
"Some old warrior type. A soldier in need of love he had forsaken his whole life.
I think he might actually be there in the springs even today. He does seem to like it there."
>>562846
"Good. Now, do not forget the rest."
He smacks his sack against your face
"Or does a gelding like you not know how important it is to attend to them?"
>>562853
"No thrusting, unless you really want to become a gelding. This is a punishment, after all."
His voice is harsh, but from the way he is quivering, you can tell your efforts are melting his defenses.
>>562854
"Sounds like a plan. Yell if you run into trouble."
>>562855
"Before we go, can I ask you one thing?"
"No thrusting, unless you really want to become a gelding. This is a punishment, after all."
His voice is harsh, but from the way he is quivering, you can tell your efforts are melting his defenses.
>>562854
"Sounds like a plan. Yell if you run into trouble."
>>562855
"Before we go, can I ask you one thing?"
>>562857
There are… quite many here who fit the description. Older, scarred soldiers relaxing in the large hot springs, calmly sipping on their drinks, occasionally taking a bite out of some fruit. Some alone, others surrounded by seemingly adoring fans.
>>562858
"Do you, too, wear so much because you don't want to show your scars to anyone?"
There are… quite many here who fit the description. Older, scarred soldiers relaxing in the large hot springs, calmly sipping on their drinks, occasionally taking a bite out of some fruit. Some alone, others surrounded by seemingly adoring fans.
>>562858
"Do you, too, wear so much because you don't want to show your scars to anyone?"
>>562860
As you reach for your cowl, you realize it isn't there. He had to take it off earlier to pull you out of the water.
"I know how it must feel."
Given the mess of scars he is… yeah, that's probably true.
>>562861
You spend a long while wandering around the sides of the springs until you slip on a discarded orange and fall in.
You surface face to face with a grizzled looking soldier with a short white beard and long grey mane.
He blinks a few times, then laughs
"A little forward, aren't you boy?"
>>562863
"If anything, I'd blame Blossom's great healing skills."
>>562862
"Permission… denied. I don't want to see one drop out of you."
He smacks you again, then turns to Dulltooth
"Finish up. We're changing places."
"Not sure I like tone, Sunsong."
Silk pats him on the back
"Let him have his fun, Dulltooth.
Fern, this would be a golden opportunity for you, you know."
Moments later you feel Dulltooth pulling out, and hear him lumbering away with Silk and Fern, leaving just you and Sunsong, who sets up behind you
"Ready, soldier?"
As you reach for your cowl, you realize it isn't there. He had to take it off earlier to pull you out of the water.
"I know how it must feel."
Given the mess of scars he is… yeah, that's probably true.
>>562861
You spend a long while wandering around the sides of the springs until you slip on a discarded orange and fall in.
You surface face to face with a grizzled looking soldier with a short white beard and long grey mane.
He blinks a few times, then laughs
"A little forward, aren't you boy?"
>>562863
"If anything, I'd blame Blossom's great healing skills."
>>562862
"Permission… denied. I don't want to see one drop out of you."
He smacks you again, then turns to Dulltooth
"Finish up. We're changing places."
"Not sure I like tone, Sunsong."
Silk pats him on the back
"Let him have his fun, Dulltooth.
Fern, this would be a golden opportunity for you, you know."
Moments later you feel Dulltooth pulling out, and hear him lumbering away with Silk and Fern, leaving just you and Sunsong, who sets up behind you
"Ready, soldier?"
>>562865
His face turns into a happy surprise
"Ha! Where the heck do you know me from, boy? I usually don't forget a face."
…come to think of it, none of his pool companions are female…
>>562867
"It is a very magical touch.
Care for a drink while we wait?"
>>562866
He places a hoof on your cheek, as gently as someone of his size can.
"Don't be. Somepony who does what you do must be the prettiest thing ever on the inside."
>>562868
"Obedience is a good sign."
He grasps your flanks and forces himself in down to the hilt, then begins thrusting with intentional roughness.
"Do you deserve to cum yet, soldier?"
His face turns into a happy surprise
"Ha! Where the heck do you know me from, boy? I usually don't forget a face."
…come to think of it, none of his pool companions are female…
>>562867
"It is a very magical touch.
Care for a drink while we wait?"
>>562866
He places a hoof on your cheek, as gently as someone of his size can.
"Don't be. Somepony who does what you do must be the prettiest thing ever on the inside."
>>562868
"Obedience is a good sign."
He grasps your flanks and forces himself in down to the hilt, then begins thrusting with intentional roughness.
"Do you deserve to cum yet, soldier?"
>>562870
He pulls the hoof away
"…I just wanted you to know that.
In all the years I traveled together with Sweet Potato… she never did anything as nice to me."
>>562871
"Noble stuff, huh?
Well, can't say I'm surprised. I'm sure a lot of ponies I trained now serve as their guards. So, why are you here then?"
>>562872
"No use splitting up further, anyway."
He turns to the barkeep, who already has some drinks ready. It looks like a fruit smoothie with a cherry pierced by two paper umbrellas in it, along with two straws.
He pulls the hoof away
"…I just wanted you to know that.
In all the years I traveled together with Sweet Potato… she never did anything as nice to me."
>>562871
"Noble stuff, huh?
Well, can't say I'm surprised. I'm sure a lot of ponies I trained now serve as their guards. So, why are you here then?"
>>562872
"No use splitting up further, anyway."
He turns to the barkeep, who already has some drinks ready. It looks like a fruit smoothie with a cherry pierced by two paper umbrellas in it, along with two straws.
>>562874
You can't escape those eyes. Not after you were the one who gave him back his other one.
"Would it really hurt us to not fight the moment… just this once?
I just… I can't thank you enough."
>>562876
He puts his straw in your glass
"To love~"
>>562875
The water is nice and warm. It helps ease your tense body, and relax your mind.
"So why seek me out? Anyone here can tell you about the Witness of Love. Heck, most come here exactly because they already know about her.
As for Midnight Castle, eh, it's not a place for me. I came here to retire. To find some peace and quiet, and to relax away from all the war and prayers. Midnight Castle reminds me too much of my old life. All chants and prayers and rituals and training. I went there once, and don't want to go there again."
You can't escape those eyes. Not after you were the one who gave him back his other one.
"Would it really hurt us to not fight the moment… just this once?
I just… I can't thank you enough."
>>562876
He puts his straw in your glass
"To love~"
>>562875
The water is nice and warm. It helps ease your tense body, and relax your mind.
"So why seek me out? Anyone here can tell you about the Witness of Love. Heck, most come here exactly because they already know about her.
As for Midnight Castle, eh, it's not a place for me. I came here to retire. To find some peace and quiet, and to relax away from all the war and prayers. Midnight Castle reminds me too much of my old life. All chants and prayers and rituals and training. I went there once, and don't want to go there again."
>>562869
"Nnngh… aaaah… Nnno sir," I moan, rolling my head around as I let him ravage me.
"Aaaah, I… I've… not d-done my duty yet… sir…"
Oh Cadence, if it wasn't for those endurance lessons with Silk I'd have already come by now. It's still not enough to save me from some pre beginning to form on the tip, though.
"Nnngh… aaaah… Nnno sir," I moan, rolling my head around as I let him ravage me.
"Aaaah, I… I've… not d-done my duty yet… sir…"
Oh Cadence, if it wasn't for those endurance lessons with Silk I'd have already come by now. It's still not enough to save me from some pre beginning to form on the tip, though.
>>562878
He stops, staring at you with cold, disapproving eyes.
"Soldier, what is this?"
He roughly taps the tip of your member, spilling the droplets of pre on your nose
>>562879
He gives a soft smile, completely unfitting for his rough-hewn, scarred face, and grabs you into a gentle embrace
>>562880
"HA! Oh that's what this is all about!"
His… fans join in on the laugh
"I'm amazed anypony even noticed it was gone. Thing had been sitting dusting up some old relic vault for centuries. I thought I was the only one who ever cared to come and look at it, so I took it as a little keepsake of my service.
But yeah, turns out it really amazed everyone here. Downright frightened some of them. Heck I remember one weirdo even asking me how I was able to touch it. Still, to me it was just one more trinket that reminded me of a long and colorful past, so when they offered me unlimited… well.. everything for it I took it to their vaults and left it there without a second thought. Had to take it personally because nobody else here would dare touch it. That's what I went to the castle for.
…drink?"
He offers you a tall glass of milky drink with a plum on the rim.
He stops, staring at you with cold, disapproving eyes.
"Soldier, what is this?"
He roughly taps the tip of your member, spilling the droplets of pre on your nose
>>562879
He gives a soft smile, completely unfitting for his rough-hewn, scarred face, and grabs you into a gentle embrace
>>562880
"HA! Oh that's what this is all about!"
His… fans join in on the laugh
"I'm amazed anypony even noticed it was gone. Thing had been sitting dusting up some old relic vault for centuries. I thought I was the only one who ever cared to come and look at it, so I took it as a little keepsake of my service.
But yeah, turns out it really amazed everyone here. Downright frightened some of them. Heck I remember one weirdo even asking me how I was able to touch it. Still, to me it was just one more trinket that reminded me of a long and colorful past, so when they offered me unlimited… well.. everything for it I took it to their vaults and left it there without a second thought. Had to take it personally because nobody else here would dare touch it. That's what I went to the castle for.
…drink?"
He offers you a tall glass of milky drink with a plum on the rim.
>>562882
"It worries me to say this, but this place… doesn't seem so bad."
>>562883
His body, though hard and big, is very warm.
"You are the most beautiful heart I have ever met…"
>>562884
"I feel fantastic.
I gave Celestia more than any pony could possibly be expected to give, and in return all I got was a useless leg and more scars than I can count.
This short retirement is all I could ever have asked for."
"It worries me to say this, but this place… doesn't seem so bad."
>>562883
His body, though hard and big, is very warm.
"You are the most beautiful heart I have ever met…"
>>562884
"I feel fantastic.
I gave Celestia more than any pony could possibly be expected to give, and in return all I got was a useless leg and more scars than I can count.
This short retirement is all I could ever have asked for."
>>562887
He relaxes back and takes another sip of his drink
"Give Celestia my regards. Her rewards for her faithful leave a lot to be desired."
>>562888
"If only we could leave the good parts standing…"
>>562886
He sits quietly for a while
"…is this the part where… we're supposed to kiss?"
>>562889
"So it seems."
He presses a hoof down on your sack, but inhales sharply as you squeeze him
"Now, will there be any more mistakes like this, soldier?"
He relaxes back and takes another sip of his drink
"Give Celestia my regards. Her rewards for her faithful leave a lot to be desired."
>>562888
"If only we could leave the good parts standing…"
>>562886
He sits quietly for a while
"…is this the part where… we're supposed to kiss?"
>>562889
"So it seems."
He presses a hoof down on your sack, but inhales sharply as you squeeze him
"Now, will there be any more mistakes like this, soldier?"
>>562890
Mmmm.
"Look, between you and me, I'm not here to kill you. You're more of a…target of opportunity. My main target lays in Midnight Castle.
Now I could yell loudly, have some crazy celestials show up who are more than aching to spill some heretic blood or you could tell me something that will make my trip to Midnight Castle easier and you get to spend…well the rest of your days squeezing colt butts and…whatever you do with them."
Pat one on the head.
Mmmm.
"Look, between you and me, I'm not here to kill you. You're more of a…target of opportunity. My main target lays in Midnight Castle.
Now I could yell loudly, have some crazy celestials show up who are more than aching to spill some heretic blood or you could tell me something that will make my trip to Midnight Castle easier and you get to spend…well the rest of your days squeezing colt butts and…whatever you do with them."
Pat one on the head.
>>562893
"Now, boy, you should be glad I'm retired and without any real desire to break away from this peace.
Only two sorts of ponies go into that castle - crazy zealots and those looking to score privileges with gifts. At the gates, you will need to have proof that you are one or the other. And having the Witnesses give you their blessing might be a plus. At least when I showed them the shard and said the Witness of Love promised me… well… this, they let me pass."
>>562895
"Others deserve happiness too, do they not?
…so long as they aren't hurting anypony."
>>562894
"Good. Because it would be your last."
He lifts his hoof, and starts idly stroking your rod while enjoying your efforts to please him.
"Now, boy, you should be glad I'm retired and without any real desire to break away from this peace.
Only two sorts of ponies go into that castle - crazy zealots and those looking to score privileges with gifts. At the gates, you will need to have proof that you are one or the other. And having the Witnesses give you their blessing might be a plus. At least when I showed them the shard and said the Witness of Love promised me… well… this, they let me pass."
>>562895
"Others deserve happiness too, do they not?
…so long as they aren't hurting anypony."
>>562894
"Good. Because it would be your last."
He lifts his hoof, and starts idly stroking your rod while enjoying your efforts to please him.
>>562896
"Hnngh, Aaah, s-sir," I whimper, my tongue lolling out as I continue milking him, my will to do anything but please him long since gone.
Slowly, cautiously, I try thrusting back onto him, wrapping my hindlegs behind his waist to better impale myself on him, moaning and whimpering the whole time as I struggle to fight down the growing pressure in my loins.
"Hnngh, Aaah, s-sir," I whimper, my tongue lolling out as I continue milking him, my will to do anything but please him long since gone.
Slowly, cautiously, I try thrusting back onto him, wrapping my hindlegs behind his waist to better impale myself on him, moaning and whimpering the whole time as I struggle to fight down the growing pressure in my loins.
>>562899
He is starting to pant heavily now, his stroking growing weak and irregular.
"Time for your final p-punishment, soldier."
He pulls out with a single rough motion, and steps around you, placing his meat poking at your face
"Stroke it. Let's give your pretty bitch face a little beauty cream."
>>562900
"I will, boy. I will!"
Cloudcover and Coral are sharing a drink at the bar.
Ember and his entourage have caught up as well.
>>562901
"…I won't. Not now that you gave me something to live for."
He is starting to pant heavily now, his stroking growing weak and irregular.
"Time for your final p-punishment, soldier."
He pulls out with a single rough motion, and steps around you, placing his meat poking at your face
"Stroke it. Let's give your pretty bitch face a little beauty cream."
>>562900
"I will, boy. I will!"
Cloudcover and Coral are sharing a drink at the bar.
Ember and his entourage have caught up as well.
>>562901
"…I won't. Not now that you gave me something to live for."
>>562903
>present
"Well, the shard out to be enough to get us past the front gate… and from there, we kill everything that moves."
>>562895
"Hey, um, Coral… I'm sorry about earlier, okay? I… wasn't thinking straight, and said some things that… that I probably shouldn't have. And I'm sorry."
>>562902
"Sir… yes, sir."
Start stroking him vigorously, breathing heavily on him as I fondle his sack. Won't be long now…
>present
"Well, the shard out to be enough to get us past the front gate… and from there, we kill everything that moves."
>>562895
"Hey, um, Coral… I'm sorry about earlier, okay? I… wasn't thinking straight, and said some things that… that I probably shouldn't have. And I'm sorry."
>>562902
"Sir… yes, sir."
Start stroking him vigorously, breathing heavily on him as I fondle his sack. Won't be long now…
>>562904
"Yes. C'mon. Lets get your clothes back on…"
The party reconvenes at the bar by the pools.
>>562905
>past
It isn't long at all indeed. After just a few strokes he bites his lip and buckles as thick ropes of stallion sauce slather all over your face and mouth.
He takes a few deep breaths and then straightens up
"Good job, Ember. Now get up. The others are waiting."
"Yes. C'mon. Lets get your clothes back on…"
The party reconvenes at the bar by the pools.
>>562905
>past
It isn't long at all indeed. After just a few strokes he bites his lip and buckles as thick ropes of stallion sauce slather all over your face and mouth.
He takes a few deep breaths and then straightens up
"Good job, Ember. Now get up. The others are waiting."
