/q/ - Quest

ADVENTURE!

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File: 1397947954322.jpg (37.23 KB, 720x480, midnight guard.jpg, IO Exif Google TinEye)

562134

Your goal, the Witness of Love, awaits in the central Sanctum. It lies past the Lover's Homes, through the Inner garden and across the Pools.

562139

Ember and his entourage soon catch up with the group, as they near the far edge of the Homes area, the Gardens appearing in the distance.

562143

>>562139
Oh my. How's Silk reacting to this place?

562144

562147

>>562134
This place is very interesting to say the least.

562152

>>562144
It's hard to tell what way he interpreted that.
>>562143
Her ears are turning wildly, and her mouth is hanging open ever so slightly. It's all a little overwhelming for her.

562154

>>562139
Does this mean the heavily hurt Grace is with me now?

562157

>>562152
Sneakily rub against her side, putting a little extra pressure on her flanks.
"I take it you like it here?"

562158

>>562152
I feel like the only person in the entire world that's not having sex right now.
But having sex an hour before battle is not good for a man.

562159

>>562152
Blush. It.. doesn't matter. For cloud I would do what he needs.
"So.. nice of you to join us Grace.. are you okay"

562160

>>562158
Your senses fail you.

562161

>>562154
He is with you, angrily listening for the voice of Sundancer
>>562157
She gasps a little
"It's all so very…
…unexpected."
>>562159
"I do not understand why you insist on protecting these heretics."

562162

>>562160
"So how are you liking the place?"

562164

>>562161
Gasp and rush to him.
"Grace!
You are so very very hurt!"
Heal him, for Their sake!
'1d10+2'
>>562162
"These heretics must burn to the ground."

Roll #1 2 + 2 = 4

562166

>>562164
"Eh…"
I look it over.
"I'm not sure, they don't seem to be harming anypony. I'd think the heretics killing ponies and sacrificing to demons should be a higher priority than these."

562168

>>562161
"It kind of reminds me of home, in a way."
Try to slip a hoof under her belly without anyone else noticing. '1d10'
"Though the Empire usually frowns on doing such activities in public~"

Roll #1 2 = 2

562169

>>562161
"They are.. mostly harmless. Bigger fish to fry. But personally I would not stop you. Infact.. I argued that we should have not allowed ember to go after you. "

562170

>>562166
"Every single pony on this island is in on this, don't delude yourself.
And the more we spend here, the deeper I feel my soul sink into darkness, like bathing in putrid water."

562173

>>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.

562174

>>562170
I smirk.
"That's an interesting metaphor in this situation.
Save that righteous anger for when we reach midnight castle."

562175

>>562173
Slap him.
"You shut up and let me patch you, because as the Sun rises and the Moon sets, I'm not gonna let a pony of faith die if I can help it."
'1d10' DDoM, apply appropriate bonus.

Roll #1 2 = 2

562178

>>562173
To Sunsong: "Is that why you're so angry? Because she decided to stay?"

Smile sheepishly at the looks I'm getting, and start pulling my hoof away.

562180

>>562174
"This Witness is gonna pay aswell.
She wants to replace the godness of love. She wants to profit from heresy.
I'm not about to let this happen."

562181

>>562173
" and then we would never get to tirek in one piece. " I say sympathetically.

562183

>>562180
"On your own? I'm sure the goddess of Love is no match for this witness when it does eventually challenge her. "

562184

>>562183
"I'm not on my own."
Look at him.
"Or am I?"

562185

>>562168
Roll my eyes at you

562187

>>562184
"You are not alone blossom."

562188

562189

>>562181
"You will accept any excuse to save these heretics, won't you…"
>>562178
"One by one, you all seem to be falling for their lies. Defending them, befriending them, joining them…"
>>562175
"I said. It. Is. Not. Necessary.
…but thank you for caring."

562191

>>562189
Look hurt
"We can kill them on the way back…"

562192

>>562189
"We have a demon lord to defeat.
Bleeding on the floor will not help us in any way!"
Look up, into his eyes.
"Please. Allow me to help."

562193

>>562184
"I think defeating one god-sized threat today is already heroism enough for a group of mortals."

562194

>>562193
"Sadly, our path requires more of us."

562198

>>562191
"Lets hope there will be a way back for you."
>>562192
He tries to remain stern, but stumbles as his leg gives way.
"…fine."
He lays down next to a nearby rock
"Go ahead then."

562199

>>562194
"I knew I should have stayed in bed today."

562201

>>562198
Smile.
"Finally…"
Heal him properly now.
'1d10+2'
>>562199
"Too bad."
Answer cheerfully, almost smiling.

Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5

562202

>>562198
"One way or another. I am finishing this." I say coldly. "Whatever I must endure to do so. I will endure "
Look at cloud is he still okay?

562203

>>562201
OH MY GOD WILL YOU ROLL SIX ALREADY?
'1d10+2''1d10+2''1d10+2''1d10+2'

Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7 / Roll #2 2 + 2 = 4 / Roll #3 5 + 2 = 7 / Roll #4 5 + 2 = 7

562204

>>562202
He looks a little worried about you
>>562201
>>562203
>5d10+2
Blossom pls
He lets it happen, and once you finally succeed, stands up
"Satisfied?"

562206

>>562204
He's the husband I need, but not the husband I deserve.

With a scrunch, nod.
"Nod don't get yourself killed."

562210

>>562204
Frown and rub against him slightly.

562215

>>562206
"Give me a reason not to."
>>562210
"Would you really kill them all?"

562217

>>562215
" they cause others pain for their own benefit.. they are not innocent cloud.." a tiny bit of sadness behind the cold facade.

562218

>>562215
"Because it's the vow you took.
To protect and help their light prosper.
Can't do that while dead."

562220

>>562217
"Listen to them. These are not wanton whores and depraved madponies. They are… simply lovers."
>>562218
"But I can give my life for that end."

562223

>>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."

562224

>>562220
Take a moment to look. Can I see what he sees? '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

562228

>>562220
"But you don't have to."
>>562223
"I call you a heretic aswell!"

562231

>>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."

562232

>>562223
Tap my hoof idly.

562233

>>562223
Huff at you and move my hoof to my sword.
>>562231
" cloud.. would you sacrifice others for us? '

562234

>>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?"

562236

>>562234
"You damned your soul the moment you believed or accepted a word these heretics said!"

562237

>>562234
"Ember!"

562239

>>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?"

562243

>>562239
"You really think cadence wants this? This complete intolerance. This pushing us all to madness and heresy? This confusion? Do you?"

562244

>>562233
"If it meant keeping our love pure… I just might."
>>562234
"Let her go as she pleased. She always taught me that righteous fury was not the way to solve problems, but look where her words and kindness got her. She is now one of them."

562247

>>562244
Winch and close my eyes " please.. you can't mean that. "

562251

>>562243
"If I did, would I be on my way to kill Tirek? This is wrong, but why must bloodshed always be the answer for you ponies?"
>>562244
"And how many problems has your righteous fury solved for you? Is Tirek dead? Is the world safe?"

562252

>>562247
"I would not let the world die just to keep you. But I would not mind cracking some heads to keep you safe and at my side.
Don't worry. I'm not evil.
"
>>562251
"It will be. Soon. Very soon."

562253

>>562252
"and if you best your old mentor? What if you survive and find the pain still has not gone away?"

562255

>>562239
"You are even giving them the shard, for Their sake!
The shard that the wyrm gifted us thanks to our devotion to the Sisters!
This is heresy!"

562257

>>562251
"Just. Shut. Up. Or I will gag you." Glare at you.
>>562252
Look flustered " oh, that is.. I feel the same them. If I have to kill for you. I will. " nod firmly and sneak a kiss.

562258

>>562253
"Then I will share it with every last thing that still stands between me and the heart of this island.
I am not one for words. That is not how I was trained.
I have faith in my weapons, and that is what guides me."
>>562257
He smiles
"Do you want to listen to them argue?"

562260

>>562258
" honestly I want to knock out ember. Just to stop hearing him." smile back.

562261

>>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?"

562269

>>562260
"We can always let them finish alone, and go sit somewhere else for a second."
>>562261
"She chose this realm of nightmares over her faith. I suppose she never had much faith to begin with, if her mind was so easy to change."

Should we pause?

562271

>>562269
I can keep going.
I'm waiting on action.

562274

>>562269
"She saw her faith made real and fell victim to an illusion. Would you abandon someone who fell in a hole, saying they never had good footing to begin with if it was so easy for them to fall?"

Either way works for me.

562277

>>562269
" I guess.. are you really sure we can't just knock him out and be done with it?" look at ember and then back to cloud and then at my sword, and then at ember and then back to cloud. " yea.. I might do something stupid if we stay here and listen to this." follow him.

562279

>>562269
pause

562284

>>562277
He takes you to the edge of the garden, and lays down under a tree in the grass, gazing at the moon above
"…love is a beautiful thing."
>>562274
"I…
…grr…
Why aren't we moving yet!?"

562287

>>562284
"It is. I found it worthy to worship.. that's why this place above all scares me.."

562289

>>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."

562296

>>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

562552

>>562296
>>562296
"Its.. the ultimate temptation.. but don't tell the others.. they wouldn't understand. " kiss him.

562555

>>562296
What's so scary about these inner gardens?

562564

>>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.

562566

>>562564
Years of training and missions have made me a boring man.
I doubt there is anything that could tempt me as I walk the path.

562570

>>562564
Hooh boy. If Silk decided she wanted to drag me off for a quick tryst… I'm not sure I could resist. Especially if Dulltooth and Sunsong came along…

562573

>>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."

562575

>>562573
Hmmm. Speed is of the essence here.
>>562570
"What do you think Ember? Cut through the woods to make it quicker to the witness or shall we stay the road?"

562585

>>562573
"I-its a distracting place… Brings up distracting thoughts…" damnit, your men aren't eyecandy!
Even if they are good-looking eye candy… I just hope Silk didn't hear about my last dream…
>>562575

""Oh! Ah, um, well… Which would you suggest?"

562586

>>562585
Look him straight in the eyes.
"You think you can handle whatever is in there?"

562587

>>562585
"Sir, we cannot afford distractions. Compose yourself, or inform me what you need."
Dulltooth tries to look oblivious.
Silk is on the verge of facehoofing.

562592

>>562587
Silk's better at knowing how to deal with this stuff, I'llask her!
""well should I ignore this and focus on the mission, or just… Get it out of the way?

562593

>>562592
"Get a hold of yourself Ember. We have a mission here.
…or are you saying you really can't take it?"

562595

>>562592
>>562593
I give both of them the look.
"Yes or no?"

562598

"Uhh are all okay?"

562600

>>562598
"Ember is taking way longer than I'm comfortable with to tell me he's ready to deal with anything that is in those forest should we decide to take a shortcut."

562602

>>562598
>>562600
Silk rolls her eyes
"Ember is just a little distracted right now, it seems."

562603

>>562600
"I see. We may have to cover him in that case. But I agree on the short cut."

562605

>>562602
Give an understanding nod. "Keep him in check for us?"

562606

>>562602
"No deal, I would rather take a little longer than having to claw Ember of whatever he's going to stick his dick into."

562608

>>562605
>>562606
"I suppose we can always… catch up to you in a sec"

562610

>>562608
Give her a look.
"Oh dear, it's like that.
Fine, go ahead.
Make sure he's not distracted anymore."

562612

>>562608
>>562610
"Okay then. Please hurry. We do have a world to save.."

562613

>>562612
"Let's leave these two in peace then, Coral."

562614

>>562610
>>562612
"I understand the urgency. But you did say you wanted to take no risks."

562616

>>562613
"Okay. Into the forest?"

562617

>>562614
"Yes, yes, do it quick and properly."
Roll my eyes.

>>562616
"Seems that way."

562618

>>562614
"It will be better if his mind is clear. Go ahead."

562620

>>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.

562621

>>562620
'1d10' rolling

Roll #1 10 = 10

562622

>>562620
"If he's still distracted next time I see him, I'll blame you!"
I shout as I get into the forest.

Rollan '1d10'

>>562618
I shake my head.

Roll #1 2 = 2

562624

>>562622
"A moment of weakness now is better than later."

562625

>>562624
"Let's hope Silk manages to cure Embers."
I smirk

562626

>>562620
Once they're all gone:
"…Nobody else is being affected this badly. I… I really am a little whore, aren't I?"
Hang my head in shame.

562629

>>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."

562630

>>562629
"Hide."
Dive into the bushes. '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

562633

>>562629
"Maybe they will leave?" Wait behind a tree for them to pass. '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

562635

>>562630
You quickly move into a nearby bush.
You may drag Grace with you if you want.
>>562633
The patrol has seen you, and are coming straight for you and Cloudcover.

562636

>>562629
!!!
Are… Are they into this too? Blush furiously.
"So, ah… I'm not pressuring you into this, y-you're perfectly free to say no if you're not comfortale with this…"

562637

>>562635
Grab that fucker with me and motion him to be silent.

562638

>>562635
"Umm sorry is this are taken?" I blush and make a fake attempt to hide behind cloud cover.

562641

>>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."

562643

>>562641
"Grace, shut up."

