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Cloud Skimmer
>1
Your mind is swimming with troubled thoughts and your heart is full of emotions, making it impossible for you to concentrate. You are so distracted in fact that during a regular patrol, instead of dispersing a small little cloud, you accidentally buck it away, making it into a medium sized thundercloud. As luck would have it, some pegasi from Weather Control are around and can help you deal with the situation.
Lancer is among them, and you see you motion you towards him. Uh-oh.
Kelani Rush
You just paid a visit to the nice little home of a nice little family, and promptly disturbed the unicorn father by delivering a package to him as instructed. He 'advised' you to leave now.
Iga
You are currently in a dreamy landscape that looks like a stereotipical Neighpon water garden after the two goats you met in the forest lulled you to sleep with a magical tune.
It's pretty relaxing though.
Lone Mesa
You were currently conversing with a caged Warg in the back yard of an abandoned house, guarded by two bandit mares, may they rest in peace.
When you asked him how many bandits were in Fairbank, the junction trading town you are in, he only answered:
"I wouldn't know. But they have friends. The death from the sky ones. They are expecting an attack, and will kill us if we try."
>1
Your mind is swimming with troubled thoughts and your heart is full of emotions, making it impossible for you to concentrate. You are so distracted in fact that during a regular patrol, instead of dispersing a small little cloud, you accidentally buck it away, making it into a medium sized thundercloud. As luck would have it, some pegasi from Weather Control are around and can help you deal with the situation.
Lancer is among them, and you see you motion you towards him. Uh-oh.
Kelani Rush
You just paid a visit to the nice little home of a nice little family, and promptly disturbed the unicorn father by delivering a package to him as instructed. He 'advised' you to leave now.
Iga
You are currently in a dreamy landscape that looks like a stereotipical Neighpon water garden after the two goats you met in the forest lulled you to sleep with a magical tune.
It's pretty relaxing though.
Lone Mesa
You were currently conversing with a caged Warg in the back yard of an abandoned house, guarded by two bandit mares, may they rest in peace.
When you asked him how many bandits were in Fairbank, the junction trading town you are in, he only answered:
"I wouldn't know. But they have friends. The death from the sky ones. They are expecting an attack, and will kill us if we try."
>>626433
"That could have been really fucking dangerous, you know. I saw you earlier too, you did nothing but bumble around all day."
>>626434
You see a path winding down under some cherrywood arches, leading to a small, open tea house without any walls.
There seems to be somepony sitting there.
>>626435
One pig and he will tell you where to find his master, yes.
Plus getting him out of his cage.
You know of some pig farmers to the east.
"That could have been really fucking dangerous, you know. I saw you earlier too, you did nothing but bumble around all day."
>>626434
You see a path winding down under some cherrywood arches, leading to a small, open tea house without any walls.
There seems to be somepony sitting there.
>>626435
One pig and he will tell you where to find his master, yes.
Plus getting him out of his cage.
You know of some pig farmers to the east.
>>626436
Let's hide those bodies of the mares and go for one of them pig farmers. Would I have money to buy a pig?
Let's hide those bodies of the mares and go for one of them pig farmers. Would I have money to buy a pig?
>>626436
"Not having a great day today, no. You don't need to remind me. Sorry for the mess, chief."
"Not having a great day today, no. You don't need to remind me. Sorry for the mess, chief."
>>626437
You hide the bodies inside the dusty hall of the house, and head east. Should be there in less than an hour. Your dog is busy smelling the desert ground as you two walk.
You do not have the bits for a pig. They are pretty expensive, since they have to be raised and made out to go find truffles, which are expensive in themselves.
>>626438
"Listen, I can guess what this is about."
He looks around to check that only you can hear it.
"I know I give everypony a lot of shit, but blood bonds are stronger than everything. You should take a few days off. I'll get someone to cover for your shift, and you can just owe me a favor."
>>626439
"Konbawa."
The mare turns around and it is… you.
It's you, only younger.
"Nice of you to visit."
You hide the bodies inside the dusty hall of the house, and head east. Should be there in less than an hour. Your dog is busy smelling the desert ground as you two walk.
You do not have the bits for a pig. They are pretty expensive, since they have to be raised and made out to go find truffles, which are expensive in themselves.
>>626438
"Listen, I can guess what this is about."
He looks around to check that only you can hear it.
"I know I give everypony a lot of shit, but blood bonds are stronger than everything. You should take a few days off. I'll get someone to cover for your shift, and you can just owe me a favor."
>>626439
"Konbawa."
The mare turns around and it is… you.
It's you, only younger.
"Nice of you to visit."
>>626440
"Maybe you're right. I'd hate to do it but I'm not really as productive as I should be."
Damn.
"Maybe you're right. I'd hate to do it but I'm not really as productive as I should be."
Damn.
>>626443
"It does not matter."
She…you motion for yourself to sit down.
>>626441
You're over two thirds of the way to the farms, which are even visible in the distance, but something catches your eye. You can't make it out properly, but it looks like a giant body is hung between two wooden posts. Maybe you should investigate?
>>626442
"You either do it on your own or I will ask you to be put off for a few days, since I can't have you making thunderstorms or tornadoes inside the city for being distracted."
His tone is stern once again.
"It does not matter."
She…you motion for yourself to sit down.
>>626441
You're over two thirds of the way to the farms, which are even visible in the distance, but something catches your eye. You can't make it out properly, but it looks like a giant body is hung between two wooden posts. Maybe you should investigate?
>>626442
"You either do it on your own or I will ask you to be put off for a few days, since I can't have you making thunderstorms or tornadoes inside the city for being distracted."
His tone is stern once again.
>>626445
She shakes her head.
"No, but we need to talk."
>>626446
He nods.
"Good. Run that by the director and go home."
He goes back to his weather team.
>>626447
It's not.
It's not a pony either. It's a gryphon.
Two sturdy logs have been erected on the ground, with the large wings of the halfbreed creautre spread and nailed to them. The body itself is spread eagled and attached with every limb to the poles by barbed wire, only the head hanging limply.
There is a sign on his chest reading DEATH TO ALL TALONS written in what you suppose is blood.
You do know that Talons are a mercenary group consisting of nothing but Gryphons… and they are not amateurs either.
She shakes her head.
"No, but we need to talk."
>>626446
He nods.
"Good. Run that by the director and go home."
He goes back to his weather team.
>>626447
It's not.
It's not a pony either. It's a gryphon.
Two sturdy logs have been erected on the ground, with the large wings of the halfbreed creautre spread and nailed to them. The body itself is spread eagled and attached with every limb to the poles by barbed wire, only the head hanging limply.
There is a sign on his chest reading DEATH TO ALL TALONS written in what you suppose is blood.
You do know that Talons are a mercenary group consisting of nothing but Gryphons… and they are not amateurs either.
>>626448
That might explain the death from above deal…but I haven't seen many griffons about.
Look up.
They might be hiding in the clouds.
That might explain the death from above deal…but I haven't seen many griffons about.
Look up.
They might be hiding in the clouds.
>>626449
You knock on the door of your father's office and enter.
She is scribing furiously at the table. She stops and motions for the chair in front of the table.
"Good day, yes, take a seat. What is it?"
>>626450
The younger you frowns.
"Why are you running?"
>>626451
There aren't many clouds today, and even those are high above. You could use some shade, but those clouds provide none.
The sky seems clear for now.
You knock on the door of your father's office and enter.
She is scribing furiously at the table. She stops and motions for the chair in front of the table.
"Good day, yes, take a seat. What is it?"
>>626450
The younger you frowns.
"Why are you running?"
>>626451
There aren't many clouds today, and even those are high above. You could use some shade, but those clouds provide none.
The sky seems clear for now.
>>626452
"I need to take two days off. My head's not in the game and it's affecting my performance at work."
"I need to take two days off. My head's not in the game and it's affecting my performance at work."
>>626453
You arrive shortly.
You smell the pigs before you hear their oinking and see them in their pens.
You see a middle aged pig farmer mare getting water from a well. By the look of her rags and the sweat on her forehead she has been working all day.
>>626454
She opens a drawer and gives you a form.
"Fill out this. I am afraid we cannot give you payment or benefits for those two days and today."
>>626455
"Good medicine tastes bitter in the mouth. It has to be asked."
You arrive shortly.
You smell the pigs before you hear their oinking and see them in their pens.
You see a middle aged pig farmer mare getting water from a well. By the look of her rags and the sweat on her forehead she has been working all day.
>>626454
She opens a drawer and gives you a form.
"Fill out this. I am afraid we cannot give you payment or benefits for those two days and today."
>>626455
"Good medicine tastes bitter in the mouth. It has to be asked."
>>626456
"I run because Neighpon is not welcoming anymore. When the mountain bear chases you, do not look back and keep running."
"I run because Neighpon is not welcoming anymore. When the mountain bear chases you, do not look back and keep running."
>>626456
"Sure, whatever."
Fill out the form.
"Lancer said he'd make sure somepony would fill in for me."
"Sure, whatever."
Fill out the form.
"Lancer said he'd make sure somepony would fill in for me."
>>626459
"That will be arranged, yes. Will you need anything else? This is a very busy time for the factory."
She takes the form, signs it and stamps it then puts it into another drawer.
>>626458
She is surprised for a moment and you see a hoof insticntively reach for something under her clothes, but stops when she sees who you are.
"Ah, good morning."
She doesn't seem as uncomfortable as some other ponies upon seeing you.
"What brings you here, ranger?"
>>626457
"You cannot hide from your Destiny. You may run from what you fear, but you cannot escape it. You must face it.
If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub."
"That will be arranged, yes. Will you need anything else? This is a very busy time for the factory."
She takes the form, signs it and stamps it then puts it into another drawer.
>>626458
She is surprised for a moment and you see a hoof insticntively reach for something under her clothes, but stops when she sees who you are.
"Ah, good morning."
She doesn't seem as uncomfortable as some other ponies upon seeing you.
"What brings you here, ranger?"
>>626457
"You cannot hide from your Destiny. You may run from what you fear, but you cannot escape it. You must face it.
If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub."
>>626460
"I have been having some trouble you might be able to help me with.
But first I would like to ask if there's been any trouble here? I saw the Griffon on the way here…"
"I have been having some trouble you might be able to help me with.
But first I would like to ask if there's been any trouble here? I saw the Griffon on the way here…"
>>626461
You get out of the office.
Maybe you could visit Storm Dancer or Skyheart before you leave? Tell them what's up?
>>626462
She frowns.
"That thing is going to be the death of me, but they threatened me that they will kill me if I take it off… but if any of the gryphons see it, they will take their anger out on me too."
She lifts her rags some to show you the stock of a sawed-off shotgun.
"I doubt this will help, but it makes me feel as safe as you can be out here."
>>626463
She shakes her head again.
"They will arrive in Equestria soon. Where will you go then? There are only so many continents you can flee to."
For a moment, everything goes dark, and in the next moment, you wake up to the rays of morning light and the unicat sleeping on top of you at the forest camp.
You get out of the office.
Maybe you could visit Storm Dancer or Skyheart before you leave? Tell them what's up?
>>626462
She frowns.
"That thing is going to be the death of me, but they threatened me that they will kill me if I take it off… but if any of the gryphons see it, they will take their anger out on me too."
She lifts her rags some to show you the stock of a sawed-off shotgun.
"I doubt this will help, but it makes me feel as safe as you can be out here."
>>626463
She shakes her head again.
"They will arrive in Equestria soon. Where will you go then? There are only so many continents you can flee to."
For a moment, everything goes dark, and in the next moment, you wake up to the rays of morning light and the unicat sleeping on top of you at the forest camp.
>>626466
She shakes her head.
"No. It was ponies dressed in black, with some serious weapons… I don't leave the farm aside from selling pigs or finding truffles, so I have no idea who they might be."
>>626467
She slowly opens her eyes as you do, and stretches with a yawn.
You see the vanilla goat sleeping on top of their cart while the brown one is sleeping on a drum.
>>626465
You knock and enter the infirmary and are welcomed by the sight of Storm Dancer groping the flanks of a mare… wait, what?
She shakes her head.
"No. It was ponies dressed in black, with some serious weapons… I don't leave the farm aside from selling pigs or finding truffles, so I have no idea who they might be."
>>626467
She slowly opens her eyes as you do, and stretches with a yawn.
You see the vanilla goat sleeping on top of their cart while the brown one is sleeping on a drum.
>>626465
You knock and enter the infirmary and are welcomed by the sight of Storm Dancer groping the flanks of a mare… wait, what?
>>626468
Keep petting my cat for a while longer and get up once I've had enough. I need to get moving again.
Keep petting my cat for a while longer and get up once I've had enough. I need to get moving again.
>>626469
She raises an eyebrow.
"…they want one of my pigs?"
She looks back at the pens.
You see your doggie playfully chasing a fat sow through the wooden fence.
"I'm not sure I can afford that."
>>626470
She mrows at you when you do, but ends up on your back with a flash of magic once you stand up.
Will you wake the goats or just go on your way?
>>626471
She just says "Hold on!", but the mare almost jumps and gives you an embarassed glance before looking away. Storm chastizes her. "I told you not to move!"
About half a minute later she stands back and picks up a small box to give to the mare. "Put this salve on every day for a week and you should be fine."
The mare thanks her and leaves in a hurry. Storm gives you a smile.
"Come on, I know you want to, send those jokes my way."
She raises an eyebrow.
"…they want one of my pigs?"
She looks back at the pens.
You see your doggie playfully chasing a fat sow through the wooden fence.
"I'm not sure I can afford that."
>>626470
She mrows at you when you do, but ends up on your back with a flash of magic once you stand up.
Will you wake the goats or just go on your way?
>>626471
She just says "Hold on!", but the mare almost jumps and gives you an embarassed glance before looking away. Storm chastizes her. "I told you not to move!"
About half a minute later she stands back and picks up a small box to give to the mare. "Put this salve on every day for a week and you should be fine."
The mare thanks her and leaves in a hurry. Storm gives you a smile.
"Come on, I know you want to, send those jokes my way."
>>626472
"The mental barriers preventing me from being a huge gaping asshole are particularly strong today."
Look at her desk.
"Yesterday hit me harder than I expected."
"The mental barriers preventing me from being a huge gaping asshole are particularly strong today."
Look at her desk.
"Yesterday hit me harder than I expected."
>>626472
It would be rude to, but it's also rude not to. I guess I should say goodbye. Wake them.
It would be rude to, but it's also rude not to. I guess I should say goodbye. Wake them.
>>626474
She frowns.
"I'm sorry about that…"
She shakes her head.
"Ever since I've heard I've been thinking what if I was more insistent with him and told him to get a checkup sooner…"
>>626475
The chocolate goat quickly jumps up and opens his mouth for a bleat, without any sound coming out of his throat while the vanilla goat faceplants right in front of the cart as she stumbles awake.
Still, they both gleefully jump in front of you.
"Good morning! Had a nice rest?"
>>626473
"Raising a pig like this is not easy, you know…"
She looks at the well pondering for a while, then back at her pens with the pigs, and Rocky jumping around next to them.
"…I could use a guard dog…"
She frowns.
"I'm sorry about that…"
She shakes her head.
"Ever since I've heard I've been thinking what if I was more insistent with him and told him to get a checkup sooner…"
>>626475
The chocolate goat quickly jumps up and opens his mouth for a bleat, without any sound coming out of his throat while the vanilla goat faceplants right in front of the cart as she stumbles awake.
Still, they both gleefully jump in front of you.
"Good morning! Had a nice rest?"
>>626473
"Raising a pig like this is not easy, you know…"
She looks at the well pondering for a while, then back at her pens with the pigs, and Rocky jumping around next to them.
"…I could use a guard dog…"
>>626476
"So did I. And my mother. He's not a great listener when it comes that that stuff. Anyway, I just thought I'd tell you I've taken two days off of work to gather my thoughts and look after my mother."
"So did I. And my mother. He's not a great listener when it comes that that stuff. Anyway, I just thought I'd tell you I've taken two days off of work to gather my thoughts and look after my mother."
>>626477
She nods.
"I understand. I will tell the girls not to worry about you. Take care, okay? And tell your old stallion I'm going to whoop his flank once he gets back here for giving his doctor a scare like this."
>>626478
They both pout.
"Aww, why the hurry! We can sing songs and everything on the way back!"
She nods.
"I understand. I will tell the girls not to worry about you. Take care, okay? And tell your old stallion I'm going to whoop his flank once he gets back here for giving his doctor a scare like this."
>>626478
They both pout.
"Aww, why the hurry! We can sing songs and everything on the way back!"
>>626476
Look at Rocky.
"….Rocky and me have been friends for a long time. But nothing's been the same for some time now.
Would you take good care of him?"
Look at Rocky.
"….Rocky and me have been friends for a long time. But nothing's been the same for some time now.
Would you take good care of him?"
>>626479
"You can take my place wooing all the mares around here, can't you? Thanks. … Give him a visit sometime if you can, I'm sure he'd appreciate it."
"You can take my place wooing all the mares around here, can't you? Thanks. … Give him a visit sometime if you can, I'm sure he'd appreciate it."
>>626482
His ears perk up and he quickly runs up to you, panting with his tongue out.
>>626483
She smiles slightly.
"Already cleared up my schedule for tomorrow."
>>626484
They both hop around you, Vanilla Sky talking to you cheerfully.
"Well, I hope we meet again! You seem like a fun pony! We can have songs and dance next time!"
His ears perk up and he quickly runs up to you, panting with his tongue out.
>>626483
She smiles slightly.
"Already cleared up my schedule for tomorrow."
>>626484
They both hop around you, Vanilla Sky talking to you cheerfully.
"Well, I hope we meet again! You seem like a fun pony! We can have songs and dance next time!"
>>626485
"I'll see you around, doc. I'll get out of your mane now."
Leave her office again, I'm going to the weather lab.
"I'll see you around, doc. I'll get out of your mane now."
Leave her office again, I'm going to the weather lab.
>>626485
Pet his head.
"Rocky, we've been together for quite a while."
Bite my lip.
"I need you to do something for me. You have to protect this mare. Just like you've protected me all these years."
Pet his head.
"Rocky, we've been together for quite a while."
Bite my lip.
"I need you to do something for me. You have to protect this mare. Just like you've protected me all these years."
>>626486
You head towards the laboratories.
Before you enter, you see a sign that calls your attention to wearing safetly googles in the labs at all times, with several of them hanging racks below it. You can guess when this regulation was introduced…
>>626487
There a few silent moment when he attentively looks between you and the mare before he jumps up at you to lick your face with a continous whine.
You head towards the laboratories.
Before you enter, you see a sign that calls your attention to wearing safetly googles in the labs at all times, with several of them hanging racks below it. You can guess when this regulation was introduced…
>>626487
There a few silent moment when he attentively looks between you and the mare before he jumps up at you to lick your face with a continous whine.
>>626489
"Bye!"
They bow to you too and the chocolate goat plays a quick, upbeat tune.
You feel… refreshed, and your wings feel more agile. Weird…
>>626490
You put them on and enter the labs. Now, last time you talked Skyheart said she was working on something in a wing that you are not very familiar with.
Roll to try and find her.
>>626491
She nods and leads out a fat hog for you, putting it on a chain leash and handing that to you.
"Bye!"
They bow to you too and the chocolate goat plays a quick, upbeat tune.
You feel… refreshed, and your wings feel more agile. Weird…
>>626490
You put them on and enter the labs. Now, last time you talked Skyheart said she was working on something in a wing that you are not very familiar with.
Roll to try and find her.
>>626491
She nods and leads out a fat hog for you, putting it on a chain leash and handing that to you.
>>626493
Still, glancing at a map and judging by your chats from earlier, you easily find where she is, even getting past a guard who just nods at you. You guess being the son of the director does have its benefits.
You arrive in a lab room with tons of instruments you can't even begin to wrap your head around. She is currently studying a jar of lightining and it's reactions with some sort of metal conductor.
>>626494
You are swifter than the wind itself and get back to Los Pegasus in no time!
You see the Blue Collar, your boss, giving out orders to other couriers as you arrive.
>>626495
She nods with a knowing grimace.
"Don't we all? I'll make sure to get him some."
She kneels down beside Rocky and starts petting him, and he is obidient enough to sit down but still whines, looking at you with his ears flattened.
Still, glancing at a map and judging by your chats from earlier, you easily find where she is, even getting past a guard who just nods at you. You guess being the son of the director does have its benefits.
You arrive in a lab room with tons of instruments you can't even begin to wrap your head around. She is currently studying a jar of lightining and it's reactions with some sort of metal conductor.
>>626494
You are swifter than the wind itself and get back to Los Pegasus in no time!
You see the Blue Collar, your boss, giving out orders to other couriers as you arrive.
>>626495
She nods with a knowing grimace.
"Don't we all? I'll make sure to get him some."
She kneels down beside Rocky and starts petting him, and he is obidient enough to sit down but still whines, looking at you with his ears flattened.
>>626496
Lean against the doorframe and just watch for a moment. Might be something delicate.
Lean against the doorframe and just watch for a moment. Might be something delicate.
>>626497
You see her carefully applying some instrument to the jar, and after a flash and a zap, the lightining is bottled on the other side of the metal rod.
You see her smile victoriously with a small, excited squee.
>>626498
You walk away and don't look back.
You hear a loud, sorrowful howl in the distance from the pig farm after you are out of sight.
It's slightly past noon once you get back to Fairbanks.
>>626499
"Good, let's-"
He pauses and looks at the cat on your back.
"Uh… Why is the unicat still with you?"
You see her carefully applying some instrument to the jar, and after a flash and a zap, the lightining is bottled on the other side of the metal rod.
You see her smile victoriously with a small, excited squee.
>>626498
You walk away and don't look back.
You hear a loud, sorrowful howl in the distance from the pig farm after you are out of sight.
It's slightly past noon once you get back to Fairbanks.
>>626499
"Good, let's-"
He pauses and looks at the cat on your back.
"Uh… Why is the unicat still with you?"
>>626500
"It is a long story. They did not want the cat, but they did sign for it. The cat has started following me now."
Give him the paperwork.
"It is a long story. They did not want the cat, but they did sign for it. The cat has started following me now."
Give him the paperwork.
>>626501
You enter the yard and the warg immediately starts ramming against the bars and licking it's teeth.
"Good, good, now let me out!"
>>626502
He runs over it.
"…yes, it does seem correct. I guess you can keep it, if you want. Those unicats are not cheap as far as pets go, so you can consider yourself lucky."
>>626503
She perks up surprisedly and look over to you.
"Skim? How did you… I thought this was a restricted area!"
You enter the yard and the warg immediately starts ramming against the bars and licking it's teeth.
"Good, good, now let me out!"
>>626502
He runs over it.
"…yes, it does seem correct. I guess you can keep it, if you want. Those unicats are not cheap as far as pets go, so you can consider yourself lucky."
>>626503
She perks up surprisedly and look over to you.
"Skim? How did you… I thought this was a restricted area!"
>>626504
"I have my ways.
Listen, I won't distract you from your job for too long. I just came here to tell you I won't be coming to work tomorrow and the day after, so don't worry about me."
"I have my ways.
Listen, I won't distract you from your job for too long. I just came here to tell you I won't be coming to work tomorrow and the day after, so don't worry about me."
>>626505
"They meet every night, at the old mines down south. Tonight, they said, the master of my master will be there."
The warg snarls.
"Now! The cage!"
>>626506
"Why do you think we had to keep her in that big glass cage? They are more smart than they let ponies on."
>>626507
She nods.
"I understand. Thanks for telling me."
She walks over to you and gives you a long hug.
"Take care, okay?"
"They meet every night, at the old mines down south. Tonight, they said, the master of my master will be there."
The warg snarls.
"Now! The cage!"
>>626506
"Why do you think we had to keep her in that big glass cage? They are more smart than they let ponies on."
>>626507
She nods.
"I understand. Thanks for telling me."
She walks over to you and gives you a long hug.
"Take care, okay?"
>>626509
It is obviously and understandably freaking the fuck out as you do so.
The moment bash the giant lock of the cage off with your metal leg, the giant canine springs out and leaps straight at the pig, tearing it apart within seconds.
>>626510
She nods.
"I'm sure she is going to miss you too… but not as much as I will."
>>626511
"Yes, I do. Will you need rest or can you start right away?"
#PAUSE
It is obviously and understandably freaking the fuck out as you do so.
The moment bash the giant lock of the cage off with your metal leg, the giant canine springs out and leaps straight at the pig, tearing it apart within seconds.
>>626510
She nods.
"I'm sure she is going to miss you too… but not as much as I will."
>>626511
"Yes, I do. Will you need rest or can you start right away?"
#PAUSE
>>626767
You leave the house behind.
It's late in the evening now, and you've still got until tomorrow morning to check back here. Where will you go?
You can skip if you want to just get a move on
You leave the house behind.
It's late in the evening now, and you've still got until tomorrow morning to check back here. Where will you go?
You can skip if you want to just get a move on
>>626769
You luckily manage to find one after a bit of wandering. It's still open!
An old, shrunken, tiny, wrinkly, but smiling mare is sitting behind a counter.
"Oh, hello, hello! What can I help with?"
You luckily manage to find one after a bit of wandering. It's still open!
An old, shrunken, tiny, wrinkly, but smiling mare is sitting behind a counter.
"Oh, hello, hello! What can I help with?"
>>626771
"Oh, dear I am sure I do! Magical or non-magical! The former can be a bit expensive!"
She hops off her heightened chair, disappearing for a second before slowly waddling out from behind the counter.
"Oh, dear I am sure I do! Magical or non-magical! The former can be a bit expensive!"
She hops off her heightened chair, disappearing for a second before slowly waddling out from behind the counter.
>>626772
Follow here over.
"You have both? Well then, I'd love to take a look at your collection, perhaps you have some things I've never seen before even."
Follow here over.
"You have both? Well then, I'd love to take a look at your collection, perhaps you have some things I've never seen before even."
>>626773
She slowly makes her way to a table and hops onto a chair to rummage through it's contents.
"Oh, I have this magical statue that I'm sure you are going to love!"
She slowly makes her way to a table and hops onto a chair to rummage through it's contents.
"Oh, I have this magical statue that I'm sure you are going to love!"
>>626775
She keeps digging through what seemingly looks like a bunch of junk.
"It can win over the heart of any mare you give it as a gift! Be careful though! If you break their hearts, so will you break this statue!"
She finally finds it and presents it to you. It's a medium sized leaf pedestal with a wittle cutie painted procelain poodle on top.
…well, that's not one of the statues you are looking for.
She keeps digging through what seemingly looks like a bunch of junk.
"It can win over the heart of any mare you give it as a gift! Be careful though! If you break their hearts, so will you break this statue!"
She finally finds it and presents it to you. It's a medium sized leaf pedestal with a wittle cutie painted procelain poodle on top.
…well, that's not one of the statues you are looking for.
>>626776
chuckle softly.
"Oh, I don't need any help winning over the heart of the mare I love. Do you have any other statues?"
chuckle softly.
"Oh, I don't need any help winning over the heart of the mare I love. Do you have any other statues?"
>>626777
"I might… I'm not sure if I sold that just yet…"
She hops from the chair onto a small ladder with wheels that is beside the shelves lined with all the old stuff you could imagine and starts rolling to the side with it.
"It's really pretty!"
"I might… I'm not sure if I sold that just yet…"
She hops from the chair onto a small ladder with wheels that is beside the shelves lined with all the old stuff you could imagine and starts rolling to the side with it.
"It's really pretty!"
>>626778
trot after her with a bit of concern, a lady her age shouldn't be rolling around like that.
trot after her with a bit of concern, a lady her age shouldn't be rolling around like that.
>>626779
What if she falls? Would you be able to catch her fast enough?
She stops and climbs higher to get something from a high shelf, then slowly descends.
"Ta-daah!"
It is a large and ornate statue of a tree that is seemingly alive and resembles a pony.
What if she falls? Would you be able to catch her fast enough?
She stops and climbs higher to get something from a high shelf, then slowly descends.
"Ta-daah!"
It is a large and ornate statue of a tree that is seemingly alive and resembles a pony.
>>626780
Whew, she didn't fall.. but that's not it either. I regard the statue with a judging eye.
"Wow.. the craftsponyship on this one is really detailed."
Whew, she didn't fall.. but that's not it either. I regard the statue with a judging eye.
"Wow.. the craftsponyship on this one is really detailed."
>>626781
She nods.
"Quite, quite! Some say Mother Nature personally helped guide his hoof while he crafted it!"
She knocks her hoof against the side.
"Real ironwood too!"
She nods.
