File: 1365963640758.png (344.39 KB, 721x466, Northlands OP.png)
Northlands Season 2 - Episode 10 DM No.396582[Last 50 Posts]
This is the story of a king who came to a nation on the verge of tearing itself apart. Of a rising power born in doubt, and of a force none expected to enter this stage.
Episode 10: Heart of the storm
Episode 10: Heart of the storm
Verne Foglight [Advisor] No.396635
>>396633
My clownish failure at intimidate reveals itself as a ruse of Terrifying proportions.
Roll #1 4 = 4
My clownish failure at intimidate reveals itself as a ruse of Terrifying proportions.
Roll #1 4 = 4
Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] No.396661
>>396656
Smile wide, fluttering a meter or so above the ground.
"AH! I like you! I really do! That's exactly the reason we fight, damnit! Because something is coming to claim all our lands, and make sure we are forever forgotten, to the last pony, to the last gryphon…"
Smile wide, fluttering a meter or so above the ground.
"AH! I like you! I really do! That's exactly the reason we fight, damnit! Because something is coming to claim all our lands, and make sure we are forever forgotten, to the last pony, to the last gryphon…"
Verne Foglight [Advisor] No.396667
>>396656
"Not to claim them, but.. to join them with ours as ally. There are those who would seek to do as you think we do, that wish to claim all of our lands. To fend them off, we must have Stormheart's friendship in the coming struggle.
Am I very Inspiring?
Roll #1 9 = 9
"Not to claim them, but.. to join them with ours as ally. There are those who would seek to do as you think we do, that wish to claim all of our lands. To fend them off, we must have Stormheart's friendship in the coming struggle.
Am I very Inspiring?
Roll #1 9 = 9
Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] No.396672
>>396666
"Well for one, I like gryphons. The guys that are coming, they couldn't care less."
Sigh, and rest on the ground.
"This land remain your own, you are the ones who lived in it, who care for it.
We band together and make sure it grows even stronger.
And one day, when the time comes, we will all fight side to side to prevent them from taking over."
"Well for one, I like gryphons. The guys that are coming, they couldn't care less."
Sigh, and rest on the ground.
"This land remain your own, you are the ones who lived in it, who care for it.
We band together and make sure it grows even stronger.
And one day, when the time comes, we will all fight side to side to prevent them from taking over."
>>396667
"So you have not come to add us to your empire, but to ask us for an alliance?
…perhaps she wasn't so much wrong as… mistaken."
>>396669
"Change? If we abandon our ways, brother, what will be left of us? We'd be just… big ponies with beaks soon!"
>>396672
"This all sounds like you're hiding the negative part."
>>396673
Just the one who seems to have been knocked out earlier and is now recovering.
"So you have not come to add us to your empire, but to ask us for an alliance?
…perhaps she wasn't so much wrong as… mistaken."
>>396669
"Change? If we abandon our ways, brother, what will be left of us? We'd be just… big ponies with beaks soon!"
>>396672
"This all sounds like you're hiding the negative part."
>>396673
Just the one who seems to have been knocked out earlier and is now recovering.
Godric [Dark Knight] No.396684
>>396674
"What indeed? I share your fears, my friend. But Stormheart can no longer stand on belief alone. Especially when those beliefs turn us against ourselves. Like it or not, the eyes of other nations are on us. If we cannot stand together, what sort of promised land is this for us?"
"What indeed? I share your fears, my friend. But Stormheart can no longer stand on belief alone. Especially when those beliefs turn us against ourselves. Like it or not, the eyes of other nations are on us. If we cannot stand together, what sort of promised land is this for us?"
>>396680
The guard just sits back down
Frostmourn turns with a smile
"Thank you, but there really is no need. The healing is going fine."
>>396682
"Well, guess we got that much in common at least."
>>396684
"Hrm… I will admit I don't like it. And it's exactly why I wanted to support Grimalphas. But… this is too much for me. I did not want to see gryphons being harmed."
The guard just sits back down
Frostmourn turns with a smile
"Thank you, but there really is no need. The healing is going fine."
>>396682
"Well, guess we got that much in common at least."
>>396684
"Hrm… I will admit I don't like it. And it's exactly why I wanted to support Grimalphas. But… this is too much for me. I did not want to see gryphons being harmed."
>>396727
>>396728
He heads up to the barracks office
"Gomez. We need to leave. Grimalphas' flock tried to blow us up."
The sergeant and what seems to be the garrison commander turn to look
"So that's what it was. I'm putting this place on high alert. This is going all too far."
"I'll take them to Castle Stormheart sir."
"Good. May the winds guide you there swiftly."
Gomez then grabs his gear and heads out.
>>396725
>>396726
>>396730
>>396732
"Alright everyone, we seem to have a clear path from here to the castle. Just keep up and we'll make it with time for some more sleep!"
>>396728
He heads up to the barracks office
"Gomez. We need to leave. Grimalphas' flock tried to blow us up."
The sergeant and what seems to be the garrison commander turn to look
"So that's what it was. I'm putting this place on high alert. This is going all too far."
"I'll take them to Castle Stormheart sir."
"Good. May the winds guide you there swiftly."
Gomez then grabs his gear and heads out.
>>396725
>>396726
>>396730
>>396732
"Alright everyone, we seem to have a clear path from here to the castle. Just keep up and we'll make it with time for some more sleep!"
>>396742
"Let us hope that feeling is mutual…"
>>396740
>>396741
>>396743
>>396744
And off you go.
The wind has died down, and the rest of the trip is rather smooth in the cold night sky. The starts light your path and the moon shines bright in the thin mountain air.
And shortly after you pass the cloud cover, you see it. Castle Stormheart. A mighty fortress built here on this lonely peak in a sea of clouds. Entirely inaccessible by any who cannot fly. It's spires reaching out to greet the sky, and it's walls curved to make climbing them from the mountainside impossible.
Below, several guards scramble to take up positions, but Gomez dives down to tell them to hold their fire and let you land.
Welcome to the castle.
The king awaits. But is asleep right now. It is the middle of the night after all.
"Let us hope that feeling is mutual…"
>>396740
>>396741
>>396743
>>396744
And off you go.
The wind has died down, and the rest of the trip is rather smooth in the cold night sky. The starts light your path and the moon shines bright in the thin mountain air.
And shortly after you pass the cloud cover, you see it. Castle Stormheart. A mighty fortress built here on this lonely peak in a sea of clouds. Entirely inaccessible by any who cannot fly. It's spires reaching out to greet the sky, and it's walls curved to make climbing them from the mountainside impossible.
Below, several guards scramble to take up positions, but Gomez dives down to tell them to hold their fire and let you land.
Welcome to the castle.
The king awaits. But is asleep right now. It is the middle of the night after all.
>>396752
>>396753
"Well if a few of you pair up or something we should manage."
>>396754
"Garret has slept poorly as of late. The worry will be the death of him I'd wager. Truly now if ever we need a solution."
>>396755
"Why not ask Valeriana for a slumber party, and I'll go sleep with cousin Frosty?"
He puts on a teasing tone.
>>396757
"…I doubt ours would fit these"
He wiggles your ear with his claw
>>396753
"Well if a few of you pair up or something we should manage."
>>396754
"Garret has slept poorly as of late. The worry will be the death of him I'd wager. Truly now if ever we need a solution."
>>396755
"Why not ask Valeriana for a slumber party, and I'll go sleep with cousin Frosty?"
He puts on a teasing tone.
>>396757
"…I doubt ours would fit these"
He wiggles your ear with his claw
>>396768
You close your eye and peer around with the gem for a while. After a moment the image blurs and darkens, prompting you to pat the gem to make it sit right. After this fails to help you get up to adjust it better, only to misstep and slip on a pillow on the floor, causing you to tumble backwards out of the room and land against the catbutt of the maid working the hallway. As you scramble to open your eye and get up, you grab something, making her yelp and walk off flustered.
No doubt about it.
You have found a trap.
>>396769
As you rush to the rooms, a flustered gryphon maid walks past you.
>>396774
You pomf into a bed and get comfy. The beds here are really big….
Everything here seems really big…
>>396773
"Do you need us to guard it?"
You close your eye and peer around with the gem for a while. After a moment the image blurs and darkens, prompting you to pat the gem to make it sit right. After this fails to help you get up to adjust it better, only to misstep and slip on a pillow on the floor, causing you to tumble backwards out of the room and land against the catbutt of the maid working the hallway. As you scramble to open your eye and get up, you grab something, making her yelp and walk off flustered.
No doubt about it.
You have found a trap.
>>396769
As you rush to the rooms, a flustered gryphon maid walks past you.
>>396774
You pomf into a bed and get comfy. The beds here are really big….
Everything here seems really big…
>>396773
"Do you need us to guard it?"
>>396782
Maybe he could have the nice bed.
Or, well, if you want him in this room.
>>396784
"Where I am most needed. If Pumpkin does not watch over Frostmourn, I will."
>>396783
>>396787
There are two gryphon sized beds here.
>>396785
Well the bed here seems nice~
>>396786
It's sitting safely.
Home at long last. May it never again cause strife among nations.
PAUSE SOON
Maybe he could have the nice bed.
Or, well, if you want him in this room.
>>396784
"Where I am most needed. If Pumpkin does not watch over Frostmourn, I will."
>>396783
>>396787
There are two gryphon sized beds here.
>>396785
Well the bed here seems nice~
>>396786
It's sitting safely.
Home at long last. May it never again cause strife among nations.
PAUSE SOON
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.396792
>>396787
"The gryphon guards, most likely. They would probably think it rude of us to second-guess their willingness to protect guests."
>>396788
Well, that's both a relief and a disappointment.
"As it is, we are not the only two guards King Frostmourn has. So, let us at least enjoy gryphish hospitality while we can."
And then off comes the helmet, and…
"Hmm. I seem to have encountered a small problem."
"The gryphon guards, most likely. They would probably think it rude of us to second-guess their willingness to protect guests."
>>396788
Well, that's both a relief and a disappointment.
"As it is, we are not the only two guards King Frostmourn has. So, let us at least enjoy gryphish hospitality while we can."
And then off comes the helmet, and…
"Hmm. I seem to have encountered a small problem."
>>396806
How cute
>>396807
It was a nice looking maid though…
>>396808
>>396812
Valeriana keeps a hoof around you so you don't fall.
"Rest your eyes… mommy is here…"
>>396811
How can you sleep at a time like this?
You have brought non-gryphons to the capital of Stormheart. You have with you helm of Eaglecrest.
You are at the same time the greatest hero and defiler of Stormheart's history.
And tomorrow you will see which history will remember you as…
NEXT TIME ON BUTT QUEST
THE BUTTS
GET EVEN
BUTTER
How cute
>>396807
It was a nice looking maid though…
>>396808
>>396812
Valeriana keeps a hoof around you so you don't fall.
"Rest your eyes… mommy is here…"
>>396811
How can you sleep at a time like this?
You have brought non-gryphons to the capital of Stormheart. You have with you helm of Eaglecrest.
You are at the same time the greatest hero and defiler of Stormheart's history.
And tomorrow you will see which history will remember you as…
NEXT TIME ON BUTT QUEST
THE BUTTS
GET EVEN
BUTTER
>>397801
>>397802
>>397803
>>397804
>>397805
"We should be polite and professional. Listen to him, not make our own demands. Be saviors, not conquerors."
The Royal Guards come to escort you to the throne room. A pair of massive, heavily armoured gryphons. They signal the door guards, who open the throne room door, granting access to the king.
King Garret looks rather old. His colours are faded and his feathers are falling out. His eyes shift rapidly from face to face, but he sits still otherwise.
>>397802
>>397803
>>397804
>>397805
"We should be polite and professional. Listen to him, not make our own demands. Be saviors, not conquerors."
The Royal Guards come to escort you to the throne room. A pair of massive, heavily armoured gryphons. They signal the door guards, who open the throne room door, granting access to the king.
King Garret looks rather old. His colours are faded and his feathers are falling out. His eyes shift rapidly from face to face, but he sits still otherwise.
>>397816
His eyes fixate on Frostmourn as he steps forth
"Frostmourn… the Pony Emperor?"