562644

>>562641
"A dangerous pony? Oh dear. What do they look like?"

562646

>>562641
"S-so, um… Do you, ah… already know what I'm, ah… Oh, jeez, I feel dirty just thinking about it…"

562648

>>562644
"Reported to be wearing golden armor, possibly robes, wields heavy weaponry. Light colors, angry demeanor. Killed several Dreamers and Dream Heralds."
>>562643
He grumbles but keeps quiet
>>562646
"Sir?"
"Just say what you need."

562649

>>562648
Good boy.

562650

>>562648
"I'll keep a sharp eye out sir!" Smile at him and wait for him to leave.

562651

>>562650
>>562649
"Carry on then"
"Love guide your path"
The guards head on deeper into the forest

562652

>>562648
"I, ah…" Cover my face with my hooves.
"I've kinda been wanting to know what it's like to get spitroasted."

562653

>>562651
Come back out.
"Good call, Coral."

562656

>>562653
"Thanks. I.. its unnerving how used to lying I am getting.." nod. "But we should disguise grace somehow so he doesn't get attacked."

562659

>>562652
"Sir I do not-"
Dulltooth picks him up and plants him in front of your face
"No argue. Ember friend. Friends help friends."
>>562653
>>562656
Grace is visibly angered by this
"Disguise? This is ridiculous. We should not be sneaking around, we should be thinning their ranks!"

562660

>>562656
"Don't worry about, once we're back in our world, we'll do a whole lot of praying and bathing in holy water to cleanse our souls."

562663

>>562659
"As I said to Coral, we'll just stay our blades until we kill Tirek or whoever is on Midnight Castle.
If you want to kill everyone on the way back to the gatewyrm, I'll help."

562664

>>562659
>>562660
Nod at whisper and give Grace a helpless stare. "We could but.. we should stick to the plan for now."

562667

>>562659
Well, uh…. How's the view?
"S-sorry about putting you into this position, Sunsong, but… I-I'll try to… Make it up to you…"

562668

>>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."

562669

>>562668
Sigh deeply and nod. "Right.. Let's hurry then. Can you help disguise Grace somehow?"

562670

>>562669
"I'll see what I can do…"
Can I hide his golden armor somehow? '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

562672

>>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.

562674

>>562672
Yeah…easy.
"Grace, how would you feel about wearing something else and putting your golden armor away for a little while."

562678

>>562672
"Thank you for trying Grace."

562680

>>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.

562682

>>562680
Cure the mutated bits off.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 9 + 2 = 11

562683

>>562680
Smile proudly at cloud.

562684

>>562672
Give her a nervous but knowing grin. "As if I could stop you if I even wanted to."
Shudder and bend over a little, working back into Dulltooth a little.
"Sorry about this, Sunsong. I-I'll… Do my best to make sure you enjoy it too."

562685

>>562680
"…thank you, miss Cloudy."

562687

>>562680
"Grace…thank you."

562691

>>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."

562692

>>562691
Smile to him, gently letting go of his hoof.
"Everyone is."

562693

>>562691
Get walking with Cloudy.

562696

>>562692
He sits there, rather speechless. The anger that had filled his eyes is now nowhere to be seen.

562697

>>562696
Keep the smile up.
"We should go with the others."

562698

>>562682
>>562691
"You are truly gifted fire. " I say impressed yet again before daring to move forward again.

562700

>>562693
>>562697
>>562698
Grace gets up and follows along, his previous fury and agitation no longer weighing him down.
You soon reach the bottom of the waterfall, and see a few ponies swimming in the pond at its base.

562701

>>562700
Ignore them.
Start climbing '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

562704

>>562700
Mh… Did we meet the witness yet?

562705

>>562691
Grind back into Dulltooth.
"G-go ahead… J-just keep it slow at first… W-while we wait for him."
Just as a dare, plant a quick kiss on sunsongs tip, just to help him along.

562706

>>562700
"Can I have a lift cloudy?"

562715

>>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."

562717

>>562715
Hold onto his hooves as well.

562718

>>562715
"There's a tunnel behind the waterfall. I think it will be easier than climbing all the way up the cliff."
Get to the tunnel.

562720

>>562715
Well… Open wide and get to work. If Silk liked my tongue skills, maybe he will too.

562724

>>562715
>>562718
"Great!"
Off to the tunnel.

562725

>>562717
Cloudcover lifts you up to the tunnel entrance, then swoops down to fetch Blossom and Grace
>>562718
>>562724
There is water flowing down the tunnel, and it seems to curve as you go up. You can hear screaming for somewhere ahead.

562726

>>562725
I grab my knives and start galloping

562728

>>562725
"Uh?!"
Rush ahead, they might be hurt!

562731

>>562726
>>562725
"Whisper? What's wrong?"
Run after him.

562733

>>562731
"Something going on, maybe you get to kill some heretics."

562735

>>562726
>>562728
>>562731
The water running down the floor of the tunnel makes it extremely slippery, but it sounds like the screaming is coming closer. Rapidly.

562736

>>562735
Gotta go fast '1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

562737

>>562735
Okay, thread carefully.
And bring out my weapon.

562738

>>562735
>>562733
"I knew it was too peaceful!" Run run run.

562740

>>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?

562741

>>562740
Uh duck aside and let it pass, it's probably being chased by the real bad.

562742

>>562740
Something big? Back off until I know what it is.

562744

>>562740
Step aside and throw a cure its way?
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6

562747

>>562740
Moan into him as I keep suckling and swallowing, forcing my flanks and hind legs to go limp just like last time.

562751

>>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.

562754

>>562751
"…Apparently."
Keep going.

562755

>>562751
"…We are in a waterslide?
And how did those ponies get on top then?
We should ask them!"

562756

>>562751
"…I guess they just want to have fun.."

562757

>>562754
>>562755
>>562756
"We could possibly set up a trap near one of the curves if we wanted to capture and interrogate some of them."

562759

>>562757
"Or… Just go downstairs and ask, by the entrance?
I doubt they will say no if we ask nicely."

562760

>>562757
"Uh…that's an idea but they're heretics…what if they get…turned on by being captured?"

562761

>>562757
>>562759
"Uhh I thought the love witness wanted to see us? Why do we need interrogation?"

562763

>>562751
Keep whimpering and moaning into him, one hoof making it's way to gently fondle his sack while I use the other to start jacking myself off furiously.
Draw my mouth back a little but not all the way, trying to entice him into thrusting.

562764

>>562761
"Let's just… Keep climbing."

562765

>>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?"

562766

>>562765
"Let's keep climbing, whatever happens, we'll handle it."
Keep going up.

562768

>>562765
"Climbing I think. " climb up.

562770

>>562765
Gasp for breath as I try to form the words.
"…S-stop… holding back… a-and f-fuck my mouth already!"
With that, dive right back in, keeping my muscles slack and my lips folded back over my teeth.

562772

>>562765
Let's just keep climbing and watch out for more sliding couples.

562776

>>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.

562777

>>562776
"Slide inspection. I wouldn't go in there.
We found some venereal diseases."
I help the others out to get up.

562781

>>562776
>>562777
Sigh and keep going.

562785

>>562776
"Excuse us " I squeeze past them.

562786

>>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.

562787

>>562786
What a sight.
"If I told them there was herpes in the pools, how fast do you guys think they'd have run?"
I chuckle.

562791

>>562787
"They'd probably stampede all over us…"
>>562786
Sad song. How tragic.
HERETIC SONG.

562794

>>562787
>>562791
Grace's ear twitches
"That song…
It sounds surprisingly… nice."

562795

>>562794
"Don't let it sway you.
Sin is meant to be enticing."

562796

>>562786
"I wonder if the witness is in one of these? Would we even know them?" Walk around the pools.

562797

>>562794
Give him a costanza look.
"Easy there fella.
Keep going like this and I might start thinking you're not a complete zealot after all."
Give him a pat on the back.
Now where is this temple."

562800

>>562795
>>562796
>>562797
Cloudcover points up and ahead
"I suppose that would be the Sanctum."
A great tower rises above the steam of the hot springs. In construct, it is very similar to the tower the Witness of Dreams lived in.
"It will be quite a walk though."

562801

>>562800
"How can a single temple be so big."

562802

>>562800
"We should be through the most tempting part yes?
Mmm, I wonder where Ember stays."

562803

>>562800
Groan. "Well.. let's just keep going.."

562805

>>562801
"The probably dreamed up more space or something like that."

562806

>>562801
"Its walls must be as wide as lovers' eyes."
>>562802
"Let us hope so…"
You head on down into the steamy poolsides, trying your best not to stumble into anything.
Roll for what you find.

562807

>>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.

562808

>>562806
I find the witness '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

562810

>>562806
"That's… Strangerly poetic."
Raise a brow.
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

562811

>>562806
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

562834

>>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."

562838

>>562834
Nod to him.
"We are looking for the tower entrance. But all we see are pools of water for ages.. mind helping us out?"

562839

>>562834
Let out a sigh of relief and at the same moment gasp for air, head falling back on the ground, coughing out water.

562840

>>562834
"Let's ask."
Turn to the barkeep.
"Just some general directions. How do we get into the tower."

562841

>>562834
Well… Guess I'll do as he says then. I have to admit, seeing him like this… it's really turning me on.
Hope he doesn't hate me later…

562842

>>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.

562843

>>562842
"What kind of gifts does the Witness like?"

562844

>>562842
>>562842
"I feel… Horrible.
Ever since we came here, everything's been horrible.
But we have to find the Witness.
No time for this."

562845

>>562844
"Just remember… you are not horrible."
That's the most genuine smile you've ever seen on his face.
>>562843
"I believe so far the last gift she rewarded with unlimited access to her temple was… hmm… oh yes, it was that Shard of Light. From what I hear, the Witness saw great potential in it."

562846

>>562842
"Y-yessir, Sunsong sir!"
Redouble my minstrations, using my hooves to move it around so I can clean every inch of it.
Thank goodness he's finally getting into it… I was getting worried for a minute there.

562847

>>562845
"I see, that's quite a gift. Did you happen to see who brought it?"

562848

>>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?"

562849

>>562848
That must be that mentor? Who was going to go after him again?

562850

>>562849
Grace.
But somewhere along the way here, Grace and Blossom disappeared

562851

>>562850
Oh dear.
Seems like everypony is falling like flies in the land of Love.
I go to Cloudy.
"Grace's mentor is around….should I tell him? He seems for once to be actually smiling here with Blossom."

562852

>>562851
"…that is a good question.
Is it worth ruining the happiness he has found by reminding him of his own anger?
But then, is it right to let this chance slip by him?"

562853

>>562848
"S-sir, yes, sir," I moan as I take first one, then the other into my mouth, suckling and licking them as my hooves slowly stroke his shaft. I'm unable to suppress a needy thrust of my hips, whimpering into his sack.

562854

>>562852
I look around.
"It seems like our lovebirds are still gone.
Perhaps you could stay here to wait for them while I go see this mentor. See what we're dealing with here."

562855

>>562845
I'll avoid rising a brow, because I've no goddamn idea where that came from.
Instead, smile.
"Thanks."
Let's get up.
"We need to find the others now."

562856

>>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?"

562857

>>562856
"Of course. I won't be long."
I take a look around for somepony here who looks like the old warrior type '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

562858

>>562856
Nod, same smile as before.

562859

>>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?"

562860

>>562859
"…"
I guess we owe this to him.
Take off the cowl.

562861

>>562859
There must be one…just one that stands out from all others '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

562862

>>562856
Still my hips, but work even harder at his shaft and sack, visibly straining to resist the urge to thrust helplessly.
"P-please, sir… r-requesting permission to… get relief, s-sir." Let a pleading tone worm it's way into my voice.

562863

>>562859
Oh it seems like fire and sunsong are having a moment.
Smile at them and whisper to cloud " this isn't an effect of the love circles is it? "

562864

>>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?"

562865

>>562864
Look up.
"You…you're not Sundancer by any chance right?"

562866

>>562864
Try to hold a gasp, and look down, grabbing my halberd tight.
"Y-yeah. It's not pretty. Sorry."

562867

>>562864
Laugh a bit " well it is the same touch that made a demon tame. "

562868

>>562864
Gulp, then let myself go limp back there.
"S-sir, yes, sir…"
Keep whimpering a little as I fight the urge to thrust back into him.

562869

>>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?"

562870

>>562869
…I've been warned about boys like this!
But he's a paladin, right?
Flush red at his touch.

562871

>>562869
Oh dear, this will ask for my special kind of diplomacy.
"We didn't actually. But I've heard of you."
I slowly drift a bit back to the edge of the pool.
"There's a lot of information on you in Falconwreaths files."

562872

>>562869
Glace back at fire and sun.
"…well as long as its only for a moment."

562873

>>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.

562874

>>562873
"Grace…
Maybe we shouldn't run like this…"
Try to avoid his gaze.
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

562875

>>562873
"I want some information.
Mainly on the Witness of Love, and especially on how to get past here to Midnight Castle."
Lean back against the edge of the pool.
I might as well enjoy the water.

562876

>>562873
Clink my glass against his. "To love?"

562877

>>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."

562878

>>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.

