File: 1370113925332.png (241.79 KB, 474x452, Paladinquest.png, IO Google TinEye)
A new day dawns
And it dawns in a choir of anvils
You have been called to the forging ceremony, where your past year of struggle and introspection will at long last bear fruit.
Report in at the great hall.
And it dawns in a choir of anvils
You have been called to the forging ceremony, where your past year of struggle and introspection will at long last bear fruit.
Report in at the great hall.
>>423479
>>423480
>>423481
>>423482
>>423483
Well, the sneaking will conclude later.
You arrive to the great hall, along with the rest of those who passed their trials.
That is not many. Less than half of those in second year.
The Battlemaster, Headmaster, and Smith have come before you
"Paladins! This day you will cultivate the fruit of your endeavors! This day, you will be allowed to walk amidst the Reliquary, and gaze upon the weapons of those who came before you.
May that knowledge guide you in understanding more about your coming task.
Follow the Battlemaster and me, please."
>>423480
>>423481
>>423482
>>423483
Well, the sneaking will conclude later.
You arrive to the great hall, along with the rest of those who passed their trials.
That is not many. Less than half of those in second year.
The Battlemaster, Headmaster, and Smith have come before you
"Paladins! This day you will cultivate the fruit of your endeavors! This day, you will be allowed to walk amidst the Reliquary, and gaze upon the weapons of those who came before you.
May that knowledge guide you in understanding more about your coming task.
Follow the Battlemaster and me, please."
>>423491
>>423497
>>423498
Ultimately, you come to an ornate door, behind which is a well guarded, vast room full of statues and display cases
"Here are stored the deeds and gear of this academy's fallen graduates. Those who gave their lives for Equestria.
Study them. Learn from then. Embrace the stories they have to tell of their wielders and their deeds."
>>423497
>>423498
Ultimately, you come to an ornate door, behind which is a well guarded, vast room full of statues and display cases
"Here are stored the deeds and gear of this academy's fallen graduates. Those who gave their lives for Equestria.
Study them. Learn from then. Embrace the stories they have to tell of their wielders and their deeds."
>>423503
>>423504
>>423506
>>423511
>>423520
The room, despite being hidden deep below the academy, is still an impressive sight with it's strong granite walls, marble reliefs and gold decoration lining the displays, each with a plate of polished platinum upon which their names, creeds and deeds were inscribed.
[Bane of Betrayers
Sword of Sir Wildfire
Slayer of the usurper prince, feller of the triad of corruption, destroyer of the Rebellion of Ghastly Gorge
"Suffer not that which is false
For what is true exists
Thus all falsehoods
Half-truths, lies and betrayals alike
Are not real
And do not deserve to exist"]
[Sincleaver
Axe of Lady Morkai Ironbrow
Purifier of the coast, the flame upon the whores of Haunchback, The ender of decadence among public bathers.
"All things have their place
Their home, where they belong
When taken from there
They will need to be guided back
If not by word
Then my steel and fire."]
[Heaven's Kiss
Repeater Pistol of Inquisitor True Sight
Revealer of the Fetlock Conspiracy, uncoverer of the Taxbleed Operation, Light upon the shadow hiding baron Devlin Silverstride's slave trade
"Not all is immediately visible
Yet in time, all is revealed
I stand and exist to hasted that revelation
For information is power
And power belongs to the people"]
[Crusade's Call
War-Horn of Diadem Diamond
Uniter of the war-torn tribes, beacon of the borderland exodus, leader among the lost, the song of the south
"My song is that from which hope is born
And hope is that from which strength is sworn
So let from my song unity be begotten
United under Celestia, let none be forgotten"
>>423504
>>423506
>>423511
>>423520
The room, despite being hidden deep below the academy, is still an impressive sight with it's strong granite walls, marble reliefs and gold decoration lining the displays, each with a plate of polished platinum upon which their names, creeds and deeds were inscribed.
[Bane of Betrayers
Sword of Sir Wildfire
Slayer of the usurper prince, feller of the triad of corruption, destroyer of the Rebellion of Ghastly Gorge
"Suffer not that which is false
For what is true exists
Thus all falsehoods
Half-truths, lies and betrayals alike
Are not real
And do not deserve to exist"]
[Sincleaver
Axe of Lady Morkai Ironbrow
Purifier of the coast, the flame upon the whores of Haunchback, The ender of decadence among public bathers.
"All things have their place
Their home, where they belong
When taken from there
They will need to be guided back
If not by word
Then my steel and fire."]
[Heaven's Kiss
Repeater Pistol of Inquisitor True Sight
Revealer of the Fetlock Conspiracy, uncoverer of the Taxbleed Operation, Light upon the shadow hiding baron Devlin Silverstride's slave trade
"Not all is immediately visible
Yet in time, all is revealed
I stand and exist to hasted that revelation
For information is power
And power belongs to the people"]
[Crusade's Call
War-Horn of Diadem Diamond
Uniter of the war-torn tribes, beacon of the borderland exodus, leader among the lost, the song of the south
"My song is that from which hope is born
And hope is that from which strength is sworn
So let from my song unity be begotten
United under Celestia, let none be forgotten"
>>423536
A mighty two handed greatsword, with a part of the blade wrapped to enable half-swording. It is decorated with imagery of flames, and the face of a wise old warrior.
Upon closer inspection the outlines of these decorations are the words of the creed, written in a way that makes them appear as outlines to an image.
>>423542
It is not exactly… small.
Though called a pistol, the repeater reload mechanism is far from compact, and the ammo used by this monster of a weapon looks suited for hunting bears more than ponies.
>>423543
Horns are not violent, silly.
>>423545
The exquisite curvature of the horn must lend it it's sound. A long silver piece, with small statuettes of pegasi near the mouth as if they were crafting the horn from clouds as it sounded. The mouthpiece is shaped like the lips of a lover awaiting a soft kiss.
>>423547
A strong vault if there ever was one. It is easy to see why such important things are stored here.
Yet it looks far from utilitarian. Indeed the decorum rivals that of Canterlot Castle itself, great works of art portraying the mighty deeds of the heroes remembered here.
Commander Fenfog's heroic charge against the marauding wounded dragon.
Sir Kariala's last stand against innumerable foes as his kinsmen fled to safety.
Miss Maple's final goodbye to her comrades in arms as she laid down her sword forever so she could better take care of her hopelessly ill daughter.
>>423548
Perhaps only those wit boring weapons have died so far.
Or maybe you need to go look around deeper in the reliquary.
A mighty two handed greatsword, with a part of the blade wrapped to enable half-swording. It is decorated with imagery of flames, and the face of a wise old warrior.
Upon closer inspection the outlines of these decorations are the words of the creed, written in a way that makes them appear as outlines to an image.
>>423542
It is not exactly… small.
Though called a pistol, the repeater reload mechanism is far from compact, and the ammo used by this monster of a weapon looks suited for hunting bears more than ponies.
>>423543
Horns are not violent, silly.
>>423545
The exquisite curvature of the horn must lend it it's sound. A long silver piece, with small statuettes of pegasi near the mouth as if they were crafting the horn from clouds as it sounded. The mouthpiece is shaped like the lips of a lover awaiting a soft kiss.
>>423547
A strong vault if there ever was one. It is easy to see why such important things are stored here.
Yet it looks far from utilitarian. Indeed the decorum rivals that of Canterlot Castle itself, great works of art portraying the mighty deeds of the heroes remembered here.
Commander Fenfog's heroic charge against the marauding wounded dragon.
Sir Kariala's last stand against innumerable foes as his kinsmen fled to safety.
Miss Maple's final goodbye to her comrades in arms as she laid down her sword forever so she could better take care of her hopelessly ill daughter.
>>423548
Perhaps only those wit boring weapons have died so far.
Or maybe you need to go look around deeper in the reliquary.
>>423590
>>423582
[Unseen Judgement
Cord of Shadow's Shadow
Silent end of assassins, unspoken killer of murderers, judge and jury of those who the law never touched
"There is nothing to fear
Once one becomes fear itself
When one is fear
All will cower before him
And from that platform, much good can be done"
[Pridesunder
Sheers of Watchful Wish
Punisher of the overconfident, the proverbial knocker down of a few pegs, ender of the order of Blood Knights
"One who believes themselves perfect
Is but a fool, and an easy target
For none are perfect
Save for the princesses of Canterlot
In their name, may this creed be proven"]
[Really Big Rock
Boulder of Brickhead
Smasher of the cave trolls, basher of the swamp hydra, crusher of the grand timberwolf, demolisher of the walls of ten fortresses, breaker of all who stood before it, protector of Lady Iridescence Fadinglight, to the end and beyond.