Frostmourn nods, unpacking his crown and placing it on his head
"Exactly. I have come to aid you."
"…Aid?"
"To see to it that the nation of Stormheart survives without need for civil war. To preserve it from immediate danger, and the ever looming threat of Equestria.
These, are some of my closest allies, aides and friends."
His eyes fixate on Frostmourn as he steps forth
"Frostmourn… the Pony Emperor?"
Frostmourn nods, unpacking his crown and placing it on his head
"Exactly. I have come to aid you."
"…Aid?"
"To see to it that the nation of Stormheart survives without need for civil war. To preserve it from immediate danger, and the ever looming threat of Equestria.
These, are some of my closest allies, aides and friends."
>>397820
"You must be Queen Venia…
And he…"
Garret shifts his eyes to Unyielding
"…must be King Unyielding. Heir to the Swordless."
Unyielding twitches a little but says nothing
>>397822
>>397819
"You avert your gaze. Be it out of fear or respect I do not know…"
>>397818
"And you… I guess you're just some guard."
He turns his eyes back to Frostmourn
"So, Emperor of Ponies. If you have come here to aid me in dealing with this upstart oracle, how do I know your intentions are pure?"
"I did not know you were in any position to negotiate.
Then, I have not come as a conqueror, but as an ally in need of aid of his own."
"Hmm? The conqueror emperor needs our aid?
…in what?"
"In ending the war in Timberjaw. And as a token of my good will, I brought you a little gift. Lord Blackmane saw to transporting it."
>>397821
He turns back to you
"Well, Blackmane?"
"You must be Queen Venia…
And he…"
Garret shifts his eyes to Unyielding
"…must be King Unyielding. Heir to the Swordless."
Unyielding twitches a little but says nothing
>>397822
>>397819
"You avert your gaze. Be it out of fear or respect I do not know…"
>>397818
"And you… I guess you're just some guard."
He turns his eyes back to Frostmourn
"So, Emperor of Ponies. If you have come here to aid me in dealing with this upstart oracle, how do I know your intentions are pure?"
"I did not know you were in any position to negotiate.
Then, I have not come as a conqueror, but as an ally in need of aid of his own."
"Hmm? The conqueror emperor needs our aid?
…in what?"
"In ending the war in Timberjaw. And as a token of my good will, I brought you a little gift. Lord Blackmane saw to transporting it."
>>397821
He turns back to you
"Well, Blackmane?"
Godric [Dark Knight] No.397826
>>397823
I step back forward.
"Indeed, milord. As winner of the King's Challenge and new ruler of Eaglecrest, the Emperor has decided, as a show of good faith, to bestow us with this."
Open the case and hold the helm aloft.
"The so-called Eagle's Crest itself, the mortal remains of Father Stormheart's chosen, Lord General Galahad himself."
I step back forward.
"Indeed, milord. As winner of the King's Challenge and new ruler of Eaglecrest, the Emperor has decided, as a show of good faith, to bestow us with this."
Open the case and hold the helm aloft.
"The so-called Eagle's Crest itself, the mortal remains of Father Stormheart's chosen, Lord General Galahad himself."
>>397828
>>397829
The failure is contained
>>397827
>>397831
"Hrm. Very well."
>>397825
"As a king needs to be."
>>397826
Garret snaps to attention and gets off his throne, shedding a few grey feathers as he descends down to grasp the helmet
"Galahad's remains…"
His eyes tear up ever so slightly
"…at long last… back where they belong…"
>>397829
The failure is contained
>>397827
>>397831
"Hrm. Very well."
>>397825
"As a king needs to be."
>>397826
Garret snaps to attention and gets off his throne, shedding a few grey feathers as he descends down to grasp the helmet
"Galahad's remains…"
His eyes tear up ever so slightly
"…at long last… back where they belong…"
>>397863
"I really do feel like going out on a hunt with these magnificent things…"
>>397866
There are many songs dedicated to the old general, both in memory of his deeds and death, and in open mockery of his death at the hooves of a pony
>>397860
>>397861
>>397864
>>397862
>>397865
>>397867
He leads you down inside the mountain, where a crypt for the heroes of Stormheart has been cut
"here is where we bury our old kings and champions… so they can rest safely, away from those who would disturb their revered rest."
"I really do feel like going out on a hunt with these magnificent things…"
>>397866
There are many songs dedicated to the old general, both in memory of his deeds and death, and in open mockery of his death at the hooves of a pony
>>397860
>>397861
>>397864
>>397862
>>397865
>>397867
He leads you down inside the mountain, where a crypt for the heroes of Stormheart has been cut
"here is where we bury our old kings and champions… so they can rest safely, away from those who would disturb their revered rest."
>>397880
"We rarely speak down here, let alone sing. There is a time and place to revere the fallen, but they deserve to rest.
…however. This is a very special day."
He opens a large tomb and enters.
The inside is a grand hall in itself, lined with dozens of banners of war, weapon racks, armour racks and equipment.
"We rarely speak down here, let alone sing. There is a time and place to revere the fallen, but they deserve to rest.
…however. This is a very special day."
He opens a large tomb and enters.
The inside is a grand hall in itself, lined with dozens of banners of war, weapon racks, armour racks and equipment.
>>397883
>>397884
>>397885
>>397886
"His deeds helped us secure this promised land. He is second only to our kings in honor. If even them."
At the back, Galahad's memorial stands. It is impossible to say if the great stone casket is empty or not, but you won't get a chance to know. Garret asks you all stay back.
"I do not feel it is proper that you look upon his rest. Please. I will be but a moment."
>>397884
>>397885
>>397886
"His deeds helped us secure this promised land. He is second only to our kings in honor. If even them."
At the back, Galahad's memorial stands. It is impossible to say if the great stone casket is empty or not, but you won't get a chance to know. Garret asks you all stay back.
"I do not feel it is proper that you look upon his rest. Please. I will be but a moment."
>>397888
Yes.
May show signs of repeated breaking and healing, and the skull has a cut along where the scalp was removed.
>>397889
>>397890
>>397891
>>397892
He opens the casket and mutters a few words.
"Rest now, general Galahad. Most exalted of our champions. Your defeat is undone, your honor returned. No longer shall it be defiled by the hooves of ponies…"
Yes.
May show signs of repeated breaking and healing, and the skull has a cut along where the scalp was removed.
>>397889
>>397890
>>397891
>>397892
He opens the casket and mutters a few words.
"Rest now, general Galahad. Most exalted of our champions. Your defeat is undone, your honor returned. No longer shall it be defiled by the hooves of ponies…"
>>397902
>>397903
>>397904
>>397905
"Speak then, Griffon King."
"How old do you think I am?"
"Over seventy."
"I am not even forty. This worry and stress is taking me to an early grave. With every passing day, Grimalphas' followers grow more bold and audacious. I fear it is but a small matter of time until I have to fight a war against my fellow griffons, and that I simply refuse to do."
"Then tell us what must be done."
"Grimalphas must die."
>>397903
>>397904
>>397905
"Speak then, Griffon King."
"How old do you think I am?"
"Over seventy."
"I am not even forty. This worry and stress is taking me to an early grave. With every passing day, Grimalphas' followers grow more bold and audacious. I fear it is but a small matter of time until I have to fight a war against my fellow griffons, and that I simply refuse to do."
"Then tell us what must be done."
"Grimalphas must die."
>>397921
"Yes. Yes I will."
>>397920
"Good. Good…"
>>397919
>>397917
>>397915
Frostmourn gives a sly look to the king
"And why would I not simply kill you where you stand and take your kingdom?"
"Because I am more valuable to you alive. I am still in charge here. The citizens of Stormheart respect me. And obey me. Save for the errant souls of Grimalphas.
In short, you need me where I am, pony emperor."
Frostmourn smiles and nods a few times
"No need to worry. I was but testing your reaction.
Come, friends. We have a deal to see to."
"Thank you for your… aid. Accommodations will be arranged for you all so you may rest safely and discretely.
Happy hunting."
"Yes. Yes I will."
>>397920
"Good. Good…"
>>397919
>>397917
>>397915
Frostmourn gives a sly look to the king
"And why would I not simply kill you where you stand and take your kingdom?"
"Because I am more valuable to you alive. I am still in charge here. The citizens of Stormheart respect me. And obey me. Save for the errant souls of Grimalphas.
In short, you need me where I am, pony emperor."
Frostmourn smiles and nods a few times
"No need to worry. I was but testing your reaction.
Come, friends. We have a deal to see to."
"Thank you for your… aid. Accommodations will be arranged for you all so you may rest safely and discretely.
Happy hunting."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.397924
>>397922
I'll clear my throat slightly.
"King Garret, there is one further issue that may or may not relate to the situation at hand. In a recent raid against a slaver ring, there were found several gryphons, both in captivity and partaking in the act. As gryphons seldom leave your kingdom, we thought this worth mentioning."
I'll clear my throat slightly.
"King Garret, there is one further issue that may or may not relate to the situation at hand. In a recent raid against a slaver ring, there were found several gryphons, both in captivity and partaking in the act. As gryphons seldom leave your kingdom, we thought this worth mentioning."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.397927
>>397926
I'll speak again.
"As said, there were both captives, and those taking advantage of those captives. The slavers were, on the whole, killed wholesale, while the slaves let free. Lord Blackmane was also appalled at the presence of gryphon captives, and captors."
I'll speak again.
"As said, there were both captives, and those taking advantage of those captives. The slavers were, on the whole, killed wholesale, while the slaves let free. Lord Blackmane was also appalled at the presence of gryphon captives, and captors."
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.397928
>>397926
Improved - Fourth Eye: spell; can see beyond walls, barriers, illusions, lies and the fourth wall. Can tap into meta information and listen in on out of character discussion.
I'm simply asking wether at this point he is conciously lying or not, yes or no. I don't need to know his true thoughts, nor can I read them.
If you con't want to tell me, I'll leave it at that.
Improved - Fourth Eye: spell; can see beyond walls, barriers, illusions, lies and the fourth wall. Can tap into meta information and listen in on out of character discussion.
I'm simply asking wether at this point he is conciously lying or not, yes or no. I don't need to know his true thoughts, nor can I read them.
If you con't want to tell me, I'll leave it at that.
Kilana [deathsinger] No.397959
>>397950
I frown "I don't like it, he asks us to do what's necessary because he's unwilling not unable. Perhaps the rumors are true about his weakness are truer than we wanted to believe.."
>>397951
"They do, Its amazing how much care they seemed to take for them, better than a mere hole in the ground… I wonder if they do this for all their great warriors or just the ones from legend?"
I frown "I don't like it, he asks us to do what's necessary because he's unwilling not unable. Perhaps the rumors are true about his weakness are truer than we wanted to believe.."
>>397951
"They do, Its amazing how much care they seemed to take for them, better than a mere hole in the ground… I wonder if they do this for all their great warriors or just the ones from legend?"
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.397964
>>397963
"The ideal way would be if we could convince Grimalphas followers of the benefits for Stormheart by allying themselves with our cause.
Of course, as we're ponies, we're at a serious disadvantage."
>>397959
"Interesting question. Maybe we should ask about that later.
Though a tomb like Galahad's must be exceptional."
"The ideal way would be if we could convince Grimalphas followers of the benefits for Stormheart by allying themselves with our cause.
Of course, as we're ponies, we're at a serious disadvantage."
>>397959
"Interesting question. Maybe we should ask about that later.
Though a tomb like Galahad's must be exceptional."
Godric [Dark Knight] No.397966
>>397963
"Exactly. If she is able to spread word that Frostmourn has set foot in the capital, much less met with the king, then her support will double at least. We must tread carefully."
>>397964
"I hope to find a way to discredit her somehow. If she is found wanting in the eyes of her people, then she need never be touched at all."
Fluffy my feathers a bit.
"And yes, Lord Galahad's tomb is most hallowed. A work of true art."
"Exactly. If she is able to spread word that Frostmourn has set foot in the capital, much less met with the king, then her support will double at least. We must tread carefully."
>>397964
"I hope to find a way to discredit her somehow. If she is found wanting in the eyes of her people, then she need never be touched at all."
