File: 1340558463687.png (1.33 MB, 1366x768, Bordelands OP.png)
A century has passed since the Royal Alicorn Sisters defeated Discord and united the pony races.
Our story takes place on the the two shores of the great river Elin, which serves as the natural border between Equestria and the barren Wastelands beyond.
There is only one massive bridge crossing the river where it is the narrowest, and that bridge is guarded by the Fortress-City of High Trotgar.
It served as an impenetrable bastion during war times with it's three seperate sets of walls, and a castle at top, but ever since the peaceful rule of the Royal Sisters, the only purpose it serves is to keep away monsters from the Wasteland that might seek to wander into Equestria.
You wandered out here behind the beyond, maybe to seek to make a fortune, maybe to explore the wild territores of the beyond…
Repost your character sheets, just for good measure.
Our story takes place on the the two shores of the great river Elin, which serves as the natural border between Equestria and the barren Wastelands beyond.
There is only one massive bridge crossing the river where it is the narrowest, and that bridge is guarded by the Fortress-City of High Trotgar.
It served as an impenetrable bastion during war times with it's three seperate sets of walls, and a castle at top, but ever since the peaceful rule of the Royal Sisters, the only purpose it serves is to keep away monsters from the Wasteland that might seek to wander into Equestria.
You wandered out here behind the beyond, maybe to seek to make a fortune, maybe to explore the wild territores of the beyond…
Repost your character sheets, just for good measure.
File: 1340558520010.png (18.63 KB, 441x446, Map.png)
Also I made this terrible map for some visual aid.
Name: Tatanka
Race: Buffalo
Class: Knight
Special Talent: Slam
Armor: Thick iron plate (superheavy armor)
Weapon: His helmet
Skills: Slam, Superheavy Armour Proficiency, Sentry, Suppress
Inventory: Rations, water, some coins, armor oil, armor polish
Racial talent: Huge
Alignment: Chaotic Good/no deity
Race: Buffalo
Class: Knight
Special Talent: Slam
Armor: Thick iron plate (superheavy armor)
Weapon: His helmet
Skills: Slam, Superheavy Armour Proficiency, Sentry, Suppress
Inventory: Rations, water, some coins, armor oil, armor polish
Racial talent: Huge
Alignment: Chaotic Good/no deity
Name: Yvonne
Race: Earth pone
Class: Wildguard
Alignment: True neutral (worships nature)
Skills: Blast and Root, Ironbark armour
Cutie Mark: proficiency in polearms such as spears and poleaxes
Equipment: A spear and a short sword Light armour (counts as medium due to my skill)
Inventory: supplies and natural remedies.
Race: Earth pone
Class: Wildguard
Alignment: True neutral (worships nature)
Skills: Blast and Root, Ironbark armour
Cutie Mark: proficiency in polearms such as spears and poleaxes
Equipment: A spear and a short sword Light armour (counts as medium due to my skill)
Inventory: supplies and natural remedies.
Name: Ariccia
Race: Unicorn
Gender: Female
Class: Cleric
Alignment: Neutral Good
Skills: Heal (1), Cure (1), Compassion (1), Improved telekinesis (1)
Cutie Mark: a bent spoon (Good at telekinesis)
Inventory: Food rations, a canteen with water, a knife, a steel mace, robes
Description: Former dentist who was fired from her job after pulling out every tooth from a customer while drunk. Forced to go to a monestary afterwards to redeem herself for her shamefur dispray of incompetence and idiocy.
Race: Unicorn
Gender: Female
Class: Cleric
Alignment: Neutral Good
Skills: Heal (1), Cure (1), Compassion (1), Improved telekinesis (1)
Cutie Mark: a bent spoon (Good at telekinesis)
Inventory: Food rations, a canteen with water, a knife, a steel mace, robes
Description: Former dentist who was fired from her job after pulling out every tooth from a customer while drunk. Forced to go to a monestary afterwards to redeem herself for her shamefur dispray of incompetence and idiocy.
File: 1340558775846.jpg (81.43 KB, 320x360, feldspar.jpg)
Judge "Fudge" Feldspar
Unicorn (m)
Warlord
Command (0) Word of Power (1) Judgement (1) Inspire (1)
Heavy armour
Greatsword that is blunt on one side
Lawful Neutral follower of THE LAW
Inventory: book of THE LAW, rope, several small burlap sacks with CRIMINAL written on them
A stoic follower of THE LAW who hates all things criminal or ambiguous. He prefers to see everything in clear cut black and white.
Unicorn (m)
Warlord
Command (0) Word of Power (1) Judgement (1) Inspire (1)
Heavy armour
Greatsword that is blunt on one side
Lawful Neutral follower of THE LAW
Inventory: book of THE LAW, rope, several small burlap sacks with CRIMINAL written on them
A stoic follower of THE LAW who hates all things criminal or ambiguous. He prefers to see everything in clear cut black and white.
Raventail
Zebra (f)
Deathmaster
Chaotic Neutral
Stealth, backstab, commune, death puppet
Speciality: perusation
Weapon: twin daggers, throwing knives
Armour: light armour
Inventory: mirror, makeup, poison flask
Personality: quick to trust others, but slow to appease if said trust is broken. Formerly worked as a smuggler, courtesan and thief. Currently on the hunt for a certain somepone who sold her short on a deal. Has gone by many other names in the past.
Zebra (f)
Deathmaster
Chaotic Neutral
Stealth, backstab, commune, death puppet
Speciality: perusation
Weapon: twin daggers, throwing knives
Armour: light armour
Inventory: mirror, makeup, poison flask
Personality: quick to trust others, but slow to appease if said trust is broken. Formerly worked as a smuggler, courtesan and thief. Currently on the hunt for a certain somepone who sold her short on a deal. Has gone by many other names in the past.
You have ventured to faraway lands, and found yourself on the very border of Equestria.
You are in the city of High Trotgar, and as you were looking for a job, you were directed to the Keep of the City.
A guard lead you to a big hall, and told you to wait there.
From the looks of it, you weren't the only one, since others are present too.
Perhaps they are here for the same reason as you are? Maybe you should get to know them.
You are in the city of High Trotgar, and as you were looking for a job, you were directed to the Keep of the City.
A guard lead you to a big hall, and told you to wait there.
From the looks of it, you weren't the only one, since others are present too.
Perhaps they are here for the same reason as you are? Maybe you should get to know them.
As you spend your time chatting away with the others, one of the side doors open as a unicorn stallion in fancy clothes trots in.
He greets you with a big smile, and procceds to shake hooves with every single one of you.
"Ah, welcome, welcome! It's good to see some brave, new faces here! I am Advisor Golden Words! I work here in the Keep to keep everything stable!"
He chuckles at his own joke, then continues to talk in a cheerful tone.
"It's a pleasure to have you here, but this is no holiday resort, oh no! The Commander will sure to have some tasks for you, and they might not be without danger… and he doesn't like when others keep him waiting either."
He looks over the party.
"Don't worry though, I'm sure you can take care of yourselves and will have no trouble whatsoever!"
He claps his hooves together.
"So, shall I lead you to him right now, or do you have any questions? I'll gladly answer all of them, just be quick about it!"
He greets you with a big smile, and procceds to shake hooves with every single one of you.
"Ah, welcome, welcome! It's good to see some brave, new faces here! I am Advisor Golden Words! I work here in the Keep to keep everything stable!"
He chuckles at his own joke, then continues to talk in a cheerful tone.
"It's a pleasure to have you here, but this is no holiday resort, oh no! The Commander will sure to have some tasks for you, and they might not be without danger… and he doesn't like when others keep him waiting either."
He looks over the party.
"Don't worry though, I'm sure you can take care of yourselves and will have no trouble whatsoever!"
He claps his hooves together.
"So, shall I lead you to him right now, or do you have any questions? I'll gladly answer all of them, just be quick about it!"
>>22205
"Dat is true to an extend. But I have long since waved goodbye ta my homelands, and along wid dem, many of out traditions."
>>22206
"Les just say he an I go back a long enough way ta make de trip worth it."
>>22207
"Dats good, pone. I don need any pointless trouble. De trouble I get inta on me own is often enough."
>>22209
"Oh das actually quite true. A lodda us do like ta eat pones. Especially de leetle ones."
Flash a quick smile.
"Dat is true to an extend. But I have long since waved goodbye ta my homelands, and along wid dem, many of out traditions."
>>22206
"Les just say he an I go back a long enough way ta make de trip worth it."
>>22207
"Dats good, pone. I don need any pointless trouble. De trouble I get inta on me own is often enough."
>>22209
"Oh das actually quite true. A lodda us do like ta eat pones. Especially de leetle ones."
Flash a quick smile.
>>22214
>>22215
>>22217
"Oh, that I do not know! I was just told that we have work, and we have available work force! The Commander will tell you all the actual details, I'm just here to lead you to him!"
>>22216
"We will be able to grant you food from the same canteen the soldiers use as soon as you are done with whatever you need to be done with!
>>22215
>>22217
"Oh, that I do not know! I was just told that we have work, and we have available work force! The Commander will tell you all the actual details, I'm just here to lead you to him!"
>>22216
"We will be able to grant you food from the same canteen the soldiers use as soon as you are done with whatever you need to be done with!
>>22211
"The law exists to apply to all. None can be above it, and none can exist beyond it. I am here, as my brothers are elsewhere, to ensure so is the case, and so it remains."
>>22212
"Your words are all too common to my ears."
Rotate the sharp side of my sword to face the ranger
"And they often end up not being too far from the last ones of such individuals. You would do well not to openly disregard the law near me."
>>22213
"Who is in charge of maintaining order around here? I am with the Order of Order and my first duty here is to assess the base situation. I wish to speak with the head lawpony at once."
"The law exists to apply to all. None can be above it, and none can exist beyond it. I am here, as my brothers are elsewhere, to ensure so is the case, and so it remains."
>>22212
"Your words are all too common to my ears."
Rotate the sharp side of my sword to face the ranger
"And they often end up not being too far from the last ones of such individuals. You would do well not to openly disregard the law near me."
>>22213
"Who is in charge of maintaining order around here? I am with the Order of Order and my first duty here is to assess the base situation. I wish to speak with the head lawpony at once."
He starts to lead you down a corridor
>>22223
"I'm sure we will be able to find you a place in the barracks if you do well!"
He leanes a bit closer to whisper to you.
"And even if you fail, I'll make sure to speak with one of the innkeepers to let you stay for a day or two or my expense."
>>22222
"Oh, that would be Commader Grit. He is in command of everything here! The leader of the keep, the hoofmen, the training of soldiers, the guards, everything! We are going to him right now, don't worry!"
>>22228
"Well, the last someponies who entered are right here!"
He chuckles.
"Or are you looking for a specific somepony? I don't remember anyone new apart from you and this group entering the City in the near past. Have you checked the nearby Village already?"
>>22223
"I'm sure we will be able to find you a place in the barracks if you do well!"
He leanes a bit closer to whisper to you.
"And even if you fail, I'll make sure to speak with one of the innkeepers to let you stay for a day or two or my expense."
>>22222
"Oh, that would be Commader Grit. He is in command of everything here! The leader of the keep, the hoofmen, the training of soldiers, the guards, everything! We are going to him right now, don't worry!"
>>22228
"Well, the last someponies who entered are right here!"
He chuckles.
"Or are you looking for a specific somepony? I don't remember anyone new apart from you and this group entering the City in the near past. Have you checked the nearby Village already?"
>>22235
"Then I will follow. This Commander shall be the rock upon which I will build this place's temple of law. And a foundation must always be inspected."
>>22241
"A stronger nature, good knight. One empowered by a higher power. And what higher power is there than the power that applies to us all? In short - that which can change the nature of a pony, is me."
"Then I will follow. This Commander shall be the rock upon which I will build this place's temple of law. And a foundation must always be inspected."
>>22241
"A stronger nature, good knight. One empowered by a higher power. And what higher power is there than the power that applies to us all? In short - that which can change the nature of a pony, is me."
>>22239
>>22240
"It's nothing really! It's the least I can do, I love meeting new people, and there are hardly anyone new here! I cheris the rare occasions when we get visitors!"
He tursn to Ariccia as he walks.
"You couldn't find a safer place than the area within this walls anywhere in Equestria! As for what they keep out, they were originally built to withstand sieges from ponies on the outside, but ever since the Great Peace, it only serves to keep the Wasteland and it's inhabitats out."
He stops at a great door, and turns to face you.
"Well, here we are!"
His cheerful tone dies down a little.
"Don't be scared of the Commander, he maybe a little stern, but he only strives to do what's best for us and Equestria!"