>>562906
>past
"…S-sir? P-permission to cum, sir?" I ask pleadingly, my hips thrusting idly.
Do my best to lick his seed off my face, gulping down whatever I can.
>>562907
>Present
"Hey, Blossom… Grace… Sorry about that. I… wasn't thinking straight earlier, and said some things I shouldn't have. I… can you forgive me for being so easily affected by this place?"
>past
"…S-sir? P-permission to cum, sir?" I ask pleadingly, my hips thrusting idly.
Do my best to lick his seed off my face, gulping down whatever I can.
>>562907
>Present
"Hey, Blossom… Grace… Sorry about that. I… wasn't thinking straight earlier, and said some things I shouldn't have. I… can you forgive me for being so easily affected by this place?"
>>562917
"They are the ones who already damned themselves by forcing innocent ponies to suffer so they might have happiness. I ask you this then.
If there was a violent conqueror, who raped pillaged and murdered those who opposed him, usually sacrificing them to his god in exchange for his victories. And you got to his palace. Built with the blood and bones of those he didn't like, and found him showering pleasant gifts on his friends. Would you suddenly feel like sparing him?"
"They are the ones who already damned themselves by forcing innocent ponies to suffer so they might have happiness. I ask you this then.
If there was a violent conqueror, who raped pillaged and murdered those who opposed him, usually sacrificing them to his god in exchange for his victories. And you got to his palace. Built with the blood and bones of those he didn't like, and found him showering pleasant gifts on his friends. Would you suddenly feel like sparing him?"
>>562919
"Of course not. That is why we are headed to the castle. But I would spare his concubines, his his soliers drafted from the fields or swayed by promises of enough pay to feel their families.
…in the houses of nobles, so many have been ruined because they were fooled by the lies of those noble in birth. I cannot hate these lovers or dreamers for falling into the same trap as so many others."
"Of course not. That is why we are headed to the castle. But I would spare his concubines, his his soliers drafted from the fields or swayed by promises of enough pay to feel their families.
…in the houses of nobles, so many have been ruined because they were fooled by the lies of those noble in birth. I cannot hate these lovers or dreamers for falling into the same trap as so many others."
>>562920
"Why do you assume they were tricked? They would not be here if not through doing hard work for the cult. They may have personally sacrificed thousands to get here. And if they didn't they must have known the price that was paid for them. They just… don't care and I hate them for that."
"Why do you assume they were tricked? They would not be here if not through doing hard work for the cult. They may have personally sacrificed thousands to get here. And if they didn't they must have known the price that was paid for them. They just… don't care and I hate them for that."
>>562921
Look around and stay quiet for a moment.
"You have just described how I feel about the entirety of the noblility I was born into. Including my own family…
When they bear the mutations or rant about the coming darkness, it's easy to know when to strike. But when I look around here, and see the faces of my Mother, my sister, my uncle…
My hatred for them remains, but… If I raise my blade against them… Should I also raise it against my own flesh and blood?"
Look around and stay quiet for a moment.
"You have just described how I feel about the entirety of the noblility I was born into. Including my own family…
When they bear the mutations or rant about the coming darkness, it's easy to know when to strike. But when I look around here, and see the faces of my Mother, my sister, my uncle…
My hatred for them remains, but… If I raise my blade against them… Should I also raise it against my own flesh and blood?"
>>562923
"Yes. Is the destruction of that which they have built not a fitting punishment? Remember Sweet Potato, who was willing to aid us even though she knew it would lead to the destruction of the place she gave up everything for. What is to say that more cannot be saved?
If we cut the head from this snake, who can and cannot be saved will be apparent. Until them… Any blood spilled that I could not be certain whether it was beyond redemption would weigh heavy on my heart."
Sigh and rub my chest.
"And there has been too much darkness placed in my heart as it is."
"Yes. Is the destruction of that which they have built not a fitting punishment? Remember Sweet Potato, who was willing to aid us even though she knew it would lead to the destruction of the place she gave up everything for. What is to say that more cannot be saved?
If we cut the head from this snake, who can and cannot be saved will be apparent. Until them… Any blood spilled that I could not be certain whether it was beyond redemption would weigh heavy on my heart."
Sigh and rub my chest.
"And there has been too much darkness placed in my heart as it is."
>>562927
"No willI, but… I'm scared, Coral."
Look down at the ground and choke back a sob.
"I have this… This thing that they put inside me, and… Every time I feel anger, or hate, or despair, it grows stronger. This compassion… This unwillingness to harm, even when they deserve it… It's allI have to prove to myself that I'm not becoming one of them."
Choke back another sob.
"I don't wanna be a monster! I just wanna go home! Start a family with Silk! Live day to day without this… This infection eating at my heart!"
"No willI, but… I'm scared, Coral."
Look down at the ground and choke back a sob.
"I have this… This thing that they put inside me, and… Every time I feel anger, or hate, or despair, it grows stronger. This compassion… This unwillingness to harm, even when they deserve it… It's allI have to prove to myself that I'm not becoming one of them."
Choke back another sob.
"I don't wanna be a monster! I just wanna go home! Start a family with Silk! Live day to day without this… This infection eating at my heart!"
>>562934
"…I understand your reasons. And while I am not nearly as articulate as you. I ask that you understand my reasons as well."
Then the compassion leaves my voice.
"I will do my best to keep my word to you and whisper and not harm any but tirek. I ask that if someone confesses to a horrid crime in front of us. You do not hold us back from ending them."
"…I understand your reasons. And while I am not nearly as articulate as you. I ask that you understand my reasons as well."
Then the compassion leaves my voice.
"I will do my best to keep my word to you and whisper and not harm any but tirek. I ask that if someone confesses to a horrid crime in front of us. You do not hold us back from ending them."
>>562937
Blink, then wince.
"…That we did. But that was before we saw what was here… Who these ponies were. I had never imagined that the followers of Tirek would have something like this.
And you heard Sweet Potato. It was not for Tirek that she laid down her arms, but the city of Dreams. How many others might have come here for the same reasons, only to fall victim to these illusions?
…It is my weakness that has stayed our blades, not yours. If you truly believe that we must slaughter all those here before continuing on our way… I will not stop you."
Blink, then wince.
"…That we did. But that was before we saw what was here… Who these ponies were. I had never imagined that the followers of Tirek would have something like this.
And you heard Sweet Potato. It was not for Tirek that she laid down her arms, but the city of Dreams. How many others might have come here for the same reasons, only to fall victim to these illusions?
…It is my weakness that has stayed our blades, not yours. If you truly believe that we must slaughter all those here before continuing on our way… I will not stop you."
>>562940
Stay silent, then look down as I put a hoof over my heart.
"…That is what I'm afraid of. If I don't feel rage, that is obviously bad because I should feel rage, but… I'm scared that being consumed with rage might be even worse."
Sigh and hang my head.
"No matter how I try, it seems I just can't win…"
Stay silent, then look down as I put a hoof over my heart.
"…That is what I'm afraid of. If I don't feel rage, that is obviously bad because I should feel rage, but… I'm scared that being consumed with rage might be even worse."
Sigh and hang my head.
"No matter how I try, it seems I just can't win…"
Now that Ember is done composing himself, you are free to advance.
The Sanctum lies before you. If you present proof of deep love, or a gift to the Witness, you will surely be granted passage.
It is up to you to inform Grace about the fact that Sundancer is lounging in a nearby pool, or let him enjoy his ignorance.
The Sanctum lies before you. If you present proof of deep love, or a gift to the Witness, you will surely be granted passage.
It is up to you to inform Grace about the fact that Sundancer is lounging in a nearby pool, or let him enjoy his ignorance.
>>564893
Around is probably faster. The Sanctum is at the center of the whole pools area.
>>564895
"All fine here, Ember."
>>564894
>>564891
After passing through the steam and avoiding any nasty slips on the wet floor, you finally emerge at the gates of the Central Sanctum. It is a great circular tower surrounded by a deep pit. Several bridges link its many doors to the outer ring you are on. On each bridge, two guards stand watch.
Around is probably faster. The Sanctum is at the center of the whole pools area.
>>564895
"All fine here, Ember."
>>564894
>>564891
After passing through the steam and avoiding any nasty slips on the wet floor, you finally emerge at the gates of the Central Sanctum. It is a great circular tower surrounded by a deep pit. Several bridges link its many doors to the outer ring you are on. On each bridge, two guards stand watch.
>>564912
"We can discuss personal matters when time is no longer such a constraint, Ember. But next time, try to show at least some self-respect."
>>564911
>>564913
The Sanctum is much like the tower of Dreams. Observers move around from side to side, watching over what they can see. The most notable difference is the… relaxed dress code.
"We can discuss personal matters when time is no longer such a constraint, Ember. But next time, try to show at least some self-respect."
>>564911
>>564913
The Sanctum is much like the tower of Dreams. Observers move around from side to side, watching over what they can see. The most notable difference is the… relaxed dress code.
>>564915
Somewhere between "might as well not be there" and "more revealing than naked".
Love comes in… many forms?
>>564916
You give him a nudge to remind him of his place, and keep moving.
>>564917
"Unfortunate, soldier. Keep a pace up and your eyes where they belong."
Silk silently frowns at this.
>>564918
You don't see so many bridles in one place often.
After a bit of confused wandering, you are accosted by one of the Heralds of Love.
"You must be the Pilgrims of Faith, yes?"
Somewhere between "might as well not be there" and "more revealing than naked".
Love comes in… many forms?
>>564916
You give him a nudge to remind him of his place, and keep moving.
>>564917
"Unfortunate, soldier. Keep a pace up and your eyes where they belong."
Silk silently frowns at this.
>>564918
You don't see so many bridles in one place often.
After a bit of confused wandering, you are accosted by one of the Heralds of Love.
"You must be the Pilgrims of Faith, yes?"
>>564923
"Do you believe you have any air of authority left when I can still smell myself on you?"
>>564920
Try not to make it too obvious, or someone might come and help you.
>>564922
>>564924
The herald bows slightly
"I am here to send you on your way to the Witness of Love. She will judge your right of passage to the realm of Faith.
She awaits in the Pit. The stairs are over there. Head to the bottom, and present your gifts to her."
>>564921
You look around, and take a moment to appreciate the wardrobe design, from translucent silken robes sown to both invite and display all to any standing behind them, to bridles and saddles that expose and restrain in equal measure.
"Do you believe you have any air of authority left when I can still smell myself on you?"
>>564920
Try not to make it too obvious, or someone might come and help you.
>>564922
>>564924
The herald bows slightly
"I am here to send you on your way to the Witness of Love. She will judge your right of passage to the realm of Faith.
She awaits in the Pit. The stairs are over there. Head to the bottom, and present your gifts to her."
>>564921
You look around, and take a moment to appreciate the wardrobe design, from translucent silken robes sown to both invite and display all to any standing behind them, to bridles and saddles that expose and restrain in equal measure.
>>564928
Dare you roll to hide your sweating?
>>564927
You snap your eyes back at the Herald, and his oiled, muscular form
>>564929
You head to the stairs, and descend into darkness.
The stairs are all covered in soft velvet that muffles your steps. However, you could probably not hear them anyway. All around you, panting, moaning, grunting and screaming echoes from the walls. The air is thick with the scent of arousal, and the dim light makes it hard to be sure what awaits below. It almost looks like the walls themselves are writhing…
>>564930
"…I sure hope not."
Dare you roll to hide your sweating?
>>564927
You snap your eyes back at the Herald, and his oiled, muscular form
>>564929
You head to the stairs, and descend into darkness.
The stairs are all covered in soft velvet that muffles your steps. However, you could probably not hear them anyway. All around you, panting, moaning, grunting and screaming echoes from the walls. The air is thick with the scent of arousal, and the dim light makes it hard to be sure what awaits below. It almost looks like the walls themselves are writhing…
>>564930
"…I sure hope not."
>>564926
Press my face right against his.
"Authority? AUTHORITY!? Ever since I was born, I've been drowning in authority! Authority over the houses perimeter guard, authority ocer the setvants, authority over the troops- the only time i get the chance to relax and not have to bear rhe responsibility of command is when i'm, intimate, because otherwise ponies die!"
Press my face right against his.
"Authority? AUTHORITY!? Ever since I was born, I've been drowning in authority! Authority over the houses perimeter guard, authority ocer the setvants, authority over the troops- the only time i get the chance to relax and not have to bear rhe responsibility of command is when i'm, intimate, because otherwise ponies die!"
>>564932
As you head for the stairs, you feel a slap on the flank
"You'll find more than everything you need down there~"
>>564933
Sunsong takes a step back, and bows a little "We will settle this… later. Ember."
Well, at least he didn't call you 'Soldier'.
Before either of you can react further, Dulltooth grabs you both
"Friends not fight. Not yell. Now be friends. Work to do."
>>564934
You come face to face with the same she did. A dimly lit descent into a cacophony of carnal pleasures.
>>564936
"I will admit I wasn't quite… prepared for this."
As you head for the stairs, you feel a slap on the flank
"You'll find more than everything you need down there~"
>>564933
Sunsong takes a step back, and bows a little "We will settle this… later. Ember."
Well, at least he didn't call you 'Soldier'.
Before either of you can react further, Dulltooth grabs you both
"Friends not fight. Not yell. Now be friends. Work to do."
>>564934
You come face to face with the same she did. A dimly lit descent into a cacophony of carnal pleasures.
>>564936
"I will admit I wasn't quite… prepared for this."
>>564939
You are a master of your boner, the emperor of erections who reigns with an iron fist over all things that dangle between his limbs.
You need not fear, for your boner is no rebel. It is a humble servant, awaiting your call before awakening.
>>564938
As you keep walking, you pass some iron bars lining the wall. A loud "YES" makes you jump, and you realize why the walls seem to be writhing. They are. The stairs spiral down before countless barred windows to private and less private rooms, with what must be hundreds of Lovers engaged in open display.
>>564940
"Just keep your cool. We'll be fine."
Your descent continues, and as you get lower, the heat and smell only increase.
Roll to see what awaits you on this journey. Whisper can count that 10 if he so desires.
You are a master of your boner, the emperor of erections who reigns with an iron fist over all things that dangle between his limbs.
You need not fear, for your boner is no rebel. It is a humble servant, awaiting your call before awakening.
>>564938
As you keep walking, you pass some iron bars lining the wall. A loud "YES" makes you jump, and you realize why the walls seem to be writhing. They are. The stairs spiral down before countless barred windows to private and less private rooms, with what must be hundreds of Lovers engaged in open display.
>>564940
"Just keep your cool. We'll be fine."
Your descent continues, and as you get lower, the heat and smell only increase.
Roll to see what awaits you on this journey. Whisper can count that 10 if he so desires.
>>564943
It seems this realm is very mundane, by the standards of those who have delved too far into the home of magic. You focus on your task. Your Cloudy. Maybe a little on his sculpted flanks. And endure the world around you.
>>564944
You stick near Grace, but forget to watch your six. From somewhere, someone bits your butt, and as you turn around, you see somepony else desperately thrusting at you through the bars at face level.
Grace seems oblivious to your plight, as he mutters prayers.
>>564945
Silk is starting to look a little on edge.
Dulltooth even more so.
Sunsong keeps a stern look on his face and refuses to acknowledge anything that may be going on in him.
>>564942
While the others focus on keeping their bodies in line, you, the sovereign of stiffies, scout around properly. And make one very notable discovery.
In one of the small rooms next to the stairs, towards the bottom, you spot two unmistakable ponies - Lady Blazing Sunset, and Calming Breeze.
It seems this realm is very mundane, by the standards of those who have delved too far into the home of magic. You focus on your task. Your Cloudy. Maybe a little on his sculpted flanks. And endure the world around you.
>>564944
You stick near Grace, but forget to watch your six. From somewhere, someone bits your butt, and as you turn around, you see somepony else desperately thrusting at you through the bars at face level.