Fluffy my feathers a bit.
"And yes, Lord Galahad's tomb is most hallowed. A work of true art."
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.397988
>>397985
"I'm surprised Griffons can claim to know the nature of ponies while they isolate themselves here. We do not claim to know the nature of Griffons."
>>397985
"But you must admit there could be certain advantages without the need for raising the dead permanently. Think for example what sort of guidance a fallen hero could give to other griffons, if he was able to speak for even a few minutes before resting again."
"I'm surprised Griffons can claim to know the nature of ponies while they isolate themselves here. We do not claim to know the nature of Griffons."
>>397985
"But you must admit there could be certain advantages without the need for raising the dead permanently. Think for example what sort of guidance a fallen hero could give to other griffons, if he was able to speak for even a few minutes before resting again."
Godric [Dark Knight] No.397990
>>397986
"It is just the way things are. Nothing can change that but history."
>>397988
"We do not claim to know your nature either, nor do we desire to. It is part of who you are, and as such is part of your culture."
>>397988
"No such advice would be listened to, nor should it be given. The dead earn their rest, and to disturb them for further assistance is unthinkable. The path ahead must be forged by those still alive."
>>397987
I'll turn and growl at her.
"Watch your threats here, necromancer. You are hear as a guest. Slight our tenants at your peril."
"It is just the way things are. Nothing can change that but history."
>>397988
"We do not claim to know your nature either, nor do we desire to. It is part of who you are, and as such is part of your culture."
>>397988
"No such advice would be listened to, nor should it be given. The dead earn their rest, and to disturb them for further assistance is unthinkable. The path ahead must be forged by those still alive."
>>397987
I'll turn and growl at her.
"Watch your threats here, necromancer. You are hear as a guest. Slight our tenants at your peril."
Kilana [deathsinger] No.397993
>>397990
I glare at you "I'll remind you that we aren't particularly welcome or safe on these lands, someone planted explosives to try and kill us as we slept, in the kingdom's own barracks. I'm not taking this situation lightly, Godric, know if I'm forced to use necromancy here it was absolutely necessary." I keep staring at you.
I glare at you "I'll remind you that we aren't particularly welcome or safe on these lands, someone planted explosives to try and kill us as we slept, in the kingdom's own barracks. I'm not taking this situation lightly, Godric, know if I'm forced to use necromancy here it was absolutely necessary." I keep staring at you.
Kilana [deathsinger] No.398002
>>397998
>>397997
I look relived at the change in topic. "I learned when I was just a filly, my parents were so proud when I got mark. They had sat me down at a piano and encouraged me to try it.. So I sat down and started playing, and singing..before I even realized it had appeared" I look a little dreamy at the memory. "From there I was constantly being taught music until they couldn't teach me anymore."
>>397997
I look relived at the change in topic. "I learned when I was just a filly, my parents were so proud when I got mark. They had sat me down at a piano and encouraged me to try it.. So I sat down and started playing, and singing..before I even realized it had appeared" I look a little dreamy at the memory. "From there I was constantly being taught music until they couldn't teach me anymore."
>>398027
"I heard the gryphons mention her eye. And that she was some kind of oracle.
I wonder what that means…"
>>398028
"Disguise?"
He looks at this body
"…uh…?"
>>398029
"Hm. This could work if we found a way"
>>398030
"I doubt she'd surrender. She seems too dedicated to her cause."
>>398032
"With every passing day Timberjaw reduces more of itself to rubble. Time is not on our side."
"I heard the gryphons mention her eye. And that she was some kind of oracle.
I wonder what that means…"
>>398028
"Disguise?"
He looks at this body
"…uh…?"
>>398029
"Hm. This could work if we found a way"
>>398030
"I doubt she'd surrender. She seems too dedicated to her cause."
>>398032
"With every passing day Timberjaw reduces more of itself to rubble. Time is not on our side."
Smouldering Torch [Burninator] No.398047
>>398045
"It is not quite a simple as that, Mister Pumpkin. There are many examples of oracles throughout history though their powers aren't always fully understood."
>>398043
"It is a power that came to me some years ago. I wasn't born with it like most examples of oracles I found.
I can see past illusions and lies, and sometimes….other things I normally shouldn't know."
I turn to Venia.
"Like that time I knew about the plan to blow up the mansion before Kilana explained us."
"It is not quite a simple as that, Mister Pumpkin. There are many examples of oracles throughout history though their powers aren't always fully understood."
>>398043
"It is a power that came to me some years ago. I wasn't born with it like most examples of oracles I found.
I can see past illusions and lies, and sometimes….other things I normally shouldn't know."
I turn to Venia.
"Like that time I knew about the plan to blow up the mansion before Kilana explained us."
>>398053
"It's a way to store and use extra power necessary for long-range or high-strength spells! Normally they would be stationary due to their size, but mobile ones could temporarily eliminate the stationary restrictions!
I was mainly asking for their design because I wanted long-range teleportation for single use for King Frostmourn or Queen Venia. hehe, or even just so I can teleport long distances.."
>>398055
"I hope so! It's a brilliant plan Winterbreeze helped hammer down!"
"It's a way to store and use extra power necessary for long-range or high-strength spells! Normally they would be stationary due to their size, but mobile ones could temporarily eliminate the stationary restrictions!
I was mainly asking for their design because I wanted long-range teleportation for single use for King Frostmourn or Queen Venia. hehe, or even just so I can teleport long distances.."
>>398055
"I hope so! It's a brilliant plan Winterbreeze helped hammer down!"
Kilana [deathsinger] No.398059
>>398052
"I don't think you're seeing the larger picture here pumpkin, even if that plan was to go flawlessly it would have consequences for the future. Furthering hate only breeds more hate."
>>398055
"Changing her thoughts…Do you think that's possible? This is something inbred into griffon culture that they wouldn't do anymore than we could eat another pony.."
"I don't think you're seeing the larger picture here pumpkin, even if that plan was to go flawlessly it would have consequences for the future. Furthering hate only breeds more hate."
>>398055
"Changing her thoughts…Do you think that's possible? This is something inbred into griffon culture that they wouldn't do anymore than we could eat another pony.."
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.398060
>>398055
And split off in another time, after that reading with Radiant and before we left. I'll go to his chambers. Is he alone?
"High King Frostmourn, I have… collected my thoughts on my read of Lady Radiant Goldentail. I assumed you'd be interested?"
>>398055
"Interesting question. Typically because of the fine nature of the mind, one works with only one at a time until total control has been established. However, if the scale is large enough and the orders relatively simple, it would seem that at least theoretically possible to deal with large numbers at once. If anyone could do it, I could. I bested Mage-King Longshanks in the endeavor with Lady Goldentail."
And split off in another time, after that reading with Radiant and before we left. I'll go to his chambers. Is he alone?
"High King Frostmourn, I have… collected my thoughts on my read of Lady Radiant Goldentail. I assumed you'd be interested?"
>>398055
"Interesting question. Typically because of the fine nature of the mind, one works with only one at a time until total control has been established. However, if the scale is large enough and the orders relatively simple, it would seem that at least theoretically possible to deal with large numbers at once. If anyone could do it, I could. I bested Mage-King Longshanks in the endeavor with Lady Goldentail."
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.398068
>>398063
>Present
"Ah. Confidence. One of the oft-overlooked virtues of mind magic. I would certainly attempt it."
>Past
Is he alone?
"The information I gathered is potentially disturbing, which is why this report has taken some time to prepare for. It poses a significant national security risk."
>Present
"Ah. Confidence. One of the oft-overlooked virtues of mind magic. I would certainly attempt it."
>Past
Is he alone?
"The information I gathered is potentially disturbing, which is why this report has taken some time to prepare for. It poses a significant national security risk."
>>398064
"Perhaps we could find some dirt on her… powers then? Show her followers their leader is impure?"
>>398065
"There were survivors, and we have the name of their contact in Snowborder."
>>398067
"We might need to seek out her supporters. Possibly starting with that George fellow."
>>398068
>present
"Let us consider it Plan B"
>past
he is
"Speak."
>>398069
"And if there is nothing to find?"
"Perhaps we could find some dirt on her… powers then? Show her followers their leader is impure?"
>>398065
"There were survivors, and we have the name of their contact in Snowborder."
>>398067
"We might need to seek out her supporters. Possibly starting with that George fellow."
>>398068
>present
"Let us consider it Plan B"
>past
he is
"Speak."
>>398069
"And if there is nothing to find?"
>>398071
"Not perfect. Just not bad enough to be abandoned."
>>398072
Pumpkin wants to learn [Disguise]
But Pumpkin can only know 11 skill points worth of skills!
Delete an old move to make room for [Disguise]?
>>398074
"Perhaps infiltration is the key then"
>>398076
>past
He takes out his die and rolls it, without bothering to look at the result
"What are you getting at?"
>>398080
"I left it in the nearest Deep Road entrance for safe keeping. I suppose you could reach it with a few teleports."
"Not perfect. Just not bad enough to be abandoned."
>>398072
Pumpkin wants to learn [Disguise]
But Pumpkin can only know 11 skill points worth of skills!
Delete an old move to make room for [Disguise]?
>>398074
"Perhaps infiltration is the key then"
>>398076
>past
He takes out his die and rolls it, without bothering to look at the result
"What are you getting at?"
>>398080
"I left it in the nearest Deep Road entrance for safe keeping. I suppose you could reach it with a few teleports."
Kilana [deathsinger] No.398083
>>398077
>>398078
" I agree with wanting to know more, to find real dirt on her.. but, will civil war wait for us to find out? Not only that, we could research her for years and find out she was completely clean down to hatchling age. Do we have time to waste on a potentially fruitless effort just now?"
>>398078
" I agree with wanting to know more, to find real dirt on her.. but, will civil war wait for us to find out? Not only that, we could research her for years and find out she was completely clean down to hatchling age. Do we have time to waste on a potentially fruitless effort just now?"
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.398089
>>398082
"Lady Radiant Goldentail hasn't been born yet. And likely won't be for a considerable amount of time. She was banished to our time from the future by a spellcaster."
Give him some time to absorb that.
>>398086
"Normally I am all for the hard road. It's usually the safest. But every day we spend, we spend in blood. Timberjaw is at war."
"Lady Radiant Goldentail hasn't been born yet. And likely won't be for a considerable amount of time. She was banished to our time from the future by a spellcaster."
Give him some time to absorb that.
>>398086
"Normally I am all for the hard road. It's usually the safest. But every day we spend, we spend in blood. Timberjaw is at war."
Kilana [deathsinger] No.398091
>>398086
"Why should we show mercy to someone who wanted to kill us, in the middle of the night, for being a certain race?" I sigh "If Grimalphas causes this war many griffons will die, good claws that the north will miss should equestria come to our door. Not only that, should she win.. with her radical views on non griffons she would likely come to war with us."
"Why should we show mercy to someone who wanted to kill us, in the middle of the night, for being a certain race?" I sigh "If Grimalphas causes this war many griffons will die, good claws that the north will miss should equestria come to our door. Not only that, should she win.. with her radical views on non griffons she would likely come to war with us."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.398093
>>398091
"To show her that she is wrong, Lady Kilana. If we act as we did in that mansion raid, then we'll only prove her right, and fewer gryphons will come to our aid."
>>398092
"Possibly. But as Lord Blackmane made clear, gryphons care little for pony slaves, and are riled only when gryphons are involved."
"To show her that she is wrong, Lady Kilana. If we act as we did in that mansion raid, then we'll only prove her right, and fewer gryphons will come to our aid."
>>398092
"Possibly. But as Lord Blackmane made clear, gryphons care little for pony slaves, and are riled only when gryphons are involved."
Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] No.398121
>>398112
"Seriously. I'm getting quite sick of this explosion thing. The alarm had gone off. We had a chance to instantly thin their numbers without risks. And we have a perfect lead to then anyway, because I did my job that night. Now I would appreciate if you could stop talking about it like it was my fault. If I hadn't followed Minstral inside we would all have died once she triggered the explosion!"