>>22240
"It's nothing really! It's the least I can do, I love meeting new people, and there are hardly anyone new here! I cheris the rare occasions when we get visitors!"
He tursn to Ariccia as he walks.
"You couldn't find a safer place than the area within this walls anywhere in Equestria! As for what they keep out, they were originally built to withstand sieges from ponies on the outside, but ever since the Great Peace, it only serves to keep the Wasteland and it's inhabitats out."
He stops at a great door, and turns to face you.
"Well, here we are!"
His cheerful tone dies down a little.
"Don't be scared of the Commander, he maybe a little stern, but he only strives to do what's best for us and Equestria!"
>>22243
>>22245
"I will not say I am keeping my eye on you. I keep my eye on everypony. But I will admit that you are certainly not making it easy for me to see you as being with me. That makes it all the more easier to see you being against me. And those against me, are often against the Law, and thus, enemies of all ponykind.
But I will not judge you on that quite yet."
>>22245
"I will not say I am keeping my eye on you. I keep my eye on everypony. But I will admit that you are certainly not making it easy for me to see you as being with me. That makes it all the more easier to see you being against me. And those against me, are often against the Law, and thus, enemies of all ponykind.
But I will not judge you on that quite yet."
>>22259
"A moment of lapsity spawns a lifetime of chaos. I cannot allow such a thought to so much as cross my mind"
>>22263
"That is how the Law demands I see things. You can either follow the law, or break the law. There is no middle ground in that. The law is equal to all creatures and all situations. So must I."
Take out my book of THE LAW and silently read a few passages, then make a few notes and follow Golden Words.
"A moment of lapsity spawns a lifetime of chaos. I cannot allow such a thought to so much as cross my mind"
>>22263
"That is how the Law demands I see things. You can either follow the law, or break the law. There is no middle ground in that. The law is equal to all creatures and all situations. So must I."
Take out my book of THE LAW and silently read a few passages, then make a few notes and follow Golden Words.
>>22266
"And I would gladly ignore such a childish and insolent comment, were it not directed at that which I have sword to protect and uphold. I will let you off on a warning for being a first time offender, but mark my words and mark them well. I will not be afraid to judge you if you push me again."
"And I would gladly ignore such a childish and insolent comment, were it not directed at that which I have sword to protect and uphold. I will let you off on a warning for being a first time offender, but mark my words and mark them well. I will not be afraid to judge you if you push me again."
>>22248
"Never heard of him, sorry, and I know just about anyone here!"
He thinks to himself for a bit, then talks again.
"I'll ask around some of my friends and sources, maybe they will know more!"
>>22271
Golden Words opens the large set of double doors with his magic, and steps back with a bow.
"I'll let you talk with him now, he doesn't like when I, as he says, 'babysit visitors'… Good luck! And doN't worry!"
He stays outside, and as you step inside, you take in the view of the hall.
It's a big room, and looks like a throne room, but instead of a throne, there is a table with maps on it.
A big bodied, gruff looking earth pony in bronze hued armor is standing next to it, explaining something to two younger officers.
When he notices the party, he tells something to the officers again, and sends them on they way, who in response rush out of the room, leaving you alone with him.
He steps down from the podium of the tactician table, and starts to speak.
"All right, listen up maggots! I don't know why you are here and nor do I care.
I'm short on ponies as it is, since the Princesses don't think that our work here is serious. They think we are just here to prepare for a siege from an imaginary enemy that will never come in these peaceful times.
They are wrong. The Wasteland is worse than any foe in war. Yet they cut the numbers of our forces each year.
To make matters worse, there are seeds of a rebellion in the nearby village that is responsible for making the food for us.
You are all mercenaries for me. If you do well, you get paid.
I have two tasks for you.
One of them is a routine task, you need to go out to the Wasteland, and check up on the Rock Farmers who live there.
Their farms are near the river, and not too dangerous for rookies like you. One of the families reported that they haven't seen sings of another family, but I can't spare any soldiers to check on them.
Go out, speak with the Pick family, do a recon mission to the other farm, and report what you found. If nothing is wrong, I'll need a report for why they were silent.
The other will be a bit more complex, but more rewarding if you succeed.
We have proof that there is a rebellion forming in the village of Wheatly, sabotaging ships in our docks, attacking caravans, undermining the safety of both the city and the village itself, and stealing supplies.
I don't have enough guards to send there to investigate however.
We suspect that the leader of this rebellion is the former ruler of this castle, ex-High Mage Crystal Clear.
If we get her, we can end this uprising of hers with one swing. You must go to the Village, find her, and capture her, dead or alive."
He stops pacing around, and looks at you.
"So which one will it be, maggots?"
"Never heard of him, sorry, and I know just about anyone here!"
He thinks to himself for a bit, then talks again.
"I'll ask around some of my friends and sources, maybe they will know more!"
>>22271
Golden Words opens the large set of double doors with his magic, and steps back with a bow.
"I'll let you talk with him now, he doesn't like when I, as he says, 'babysit visitors'… Good luck! And doN't worry!"
He stays outside, and as you step inside, you take in the view of the hall.
It's a big room, and looks like a throne room, but instead of a throne, there is a table with maps on it.
A big bodied, gruff looking earth pony in bronze hued armor is standing next to it, explaining something to two younger officers.
When he notices the party, he tells something to the officers again, and sends them on they way, who in response rush out of the room, leaving you alone with him.
He steps down from the podium of the tactician table, and starts to speak.
"All right, listen up maggots! I don't know why you are here and nor do I care.
I'm short on ponies as it is, since the Princesses don't think that our work here is serious. They think we are just here to prepare for a siege from an imaginary enemy that will never come in these peaceful times.
They are wrong. The Wasteland is worse than any foe in war. Yet they cut the numbers of our forces each year.
To make matters worse, there are seeds of a rebellion in the nearby village that is responsible for making the food for us.
You are all mercenaries for me. If you do well, you get paid.
I have two tasks for you.
One of them is a routine task, you need to go out to the Wasteland, and check up on the Rock Farmers who live there.
Their farms are near the river, and not too dangerous for rookies like you. One of the families reported that they haven't seen sings of another family, but I can't spare any soldiers to check on them.
Go out, speak with the Pick family, do a recon mission to the other farm, and report what you found. If nothing is wrong, I'll need a report for why they were silent.
The other will be a bit more complex, but more rewarding if you succeed.
We have proof that there is a rebellion forming in the village of Wheatly, sabotaging ships in our docks, attacking caravans, undermining the safety of both the city and the village itself, and stealing supplies.
I don't have enough guards to send there to investigate however.
We suspect that the leader of this rebellion is the former ruler of this castle, ex-High Mage Crystal Clear.
If we get her, we can end this uprising of hers with one swing. You must go to the Village, find her, and capture her, dead or alive."
He stops pacing around, and looks at you.
"So which one will it be, maggots?"
>>22273
"Judge Feldspar, Order of Order. I have come here to account and eliminate any and indeed all possible sources of lawlessness, crime, criminal activity, law-bending, unlawful conduct, etc etc.
You speak of treason, rebellion, theft, sabotage, assault and subterfuge ahoof in the village? Then that is where my place belongs.
Provided your accusations are true, that is.
I act as the law demands, and the law demands evidence. What have you to show?"
"Judge Feldspar, Order of Order. I have come here to account and eliminate any and indeed all possible sources of lawlessness, crime, criminal activity, law-bending, unlawful conduct, etc etc.
You speak of treason, rebellion, theft, sabotage, assault and subterfuge ahoof in the village? Then that is where my place belongs.
Provided your accusations are true, that is.
I act as the law demands, and the law demands evidence. What have you to show?"
>>22284
>>22282
>>22280
>>22279
"Make up your frail little minds already, I don't have all day!"
>>22287
"Commander Grit of High Trotgar.
If you wish for evidence you could go to the docks to see the damaged ships, talk to the merchants who got robbed of their wares or visit the graves of those who were murdered in muggings, or my Advisor to account you on missing food and gears. You could, but you won't need that. I am the Law here, and it is true, I have seen it with my own eyes."
>>22288
He shouts at you
"What do I look like, a library?!
Do your jobs first, and if you do better than dog piss I may allow my Advisor to let you near that information."
>>22282
>>22280
>>22279
"Make up your frail little minds already, I don't have all day!"
>>22287
"Commander Grit of High Trotgar.
If you wish for evidence you could go to the docks to see the damaged ships, talk to the merchants who got robbed of their wares or visit the graves of those who were murdered in muggings, or my Advisor to account you on missing food and gears. You could, but you won't need that. I am the Law here, and it is true, I have seen it with my own eyes."
>>22288
He shouts at you
"What do I look like, a library?!
Do your jobs first, and if you do better than dog piss I may allow my Advisor to let you near that information."
>>22292
I tense up as he calls himself the law
"I will indeed speak to your adviser and to the witnesses. And proven their testimony is sufficient to corroborate your accusations, seek out this Crystal Clear for questioning and judgement."
Take a step closer
"But were things to prove themselves the opposite, you can expect me to return here on very different business. A weak foundation is a threat to the entire house, and with a house as great as the entire border here, I cannot permit a single crack in the rock it is built upon. That rock is you. And you alone will bear the weight of this place.
I suggest you tell me anything else you can, for I will not listen to excuses made up in hindsight."
I wait for his response, head held high.
>>22300
"Just don't cause trouble."
I tense up as he calls himself the law
"I will indeed speak to your adviser and to the witnesses. And proven their testimony is sufficient to corroborate your accusations, seek out this Crystal Clear for questioning and judgement."
Take a step closer
"But were things to prove themselves the opposite, you can expect me to return here on very different business. A weak foundation is a threat to the entire house, and with a house as great as the entire border here, I cannot permit a single crack in the rock it is built upon. That rock is you. And you alone will bear the weight of this place.
I suggest you tell me anything else you can, for I will not listen to excuses made up in hindsight."
I wait for his response, head held high.
>>22300
"Just don't cause trouble."
>>22315
"Or throw you in the dungeon for not cooperating."
>>22320
"Four days. The families usually report in every second day, even if they have enough supplies, for safety measures, and situations just like this."
>>22321
"You will do as I say as long as you are here in this City."
He leans closer to you too.
"And you will not question, command or threaten me again, or I will kick your ass so hard you will never sit down again. Understood?"
"Or throw you in the dungeon for not cooperating."
>>22320
"Four days. The families usually report in every second day, even if they have enough supplies, for safety measures, and situations just like this."
>>22321
"You will do as I say as long as you are here in this City."
He leans closer to you too.
"And you will not question, command or threaten me again, or I will kick your ass so hard you will never sit down again. Understood?"
>>22326
"Those with nothing to fear have nothing to hide. I am not here to challenge you, merely to see to it that this city and indeed, these lands, remain in order. Perhaps unfortunately, the pin that seems to hold it all together is you. As such, it is my duty not to question, command or threaten you, but to observe, evaluate and judge you. You have taken a heavy burden, and I can only hope you are capable of carrying it."
Turn to leave
"And if you ever so much as imply assaulting me, either in person or via proxy, I will not hesitate to stand up to the challenge. Equestria needs strong leaders with strong minds, not brutes with thick skulls. Good day."
Go out to seek out the adviser to see if the commander's story checks out
"HURRY ALONG THE REST OF YOU!"
"Those with nothing to fear have nothing to hide. I am not here to challenge you, merely to see to it that this city and indeed, these lands, remain in order. Perhaps unfortunately, the pin that seems to hold it all together is you. As such, it is my duty not to question, command or threaten you, but to observe, evaluate and judge you. You have taken a heavy burden, and I can only hope you are capable of carrying it."
Turn to leave
"And if you ever so much as imply assaulting me, either in person or via proxy, I will not hesitate to stand up to the challenge. Equestria needs strong leaders with strong minds, not brutes with thick skulls. Good day."
Go out to seek out the adviser to see if the commander's story checks out
"HURRY ALONG THE REST OF YOU!"
>>22340
"I assume they will be along shortly. They seemed to just need a little motivation to get on with it.
Now, to business. The commander has made a litany of accusations regarding a pony known as Crystal Clear, accusing the aforementioned of treason, sabotage, masterminding assaults, robberies, murders and a plethora of other crimes. It is imperative that I see all possible evidence of such crimes being committed, and if possible, I would wish to know more of the accused, and see any you have arrested over the cases."
"I assume they will be along shortly. They seemed to just need a little motivation to get on with it.
