File: 1394569598157.jpg (316.89 KB, 1920x1080, WallQuest.jpg, IO Exif Google TinEye)
It's cold.
The feeling seeps inside your mind, ever present, nagging and biting at your thoughts while you ride in the creeking wooden carriage through what the Wanderer describes as "…the last mile of your old lives.".
It's white.
Snow covers pines so tall they cloud the sky all around the badly kept path that leads to solace. To forgivness. To glory.
The Wanderer, the grey-coated pony who took care to recruit all of you from whatever hole you were sulking in or whatever fancy table you were sitting at, mutters something looking at the sky, his breath and his words as if carved in the air as they form a shimmering cloud of steam.
"We are not there yet, but you can see it from here."
The feeling seeps inside your mind, ever present, nagging and biting at your thoughts while you ride in the creeking wooden carriage through what the Wanderer describes as "…the last mile of your old lives.".
It's white.
Snow covers pines so tall they cloud the sky all around the badly kept path that leads to solace. To forgivness. To glory.
The Wanderer, the grey-coated pony who took care to recruit all of you from whatever hole you were sulking in or whatever fancy table you were sitting at, mutters something looking at the sky, his breath and his words as if carved in the air as they form a shimmering cloud of steam.
"We are not there yet, but you can see it from here."
>>535129
A few of your ride companions don't seem to agree with your feelings, and snort, looking away, down at the cart.
Others, though, are too taken by what's just come into view to comment.
>>535130
You all know the story of The Wall. Its endless watch, how the gods themselves were said to have meant it…
But few are the ponies who actually dare come this far. Fewer the zebras. The harsh winds cut your face much like the sandy winds of the deepest south leashed against your ancestors, and keeping your eyes open is painful and hard.
>>535131
A griffon could not spot its prey, that's how far you are. And still…
There, you can see it. The massive shape of what equine cannot name anything but, The Wall.
For hundreads of feet it rises into the sky, challenging the sun itself with its frozen splendor, as if daring the big globe of fire to melt him.
But down here, the sun has no power. Down here, there's only the wall.
Its frozen shape extends as far as the eye can see, only barely noticeable is a black massing at its feet, so far it's hard to make out, so small it looks like an ant scraping against the ivory towers of Canterlot.
A few of your ride companions don't seem to agree with your feelings, and snort, looking away, down at the cart.
Others, though, are too taken by what's just come into view to comment.
>>535130
You all know the story of The Wall. Its endless watch, how the gods themselves were said to have meant it…
But few are the ponies who actually dare come this far. Fewer the zebras. The harsh winds cut your face much like the sandy winds of the deepest south leashed against your ancestors, and keeping your eyes open is painful and hard.
>>535131
A griffon could not spot its prey, that's how far you are. And still…
There, you can see it. The massive shape of what equine cannot name anything but, The Wall.
For hundreads of feet it rises into the sky, challenging the sun itself with its frozen splendor, as if daring the big globe of fire to melt him.
But down here, the sun has no power. Down here, there's only the wall.
Its frozen shape extends as far as the eye can see, only barely noticeable is a black massing at its feet, so far it's hard to make out, so small it looks like an ant scraping against the ivory towers of Canterlot.
>>535133
A snoflake in your nose. The cold sensation freezing your brain.
Words echoing, someone's asked a question you didn't hear, and got an answer you didn't understand.
>>535134
Someone's talking.
One of your travel companions.
"Where are you even leading us, in the middle of nowhere?"
Wanderer snorts.
"Look into the distance. That's the Watch's Home. Your home."
He points at the dark point in the distance.
>>535135
"It's good you like it-"
Your guide answers.
"-because you will spend a lot of time there."
And chuckles.
A snoflake in your nose. The cold sensation freezing your brain.
Words echoing, someone's asked a question you didn't hear, and got an answer you didn't understand.
>>535134
Someone's talking.
One of your travel companions.
"Where are you even leading us, in the middle of nowhere?"
Wanderer snorts.
"Look into the distance. That's the Watch's Home. Your home."
He points at the dark point in the distance.
>>535135
"It's good you like it-"
Your guide answers.
"-because you will spend a lot of time there."
And chuckles.
>>535140
The carriage keeps slumbering down the iced road, the polar bear pulling it grunting and growling at every hill, his large paws making quick work of the uneasy road.
>>535142
Just to be clear, to Wanderer, the guy who actually recruited and led you all this way up here, to the pony who asked the question, or to the other pcs?
The carriage keeps slumbering down the iced road, the polar bear pulling it grunting and growling at every hill, his large paws making quick work of the uneasy road.
>>535142
Just to be clear, to Wanderer, the guy who actually recruited and led you all this way up here, to the pony who asked the question, or to the other pcs?
>>535145
She's a light orange girl, her head shaved and face rough and edged by malnourishment.
As you talk to her, she jerks back, giving you the stinkeye. Then, a second later, recomposes herself.
"Name's Season."
>>535147
>>535148
The small black dot in the distance is now close enough to give you insight on its shape. The likeness of a castle happear out of the frozen ice of the wall, as if the building itself was trying to cling onto it for protection against the cold winds.
Grey walls of stone painted white by the ice and snow silently rest ahead, but you can already see fires burning on top of them.
Wanderer speaks up.
"Look sharp kids. Almost there."
She's a light orange girl, her head shaved and face rough and edged by malnourishment.
As you talk to her, she jerks back, giving you the stinkeye. Then, a second later, recomposes herself.
"Name's Season."
>>535147
>>535148
The small black dot in the distance is now close enough to give you insight on its shape. The likeness of a castle happear out of the frozen ice of the wall, as if the building itself was trying to cling onto it for protection against the cold winds.
Grey walls of stone painted white by the ice and snow silently rest ahead, but you can already see fires burning on top of them.
Wanderer speaks up.
"Look sharp kids. Almost there."
>>535151
Acknowledge her answer.
>>535156
"Try to save 'em. This place doesn't strike me as having much to do in any spare time we get."