Grace seems oblivious to your plight, as he mutters prayers.
>>564945
Silk is starting to look a little on edge.
Dulltooth even more so.
Sunsong keeps a stern look on his face and refuses to acknowledge anything that may be going on in him.
>>564942
While the others focus on keeping their bodies in line, you, the sovereign of stiffies, scout around properly. And make one very notable discovery.
In one of the small rooms next to the stairs, towards the bottom, you spot two unmistakable ponies - Lady Blazing Sunset, and Calming Breeze.
>>564947
"SCREAM FOR MEEEEEE!!"
He seems to like it.
Grace turns around and calmly picks you up, tossing you on his back
"Lets go."
>>564948
So it seems. She seems to be the leading one.
>>564949
A pony flops down from one of the alcoves near the stairs, rapidly panting as another in the shadows still works their magic.
"You… seek the Witnesss…
…you are… some… hardcore… sick freaks… aren't you?"
"SCREAM FOR MEEEEEE!!"
He seems to like it.
Grace turns around and calmly picks you up, tossing you on his back
"Lets go."
>>564948
So it seems. She seems to be the leading one.
>>564949
A pony flops down from one of the alcoves near the stairs, rapidly panting as another in the shadows still works their magic.
"You… seek the Witnesss…
…you are… some… hardcore… sick freaks… aren't you?"
>>564956
>>564958
"The Witness… is with… all those… who need… her… most…
At… the… BOTTOM! Ngghh…."
>>564957
Calming tries to reply something, but he seems a little… spent.
Blazing's mane is a mess and her face is locked in a tired, panting grin.
"I… suppose it couldn't be helped."
>>564955
He is taking all this… incredibly well. No sign of worry or distraction.
"One more."
Another jump later he winces a little and then lets you down
"We're almost there now."
>>564958
"The Witness… is with… all those… who need… her… most…
At… the… BOTTOM! Ngghh…."
>>564957
Calming tries to reply something, but he seems a little… spent.
Blazing's mane is a mess and her face is locked in a tired, panting grin.
"I… suppose it couldn't be helped."
>>564955
He is taking all this… incredibly well. No sign of worry or distraction.
"One more."
Another jump later he winces a little and then lets you down
"We're almost there now."
>>564969
You heal his legs. It does nothing for the years of scars, but dulls the pain of landing.
"It is how I have lived this far, Blossom."
>>564970
"What else can be done? This place… it… I wanted to feel love. But now it has all become far too much. I… I'm a little whore aren't I?"
She is trying to sneakily grope you.
It is pretty obvious she is not quite herself.
>>564973
You head down the stairs, blocking your mind from all the things you pass by, step over, duck under and brush away from your face.
>>564971
Dulltooth is not easy to catch, but he manages to soften his own landing by grabbing the wall as he descends.
He glances back at the basket and fidgets.
Sunsong lands in your hooves softly, and gives a friendly nod
"Thank you, Ember."
You heal his legs. It does nothing for the years of scars, but dulls the pain of landing.
"It is how I have lived this far, Blossom."
>>564970
"What else can be done? This place… it… I wanted to feel love. But now it has all become far too much. I… I'm a little whore aren't I?"
She is trying to sneakily grope you.
It is pretty obvious she is not quite herself.
>>564973
You head down the stairs, blocking your mind from all the things you pass by, step over, duck under and brush away from your face.
>>564971
Dulltooth is not easy to catch, but he manages to soften his own landing by grabbing the wall as he descends.
He glances back at the basket and fidgets.
Sunsong lands in your hooves softly, and gives a friendly nod
"Thank you, Ember."
>>565027
>>565028
>>565029
You head down the final stretch and come to the threshold of the Pit's bottom.
At this moment you realize that the bottom is not the round floor of the tower you climbed down. It is a massive oblong hall. The floor may be still covered in velvet, but it's impossible to tell because you can barely see it from under all the ponies. And diamond dogs. And goats. And gryphons. And minotaurs. And chimera. But you need to take a number and wait your turn for that one.
In the far distance, beyond the heaving sea of moaning bodies, rises a great throne illuminated by fire as red as flesh and desire. There is no doubt that is where the Witness of Love resides.
>>565028
>>565029
You head down the final stretch and come to the threshold of the Pit's bottom.
At this moment you realize that the bottom is not the round floor of the tower you climbed down. It is a massive oblong hall. The floor may be still covered in velvet, but it's impossible to tell because you can barely see it from under all the ponies. And diamond dogs. And goats. And gryphons. And minotaurs. And chimera. But you need to take a number and wait your turn for that one.
In the far distance, beyond the heaving sea of moaning bodies, rises a great throne illuminated by fire as red as flesh and desire. There is no doubt that is where the Witness of Love resides.
>>565034
Surely you can keep yourself in check, right?
>>565036
He sighs and tries to stare at you as he walks, but keeps tripping over ponies on the floor because of this.
>>565038
You begin making your final journey into the darkest bowels of the temple of love.
The noise grows until it is a single, booming mess where no individual moan, groan or scream can be separated. Your vision has become a blur of bare bodies, twisted faces and more shameless acts than you ever cares to imagine, let alone witness, in private or otherwise. With every step, a pleading hoof or three reached out to tease you, nudge you, beg you to join the sea of debauchery. Your senses are overloaded. Your bodies forced to their limits.
You bring yourselves to an edge at the far end of this long, hot, tunnel. Can you get over it?
Surely you can keep yourself in check, right?
>>565036
He sighs and tries to stare at you as he walks, but keeps tripping over ponies on the floor because of this.
>>565038
You begin making your final journey into the darkest bowels of the temple of love.
The noise grows until it is a single, booming mess where no individual moan, groan or scream can be separated. Your vision has become a blur of bare bodies, twisted faces and more shameless acts than you ever cares to imagine, let alone witness, in private or otherwise. With every step, a pleading hoof or three reached out to tease you, nudge you, beg you to join the sea of debauchery. Your senses are overloaded. Your bodies forced to their limits.
You bring yourselves to an edge at the far end of this long, hot, tunnel. Can you get over it?
>>565040
>>565042
>>565043
You step over the edge
And find yourselves on a clear velvet floor.
The air is clear. The noise is gone. It is as if you had entered an entirely different place.
Before you, atop a great throne shaped like a mound of ponies, ranging from holding hooves and resting against eachother to clawing at the air in throes of extasy, sits a mare of pure silvery white
She addresses you, her voice soft and caring. The third eye on her forehead staring at you from above the blindfold covering her real ones.
"Pilgrims, you have forsaken the promises of dreams and the temptations of love. You have left hind all this, and marched on. That can only mean one of two things.
Either you have come to me to make a very specific wish regarding your love.
Or you are Pilgrims of Faith, who have done well to prove themselves."
>>565042
>>565043
You step over the edge
And find yourselves on a clear velvet floor.
The air is clear. The noise is gone. It is as if you had entered an entirely different place.
Before you, atop a great throne shaped like a mound of ponies, ranging from holding hooves and resting against eachother to clawing at the air in throes of extasy, sits a mare of pure silvery white
She addresses you, her voice soft and caring. The third eye on her forehead staring at you from above the blindfold covering her real ones.
"Pilgrims, you have forsaken the promises of dreams and the temptations of love. You have left hind all this, and marched on. That can only mean one of two things.
Either you have come to me to make a very specific wish regarding your love.
Or you are Pilgrims of Faith, who have done well to prove themselves."
>>565048
>>565050
>>565051
"Yes… it takes deep faith to make it this far.
I am the Witness of Love"
She gently caresses an image of two ponies embracing on her throne
"It is my duty, as is the duty of all Witnesses, to guide those who reside in my realm, and judge those who would pass on to the next.
You, pilgrims of Faith, have proven that you truly are dead to the world. Your hearts hollow and dreams empty, with no desires of the mind of body. There is nothing in you any more that makes you ponies. All that you have left, is the darkness of Tirek. And the faith you needed to do this to yourselves.
You will make fine servants for the High Priests."
>>565050
>>565051
"Yes… it takes deep faith to make it this far.
I am the Witness of Love"
She gently caresses an image of two ponies embracing on her throne
"It is my duty, as is the duty of all Witnesses, to guide those who reside in my realm, and judge those who would pass on to the next.
You, pilgrims of Faith, have proven that you truly are dead to the world. Your hearts hollow and dreams empty, with no desires of the mind of body. There is nothing in you any more that makes you ponies. All that you have left, is the darkness of Tirek. And the faith you needed to do this to yourselves.
You will make fine servants for the High Priests."
>>565059
Her third eye locks onto it, almost hypnotized by the depth of darkness in it.
"Yes… it's fantastic.
Were it not for the mage before you… this would be the greatest gift we have seen in a long time."
She climbs back on her throne, and slowly nods
"The way to your fate lies in Midnight Castle. It is but a short walk away once you leave."
The gates behind her throne open, letting in a rush of cold night air
"Midnight forever. Friends."
Her third eye locks onto it, almost hypnotized by the depth of darkness in it.
"Yes… it's fantastic.
Were it not for the mage before you… this would be the greatest gift we have seen in a long time."
She climbs back on her throne, and slowly nods
"The way to your fate lies in Midnight Castle. It is but a short walk away once you leave."
The gates behind her throne open, letting in a rush of cold night air
"Midnight forever. Friends."
>>565061
>>565062
>>565063
There is something very grim about hearing nearly everyone repeat that heretical phrase in quiet, droning voices.
You walk past the Witness of Love, who remains in her place, watching over those who failed on the last legs of their journey to faith.
Outside, you are greeted by the cold night air and coastal wind. Compared to the heat you just marched though, it is all the more chilling.
The great dark spires of Midnight Castle rise before you, a winding, wind swept road leading up to its massive gates.
Looking back, you see the immense walls of the Temple of Love, the treetops of its gardens, and far beyond that, down near the shore, the countless lights of the City of Dreams. You have come far, pilgrims. So very far.
But your real trials have yet to even truly begin.
NEXT TIME ON MIDNIGHT FOREVER
OLD FACES
NEW CHALLENGES
AND TWISTS OF ALL KINDS
>>565062
>>565063
There is something very grim about hearing nearly everyone repeat that heretical phrase in quiet, droning voices.
You walk past the Witness of Love, who remains in her place, watching over those who failed on the last legs of their journey to faith.
Outside, you are greeted by the cold night air and coastal wind. Compared to the heat you just marched though, it is all the more chilling.
The great dark spires of Midnight Castle rise before you, a winding, wind swept road leading up to its massive gates.
Looking back, you see the immense walls of the Temple of Love, the treetops of its gardens, and far beyond that, down near the shore, the countless lights of the City of Dreams. You have come far, pilgrims. So very far.
But your real trials have yet to even truly begin.
NEXT TIME ON MIDNIGHT FOREVER
OLD FACES
NEW CHALLENGES
AND TWISTS OF ALL KINDS
>>565091
She kind of nods and says loudly "steel our hearts against temptation. For temptation leads you away from true love."
Quieter. Only to you. "I won't say its been easy. And in fact I expect to be arrested for heresy later. If I stop to think. I will think of all the ways this ends bad for me.. so.. if that inspiries you.. then I am glad."
She kind of nods and says loudly "steel our hearts against temptation. For temptation leads you away from true love."
Quieter. Only to you. "I won't say its been easy. And in fact I expect to be arrested for heresy later. If I stop to think. I will think of all the ways this ends bad for me.. so.. if that inspiries you.. then I am glad."
>>565139
Nod to her.
>>565141
Take the group somewhere out of eyesight.
Bring a hoof to the holy icon on my chest and sit down.
Extend the other hoof above the group.
Close my eyes and in a calm, clear voice, start the low chanting.
"As bright the Sun,
As pale the Moon.
Be in the truths of Light
or the hopes of Dreams
Our souls, filled with fervor
Our hooves, bearing might
Our minds, clear of doubts
Will not suffer the oppressor
Nor fall to temptations
As a thanks for your protection.
For as bright the Sun,
As pale the Moon."
Nod to her.
>>565141
Take the group somewhere out of eyesight.
Bring a hoof to the holy icon on my chest and sit down.
Extend the other hoof above the group.
Close my eyes and in a calm, clear voice, start the low chanting.
"As bright the Sun,
As pale the Moon.
Be in the truths of Light
or the hopes of Dreams
Our souls, filled with fervor
Our hooves, bearing might
Our minds, clear of doubts
Will not suffer the oppressor
Nor fall to temptations
As a thanks for your protection.
For as bright the Sun,
As pale the Moon."
Once she finishes I add in "May the princess of love eternal, pure and clean like the crystal heart of our empire, purify your heart and soul, and lead your mind to the purest thoughts of love and life. And may she reward us all with pure happiness, not born of sins, but of compassion for life."
>>565205
"I've been trained from very young to serve my house. I've had little happiness during my life, not without buying it at least. It made me strong I was told. I was a weapon for my House, as my father was. I had solace in my duty.
Now I'm not so sure."
I look up and think of the Boss.
"Perhaps, when all of this is over, I'll seek a new path. Something I believe in."
"I've been trained from very young to serve my house. I've had little happiness during my life, not without buying it at least. It made me strong I was told. I was a weapon for my House, as my father was. I had solace in my duty.
Now I'm not so sure."
I look up and think of the Boss.
"Perhaps, when all of this is over, I'll seek a new path. Something I believe in."
>>565238
"…I'm tired, Blossom. So very tired…
I fought you all over how to reach here, forced you all to stay your weapons… only to find the thing I defended was that… That perversion."
I look up, my eyes hard as I glare at nothing.
"I have no mercy left in my heart. When we get there, everything dies."
"…I'm tired, Blossom. So very tired…
I fought you all over how to reach here, forced you all to stay your weapons… only to find the thing I defended was that… That perversion."
I look up, my eyes hard as I glare at nothing.
"I have no mercy left in my heart. When we get there, everything dies."
>>566566
>>566567
>>566569
"Lets go then."
And so you head off on your final journey on this forsaken rock. The wind lashes at you like a furious tormentor, but you march on. By the time you reach the gates, the sky has gone entirely dark. There is no moon, nor stars. Only darkness. The city of dreams, far below, looks peaceful and distant. So far removed from all this.
The gates before you are mighty. Wrought from dark iron and inscribed with imagery of demons and dragons, they are a sight to behold indeed.
Upon the gates, something is written in Dark Tongue
Speak your devotion, and enter
>>566567
>>566569
"Lets go then."
And so you head off on your final journey on this forsaken rock. The wind lashes at you like a furious tormentor, but you march on. By the time you reach the gates, the sky has gone entirely dark. There is no moon, nor stars. Only darkness. The city of dreams, far below, looks peaceful and distant. So far removed from all this.
The gates before you are mighty. Wrought from dark iron and inscribed with imagery of demons and dragons, they are a sight to behold indeed.
Upon the gates, something is written in Dark Tongue
Speak your devotion, and enter
>>566585
"Oh. Uh, well, I'm not the best at prayers, I prefwr to use my actions, but I'll try.
Tirek, lord of Midnight, grace us with your blessing, for we have tavelled long and faced many trials in hope of meeting thee.
Let us devote ourself and our faith within the walls of thy castle, that our service may be seen before his eyes."
"Oh. Uh, well, I'm not the best at prayers, I prefwr to use my actions, but I'll try.
Tirek, lord of Midnight, grace us with your blessing, for we have tavelled long and faced many trials in hope of meeting thee.
Let us devote ourself and our faith within the walls of thy castle, that our service may be seen before his eyes."
>>566589
The ghostly Valiant is walking right alongside you.
>>566590
>>566591
>>566592
This place is huge. The entrance hall alone must be three or four stories high. The lighting is strange to adapt to, as it seems the entire place is lit solely with Black Flames.
A number of robed cultists are praying and replacing burnt-out braziers.