"Seriously. I'm getting quite sick of this explosion thing. The alarm had gone off. We had a chance to instantly thin their numbers without risks. And we have a perfect lead to then anyway, because I did my job that night. Now I would appreciate if you could stop talking about it like it was my fault. If I hadn't followed Minstral inside we would all have died once she triggered the explosion!"
>>398121
I frown
"And if you had followed your damn orders, the mansion may still have been intact as well as the evidence. Not only that, but Mistral may have still had flesh on her back. You know damn well what you did was wrong, so don't you dare try and argue with me."
>>398122
"It seems like a pointless risk right now… If you get caught, who knows where they'll put you?"
I frown
"And if you had followed your damn orders, the mansion may still have been intact as well as the evidence. Not only that, but Mistral may have still had flesh on her back. You know damn well what you did was wrong, so don't you dare try and argue with me."
>>398122
"It seems like a pointless risk right now… If you get caught, who knows where they'll put you?"
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.398129
>>398124
"Nothing elaborate. In fact, it was quite in passing. Simply that they serve as a catalyst without the means of being disarmed of it. Presumably mutilation would disrupt the runes, though…"
>>398123
Clear my throat uncomfortably.
"She observed the spell in process. I was able to comprehend the basics. Being a professor, it's my job to understand things. Did you have a specific question, or did you want me to pontificate?"
"Nothing elaborate. In fact, it was quite in passing. Simply that they serve as a catalyst without the means of being disarmed of it. Presumably mutilation would disrupt the runes, though…"
>>398123
Clear my throat uncomfortably.
"She observed the spell in process. I was able to comprehend the basics. Being a professor, it's my job to understand things. Did you have a specific question, or did you want me to pontificate?"
>>398128
"Yes, you owed her that much, didn't you? Now stop arguing about it. The damage has been dealt and the consequences shown, all we can do is make sure a similar event does not occur."
>>398130
"I don't disagree, but it could hold quite a lot of risk. If you think you could pull it off, I wont stop you. Just know that there is quite a lot of risk involved."
"Yes, you owed her that much, didn't you? Now stop arguing about it. The damage has been dealt and the consequences shown, all we can do is make sure a similar event does not occur."
>>398130
"I don't disagree, but it could hold quite a lot of risk. If you think you could pull it off, I wont stop you. Just know that there is quite a lot of risk involved."
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.398137
>>398131
"You know, in the Convention, I had a friend who was always trying to animate horns – regenerate the nerve and marrow to make them work again after being removed from the body. I don't know if he ever found success… Of course, bones are bones. Since I do have the opportunity to ask an expert, what makes a unicorn horn functionally different than other bones in the body?"
>>398133
"That seems unsafe. Especially after what happened last time. However, I am a research professor. Further study is a possibility."
"You know, in the Convention, I had a friend who was always trying to animate horns – regenerate the nerve and marrow to make them work again after being removed from the body. I don't know if he ever found success… Of course, bones are bones. Since I do have the opportunity to ask an expert, what makes a unicorn horn functionally different than other bones in the body?"
>>398133
"That seems unsafe. Especially after what happened last time. However, I am a research professor. Further study is a possibility."
>>398134
"She didn't want to hurt the slaves, Pumpkin. Godric told me she was nowhere near the trigger when Kilana melted away part of her back. I'm honestly getting a little sick of your excuses. Running away from your mistakes and denying them is no way to learn from them"
>>398135
"Well… you could always stick the crystal somewhere they wouldn't look."
I chuckle
>>398136
"Yes, Kilana?"
"She didn't want to hurt the slaves, Pumpkin. Godric told me she was nowhere near the trigger when Kilana melted away part of her back. I'm honestly getting a little sick of your excuses. Running away from your mistakes and denying them is no way to learn from them"
>>398135
"Well… you could always stick the crystal somewhere they wouldn't look."
I chuckle
>>398136
"Yes, Kilana?"
Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] No.398143
>>398138
"And about where Kilana was I have already had lots of words with her and Frostmourn. If somepony who might be a treat appears during an operation, subduing them is the least I have been trained to do. Since Kila was there I should have killed her outright!"
"And about where Kilana was I have already had lots of words with her and Frostmourn. If somepony who might be a treat appears during an operation, subduing them is the least I have been trained to do. Since Kila was there I should have killed her outright!"
>>398141
"You are a friend, are you not? We may not agree on some things, but that doesn't mean your expertise can't come in valuable. Who knows what we'll encounter?"
>>398143
"Godric said she was not a threat after all. What you did was reckless and stupid, you should accept that, learn from it and move on."
"You are a friend, are you not? We may not agree on some things, but that doesn't mean your expertise can't come in valuable. Who knows what we'll encounter?"
>>398143
"Godric said she was not a threat after all. What you did was reckless and stupid, you should accept that, learn from it and move on."
Kilana [deathsinger] No.398152
>>398145
I look annoyed. "If you're going to constantly mistrust me, and bring up my mistakes. I don't think I should be here. And knowing how griffons feel about necromancy would have made the call easy for you to make.. so, I ask again. Why bring me here at all? What purpose does it serve?"
I look annoyed. "If you're going to constantly mistrust me, and bring up my mistakes. I don't think I should be here. And knowing how griffons feel about necromancy would have made the call easy for you to make.. so, I ask again. Why bring me here at all? What purpose does it serve?"
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.398154
>>398151
"It doesn't seem as difficult as reversing it, or sending someone back into it. I'll look into it. Unfortunately, without the resources of the Convention or the yet-unfinished Academy at my disposal… It will take – axiomatically – time. I am certain the Tyrant-King of Rockeye would collapse in agony had he known what he missed out on because he had shunned Neurology as a so-called Dark Art."
>>398149
pls
>>398147
"It doesn't seem as difficult as reversing it, or sending someone back into it. I'll look into it. Unfortunately, without the resources of the Convention or the yet-unfinished Academy at my disposal… It will take – axiomatically – time. I am certain the Tyrant-King of Rockeye would collapse in agony had he known what he missed out on because he had shunned Neurology as a so-called Dark Art."
>>398149
pls
>>398147
Kilana [deathsinger] No.398161
>>398159
"I appreciate your friendship but I don't think you understand.. no one is bringing you into a land where using arcane or holy magic would outrage people, and no one is constantly mistrusting you for just knowing what you know. And if its really a question of trusting my judgement because of recent actions, why would you want a pony whose judgement you don't trust with you on a very sensitive mission?"
"I appreciate your friendship but I don't think you understand.. no one is bringing you into a land where using arcane or holy magic would outrage people, and no one is constantly mistrusting you for just knowing what you know. And if its really a question of trusting my judgement because of recent actions, why would you want a pony whose judgement you don't trust with you on a very sensitive mission?"
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.398164
>>398157
Think a moment. "I'll need a magical power supply. A big one, so that tests can go on uninterrupted. Testing facilities… research associates… test subjects, such as magnets, prisms, ice, ants, and rats. And perhaps most importantly, mutual trust and secrecy."
>>398158
"Regardless of the applications of my skills, if you had stayed behind, I would have elected to as well. We have much to do together. There's the matter of research to be done."
Send her a little message. '1d10+3'
>>398160
"I see. Does it have to do with proximity to the brain? Or perhaps the shape of the horn houses natural rune formations?"
Roll #1 3 + 3 = 6
Think a moment. "I'll need a magical power supply. A big one, so that tests can go on uninterrupted. Testing facilities… research associates… test subjects, such as magnets, prisms, ice, ants, and rats. And perhaps most importantly, mutual trust and secrecy."
>>398158
"Regardless of the applications of my skills, if you had stayed behind, I would have elected to as well. We have much to do together. There's the matter of research to be done."
Send her a little message. '1d10+3'
And I prefer your company, too.
>>398160
"I see. Does it have to do with proximity to the brain? Or perhaps the shape of the horn houses natural rune formations?"
Roll #1 3 + 3 = 6
Kilana [deathsinger] No.398167
>>398162
I shake my head "You bring a pony you don't truly trust with you on hope, and possibly worse you think that constantly reminding me of my mistake will help anything? That's just holding guilt over my head."
>>398164
I smile and think back at you
I shake my head "You bring a pony you don't truly trust with you on hope, and possibly worse you think that constantly reminding me of my mistake will help anything? That's just holding guilt over my head."
>>398164
I smile and think back at you
Thankyou, but this is something I have to get threw to her
>>398164
"And in return, I will need your absolute trust and loyalty. Do not even think of hiding things from me. This… I cannot even stress enough how utterly vital this is.
You will have all you can ever need. I will see to it."
>>398165
>>398166
"Good. Good. Then let's get to work."
>>398168
"Indeed.
Valeriana, would you kindly?"
"I am already on my way."
A shadow slithers out the door
"And in return, I will need your absolute trust and loyalty. Do not even think of hiding things from me. This… I cannot even stress enough how utterly vital this is.
You will have all you can ever need. I will see to it."
>>398165
>>398166
"Good. Good. Then let's get to work."
>>398168
"Indeed.
Valeriana, would you kindly?"
"I am already on my way."
A shadow slithers out the door
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.398186
>>398169
"Then you should know two things. First, the one who banished Goldentail could be a threat. Second, my close associates call me Id."
Think for a moment. "Oh. And since Lady Goldentail doesn't realize she's in the past, she has just finished wandering south to a land where no one knows her. And I have no lodgings here in Eaglecrest."
"Then you should know two things. First, the one who banished Goldentail could be a threat. Second, my close associates call me Id."
Think for a moment. "Oh. And since Lady Goldentail doesn't realize she's in the past, she has just finished wandering south to a land where no one knows her. And I have no lodgings here in Eaglecrest."
Kilana [deathsinger] No.398238
>>398226
"I know you don't like the idea, but there may not be a way to do this without getting our hooves dirty, at least secretly.. And from what Garret said, and what we've seen.. she won't hesitate. I think we could safely draw the line at framing her.. but going a step further is a going to be more effective provided her eye doesn't offer her protection.. "
"I know you don't like the idea, but there may not be a way to do this without getting our hooves dirty, at least secretly.. And from what Garret said, and what we've seen.. she won't hesitate. I think we could safely draw the line at framing her.. but going a step further is a going to be more effective provided her eye doesn't offer her protection.. "
>>401316
I'll skulk around the palace a bit, exploring the place.
I don't suppose they have a garden here, right?
Roll #1 6 = 6
I'll skulk around the palace a bit, exploring the place.
I don't suppose they have a garden here, right?
Roll #1 6 = 6
Godric [Dark Knight] No.401322
>>401316
I'll do some meditation until then. Surely being home will help calm my worries?
Roll #1 7 = 7
I'll do some meditation until then. Surely being home will help calm my worries?
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>401320
Not much grows up here, and they eat meat so there is no real need for a garden.
>>401321
>>401323
"Because she has a mind of her own, capable of making her own decisions based on her own observations."
>>401322
It seems to aid your heart. If you wish to be proactive, you could seek out information on Grimalphas from the locals. Not like they'd talk to non-gryphons…
>>401324
"Indeed! I haven't felt this full of life in years! Ha!"
Not much grows up here, and they eat meat so there is no real need for a garden.
>>401321
>>401323
"Because she has a mind of her own, capable of making her own decisions based on her own observations."
>>401322
It seems to aid your heart. If you wish to be proactive, you could seek out information on Grimalphas from the locals. Not like they'd talk to non-gryphons…
>>401324
"Indeed! I haven't felt this full of life in years! Ha!"
>>401330
"Grimalphas?
Well I know the official dossier on her, if that helps? I believe the king knows more details though. And we have a prisoner who was a part of her group but broke off and turned himself in for protection."
>>401331
There are a few attendants around, dusting the place.
>>401332
She deflates a little
"I am not infallible…"
>>401333
"Then ask, my queen~"
"Grimalphas?
Well I know the official dossier on her, if that helps? I believe the king knows more details though. And we have a prisoner who was a part of her group but broke off and turned himself in for protection."
>>401331
There are a few attendants around, dusting the place.
>>401332
She deflates a little
"I am not infallible…"
>>401333
"Then ask, my queen~"
>>401340
"Grimalphas, also known as the Crone and the Crowmother, is an old Stormheart gryphon. Her exact age is unknown, but some insist she is as old as Stormheart itself.