"Quite, quite! Some say Mother Nature personally helped guide his hoof while he crafted it!"
She knocks her hoof against the side.
"Real ironwood too!"
>>626782
Just to humor her I'll touch it as well.
"I certainly haven't seen anything like it.. You have an impressive collection Miss..?"
Just to humor her I'll touch it as well.
"I certainly haven't seen anything like it.. You have an impressive collection Miss..?"
>>626783
It feels EXACTLY like the bark of the giant three that is in the center of your village!
"Coin Worth!"
She chuckles.
"The vendors next doors only call me Dust Collector, and it sort of stuck."
It feels EXACTLY like the bark of the giant three that is in the center of your village!
"Coin Worth!"
She chuckles.
"The vendors next doors only call me Dust Collector, and it sort of stuck."
>>626784
"What a lovely name, Miss Worth, I'm glad to know it, and you." I 'accidentally' touch her hoof as I'm pulling mine away from the statue.
"There is something so familiar about this statue.. how much will it take to convince you to part with it to a good home?"
'1d10' roll for smooth talk
Roll #1 8 = 8
"What a lovely name, Miss Worth, I'm glad to know it, and you." I 'accidentally' touch her hoof as I'm pulling mine away from the statue.
"There is something so familiar about this statue.. how much will it take to convince you to part with it to a good home?"
'1d10' roll for smooth talk
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>626785
She chuckles again.
"I suppose it does no good to me just sitting here on a shelf, does it? You seem like a nice enough young stallion. I can part with it for just a few bits, if you promise not to let it just gather dust!"
She chuckles again.
"I suppose it does no good to me just sitting here on a shelf, does it? You seem like a nice enough young stallion. I can part with it for just a few bits, if you promise not to let it just gather dust!"
>>626786
Nod and give her a few bits for it.
"I'll take good care of it, it was crafted with the guidance of Mother Nature after all"
Nod and give her a few bits for it.
"I'll take good care of it, it was crafted with the guidance of Mother Nature after all"
>>626788
"I'm a fan of well crafted structures. Statues are just one of the forms this affection takes place." I wink at her and make my way out of the store headed to the inn.
"I'm a fan of well crafted structures. Statues are just one of the forms this affection takes place." I wink at her and make my way out of the store headed to the inn.
>>626789
She waves you off with a smile.
You're back at the inn, and the smell of nice food hits your nose.
Will you retire for the night?
She waves you off with a smile.
You're back at the inn, and the smell of nice food hits your nose.
Will you retire for the night?
>>626793
You have a dreamless, but restful sleep and wake up early in the morning to the chirping of birds!
You have a dreamless, but restful sleep and wake up early in the morning to the chirping of birds!
>>626795
Wonderful, now.. how long until I should meet that pony again?
I have time to pick up a paper and go over it?
Wonderful, now.. how long until I should meet that pony again?
I have time to pick up a paper and go over it?
>>626798
The front page is taken up entirely by an article, with the freshest news, from last night, actually.
City Guards have found the corpses of 26 mercenaries, all of them brutally murdered in a warehouse at the edge of the town. The first inspections concluded that the place was used to manufactre ammunition illegally, as well as for forging traditional weaponry. No culprit has been found so far, no bodies other than the mercenaries have been found either, and there are several murder weapons seemingly either belonging to the deceased or simply being improvised like forge hammers. Some criminalistic experts have compared the slaughter and the mysterious lack of suspect similar to the infamous murder spree of Vilitus more than a decade ago. The City Watch has increased patrols all over Los Pegasus, and advises caution to all citizens and visitors.
The front page is taken up entirely by an article, with the freshest news, from last night, actually.
City Guards have found the corpses of 26 mercenaries, all of them brutally murdered in a warehouse at the edge of the town. The first inspections concluded that the place was used to manufactre ammunition illegally, as well as for forging traditional weaponry. No culprit has been found so far, no bodies other than the mercenaries have been found either, and there are several murder weapons seemingly either belonging to the deceased or simply being improvised like forge hammers. Some criminalistic experts have compared the slaughter and the mysterious lack of suspect similar to the infamous murder spree of Vilitus more than a decade ago. The City Watch has increased patrols all over Los Pegasus, and advises caution to all citizens and visitors.
>>626805
Wow, that's a pretty big deal.. I wonder if it was..
Even if it was, that's hardly my fault.
Anything else interesting?
Wow, that's a pretty big deal.. I wonder if it was..
Even if it was, that's hardly my fault.
Anything else interesting?
>>626818
A new polar bear cub was born in the zoo!
Still no sign of the corporate unicorn who got duped out of his own company then went missing.
A new polar bear cub was born in the zoo!
Still no sign of the corporate unicorn who got duped out of his own company then went missing.
>>626823
Ooh, right.
I wonder if he's okay.. but I should get moving, who knows if I'll have to dodge those religious ponies on the way their again.
Ooh, right.
I wonder if he's okay.. but I should get moving, who knows if I'll have to dodge those religious ponies on the way their again.
>>626829
You fly at a leaisurely pace to the suburbs again to find the nice little house from yesterday.
You fly at a leaisurely pace to the suburbs again to find the nice little house from yesterday.
>>626868
"…" Pat the kid on the head. "Go knock on the door and tell him he has a visitor."
"…" Pat the kid on the head. "Go knock on the door and tell him he has a visitor."
>>626872
He nods.
"Okay, I will!"
He canters away, and reappears a few minutes later.
"He is telling you that you can come inside!"
He nods.
"Okay, I will!"
He canters away, and reappears a few minutes later.
"He is telling you that you can come inside!"
>>626877
It is unlocked, but his magic clicks it as soon as you enter.
You see his forehoof shaking slightly as he smokes from his opium pipe and lounges on his chair.
"I hope you're happy."
It is unlocked, but his magic clicks it as soon as you enter.
You see his forehoof shaking slightly as he smokes from his opium pipe and lounges on his chair.
"I hope you're happy."
>>626889
I shake my head and sit down with him looking concerned. "I'm just doing what I was asked, same as you."
I shake my head and sit down with him looking concerned. "I'm just doing what I was asked, same as you."
>>626894
There is a newspaper lying on the table between you and him.
"You read that already?"
He takes another slow puff of his pipe and his legs shake less.
There is a newspaper lying on the table between you and him.
"You read that already?"
He takes another slow puff of his pipe and his legs shake less.
>>626907
There is a packet of bloodied papers beside it.
"I hope you are going to hate yourself for it as much as I hate myself for even going in to this."
There is a packet of bloodied papers beside it.
"I hope you are going to hate yourself for it as much as I hate myself for even going in to this."
>>626910
At that my expression changes to a smile and then a laugh. "You really are eager to blame someone, don't worry I'm not staying in town long. I have other things to do" Take the papers.
At that my expression changes to a smile and then a laugh. "You really are eager to blame someone, don't worry I'm not staying in town long. I have other things to do" Take the papers.
>>626918
They look like blueprints.
"Who am I supposed to blame but the stallion who blackmailed me into it, huh? You're lucky they were assholes anyway. No big loss for the world."
They look like blueprints.
"Who am I supposed to blame but the stallion who blackmailed me into it, huh? You're lucky they were assholes anyway. No big loss for the world."
>>626923
"Hmm, I'm not actually very lucky, but you probably could guess that."
Stash those blueprints away.
"Hmm, I'm not actually very lucky, but you probably could guess that."
Stash those blueprints away.
>>626927
You put them safely away.
He nods.
"Right. One more word of advice. If I ever see you anywhere near my house or family, I am going to kill you."
That might be a threat but he say that as if he was talking about the weather.
You put them safely away.
He nods.
"Right. One more word of advice. If I ever see you anywhere near my house or family, I am going to kill you."
That might be a threat but he say that as if he was talking about the weather.
>>626930
I sigh and start walking out. "I'll be sure to come by when I've finished my own work then."
I sigh and start walking out. "I'll be sure to come by when I've finished my own work then."
Kelani
You just left the guy who was probably responsible for a massacre last night.
You got some blueprints too. Time to meet your contract at the statue!
You just left the guy who was probably responsible for a massacre last night.
You got some blueprints too. Time to meet your contract at the statue!
>>628538
You can't help but tense up slightly every time you see one of the guard patrols… and there are lots of them out today.
You see your contract at the meeting point though, smiling.
You can't help but tense up slightly every time you see one of the guard patrols… and there are lots of them out today.
You see your contract at the meeting point though, smiling.
>>628541
I wish he'd stop doing that.
Slide the blue prints into the newspaper and hold it in my lap a moment.
"You seem to have a lot to live for."
I wish he'd stop doing that.
Slide the blue prints into the newspaper and hold it in my lap a moment.
"You seem to have a lot to live for."
>>628542
"Got to enjoy every moment while you can, these days."
He glances down.
"You have something for me there, I see?"
"Got to enjoy every moment while you can, these days."
He glances down.
"You have something for me there, I see?"
>>628543
"Good news I think. Take a look." I slide him the paper with a totally not anxious smile.
"Good news I think. Take a look." I slide him the paper with a totally not anxious smile.
>>628544
He takes it.
"Crazy world we live in, huh…"
He glances at you.
"Now, how about a walk? It's getting unbearable, sitting here under the sun."
He takes it.
"Crazy world we live in, huh…"
He glances at you.
"Now, how about a walk? It's getting unbearable, sitting here under the sun."
>>628545
"Sure, I haven't seen much of the city yet. I could use a nice walk."
Nod and be ready to follow him.
"Sure, I haven't seen much of the city yet. I could use a nice walk."
Nod and be ready to follow him.
>>628546
He hops off the bench and starts walking.
He is silent as he starts leading you through alleys, occasionally stopping to glance around.
Eventually you find yourself at the south-eastern outskirts of the city.
There's barely anything here, just a few, run down houses and a small forest nearby.
He hops off the bench and starts walking.
He is silent as he starts leading you through alleys, occasionally stopping to glance around.
Eventually you find yourself at the south-eastern outskirts of the city.
There's barely anything here, just a few, run down houses and a small forest nearby.
>>628548
"Why would you guess that? It's much more comfy inside, but with a look like this, nopony but us knows it even exists."
He walks up to one of the buildings and opens a door that looks like it's about to fall off it's hinges… but there's a reinforced steel door behind it. He knocks on it a few times.
"Why would you guess that? It's much more comfy inside, but with a look like this, nopony but us knows it even exists."
He walks up to one of the buildings and opens a door that looks like it's about to fall off it's hinges… but there's a reinforced steel door behind it. He knocks on it a few times.
>>628550
You get a pretty good grasp of it.
A white mare opens the door after a few seconds.
"Welcome back. Managed tog et anything done?"
"You bet!"
He enters, and motions you to do so too.
You get a pretty good grasp of it.
A white mare opens the door after a few seconds.
"Welcome back. Managed tog et anything done?"
"You bet!"
He enters, and motions you to do so too.
>>628552
You are very surprised by the interior.
There is a small corridor, which seems physically impossible from the outside, which leads to a clean and tidy lounge. It has carpet all over it, as well as tables, and everything, as if it was just a common room in some sort of bar!
You see doors leading to some sort of kitchen, some rooms with beds in it, and all sorts of faculties.
A white unicorn stallion is sitting at one of the tables, working on some gems with his magic.
"So, you wanted some booze before we settle you in?"
You are very surprised by the interior.
There is a small corridor, which seems physically impossible from the outside, which leads to a clean and tidy lounge. It has carpet all over it, as well as tables, and everything, as if it was just a common room in some sort of bar!
You see doors leading to some sort of kitchen, some rooms with beds in it, and all sorts of faculties.
A white unicorn stallion is sitting at one of the tables, working on some gems with his magic.
"So, you wanted some booze before we settle you in?"
>>628553
I chuckle a bit. "Sure, this is a time to celebrate as new friends. I hardly even know you, lets have a drink."
I chuckle a bit. "Sure, this is a time to celebrate as new friends. I hardly even know you, lets have a drink."
>>628554
He leads you to the table, while you see the mare leave towards the kitchen.
He sits down.
"Got the newcomer from Ponyville Mirage was talking about."
The unicorn looks up, stopping his work.
"Ah, yes. What was your name again?"
He leads you to the table, while you see the mare leave towards the kitchen.
He sits down.
"Got the newcomer from Ponyville Mirage was talking about."
The unicorn looks up, stopping his work.
"Ah, yes. What was your name again?"
>>628555
"Rush, Kelani Rush." I say with a confident smile. "And you never said your name either."
"Rush, Kelani Rush." I say with a confident smile. "And you never said your name either."
>>628556
"I am Diamond Tip. I run the Los Pegasus branch of our little boy scout group."
The unicorn motions at the pony who you met with at the statue and brought you here.
"He is Rainy Days, and the white mare who is about to bring us some drinks is Porcelain."
"I am Diamond Tip. I run the Los Pegasus branch of our little boy scout group."
The unicorn motions at the pony who you met with at the statue and brought you here.
"He is Rainy Days, and the white mare who is about to bring us some drinks is Porcelain."
>>628557
"Fantastic to meet you all. And I'm guessing all those beds weren't just for you three."
"Fantastic to meet you all. And I'm guessing all those beds weren't just for you three."
>>628558
The mare returns with four glasses of red wine, floating one to each of you with her magic.
"Ponies come and go."
He sighs.
"We used to have more people here, but…"
The mare returns with four glasses of red wine, floating one to each of you with her magic.
"Ponies come and go."
He sighs.
"We used to have more people here, but…"
>>628560
It's really good wine! Tastes expensive!
He motions at the newspaper Rainy Days already put on the table.
"Not only for us. We fight back."
Diamond leans back on the couch he is sitting on, sipping from his wine.
"We don't really have the infrastructure to use the blueprints you just got us, but crippling theirs is more than enough."
Porcelain levitates a bullet from a nearby shelf and floats it to you.
"These things opened up like claws whenever they hit anypony. Makes a real mess. You saved many lives with this."
It's really good wine! Tastes expensive!
He motions at the newspaper Rainy Days already put on the table.
"Not only for us. We fight back."
Diamond leans back on the couch he is sitting on, sipping from his wine.
"We don't really have the infrastructure to use the blueprints you just got us, but crippling theirs is more than enough."
Porcelain levitates a bullet from a nearby shelf and floats it to you.
"These things opened up like claws whenever they hit anypony. Makes a real mess. You saved many lives with this."
>>628561
I tilt my head and carefully grab the bullet.
"So.. this is what you do here? And you're short hoof'd? "
I tilt my head and carefully grab the bullet.
"So.. this is what you do here? And you're short hoof'd? "
>>628562
Rainy cuts in.
"We do lots of things. Espionage, sabotage, assasination… Whatever Mirage needs us for."
The bullet has a weird shape at the top, with little ridges. It's made from some strange black material.
Rainy cuts in.
"We do lots of things. Espionage, sabotage, assasination… Whatever Mirage needs us for."
The bullet has a weird shape at the top, with little ridges. It's made from some strange black material.
>>628564
"Some sort of alloy. I guess we will find out soon, thanks to you."
Diamond speaks again.
"Now, we promised favor for favor. What did you want?"
"Some sort of alloy. I guess we will find out soon, thanks to you."
Diamond speaks again.
"Now, we promised favor for favor. What did you want?"
>>628565
I sip on the glass.
"Its a simple thing really. I need help tracking down something. Part of a collection of things. Statues of small size, modeled after animals."
I sip on the glass.
"Its a simple thing really. I need help tracking down something. Part of a collection of things. Statues of small size, modeled after animals."
>>628566
Porcelain chimes in.
"Any recognizable traits?"
The wine tastes really sweet… you want to have more!
Porcelain chimes in.
"Any recognizable traits?"
The wine tastes really sweet… you want to have more!
>>628567
Well, it is a good wine, and not a poison. What did those statues have in common again?
"This is one of them." I reply calmly and show off the pony statue.
Well, it is a good wine, and not a poison. What did those statues have in common again?
"This is one of them." I reply calmly and show off the pony statue.
>>628569
They are ancient statues that still look new. They have inscriptions of Mother Nature on the bottom of their 'pedestals' too.
"Hold on…"
She runs off.
Rainy perks his ears.
"Mind if I ask why you are so interested in them?"
They are ancient statues that still look new. They have inscriptions of Mother Nature on the bottom of their 'pedestals' too.
"Hold on…"
She runs off.
Rainy perks his ears.
"Mind if I ask why you are so interested in them?"
>>628570
"Hmm lets just say I'm a collector, You can notice them by the old writing they have on them, despite looking new."
"Hmm lets just say I'm a collector, You can notice them by the old writing they have on them, despite looking new."
>>628571
"Mhhm…"
He just sips from his wine.
The mare returns, showing you a picture.
You recognize the stallion who you read about, the one who went missing for a while now. He is shaking hooves with some other stallion in his office.
"Like this one?"
She points at a statue in the background, on a shelf… Hey, it is a Phoenix Statue! One that you need!
"Mhhm…"
He just sips from his wine.
The mare returns, showing you a picture.
You recognize the stallion who you read about, the one who went missing for a while now. He is shaking hooves with some other stallion in his office.
"Like this one?"
She points at a statue in the background, on a shelf… Hey, it is a Phoenix Statue! One that you need!
>>628572
I smile with a nod at the question. "Who knew such a lovely and keen eyed mare existed, I simply must get to know more about you, Miss Rainy."
I smile with a nod at the question. "Who knew such a lovely and keen eyed mare existed, I simply must get to know more about you, Miss Rainy."
>>628573
Let's agree you said Porcelain, the name of the actual mare.
She smiles back at you.
"Whenever you have the time."
Let's agree you said Porcelain, the name of the actual mare.
She smiles back at you.
"Whenever you have the time."
>>628574
I stare at the photo.
"But.. this pony is missing right? Will the statue even still be there?"
I stare at the photo.
"But.. this pony is missing right? Will the statue even still be there?"
>>628575
Diamond points at the other pony.
"That is the pony who cheated him out of his company. He wanted his office ever since they partnered up. You probably will still find it there."
Diamond points at the other pony.
"That is the pony who cheated him out of his company. He wanted his office ever since they partnered up. You probably will still find it there."
>>628577
He gives you a quick description on where you'll find the building, mostly made out of glass.
His office is on an upper floor.
He gives you a quick description on where you'll find the building, mostly made out of glass.
His office is on an upper floor.
>>628578
I ponder over my drink already scheming of ways to sneak inside.
"Any special tips about this place or this guy?"
I ponder over my drink already scheming of ways to sneak inside.
"Any special tips about this place or this guy?"
>>628579
"Most people leave at 5, but the security guards don't start patrolling until 6. If you can slip in past the first one at the main door, you'll have more than enough time."
"Most people leave at 5, but the security guards don't start patrolling until 6. If you can slip in past the first one at the main door, you'll have more than enough time."
>>628580
"Thanks.."
I sigh and relax in my seat smirking at Porcelain. "That means I have a whole day to waste doesn't it."
"Thanks.."
I sigh and relax in my seat smirking at Porcelain. "That means I have a whole day to waste doesn't it."
>>628581
She smiles back.
"It does."
Rainy sighs.
"Well, I don't. I'm moving out."
He stands up to leave.
She smiles back.
"It does."
Rainy sighs.
"Well, I don't. I'm moving out."
He stands up to leave.
>>628583
Diamond nods to you.
"I have to work as well. As for you, if you really want to get that statue, you might want to case the place now first, and get some way of getting in unnoticed."
Diamond nods to you.
"I have to work as well. As for you, if you really want to get that statue, you might want to case the place now first, and get some way of getting in unnoticed."
>>628584
"Easy, I've already got an idea." I say confidently and ease out of the seat.
"But don't worry I got the hint, I'll get out of your way for a while."
And trot off to the door.
"Easy, I've already got an idea." I say confidently and ease out of the seat.
"But don't worry I got the hint, I'll get out of your way for a while."
And trot off to the door.
>>628585
He shrugs with a smile, then motions at the gems.
"Wouldn't want any of these to break because I'm too busy focusing on smalltalk."
You are confident in your ability to remember the combination too. Ready to leave?
He shrugs with a smile, then motions at the gems.
"Wouldn't want any of these to break because I'm too busy focusing on smalltalk."
You are confident in your ability to remember the combination too. Ready to leave?
>>628587
The unicorn taps on the table to knock it down.
It's a combination of short and fast beats.
"We can see you too, if we hear you at the door, but then if you forget it we are going to screen you for some nasty magic. Shapeshifting and mind control have both been problems in the past."
The unicorn taps on the table to knock it down.
It's a combination of short and fast beats.
"We can see you too, if we hear you at the door, but then if you forget it we are going to screen you for some nasty magic. Shapeshifting and mind control have both been problems in the past."
>>628588
Try to copy exactly that combination to learn it '1d10' ?
"Oh, that makes sense, a secret knock is pretty old school but if it works for you.."
Roll #1 2 = 2
Try to copy exactly that combination to learn it '1d10' ?
"Oh, that makes sense, a secret knock is pretty old school but if it works for you.."
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>628589
…nope, you're pretty sure you got it all wrong.
He sighs.
"Fine. If you show up, we'll ask you what kind of drink you got when you arrived here. It was a four years old Tyvian red. Got that?"
…nope, you're pretty sure you got it all wrong.
He sighs.
"Fine. If you show up, we'll ask you what kind of drink you got when you arrived here. It was a four years old Tyvian red. Got that?"
>>628590
"That one I can remember. I'll be back before you know it." I confidently leave now.
"That one I can remember. I'll be back before you know it." I confidently leave now.
>>628591
You leave, quickly making some distance from the run-down parts and into town to avoid suspiscion. Off to the building?
You leave, quickly making some distance from the run-down parts and into town to avoid suspiscion. Off to the building?
>>628594
>>628592
You manage to throw together the most authentic sandwhich delivery pony outfit you can find.
So much so, that as you head towards the building, you run into a real delivery pony, who thanks Celestia that you are here, gives you half a dozen sandwhiches and an adress to deliver to… the very corporate building you are heading to.
Looks like fortune favors you today.
You arrive in short order. This building is very unusual for such a nature loving pony like you. It is at least seven or eight stories tall, but you can't really tell, since it's entirely made out of glass! Or at least the outside of it is!
>>628592
You manage to throw together the most authentic sandwhich delivery pony outfit you can find.
So much so, that as you head towards the building, you run into a real delivery pony, who thanks Celestia that you are here, gives you half a dozen sandwhiches and an adress to deliver to… the very corporate building you are heading to.
Looks like fortune favors you today.
You arrive in short order. This building is very unusual for such a nature loving pony like you. It is at least seven or eight stories tall, but you can't really tell, since it's entirely made out of glass! Or at least the outside of it is!
>>628596
You waltz inside just as confidently as ever.
A security stallion steps in front of you once you are past the glass doors.
"Good afternoon. What can I help you with?"
You waltz inside just as confidently as ever.
A security stallion steps in front of you once you are past the glass doors.
"Good afternoon. What can I help you with?"
>>628597
"I have a delivery. I believe you are expecting this.. a pepperjack lettuce with no tomatoe.. an everyday sandwhich with extra mayo..?" I offer to show him the sandwiches.
"I have a delivery. I believe you are expecting this.. a pepperjack lettuce with no tomatoe.. an everyday sandwhich with extra mayo..?" I offer to show him the sandwiches.
>>628598
He nods.
"Oh, it's here already? Great! I ordered the one with the sliced carrots. You can take the rest upstairs."
He nods.
"Oh, it's here already? Great! I ordered the one with the sliced carrots. You can take the rest upstairs."
>>628600
He quickly takes it from you.
"That's the one! Thanks!"
He goes back to his desk and digs in, not really paying you any further attention.
He quickly takes it from you.
"That's the one! Thanks!"
He goes back to his desk and digs in, not really paying you any further attention.
>>628601
Trot up the stairs with a sigh at my luck. I can get a good look at this whole place this way, so I walk slowly to make sure I pay attention.
Trot up the stairs with a sigh at my luck. I can get a good look at this whole place this way, so I walk slowly to make sure I pay attention.
>>628602
You make sure to deliver slowly and by casing as much as you can… You get a glimpse at the door of the office you are supposed to go to, too!
If you can hide somewhere for a while, you might even be able to sneak in there when everyone leaves!
You make sure to deliver slowly and by casing as much as you can… You get a glimpse at the door of the office you are supposed to go to, too!
If you can hide somewhere for a while, you might even be able to sneak in there when everyone leaves!
>>628603
That seems kind of boring, but I suppose I can.. look for a closet or something.
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
That seems kind of boring, but I suppose I can.. look for a closet or something.
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>628604
You manage to hide decent enough that nopony can see you, but during the whole time you can thing about nothing but the thought of coming out of the closet.
The voices outside die down after a while, you think it's clear.
You manage to hide decent enough that nopony can see you, but during the whole time you can thing about nothing but the thought of coming out of the closet.
The voices outside die down after a while, you think it's clear.
>>628606
You gather your courage and bravely come out of the closet.
You know that no matter what happens, Mother Nature loves you anyhow.
The hallway seems empty… but you are a floor below the office, it would have been too suspiscious if you stuck around there for long.
You gather your courage and bravely come out of the closet.
You know that no matter what happens, Mother Nature loves you anyhow.
The hallway seems empty… but you are a floor below the office, it would have been too suspiscious if you stuck around there for long.
>>628608
There is not a single other soul here in the office beside you, but you make sure to be as sneaky as possible.
You arrive in the hallway and see that the large door of the office is slightly ajar…
There is not a single other soul here in the office beside you, but you make sure to be as sneaky as possible.
You arrive in the hallway and see that the large door of the office is slightly ajar…
>>628609
The door is even unlocked? This is actually too easy.. cautiously look inside the room.
The door is even unlocked? This is actually too easy.. cautiously look inside the room.
>>628610
Too easy indeed… You are about to open the door but it opens up as a stallion walks out and bumps face-first into you.
He seems very familiar, but you don't have time to think about it, you think he is about to-
"O-Oh, sorry, I uh…"
He quickly tightens his saddlebag and quickly starts walking away from you and the office!
Too easy indeed… You are about to open the door but it opens up as a stallion walks out and bumps face-first into you.
He seems very familiar, but you don't have time to think about it, you think he is about to-
"O-Oh, sorry, I uh…"
He quickly tightens his saddlebag and quickly starts walking away from you and the office!
>>628611
"Oh.. I'm sorry, wait shouldn't you lock up?"
Can I see if he took anything from the office?
"Oh.. I'm sorry, wait shouldn't you lock up?"
Can I see if he took anything from the office?
>>628612
He doesn't stop to answer.
He might have taken things too.
It's hard to tell, since the giant office desk in the middle is on fire.
Uh-oh.
That is going to spread for sure.
He doesn't stop to answer.
He might have taken things too.
It's hard to tell, since the giant office desk in the middle is on fire.
Uh-oh.
That is going to spread for sure.
>>628614
It's already affecting more than a quarter of the room, so even as a pegasus you don't stand much choice against flames like these alone.
It's already affecting more than a quarter of the room, so even as a pegasus you don't stand much choice against flames like these alone.
>>628615
Fuckfuck.. quickly look for the statue, it was on that shelf in the picture..
'1d10' for speed/keeping the fire away from me by flying.
Roll #1 6 = 6
Fuckfuck.. quickly look for the statue, it was on that shelf in the picture..
'1d10' for speed/keeping the fire away from me by flying.
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>628616
You avoid the smoke, but to your horror, the statue is the only thing that is gone. Everything else is the same, as in the picture! That stallion must have it, but why was he so familiar too?
You avoid the smoke, but to your horror, the statue is the only thing that is gone. Everything else is the same, as in the picture! That stallion must have it, but why was he so familiar too?
>>628618
You are so stunned by the lack of your statue that you forget where you are for a moment, and you are painfully reminded when a few of your feathers catch on fire.
You quickly put them out, but you can't outfly a running pony now…
You gallop out instead, and you glance back to see the whole building is on fire now, ponies in the streets are screaming and you see weatherponies approach… yet you still manage to catch a glimpse of the escaping pony you saw!
You are so stunned by the lack of your statue that you forget where you are for a moment, and you are painfully reminded when a few of your feathers catch on fire.
You quickly put them out, but you can't outfly a running pony now…
You gallop out instead, and you glance back to see the whole building is on fire now, ponies in the streets are screaming and you see weatherponies approach… yet you still manage to catch a glimpse of the escaping pony you saw!
>>628620
You're not quite used to ground chases like this, or any chases at all. You follow the pony on hoof for at least twenty minutes, leaving the densely populated areas to the warehouses and complexes that are near the shore. You see him run into a wooden building complex which seems like it hasn't been in use for a while.