You can see some signs of a battle being cleaned up. It seems someone huge and powerful cleaved his way through here earlier.
The ghostly Valiant is walking right alongside you.
>>566590
>>566591
>>566592
This place is huge. The entrance hall alone must be three or four stories high. The lighting is strange to adapt to, as it seems the entire place is lit solely with Black Flames.
A number of robed cultists are praying and replacing burnt-out braziers.
You can see some signs of a battle being cleaned up. It seems someone huge and powerful cleaved his way through here earlier.
>>566622
The pursuer, a nimble beast of many legs, easily skitters around your shot and hits you
>>566624
The Defender, a massive slab of a beast, raises its mighty greatshield and easily blocks your swing, then bashes you with its other shield.
Cloud slams the skittering Pursuer, making its fragile form reel.
>>566625
You mess up your steps and fall over.
>>566627
As the Pursuer tries to find its balance, you leap at it, smashing it down with ease
Dulltooth grabs hold of the twin greatshields of the Defender, rips them wide open and headbutts the monster before suplexing it to the ground. While this deals heavy damage, it seems he is simply too tough to put down instantly.
Sunsong raises his shield "None shall fall here. Not while I still stand."
The Heavy has ample time to wind up a massive attack with its gigantic greatsword. Roll to dodge!
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender 20/3
Mutant Heavy 10/5
Mutant Pursuer HELPLESS/14
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 7/5
+Sunsong 7/5 [GUARDIAN]
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 4/5
Fire Blossom 4/5
The pursuer, a nimble beast of many legs, easily skitters around your shot and hits you
>>566624
The Defender, a massive slab of a beast, raises its mighty greatshield and easily blocks your swing, then bashes you with its other shield.
Cloud slams the skittering Pursuer, making its fragile form reel.
>>566625
You mess up your steps and fall over.
>>566627
As the Pursuer tries to find its balance, you leap at it, smashing it down with ease
Dulltooth grabs hold of the twin greatshields of the Defender, rips them wide open and headbutts the monster before suplexing it to the ground. While this deals heavy damage, it seems he is simply too tough to put down instantly.
Sunsong raises his shield "None shall fall here. Not while I still stand."
The Heavy has ample time to wind up a massive attack with its gigantic greatsword. Roll to dodge!
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender 20/3
Mutant Heavy 10/5
Mutant Pursuer HELPLESS/14
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 7/5
+Sunsong 7/5 [GUARDIAN]
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 4/5
Fire Blossom 4/5
>>566631
We Dodging! '3d10'
If we can take actions afterwards, I'll Inspire while Dulltooth and Sunsong attack the pursuer.
"Purge the castle! Not one of these abominations will still stand by day's end! FORWARD, TO END THE NIGHTMARE!"
'1d10+1' '1d10+1' '1d10'
Roll #1 10, 1, 6 = 17 / Roll #2 8 + 1 = 9 / Roll #3 8 + 1 = 9 / Roll #4 9 = 9
We Dodging! '3d10'
If we can take actions afterwards, I'll Inspire while Dulltooth and Sunsong attack the pursuer.
"Purge the castle! Not one of these abominations will still stand by day's end! FORWARD, TO END THE NIGHTMARE!"
'1d10+1' '1d10+1' '1d10'
Roll #1 10, 1, 6 = 17 / Roll #2 8 + 1 = 9 / Roll #3 8 + 1 = 9 / Roll #4 9 = 9
>>566634
>>566635
>>566638
>>566632
You nimbly evade the massive swing, save for Dulltooth and Whisper, who would have gotten cut down with ease had it not been for Sunsong. However, defending against a blow that heavy left its mark regardless of his notable skills.
The rest of Ember's actions will be counted next turn when everyone else is done rolling too.
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender 20/3
Mutant Heavy 10/5
Mutant Pursuer HELPLESS/14
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 1/5
+Sunsong 1/5 [GUARDIAN - 2]
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 4/5
>>566635
>>566638
>>566632
You nimbly evade the massive swing, save for Dulltooth and Whisper, who would have gotten cut down with ease had it not been for Sunsong. However, defending against a blow that heavy left its mark regardless of his notable skills.
The rest of Ember's actions will be counted next turn when everyone else is done rolling too.
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender 20/3
Mutant Heavy 10/5
Mutant Pursuer HELPLESS/14
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 1/5
+Sunsong 1/5 [GUARDIAN - 2]
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 4/5
>>566638
You inspire everyone to give them +1 to all rolls!
Dulltooth and Sunsong continue to beat on the Pursuer
>>566645
The Defender bashes you with his shield, but you evade the worst of it, at the cost of failing to heal.
>>566646
You join the others in attacking the Pursuer
>>566647
Cloud stumbles as he fails to hit the Pursuer, and it clambers back on its many legs!
your shatter knocks the Heavy down, and damages its sword!
#+1 to all rolls!
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender 20/3
Mutant Heavy HELPLESS/4
Mutant Pursuer 5/11
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 1/5
+Sunsong 1/5 [GUARDIAN - 1]
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
You inspire everyone to give them +1 to all rolls!
Dulltooth and Sunsong continue to beat on the Pursuer
>>566645
The Defender bashes you with his shield, but you evade the worst of it, at the cost of failing to heal.
>>566646
You join the others in attacking the Pursuer
>>566647
Cloud stumbles as he fails to hit the Pursuer, and it clambers back on its many legs!
your shatter knocks the Heavy down, and damages its sword!
#+1 to all rolls!
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender 20/3
Mutant Heavy HELPLESS/4
Mutant Pursuer 5/11
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 1/5
+Sunsong 1/5 [GUARDIAN - 1]
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
>>566656
You slam your halberd down, blasting the Heavy and Pursuer down, and massively damaging the Defender
>>566658
As he reels, you find a weakness in his great armored hide and stab, breaking something vital in there.
>>566659
>>566661
Your charge may have been short-lived had Sunsong not thrown himself in the fray. At the end of it, he is helpless, but the rest of you survive unscathed.
This is your chance, make it count.
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender 13/2
Mutant Heavy HELPLESS/3
Mutant Pursuer HELPLESS/9
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 1/5
+Sunsong HELPLESS/4
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
You slam your halberd down, blasting the Heavy and Pursuer down, and massively damaging the Defender
>>566658
As he reels, you find a weakness in his great armored hide and stab, breaking something vital in there.
>>566659
>>566661
Your charge may have been short-lived had Sunsong not thrown himself in the fray. At the end of it, he is helpless, but the rest of you survive unscathed.
This is your chance, make it count.
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender 13/2
Mutant Heavy HELPLESS/3
Mutant Pursuer HELPLESS/9
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 1/5
+Sunsong HELPLESS/4
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
>>566672
You pull Sunsong up, his wounds closing as he rises. This is no time to stay down. There is work to do.
>>566678
In a moment of clarity, you see Cadence appear before you, her wing drawing a path for you. You see it, embrace it, and execute it. A flawless arc that strikes through all three mutants, knocking them back with the force of an angry god's servant.
Cloud joins in with a thundering slam to the Defender, splitting its shielded defense.
>>566679
With the massive Defender reeling at last, you bring him down with a gigantic strike.
Dulltooth tries to leap at the Heavy, but gets pinned by the falling Defender
Sunsong charges the Pursuer
>>566681
You slam your blades down and crack the Heavy wide open, its massive limbs flailing hopelessly as it bleeds dry
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender HELPLESS/1
Mutant Heavy DEAD
Mutant Pursuer HELPLESS/6
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4kR8lDOANs
You pull Sunsong up, his wounds closing as he rises. This is no time to stay down. There is work to do.
>>566678
In a moment of clarity, you see Cadence appear before you, her wing drawing a path for you. You see it, embrace it, and execute it. A flawless arc that strikes through all three mutants, knocking them back with the force of an angry god's servant.
Cloud joins in with a thundering slam to the Defender, splitting its shielded defense.
>>566679
With the massive Defender reeling at last, you bring him down with a gigantic strike.
Dulltooth tries to leap at the Heavy, but gets pinned by the falling Defender
Sunsong charges the Pursuer
>>566681
You slam your blades down and crack the Heavy wide open, its massive limbs flailing hopelessly as it bleeds dry
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender HELPLESS/1
Mutant Heavy DEAD
Mutant Pursuer HELPLESS/6
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4kR8lDOANs
>>566736
Your inspiring litany if cut short due to a punch to the chin. It flows from that to another aimed at Sunsong, but gets knocked back by Dulltooth.
>>566743
You and the Pursuer manage to cross counter eachother, but Cloudy takes the hit for you
>>566747
You take a hard strike as the Pursuer falls
>>566748
And you shoot a chunk off of it, leaving it near death
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender DEAD
Mutant Heavy DEAD
Mutant Pursuer HELPLESS/2
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 5/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 3/4
Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
Your inspiring litany if cut short due to a punch to the chin. It flows from that to another aimed at Sunsong, but gets knocked back by Dulltooth.
>>566743
You and the Pursuer manage to cross counter eachother, but Cloudy takes the hit for you
>>566747
You take a hard strike as the Pursuer falls
>>566748
And you shoot a chunk off of it, leaving it near death
#ENEMY
Mutant Defender DEAD
Mutant Heavy DEAD
Mutant Pursuer HELPLESS/2
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 5/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 3/4
Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
>>566815
You blow out a few of the braziers on the wall and spook a lot of the praying acolytes, but the ghost remains unharmed
"You are wasting your time."
>>566822
"Oh, I have no place else to be right now. Might as well keep you… company."
>>566855
The ghost bows
"I am Valiant Virtue. The gate keeper of Midnight Castle. And the Witness of Faith."
>>566832
"Well, if you insist."
He raises his hoof again
A massive demon drops onto the hall floor from some upper area.
It towers far above you, to the point where hitting its head is only possible with a ranged attack, unless you bring it down to a knee or something first. It is impossible to say what this colossus once was. But whatever it was, it is now all evil. Its skin is thick and leathery, and it is clad in dark iron armor. Mighty tusks jut from its malformed face, and great horns frame its head. Its long tail slams at the floor impatiently, cracking the stone more with each slap. Its four arms each holds a great curved blade.
"Lets see how you fare against a single soldier before we discuss the entire army."
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm 5/5
Lower Right Arm 5/5
Left Leg 20/10
Right Leg 20/10
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 5/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 3/4
Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
You blow out a few of the braziers on the wall and spook a lot of the praying acolytes, but the ghost remains unharmed
"You are wasting your time."
>>566822
"Oh, I have no place else to be right now. Might as well keep you… company."
>>566855
The ghost bows
"I am Valiant Virtue. The gate keeper of Midnight Castle. And the Witness of Faith."
>>566832
"Well, if you insist."
He raises his hoof again
A massive demon drops onto the hall floor from some upper area.
It towers far above you, to the point where hitting its head is only possible with a ranged attack, unless you bring it down to a knee or something first. It is impossible to say what this colossus once was. But whatever it was, it is now all evil. Its skin is thick and leathery, and it is clad in dark iron armor. Mighty tusks jut from its malformed face, and great horns frame its head. Its long tail slams at the floor impatiently, cracking the stone more with each slap. Its four arms each holds a great curved blade.
"Lets see how you fare against a single soldier before we discuss the entire army."
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm 5/5
Lower Right Arm 5/5
Left Leg 20/10
Right Leg 20/10
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 5/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 3/4
Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
>>566871
>>566868
"Coral." My expression is flat.
"Saying something stupid is my job, not yours."
"All right, Let's take him down! THE PRINCESSES ARE ON OUR SIDE; We are unstoppable!"
Inspire the troops. '1d10'
Dulltooth Suppresses the Right leg. '1d10+1'
Sunsong hits the Left leg. '1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 3 + 1 = 4 / Roll #3 3 = 3
>>566868
"Coral." My expression is flat.
"Saying something stupid is my job, not yours."
"All right, Let's take him down! THE PRINCESSES ARE ON OUR SIDE; We are unstoppable!"
Inspire the troops. '1d10'
Dulltooth Suppresses the Right leg. '1d10+1'
Sunsong hits the Left leg. '1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 3 + 1 = 4 / Roll #3 3 = 3
>>566875
Whisper is topped up
>>566878
You strike at its leg, but fail to find a sufficient opening to cripple it
>>566881
You strike the Right Leg, stripping armor from it! You now crit the Right Leg on a 9+!
Cloudcover flies up at the head, but gets caught in the demon's jaws.
>>566893
The Demon jumps, crushing all three of you.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm 5/5
Lower Right Arm 5/5
Left Leg 17/10
Right Leg 14/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn HELPLESS/4
+Dulltooth 3/4
+Sunsong 2/5
Coral Burst 3/4
Cloudcover HELPLESS/4
Whisper 5/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
Whisper is topped up
>>566878
You strike at its leg, but fail to find a sufficient opening to cripple it
>>566881
You strike the Right Leg, stripping armor from it! You now crit the Right Leg on a 9+!
Cloudcover flies up at the head, but gets caught in the demon's jaws.
>>566893
The Demon jumps, crushing all three of you.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm 5/5
Lower Right Arm 5/5
Left Leg 17/10
Right Leg 14/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn HELPLESS/4
+Dulltooth 3/4
+Sunsong 2/5
Coral Burst 3/4
Cloudcover HELPLESS/4
Whisper 5/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
>>566934
>>566941
Ember is back up
The Arm punches Dulltooth aside, but in doing so it also messes up the big coordinated quad slash the demon was preparing.
Sunsong strikes the Right Leg, dealing massive damage
>>566935
You continue to slash at the leg, further damaging it
>>566946
Cloud is trying his best not to get chewed on.
You can't focus enough to unleash a Blast.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm 5/5
Lower Right Arm 5/5
Left Leg 15/10
Right Leg 9/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/4
+Dulltooth 3/4
+Sunsong 2/5
Coral Burst 2/4
Cloudcover HELPLESS/4
Whisper 5/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
While the Quad Slash failed, it tries still doing an attack with the three others.
Roll to dodge! Your single dodge avoids all the attacks it rolls over '3d10'
Roll #1 5, 7, 9 = 21
>>566941
Ember is back up
The Arm punches Dulltooth aside, but in doing so it also messes up the big coordinated quad slash the demon was preparing.
Sunsong strikes the Right Leg, dealing massive damage
>>566935
You continue to slash at the leg, further damaging it
>>566946
Cloud is trying his best not to get chewed on.
You can't focus enough to unleash a Blast.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm 5/5
Lower Right Arm 5/5
Left Leg 15/10
Right Leg 9/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/4
+Dulltooth 3/4
+Sunsong 2/5
Coral Burst 2/4
Cloudcover HELPLESS/4
Whisper 5/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
While the Quad Slash failed, it tries still doing an attack with the three others.
Roll to dodge! Your single dodge avoids all the attacks it rolls over '3d10'
Roll #1 5, 7, 9 = 21
>>566953
You nimbly leap over all the three strikes, use them to climb up to Cloudcover, pull him out of the demon's mouth, heal him up and walk back down. You are not entirely sure how you managed to pull that off.
>>566954
>>566959
You take three hits from the blades
>>566971
You evade the blades but then get stepped on
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm 5/5
Lower Right Arm 5/5
Left Leg 15/10
Right Leg 9/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 3/4
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/3
+Sunsong HELPLESS/4
Coral Burst HELPLESS/3
Cloudcover 5/4
Whisper 2/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
You nimbly leap over all the three strikes, use them to climb up to Cloudcover, pull him out of the demon's mouth, heal him up and walk back down. You are not entirely sure how you managed to pull that off.
>>566954
>>566959
You take three hits from the blades
>>566971
You evade the blades but then get stepped on
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm 5/5
Lower Right Arm 5/5
Left Leg 15/10
Right Leg 9/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 3/4
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/3
+Sunsong HELPLESS/4
Coral Burst HELPLESS/3
Cloudcover 5/4
Whisper 2/5
Fire Blossom 3/5
>>566989
The shock of another stomp messes up your focus
>>566991
The arm punches you out of the air
>>566993
Your allies are up. But not very inspired.