Now, to business. The commander has made a litany of accusations regarding a pony known as Crystal Clear, accusing the aforementioned of treason, sabotage, masterminding assaults, robberies, murders and a plethora of other crimes. It is imperative that I see all possible evidence of such crimes being committed, and if possible, I would wish to know more of the accused, and see any you have arrested over the cases."
>>22341
>>22342
>>22343
>>22344
>>22346
"Good. Seems it will be the recon mission then."
He glances at the door, and places a hoof at his temple.
"I don't trust that lunatic to go to the Wheatly until he proves himself anyway."
He trots to the table, and starts to write something on a piece of paper.
When he is done, he hands it over to Tatanka.
"Here are your orders. Show this at the gates and they will let you out. Take the Judge with you too. I forbid him from going to the Village yet. If you need anything, just ask Golden Words. Now get out of my sight, all of you."
He turns back to the maps.
>>22342
>>22343
>>22344
>>22346
"Good. Seems it will be the recon mission then."
He glances at the door, and places a hoof at his temple.
"I don't trust that lunatic to go to the Wheatly until he proves himself anyway."
He trots to the table, and starts to write something on a piece of paper.
When he is done, he hands it over to Tatanka.
"Here are your orders. Show this at the gates and they will let you out. Take the Judge with you too. I forbid him from going to the Village yet. If you need anything, just ask Golden Words. Now get out of my sight, all of you."
He turns back to the maps.
>>22352
"Oh, her yes…"
He glances down at the floor embarassedly.
"She was the leader of this place you know. And ponies loved her! Every soldier, citizen, merchant, everypony! And not without a reason, she did her job well."
He starts to make circles with his hooves.
"That is, until there was a bit of quarelling over food ratios. She said that we should cut back second helpings and spare some food, as we barely leave any for the very town and farmerponies that make it! The soldiers didn't like it, they said they had the right to eat as much as they want. The next day, everyone who helped himself for some additional food - more than three dozen ponies - were poisoned and died. Crystal Clear denied everything, slain the guards that were sent to capture her and fled the Keep. Commander Grit has been in charge ever since, and he helped very much with maintaing order after that 'little' incident! As for evidence that she did all these, we can only guess, since we heard rumors of ponies following her in the Village, and she has all the reasons to try and take back the City for herself. Such a shame that she wasn't the kind pony we were lead to believe she is…"
"Oh, her yes…"
He glances down at the floor embarassedly.
"She was the leader of this place you know. And ponies loved her! Every soldier, citizen, merchant, everypony! And not without a reason, she did her job well."
He starts to make circles with his hooves.
"That is, until there was a bit of quarelling over food ratios. She said that we should cut back second helpings and spare some food, as we barely leave any for the very town and farmerponies that make it! The soldiers didn't like it, they said they had the right to eat as much as they want. The next day, everyone who helped himself for some additional food - more than three dozen ponies - were poisoned and died. Crystal Clear denied everything, slain the guards that were sent to capture her and fled the Keep. Commander Grit has been in charge ever since, and he helped very much with maintaing order after that 'little' incident! As for evidence that she did all these, we can only guess, since we heard rumors of ponies following her in the Village, and she has all the reasons to try and take back the City for herself. Such a shame that she wasn't the kind pony we were lead to believe she is…"
>>22365
Make a note
"Very well then, if he so insists. A strong leader does look out for his followers."
Lower my voice and sigh "…but only a fool misses the bigger picture whilst looking at the details…"
"WELL THEN. Given the poor display back there, it seems some leadership is in order here. Who do we appoint?"
Make a note
"Very well then, if he so insists. A strong leader does look out for his followers."
Lower my voice and sigh "…but only a fool misses the bigger picture whilst looking at the details…"
"WELL THEN. Given the poor display back there, it seems some leadership is in order here. Who do we appoint?"
>>22379
"I agree, the buffalo knight seems strong and sensible enough for leadership."
>>22378
"Ohhh well, you know, stuff happened, words were exchanged and mistakes were made. Those kind of things.
They were quite apprehensive about my past and never really trusted me in the first place. So they were quick to discern me when they saw the chance."
"I agree, the buffalo knight seems strong and sensible enough for leadership."
>>22378
"Ohhh well, you know, stuff happened, words were exchanged and mistakes were made. Those kind of things.
They were quite apprehensive about my past and never really trusted me in the first place. So they were quick to discern me when they saw the chance."
>>22379
>>22377
He starts to lead you out of the Keep.
"I'm afraid money is not much use here. We are so far away from the monetary system of Equestria that we need to use these little tickets! I know it sound a bit immature for a city this big, but it works well! Soldiers get it weekly, and can exchange them in the canteen, or at the merchants! The merchants then give the tickets back to us for actual money, which they can spend when the weekly caravans arrive, but only the Treasure-master is allowed to handle it.
I suppose you will get enough tickets to buy yourself some food and new weapons or gear if you need!
And as it happens to be, I do know a bit about the Wasteland! What do you want to know?"
>>22377
He starts to lead you out of the Keep.
"I'm afraid money is not much use here. We are so far away from the monetary system of Equestria that we need to use these little tickets! I know it sound a bit immature for a city this big, but it works well! Soldiers get it weekly, and can exchange them in the canteen, or at the merchants! The merchants then give the tickets back to us for actual money, which they can spend when the weekly caravans arrive, but only the Treasure-master is allowed to handle it.
I suppose you will get enough tickets to buy yourself some food and new weapons or gear if you need!
And as it happens to be, I do know a bit about the Wasteland! What do you want to know?"
>>22369
Jut down some more notes
"You have been most helpful. Now I fear further investigation into this is pointless as your most gracious commander has barred me access to said mare. As I am given the choice between a waste of valuable time that may serve to save a few ponies, and a waste of valuable time that will get many killed, I will accompany the rest to the rock farms rather and play along rather than defy the commander.
I hope we meet again, Golden Word. You are a pony after my taste. Straight up and to the point."
>>22374
Turn to the cleric and pull out a bag, then put it away again.
"Perhaps it would be best if we do not make enemies of eachother. Any of us."
Jut down some more notes
"You have been most helpful. Now I fear further investigation into this is pointless as your most gracious commander has barred me access to said mare. As I am given the choice between a waste of valuable time that may serve to save a few ponies, and a waste of valuable time that will get many killed, I will accompany the rest to the rock farms rather and play along rather than defy the commander.
I hope we meet again, Golden Word. You are a pony after my taste. Straight up and to the point."
>>22374
Turn to the cleric and pull out a bag, then put it away again.
"Perhaps it would be best if we do not make enemies of eachother. Any of us."
Golden Words leads you down the big road leading out from the keep. The gates of the inner walls are open, but guards are next to it and on the battlements.
You can see other soldiers practicing here and there, and some other ponies that seem to be enjoy their free time.
>>22389
He bows his head a bit to you.
"Why thank you! If any of you need anyting further, I'm here to serve!"
>>22392
>>22394
"I can assure you, it's similarites end when I say they are both deserts.
The Wasteland is harsh and merciless, full of all sorts of dangerous creatures!
Changelings, overgrown scorpions and snakes, wild pony tribes that eat pony flesh and hide in caverns of mountains - well, these tribes are ony rumored to exist, but still.
And you know Timberwolves? I heard that there are kins of them in the Wasteland, but bodies made of cacti with thorns as big as daggers, and that's not even their fangs or claws!"
He chuckles a bit
"You shouldn't worry thought, the rock farms are near the River, where it is still safe.
Every month a smaller force is sent out to make sure the area is free of monsters. You should be fine as long as you don't wander too far or linger outside too much!"
You can see other soldiers practicing here and there, and some other ponies that seem to be enjoy their free time.
>>22389
He bows his head a bit to you.
"Why thank you! If any of you need anyting further, I'm here to serve!"
>>22392
>>22394
"I can assure you, it's similarites end when I say they are both deserts.
The Wasteland is harsh and merciless, full of all sorts of dangerous creatures!
Changelings, overgrown scorpions and snakes, wild pony tribes that eat pony flesh and hide in caverns of mountains - well, these tribes are ony rumored to exist, but still.
And you know Timberwolves? I heard that there are kins of them in the Wasteland, but bodies made of cacti with thorns as big as daggers, and that's not even their fangs or claws!"
He chuckles a bit
"You shouldn't worry thought, the rock farms are near the River, where it is still safe.
Every month a smaller force is sent out to make sure the area is free of monsters. You should be fine as long as you don't wander too far or linger outside too much!"
You approach the main gate of the outer walls.
It is much bigger than you expected, and you suppose it was made so siege wagons could pass through it.
Instead of opening it, he leads you to the side where there is a smaller gate for just such an occasion as a few ponies going outside.
Golden Words nods and he guards open the gate for him without a word.
>>22406
"No, no this is rather unusual. I'm terribly sorry, but I have no idea. Even if they got attacked they could find shelter in their basements. They did it before."
>>22405
"Oh these are just like any other farm but they farm rocks there!
Not as in grow rocks, but collect them, rotate the best quality rocks around the field, and then exract the jewels that are inside! It's more like mining, but on the surface! Don't ask me how they get all these rocks though, for I have no idea."
>>22407
"And one more thing."
He points at your horn.
"The magical fields there are wild and untamed, unlike anything here in Equestria.
It might not work how you expect it to work out there, but if you can tame it, then BOOM! Even more power for you! Be advised on the other hoof, I heard someone actually going 'Boom!' that way…"
"Well, this is as far as I can follow you.
Just cross the bridge, and head straight if you want to ask the Picks!
If you want to go for the Stone farm right away, just follow the River to the right, and you'll see their farmstead soon enough!"
It is much bigger than you expected, and you suppose it was made so siege wagons could pass through it.
Instead of opening it, he leads you to the side where there is a smaller gate for just such an occasion as a few ponies going outside.
Golden Words nods and he guards open the gate for him without a word.
>>22406
"No, no this is rather unusual. I'm terribly sorry, but I have no idea. Even if they got attacked they could find shelter in their basements. They did it before."
>>22405
"Oh these are just like any other farm but they farm rocks there!
Not as in grow rocks, but collect them, rotate the best quality rocks around the field, and then exract the jewels that are inside! It's more like mining, but on the surface! Don't ask me how they get all these rocks though, for I have no idea."
>>22407
"And one more thing."
He points at your horn.
"The magical fields there are wild and untamed, unlike anything here in Equestria.
It might not work how you expect it to work out there, but if you can tame it, then BOOM! Even more power for you! Be advised on the other hoof, I heard someone actually going 'Boom!' that way…"
"Well, this is as far as I can follow you.
Just cross the bridge, and head straight if you want to ask the Picks!
If you want to go for the Stone farm right away, just follow the River to the right, and you'll see their farmstead soon enough!"
>>22429
The guard gulps and nods at you
>>22421
>>22420
>>22423
>>22425
He waves you goodbye with a worried expression.
The party begins to cross the Elin river on the brigde.
Even if this is the narrowest point, it still takes a good fifteen minutes to get to the other side.
You can see the farm of the Picks already, another good ten minutes away.
You seem to be able to make out the other farm in the distance as well, but it looks like it's at least an hour of distance on hoof.
The guard gulps and nods at you
>>22421
>>22420
>>22423
>>22425
He waves you goodbye with a worried expression.
The party begins to cross the Elin river on the brigde.
Even if this is the narrowest point, it still takes a good fifteen minutes to get to the other side.
You can see the farm of the Picks already, another good ten minutes away.
You seem to be able to make out the other farm in the distance as well, but it looks like it's at least an hour of distance on hoof.
The party approaches the farm.
As walk further from the bridge you can sense that the magic and air around you is different.
The atmosphere is wild, like your very surroundings want to tear you apart.
You can see someone working on the fields, who runs to the farm as she sees you approaching.
When you get near, an older earth pony with sideburns and a hat trots out, holding a scyhte.
"What's your business here, strangers?"
As walk further from the bridge you can sense that the magic and air around you is different.
The atmosphere is wild, like your very surroundings want to tear you apart.
You can see someone working on the fields, who runs to the farm as she sees you approaching.
When you get near, an older earth pony with sideburns and a hat trots out, holding a scyhte.
"What's your business here, strangers?"
>>22466
>>22467
>>22469
>>22473
>>22472
He lets out a relieved sight and lowers his weapon.
"I was afraid that some wildlings actually wondered this close to the Elin…
Excuse me for my rudeness."
He bows and takes off his hat, only to but it back again.
"I'm Pick Axe, head of the Pick family. As for the Stones, I can only tell that they are Rock Farmers such as me and my family. They failed to do their report to the Bridge twice now, and they even delivered it in times of sandstorms and such! We only miss them when something from the deep of the lands wanders here and threatens us… I can only hope that they are safe. I'm sorry, I have no idea what could have happened. I would check on them myself, but I can't leave my own family vulnerable… You understand that, right?"