You're not quite used to ground chases like this, or any chases at all. You follow the pony on hoof for at least twenty minutes, leaving the densely populated areas to the warehouses and complexes that are near the shore. You see him run into a wooden building complex which seems like it hasn't been in use for a while.
>>628622
He doesn't stop, and he doesn't wait up either… you go in through the window, but all you see are his hoofmarks in the dust.
From those you can see that he stopped running and decided to walk instead.
He doesn't stop, and he doesn't wait up either… you go in through the window, but all you see are his hoofmarks in the dust.
From those you can see that he stopped running and decided to walk instead.
>>628624
You follow his trail sneakily… as sneakily as you can with the creak of the floorboards, until it leads to some sort of big hall.
There you find him, standing in the middle on top of a pyre. He is wet and dripping with some sort of slimy fluid. As you'd sneak closer he hears the floor creak below you again, and his magic swings a lit torch in front of you to stop you.
"You… you shouldn't be here!"
He has another lit torch near himself, held by his telekinesis….
You finally recognize him.
He is the pony who has been missing!
You follow his trail sneakily… as sneakily as you can with the creak of the floorboards, until it leads to some sort of big hall.
There you find him, standing in the middle on top of a pyre. He is wet and dripping with some sort of slimy fluid. As you'd sneak closer he hears the floor creak below you again, and his magic swings a lit torch in front of you to stop you.
"You… you shouldn't be here!"
He has another lit torch near himself, held by his telekinesis….
You finally recognize him.
He is the pony who has been missing!
>>628625
Well, at least he didn't attack me.. but what is that stuff on him.
"You.. what are you doing? Why did you burn down your old building?"
Well, at least he didn't attack me.. but what is that stuff on him.
"You.. what are you doing? Why did you burn down your old building?"
>>628626
You're not sure, but it's thicker than water, that's for sure.
The torch he has is still uncomfortably close though, preventing you from any sudden movements, not to mention he is at least five meters from you.
"Since I was a colt, I had a dream, of having my own firm… I have planned for it, I earned a cutie mark for it, I spent my entire life building that place… and this, this is what I got. My partner. He cheated me. Robbed me of the only thing that mattered to me. Robbed me of my life. Of my destiny."
You see tears roll down his cheek.
You're not sure, but it's thicker than water, that's for sure.
The torch he has is still uncomfortably close though, preventing you from any sudden movements, not to mention he is at least five meters from you.
"Since I was a colt, I had a dream, of having my own firm… I have planned for it, I earned a cutie mark for it, I spent my entire life building that place… and this, this is what I got. My partner. He cheated me. Robbed me of the only thing that mattered to me. Robbed me of my life. Of my destiny."
You see tears roll down his cheek.
>>628627
"But.. if you burnt it all down.. you can't get it back."
I frown.
"And uh, what's that goo on you?"
"But.. if you burnt it all down.. you can't get it back."
I frown.
"And uh, what's that goo on you?"
>>628628
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEyYwkNej0A
He starts breathing faster.
"A sacrifice… it needed a sacrifice…"
The unicorn slowly pulls out the statue, representing a phoenix with it's wings folded, and cradles it close to his chest.
"The prophets and priests always preach about freedom from death, but they are wrong… It is not what truly can save somepony…"
He glances at the side, and you can see an empty barrel of lantern oil there.
"You shouldn't be here. Nopony should have witnessed it. My death… my resurrection…"
His grip on the statue tightens even more.
"Like a phoenix, from the ashes, I shall rise once more and right the wrongs that they have done to me…"
His magic slowly pulls away the torch that has been in front of your face so far, and he floats it above himself.
"I will awaken the phoenix and it will grant me with its powers…"
He lets out a nervous laugh, gulps… then lets go of the torches, immediately lighting the pyre he was standing on ablaze…
But he still has the statue! You must save it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEyYwkNej0A
He starts breathing faster.
"A sacrifice… it needed a sacrifice…"
The unicorn slowly pulls out the statue, representing a phoenix with it's wings folded, and cradles it close to his chest.
"The prophets and priests always preach about freedom from death, but they are wrong… It is not what truly can save somepony…"
He glances at the side, and you can see an empty barrel of lantern oil there.
"You shouldn't be here. Nopony should have witnessed it. My death… my resurrection…"
His grip on the statue tightens even more.
"Like a phoenix, from the ashes, I shall rise once more and right the wrongs that they have done to me…"
His magic slowly pulls away the torch that has been in front of your face so far, and he floats it above himself.
"I will awaken the phoenix and it will grant me with its powers…"
He lets out a nervous laugh, gulps… then lets go of the torches, immediately lighting the pyre he was standing on ablaze…
But he still has the statue! You must save it!
>>628629
Actually, I'm certain a little thing like a fire wouldn't hurt the statue.. Nature wouldn't make something so flimsy. Still. I can't watch him burn to death. '1d10' try to blow out the fire with wing power.
Roll #1 2 = 2
Actually, I'm certain a little thing like a fire wouldn't hurt the statue.. Nature wouldn't make something so flimsy. Still. I can't watch him burn to death. '1d10' try to blow out the fire with wing power.
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>628630
No, but a pony on fire who is going to trash around will. Not to mention the giant pyre in the middle of an old wooden building.
Your wings are still hurt, so you can't achieve anything.
You hear his manic laughter at first, which quickly turned into pained screams. If you want to do something, you need to act quick.
No, but a pony on fire who is going to trash around will. Not to mention the giant pyre in the middle of an old wooden building.
Your wings are still hurt, so you can't achieve anything.
You hear his manic laughter at first, which quickly turned into pained screams. If you want to do something, you need to act quick.
>>628631
"YOU FUCKING IDIOT" I shout at him and tackle him off the pyre, try to tumble us outside or until I stop seeing things on fire. '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
"YOU FUCKING IDIOT" I shout at him and tackle him off the pyre, try to tumble us outside or until I stop seeing things on fire. '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>628632
You gather all your might and tackle him off of the pyre, rolling on the ground with him… still, you now realize that he indeed drenched himself with lantern oil before you arrived, and even as you are away from the center of the fire, the flames still burn his coat…
You see his flesh and bones exposed on one side of his face as the other still burns, but this doesn't stop him from trying to push you off of himself, grasping the statue like his life -or resurrection, rather - depended on it.
"NO! NO! YOU WON'T CHEAT ME OUT OF THIS!"
You gather all your might and tackle him off of the pyre, rolling on the ground with him… still, you now realize that he indeed drenched himself with lantern oil before you arrived, and even as you are away from the center of the fire, the flames still burn his coat…
You see his flesh and bones exposed on one side of his face as the other still burns, but this doesn't stop him from trying to push you off of himself, grasping the statue like his life -or resurrection, rather - depended on it.
"NO! NO! YOU WON'T CHEAT ME OUT OF THIS!"
>>628633
"THAT STATUE ISN'T GOING TO REVIVE YOU! ITS JUST STONE! STOP THIS!" I shout even though its probably pointless and try to smother the flames out with with my clothes.
"THAT STATUE ISN'T GOING TO REVIVE YOU! ITS JUST STONE! STOP THIS!" I shout even though its probably pointless and try to smother the flames out with with my clothes.
>>628634
Looks like he was too soaked with oil to put the fires out, so it is indeed pointless.
He tries to respond again, but inarticulate screams are the only things he can manage, his limbs going limp.
You hear a worrying crackle and see a far wall collapse as the fire starts consuming the building.
You might want to grab that statue now and make for a hasty escape.
Looks like he was too soaked with oil to put the fires out, so it is indeed pointless.
He tries to respond again, but inarticulate screams are the only things he can manage, his limbs going limp.
You hear a worrying crackle and see a far wall collapse as the fire starts consuming the building.
You might want to grab that statue now and make for a hasty escape.
>>628636
You suffered some burns in the process, too…
You start running away, out to the corridor, but the floor that is above you crashes into your way with a loud bang, sending dust and a wave of hot air your way… you'll need to find a different path! If only at least you were at the edge, you could find a window and jump out!
You suffered some burns in the process, too…
You start running away, out to the corridor, but the floor that is above you crashes into your way with a loud bang, sending dust and a wave of hot air your way… you'll need to find a different path! If only at least you were at the edge, you could find a window and jump out!
>>628638
There is just too much smoke… You're not sure you can find your way out in time… You wander trying to find an exit for a bit, before you start suffocating… you close your eyes just for a bit…
You wake up to a sudden intake of air into your lungs, opening your eyes to find yourself on your back outside on the grass, with the muzzle of a stallion on yours. He pulls away to let you cough and greedily suck in some fresh air.
There is just too much smoke… You're not sure you can find your way out in time… You wander trying to find an exit for a bit, before you start suffocating… you close your eyes just for a bit…
You wake up to a sudden intake of air into your lungs, opening your eyes to find yourself on your back outside on the grass, with the muzzle of a stallion on yours. He pulls away to let you cough and greedily suck in some fresh air.
>>628640
Good thing you came out of that closet earlier today.
The stallion, a muscular pegasus, smiles.
"Oh, good, you're allright, I was worried for a second… I'm Cloud Quencher, from the Los Pegasus Fire Department. My squad got called in when the sector next to us needed help with a fire at an office building, but we saw this fire too on the way."
You blink again, and see that you are outside of the building, which is currently getting doused by rainclouds.
"Are you hurt?"
Does he mean aside from the slightly burnt feathers, fur, and the small burns all over your body?
Good thing you came out of that closet earlier today.
The stallion, a muscular pegasus, smiles.
"Oh, good, you're allright, I was worried for a second… I'm Cloud Quencher, from the Los Pegasus Fire Department. My squad got called in when the sector next to us needed help with a fire at an office building, but we saw this fire too on the way."
You blink again, and see that you are outside of the building, which is currently getting doused by rainclouds.
"Are you hurt?"
Does he mean aside from the slightly burnt feathers, fur, and the small burns all over your body?
>>628641
What a clever narrator you are. You.
"I think I can stand.. Thanks for the rescue Cloud."
feel around beside me for my stuff.
What a clever narrator you are. You.
"I think I can stand.. Thanks for the rescue Cloud."
feel around beside me for my stuff.
>>628642
"You should consider yourself lucky. If a homeless pony didn't warn us there were ponies inside, we wouldn't have gone in to look for you. Thought the place was abandoned. We only found you, though…"
The statue is safe and sound…but something weird is going on.
It's the same phoenix statue as before… but unlike earlier where it surrounded itself with it's wings, the phoenix now looks proudly upwards, with it's wings spread wide.
PAUSE
"You should consider yourself lucky. If a homeless pony didn't warn us there were ponies inside, we wouldn't have gone in to look for you. Thought the place was abandoned. We only found you, though…"
The statue is safe and sound…but something weird is going on.
It's the same phoenix statue as before… but unlike earlier where it surrounded itself with it's wings, the phoenix now looks proudly upwards, with it's wings spread wide.
PAUSE
Cloud Skimmer
You just told Skyheart the situation at the labs after taking a few days off, due to not being able to concentrate because of your father's sickness.
What will you do next?
You just told Skyheart the situation at the labs after taking a few days off, due to not being able to concentrate because of your father's sickness.
What will you do next?
>>630079
Best to go home for mom. Unless she's gone to the hospital with my sister already… What time is it?
Best to go home for mom. Unless she's gone to the hospital with my sister already… What time is it?
>>630080
Just past noon.
She might be at the hospital, but you can't know from here. You could check either your place, her place, or the hospital.
Just past noon.
She might be at the hospital, but you can't know from here. You could check either your place, her place, or the hospital.
>>630082
Maybe your cutie mark should have been prophecies. Or common sense. You do find both of them there.
Your mother is holding hooves with your father, and as you enter, your sister, Cloud Mender, rushes to hug you.
"Oh, Skimmy… I came back home as soon as I could!"
Maybe your cutie mark should have been prophecies. Or common sense. You do find both of them there.
Your mother is holding hooves with your father, and as you enter, your sister, Cloud Mender, rushes to hug you.
"Oh, Skimmy… I came back home as soon as I could!"
>>630084
"We're fine, I already got us some salads…"
You hear the voice of your father, raspy and weak.
"Why aren't you at work, son?"
Your mother immediately chides him.
"Trim, please!"
"We're fine, I already got us some salads…"
You hear the voice of your father, raspy and weak.
"Why aren't you at work, son?"
Your mother immediately chides him.
"Trim, please!"
>>630087
"I can't look after mom properly if I'm at work all day… besides, it's just two days."
"I can't look after mom properly if I'm at work all day… besides, it's just two days."
>>630088
"Bah… with that kind of work ethic, what will they think? Our whole family withdrawing for a week because some-"
He is interrupted by a coughing fit, and your sister canters to him.
"Dad, you shouldn't strain yourself!"
"Bah… with that kind of work ethic, what will they think? Our whole family withdrawing for a week because some-"
He is interrupted by a coughing fit, and your sister canters to him.
"Dad, you shouldn't strain yourself!"
>>630089
"I'm not going to be out there pushing clouds while my father is hurting and my mother is alone. The weather can wait, I want to be here for you guys."
"I'm not going to be out there pushing clouds while my father is hurting and my mother is alone. The weather can wait, I want to be here for you guys."
>>630090
"Rubbish, that's what this is. I'm fine."
He waves a hoof weakly.
Your mother looks in your general direction.
"Don't mind him, you know how stubborn he gets… I'm thankful you are here for us."
"Rubbish, that's what this is. I'm fine."
He waves a hoof weakly.
Your mother looks in your general direction.
"Don't mind him, you know how stubborn he gets… I'm thankful you are here for us."
>>630093
"Excuse me, do you have a moment? It's about one of the patients here on this ward…"
"Excuse me, do you have a moment? It's about one of the patients here on this ward…"
>>630096
He nods.
"Ah, I see. Just a second."
He walks over the reception desk to get some papers.
"What can I help you with?"
He nods.
"Ah, I see. Just a second."
He walks over the reception desk to get some papers.
"What can I help you with?"
>>630098
He looks grim.
"Very serious, I'm afraid. It appears he has malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. It affects his pleura, which might lead to much more serious respiratory problems. The problem is, this condition has been discovered in an already advanced state…"
He looks grim.
"Very serious, I'm afraid. It appears he has malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. It affects his pleura, which might lead to much more serious respiratory problems. The problem is, this condition has been discovered in an already advanced state…"
>>630100
"We are doing everything we can, but there are no specialists here in Cloudsdale. We might need to send for a doctor from Canterlot, who will be able to help better. Surgery and advanced magical treatments are likely."
"We are doing everything we can, but there are no specialists here in Cloudsdale. We might need to send for a doctor from Canterlot, who will be able to help better. Surgery and advanced magical treatments are likely."
>>630102
He frowns.
"If you must know, I have to prepare you, they are not very good. Are you sure you want to hear it?"
He frowns.
"If you must know, I have to prepare you, they are not very good. Are you sure you want to hear it?"
>>630104
"If everything goes right, sixty percent. Realistically… twenty to thirty percent. Of course, these numbers might mean nothing, but it is hard and dangerous to treat this kind of cancer."
"If everything goes right, sixty percent. Realistically… twenty to thirty percent. Of course, these numbers might mean nothing, but it is hard and dangerous to treat this kind of cancer."
>>630107
"Try not to worry. We are doing everything within our power to help your father, and this hospital has seen miracolous recoveries in the past."
"Try not to worry. We are doing everything within our power to help your father, and this hospital has seen miracolous recoveries in the past."
>>630110
"That he is."
He looks around, and lowers his voice.
"To be brutally honest, what he has would have killed a lesser stallion already."
"That he is."
He looks around, and lowers his voice.
"To be brutally honest, what he has would have killed a lesser stallion already."
>>630113
"That doesn't really surprise me. I just wish we could have discovered it sooner."
"That doesn't really surprise me. I just wish we could have discovered it sooner."
>>630115
"It can go without symptoms for a long time… but that doesn't make it easier to treat now."
"It can go without symptoms for a long time… but that doesn't make it easier to treat now."
>>630117
"Well, thanks again doctor. I'll leave you to your work for now. I should spend some time with my family…"
"Well, thanks again doctor. I'll leave you to your work for now. I should spend some time with my family…"
>>630119
He nods.
"You should. Your father is going to need his family. We are afraid one of the magical methods might give him a high fever in the next few days."
He nods.
"You should. Your father is going to need his family. We are afraid one of the magical methods might give him a high fever in the next few days."
>>630121
You go back to your family.
Your sister seems to be arranging some of the stuff she and your mom brought to the hospital room, it seems. Clothes, towels and the like.
You go back to your family.
Your sister seems to be arranging some of the stuff she and your mom brought to the hospital room, it seems. Clothes, towels and the like.
>>630127
Put a hoof on her back.
"We'll get through this, Mendy. One way or the other. We have to stay strong for mom and dad, so I'm really glad you're here."
Put a hoof on her back.
"We'll get through this, Mendy. One way or the other. We have to stay strong for mom and dad, so I'm really glad you're here."
>>630129
She takes a deep breath.
"Of course… of course, we will."
She sighs.
"I was just hoping to come home in better circumstances…"
She takes a deep breath.
"Of course… of course, we will."
She sighs.
"I was just hoping to come home in better circumstances…"
>>630133
"I know, I know. Just try not to let it eat away at you. You know how father will be if your grades drop because of this."
"I know, I know. Just try not to let it eat away at you. You know how father will be if your grades drop because of this."
>>630135
She shakes her head, and then chuckles.
"Oh, no, that's the last thing we would need to turn this into a real issue!"
She shakes her head, and then chuckles.
"Oh, no, that's the last thing we would need to turn this into a real issue!"
>>630139
"Mom couldn't write the letter, so I did it for her. He will hear about it in the next few days, but you know his firepony duties are much more strict, it's like he is in the military… I'm not sure he can visit us this week."
"Mom couldn't write the letter, so I did it for her. He will hear about it in the next few days, but you know his firepony duties are much more strict, it's like he is in the military… I'm not sure he can visit us this week."
>>630140
"I know. Let's not make him worry him too much. We should probably drop by grandma's too soon…"
"I know. Let's not make him worry him too much. We should probably drop by grandma's too soon…"
>>630144
"She said she will bring lunch tomorrow. You should probably visit her and help her come here, mom and I will have to do some stuff… since this was all so sudden."
"She said she will bring lunch tomorrow. You should probably visit her and help her come here, mom and I will have to do some stuff… since this was all so sudden."
>>630148
"Thanks. There's just so much to do…"
She finishes folding up the towels.
"It was nice of you to take care of mom too."
"Thanks. There's just so much to do…"
She finishes folding up the towels.
"It was nice of you to take care of mom too."
>>630149
"Well I couldn't just leave her to herself. I feel awful for her, all this must be so hard on her."
"Well I couldn't just leave her to herself. I feel awful for her, all this must be so hard on her."
>>630150
"You shouldn't give dad all the credit, she is a tough mare too. No wonder they got married."
"You shouldn't give dad all the credit, she is a tough mare too. No wonder they got married."
>>630151
"I know she is but… as strong as they might be, they can't tackle everything on their own. That's why we're here."
"I know she is but… as strong as they might be, they can't tackle everything on their own. That's why we're here."
>>630153
"Oh, and… just in case, don't listen to dad. He might complain, but I bet he is grateful you are here."
"Oh, and… just in case, don't listen to dad. He might complain, but I bet he is grateful you are here."
>>630162
You spend some quality time with the ones you love.
When you are asked to leave, your mother puts a hoof on your shoulder.
"Son… thank you for being here for us. Your sister can take care of me now, so you don't need to come over, unless you want to."
You spend some quality time with the ones you love.
When you are asked to leave, your mother puts a hoof on your shoulder.
"Son… thank you for being here for us. Your sister can take care of me now, so you don't need to come over, unless you want to."
>>630166
She smiles and hugs you.
"Thank you."
Your sister helps her out and the three of you take off to your parent's place.
She smiles and hugs you.
"Thank you."
Your sister helps her out and the three of you take off to your parent's place.
>>630175
Noooot sure what I can do then either. Skimmer is just going to take care of his mother and father for as long as he doesn't have work.
Noooot sure what I can do then either. Skimmer is just going to take care of his mother and father for as long as he doesn't have work.
>>630178
One day, your sister asks you to help your father eat his dinner. Your mother already went home to rest, she is exhausted. To make matters worse, it looks like your father has a fever… still you should get around to do that now.
One day, your sister asks you to help your father eat his dinner. Your mother already went home to rest, she is exhausted. To make matters worse, it looks like your father has a fever… still you should get around to do that now.
>>630185
Your father seems to be sweating and breathing heavily when you enter.
"Where is… your mother?"
Your father seems to be sweating and breathing heavily when you enter.
"Where is… your mother?"
>>630188
"She's resting, dad. It's been a long day for her and we should make sure you get to eat something…"
"She's resting, dad. It's been a long day for her and we should make sure you get to eat something…"
>>630190
He nods and sits up on the bed.
"Look at your old stallion, having to be fed like a toddler…"
He nods and sits up on the bed.
"Look at your old stallion, having to be fed like a toddler…"
>>630192
"Being sick has a way of taking away some of your dignity."
Let me take his food and help him get some of it down.
"Being sick has a way of taking away some of your dignity."
Let me take his food and help him get some of it down.
>>630194
You start helping him with the food. His hoof is shaking, so it's good he has someone to help. Between bites, he starts to talk.
"When I was younger, I knew this mare… she got a cutie mark to be a cook. Said she was going to be the best chef in Cloudsdale. Then she got troubles, with her lungs. Not like mine, but still."
You start helping him with the food. His hoof is shaking, so it's good he has someone to help. Between bites, he starts to talk.
"When I was younger, I knew this mare… she got a cutie mark to be a cook. Said she was going to be the best chef in Cloudsdale. Then she got troubles, with her lungs. Not like mine, but still."
>>630199
"Bad things happen to good ponies, dad. You shouldn't worry too much about it. I know you're going to pull through this."
"Bad things happen to good ponies, dad. You shouldn't worry too much about it. I know you're going to pull through this."
>>630203
"For now. What about the year? And the one after that?"
He pushes the tray away from him and rests back on his bed.
"You are nowhere near to inherit the Factory… you didn't even get a cutie mark in it. None of you did."
He starts coughing.
"For now. What about the year? And the one after that?"
He pushes the tray away from him and rests back on his bed.
"You are nowhere near to inherit the Factory… you didn't even get a cutie mark in it. None of you did."
He starts coughing.
>>630207
"Dad… maybe you should stop worrying about the factory so much and start worrying about yourself and your family some more. I know it's important to you, but right now you need to let go for a while. Don't let it cloud your mind, things are rough enough for you already."
"Dad… maybe you should stop worrying about the factory so much and start worrying about yourself and your family some more. I know it's important to you, but right now you need to let go for a while. Don't let it cloud your mind, things are rough enough for you already."
>>630209
"How could I not think of it? That place is my destiny. My life, and not just mine, the life of your grandfather, and his father… that factory is my legacy, too. How could I not worry about it? What will ponies say?"
For a moment, it seems like he zones out, staring in front of himself.
"How will I be remembered?"
"How could I not think of it? That place is my destiny. My life, and not just mine, the life of your grandfather, and his father… that factory is my legacy, too. How could I not worry about it? What will ponies say?"
For a moment, it seems like he zones out, staring in front of himself.
"How will I be remembered?"
>>630213
Put a hoof on his back.
"Dad, you're not going to die. You hear me? The fever is just upsetting your mind. You're going to pull through this whole treatment and be fine."
Put a hoof on his back.
"Dad, you're not going to die. You hear me? The fever is just upsetting your mind. You're going to pull through this whole treatment and be fine."
>>630214
He looks at you.
"I'm not afraid about that… I'm afraid about you."
He lies his head down on his pillow.
"You… you must do better than I did."
He looks at you.
"I'm not afraid about that… I'm afraid about you."
He lies his head down on his pillow.
"You… you must do better than I did."
>>630215
I scoff.
"Are you saying you didn't do a good job? You ran the most important weather factory of Equestria for years on end. Mender is going to become a doctor in a few years and Quencher is already making all the difference by saving lives of ponies in need."
I scoff.
"Are you saying you didn't do a good job? You ran the most important weather factory of Equestria for years on end. Mender is going to become a doctor in a few years and Quencher is already making all the difference by saving lives of ponies in need."
>>630216
He starts breathing more heavily.
"When dad…. your grandfather started to get sick he had to give me the Factory… I had a cutie mark in it, I knew I was going to inherit, but it was so much. So much pressure, so many things to do, so many ponies looking at me for support."
You start tears forming at the edge of his eyes, slowly rolling down his cheeks.
"The first month was horrible. Mismatched clouds, stopped production, no weather warning, no schedules… I asked dad if he could help me and he said… he said…"
He pauses to sob, but you don't feel it would be appropriate to interrupt him. He gulps and fights some of his tears.
"He said 'You have a cutie mark in running the Factory and can't even handle your first month? Maybe we should just close it down and let the Everfree do the weather for Equestria."
He falls silent.
He starts breathing more heavily.
"When dad…. your grandfather started to get sick he had to give me the Factory… I had a cutie mark in it, I knew I was going to inherit, but it was so much. So much pressure, so many things to do, so many ponies looking at me for support."
You start tears forming at the edge of his eyes, slowly rolling down his cheeks.
"The first month was horrible. Mismatched clouds, stopped production, no weather warning, no schedules… I asked dad if he could help me and he said… he said…"
He pauses to sob, but you don't feel it would be appropriate to interrupt him. He gulps and fights some of his tears.
"He said 'You have a cutie mark in running the Factory and can't even handle your first month? Maybe we should just close it down and let the Everfree do the weather for Equestria."
He falls silent.
>>630217
"But that didn't last. You got things back together through experience. Just because you have a cutie mark in something doesn't mean you're flawless at it… I'm a good flier, but I still crash every so often."
"But that didn't last. You got things back together through experience. Just because you have a cutie mark in something doesn't mean you're flawless at it… I'm a good flier, but I still crash every so often."
>>630218
He snifles… it's so weird to see him like this.
"Son…"
He puts a hoof on your shoulder.
"You must… you must do better. You must do better than me."
He seems a bit out of it… and he is definitely burning up.
He snifles… it's so weird to see him like this.
"Son…"
He puts a hoof on your shoulder.
"You must… you must do better. You must do better than me."
He seems a bit out of it… and he is definitely burning up.
>>630220
He nods, wiping his face with a hoof.
"Right… right…"
He is fast asleep in a few minutes…
You should probably head home. Maybe even drop by your own place, get some fresh clothes.
He nods, wiping his face with a hoof.
"Right… right…"
He is fast asleep in a few minutes…
You should probably head home. Maybe even drop by your own place, get some fresh clothes.
>>630221
Yes I should… let's go to my own place to get refreshed.
Take a final long look at my dad before I leave the room, then take off.
Yes I should… let's go to my own place to get refreshed.
Take a final long look at my dad before I leave the room, then take off.
>>630224
He looks more peaceful now… maybe getting that off his chest, even if it was a bit feverish, did him some good.
You arrive at home in a short while.
Looks like you've got a few letters in your mailbox.
He looks more peaceful now… maybe getting that off his chest, even if it was a bit feverish, did him some good.
You arrive at home in a short while.
Looks like you've got a few letters in your mailbox.
>>630226
You quickly run over them.
Bills.
Bills.
Advertising Junk.
An invitation to a surprise party for Corvette organized by Orange Crush.
More junk.
A letter from the Wonderbolts Academy.
Some more bills.
And a coupon for a free ice cream to a nearby ice cream parlor.
You quickly run over them.
Bills.
Bills.
Advertising Junk.
An invitation to a surprise party for Corvette organized by Orange Crush.
More junk.
A letter from the Wonderbolts Academy.
Some more bills.
And a coupon for a free ice cream to a nearby ice cream parlor.
>>630228
It seems like it!
Apparently you can choose between vanilla, chocolate, marzipan and forest berries flavors!
The letter is official.
Dear Cloud Skimmer, blah blah, you skip most of it until you see it. You see that one line that might change everything.
It says the following:
Your application to the Wonderbolt Academy Basic Training has been accepted.
It seems like it!
Apparently you can choose between vanilla, chocolate, marzipan and forest berries flavors!
The letter is official.
Dear Cloud Skimmer, blah blah, you skip most of it until you see it. You see that one line that might change everything.
It says the following:
Your application to the Wonderbolt Academy Basic Training has been accepted.
>>630230
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Smack the letter down onto the table with enough force to make it tremble.
"BOOM! DAMN RIGHT I'VE BEEN ACCEPTED!"