562879

>>562877
Slightly taken aback, stare into them.
"Okay…"

562880

>>562877
"Is that why you stole the Shard of Light? To be here with your…"
Look over his pool.
"charming little troupe?"

562881

>>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.

562882

>>562877
[Sip sip ]

562883

>>562881
I…
Embrace him back, slowly losing myself in it as I start sobbing in joy.

562884

>>562881
"Do you feel great knowing you've sold out your country for a group of colts?
The Shard of Light was the only real weapon we had to counter Tirek.
He is massing to turn our world into a nightmare."

562885

>>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."

562886

>>562885
Warm~
"You are the bravest warrior I ever met."

562887

>>562885
Perk a brow.
"Very short. You better start saying your goodbyes to your little squeezes here."

562888

>>562885
"Its the price that was paid for it that was so bad. " I say sipping soberly

562889

>>562881
"S…sir… it's… it's my pre, sir," I moan fearfully, sticking my tongue out to lick the droplets off my nose.
"I-it's because I'm… such a bad soldier, that I need to be punished for it, sir."
Gently, cautiously squeeze myself around his member.

562890

>>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?"

562891

>>562890
"Have you never…"
Sigh.
To hell with this.
Kiss. Dive in.

Roll #1 5 = 5

562892

>>562891
Diving into him is not unlike diving into a stone wall. But he does his best to kiss you back '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

562893

>>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.

562894

>>562890
"AaaaAAH," I groan as he presses on my sack.
"Aaaah, hhngh, n-no sir." Keep milking his shaft, starting to work up a rhythm of sorts.

562895

>>562890
Sigh "the only good part I need is you cloudy."

562896

>>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.

562897

>>562896
"So you're talling me we either need a gift or prove we're crazy heretics ready to serve Tirek?"

562898

>>562897
"Or you can try to throw enough corpses into the pit around it to make a bridge and walk across. Then get massacred by the guards. And zealots. And monsters. And mutants."

562899

>>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.

562900

>>562898
Look at him.
"You disgust me."
I get up and get out.
"Enjoy your time here."
I walk back to Cloudy.

562901

>>562892
It's okay I guess, I've little to compare it with anyway…
Rest, head laid upon his chest.
"Grace…
Don't get yourself killed."

562902

>>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."

562903

>>562902
Cool.
Tell them we need to somehow prove we're heretics to get through to Midnight Castle.

562904

>>562902
"Let's find the others. The hour has grown late enough…"
Shakily stand up, laying against Grace.

562905

>>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…

562906

>>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."

562907

>>562906
Nod and oblidge.
Wouldn't want to give any strange ideas.
>>562903
>>562895
We alive?

562908

>>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?"

562909

>>562908
Permission
…granted.


NEXT TIME ON THIS THING
COMBAT
COMBAT
A BOSS FIGHT

562910

>>562903
"WHAT?!" Spit out my drink in shock

562911

>>562905
Glare hard at you.

562912


>>562910
"Or give them a gift."

562913

>>562911
"I don't blame you for hating me. I just…"

562914

>>562912
"Like the crystal?"
>>562913
"I hardly believe we even share a god Ember." I sigh.

562915

>>562914
"Perhaps."

562916

>>562915
"Well let's give it a try at least. I don't want to do anything actually bad. "

562917

562914
"Is it so bad that I wish for as little bloodshed as possible? My sense of mercy… I can't sacrifice something as sacred as life so easily… Or I'd fear becoming like them… Willing to sacrifice the world for my own selfish purpose."

562918

562919

>>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?"

562920

>>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."

562921

>>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."

562922

>>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?"

562923

>>562922
Shake my head "I can't answer that for you. But I know these ponies deserve punishment."

562924

>>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."

562925

>>562924
"You show far too much compassion toward active murderers. Lord Dawn." I say and turn away.

562926

>>562925
"…I know. But the alternative of being a compassionless killing machine… Ive seen that dead stare in my father's eyes. The thought that I might become the same… It terrifies m."

562927

>>562926
Still look away. "I do not believe that cultists are the same as nobles.while perhaps some might not deserve death. I am not going to hesitate if they raise arms against me. "

562928

>>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!"

562929

>>562928
Finally look back at you. And your sad state. Step forward and wordlessly hug you.

562930

>>562929
Return the hug as I finally break down, sobbing openly as I cling to you as if my life depeded on it.

562931

>>562930
Hold you tight as the tears hit my coat, patting your back.

562932

>>562931
"Am… Am I a monster? Is it too late for my soul to be saved?"

562933

>>562932
"I don't think you are a monster."

562934

>>562933
"Thank you…"
Finally run out of tears to cry, wiping my eyes as I pull away, keeping my hooves on your shoulders.
"…Do you still hate me?"

562935

>>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."

562936

>>562935
"Of course I understand your reasons.
As for the last… I would not dream of it. After all, we are agreed that everything within the castle walls must die, correct?"

562937

>>562936
Nod and reply coldly.
"As we had agreed to kill the whatever was on the island before you called the wyrm."

562938

>>562937
Bitterly not coldy

562939

>>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."

562940

>>562939
Sigh and sit back "thank you for being willing to bend at last.. this whole place is one trial after another.. I just want to get to the castle and he done with this.. "
"Let's meet with this love keeper and see how much they dishonor Cadence. And if even you will not feel rage."

562941

>>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…"

562942

>>562941
Give you a soft stare and pat your shoulder. "Its how you uae what you feel Ember."

562943

>>562942
Use*
and I should atop here I think [/s[

562944

>>562942
Wordlessly reach out and hug you tightly.
"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you guys.
All right, we're pretty much done here anyways.

564881

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.

564882

>>564881
I don't really see a reason to tell Grace.
We can still kill him on the way back.

564883

>>564881
Will play while i can.
I'm fine leaving him blissfully ignorant. Besides i owe him an apology.
"Hey… Sorry about earlier. I wasn't thinking straight, and said some things i didnt mean."

564884

>>564883
"lets first ensure there will be a world left for us to be sorry in, and then discuss this."

564885

>>564884
"I agree. Lets find this witness so we can move on.
….you and Blossom, eh? I… Actually didn't see that one coming."

564886

>>564885
We didn't even tell anyone!

564887

>>564886
Rollan for love detector skillz. [1d10]

Roll #1 2 = 2

564888

>>564887
…fine. I'm still clueless, so lets just move on."

564889

>>564887
Grace is not the kind of pony who is easy to read. Must be all the scars.

You can head to the Sanctum by skirting around the edge of the hot springs. You won't run into Sundancer unless you intentionally go to him.

564890

>>564889
Fastest way to the sanctuary?

564891

>>564881
I really hope no one told coral about Sundancer either then.
Let's be off

564892

>>564890
Head past the hot springs. The place itself is huge, so you can't exactly miss it.

564893

>>564892
I meant, straight through or around?

564894

>>564892
Keep trotting around the edges of the hot springs.

564895

>>564889
Do the skirting thing.
"I have to say, you seem… Calmer than before."
Also talk to Sunsong.
"You, uh… You doing okay there?"

564896

>>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.

564897

>>564896
Around it is.
Oh boy, the gates!
Off to the guards then.

564898

>>564897
They cross their spears, denying you passage
"What do you seek here, pilgrim?"

564899

>>564896
Smile at that.
"So, it's justEmber now, eh?
…still, I know you weren't comfortable with it at first, so… Thanks."
Approach the guarda.
"We seek an audience with the witness."

564900

>>564898
"We seek to talk to the Witness."

564901

>>564898
"Audience with the witness of Love.
The Dreamer sends us."

564902

>>564898
"We seek entry. To speak with the love keeper. Sent by the dreamer."

564903

>>564899
"I only address my superiors with titles, Ember."
>>564899
>>564900
>>564901
>>564902
"The Dreamer?"
"Did he send you on matters of love, or of faith?"

564904

>>564903
"Faith."

564905

>>564903
"Faith."

564906

>>564904
>>564905
"Do you have proof of your faith, then?"

564907

>>564906
"Faith needn't proof, for proof denies faith."
C'mon this is like, 1st year of sunday school stuff!

564908

>>564906
Show them the black crystal. Cold stare.

564909

>>564906
Show them the shard.
>>564903

"So you finally see me as an equal. I must say, you have an odd learning style."

564910

>>564909
"I did not say equal."
>>564908
They uncross their spears, and the gates behind them open invitingly
"You may pass, pilgrims of faith."
"The Witness of Love awaits within the Pit."

564911

>>564910
"Thank you." Go through the gate.

564912

>>564910
Enter.
"If you have something to say, just say it. I get enough vague answers from the other nobles as it is."

564913

>>564910
Pit….
Follow through.

564914

>>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.

564915

>>564914
…..how relaxed are we talking about?

564916

>>564914
Ehem.. keep cloud close and walk fast.

564917

>>564914
"…What in the Empire…"
Keep moving.
"…I don't like what you're implying."

564918

>>564914
But…
Ponies are always in relaxed dresses!

564919

>>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?"

564920

>>564919
Sweating intensifies

564921

>>564919
Now that I have to see.
Why would they even need that.

564922

>>564919
"Yes. Are you here to guide us?" I reply firmly.

564923

>>564919
"This place is… Different…"
Pullup in front of Sunsong and stare him down. "Okay, Sunsong, let me clarify something: what happened back there is a game. It ends as soon as we leave the bedroom. Out here, I will NOT tolerate being talked down to."

564924

>>564919
Talk to the Heralds.
"Yes, can you take us to the Witness?"

564925

>>564923
Look weirded out at him.
Heretic.

564926

>>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.

564927

>>564926
NOPE.
Focus back on what's going on here instead.

564928

>>564926
!
I-I can handle it, voice in my head!

"Thank you very much. We'll be on our way."

564929

>>564926
"Oh, thank you." Nudge cloud and go down the stairs.

564930

>>564926
>Sunsong's words
Turn to Grace.
"Wait, you think he means…"

564931

>>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."

564932

>>564931
I live on the edge!
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

564933

>>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!"

564934

>>564931
Make a disgusted face.
"Heretics."
Off with Coral down the stairs.

564935

>>564933
I turn to both of them.
"I swear to Celestia, are both of you soldiers or teenagers? I'm confused right now."

564936

>>564931
" cloud.. you doing okay?" I whisper to him ask I try to block out the lewd public display.

564937

>>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."

564938

>>564937
Perky teats mode active, but nothing beside that. Keep walking.

564939

>>564937
I might have popped a boner.
But I resist through my rigorous training! '1d10'
At least the teenagers stopped quarreling.

Roll #1 10 = 10

564940

>>564937
Nod at him " I fear.. the witness will be even more trying.."

564941

>>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.

564942

>>564941
Hand me that 10 baby~

564943

>>564941
'1d10' magical realm away

Roll #1 7 = 7

564944

>>564941
Stick close to Grace as we descend into the latex forest.
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

564945

>>564937
Well, better than nothing…
"Sweet Cadance, what manner of debauchery is this/"

564946

>>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.

564947

>>564946
Do what any sane pony being would do.
Scream in horror.

564948

>>564946
….are they doing what I think they're doing?

564949

>>564946
Well.. "hey. Anyone seen the witness of love?"

564950

>>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?"

564951

>>564950
Nod, shakingly."T-thanks."

564952

>>564950
Smirk.
"Well, well, well.
Lady Sunset! What a surprise to find you here."

564953

>>564952
"Either… join in… or go away…"
>>564951
"No problem. Try to hang on."
He leaps down to a lower level of stairs to save time.

564955

>>564953
Hooves around neck, so stronk~

564956

>>564950
"No. We are faithful. We must seek her to gain entrance to the castle. Where is the witness?"

564957

>>564953
"Wow, you both have really fallen low.
Calming, you too?"

564958

>>564950
"We seek the witness, but i suggest you get back before i give in to temptation and separate your head from your body."

564959

>>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."

564960

>>564959
"Wait, you are hurt!"

564961

>>564960
"Just a rough landing. I'll walk away from it."

564962

>>564959
"So this is it, you've come so far to abandon your duty here?
You're gonna spend the rest of your life here fucking each other? Is that your purpose in life? To be nothing more than a bunch of whores?"

564963

>>564961
"But you don't have to! Let me see!"

564965

>>564963
"Fine. But lets be quick."
He stands still
>>564962
She laughs at her own situation
"I guess… Sunsong was right about me after all. I just… couldn't contain myself. But I… regret nothing. Rather this than whatever that silly Whimsyshine is throwing himself at the castle."

564966

>>564959
"…Grace had the right idea."
Jump down some stairs to save time, then turn.'1d10'
"All right Silk, jump and I'll catch you."

Roll #1 5 = 5

564967

>>564966
Your knees take the impact of landing poorly.
Silk hesitates, but then jumps '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

564968

>>564967
>>564966
Luckily, she is as graceful as a cat, and lands softly.

564969

>>564965
Check and heal it if need be.
'1d10+2'
"You know, you don't have to be so harsh for everything…"

Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6

564970

>>564965
I snort.
"He wasn't. Not back then. But you gave up. Just stay here both of you.
Abandon your friends, your home, your family, those who stood by you when the worst was thrown at you."

564971

>>564967
"Ow…
Okay, Dulltooth, Sunsong, you two next."
'2d10'

Roll #1 7, 8 = 15

564973

>>564959
Push past him. To the bottom.