>>22467
>>22469
>>22473
>>22472
He lets out a relieved sight and lowers his weapon.
"I was afraid that some wildlings actually wondered this close to the Elin…
Excuse me for my rudeness."
He bows and takes off his hat, only to but it back again.
"I'm Pick Axe, head of the Pick family. As for the Stones, I can only tell that they are Rock Farmers such as me and my family. They failed to do their report to the Bridge twice now, and they even delivered it in times of sandstorms and such! We only miss them when something from the deep of the lands wanders here and threatens us… I can only hope that they are safe. I'm sorry, I have no idea what could have happened. I would check on them myself, but I can't leave my own family vulnerable… You understand that, right?"
>>22486
"Yes… They only wandered this close to civilication, but that was more than enough for them to destroy almost everything we held dear…"
>>22485
>>22488
"I'm afraid that's all I know. We rarely leave the farm, even staying on the field can be dangerous, not to mention wandering off or visiting someplace else. We are lucky our fields are much closer to the Bridge. I always told Solid to join families and that they should move closer, but he never listened… Maybe he will, after all this is over…"
>>22493
"I doubt they left the farm at all. That would be the stupidest thing a rock farmer out here could do."
"Yes… They only wandered this close to civilication, but that was more than enough for them to destroy almost everything we held dear…"
>>22485
>>22488
"I'm afraid that's all I know. We rarely leave the farm, even staying on the field can be dangerous, not to mention wandering off or visiting someplace else. We are lucky our fields are much closer to the Bridge. I always told Solid to join families and that they should move closer, but he never listened… Maybe he will, after all this is over…"
>>22493
"I doubt they left the farm at all. That would be the stupidest thing a rock farmer out here could do."
>>22500
>>22501
>>22503
>>22506
You tell your goodbyes to the farmer, and head towards the farm, following his directions.
The Sun feels like it's burning down with hatred instead of caring for you, and the air is dry.
You have been walking for more than half an hour, when you reach the edge of the rock fields.
You can make out the house clearly now.
You notice three large, dire looking vultures circling above, following your movements in the air.
>>22501
>>22503
>>22506
You tell your goodbyes to the farmer, and head towards the farm, following his directions.
The Sun feels like it's burning down with hatred instead of caring for you, and the air is dry.
You have been walking for more than half an hour, when you reach the edge of the rock fields.
You can make out the house clearly now.
You notice three large, dire looking vultures circling above, following your movements in the air.
>>22530
You curse yourself and shoot another arrow, this time hitting one them square in the chest.
It loses it's balance and falls straight to…
>>22533
>>22538
The spear if Yvonne, dying with a loud screech, falling in front of the buffalo.
>>22532
As you remark the quality of the shot one of the birds striked down on your from the dive, sending you to the ground and penetrating it's claws deep into your flesh.
You are now helpless.
>>22539
You await the carrion bird with your sword, but you smack it with the wrong side.
It does litte against the creature. Roll to hold it back with your sword.
>>22540
Thankfully it doesn't fully concentrate on you, as it bites in the way of the zebra, who tried to hide from it. Roll to dodge.
One of them is dead.
One is clawing at Ariccia.
One is attacking Feldspar and Raventail
You curse yourself and shoot another arrow, this time hitting one them square in the chest.
It loses it's balance and falls straight to…
>>22533
>>22538
The spear if Yvonne, dying with a loud screech, falling in front of the buffalo.
>>22532
As you remark the quality of the shot one of the birds striked down on your from the dive, sending you to the ground and penetrating it's claws deep into your flesh.
You are now helpless.
>>22539
You await the carrion bird with your sword, but you smack it with the wrong side.
It does litte against the creature. Roll to hold it back with your sword.
>>22540
Thankfully it doesn't fully concentrate on you, as it bites in the way of the zebra, who tried to hide from it. Roll to dodge.
One of them is dead.
One is clawing at Ariccia.
One is attacking Feldspar and Raventail
>>22551
>>22552
One more arrow+spear attack to the back, and creature dies with a wail.
>>22549
Unfortunately, it's claws are still deep inside the cleric when that happens.
Those will be a bitch to get out.
>>22559
You evade the neck snapping at you.
>>22557
You swing your sword and send it to the ground, then rush towards the house
>>22556
You don't let it get up, and stampede over the bird as you hear every single bone break in it's body.
The vultures are dead.
Ariccia is bleeding on the gfound with the claws of one of them still inside her.
>>22552
One more arrow+spear attack to the back, and creature dies with a wail.
>>22549
Unfortunately, it's claws are still deep inside the cleric when that happens.
Those will be a bitch to get out.
>>22559
You evade the neck snapping at you.
>>22557
You swing your sword and send it to the ground, then rush towards the house
>>22556
You don't let it get up, and stampede over the bird as you hear every single bone break in it's body.
The vultures are dead.
Ariccia is bleeding on the gfound with the claws of one of them still inside her.
>>22603
You open the door, and see that the basement is in ruins.
There is a giant hole where the floor should be, that leads into a dark tunnel.
There is debris from the basement down there, and the mangled corpse of a colt.
There is a stair that leads to a trap door outside.
There is only a narrow ledge that didn't collapse into the tunnel.
You open the door, and see that the basement is in ruins.
There is a giant hole where the floor should be, that leads into a dark tunnel.
There is debris from the basement down there, and the mangled corpse of a colt.
There is a stair that leads to a trap door outside.
There is only a narrow ledge that didn't collapse into the tunnel.
>>22620
You slam into the door, but it holds.
Try again.
>>22619
You inspect the wound and with your sharp eyes and years of inspecting corpses in the name of LAW let's you conclude that the wounds were not caused by steel, or any pony weaponry.
Probably some sort of creature, with some very sharp appendages.
You slam into the door, but it holds.
Try again.
>>22619
You inspect the wound and with your sharp eyes and years of inspecting corpses in the name of LAW let's you conclude that the wounds were not caused by steel, or any pony weaponry.
Probably some sort of creature, with some very sharp appendages.
>>22634
You decide that you won't take the mockery from a simple lock, and charge at the trap door again.
You smash through, but with the headache still present from a closer meeting with the stone wall, you forget to stop at the end of the stairs, and almost fall into a pit.
You are very sure that it's not supposed to be there in the basement.
Roll to regain your balance and not fall in.
You decide that you won't take the mockery from a simple lock, and charge at the trap door again.
You smash through, but with the headache still present from a closer meeting with the stone wall, you forget to stop at the end of the stairs, and almost fall into a pit.
You are very sure that it's not supposed to be there in the basement.
Roll to regain your balance and not fall in.
>>22642
>>22643
You try to step back and not fall in, but the debris of the doors is still on the stairs.
Raventail tries to grab you, but only manages to push you into the hole.
>>22646
Thankfully, Ariccia is quick to react and cathes you with her magic, levitating you back up to the stairs, since you can't stand on the narrow ledge.
>>22643
You try to step back and not fall in, but the debris of the doors is still on the stairs.
Raventail tries to grab you, but only manages to push you into the hole.
>>22646
Thankfully, Ariccia is quick to react and cathes you with her magic, levitating you back up to the stairs, since you can't stand on the narrow ledge.
>>22656
The body of the colt spasms a bit, then looks around with wide, worried eyes.
"Wh-Who are you! Where is ma' and pa'? We heard this rumbling noise from under the house in the middle of the night, then pa' went down to see what it is! We heard him scream, and ma' told me not to leave my room and went down too! I waited there for them to come back, and waited and waited, but they didn't come back! So I knew I had to save them, and I got down here, but the basement was no longer there and I didn't see them anywhere, then I heard this hissing! I was very scared and tried to run back but I fell down and my leg started to hurt! The hissing got closer and I cried, and saw something dark with lots of legs and arms that looked like the scyhte pa' made, and I cried more and closed my eyes and didn't dare to look, and then it hurt very much! But now it doesn't hurt at all, but I still don't know where my parents are and I'm scared!"
The body of the colt spasms a bit, then looks around with wide, worried eyes.
"Wh-Who are you! Where is ma' and pa'? We heard this rumbling noise from under the house in the middle of the night, then pa' went down to see what it is! We heard him scream, and ma' told me not to leave my room and went down too! I waited there for them to come back, and waited and waited, but they didn't come back! So I knew I had to save them, and I got down here, but the basement was no longer there and I didn't see them anywhere, then I heard this hissing! I was very scared and tried to run back but I fell down and my leg started to hurt! The hissing got closer and I cried, and saw something dark with lots of legs and arms that looked like the scyhte pa' made, and I cried more and closed my eyes and didn't dare to look, and then it hurt very much! But now it doesn't hurt at all, but I still don't know where my parents are and I'm scared!"
>>22658
"It's happened a few times. Once said pony was innocent to boot.
As for the crime scene, you are technically correct. However, accounting the local wildlife, it seems likely that the body will be eaten or at least torn apart once we leave it.
But, you are the leader here. It is your decision, but also your responsibility. If you order me to leave the body here, and it later causes a problem with proving what we found here, I am holding you accountable."
"It's happened a few times. Once said pony was innocent to boot.
As for the crime scene, you are technically correct. However, accounting the local wildlife, it seems likely that the body will be eaten or at least torn apart once we leave it.
But, you are the leader here. It is your decision, but also your responsibility. If you order me to leave the body here, and it later causes a problem with proving what we found here, I am holding you accountable."
>>22662
"Necro-what, miss?"
>>22663
"You don't just want to leave me here are you! I have to find ma' and pa'!"
>>22664
He seems to be a bit calmer after that.
"I don't really know… The hole was already here, it didn't dig anything, but I didn't see where it came from. I should have listened to ma' and stayed up in my room. That scary monster didn't attacked me there! It's like it was defending something down here!"
"Necro-what, miss?"
>>22663
"You don't just want to leave me here are you! I have to find ma' and pa'!"
>>22664
He seems to be a bit calmer after that.
"I don't really know… The hole was already here, it didn't dig anything, but I didn't see where it came from. I should have listened to ma' and stayed up in my room. That scary monster didn't attacked me there! It's like it was defending something down here!"
>>22667
"Don listen to de cleric. She jus wants me ta keel you again. She theenks bein' undead is a curse or a bad theeng.
Now did ya see or hear anythin else at all? Leetle monsters? Eggs maybe?"
Cradle the dead kid in my hooves and keep my voice calm and soothing
"You can tell me. We can den make it all right again."
"Don listen to de cleric. She jus wants me ta keel you again. She theenks bein' undead is a curse or a bad theeng.
Now did ya see or hear anythin else at all? Leetle monsters? Eggs maybe?"
Cradle the dead kid in my hooves and keep my voice calm and soothing
"You can tell me. We can den make it all right again."
>>22695
You start to look around but can't find anything in the darkness, until
>>22698
The horn of the unicorn makes it look like you never left the desert in the first place.
It's perfect daylight down there now too.
You also found some tinder.
You can now light the torches.
>>22701
You hop down with the agility of a cat or some other agile creature of the nature you like.
You start to look around but can't find anything in the darkness, until
>>22698
The horn of the unicorn makes it look like you never left the desert in the first place.
It's perfect daylight down there now too.
You also found some tinder.
You can now light the torches.
>>22701
You hop down with the agility of a cat or some other agile creature of the nature you like.
>>22727
"If my sense of direction is right, the one leading towards the river could well go under the river and into the fort itself. It seems like a much greater risk. If this is some sort of nest or other similar network of a bunch of monsters, we need to make sure the primary settlement is not in danger, and if it is, warn them so that precautions can be taken."
"If my sense of direction is right, the one leading towards the river could well go under the river and into the fort itself. It seems like a much greater risk. If this is some sort of nest or other similar network of a bunch of monsters, we need to make sure the primary settlement is not in danger, and if it is, warn them so that precautions can be taken."
>>30589
Name: Yvonne
Race: Earth pone
Class: Wildguard
Alignment: True neutral (worships nature)
Skills: Blast and Root, Ironbark armour
Cutie Mark: proficiency in polearms such as spears and poleaxes
Equipment: A spear and a short sword Light armour (counts as medium due to my skill)
Inventory: supplies and natural remedies.
Name: Yvonne
Race: Earth pone
Class: Wildguard
Alignment: True neutral (worships nature)
Skills: Blast and Root, Ironbark armour
Cutie Mark: proficiency in polearms such as spears and poleaxes
Equipment: A spear and a short sword Light armour (counts as medium due to my skill)
Inventory: supplies and natural remedies.