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Smack the letter down onto the table with enough force to make it tremble.
"BOOM! DAMN RIGHT I'VE BEEN ACCEPTED!"
>>630231
Pick it back up again once I'm done patting myself on the back.
And keep reading. When does this start?
Pick it back up again once I'm done patting myself on the back.
And keep reading. When does this start?
>>630233
Daaaaaamn.
… This is such bad timing. I'll need to figure some things out. When's my next workout session with Corvette and Orange Crush?
Daaaaaamn.
… This is such bad timing. I'll need to figure some things out. When's my next workout session with Corvette and Orange Crush?
>>630236
Alright well… let's go get freshened up and head for Skyheart's. I haven't been able to keep up with anyone lately…
Alright well… let's go get freshened up and head for Skyheart's. I haven't been able to keep up with anyone lately…
Curry and Felfire
You two are still trapped in this giant metal coffin/labyrinth that is the Equestrian Ironclad Warship.
You are deep in the belly of it, finding your way out with the help of Crimson Tides, the donkey jenny who was a security officer. You also found a mangled and badly hurt Captain Spliterproof at the Armory, who is now missing her tail (aside from the ear she lost on the island).
You set up a rope to burn later so you will be able to explode the armory, hopefully making a big enough bang to sink the ship.
However, the current situation you have to resolve now is what to do with the Doc you have found at the sides of one of the corridors, impaled on a sharp metal piece by the side of the corridor.
Felfire just moved closer to squeeze his hoof, to which he responed by a weak, wavering smile.
"I hope you'll be a happy pony one day, little one…"
But then he turns to Curry.
"I'm not sure how much longer I can stay lucid. I'm sorry, but I can't help with the rope…"
He glances at one of the many pistols you and the jenny are carrying.
"Just… give me one of those."
You two are still trapped in this giant metal coffin/labyrinth that is the Equestrian Ironclad Warship.
You are deep in the belly of it, finding your way out with the help of Crimson Tides, the donkey jenny who was a security officer. You also found a mangled and badly hurt Captain Spliterproof at the Armory, who is now missing her tail (aside from the ear she lost on the island).
You set up a rope to burn later so you will be able to explode the armory, hopefully making a big enough bang to sink the ship.
However, the current situation you have to resolve now is what to do with the Doc you have found at the sides of one of the corridors, impaled on a sharp metal piece by the side of the corridor.
Felfire just moved closer to squeeze his hoof, to which he responed by a weak, wavering smile.
"I hope you'll be a happy pony one day, little one…"
But then he turns to Curry.
"I'm not sure how much longer I can stay lucid. I'm sorry, but I can't help with the rope…"
He glances at one of the many pistols you and the jenny are carrying.
"Just… give me one of those."
>>635512
I'll look between the other two, and then hoof him a pistol, with one bullet.
"Watch over it while you can, Doc."
I'll look between the other two, and then hoof him a pistol, with one bullet.
"Watch over it while you can, Doc."
>>635515
You like him too much for the only way you know how to make ponies stop hurting, because then they feel nothing.
He is a nice unicorn…
"It's okay, kid… but you need to leave me. Before the voices come back and I do things I don't want to…"
>>635514
His magic is too weak to hold onto it, so he just grabs it with a hoof.
The Captain kneels down beside him.
The Doc smiles weakly again.
"Do you… do you think I'll see her? In the afterlife?"
The captain pats shoulder.
"I know you will."
"Good… that's… good. Now get out of here… please."
You like him too much for the only way you know how to make ponies stop hurting, because then they feel nothing.
He is a nice unicorn…
"It's okay, kid… but you need to leave me. Before the voices come back and I do things I don't want to…"
>>635514
His magic is too weak to hold onto it, so he just grabs it with a hoof.
The Captain kneels down beside him.
The Doc smiles weakly again.
"Do you… do you think I'll see her? In the afterlife?"
The captain pats shoulder.
"I know you will."
"Good… that's… good. Now get out of here… please."
>>635533
Close my eyes and sit to the ground, squeezing his hoof with all I've got.
I know what Curry is gonna do…
Close my eyes and sit to the ground, squeezing his hoof with all I've got.
I know what Curry is gonna do…
>>635543
"Little one, this is his choice. I do not have the power to save him, wounded as he is. I wish I did, believe me, but I don't. The best I can do is save you and the others."
I'll pause a moment.
"I'm sorry. But we have to leave him behind."
"Little one, this is his choice. I do not have the power to save him, wounded as he is. I wish I did, believe me, but I don't. The best I can do is save you and the others."
I'll pause a moment.
"I'm sorry. But we have to leave him behind."
>>635545
"Then…"
Keep close to doc as tears stream down my face.
"I want to be with him when you do it…"
"Then…"
Keep close to doc as tears stream down my face.
"I want to be with him when you do it…"
>>635549
>>635551
"I am not going to end his life, little one. I simply gave him the tool to do so."
I'll hunker down, and hug her for a quick moment.
"He knows you'll be with him here, in spirit. Just as he will be with you. But we need to live, and remember him, alright? That way, he'll never really die."
Float her up onto my back.
"Goodbye, Doc. Rest well."
And we'll head off at a brisk trot, to catch up with the others.
>>635551
"I am not going to end his life, little one. I simply gave him the tool to do so."
I'll hunker down, and hug her for a quick moment.
"He knows you'll be with him here, in spirit. Just as he will be with you. But we need to live, and remember him, alright? That way, he'll never really die."
Float her up onto my back.
"Goodbye, Doc. Rest well."
And we'll head off at a brisk trot, to catch up with the others.
>>635556
>>635560
You catch up with the others.
Soon after, you hear a loud BANG echo through the corridor.
The donkey peeks out at a corner.
"Sorry about your friend, but we all need to focus, we are in the homestretch now. The next stairs can take us staright to the deck, from there we can run straight for your ship. Is that clear?"
>>635560
You catch up with the others.
Soon after, you hear a loud BANG echo through the corridor.
The donkey peeks out at a corner.
"Sorry about your friend, but we all need to focus, we are in the homestretch now. The next stairs can take us staright to the deck, from there we can run straight for your ship. Is that clear?"
>>635560
"Yes, little one, he was. Is still. But there are hard facts of life that no power in the world can overturn. My not having enough strength to save his life is one of those facts. Us needing to get off this boat is another."
I'll sigh.
"There will be time for mourning later, little one, where we will properly remember him and pray for his peaceful rest. But we've got to escape first, and we can't do that if we're crying."
>>635569
"As crystal. Hopefully the deck's still in one piece."
"Yes, little one, he was. Is still. But there are hard facts of life that no power in the world can overturn. My not having enough strength to save his life is one of those facts. Us needing to get off this boat is another."
I'll sigh.
"There will be time for mourning later, little one, where we will properly remember him and pray for his peaceful rest. But we've got to escape first, and we can't do that if we're crying."
>>635569
"As crystal. Hopefully the deck's still in one piece."
>>635572
"Buck would have pulled the trigger for a f-"
Stop talking as soon as the Donkey comes into view.
"Buck would have pulled the trigger for a f-"
Stop talking as soon as the Donkey comes into view.
>>635586
>>635587
You start running up! You see the door leading outside!
Suddenly, however, the captain almost trips, the rope going limp in her hooves.
"No, damnit, no! Something or someone just cut it!"
The jenny readies her weapon.
"Seems like we have bigger problems than that!"
She points outside with her gun aimed.
It's kind of hard to see, it is unnaturally dark out…
>>635587
You start running up! You see the door leading outside!
Suddenly, however, the captain almost trips, the rope going limp in her hooves.
"No, damnit, no! Something or someone just cut it!"
The jenny readies her weapon.
"Seems like we have bigger problems than that!"
She points outside with her gun aimed.
It's kind of hard to see, it is unnaturally dark out…
>>635600
You have quite a few, but not even sure how to use half of them.
You make sure to keep an eye on Felfire as you step out though.
>>635602
The dagger whispers to you
Let her come
You stick close to Curry
BOTH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdpNLYsjX1Y
As the four of you step out to the deck, you see why it is so dark out. Above the ship and it's surroundings, a black, unnatural storm is brewing, the eye of the storm swirling around right above the Ironclad.
In front of you, about the half of the deck, you see six of the crazies, all armed and ready. The large stallion with the pickaxe on his tail, who also killed the captain, in the middle.
Above them, the banshee, floating and casting whatever spell she is casting right now.
You have quite a few, but not even sure how to use half of them.
You make sure to keep an eye on Felfire as you step out though.
>>635602
The dagger whispers to you
Let her come
You stick close to Curry
BOTH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdpNLYsjX1Y
As the four of you step out to the deck, you see why it is so dark out. Above the ship and it's surroundings, a black, unnatural storm is brewing, the eye of the storm swirling around right above the Ironclad.
In front of you, about the half of the deck, you see six of the crazies, all armed and ready. The large stallion with the pickaxe on his tail, who also killed the captain, in the middle.
Above them, the banshee, floating and casting whatever spell she is casting right now.
>>635609
"Up there, then? Alright, you keep an eye on her, and I'll handle the ones I can see, okay? Focus."
"Up there, then? Alright, you keep an eye on her, and I'll handle the ones I can see, okay? Focus."
>>635610
"C-curry please…"
Squeeze his neck closer, whispering into his ear in a sudden moment of lucidity.
"Don't die."
"C-curry please…"
Squeeze his neck closer, whispering into his ear in a sudden moment of lucidity.
"Don't die."
>>635610
Surprising all three except Felfire, who could see her already, the banshee becomes visible! It looks like she finished casting her spell…
And she lets out a screech, gazing at Felfire, transfixing her and sending her in some sort of trance!
Meanwhile, two of the crazies start creeping closer. When Crimson takes a shot, one of the unicorns at the back lights up his horn, deflecting the bullet.
"Fuck!"
>>635611
The Banshee stops for a moment with her magic, then lets out a terrifying scream!
The next thing you know, you are alone… you are in some sort of dark void… you are scared, lonely, you-
She wants my power. She is unworthy. You are stronger than her. You will kill her.
It's the dagger! You don't know how, but it is the only thing you have left on you! When you grab it, you can see the immediate area near you, like the arena the raiders used to make!
And now you can see the ghosts too, floating there at a small distance, swinging left and right in the air…
Follow my lead. Use my power. Do not be intimidated by her.
Looks like it's going to go down between you and her…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpOE30Nco14
Surprising all three except Felfire, who could see her already, the banshee becomes visible! It looks like she finished casting her spell…
And she lets out a screech, gazing at Felfire, transfixing her and sending her in some sort of trance!
Meanwhile, two of the crazies start creeping closer. When Crimson takes a shot, one of the unicorns at the back lights up his horn, deflecting the bullet.
"Fuck!"
>>635611
The Banshee stops for a moment with her magic, then lets out a terrifying scream!
The next thing you know, you are alone… you are in some sort of dark void… you are scared, lonely, you-
She wants my power. She is unworthy. You are stronger than her. You will kill her.
It's the dagger! You don't know how, but it is the only thing you have left on you! When you grab it, you can see the immediate area near you, like the arena the raiders used to make!
And now you can see the ghosts too, floating there at a small distance, swinging left and right in the air…
Follow my lead. Use my power. Do not be intimidated by her.
Looks like it's going to go down between you and her…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpOE30Nco14
>>635613
Breathe heavily, quickly, fear and flight instincts going to my head.
Listen to the one thing I know, and answer the voice's call.
"WHAT LEAD?!
WHAT DO I DO?!"
Breathe heavily, quickly, fear and flight instincts going to my head.
Listen to the one thing I know, and answer the voice's call.
"WHAT LEAD?!
WHAT DO I DO?!"
>>635613
Well, that's new.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, though, so I'll use my magic to propel the spear I've got out up and into the banshee. '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
Well, that's new.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, though, so I'll use my magic to propel the spear I've got out up and into the banshee. '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>635614
Four of them are going to charge you screaming. Only one is real. Use me to stab the second one from the right.
And indeed, you see four of the screaming banshees charging at you head on!
>>635615
It's visible, but it's still a ghost. The spear flows straight through her as she keeps transfixing Felfire. One of the crazies thinks this is a nice occasion to charge you, since you are focusing on the spear, but she stumbles to your legs in a bloody heap as the Captain fires one of the rifles she salvaged at her.
Four of them are going to charge you screaming. Only one is real. Use me to stab the second one from the right.
And indeed, you see four of the screaming banshees charging at you head on!
>>635615
It's visible, but it's still a ghost. The spear flows straight through her as she keeps transfixing Felfire. One of the crazies thinks this is a nice occasion to charge you, since you are focusing on the spear, but she stumbles to your legs in a bloody heap as the Captain fires one of the rifles she salvaged at her.
>>635616
Well, it was worth a shot. Bring the spear back down, aided by gravity, into that unicorn that deflected the bullet earlier. '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
Well, it was worth a shot. Bring the spear back down, aided by gravity, into that unicorn that deflected the bullet earlier. '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>635616
Let them come closer… Closer…
Take a step back, just because I'm damn about to piss myself and then-
Stab the real one!
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
Let them come closer… Closer…
Take a step back, just because I'm damn about to piss myself and then-
Stab the real one!
'1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>635617
He anticipates it incoming, and manages to sidestep, but it distracts him long enough for Crimson to shoot a mutiliated pegasus.
You see the Captain taking a few defensive steps back as the bigass stallion starts moving towards you, his tail-pickaxe scraping against the deck. He also has a huge piece of what seems like was a door as a shield.
>>635618
Maybe you did, you cannot know for sure.
Still, you extend your little hoofsie and stab the thing… for a terrifying moment nothing happens, but then the Banshee screams, in Anguish this time.
It disappears in a flash, only to reappear in the distance.
She is going to conjure some apparation to help her. Useless. Weak. It is nothing compared to what you can do. Think of the scariest being you can imagine and focus that image on me.
He anticipates it incoming, and manages to sidestep, but it distracts him long enough for Crimson to shoot a mutiliated pegasus.
You see the Captain taking a few defensive steps back as the bigass stallion starts moving towards you, his tail-pickaxe scraping against the deck. He also has a huge piece of what seems like was a door as a shield.
>>635618
Maybe you did, you cannot know for sure.
Still, you extend your little hoofsie and stab the thing… for a terrifying moment nothing happens, but then the Banshee screams, in Anguish this time.
It disappears in a flash, only to reappear in the distance.
She is going to conjure some apparation to help her. Useless. Weak. It is nothing compared to what you can do. Think of the scariest being you can imagine and focus that image on me.
>>635619
Well, dragging that axe can't be any good, let's magic it off the ground… and into his back. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
Well, dragging that axe can't be any good, let's magic it off the ground… and into his back. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>635619
"I d-don't want to!"
Who would ever want to think of a tri-headed mixture of Buck, Bluntstone and Curry?
Stupid dagger for making me think of it!
"I d-don't want to!"
Who would ever want to think of a tri-headed mixture of Buck, Bluntstone and Curry?
Stupid dagger for making me think of it!
>>635620
He realizes what you are doing midway through and bucks his hindlegs in the air to distrupt your magic, but you still manage to wound his flank with it.
However, you are distracted by the Captain.
"Shit, we got company back here! Two of them just came out from the ship!"
>>635621
You stop un-thinking it, but you can't.
You see two horrible red eyes glowing on the ground in front of you, soon splitting into six…
Out of the darkess rises a black equine demon, tall and nimble, yet strong and imposing… the left head bare, the middle bearing a horn while the right one has antlers.
The banshee, floating behind her meager little ghostly soldiers in some weird oriental armor looks worried.
Command it to attack. To annihilate.
He realizes what you are doing midway through and bucks his hindlegs in the air to distrupt your magic, but you still manage to wound his flank with it.
However, you are distracted by the Captain.
"Shit, we got company back here! Two of them just came out from the ship!"
>>635621
You stop un-thinking it, but you can't.
You see two horrible red eyes glowing on the ground in front of you, soon splitting into six…
Out of the darkess rises a black equine demon, tall and nimble, yet strong and imposing… the left head bare, the middle bearing a horn while the right one has antlers.
The banshee, floating behind her meager little ghostly soldiers in some weird oriental armor looks worried.
Command it to attack. To annihilate.
>>635622
But I cannot command it. Those are my worse fears. There is nothing but primordial pain inside my soul right now, like the screaming echo of a crowd before the slaughter.
I can't think. In my head, only the primordial instinct to survive.
But I cannot command it. Those are my worse fears. There is nothing but primordial pain inside my soul right now, like the screaming echo of a crowd before the slaughter.
I can't think. In my head, only the primordial instinct to survive.
>>635622
"I'll try and distract the ones in front, then!"
Whip out another spear, and… have an idea. There's probably a shitton of kelp or barnacles on this tub. Let's make them grow. Miracle grow '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
"I'll try and distract the ones in front, then!"
Whip out another spear, and… have an idea. There's probably a shitton of kelp or barnacles on this tub. Let's make them grow. Miracle grow '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>635623
You start panicking! You want out of here, you want to leave, you want to-
The dagger is picking up on your state, giving you a small jolt of pain.
COMMAND IT OR THE BANSHEE WILL MAKE YOU WISH YOU WERE DEAD
>>635624
The captain falls back to deal with the ponies trying to flank you.
In the meantime, your horn glows up, letting all the nature that has been growing on the ship since it has been abandoned! It's working!
You start panicking! You want out of here, you want to leave, you want to-
The dagger is picking up on your state, giving you a small jolt of pain.
COMMAND IT OR THE BANSHEE WILL MAKE YOU WISH YOU WERE DEAD
>>635624
The captain falls back to deal with the ponies trying to flank you.
In the meantime, your horn glows up, letting all the nature that has been growing on the ship since it has been abandoned! It's working!
>>635625
Grow and grow, and make life hell for those poor undead bastards.
Should I be rolling again, or is this just a matter of focus?
Grow and grow, and make life hell for those poor undead bastards.
Should I be rolling again, or is this just a matter of focus?
>>635626
The dark apparation listens, and starts charging, his horn and antlers glowing with a sickly green light, tearing through the forces of the Banshee with ease, even impaling her onto its horn while the antlers destroy the remaining ghosts!
It screams again, and your vision darkens…
By the time you wake again, you are still in the void plane, but the apparations are all gone.
The banshee seems to be hurt, casting some weird spell.
Don't let her finish.
>>635627
Just focus.
Technically, they are all alive, just mind controlled by the undead ghosts.
The ghost, that you can hear, screams in anguish, so Felfire must be doing something right!
Your miracle growth starts bogging down and trapping the crazies, letting Crimson pick them off with her rifles until only the unicorn and the beefy stallion remains. THe unicorn uses his own magic to make all life shrivel and die around him, while the other uses brute strenght to get out… at least you thinned their numbers.
From behind, you hear the captain grunt, then a mare scream… looks like she halved the number of your foes too.
The dark apparation listens, and starts charging, his horn and antlers glowing with a sickly green light, tearing through the forces of the Banshee with ease, even impaling her onto its horn while the antlers destroy the remaining ghosts!
It screams again, and your vision darkens…
By the time you wake again, you are still in the void plane, but the apparations are all gone.
The banshee seems to be hurt, casting some weird spell.
Don't let her finish.
>>635627
Just focus.
Technically, they are all alive, just mind controlled by the undead ghosts.
The ghost, that you can hear, screams in anguish, so Felfire must be doing something right!
Your miracle growth starts bogging down and trapping the crazies, letting Crimson pick them off with her rifles until only the unicorn and the beefy stallion remains. THe unicorn uses his own magic to make all life shrivel and die around him, while the other uses brute strenght to get out… at least you thinned their numbers.
From behind, you hear the captain grunt, then a mare scream… looks like she halved the number of your foes too.
>>635628
Good. At any rate, while that unicorn is distracted, I'll hurl the spear I have with brute force, hoping he's too distracted by the plants. '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
Good. At any rate, while that unicorn is distracted, I'll hurl the spear I have with brute force, hoping he's too distracted by the plants. '1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>635628
Charge it. I want to end this, I want to run!
I can do it if only I stab her! Stab her in the eye, like mother kills!
'1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
Charge it. I want to end this, I want to run!
I can do it if only I stab her! Stab her in the eye, like mother kills!
'1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>635629
He succesfully managed to kill your plants, yes, but gurgles on his own blood as one of your spare spears get embed deep in his throat.
However, you get a painful surprise as the cold metal shield of the big guy smacks you in the face. You think you feel a tooth go loose…
>>635630
Sadly, your mother was much taller than you and thus better at eye-stabbing.
You charge at it, but she quickly floats out of your reach, screaming at you, amplified with her dark magic, halting you to a painful stop!
He succesfully managed to kill your plants, yes, but gurgles on his own blood as one of your spare spears get embed deep in his throat.
However, you get a painful surprise as the cold metal shield of the big guy smacks you in the face. You think you feel a tooth go loose…
>>635630
Sadly, your mother was much taller than you and thus better at eye-stabbing.
You charge at it, but she quickly floats out of your reach, screaming at you, amplified with her dark magic, halting you to a painful stop!
>>635631
Tumble away, holding the dagger as close as possible in my wing.
Just give up, I can't help going through the motions.
Again, charge blindly into the monster, only listening to the voice's whispers as my guide.
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
Tumble away, holding the dagger as close as possible in my wing.
Just give up, I can't help going through the motions.
Again, charge blindly into the monster, only listening to the voice's whispers as my guide.
'1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>635631
I can deal with that, since that unicorn isn't going to be casting spells anytime soon. Shake my head, and pull out the sword I took from the armory.
Begin to circle the shield-user and strike at any openings I find. '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
I can deal with that, since that unicorn isn't going to be casting spells anytime soon. Shake my head, and pull out the sword I took from the armory.
Begin to circle the shield-user and strike at any openings I find. '1d10'
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>635632
You charge at it, but with it floating and you on the ground you don't see much chance… until you feel yourself lifted off from the ground!
You glance back, only to see your wings have transformed into mangled, demonic, black leathery…things, letting you leap in the air, leaving a deep gash in the Banshee.
When you land, your wings are back to their normal, broken state, but the Banshee is busy trying to escape now!
>>635633
You begin circling the sword in a brave offensive, leaving several deep cuts in his side, neck and flanks! Easy!
Until he headbutts you, sending you reeling… holy shit, he is much tougher than he looks!
But at least he is bleeding now!
Worryingly though, you don't see the Captain anywhere, and the donkey is struggling with the last of the other crazies who came from inside the ship after you.
You charge at it, but with it floating and you on the ground you don't see much chance… until you feel yourself lifted off from the ground!
You glance back, only to see your wings have transformed into mangled, demonic, black leathery…things, letting you leap in the air, leaving a deep gash in the Banshee.
When you land, your wings are back to their normal, broken state, but the Banshee is busy trying to escape now!
>>635633
You begin circling the sword in a brave offensive, leaving several deep cuts in his side, neck and flanks! Easy!
Until he headbutts you, sending you reeling… holy shit, he is much tougher than he looks!
But at least he is bleeding now!
Worryingly though, you don't see the Captain anywhere, and the donkey is struggling with the last of the other crazies who came from inside the ship after you.
>>635634
A normal filly would need years to recover.
I will push that for when I've killed the thing off.
Murder it.
Cut away limb from limb.
Slice it into cubes.
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
A normal filly would need years to recover.
I will push that for when I've killed the thing off.
Murder it.
Cut away limb from limb.
Slice it into cubes.
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>635634
The Captain can take care of herself. She's gotten out of stickier spots than this.
Hurl my sword into the nutjob struggling with the donkey. '1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
The Captain can take care of herself. She's gotten out of stickier spots than this.
Hurl my sword into the nutjob struggling with the donkey. '1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>635635
Your mother would be proud if she could see you right now.
You dive on the ghost, slashing away at it with the dagger, and instead of stabbing like it is meant to be used, you hack the banshee into pieces, unfazed by her screams and screeches.
The magical weapon makes short work of her.
You can't even finish her properly before you wake up in the real world, and can see her scream and slowly disappear.
>>635636
You hurl your sword but just nearly miss the donkey. Thankfully, she isn't hurt by your recklessness, but is still locked in combat.
Suddenly, you hear the banshee scream and her ghostly form slowly starts to break away into pieces… worryingly though, this is just making the storm worse.
The distraction is the perfect time to strike down the last crazy though.
Your mother would be proud if she could see you right now.
You dive on the ghost, slashing away at it with the dagger, and instead of stabbing like it is meant to be used, you hack the banshee into pieces, unfazed by her screams and screeches.
The magical weapon makes short work of her.
You can't even finish her properly before you wake up in the real world, and can see her scream and slowly disappear.
>>635636
You hurl your sword but just nearly miss the donkey. Thankfully, she isn't hurt by your recklessness, but is still locked in combat.
Suddenly, you hear the banshee scream and her ghostly form slowly starts to break away into pieces… worryingly though, this is just making the storm worse.
The distraction is the perfect time to strike down the last crazy though.
>>635637
Swallow.
Swallow a dry and heavy gulp of nothing, which gets promptly stuck in my throat.
Stare around, putting the dagger away. If Curry were to see it…
Swallow.
Swallow a dry and heavy gulp of nothing, which gets promptly stuck in my throat.
Stare around, putting the dagger away. If Curry were to see it…
>>635637
Heave with my mighty thews and bodily lift the shield-bearer and chuck him as far as I can. '1d10'
Hopefully he'll land on his tailspike.
Roll #1 4 = 4
Heave with my mighty thews and bodily lift the shield-bearer and chuck him as far as I can. '1d10'
Hopefully he'll land on his tailspike.
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>635639
It's a great plan, except he's probably twice the mass of a pony as you are.
You struggle around his body for a while before he spins around, whacking you in the face with his shield first then, stabbing your shoulder with his pickaxe as he swings around.
>>635638
Your nerves are on fire!
You quickly put your weapon away, but thankfully Curry is being too busy beaten the shit up by the large stallion to notice!
It's a great plan, except he's probably twice the mass of a pony as you are.
You struggle around his body for a while before he spins around, whacking you in the face with his shield first then, stabbing your shoulder with his pickaxe as he swings around.
>>635638
Your nerves are on fire!
You quickly put your weapon away, but thankfully Curry is being too busy beaten the shit up by the large stallion to notice!
>>635640
Start singing "don't lose your" way to pump Curry up.
Or don't, since that'd be silly.
Jump forth. I'm still high off the same rage which led me to tear into a banshee with little but my own hooves. I can do this.
Run onto the monster-stallion and stab it at the heel!
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
Start singing "don't lose your" way to pump Curry up.
Or don't, since that'd be silly.
Jump forth. I'm still high off the same rage which led me to tear into a banshee with little but my own hooves. I can do this.
Run onto the monster-stallion and stab it at the heel!
'1d10'
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>635641
He doesn't just jump at you, he actually uses tactics on how to hit you with his shield and tail!
The latter, especially painful, as you feel the cold metal pick stick into your side.
Ouch.
>>635642
While he is busy impaling Curry, you dash at it between the legs and stab his leg… and surprisingly enough, you manage to hit something important, as he lets out a pained grunt and his legs buckle!
He is an open target to finish for Curry now!
Both
You hear the weakened, pale, and as much hurt as all of you donkey scream as her assailant bites into her shoulder, followed by a bang as the crazy is put down by her for good.
Only the big guy left!
He doesn't just jump at you, he actually uses tactics on how to hit you with his shield and tail!
The latter, especially painful, as you feel the cold metal pick stick into your side.
Ouch.
>>635642
While he is busy impaling Curry, you dash at it between the legs and stab his leg… and surprisingly enough, you manage to hit something important, as he lets out a pained grunt and his legs buckle!
He is an open target to finish for Curry now!
Both
You hear the weakened, pale, and as much hurt as all of you donkey scream as her assailant bites into her shoulder, followed by a bang as the crazy is put down by her for good.
Only the big guy left!
>>635643
Well, I don't have anything on-hoof, so I'll just have to improvise. Grab his tail-pick, and jam it through his skull. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
Well, I don't have anything on-hoof, so I'll just have to improvise. Grab his tail-pick, and jam it through his skull. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>635645
>>635644
Felfire scoots away, just in time for Curry to yank the pickaxe from his side and dive onto the stallion with it, making quite the mess with some disgusting sounds as it enters the skull of the last crazy through his skull.
Woohoo! They are all dead!
No time for celebration though, the donkey hobbles along.
"I don't know what you did to that ghost, kid, but since it died this storm is looking worse and worse! We need to get to that ship of yours!"
That's all well and good, but you don't see the captain anywhere!
>>635644
Felfire scoots away, just in time for Curry to yank the pickaxe from his side and dive onto the stallion with it, making quite the mess with some disgusting sounds as it enters the skull of the last crazy through his skull.