564976

>>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."

564978

>>564976
Grab her face and make her look me straight in the eyes.
"Sunset, this isn't you. Think back on your training. Think back on all what we did.
The Sunset I know wanted to protect our world and would sacrifice her life to do what is right. I know she is still in there."

564979

>>564976
"And I never showed my scars to anyone."

564981

>>564976
Are the others keeping up?

564983

>>564978
"They…
…they found… a weakness in me… I suppose…
I don't know… if I can fight it."
>>564979
"Perhaps we can all make sacrifices. Come on. The bottom is near."
>>564981
You are all near the bottom now.
Whisper seems to have found Lady Sunset and Calming Breeze too.

564984

>>564983
Nod, and follow him quietly.

564985

>>564983
Also, do I see Lady Sunset?

564986

>>564984
>>564985
Whisper is marking her out pretty well. She is hard to miss.

564987

>>564983
"Listen to me.
We all have weaknesses.
But you don't have to fight it alone.
I'm here, your friends are here.
We are here for you.
Turn your back on this and let's fight it together."

564988

>>564986
Gasp and stare speechlessly.

564992

>>564983
Frown at her and march over to confront them both.
"lady sunset. Calming breeze. Are you truly so selfish that your love comes before the world's existence?"

564993

>>564988
>>564992
Make a motion for them to shut up.
"It's not selfishness.
It was just a moment of weakness. It can happen to the best of us."

564994

>>564993
I wasn't talking to begin with!

564995

>>564994
Well it wasn't really directed to you.

564996

>>564987
>>564988
>>564992
>>564993
She bits her lip
"They know how to get to me now… I can't promise your safety around me."
Calming would love to comment but he is in condition to speak.

564997

>>564996
Why not?
"Look at me.
Are you willing to fight it, as best as you can?"

564998

>>564997
He might be a little dehydrated. And tired.
From the looks of him they have been at this for more than a while now.
"I… can try… my best.
But I cannot… promise… that I last."

564999

>>564998
"Your best is all we can ask for."
Do we have any water?

565000

>>564999
A pilgrim always has water.
Hoof him a canteen.

565002

>>564998
Back for just a sec.
"What… Oh sweet Princesses… I was right, thet'rre brainwashing."

565003

>>564993
>>564998
Give a steady glare.

565004

>>565002
"You would know that."

565005

>>565000
Let him drink and look at Calming.
"What about you, big boy?
You ready to do your best as well?"

565007

>>565005
"I may need a moment to catch my breath before I can stand.
She has… remarkable stamina."
>>564999
"Alright…"
She offers a hoof so you can help her up

565008

>>565007
I help her up.
"Where are your clothes and weapons?"

565010

>>565008
She shrugs
"Probably somewhere in the upper parts. We didn't… need them for very long."

565013

>>565010
Groan "we'll never find them now.."

565014

>>565010
I nod.
"I'll go look for them."
Go look for their weapons and armor '1d10'

>>565004
>>565003
"Could you take care of them for a moment? I'll be right back."

Roll #1 7 = 7

565015

>>565014
You head back up, and through some incredible stroke of luck do manage to spot their swords discarded in an alcove. It seems they carried weapons far longer than clothes.
>>565013
Cloudcover nudges you "You seem displeased."

565017

>>565015
I don't want to see what state their armor is in.
I carry the weapons back and give it to them.
"I didn't find your clothes. But take these and let it remind you of who you are."

565019

>>565014
"Fine."
>>565015
Make sure that they don't start fucking again. Stupid kids
" they abandoned the world. The mission. To fuck each other senseless. Yes. I am displeased. "

565021

>>565019
"Let's make sure a few of us stand inbetween both of them as we talk to the Witness."

565022

>>565021
"This cannot be good for them.."

565023

>>565022
"Staying here definitely isn't good for them."

565026

>>565017
They quietly take the weapons and stand back up.
It's hard to say which one of them is more of a sticky mess right now. But they are alive. And on your side.

The bottom is visible from here. All you need to do any more is get down there.

565027

>>565026
Step forward.

565028

>>565022
"Perhaps you or Corral can keep an eye on Lady Sunset. I'll keep my eye on Calming."

>>565026
I smile at them.
"Good. You're ready."
I go stand in between Calming and Sunset.
"Let's go."

565029

>>565026
Fine. Let's Go

565032

>>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.

565034

>>565032
Holy princesses deliver us from sin and temptation!

565036

>>565032
I'm still the master of my erection.
"Calming, look at me and keep walking."

565038

>>565032
Put one hoof on cloud, one on sunset. Proceed forward.

565039

>>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?

565040

>>565039
Hold him to make sure he doesn't trip.

>>565039
I'm still the master of my erection.
I can easily get over it '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

565041

>>565039
I have to. Keep a good grip on those two, move us through to the witness.

565042

>>565039
I've never even seen a dick in my life until a few minutes ago!
'1d10'
Just use grace as guidance, putting a hoof on his back and shutting my eyes.

Roll #1 8 = 8

565043

'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

565047

>>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."

565048

>>565047
"Pilgrims of Faith."

565050

>>565047
Open my eyes tentatively.
"Faith."

565051

>>565047
I blink a few times at her appearance. But stay calm.

565054

>>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."

565055

>>565054
"Then we can go to the castle?"

565056

>>565054
"….Yes. Now can we move on?"

565057

>>565054
Oh gee, I dunno man.

565058

>>565055
>>565056
>>565057
She stands up and steps off the throne
"Let me see it."

565059

>>565058
Present the cyrstal.

565060

>>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."

565061

>>565060
Nod. "Midnight forever." And leave. As fast as possible.

565062

>>565060
Refuse to speak those words.
Let's just move out.

565063

>>565060
"Midnight Forever."

565065

>>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

565066

>>565065
"…..Celestia preserve us."

565068

>>565066
Also, I'll give Calming a pat on the back. "You did good."
And I'll give Lady Sunset my coat.
She'll just feel more vulnerable without it, better clothed and sticky than sticky and naked

565071

>>565066
"Cadence would be ashamed of that place.."

565073

>>565071
"I have to agree. She was not a Witness of Love, but a witness of Lust, plain and simple."

565075

>>565071
"Say, Coral?"

565079

>>565073
"That place was so…
Oh godnesses."
Grow silent.

565084

>>565075
"Yes?"
>>565073
Nod in firm agreement.

565086

>>565084
"….I've stopped all of you multiple times during this whole thing…."
I look towards you.
"….do you think the Princesses will forgive me?"

565089

>>565086
"I think.. " she heaves a heavy sigh "the end is what we must focus on. We can not let regret weigh our hearts, our souls, or our minds, or the dark will use that. We made the best choices we could. And that is all we can be asked."

565091

>>565089
"That's what I tell myself.
But I do want all of you to know, that do that I had to steel my heart more than I ever had to."

565098

>>565091
"But you did it. Without falling into temptation, sin, or corruption.
And it's more than we can say about some of our companions…"

565100

>>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."

565104

>>565098
>>565100

"I do not blame them.
If on this day I had not been at my best, I would have fallen. So small was the will I had left."

565105

>>565104
"Thinking ifs, thinking maybes, it's not what we need now.
Because in our failure there will be no if."

565109

>>565104
Pat you on the back. "Rember that these are false promises that we leave behind. They would doom the world for a little sin. You should feel proud."

565114

>>565105
>>565109
I nod.
"Blossom, Coral, I've never been a pony of faith, but in this place even I feel like I could use some divine protection. I wonder…"
I cough.
"Are you able to bless me?"

565121

>>565114
"Uh…"
Look slightly nervous.
"W-well, it's something a priestess should do, and I never really managed to become one…"

565122

>>565121
"You're one of the most faithful ponies I've ever met…Surely if you can't do it, nopony can."

565123

>>565122
Motion him quickly.
"Come here."

565125

>>565123
I trot to you.

565127

>>565122
>>565123
"I will also pray with you."

565128

>>565121
"Do it." Speak up quietly.

565135

>>565125
>>565127
>>565128
"Maybe… I should try blessing all of us.
Because if there's a moment ponies need help, it is this one."

565139

>>565135
"You can do your part for the sisters first and then I will add in cadence "

565141

>>565135
>>565139
I kneel down before the priestesses and wait

565148

>>565139
"…I'll help. Unless… Unless you think I'd mess it up."

565152

>>565148
Give you a flat stare. "Sit with whisper please. "

565157

>>565152
Hang my head and sit down.

565172

>>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."

565176

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."

565177

>>565172
I close my eyes.

565178

>>565172
>>565176
I nod and am silent for a few more second.
"Thank you. Both of you."

565184

>>565178
Bow my head down.
"It's the least I could do. Your thanks must go to the sisters instead."

565188

>>565172
>>565176
Hang my head and remain silent for a moment.
"Cral? You aren't going to get locked away by theInquisition."

565197

>>565188
Coral*

565198

>>565188
"How do you know? Are you able to see the future?"
>>565178
"And thank you for helping us all stay on track."

565201

>>565184
Mutter a thanks and stand up again.

>>565198
I nod.
"It's my duty to my House.
I was drilled well in that…
Perhaps too well. I feel shaken by what the Witness said. How we passed by being hollow. Perhaps I've been trained too well."

565205

>>565201
"If it can help you…
I don't feel hollow, Whisper.
In my mind, she only said those words because she can't really peer into our hearts, so different from hers.
Not lustful or greedy, but moved by other reasons, be them duty or faith."

565209

>>565198
"It's called the burden of command. I'm theleader of this group;as such, all actions taken are my responsibility. If you did anything heretical, you did so on my orders."

565213

>>565209
"Ember…
Ever since we came here, you have changed. Too much."

565221

>>565213
"…I know. And that terrifies me.
I just… I wish I could keep my promise."

565231

>>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."

565238

>>565221
"Think about the blessing for now.
Rest your head over it."
>>565231
Chuckle.
"If you ever need to see a priestess…
Well, I hope I will be one by then.
And then I will bless your future life, because you deserve as much."

565241

>>565201
"I know the feeling of doing things soley out of duty. But more so this mission is sacred. Holy. Important. More than anything I have done or ever will do again. If I must be called cold and heartless by heretics. It will be a small price. "

565245

>>565231
Smirk softly at you.
"I know that look. You're thinking about a mare aren't you?"

565247

>>565209
Shake my head "I do not regret any action that makes tirek perish."

565252

>>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."

565253

>>565252
"Finally."

565254

>>565252
Give an approving nod.

565255

>>565253
"Grace seems calmer than when I found him. What happened to affect him so?"

565256

>>565255
"I wouldn't know. His mind is his alone."

565257

>>565256
Rollan for bullshit detector. '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

565258

>>565257
It's not even BS!
He calmed down after I cured the corruption off him, but that's something I don't want to share!

565259

>>565257
"Huh. I wonder what happened in that head of his,.. I like him better this way, when hes not screaming about heretics all the time."

565260

>>565258
The 'I wouldn't know' part is bullshit.

565261

>>565260
It's really awkward to explain.

565262

>>565245
"Perhaps."

>>565241
>>565238
I nod.
"Thank you. We haven't talked much, I've never been a talker. But…without you I wouldn't have made it this far."

565263

>>565261
Whats aqkward about "he was hurt and I healed him?"

565264

>>565262
Smile at him.
>>565263
Explaining how his rage was induced by heretic mutations.

565265

>>565262
"I hope it works out for you. You deserve to be happy after this."

565267

>>565265
"We will see. If I can find a better purpose for myself, I will be happy."

565268

>>565264
…In case you forgot, I'm the caller; got darkness imbedded inside my heart?

565274

>>565268
In case you forgot, I'm the one who focused that darkness.

565277

>>565262
Smile joyously at you "as a team we are strong. A light against this dark place. As we would have fallen to sin or death alone. Together we shall prevail."
Then a bit awkwardly "that said I'm not much of a talker either. That's why I have a sword not a robe."

565278

>>565274
So something happened to him similar to what happened to me!

565286

>>565277
I nod and grab my pipe.
"Seems a good time as any to have a last smoke."

565290

>>565286
"Oh goodness."

565294

>>565277
"…Yet I still fell into temptation. Everyone else resisted the pull of this place just fine, but me…"

565296

>>565294
"And your companions. And Lady Sunset."

565310

>>565294
"In the end you over came your sins to join us in the right path. There is forgiveness in that."

565315

>>565290
"Not a fan?"

565317

>>565315
Shake my head.
"It smells so dreadful."

565321

>>565296
>>565310

"I don't want to die. I don't, but… it's getting harder and harder to see myself gtting a happy ending. To believe I even deserve a happy ending."

565333

>>565317
I grin.
"I'll make sure to blow the smoke the other direction then."

565336

>>565321
"Don't think about it. Thinking like that. Here. You will die."

565340

>>565336
"Why should it matter to you? I'm just a heretic, remember?"

565351

>>565340
"You are still a pony. And a partner in our quest. I would rather you find the light inside and continue to succeed than fall into despair and darkness."

565358

>>565351
"…Thank you, Coral. And you're right; I can't fail. After all.."
Smile in Silks direction.
"I have a promise to keep."