>>567001
You can't quite muster the strength.
Cloud slams the arm away, messing with the demon's setup again.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm 5/5
Lower Right Arm 3/5
Left Leg 15/10
Right Leg 9/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 7/4
+Sunsong 7/4
Coral Burst HELPLESS/3
Cloudcover 5/4
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Fire Blossom 2/5
The shock of another stomp messes up your focus
>>566991
The arm punches you out of the air
>>566993
Your allies are up. But not very inspired.
>>567001
You can't quite muster the strength.
Cloud slams the arm away, messing with the demon's setup again.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm 5/5
Lower Right Arm 3/5
Left Leg 15/10
Right Leg 9/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 7/4
+Sunsong 7/4
Coral Burst HELPLESS/3
Cloudcover 5/4
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Fire Blossom 2/5
>>567009
You and Dulltooth leap at the Lower Left Arm and disable it! There is no way it can pull off those huge combos now.
>>567013
Coral, though on the edge of collapse a moment ago, is back up and ready
>>567016
The leg kicks you away like a football
>>567023
With Blossom's aid, you are free to join Cloud in his attack, and disable the other lower arm!
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Left Leg 15/10
Right Leg 9/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 6/4
+Sunsong 7/4 [GUARDIAN 3]
Coral Burst 5/4
Cloudcover 5/4
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Fire Blossom 2/5
You and Dulltooth leap at the Lower Left Arm and disable it! There is no way it can pull off those huge combos now.
>>567013
Coral, though on the edge of collapse a moment ago, is back up and ready
>>567016
The leg kicks you away like a football
>>567023
With Blossom's aid, you are free to join Cloud in his attack, and disable the other lower arm!
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm 5/5
Upper Right Arm 5/5
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Left Leg 15/10
Right Leg 9/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 6/4
+Sunsong 7/4 [GUARDIAN 3]
Coral Burst 5/4
Cloudcover 5/4
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Fire Blossom 2/5
>>567025
You stand back up, ready to fight
>>567026
Your focus your wrath into a massive blast that disables the remaining arms!
>>567027
>>567028
With its arms out of order, the Demon unleashes a massive gout of flame upon you. Only thanks to Sunsong do any of you remain standing.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm HELPLESS/3
Left Leg 11/10
Right Leg 5/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 1/4
+Sunsong 7/4 [GUARDIAN 2]
Coral Burst 1/4
Cloudcover 2/4
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Fire Blossom 2/5
-1 to all rolls…
You stand back up, ready to fight
>>567026
Your focus your wrath into a massive blast that disables the remaining arms!
>>567027
>>567028
With its arms out of order, the Demon unleashes a massive gout of flame upon you. Only thanks to Sunsong do any of you remain standing.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm HELPLESS/3
Left Leg 11/10
Right Leg 5/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 1/4
+Sunsong 7/4 [GUARDIAN 2]
Coral Burst 1/4
Cloudcover 2/4
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Fire Blossom 2/5
-1 to all rolls…
>>567035
>>567036
>>567038
>>567040
Sunsong is doing his best, leaping in front of everyone he can, deflecting everything at breakneck speed
"I CAN'T KEEP THIS UP FOREVER YOU KNOW"
>>567040
Cloudcover manages to strike at the disabled arm
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm HELPLESS/2
Left Leg 11/10
Right Leg 5/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 1/4
+Sunsong 3/4 [GUARDIAN 1]
Coral Burst 1/4
Cloudcover 2/4
Whisper 4/4
Fire Blossom 1/5
>>567036
>>567038
>>567040
Sunsong is doing his best, leaping in front of everyone he can, deflecting everything at breakneck speed
"I CAN'T KEEP THIS UP FOREVER YOU KNOW"
>>567040
Cloudcover manages to strike at the disabled arm
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm HELPLESS/2
Left Leg 11/10
Right Leg 5/10 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 1/4
+Sunsong 3/4 [GUARDIAN 1]
Coral Burst 1/4
Cloudcover 2/4
Whisper 4/4
Fire Blossom 1/5
>>567046
Coral is up and running once more
>>567047
>>567049
>>567050
The monster comes crashing down to a knee as coral cleaves its legs. The limp arms slam down, throwing several of you off your legs.
The Head is now vulnerable
If you can kill a leg, it will remain vulnerable permanently.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm HELPLESS/1
Left Leg 6/10
Right Leg HELPLESS/9 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn HELPLESS/3
+Dulltooth HEPLESS/3
+Sunsong 3/4
Coral Burst 5/5
Cloudcover HELPLESS/3
Whisper 3/4
Fire Blossom 1/5
Coral is up and running once more
>>567047
>>567049
>>567050
The monster comes crashing down to a knee as coral cleaves its legs. The limp arms slam down, throwing several of you off your legs.
The Head is now vulnerable
If you can kill a leg, it will remain vulnerable permanently.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm HELPLESS/1
Left Leg 6/10
Right Leg HELPLESS/9 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn HELPLESS/3
+Dulltooth HEPLESS/3
+Sunsong 3/4
Coral Burst 5/5
Cloudcover HELPLESS/3
Whisper 3/4
Fire Blossom 1/5
>>567059
A massive flame breath knocks you senseless
>>567060
>>567063
Ember is back and full of fire
A massive leap of faith rips through the leg's armor
Dulltooth tries to stand up, but the fire aimed at Whisper catches him as well.
Sunsong leaps onto the right arm, clambers up, stabs his blade into the shoulder and leaps off, letting his entire weight yank the sword hilt. This massive impact rips the whole lower right arm clean off
>>567062
Cloudcover is stil dazed, but you have other things to focus on.
Namely, this monster. And the love of Cadence which guides you. Your eyes light up with pink fire as you focus yourself into a battle trance. Time slows down around you as you leap into your strike, your entire body igniting with a blinding sheen. As you pull your sword back to deliver the strike, you notice something around you. A vision of your beloved Princess flies at your side, her hooves running along the blade of your sword, blessing its metal with her love, polishing it into a crystal sheen that matches your own radiance. The ghostly princess then takes you into a soft embrace, before winding back and throwing you like some kind of… wife javelin at the monster. You fly clean through the leg, trailing blessed flame as you go. The sheer force of this strike not only severs the limb, but launches it at the back wall, collapsing the door and part of the wall around it on top of the praying acolytes. Those who survive flee in terror. They have good reason to. Light has come to this dark place. And it will not stop until nothing remains but ruins and ash.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjR7JZbdONs
Without a leg to stand on, the demon collapses.The head is now permanently vulnerable.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/7 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/5
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/2
+Sunsong 3/4
Coral Burst 5/5
Cloudcover HELPLESS/3
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Fire Blossom 1/5
A massive flame breath knocks you senseless
>>567060
>>567063
Ember is back and full of fire
A massive leap of faith rips through the leg's armor
Dulltooth tries to stand up, but the fire aimed at Whisper catches him as well.
Sunsong leaps onto the right arm, clambers up, stabs his blade into the shoulder and leaps off, letting his entire weight yank the sword hilt. This massive impact rips the whole lower right arm clean off
>>567062
Cloudcover is stil dazed, but you have other things to focus on.
Namely, this monster. And the love of Cadence which guides you. Your eyes light up with pink fire as you focus yourself into a battle trance. Time slows down around you as you leap into your strike, your entire body igniting with a blinding sheen. As you pull your sword back to deliver the strike, you notice something around you. A vision of your beloved Princess flies at your side, her hooves running along the blade of your sword, blessing its metal with her love, polishing it into a crystal sheen that matches your own radiance. The ghostly princess then takes you into a soft embrace, before winding back and throwing you like some kind of… wife javelin at the monster. You fly clean through the leg, trailing blessed flame as you go. The sheer force of this strike not only severs the limb, but launches it at the back wall, collapsing the door and part of the wall around it on top of the praying acolytes. Those who survive flee in terror. They have good reason to. Light has come to this dark place. And it will not stop until nothing remains but ruins and ash.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjR7JZbdONs
Without a leg to stand on, the demon collapses.The head is now permanently vulnerable.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 20/5
Upper Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/7 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/5
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/2
+Sunsong 3/4
Coral Burst 5/5
Cloudcover HELPLESS/3
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Fire Blossom 1/5
>>567091
"HAH! DO YOU SEE, FORCES OF DARKNESS? DO YOU SEE WHY YOUR CAUSE IS DOOMED? IT IS BECAUSE NO MATTER HOW BLINDING THE DARKNESS, NOR HOW BRIGHT THE LIGHT, LOVE. ALWAYS. PREVAILS!!!"
Inspire the party plz '1d10+1'
Dulltooth gets up already! '1d10'
Sunsong drops Protect on Cloudcover and helps him up. '1d10'
Roll #1 9 + 1 = 10 / Roll #2 1 = 1 / Roll #3 4 = 4
"HAH! DO YOU SEE, FORCES OF DARKNESS? DO YOU SEE WHY YOUR CAUSE IS DOOMED? IT IS BECAUSE NO MATTER HOW BLINDING THE DARKNESS, NOR HOW BRIGHT THE LIGHT, LOVE. ALWAYS. PREVAILS!!!"
Inspire the party plz '1d10+1'
Dulltooth gets up already! '1d10'
Sunsong drops Protect on Cloudcover and helps him up. '1d10'
Roll #1 9 + 1 = 10 / Roll #2 1 = 1 / Roll #3 4 = 4
>>567092
You cannot get ye flask
>>567093
You exhaust yourself at long last and keel over
>>567098
Cloudcover won't be alive to do any staring at this rate.
You blast the head, shattering one of the horns
>>567100
At long last, you are very inspiring. +2 to everyone.
Dulltooth needs help to get up.
+2 TO ALL ROLLS!
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 15/5
Upper Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/7 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/5
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/1
+Sunsong 1/4
Coral Burst 5/5
Cloudcover HELPLESS/2 [Protected]
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Fire Blossom HELPLESS/4
You cannot get ye flask
>>567093
You exhaust yourself at long last and keel over
>>567098
Cloudcover won't be alive to do any staring at this rate.
You blast the head, shattering one of the horns
>>567100
At long last, you are very inspiring. +2 to everyone.
Dulltooth needs help to get up.
+2 TO ALL ROLLS!
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 15/5
Upper Left Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper Right Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/7 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/5
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/1
+Sunsong 1/4
Coral Burst 5/5
Cloudcover HELPLESS/2 [Protected]
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Fire Blossom HELPLESS/4
>>567109
You are up at long last
>>567110
You too
>>567112
And so is Cloud
>>567113
You go for the head, but one of the arms has a chance to recover and punch you away.
Another crushes Sunsong, who only remains standing because he needs to protect Cloudcover.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 15/5
Upper Left Arm 5/4
Upper Right Arm 5/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/7 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/1
+Sunsong 0/4
Coral Burst 5/5
Cloudcover 5/2 [Protected]
Whisper 5/4
Fire Blossom 5/4
You are up at long last
>>567110
You too
>>567112
And so is Cloud
>>567113
You go for the head, but one of the arms has a chance to recover and punch you away.
Another crushes Sunsong, who only remains standing because he needs to protect Cloudcover.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 15/5
Upper Left Arm 5/4
Upper Right Arm 5/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/7 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/1
+Sunsong 0/4
Coral Burst 5/5
Cloudcover 5/2 [Protected]
Whisper 5/4
Fire Blossom 5/4
>>567121
"D.O.G good to go sir."
>>567122
You leap at the head and eat another flame breath.
>>567124
You waste some time attacking the right leg, but your impressive shouting makes nobody question your tactics.
Dulltooth is back up and punches the head.
Sunsong falls back to gather himself.
>>567126
You crack the head's armor plates, making it easier to damage.
Cloudcover dives in to take a fire blast for Sunsong.
The Demon tries to lift its arms to prepare for a double sweep, but its posture will make this move hard to get right.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 11/5 hit on 5+
Upper Left Arm 5/4
Upper Right Arm 5/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/5 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 7/2
+Sunsong 7/3 [Protected]
Coral Burst 5/5
Cloudcover 0/2
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Fire Blossom 5/4
"D.O.G good to go sir."
>>567122
You leap at the head and eat another flame breath.
>>567124
You waste some time attacking the right leg, but your impressive shouting makes nobody question your tactics.
Dulltooth is back up and punches the head.
Sunsong falls back to gather himself.
>>567126
You crack the head's armor plates, making it easier to damage.
Cloudcover dives in to take a fire blast for Sunsong.
The Demon tries to lift its arms to prepare for a double sweep, but its posture will make this move hard to get right.
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 11/5 hit on 5+
Upper Left Arm 5/4
Upper Right Arm 5/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/5 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 7/2
+Sunsong 7/3 [Protected]
Coral Burst 5/5
Cloudcover 0/2
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Fire Blossom 5/4
>>567133
"Just in time. Thank you."
>>567134
He is good to go, but your effort to distract the arm earn you a fist to the face. But Sunsong keeps you from going Helpless
>>567135
>>567138
You charge at the head, breaking the other horn!
The Demon swings its swords. Roll to dodge!
'2d10'
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 5/5 hit on 5+
Upper Left Arm 5/4
Upper Right Arm 5/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/5 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 7/2
+Sunsong 7/3 [Guardian 3]
Coral Burst 1/5
Cloudcover 5/3
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Fire Blossom 5/4
Roll #1 2, 10 = 12
"Just in time. Thank you."
>>567134
He is good to go, but your effort to distract the arm earn you a fist to the face. But Sunsong keeps you from going Helpless
>>567135
>>567138
You charge at the head, breaking the other horn!
The Demon swings its swords. Roll to dodge!
'2d10'
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 5/5 hit on 5+
Upper Left Arm 5/4
Upper Right Arm 5/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/5 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 7/2
+Sunsong 7/3 [Guardian 3]
Coral Burst 1/5
Cloudcover 5/3
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Fire Blossom 5/4
Roll #1 2, 10 = 12
>>567143
>>567146
>>567147
You all manage to avoid one swing, but the other one lands fairly solidly
You can strike back now
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 5/5 hit on 5+
Upper Left Arm 5/4
Upper Right Arm 5/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/5 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 3/5
+Dulltooth 6/3
+Sunsong 6/3 [Guardian 3]
Coral Burst 1/5
Cloudcover 4/3
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Fire Blossom 4/4
>>567146
>>567147
You all manage to avoid one swing, but the other one lands fairly solidly
You can strike back now
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 5/5 hit on 5+
Upper Left Arm 5/4
Upper Right Arm 5/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/5 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 3/5
+Dulltooth 6/3
+Sunsong 6/3 [Guardian 3]
Coral Burst 1/5
Cloudcover 4/3
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Fire Blossom 4/4
>>567151
>>567152
>>567153
It seems the demon is not done fighting yet, and it takes wild swings at you, smacking you around as Coral assaults the weakened head and Cloudcover aids Whisper
However, victory is night. +1 to all rolls. If you can kill the head, it's all over!
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 3/5 hit on 5+
Upper Left Arm 5/4
Upper Right Arm 5/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/5 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 3/5
+Dulltooth 3/3
+Sunsong 4/3 [Guardian 2]
Coral Burst 1/5
Cloudcover 4/3
Whisper 5/3
Fire Blossom 2/4
>>567152
>>567153
It seems the demon is not done fighting yet, and it takes wild swings at you, smacking you around as Coral assaults the weakened head and Cloudcover aids Whisper
However, victory is night. +1 to all rolls. If you can kill the head, it's all over!