"Those who strong
Need to be good
Because it easy to be mean when strong
And easy not what life is"]
>>423594
>>423596
[Moonlight's Charge
Broken Sword Catalyst of "Bigwig" Istarelle
Vanguard of sword and sorcery, destroyer of dark mages, avenger of the defiled dead, preserver of knowledge
"Things may be broken as time goes by
Weapons, homes, hearts, souls
Yet there is little that can never be repaired
And if not repaired, replaced, with something better"
>>423582
[Unseen Judgement
Cord of Shadow's Shadow
Silent end of assassins, unspoken killer of murderers, judge and jury of those who the law never touched
"There is nothing to fear
Once one becomes fear itself
When one is fear
All will cower before him
And from that platform, much good can be done"
[Pridesunder
Sheers of Watchful Wish
Punisher of the overconfident, the proverbial knocker down of a few pegs, ender of the order of Blood Knights
"One who believes themselves perfect
Is but a fool, and an easy target
For none are perfect
Save for the princesses of Canterlot
In their name, may this creed be proven"]
[Really Big Rock
Boulder of Brickhead
Smasher of the cave trolls, basher of the swamp hydra, crusher of the grand timberwolf, demolisher of the walls of ten fortresses, breaker of all who stood before it, protector of Lady Iridescence Fadinglight, to the end and beyond.
"Those who strong
Need to be good
Because it easy to be mean when strong
And easy not what life is"]
>>423594
>>423596
[Moonlight's Charge
Broken Sword Catalyst of "Bigwig" Istarelle
Vanguard of sword and sorcery, destroyer of dark mages, avenger of the defiled dead, preserver of knowledge
"Things may be broken as time goes by
Weapons, homes, hearts, souls
Yet there is little that can never be repaired
And if not repaired, replaced, with something better"
>>423711
With a 4/10 performance, she is looking rather down.
>>423707
[God Splitter
Unstoppable force of Smug Execution
Ender of the siege of Trottingham, victor of the Farland Expansion, last one standing in the battle of Stalliongard
"If one focuses on defending oneself, one forgets what one fights to truly protect - others.
Best so forsake all defenses and give one's all for the cause one believes in."]
>>423709
Only the Headmaster and Battlemaster came down here with you. Save for a few guards.
>>423712
[Mercy
Halberd of Mordred the Grim
Headtaker of the battle of Wyvern's Fall, bloodletter of Fallen Grace Valley, sinker of the flagship Dark Water's Treasure
"Mercy is what one should show to one's foes
Mercy is a quick death, without need for fear nor suffering
Mercy is what I shall show all who stand before me
But I will show none to those who would defile Equestria."]
>>423722
[Heaven Piercer
Greatbow of Gouged Eye
Dragonhunter, rocslayer, protector of the skies of Canterlot
"Many know how to fight their foe toe to toe on the ground below
Yet few understand the power so grand of a weapon that can pierce the sky
So let them fly and let them die, for all they are to me are targets."]
With a 4/10 performance, she is looking rather down.
>>423707
[God Splitter
Unstoppable force of Smug Execution
Ender of the siege of Trottingham, victor of the Farland Expansion, last one standing in the battle of Stalliongard
"If one focuses on defending oneself, one forgets what one fights to truly protect - others.
Best so forsake all defenses and give one's all for the cause one believes in."]
>>423709
Only the Headmaster and Battlemaster came down here with you. Save for a few guards.
>>423712
[Mercy
Halberd of Mordred the Grim
Headtaker of the battle of Wyvern's Fall, bloodletter of Fallen Grace Valley, sinker of the flagship Dark Water's Treasure
"Mercy is what one should show to one's foes
Mercy is a quick death, without need for fear nor suffering
Mercy is what I shall show all who stand before me
But I will show none to those who would defile Equestria."]
>>423722
[Heaven Piercer
Greatbow of Gouged Eye
Dragonhunter, rocslayer, protector of the skies of Canterlot
"Many know how to fight their foe toe to toe on the ground below
Yet few understand the power so grand of a weapon that can pierce the sky
So let them fly and let them die, for all they are to me are targets."]
>>423760
[All I Needle
Needle of Precise Strike
The one who ended all his battles in a single strike
"Everyone has a weakness
Mine is to be guarded
Those of my foes exploited
Those of my allies protected
For through those and those alone, can battles be won and lost."]
>>423761
"My trials left me a mess…"
>>423772
"That's very good, Paladin Field."
>>423774
[Boundless Love
Lower Body Mounted Blunt Weapon of "Dead Eye" Tasokas
Penetrator of all defenses, violator of defilers, indecent yet irreplaceable
"If I do this, I might as well do it my way"]
[All I Needle
Needle of Precise Strike
The one who ended all his battles in a single strike
"Everyone has a weakness
Mine is to be guarded
Those of my foes exploited
Those of my allies protected
For through those and those alone, can battles be won and lost."]
>>423761
"My trials left me a mess…"
>>423772
"That's very good, Paladin Field."
>>423774
[Boundless Love
Lower Body Mounted Blunt Weapon of "Dead Eye" Tasokas
Penetrator of all defenses, violator of defilers, indecent yet irreplaceable
"If I do this, I might as well do it my way"]
>>423787
"Half a blade. Small, lightweight, a single piece of steel capable of cutting in case of need.
But that'd only be the base of it.
The actual blade would be like a blank sheet of magic to call upon in battle, able to take the shape of the elements on a moment's notice."
>>423789
And smile at her as she comes close.
"Half a blade. Small, lightweight, a single piece of steel capable of cutting in case of need.
But that'd only be the base of it.
The actual blade would be like a blank sheet of magic to call upon in battle, able to take the shape of the elements on a moment's notice."
>>423789
And smile at her as she comes close.
>>423789
"I never got used to one to be honest. You need a sturdy shoulder to keep is steady and I've seen several blowhards blow their own bones apart trying to take the recoil with improper bracing."
>>423794
"A large part of me wants to just forget about most of it to be honest. Put it behind me and look forward rather than back."
>>423796
"A magic-based weapon?
Well, I can tell where you got that idea from"
"I never got used to one to be honest. You need a sturdy shoulder to keep is steady and I've seen several blowhards blow their own bones apart trying to take the recoil with improper bracing."
>>423794
"A large part of me wants to just forget about most of it to be honest. Put it behind me and look forward rather than back."
>>423796
"A magic-based weapon?
Well, I can tell where you got that idea from"
>>423807
"The horn of Diadem Diamond was said to be the one instrument she could play flawlessly. Designed to sound it's best when played by her and her alone, since she never quite got the hang of a normal horn.
So it became her personal sound, her theme of sorts. And with it, she was able to rally many allies in battle."
>>423809
"Oh there is little need to worry about that happening…"
>>423813
"It does, but every repeating shot will aim higher from the recoil of the last."
>>423814
"I'm starting to think that was the point…"
"The horn of Diadem Diamond was said to be the one instrument she could play flawlessly. Designed to sound it's best when played by her and her alone, since she never quite got the hang of a normal horn.
So it became her personal sound, her theme of sorts. And with it, she was able to rally many allies in battle."
>>423809
"Oh there is little need to worry about that happening…"
>>423813
"It does, but every repeating shot will aim higher from the recoil of the last."
>>423814
"I'm starting to think that was the point…"
>>423823
"I imagine the trials exist so we can prove to ourselves what we truly are when faced with the darkest of situations"
>>423828
"Search your heart, and you will know what is right for you."
>>423837
"If forged correctly, a paladin's weapon will turn on any other who tries to wield it. So deep is the connection between weapon and paladin."
>>423842
"They do.
The greatbow, as I remember, was impossible to fire without first anchoring it to the ground.
Then, it used lances for ammo, so I suppose it makes sense."
>>423838
[Triumph and Victory
The Hooves of Falconfist
The one whose bare hooves were as mighty as any weapon, who never once lost a duel, and who never once backed down from a challenge
"To lose is not to fail.
To give up is to fail.
To know when one is outmatched is wisdom
To fight regardless is courage"]
"I imagine the trials exist so we can prove to ourselves what we truly are when faced with the darkest of situations"
>>423828
"Search your heart, and you will know what is right for you."
>>423837
"If forged correctly, a paladin's weapon will turn on any other who tries to wield it. So deep is the connection between weapon and paladin."
>>423842
"They do.
The greatbow, as I remember, was impossible to fire without first anchoring it to the ground.
Then, it used lances for ammo, so I suppose it makes sense."
>>423838
[Triumph and Victory
The Hooves of Falconfist
The one whose bare hooves were as mighty as any weapon, who never once lost a duel, and who never once backed down from a challenge
"To lose is not to fail.
To give up is to fail.
To know when one is outmatched is wisdom
To fight regardless is courage"]
>>423915
"To become the night, and defend it, so those who defend me during the day can sleep soundly."