>>535157
"I take it you're one of those upper crust learned types? Only those would be worried about books at a time like this."
>>535158
"Good. From what I heard about the Wall, that'll get you killed."
Acknowledge her answer.
>>535156
"Try to save 'em. This place doesn't strike me as having much to do in any spare time we get."
>>535157
"I take it you're one of those upper crust learned types? Only those would be worried about books at a time like this."
>>535158
"Good. From what I heard about the Wall, that'll get you killed."
>>535156
"Oh boy…
You don't know the first thing about making a fire, do you?"
>>535157
"Don't worry, there are books. If you are into that.
But after a day's work I've seen few who just wouldn't rather sleep, than read."
>>535154
>>535159
Season nods, a bit absentedly.
"Yeah, nice to meet'ya."
Massive and dark in its appearence, a gate stands in front of you, coasted side by side by two watchtowers flying the banner of the Night's Watch, a sword shining under the silver moon on the snowy plains of the north.
From one of them, a pony looks down, exchanges looks and nods with Wanderer, and disappears.
The cart has stopped.
"Oh boy…
You don't know the first thing about making a fire, do you?"
>>535157
"Don't worry, there are books. If you are into that.
But after a day's work I've seen few who just wouldn't rather sleep, than read."
>>535154
>>535159
Season nods, a bit absentedly.
"Yeah, nice to meet'ya."
Massive and dark in its appearence, a gate stands in front of you, coasted side by side by two watchtowers flying the banner of the Night's Watch, a sword shining under the silver moon on the snowy plains of the north.
From one of them, a pony looks down, exchanges looks and nods with Wanderer, and disappears.
The cart has stopped.
>>535161
"Good to know in a place like this."
>>535162
"You sure it wasn't just a scrap of paper you found floating in the river?"
Give him a courteous laugh.
>>535163
"Of course. Where there are hooves, alcohol shortly follows. If you can make it, you've got a hoof up on most of us."
>>535164
"This our stop?"
"Good to know in a place like this."
>>535162
"You sure it wasn't just a scrap of paper you found floating in the river?"
Give him a courteous laugh.
>>535163
"Of course. Where there are hooves, alcohol shortly follows. If you can make it, you've got a hoof up on most of us."
>>535164
"This our stop?"
>>535165
Wanderer doesn't reply, whilst season snorts again, clinging tighter to the piece of cloth covering her.
"You see any other civilization in fucking miles?"
>>535166
You step out of the cart and into the icy, frozen grund. Instantly, your hooves feel very, very still.
Wanderer turns as you do so.
"What do you think you are doing?"
The door in front of the cart is still closed.
>>535168
You don't have Raise Dead. So zero.
Wanderer doesn't reply, whilst season snorts again, clinging tighter to the piece of cloth covering her.
"You see any other civilization in fucking miles?"
>>535166
You step out of the cart and into the icy, frozen grund. Instantly, your hooves feel very, very still.
Wanderer turns as you do so.
"What do you think you are doing?"
The door in front of the cart is still closed.
>>535168
You don't have Raise Dead. So zero.
>>535166
"Go ahead. Not much it'll do for me now."
>>535167
"Hahaha. As long as you have the skill to back it up, I don't mind where your degree is or where you got it from. What can you do?"
>>535169
"You know, I've never tried the stuff from wherever you're from. What's it like compared to the stuff from around here."
>>535171
"It's a big wall. Maybe there's another stop?" I respond non-nonchalantly.
"Go ahead. Not much it'll do for me now."
>>535167
"Hahaha. As long as you have the skill to back it up, I don't mind where your degree is or where you got it from. What can you do?"
>>535169
"You know, I've never tried the stuff from wherever you're from. What's it like compared to the stuff from around here."
>>535171
"It's a big wall. Maybe there's another stop?" I respond non-nonchalantly.
>>535174
"Go make your civilization of one if you want it so much."
>>535175
Wanderer laughs.
"A few hundread miles down the side, sure. Good luck making it there."
>>535176
"Talking to you is like talking to Sudden."
>>535183
>>535181
Sweet as nectar. But your travel companions grow restless as soon as they see it and start murmiring, inciting you to share it around.
>>535182
With a distinct shine of your eyes, the shadow shrudders and comes to life.
Heeeeey old pal. It's freezing up here. Got clothes?
It's electing to hide, not giving away its true nature just yet, and acting like any other shadow would.
Then, the door opens.
And as it does, the oh-so-elusive warmth you lacked for the whole of the trip embraces you all.
Inside, you can make out what could be a training field, that ends in a modest two-story building with a balcony on it.
"Go make your civilization of one if you want it so much."
>>535175
Wanderer laughs.
"A few hundread miles down the side, sure. Good luck making it there."
>>535176
"Talking to you is like talking to Sudden."
>>535183
>>535181
Sweet as nectar. But your travel companions grow restless as soon as they see it and start murmiring, inciting you to share it around.
>>535182
With a distinct shine of your eyes, the shadow shrudders and comes to life.
Heeeeey old pal. It's freezing up here. Got clothes?
It's electing to hide, not giving away its true nature just yet, and acting like any other shadow would.
Then, the door opens.
And as it does, the oh-so-elusive warmth you lacked for the whole of the trip embraces you all.
Inside, you can make out what could be a training field, that ends in a modest two-story building with a balcony on it.
>>535189
He's still sitting at the head of the carriage, and gives a stern look at Legoba as he makes his way inside the castle's walls.
Then, he shakes the reins.
>>535192
>>535193
You two leaving the cart aswell and make your way through a few feets of cold as cold can be snow before touching the stone insides of the castle.
But not before leaving the bottle on the cart with the others.
>>535190
You are joined by two more ponies, those who just a moment ago shared the carriage with you.
Oh yeah babe, you know I like it loooong.
The carriage finally moves inside, only to find an empty plaza waiting for it.
Here, stone upon stone, is the remains of an once great military fort, now only a former memory, a barely used husk that houses the few hollow souls who are here to greet you.