Last time the party ventured down an underground tunnel found under the basement of the Stone farmstead.
They found the dead kid of the Stones, and with the help of necromancy brought him back to life for information.
The tunnel is four ponies wide and four ponies tall.
Tatanka takes up so much space only one pony can fit next to him comfortably.
You can only see a short while ahead with your torches and the light from the horn of Ariccia.
Last time you started to head to the direction towards the River Elin.
What do?
Venture deeper?
Pussy out and turn back?
They found the dead kid of the Stones, and with the help of necromancy brought him back to life for information.
The tunnel is four ponies wide and four ponies tall.
Tatanka takes up so much space only one pony can fit next to him comfortably.
You can only see a short while ahead with your torches and the light from the horn of Ariccia.
Last time you started to head to the direction towards the River Elin.
What do?
Venture deeper?
Pussy out and turn back?
>>30621
"There can be no doubt or hesitation on our part here. If these tunnels go deep enough to get under the fortress, everypony there will be in danger. We cannot allow that. We must make sure that the tunnels end before the fort, or kill everything that lives deep enough to be a threat, then collapse the tunnel."
"There can be no doubt or hesitation on our part here. If these tunnels go deep enough to get under the fortress, everypony there will be in danger. We cannot allow that. We must make sure that the tunnels end before the fort, or kill everything that lives deep enough to be a threat, then collapse the tunnel."
>>30635
"I feared as much. If these tunnels do not make any sudden shifts, the entire fortress is in danger, from the monsters AND potential structural problems. I wonder if we can find any way to be sure we are under the fortress…"
Rolling to remember potential underground landmarks.
Rolled 10 = 10
"I feared as much. If these tunnels do not make any sudden shifts, the entire fortress is in danger, from the monsters AND potential structural problems. I wonder if we can find any way to be sure we are under the fortress…"
Rolling to remember potential underground landmarks.
Rolled 10 = 10
>>30640
You have no idea. Maybe the source ran out of blood. Probably not.
>>30641
The blood looks like it's source was dragged on the ground for a while, but it ends after a while like it never even started.
>>30642
The tunnel is too dry for you to have reached even the river.
You are absolutely sure you are not even near the fortress yet, and must be a good 10 minutes away from where you came down. From the curve you predict it is headed right towards the fortress.
>>30643
"Okay! I'm listening! Will you kill the bad monsters?"
>>30648
It is most definately pony blood. Type B. High cholesterol. Traces of alcohol and nicotin. Possibly from a male.
You have no idea. Maybe the source ran out of blood. Probably not.
>>30641
The blood looks like it's source was dragged on the ground for a while, but it ends after a while like it never even started.
>>30642
The tunnel is too dry for you to have reached even the river.
You are absolutely sure you are not even near the fortress yet, and must be a good 10 minutes away from where you came down. From the curve you predict it is headed right towards the fortress.
>>30643
"Okay! I'm listening! Will you kill the bad monsters?"
>>30648
It is most definately pony blood. Type B. High cholesterol. Traces of alcohol and nicotin. Possibly from a male.
>>30683
He tries to breath to calm down, which only makes blood seep out from his chest and some strange gurgling noses.
"o-okay…"
>>30682
"I'm a wha-"
Before he can finish it, the party can hear something in the darkness before them, like something small scurrying around the ground.
You can not yet see what it is.
He tries to breath to calm down, which only makes blood seep out from his chest and some strange gurgling noses.
"o-okay…"
>>30682
"I'm a wha-"
Before he can finish it, the party can hear something in the darkness before them, like something small scurrying around the ground.
You can not yet see what it is.
>>30690
Part of the sounds stops, then continues again.
>>30689
There is pretty dark where you stand, and you can only see some small forms.
Maybe you should move closer?
>>30693
You raise your spear but then your nose starts to itch and you want to scratch it.
You do, with spear still in hoof.
You punch yourself in the face with your spear and drop it.
>>30695
You try to make more light, but it only gets darker.
You turned it the other way around.
>>30697
You are ready to charge at whatever is hiding in the shadows.
Part of the sounds stops, then continues again.
>>30689
There is pretty dark where you stand, and you can only see some small forms.
Maybe you should move closer?
>>30693
You raise your spear but then your nose starts to itch and you want to scratch it.
You do, with spear still in hoof.
You punch yourself in the face with your spear and drop it.
>>30695
You try to make more light, but it only gets darker.
You turned it the other way around.
>>30697
You are ready to charge at whatever is hiding in the shadows.
>>30706
"Anything for my family! What is it?"
>>30708
It completely turn out.
Now only the light of the torches remain.
And those aren't too much.
Thankfully >>30710 the words of the Judge inspire to light it right back up.
It's as bright as you started out.
>>30707
You light an arrow and shoot it in front of the darkness.
It lands in the ground lighting a small area.
You can see some sort of creatures there.
They are foal sized bugs with round bodies and soft flesh, without any chitin.
Some of them are sweeping dirt away from the tunnel placing it to the side, some of them are spitting some goo on the wall and spreading it around. They seem harmless.
You can see that the tunnel continues beyond their work.
>>30714
You pick it back up, your nose still hurting and itching, but you are ready.
"Anything for my family! What is it?"
>>30708
It completely turn out.
Now only the light of the torches remain.
And those aren't too much.
Thankfully >>30710 the words of the Judge inspire to light it right back up.
It's as bright as you started out.
>>30707
You light an arrow and shoot it in front of the darkness.
It lands in the ground lighting a small area.
You can see some sort of creatures there.
They are foal sized bugs with round bodies and soft flesh, without any chitin.
Some of them are sweeping dirt away from the tunnel placing it to the side, some of them are spitting some goo on the wall and spreading it around. They seem harmless.
You can see that the tunnel continues beyond their work.
>>30714
You pick it back up, your nose still hurting and itching, but you are ready.
>>30728
He nods.
>>30723
Luckily they try to avoid you as well.
You pass some of them.
>>30725
You impale one of them with an arrow.
>>30731
Yvonne lines up her spear, killing three of the drones with one stab.
As the drones die, they let out loud screeches, and the ones that remain start to run down deeper into the tunnel.
There are still 19 drones, running away from you.
He nods.
>>30723
Luckily they try to avoid you as well.
You pass some of them.
>>30725
You impale one of them with an arrow.
>>30731
Yvonne lines up her spear, killing three of the drones with one stab.
As the drones die, they let out loud screeches, and the ones that remain start to run down deeper into the tunnel.
There are still 19 drones, running away from you.
>>30743
You catch up to some of them, smashing them with your hoof.
>>30742
>>30744
You try to hit them, but they slip away to the dark.
>>30745
You finish off more of them.
>>30746
You jump in front of the others and start to cut them down with your twin daggers.
You manage to kill more than a dozen of them, but the rest are too fast and they dissapear in the darkness.
You can hear some of the screeching for a while, then everything goes quiet again.
Too quiet.
You catch up to some of them, smashing them with your hoof.
>>30742
>>30744
You try to hit them, but they slip away to the dark.
>>30745
You finish off more of them.
>>30746
You jump in front of the others and start to cut them down with your twin daggers.
You manage to kill more than a dozen of them, but the rest are too fast and they dissapear in the darkness.
You can hear some of the screeching for a while, then everything goes quiet again.
Too quiet.
>>30749
You words steel the hearts of the group
+1 to all rolls once the combat starts.
>>30753
>>30750
The two of you are absolutely ready.
+1 to you when combat (plus the inspire)
>>30755
You ready your mace like never before.
+2 to clobber down anything coming your way.
>>30751
You hoof at the ground and prepare for a charge.
+2 to your next slam roll.
>>30752
"No, I don't think I- wait…"
He listens to something, then starst to get scared.
"It's the monster! I can hear it again!"
Indeed you can hear a hissing sound coming from the dark.
You can soon enough see them too.
Black insects with heavy chitin, that look like praying mantises, their limbs looking like scythes, and an additional set of smaller limbs below that that end like sharp daggers.
The eyes are much smaller too than a normal mantis, and reflect the light of the torches and the glow from the horn of Ariccia.
Since you are so prepared, you get the first move.
Go.
You words steel the hearts of the group
+1 to all rolls once the combat starts.
>>30753
>>30750
The two of you are absolutely ready.
+1 to you when combat (plus the inspire)
>>30755
You ready your mace like never before.
+2 to clobber down anything coming your way.
>>30751
You hoof at the ground and prepare for a charge.
+2 to your next slam roll.
>>30752
"No, I don't think I- wait…"
He listens to something, then starst to get scared.
"It's the monster! I can hear it again!"
Indeed you can hear a hissing sound coming from the dark.
You can soon enough see them too.
Black insects with heavy chitin, that look like praying mantises, their limbs looking like scythes, and an additional set of smaller limbs below that that end like sharp daggers.
The eyes are much smaller too than a normal mantis, and reflect the light of the torches and the glow from the horn of Ariccia.
Since you are so prepared, you get the first move.
Go.
>>30771
There are no brakes on the pain train as you charge, taking on of them with you and launching it in front of you, and down to the ground.
You are now in front of the others, with the other two behind you.
>>30772
You throw the little colt at one of the creatures, and he slices him in three midair, but that gives you more than enough time to get behind it and plant your daggers deep within it's abdomen.
>>30774
As the creature the zebra stabbed let's out a pained scream, you shoot an arrow right into one of it's eye sockets, making it half blind.
>>30777
Your words shake the still standing bug, making it disoriented as
>>30775
Charges in and swings her mace at the bug with such force that half of it's face dissapears into the head itself, and the neck gets loose, barely being attached to the body.
>>30790
You stab the bug with the smashed face with such force that part of it's abdomen explodes in gore.
It falls down to the ground.
There are no brakes on the pain train as you charge, taking on of them with you and launching it in front of you, and down to the ground.
You are now in front of the others, with the other two behind you.
>>30772
You throw the little colt at one of the creatures, and he slices him in three midair, but that gives you more than enough time to get behind it and plant your daggers deep within it's abdomen.
>>30774
As the creature the zebra stabbed let's out a pained scream, you shoot an arrow right into one of it's eye sockets, making it half blind.
>>30777
Your words shake the still standing bug, making it disoriented as
>>30775
Charges in and swings her mace at the bug with such force that half of it's face dissapears into the head itself, and the neck gets loose, barely being attached to the body.
>>30790
You stab the bug with the smashed face with such force that part of it's abdomen explodes in gore.
It falls down to the ground.
>>30810
You see the opportunity to finish off it while it's still on the ground, but as you are right next to it it raises all of it's limbs.
Thankfully your armor breaks on of his small limbs, and averts one main, but a small dagger limb penetrates and stabs you and the schyte cuts your shoulders.
Roll to get free from the small limb.
>>30807
You retrieve your daggers with the plans to use the bug for your own necromantic ways, but it's not quite dead yet.
It turns around with one quick motion and slashes at you cutting your front legs deeply as they instantly give away under you.
You are now helpless.
>>30805
You quickly root the bug before it can lunge on the zebra for the kill.
+2 for all rolls next round on this target.
>>30804
Your arrow penetrates the chitin again, making it screech.
>>30809
Your words fail to inspire anyone.
>>30802
You luckily step back, just as the bug on the ground slashes wildly in the air blindly. It's still not finished.
You see the opportunity to finish off it while it's still on the ground, but as you are right next to it it raises all of it's limbs.
Thankfully your armor breaks on of his small limbs, and averts one main, but a small dagger limb penetrates and stabs you and the schyte cuts your shoulders.
Roll to get free from the small limb.
>>30807
You retrieve your daggers with the plans to use the bug for your own necromantic ways, but it's not quite dead yet.
It turns around with one quick motion and slashes at you cutting your front legs deeply as they instantly give away under you.
You are now helpless.
>>30805
You quickly root the bug before it can lunge on the zebra for the kill.
+2 for all rolls next round on this target.
>>30804
Your arrow penetrates the chitin again, making it screech.
>>30809
Your words fail to inspire anyone.
>>30802
You luckily step back, just as the bug on the ground slashes wildly in the air blindly. It's still not finished.
>>30822
You back away but it's stuck between two plates of your armor, and the creature is starting to get up.
Try again for your own good.
>>30823
You manage to get up, but your front hooves are still weak.
You can only use one dagger until they are healed.
>>30825
You bring down your greatsword on it, severing one of it's slashers.
>>30826
You ignore the one on the ground, and try to charge at the rooted one.
You run right into the trashing claws of the one in front of you.