>>423917
"Well, I was thinking I'd still wear something over them.
But I do admit, the rush of just punching the juice out of your targets is… exhilarating."
>>423920
"He was rather strong, capable of repositioning with relative ease.
Fearless too. Never ran away even if an enemy dived at him. He just shot them at close range then."
"To become the night, and defend it, so those who defend me during the day can sleep soundly."
>>423917
"Well, I was thinking I'd still wear something over them.
But I do admit, the rush of just punching the juice out of your targets is… exhilarating."
>>423920
"He was rather strong, capable of repositioning with relative ease.
Fearless too. Never ran away even if an enemy dived at him. He just shot them at close range then."
The grand day is upon you.
The day you at last put your oaths to steel.
Before each of you is the materials you will need, gathered to your specifications and wishes. Assisting you will be a number of smiths trained in the divine arts, lead by the academy master smith.
The battlemaster and headmaster are also here to oversee your progress.
"PALADINS!
Today you at last commit your will to eternity, and forge your own destinies!
Take now the hammer and behold the metal that you will forvermore have at your side.
All the materials have been purified and consecrated beforehand. They are flawless, as should their wielders be.
Heat the metal. Beat the metal. Give it shape. Give it form.
PALADINS! BEGIN!"
The day you at last put your oaths to steel.
Before each of you is the materials you will need, gathered to your specifications and wishes. Assisting you will be a number of smiths trained in the divine arts, lead by the academy master smith.
The battlemaster and headmaster are also here to oversee your progress.
"PALADINS!
Today you at last commit your will to eternity, and forge your own destinies!
Take now the hammer and behold the metal that you will forvermore have at your side.
All the materials have been purified and consecrated beforehand. They are flawless, as should their wielders be.
Heat the metal. Beat the metal. Give it shape. Give it form.
PALADINS! BEGIN!"
>>426435
Well, as long as he's here, ask for his advice.
"Surely arms have advanced in a burgeoning field like this since True Sight's time. What do you think we can do about a compensator mechanism to reduce recoil? I understand it's a big issue on a weapon like this."
Keep hammerin'.
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
Well, as long as he's here, ask for his advice.
"Surely arms have advanced in a burgeoning field like this since True Sight's time. What do you think we can do about a compensator mechanism to reduce recoil? I understand it's a big issue on a weapon like this."
Keep hammerin'.
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>426439
"Lad.
I wanted to thank you for all your help.
And for keeping an old smith some company on tired mornings."
The sword is starting to take shape
>>426440
"A heavier stock often helps to dampen recoil. As does a spring in the stock to absorb the blast."
>>426443
You make some kind of extremely fancy door handle. It's incredibly awkward to wield, and an assistant asks if that's what you wanted.
>>426444
"Here. Let me help…"
'1d10+2'
Roll #1 9 + 2 = 11
"Lad.
I wanted to thank you for all your help.
And for keeping an old smith some company on tired mornings."
The sword is starting to take shape
>>426440
"A heavier stock often helps to dampen recoil. As does a spring in the stock to absorb the blast."
>>426443
You make some kind of extremely fancy door handle. It's incredibly awkward to wield, and an assistant asks if that's what you wanted.
>>426444
"Here. Let me help…"
'1d10+2'
Roll #1 9 + 2 = 11
>>426447
"It was my pleasure, really. I was glad to be able to work on those weapons, and to hope that one day they will be wielded by worthy ponies. I should thank you, for letting me work on them.
And the company wasn't bad either."
Let out a small laugh, then keep working.
Make sure to make the handle in a way that it will fit into the glaive-contraption I will make afterwards. Just like my old weapons, only better!
This sword shall bring justice as long as I wield it, and always strike true on foes, and never strike down innocents.
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
"It was my pleasure, really. I was glad to be able to work on those weapons, and to hope that one day they will be wielded by worthy ponies. I should thank you, for letting me work on them.
And the company wasn't bad either."
Let out a small laugh, then keep working.
Make sure to make the handle in a way that it will fit into the glaive-contraption I will make afterwards. Just like my old weapons, only better!
This sword shall bring justice as long as I wield it, and always strike true on foes, and never strike down innocents.
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>426456
The smith checks that nobody is looking, then puts a small device of crystal and bronze next to your weapon
"A gift for you, my apprentice.
A mechanism I never thought I'd find use for until now - it allows metal to remember a shape, so to say, and to return to that shape when ordered."
>>426457
"Mhm. Well, I would have suggested this."
'1d10+2'
>>426458
Certainly.
The battlemaster comes check on you
"You look very pleased."
Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5
The smith checks that nobody is looking, then puts a small device of crystal and bronze next to your weapon
"A gift for you, my apprentice.
A mechanism I never thought I'd find use for until now - it allows metal to remember a shape, so to say, and to return to that shape when ordered."
>>426457
"Mhm. Well, I would have suggested this."
'1d10+2'
>>426458
Certainly.
The battlemaster comes check on you
"You look very pleased."
Roll #1 3 + 2 = 5
>>426489
God DAMN that's heavy.
A counterweight might be in order.
>>426488
Or was it the other way around?
Should you ask?
>>426490
"Oh. Well, if we strip off the excess ornaments here…"
'1d10+2'
Please note: The final weapons should adhere to these guidelines
Take one weapon tag free, then assign 3 points.
1 Point:
-Add a basic tag (single, great, dual, ranged, catalyst)
-Add an elementalist effect (fire, lightning, ice)
-Add Possessed (intelligent spirit only you can communicate with possesses your weapon)
2 Points:
-Add Favored Enemy (Autocrits on select enemy type)
-Add Double Strike (As Magic Bolt, one roll for two attacks)
Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7
God DAMN that's heavy.
A counterweight might be in order.
>>426488
Or was it the other way around?
Should you ask?
>>426490
"Oh. Well, if we strip off the excess ornaments here…"
'1d10+2'
Please note: The final weapons should adhere to these guidelines
Take one weapon tag free, then assign 3 points.
1 Point:
-Add a basic tag (single, great, dual, ranged, catalyst)
-Add an elementalist effect (fire, lightning, ice)
-Add Possessed (intelligent spirit only you can communicate with possesses your weapon)
2 Points:
-Add Favored Enemy (Autocrits on select enemy type)
-Add Double Strike (As Magic Bolt, one roll for two attacks)
Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7
>>426500
"Then reforge it. Or if it's just top heavy, add a counterweight to the pommel to balance it."
>>426498
"Aye lad. Forge, add the mechanism, melt down, reforge.
And I fear you'll be making the new handles from metal too, if you want them to change."
>>426503
"Well, close. A pure gravity feed would just dump the ammo into the chamber and clog it, but a simple lever will let you swiftly reload so long as you have spare ammo left."
"Then reforge it. Or if it's just top heavy, add a counterweight to the pommel to balance it."
>>426498
"Aye lad. Forge, add the mechanism, melt down, reforge.
And I fear you'll be making the new handles from metal too, if you want them to change."
>>426503
"Well, close. A pure gravity feed would just dump the ammo into the chamber and clog it, but a simple lever will let you swiftly reload so long as you have spare ammo left."
>>426527
"So keep their shape in mind. Their weight. Their feel.
For the next time you forge them, the metal will be impregnated with your very soul and heart. So that they will truly be yours."
You do not need to roll the reforging.
>>426525
Soon enough it is done.
>>426529
"That looks quite solid. If… bladeless."
>>426534
"So it does.
Are you happy with it?"
"So keep their shape in mind. Their weight. Their feel.
For the next time you forge them, the metal will be impregnated with your very soul and heart. So that they will truly be yours."
You do not need to roll the reforging.
>>426525
Soon enough it is done.
>>426529
"That looks quite solid. If… bladeless."
>>426534
"So it does.
Are you happy with it?"
>>426539
Nod.
"The blade comes now."
And for this, I will need a short piece of metal. Of the purest, most fragile metal there is.
Through magic and through work I will shape it into a hardened lump of metal.
Then the actual work on it begins.
One side will be as polished and sharp as the finest sword I know. The inside, instead, will be raw like the molten metal just pulled out of the forge itself.
And this will only be half a blade wide, missing a whole side, and long not even a quarter of what it should be.
Upon the polished side of the blade, I'll inscribe, in the most beautiful calligraphy I can master, "To strike, To protect, To bind."
Roll pls…
Roll #1 1 = 1
Nod.
"The blade comes now."
And for this, I will need a short piece of metal. Of the purest, most fragile metal there is.
Through magic and through work I will shape it into a hardened lump of metal.
Then the actual work on it begins.
One side will be as polished and sharp as the finest sword I know. The inside, instead, will be raw like the molten metal just pulled out of the forge itself.