Ponies and donkeys and dogs and griffons and even goats all are here, all under the same banner, under the same uniform, some standing in the middle of the stone plaza sword in their hoof, some lurking in the shadows with shady demeanors, some perching on rooftops licking their beaks.
All looking at you.
He's still sitting at the head of the carriage, and gives a stern look at Legoba as he makes his way inside the castle's walls.
Then, he shakes the reins.
>>535192
>>535193
You two leaving the cart aswell and make your way through a few feets of cold as cold can be snow before touching the stone insides of the castle.
But not before leaving the bottle on the cart with the others.
>>535190
You are joined by two more ponies, those who just a moment ago shared the carriage with you.
Oh yeah babe, you know I like it loooong.
The carriage finally moves inside, only to find an empty plaza waiting for it.
Here, stone upon stone, is the remains of an once great military fort, now only a former memory, a barely used husk that houses the few hollow souls who are here to greet you.
Ponies and donkeys and dogs and griffons and even goats all are here, all under the same banner, under the same uniform, some standing in the middle of the stone plaza sword in their hoof, some lurking in the shadows with shady demeanors, some perching on rooftops licking their beaks.
All looking at you.
>>535195
Wanderer steps out of the carriage and joins you.
The rest of your travel companions start unloading aswell.
"They like to take a look before it's too late. Most of you won't live past the winter."
He's got something akin to a smirk on his face.
>>535196
Everyone ignores the crazy zebra talking on his own.
Roll Perception.
Wanderer steps out of the carriage and joins you.
The rest of your travel companions start unloading aswell.
"They like to take a look before it's too late. Most of you won't live past the winter."
He's got something akin to a smirk on his face.
>>535196
Everyone ignores the crazy zebra talking on his own.
Roll Perception.
>>535198
>>535201
Perceptive zebras see nothing wrong.
>>535202
"Winter is coming. Not even bears can pull a carriage from the southern kingdoms all the way up here.
Afraid you will be the last ones in quite a while."
>>535200
>>535199
"Don't worry too much, if you have guts you will get the glory, they say.
As long as you are not nightborns and pull your weight, nobody here will give you too much shit."
Then, as everyone is finally down in the plaza, you can see the small, metal door of the building in front of you open.
Out of it squeezes through, almost comically, a massive diamond dog in the clothes of the Night's Watch.
The many soldiers watching the scene immediatly stand on attention.
The dog is looking down at you, but a moment later sidesteps and allows a mare not even half his height to step out.
Wearing a long dark mantle ornated in white fur near the neck, she starts walking down from the balcony at a slow, martial pace, each hoofbeat echoing as if metal was striking metal.
Finally, she comes to a stop a dozen feet away from Wanderer, who bows down.
The dog stands by her side, giving a death-glare to all of you.
Her secure, well reharsed voice cuts through this tense silence like it was paper.
"You are all dead.
Dead to your kings, dead to your enemies, dead to your families.
This is your hell."
>>535201
Perceptive zebras see nothing wrong.
>>535202
"Winter is coming. Not even bears can pull a carriage from the southern kingdoms all the way up here.
Afraid you will be the last ones in quite a while."
>>535200
>>535199
"Don't worry too much, if you have guts you will get the glory, they say.
As long as you are not nightborns and pull your weight, nobody here will give you too much shit."
Then, as everyone is finally down in the plaza, you can see the small, metal door of the building in front of you open.
Out of it squeezes through, almost comically, a massive diamond dog in the clothes of the Night's Watch.
The many soldiers watching the scene immediatly stand on attention.
The dog is looking down at you, but a moment later sidesteps and allows a mare not even half his height to step out.
Wearing a long dark mantle ornated in white fur near the neck, she starts walking down from the balcony at a slow, martial pace, each hoofbeat echoing as if metal was striking metal.
Finally, she comes to a stop a dozen feet away from Wanderer, who bows down.
The dog stands by her side, giving a death-glare to all of you.
Her secure, well reharsed voice cuts through this tense silence like it was paper.
"You are all dead.
Dead to your kings, dead to your enemies, dead to your families.
This is your hell."
>>535205
You hear the sound of coins passing hoof. Someone just won a bet.
And you are entirely ignored.
>>535207
No one else is, and Wanderer already stood up. He's on a side, looks like all you newbies have been rounded up in the middle of the plaza now.
Entirely encircled.
>>535204
>>535206
>>535208
The mare starts pacing back and forth.
"Because only death can prepare you for what's to come.
I will be surprised if more than half of you will survive training before running back crying into your mother's womb.
But the few that will, their is the duty to protect everypony that lives, lived, and ever will live from the Night Eternal."
Her eyes peer into the distance, completely glancing over the whole lot of you.
And without another word, she turns around and leaves, in the same silence she came with.
The large dog steps up.
"Questions?"
You hear the sound of coins passing hoof. Someone just won a bet.
And you are entirely ignored.
>>535207
No one else is, and Wanderer already stood up. He's on a side, looks like all you newbies have been rounded up in the middle of the plaza now.
Entirely encircled.
>>535204
>>535206
>>535208
The mare starts pacing back and forth.
"Because only death can prepare you for what's to come.
I will be surprised if more than half of you will survive training before running back crying into your mother's womb.
But the few that will, their is the duty to protect everypony that lives, lived, and ever will live from the Night Eternal."
Her eyes peer into the distance, completely glancing over the whole lot of you.
And without another word, she turns around and leaves, in the same silence she came with.
The large dog steps up.
"Questions?"
>>535221
"You will learn to like smoked vegetables."
>>535223
"Grog."
>>535224
"There is not one."
>>535222
>>535220
Other questions include where they can get some food and when they will be out of the cold.
Again.
Then, finally, Grog clears his throat.
"Let me ask you, how long has it been since your last real meal?"
"You will learn to like smoked vegetables."
>>535223
"Grog."
>>535224
"There is not one."