It's blind attacks are more than enough for your unarmoured body to get full of wounds, and you fall down helpless, thankfully out of it's reach.
>>30828
You try to help your buffalo friend out, but the thrashing one cuts at you as you try to rush past it.
Your natural armor protected you from the worst of the cuts, but you still get quite many.
Roll to get past it to be help Tatanka or to try and finish it off.
>>30824
You lick your hoof and place a well aimed shot right into the torso of the rooted one, and it's stingers fall limp.
You back away but it's stuck between two plates of your armor, and the creature is starting to get up.
Try again for your own good.
>>30823
You manage to get up, but your front hooves are still weak.
You can only use one dagger until they are healed.
>>30825
You bring down your greatsword on it, severing one of it's slashers.
>>30826
You ignore the one on the ground, and try to charge at the rooted one.
You run right into the trashing claws of the one in front of you.
It's blind attacks are more than enough for your unarmoured body to get full of wounds, and you fall down helpless, thankfully out of it's reach.
>>30828
You try to help your buffalo friend out, but the thrashing one cuts at you as you try to rush past it.
Your natural armor protected you from the worst of the cuts, but you still get quite many.
Roll to get past it to be help Tatanka or to try and finish it off.
>>30824
You lick your hoof and place a well aimed shot right into the torso of the rooted one, and it's stingers fall limp.
>>30833
You manage to get free, the stinger dripping with your blood.
The creature gets it's legs back under it, getting up, it's height rivaling even yours.
It hisses you with hatred and raises it's slashers in a threatening pose.
>>30834
>>30840
Raventail lunges over to the downed one the best she can and stabs a dagger in the hole that was created from Yvonne's blast, as gnarled roots rise from the ground, ripping the rest of the weakened bug apart.
It's body twitches a bit more but it's dead.
>>30836
>>30837
As Lucky helps up the unicorn she focuses her magic healing all the wounds she just suffered.
She is good as new.
>>30841
You clear the minds of the party, they can focus on the foes ahead of them now.
+1 to all rolls next round.
There is a rooted and heavily injured mantis left near you, and one with only a missing stabber in front of Tatanka.
Remember, only one of you can fit next to him to battle it.
You manage to get free, the stinger dripping with your blood.
The creature gets it's legs back under it, getting up, it's height rivaling even yours.
It hisses you with hatred and raises it's slashers in a threatening pose.
>>30834
>>30840
Raventail lunges over to the downed one the best she can and stabs a dagger in the hole that was created from Yvonne's blast, as gnarled roots rise from the ground, ripping the rest of the weakened bug apart.
It's body twitches a bit more but it's dead.
>>30836
>>30837
As Lucky helps up the unicorn she focuses her magic healing all the wounds she just suffered.
She is good as new.
>>30841
You clear the minds of the party, they can focus on the foes ahead of them now.
+1 to all rolls next round.
There is a rooted and heavily injured mantis left near you, and one with only a missing stabber in front of Tatanka.
Remember, only one of you can fit next to him to battle it.
>>30847
You don't feel threatened at all, you would describe it more as 'mad as fuck'.
You slam the bug right into the walls of the tunnel as it tries to slash and stab at you but your armor protects you from it's deadly limbs.
>>30850
The dead body spasms a bit, then raises itself on shaky legs.
It still has it's weaponry, but it's far from perfect condition.
It will only last until the end of the combat.
>>30849
You shoot at it's head again, this time not only taking an eye as the arrow passes through.
>>30852
You slice it in half before it can even collapse from the arrow wound.
>>30853
Seems like you exhausted your healing reserves all on yourself just now.
You need to concentrate to actually heal her.
>>30855
You manage to get past him and he steps away a bit so you can stab at the creature, drawing ichor from it's abdomen.
You don't feel threatened at all, you would describe it more as 'mad as fuck'.
You slam the bug right into the walls of the tunnel as it tries to slash and stab at you but your armor protects you from it's deadly limbs.
>>30850
The dead body spasms a bit, then raises itself on shaky legs.
It still has it's weaponry, but it's far from perfect condition.
It will only last until the end of the combat.
>>30849
You shoot at it's head again, this time not only taking an eye as the arrow passes through.
>>30852
You slice it in half before it can even collapse from the arrow wound.
>>30853
Seems like you exhausted your healing reserves all on yourself just now.
You need to concentrate to actually heal her.
>>30855
You manage to get past him and he steps away a bit so you can stab at the creature, drawing ichor from it's abdomen.
>>30865
As you prepare for the next stab, the bug ducks under the buffalo with unexpected speed and agility slashing your face and neck.
>>30866
Tatanka quickly fixes the situation by slamming into it again, sending it flying and on the ground.
>>30857
The puppet uses it's slashers to drag itself towards the living one, lungit at it, getting impaled in the process.
The bugs start to battle between themselves, the living one getting the upper hand against it's totally wrecked brother, but it is so engrossed that all rolls against him will have a +1.
>>30862
Your words boom throuht the tunnel, and it seems using threats works well as a motivation.
+1 to all rolls.
>>30864
Oh right, you remember how you did it.
It's simple as a wedge.
Her hoofs are good again, and she can stand on them and use both of them again like those cuts never happened.
As you prepare for the next stab, the bug ducks under the buffalo with unexpected speed and agility slashing your face and neck.
>>30866
Tatanka quickly fixes the situation by slamming into it again, sending it flying and on the ground.
>>30857
The puppet uses it's slashers to drag itself towards the living one, lungit at it, getting impaled in the process.
The bugs start to battle between themselves, the living one getting the upper hand against it's totally wrecked brother, but it is so engrossed that all rolls against him will have a +1.
>>30862
Your words boom throuht the tunnel, and it seems using threats works well as a motivation.
+1 to all rolls.
>>30864
Oh right, you remember how you did it.
It's simple as a wedge.
Her hoofs are good again, and she can stand on them and use both of them again like those cuts never happened.
>>30870
You slam right into it and trample over them, and you can hear the chitin break and it's goo splatter.
>>30871
Darn, you forgot how it's done again.
You slightly remember something, but no healing comes.
>>30874
You wipe the blood away, but it's still flowing.
You should see a cleric about that and stop it.
>>30873
You are truly one of the most inspirational ponies the Wasteland ever heard.
If they could vote for a president you would surely be elected.
+2 to all rolls.
>>30875
You are too far away and it's too crowded for you to get there.
>>30872
You jump there with your freshly fixed legs and start stabbing the living one.
Leave no bugbro behind!
Sadly, the slashers that impaled your puppet only got stuck deeper within him when Tatanka ran them over, but it didn't re-die in vain, as he impaled the other bug as well.
They are both dead, limbs in each other, laying on the ground, seeping ichor.
Truly, this is the closest and warmest hug either of them ever got.
All three mantises are dead.
Tatanka has a wounded shoulder and stab wound.
Yvonne has a deep gash on her face and neck.
Ariccia and Raventail were healed.
The tunnel still continues to darkness if you want to go ahead after patching yourself up.
You slam right into it and trample over them, and you can hear the chitin break and it's goo splatter.
>>30871
Darn, you forgot how it's done again.
You slightly remember something, but no healing comes.
>>30874
You wipe the blood away, but it's still flowing.
You should see a cleric about that and stop it.
>>30873
You are truly one of the most inspirational ponies the Wasteland ever heard.
If they could vote for a president you would surely be elected.
+2 to all rolls.
>>30875
You are too far away and it's too crowded for you to get there.
>>30872
You jump there with your freshly fixed legs and start stabbing the living one.
Leave no bugbro behind!
Sadly, the slashers that impaled your puppet only got stuck deeper within him when Tatanka ran them over, but it didn't re-die in vain, as he impaled the other bug as well.
They are both dead, limbs in each other, laying on the ground, seeping ichor.
Truly, this is the closest and warmest hug either of them ever got.
All three mantises are dead.
Tatanka has a wounded shoulder and stab wound.
Yvonne has a deep gash on her face and neck.
Ariccia and Raventail were healed.
The tunnel still continues to darkness if you want to go ahead after patching yourself up.
>>30879
"Good job everypony. Now we know what these things are capable of, and how to kill them. Our top priority is to ensure that the fortress is informed of this threat. The secondary priority is to collapse these tunnels. Even if they do not reach the fortress yet, they are inevitably expanding, as proven by those drones."
"Good job everypony. Now we know what these things are capable of, and how to kill them. Our top priority is to ensure that the fortress is informed of this threat. The secondary priority is to collapse these tunnels. Even if they do not reach the fortress yet, they are inevitably expanding, as proven by those drones."
>>30892
"That much is true. This leaves us with a few options.
For one, if we can gain control over one of the bugs, we can try to use it to collapse the tunnels by digging. Or one of us can make their way back to the fortress for reinforcements and ordnance. Or we can keep going in deeper and wish really really hard that the bugs stockpiled explosives down here on their own."
>>30895
"And what is the point of caring about that? The fort needs to know, and it needs to know as soon as possible. Hundreds of lives are in danger. If this tunnel reaches the fort, and these things break through by burrowing under the walls, everypony there could die."
"That much is true. This leaves us with a few options.
For one, if we can gain control over one of the bugs, we can try to use it to collapse the tunnels by digging. Or one of us can make their way back to the fortress for reinforcements and ordnance. Or we can keep going in deeper and wish really really hard that the bugs stockpiled explosives down here on their own."
>>30895
"And what is the point of caring about that? The fort needs to know, and it needs to know as soon as possible. Hundreds of lives are in danger. If this tunnel reaches the fort, and these things break through by burrowing under the walls, everypony there could die."
>>30896
You manage to restore her, but a slight scar remains.
Don't worry, it will probably fade with time, or when it gets prim and proper cosmetic treatment.
>>30891
It can only move it's head, and faces you with it.
It speaks to you in deep chirps, hisses and other stange bug noises.
You don't understand shit.
He probably says they are making a tunnel.
And that he was a guard.
Or at least you assume he said that.
You don't speak bug.
You manage to restore her, but a slight scar remains.
Don't worry, it will probably fade with time, or when it gets prim and proper cosmetic treatment.
>>30891
It can only move it's head, and faces you with it.
It speaks to you in deep chirps, hisses and other stange bug noises.
You don't understand shit.
He probably says they are making a tunnel.
And that he was a guard.
Or at least you assume he said that.
You don't speak bug.
>>30901
"Good thinking, knight."
Pick up a bug limb and strike a nearby wall to check how hard it will be to break them
>>30903
"Simple. We find the point where the tunnel runs under the river, and then we fall back as someone stays back to collapse the ceiling and flood the tunnels.
Unless we just go get explosives for that instead."
Motion at the zebra
"YOU! CAN YOU GET ONE OF THESE BUGS BACK UP SO WE HAVE A DIGGING TOOL?"
"Good thinking, knight."
Pick up a bug limb and strike a nearby wall to check how hard it will be to break them
>>30903
"Simple. We find the point where the tunnel runs under the river, and then we fall back as someone stays back to collapse the ceiling and flood the tunnels.
Unless we just go get explosives for that instead."
Motion at the zebra
"YOU! CAN YOU GET ONE OF THESE BUGS BACK UP SO WE HAVE A DIGGING TOOL?"
>>30913
For the good measure, you try both a slasher and a stinger.
The stinger impales into the dirt.
The slasher is knocked away.
Neither of them are good digging tools.
>>30916
You step over to the buffalo and mend his wounds.
>>30918
One of the bugs is slashed in two, and only twitches at your try.
The others are still firmly attached and stuck to each other in an eternal bug-hug.
You are able to make the one that wounded Tatanka standing, but it's limb are useless and it drags the other bug with it.
For the good measure, you try both a slasher and a stinger.
The stinger impales into the dirt.
The slasher is knocked away.
Neither of them are good digging tools.
>>30916
You step over to the buffalo and mend his wounds.
>>30918
One of the bugs is slashed in two, and only twitches at your try.
The others are still firmly attached and stuck to each other in an eternal bug-hug.
You are able to make the one that wounded Tatanka standing, but it's limb are useless and it drags the other bug with it.
>>30931
"The family is dead and our mission is complete. The fortress is at risk and staying down here fighting impossible odds will do nothing but get us killed. We had problems with just three bugs. If there is a whole colony here, we have no hope of victory. We cannot collapse the tunnels on our own, and we cannot kill the monsters without reinforcements. Staying here is a waste of time and lives.
I vote we head back, and send a better equipped team to deal with the problem."