And this will only be half a blade wide, missing a whole side, and long not even a quarter of what it should be.
Upon the polished side of the blade, I'll inscribe, in the most beautiful calligraphy I can master, "To strike, To protect, To bind."
Roll pls…
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>426559
"The inscribing of the creed is done on the sacred metal once it has been given shape and had it taken away.
It is symbolic of the life of a paladin.
They are born, their old life is taken away, they are given a creed, and they are reborn better, stronger and more complete."
>>426560
"I forgot to give you ammo. My bad.
Fire at will."
>>426561
It's slightly heavier than the original thanks to the metal shaft, and a bit more ornate, but feels about the same.
>>426566
"Think of your creed, paladin.
And think… with your heart."
"The inscribing of the creed is done on the sacred metal once it has been given shape and had it taken away.
It is symbolic of the life of a paladin.
They are born, their old life is taken away, they are given a creed, and they are reborn better, stronger and more complete."
>>426560
"I forgot to give you ammo. My bad.
Fire at will."
>>426561
It's slightly heavier than the original thanks to the metal shaft, and a bit more ornate, but feels about the same.
>>426566
"Think of your creed, paladin.
And think… with your heart."
>>426583
In a terrifying flash of power, the blade erupts into a dark and twisted shape, shrouded in clouds of screaming energy, the blade itself manifesting as a gnarled, jagged shard of charred ice.
And from deep within, the demon in your nightmares, Arabus, gazed back at you.
And as soon as it began, it ends.
>>426587
"…to become the sufferer serving the frail and faultless. To see to it that those at your side can stand beyond what their bodies can hold. And even if celestia's eyes are averted, in Luna's night you stand just as proud if not more…"
>>426588
"Paladin. Please wait as the others catch up.
Take this time, to think of your creed."
>>426591
It is done soon, and sits dormant.
The others seem to be already almost done…
In a terrifying flash of power, the blade erupts into a dark and twisted shape, shrouded in clouds of screaming energy, the blade itself manifesting as a gnarled, jagged shard of charred ice.
And from deep within, the demon in your nightmares, Arabus, gazed back at you.
And as soon as it began, it ends.
>>426587
"…to become the sufferer serving the frail and faultless. To see to it that those at your side can stand beyond what their bodies can hold. And even if celestia's eyes are averted, in Luna's night you stand just as proud if not more…"
>>426588
"Paladin. Please wait as the others catch up.
Take this time, to think of your creed."
>>426591
It is done soon, and sits dormant.
The others seem to be already almost done…
>>426597
"Paladin!
Calm yourself. And explain yourse-"
The Headmaster pushes the battlemaster aside, and picks up your blade for you
"Paladin.
Do you wish to talk?"
>>426599
Yes. So the device can sink into the metal and prepare for the other shape.
>>426600
"As you see, the same creed can be said in many ways.
Is one way better than another?"
"Paladin!
Calm yourself. And explain yourse-"
The Headmaster pushes the battlemaster aside, and picks up your blade for you
"Paladin.
Do you wish to talk?"
>>426599
Yes. So the device can sink into the metal and prepare for the other shape.
>>426600
"As you see, the same creed can be said in many ways.
Is one way better than another?"
>>426614
"You speak of the demon, Arabus.
Do you know why he haunts you?"
>>426616
"You will inscribe one upon the metal, fold, heat, inscribe another, fold, heat, repeat, so not one layer, not one inch of the metal exists that has not been touched by your creed."
>>426621
"If you feel it too wordy, how else might you phrase it?"
"You speak of the demon, Arabus.
Do you know why he haunts you?"
>>426616
"You will inscribe one upon the metal, fold, heat, inscribe another, fold, heat, repeat, so not one layer, not one inch of the metal exists that has not been touched by your creed."
>>426621
"If you feel it too wordy, how else might you phrase it?"
>>426624
"Oh my… okay!"
Well now… This is going to get very wordy.
And I have two different to inscribe too! Better start working… Maybe I should get a dictionary.
Nah, just get to work. Try to think of every possible way to word what I believe to be my creed. Let's see how creative I actually am '1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
"Oh my… okay!"
Well now… This is going to get very wordy.
And I have two different to inscribe too! Better start working… Maybe I should get a dictionary.
Nah, just get to work. Try to think of every possible way to word what I believe to be my creed. Let's see how creative I actually am '1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>426625
"I have tangled with the legacy of Arabus in the past. If you wish to know, I can tell you."
>>426629
accepted
Continue.
>>426630
"Then inscribe it upon the metal, fold the metal, and inscribe it again. And keep at it, until there is not a point anywhere in this slab that has not once been touched by your creed."
>>426626
…thinking is hard.
"I have tangled with the legacy of Arabus in the past. If you wish to know, I can tell you."
>>426629
accepted
Continue.
>>426630
"Then inscribe it upon the metal, fold the metal, and inscribe it again. And keep at it, until there is not a point anywhere in this slab that has not once been touched by your creed."
>>426626
…thinking is hard.
>>426642
And indeed soon enough, it is done.
The weapon studies it's new form once more, and soon stops glowing.
>>426643
>>426648
The process is slow, but with every passing rewrite, the words feel closer and closer yo your heart and soul. Slowly going from mere words to representations of concepts you have faith in. Reflections of all you have learned. Fought for. Shed blood, sweat, tears and gall over.
And indeed soon enough, it is done.
The weapon studies it's new form once more, and soon stops glowing.
>>426643
>>426648
The process is slow, but with every passing rewrite, the words feel closer and closer yo your heart and soul. Slowly going from mere words to representations of concepts you have faith in. Reflections of all you have learned. Fought for. Shed blood, sweat, tears and gall over.
>>426666
The chain retracts with a violent snap as the metal twists and bends to form into the halberd
>>426662
>>426672
There is no need to roll.
After all is said and done, the weapoms are ready to be quenched.
And for this purpose, each of you is brought a large vessel.
"In this, you will quench your works in these vats of blessed oil. Mixed in it is the proof of your toil. Taken from you over the years here, Your sweat, your blood, your tears, your bile. Together with the blessed oils, they will seal your vows and forever bind your weapons to you.
As you lower your arms, speak your creed. Not to me. But to the weapon.
Let it know it's master."
>>426664
"Long ago, before the Academy was founded, I was very active in the field. My specialty was seeking out and safely storing heretical artifacts.
Indeed I spent a long time hunting down a certain cultist of an ancient demon I thought long since lost to the dust of time - the last high priest of Arabus the Devourer.
And from his cold dead grasp I pried the Cask of Shadows, a vessel used to capture the souls Arabus fed on. And in it, I saw a chance to at last use a demon's weapon against its own kind. For if the cask could hold a pony's soul… why not a demon's soul?
It is for this reason that Arabus.. or what remains of him… has sworn to destroy me."
The chain retracts with a violent snap as the metal twists and bends to form into the halberd
>>426662
>>426672
There is no need to roll.
After all is said and done, the weapoms are ready to be quenched.
And for this purpose, each of you is brought a large vessel.
"In this, you will quench your works in these vats of blessed oil. Mixed in it is the proof of your toil. Taken from you over the years here, Your sweat, your blood, your tears, your bile. Together with the blessed oils, they will seal your vows and forever bind your weapons to you.
As you lower your arms, speak your creed. Not to me. But to the weapon.
Let it know it's master."
>>426664
"Long ago, before the Academy was founded, I was very active in the field. My specialty was seeking out and safely storing heretical artifacts.
Indeed I spent a long time hunting down a certain cultist of an ancient demon I thought long since lost to the dust of time - the last high priest of Arabus the Devourer.
And from his cold dead grasp I pried the Cask of Shadows, a vessel used to capture the souls Arabus fed on. And in it, I saw a chance to at last use a demon's weapon against its own kind. For if the cask could hold a pony's soul… why not a demon's soul?
It is for this reason that Arabus.. or what remains of him… has sworn to destroy me."
>>426681
In a bright flash, the oil ignites, swallowing your works in consecrated flame as it cools them, sealing the magic that binds them to your soul.
It is done. Now all they need is names.
>And stats.
>>426682
"Good. Melt it down, and inscribe your creed upon the metal. Fold the metal, and inscribe again. And again and again until not an inch remains where your creed has not been written.
Then rebuild your weapon."
In a bright flash, the oil ignites, swallowing your works in consecrated flame as it cools them, sealing the magic that binds them to your soul.
It is done. Now all they need is names.
>And stats.
>>426682
"Good. Melt it down, and inscribe your creed upon the metal. Fold the metal, and inscribe again. And again and again until not an inch remains where your creed has not been written.
Then rebuild your weapon."
>>426701
"It needs to die, so it can receive it's creed, and be reborn as a blessed weapon of a paladin.