#ENEMY: Demon Soldier
Head 3/5 hit on 5+
Upper Left Arm 5/4
Upper Right Arm 5/4
Lower Left Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower Right Arm DESTROYED
Left Leg DESTROYED
Right Leg HELPLESS/5 crits on 9+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 3/5
+Dulltooth 3/3
+Sunsong 4/3 [Guardian 2]
Coral Burst 1/5
Cloudcover 4/3
Whisper 5/3
Fire Blossom 2/4
>>567158
>>567159
>>567160
Dawnbreak is near on Midnight Island.
The champions of light, those who survived every hardship, every temptation, every monstrous act and vile realm they were faced with, those tried by fire, united by friendship forged in shared struggle and tempered in the blood of those who oppose their divine fury, now stand at the heart of darkness.
As the massive demon struggles to force one more attack out of its broken, shattered form, you step forth. It brings a massive blade down at you, but with a mere touch you block it, and with a mighty cry, you shatter it into pieces.
The radiance of the princesses bathes you in divine light that banishes the dark and washes your bodies clean of pain. Your eyes, like great blazing suns, focusing on the Demon.
Were there any left alive to tell the tale, legends would speak of your charge for centuries to come. As more mutant guards charge in to grant the great demon reinforcements, and the bravest of the remaining acolytes peek from their hiding places, you unleash a united attack that defies mortal description.
As the blinding incandescence fades in the aftermath of your final blow, the once-great entrance hall is in ruins. The massive iron gate is embedded in the mountainside, the already broken back wall has collapsed entirely, the ceiling has caved in above you, and the infinite darkness that once covered the sky has a hole blown into it, revealing light somewhere far above.
Standing here, in this single circle of light among the ruins of darkness, you realize you are no longer quite as you remember yourselves. Great wings of light extend from your backs, and your coats have a brilliant glow. Nothing remains of the demon. Only charred bones remain of the mutants, and scraps of cloth of the acolytes.
The only thing left standing in the wake of this devastation is Valiant Virtue, whose face belies the deepest terror any pony living or dead has ever felt. His smug expression long gone, his confidence forever destroyed.
"What… are… you?"
NEXT TIME ON MIDNIGHTS
THE FATE OF OLD FRIENDS
THE FATE OF NEW FOES
AND THE FATE OF THOSE WHO STAND BEFORE THE LIGHT
>>567159
>>567160
Dawnbreak is near on Midnight Island.
The champions of light, those who survived every hardship, every temptation, every monstrous act and vile realm they were faced with, those tried by fire, united by friendship forged in shared struggle and tempered in the blood of those who oppose their divine fury, now stand at the heart of darkness.
As the massive demon struggles to force one more attack out of its broken, shattered form, you step forth. It brings a massive blade down at you, but with a mere touch you block it, and with a mighty cry, you shatter it into pieces.
The radiance of the princesses bathes you in divine light that banishes the dark and washes your bodies clean of pain. Your eyes, like great blazing suns, focusing on the Demon.
Were there any left alive to tell the tale, legends would speak of your charge for centuries to come. As more mutant guards charge in to grant the great demon reinforcements, and the bravest of the remaining acolytes peek from their hiding places, you unleash a united attack that defies mortal description.
As the blinding incandescence fades in the aftermath of your final blow, the once-great entrance hall is in ruins. The massive iron gate is embedded in the mountainside, the already broken back wall has collapsed entirely, the ceiling has caved in above you, and the infinite darkness that once covered the sky has a hole blown into it, revealing light somewhere far above.
Standing here, in this single circle of light among the ruins of darkness, you realize you are no longer quite as you remember yourselves. Great wings of light extend from your backs, and your coats have a brilliant glow. Nothing remains of the demon. Only charred bones remain of the mutants, and scraps of cloth of the acolytes.
The only thing left standing in the wake of this devastation is Valiant Virtue, whose face belies the deepest terror any pony living or dead has ever felt. His smug expression long gone, his confidence forever destroyed.
"What… are… you?"
NEXT TIME ON MIDNIGHTS
THE FATE OF OLD FRIENDS
THE FATE OF NEW FOES
AND THE FATE OF THOSE WHO STAND BEFORE THE LIGHT
>>567315
It lifts its malformed head with a cruel, pained grin. From what is left of the face you can indeed confirm that this used to be Whimsyshine
"They got the tome… and Grandheart went after them. But I came back to finish one last thing."
>>567317
Valiant groans
"No you fool, I said you are like the last ones. As in the previous ones. As him that useless pile of crawling meat and his brainless companion!"
>>567320
It runs too deep. There is nothing in there to salvage.
"Don't. This is all that keeps me alive any more. There wasn't a whole lot left of me after they took the Tome by force, but with enough Black Fire, I was able to at least remain alive and mobile.
Because I have one more gift to our gracious host."
It lifts its malformed head with a cruel, pained grin. From what is left of the face you can indeed confirm that this used to be Whimsyshine
"They got the tome… and Grandheart went after them. But I came back to finish one last thing."
>>567317
Valiant groans
"No you fool, I said you are like the last ones. As in the previous ones. As him that useless pile of crawling meat and his brainless companion!"
>>567320
It runs too deep. There is nothing in there to salvage.
"Don't. This is all that keeps me alive any more. There wasn't a whole lot left of me after they took the Tome by force, but with enough Black Fire, I was able to at least remain alive and mobile.
Because I have one more gift to our gracious host."
>>567329
"The Remnant of Tirek is where it belongs. With the High Priests.
As for his companion, he should be long dead by now."
>>567326
>>567327
"The gift of life."
Whimsyshine turns to Valiant Virtue, and with a trembling voice, breathes forth a massive gout of dark flame, engulfing the ghost.
SOUL UNBOUD, FEARLESS AND WITHOUT FORM, LET FLESH BE GRANTED SO YOU MAY BE MENDED. SOUL UNBOUND RETURN TO YOUR SHELL, WALK THIS WORLD ONCE MORE
As the flames subside, Valiant Virtue no longer looks translucent, nor is he floating. His terror, however, has only grown
"WHAT DID YOU DO YOU MAD BEAST!?"
Whimsyshine coughs, small puffs of dark flame still escaping his mouth
"I gave you your body back. I suppose you must have missed it."
"The Remnant of Tirek is where it belongs. With the High Priests.
As for his companion, he should be long dead by now."
>>567326
>>567327
"The gift of life."
Whimsyshine turns to Valiant Virtue, and with a trembling voice, breathes forth a massive gout of dark flame, engulfing the ghost.
SOUL UNBOUD, FEARLESS AND WITHOUT FORM, LET FLESH BE GRANTED SO YOU MAY BE MENDED. SOUL UNBOUND RETURN TO YOUR SHELL, WALK THIS WORLD ONCE MORE
As the flames subside, Valiant Virtue no longer looks translucent, nor is he floating. His terror, however, has only grown
"WHAT DID YOU DO YOU MAD BEAST!?"
Whimsyshine coughs, small puffs of dark flame still escaping his mouth
"I gave you your body back. I suppose you must have missed it."
>>567366
They are angled more upright than pony wings, and look rather awkward, but they do seem to offer him the same flight capabilities.
He is not sure if he likes them.
>>567372
"Charge also applies to aerial maneuvers."
>>567364
Grace looks around
"This freedom of movement is… unexpected to use so used to being heavily armored and big."
They are angled more upright than pony wings, and look rather awkward, but they do seem to offer him the same flight capabilities.
He is not sure if he likes them.
>>567372
"Charge also applies to aerial maneuvers."
>>567364
Grace looks around
"This freedom of movement is… unexpected to use so used to being heavily armored and big."
>>567391
"To a degree."
Fern pokes her head out
"I know. It keeps phasing through the basket."
And yes, Silk has the wings too.
>>567392
Healing him would probably kill him. There isn't much left of his real body.
>>567390
"I have a rough idea where the Vaults should be, and if Grandheart followed our plan, he should be headed there too. Lets move."
As you head deeper into Midnight Castle, an eerie song starts echoing in the air. The sound of a hundred beautiful voices singing praise to the darkness around you.
In time, you will get to silence each one of them.
NEXT TIME ON MIDNIGHT FOREVER
MOONAH
JOONAH
SPRINGAH
"To a degree."
Fern pokes her head out
"I know. It keeps phasing through the basket."
And yes, Silk has the wings too.
>>567392
Healing him would probably kill him. There isn't much left of his real body.
>>567390
"I have a rough idea where the Vaults should be, and if Grandheart followed our plan, he should be headed there too. Lets move."
As you head deeper into Midnight Castle, an eerie song starts echoing in the air. The sound of a hundred beautiful voices singing praise to the darkness around you.
In time, you will get to silence each one of them.
NEXT TIME ON MIDNIGHT FOREVER
MOONAH
JOONAH
SPRINGAH
Your quest to Midnight Castle continues.
Seeing is much easier now that you yourselves have become sources of light, but your pace is not very fast, given that you don't want to leave Whimsyshine too far behind.
The construction of this place is nothing short of breathtaking. Were it not dedicated to such foul things, it would be a wonder rivaling the royal castle of Everfree. Nearly every surface is covered in great caved reliefs depicting pilgrims of Faith, and their journeys here. Some intentionally left faceless awaiting new pilgrims.
Statues depicting Dreamers and Lovers can be seen here and there, but far more prominent are dedications to the Faithful. As you come to another grand branching hall, you are met with a towering statue of Valiant Virtue watching over all there. It is possible this is also used as a gathering hall.
A balcony sits above the statue, possibly meant for speaking to those down here.
Three doors branch off from here. One on each side, and one under the statue.
The singing seems to be coming from the right.
Whimsyshine looks around
"The vaults should be in the wing left from here. I do not know what those singers are though."
Seeing is much easier now that you yourselves have become sources of light, but your pace is not very fast, given that you don't want to leave Whimsyshine too far behind.
The construction of this place is nothing short of breathtaking. Were it not dedicated to such foul things, it would be a wonder rivaling the royal castle of Everfree. Nearly every surface is covered in great caved reliefs depicting pilgrims of Faith, and their journeys here. Some intentionally left faceless awaiting new pilgrims.
Statues depicting Dreamers and Lovers can be seen here and there, but far more prominent are dedications to the Faithful. As you come to another grand branching hall, you are met with a towering statue of Valiant Virtue watching over all there. It is possible this is also used as a gathering hall.
A balcony sits above the statue, possibly meant for speaking to those down here.
Three doors branch off from here. One on each side, and one under the statue.
The singing seems to be coming from the right.
Whimsyshine looks around
"The vaults should be in the wing left from here. I do not know what those singers are though."
>>568144
>>568145
>>568146
Whimsyshine shuffles towards it
"Alright. I know a part of the way at least, so lets hope we get further than I did last time."
You force the door open and proceed.
On the other side is a long hallway of doors that slowly turns and winds downwards. One of the doors is broken down, revealing a small prayer room with blood stains
"…we broke that one down to see what was in these. They are probably all fairly similar."
>>568145
>>568146
Whimsyshine shuffles towards it
"Alright. I know a part of the way at least, so lets hope we get further than I did last time."
You force the door open and proceed.
On the other side is a long hallway of doors that slowly turns and winds downwards. One of the doors is broken down, revealing a small prayer room with blood stains
"…we broke that one down to see what was in these. They are probably all fairly similar."
>>568153
"Grandheart… should be somewhere here. I cannot know what happened to him after they tore the Tome off me, but my guess is he followed them for as long as he could."
>>568156
"At lease they cleared out the bodies by now."
>>568157
>>568154
"The vault is most likely near the very bottom of this area, safely in the bedrock of the island."
"Grandheart… should be somewhere here. I cannot know what happened to him after they tore the Tome off me, but my guess is he followed them for as long as he could."
>>568156
"At lease they cleared out the bodies by now."
>>568157
>>568154
"The vault is most likely near the very bottom of this area, safely in the bedrock of the island."
>>568162
>>568163
>>568164
>>568165
Seems like you were right. There is danger here.
Following Whimsyshine's and Granheart's assault, several guards have been positioned here.
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A 5/5
Mutant Guard B 5/5
Mutant Guard C 5/5
Mutant Officer 10/5
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 7/5
+Sunsong 7/5
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 7/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 5/5
+Primrose 5/5
>>568163
>>568164
>>568165
Seems like you were right. There is danger here.
Following Whimsyshine's and Granheart's assault, several guards have been positioned here.
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A 5/5
Mutant Guard B 5/5
Mutant Guard C 5/5
Mutant Officer 10/5
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 7/5
+Sunsong 7/5
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 7/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 5/5
+Primrose 5/5
>>568168
>>568174
The Officer roars out a command, and points forward with its halberd, shanking the charging Ember without even trying.
Dulltooth leaps at Guard A, but it slams a barbed claw into his gut, leaving him helpless as well.
Cloudcover leaps in to get between Sunsong and the other Guard before it can cut him down.
>>568170
>>568171
>>568172
You charge into flight held aloft by blazing wings, slashing in all directions and laying low two guards before the officer manages to knock you out of the air.
>>568174
You attack the now helpless guard
>>568175
You smash the helpless Guard B, but he stands up soon after
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A HELPLESS/3
Mutant Guard B 5/2
Mutant Guard C 5/5
Mutant Officer 10/5
#PARTY
Ember Dawn HELPLESS/4
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/4
+Sunsong 7/5 [Protected]
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 0/5
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 5/5
+Primrose 4/5
>>568174
The Officer roars out a command, and points forward with its halberd, shanking the charging Ember without even trying.
Dulltooth leaps at Guard A, but it slams a barbed claw into his gut, leaving him helpless as well.
Cloudcover leaps in to get between Sunsong and the other Guard before it can cut him down.
>>568170
>>568171
>>568172
You charge into flight held aloft by blazing wings, slashing in all directions and laying low two guards before the officer manages to knock you out of the air.
>>568174
You attack the now helpless guard
>>568175
You smash the helpless Guard B, but he stands up soon after
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A HELPLESS/3
Mutant Guard B 5/2
Mutant Guard C 5/5
Mutant Officer 10/5
#PARTY
Ember Dawn HELPLESS/4
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/4
+Sunsong 7/5 [Protected]
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 0/5
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 5/5
+Primrose 4/5
>>568178
You fumble your tumble, and Guard A stands back up
>>568179
Whisper is ready to get up next turn, and you smack the now recovered Guard A
>>568180
You both stand up
Guardian is in effect
>>568181
Guard B smacks Cloudcover away
You shatter the Officer's armor, making him easier to crit against!
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A 4/3
Mutant Guard B 5/2
Mutant Guard C 5/5
Mutant Officer 6/5 Crits on 8+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn HELPLESS/4
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/4
+Sunsong 7/5 [Guardian]
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper HELPLESS/4 [Bolster]
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 5/5
+Primrose 4/5
You fumble your tumble, and Guard A stands back up
>>568179
Whisper is ready to get up next turn, and you smack the now recovered Guard A
>>568180
You both stand up
Guardian is in effect
>>568181
Guard B smacks Cloudcover away
You shatter the Officer's armor, making him easier to crit against!
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A 4/3
Mutant Guard B 5/2
Mutant Guard C 5/5
Mutant Officer 6/5 Crits on 8+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn HELPLESS/4
+Dulltooth HELPLESS/4
+Sunsong 7/5 [Guardian]
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper HELPLESS/4 [Bolster]
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 5/5
+Primrose 4/5
>>568183
You are Bolstered, and thus get up.
>>568184
You manage to just scare your own allies
-1 to all rolls
Dulltooth forces the officer down after it hits Sunsong
>>568185
You nearly get beaten down but Primrose floors the guard with a mighty swing
>>568186
You nearly kill the officer, but Cloudcover gets bashed aside again
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A HELPLESS/2
Mutant Guard B 5/2
Mutant Guard C 5/5
Mutant Officer HELPLESS/1 Crits on 8+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/4
+Dulltooth 7/4
+Sunsong 5/5 [Guardian 2]
Coral Burst 2/5
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 5/4
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 1/5
+Primrose 4/5
You are Bolstered, and thus get up.