"The family is dead and our mission is complete. The fortress is at risk and staying down here fighting impossible odds will do nothing but get us killed. We had problems with just three bugs. If there is a whole colony here, we have no hope of victory. We cannot collapse the tunnels on our own, and we cannot kill the monsters without reinforcements. Staying here is a waste of time and lives.
I vote we head back, and send a better equipped team to deal with the problem."
>>30973
The drones arrive at your sight.
There must be at least three dozen of them.
As the puppet bug starst to gurgle to them, the drones stop, then chirp confusedly between themselfes.
A bigger drone, probably leader chirps back to your bug puppet, and waits.
You have no fucking clue what it said.
The drones arrive at your sight.
There must be at least three dozen of them.
As the puppet bug starst to gurgle to them, the drones stop, then chirp confusedly between themselfes.
A bigger drone, probably leader chirps back to your bug puppet, and waits.
You have no fucking clue what it said.
>>30991
The drone leader shakes it's body again.
It tries to claw to lines in the ground with some effort.
He spits the goo on one line, and makes a tidy little tunnel, then points at the drones, then at the river direction.
After that he makes a spitting motion but doesn't actually produce goo, and shakes itself.
Then it sweeps the non-goo reinforced line away.
He then goes to a near by wall, stands taller than usual, and makes big, clawing, digging motions, and points toward the river again.
He looks up at the puppet afterwards, like it's waiting for it to comprehend these simple guides.
The drone leader shakes it's body again.
It tries to claw to lines in the ground with some effort.
He spits the goo on one line, and makes a tidy little tunnel, then points at the drones, then at the river direction.
After that he makes a spitting motion but doesn't actually produce goo, and shakes itself.
Then it sweeps the non-goo reinforced line away.
He then goes to a near by wall, stands taller than usual, and makes big, clawing, digging motions, and points toward the river again.
He looks up at the puppet afterwards, like it's waiting for it to comprehend these simple guides.
After a bit of a walk, the party arrives at the ruined basement.
The trap door is still broken down as you left it, and you can see that it's still light outside.
You can hear two or three drones scurring about where the basement is still standing.
What do?
Check the other way?
Climb up to the basement remains to get out?
The trap door is still broken down as you left it, and you can see that it's still light outside.
You can hear two or three drones scurring about where the basement is still standing.
What do?
Check the other way?
Climb up to the basement remains to get out?
>>31040
Ooopsie daisy.
Didn't you left it on top of your bug puppet?
It's way back there.
>>31041
>>31044
>>31043
As Tatanka is trying to climb out Yvonne reaches down to help him, and Arricia tries to levitate him up bot only manages to slam him back into the ground with full force, and he grabs Yvonne down with him.
Ooopsie daisy.
Didn't you left it on top of your bug puppet?
It's way back there.
>>31041
>>31044
>>31043
As Tatanka is trying to climb out Yvonne reaches down to help him, and Arricia tries to levitate him up bot only manages to slam him back into the ground with full force, and he grabs Yvonne down with him.
>>31059
You manage to climb out, and with some effort get the buffalo up to the ledge.
>>31064
You are already up silly.
You fall face first on the stairs tough.
The party is all up on the reamains of the basement.
There are three dones here, that scurry around, and seem awfully confused that this upwards hole is even here.
You manage to climb out, and with some effort get the buffalo up to the ledge.
>>31064
You are already up silly.
You fall face first on the stairs tough.
The party is all up on the reamains of the basement.
There are three dones here, that scurry around, and seem awfully confused that this upwards hole is even here.
The party leaves the basement using the stairs and the trap door.
The sun is burning down on you mercilessly.
You can see some strange cacti on the rock fields, you were pretty sure that was not there when you went down.
Start to head towards the Fortress?
Follow the riverside or pass throught the rock fields?
The sun is burning down on you mercilessly.
You can see some strange cacti on the rock fields, you were pretty sure that was not there when you went down.
Start to head towards the Fortress?
Follow the riverside or pass throught the rock fields?
You cross the bridge and soon end up at the base of the wall.
You can see that sentries are standing watch up on the wall.
There are two guards outside the small door that you used to come out, the large gate still closed.
One of the guards opens the door and gets inside while the other orders you to stay there.
He soon returns with a mare behind her, dressed in robes.
She turns to you and orders you nonchalantly.
"Line up in a single row, will you?"
You can see that sentries are standing watch up on the wall.
There are two guards outside the small door that you used to come out, the large gate still closed.
One of the guards opens the door and gets inside while the other orders you to stay there.
He soon returns with a mare behind her, dressed in robes.
She turns to you and orders you nonchalantly.
"Line up in a single row, will you?"
After you are all lined up, the robed mare steps in front of each of you, as blue light shines from her horn, enveloping you, one at a time.
You get a strange sensation that she can see into your very soul.
>>31128
When she arrives at you she sights, then speaks in a bored tone.
"You can get one like this at the armory. It's a simple uniform."
After she is done with all of you, she steps back, and looks you over.
"Okay, you are clear. You can enter now."
You get a strange sensation that she can see into your very soul.
>>31128
When she arrives at you she sights, then speaks in a bored tone.
"You can get one like this at the armory. It's a simple uniform."
After she is done with all of you, she steps back, and looks you over.
"Okay, you are clear. You can enter now."
The rest of the group starts to head up towards the keep.
After they reach the second ring, you can see that a crowd has gathered on on side of the wall next to some training grounds.
Investigate or carry on?
>>31149
She sights and rubs her forehead.
"There are no catalogs. We simply kill any that we may find. they are mindless monsters, like the rest of the Wasteland, nothing more. And I served under Crystal Clear before she went cuckoo. Golden Words took over the inspectors and seers after that. He's not even half the mage she was, but he's not half bad either."
After they reach the second ring, you can see that a crowd has gathered on on side of the wall next to some training grounds.
Investigate or carry on?
>>31149
She sights and rubs her forehead.
"There are no catalogs. We simply kill any that we may find. they are mindless monsters, like the rest of the Wasteland, nothing more. And I served under Crystal Clear before she went cuckoo. Golden Words took over the inspectors and seers after that. He's not even half the mage she was, but he's not half bad either."
>>31154
>>31155
The two of you go ahead to the keep.
You can't make out much from here, except that they are standing in a circle, watching something.
>>31156
>>31153
The two of you break off to see what is going on.
As you get closer, you can hear someone shout numbers and cracks of a whip.
"TWENTY ONE! TWENTY TWO! TWENTY THREE!"
>>31155
The two of you go ahead to the keep.
You can't make out much from here, except that they are standing in a circle, watching something.
>>31156
>>31153
The two of you break off to see what is going on.
As you get closer, you can hear someone shout numbers and cracks of a whip.
"TWENTY ONE! TWENTY TWO! TWENTY THREE!"
>>31160
>>31163
They tell you that it's just a cadet that was caught red hoofed while trying to steal desserts from the food storage but is getting severe punishment because it's the worst possible time, as some supplies and weapons have gone missing in the near past.
>>31161
You find him there.
He looks up at you.
"Where is the left of your group? Don't you tell me they died on a simple recon mission!"
>>31164
You find an office with his name on it.
Enter?
>>31163
They tell you that it's just a cadet that was caught red hoofed while trying to steal desserts from the food storage but is getting severe punishment because it's the worst possible time, as some supplies and weapons have gone missing in the near past.
>>31161
You find him there.
He looks up at you.
"Where is the left of your group? Don't you tell me they died on a simple recon mission!"
>>31164
You find an office with his name on it.
Enter?
>>31162
"You probably heard me the first time so I doubt the need to reintrodice myself. I am here on official business by order of both the Order of Order and Commander Grit. I need able bodied and sharp minded escorts to accompany me, and you two at least seem to have good reaction time if nothing else."
Eye the two over, see if they seem like worthy soldiers
"You probably heard me the first time so I doubt the need to reintrodice myself. I am here on official business by order of both the Order of Order and Commander Grit. I need able bodied and sharp minded escorts to accompany me, and you two at least seem to have good reaction time if nothing else."
Eye the two over, see if they seem like worthy soldiers
>>31167
"You may come in!"
>>31166
They exchange some glances, then one of them speaks up.
"Sir we are not allowed to leave our guard posts for any reason until the end of our shifts. The lower gate is the most important part of the fortress. Maybe you could find others at the barracks?"
>>31168
"35. Poor bastard, always told him that his addiction to sweets will get him into trouble."
"TWENTY EIGHT! TWENTY NINE! THIRTY!.."
"You may come in!"
>>31166
They exchange some glances, then one of them speaks up.
"Sir we are not allowed to leave our guard posts for any reason until the end of our shifts. The lower gate is the most important part of the fortress. Maybe you could find others at the barracks?"
>>31168
"35. Poor bastard, always told him that his addiction to sweets will get him into trouble."
"TWENTY EIGHT! TWENTY NINE! THIRTY!.."
>>31165
"They are all elsewhere. When we arrived at the farm we found a hole and a slaughtered colt in the basement. The hole led to a tunnel which led into the wastes in one direction, and towards the keep in another. We found blood in the tunnel belonging to the colts father. The tunnel was inhabited by an inspect species that we believe responsible for the missing family. There is some good news though: The zebra was able to take control of one of the bugs and used it to command to others to dig into the river by the walls. The bug problem will hopefully solve itself."
"They are all elsewhere. When we arrived at the farm we found a hole and a slaughtered colt in the basement. The hole led to a tunnel which led into the wastes in one direction, and towards the keep in another. We found blood in the tunnel belonging to the colts father. The tunnel was inhabited by an inspect species that we believe responsible for the missing family. There is some good news though: The zebra was able to take control of one of the bugs and used it to command to others to dig into the river by the walls. The bug problem will hopefully solve itself."
>>31171
He looks at you with frustration.
"The loss of the family is bad, but the discovery is even worse. What sort of creatures were they? And if they are digging towards the Fortress, this can't be handled light heartedly. What do you think this is, kindergarten? 'Hopefully solve itself?'?! Did you check the end of the tunnel? And how could leave without being one hundred percent sure that we are safe? Do you even understand you are playing with the fate of Equestria here? Will I have to send ponies there because of your incompetence? We are already short on good ponies, that's why you were sent down there! You had one task!"
>>31172
>>31176
"Whoa, slow down miss, what is this all about? What creatures? Where?"
"Oh, and that's just a punishment of a voracious soldier."
>>31173
You head towards the barracks.
There is one in each ring.
Which one will you visit?
>>31174
>>31175
The crowd starts to perish after the punishment is over.
You can see a slightly fat pony lying there on the ground, covered in small cuts from the whip.
He looks at you with frustration.
"The loss of the family is bad, but the discovery is even worse. What sort of creatures were they? And if they are digging towards the Fortress, this can't be handled light heartedly. What do you think this is, kindergarten? 'Hopefully solve itself?'?! Did you check the end of the tunnel? And how could leave without being one hundred percent sure that we are safe? Do you even understand you are playing with the fate of Equestria here? Will I have to send ponies there because of your incompetence? We are already short on good ponies, that's why you were sent down there! You had one task!"
>>31172
>>31176
"Whoa, slow down miss, what is this all about? What creatures? Where?"
"Oh, and that's just a punishment of a voracious soldier."
>>31173
You head towards the barracks.
There is one in each ring.
Which one will you visit?
>>31174
>>31175
The crowd starts to perish after the punishment is over.
You can see a slightly fat pony lying there on the ground, covered in small cuts from the whip.
>>31177
"The Zebra we had with us captured one…they were like huge praying mantises, they were digging a tunnel under the fort, but we flooded it, I think. The tunnels started under the house of the farmers we were sent to check on. But someone needs to warn the other family, the creatures might return!"
"The Zebra we had with us captured one…they were like huge praying mantises, they were digging a tunnel under the fort, but we flooded it, I think. The tunnels started under the house of the farmers we were sent to check on. But someone needs to warn the other family, the creatures might return!"
>>31177
"Three insect warriors, shaped like large mantises, nearly tore us all apart. They have blades for limbs and can survive having most of their body destroyed. We left as soon as we were sure they were all dead. This problem cannot be solved by the river then it will need a military solution, not a mercenary solution. If you want to inspect one, however, the zebra was able to catch a small drone and bring it back. I believe she is with the lawpony, who was harassing the unicorn that checked to see if we were changelings last time I saw him."
"Three insect warriors, shaped like large mantises, nearly tore us all apart. They have blades for limbs and can survive having most of their body destroyed. We left as soon as we were sure they were all dead. This problem cannot be solved by the river then it will need a military solution, not a mercenary solution. If you want to inspect one, however, the zebra was able to catch a small drone and bring it back. I believe she is with the lawpony, who was harassing the unicorn that checked to see if we were changelings last time I saw him."