Much like you yourself had to give up your past life, good as it may have been, to receive the light of Paladinhood, and be reborn this day."
>>426702
And here I expected Waxing and Waning…
Very well.
By these arms may her creed be bound to her. May they strike true, protect her from harm, and if she ever falters from her chosen path, strike her down all the same as they would her other enemies.
Take your arms, Ascendant Star Hopper.
You have earned them.
NEXT TIME ON PALADINS
The others get to finish their weapons.
PLEASE POST YOUR FULL WEAPON PROFILES NOW
>Name
>Type
>Powers (see list here >>426495 )
"It needs to die, so it can receive it's creed, and be reborn as a blessed weapon of a paladin.
Much like you yourself had to give up your past life, good as it may have been, to receive the light of Paladinhood, and be reborn this day."
>>426702
And here I expected Waxing and Waning…
Very well.
By these arms may her creed be bound to her. May they strike true, protect her from harm, and if she ever falters from her chosen path, strike her down all the same as they would her other enemies.
Take your arms, Ascendant Star Hopper.
You have earned them.
NEXT TIME ON PALADINS
The others get to finish their weapons.
PLEASE POST YOUR FULL WEAPON PROFILES NOW
>Name
>Type
>Powers (see list here >>426495 )
>>426703
A'ris, the blade which isn't.
Great Weapon. Only the hilt happears to be completed and refined, hosting a strange, shining metal sphere not bigger than an arrowhead where the hilt meets the guard, fastened in place by many passings of what seems to be a long metal wire. There is no real blade, which instead assumes the shape of a short, thin, very polished part of a blade on one side, only to become a raw lump of metal near the middle, and be entirely lacking on the opposite side. Runework runs through both the polished and the raw metal, leaving a single blank stripe on the polished side, meant to host the creed. When wielded by a magic user capable of releasing its real power, an ethereal blade comes to life, filled with every color of the rainbow.
Ice, Fire, Lightning.
A'ris, the blade which isn't.
Great Weapon. Only the hilt happears to be completed and refined, hosting a strange, shining metal sphere not bigger than an arrowhead where the hilt meets the guard, fastened in place by many passings of what seems to be a long metal wire. There is no real blade, which instead assumes the shape of a short, thin, very polished part of a blade on one side, only to become a raw lump of metal near the middle, and be entirely lacking on the opposite side. Runework runs through both the polished and the raw metal, leaving a single blank stripe on the polished side, meant to host the creed. When wielded by a magic user capable of releasing its real power, an ethereal blade comes to life, filled with every color of the rainbow.
Ice, Fire, Lightning.
>>426754
"I told you to inscribe the creed onto it as you reforged it. Did you not listen to the full instructions?"
>>426752
"Good. Because they will follow you for the rest of your life."
>>426753
You really have no idea where you're going with this do you?
An assistant comes to your aid
"It is easier if you build it out of parts, rather than one slab."
'1d10+2'
>>426756
You seem to have a good grasp of this. And Star would be glad to help, right?
Roll #1 10 + 2 = 12
"I told you to inscribe the creed onto it as you reforged it. Did you not listen to the full instructions?"
>>426752
"Good. Because they will follow you for the rest of your life."
>>426753
You really have no idea where you're going with this do you?
An assistant comes to your aid
"It is easier if you build it out of parts, rather than one slab."
'1d10+2'
>>426756
You seem to have a good grasp of this. And Star would be glad to help, right?
Roll #1 10 + 2 = 12
>>426761
True, but I can't just ask her if I haven't at least tried myself.
Now, back to work. The pommel of the sword will be what's going to be interesting about it, since on one side it will have a sun, and the other will be a full moon. So let's see if I can't get that in there right. '1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
True, but I can't just ask her if I haven't at least tried myself.
Now, back to work. The pommel of the sword will be what's going to be interesting about it, since on one side it will have a sun, and the other will be a full moon. So let's see if I can't get that in there right. '1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>426769
"If the metal was not treated with your creed, then melt it down and do it right this time.
Upon the hot metal, inscribe your creed. Fold the metal and inscribe anew. And anew and anew until not an inch remains that has not been touched by those words of your soul."
>>426765
"Well, here we are then.
What next?"
>>426764
In a powerful flash the weapon cools and solidifies.
As you pull it out from it's baptisement, it hums softly with power.
What is its name, what are its powers?
>>426767
…intricate work like this is hard with a hammer in your mouth…
>>426770
That's a lot to write.
Now reforge the weapon.
"If the metal was not treated with your creed, then melt it down and do it right this time.
Upon the hot metal, inscribe your creed. Fold the metal and inscribe anew. And anew and anew until not an inch remains that has not been touched by those words of your soul."
>>426765
"Well, here we are then.
What next?"
>>426764
In a powerful flash the weapon cools and solidifies.
As you pull it out from it's baptisement, it hums softly with power.
What is its name, what are its powers?
>>426767
…intricate work like this is hard with a hammer in your mouth…
>>426770
That's a lot to write.
Now reforge the weapon.
>>426782
No. No you do not.
And once it is done, quench it in the consecrated oils that have been mixed with your sweat, blood and tears.
Speak your creed to it, so it knows its master.
And grant it a name.
>>426783
>>426786
The chisel is hard to hold in place
Your neck hurts
You wish you were back on the farm making pie
"Something the matter, paladin?"
>>426785
"Would it not be easier to roll a sheet of metal?"
'1d10+2'
>>426796
And what a beauty it is…
>>426791
Quite so… quite so.
When you are ready, reforge and quench the weapon.
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
No. No you do not.
And once it is done, quench it in the consecrated oils that have been mixed with your sweat, blood and tears.
Speak your creed to it, so it knows its master.
And grant it a name.
>>426783
>>426786
The chisel is hard to hold in place
Your neck hurts
You wish you were back on the farm making pie
"Something the matter, paladin?"
>>426785
"Would it not be easier to roll a sheet of metal?"
'1d10+2'
>>426796
And what a beauty it is…
>>426791
Quite so… quite so.
When you are ready, reforge and quench the weapon.
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
>>426807
"Allow me."
'1d10+2'
>>426808
Are you sure you wouldn't rather use the sacred oils you were provided?
You did notice those right?
>>426821
"The weapon is to be made, then melted down and made anew. This is symbolic of the Paladin's birth, her abandoning her old life, and begin reborn as a Paladin."
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
"Allow me."
'1d10+2'
>>426808
Are you sure you wouldn't rather use the sacred oils you were provided?
You did notice those right?
>>426821
"The weapon is to be made, then melted down and made anew. This is symbolic of the Paladin's birth, her abandoning her old life, and begin reborn as a Paladin."
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
>>426833
"I don't have much experience with them either, but I had an odd… feeling when I saw True Sight's weapon. For some reason it struck me… and I knew right away that it was time to make a change. In the time leading up to the forging, I've been training relentlessly with a repeater."
Indicate her mace. "Yours looks nice as well. To what end will you use it?"
"I don't have much experience with them either, but I had an odd… feeling when I saw True Sight's weapon. For some reason it struck me… and I knew right away that it was time to make a change. In the time leading up to the forging, I've been training relentlessly with a repeater."
Indicate her mace. "Yours looks nice as well. To what end will you use it?"
>>426835
The weapon glows softly as you pull it from the bubbling oil.
>>426836
Everyone has a bench to work on, consecrated metals and gems, and a container of blessed oil that has been mixed with the blood, sweat and tears you have shed over your years in the academy.
>>426840
You seem to have made a massive tower shield. Somehow.
>>426844
"Can I help?"
'1d10+2'
He starts making silver lips out of metal, emulating the legendary warhorn
Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7
The weapon glows softly as you pull it from the bubbling oil.
>>426836
Everyone has a bench to work on, consecrated metals and gems, and a container of blessed oil that has been mixed with the blood, sweat and tears you have shed over your years in the academy.
>>426840
You seem to have made a massive tower shield. Somehow.
>>426844
"Can I help?"
'1d10+2'
He starts making silver lips out of metal, emulating the legendary warhorn
Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7
>>426848
You can't even lift it. You made a goddamn gate.
>>426851
Somewhere along the line between your several mistakes and constant rebuilds, you get a nagging feeling something went wrong.
But hey, why worry about that.
The sword sinks into the white flame of the oil as you dunk it, and hums softly as you pull it out.
Speak your creed to it. Let it know who it serves. And what name it carries.
>>426853
What are its powers?
>>426859
Yep.
You can't even lift it. You made a goddamn gate.
>>426851
Somewhere along the line between your several mistakes and constant rebuilds, you get a nagging feeling something went wrong.
But hey, why worry about that.
The sword sinks into the white flame of the oil as you dunk it, and hums softly as you pull it out.