>>535222
>>535220
Other questions include where they can get some food and when they will be out of the cold.
Again.
Then, finally, Grog clears his throat.
"Let me ask you, how long has it been since your last real meal?"
>>535226
"I have two."
He smirks.
The soldiers on the various side exchange funny looks aswell.
>>535227
>>535228
Swinging a paw behind his back and clinging a huge, impressive axe over his head, he shouts to all of you.
"Then earn your next meal and the right to eat like a king for just this one day!
All of you, against me!
Those who pass me will feast like champions!"
Inbetween you and him there is a large open space. And on your side, two dozen hungry ponies.
>>535228
Season approaches you.
"This guy's crazy!"
"I have two."
He smirks.
The soldiers on the various side exchange funny looks aswell.
>>535227
>>535228
Swinging a paw behind his back and clinging a huge, impressive axe over his head, he shouts to all of you.
"Then earn your next meal and the right to eat like a king for just this one day!
All of you, against me!
Those who pass me will feast like champions!"
Inbetween you and him there is a large open space. And on your side, two dozen hungry ponies.
>>535228
Season approaches you.
"This guy's crazy!"
>>535231
"The last time I was invited to a dinner party I had to get rid of a corpse, so I'll just stick with some regular lunch."
Clear my throat, and snicker.
Look through my bags, and around me.
Can I Engineer anything that would simply get that dog off his feet and keep him down? He didn't say it had to be combat.
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
"The last time I was invited to a dinner party I had to get rid of a corpse, so I'll just stick with some regular lunch."
Clear my throat, and snicker.
Look through my bags, and around me.
Can I Engineer anything that would simply get that dog off his feet and keep him down? He didn't say it had to be combat.
Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9
>>535233
A tired, dirty, shivering stallion comes to life.
He's your spitting image.
>>535234
>>535236
Not eating for days is killer on your physical prowness.
He drops the axe, and with a twist grabs the zebra in one arm and swinging around sends you tumbling back into the group of novices.
Right into Ogaden, stopping his heroic leap and making you both fall like sacks of potatoes to the ground.
>>535235
Nopony is paying attention to your very witty response. Too busy worrying about their food.
Or lives.
You can see basic supplies here. The reins, the carriages whole, rocks and rope and the odd arrow laying around.
The dog's fighting style relies on his hands mostly, so if those were busy…
If you want to build something you have to specify what at least. And use things that are plausibly found here.
>>535237
With a surprisingly clear mind for all the alcohol that must be running in your body, you shoot the axe away from the ground next to him and onto the door behind, hitting with the sharp edge the lock, which shatters in a dozen pieces and fings the door open as the axe rattles to the ground.
A tired, dirty, shivering stallion comes to life.
He's your spitting image.
>>535234
>>535236
Not eating for days is killer on your physical prowness.
He drops the axe, and with a twist grabs the zebra in one arm and swinging around sends you tumbling back into the group of novices.
Right into Ogaden, stopping his heroic leap and making you both fall like sacks of potatoes to the ground.
>>535235
Nopony is paying attention to your very witty response. Too busy worrying about their food.
Or lives.
You can see basic supplies here. The reins, the carriages whole, rocks and rope and the odd arrow laying around.
The dog's fighting style relies on his hands mostly, so if those were busy…
If you want to build something you have to specify what at least. And use things that are plausibly found here.
>>535237
With a surprisingly clear mind for all the alcohol that must be running in your body, you shoot the axe away from the ground next to him and onto the door behind, hitting with the sharp edge the lock, which shatters in a dozen pieces and fings the door open as the axe rattles to the ground.
>>535242
1s make it through to the door behind him.
'9d4'
>>535241
Yes.
Bolastones acquired.
>>535243
The pony of dust and dreams makes a rush for it and boops the dog on the nose, catching his attention for just long enough to allow you a breather as strength fails you.
>>535244
Let's see.
Roll 1d4. Same rule as above applies to you.
You actually can make it on DC4 just because of the others distracting him.
>>535245
You have no mace, all your weapons were taken away beforehand!
And really, who would hit an unarmed combatant with a weapon, you'd have to be some kind of crimin-
Oh. Carry on.
Still no mace, but you make do bringing both your hooves down on his unarmored foot.
He's stumbling!
But quickly recovers his footing.
He spares a glance for you. A very through glance.
Roll #1 1, 3, 4, 1, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 = 18
1s make it through to the door behind him.
'9d4'
>>535241
Yes.
Bolastones acquired.
>>535243
The pony of dust and dreams makes a rush for it and boops the dog on the nose, catching his attention for just long enough to allow you a breather as strength fails you.
>>535244
Let's see.
Roll 1d4. Same rule as above applies to you.
You actually can make it on DC4 just because of the others distracting him.
>>535245
You have no mace, all your weapons were taken away beforehand!
And really, who would hit an unarmed combatant with a weapon, you'd have to be some kind of crimin-
Oh. Carry on.
Still no mace, but you make do bringing both your hooves down on his unarmored foot.
He's stumbling!
But quickly recovers his footing.
He spares a glance for you. A very through glance.
Roll #1 1, 3, 4, 1, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 = 18
>>535249
He has only a split second to realize what's about to hit him, and completely forsaking attacks of any kind swings around, lunging for his axe, and that's the last thing you see before the barrage of red-glowing shots blows up right on target, creating a cloud of pink smoke.
>>535251
Towards which you fire blindly the makeshift weapon like a crazy zigger, as if that wasn't overkill enough!
>>535252
As the bolts are about to inpact, you buck yourself off the dog with a powerful flip-kick into the folds of his plate that sends you flying back and surely left his mark.
>>535253
>>535254
This one is smart too, and decides to stay away from the exploding doge.
>>535255
The mood shifts dramatically.
What were scared and starving ponies are now the heroes of the arena as everyone cheers for you. The mob gathers behind your shoulders and your copycat jumps into the pink cloud uncaring of danger.