565376

>>565358
Nod with a smile "stay strong. The worst is surely ahead. And cadence is surely pleased with us."

565382

>>565376
"I'm glad to hear it."
Give her a smirk.
"Though I've got a higher score than you, considering how many relationships I got started."

565384

>>565382
"If she scores based on that, I am out in snow." Chuckle softly

565385

>>565384
"Well, you also get points for finding your true love, so at least you've got a respectable score. I'm still winning, though."

565386

>>565385
Raise a brow at that. "Winning? I we shall see when we are counting demon heads we have severed who is winning."

565387

>>565386
"First one to kill Tirek wins."

565390

>>565387
Give you a childish smile "race you there."
and then they galloped away toward the castle

565398

>>565390
Thanks for the faff.

566550

You were on your way to Midnight Castle

566555

>>566550
"…How are you all doing?"
I'm asking my minions as well as the party.

566556

>>566550
We were.
And now we are blessed, too.

566559

>>566555
Dulltooth wipes sweat off his brow
"On edge."
Sunsong is back to his stone-faced self.
"Still alive."

566562

566564

>>566559
"Well, from now on, it's only mutants and heretics. We cut down everything in our way."
Give Dulltooth a smile; maybe I can take his mind off things.
"So, how was your first time with Fern?"
See if Fern pops her head out.

566565

>>566564
"Is private. Not thing to discuss with others.
Or in front of others."
>>566556
>>566562
Cloudcover takes a look up the mountain path you are on
"Nowhere to go but up. There is no knowing what monsters we may meet there, so be ready for anything."

566566

>>566565
"Are we still gonna pretend we are friends, or will we attack?"

566567

>>566565
"All right, we'll talk later."
Get serious as Cloudcover speaks, then address the whole group.
"From here on out, we face only the corrupt. When we reach the castle, everything dies."
My eyes harden.
"Everything."

566568

566569

>>566567
"I don't think you need to pretend anymore."

566571

>>566569
"Pretend what?"

566579

>>566565
Well, let's start walking up as we talk.

566580

566581

>>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

566583

>>566581
your devotion.
"…I'm going to feel stupid if that doesn't work."

566585

>>566583
A ghostly, translucent pony walks through the gates and gives you a dull look
"Very clever.
But I was hoping for you to compose a small freeform prayer to our dark master Tirek."

566587

>>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."

566588

>>566587
"Well done.
My name is Valiant Virtue. I am here to welcome you to your fate, Pilgrims of Faith.
Enter."
The gates slowly open, revealing a massive entrance hall

566589

>>566588
Slowly enter; where is he?

566590

>>566588
Slowly move inside with the others.

566591

>>566588
Look around '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

566592

>>566588
>>566589
Whisper has the right idea; search for targets. '1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

566595

>>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.

566597

>>566588
>>566595
Follow the ghost. Cough a bit and fidget my hoof around my blade..
"So.. when can we join tirek's army of darkness?"

566598

>>566597
"The answer depends on the depth of your devotion. How much of yourself are you willing to forsake in His name?"

566599

>>566598
"As much as he requires of course." I say angrily.

566600

>>566595
"What… Happened here?"

566601

>>566595
Be quiet for now.

566603

>>566599
"Coral… you can stop pretending now."
>>566598
"The thing about that prayer… I never said the faith and devotion we wanted to show him were faith and devotion to Tirek.
Coral, Blossom, Grace… Put him down."
Hope the paladins can kill the ghost-pony…

566604

>>566603
My eyes light up and I aim a powerful blast at the ghost. '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

566607

>>566603
If I can attack the ghostpony, I will. '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

566608

Steel can't hurt ghosts I suppose.

566612

>>566603
>>566604
>>566607
Oh gee.

WRATH.
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

566617

>>566603
>>566604
>>566607
>>566612
The blasts and strike pass right through him.
"Oh. I suppose you're like the last ones then. No matter."
He raises a hoof in the air, and several mutant guards rush in
"Kill them."

#ENEMY
Mutant Defender 30/3
Mutant Heavy 10/5
Mutant Pursuer 5/15

566622

>>566617
"Celestia and Luna, protect us!"
I have marskman shot, right?
FIRE on the pursuer!
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

566624

>>566617
'1d10+2' break the defender's guard with shatter.
'1d10' cloud slams the pursuer

Roll #1 2 + 2 = 4 / Roll #2 6 = 6

566625

>>566617
Oh boy.
Dance of Blades '1d10+2'

Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5

566627

>>566617
"Dulltooth, take the big guy! Sunsong, keep us safe! I've got the pursuer! FOR THE PRINCESSES!"
Activate fervor and Leap of Faith the pursuer. '1d10'
Dulltooth suppresses the Defender. '1d10+1'
Sunsong activates Guardian. '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5 / Roll #2 10 + 1 = 11 / Roll #3 6 = 6

566631

>>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

566632

>>566631
Rupture the mutant defender '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

566634

>>566631
'1d10' blast the defender.
'1d10' cloud attacks the pursuer.

Roll #1 9 = 9 / Roll #2 8 = 8

566635

>>566631
Dodge!
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

566636

Or just dodge with those rolls?

566638

>>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

566641

>>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

566645

>>566641
Heal Whisper up!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5

566646

>>566641
Shit.
Slash the pursuer with my blade '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

566647

>>566641
'1d10' cloud slams the pursuer, crit on 8
'1d10+2' shatter on the heavy.

Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 9 + 2 = 11

566653

>>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

566656

>>566653
Screw this.
WRATH!
Summon their holy power!
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

566658

>>566653
Rupture the Defender '1d10+1'

Roll #1 8 + 1 = 9

566659

>>566653
Cloud takes a strike at the pursuer '1d10+1'
I'll blast the heavy '1d10+1'

Roll #1 5 + 1 = 6 / Roll #2 1 + 1 = 2

566661

>>566653
Attack the Defender! '1d10+2' because crystal emotions
Dulltooth Slams the Defender too. '1d10+1'
Sunsong Protects Coral and attacks the pursuer. '1d10+1'

Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7 / Roll #2 1 + 1 = 2 / Roll #3 10 + 1 = 11

566671

>>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

566672

>>566671
Now, Heal Sunsong!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10

566678

>>566671
Maybe cadence is mad at me..
'1d10' cleave all three enemies, dc-1
Cloud protects me and slams the defender '1d10' crit on 8

Roll #1 10 = 10 / Roll #2 10 = 10

566679

>>566671
"Come on, let's finish this!"
Press the attack on the Defender! '1d10'
Dulltooth attacks the Heavy. '1d10+1'
Sunsong, healed by Blossom, attacks the Pursuer. '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8 / Roll #2 3 + 1 = 4 / Roll #3 8 = 8

566681

>>566671
Jump back and stab the Heavy with my blade '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

566695

>>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

566700

>>566695
Leap of Faith to stab the Defender dead! '1d10'
"Dulltooth, get up!" '1d10'
Sunsong attacks the pursuer. '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5 / Roll #2 3 = 3 / Roll #3 9 = 9

566703

>>566695
DDoM Dulltooth.
'1d10+1'

Roll #1 10 + 1 = 11

566710

>>566695
Give a brief smile to cloud.
Stare down the pursuer. "Goodbye demon." '1d10' charge in with the sward and blast him.
'1d10' cloud helps finish up the pursuer.

Roll #1 2 = 2 / Roll #2 2 = 2

566730

>>566700
>>566703
>>566710
With Blossom's aid, Dulltooth rejoins the battle, but at the edge of its life, the Pursuer still refuses to yield!

#ENEMY
Mutant Defender DEAD
Mutant Heavy DEAD
Mutant Pursuer 5/5


#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 5/4
+Sunsong 5/5
Coral Burst 3/5
Whisper 1/5
Fire Blossom 3/5

566736

>>566730
"One left! STRIKE IT DOWN!"
Inspire the party! '1d10'
Dulltooth Slams the pursuer. '1d10'
Sunsong attacks the pursuer as well. '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 7 = 7 / Roll #3 5 = 5

566743

>>566730
Just attack the pursuer, dual attack. '2d10'
'1d10' cloud attacks as well and protects me.

Roll #1 9, 3 = 12 / Roll #2 3 = 3

566747

>>566730
Rupture pursuer '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

566748

>>566730
MMS the pursuer!
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

566783

>>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

566785

>>566783
Finish it of with a full frontal assault!
"All together, boys!"
'3d10'

Roll #1 7, 6, 7 = 20

566787

>>566783
Dulltooth should be full, I healed that wound off!
Heal Coral.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5

566789

>>566783
Another slash with my dagger on the pursuer '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

566792

>>566783
"Just a little more cloudy."
He slams jams the mutant '1d10'
I will blast it '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9 / Roll #2 8 = 8

566811

>>566785
>>566787
>>566789
>>566792
You descend upon the hopeless mutant and finish it off without much difficulty.
The ghostly Valiant Virtue looks mildly annoyed
"Their devotion was not sufficient."

566815

>>566811
Focus their holy wrath in my halberd, like I did with the abomination back on the island!
Wrath, right into the ghost!
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

566822

>>566811
"Are you going to pester us the whole way there? Because that's only going to make us want to kill Tirek more."
>>566792
"That's one for me, one for Whisper… who gets the point for that last one?"

566832

>>566811
"So. About your army. Which way was that?" I smirk.
>>566822
Shining brightly I laugh "Ember. You won't believe it. I saw here. Back in the battle. I saw cadence! "

566834

>>566832
Raise a brow.
"Are you okay Coral?"

566845

>>566832
"Really!? That's great!" Start shining a little too.
"Still worried about being a heretic? I'm pretty sure that's as much a sign as any you'll get that you're not!"

566846

>>566834
"I'm great Fire. Really great!"

566849

>>566845
Shake my head. "I'm not worried about any of that any more!"

566850

>>566846
"Where would you even see Cadence in such a place?!"

566854

>>566850
"Showing me the path to destroy these demons of course." I answer as if was obvious.

566855

>>566811
"Who are you?"

566857

>>566854
"Uh…
I mean, it's great, but… What if she's not real?"

566867

>>566849
"Great. I told you not to worry about it."
>>566857
Quirk an eyebrow at her.
"Of course she's real! Do you ever ask whether Celestia or Luna are real? Cadence is just as real as they are!"

566868

>>566857
"Nonsense!" I laugh "it means she is on my side. Our side. That she wants these creatures dead."

566871

>>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

566872

>>566867
"No, I mean what if this cadence you saw >>566868
isn't real?"

566875

>>566871
Shit, conversation cut short!
Heal Whisper.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6

566878

>>566871
Rupture his left leg '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

566881

>>566872
"Of course it was! Just watch!"
>>566871
>>566871
'1d10+2' shatter the right leg.
'1d10' cloud attacks the head.

Roll #1 9 + 2 = 11 / Roll #2 1 = 1

566893

>>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

566904

>>566893
Winch at your execution. "Maybe you say too much ember"

566907

>>566904
"…Yeah, maybe I do."

566929

>>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

566934

>>566929
DDoM Ember!
'1d10+1'

Roll #1 4 + 1 = 5

566935

>>566929
Blade mode
Slash with my knife '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

566941

>>566929
Crap! Get up! '1d10'
Dulltooth Slams the Upper Left Arm! '1d10'
Sunsong attacks the Right Leg! '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8 / Roll #2 5 = 5 / Roll #3 9 = 9

566946

>>566929
'1d10+1' blast the right leg.
'1d10' cloud gets up.

Roll #1 4 + 1 = 5 / Roll #2 4 = 4

566951

>>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

566953

>>566951
Heal Cloudcover!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 10 + 2 = 12

566954

>>566951
DODGE '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

566955

>>566953
>>566951
Or use the dodge.

566959

>>566951
We dodging! '3d10'

Roll #1 2, 3, 5 = 10

566971

>>566951
Cloud plz get up '1d10'
'1d10' attack the right leg

Roll #1 8 = 8 / Roll #2 1 = 1

566983

>>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

566989

>>566983
>>566983
What a silly question.
FAITH!
Now, DDoM on Coral!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5

566991

>>566983
Jump up and Rupture the lower right arm '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

566993

>>566983
"This fight isn't over yet! Everyone get up!" Fervor and Inspire! '1d10'
rollan to get them up. '2d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 10, 6 = 16

567001

>>566983
"Owch."
'1d10' get back up.
'1d10' cloud plz slam the lower right arm

Roll #1 2 = 2 / Roll #2 7 = 7

567009

>>566983
While I go eat, I'll roll for next turn just in case.
Fervored LoF on the Lower Left Arm. '1d10'
Dulltooth Slams the Lower Left Arm. '1d10'
Sunsong Activates Guardian. '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 5 = 5 / Roll #3 6 = 6

567012

>>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

567013

>>567012
Heal Coral!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9

567016

>>567012
Tumble up into the right leg '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

567018

567023

>>567012
'1d10' cloud takes another strike at the lower right arm
'1d10' I try not to hurt myself standing up.

Roll #1 6 = 6 / Roll #2 9 = 9

567024

>>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

567025

>>567024
Fuck it.
Get up '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

567026

>>567024
Wrath!
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

567027

>>567024
'1d10' blast the lower right arm
'1d10' cloud slams it!