>>568184
You manage to just scare your own allies
-1 to all rolls
Dulltooth forces the officer down after it hits Sunsong
>>568185
You nearly get beaten down but Primrose floors the guard with a mighty swing
>>568186
You nearly kill the officer, but Cloudcover gets bashed aside again
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A HELPLESS/2
Mutant Guard B 5/2
Mutant Guard C 5/5
Mutant Officer HELPLESS/1 Crits on 8+
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/4
+Dulltooth 7/4
+Sunsong 5/5 [Guardian 2]
Coral Burst 2/5
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 5/4
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 1/5
+Primrose 4/5
>>568188
>>568189
Guard B finds some second wind and pushes you back before Sunsong leaps at him
Dulltooth rips the offier's mutated head off
>>568190
Primrose nearly kills the guard, but you fumble and let him get up
>>568192
Sunsong manages to keep you on your feet while Cloudvocer attacks Guard A
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A 3/1
Mutant Guard B 1/2
Mutant Guard C 5/5
Mutant Officer DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 7/4
+Sunsong 5/5 [Guardian 1]
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 4/4
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 1/5
+Primrose 4/5
>>568189
Guard B finds some second wind and pushes you back before Sunsong leaps at him
Dulltooth rips the offier's mutated head off
>>568190
Primrose nearly kills the guard, but you fumble and let him get up
>>568192
Sunsong manages to keep you on your feet while Cloudvocer attacks Guard A
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A 3/1
Mutant Guard B 1/2
Mutant Guard C 5/5
Mutant Officer DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 7/4
+Sunsong 5/5 [Guardian 1]
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 4/4
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 1/5
+Primrose 4/5
>>568194
Whatever it was you tried, it did not work.
>>568195
Sunsong manages to push you out of the way
"I can't keep this up, Ember!"
Dulltooth then slams down Guard C while Sunsong floors Guard B
>>568197
And it shows. Both of you would have gone down were it not for Sunsong's Guardian.
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A 3/1
Mutant Guard B HELPLESS/1
Mutant Guard C HELPLESS/4
Mutant Officer DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 7/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 3/4
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 1/5
+Primrose 4/5
Whatever it was you tried, it did not work.
>>568195
Sunsong manages to push you out of the way
"I can't keep this up, Ember!"
Dulltooth then slams down Guard C while Sunsong floors Guard B
>>568197
And it shows. Both of you would have gone down were it not for Sunsong's Guardian.
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A 3/1
Mutant Guard B HELPLESS/1
Mutant Guard C HELPLESS/4
Mutant Officer DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 7/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 3/4
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 1/5
+Primrose 4/5
>>568199
I forgive nothing. You are now helpless.
>>568200
>>568201
In a final heroic burst, you press the attack, Coral shattering the entire body of one guard, Sunsong crushing another, and Ember, Dulltooth and Cloudcover striking down the last one.
You have managed to survive one group of guards.
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A DEAD
Mutant Guard B DEAD
Mutant Guard C DEAD
Mutant Officer DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 7/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 1/5
+Primrose 4/5
I forgive nothing. You are now helpless.
>>568200
>>568201
In a final heroic burst, you press the attack, Coral shattering the entire body of one guard, Sunsong crushing another, and Ember, Dulltooth and Cloudcover striking down the last one.
You have managed to survive one group of guards.
#ENEMY
Mutant Guard A DEAD
Mutant Guard B DEAD
Mutant Guard C DEAD
Mutant Officer DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 7/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper HELPLESS/3
Blossom 5/5
Dr. Jonica 1/5
+Primrose 4/5
>>568398
>>568405
Your words help stir panic among the cultists.
As you proceed further down, one of the doors bursts open, and a cultists, no older than sixteen by the looks of him, stumbles onto the floor, grasping a dark talisman and trying to contain his fear for long enough to cast something. Anything.
>>568405
Your words help stir panic among the cultists.
As you proceed further down, one of the doors bursts open, and a cultists, no older than sixteen by the looks of him, stumbles onto the floor, grasping a dark talisman and trying to contain his fear for long enough to cast something. Anything.
>>568449
You may not, but Ember does.
>>568445
You kick him against the wall and stab him in his mutated throat, leaving him to drown in his own tainted blood.
This friends in the room are too scared to try and help him.
The place seems to split up a bit more near the bottom. With some luck you may be able to avoid further guard patrols until the vault.
Roll for some luck.
You may not, but Ember does.
>>568445
You kick him against the wall and stab him in his mutated throat, leaving him to drown in his own tainted blood.
This friends in the room are too scared to try and help him.
The place seems to split up a bit more near the bottom. With some luck you may be able to avoid further guard patrols until the vault.
Roll for some luck.
>>568457
>>568458
>>568467
>>568468
>>568472
Your luck holds out, to a degree.
No guard patrols catch you, but once you get to the bottom of the path, you see the Vault door is being swarmed by cultists begging to be let in to safety. Some are wounded, some are carrying children, others have pillaged weapons from guards or made makeshift ones from bedposts, candlesticks, ritual daggers and whatvever else they could find.
>>568458
>>568467
>>568468
>>568472
Your luck holds out, to a degree.
No guard patrols catch you, but once you get to the bottom of the path, you see the Vault door is being swarmed by cultists begging to be let in to safety. Some are wounded, some are carrying children, others have pillaged weapons from guards or made makeshift ones from bedposts, candlesticks, ritual daggers and whatvever else they could find.
>>568484
>>568487
>>568490
>>568495
There are too many for you to expect any sort of orderly retreat. Chaos reigns as those nearest to you scream, only spooking those further down, who have nowhere to run even if they wanted to.
A few try to crawl away as your light begins to burn them. One shoves his foal back towards safety and charges you with a frying pan. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>568487
>>568490
>>568495
There are too many for you to expect any sort of orderly retreat. Chaos reigns as those nearest to you scream, only spooking those further down, who have nowhere to run even if they wanted to.
A few try to crawl away as your light begins to burn them. One shoves his foal back towards safety and charges you with a frying pan. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>568510
He bashes your hoof with the pan
>>568520
You then knock it away with your shield
>>568512
He cries out as light lashes through his body, stripping away tainted flesh and twisted skin, healing the scars of corruption and leaving him softly glowing on the floor, gasping for air with his healed lungs.
The entire riot of cultists falls silent at the sight.
You have their undivided attention.
He bashes your hoof with the pan
>>568520
You then knock it away with your shield
>>568512
He cries out as light lashes through his body, stripping away tainted flesh and twisted skin, healing the scars of corruption and leaving him softly glowing on the floor, gasping for air with his healed lungs.
The entire riot of cultists falls silent at the sight.
You have their undivided attention.
>>568532
He looks up in a strange mix of awe, terror and gratitude
"What… are you?"
The foal looks relatively untainted. But the taint could just be an odd coat color.
>>568530
A few take some tentative steps, and try to rush past you, tripping over themselves blindly, screaming as your very existence hurts them.
>>568537
A few step forth
One gets pulled back by her tail
"Where are you going!?"
"To.. be healed!"
"YOU CAN'T! THE PRIESTS WILL KILL YOU!"
He looks up in a strange mix of awe, terror and gratitude
"What… are you?"
The foal looks relatively untainted. But the taint could just be an odd coat color.
>>568530
A few take some tentative steps, and try to rush past you, tripping over themselves blindly, screaming as your very existence hurts them.
>>568537
A few step forth
One gets pulled back by her tail
"Where are you going!?"
"To.. be healed!"
"YOU CAN'T! THE PRIESTS WILL KILL YOU!"
>>568545
"We are the ones who will cleanse this place and make it whole once more. Just as we have done for you."
Gesture to his foal.
"Has your child been corrupted as well?"
To the rest of the crowd.
"We will protect any who seek our aid. We have already killed several of the priests; do you honestly believe a few more can face us?"
"We are the ones who will cleanse this place and make it whole once more. Just as we have done for you."
Gesture to his foal.
"Has your child been corrupted as well?"
To the rest of the crowd.
"We will protect any who seek our aid. We have already killed several of the priests; do you honestly believe a few more can face us?"
>>568555
"Darkwhisper is too young to receive the gifts of Tirek…"
>>568546
>>568555
>>568564
The crowd looks uneasy
"We came here in search of faith"
"To turn back now would mean throwing it all away"
"I don't want to die…"
"That's exactly why you never graduated to become more than a mere candle lighter. You lack faith."
The condescending sounding mare walks right up to you, wincing as your light scalds her crooked horn and dark patches of mutation around her neck and shoulders, then spits at you and walks away.
"Darkwhisper is too young to receive the gifts of Tirek…"
>>568546
>>568555
>>568564
The crowd looks uneasy
"We came here in search of faith"
"To turn back now would mean throwing it all away"
"I don't want to die…"
"That's exactly why you never graduated to become more than a mere candle lighter. You lack faith."
The condescending sounding mare walks right up to you, wincing as your light scalds her crooked horn and dark patches of mutation around her neck and shoulders, then spits at you and walks away.
>>568590
The shard seems to react violently to your new shiny form, as if it was about to shatter.
"From… The Old Dark Ones?"
>>568581
Darkwhisper looks a little worried about being picked up by you, but hoe doesn't seem hurt by it.
His father just hugs him silently, without answering you.
>>568588
She keeps screaming, until little Darkwhisper bursts out laughing
"Come on, even I could take it, you big baby!"
This makes the angry cultist flush bright red in anger and embarrassment.
The shard seems to react violently to your new shiny form, as if it was about to shatter.
"From… The Old Dark Ones?"
>>568581
Darkwhisper looks a little worried about being picked up by you, but hoe doesn't seem hurt by it.
His father just hugs him silently, without answering you.
>>568588
She keeps screaming, until little Darkwhisper bursts out laughing
"Come on, even I could take it, you big baby!"
This makes the angry cultist flush bright red in anger and embarrassment.
>>568610
Put it back safely before anything happens to it.
"It came from the Gatewyrm; you know, the beast you all came here by?
And do you know how we got it? The Gatewyrm GAVE it to us. Because out of all that traveled through it before, we were the first to show it kindness.
Tirek enslaved it, kept it so that it's very heart was unable to beat on it's own. It has existed in a tortured state for centuries before we healed it and allowed it's heart to beat once more.
Is that really the type of god you wish to follow? Is that really the fate you wish to choose?"
Put it back safely before anything happens to it.
"It came from the Gatewyrm; you know, the beast you all came here by?
And do you know how we got it? The Gatewyrm GAVE it to us. Because out of all that traveled through it before, we were the first to show it kindness.
Tirek enslaved it, kept it so that it's very heart was unable to beat on it's own. It has existed in a tortured state for centuries before we healed it and allowed it's heart to beat once more.
Is that really the type of god you wish to follow? Is that really the fate you wish to choose?"
>>568711
>>568712
>>568715
You drag the pony out. He looks rather badly mutated and has a bunch of strange, insect like limbs growing from his back, each holding a quill or some paper.
"Oh dear…"
As you force the vault door open, you see the vault itself is a massive cave full of iron cages used to store items. At the center of the cave stands an immense demon somewhat resembling the one you faced in the entrance hall. This one, too, has many sets of arms, but its armor seems more decorated and has many pouches, pockets and holsters. It was observing a large ornate sword it had taken from one of the cages, but as it sees its friend in trouble, it lifts the blade and prepares for battle
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 5/5
Upper L Arm 5/5
Lower R Arm 5/5
Lower L Arm 5/5
R Leg 20/5
L Leg 20/5
Vault Archivist HELPLESS/4
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 7/5
+Sunsong 7/5
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 7/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 5/5
>>568712
>>568715
You drag the pony out. He looks rather badly mutated and has a bunch of strange, insect like limbs growing from his back, each holding a quill or some paper.
"Oh dear…"
As you force the vault door open, you see the vault itself is a massive cave full of iron cages used to store items. At the center of the cave stands an immense demon somewhat resembling the one you faced in the entrance hall. This one, too, has many sets of arms, but its armor seems more decorated and has many pouches, pockets and holsters. It was observing a large ornate sword it had taken from one of the cages, but as it sees its friend in trouble, it lifts the blade and prepares for battle
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 5/5
Upper L Arm 5/5
Lower R Arm 5/5
Lower L Arm 5/5
R Leg 20/5
L Leg 20/5
Vault Archivist HELPLESS/4
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 7/5
+Sunsong 7/5
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 7/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 5/5
>>568731
You blast at the monster, temporarily knocking its arms down.
>>568733
Your words are, for once, actually inspiring.
+2 to all rolls!
Sunsong gets spooked as the Archivist gets up next to him
Dulltooth grabs one of the arms
>>568734
Cloudcover takes the hit for you, and counters with a slam of his own.
The Archivist runs to the iron cages and starts looking for something.
You blast at the monster, temporarily knocking its arms down.
>>568733
Your words are, for once, actually inspiring.
+2 to all rolls!
Sunsong gets spooked as the Archivist gets up next to him
Dulltooth grabs one of the arms
>>568734
Cloudcover takes the hit for you, and counters with a slam of his own.
The Archivist runs to the iron cages and starts looking for something.
>>568762
>>568766
Cloudcover is healied in the nick of time, and manages to bash the Archivist away from the cage after he attempts to shank Coral, but is stopped by Protect
>>568767
You leap at the Archivist, impaling him on your blade, lifting him in the air and channeling your divine rage through him, making him explode into charred chunks of gore.
Sunsong strikes at the leg in an attempt to bring the monster down.
Dulltooth gets thrown off by the arm.
The arms activate once more.
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 4/5
Upper L Arm 4/5
Lower R Arm 5/5
Lower L Arm 2/5
R Leg 19/5
L Leg 17/5
Vault Archivist DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 7/5
+Sunsong 7/5
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 5/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 5/5
>>568766
Cloudcover is healied in the nick of time, and manages to bash the Archivist away from the cage after he attempts to shank Coral, but is stopped by Protect
>>568767
You leap at the Archivist, impaling him on your blade, lifting him in the air and channeling your divine rage through him, making him explode into charred chunks of gore.
Sunsong strikes at the leg in an attempt to bring the monster down.
Dulltooth gets thrown off by the arm.
The arms activate once more.
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 4/5
Upper L Arm 4/5
Lower R Arm 5/5
Lower L Arm 2/5
R Leg 19/5
L Leg 17/5
Vault Archivist DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 7/5
+Sunsong 7/5
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 5/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 5/5
>>568785
You blow the Lower Left Arm out of its socket, leaving it limp for the moment
>>568787
You miss the Lower Right Arm and it retaliates with a swing.
>>568789
You leave another slash on the leg, whiel Dulltooth bases up the dislocated arm.
Sunsong gets stepped on.
The Upper Arms wind up a wide strike! Roll to evade!
'2d10'
Roll #1 8, 8 = 16
You blow the Lower Left Arm out of its socket, leaving it limp for the moment
>>568787
You miss the Lower Right Arm and it retaliates with a swing.
>>568789
You leave another slash on the leg, whiel Dulltooth bases up the dislocated arm.
Sunsong gets stepped on.
The Upper Arms wind up a wide strike! Roll to evade!
'2d10'
Roll #1 8, 8 = 16
>>568809
>>568807
>>568803
Cloudcover and Ember manage to evade the strikes with ease but the rest take a hit
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 4/5
Upper L Arm 4/5
Lower R Arm 5/5
Lower L Arm HELPLESS/3
R Leg 19/5
L Leg 15/5
Vault Archivist DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong HELPLESS/4
Coral Burst 2/5
+Cloudcover 4/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 3/5
>>568807
>>568803
Cloudcover and Ember manage to evade the strikes with ease but the rest take a hit
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 4/5
Upper L Arm 4/5
Lower R Arm 5/5
Lower L Arm HELPLESS/3
R Leg 19/5
L Leg 15/5
Vault Archivist DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong HELPLESS/4
Coral Burst 2/5
+Cloudcover 4/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 3/5
>>568815
>>568817
Sunsong is back up.