Speak your creed to it. Let it know who it serves. And what name it carries.
>>426853
What are its powers?
>>426859
Yep.
>>426885
Frown. "You still sound unconvinced. And after two years, I'm starting to get exhausted of people thinking I'm a villain for no reason. Especially a roommate How many mages have I 'destroyed' in all my time as an Inquisitor, anyway?"
Shrug and head off. "I guess I'm just disappointed that you never grew out of that."
Go see Cherry.
>>426889
"How's it coming, Cherry?"
Frown. "You still sound unconvinced. And after two years, I'm starting to get exhausted of people thinking I'm a villain for no reason. Especially a roommate How many mages have I 'destroyed' in all my time as an Inquisitor, anyway?"
Shrug and head off. "I guess I'm just disappointed that you never grew out of that."
Go see Cherry.
>>426889
"How's it coming, Cherry?"
>>426889
They came out a bit wonky…
"Need help?"
>>426890
It probably is, if they talk back.
Does yours talk back or does it have a chain for Ranged?
>>426894
"Ah yes, I see. It was still missing the leaves. I see now. Very good."
>>426895
The blade flickers for a moment, then springs into reality in a bright flash before solidifying into a coherent shape.
They came out a bit wonky…
"Need help?"
>>426890
It probably is, if they talk back.
Does yours talk back or does it have a chain for Ranged?
>>426894
"Ah yes, I see. It was still missing the leaves. I see now. Very good."
>>426895
The blade flickers for a moment, then springs into reality in a bright flash before solidifying into a coherent shape.
>>426949
She's your pet.
Fine.
She pulls up her hooves, each covered in a heavy iron gauntlet with flanges on the sides, making them resemble maces.
"Justified Means.
To strike where the enemy is weakest, when they least expect it, in order to prevent more suffering, to them them or those they seek to harm."
Great, Double Strike.
SO WHO IS STILL FORGING?
JON AND CHERRY?
She's your pet.
Fine.
She pulls up her hooves, each covered in a heavy iron gauntlet with flanges on the sides, making them resemble maces.
"Justified Means.
To strike where the enemy is weakest, when they least expect it, in order to prevent more suffering, to them them or those they seek to harm."
Great, Double Strike.
SO WHO IS STILL FORGING?
JON AND CHERRY?
>>426968
"Feels good too. Powerful."
>>426969
"Now, take the weapon and melt it down.
Then inscribe your creed upon the metal.
Fold the metal, and inscribe anew, until not an inch remains that has not been touched by your creed.
Once it is done, reforge your weapon from that sacred metal you have carved your heart and soul into."
"Feels good too. Powerful."
>>426969
"Now, take the weapon and melt it down.
Then inscribe your creed upon the metal.
Fold the metal, and inscribe anew, until not an inch remains that has not been touched by your creed.
Once it is done, reforge your weapon from that sacred metal you have carved your heart and soul into."
>>426919
I'll smile a little at that. Well, at least it looks sorta right.
That should about do it. Time to reforge them with the oils and carve my creed into them.
Breathe deeply, in preparation.
"Alright. Can't afford to mess it up now…"
And then, I'll set to work reforging them into what they will be for the rest of my life, inscribing my creed into the sword and shield both.
"To those plagued by Injustice, I am a Shield. To those who follow the Dark Paths, I am a Sword. To those who serve the Good, I am a Friend."
And I'll name the sword… Earthshine. And shield will be Ward.
I don't need to roll for that reforging, right?
I'll smile a little at that. Well, at least it looks sorta right.
That should about do it. Time to reforge them with the oils and carve my creed into them.
Breathe deeply, in preparation.
"Alright. Can't afford to mess it up now…"
And then, I'll set to work reforging them into what they will be for the rest of my life, inscribing my creed into the sword and shield both.
"To those plagued by Injustice, I am a Shield. To those who follow the Dark Paths, I am a Sword. To those who serve the Good, I am a Friend."
And I'll name the sword… Earthshine. And shield will be Ward.
I don't need to roll for that reforging, right?
>>426979
I thank the assistant for his help.
And now I very carefully melt down the weapon again, removing the gems.
I then inscibe my creed over and over again on the folds.
"Let wisdom guide love. Let love guide this hammer. Let this hammer guide others to glory.."
Then I reforge it and call it "Paladin's Kiss."
Special things
>Possessed
>Double Strike
I thank the assistant for his help.
And now I very carefully melt down the weapon again, removing the gems.
I then inscibe my creed over and over again on the folds.
"Let wisdom guide love. Let love guide this hammer. Let this hammer guide others to glory.."
Then I reforge it and call it "Paladin's Kiss."
Special things
>Possessed
>Double Strike
>>427098
"When I saw True Sight's weapon, I knew it was time to reforge myself. I felt a connection right away, like you did when you first came into contact with your weapon at the academy. But repeaters are rare, so I had never laid a hoof on one. Since that day, I've been practicing every time I had an open hour."
"When I saw True Sight's weapon, I knew it was time to reforge myself. I felt a connection right away, like you did when you first came into contact with your weapon at the academy. But repeaters are rare, so I had never laid a hoof on one. Since that day, I've been practicing every time I had an open hour."
>>427214
Swirl the one I spun slowly around her front leg with the chain and pose the blade of the other towards her.
"I could yank you into this, for example."
Release it before she gets too agressive and keep it spinning.
"And it's perfect to strike with surprise, or from both sides at once."
Swirl the one I spun slowly around her front leg with the chain and pose the blade of the other towards her.
"I could yank you into this, for example."
Release it before she gets too agressive and keep it spinning.
"And it's perfect to strike with surprise, or from both sides at once."
>>427234
>>427232
Looks like I didn't count for the extra weight of the metal handle.
Which is a bit more than I anticipated.
Instead of playful sweep it ends up as a widely arched swing throwing me off balance and sending me tumbling forward and falling flat on my face.
Probably hitting myself in the muzzle during that too, all the while Vera simply and gracefully steps back.
Of course, I use Escape Artist and get back on my hooves right away like it didn't even happen.
>>427232
Looks like I didn't count for the extra weight of the metal handle.
Which is a bit more than I anticipated.
Instead of playful sweep it ends up as a widely arched swing throwing me off balance and sending me tumbling forward and falling flat on my face.
Probably hitting myself in the muzzle during that too, all the while Vera simply and gracefully steps back.
Of course, I use Escape Artist and get back on my hooves right away like it didn't even happen.
>>429543
That IS the endgame.
This is your last chance to faff until I throw you into it and put a time limit on getting there.
>>429542
He has an office. Go have a chat.
>>429545
You slap him on the ass.
"Whoa! Hey now~
What brings you here then?"
>>429544
If you want to thank any of them for their aid, they are available.
That IS the endgame.
This is your last chance to faff until I throw you into it and put a time limit on getting there.
>>429542
He has an office. Go have a chat.
>>429545
You slap him on the ass.
"Whoa! Hey now~
What brings you here then?"
>>429544
If you want to thank any of them for their aid, they are available.
>>429561
I look at my newly forged weapons.
"… We did. I never thought I would have made it this far."
I give her a melancholic smile
"You know… I didn't even want to be here during my first year. I wanted to go to the mage academy, not the paladin academy… But that was a different Star back then. Thanks to my friends… I changed my views on things."
I look at my newly forged weapons.
"… We did. I never thought I would have made it this far."
I give her a melancholic smile
"You know… I didn't even want to be here during my first year. I wanted to go to the mage academy, not the paladin academy… But that was a different Star back then. Thanks to my friends… I changed my views on things."
>>429567
"Are you sure lad?
Once you know, you can't exactly turn back on it."
>>429568
"Yeah… heh… things did get a bit crazy that night, didn't they?"
>>429569
"If he wanted me gone he would have thrown me out years ago. That's clearly not his goal…"
>>429570
"The cautious ones and the skilled ones.
And those who knows when heroism is not the best option.
…I see you found some inspiration among the fallen?"
He glances at your gun
"Are you sure lad?
Once you know, you can't exactly turn back on it."
>>429568
"Yeah… heh… things did get a bit crazy that night, didn't they?"
>>429569
"If he wanted me gone he would have thrown me out years ago. That's clearly not his goal…"
>>429570
"The cautious ones and the skilled ones.
And those who knows when heroism is not the best option.
…I see you found some inspiration among the fallen?"
He glances at your gun
>>429571
Hold it out.
"Revelation. 'The making unknown of the unknown.' It seemed a fitting name. But… you're right. I felt a connection right away when I saw True Sight's repeater in the Reliquary. This one has a modified stock and compensator… and the barrel is made out of a custom alloy that I made myself."
Give a distant smile. "They… don't prepare you for the connection you have to your weapon, do they? I didn't think it would be this strong so quickly…"
Hold it out.