When the smoke clears, the cheers die down, and sudden quiet falls upon the battlefield, you can see Grog stand, using a paw to keep himself upright against one of the supports of the balcony, and axe in the other, as it glows a soft blue. Scorch marks are left on his armor and his feet are tied together by some unholy mix between a rope and two stones.
A tiny Star is beating on his armored knees, but he disregards it and instead focuses on you, panthing.
He lifts his axe.
"Now or never, little ponies."
He has only a split second to realize what's about to hit him, and completely forsaking attacks of any kind swings around, lunging for his axe, and that's the last thing you see before the barrage of red-glowing shots blows up right on target, creating a cloud of pink smoke.
>>535251
Towards which you fire blindly the makeshift weapon like a crazy zigger, as if that wasn't overkill enough!
>>535252
As the bolts are about to inpact, you buck yourself off the dog with a powerful flip-kick into the folds of his plate that sends you flying back and surely left his mark.
>>535253
>>535254
This one is smart too, and decides to stay away from the exploding doge.
>>535255
The mood shifts dramatically.
What were scared and starving ponies are now the heroes of the arena as everyone cheers for you. The mob gathers behind your shoulders and your copycat jumps into the pink cloud uncaring of danger.
When the smoke clears, the cheers die down, and sudden quiet falls upon the battlefield, you can see Grog stand, using a paw to keep himself upright against one of the supports of the balcony, and axe in the other, as it glows a soft blue. Scorch marks are left on his armor and his feet are tied together by some unholy mix between a rope and two stones.
A tiny Star is beating on his armored knees, but he disregards it and instead focuses on you, panthing.
He lifts his axe.
"Now or never, little ponies."
>>535257
Very decent sling acquired.
[Ranged] tag.
>>535258
You try to cover the distance between you two but he rears a powerful blow with his axe and swings it in the air.
The wind itself is enough to knock you off your ass, but no serious injury was done.
>>535260
They don't wait around.
All 12 of them charge, and
'1d12' make it through.
But at the same time you are stopped in place by the menacing creeping of his axe.
>>535261
As the axe comes to a rest, you use it as a ramp to jump right into his face and place a kick under his chin, sending him flying back, tumbling to the ground.
He's down, panthing heavily, and lets go of the axe, raising a paw in an open gesture.
Suddenly, the crowd erupts in a cheer.
Roll #1 3 = 3
Very decent sling acquired.
[Ranged] tag.
>>535258
You try to cover the distance between you two but he rears a powerful blow with his axe and swings it in the air.
The wind itself is enough to knock you off your ass, but no serious injury was done.
>>535260
They don't wait around.
All 12 of them charge, and
'1d12' make it through.
But at the same time you are stopped in place by the menacing creeping of his axe.
>>535261
As the axe comes to a rest, you use it as a ramp to jump right into his face and place a kick under his chin, sending him flying back, tumbling to the ground.
He's down, panthing heavily, and lets go of the axe, raising a paw in an open gesture.
Suddenly, the crowd erupts in a cheer.
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>535270
Season finds you as you enter.
"Hey. Nice… Thing, there."
>>535271
>>535272
It's not quite Valhalla, but this mead hall comes damn close.
Slightly buried into the ground, the place takes up the whole first floor of the building and is warmly lit by lanters that give off a pleasant orange light everywhere.
Four long tables run the length of the hall.
The place is filling with the soldiers who watched you fight, most of them stopping to pat your back once for "the nice show" and then going off to one of the many tables covered in mead and food.
Food for all races and all tastes, on top of that. You might want to skip the griffon table.
And at the other end of the hall, a fifth table set perpendicular to the others, with a large chair cut in a chunk of crystal standing in the middle of it.
Still, nobody seats at that table.
Season finds you as you enter.
"Hey. Nice… Thing, there."
>>535271
>>535272
It's not quite Valhalla, but this mead hall comes damn close.
Slightly buried into the ground, the place takes up the whole first floor of the building and is warmly lit by lanters that give off a pleasant orange light everywhere.
Four long tables run the length of the hall.
The place is filling with the soldiers who watched you fight, most of them stopping to pat your back once for "the nice show" and then going off to one of the many tables covered in mead and food.
Food for all races and all tastes, on top of that. You might want to skip the griffon table.
And at the other end of the hall, a fifth table set perpendicular to the others, with a large chair cut in a chunk of crystal standing in the middle of it.
Still, nobody seats at that table.
As you sit, a door opens in the back of the hall, and out of it comes a tiny milk-white pony in armor that's too large for him, holding it open for…
The same mare you saw earlier, the one who gave the speech and promptly left, steps in with royal gait, ignoring the commotion and pulsing life of the hall, long black coat over her shoulders, and nearly as long brown and lush mane running at her side.
She sits amidst the general indifference on the crystal throne, staring down on the hall with tired eyes.
A moment later, a unicorn which you can recognise as the chaplain walks in through the same door, and sits at one of the three seats coasting the same table, leaving the one on the throne's right side empty.
This is when the dog you fought outside walks in with a zebra mare on wrong side of her thirties, and instantly, as if a spell was broken, the chatter and festivities in the hall end, everyone staring at the bandaged dog as he silently walks up to the table, bows briefly to the mare on the throne and sits to her right.
The zebra fits the last empty chair.
After a few seconds of lingering silence, the mare on the throne raises a glass.
"To those who joined us today, Fear Not The Night!"
The silence lingers still until Grog raises his own glass, and echoes her.
"Fear Not!"
Followed by everyone else's echo, that in one big rumble of cheers go back to their previous activities.
>>535275
Most of them wear the baggy but poor black-uniform you saw the guards outside wear.
Indeed, most of them are those very same guards. Others wear a white-colored variant of that.
All of them are currently enjoying what must be quite the feast so far up north.
Fresh soup and carameled apples.
The same mare you saw earlier, the one who gave the speech and promptly left, steps in with royal gait, ignoring the commotion and pulsing life of the hall, long black coat over her shoulders, and nearly as long brown and lush mane running at her side.