Woohoo! They are all dead!
No time for celebration though, the donkey hobbles along.
"I don't know what you did to that ghost, kid, but since it died this storm is looking worse and worse! We need to get to that ship of yours!"
That's all well and good, but you don't see the captain anywhere!
>>635646
Look pretty seriously scared, but nod along.
W-wait, where is the captain? Scurry all over the deck looking for her!
'1d10
Look pretty seriously scared, but nod along.
W-wait, where is the captain? Scurry all over the deck looking for her!
'1d10
>>635651
Grit my teeth as I'm brought up short.
"So I'm just supposed to abandon her? Every second we argue is one where she runs to the gunpowder."
Grit my teeth as I'm brought up short.
"So I'm just supposed to abandon her? Every second we argue is one where she runs to the gunpowder."
>>635653
"You think you'd get before her with her headstart!"
She pushes you. It's not that big of a push, considering she is considerably weakened and fatigued.
"Move! Both of you!"
>>635654
You're not going anywhere.
Especially after the donkey bites your mane to grab you and fling you on her back, going to the ladder!
"You think you'd get before her with her headstart!"
She pushes you. It's not that big of a push, considering she is considerably weakened and fatigued.
"Move! Both of you!"
>>635654
You're not going anywhere.
Especially after the donkey bites your mane to grab you and fling you on her back, going to the ladder!
>>635655
"Dammit!"
Gather the spears and sword I chucked around during the fight, and book it to the boat.
This is going to guilt me for quite some time.
"Dammit!"
Gather the spears and sword I chucked around during the fight, and book it to the boat.
This is going to guilt me for quite some time.
>>635656
>>635657
As you near the ledge, you see the native and Angler both on deck on high alert with weapons out.
The donkey seems… insulted almost.
"THIS is your ship?!"
Still she wastes no time and jumps double times it down to the deck.
"Curry, the ropes! You, helmspony, get ready to disengage!"
He seems to be offended.
"Where is the captain?!"
>>635657
As you near the ledge, you see the native and Angler both on deck on high alert with weapons out.
The donkey seems… insulted almost.
"THIS is your ship?!"
Still she wastes no time and jumps double times it down to the deck.
"Curry, the ropes! You, helmspony, get ready to disengage!"
He seems to be offended.
"Where is the captain?!"
>>635658
"She's blowing up this giant metal tub! It was full of zombies!"
Once on board, I'll slash one of the ropes with my sword, but hesitate on the other one.
Maybe… maybe the captain could make it?
"She's blowing up this giant metal tub! It was full of zombies!"
Once on board, I'll slash one of the ropes with my sword, but hesitate on the other one.
Maybe… maybe the captain could make it?
https://youtu.be/vPGmsNC0Cxc?t=153
>>635659
"W-What? No! No, she can't be! Are you sure?!"
He starts freaking out!
>>635660
The donkey notices your hesitation.
"If you keep hesitating we are all dead!"
Angler stomps his hoof.
"I am not going anywhere without Splinterproof!"
The donkey draws a rifle on him.
"As an officer of the Equestrian Navy, I am now commandeering this ship! Non-compliance will result in severe consequences! Now disengage this ship!"
>>635659
"W-What? No! No, she can't be! Are you sure?!"
He starts freaking out!
>>635660
The donkey notices your hesitation.
"If you keep hesitating we are all dead!"
Angler stomps his hoof.
"I am not going anywhere without Splinterproof!"
The donkey draws a rifle on him.
"As an officer of the Equestrian Navy, I am now commandeering this ship! Non-compliance will result in severe consequences! Now disengage this ship!"
>>635662
>>635663
With the lines cut and Angler at the wheel, the ship slowly starts to make distance from the metal coffin, the storm above it getting worse and worse, striking lightining near both ships and crashing giant, relentless waves against the sides of the boat.
You're just starting to make distance when Buangan, the native grabs your attention.
"Look! Up there! Look!"
At the edge of the railing you see the Captain! She is looking at the ship as it is starting to make distance!
When Angler notices, he starts turning the wheel, but before he can steer the ship back, he is knocked out by a powerful smack with the butt of a rifle from Crimson, who takes the helm. "I am not going to risk all these lives for one, I'm sorry!"
You all hear a deep rumbling from inside the ironclad.
At the same time, the captain takes a few step backs, disappearing from your line of sight.
>>635663
With the lines cut and Angler at the wheel, the ship slowly starts to make distance from the metal coffin, the storm above it getting worse and worse, striking lightining near both ships and crashing giant, relentless waves against the sides of the boat.
You're just starting to make distance when Buangan, the native grabs your attention.
"Look! Up there! Look!"
At the edge of the railing you see the Captain! She is looking at the ship as it is starting to make distance!
When Angler notices, he starts turning the wheel, but before he can steer the ship back, he is knocked out by a powerful smack with the butt of a rifle from Crimson, who takes the helm. "I am not going to risk all these lives for one, I'm sorry!"
You all hear a deep rumbling from inside the ironclad.
At the same time, the captain takes a few step backs, disappearing from your line of sight.
>>635665
>>635666
You can't use your magic as she disappears… but as Felfire concluded, she only stepped back to gain some ground.
You see her jump over the railing and Curry manages to give her a boost with magic!
Not a moment later, the ship breaks into two.
The explosion going off in the armory sends a wave of energy in all directions, spreading through the Ironclad hard and fast, lifting the bow and the port of the ship in the air at the same time.
More worringly however, the explosion broke of a LOT of the ships interior and propelled it up into the air as deadly flak on their way down…
Crimson yells.
"UNICORN! INCOMING! MAGIC NOW! EVERYONE ELSE DUCK!"
It's happening too fast, but Curry can see she means to stop the giant metal rubble that's flying your way from crushing the ship!
>>635666
You can't use your magic as she disappears… but as Felfire concluded, she only stepped back to gain some ground.
You see her jump over the railing and Curry manages to give her a boost with magic!
Not a moment later, the ship breaks into two.
The explosion going off in the armory sends a wave of energy in all directions, spreading through the Ironclad hard and fast, lifting the bow and the port of the ship in the air at the same time.
More worringly however, the explosion broke of a LOT of the ships interior and propelled it up into the air as deadly flak on their way down…
Crimson yells.
"UNICORN! INCOMING! MAGIC NOW! EVERYONE ELSE DUCK!"
It's happening too fast, but Curry can see she means to stop the giant metal rubble that's flying your way from crushing the ship!
>>635667
Ah. Shit. Focus everything I've got left in deflecting the incoming rubble. '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
Ah. Shit. Focus everything I've got left in deflecting the incoming rubble. '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>635668
That means you have to drop the captain from her glide, but even your drained magic can only do so much. You push the larger pieces away, but little sharpnel rain down, grazing your cheeks and flanks.
>>635669
You zig-zag around on the deck, but it's no use, you feel something hot and sharp stick riht into your neck! It draws blood!
The native lets out a scream as she is peppered with the small pieces too… only Angler seems to be safe, as the donkey jumped on his passed out form to shield him.
That means you have to drop the captain from her glide, but even your drained magic can only do so much. You push the larger pieces away, but little sharpnel rain down, grazing your cheeks and flanks.
>>635669
You zig-zag around on the deck, but it's no use, you feel something hot and sharp stick riht into your neck! It draws blood!
The native lets out a scream as she is peppered with the small pieces too… only Angler seems to be safe, as the donkey jumped on his passed out form to shield him.
>>635671
The sails gets pretty fucked up allright.
You shake yourself but nothing happens, the pain is there to stay!
>>635672
As the hail stops and the ship slowly makes it's way from the burning, sinking metal tub, you collapse.
You see the native scamper for rope which the donkey quickly grabs in her mouth and dives into the water with.
>>635673
OH GOD THE PAIN IT BUUUUUUUUUURNS
The sails gets pretty fucked up allright.
You shake yourself but nothing happens, the pain is there to stay!
>>635672
As the hail stops and the ship slowly makes it's way from the burning, sinking metal tub, you collapse.
You see the native scamper for rope which the donkey quickly grabs in her mouth and dives into the water with.
>>635673
OH GOD THE PAIN IT BUUUUUUUUUURNS
Lone Mesa
You were investigating the strange emptyness of the trading town Fairbank, and why the streets were silent aside from a few ponies with their guns watching over them. The Sherrif is gone to somewhere, and you managed to track down a captive warg, a viscious, disgusting carnivore. Still, since he was your only lead, you had to get a pig for it, which you did, by trusting your dog, Rocky, to stay behind with the farmer in exchange. The moment you let the warg loose, it tore the poor pig apart, devouring it piece by piece.
Still, it gave you the information you needed. His master meets with others every night in some nearby abandoned mines, and tonight is special, as even the master of his master is going to be there.
You were investigating the strange emptyness of the trading town Fairbank, and why the streets were silent aside from a few ponies with their guns watching over them. The Sherrif is gone to somewhere, and you managed to track down a captive warg, a viscious, disgusting carnivore. Still, since he was your only lead, you had to get a pig for it, which you did, by trusting your dog, Rocky, to stay behind with the farmer in exchange. The moment you let the warg loose, it tore the poor pig apart, devouring it piece by piece.
Still, it gave you the information you needed. His master meets with others every night in some nearby abandoned mines, and tonight is special, as even the master of his master is going to be there.
>>635810
He seems a tad preoccupied at the moment.
You could always just ask the bloodthirsty canine twice your size, between the bites, if he will.
He seems a tad preoccupied at the moment.
You could always just ask the bloodthirsty canine twice your size, between the bites, if he will.
>>635812
He just growls at you first, but then licks some of the blood off his fangs.
"Run, go hide in desert. Wait for Master call."
He just growls at you first, but then licks some of the blood off his fangs.
"Run, go hide in desert. Wait for Master call."
>>635814
"No town. Sky is death there."
He keeps on munching!
If you want to be at the abandoned mines (not to be confused with the Witchita abandoned mining town, which is a known, dangerous bandit hideout) you might want to start off soon, before it gets dark.
"No town. Sky is death there."
He keeps on munching!
If you want to be at the abandoned mines (not to be confused with the Witchita abandoned mining town, which is a known, dangerous bandit hideout) you might want to start off soon, before it gets dark.
>>635816
You leave him behind and set off into the desert.
It feels much more lonely this time.
The sun is slowly starting to set in front of you as you head east. You see the occasional skeleton, bleaching in the sun buried in the sand, or some small scorpions resting in the shade of rocks. You can see the outlines of the mines now. There is not much cover here, but with a small detour, you could hide behind the rocks that remained from the quarry to get closer unseen.
You leave him behind and set off into the desert.
It feels much more lonely this time.
The sun is slowly starting to set in front of you as you head east. You see the occasional skeleton, bleaching in the sun buried in the sand, or some small scorpions resting in the shade of rocks. You can see the outlines of the mines now. There is not much cover here, but with a small detour, you could hide behind the rocks that remained from the quarry to get closer unseen.
>>635818
It's a feel that will require tremendous amounts of whiskey and cigars to cope with.
You circle around, and by the time you get to the mine, you are well hidden. You can see guards at the main enterance, both of them ponies. The stallion is armed with a high-power rifle, placed on his saddle, while the mare seems to have a lot of small knives. The stallion is watching attentively, while the mare is playing around with a small scorpion she caught.
Both of them wear some lightweight, black armor. Mercenaries?
You'll need to find another way in, unless you want to risk them raising an alarm.
It's a feel that will require tremendous amounts of whiskey and cigars to cope with.
You circle around, and by the time you get to the mine, you are well hidden. You can see guards at the main enterance, both of them ponies. The stallion is armed with a high-power rifle, placed on his saddle, while the mare seems to have a lot of small knives. The stallion is watching attentively, while the mare is playing around with a small scorpion she caught.
Both of them wear some lightweight, black armor. Mercenaries?
You'll need to find another way in, unless you want to risk them raising an alarm.
>>635819
Hmmm, there can often be other entrances to mines, only problem is if they're safe to enter
Search around sneakily '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
Hmmm, there can often be other entrances to mines, only problem is if they're safe to enter
Search around sneakily '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>635820
You'll just have to find out for yourself.
You manage to keep a low profile and find another enterance. From the looks of it, it leads to the same shaft as the other, but this one has been closed down even before the whole thing was left behind.
You'll just have to find out for yourself.
You manage to keep a low profile and find another enterance. From the looks of it, it leads to the same shaft as the other, but this one has been closed down even before the whole thing was left behind.
>>635821
Inspect it without going in yet.
Any spider nests, snake pits, coyote lairs, dangerous hanging rocks? '1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
Inspect it without going in yet.
Any spider nests, snake pits, coyote lairs, dangerous hanging rocks? '1d10'
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>635822
None of the above.
Just darkness, narrow paths, and some omnious, who-knows-how-deep chasms you'll need to avoid.
None of the above.
Just darkness, narrow paths, and some omnious, who-knows-how-deep chasms you'll need to avoid.
>>635824
Your motor skills are not impaired.
Still, every now and then you feel rocks slip out under from your hoof to somewhere, which is not very comforting in the dark.
Your motor skills are not impaired.
Still, every now and then you feel rocks slip out under from your hoof to somewhere, which is not very comforting in the dark.
>>635826
You mentally jot down never to leave to the mines without a light.
Or at least a lit cigarette.
Still, the air is changing, and you think you feel a draft… yes, there it is! You see a passage opening up to the main shaft!
You mentally jot down never to leave to the mines without a light.
Or at least a lit cigarette.
Still, the air is changing, and you think you feel a draft… yes, there it is! You see a passage opening up to the main shaft!
>>635828
Seems like the main shaft is actually under you! This path lead to a rocky walkway that is running pararell to it above. You can look down to there and move around unseen!
You also see lights, signs that this place is indeed in use, but no ponies. Maybe if you head deeper.
Seems like the main shaft is actually under you! This path lead to a rocky walkway that is running pararell to it above. You can look down to there and move around unseen!
You also see lights, signs that this place is indeed in use, but no ponies. Maybe if you head deeper.
>>635829
Oh my, this is fortunate.
I'd drink on it, if my flask wasn't empty.
Crawl further down.
Any ponies or other things?
Oh my, this is fortunate.
I'd drink on it, if my flask wasn't empty.
Crawl further down.
Any ponies or other things?
>>635830
You crawl down along. You pass two oblivious pony guards who are a level below you to arrive at a larger chamber. There are tents, tables and whatnot set up here! The middle table seems to be the most interesting, as it resembles a tactical map, complete with little markers for different troops, although you can't make out the details from up here. A unicorn mare is sitting next to it, arranging something with her magic.
What also catches your attention, is the HUGE diamond dog standing next to one of the tents, as if he was waiting. He has a spiked collar, as well as thick chainlinks wrapped around his wrists. He only wears pants, which makes the various scars on his chest and arms very visible - bite marks, scratch marks, bulletholes, stab wounds…
If you had to guess, you are probably seeing the master of the wargs here.
You crawl down along. You pass two oblivious pony guards who are a level below you to arrive at a larger chamber. There are tents, tables and whatnot set up here! The middle table seems to be the most interesting, as it resembles a tactical map, complete with little markers for different troops, although you can't make out the details from up here. A unicorn mare is sitting next to it, arranging something with her magic.
What also catches your attention, is the HUGE diamond dog standing next to one of the tents, as if he was waiting. He has a spiked collar, as well as thick chainlinks wrapped around his wrists. He only wears pants, which makes the various scars on his chest and arms very visible - bite marks, scratch marks, bulletholes, stab wounds…
If you had to guess, you are probably seeing the master of the wargs here.
>>635832
At the far behind of the chamber, you see two of them fighting each other over some bones which look awfully pony shaped.
If they were to get under you, they might catch your scent, but it's unlikely they would from the other side while they are distracted.
At the far behind of the chamber, you see two of them fighting each other over some bones which look awfully pony shaped.
If they were to get under you, they might catch your scent, but it's unlikely they would from the other side while they are distracted.
>>635834
The outcrop you are using does not exted over to the rest of the paths.
Which doesn't seem to matter, since they aren't lit.
The outcrop you are using does not exted over to the rest of the paths.
Which doesn't seem to matter, since they aren't lit.
>>635838
As tough as the diamond dog looks, he seems… anxious.
The most leader looking is the unicorn arranging the table. You see a few chairs around it, so you guess that's where their special meeting is going to take place very soon.
As tough as the diamond dog looks, he seems… anxious.
The most leader looking is the unicorn arranging the table. You see a few chairs around it, so you guess that's where their special meeting is going to take place very soon.
>>635840
You could just take a leak over one of the rocks and pretend it's the rainwater dripping in.
You wait for a good while, but then there is a bright magical flash! When it is gone, a unicorn stallion, wearing similar armor as the mare, is standing in the chamber. He seems stern, taking a seat without saying a word. A while later, a pink pegasus with long, straight pinker mane walks in. She is wearing some very light combat dress and has a slim but long sword in a sheath by her side. She is whistling happily as she arrives.
"Hey there, dumbos! Why the long faces? This isn't going to be an execution… as far as I know!"
She laughs then pops down in her seat.
There is still a chair left, even after the dog approaches and takes his place.
You could just take a leak over one of the rocks and pretend it's the rainwater dripping in.
You wait for a good while, but then there is a bright magical flash! When it is gone, a unicorn stallion, wearing similar armor as the mare, is standing in the chamber. He seems stern, taking a seat without saying a word. A while later, a pink pegasus with long, straight pinker mane walks in. She is wearing some very light combat dress and has a slim but long sword in a sheath by her side. She is whistling happily as she arrives.
"Hey there, dumbos! Why the long faces? This isn't going to be an execution… as far as I know!"
She laughs then pops down in her seat.
There is still a chair left, even after the dog approaches and takes his place.
>>635842
You've heard about this pink pegasus, yes. Supposedly she was a serial killer in Manehatten who could cut through a dozen guards like carving a cake. She was jailed by Ranger number Twelve some years ago though.
She keeps happily chatting, but only the unicorn mare respons every now and then.
You've heard about this pink pegasus, yes. Supposedly she was a serial killer in Manehatten who could cut through a dozen guards like carving a cake. She was jailed by Ranger number Twelve some years ago though.
She keeps happily chatting, but only the unicorn mare respons every now and then.
>>635844
While you wait some more, you notice a weird… shimmer around the table. And a slight glow from the horn of the unicorn stallion. Some sort of magical forcefield maybe? You never saw any shielding spells that were so subtle.
Still, your musing is interrupted when three ponies enter the room, all pegasi. They are something else for sure.
All of them seem to be wearing some sort of black armor, that looks like the carapace of insects. It looks very light sa they seem no trouble moving in it, but you're pretty sure it's not just for show. You can see that they are all carrying various types of firearms on their saddles, but you can't see which is what exactly, because they are all on their left side and you can only see their right.
The armor even comes with a helmet, fitting with the rest of the armor perfectly. Instead of silts for looking out, they have pony eye-sized visions, some magical green crystal from the looks of it.
The leader of the trio who walks in the middle also has a giant emerald on her chest. Whoever is paying these guys must be in the 1% of Equestria.
The two sidekicks stay back while the middle pegasus approaches the table. She looks them over, then removes her helmet, revealing her green coat and short purple mane.
"This has to be the worst fucking forward camp I have ever fucking seen."
While you wait some more, you notice a weird… shimmer around the table. And a slight glow from the horn of the unicorn stallion. Some sort of magical forcefield maybe? You never saw any shielding spells that were so subtle.
Still, your musing is interrupted when three ponies enter the room, all pegasi. They are something else for sure.
All of them seem to be wearing some sort of black armor, that looks like the carapace of insects. It looks very light sa they seem no trouble moving in it, but you're pretty sure it's not just for show. You can see that they are all carrying various types of firearms on their saddles, but you can't see which is what exactly, because they are all on their left side and you can only see their right.
The armor even comes with a helmet, fitting with the rest of the armor perfectly. Instead of silts for looking out, they have pony eye-sized visions, some magical green crystal from the looks of it.
The leader of the trio who walks in the middle also has a giant emerald on her chest. Whoever is paying these guys must be in the 1% of Equestria.
The two sidekicks stay back while the middle pegasus approaches the table. She looks them over, then removes her helmet, revealing her green coat and short purple mane.
"This has to be the worst fucking forward camp I have ever fucking seen."
>>635845
This must be the leader.
Black armor, how edgy.
Though I'm not much to talk with my black coat.
So I monologue inside my head.
This must be the leader.
Black armor, how edgy.
Though I'm not much to talk with my black coat.
So I monologue inside my head.
>>635846
Just like with your coat, it's probably not a paintjob, but the type of alloy they are using.
"So, come on, brief me, what's up? I got shit to do in Los Pegasus before I can come back here to deal with shit."
The unicorn stallion speaks up.
"We managed to stabilize things from Dodge to Appleloosa. Some of my covert operatives are working on ensuring that stays that way. The bandit raid of Appleloosa was a failure too. I'm not sure what they were thinking, sending that amount of ponies against two rangers."
The leader snickers.
"Fucking amateurs. What else?"
The unicorn mare speaks this time.
"Fairbank is still under their control. We couldn't mobilize much without raising some alarm bells from the nearby fort, who have no idea what's going on. The sherrif of the town is dead."
"Fuck… that's not good news."
"My wargs have been thinning out their messengers are trapping them in, but they are going to get reinforcments soon. We can't take it with just the hounds if someone doesn't take care of the Talons."
"Fucking bird-brained pidgeons shitting up everything wherever we go… What else?"
Just like with your coat, it's probably not a paintjob, but the type of alloy they are using.
"So, come on, brief me, what's up? I got shit to do in Los Pegasus before I can come back here to deal with shit."
The unicorn stallion speaks up.
"We managed to stabilize things from Dodge to Appleloosa. Some of my covert operatives are working on ensuring that stays that way. The bandit raid of Appleloosa was a failure too. I'm not sure what they were thinking, sending that amount of ponies against two rangers."
The leader snickers.
"Fucking amateurs. What else?"
The unicorn mare speaks this time.
"Fairbank is still under their control. We couldn't mobilize much without raising some alarm bells from the nearby fort, who have no idea what's going on. The sherrif of the town is dead."
"Fuck… that's not good news."
"My wargs have been thinning out their messengers are trapping them in, but they are going to get reinforcments soon. We can't take it with just the hounds if someone doesn't take care of the Talons."
"Fucking bird-brained pidgeons shitting up everything wherever we go… What else?"
>>635847
Huh, this is getting really interesting.
This purple-green pony seems to be a major player.
Do I know anything about her?
Huh, this is getting really interesting.
This purple-green pony seems to be a major player.
Do I know anything about her?
>>635848
She seems very young, maybe in her mid-twenties even. You have no records of anypony like her. Maybe you can take a detour to Fort Buckanaan and spend some time catching up on the newest mercenary groups of the area.
The pink pegasus chimes in.
"I've got bad news, so don't freak out. I cut up that old fart down south, but I've heard some news about our friends at Mareen Valley. They all got wiped out by the Blood Riders. They got the train station."
"WHAT?! Those fucking idiots let them capture it?!"
Seems like that pissed her off a lot.
She seems very young, maybe in her mid-twenties even. You have no records of anypony like her. Maybe you can take a detour to Fort Buckanaan and spend some time catching up on the newest mercenary groups of the area.
The pink pegasus chimes in.
"I've got bad news, so don't freak out. I cut up that old fart down south, but I've heard some news about our friends at Mareen Valley. They all got wiped out by the Blood Riders. They got the train station."
"WHAT?! Those fucking idiots let them capture it?!"
Seems like that pissed her off a lot.
>>635850
You've only heard the stories.
Their territories are so far down South at the Palomino Desert that their control reaches to Macintosh Hills, and even into the Badlands through the hills and mountains.
They are mostly earth ponies, strong enough to keep up with a flying pegasus even with their chariots and battlecarts attached.
However, you never heard they'd be involved in any gang wars of any sort, since they keep to themselves, mostly just being defensive and territorial.
You've only heard the stories.
Their territories are so far down South at the Palomino Desert that their control reaches to Macintosh Hills, and even into the Badlands through the hills and mountains.
They are mostly earth ponies, strong enough to keep up with a flying pegasus even with their chariots and battlecarts attached.
However, you never heard they'd be involved in any gang wars of any sort, since they keep to themselves, mostly just being defensive and territorial.
>>635852
She kicks the chair out of under herself.
"You bloody fucking idiots! With the rails they can send their fucking chariots everywhere! Lollipop, get a team and blow up as many teams as you can!"
The pink pegasus blows her a kiss then hurries away.
"You, pull in the wargs, all of them! I want them ready to move! You are going to get that train station back!"
"Right now? But I need meat, provisions, I need-"
He is cut in half by the glare by the mare as she cocks her gun and turns it towards him.
"I-I mean I will do it, right away, I will…" You can see the dog pull his tail between his legs, looking at the ground and even licking his lips in submission.
She just glares a moment more before softly speaking.
"Get the wargs ready, you're moving out now…. NOW! NOW NOW NOW!"
The large diamond dog whines and runs away, out of the mines, his two wargs quickly following him.
She kicks the chair out of under herself.
"You bloody fucking idiots! With the rails they can send their fucking chariots everywhere! Lollipop, get a team and blow up as many teams as you can!"
The pink pegasus blows her a kiss then hurries away.
"You, pull in the wargs, all of them! I want them ready to move! You are going to get that train station back!"
"Right now? But I need meat, provisions, I need-"
He is cut in half by the glare by the mare as she cocks her gun and turns it towards him.
"I-I mean I will do it, right away, I will…" You can see the dog pull his tail between his legs, looking at the ground and even licking his lips in submission.
She just glares a moment more before softly speaking.
"Get the wargs ready, you're moving out now…. NOW! NOW NOW NOW!"
The large diamond dog whines and runs away, out of the mines, his two wargs quickly following him.
>>635853
She certainly has a temper.
Hmmm, this train station, is there a train station in the Talon town?
She certainly has a temper.
Hmmm, this train station, is there a train station in the Talon town?
Iga
You just finished 'delivering' the Unicat, which you couldn't, but at least you got the receipt signed, and now you have a kitten with a horn and magic too!
After meeting two goats in the forest, who also gave you a weird dream with their music which made you talk to yourself about your past and future, you are now back at the Pony Express HQ. Since you are rested you told your boss, Blue Collar, that you are going to get right back into it!
"Listen… you seem to be one of our best runners from what little you've done so far. Fast and efficient… but the only real delivery I have now is a bit… strange. It has a nice little hazard pay bonus in it. Are you interested?"
You just finished 'delivering' the Unicat, which you couldn't, but at least you got the receipt signed, and now you have a kitten with a horn and magic too!
After meeting two goats in the forest, who also gave you a weird dream with their music which made you talk to yourself about your past and future, you are now back at the Pony Express HQ. Since you are rested you told your boss, Blue Collar, that you are going to get right back into it!
"Listen… you seem to be one of our best runners from what little you've done so far. Fast and efficient… but the only real delivery I have now is a bit… strange. It has a nice little hazard pay bonus in it. Are you interested?"
>>636372
"It' spooky, really… let's go to my office, I'll give you the details."
He leads you to his office!
It is kept very nice, tidy and orderly.
"It' spooky, really… let's go to my office, I'll give you the details."
He leads you to his office!
It is kept very nice, tidy and orderly.
>>636374
He sits down behind his desk.
"You might when you hear the full story. I've been pushing this delivery for a week now, and two ponies already refused to do it."
He sighs.
"Near Vanhoover, an artist by the name of Guerpone Weiss was making all kinds of art pieces - drawings, statues, so on. Supposedly, he died more than a decade ago, when he finished his last piece, a coffin made out of obsidian. The weird thing is, nobody ever saw his body, or any trace of where he could have disappeared. What is even weirder… is that the Pony Express was his source of all the things he needed, and we get requests for easels, paints, raw materials to this day."
He looks like his hoof is shaking, like he spooked himself.
"…The worst part is, every time we send someone, they either never come back, or when they do they are… changed. Not quite what they were before they left. And the locals at Vanhoover say that every time one of our ponies bring him something… a new piece of art shows up."
He sits down behind his desk.
"You might when you hear the full story. I've been pushing this delivery for a week now, and two ponies already refused to do it."
He sighs.
"Near Vanhoover, an artist by the name of Guerpone Weiss was making all kinds of art pieces - drawings, statues, so on. Supposedly, he died more than a decade ago, when he finished his last piece, a coffin made out of obsidian. The weird thing is, nobody ever saw his body, or any trace of where he could have disappeared. What is even weirder… is that the Pony Express was his source of all the things he needed, and we get requests for easels, paints, raw materials to this day."