She is credited as a seer and oracle, possessing a magical sight in her strange eye. She has also been a strong driving force for many past kings to strengthen the borders and fight back any who dare appear. At times, she goes into hiding, but now she has emerged again and is urging the people to overthrow king Garret after he suggested reaching out to bordering nations for aid in these times of poor hunting."
>>401341
"A… child is a… big responsibility and… you'd be out of commission for a long time and… and…"
>>401342
"There are no bad students. Only bad teachers.
…and possibly… bad creeds."
>>401343
"Visiting? I've never heard of a pony visitor in Castle Stormheart. How did you even get here?"
"Grimalphas, also known as the Crone and the Crowmother, is an old Stormheart gryphon. Her exact age is unknown, but some insist she is as old as Stormheart itself.
She is credited as a seer and oracle, possessing a magical sight in her strange eye. She has also been a strong driving force for many past kings to strengthen the borders and fight back any who dare appear. At times, she goes into hiding, but now she has emerged again and is urging the people to overthrow king Garret after he suggested reaching out to bordering nations for aid in these times of poor hunting."
>>401341
"A… child is a… big responsibility and… you'd be out of commission for a long time and… and…"
>>401342
"There are no bad students. Only bad teachers.
…and possibly… bad creeds."
>>401343
"Visiting? I've never heard of a pony visitor in Castle Stormheart. How did you even get here?"
>>401346
The dungeon guards salute you and take you to the prisoner.
He has a nice, if windowless cell. It's more like a little room for him to stay in than what one might expect in a dungeon.
"Yes, how can this wayward feather aid you?"
>>401345
"But do you regret what you learned?"
>>401347
"I don't mean it's a bad idea… or that I wouldn't want a heir… it's just that…
…it's such a huge change…"
The dungeon guards salute you and take you to the prisoner.
He has a nice, if windowless cell. It's more like a little room for him to stay in than what one might expect in a dungeon.
"Yes, how can this wayward feather aid you?"
>>401345
"But do you regret what you learned?"
>>401347
"I don't mean it's a bad idea… or that I wouldn't want a heir… it's just that…
…it's such a huge change…"
>>401350
I bow
"Thank you, sir."
And then enter the library. Are there… any books around that could help me learn to read better?
Roll #1 3 = 3
I bow
"Thank you, sir."
And then enter the library. Are there… any books around that could help me learn to read better?
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>401351
"The Crowmother… her inner circle say she is as old as this very castle. That she was among those who first followed King Stormheart here.
She says that King Garret has betrayed our ideals and very reason to exist in seeking allies from the outside. That he has opened our gates to conquerors and doomed our way of life, undoing all we have worked for here. And she insists a new, stronger king needs to be chosen. One capable of keeping us safe from outsiders.
She says if the current course is kept, all of Stormheart and the heritage of griffons will be swept away, devoured and forgotten by those who do not share or understand our ways. Her eye has seen it.
But as much as her words fill her flock with pride and duty, they always just scared me. And she looks too young to be as old as this nation. Indeed the only part of her that looks that old is that evil eye of hers…"
>>401352
"Pumpkin… do you think the north needs blades as cold and heartless as the south?"
>>401353
"…I don't want my family name to die with me…"
>>401354
[Reading for hatchlings: The basics of the ABC]
"The Crowmother… her inner circle say she is as old as this very castle. That she was among those who first followed King Stormheart here.
She says that King Garret has betrayed our ideals and very reason to exist in seeking allies from the outside. That he has opened our gates to conquerors and doomed our way of life, undoing all we have worked for here. And she insists a new, stronger king needs to be chosen. One capable of keeping us safe from outsiders.
She says if the current course is kept, all of Stormheart and the heritage of griffons will be swept away, devoured and forgotten by those who do not share or understand our ways. Her eye has seen it.
But as much as her words fill her flock with pride and duty, they always just scared me. And she looks too young to be as old as this nation. Indeed the only part of her that looks that old is that evil eye of hers…"
>>401352
"Pumpkin… do you think the north needs blades as cold and heartless as the south?"
>>401353
"…I don't want my family name to die with me…"
>>401354
[Reading for hatchlings: The basics of the ABC]
>>401356
"I cannot know.
At times I only fear I may be turning us into the very thing we so hate."
>>401357
"…I feel so conflicted…"
>>401358
"I think so. It is entirely different from her other eye. An inky black orb that yet still somehow sees. And it sees into hearts and minds. Past lies and half-truths. It sees impossible things. And maybe even the future."
>>401359
[A is for Apple, that lures out the prey
B is for Bird, like our front half, hooray!
C is for Claws, of which you have eight
D is for adults, you'll understand later, for now just wait.
E is for Eagle, a proud and mighty bird
F is for Fuck, a very naughty word
G is for Griffon, which me and you are
H is for Heights, from where you can see far
I is like me, but shorter to spell
J is for joke, some of which are hard to sell
K is for killing, which we do to out foes
L is for loving, which helps us forget our woes
M is for mating, see D, up there
N is for No, I won't explain it here
O is the sound surprised prey make
P is what they they when their lives you take
Q is for Questionable, which the value of this book is
R is for Rubbish, which also describes this
S is for Silence, which this will leave you in
Y is for You, are dense or something?
U is not the same as you, even if they sound the same
V is for Very, like "this is very lame"
W is like V, only there are two in one
X is 2edgy, but soon we are done
Y sounds like Why, a good question to ask
Z concludes the alphabet, boy was that a big task]
"I cannot know.
At times I only fear I may be turning us into the very thing we so hate."
>>401357
"…I feel so conflicted…"
>>401358
"I think so. It is entirely different from her other eye. An inky black orb that yet still somehow sees. And it sees into hearts and minds. Past lies and half-truths. It sees impossible things. And maybe even the future."
>>401359
[A is for Apple, that lures out the prey
B is for Bird, like our front half, hooray!
C is for Claws, of which you have eight
D is for adults, you'll understand later, for now just wait.
E is for Eagle, a proud and mighty bird
F is for Fuck, a very naughty word
G is for Griffon, which me and you are
H is for Heights, from where you can see far
I is like me, but shorter to spell
J is for joke, some of which are hard to sell
K is for killing, which we do to out foes
L is for loving, which helps us forget our woes
M is for mating, see D, up there
N is for No, I won't explain it here
O is the sound surprised prey make
P is what they they when their lives you take
Q is for Questionable, which the value of this book is
R is for Rubbish, which also describes this
S is for Silence, which this will leave you in
Y is for You, are dense or something?
U is not the same as you, even if they sound the same
V is for Very, like "this is very lame"
W is like V, only there are two in one
X is 2edgy, but soon we are done
Y sounds like Why, a good question to ask
Z concludes the alphabet, boy was that a big task]
>>401360
… Close that book.
I should get something more advanced. This is borderline silly!
Roll #1 5 = 5
… Close that book.
I should get something more advanced. This is borderline silly!
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>401361
"I guess it's time I finally grew up…
I want you to be happy."
>>401362
"She looked far too young for all the stories to be true. And that eye of hers that everyone speaks of… well, I'm not surprised they do. It's hard to ignore. It looks like it has a will of it's own."
>>401363
"Yet here we are, acting as assassins to a coward king…"
>>401364
[Reading, Righting and Rending for the school-aged Catbird]
"I guess it's time I finally grew up…
I want you to be happy."
>>401362
"She looked far too young for all the stories to be true. And that eye of hers that everyone speaks of… well, I'm not surprised they do. It's hard to ignore. It looks like it has a will of it's own."
>>401363
"Yet here we are, acting as assassins to a coward king…"
>>401364
[Reading, Righting and Rending for the school-aged Catbird]
>>401366
You can't even read the first half of the first word.
What the hell kind of language is this?
>>401367
"It saw doubt, fear and a weak will. She told them to cast me out. So they did."
>>401368
She nods the other way
"I meant Garret."
>>401369
"My happiness is tied to your happiness. I could not stand to know I made a decision that hurt you."
You can't even read the first half of the first word.
What the hell kind of language is this?
>>401367
"It saw doubt, fear and a weak will. She told them to cast me out. So they did."
>>401368
She nods the other way
"I meant Garret."
>>401369
"My happiness is tied to your happiness. I could not stand to know I made a decision that hurt you."
>>401380
This seems about right for your level.
It spells out the longer words for you, and has helpful pictures to explain the context of the words and story.
It's also rather long, meaning you could learn a lot from it.
>>401379
"You must choose then, I guess. Do you want to devote your life to him, or to yourself?
Do you feel you've already given him enough?"
>>401381
"It was a part of the reason I left. I never felt confident in her. She seemed like two minds in one body."
This seems about right for your level.
It spells out the longer words for you, and has helpful pictures to explain the context of the words and story.
It's also rather long, meaning you could learn a lot from it.
>>401379
"You must choose then, I guess. Do you want to devote your life to him, or to yourself?
Do you feel you've already given him enough?"
>>401381
"It was a part of the reason I left. I never felt confident in her. She seemed like two minds in one body."
>>401382
"I… I…"
I fall back onto my haunches
"I really don't know what to do anymore… I can't afford to wait several more years or I'll be too old but… he needs me now more than ever."
I give him a pleading look
"What am I supposed to do? How am I even supposed to choose between these two paths?"
"I… I…"
I fall back onto my haunches
"I really don't know what to do anymore… I can't afford to wait several more years or I'll be too old but… he needs me now more than ever."
I give him a pleading look
"What am I supposed to do? How am I even supposed to choose between these two paths?"
>>401383
"It is very hard for me to say for certain. She had strange powers and powerful words, but in my eyes it seemed like her mind had already been broken by something."
>>401384
"By asking yourself what you want most. What you deserve most.
None can take your life from you Venia. You alone can know what you should do.
But whatever your decision may be… I still love you."
>>401385
The attendant comes stare over your shoulder
"Need any help in finding something?"
"It is very hard for me to say for certain. She had strange powers and powerful words, but in my eyes it seemed like her mind had already been broken by something."
>>401384
"By asking yourself what you want most. What you deserve most.
None can take your life from you Venia. You alone can know what you should do.
But whatever your decision may be… I still love you."
>>401385
The attendant comes stare over your shoulder
"Need any help in finding something?"
>>401409
"It… it's ok.
You have given me much… so very much. My entire life you have selflessly sacrificed for me… and for that… I thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
I cannot dream of asking you to sacrifice your happiness for my sake any more. Please… go to him. You two… have given more than anyone ever should be asked to."
"It… it's ok.
You have given me much… so very much. My entire life you have selflessly sacrificed for me… and for that… I thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
I cannot dream of asking you to sacrifice your happiness for my sake any more. Please… go to him. You two… have given more than anyone ever should be asked to."
>>401412
"Venia… I owe my existence to you. Everything I am, is because you allowed me to be born. Because you raised me. You watches over me from that very first day. You saw me through all my hardships, and were there for me when I needed a soldier, a friend… and a mother.
I… I cannot ask more of you. I simply cannot."
"Venia… I owe my existence to you. Everything I am, is because you allowed me to be born. Because you raised me. You watches over me from that very first day. You saw me through all my hardships, and were there for me when I needed a soldier, a friend… and a mother.
I… I cannot ask more of you. I simply cannot."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.401726
>>401722
The room will do, for now. Out of the way, and I can take my helmet off in there. Plus, the beds are large enough to sit on comfortably.
Once there, the helmet will come off, and I'll motion for Ambrosia to have a seat on the edge of the bed.
"So, where do we start?"
>>401724
"Forgive my doubts, Queen Venia, but he'd like be as successful with that against a seer as my armor was against master Swansong's eye."
The room will do, for now. Out of the way, and I can take my helmet off in there. Plus, the beds are large enough to sit on comfortably.
Once there, the helmet will come off, and I'll motion for Ambrosia to have a seat on the edge of the bed.
"So, where do we start?"
>>401724
"Forgive my doubts, Queen Venia, but he'd like be as successful with that against a seer as my armor was against master Swansong's eye."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.401752
>>401748
"I meant which of them will be taking the role of the cat half, Lady Kilana."