She sits amidst the general indifference on the crystal throne, staring down on the hall with tired eyes.
A moment later, a unicorn which you can recognise as the chaplain walks in through the same door, and sits at one of the three seats coasting the same table, leaving the one on the throne's right side empty.
This is when the dog you fought outside walks in with a zebra mare on wrong side of her thirties, and instantly, as if a spell was broken, the chatter and festivities in the hall end, everyone staring at the bandaged dog as he silently walks up to the table, bows briefly to the mare on the throne and sits to her right.
The zebra fits the last empty chair.
After a few seconds of lingering silence, the mare on the throne raises a glass.
"To those who joined us today, Fear Not The Night!"
The silence lingers still until Grog raises his own glass, and echoes her.
"Fear Not!"
Followed by everyone else's echo, that in one big rumble of cheers go back to their previous activities.
>>535275
Most of them wear the baggy but poor black-uniform you saw the guards outside wear.
Indeed, most of them are those very same guards. Others wear a white-colored variant of that.
All of them are currently enjoying what must be quite the feast so far up north.
Fresh soup and carameled apples.
>>536624
Same color as the Night.
Season sits between you and Ogaden.
You can hear her talk alound, maybe to him, maybe to both of you.
"They are crazy here. It looks time out at the old place. Newbies in the middle and everyone staring!"
>>536626
You aren't eating yet.
Which is a lot to say about your self-control because you haven't had anything to eat in days.
Everyone's too busy digging in to give you any sort of stinkeye for letting the food go to waste.
>>536630
You hear Season aswell.
Turns out, not many ponies talk when they haven't seen soup in days. Also, looks like all you newbies are bunched up at this one table.
Same color as the Night.
Season sits between you and Ogaden.
You can hear her talk alound, maybe to him, maybe to both of you.
"They are crazy here. It looks time out at the old place. Newbies in the middle and everyone staring!"
>>536626
You aren't eating yet.
Which is a lot to say about your self-control because you haven't had anything to eat in days.
Everyone's too busy digging in to give you any sort of stinkeye for letting the food go to waste.
>>536630
You hear Season aswell.
Turns out, not many ponies talk when they haven't seen soup in days. Also, looks like all you newbies are bunched up at this one table.
>>536638
Soup and carameled apple.
Half a medium sized bowl of green-ish soup and a single apple covered in a thin layer of carameled sugar.
And that's it.
You gobble down on them and are left with the sugary taste in your mouth and an almost full stomach that purrs happily.
>>536639
She's now chomping down on the apple and replies back with a full mouth of the thing.
"Ought ask t'kno, amharaight?"
>>536640
She nods, but a cyan stallion from over the table interjects.
"That's because it's not a prison, damnit."
Soup and carameled apple.
Half a medium sized bowl of green-ish soup and a single apple covered in a thin layer of carameled sugar.
And that's it.
You gobble down on them and are left with the sugary taste in your mouth and an almost full stomach that purrs happily.
>>536639
She's now chomping down on the apple and replies back with a full mouth of the thing.
"Ought ask t'kno, amharaight?"
>>536640
She nods, but a cyan stallion from over the table interjects.
"That's because it's not a prison, damnit."
Most ponies are done eating and drinking, starting up conversations or leaving the place altogether.
>>536651
It flushes down straight to your stomach and then rushes back up to the brain, leaving you sleepy and happy.
>>536653
So much, in fact, it's already gone.
But it was good while it lasted, at least!
Ponies are starting to chat it up, and your seat-neighbour tries to catch your attention.
He's a medium-sized goat, with dark, as if scorched, horns.
"Hey. Hey, pony. I was talking to you."
>>536651
It flushes down straight to your stomach and then rushes back up to the brain, leaving you sleepy and happy.
>>536653
So much, in fact, it's already gone.
But it was good while it lasted, at least!
Ponies are starting to chat it up, and your seat-neighbour tries to catch your attention.
He's a medium-sized goat, with dark, as if scorched, horns.
"Hey. Hey, pony. I was talking to you."
>>536663
Ponies around roll their eyes and the goat grins.
"I had just stolen the Germane's king crown-"
Somepony from behind interrupts.
"Wasn't it the Emperor's?"
The goat ushes him. "Details! You are missing the greater picture!"
And he starts mimicking a stabbing motion with his hoof.
>>536665
It's Grog. Standing right behind you with his imposing diamond dog self, blocking your way.
"Leaving already?"
>>536667
>>536672
"The Night's Watch, damnit!
Possible everypony here-"
He catches himself as he looks at you.
"-everyone here doesn't have a bit of honor left?
It's not just guards, we are bound to be the ones that protect the world from the Night!
Can't you understand how important that is?"
Ponies around roll their eyes and the goat grins.
"I had just stolen the Germane's king crown-"
Somepony from behind interrupts.
"Wasn't it the Emperor's?"
The goat ushes him. "Details! You are missing the greater picture!"
And he starts mimicking a stabbing motion with his hoof.
>>536665
It's Grog. Standing right behind you with his imposing diamond dog self, blocking your way.
"Leaving already?"
>>536667
>>536672
"The Night's Watch, damnit!
Possible everypony here-"
He catches himself as he looks at you.
"-everyone here doesn't have a bit of honor left?
It's not just guards, we are bound to be the ones that protect the world from the Night!
Can't you understand how important that is?"
>>536676
"The Lady Commander has not given you her blessing yet."
He puts a paw on your shoulder, pressing down a bit.
>>536675
"The Night with a capital enne, you uncultured swine!"
>>536677
>>536675
The goat seems pleased and goes off to tell the tale to yet another neighbour.
The young stallion looks back at you, and settles down into his seat once more, calming himself.
"If he-"
Then stops, and shakes if head.
"If any of you is here just because he fears death, well he's a sorry fool.
There's much, much worse than death waiting for us beyond that wall. It happened before and it will happen again.
It's just a matter of time."
Ponies around elect to turn the other way and ignore him, but he's staring straight at you two.