He looks like his hoof is shaking, like he spooked himself.
"…The worst part is, every time we send someone, they either never come back, or when they do they are… changed. Not quite what they were before they left. And the locals at Vanhoover say that every time one of our ponies bring him something… a new piece of art shows up."
>>636376
"The requests we get contain the payment. We just get these letters from him, with whatever he needs already paid! We would be breaking our own contracts if we didn't respond to them."
He lowers his voice.
"If it was up to me, I'd never risk any of your lives for it, but the higher ups demand it. Say it's got something to do with the company getting fined for not doing the work for something already paid for. We just cannot refuse, as dumb as it is. They say for all we know he might be just hiding, but he was almost ninety years old even back when he was still walking around the cit and not busy being a ghost or whatever!"
"The requests we get contain the payment. We just get these letters from him, with whatever he needs already paid! We would be breaking our own contracts if we didn't respond to them."
He lowers his voice.
"If it was up to me, I'd never risk any of your lives for it, but the higher ups demand it. Say it's got something to do with the company getting fined for not doing the work for something already paid for. We just cannot refuse, as dumb as it is. They say for all we know he might be just hiding, but he was almost ninety years old even back when he was still walking around the cit and not busy being a ghost or whatever!"
>>636378
Yes, stupid Equestrians. It cannot be a ghost, those don't even exist.
Unless it is an Onryō in which case you should be very concerned. But hey, it probably isn't, right?
"Good. Take very good care of yourself out there, okay? First sign of trouble, and don't be ashamed to run! I know that's what I'd do."
He opens a drawer and takes out a large envelope.
"This has the receipt in it, and the special brushes you need to deliver. The place is a large mansion, just northeast of Vanhoover. It's impossible to miss."
Yes, stupid Equestrians. It cannot be a ghost, those don't even exist.
Unless it is an Onryō in which case you should be very concerned. But hey, it probably isn't, right?
"Good. Take very good care of yourself out there, okay? First sign of trouble, and don't be ashamed to run! I know that's what I'd do."
He opens a drawer and takes out a large envelope.
"This has the receipt in it, and the special brushes you need to deliver. The place is a large mansion, just northeast of Vanhoover. It's impossible to miss."
>>636379
Take the receipt.
"Your problems will be gone soon, washed away like sandcastle during summer typhoon."
Take the receipt.
"Your problems will be gone soon, washed away like sandcastle during summer typhoon."
>>636382
It was in the same envelope with the brushes! They have a very fine, expensive looking wooden handle and the tip is made from the finest hair. Looks really fancy for some simple painting equipment.
It was in the same envelope with the brushes! They have a very fine, expensive looking wooden handle and the tip is made from the finest hair. Looks really fancy for some simple painting equipment.
>>636383
Ok. I'm not stupid and I think this gajin I'm supposed to deliver to is some kind of an undead. I need some equipment for this, like a blessed weapon, wooden stakes or a silver dagger. There are so many packages here, so I'm gonna do something naughty and look for a package that belongs to the Equestrian church.
Roll #1 3 = 3
Ok. I'm not stupid and I think this gajin I'm supposed to deliver to is some kind of an undead. I need some equipment for this, like a blessed weapon, wooden stakes or a silver dagger. There are so many packages here, so I'm gonna do something naughty and look for a package that belongs to the Equestrian church.
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>636384
None out here, nothing you could pick up…
Although… you do remember the storage. The one you had to put something in, the one with all the stuff that never got delivered! You could grab something from there, none will be the wiser, and nopony will ever miss it!
None out here, nothing you could pick up…
Although… you do remember the storage. The one you had to put something in, the one with all the stuff that never got delivered! You could grab something from there, none will be the wiser, and nopony will ever miss it!
>>636386
You slip inside, closing the door behind you. You start looking through the shelves, lit only by a single dim light… Ah, there it is! You find a silver letter opener! It doesn't look much, but it's sharp as hell! You think you also saw some weirdly shaped bottle the last time you were here, it might have been holy water… do you want to go in deeper and look for it?
You slip inside, closing the door behind you. You start looking through the shelves, lit only by a single dim light… Ah, there it is! You find a silver letter opener! It doesn't look much, but it's sharp as hell! You think you also saw some weirdly shaped bottle the last time you were here, it might have been holy water… do you want to go in deeper and look for it?
>>636388
You venture deeper and you indeed find the bottle! You were right, it's holy water! Not much, but it should be more than enough to weaken any undead! You also see outlines of a weapons rack, which must have something! That part of the storage is even darker… looks like the lights have gone out there.
You venture deeper and you indeed find the bottle! You were right, it's holy water! Not much, but it should be more than enough to weaken any undead! You also see outlines of a weapons rack, which must have something! That part of the storage is even darker… looks like the lights have gone out there.
>>636390
You are a grown pony, not scared of anything! You let your eyes adjust to the dim light and walk over… you start browsing the collection of weapons here… there is indeed a blessed weapon! It's a sickle belonging to some Lunar priestess! It's probably here because those moon religionists and their moon princess is not very popular, with her being banished and everything.
As you pick it up, you hear something crash behind you!
You are a grown pony, not scared of anything! You let your eyes adjust to the dim light and walk over… you start browsing the collection of weapons here… there is indeed a blessed weapon! It's a sickle belonging to some Lunar priestess! It's probably here because those moon religionists and their moon princess is not very popular, with her being banished and everything.
As you pick it up, you hear something crash behind you!
>>636391
Substitute myself. I am a master of shadows!
Don't even acknowledge the crash, I'm just going to walk out of here.
Roll #1 5 = 5
Substitute myself. I am a master of shadows!
Don't even acknowledge the crash, I'm just going to walk out of here.
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>636392
You make a decoy of yourself, but you cannot not acknowledge the crash, since it's on the way out. You almost trip in something! It's… the same doll, shaped like a colt, that fell on top of you the last time you were here… only, it was in the other corner of the storage! Still, you shake it off and leg it outside!
You got the silver letter opener, the holy water and the blessed sickle!
You make a decoy of yourself, but you cannot not acknowledge the crash, since it's on the way out. You almost trip in something! It's… the same doll, shaped like a colt, that fell on top of you the last time you were here… only, it was in the other corner of the storage! Still, you shake it off and leg it outside!
You got the silver letter opener, the holy water and the blessed sickle!
>>636393
Why can't these westerners deal with their stupid spirits messing around with everything, I thought they had paladins for this kind of stuff.
I need to go check on my cat before I fly to Vanhoover.
Why can't these westerners deal with their stupid spirits messing around with everything, I thought they had paladins for this kind of stuff.
I need to go check on my cat before I fly to Vanhoover.
>>636394
They lack the Neighpon work ethic, the lazy slackers!
You return to where you left her. She is sitting on a table, licking and cleaning one of her front paws.
Two of your co-workers seem very intruiged by her appearance!
They lack the Neighpon work ethic, the lazy slackers!
You return to where you left her. She is sitting on a table, licking and cleaning one of her front paws.
Two of your co-workers seem very intruiged by her appearance!
>>636398
She hisses loudly, but hops onto your back nevertheless!
She might be useful even, as some say cats can detect spirits ponies can't even see!
She hisses loudly, but hops onto your back nevertheless!
She might be useful even, as some say cats can detect spirits ponies can't even see!
>>636400
It might take a day, with some bad winds maybe even two, so you get some supplies ready!
Will you fly straight for it, next to Smokey Mountain, or will you take a detour to avoid the extra heights and fly above the Unicorn Range instead?
It might take a day, with some bad winds maybe even two, so you get some supplies ready!
Will you fly straight for it, next to Smokey Mountain, or will you take a detour to avoid the extra heights and fly above the Unicorn Range instead?
>>636404
The journey itself is mostly eventless, and you get there in a day and a half, arriving to the southern outskirts by early afternoon. The giant tower with the weird saucer thingy on top of it could be seen from far away, guiding you in the rifht direction! The weather is also considerably more cold up here, and you can occasionally see snow here or there already.
You were told the mansion is northeast of the city, but you might want to get some directions from someone in the city.
The journey itself is mostly eventless, and you get there in a day and a half, arriving to the southern outskirts by early afternoon. The giant tower with the weird saucer thingy on top of it could be seen from far away, guiding you in the rifht direction! The weather is also considerably more cold up here, and you can occasionally see snow here or there already.
You were told the mansion is northeast of the city, but you might want to get some directions from someone in the city.
>>636405
I'm going to get some directions to a fucking church first I'll tell you what. A city like this must have a couple yeah?
I'm going to get some directions to a fucking church first I'll tell you what. A city like this must have a couple yeah?
>>636408
You walk in. There is no sermon in process at least. You see a very somber looking, old earth pony stallion at the altar. He is lighting some candles.
You walk in. There is no sermon in process at least. You see a very somber looking, old earth pony stallion at the altar. He is lighting some candles.
>>636410
He turns around, and starts speaking, pronouncing everything surprisingly slowly.
"Bless you, eh. Can I help you?"
He turns around, and starts speaking, pronouncing everything surprisingly slowly.
"Bless you, eh. Can I help you?"
>>636414
"Some young ponies go there every so often, to see all the art, eh. Statues and paintings and sculptures, all aboot that. I say it's dangerous, eh, ponies sometimes disappear there."
"Some young ponies go there every so often, to see all the art, eh. Statues and paintings and sculptures, all aboot that. I say it's dangerous, eh, ponies sometimes disappear there."
>>636416
"No no. Some priest, paladins, even me went there, more than once over the years, you understand, eh? We tried anything we have against spirits and ghosts, but found nothing. Ponies keep disappearing too. And then the statues and paintings show up, all with the signature of Guerpone."
"No no. Some priest, paladins, even me went there, more than once over the years, you understand, eh? We tried anything we have against spirits and ghosts, but found nothing. Ponies keep disappearing too. And then the statues and paintings show up, all with the signature of Guerpone."
>>636418
"That wouldn't be impossible, eh, but where would he even get food and water? He hasn't been seen in more than a decade, and his mansion has been searched from cellar to attic, by unicorns too, to rule out secret passages. Nothing, eh."
"That wouldn't be impossible, eh, but where would he even get food and water? He hasn't been seen in more than a decade, and his mansion has been searched from cellar to attic, by unicorns too, to rule out secret passages. Nothing, eh."
>>636422
He shakes his head.
"I don't think that is a good idea, eh. The delivery ponies disappear even more than those who just go to sightsee."
He shakes his head.
"I don't think that is a good idea, eh. The delivery ponies disappear even more than those who just go to sightsee."
>>636424
"You intend on finding out? You wouldn't be the first, eh. I can bless you in the name of the Sun and Celestia, but you'd better not go there if you want to see the Sun again, eh."
"You intend on finding out? You wouldn't be the first, eh. I can bless you in the name of the Sun and Celestia, but you'd better not go there if you want to see the Sun again, eh."
>>636426
He murmurs something, probably a prayer for you.
"You are welcome, eh. Stay safe, and I wish you do return from that terrible place."
He murmurs something, probably a prayer for you.
"You are welcome, eh. Stay safe, and I wish you do return from that terrible place."
>>636428
"There is a road behind the church, it goes straight out of town, eh. Follow that until you reach a maple orchard, then turn north, along the fences. You will find a path with a signs, when the mansion was still an open museum, eh."
"There is a road behind the church, it goes straight out of town, eh. Follow that until you reach a maple orchard, then turn north, along the fences. You will find a path with a signs, when the mansion was still an open museum, eh."
>>636430
You follow the directions, as instructed.
In just an hour or so, you are out of the city, and down the path that goes away from it. In another half an hour, you can already see the mansion.
There is no mistaking it - the large gardens before it are filled with abstract statues and scupltures.
The mansion itself is impressive too - not only is it large, as if it really was a museum building, but the architecture is very pretty too!
Too bad it's pretty run down.
You follow the directions, as instructed.
In just an hour or so, you are out of the city, and down the path that goes away from it. In another half an hour, you can already see the mansion.
There is no mistaking it - the large gardens before it are filled with abstract statues and scupltures.
The mansion itself is impressive too - not only is it large, as if it really was a museum building, but the architecture is very pretty too!
Too bad it's pretty run down.
>>636431
Western architecture is still inferior to glorious Neighponese engineering. Go ahead and enter the garden.
Western architecture is still inferior to glorious Neighponese engineering. Go ahead and enter the garden.
>>636432
Still, it is very pretty.
The sculptures are very varied, some pretty abstract, some just looking like ponies, some huge, some tiny, but all of them has some sort of plaque with the name of the piece near them.
Still, it is very pretty.
The sculptures are very varied, some pretty abstract, some just looking like ponies, some huge, some tiny, but all of them has some sort of plaque with the name of the piece near them.
>>636434
There is a bust of a pony whose face looks like it's melting. It's titled 'Melanchony'.
The next one is called 'Puzzle' and depicts a pony skeleton, with each limb and body part being a different color.
Next to it is a sculpture called 'Wine Sofa'. It looks like a giant wine glass with a strange tilt in it, the red 'wine' being cushions… which seems weirdly intact and undamaged, even though this thing must have been here for years, out under the weather.
There is another sculpture called 'Stubborn Twins', and it's just two giant plants, their vines stretching outwards.
There is a bust of a pony whose face looks like it's melting. It's titled 'Melanchony'.
The next one is called 'Puzzle' and depicts a pony skeleton, with each limb and body part being a different color.
Next to it is a sculpture called 'Wine Sofa'. It looks like a giant wine glass with a strange tilt in it, the red 'wine' being cushions… which seems weirdly intact and undamaged, even though this thing must have been here for years, out under the weather.
There is another sculpture called 'Stubborn Twins', and it's just two giant plants, their vines stretching outwards.
>>636436
You leave behind the sculpture garden and approach the enterance.
You don't see any bells around, only a giant metal knocker.
You leave behind the sculpture garden and approach the enterance.
You don't see any bells around, only a giant metal knocker.
>>636438
Before you are even done with the third knock, the door veeeeeeery slowly starts to open by itself!
Before you are even done with the third knock, the door veeeeeeery slowly starts to open by itself!
>>636440
You can't, it's too big and heavy!
It reveals a large, dusty hall with cobwebs on the corners. The art pieces though, of which there are plenty, seem pristine. The hall is dominated by two things, a staircase leading upstairs, and a giant sculpture of a mare being held by a skeleton in regal clothing and a sword. The mare seems wooed. You can't quite make out the nameplate from this distance though. There are paintings on the walls too, and some other statues here and there. Multiple doors leading to other places as well!
Still, your voice echoes emptily. Will you enter?
You can't, it's too big and heavy!
It reveals a large, dusty hall with cobwebs on the corners. The art pieces though, of which there are plenty, seem pristine. The hall is dominated by two things, a staircase leading upstairs, and a giant sculpture of a mare being held by a skeleton in regal clothing and a sword. The mare seems wooed. You can't quite make out the nameplate from this distance though. There are paintings on the walls too, and some other statues here and there. Multiple doors leading to other places as well!
Still, your voice echoes emptily. Will you enter?
>>636442
As you step inside, a haunting music starts playing… seemingly out of nowhere, but still sounding like it's coming from everywhere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXQCPAR0EHo
It's just enough so you don't hear the door slowly closing behind you as you approach…
This one is called 'Tryst After Death'.
As you step inside, a haunting music starts playing… seemingly out of nowhere, but still sounding like it's coming from everywhere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXQCPAR0EHo
It's just enough so you don't hear the door slowly closing behind you as you approach…
This one is called 'Tryst After Death'.
>>636446
You hover above the stairs. There is a large frame for a painting here, but whatever was in it is missing, and the name is scratched off.
From here you can head either left or right.
You hover above the stairs. There is a large frame for a painting here, but whatever was in it is missing, and the name is scratched off.
From here you can head either left or right.
>>636448
To the right, you find a long corridor.
On the sides of it are bare ponequins and headless statues, standing by the left and right walls. The plaque that describes them calls them 'Death of the Individual'.
Proceed down this corridor?
To the right, you find a long corridor.
On the sides of it are bare ponequins and headless statues, standing by the left and right walls. The plaque that describes them calls them 'Death of the Individual'.
Proceed down this corridor?
>>636450
There is a series of paintings too, called 'Bashful Glance'.
It's the same face of a pony over and over again, but as you walk, his eyes seem to be following you…
There is a series of paintings too, called 'Bashful Glance'.
It's the same face of a pony over and over again, but as you walk, his eyes seem to be following you…
>>636452
No response… this calling out is starting to feel futile.
You enter a room. It has a single door. Next to it is a painting titled 'Lady in Red'. It has the upper body of a red mare on it.
No response… this calling out is starting to feel futile.
You enter a room. It has a single door. Next to it is a painting titled 'Lady in Red'. It has the upper body of a red mare on it.
>>636454
You search the room for a while and find nothing, but when you lift the painting, there it is! A silver key!
You have to take the painting off the wall completely to get to it though.
You search the room for a while and find nothing, but when you lift the painting, there it is! A silver key!
You have to take the painting off the wall completely to get to it though.
>>636456
You take it off and put it down beside you.
As you take the key, you feel something grasping at your hindleg though…
The 'Lady in Red' has emerged halfway from her frame, and is trying to grab you!
You take it off and put it down beside you.
As you take the key, you feel something grasping at your hindleg though…
The 'Lady in Red' has emerged halfway from her frame, and is trying to grab you!
>>636457
Tumble into her like mighty sumo wrestler! I'm going to chokeslam this bitch!
Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8
Tumble into her like mighty sumo wrestler! I'm going to chokeslam this bitch!
Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8
>>636458
You kick her back and get behind her, between her front body and her frame, and start choking her!
Sadly, you come to realize, she is a painting and does not require air, so she keeps flaining!
You are still in control, but if she keeps that up, a lucky hit might hit you right in the face!
You kick her back and get behind her, between her front body and her frame, and start choking her!
Sadly, you come to realize, she is a painting and does not require air, so she keeps flaining!
You are still in control, but if she keeps that up, a lucky hit might hit you right in the face!
>>636460
She can be! However, her body seems much more solid, almost as if she was real! You do manage to tear at the parts that connect her to the frame!
…but they quickly close back up, without a single sign of there ever being damage.
That might explain why all the art pieces look like new even after a decade.
She can be! However, her body seems much more solid, almost as if she was real! You do manage to tear at the parts that connect her to the frame!
…but they quickly close back up, without a single sign of there ever being damage.
That might explain why all the art pieces look like new even after a decade.
>>636462
>>636463
You find out the hard way that she is inseperable.
The painting form of her, after all, was just the upper body, so it seems that's all she is. A torso, two forehooves and a head, attached to her weighty frame.
Trying to pull exposes you and gives her a chance to flip you over and throw you on your back. She quickly slams the edge of her frame into your belly, knocking the wind out of you, then starts strangling you with her hooves! Your only saving grace is your cat, who has been in the corridor chasing some bugs, coming here to investigate the ruckus and leaping at the Lady in Red with her claws, distracting her for the moment.
>>636463
You find out the hard way that she is inseperable.
The painting form of her, after all, was just the upper body, so it seems that's all she is. A torso, two forehooves and a head, attached to her weighty frame.
Trying to pull exposes you and gives her a chance to flip you over and throw you on your back. She quickly slams the edge of her frame into your belly, knocking the wind out of you, then starts strangling you with her hooves! Your only saving grace is your cat, who has been in the corridor chasing some bugs, coming here to investigate the ruckus and leaping at the Lady in Red with her claws, distracting her for the moment.
>>636465
You are still trying to catch your breath after that hit, but with the help of the unicat, at least you manage to roll out of her grasp!
You are still trying to catch your breath after that hit, but with the help of the unicat, at least you manage to roll out of her grasp!
>>636466
Get out that sickle I picked up and slash at her if I can actually do something this turn.
Roll #1 5 = 5
Get out that sickle I picked up and slash at her if I can actually do something this turn.
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>636467
You can!
You roll backwards and get your sickle out in the same, fluid motion, slicing her up!
There is no blood, but she opens her mouth to a silent scream!
To your horror, however, just like the tearing, it starts to mend itself back.
You can!
You roll backwards and get your sickle out in the same, fluid motion, slicing her up!
There is no blood, but she opens her mouth to a silent scream!
To your horror, however, just like the tearing, it starts to mend itself back.
>>636469
You hack and slash and dice and slice but it's no use!
One swing goes awfully wrong, and the Lady in Red yanks your weapon from you, throwing it in the corner behind her!
..maybe it's time to consider running.
You hack and slash and dice and slice but it's no use!
One swing goes awfully wrong, and the Lady in Red yanks your weapon from you, throwing it in the corner behind her!
..maybe it's time to consider running.
>>636471
The painting-pony plants her hooves firmly on the ground and spins around, whacking you in the face with her frame as you try.
You feel blood dripping out of your nose.
The painting-pony plants her hooves firmly on the ground and spins around, whacking you in the face with her frame as you try.
You feel blood dripping out of your nose.
>>636473
You jump away and deploy a decoy of yourself.
This seems to work, the Lady in Red is distracted by it!
You jump away and deploy a decoy of yourself.
This seems to work, the Lady in Red is distracted by it!
>>636477
You roll next to her and kick her in the face to give you a boost away! She seems disoriented.
Stay and fight or just run down the corridor?
You roll next to her and kick her in the face to give you a boost away! She seems disoriented.
Stay and fight or just run down the corridor?
>>636478
I'm good to run now. Going back to the corridor the way I came and take the left passageway.
I'm good to run now. Going back to the corridor the way I came and take the left passageway.
>>636479
You run down the corridor as fast as you can, with your cat hanging onto your mane!
As you get to the end, you hear a scraping sound behind you. At a glance, you can see that all the ponequins and statues turned into your direction, but thankfully, they are not moving anymore.
They blocked the painting though!
You run down the corridor as fast as you can, with your cat hanging onto your mane!
As you get to the end, you hear a scraping sound behind you. At a glance, you can see that all the ponequins and statues turned into your direction, but thankfully, they are not moving anymore.
They blocked the painting though!
>>636481
There is the left side, just thought you'd like to know that happened behind you.
The other corridor is a lot less creepy, it's made to look like the starry sky, on the walls and the ceiling. It leads up to a small room, with a silver door in it.
There is the left side, just thought you'd like to know that happened behind you.
The other corridor is a lot less creepy, it's made to look like the starry sky, on the walls and the ceiling. It leads up to a small room, with a silver door in it.
>>636485
You open it up!
You also notice something…
There is plaque on the wall beside you, but nothing to go with it.
It ready 'Lady in Blue'.
The door opens up to an L shaped room.
You open it up!
You also notice something…
There is plaque on the wall beside you, but nothing to go with it.
It ready 'Lady in Blue'.
The door opens up to an L shaped room.
Lone Mesa
>>635854
Nope, there is not. This is one of the more desolate parts of the deserts and the south. There are traintracks to the north and south that are still in use though.
>>635854
Nope, there is not. This is one of the more desolate parts of the deserts and the south. There are traintracks to the north and south that are still in use though.
>>636489
The unicorn stallion has zapped away with his spell without another word.
With all the others mostly gone, it's only a few more ponies in the tents, the unicorn mare at the table, and the three pegasi in the carapace armors.
The leader looking one sighs.
"Useless fucking cunts, I have to do everything myself… what about the sheriff of this shithole?"
"They set up a puppet to keep the population in control. He's probably dead by now."
"Shit. That's not good."
The unicorn stallion has zapped away with his spell without another word.
With all the others mostly gone, it's only a few more ponies in the tents, the unicorn mare at the table, and the three pegasi in the carapace armors.
The leader looking one sighs.
"Useless fucking cunts, I have to do everything myself… what about the sheriff of this shithole?"
"They set up a puppet to keep the population in control. He's probably dead by now."
"Shit. That's not good."
>>636491
You swivel your pony ears around to hear better.
"How will we proceed?"
"Fuck them all up. That guy was their only bargaining chip. If he is dead, nothing is keeping us from shooting the town up."
You swivel your pony ears around to hear better.
"How will we proceed?"
"Fuck them all up. That guy was their only bargaining chip. If he is dead, nothing is keeping us from shooting the town up."
>>636495
This doesn't seem to be their base of operations, or main strike force though, only a forward camp.
"Are you sure about this, ma'am? The wargs and the units of Lollipop just left for other missions, and we have reports of heavy bandit and Talon activity in town."
"I know. We are going to paint the town red. Fuck Los Pegasus, I'll deal with this first."
This doesn't seem to be their base of operations, or main strike force though, only a forward camp.
"Are you sure about this, ma'am? The wargs and the units of Lollipop just left for other missions, and we have reports of heavy bandit and Talon activity in town."
"I know. We are going to paint the town red. Fuck Los Pegasus, I'll deal with this first."
>>636496
One Ranger can do little against a group like this.
Perhaps I should warn the townspeople and help them evacuate, while these two groups kill each other.
One Ranger can do little against a group like this.
Perhaps I should warn the townspeople and help them evacuate, while these two groups kill each other.
>>636497
Now you know that all those armed ponies on the streets were all hostile though… maybe telling them to hunker down in their cellars might be easier to do.
Now you know that all those armed ponies on the streets were all hostile though… maybe telling them to hunker down in their cellars might be easier to do.
>>636499
You leave the little camp behind, quickly making your way back to the dark passage. Remembering the little ledges and holes, you easily find yourself back at the enterance.
Now that you are outside, you hear something in the distance, from almost all directions.
Howling.
A lot of it, each howl only slightly different, as if they were communicating something a pony can never hope to understand.
You guess those wargs really are getting rallied, and this is how they do it.
You leave the little camp behind, quickly making your way back to the dark passage. Remembering the little ledges and holes, you easily find yourself back at the enterance.
Now that you are outside, you hear something in the distance, from almost all directions.
Howling.
A lot of it, each howl only slightly different, as if they were communicating something a pony can never hope to understand.
You guess those wargs really are getting rallied, and this is how they do it.
>>636501
It's getting deep into the night by the time you hear the canine calls die down, only being a faint echo from the distance.
Moving out should be clear now.
It's getting deep into the night by the time you hear the canine calls die down, only being a faint echo from the distance.
Moving out should be clear now.
>>636503
As usual, you see some lookouts, hanging out on the streets with rifles. They haven't caught sight of you yet. Things are deserted aside from their presence.
As usual, you see some lookouts, hanging out on the streets with rifles. They haven't caught sight of you yet. Things are deserted aside from their presence.
>>636505
>>636506
You manage to slip in at the back door of a building that is on the edge of the town, the first one you see.
You see an old, wrinkled stallion sitting in the dark kitchen, contemplating whatever deep musings he must be thinking about, taking slow drags out of a small wooden pipe. He hasn't noticed you yet either.
>>636506
You manage to slip in at the back door of a building that is on the edge of the town, the first one you see.
You see an old, wrinkled stallion sitting in the dark kitchen, contemplating whatever deep musings he must be thinking about, taking slow drags out of a small wooden pipe. He hasn't noticed you yet either.
>>636508
He turns his head to you, his eyes glancing at your designation and recognizable ranger armor.
He takes another drag of his pipe and nods.
He turns his head to you, his eyes glancing at your designation and recognizable ranger armor.
He takes another drag of his pipe and nods.
>>636509
Sneak closer.
"Sir, I need you to take cover in your cellar. Things might get very dangerous soon in town."
Sneak closer.
"Sir, I need you to take cover in your cellar. Things might get very dangerous soon in town."
>>636510
He takes another puff.
"So I see. I'll tell my girls come dawn."
With how old he seems, he isn't surprised or even anxious. It's probably not the first time he was told what to do by a ranger either, it seems.
He takes another puff.
"So I see. I'll tell my girls come dawn."
With how old he seems, he isn't surprised or even anxious. It's probably not the first time he was told what to do by a ranger either, it seems.
>>636512
You wake up some folks from their sleep, while others are still doing this and that in the dead of the night, the residents of one house even doing the dirty as you interrupt them to tell them to stay safe. Those who don't have cellars resolve to moving to the house of some neighbours.
You wake up some folks from their sleep, while others are still doing this and that in the dead of the night, the residents of one house even doing the dirty as you interrupt them to tell them to stay safe. Those who don't have cellars resolve to moving to the house of some neighbours.
>>636513
Mmmmh, this is good.
Now…I want to get a good vista of the town.
…But if I get on the roof them Taloncucks will see me.
Is there some kind of tower in town? Like maybe a church tower I could sneak into?
Mmmmh, this is good.
Now…I want to get a good vista of the town.
…But if I get on the roof them Taloncucks will see me.