>>401749
I'll put a hoof under her chin, bringing her eyes back up to meet mine.
"There's nothing to apologize for, Ambrosia. You are trying, and that is what's important. All that's left is the doing."
Give her a little smile.
"Besides, I wouldn't be helping you if I didn't want to. Learning to read better is important to you, right?"
"I meant which of them will be taking the role of the cat half, Lady Kilana."
>>401749
I'll put a hoof under her chin, bringing her eyes back up to meet mine.
"There's nothing to apologize for, Ambrosia. You are trying, and that is what's important. All that's left is the doing."
Give her a little smile.
"Besides, I wouldn't be helping you if I didn't want to. Learning to read better is important to you, right?"
>>401799
"Venia… I've known you for such an incredibly long time. We've been through more together than most ponies even read about.
All I can say to this is that I want you to be happy. And that you deserve to be happy."
>>401804
There is.
>>401802
>>401801
"Rough night hm. Can't say I'm surprised. Heck there was a rumor going on that the Pony Emperor had entered our borders."
"Venia… I've known you for such an incredibly long time. We've been through more together than most ponies even read about.
All I can say to this is that I want you to be happy. And that you deserve to be happy."
>>401804
There is.
>>401802
>>401801
"Rough night hm. Can't say I'm surprised. Heck there was a rumor going on that the Pony Emperor had entered our borders."
>>401811
"Well, I just run an inn. No point in making it a political hotspot if you ask me."
He makes a very subtle nod at the table towards the back
>>401813
"Hrm. How many of you things are there?
Very well. Go ahead."
His stomach growls a bit
>>401812
"Venia.
You have given up more than most ponies could in their whole lives. You have been perhaps the least selfish of us all. It's time you took something for yourself once in your life."
He puts a hoof on yours
"Trust me."
"Well, I just run an inn. No point in making it a political hotspot if you ask me."
He makes a very subtle nod at the table towards the back
>>401813
"Hrm. How many of you things are there?
Very well. Go ahead."
His stomach growls a bit
>>401812
"Venia.
You have given up more than most ponies could in their whole lives. You have been perhaps the least selfish of us all. It's time you took something for yourself once in your life."
He puts a hoof on yours
"Trust me."
>>401815
"Well you are speaking to one of thing kingdom's foremost historians. I could run you through it personally if you let me eat your leg."
>>401817
>>401818
A few guards, or possibly some kind of militia. What appears to be a pair of merchants. A fat old griffon with a torn up wing and a balding scalp, A couple of younger, smaller teenagers and a surprisingly wealthy looking one.
>>401819
"My heart will find ways to live on, Venia. And you won't be gone forever.
Heck… I'd get to be an auntie…"
"Well you are speaking to one of thing kingdom's foremost historians. I could run you through it personally if you let me eat your leg."
>>401817
>>401818
A few guards, or possibly some kind of militia. What appears to be a pair of merchants. A fat old griffon with a torn up wing and a balding scalp, A couple of younger, smaller teenagers and a surprisingly wealthy looking one.
>>401819
"My heart will find ways to live on, Venia. And you won't be gone forever.
Heck… I'd get to be an auntie…"
>>401822
"Hmp. Very well. My book on our nation's history is in the case near the center. Try not to wrinkle the pages with your… whatever you turn pages with."
>>401823
>>401824
"DAMN STRAIGHT BOY! THAT DAMN XENOPHILE KING OF OURS IS RUINING THIS COUNTRY!"
>>401825
"A bit of me will always be around, Venia… I do love you, after all…"
"Hmp. Very well. My book on our nation's history is in the case near the center. Try not to wrinkle the pages with your… whatever you turn pages with."
>>401823
>>401824
"DAMN STRAIGHT BOY! THAT DAMN XENOPHILE KING OF OURS IS RUINING THIS COUNTRY!"
>>401825
"A bit of me will always be around, Venia… I do love you, after all…"
>>401828
"The heck's wrong with your VOICE boy? You eatin' enough?"
>>401830
"Too right! We should be expandin' our huntin' to the bordering pony lands, not actively evading them! That's all a pony's good for anyway! Eatin'!"
>>401829
[-The founding of Stormheart came to be by the claw of Prophet-King Stormheart, who lead all the gryphons willing to listen to his word north to plentiful, promised hunting grounds.-]
>>401831
"I do, Venia. I do…
You're a big reason I'm still alive."
"The heck's wrong with your VOICE boy? You eatin' enough?"
>>401830
"Too right! We should be expandin' our huntin' to the bordering pony lands, not actively evading them! That's all a pony's good for anyway! Eatin'!"
>>401829
[-The founding of Stormheart came to be by the claw of Prophet-King Stormheart, who lead all the gryphons willing to listen to his word north to plentiful, promised hunting grounds.-]
>>401831
"I do, Venia. I do…
You're a big reason I'm still alive."
>>401837
He just talked about eating ponies.
They all focus on you
"Big words boy."
"Some might even say dangerous words"
>>401840
>>401833
[-Prophet-King Stormheart was said to have asked his ancestors for a gift that would let him lead his people to better roosts where they could build their own nation. And he did. A gift of the seer, the power to glimpse at fate and future with his blessed eye-]
He just talked about eating ponies.
They all focus on you
"Big words boy."
"Some might even say dangerous words"
>>401840
>>401833
[-Prophet-King Stormheart was said to have asked his ancestors for a gift that would let him lead his people to better roosts where they could build their own nation. And he did. A gift of the seer, the power to glimpse at fate and future with his blessed eye-]
>>401856
"I still have one last loose end to tie up.
I'll… just be honest with you here. I have my oldest and dearest shadow trailing Radiant back to Canterlot. The shadow that kept be company for my loneliest years.
I told it to find Ilistar so I can see his face one final time. I need to know Venia. I need to make my own big decision."
>>401855
"What's your name, boy?"
"I still have one last loose end to tie up.
I'll… just be honest with you here. I have my oldest and dearest shadow trailing Radiant back to Canterlot. The shadow that kept be company for my loneliest years.
I told it to find Ilistar so I can see his face one final time. I need to know Venia. I need to make my own big decision."
>>401855
"What's your name, boy?"
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.401874
>>401869
"We are gathering information about Grimalphas and soon we shall strike, King.
But I have a request for you.
Seeing how Grimalphas has such influence over griffons, I'm learning the history and ways of Stormheart, to better understand her and her followers and how we might deal with them.
And it is because of that, I'd like to visit the Tomb of the Prohet-King."
"We are gathering information about Grimalphas and soon we shall strike, King.
But I have a request for you.
Seeing how Grimalphas has such influence over griffons, I'm learning the history and ways of Stormheart, to better understand her and her followers and how we might deal with them.
And it is because of that, I'd like to visit the Tomb of the Prohet-King."
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.401882
>>401877
"I think it would be vital for me to see it.
King Stormheart was the father of this nation, the very founder of all the customs and traditions of Stormheart.
A seer, just like Grimalphas claims to be.
If I could visit the tomb I would understand the ways of Stormheart and the ways of Grimalphas better. After all, a hunter must know its preys movements and thoughts before he can strike"
"I think it would be vital for me to see it.
King Stormheart was the father of this nation, the very founder of all the customs and traditions of Stormheart.
A seer, just like Grimalphas claims to be.
If I could visit the tomb I would understand the ways of Stormheart and the ways of Grimalphas better. After all, a hunter must know its preys movements and thoughts before he can strike"
>>401880
"Ha. I can tell you haven't seen her. Any who do know she's the real deal. Even her blessed eye is a dead ringer for the Old King's one."
>>401881
"Okay.
So, what now?"
>>401882
"Hrm. Well, I will come with you. There is no way I am allowing a non-gryphon in that holy tomb alone."
You can notice there is a painting of King Stormheart in the throne room. A majestic if frail-looking Griffon with strikingly mismatched eyes. One a piercing yellow, the other a featureless inky black.
"Ha. I can tell you haven't seen her. Any who do know she's the real deal. Even her blessed eye is a dead ringer for the Old King's one."
>>401881
"Okay.
So, what now?"
>>401882
"Hrm. Well, I will come with you. There is no way I am allowing a non-gryphon in that holy tomb alone."
You can notice there is a painting of King Stormheart in the throne room. A majestic if frail-looking Griffon with strikingly mismatched eyes. One a piercing yellow, the other a featureless inky black.
>>401884
"She has the gift of a true seer! An eye that sees things others cannot. It sees fate and future!"
>>401885
"Very well, come along."
He leads you to the deepest part of the catacomb
"And don't you dare speak a word. Make even one noise down here, pony, or I am serving you and all your kind as dinner. Do you understand?"
>>401886
"Very few. Until we know what to do with Grimalphas, I fear we can hardly leave the castle grounds without risking trouble."
>>401887
There is a doctor in the castle
"Medicine for weak wings? Hmm… well, I do know what you're looking for. Not sure how it works on ponies though."
"She has the gift of a true seer! An eye that sees things others cannot. It sees fate and future!"
>>401885
"Very well, come along."
He leads you to the deepest part of the catacomb
"And don't you dare speak a word. Make even one noise down here, pony, or I am serving you and all your kind as dinner. Do you understand?"
>>401886
"Very few. Until we know what to do with Grimalphas, I fear we can hardly leave the castle grounds without risking trouble."
>>401887
There is a doctor in the castle
"Medicine for weak wings? Hmm… well, I do know what you're looking for. Not sure how it works on ponies though."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.401894
>>401888
"Well, there's always time to find out, doctor. A smaller dose than what would benefit a gryphon might have the same effect, though it's working against nearly a lifetime of the wings being bound. There is only so much strength-training can do for someone who hasn't been allowed to fly since she was born."
"Well, there's always time to find out, doctor. A smaller dose than what would benefit a gryphon might have the same effect, though it's working against nearly a lifetime of the wings being bound. There is only so much strength-training can do for someone who hasn't been allowed to fly since she was born."
>>401889
He opens the tomb.
Inside is a perfect replica of the throne room, and upon the throne, the bones of Old King Stormheart, clad in his royal attire, leaning on his sword.
>>401891
"No. She must be another chosen one."
>>401892
"Maybe I could toss you off the roof so your big strong husband could catch you in the air."
>>401894
He looks visibly disgusted
"What manner of evil are you talking about!?"
He opens the tomb.
Inside is a perfect replica of the throne room, and upon the throne, the bones of Old King Stormheart, clad in his royal attire, leaning on his sword.
>>401891
"No. She must be another chosen one."
>>401892
"Maybe I could toss you off the roof so your big strong husband could catch you in the air."
>>401894
He looks visibly disgusted
"What manner of evil are you talking about!?"
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.401902
>>401897
"One of our companions was born into slavery. Her former master made an exception for her and let her keep her wings, while cutting off the wings of the rest of his slaves. She has been forbidden to fly for the entirety of her life, and is only recently learning how, now that she has been freed."
I'll nod slightly to the doctor.
"We had heard that the herbs you gryphons use here could help offset the years of atrophy in addition to helping her rebuild her strength."
"One of our companions was born into slavery. Her former master made an exception for her and let her keep her wings, while cutting off the wings of the rest of his slaves. She has been forbidden to fly for the entirety of her life, and is only recently learning how, now that she has been freed."
I'll nod slightly to the doctor.
"We had heard that the herbs you gryphons use here could help offset the years of atrophy in addition to helping her rebuild her strength."
>>401898
She attempts to lift you with telekinesis
'1d10'
"Yes."
>>401899
"Indeed. The oldest and wisest."
>>401901
No.
But the socket of said eye looks a little odd. Like it was corroded or… eaten.
>>401902
"Bah. Disgusting ponies and their disgusting ways… Here. Take this, rub it on her wings twice a day. Get it on the muscles. Just lathering the feathers will do no good."
He gives you a jar
Roll #1 3 = 3
She attempts to lift you with telekinesis
'1d10'
"Yes."
>>401899
"Indeed. The oldest and wisest."
>>401901
No.
But the socket of said eye looks a little odd. Like it was corroded or… eaten.