"Revelation. 'The making unknown of the unknown.' It seemed a fitting name. But… you're right. I felt a connection right away when I saw True Sight's repeater in the Reliquary. This one has a modified stock and compensator… and the barrel is made out of a custom alloy that I made myself."
Give a distant smile. "They… don't prepare you for the connection you have to your weapon, do they? I didn't think it would be this strong so quickly…"
>>429572
"Some organizations can ill afford the publicity.
Meet me in my office if you want to take the plunge."
>>429573
"She can be kinda scary at times…"
>>429574
"It's as much part of you as your legs.
Nay. More.
It has a part of your soul in it."
>>429575
"If he wanted me dead, why hasn't he killed me yet?"
He stays silent for a moment
"Vera… look.
I'm sorry about earlier. I know I've been terrible towards you, but… you're everything I have left aside from hunting that collection. And it's just so hard for me to see you shrug me off like you do…"
"Some organizations can ill afford the publicity.
Meet me in my office if you want to take the plunge."
>>429573
"She can be kinda scary at times…"
>>429574
"It's as much part of you as your legs.
Nay. More.
It has a part of your soul in it."
>>429575
"If he wanted me dead, why hasn't he killed me yet?"
He stays silent for a moment
"Vera… look.
I'm sorry about earlier. I know I've been terrible towards you, but… you're everything I have left aside from hunting that collection. And it's just so hard for me to see you shrug me off like you do…"
>>429577
"It's a talent I suppose…
I wish I could surprise a guy like that some day."
>>429578
"A goal I can never attain to replace a goal I must strive hard to attain…
It just feels like I'm giving up here, Vera. Accepting that nothing I want can ever be mine, even for one tiny moment."
>>429579
"Your call lad.
With these things, it always is."
>>429580
"Well. My name is based on my… rocky history with magic, and mages. It carries meaning to me. Reminds me of who I am, how I became what I am, and why I keep going."
"It's a talent I suppose…
I wish I could surprise a guy like that some day."
>>429578
"A goal I can never attain to replace a goal I must strive hard to attain…
It just feels like I'm giving up here, Vera. Accepting that nothing I want can ever be mine, even for one tiny moment."
>>429579
"Your call lad.
With these things, it always is."
>>429580
"Well. My name is based on my… rocky history with magic, and mages. It carries meaning to me. Reminds me of who I am, how I became what I am, and why I keep going."
>>429596
"That depends.
I believe you may have met some of them at the Gala."
>>429597
"Cold Light."
She pulls out a sickle, thin and cold to the touch, reflecting pale light like the moon itself.
>>429598
"I used to be a mare."
>>429599
"Vera, I…
You really should understand by now that you, and… well.. you alone, are what keeps me from going back to what I used to be. Around you I just end up acting nicer. More honorable. Helpful and kind.
Or, so I think.
But you keep saying that's not enough for you."
"That depends.
I believe you may have met some of them at the Gala."
>>429597
"Cold Light."
She pulls out a sickle, thin and cold to the touch, reflecting pale light like the moon itself.
>>429598
"I used to be a mare."
>>429599
"Vera, I…
You really should understand by now that you, and… well.. you alone, are what keeps me from going back to what I used to be. Around you I just end up acting nicer. More honorable. Helpful and kind.
Or, so I think.
But you keep saying that's not enough for you."
>>429600
Through pursed lips, I'll say slowly.
"It does. Not. Matter."
Then, shut my eyes and sit down.
"What should I do, Leaf? Throw myself in your hooves because you say you love me?
I don't! There is one pony I ever felt something for and I don't even understand what!
And soon me and her will forever be apart, and battle will be all I've left!"
Look at him on the verge of tears.
"I'm going to lose you too, aren't I?"
Through pursed lips, I'll say slowly.
"It does. Not. Matter."
Then, shut my eyes and sit down.
"What should I do, Leaf? Throw myself in your hooves because you say you love me?
I don't! There is one pony I ever felt something for and I don't even understand what!
And soon me and her will forever be apart, and battle will be all I've left!"
Look at him on the verge of tears.
"I'm going to lose you too, aren't I?"
>>429602
"I thought the name would have tipped you off.
It's kind of a long story."
>>429601
"If what you said is true, I'm a marked man, Vera. Part of some grand scheme too big for me or you to solve on our own. So what can I do, except await what is to come?
Unless you happen to have a plan to stop it?"
>>429603
"Not every hero wears shining armor, lad.
There is more to heroism than fame."
>>429604
"It is, isn't it? Light as air too. I have no idea how I managed that…"
"I thought the name would have tipped you off.
It's kind of a long story."
>>429601
"If what you said is true, I'm a marked man, Vera. Part of some grand scheme too big for me or you to solve on our own. So what can I do, except await what is to come?
Unless you happen to have a plan to stop it?"
>>429603
"Not every hero wears shining armor, lad.
There is more to heroism than fame."
>>429604
"It is, isn't it? Light as air too. I have no idea how I managed that…"
>>429685
"We join Falconwreath's elite in Canterlot. And never look back."
>>429689
"Longer than you. I'm still your dad, it's just that when I was your age, I sure wasn't a stallion.
I had some years experience by then, and had cornered a mage. Wounded and knowing he was done for, he cursed me with his last remaining power just to ensure I had something to remember him by.
Thing were a bit weird for the first year or two… but I grew into it."
>>429692
"It would have given me something to truly rely on, in and out of battle. Someone more than a comrade in arms or a friend. Someone I could never see as expendable.
A reason to come back alive."
"We join Falconwreath's elite in Canterlot. And never look back."
>>429689
"Longer than you. I'm still your dad, it's just that when I was your age, I sure wasn't a stallion.
I had some years experience by then, and had cornered a mage. Wounded and knowing he was done for, he cursed me with his last remaining power just to ensure I had something to remember him by.
Thing were a bit weird for the first year or two… but I grew into it."
>>429692
"It would have given me something to truly rely on, in and out of battle. Someone more than a comrade in arms or a friend. Someone I could never see as expendable.
A reason to come back alive."
>>429766
"I can hardly wait to show it to the moon."
>>429771
She puts her hoof on it
"But now I do."
>>429774
"What else do I have left?
Once a thief… always a thief it seems.
I have not found myself in prayer, in battle or in parade. Only when in the shadows, and making my own path.. have a I felt at peace."
"I can hardly wait to show it to the moon."
>>429771
She puts her hoof on it
"But now I do."
>>429774
"What else do I have left?
Once a thief… always a thief it seems.
I have not found myself in prayer, in battle or in parade. Only when in the shadows, and making my own path.. have a I felt at peace."
>>429822
"Even so, if you two would work together, you'd have a higher chance of success. Because if both of you go it alone, you're probably going to die."
I'll pause a second.
"And I need to see that collection too. Find out what's bothering Papaver once and for all, and then get rid of it."
"Even so, if you two would work together, you'd have a higher chance of success. Because if both of you go it alone, you're probably going to die."
I'll pause a second.
"And I need to see that collection too. Find out what's bothering Papaver once and for all, and then get rid of it."
>>429837
"Raise yours better than I did mine lad."
>>429838
"Well below. It has come to my attention that the bestiary sewers may actually be part of the same larger waste disposal network of the academy. And considering what those things eat, it's rather more… robust.
With the right tools, it could be broken into, and used to navigate one's way into the part that feeds into the Dungeons, bypassing all the guards inbetween.
From there… it's just a question of finding just where the entrance to the Collection is."
>>429850
"I've spent your entire life and more looking for a fix. I've yet to find one."
"Raise yours better than I did mine lad."
>>429838
"Well below. It has come to my attention that the bestiary sewers may actually be part of the same larger waste disposal network of the academy. And considering what those things eat, it's rather more… robust.
With the right tools, it could be broken into, and used to navigate one's way into the part that feeds into the Dungeons, bypassing all the guards inbetween.
From there… it's just a question of finding just where the entrance to the Collection is."
>>429850
"I've spent your entire life and more looking for a fix. I've yet to find one."
>>429879
"Where to now, my love?"
>>429875
"Trust me, ponies do change.
When I met Leaf, he was full of life and laughter. A pony of friendship and charisma.
Then he grew colder and more hollow with every passing month, losing everyone around him.
I stuck along as long as I could, but his obsessions are beyond what I can stomach."
"Where to now, my love?"
>>429875
"Trust me, ponies do change.
When I met Leaf, he was full of life and laughter. A pony of friendship and charisma.
Then he grew colder and more hollow with every passing month, losing everyone around him.
I stuck along as long as I could, but his obsessions are beyond what I can stomach."