"The Lady Commander has not given you her blessing yet."
He puts a paw on your shoulder, pressing down a bit.
>>536675
"The Night with a capital enne, you uncultured swine!"
>>536677
>>536675
The goat seems pleased and goes off to tell the tale to yet another neighbour.
The young stallion looks back at you, and settles down into his seat once more, calming himself.
"If he-"
Then stops, and shakes if head.
"If any of you is here just because he fears death, well he's a sorry fool.
There's much, much worse than death waiting for us beyond that wall. It happened before and it will happen again.
It's just a matter of time."
Ponies around elect to turn the other way and ignore him, but he's staring straight at you two.
>>536686
"Culling Sea, Secondborn Of House Maneria."
Then, he looks down, but catches himself a moment later.
"Or I was, I guess.
Not anymore, not now.
Now we are all going to be brothers.
You say you want to survive the winter, Fortune Star?
Are you trained in combat?"
>>536688
"Not if I tell them not to.
Now, enjoy this time to rest. You will miss it."
"Culling Sea, Secondborn Of House Maneria."
Then, he looks down, but catches himself a moment later.
"Or I was, I guess.
Not anymore, not now.
Now we are all going to be brothers.
You say you want to survive the winter, Fortune Star?
Are you trained in combat?"
>>536688
"Not if I tell them not to.
Now, enjoy this time to rest. You will miss it."
>>536695
>>536696
He's about to say something, but the thundering sound of metal on metal stops him.
He looks up to the throne and then whispers quickly to you.
"Tomorrow morning, as train starts, find me. Both of you."
>>536697
Seems like they are on a date.
Also, the 'Lady Commander' is standing, after beating what looks like a broken sword hilt againt the throne.
The mead hall goes silent.
"My second, Grog-"
She shakes a hoof towards the dog, who smiles proudly and fills himself up.
"Would like my to say a few words for the newcomers.
But I have none.
Tomorrow at dawn you will all be called for general training.
I pray you are strong enough to make it through the winter.
This is all."
And in one large swipe, amidst the general silence, she chugs down her mug of mead, every gulp puncturing the stillness of the room.
After emptying the drink, she puts the mug on the table with a loud sound of wood hitting wood, and turns around without a second word, back through the door.
Grog seems mildly disappointed, but still nopony dares to speak or move. They are all waiting for his word.
He then moves towards the larger table.
"What are you others waiting for? Nighttime's here.
First evening watch, go."
These words break the spell of silence cast upon the room as ponies start to scram for their positions.
>>536696
He's about to say something, but the thundering sound of metal on metal stops him.
He looks up to the throne and then whispers quickly to you.
"Tomorrow morning, as train starts, find me. Both of you."
>>536697
Seems like they are on a date.
Also, the 'Lady Commander' is standing, after beating what looks like a broken sword hilt againt the throne.
The mead hall goes silent.
"My second, Grog-"
She shakes a hoof towards the dog, who smiles proudly and fills himself up.
"Would like my to say a few words for the newcomers.
But I have none.
Tomorrow at dawn you will all be called for general training.
I pray you are strong enough to make it through the winter.
This is all."
And in one large swipe, amidst the general silence, she chugs down her mug of mead, every gulp puncturing the stillness of the room.
After emptying the drink, she puts the mug on the table with a loud sound of wood hitting wood, and turns around without a second word, back through the door.
Grog seems mildly disappointed, but still nopony dares to speak or move. They are all waiting for his word.
He then moves towards the larger table.
"What are you others waiting for? Nighttime's here.
First evening watch, go."
These words break the spell of silence cast upon the room as ponies start to scram for their positions.
>>536722
He's talking to Legoba, but repays your look.
>>536727
>>536722
You both make it to the other building after a very brief walk in the snow.
Many ponies here are asleep already, and a thing you notice instantly is how the bunks have no sort of separation, be it of race or gender.
Smells of all kind hit you and almost make Camain faint. Something's rotting in here, but you have no idea what or where.
Both of you find an entirely empty bunk bed somewhere near a dark and dusty corner.
>>536726
"Maybe. But what's your other opinion? All I know I know second hoof from priests of the Light."
>>536733
Everyone had a mug of fresh soup and a carameled apple. And a mug of mead, you must have enjoyed that quite a while.
Then the lady commander had a very brief 'talk' and left, now the dog, Grog, is chatting with the few remaining ponies here.
And he's stealing glances at you.
He's talking to Legoba, but repays your look.
>>536727
>>536722
You both make it to the other building after a very brief walk in the snow.
Many ponies here are asleep already, and a thing you notice instantly is how the bunks have no sort of separation, be it of race or gender.
Smells of all kind hit you and almost make Camain faint. Something's rotting in here, but you have no idea what or where.
Both of you find an entirely empty bunk bed somewhere near a dark and dusty corner.
>>536726
"Maybe. But what's your other opinion? All I know I know second hoof from priests of the Light."
>>536733
Everyone had a mug of fresh soup and a carameled apple. And a mug of mead, you must have enjoyed that quite a while.
Then the lady commander had a very brief 'talk' and left, now the dog, Grog, is chatting with the few remaining ponies here.
And he's stealing glances at you.
>>536742
"They are a bunch of diamond dogs, you'd think, foulest of creatures-"
He's whispering low.
"But they are actually great paladins, all of them. Travelling tunnels saving miners from cave ins and monsters and such.
It's said each of them carries a vial infused with the Light itself. A vial that never goes out, gift of their god."
>>536743
"But can you do that without alcohol?"
He seems interested.
>>536744
Top bunk acquired.
"They are a bunch of diamond dogs, you'd think, foulest of creatures-"
He's whispering low.
"But they are actually great paladins, all of them. Travelling tunnels saving miners from cave ins and monsters and such.
It's said each of them carries a vial infused with the Light itself. A vial that never goes out, gift of their god."
>>536743
"But can you do that without alcohol?"
He seems interested.