>>401902
"Bah. Disgusting ponies and their disgusting ways… Here. Take this, rub it on her wings twice a day. Get it on the muscles. Just lathering the feathers will do no good."
He gives you a jar
Roll #1 3 = 3
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.401908
>>401903
"Thank you, doctor."
I'll bow slightly.
"And the monster that did this is likely the example of what anyone can sink to if no one is there to stop them."
I'll frown slightly beneath my helmet.
"Before we came to Stormheart, actually, we encountered a group of slavers. Gryphons were among both prisoners, and their keepers. It seems that the feud with Grimalphas is letting the sons and daughters of Stormheart lose their way. A pity the two won't work together…"
And then I'll head back to the room, jar in possession. This will help Ambrosia greatly.
"Thank you, doctor."
I'll bow slightly.
"And the monster that did this is likely the example of what anyone can sink to if no one is there to stop them."
I'll frown slightly beneath my helmet.
"Before we came to Stormheart, actually, we encountered a group of slavers. Gryphons were among both prisoners, and their keepers. It seems that the feud with Grimalphas is letting the sons and daughters of Stormheart lose their way. A pity the two won't work together…"
And then I'll head back to the room, jar in possession. This will help Ambrosia greatly.
>>401906
She's now floating in the air
"Don't you dare throw me anywhere!"
>>401907
The banners and helmets of his knights are arranged on and around the table before his throne. Some treasure is left in the stands and coffers around the walls.
>>401908
He hisses audibly at the news of wayward gryphons, but bids you a good day.
>>401909
"Well if you want to sound blunt, yes."
She's now floating in the air
"Don't you dare throw me anywhere!"
>>401907
The banners and helmets of his knights are arranged on and around the table before his throne. Some treasure is left in the stands and coffers around the walls.
>>401908
He hisses audibly at the news of wayward gryphons, but bids you a good day.
>>401909
"Well if you want to sound blunt, yes."
>>401914
"That the weak king will bring about our downfall if he is not stopped. He will let our nation be swallowed by the Pony Emperor!"
>>401916
That eye must have had something very weird about it. It just doesn't sit right with you at all. I mean what kind of eye gnaws on it's own socket?
Maybe you should ask someone who knows about the dark things of this world…
>>401917
"You are enjoying this way too much…"
Her frown looks like a cute smile this way around
>>401918
"Yep. I think we had hundreds there last time."
"That the weak king will bring about our downfall if he is not stopped. He will let our nation be swallowed by the Pony Emperor!"
>>401916
That eye must have had something very weird about it. It just doesn't sit right with you at all. I mean what kind of eye gnaws on it's own socket?
Maybe you should ask someone who knows about the dark things of this world…
>>401917
"You are enjoying this way too much…"
Her frown looks like a cute smile this way around
>>401918
"Yep. I think we had hundreds there last time."
>>401922
As he leads you out he smiles
"I appreciate your ability to respect our ways, pony."
>>401923
"Now that'd hardly be fair.
Go on. Let's see if you overstep your boundaries and force my hoof~"
>>401924
"She has urged us to be watchful and vigilant. To share what we see, hear and find. To spread knowledge and to rally those who still believe in saving this nation. And that she has seen the Emperor arriving. She just does not know when it will come to pass."
>>401927
"She finds a place that is big enough. Often a market square in one of the towns."
As he leads you out he smiles
"I appreciate your ability to respect our ways, pony."
>>401923
"Now that'd hardly be fair.
Go on. Let's see if you overstep your boundaries and force my hoof~"
>>401924
"She has urged us to be watchful and vigilant. To share what we see, hear and find. To spread knowledge and to rally those who still believe in saving this nation. And that she has seen the Emperor arriving. She just does not know when it will come to pass."
>>401927
"She finds a place that is big enough. Often a market square in one of the towns."
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.404268
>>404265
"I was wondering something.
When I studied the legend of the Prophet-King it said his blessed eye was a gift of the ancestors and it seemed to imply he received it before coming to Stormheart.
Is there any idea of where he received such a gift? And was the Eye buried with him?"
"I was wondering something.
When I studied the legend of the Prophet-King it said his blessed eye was a gift of the ancestors and it seemed to imply he received it before coming to Stormheart.
Is there any idea of where he received such a gift? And was the Eye buried with him?"
>>401933
"Yeah. It is a mystery indeed."
She tries to keep her mane out of her eyes in vain
>>404267
"And expands ever northwards. You do know half the northern ponylands have already fallen to him, right?"
>>404268
"I have no intimate knowledge of that. Legends say his ancestors guided him to a sacred place, where he cast out his own eye to receive the gift of the Blessed Eye.
And I would think he was buried with it. I mean… it was his eye."
"Yeah. It is a mystery indeed."
She tries to keep her mane out of her eyes in vain
>>404267
"And expands ever northwards. You do know half the northern ponylands have already fallen to him, right?"
>>404268
"I have no intimate knowledge of that. Legends say his ancestors guided him to a sacred place, where he cast out his own eye to receive the gift of the Blessed Eye.
And I would think he was buried with it. I mean… it was his eye."
>>404272
Then king needs to go AFK in 10 mins
>>404273
"Mhmm… so, I'd hate to ruin the mood but…
Have you made up your mind?"
>>404275
"Not necessarily kick out, but abandon and forget about. Our culture trampled to dust under pony hooves, our mountains defiled with the roads of ponies, our homes defiled with their vile smell."
Then king needs to go AFK in 10 mins
>>404273
"Mhmm… so, I'd hate to ruin the mood but…
Have you made up your mind?"
>>404275
"Not necessarily kick out, but abandon and forget about. Our culture trampled to dust under pony hooves, our mountains defiled with the roads of ponies, our homes defiled with their vile smell."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.404297
>>404294
Meanwhile, back in time after the lesson and before I went to talk with Kilana…
"Ambrosia, you recall that herb you mentioned that would strengthen wings?"
>>404295
"No more than the usual, Lady Kilana. The one benefit of being in a guard position is that, so long as you have faith in who you follow, you need not think terribly hard about things."
I'll shuffle a little.
"Though… while in Wintergrasp with Queen Venia, we ran into someone called Naik, who claimed to be your fiance."
Meanwhile, back in time after the lesson and before I went to talk with Kilana…
"Ambrosia, you recall that herb you mentioned that would strengthen wings?"
>>404295
"No more than the usual, Lady Kilana. The one benefit of being in a guard position is that, so long as you have faith in who you follow, you need not think terribly hard about things."
I'll shuffle a little.
"Though… while in Wintergrasp with Queen Venia, we ran into someone called Naik, who claimed to be your fiance."
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.404298
>>404292
"Well, have you seen the painting of the first King of Stormheart? He was a seer as well, and legend says he received a blessed eye from his ancestors. You can see it on the painting, it's completely black.
Now I've been to his tomb and the part of his skull where the eye was seems to been damaged as if the eye itself tried to…eat it or something. Like it had a mind of its own.
And when think about it, I can't help but think about that heart of Ebonreth. I think the "blessed eye" is actually something demonic."
"Well, have you seen the painting of the first King of Stormheart? He was a seer as well, and legend says he received a blessed eye from his ancestors. You can see it on the painting, it's completely black.
Now I've been to his tomb and the part of his skull where the eye was seems to been damaged as if the eye itself tried to…eat it or something. Like it had a mind of its own.
And when think about it, I can't help but think about that heart of Ebonreth. I think the "blessed eye" is actually something demonic."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.404304
>>404299
"Well, with the approval of the castle doctor, I have procured a jar of it in slave form for you. It is to be applied twice a day to the muscles of your wings."
And I'll produce the jar.
>>404301
"He seemed eager to meet you again, though it seems we might have left him behind in Eaglecrest."
I'll puzzle for a moment behind my helmet.
"You don't sound… terribly enthusiastic about the news, Lady Kilana."
"Well, with the approval of the castle doctor, I have procured a jar of it in slave form for you. It is to be applied twice a day to the muscles of your wings."
And I'll produce the jar.
>>404301
"He seemed eager to meet you again, though it seems we might have left him behind in Eaglecrest."
I'll puzzle for a moment behind my helmet.
"You don't sound… terribly enthusiastic about the news, Lady Kilana."
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.404307
>>404302
"I know, if it's true we can't tell this to any griffon, they'll lynch us. But we can use this in our favor.
Think about it. If Grimalphas has done the same somehow, if she found out how to acquire such a demonic eye and we can prove it. That would immediately cause distrust among her followers. They believe that the original eye was a gift of the ancestors. If we hide the fact that the first King had such an eye and just prove Grimalphas Sight is demonic in nature rather then a gift of her ancestors, she'll look like a fraud."
"I know, if it's true we can't tell this to any griffon, they'll lynch us. But we can use this in our favor.
Think about it. If Grimalphas has done the same somehow, if she found out how to acquire such a demonic eye and we can prove it. That would immediately cause distrust among her followers. They believe that the original eye was a gift of the ancestors. If we hide the fact that the first King had such an eye and just prove Grimalphas Sight is demonic in nature rather then a gift of her ancestors, she'll look like a fraud."
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.404315
>>404305
Clear my throat. "The Tyrant-King of Rockeye is a talentless hack that knows less than nothing about neurology. I'm unsurprised he was unable to gather anything."
Pause. "But enough about my personal grudges. The answer is yes. Perhaps we should start at the beginning…"
"You are Equestrian, and you had a sister named Dawn. You became a paladin at an early age, and you had young friends like yourself. One of your prized possessions was a toy hammer that was signed by Celestia. You were attacked in the forest with your friends as a child, and passed out, and had a vision of the empress, and earned your cutie mark for the resolve you drew from her. Thus, early on, you concluded it was your fate to follow her."
Stop again to let her take that in.
Clear my throat. "The Tyrant-King of Rockeye is a talentless hack that knows less than nothing about neurology. I'm unsurprised he was unable to gather anything."
Pause. "But enough about my personal grudges. The answer is yes. Perhaps we should start at the beginning…"
"You are Equestrian, and you had a sister named Dawn. You became a paladin at an early age, and you had young friends like yourself. One of your prized possessions was a toy hammer that was signed by Celestia. You were attacked in the forest with your friends as a child, and passed out, and had a vision of the empress, and earned your cutie mark for the resolve you drew from her. Thus, early on, you concluded it was your fate to follow her."
Stop again to let her take that in.
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.404320
>>404316
"Then let me free my hooves of this armor, since I doubt they'd be any good at rubbing the salve in while encumbered."
>>404318
"Well, he seemed a fairly rational zebra to me. He may care for you, so it might hurt him, but that is better than a loveless marriage, even if it is arranged, right?"
I'll think.
"You'd have to write both sets of parents as well, to request the annulment of the agreement. And your partner would have to meet your fiance and they'd likely have to agree to part in good terms."
"Then let me free my hooves of this armor, since I doubt they'd be any good at rubbing the salve in while encumbered."
>>404318
"Well, he seemed a fairly rational zebra to me. He may care for you, so it might hurt him, but that is better than a loveless marriage, even if it is arranged, right?"
I'll think.
"You'd have to write both sets of parents as well, to request the annulment of the agreement. And your partner would have to meet your fiance and they'd likely have to agree to part in good terms."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.404325
>>404322
And, once thusly unencumbered, I'll ask Ambrosia to take a seat on the floor so I don't muss the bed by climbing around behind her and to spread her wings. Then, taking a dollop of the salve in my hooves, I'll gently rub it into the muscles and pits of the wing. '1d10'
"Tell me if I'm doing this wrong, please."
>>404324
"From what he said, it was to learn more magic in order to impress you. But, you'll likely be able to hear the reasoning from his own mouth once we return to Eaglecrest, or he joins us on the way to Timberjaw."
Roll #1 2 = 2
And, once thusly unencumbered, I'll ask Ambrosia to take a seat on the floor so I don't muss the bed by climbing around behind her and to spread her wings. Then, taking a dollop of the salve in my hooves, I'll gently rub it into the muscles and pits of the wing. '1d10'
"Tell me if I'm doing this wrong, please."