Roll #1 2 = 2 / Roll #2 3 = 3

567028

>>567024
"TAKE OUT IT'S ARMS!" Inspire the party plz. '1d10+1'
Dulltooth Suppresses the Lower Left arm. '1d10+1'
Sunsong attacks the Lower left arm. '1d10'

Roll #1 1 + 1 = 2 / Roll #2 1 + 1 = 2 / Roll #3 7 = 7

567034

>>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…

567035

>>567034
Fuck me.
Just attack the right leg '1d10-1'

Roll #1 6 - 1 = 5

567036

>>567034
Heal Whisper.
'1d10+1'

Roll #1 2 + 1 = 3

567038

>>567034
I'm so sorry. Attack its lower left arm! '1d10-1'
Dulltooth slams the lower right arm! '1d10-1'
Sunsong hits the lower left arm. '1d10-1'

Roll #1 1 - 1 = 0 / Roll #2 9 - 1 = 8 / Roll #3 3 - 1 = 2

567040

>>567034
'1d10+1' shatter the left leg.
'1d10' cloud attacks the lower right arm

Roll #1 2 + 1 = 3 / Roll #2 8 = 8

567041

>>567040
-1 makes that 7

567044

>>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

567046

>>567044
"I'm working as fast as I can!"
DDoM Coral.
'1d10+1'

Roll #1 8 + 1 = 9

567047

>>567044
My man.
Now Blade Mode AKA Dance of Blades on the Right Leg '1d10+2'

Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5

567049

>>567044
"I know! You're doing great!
All right, everyone, you heard him! Lets take this fucker down now and give Sunsong a break!"
Fervored Inspire. '1d10'
Dulltooth attacks the LLA. '1d10'
Sunsong attacks the LRA. '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5 / Roll #2 4 = 4 / Roll #3 6 = 6

567050

>>567044
"We've got this. Don't worry."
'1d10' cleave both legs.
'1d10' cloud slams at the lower right again.

Roll #1 10 = 10 / Roll #2 4 = 4

567056

>>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

567059

>>567056
And blade mode is fucking recharging aaaargh.
Fucking fuck Rupture his head '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

567060

>>567056
But not the rest of the party!
Heal Ember!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10

567062

>>567056
'1d10+2' shatter the left leg.
"Cloudy. Come on. Get up." '1d10' stronk husband horse gets up on his own!

Roll #1 10 + 2 = 12 / Roll #2 3 = 3

567063

>>567056
"Go for the legs!" Fervored Leap of Faith on the Right Leg! '1d10'
Dulltooth gets up. '1d10'
Sunsong attacks the lower Right arm! '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9 / Roll #2 1 = 1 / Roll #3 10 = 10

567064

>>567062
>13 because CE

567071

>>567060
"Thanks Blossom!"

567074

>>567071
"Don't waste time chitchatting!"

567091

>>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

567092

>>567091
Ah get up. '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

567093

>>567091
Wrath that damn thing!
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

567098

>>567091
I'm shining so hard right now. Everything is pink. '1d10+1' blast on the head.
"Praise Cadence!"
'1d10' cloud please don't just stare at my shiny butt all day.

Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8 / Roll #2 1 = 1

567100

>>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

567107

>>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

567109

>>567107
Pls get up '1d10+2'

Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10

567110

>>567107
HOLY SHIT DULLTOOTH!
'1d10+4' Don't Die on Me!

Roll #1 4 + 4 = 8

567111

>>567110
>>567107
Oh wait, I needed to get up, so that's just a six.

567112

>>567107
'1d10+2' help up husband horse

Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8

567113

>>567107
I SHINE WITH THE FORCE OF A THOUSAND BLAZING CRYSTAL HEARTS
Attack the head! '1d10+3'
Sunsong attempts to help Dulltooth up. '1d10+2'

Roll #1 2 + 3 = 5 / Roll #2 3 + 2 = 5

567118

>>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

567121

>>567118
Now, finally, DDoM on Dulltooth.
'1d10+4'

Roll #1 6 + 4 = 10

567122

>>567118
Goddamn blade mode for once pls.
I jump for the head, dance of blades '1d10+2'

Roll #1 1 + 2 = 3

567124

>>567118
"Sunsong, Dulltooth, get back and take five! The rest of us will cover you!"
Attack the Right leg while Dulltooth tries not to die and Sunsong falls back. '1d10+2' '1d10+2' '1d10+2'

Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10 / Roll #2 4 + 2 = 6 / Roll #3 7 + 2 = 9

567126

>>567118
'1d10+2' shatter the head now
Cloud protects sun song now. And helps kill the head with slam, crit on 8'1d10'
cloudy has 7 hits max not 5

Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8 / Roll #2 1 = 1

567130

>>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

567133

>>567130
HEAL CLOUDCOVER OH POOR SOB!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6

567134

>>567130
"Just keep an eye on sun song. We're almost done." I tell cloud to stay back.
'1d10' blast the upper right arm.

Roll #1 1 = 1

567135

>>567130
IT WAS A DISTRACTION TACTIC
Fervored Leap of Faith! '1d10+1'
Sunsong uses Guardian! '1d10'
Dulltooth Slams the head. '1d10'
The +2 has worn off, right?

Roll #1 4 + 1 = 5 / Roll #2 6 = 6 / Roll #3 6 = 6

567138

>>567135
The head! Sorry!

567141

>>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

567143

>>567141
I'm out of heals, but Dulltooth should have 1 wound more because of the crit!

And now, Wrath!
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

567144

>>567143
>>567141
Totally missed the dodge.
Use it to dodge.

567146

>>567141
"Thanks buddy."
'2d10' dodge rolls

Roll #1 4, 5 = 9

567147

>>567141
Dodging! '1d10+1' '2d10'

Roll #1 1 + 1 = 2 / Roll #2 7, 4 = 11

567150

>>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

567151

>>567150
Yeah, I will just DDoM Cloudcover for now.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 2 + 2 = 4

567152

'2d10' dual attack the head.
'1d10' cloud helps whisper

Roll #1 5, 5 = 10 / Roll #2 8 = 8

567153

>>567150
"Go for the eyes! Victory is almost ours, because Cadence is watching over us!"
Inspire the party dunno if CE is still active '1d10+1'
Dulltooth Suppresses the head. '1d10+1'
Sunsong attacks the Lower left arm. '1d10'

Roll #1 8 + 1 = 9 / Roll #2 2 + 1 = 3 / Roll #3 4 = 4

567155

>>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

567158

>>567155
Oh for god's sake!
Heal Cloudcover!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 9 + 2 = 11

567159

>>567155
'1d10+3' shatter the head to pieces!
'1d10+1' cloudy plz slam the head

Roll #1 10 + 3 = 13 / Roll #2 7 + 1 = 8

567160

>>567155
Attack the Head! '1d10+1'
Dulltooth Slams the head again! '1d10+2'
Sunsong attacks the head! '1d10+1'

Roll #1 9 + 1 = 10 / Roll #2 9 + 2 = 11 / Roll #3 3 + 1 = 4

567174

>>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

567175

>>567174
"The Vanguard of your destruction."

567307

As you stand there before the distraught Valiant Virtue, you notice a mutant crawling towards the wrecked main hall. Though mangled beyond all reason, something about him looks… extremely familiar.

567313

>>567307
"Wait… who are you?"

567314

>>567313
"Someone… they should have… tried to kill harder."
…Whimsyshine?
Valiant Virtue spins around as he hears the mutant
"What? You're still alive too!?"

567315

>>567307
stand in front of the mutant.
"Stop."

567316

>>567314
"…BLOSSOM!!!"
Oh, please let her be able to help…

567317

>>567314
Turn to the ghost.
"Okay. Explain what you said earlier. about how we were 'the last ones' or something?"

567318

>>567316
Rush over there.
"W-who is this?!"

567319

>>567318
"It's Whimsyshine…"

567320

>>567319
My face will grow pale.
"How!"
Heal, Cure, Mend, DDoM, whatever is needed!

'1d10+2'

Roll #1 1 + 2 = 3

567322

>>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."

567326

>>567322
"Sisters no…
This is not fair…"
Lay my hooves down on him, sobbing softly.

567327

>>567322
>>567320
"What would that be?"

567329

>>567322
My fury rises and I scream at the ghost.
"WHERE IS THE TOME?! WHERE IS THE OTHER ONE?!"

567336

>>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."

567337

>>567336
Pick my halberd up and jump at Virtue, Wrath!
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

567338

>>567336
"Oh boy. A captive." I give him a sinister grin, and lean on my sword.
"So.. take us to this Remnant place yea?"

567339

>>567336
>>567337
"…Let flesh be granted so you may be mended… are you saying we should spare him!?"

567340

>>567339
"Not on my watch!
He's a heretic and a traitor!"

567342

>>567339
"what are you saying now ember?"
>>567340
"Eh, he seems unarmed. and we're kind of lost."

567343

>>567339
"Mended as in restored to physical."
>>567337
>>567338
Valiant leaps away from Blossom's strike
"This is not over. You are in my realm now.
MIDNIGHT FOREVER!"
In a blast of energy, he blinks away.

567345

>>567343
Shout at the sky.
"I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD!"

567346

>>567343
"Damn. I guess he actually could do stuff."

567348

>>567340
>>567342
>>567343
"Good. Because I had no intention of sparing him."
Sigh as he jumps away.
"Damnit!"
…Wait, do I have wings?

567350

>>567348
>>567346
Gasp.
"Coral! Ember! Everypony!
We are shining!"

567351

>>567348
You do.
Though they are more akin to strands of light in a wing-like pattern than actual physical wings.

567355

>>567350
Roll my eyes. "Of course I'm shining. I saw Cadence. You'd shine too if it happened to you."
then look at what you mean. "Oh, I guess its not just me.."
>>567351
can I fly on these pink light wings? hoover a bit.

567356

>>567355
Flap my wings aswell! Try them out!

567357

>>567355
>>567356
Flight will require a successful roll.

567359

>>567357
Pomf?
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

567360

>>567357
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

567362

>>567350
>>567351
Victory loops! '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

567363

>>567359
You manage to lift yourself off the ground, and flutter in place as you adjust to holding yourself in the air
>>567362
You pull a loop, trailing light as you go
>>567360
With a bit of expert help from Cloudcover, you manage to get airborne too

567364

>>567363
Help Grace fly aswell.
"This is…
A blessing! A true blessing! The Sisters and Cadence are looking after us today! We cannot fail!
Onwards, I say! To bring justice and vanquish evil!"

567366

>>567363
"This is awesome! This is so cool! I can't believe-"
Wait.
Dulltooth.
…Do I get to see a diamond dog with wings?

567372

>>567363
Smile up at him and give him a kiss. "Thanks Cloudy. Now we can finally fly together."
>>567364
Raise my sword at that. "Onward! We fly!" I declare with a giggle and then stop unsure. "Or is it still charge? Maybe flap? Cloudy? A little help here?"

567373

>>567372
Start flying circles around them.
"You've got to belieeeeeeeeeeeeeve
In the POWER of Love~
You've got to belieeeeEEEeeeeeeeve
In the Power of Love~

Come on, Coral, you know this song!"

567375

>>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."

567376

>>567375
"You will do great Grace.
Just keep the faith."
Smile at him.

Now, what's this place like?

567377

>>567373
"Uh Ember, you didn't teach me to sing. Only yo whistle."

567379

>>567375
…Try not to bust out laughing.

Roll #1 7 = 7

567380

>>567375
"right. Which way to the castle?" '1d10' can I spot it from up here?

Roll #1 7 = 7

567383

>>567376
>>567380
Whimsyshine adjusts himself into a more upright shape
"The fragments are in the altar at the heart of this castle. But we should first stop at their Vaults to reclaim the Shard of Light"

567384

>>567383
"Are you sure you can walk?"

567385

>>567383
>>567384
"Okay. we could just fly to the vault. One of us can carry you. Unless you think these wings would harm you.."

567387

>>567384
"I believe it's more of a… undulate than walk. But yes. I can move."
>>567385
"There is a chance that might happen. Or that touching me may not be a good idea for you.
From what I saw, the corridors may be too low for flight, so don't expect to remain in the air all the way there."

567388

>>567387
Well…
Try and pick him up with TK.
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

567389

>>567388
He is a bloated mess. Lifting him is far from simple.

567390

>>567387
>>567389
"Well, either way we should go that direction." head to the vaults.

567391

>>567383
"Can you stand?"
Did Silk get wings too?
"Hey Fern! Come out and check out Dulltooth's latest addition!"

567392

>>567389
Urrrrgh!
If only my divine magic of which I know four different healing kinds could help at all!

567398

>>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

568128

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."

568129

>>568128
Trotting along.
"…Perhaps Tirek likes music?"

568130

>>568128
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I think we could use some peace and quiet."

568131

>>568129
"Doesn't seem like something the Lord of Darkness would enjoy."

568132

>>568131
"Why, do you know him?"

568133

>>568132
"No, but… I don't know. Maybe he enjoys perverting and corrupting something beautiful? That seems to be what most of this stuff has been- a corruption of what was once pure."

568134

>>568133
"It sounds beautiful however."