>>429886
"All it takes is one pony reaching out his hoof to the other to change someone, Balsa. Look what happened to Star. Look what happened to Leaf, even, after he started hanging around with Papaver. If you tell him that working together with you will help Papaver, he'll do it. I can almost guarantee that."
"All it takes is one pony reaching out his hoof to the other to change someone, Balsa. Look what happened to Star. Look what happened to Leaf, even, after he started hanging around with Papaver. If you tell him that working together with you will help Papaver, he'll do it. I can almost guarantee that."
>>429915
"Oh?
…what of it?"
>>429916
"Below the dungeons. I happened to find a map of the waste disposal system. It's intentionally confusing and labyrinthine, made to look as if it was built as a layer cake of afterthoughts.
But if you clear out all the chaos, there is a space large enough to house a large vault a corridor below the area marked as the dungeons in other maps."
>>429917
"I feel as you feel. After all, I am a part of you."
>>429918
"New we decide if the Academy still has something to offer… or if we should move on."
"Oh?
…what of it?"
>>429916
"Below the dungeons. I happened to find a map of the waste disposal system. It's intentionally confusing and labyrinthine, made to look as if it was built as a layer cake of afterthoughts.
But if you clear out all the chaos, there is a space large enough to house a large vault a corridor below the area marked as the dungeons in other maps."
>>429917
"I feel as you feel. After all, I am a part of you."
>>429918
"New we decide if the Academy still has something to offer… or if we should move on."
>>429934
"Well, it's about to get a little stranger. I'm going to try and talk Sidus into helping us out as well. He made himself a skeleton key and sneaksuit at some point, and he's scored most of Balsa's notes off of him for winning a bet. So now I just have to convince him this isn't a race, and the more of us that go there to help Vera, the easier it will be."
"Well, it's about to get a little stranger. I'm going to try and talk Sidus into helping us out as well. He made himself a skeleton key and sneaksuit at some point, and he's scored most of Balsa's notes off of him for winning a bet. So now I just have to convince him this isn't a race, and the more of us that go there to help Vera, the easier it will be."
>>429938
I'll think a moment.
"I… haven't asked yet. I don't want her to, honestly, because whatever's in the vault might be waiting for her to show up, and if she doesn't then we can destroy it without risk to her. But… if you want me to ask her, I will. She's got a reason both to be there, and not to be."
I'll think a moment.
"I… haven't asked yet. I don't want her to, honestly, because whatever's in the vault might be waiting for her to show up, and if she doesn't then we can destroy it without risk to her. But… if you want me to ask her, I will. She's got a reason both to be there, and not to be."
>>429991
Chuckle. "I thought I was the one who changed. I matured. I realized that I don't need to be so dogmatic. Being an Inquisitor is about questioning the preconceived and uncovering the truth, not about sticking to rigid laws. That's what got the Inquisition a bad name in the first place. And it's with this new mindset I think that it is important we find out the truth."
Give her the same look in return.
Chuckle. "I thought I was the one who changed. I matured. I realized that I don't need to be so dogmatic. Being an Inquisitor is about questioning the preconceived and uncovering the truth, not about sticking to rigid laws. That's what got the Inquisition a bad name in the first place. And it's with this new mindset I think that it is important we find out the truth."
Give her the same look in return.
>>430204
"…"
I'll just shake my head.
"No. Anyway, it's about the collection. I've managed to get Leaf Blade and Balsawood to work together again on it, and we know where the door might be. So I wanted to bring you into it as well, since between the four of us we should be able to handle whatever's in there that's trying to drag Papaver to it."
"…"
I'll just shake my head.
"No. Anyway, it's about the collection. I've managed to get Leaf Blade and Balsawood to work together again on it, and we know where the door might be. So I wanted to bring you into it as well, since between the four of us we should be able to handle whatever's in there that's trying to drag Papaver to it."
>>430209
I'll frown a little.
"Sidus, can you set your ego aside for a minute and focus on why getting into the collection is important? I know you still think it's a race, and that you're in the lead, but what good is that going to do when whatever or whoever's guarding the collection surrounds you because you went in alone?"
I'll frown a little.
"Sidus, can you set your ego aside for a minute and focus on why getting into the collection is important? I know you still think it's a race, and that you're in the lead, but what good is that going to do when whatever or whoever's guarding the collection surrounds you because you went in alone?"
>>430221
"Don't 'psstch' me, Sidus. What would you do if she got hurt because you were too arrogant to work with others? You may be good, Tartarus, you may be great, but you're not perfect. No pony is. And if you two go it alone then the chances of you getting hurt, or killed, goes up. I don't want to have to clean your bones out of the monster cages, Sidus. I'm telling you this as a friend."
"Don't 'psstch' me, Sidus. What would you do if she got hurt because you were too arrogant to work with others? You may be good, Tartarus, you may be great, but you're not perfect. No pony is. And if you two go it alone then the chances of you getting hurt, or killed, goes up. I don't want to have to clean your bones out of the monster cages, Sidus. I'm telling you this as a friend."
>>430241
"Aren't I allowed to worry about my friends? It's the only reason I'm even planning on going down there. No one, pony or demon, is going to mess with my friend's head. I was hoping you'd at least work with us with that in mind, but I guess you just care about the glory and accomplishment of it."
I'll wave a hoof.
"And if you don't, then that sure as heck isn't what I'm hearing."
"Aren't I allowed to worry about my friends? It's the only reason I'm even planning on going down there. No one, pony or demon, is going to mess with my friend's head. I was hoping you'd at least work with us with that in mind, but I guess you just care about the glory and accomplishment of it."
I'll wave a hoof.
"And if you don't, then that sure as heck isn't what I'm hearing."
>>430263
I'll shake my head.
"No, Sidus. I'm serious. Wait for us to all go in together. I can get us in easy enough thanks to having helped out the Head Custodian enough to trusted with the key, and I can sneak the rest of you in there in a cart or something. Just… please, don't go running off on your own."
I'll shake my head.
"No, Sidus. I'm serious. Wait for us to all go in together. I can get us in easy enough thanks to having helped out the Head Custodian enough to trusted with the key, and I can sneak the rest of you in there in a cart or something. Just… please, don't go running off on your own."
>>430318
"I think you got it backwards. You tossed the training spear to the ground without a care, and I'm the one who told you to respect your weapons, even training ones."
I'll think a minute.
"Now that I think on it, I think I owe you a rematch. We can take care of that after the collection's taken care of."
"I think you got it backwards. You tossed the training spear to the ground without a care, and I'm the one who told you to respect your weapons, even training ones."
I'll think a minute.
"Now that I think on it, I think I owe you a rematch. We can take care of that after the collection's taken care of."
>>434321
"It's perfectly fine to trust the Sisters, Papaver, but that doesn't mean you don't have to lock the barn door at night."
I'll rub my nose.
"And you haven't even told Nock or Star about this, have you? This whole problem. I haven't mentioned it to Star because I thought you, being her roommate, would have talked this over with her."
"It's perfectly fine to trust the Sisters, Papaver, but that doesn't mean you don't have to lock the barn door at night."
I'll rub my nose.
"And you haven't even told Nock or Star about this, have you? This whole problem. I haven't mentioned it to Star because I thought you, being her roommate, would have talked this over with her."
>>434327
I'll just roll my eyes again.
"If I wasn't prepared for trouble, I wouldn't have been your friend."
I'll start to turn towards the main hallway.
"If you don't want me going down there, Vera, you're going to have to rat me out to the teachers. Because otherwise, I'm going down there and dealing with whatever's been attacking your dreams."
I'll just roll my eyes again.
"If I wasn't prepared for trouble, I wouldn't have been your friend."
I'll start to turn towards the main hallway.
"If you don't want me going down there, Vera, you're going to have to rat me out to the teachers. Because otherwise, I'm going down there and dealing with whatever's been attacking your dreams."
>>434334
"Probably one of several reasons. He either doesn't care, is sure we won't succeed, or thinks you can talk us out of it. Taking the first one out of consideration, and you not fulfilling the third one, that leaves the second."
I'll frown a little.
"And I'll be damned if I don't prove him wrong."
"Probably one of several reasons. He either doesn't care, is sure we won't succeed, or thinks you can talk us out of it. Taking the first one out of consideration, and you not fulfilling the third one, that leaves the second."
I'll frown a little.
"And I'll be damned if I don't prove him wrong."
>>434346
"Well, then, we'll give him more than he bargained for. And he may only want you to enter it. You're the one who's been having the bad dreams. If the rest of us go in, nothing will probably happen except we'll break a few priceless heretical artifacts and hopefully stop your nightmares."
"Well, then, we'll give him more than he bargained for. And he may only want you to enter it. You're the one who's been having the bad dreams. If the rest of us go in, nothing will probably happen except we'll break a few priceless heretical artifacts and hopefully stop your nightmares."