>>31178
You find the barracks soon enough.
You can see ponies outside in the yard playing ball games, running and excersising, or simply enjoying the their free time.
There are probably ponies inside as well.
>>31183
As you try to walk up to him to heal him, a gruff looking guard stands before you.
"And just what do you think you are doing?"
You can see that he has the whip on his belt, and his voice is the same that counted.
>>31184
"A tunnel? Underground? Heading this way?"
He looks worried for a moment.
"And you flooded it? Did it reach under the fortress? If the bedding of the walls are underwashed we might be in serious trouble. Are you sure about this? And yes, of course, I'll send someone to warn the Picks."
>>31185
"Why is that damned pony troubling my troops? Doesn't he have anything better do to?"
He trots up to the table, and looks at some scrolls.
"We got orders from Canterlot again today. They want us to withdraw a hundred more ponies, saying they aren't needed here anyway. There is a reason your group was sent there. We can't afford the ponies here to get killed, and you handled yourself fine if you are still alive."
He sights.
"Get me that zebra with the bug, and get my Advisor here as well. And gather the rest of your sorry group here!"
You find the barracks soon enough.
You can see ponies outside in the yard playing ball games, running and excersising, or simply enjoying the their free time.
There are probably ponies inside as well.
>>31183
As you try to walk up to him to heal him, a gruff looking guard stands before you.
"And just what do you think you are doing?"
You can see that he has the whip on his belt, and his voice is the same that counted.
>>31184
"A tunnel? Underground? Heading this way?"
He looks worried for a moment.
"And you flooded it? Did it reach under the fortress? If the bedding of the walls are underwashed we might be in serious trouble. Are you sure about this? And yes, of course, I'll send someone to warn the Picks."
>>31185
"Why is that damned pony troubling my troops? Doesn't he have anything better do to?"
He trots up to the table, and looks at some scrolls.
"We got orders from Canterlot again today. They want us to withdraw a hundred more ponies, saying they aren't needed here anyway. There is a reason your group was sent there. We can't afford the ponies here to get killed, and you handled yourself fine if you are still alive."
He sights.
"Get me that zebra with the bug, and get my Advisor here as well. And gather the rest of your sorry group here!"
>>31187
"Someone should check on the dead family's basement. We aren't completely sure if the bugs had reached the fort yet, or even the river, but if the basement is flooded, so is the whole tunnel system."
I turn to leave
"I need to find that damn Zebra with the bug. Don't tell her I said this, but she kinda creeps me out."
"Someone should check on the dead family's basement. We aren't completely sure if the bugs had reached the fort yet, or even the river, but if the basement is flooded, so is the whole tunnel system."
I turn to leave
"I need to find that damn Zebra with the bug. Don't tell her I said this, but she kinda creeps me out."
>>31188
"Uh, it's Captain Pommel, why?"
>>31191
He stands before you again.
"Those wound will remind him not to steal from the Fortress ever again. Who are you anyway? Identify yourself!"
>>31189
You find the office of Golden Words with Yvonne inside.
>>31192
"You will have to talk to the Commander about the troops you see."
He chuckles at your other comment.
"Yes, I have heard some zebras have uniquely charming ways…"
"Uh, it's Captain Pommel, why?"
>>31191
He stands before you again.
"Those wound will remind him not to steal from the Fortress ever again. Who are you anyway? Identify yourself!"
>>31189
You find the office of Golden Words with Yvonne inside.
>>31192
"You will have to talk to the Commander about the troops you see."
He chuckles at your other comment.
"Yes, I have heard some zebras have uniquely charming ways…"
>>31199
"Ah. Good. Now we're making progress.
I am Judge Feldspar of the Order of Order, here by order of the Order of Order to assist in maintaining order as ordered by commander Grit.
And in order to maintain that order I will need some escorts to help me in dealing with dangerous suspects and other things an older pony like me is not suited to taking on alone. Can you take me to this captain of yours? I feel the soldiers here would be best suited for my needs."
"Ah. Good. Now we're making progress.
I am Judge Feldspar of the Order of Order, here by order of the Order of Order to assist in maintaining order as ordered by commander Grit.
And in order to maintain that order I will need some escorts to help me in dealing with dangerous suspects and other things an older pony like me is not suited to taking on alone. Can you take me to this captain of yours? I feel the soldiers here would be best suited for my needs."
>>31203
"Well, okay I guess."
The pony stands up and leads you inside tha barracks, to a door with a plaque saying 'Officer's Quarters'.
"I can only lead you this far, privates are not allowed inside there. Don't worry, you can't miss the Captains room."
>>31206
He pushes you away.
"You want to taste the whip too? Go away why you can. He deserved what he got."
The pony on the ground just let's out a pained moan.
>>31211
He leads you to the room where the Commander is.
They greet each other and Grit just nods as you enter.
Golden Words turns to you.
"I belive we want to wait for everyone before we start?"
"Well, okay I guess."
The pony stands up and leads you inside tha barracks, to a door with a plaque saying 'Officer's Quarters'.
"I can only lead you this far, privates are not allowed inside there. Don't worry, you can't miss the Captains room."
>>31206
He pushes you away.
"You want to taste the whip too? Go away why you can. He deserved what he got."
The pony on the ground just let's out a pained moan.
>>31211
He leads you to the room where the Commander is.
They greet each other and Grit just nods as you enter.
Golden Words turns to you.
"I belive we want to wait for everyone before we start?"
>>31222
Step inside, assess those present. Address the captain.
"Good day. As stated I am here on official business by order of the Commander and the Order of Order. I am tracking down a number of notable criminals and other threats to this place, and require escort troops. I trust you can spare a few of your officers and their subordinates to my command for the time being? This is an important matter after all."
Step inside, assess those present. Address the captain.
"Good day. As stated I am here on official business by order of the Commander and the Order of Order. I am tracking down a number of notable criminals and other threats to this place, and require escort troops. I trust you can spare a few of your officers and their subordinates to my command for the time being? This is an important matter after all."
>>31223
"Well, there is one in every ring. They are the big buildings left of the gates, with the sportsfields before them."
You get going to check the barracks of the first ring.
>>31224
Golden Words and Commander start to discuss the situation between themselves.
>>31225
The captain looks at you with suprise, then looks at the other officers.
"He's kidding, right? Are you guys trying to pull a prank on me? Because this isn't funny."
>>31226
Most of the ponies here don't wear their armor off duty.
There are ponies inside that are sleeping on bunk beds.
Some ponies are eating outside.
"Well, there is one in every ring. They are the big buildings left of the gates, with the sportsfields before them."
You get going to check the barracks of the first ring.
>>31224
Golden Words and Commander start to discuss the situation between themselves.
>>31225
The captain looks at you with suprise, then looks at the other officers.
"He's kidding, right? Are you guys trying to pull a prank on me? Because this isn't funny."
>>31226
Most of the ponies here don't wear their armor off duty.
There are ponies inside that are sleeping on bunk beds.
Some ponies are eating outside.
>>31232
Yes you do.
She is standing out there.
>>31231
"Escorts for what? We don't have any ponies to spare! We were working tightly even before, but since the last months we lost so many ponies that I can't even keep track of it! The deserters after she was gone, the religious forces after what happenet to the Temple and the constant orders from Canterlot! I can't spare anyone, especially not without orders from the Commander!"
>>31233
That chick has the eyes of an eagle.
He must be one.
>>31234
Golden Words smiles at you and levitates a small mirror from her robe to you.
"Here you go dear."
Yes you do.
She is standing out there.
>>31231
"Escorts for what? We don't have any ponies to spare! We were working tightly even before, but since the last months we lost so many ponies that I can't even keep track of it! The deserters after she was gone, the religious forces after what happenet to the Temple and the constant orders from Canterlot! I can't spare anyone, especially not without orders from the Commander!"
>>31233
That chick has the eyes of an eagle.
He must be one.
>>31234
Golden Words smiles at you and levitates a small mirror from her robe to you.
"Here you go dear."
>>31235
"The commander is not off my list of suspects. There are simply too many unanswered questions here, and with every last one of the answers seemingly mired behind some draconian chain of command, my position and creed will not allow me to idly stand by and watch this entire fortress and border self destruct due to the incompetence of a few key figures.
For the time being, I am assuming command here, effective immediate. By order of the Order of Order, and as witnessed by THE LAW, I hereby command you to serve me in any and all ways possible, until the buried crimes of this place have been unearthed and resolved."
I use my specialty - Command - on the Captain and whoever else is in the room.
Rolled 2 = 2
"The commander is not off my list of suspects. There are simply too many unanswered questions here, and with every last one of the answers seemingly mired behind some draconian chain of command, my position and creed will not allow me to idly stand by and watch this entire fortress and border self destruct due to the incompetence of a few key figures.
For the time being, I am assuming command here, effective immediate. By order of the Order of Order, and as witnessed by THE LAW, I hereby command you to serve me in any and all ways possible, until the buried crimes of this place have been unearthed and resolved."
I use my specialty - Command - on the Captain and whoever else is in the room.
Rolled 2 = 2
>>31253
"You are welcome. It's a shame that such a pretty face was violated in such a manner. If you want to, I can arrange a rendezvous for you with a cleric that specialises in fixing such problems as this!"
The Commander rolls his eyes.
>>31249
The Captain and two other officers just look at you and nod.
"Of.. Of course sir. Our lives for the Law!"
The other officers just look at the scene with shock and incomprehension.
Captain Pommel and two other officers are now following your orders.
>>31261
You enter and can see that a door at the other end of the main hall is wide open, and can see the Judge in there.
>>31266
You arrive there shortly, and find Yvonne, Golden Words and Commander Grit there.
"You are welcome. It's a shame that such a pretty face was violated in such a manner. If you want to, I can arrange a rendezvous for you with a cleric that specialises in fixing such problems as this!"
The Commander rolls his eyes.
>>31249
The Captain and two other officers just look at you and nod.
"Of.. Of course sir. Our lives for the Law!"
The other officers just look at the scene with shock and incomprehension.
Captain Pommel and two other officers are now following your orders.
>>31261
You enter and can see that a door at the other end of the main hall is wide open, and can see the Judge in there.
>>31266
You arrive there shortly, and find Yvonne, Golden Words and Commander Grit there.
>>31269
"Good. The Law watch over you, and us all. For now, stay put as you are and proceed as normal. I need to go have a little chat with the Commander so that I can be sure of the next course of action. You, big fellow, with me. I could use some sturdy company, not to mention a messenger who is not as old as myself.
I will be back shortly. Carry on, but remain vigilant for my return.
You are a good pony, Pommel. I want to make sure you have a good city to serve. We will make sure of that together."
>>31273
"Ah yes, the commander. Indeed. On my way"
Head for the commander's seat of power, with Raventail in tow.
"Good. The Law watch over you, and us all. For now, stay put as you are and proceed as normal. I need to go have a little chat with the Commander so that I can be sure of the next course of action. You, big fellow, with me. I could use some sturdy company, not to mention a messenger who is not as old as myself.
I will be back shortly. Carry on, but remain vigilant for my return.
You are a good pony, Pommel. I want to make sure you have a good city to serve. We will make sure of that together."
>>31273
"Ah yes, the commander. Indeed. On my way"
Head for the commander's seat of power, with Raventail in tow.
ON THE NEXT THRILLING EPISODE OF BORDERLANDS QUEST:
WILL THE TUNNEL GET FLOODED BY THE RIVER?
SPOILER ALRERT, NO IT WON'T.
WILL THE GROUP WILL BE SENT BACK TO DO THEIR JOBS PROPERLY?
WILL COMMANDER GRIT DIE OF ANGER IF IT EVER TURNS OUT THE JUDGE IS COMMANDING HIS CAPTAIN?
WILL YVONNE'S FACE GET FIXED?
WILL YOU KNOW WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THE TEMPLE?
WILL YOU EVER GET TO WHEATLEY?
STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT THRILLING EPISODE, HERE ON THE HUB!
WILL THE TUNNEL GET FLOODED BY THE RIVER?
SPOILER ALRERT, NO IT WON'T.
WILL THE GROUP WILL BE SENT BACK TO DO THEIR JOBS PROPERLY?
WILL COMMANDER GRIT DIE OF ANGER IF IT EVER TURNS OUT THE JUDGE IS COMMANDING HIS CAPTAIN?
WILL YVONNE'S FACE GET FIXED?
WILL YOU KNOW WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THE TEMPLE?
WILL YOU EVER GET TO WHEATLEY?
STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT THRILLING EPISODE, HERE ON THE HUB!