568135

>>568134
"…Let us seek it out then, and see just how this demon has corrupted it then."

568136

>>568134
>>568135
"They say music can stir the soul, hopefully this one just has a nice beat to it and nothing more."

568137

>>568134
"No it doesn't."

568138

>>568137
"Can't argue taste I suppose."

568139

>>568136
"From what we have faced so far, I would not count on it."

568140

>>568138
Huff slightly and keep walking.

568141

>>568139
"Just hoping a bit. I'm sure everyone here will meet the musician with weapons ready and good reason after all of this."

>>568140
"Say, to distract ourselves from it, what music do you like?"

568142

>>568141
"Something with more horns, and harps, and words about love."

568143

Left: Vaults
Right: Song

568144

>>568143
I vote the vaults first.

568145

>>568141
>>568140
"Hey Coral, you remember this tune, don't you?" Start whistling as we walk.

I left my love, my love I left
A'sleeping in her bed
I turned my back on my true love
To ride at my army's head

>>568143
Vaults.

568146

>>568142
"I prefer violins and similar string instruments myself."

>>568143
I'd be trying to keep up with Coral, so vaults.

568147

>>568145
Smile slightly. "Well, I think I can whistle it at least."
I whistle along with you.
>>568146
"A violin is a wonderful instrument."

568148

>>568145
"I don't think I can whistle all that well." '1d10-2'

Roll #1 6 - 2 = 4

568149

>>568148
I'll stick to humming along.

568150

>>568147
>>568148
"Hey, you should have heard Coral's first attempt! I had to give her lessons to get her to whistle properly!"

568151

>>568150
"Sounds like an interesting sight to have witnessed."

568152

>>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."

568153

>>568151
"Believe me, it's not something you'd have forgotten easily."
>>568152
"Where is Grandheart? The sooner we meet up with him, the better."

568154

>>568152
Narrow my eyes at the room. "Lets go down. The shard is probably at the bottom."

568155

>>568153
>>568151
Grumble. "It wasn't that bad.."

568156

>>568152
"What gruesome sights."

>>568153
>>568155
"I'll just have to take your words for it. You sound more than adequate now."

568157

>>568152
"Where to go?"

568158

>>568155
"Yes, it was. It really was."
Smile and nudge her shoulder.
"But hey, you got better at it, and that's what counts. Besides, I bet you've got a great singing voice to make up for it!"
>>568156
"So, how are you liking the new wings? Pretty fancy, huh?"

568159

>>568158
"You never knew you'd need something so much until you had them. I'd be hard pressed to surrender them if the time comes."

568160

>>568158
"No.. I really don't. " chuckle a bit when you nodge me.
>>568159
"They are truly a wonderful gift."
>>568157
"Looks like the only way is down."

568161

>>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."

568162

>>568161
"I'll go first."
Descend the stairs, check for traps '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

568163

>>568161
'1d10' get walking down there, do I hear anyone here?

Roll #1 2 = 2

568164

>>568161
"No where to go but down." Head along with the others.

568165

>>568161
"Then let's keep moving then, shall we?" Checking for danger. '1d10'
>>568160
"I won't believe that until I hear it. Come on, stretch those pipes some!"
>>568159
"I admit, they're a ton of fun!"

Roll #1 5 = 5

568166

>>568165
"Not now. We need to listen."

568167

>>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

568168

>>568167
"Have at them lads! And ladies!" Attack the Officer! '1d10'
Sunsong attacks Guard C. '1d10'
Dulltooth Slams Guard A. '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 1 = 1 / Roll #3 1 = 1

568169

>>568167
charge in and blast the Officer.
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

568170

>>568167
Drop down on them and start slicing
Dance of Blades '1d10+2'

Roll #1 10 + 2 = 12

568171

>>568170
'5d10'

Roll #1 5, 3, 5, 8, 6 = 27

568172

>>568171
'5d10'
1 hit left

Roll #1 7, 5, 9, 6, 5 = 32

568173

>>568171
>>568172
>>568167
Can Sunsong drop Protect on Whisper?

568174

>>568168
>>568167
Cloudy please protect sunsong.
'1d10' slam guard A while you're at it.

Roll #1 7 = 7

568175

>>568167
Primrose and I will take on Guard B.

Jonica Dual '2d10'
Primrose '1d10'

Roll #1 10, 4 = 14 / Roll #2 5 = 5

568176

>>568173
Nevermind.

568177

>>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

568178

>>568177
Tumble back up and slash Guard A while I'm doing it '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

568179

>>568177
Primrose will Bolster Whisper while I switch to pounding Guard A.

Jonica '2d10'

Roll #1 8, 6 = 14

568180

>>568177
Me and Dulltooth get up. '2d10'
Sunsong pops Guardian! '1d10'

Roll #1 6, 10 = 16 / Roll #2 7 = 7

568181

>>568177
"Look at how afraid they are."


'1d10' cloud attacks guard B
'1d10+2' I'll shatter the officer.

Roll #1 5 = 5 / Roll #2 7 + 2 = 9

568182

>>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

568183

>>568182
B-but…GET UP '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

568184

>>568182
"Come on, these guys aren't so tough!"
Fervor and Inspire the party! '1d10'
Dulltooth Suppresses the Officer! '1d10+1'
Sunsong attacks the Officer! '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 6 + 1 = 7 / Roll #3 4 = 4

568185

>>568182
Stay on Guard A!

Jonica Dual '2d10'
Primrose '1d10'

Roll #1 3, 3 = 6 / Roll #2 10 = 10

568186

>>568182
'2d10' dual swing on the officer.
'1d10' cloud slams guard C.
"How many more you think are waiting for us?"

Roll #1 3, 10 = 13 / Roll #2 5 = 5

568187

>>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

568188

>>568187
Grab a knife and Rupture Guard B '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

568189

>>568187
Still fervored; Beat Guard B down! '1d10-1'
Dulltooth finishes the Officer off. '1d10-1'
Sunsong helps me take down Guard B. '1d10-1'

Roll #1 2 - 1 = 1 / Roll #2 7 - 1 = 6 / Roll #3 10 - 1 = 9

568190

>>568187
Keep beating him down. We'll have better chances when Guard A is gone.

Jonica Dual '2d10'
Primrose '1d10'

Roll #1 4, 2 = 6 / Roll #2 6 = 6

568191

568192

>>568187
"Ember! shut up!"
'1d10-1' Try blasting guard C.
'1d10-1' cloud slams Guard A

Roll #1 3 - 1 = 2 / Roll #2 8 - 1 = 7

568193

>>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

568194

>>568193
Why can't I get up?
Maybe my pretty wings can help me to get up '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

568195

>>568193
Redeem myself by putting Guard A back down. '2d10'

Primrose will try to heal Ember. '1d10'

Roll #1 1, 5 = 6 / Roll #2 3 = 3

568196

>>568193
Take Guard A down for good! '1d10'
Dulltooth Slams Guard C. '1d10'
Sunsong attacks Guard B. '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 10 = 10 / Roll #3 6 = 6

568197

>>568193
"I'm getting kinda tired."
'1d10' cleave all three enemies.
'1d10' cloud attacks guard A

Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 2 = 2

568198

>>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

568199

>>568198
f-forgive me, DM ;_;

Rupture guard A '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

568200

>>568198
"Come on, we're almost done." '1d10+2' shatter guard A
'1d10' cloud protects me, and attacks guard C

Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8 / Roll #2 10 = 10

568201

>>568198
Sunsong finishes Guard B off. '1d10'
And drops Protect on Whisper.
Dulltooth Holds Guard C down and pounds him down. '1d10'
I'll Leap of Faith Guard A! '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8 / Roll #2 9 = 9 / Roll #3 10 = 10

568202

>>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

568203

>>568202
;_;
I-I'll get up again..

568204

>>568202
"Well… That could have gone better."
Help Whisper up. '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

568205

>>568204
"Thanks."

568206

>>568205
"No problem. Everyone else all right?"

568207

NEXT TIME ON MIDNIGHTS
DEEPER DOWN
INTO THE BOWELS OF HELL
AND MAYBE A BOSS

568369

"No time to rest. We aren't exactly stealthy, so there WILL be reinforcements coming in from behind us sooner or later."

568375

>>568369
"Agreed. All right, ladies, Double-time!"
Move move move!"

568380

>>568369
"Then we shall just move forwards and press on!"
Let's move forwards and press on.

568383

>>568369
"Let them come, if they are so bold as to face us."
March on '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

568396

>>568383
>>568380
>>568375
As you approach the bottom, you can hear more and more desperate praying from inside the rooms on the sides. Some noise suggests a few cultists are trying to bar the doors to keep you from entering.

568398

>>568396
"Once we find Grandheart, we'll have to come back through here to finish cleaning up."

568405

>>568396
shout at the rooms. "I COULD BREAK THAT IF I FELT LIKE IT! YOU AREN'T SAFE THERE!"

568418

>>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.

568428

>>568418
Kick the talisman away and slit his throat. '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

568430

>>568418
"Kid, get out my of way. I don't have time for you." walk past him. '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

568431

>>568418
Cure on the talisman.
Infuse it with holy light.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5

568442

>>568428
>>568431
You ignite the talisman with light, making it explode, but he manages to roll away from Ember's blade
>>568430
As you walk past him you can see his mutation boil and burn from your radiance.

568445

>>568442
Sigh and finish the job. '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

568449

>>568442
Just… Keep walking. I don't care about killing some helpless mutant kid.

568456

>>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.

568457

>>568456
>>568445
"That was…"
Sigh.
"It felt wrong…"
'1d10' luck.

Roll #1 9 = 9

568458

>>568456
"We'll be back for you later."
Rollan luck. '1d10'
>>568457
"I told you when we entered. Everything dies."
My tone is colder and more bitter than usual.

Roll #1 6 = 6

568460

>>568458
"…You are right."
>>568456
But I should probably pray for guidance.

568463

>>568460
"…I can't give in to the temptation to show mercy again. Last time I did… you hated me, Blossom. You and Coral both. And in the end, you were both right."
Sigh and shake my head.
"I won't let myself get fooled again."

568465

>>568463
"You were doing something different from showing mercy.
You were becoming one of them."

568467

>>568456
Luck '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

568468

>>568465
"And I do not wish to make the same mistake again. Everything within the castle dies. EVERYTHING. Whether it bears the face of a loved one or a friend, it all gets put to the sword."

568471

>>568468
"You run from one extreme to the other."

568472

>>568456
'1d10' lucky.

Roll #1 5 = 5

568479

>>568471
"And what would you have me do?! All this time, you have all been calling for blood, blood, BLOOD! Why do you chastise me now, when I'm finally of the same mind?!"

568481

>>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.

568482

>>568479
Shake my head.
"You are so far from the sisters…"

568483

>>568468
>>568471
"At least this is getting something done."

568484

>>568481
"Stand aside. All of you."

568487

>>568481
Groan. "Move out of the way, or we start killing you. Only warning."

568490

>>568482
"I serve Cadence, not the Sisters."
>>568483
"Agreed."
>>568481
Say nothing, but draw my sword and advance, dragging it along the ground so that it creates a menacing scraping sound.

568495

>>568481
"Out of the way."

568507

>>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

568510

>>568507
flick the pan away with a hoof '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

568512

>>568507
Cure him of every last bit of mutation.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 10 + 2 = 12

568520

>>568507
Raise my sword in preparation…
>>568512
Then simply raise my shield and block his charge while Blossom works her magic. '1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

568524

>>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.

568530

>>568524
Stare them down.
"Begone from here. Now."

568532

>>568524
Walk over and poke him.
"Hello? Anybody home?"
Look over at his foal. Does it appear corrupted in any way?

568537

>>568524
"She could heal all of you this way. If you even wanted to be saved at this point." I says as kindly as possible.

568545

>>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!"

568546

>>568545
"We are going to kill the priest before he can kill any of you."

568555

>>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?"

568564

>>568545
>>568546
"Fire, do you have the strength to do it?"

568565

>>568564
"They do."
Smile warmly at her.

568568

>>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.

568573

>>568568
Look unamused at the condescending mare.
'1d10' grab her.

Roll #1 10 = 10

568574

>>568568
Ignore that. I'm too serene for this bitch.

568580

>>568573
You grab her, and she screams as her flesh nearly melts off
"LET ME GO YOU DAMNED SCION OF LIGHT AND FIRE!"

568581

>>568568
Go over and pick him up, then bring him back to his father.
"Do you honestly still believe they can be called gifts, after what you have just experienced?"

568588

>>568580
"No." keep holding her. "I want you to apologize."

568590

>>568568
To the crowd.
"Faith? You talk of faith? Then look at this."
Show them the Shard.
"Would any care to guess as to where this came from?"

568610

>>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.

568613

>>568610
Silence the screaming mare.
Cure.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 1 + 2 = 3

568619

>>568610
"So.. you gonna keep screaming in my ear? Or are you apologizing anytime soon?"

568626

>>568613
>>568619
She explodes into violently bubbling dark goop from light overload.

568627

>>568626
"….oops.."

568629

>>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?"

568630

>>568626
Ouch?
Wince and pull back.

568635

>>568627
>>568630
>>568629
The Faithful seem terrified of you again.
If you want to scare them off, now is a good time to try.