>>404324
"From what he said, it was to learn more magic in order to impress you. But, you'll likely be able to hear the reasoning from his own mouth once we return to Eaglecrest, or he joins us on the way to Timberjaw."
Roll #1 2 = 2
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.404333
>>404317
"The rest is several years of academy, training missions, et cetera. No significant other until after you arrived here. Typical paladin duties, purging perceived heresy, the usual fare. The scar is from one of those missions. On at least two occasions you made physical contact with Celestia. You believe that she gave you this privilege because she was sending you on a possible suicide mission. Fortunately for you, it wasn't. Only one casualty: a royal assassin named Cloak. I don't think you want to know the specifics of it all, but there was a lot of killing in your past. You were lauded and respected for it."
Pause again to let her take that in.
"The rest is several years of academy, training missions, et cetera. No significant other until after you arrived here. Typical paladin duties, purging perceived heresy, the usual fare. The scar is from one of those missions. On at least two occasions you made physical contact with Celestia. You believe that she gave you this privilege because she was sending you on a possible suicide mission. Fortunately for you, it wasn't. Only one casualty: a royal assassin named Cloak. I don't think you want to know the specifics of it all, but there was a lot of killing in your past. You were lauded and respected for it."
Pause again to let her take that in.
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.404344
>>404341
"I'm not going to lecture you over a past that can't be changed – there would be no point in it. But I would like to let you know that there are alternatives to killing. Prison, reform, et al. But let's not dwell on state-sponsored killing, shall we? It's a dreary subject, and only likely to upset you more. How about one last pleasant memory for the road?"
"I'm not going to lecture you over a past that can't be changed – there would be no point in it. But I would like to let you know that there are alternatives to killing. Prison, reform, et al. But let's not dwell on state-sponsored killing, shall we? It's a dreary subject, and only likely to upset you more. How about one last pleasant memory for the road?"
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.404346
>>404342
I'll smile a little, and take off my helmet.
"If you like, Kilana. A song could probably do us all good…"
>>404343
"Well, so long as you travel with the King, you'll likely not get rid of me too easily."
I'll chuckle slightly.
"You'll be reunited soon enough, though. And it is a shame about Lady Radiant, but sometimes life doesn't move as one wishes it to."
I'll re-equip my gauntlets.
"But so long as you live free, and be happy, then you carry a piece of Lady Radiant with you, since that is what she wanted of you. To be free, and happy."
I'll smile a little, and take off my helmet.
"If you like, Kilana. A song could probably do us all good…"
>>404343
"Well, so long as you travel with the King, you'll likely not get rid of me too easily."
I'll chuckle slightly.
"You'll be reunited soon enough, though. And it is a shame about Lady Radiant, but sometimes life doesn't move as one wishes it to."
I'll re-equip my gauntlets.
"But so long as you live free, and be happy, then you carry a piece of Lady Radiant with you, since that is what she wanted of you. To be free, and happy."
Verne Foglight [Advisor] No.404349
Guess I'm sitting alone in my makeshift workstation.
Again.
Roll to get useful work done.
Roll #1 5 = 5
Again.
Roll to get useful work done.
Roll #1 5 = 5
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.404358
>>404356
"A little. More at ease, at least."
I'll smile slightly.
"Thank you."
>>404357
"She did not leave in the best terms. Her suggestion to simply surrender everything to Equestria, and their rulers, infuriated the king. She chose to leave rather than to accept any alternative to complete surrender."
"A little. More at ease, at least."
I'll smile slightly.
"Thank you."
>>404357
"She did not leave in the best terms. Her suggestion to simply surrender everything to Equestria, and their rulers, infuriated the king. She chose to leave rather than to accept any alternative to complete surrender."
Imminent Domain [Mastermind] No.404363
>>404354
Shrug. "I don't hold an opinion on destiny. I certainly won't judge you for your choice. But if you do, then to you, there's probably a reason you've spent all this time in the North. So:"
Tap the side of my head with a hoof. "Don't forget what you've learned, or the friends you've made. Our paths may never cross again."
Shrug. "I don't hold an opinion on destiny. I certainly won't judge you for your choice. But if you do, then to you, there's probably a reason you've spent all this time in the North. So:"
Tap the side of my head with a hoof. "Don't forget what you've learned, or the friends you've made. Our paths may never cross again."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.404368
>>404360
I'll nod.
"You might have needed a song yourself, for what is coming."
>>404361
"It seems Radiant was, before she lost her memory, one of the Equestrian Princess's favored servants. When her memory returned to her, she wished to return to the South, and serve again. King Frostmourn saw that as a betrayal not only as his vassal, but also by a close friend of decades."
I'll shake my head.
"As for why Equestria would rather have us surrender, I assume Lady Radiant thought it would reduce casualties of open warfare. Though I can't see anyone in King Frostmourn's empire willingly bowing to the forces of the south, especially since they have already sent assassins in the past to destabilize the north."
I'll nod.
"You might have needed a song yourself, for what is coming."
>>404361
"It seems Radiant was, before she lost her memory, one of the Equestrian Princess's favored servants. When her memory returned to her, she wished to return to the South, and serve again. King Frostmourn saw that as a betrayal not only as his vassal, but also by a close friend of decades."
I'll shake my head.
"As for why Equestria would rather have us surrender, I assume Lady Radiant thought it would reduce casualties of open warfare. Though I can't see anyone in King Frostmourn's empire willingly bowing to the forces of the south, especially since they have already sent assassins in the past to destabilize the north."
>>404370
"It is a mighty weapon we need to wield with care. Revealing Grimalphas' power to be demonic will ruin her position. Revealing this entire nation was founded by demonologist…"
>>404371
"Unlike Garret, she has a strong will and a strong mind. She can see to it that a way is found, rather than sniveling and hiding in her castle."
"It is a mighty weapon we need to wield with care. Revealing Grimalphas' power to be demonic will ruin her position. Revealing this entire nation was founded by demonologist…"
>>404371
"Unlike Garret, she has a strong will and a strong mind. She can see to it that a way is found, rather than sniveling and hiding in her castle."
>>404377
"Bah. Sounds like something Garret would do. Offer him our lands and dreams to save his miserable life.
At least with Grimaplhas we could go out with a bang, not a whimper."
>>404378
"Winterbreeze of Wintersgrasp is a student of the Dark Arts. I could have a shadow contact her."
>>404376
"Indeed… let us only hope she never uses that information herself in desperation to spark a civil war if driven into a corner."
"Bah. Sounds like something Garret would do. Offer him our lands and dreams to save his miserable life.
At least with Grimaplhas we could go out with a bang, not a whimper."
>>404378
"Winterbreeze of Wintersgrasp is a student of the Dark Arts. I could have a shadow contact her."
>>404376
"Indeed… let us only hope she never uses that information herself in desperation to spark a civil war if driven into a corner."
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.404386
>>404381
"I think that would be best. We need to know as much as possible about the eye.
Though wouldn't Grimalphas revealing such a thing be more damaging for her? I don't think the griffons would believe a confirmed demonologist, over the legend of their founder…."
"I think that would be best. We need to know as much as possible about the eye.
Though wouldn't Grimalphas revealing such a thing be more damaging for her? I don't think the griffons would believe a confirmed demonologist, over the legend of their founder…."
>>404383
>>404359
>>404351
Go chat with Venia, Smouldering and Valeriana.
Once you have their info, and that of Pumpkin, you can use your groundwork to create a comprehensive dossier on the enemy.
>>404384
"That depends on how she views best interests."
>>404385
"You ain't ready to give your life to leave an eternal mark in history? Bah. You sound like a heartless coward to me."
>>404386
"As I said, I only fear it as a last resort. Spilling the truth and leaving us with an even bigger mess than when we began."
>>404359
>>404351
Go chat with Venia, Smouldering and Valeriana.
Once you have their info, and that of Pumpkin, you can use your groundwork to create a comprehensive dossier on the enemy.
>>404384
"That depends on how she views best interests."
>>404385
"You ain't ready to give your life to leave an eternal mark in history? Bah. You sound like a heartless coward to me."
>>404386
"As I said, I only fear it as a last resort. Spilling the truth and leaving us with an even bigger mess than when we began."
Kilana [deathsinger] No.404400
>>404392
"Well, they were familiar with each other already, I suppose it makes sense they would be close.." I smile a bit "I'm glad she's healing alright, I tried to make sure she would have everything she needed available, maybe by the time we get back she'll even feel like seeing me."
"Well, they were familiar with each other already, I suppose it makes sense they would be close.." I smile a bit "I'm glad she's healing alright, I tried to make sure she would have everything she needed available, maybe by the time we get back she'll even feel like seeing me."
Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] No.404409
>>404404
>>404405
>>404403
FInd Frosty and Valeriana. Round up everypony and brief them.
"I know where they will meet. And there are gonna be hundreads.
And their key phrase.
Other bad news, they'd rather die than surrender and have their land taken from them.
We could talk with Grimalphas and tell her we don't mean to, but somehow I doubt that will work."
>>404405
>>404403
FInd Frosty and Valeriana. Round up everypony and brief them.
"I know where they will meet. And there are gonna be hundreads.
And their key phrase.
Other bad news, they'd rather die than surrender and have their land taken from them.
We could talk with Grimalphas and tell her we don't mean to, but somehow I doubt that will work."
Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] No.404435
>>404430
"From what I hear, Equestria is more concerned with enemies even further southward, and that's why they haven't focused on the North. However, a unified whole is harder to conquer than a divided bunch of squabbling city-states. Likely why they tried to kill King Frostmourn in the first place."
I'll sigh a little.
"The North just seems to fight itself for now. But we're working to end that."
"From what I hear, Equestria is more concerned with enemies even further southward, and that's why they haven't focused on the North. However, a unified whole is harder to conquer than a divided bunch of squabbling city-states. Likely why they tried to kill King Frostmourn in the first place."
I'll sigh a little.
"The North just seems to fight itself for now. But we're working to end that."
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.404438
>>404428
"Then that almost confirms my suspicions. I still need some information from Winterbreeze but if my theory is true, that would mean we could undermine Grimalphas position by proving her oracle powers are not blessed by their griffon ancestors but actually demonology."
"Then that almost confirms my suspicions. I still need some information from Winterbreeze but if my theory is true, that would mean we could undermine Grimalphas position by proving her oracle powers are not blessed by their griffon ancestors but actually demonology."
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.404448
>>404442
"It is more then that Verne, Grimalphas seems to claim she's a new Prophet, just like the first king of Stormheart was.
The legend goes that the first king of Stormheart was blessed by his ancestors to receive such power and Grimalphas claims the same.
We might prove that's a lie."
"It is more then that Verne, Grimalphas seems to claim she's a new Prophet, just like the first king of Stormheart was.
The legend goes that the first king of Stormheart was blessed by his ancestors to receive such power and Grimalphas claims the same.
We might prove that's a lie."
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.404494
>>404488
"I'm not an expert on demonology. And if we're going to confront Grimalphas, we have to be sure."
I pause.
"I went to the tomb of the first King. The skeleton seemed weird, almost as if the eye tried to…eat the inside of his skull.
If Grimalphas has the same, she might be in constant pain and needs something to relieve that…"
>>404492
"Nopony knew about Ebonreth's heart either…"
"I'm not an expert on demonology. And if we're going to confront Grimalphas, we have to be sure."
I pause.
"I went to the tomb of the first King. The skeleton seemed weird, almost as if the eye tried to…eat the inside of his skull.
If Grimalphas has the same, she might be in constant pain and needs something to relieve that…"
>>404492
"Nopony knew about Ebonreth's heart either…"
Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] No.404506
>>404497
"It's something we must consider.
Certainly she'll have a supply of whatever she uses with her everywhere."
>>404496
"The griffons seem to believe it's a blessing from the ancestors. You should take a look at the painting of the first king of Stormheart, it's easy to notice. One eye yellow like a griffons, the other on pitch black."
"It's something we must consider.
Certainly she'll have a supply of whatever she uses with her everywhere."
>>404496
"The griffons seem to believe it's a blessing from the ancestors. You should take a look at the painting of the first king of Stormheart, it's easy to notice. One eye yellow like a griffons, the other on pitch black."