Is there some kind of tower in town? Like maybe a church tower I could sneak into?
>>636514
The church tower is in the middle of town, sneaking there would be a tough nut to crack.
You could, however, try one of the two water towers on the edges of town, one north and one west.
The church tower is in the middle of town, sneaking there would be a tough nut to crack.
You could, however, try one of the two water towers on the edges of town, one north and one west.
>>636516
You sneak down along the sides of walls, avoiding the main roads where bandits might be guarding the streets.
You reach the ladder at the side of the water tower in no time!
You sneak down along the sides of walls, avoiding the main roads where bandits might be guarding the streets.
You reach the ladder at the side of the water tower in no time!
>>636518
Looks like they forgot about this one, using the northern water tower instead. They probably thought that the west side was covered for them, as you've overheard.
The added bonus is that you can even see the top of the chuch tower and other water tank, without them being able to spot you.
Looks like they forgot about this one, using the northern water tower instead. They probably thought that the west side was covered for them, as you've overheard.
The added bonus is that you can even see the top of the chuch tower and other water tank, without them being able to spot you.
Kelani Rush
You just got rescued from a fire by a handsome pegasus firefighter. A fire you were in because you were retrieving one of the statues of Mother Nature you were looking for, namely, a phoenix one. Somehow, the statue activated, because the wings opened on it. The poor guy who was the previous owner is probably ashes now though.
You just got rescued from a fire by a handsome pegasus firefighter. A fire you were in because you were retrieving one of the statues of Mother Nature you were looking for, namely, a phoenix one. Somehow, the statue activated, because the wings opened on it. The poor guy who was the previous owner is probably ashes now though.
>>636548
I remember that fire.. and I need to find a way to relax.
"Did you say that you knew a place to get a drink?" I try with a smile and a cough from my ash covered body.
I remember that fire.. and I need to find a way to relax.
"Did you say that you knew a place to get a drink?" I try with a smile and a cough from my ash covered body.
>>636549
The pegasus chuckles.
"What you need is a medical check-up. I wouldn't suggest drinking now! We have some ponies on the way to take care of you as we speak!"
The pegasus chuckles.
"What you need is a medical check-up. I wouldn't suggest drinking now! We have some ponies on the way to take care of you as we speak!"
>>636550
I cough a little "You're right. But I don't feel like I got too hurt. Just.." I stare at the building beside us, or what's left of it with fear.
I cough a little "You're right. But I don't feel like I got too hurt. Just.." I stare at the building beside us, or what's left of it with fear.
>>636551
"Don't worry, you are safe now."
He looks proud.
"Los Pegasus still holds the most ponies saved from fires title, after all."
In the distance, you see a tiny butterfly fluttering about… wait a second, that's the patterns of Mother Nature on it! You've heard of this, it's like her way of communicating!
"Don't worry, you are safe now."
He looks proud.
"Los Pegasus still holds the most ponies saved from fires title, after all."
In the distance, you see a tiny butterfly fluttering about… wait a second, that's the patterns of Mother Nature on it! You've heard of this, it's like her way of communicating!
>>636552
I blink in amazement and get up to follow the butterfly, totally ignoring what the handsome firepony is saying.
I blink in amazement and get up to follow the butterfly, totally ignoring what the handsome firepony is saying.
>>636553
He is saying "Hey, you should wait for the medics!" but doesn't stop you. Can't really force you to stay, after all.
The butterfly is flying towards a nearby line of trees.
He is saying "Hey, you should wait for the medics!" but doesn't stop you. Can't really force you to stay, after all.
The butterfly is flying towards a nearby line of trees.
>>636555
You can easily keep following it, never quite catching up, but never losing sight of it either. It soon sets down on a flower in the middle of a secluded grove.
You can easily keep following it, never quite catching up, but never losing sight of it either. It soon sets down on a flower in the middle of a secluded grove.
>>636557
The butterlfy lifts off, and the flower moves, spraying some sort of pollen in your face!
For a moment, everything goes dark…
When you open your eyes, you find yourself in the middle of a different clearing. The sky looks… different, yet soothing. The last time you saw the sky like this was when…. when Mother Nature invited you to her realm!
The butterlfy lifts off, and the flower moves, spraying some sort of pollen in your face!
For a moment, everything goes dark…
When you open your eyes, you find yourself in the middle of a different clearing. The sky looks… different, yet soothing. The last time you saw the sky like this was when…. when Mother Nature invited you to her realm!
>>636558
I smile and breathe in deeply, taking in the sweet unique feeling of being here.
Trotting slowly around looking at everything and anything.
I smile and breathe in deeply, taking in the sweet unique feeling of being here.
Trotting slowly around looking at everything and anything.
>>636559
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mPfCpWS3LA
There is a lingering sweet scent of flowers and leaves, just strong enough to be felt but not enough to be irritating. The grass below your hooves is soft to the touch, tickling and caressing your leg as you walk by. The top of the trees sway in a gentle breeze, making the leaves sound like they were whispering in a hushed tone. You hear beautiful birdsongs from the distance, one answering the other.
You don't have to walk much to reach a shallow pond, the water a crystal clear blue. It almost calls to you, inviting you to go inside.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mPfCpWS3LA
There is a lingering sweet scent of flowers and leaves, just strong enough to be felt but not enough to be irritating. The grass below your hooves is soft to the touch, tickling and caressing your leg as you walk by. The top of the trees sway in a gentle breeze, making the leaves sound like they were whispering in a hushed tone. You hear beautiful birdsongs from the distance, one answering the other.
You don't have to walk much to reach a shallow pond, the water a crystal clear blue. It almost calls to you, inviting you to go inside.
>>636560
A nice swim could be relaxing.
This place is so peaceful, I can't imagine anything bad happening.
I strip off anything I was wearing and step inside the water.
A nice swim could be relaxing.
This place is so peaceful, I can't imagine anything bad happening.
I strip off anything I was wearing and step inside the water.
>>636561
You just now notice you were naked already, so you step in. The water is not too deep, only reaching to the middle of your chest as you climb in.
Still, it is just the perfect warm temperature, and as soon as your weary and tired limbs come into contact with it, you feel relaxed, your wounds healing, your fur and lost feathers regrowing, the grime and soot disappearing without a trace, not even staining the clear water.
You just now notice you were naked already, so you step in. The water is not too deep, only reaching to the middle of your chest as you climb in.
Still, it is just the perfect warm temperature, and as soon as your weary and tired limbs come into contact with it, you feel relaxed, your wounds healing, your fur and lost feathers regrowing, the grime and soot disappearing without a trace, not even staining the clear water.
>>636562
I paddle around in the water, laughing as happily as a foal. Nature is the best deity.
Circling around just once more before diving totally under and playfully jumping out as if I wanted to fly away, but instead just lay on my back floating in the water using my wings to steer myself.
I paddle around in the water, laughing as happily as a foal. Nature is the best deity.
Circling around just once more before diving totally under and playfully jumping out as if I wanted to fly away, but instead just lay on my back floating in the water using my wings to steer myself.
>>636563
You splish-splash around, playing in the pond as if you were just an eight year old little colt.
You frolick around for what seems like an eternity for you in this peaceful realms, when you hear an angelic voice.
"You seem content and happy here."
It's Her! Sitting at the edge of the pond!
You splish-splash around, playing in the pond as if you were just an eight year old little colt.
You frolick around for what seems like an eternity for you in this peaceful realms, when you hear an angelic voice.
"You seem content and happy here."
It's Her! Sitting at the edge of the pond!
>>636564
I eagerly swim over and get out of the water to stand by her with adoring eyes.
"Yes. You've made.. A wonderful place. I couldn't imagine a way it could have been better.. until you arrived My Goddess."
I eagerly swim over and get out of the water to stand by her with adoring eyes.
"Yes. You've made.. A wonderful place. I couldn't imagine a way it could have been better.. until you arrived My Goddess."
>>636565
She smiles a smile that warms your heart more than any mare alive could.
She stands in front of you, running one of her hooves over your mane.
"Accomplish your task, and your reward will be the right to stay with me here. Not forever for there is no such thing as past, present or future here. Time stands still eternal."
The possibility of living in this peaceful realm for a time longer than you can possibly even comprehend blows your mind… and she is offering it so freely and nicely for you!
She smiles a smile that warms your heart more than any mare alive could.
She stands in front of you, running one of her hooves over your mane.
"Accomplish your task, and your reward will be the right to stay with me here. Not forever for there is no such thing as past, present or future here. Time stands still eternal."
The possibility of living in this peaceful realm for a time longer than you can possibly even comprehend blows your mind… and she is offering it so freely and nicely for you!
>>636566
My wings almost move on their own to slowly flutter up to her muzzle.
"I would do anything to stay just like this. With you." And I give her a truly passionate kiss like a love stricken stallion does when he sees his truest love.
My wings almost move on their own to slowly flutter up to her muzzle.
"I would do anything to stay just like this. With you." And I give her a truly passionate kiss like a love stricken stallion does when he sees his truest love.
>>636567
You move closer to her and lean in for a kiss, which she reciprocates, but no matter how long it lasts, you feel it is over far too soon. She lets out a giggle, playful yet at the same time elegant.
"I can see that you are eager, but now is not the time yet, Kelani. You need to awaken the sleeping. Just like you did with the phoenix."
You move closer to her and lean in for a kiss, which she reciprocates, but no matter how long it lasts, you feel it is over far too soon. She lets out a giggle, playful yet at the same time elegant.
"I can see that you are eager, but now is not the time yet, Kelani. You need to awaken the sleeping. Just like you did with the phoenix."
>>636568
I slowly realize what she's saying and sit down on the ground with a frown.
"But.. the phoenix.. that pony died. Do you require sacrifices to wake these statues?"
I slowly realize what she's saying and sit down on the ground with a frown.
"But.. the phoenix.. that pony died. Do you require sacrifices to wake these statues?"
>>636569
She nods.
"Each statue requires a different sacrifice. The phoenix could only awaken if something is burned in its presence, but it need not have been a pony. In the eyes of Nature, all death are equal."
She nods.
"Each statue requires a different sacrifice. The phoenix could only awaken if something is burned in its presence, but it need not have been a pony. In the eyes of Nature, all death are equal."
>>636570
"I see.. How will I know what a statute needs to awaken? What does it do for them?"
"I see.. How will I know what a statute needs to awaken? What does it do for them?"
>>636571
"The statues will grant their powers to those who awakened them. How to do it is something I cannot tell you, Kelani.
You must discover their secrets on your own."
"The statues will grant their powers to those who awakened them. How to do it is something I cannot tell you, Kelani.
You must discover their secrets on your own."
>>636572
I shutter thinking back to the fire again.
"…Then why did the Phoenix grant me the power when it was that pony who burned himself for it?"
I shutter thinking back to the fire again.
"…Then why did the Phoenix grant me the power when it was that pony who burned himself for it?"
>>636573
Mother Nature smiles, calming your troubled mind, making you forget of all those nasty things in the past.
"He was not worthy."
Mother Nature smiles, calming your troubled mind, making you forget of all those nasty things in the past.
"He was not worthy."
>>636574
I sigh rubbing against her slightly.
"Of course. I'll figure out how to gain their powers. Its worth it to help you."
I sigh rubbing against her slightly.
"Of course. I'll figure out how to gain their powers. Its worth it to help you."
>>636575
"I am counting on you, Kelani."
She gives you another kiss, not passionate this time, but on your cheek, as a mother would to her foal.
You come to your senses back in the little grove, near Los Pegasus, in Equestria.
"I am counting on you, Kelani."
She gives you another kiss, not passionate this time, but on your cheek, as a mother would to her foal.
You come to your senses back in the little grove, near Los Pegasus, in Equestria.
>>636576
Frowning with disappointment at the grass and sky, so much less vibrant and perfect than the place I was just at, and check over myself holding the phoenix statue again.
Frowning with disappointment at the grass and sky, so much less vibrant and perfect than the place I was just at, and check over myself holding the phoenix statue again.
>>636577
You do have it on you, and it still has its wings spread wide.
You also notice that your body has healed entirely. You feel even more fit and virile, even!
You do have it on you, and it still has its wings spread wide.
You also notice that your body has healed entirely. You feel even more fit and virile, even!
>>636578
"Poor medics. They won't get to examine me. I've heard they can be really cute too.." I sigh and poke the statue's wings a little.
"Poor medics. They won't get to examine me. I've heard they can be really cute too.." I sigh and poke the statue's wings a little.
>>636580
Perhaps I should store this one away before I go look for clues..
Maybe my friend will have an idea how to awaken the ones I already found too.
Unless I have to do something urgent here that I forgot..
Perhaps I should store this one away before I go look for clues..
Maybe my friend will have an idea how to awaken the ones I already found too.
Unless I have to do something urgent here that I forgot..
>>636581
You don't recall anything of too much importance…
Or maybe the idea of helping Mother Nature outweights everything.
You don't recall anything of too much importance…
Or maybe the idea of helping Mother Nature outweights everything.
>>636585
It takes a while, but you lose track of time, your mind still filled with the images and sensations of that other realm.
Before you even know it, it's the middle of the night and you have arrived!
It takes a while, but you lose track of time, your mind still filled with the images and sensations of that other realm.
Before you even know it, it's the middle of the night and you have arrived!
>>636587
You enter the house.
It's as puritan as ever. Dark too, since it's the middle of the night. You hear the faint sound of heavy breathing from one of the rooms. Looks like he is asleep.
You enter the house.
It's as puritan as ever. Dark too, since it's the middle of the night. You hear the faint sound of heavy breathing from one of the rooms. Looks like he is asleep.
>>636588
I should feel tired too, after flying all that way.
But first I should make sure no one followed me. Look out the window for a good five minutes.
I should feel tired too, after flying all that way.
But first I should make sure no one followed me. Look out the window for a good five minutes.
>>636591
You move the floorboard to put away the phoenix.
You also check your other statue.
It looks like a rabbit, with its head to the ground and ears flapped down.
You move the floorboard to put away the phoenix.
You also check your other statue.
It looks like a rabbit, with its head to the ground and ears flapped down.
>>636592
I pet the statue silently thinking of what its secret might be.
I'll even take it into bed with me and meditate on that, after putting the trap door back of course.
I pet the statue silently thinking of what its secret might be.
I'll even take it into bed with me and meditate on that, after putting the trap door back of course.
>>636593
You meditate… rabbits… rabbits like carrots… carrots are tasty… hmm… you are sort of hungry…
Then you fall asleep.
Maybe meditation is not best practiced after a long day of adventures and flying!
You wake up in the morning. You see a small plate with a salad on it by the bed.
You meditate… rabbits… rabbits like carrots… carrots are tasty… hmm… you are sort of hungry…
Then you fall asleep.
Maybe meditation is not best practiced after a long day of adventures and flying!
You wake up in the morning. You see a small plate with a salad on it by the bed.
>>637068
The salad is very deliscious.
Home grown!
You also put a green leaf on the rabbit, which is admittedly very amusing.
Not very effective though.
The salad is very deliscious.
Home grown!
You also put a green leaf on the rabbit, which is admittedly very amusing.
Not very effective though.
>>637069
"Not hungry huh little thing?"
I chuckle and clean my plate before stretching and checking the time.
"Not hungry huh little thing?"
I chuckle and clean my plate before stretching and checking the time.
>>637070
You have a hearty breakfast and stretch your limbs/wings.
It seems you slept in, it's nearly noon already!
You hear some sound coming from behind the house.
You have a hearty breakfast and stretch your limbs/wings.
It seems you slept in, it's nearly noon already!
You hear some sound coming from behind the house.
>>637072
Indeed it is him, Erdei, the large pony stallion.
It looks sort of funny, how he is holding a tiny trowel with his muzzle, weeding out his little garden of vegetables.
Indeed it is him, Erdei, the large pony stallion.
It looks sort of funny, how he is holding a tiny trowel with his muzzle, weeding out his little garden of vegetables.
>>637074
You should be glad I'm not ruder, you dumb featherbrained pegasus.
As you look for tools towards the shed you trip over a plank that was part of the fence, faceplant into the dirt, and as you try to stand up and regain your balance you accidentally step on a rake which hits you in the face.
Erdei looks up, shakes his head, and continues weeding.
You should be glad I'm not ruder, you dumb featherbrained pegasus.
As you look for tools towards the shed you trip over a plank that was part of the fence, faceplant into the dirt, and as you try to stand up and regain your balance you accidentally step on a rake which hits you in the face.
Erdei looks up, shakes his head, and continues weeding.
>>637076
You step away from these tools of the devil.
"Never held the handle of a tool in your life, did you?"
Well, that's not very nice of him to suggest, you helped your pa' out a lot when you weren't chasing tail!
You step away from these tools of the devil.
"Never held the handle of a tool in your life, did you?"
Well, that's not very nice of him to suggest, you helped your pa' out a lot when you weren't chasing tail!
>>637077
"I'm just a bit tired is all. Old man. I can tend a proper garden."
Step up into the shed and look for a trowel. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
"I'm just a bit tired is all. Old man. I can tend a proper garden."
Step up into the shed and look for a trowel. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>637079
I go over to his side with the trowel in my wing.
"Yea, of course. Now lets see what you have left to do.." '1d10' identify the plants and weeds first off.
Roll #1 5 = 5
I go over to his side with the trowel in my wing.
"Yea, of course. Now lets see what you have left to do.." '1d10' identify the plants and weeds first off.
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>637080
Well there's.. uh… actually, these don't look like the ones your father was planting at all. You can sort of make the weeds out, but you're not sure.
He looks up.
"These aren't just your regular plants. These ones were gifted to me by Mother Nature. Their seeds are special. Why do you think they are so tasty? Do you think you can handle them?"
Well there's.. uh… actually, these don't look like the ones your father was planting at all. You can sort of make the weeds out, but you're not sure.
He looks up.
"These aren't just your regular plants. These ones were gifted to me by Mother Nature. Their seeds are special. Why do you think they are so tasty? Do you think you can handle them?"
>>637081
"Alright. So, maybe I don't know about these plants. There are really rich and green and vibrant.." I sit down and stare at the garden with intense interest.
"Alright. So, maybe I don't know about these plants. There are really rich and green and vibrant.." I sit down and stare at the garden with intense interest.
>>637082
He points his trowel at the ground.
"See those tiny green vines? Those are the only thing we have to worry about. These plants can resist anything else."
He snorts.
"That one weed? It's pony made. They combined two other weeds when trying to come up how to get rid of them. Only made it worse. You can't do better than Mother Nature."
He points his trowel at the ground.
"See those tiny green vines? Those are the only thing we have to worry about. These plants can resist anything else."
He snorts.
"That one weed? It's pony made. They combined two other weeds when trying to come up how to get rid of them. Only made it worse. You can't do better than Mother Nature."
>>637083
I nod with a smile at the sediment. "Of course, you can't beat perfection. So, just this little green vine? How deep are its roots?"
I nod with a smile at the sediment. "Of course, you can't beat perfection. So, just this little green vine? How deep are its roots?"
>>637084
"What do you think the trowel is for?"
If your old stallion sass to Equestrian translator is working right, that means it needs a bit of digging to get out.
"What do you think the trowel is for?"
If your old stallion sass to Equestrian translator is working right, that means it needs a bit of digging to get out.
>>637085
I quietly start working by his side to dig under the vines.
'1d10' rollin' to dig
Roll #1 5 = 5
I quietly start working by his side to dig under the vines.
'1d10' rollin' to dig
Roll #1 5 = 5
>>637088
A-ha, there it is!
It's tricky, because the root isn't where the middle of the weed seems to be on top of the ground!
A-ha, there it is!
It's tricky, because the root isn't where the middle of the weed seems to be on top of the ground!
>>637092
You pull that weed out like it's nothing! In fact, the weed coming out lets you see the patterns the vines follow, and you quickly dig out five more.
Erdei stays silent for a bit, before nodding.
"Allright, that was nice. Thanks, for the help."
You pull that weed out like it's nothing! In fact, the weed coming out lets you see the patterns the vines follow, and you quickly dig out five more.
Erdei stays silent for a bit, before nodding.
"Allright, that was nice. Thanks, for the help."
>>637093
"It was nothing." I brush off the dirt from my hooves and look smug.
"Better than a rabbit could have done."
"It was nothing." I brush off the dirt from my hooves and look smug.
"Better than a rabbit could have done."
>>637095
"Nah, they're mostly know for making more of themselves." I snicker and put the tool I borrow back.
"Nah, they're mostly know for making more of themselves." I snicker and put the tool I borrow back.
>>637096
You put it back in the shed.
"That and outrunning wolves."
He closes the little fence around the garden.
"Also, for being little rascals. Have you ever had a pet rabbit?"
You put it back in the shed.
"That and outrunning wolves."
He closes the little fence around the garden.
"Also, for being little rascals. Have you ever had a pet rabbit?"
>>637097
"Never had a pet at all actually. Not really sure why.."
I reply and follow him around the yard.
"Never had a pet at all actually. Not really sure why.."
I reply and follow him around the yard.
>>637098
He starts organizing his tools, including the devil rake.
"Most of my rabbits were always nice, but in every bunch, there is just this one, this one rabbit who is meaner than a wolf."
He starts organizing his tools, including the devil rake.
"Most of my rabbits were always nice, but in every bunch, there is just this one, this one rabbit who is meaner than a wolf."
>>637100
"If only. It knocked over things it didn't like, it was mean to the other rabbits, bossing them around, it wanted very specific food only… a nightmare."
"If only. It knocked over things it didn't like, it was mean to the other rabbits, bossing them around, it wanted very specific food only… a nightmare."
>>637101
"Wow. I never knew a rabbit could have such an assertive personality." I ponder the idea.
"The only stories I know about rabbits involve speed."
"Wow. I never knew a rabbit could have such an assertive personality." I ponder the idea.
"The only stories I know about rabbits involve speed."
>>637103
"Hmm.. I'm puzzled by something actually. Maybe you can help. Did you see the phoenix?"
"Hmm.. I'm puzzled by something actually. Maybe you can help. Did you see the phoenix?"
>>637105
"Come check it out." I make a sweeping motion with my wing and hurry to where we hid the statues.
"Come check it out." I make a sweeping motion with my wing and hurry to where we hid the statues.
>>637106
He walks inside the house with you.
You uncover the floorboard.
He takes in a deep breath.
"It's been… a long time, since I saw more than one of these together."
He walks inside the house with you.
You uncover the floorboard.
He takes in a deep breath.
"It's been… a long time, since I saw more than one of these together."
>>637108
"Not personally. I knew… somepony, who did."
He nods.
"They moved once. That's when they got lost. To protect Equestria from something terrible… but that was a very long time ago."
"Not personally. I knew… somepony, who did."
He nods.
"They moved once. That's when they got lost. To protect Equestria from something terrible… but that was a very long time ago."
>>637109
I shake my head.
"Not being moved from place to place. Changing their position.
Like.. unfolding wings."
I shake my head.
"Not being moved from place to place. Changing their position.
Like.. unfolding wings."
>>637110
He nods.
"I haven't seen any winged ones, but I mean things like that. I saw the turtle. It went back into its shell before it happened. Some… magic of the statues."
He nods.
"I haven't seen any winged ones, but I mean things like that. I saw the turtle. It went back into its shell before it happened. Some… magic of the statues."
>>637112
"Many of the druids were called upon by Mother Nature. She said a great evil is going to rise from the North, something unnatural. Creatures from all over the world who were safekeeping the statues brought them, and performed a ritual, but it wasn't their magic, it was the statues itself who did it. Protected Nature, then disappeared."
"Many of the druids were called upon by Mother Nature. She said a great evil is going to rise from the North, something unnatural. Creatures from all over the world who were safekeeping the statues brought them, and performed a ritual, but it wasn't their magic, it was the statues itself who did it. Protected Nature, then disappeared."
>>637113
"I see.. She wants me to awaken them.. So they must have used up their energy during that time."
I poke the Phoenix. "This one woke up because of a big fire.. took the life of a pony.."
"I see.. She wants me to awaken them.. So they must have used up their energy during that time."
I poke the Phoenix. "This one woke up because of a big fire.. took the life of a pony.."
>>637115
Shake my head again.
"No. I was just trying to get the statue from him.. I even tried to save him.. but.. He.." I shutter thinking about it and go quiet for a good minute.
"That's the way they wake up anyway, taking a life of some kind in a way related to them."
Shake my head again.
"No. I was just trying to get the statue from him.. I even tried to save him.. but.. He.." I shutter thinking about it and go quiet for a good minute.
"That's the way they wake up anyway, taking a life of some kind in a way related to them."
>>637116
"Death and rebirth are part of what makes phoenixes so majestic. Maybe death is not what all the others need. I was never the one to know these things, not even back then. I was never a druid, like she was. I was just a simple pony. I wish I could tell you what to do.
I cannot."
"Death and rebirth are part of what makes phoenixes so majestic. Maybe death is not what all the others need. I was never the one to know these things, not even back then. I was never a druid, like she was. I was just a simple pony. I wish I could tell you what to do.
I cannot."
>>637117
I pat his shoulder and do my best confident smile.
"Yea. There are other kinds of sacrifice besides death. I'll figure this out."
I pat his shoulder and do my best confident smile.
"Yea. There are other kinds of sacrifice besides death. I'll figure this out."
Cloud Skimmer
Hard times await you soon. Your father is sick in hospital, but at the same time, you just recieved the letter of a lifetime, informing you about your admission to the Wonderbolts Academy, where your training can begin in three weeks!
You planned to head over to Skyheart, who is probably at home right now.
Hard times await you soon. Your father is sick in hospital, but at the same time, you just recieved the letter of a lifetime, informing you about your admission to the Wonderbolts Academy, where your training can begin in three weeks!
You planned to head over to Skyheart, who is probably at home right now.
>>639246
You see her outside, filling a little wooden house with birdfeed.
You already see some colorful birds sitting on nearby clouds, waiting for her to finish so they can dig in.
You see her outside, filling a little wooden house with birdfeed.
You already see some colorful birds sitting on nearby clouds, waiting for her to finish so they can dig in.
>>639258
She stops and turns to you with a smile.
"Well if it isn't my little boy paying these old bones a visit!"
She stops and turns to you with a smile.
"Well if it isn't my little boy paying these old bones a visit!"
>>639265
She hugs you back to the best of her abilities.
"Slow. Every day it takes me more and more time to get out of bed."
She hugs you back to the best of her abilities.
"Slow. Every day it takes me more and more time to get out of bed."
>>639269
Does she even know what happened to dad?
"You're doing fine, nan. Should I help with that?"
Motion at the birdfeed.
Does she even know what happened to dad?
"You're doing fine, nan. Should I help with that?"
Motion at the birdfeed.
>>639273
She was informed, of course. Even visited him when she could.
"Oh, it's nothing, really, it's just the bags gets more and more heavy every day, you know!"
She chuckles.
She was informed, of course. Even visited him when she could.
"Oh, it's nothing, really, it's just the bags gets more and more heavy every day, you know!"
She chuckles.
>>639277
I nod.
"Say… I actually wanted to ask you something. Just… some advice on how to deal with a situation I'm having."
I nod.
"Say… I actually wanted to ask you something. Just… some advice on how to deal with a situation I'm having."
>>639282
"You know you can ask me no matter what it is!"
She smiles.
"Is it a mare? Tell me it's a mare!"
Always with the mares and marriage!
"You know you can ask me no matter what it is!"
She smiles.
"Is it a mare? Tell me it's a mare!"
Always with the mares and marriage!
>>639291
"Mmmm… that too in a sense. But it's not really a thing yet."
Get out the letter I got.
"Look at this, nan."
"Mmmm… that too in a sense. But it's not really a thing yet."
Get out the letter I got.
"Look at this, nan."
>>639296
She unfurls her wing and takes out a tiny reading glass she keeps under it in a small glass/pen/bits harness, something you're pretty sure no one under 70 would wear.
She starts reading slowly, brightening up.
"I can't believe it! My little Skimmer is going to be a Wonderbolt! Just like you were telling me when you were little!"
She unfurls her wing and takes out a tiny reading glass she keeps under it in a small glass/pen/bits harness, something you're pretty sure no one under 70 would wear.
She starts reading slowly, brightening up.
"I can't believe it! My little Skimmer is going to be a Wonderbolt! Just like you were telling me when you were little!"
>>639298
I give her a small smile.
"Well, I'm invited to train to become one at least. That's only the first step of the process…"
I give her a small smile.
"Well, I'm invited to train to become one at least. That's only the first step of the process…"
>>639302
She pats your shoulder.
"You were the colt who made thunder when he was six year old, this letter is as good as a badge and a uniform!"
She pats your shoulder.