Coral's blast disables the Lower Right arm and shakes up all the other limbs as her anti-demon blast lets loose a great wave of energy
>>568818
Before you can get your inspiring words out, a hand sweeps you aside
Dulltooth crumples the armor on the Lower Left Arm, nearly breaking the limb off
Sunsong gets kicked away
As all the arms were shaken up, they cannot perform another wide strike
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 3/5
Upper L Arm 3/5
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower L Arm HELPLESS/1
R Leg 18/5
L Leg 14/5
Vault Archivist DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong 3/4
Coral Burst 2/5
+Cloudcover 3/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 3/5
>>568817
Sunsong is back up.
Coral's blast disables the Lower Right arm and shakes up all the other limbs as her anti-demon blast lets loose a great wave of energy
>>568818
Before you can get your inspiring words out, a hand sweeps you aside
Dulltooth crumples the armor on the Lower Left Arm, nearly breaking the limb off
Sunsong gets kicked away
As all the arms were shaken up, they cannot perform another wide strike
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 3/5
Upper L Arm 3/5
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower L Arm HELPLESS/1
R Leg 18/5
L Leg 14/5
Vault Archivist DEAD
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong 3/4
Coral Burst 2/5
+Cloudcover 3/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 3/5
>>568835
Your Wrath shakes up the entire demon, knocking it silly
>>568837
You cleave through both Left Arms, ripping the lower one off.
Cloud slams at the leg.
>>568838
You join Cloudcover in attacking the leg, damaging its armor
Dulltooth sees the Lower Left Arm break off and focuses on the Right instead.
Sunsong finally activates Guardian
The Vault Keeper roars, and punches open one of the vault cages. It then reaches in and pulls out a crackling hammer!
After your next Critfail, your critfail range will increase due to its shattering strikes!
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 3/5
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/3
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 18/5
L Leg 7/5
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong 3/4 [Guardian 3]
Coral Burst 2/5
+Cloudcover 3/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 3/5
Your Wrath shakes up the entire demon, knocking it silly
>>568837
You cleave through both Left Arms, ripping the lower one off.
Cloud slams at the leg.
>>568838
You join Cloudcover in attacking the leg, damaging its armor
Dulltooth sees the Lower Left Arm break off and focuses on the Right instead.
Sunsong finally activates Guardian
The Vault Keeper roars, and punches open one of the vault cages. It then reaches in and pulls out a crackling hammer!
After your next Critfail, your critfail range will increase due to its shattering strikes!
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 3/5
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/4
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/3
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 18/5
L Leg 7/5
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 4/5
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong 3/4 [Guardian 3]
Coral Burst 2/5
+Cloudcover 3/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 3/5
>>568840
The arm moves to evade your shot
>>568841
You get bashed by its arm, and it kicks Sunsong away before Dulltooth wrestles to leg to a standstill
>>568842
You nearly destroy the leg
Cloudcover strikes the arm, stopping it from recovering
>>568843
>>568844
You manage to cripple the leg, but as it falls to a knee, you get smashed.
The Upper Right Arm makes a sweeping attack, roll to dodge '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
The arm moves to evade your shot
>>568841
You get bashed by its arm, and it kicks Sunsong away before Dulltooth wrestles to leg to a standstill
>>568842
You nearly destroy the leg
Cloudcover strikes the arm, stopping it from recovering
>>568843
>>568844
You manage to cripple the leg, but as it falls to a knee, you get smashed.
The Upper Right Arm makes a sweeping attack, roll to dodge '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>568846
>>568848
You get smacked
>>568847
>>568849
You fail to avoid the strike but Cloud easily soars over it
>>568850
>>568851
Only Dulltooth manages to avoid being hit
This ends Guardian
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 3/5
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/3
Lower R Arm 5/3
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 18/5
L Leg 1/5
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 2/5
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong HELPLESS/3
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 3/5
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Blossom 2/5
>>568848
You get smacked
>>568847
>>568849
You fail to avoid the strike but Cloud easily soars over it
>>568850
>>568851
Only Dulltooth manages to avoid being hit
This ends Guardian
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 3/5
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/3
Lower R Arm 5/3
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 18/5
L Leg 1/5
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 2/5
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong HELPLESS/3
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 3/5
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Blossom 2/5
>>568852
DISRERARD THOSE HITS/WOUNDS
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 3/5
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/3
Lower R Arm 5/3
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 18/5
L Leg HELPLESS/4
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 2/5
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong HELPLESS/3
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 3/5
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Blossom 2/5
DISRERARD THOSE HITS/WOUNDS
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 3/5
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/3
Lower R Arm 5/3
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 18/5
L Leg HELPLESS/4
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 2/5
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong HELPLESS/3
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 3/5
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Blossom 2/5
>>568855
You and Cloudcover manage to cripple all of its arms!
>>568856
You try to take flight, and instantly get floored by a flame breath
Dulltooth slams the head so hard it cracks the face plate
Sunsong gets up
>>568857
You get up and wound the leg as you go
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 15/5
Upper R Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/3
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 18/5
L Leg HELPLESS/2
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn HELPLESS/4
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong 7/3
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 3/5
Whisper 5/4
Blossom 2/5
You and Cloudcover manage to cripple all of its arms!
>>568856
You try to take flight, and instantly get floored by a flame breath
Dulltooth slams the head so hard it cracks the face plate
Sunsong gets up
>>568857
You get up and wound the leg as you go
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 15/5
Upper R Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/3
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 18/5
L Leg HELPLESS/2
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn HELPLESS/4
+Dulltooth 5/5
+Sunsong 7/3
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 3/5
Whisper 5/4
Blossom 2/5
>>568859
The head bites at you
>>568860
>>568868
>>568861
Coral helps you up
The Head blasts Dulltooth away with a fire breath
Sunsong gets caught in it as well but is protected by Cloudcover and healed by Blossom
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 15/5
Upper R Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/3
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 18/5
L Leg HELPLESS/2
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 7/4 Critfails on 2-
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 0/5
Whisper 4/5
Blossom 2/5
The head bites at you
>>568860
>>568868
>>568861
Coral helps you up
The Head blasts Dulltooth away with a fire breath
Sunsong gets caught in it as well but is protected by Cloudcover and healed by Blossom
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 15/5
Upper R Arm HELPLESS/4
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/3
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 18/5
L Leg HELPLESS/2
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 7/4 Critfails on 2-
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 0/5
Whisper 4/5
Blossom 2/5
>>568873
Unfortunately, his fangs are longer
>>568874
Your wrath burns every limb on the demon, buying you time to catch your breath
>>568875
>>568877
Your assault on the head ins wearing it down heavily
Victory should be near
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 5/5
Upper R Arm HELPLESS/3
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/1
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 17/5
L Leg HELPLESS/1
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 5/4 Critfails on 2-
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 7/5
Whisper 1/5
Blossom 2/5
Unfortunately, his fangs are longer
>>568874
Your wrath burns every limb on the demon, buying you time to catch your breath
>>568875
>>568877
Your assault on the head ins wearing it down heavily
Victory should be near
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 5/5
Upper R Arm HELPLESS/3
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/1
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 17/5
L Leg HELPLESS/1
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 5/4 Critfails on 2-
Coral Burst 1/5
+Cloudcover 7/5
Whisper 1/5
Blossom 2/5
>>568892
The arm evades your shot
>>568893
You end up Helpless
>>568899
The head rages, tossing you aside
>>568896
Most inspiring.
+2 to all rolls!
Dulltooth smashes the nose in after the head smacks Cloudcover away
+2 to all rolls
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: HELPLESS/4
Upper R Arm 5/3
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/1
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 17/5
L Leg HELPLESS/1
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 3/4 Critfails on 2-
Coral Burst HELPLESS/4
+Cloudcover 5/5
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Blossom 2/5
The arm evades your shot
>>568893
You end up Helpless
>>568899
The head rages, tossing you aside
>>568896
Most inspiring.
+2 to all rolls!
Dulltooth smashes the nose in after the head smacks Cloudcover away
+2 to all rolls
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: HELPLESS/4
Upper R Arm 5/3
Upper L Arm HELPLESS/2
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/1
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 17/5
L Leg HELPLESS/1
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 3/4 Critfails on 2-
Coral Burst HELPLESS/4
+Cloudcover 5/5
Whisper HELPLESS/4
Blossom 2/5
>>568908
>>568913
>>568911
With everyone back up and standing, Ember leads a massive charge against the head, destroying it utterly.
Just as you breathe a sigh of relief, the monster bends over backwards, a second head bursting out of its abdomen, and it slams a fist into another nearby cage, pulling out a crackling scepter.
You feel your bodies amplify with power, but so does it…
Double Damage is in effect. On both sides.
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Second Head 30/1
Head: DEAD
Upper R Arm 5/3
Upper L Arm 5/2
Lower R Arm 5/1
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 17/5
L Leg HELPLESS/1
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
Double Damage
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 3/4 Critfails on 2-
Coral Burst 5/4
+Cloudcover 5/5
Whisper 5/4
Blossom 2/5
>>568913
>>568911
With everyone back up and standing, Ember leads a massive charge against the head, destroying it utterly.
Just as you breathe a sigh of relief, the monster bends over backwards, a second head bursting out of its abdomen, and it slams a fist into another nearby cage, pulling out a crackling scepter.
You feel your bodies amplify with power, but so does it…
Double Damage is in effect. On both sides.
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Second Head 30/1
Head: DEAD
Upper R Arm 5/3
Upper L Arm 5/2
Lower R Arm 5/1
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 17/5
L Leg HELPLESS/1
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
Double Damage
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 5/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 3/4 Critfails on 2-
Coral Burst 5/4
+Cloudcover 5/5
Whisper 5/4
Blossom 2/5
>>568977
You manage to stop it
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Second Head 28/1
Head: DEAD
Upper R Arm 5/3
Upper L Arm 5/2
Lower R Arm 5/1
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 17/5
L Leg HELPLESS/1
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
Double Damage
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 3/4 Critfails on 2- [Guardian 3]
Coral Burst 1/4
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 1/4
Blossom 2/5
You manage to stop it
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Second Head 28/1
Head: DEAD
Upper R Arm 5/3
Upper L Arm 5/2
Lower R Arm 5/1
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 17/5
L Leg HELPLESS/1
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
Double Damage
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 3/4 Critfails on 2- [Guardian 3]
Coral Burst 1/4
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 1/4
Blossom 2/5
>>568984
Something is awry. Your powers blast Coral instead
>>568986
Only Guardian is keeping you standing right now
Dulltooth sinks his fist elbow deep in the new head
Sunsong follows up with a heavy shield slam
>>568988
The head shows you that it is the boss.
>>568989
The head finds a new opening, and attempts to activate the arms once again
Roll to prevent arm activation '1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
Something is awry. Your powers blast Coral instead
>>568986
Only Guardian is keeping you standing right now
Dulltooth sinks his fist elbow deep in the new head
Sunsong follows up with a heavy shield slam
>>568988
The head shows you that it is the boss.
>>568989
The head finds a new opening, and attempts to activate the arms once again
Roll to prevent arm activation '1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>568998
>>568999
>>569001
Ember's Fervored strike just barely manages to daze the head long enough to buy you one more chance to strike.
Now or never.
Finish it.
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Second Head 10/1
Head: DEAD
Upper R Arm 5/3
Upper L Arm 5/2
Lower R Arm 5/1
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 17/5
L Leg HELPLESS/1
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
Double Damage
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 3/4 Critfails on 2- [Guardian 3]
Coral Burst 1/3
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 1/4
Blossom 2/5
>>568999
>>569001
Ember's Fervored strike just barely manages to daze the head long enough to buy you one more chance to strike.
Now or never.
Finish it.
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Second Head 10/1
Head: DEAD
Upper R Arm 5/3
Upper L Arm 5/2
Lower R Arm 5/1
Lower L Arm DEAD
R Leg 17/5
L Leg HELPLESS/1
Vault Archivist DEAD
Critfailing increases Critfail range
Double Damage
#PARTY
Ember Dawn 1/4
+Dulltooth 3/5
+Sunsong 3/4 Critfails on 2- [Guardian 3]
Coral Burst 1/3
+Cloudcover 1/5
Whisper 1/4
Blossom 2/5
>>569015
If nothing else, you have managed to distract the arms long enough to stop them from winding up for a sweep.
>>569016
Your wrath shakes the head down to its core, but is not enough to destroy it
>>569033
It seems hope is over
Sunsong cannot maintain his guardian stance
The arms rise to perform a sweep you have no hope of avoiding
The end has come
>>569029
>>569030
The end has come. For that beast.
It has insulted your skills for the last time.
As if in a trance, you step towards the monster's jaws, leaping at it as it rises up on its last leg, roaring in defiance. You embed a hoof in its jaw, kick a fang loose, spin in mid-air, slam it back through its forehead, sink your blade through the same hole, use it to bounce back up as it tries to breathe fire at you, grab hold of the blade as you fall, use your momentum to force the entire monster around, and with a mighty roar launch it backwards towards the heavily fortified rear of the room. It crashes through the massive doors, and is incinerated down to nothing as blinding light fills the room.
You stand in a great white void where the vault once stood, a radiance so intense it defies reason engulfing all around you. But even through this searing incandescence, one light shines even brighter.
The Shard of Light awaits.
If nothing else, you have managed to distract the arms long enough to stop them from winding up for a sweep.
>>569016
Your wrath shakes the head down to its core, but is not enough to destroy it
>>569033
It seems hope is over
Sunsong cannot maintain his guardian stance
The arms rise to perform a sweep you have no hope of avoiding
The end has come
>>569029
>>569030
The end has come. For that beast.
It has insulted your skills for the last time.
As if in a trance, you step towards the monster's jaws, leaping at it as it rises up on its last leg, roaring in defiance. You embed a hoof in its jaw, kick a fang loose, spin in mid-air, slam it back through its forehead, sink your blade through the same hole, use it to bounce back up as it tries to breathe fire at you, grab hold of the blade as you fall, use your momentum to force the entire monster around, and with a mighty roar launch it backwards towards the heavily fortified rear of the room. It crashes through the massive doors, and is incinerated down to nothing as blinding light fills the room.
You stand in a great white void where the vault once stood, a radiance so intense it defies reason engulfing all around you. But even through this searing incandescence, one light shines even brighter.
The Shard of Light awaits.
>>569073
>>569078
As you approach the shard, the light it is emitting immediately surges into your body and explodes outwards, linking everyone together with great tethers of light.
The whiteness around you intensifies until you can no longer see anything, but a moment later it fades back to normal, save for one thing. The intensity of your own bodily radiance has grown notably, to the point where you slightly crackle with energy.
You have all gained a new power
#Demonbane: Once Per Combat, on success, removes one Wound from a mutated or Demonic enemy.
The vault is in ruins after your battle, but many of the items here are still intact.
You may look around for something useful, as many of these things are not tainted, and were locked away for that exact reason.
#LOOT
You may pick ONE 1pt Skill from ANY class
OR
You may pick a second CM.
>>569078
As you approach the shard, the light it is emitting immediately surges into your body and explodes outwards, linking everyone together with great tethers of light.
The whiteness around you intensifies until you can no longer see anything, but a moment later it fades back to normal, save for one thing. The intensity of your own bodily radiance has grown notably, to the point where you slightly crackle with energy.
You have all gained a new power
#Demonbane: Once Per Combat, on success, removes one Wound from a mutated or Demonic enemy.
The vault is in ruins after your battle, but many of the items here are still intact.
You may look around for something useful, as many of these things are not tainted, and were locked away for that exact reason.
#LOOT
You may pick ONE 1pt Skill from ANY class
OR
You may pick a second CM.