568639

>>568635
"Those who wish to be healed, come forward. Everyone else, begone."

568640

>>568635
"BOOO" '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

568642

>>568635
"Leave this place, go hide in some dark corner and hope we don't find you again"
'1d10' shine a bit with crystal joy to add to the effect.

Roll #1 9 = 9

568644

>>568635
"Forgivness is to be found in the Light.
Step forth, and I will amend all your sins and cleanse your bodies to live a life of love.
The others, face us in combat and die for what you believe."

568656

>>568639
>>568640
>>568642
>>568644
Nearly all of them rush off after taking a glance at the melted remains of the angry cultist mare.
Only Darkwhisper and his father remain.

568658

>>568656
Kneel down in front of them.
"Why did you choose this path? Why?"

568664

>>568658
"After my wife died, I felt lost. Equestria offered us nothing, so we relied on my brother's help to make it. In exchange he asked us to just turn a blind eye to what he was doing involving this cult.
Over time… we grew to accept it in our lives too, and finally came here."

568667

>>568664
"We can offer you passage out. If you truly repent your choice to follow the dark one."

568668

>>568664
"What is your profession? Maybe I could see about finding you work, a way to support yourself and your son when you get back."

568669

>>568667
Put a hoof on your shoulder.
"Coral… The way he healed, the way the other mare just exploded…
He has already forsaken the dark one."

568672

>>568669
"I'd like to hear so from him." I say stubbornly.

568674

>>568672
"Oh…"
Step back, nodding understandingly.

568684

>>568667
>>568672
He sighs deeply, and looks at his son
"Run along now. I'll be right with you."
Darkwhisper goes nowhere.
"No. That's what uncle said too. He never came back."
They just sit there for a moment, before they hug silently.

568685

>>568684
Close my eyes and hang my head.
"…We'll not separate you. If you wish… You are free to travel with us. We will see you safely out of the castle once our work is through."

568688

>>568685
"Ember, they have to leave here as soon as possible."

568691

>>568688
"You heard them, the Priests will try to kill them if they separate from us. At least we can protect them."

568693

>>568684
"Fine. I believe you. We can't put you in danger, so just go to the top and wait please."

568696

>>568685
>>568688
>>568693
"We've nowhere to go. I'm marked for death here, now. As soon as I am seen, they will take me."
Darkwhisper just buries himself in his father's chest.

568698

>>568696
"Fine, just stay out of the line of fire."

568700

>>568696
"Then come with me. I swear on my honor, no harm will come to you while I still stand."

568701

>>568696
>>568698
Nod at this.

568703

>>568701
"…I think I understand what you meant now. About extremes."

568705

>>568703
Sigh, and smile at him.
"Finally."

568710

>>568698
>>568700
>>568701
>>568703
>>568705
As things calm down, the vault door slowly opens, and a pony peeks out
"What, where'd the riot go?"

568711

>>568710
GET OVER HERE!
Tk grab and drag him to our hooves.
'1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

568712

>>568705
"Thank you. This… all of this… has been… difficult for me. I needed help finding the path again."
>>568710
Jump and prop the door open.
"I believe we had something to do with it."

568715

>>568710
"Lets us in please."

568723

>>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

568731

>>568723
"Stand back, abomination!"
'1d10' Wrath.
Sion's not here.

Roll #1 9 = 9

568733

>>568723
"We've killed one of you, we can kill you too!" Fervor and Inspire! '1d10'
Sunsong throws up Guardian. '1d10'
Dulltooth Suppresses the Lower R arm. '1d10+1'

Roll #1 6 = 6 / Roll #2 2 = 2 / Roll #3 8 + 1 = 9

568734

>>568723
'1d10' blast the Lower right arm
'1d10' cloud protects me, and slams the lower left arm

Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 7 = 7

568756

>>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.

568757

>>568756
#BOSS: VAULT KEEPER
Head: 20/5
Upper R Arm 4/5
Upper L Arm 4/5
Lower R Arm HELPLESS/5
Lower L Arm 2/5
R Leg 19/5
L Leg 19/5
Vault Archivist 5/4


#PARTY
Ember Dawn 6/5
+Dulltooth 7/5
+Sunsong 7/5
Coral Burst 5/5
+Cloudcover 0/5
Whisper 5/5
Blossom 5/5

568762

>>568756
"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?!" Fly up there and double slice the archivist. '2d10'
'1d10' cloud gets up

Roll #1 1, 5 = 6 / Roll #2 9 = 9

568766

>>568757
Heal Cloudcover!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7

568767

>>568756
Fervored attack on the Archivist! '1d10+3'
Sunsong attacks the left leg. '1d10+2'
Dulltooth Slams the lower R arm! '1d10+2'

Roll #1 9 + 3 = 12 / Roll #2 5 + 2 = 7 / Roll #3 3 + 2 = 5

568768

>>568756
>>568767
Also Sunsong drops Protect on Coral.

568783

>>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

568785

>>568783
Marksman Shot on the Lower L Arm.
'1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

568787

>>568783
'1d10+2' shatter the lower right arm.
'1d10' cloud please slam the same arm

Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5 / Roll #2 5 = 5

568789

>>568783
Attack the L leg! '1d10+1'
Dulltooth attacks the Lower L Arm! '1d10+1'
Sunsong attempts to Activate Guardian again! '1d10'

Roll #1 6 + 1 = 7 / Roll #2 5 + 1 = 6 / Roll #3 1 = 1

568801

>>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

568803

>>568801
Hikes!
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

568807

>>568801
Evading! '2d10'
Dulltooth '2d10'
Sunsong '2d10'

Roll #1 8, 8 = 16 / Roll #2 7, 5 = 12 / Roll #3 7, 2 = 9

568809

>>568801
'2d10' cloudy and me dodge

Roll #1 10, 3 = 13

568814

>>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

568815

>>568814
'1d10' cloud helps sun song
'1d10' I try to blast the lower right arm.

Roll #1 5 = 5 / Roll #2 6 = 6

568817

>>568814
Heal Sunsong.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6

568818

>>568814
"Come on, everyone, just like last time!" Inspire. '1d10'
Dulltooth Slams the Lower L arm. '1d10'
Sunsong, since Blossom healed you attack the L leg! '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 8 = 8 / Roll #3 3 = 3

568832

>>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

568835

>>568832
Wrath!
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

568837

>>568832
"Stupid. Demon. Thing." '1d10' cleave both parts of the left arm
'1d10' cloud slams the right leg.

Roll #1 8 = 8 / Roll #2 7 = 7

568838

>>568832
I activate Fervor and Leap of Faith the L leg. '1d10'
Dulltooth finishes off the Lower L arm! '1d10'
Sunsong activates Guardian! '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 7 = 7 / Roll #3 9 = 9

568839

>>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

568840

>>568839
Marksman Shot Lower R Arm!
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

568841

>>568839
Roar defiantly and bang my shield to draw it's attention! Fervored Inspire! '1d10+1'
Dulltooth Suppresses the L leg. '1d10+1'
Sunsong Attacks the L leg! '1d10'

Roll #1 4 + 1 = 5 / Roll #2 6 + 1 = 7 / Roll #3 2 = 2

568842

>>568839
Breath deeply. '1d10+2' Shatter the left leg. "Would you die already?! We have stuff to do."

'1d10' cloud attacks the upper left arm.

Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6 / Roll #2 7 = 7

568843

>>568839
Dance of blades on the L leg '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

568844

>>568843
'5d10'

Roll #1 2, 5, 8, 5, 5 = 25

568845

>>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

568846

>>568845
Dodging while down! '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

568847

>>568845
'2d10' dodge!

Roll #1 1, 9 = 10

568848

>>568845
Dodgan
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

568849

>>568847
me then cloud btw

568850

>>568845
We dodging! '3d10'

Roll #1 5, 10, 4 = 19

568851

>>568850
Thats me, Dulltooth, then Sunsong.

568852

>>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

568853

>>568852
Heal Whisper!
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9

568854

>>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

568855

>>568852
>>568854
'1d10' blast the upper right arm.
'1d10' cloud attacks the lower right arm.

Roll #1 6 = 6 / Roll #2 10 = 10

568856

>>568854
Duoy!
"Guys, we have WINGS! We can just go straight for the head!" Fly up and give an Inspiring demonstration. '1d10'
Dulltooth Slams the Head. '1d10'
Sunsong gets up! '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2 / Roll #2 10 = 10 / Roll #3 8 = 8

568857

>>568853
Tumble into left leg '1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

568858

>>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

568859

>>568858
I got healed too.
Rupture the head '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

568860

>>568858
"Nevermind! Do the exact opposite of what I just did!"
Get up. '1d10'
Dulltooth Suppresses the head. '1d10+1'
Sunsong attacks the head as well, dropping Protect on Coral while he's at it. '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2 / Roll #2 2 + 1 = 3 / Roll #3 1 = 1

568861

>>568858
DDoM on Sunson.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9

568868

>>568858
'1d10' help up ember
'1d10' cloud protects sunsong and attacks the head.

Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 2 = 2

568872

>>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

568873

>>568872
Bite back with my knife! '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

568874

>>568872
Wrath!
It's a wonderful time to Wrath!
'1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

568875

>>568872
Attack the head! '1d10'
Dulltooth Slams the head again. '1d10'
Sunsong attacks the head too. '1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10 / Roll #2 6 = 6 / Roll #3 4 = 4

568877

>>568872
'1d10' cloud gets up
'1d10+2' shatter the head.

Roll #1 8 = 8 / Roll #2 6 + 2 = 8

568889

>>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

568892

>>568889
Attack the Upper R Arm!
Marksman Shot!
'1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

568893

>>568889
B-but Rupture '1d10'
I keep going, no fangs can stop me!

Roll #1 2 = 2

568896

>>568889
Activate Fervor and put on an Inspiring lightshow with my wings! '1d10+1'
Dulltooth attacks the head. '1d10'
Sunsong Attacks the head too. '1d10'

Roll #1 6 + 1 = 7 / Roll #2 10 = 10 / Roll #3 4 = 4

568899

>>568889
'2d10' dual attack the head
'1d10' cloud slams the head.

Roll #1 6, 5 = 11 / Roll #2 4 = 4

568905

>>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

568908

>>568905
Tumble into the Left Leg '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

568911

>>568905
Fervored Leap of Faith at the head! '1d10+3'
Dulltooth and Sunsong both join my attack on the head in an attempt to finish it off! '1d10+2' '1d10+2'

Roll #1 9 + 3 = 12 / Roll #2 8 + 2 = 10 / Roll #3 3 + 2 = 5

568913

>>568905
'1d10+2' escape the head.
'1d10+2' cloud helps whisper.

Roll #1 9 + 2 = 11 / Roll #2 6 + 2 = 8

568934

>>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

568942

>>568934
"Oh COME ON! No fair!"
Attack the Second head! '1d10+1'
Dulltooth Slams it! '1d10'
Sunsong activates Guardian! '1d10'

Roll #1 3 + 1 = 4 / Roll #2 6 = 6 / Roll #3 7 = 7

568945

>>568934
Fly up and rupture that head RNG pls '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

568965

>>568934
'1d10' coral tries to cleave attack the right arm partss and head
'1d10' cloud attacks the new head

Roll #1 1 = 1 / Roll #2 3 = 3

568974

>>568942
>>568945
>>568965
With Guardian in effect, even Whisper and Coral remain standing
Dulltooth slams into the head

The new head tries to gain control of the arms '1d10' Roll to stop it.

Roll #1 3 = 3

568977

>>568974
I'm stopping it by hitting the head '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

568978

>>568974
"Oh no you don't!"
We all try to stop it! '3d10'

Roll #1 4, 9, 8 = 21

568980

>>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

568984

>>568980
Heal Coral.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 1 + 2 = 3

568986

>>568980
Sweet. Attack the second head! '1d10'
Dulltooth Suppresses the head. '1d10+1'
Sunsong attacks the head. '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5 / Roll #2 9 + 1 = 10 / Roll #3 9 = 9

568988

>>568980
Time to show this second head who's boss.
Rupture the head '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

568989

>>568980
'1d10' blast the second head.
'1d10' cloud slams the second head.

Roll #1 2 = 2 / Roll #2 2 = 2

568995

>>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

568998

>>568995
Not gonna happen.
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

568999

>>568995
"A-HAH! No you DON'T!" Fervor and Stop the head! '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

569001

>>568995
'2d10' cloud then me both try to stop the right side

Roll #1 7, 4 = 11

569009

>>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

569015

>>569009
>>569009
'1d10+2' shatter the lower left arm
'1d10' cloud attack the upper right arm, and protect me.

Roll #1 1 + 2 = 3 / Roll #2 2 = 2

569016

>>569009
Wrath!
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

569029

>>569009
Fuck, wanted to wait until healed for this but.
BLADE MODE
Dance of Blade '1d10+2'

Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8

569030

>>569029
'5d10'

Roll #1 2, 7, 7, 8, 4 = 28

569033

>>569009
Fervored strike on the head! '1d10+1'
Dulltooth and Sunsong strike too! '2d10'

Roll #1 1 + 1 = 2 / Roll #2 4, 3 = 7

569056