"You were the colt who made thunder when he was six year old, this letter is as good as a badge and a uniform!"
>>639307
I laugh.
"Well I'm glad to hear I have a fan already. Although… dad… I haven't told him yet. I doubt he'll approve since he wants me to continue the weather business."
I laugh.
"Well I'm glad to hear I have a fan already. Although… dad… I haven't told him yet. I doubt he'll approve since he wants me to continue the weather business."
>>639314
She frowns.
"You know… your grandfather, bless his soul, he always complained to me. He told me every day while he lived that he never asked for the factory, that his father forced him into it, that he was meant to become something else… but I saw the pride in his eyes every succesful day, I saw how happy he truly was every year when the mayor shook his hooves, thanking him for keeping Cloudsdale running, and I saw how he wouldn't want to be anything else even if he was given the chance when the Princess honored him during a ceremony for the work this factory does for all of Equestria.
I see the same spark in your eyes, the same thing that was in his eyes… but it's not for the weather factory, even if your father might never admit that."
She frowns.
"You know… your grandfather, bless his soul, he always complained to me. He told me every day while he lived that he never asked for the factory, that his father forced him into it, that he was meant to become something else… but I saw the pride in his eyes every succesful day, I saw how happy he truly was every year when the mayor shook his hooves, thanking him for keeping Cloudsdale running, and I saw how he wouldn't want to be anything else even if he was given the chance when the Princess honored him during a ceremony for the work this factory does for all of Equestria.
I see the same spark in your eyes, the same thing that was in his eyes… but it's not for the weather factory, even if your father might never admit that."
>>639324
"I know, this is what I want. It's what I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember and I intend to see it through, but at the same time this has come at a terrible time with dad in the hospital and mom on her own."
"I know, this is what I want. It's what I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember and I intend to see it through, but at the same time this has come at a terrible time with dad in the hospital and mom on her own."
>>639338
"He might not understand, he was always stubborn, but you must tell him! You can only move forward after you did that."
"He might not understand, he was always stubborn, but you must tell him! You can only move forward after you did that."
>>639341
I nod.
"You're right. It's just a matter of finding the right words. … Maybe I shouldn't overthink it too much."
I nod.
"You're right. It's just a matter of finding the right words. … Maybe I shouldn't overthink it too much."
>>639372
Even as you talk, a few of the more impatient birds slowly start landing and cautiously pecking at the seeds behind her.
"If he is being a butt about it, just come back here so I can give him a good pep talk!"
Even as you talk, a few of the more impatient birds slowly start landing and cautiously pecking at the seeds behind her.
"If he is being a butt about it, just come back here so I can give him a good pep talk!"
>>639377
"We'll see how it goes. Say, would you mind a little family get-together sometime? When I'm going to this bootcamp, I won't be seeing you guys for a while…"
"We'll see how it goes. Say, would you mind a little family get-together sometime? When I'm going to this bootcamp, I won't be seeing you guys for a while…"
>>639380
She nods.
"You can count on me with it! Just warn me in advance so I can get everything set for a nice meal…"
You can see on her she is already weighting options on what delicious plate to make
She nods.
"You can count on me with it! Just warn me in advance so I can get everything set for a nice meal…"
You can see on her she is already weighting options on what delicious plate to make
>>639382
She nods.
"Off you go! And thank you so much for dropping by! You know how much it means to me to see you!"
She nods.
"Off you go! And thank you so much for dropping by! You know how much it means to me to see you!"
>>639388
Knowing her, you'd hear her if she was.
She's still not opening it though!
She usually never closes the door either, knowing her.
Knowing her, you'd hear her if she was.
She's still not opening it though!
She usually never closes the door either, knowing her.
>>639390
You go inside. You see her keys on the wall, so that means she is somewhere around here!
You go inside. You see her keys on the wall, so that means she is somewhere around here!
>>639394
You find her on her couch, sleeping.
You see some empty bottles of booze and unfinished snacks around her. She is snoring with her mouth - and legs, geeze, Corvette - wide open
You find her on her couch, sleeping.
You see some empty bottles of booze and unfinished snacks around her. She is snoring with her mouth - and legs, geeze, Corvette - wide open
>>639397
"What the heck have you been doing Corvette? Did you start binge drinking on your own last night?"
"What the heck have you been doing Corvette? Did you start binge drinking on your own last night?"
>>639401
"I'm just saying. Maybe you should pick your company better. Want me to fix you some breakfast?"
"I'm just saying. Maybe you should pick your company better. Want me to fix you some breakfast?"
>>639403
"These are the words of wisdom coming from an old friend."
Let's see what she has to work with in her kitchen. Probably shouldn't go for something too heavy.
"These are the words of wisdom coming from an old friend."
Let's see what she has to work with in her kitchen. Probably shouldn't go for something too heavy.
>>639404
Lot of snacks, the fridge is full of beer and wine… you do find enough stuff to make some small daisy sandwhiches though
Lot of snacks, the fridge is full of beer and wine… you do find enough stuff to make some small daisy sandwhiches though
>>639405
"Corvette! You're a damn unhealthy slob you know that? No wonder you're slowing down!"
Make a bunch of them.
"Corvette! You're a damn unhealthy slob you know that? No wonder you're slowing down!"
Make a bunch of them.
>>639406
You prepare a healthy and tasty meal for both of you!
"I'm not slowing down, I'm just letting you have fun too!"
You prepare a healthy and tasty meal for both of you!
"I'm not slowing down, I'm just letting you have fun too!"
>>639407
Give her a plate.
"Seriously. I hate to sound like your mother, but would it hurt to have some variety in your diet?"
Give her a plate.
"Seriously. I hate to sound like your mother, but would it hurt to have some variety in your diet?"
>>639409
"You're not a kid anymore, Corvette. Just a few more years like this and even my nan will outspeed you."
"You're not a kid anymore, Corvette. Just a few more years like this and even my nan will outspeed you."
>>639412
She nods, finishing up her plate.
"Thanks."
She starts dusting off her tail from whatever was tangled in there during the night, you don't want to know.
"So, what's up? Haven't seen you since forever."
She nods, finishing up her plate.
"Thanks."
She starts dusting off her tail from whatever was tangled in there during the night, you don't want to know.
"So, what's up? Haven't seen you since forever."
>>639413
I sigh.
"Been tied up pretty bad lately. My dad got hospitalized so I've been taking care of my mother in the meantime."
I sigh.
"Been tied up pretty bad lately. My dad got hospitalized so I've been taking care of my mother in the meantime."
>>639414
She frowns.
"Seesh, sorry about that. I won't tell bad jokes about you not showing up to the races then."
She frowns.
"Seesh, sorry about that. I won't tell bad jokes about you not showing up to the races then."
>>639416
"There's one bit of good news though."
Procure the letter with a grin.
"I've been accepted into the Wonderbolt bootcamp!"
"There's one bit of good news though."
Procure the letter with a grin.
"I've been accepted into the Wonderbolt bootcamp!"
>>639419
I nod.
"I mean, the timing isn't ideal, but there it is nonetheless! I can only hope dad makes a quick recovery."
I nod.
"I mean, the timing isn't ideal, but there it is nonetheless! I can only hope dad makes a quick recovery."
>>639420
She smirks, prodding your side with a wing.
"You better get the gang some VIP seats for every show in town, bigshot."
She smirks, prodding your side with a wing.
"You better get the gang some VIP seats for every show in town, bigshot."
>>639421
I snort.
"I'll see what I can do. Haven't really told too many people yet, but I came to you because… well, you're my oldest friend…"
I snort.
"I'll see what I can do. Haven't really told too many people yet, but I came to you because… well, you're my oldest friend…"
>>639422
"I'll keep it hush-hush, don't worry!"
She snickers.
"Plus I bet you'll need a pony to check if your flightsuit fits well, right?~"
"I'll keep it hush-hush, don't worry!"
She snickers.
"Plus I bet you'll need a pony to check if your flightsuit fits well, right?~"
>>639423
I give her a sad smile.
"You know, I always hoped you'd be my wingpony ever since I started dreaming of being a Wonderbolt as a foal. I know it's a silly thing to think about, but I really wish you could come with me to bootcamp."
I give her a sad smile.
"You know, I always hoped you'd be my wingpony ever since I started dreaming of being a Wonderbolt as a foal. I know it's a silly thing to think about, but I really wish you could come with me to bootcamp."
>>639424
She sighs.
"Well… y'know, I guess I didn't make the cut, but I can still be happy for you. I'm not sure what I could have done differently, we trained the same, we flew the same…"
She shrugs.
"I didn't get a letter, you did, so just be happy for yourself, dumbass!"
She sighs.
"Well… y'know, I guess I didn't make the cut, but I can still be happy for you. I'm not sure what I could have done differently, we trained the same, we flew the same…"
She shrugs.
"I didn't get a letter, you did, so just be happy for yourself, dumbass!"
Curry and Felfire
It has been a day since you escaped the ironclad.
The native pegasus on board managed to get the water out of the system of the captain you fished out, but she has been unconcious ever since then. In her 'absence', the donkey is still commandeering the ship, trying to get the damaged ship anywhere that could be land nearby. The air has been cold between her and Angler too.
At least the sun is shining.
It has been a day since you escaped the ironclad.
The native pegasus on board managed to get the water out of the system of the captain you fished out, but she has been unconcious ever since then. In her 'absence', the donkey is still commandeering the ship, trying to get the damaged ship anywhere that could be land nearby. The air has been cold between her and Angler too.
At least the sun is shining.
>>640048
All this time, I've been curled up at the captain's bedside.
One ear always perked, hoping to find her awake between long naps.
All this time, I've been curled up at the captain's bedside.
One ear always perked, hoping to find her awake between long naps.
>>640048
I guess I'll have spent the time mending people together with what little herbal supplies I've got left.
I guess I'll have spent the time mending people together with what little herbal supplies I've got left.
>>640056
Whatever stockpiles you had are all gone.
The silence that has been hanging on the crew for a good while is broken by Angler.
"I… I think I see land."
Whatever stockpiles you had are all gone.
The silence that has been hanging on the crew for a good while is broken by Angler.
"I… I think I see land."
>>640062
"Let's hope they're more than favorable. If it's got decent vegetation and clean water, I'll be able to do more for the captain."
"Let's hope they're more than favorable. If it's got decent vegetation and clean water, I'll be able to do more for the captain."
>>640095
Make sure nobody's looking
'1d10'
And then try putting the stick inbetween two planks before the captain's bed!
Roll #1 4 = 4
Make sure nobody's looking
'1d10'
And then try putting the stick inbetween two planks before the captain's bed!
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>640101
Smile happily to myself and go back to laying beside the captain's death bed.
Raider burial practice complete, in lack of mud to put said stick in.
Smile happily to myself and go back to laying beside the captain's death bed.
Raider burial practice complete, in lack of mud to put said stick in.
>>640105
Her deathrattle sounds so very comforting…
A HALF A DAY LATER
You both hear swearing coming from the deck! The land should only be an hour of sailing away, though, what could be the problem?
Her deathrattle sounds so very comforting…
A HALF A DAY LATER
You both hear swearing coming from the deck! The land should only be an hour of sailing away, though, what could be the problem?
>>640116
Time to sink then!
We can sink the ship, hide inside, close the door so the water won't enter and then paddle away from the bottom!
Time to sink then!
We can sink the ship, hide inside, close the door so the water won't enter and then paddle away from the bottom!
>>640116
"Pirates is probably unlikely, then. Still possible."
Frown a bit at the ships.
"Well, they're going to catch us, regardless, so the question is what to do when they do. We could secure the wounded down in the hold, and make it look like it's just me and Angler. If they're friendly enough, we might be able to get a lift, and medical supplies. If not, well, I'm sure you'll think of something to scuttle the ship and escape."
"Pirates is probably unlikely, then. Still possible."
Frown a bit at the ships.
"Well, they're going to catch us, regardless, so the question is what to do when they do. We could secure the wounded down in the hold, and make it look like it's just me and Angler. If they're friendly enough, we might be able to get a lift, and medical supplies. If not, well, I'm sure you'll think of something to scuttle the ship and escape."
>>640139
"Direly, in fact. We've wounded, and have long since run out of medical supplies. We'd be indebted to any aid you could offer."
"Direly, in fact. We've wounded, and have long since run out of medical supplies. We'd be indebted to any aid you could offer."
>>640142
"Our vessels will tow yours into port. We will send word to have a medical team ready for your arrival."
"Our vessels will tow yours into port. We will send word to have a medical team ready for your arrival."
>>640149
"We can take her with us right away, if you think it is better. We can take the kid too."
"We can take her with us right away, if you think it is better. We can take the kid too."
>>640152
"The little one will stay with me, for the time being. She doesn't do well with strangers, I'm afraid, and I did promise to look after her."
I'll nod.
"But the captain, I can release to your care. If there are no objections, Angler?"
"The little one will stay with me, for the time being. She doesn't do well with strangers, I'm afraid, and I did promise to look after her."
I'll nod.
"But the captain, I can release to your care. If there are no objections, Angler?"
>>640161
AAAH HE'S GONNA NAB ME AND- wait!
My eyes widen up and I end up looking at the pouch of fresh water, lips slightly salivating, staring still for a long, hard time.
Eventually, my eyes will switch from the waterskin to the armored pony.
AAAH HE'S GONNA NAB ME AND- wait!
My eyes widen up and I end up looking at the pouch of fresh water, lips slightly salivating, staring still for a long, hard time.
Eventually, my eyes will switch from the waterskin to the armored pony.
>>640168
I'll think for a second.
"If it's done delicately, I think you might be able to safely get her back without the stretcher. Or we could try rigging one up out of a worn blanket and prayer."
I'll think for a second.
"If it's done delicately, I think you might be able to safely get her back without the stretcher. Or we could try rigging one up out of a worn blanket and prayer."
>>640174
"No need, sir. It's our duty."
You see the two destroyers rapidly approaching from both sides.
"No need, sir. It's our duty."
You see the two destroyers rapidly approaching from both sides.
>>640176
They look absolutely amazing!
The craftsmanship, the healthy shine of the wood, it even has decorations!
They look absolutely amazing!
The craftsmanship, the healthy shine of the wood, it even has decorations!
>>640182
"That's another land. Bigger than the island we left. Equestria is even bigger than that."
"That's another land. Bigger than the island we left. Equestria is even bigger than that."
>>640185
"It's alright, little one. Those ships are going tie onto ours, and pull us to a safe place. There, we can get the captain medicine, and food, and clean water."
I'll sniff.
"And a bath. A nice, warm bath for both of us."
"It's alright, little one. Those ships are going tie onto ours, and pull us to a safe place. There, we can get the captain medicine, and food, and clean water."
I'll sniff.
"And a bath. A nice, warm bath for both of us."
>>640188
"Well, it's when a pony gets into warm, soapy water and gets clean. They wash all of the dirt and grossness that's built up, and come out of it feeling better."
"Well, it's when a pony gets into warm, soapy water and gets clean. They wash all of the dirt and grossness that's built up, and come out of it feeling better."
>>640189
The ships are close enough, and some pegasi already fly over with ropes!
You can hardly believe this is happening!
The ships are close enough, and some pegasi already fly over with ropes!
You can hardly believe this is happening!
>>640191
'It's… well, it's something that…"
I'll be quiet for a minute.
"You know, I don't actually what soap is made of, but you use it to get clean. It helps get the dirt off of you when it gets wet."
'It's… well, it's something that…"
I'll be quiet for a minute.
"You know, I don't actually what soap is made of, but you use it to get clean. It helps get the dirt off of you when it gets wet."
>>640193
"It's not, actually. A lot of soaps are scented, and make you smell better."
I'll grin at her.
"And let's be honest, we both could stand to smell a little better."
"It's not, actually. A lot of soaps are scented, and make you smell better."
I'll grin at her.
"And let's be honest, we both could stand to smell a little better."
Angler is helping with the ropes, and soon the whole ship jolts and starts speeding up, towards the shore.
>>640198
>>640197
With speed like this, it doesn't take much for you to see the port itself… it's quite a bustling place, with lots and lots and lots of ships and even more ponies!
There are a lot of nice brick houses on the shore, one taller than the next… or maybe it's because the hill the city is built on.
>>640197
With speed like this, it doesn't take much for you to see the port itself… it's quite a bustling place, with lots and lots and lots of ships and even more ponies!
There are a lot of nice brick houses on the shore, one taller than the next… or maybe it's because the hill the city is built on.
>>640199
Oh boy, this is gonna be rough on Felfire.
>>640200
"Now, there's no reason to be scared. A little warning, though. There are going to be more ponies in that one area than there were on the entire island. So it's going to be pretty crowded."
I'll squat down a bit.
"Now, there are a couple options on what we can do. You can walk, if you feel up to it. You could ride on my back, if that would make you feel more comfortable."
And a little joke.
"Or, you could ride in my saddlebag, if you want."
Oh boy, this is gonna be rough on Felfire.
>>640200
"Now, there's no reason to be scared. A little warning, though. There are going to be more ponies in that one area than there were on the entire island. So it's going to be pretty crowded."
I'll squat down a bit.
"Now, there are a couple options on what we can do. You can walk, if you feel up to it. You could ride on my back, if that would make you feel more comfortable."
And a little joke.
"Or, you could ride in my saddlebag, if you want."
>>640207
Hoo boy.
"Alright, then. Let's go grab it and we'll see if you can fit inside."
And I guess we're off to get the saddlebags.
Hoo boy.
"Alright, then. Let's go grab it and we'll see if you can fit inside."
And I guess we're off to get the saddlebags.
Slowly, but surely, your vessel is docked.
You actually made it!
Five heavily armored ponies walk on the deck.
"Your companion is being treated right now. The rest of you, I will have to ask to come with me."
You actually made it!
Five heavily armored ponies walk on the deck.
"Your companion is being treated right now. The rest of you, I will have to ask to come with me."
>>640220
They have quite the arsenal! And those metal plates and stuff… it's called armor, but why isn't it made out of leather or scrap parts?
They have quite the arsenal! And those metal plates and stuff… it's called armor, but why isn't it made out of leather or scrap parts?
>>640219
It's nice to be back in civilization, at least. I can probably get a decent shave, here.
It's nice to be back in civilization, at least. I can probably get a decent shave, here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PyJhJRlJUA
The guards start to lead you through the city, and you can see everypony stare at you.
Even though you are surrounded by guards, their stares are not accusational, but ones full of pity.
As you proceed from the port to the narrow streets between the brick buildings, you go across some sort of marketplace. There, when some of the merchants see your ragged state, despite the guards, do their best to levitate fruits and drinks to you, even as you go.
None of you are really in any condition to refuse it. At least the donkey and the two other ponies start chomping and gulping on the free stuff right away without shame.
The guards start to lead you through the city, and you can see everypony stare at you.
Even though you are surrounded by guards, their stares are not accusational, but ones full of pity.
As you proceed from the port to the narrow streets between the brick buildings, you go across some sort of marketplace. There, when some of the merchants see your ragged state, despite the guards, do their best to levitate fruits and drinks to you, even as you go.
None of you are really in any condition to refuse it. At least the donkey and the two other ponies start chomping and gulping on the free stuff right away without shame.
>>640224
Extend a tiny hoof from the saddlebag out to catch something!
Even go as far as allowing the lid to peel back and reveal my hidden figure for just a split second before gasping and jumping back down, covering myself again!
Extend a tiny hoof from the saddlebag out to catch something!
Even go as far as allowing the lid to peel back and reveal my hidden figure for just a split second before gasping and jumping back down, covering myself again!
>>640224
I'll nod my thanks to them while we pass, and levitate the food and drink as we go.
Fresh fruit has never tasted so good.
I'll nod my thanks to them while we pass, and levitate the food and drink as we go.
Fresh fruit has never tasted so good.
>>640225
Some ponies saw you!
A fat mare (how did she get fat? How is that even possible?) even waves at you as you do get out!
You have some very juicy fruits to attend to though!
>>640226
For a second, you consider the option that it must taste so good because you have all died and gone to heaven.
You don't see Luna anywhere though, so you conclude that it's indeed just fucking amazing fruit and you have been starving.
The winding path is full of twists and turns as it ascends the hill, all your hooves clopping on the cobblestones.
Some ponies saw you!
A fat mare (how did she get fat? How is that even possible?) even waves at you as you do get out!
You have some very juicy fruits to attend to though!
>>640226
For a second, you consider the option that it must taste so good because you have all died and gone to heaven.
You don't see Luna anywhere though, so you conclude that it's indeed just fucking amazing fruit and you have been starving.
The winding path is full of twists and turns as it ascends the hill, all your hooves clopping on the cobblestones.
>>640227
Gasp and look at them!
I bet she got fat, there's so much food here!
Everywhere!
Chomp down on an apple, every last bit! Dig as fast as I can!
Gasp and look at them!
I bet she got fat, there's so much food here!
Everywhere!
Chomp down on an apple, every last bit! Dig as fast as I can!
>>640227
Pontugal is such a lovely place. Praise Luna that we had the fortune to be picked up by them.
Pontugal is such a lovely place. Praise Luna that we had the fortune to be picked up by them.
>>640232
You've never felt this content!
Never ever!
You didn't even think it was possible to be not-hungry like this!
>>640231
The elaborately decorated gates are opened to you, and two of the guards stay behind.
One of them who still follows stops you in particular, with some strange magical tool in his hoof.
"I will need to take a precaution with you. I hope you do not mind."
You've never felt this content!
Never ever!
You didn't even think it was possible to be not-hungry like this!
>>640231
The elaborately decorated gates are opened to you, and two of the guards stay behind.
One of them who still follows stops you in particular, with some strange magical tool in his hoof.
"I will need to take a precaution with you. I hope you do not mind."
>>640233
"No problems at all. I'm a pretty ragged-looking unicorn, only makes sense to take precautions."
"No problems at all. I'm a pretty ragged-looking unicorn, only makes sense to take precautions."
>>640237
Curry is being hold up!
And what is that flashing light?!
>>640235
"Thank you. This will only take a second."
He holds the V shaped catalyst up, and you feel something tingle at the base of your horn… a moment later, you can see a streak of light, the color of your magic, seep into the catalyst.
"Allright, you can proceed."
Curry is being hold up!
And what is that flashing light?!
>>640235
"Thank you. This will only take a second."
He holds the V shaped catalyst up, and you feel something tingle at the base of your horn… a moment later, you can see a streak of light, the color of your magic, seep into the catalyst.
"Allright, you can proceed."
>>640242
Well, there are probably more convoluted forms of assassination that have been attempted.
Well, there are probably more convoluted forms of assassination that have been attempted.
>>640245
You can always take a peek… it might be worth it.
>>640244
As all of you enter, you can see the fancy, rich hall is giving place to a centralized throne, on which a blue and red mare sits, wearing regal clothing and some beads and jewelry in her mane.
She claps her hooves and quickly sitting pillows are brought to all of you.
The guards stand to the side after that.
She speaks up.
"Welcome to Pontugal, weary travellers. I am Mareia Calado III, the regent of our prospering city state."
You can always take a peek… it might be worth it.
>>640244
As all of you enter, you can see the fancy, rich hall is giving place to a centralized throne, on which a blue and red mare sits, wearing regal clothing and some beads and jewelry in her mane.
She claps her hooves and quickly sitting pillows are brought to all of you.
The guards stand to the side after that.
She speaks up.
"Welcome to Pontugal, weary travellers. I am Mareia Calado III, the regent of our prospering city state."
>>640246
I'll bow slightly, and then take a seat. She'll probably want to follow that up with something. Tides probably has more experience dealing with noble types, so I'll follow her lead.
I'll bow slightly, and then take a seat. She'll probably want to follow that up with something. Tides probably has more experience dealing with noble types, so I'll follow her lead.
>>640248
She is a lot more pretty and a lot less scary and bloodthirsty and threatening!
>>640247
She is bowing too, so is Angler. Buangan too, but from her motions it's obvious she is just mimicking you to not offend.
Tides does take the lead.
"In the name of this crew, as their captain cannot speak for them, I express gratitude for allowing us in your port and letting us in your city."
"It is my pleasure to do so. Please, introduce yourselves so I may now the proper course of action."
She is a lot more pretty and a lot less scary and bloodthirsty and threatening!
>>640247
She is bowing too, so is Angler. Buangan too, but from her motions it's obvious she is just mimicking you to not offend.
Tides does take the lead.
"In the name of this crew, as their captain cannot speak for them, I express gratitude for allowing us in your port and letting us in your city."
"It is my pleasure to do so. Please, introduce yourselves so I may now the proper course of action."
>>640250
I'll wait for the others to introduce themselves, and then recall that Felfire's in my saddlebag. Take that off, and set her in front of me, between my front legs. Then I'll introduce myself, and Felfire.
I'll wait for the others to introduce themselves, and then recall that Felfire's in my saddlebag. Take that off, and set her in front of me, between my front legs. Then I'll introduce myself, and Felfire.
>>640251
>>640252
"Crimson Tides, Chief Security Officer of the Equestrian Navy. My vessel has been destroyed, I have been commandeering theirs ever since."
That visibly perks the interest of the regent, but she stays silent.
"Angler, simple fisherstallion. I serve under Captain Splinterproof, the mare who you are currently treating, and in her name, I thank you."
"Name… Buangan. Native island."
The regent is somewhat confused, but doesn't interrupt.
Your turn!
>>640252
"Crimson Tides, Chief Security Officer of the Equestrian Navy. My vessel has been destroyed, I have been commandeering theirs ever since."
That visibly perks the interest of the regent, but she stays silent.
"Angler, simple fisherstallion. I serve under Captain Splinterproof, the mare who you are currently treating, and in her name, I thank you."
"Name… Buangan. Native island."
The regent is somewhat confused, but doesn't interrupt.
Your turn!
>>640253
"I am Curry, formerly of Autumnsreach, now wandering the world. This filly is Felfire, from the same island that Buangan is from. It is where our ship originally crashed, and how we came to be in such dire circumstances."
"I am Curry, formerly of Autumnsreach, now wandering the world. This filly is Felfire, from the same island that Buangan is from. It is where our ship originally crashed, and how we came to be in such dire circumstances."
>>640254
She nods at all of you.
"I see. You will all be treated as friends here. Hundreds of years ago when this city was founded, it was founded on the idea of Friendship. Kindness and Generosity are vital point of that. Equestrian, or not, you will be medically treated, fed, given shelter, and if you so desire, we can find you a place in our thriving society."
She nods at all of you.
"I see. You will all be treated as friends here. Hundreds of years ago when this city was founded, it was founded on the idea of Friendship. Kindness and Generosity are vital point of that. Equestrian, or not, you will be medically treated, fed, given shelter, and if you so desire, we can find you a place in our thriving society."
>>640256
I'll bow slightly.
"Your generosity is truly appreciated. This filly's wings have been damaged beyond my own abilities to repair, and I hope that your medical ponies will have more luck."
I'll bow slightly.
"Your generosity is truly appreciated. This filly's wings have been damaged beyond my own abilities to repair, and I hope that your medical ponies will have more luck."
>>640256
Whimper out a tiny word.
Or maybe just say it to myself.
"Friendship?"
'1d10' to actually say it.
Roll #1 2 = 2
Whimper out a tiny word.
Or maybe just say it to myself.
"Friendship?"
'1d10' to actually say it.
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>640259
"I cannot make any guarantees, but she will be treated to the best of our abilities."
Tides speaks too.
"I would like a vessel, if possible. I need to get back to the Equestrian Navy as soon as possible."
"Let us discuss such matters at a later time."
"But…"
"You can hardly make such a voyage in your current state."
>>640260
Her ears flick.
"Excuse me, filly, could you repeat that?"
"I cannot make any guarantees, but she will be treated to the best of our abilities."
Tides speaks too.
"I would like a vessel, if possible. I need to get back to the Equestrian Navy as soon as possible."
"Let us discuss such matters at a later time."
"But…"
"You can hardly make such a voyage in your current state."
>>640260
Her ears flick.
"Excuse me, filly, could you repeat that?"
>>640261
"Again, my thanks."
>>640262
>>640264
I'll place a calming hoof on Felfire.
"You will have to forgive her, your grace. She's not exactly had the best experiences with other ponies, and it's a small miracle she's taken to me so well."
>>640265
"It's alright, little one. No one's angry. You don't have to be afraid."
"Again, my thanks."
>>640262
>>640264
I'll place a calming hoof on Felfire.
"You will have to forgive her, your grace. She's not exactly had the best experiences with other ponies, and it's a small miracle she's taken to me so well."
>>640265
"It's alright, little one. No one's angry. You don't have to be afraid."