>>536744
Top bunk acquired.
The roaring sound of steel clashing against steel wakes you up suddenly, each blast echoing into your ears as the sound comes closer and closer.
After actually looking at what's going on, you realize there's no battle in your bedroom, but instead it's Grog, and a small court of guards, smashing with their iron swords against their shields.
The dog shouts on top of his lungs, giving you no chance to rest.
"Wake up pansies, it's training season!"
After actually looking at what's going on, you realize there's no battle in your bedroom, but instead it's Grog, and a small court of guards, smashing with their iron swords against their shields.
The dog shouts on top of his lungs, giving you no chance to rest.
"Wake up pansies, it's training season!"
>>537233
Looks like sleep instead of your usual meditation wasn't the best way to spend the night, and you find yourself fall over and out of the bed, into the dusty wooden floor.
At least it was the bottom bunk.
>>537237
Muffled sounds reach you for a few instants…
Until the soldiers start clanking their armors again, and the sound pierces through your thin feather pillow, right into your brain.
>>537239
On the floor, apparently.
"Where you will stay quiet, that's where."
Grog growls again.
"Five minutes troop. Get dressed and out of that door or I will personally throw you out into the snow as you are."
As he says this, the ponies you came here with start scrambling franctically for the trunks on the sides of the beds, imitating the example of more seasoned soldiers that are slowly and methodically getting dressed already.
Looks like sleep instead of your usual meditation wasn't the best way to spend the night, and you find yourself fall over and out of the bed, into the dusty wooden floor.
At least it was the bottom bunk.
>>537237
Muffled sounds reach you for a few instants…
Until the soldiers start clanking their armors again, and the sound pierces through your thin feather pillow, right into your brain.
>>537239
On the floor, apparently.
"Where you will stay quiet, that's where."
Grog growls again.
"Five minutes troop. Get dressed and out of that door or I will personally throw you out into the snow as you are."
As he says this, the ponies you came here with start scrambling franctically for the trunks on the sides of the beds, imitating the example of more seasoned soldiers that are slowly and methodically getting dressed already.
>>537244
The ones you find in the trunk are grey, baggy and warm, but a bit too large for your size.
>>537245
"The fuck were you expecting?"
It's the bald mare from yesterday, casually saying that as she slips into her grey clothes.
>>537246
They are incredibly similar to the ones of your homeland, heavy and baggy, some pieces of fur here and there…
And suddenly you realize, fighting in these is gonna be a pain in the ass.
The ones you find in the trunk are grey, baggy and warm, but a bit too large for your size.
>>537245
"The fuck were you expecting?"
It's the bald mare from yesterday, casually saying that as she slips into her grey clothes.
>>537246
They are incredibly similar to the ones of your homeland, heavy and baggy, some pieces of fur here and there…
And suddenly you realize, fighting in these is gonna be a pain in the ass.
>>537248
Comfy though. You suddenly feel much warmer.
>>537249
She snorts in contempt and starts leaving.
"Good luck with that. I'm just gonna look as others pick your tender, I-don't-do-physical-work ass."
>>537250
One of the already-armored ponies points you to the middle of the training square, where everyone's gathering and forming small groups, and then eyes your vodka bottle.
"Hey, what are you hiding there?"
He's coming your way.
"Clock is ticking! Three minutes!"
Comfy though. You suddenly feel much warmer.
>>537249
She snorts in contempt and starts leaving.
"Good luck with that. I'm just gonna look as others pick your tender, I-don't-do-physical-work ass."
>>537250
One of the already-armored ponies points you to the middle of the training square, where everyone's gathering and forming small groups, and then eyes your vodka bottle.
"Hey, what are you hiding there?"
He's coming your way.
"Clock is ticking! Three minutes!"
>>537257
You don't even know where the lab is! Or if there is one!
Buncha ponies here, gathering in the training square, forming tiny groups.
You should try joining one, seems like they are all waiting for the one dog.
>>537258
"I have been waiting for this since my sixteenth birthday.
I'm ready.
Time to show them what I'm made of."
Seems like there's some commotion ahead, the fire water pony is hacing a discussion with the guard.
>>537259
"Bullshit, I saw that sparkle, give me the bottle!"
He comes closer and tries to pull the bottle out.
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
You don't even know where the lab is! Or if there is one!
Buncha ponies here, gathering in the training square, forming tiny groups.
You should try joining one, seems like they are all waiting for the one dog.
>>537258
"I have been waiting for this since my sixteenth birthday.
I'm ready.
Time to show them what I'm made of."
Seems like there's some commotion ahead, the fire water pony is hacing a discussion with the guard.
>>537259
"Bullshit, I saw that sparkle, give me the bottle!"
He comes closer and tries to pull the bottle out.
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>537262
You join him and a cyan colored, blonde maned stallion standing with him.
"Hello there.
I remember you, from the fighting. And the dining table.
You were…"
>>537264
"You didn't ask about the Night yet, have you?"
>>537263
He puts a hoof inside your clothes, and you try to shove him away, but he grasps onto them and pulls you down on the icy ground with him, the bottle rolling out of your reach.
Just as Grog comes out of the bunks with a half-dressed goat in his paw, throwing him out on the ground.
He then stares at you, and stops the rolling bottle with a foot.
The guard seems scared.
>>537265
He's out here chatting with the two zebras, but suddenly everyone goes silent as [what's described above] happens.
You join him and a cyan colored, blonde maned stallion standing with him.
"Hello there.
I remember you, from the fighting. And the dining table.
You were…"
>>537264
"You didn't ask about the Night yet, have you?"
>>537263
He puts a hoof inside your clothes, and you try to shove him away, but he grasps onto them and pulls you down on the icy ground with him, the bottle rolling out of your reach.
Just as Grog comes out of the bunks with a half-dressed goat in his paw, throwing him out on the ground.
He then stares at you, and stops the rolling bottle with a foot.
The guard seems scared.
>>537265
He's out here chatting with the two zebras, but suddenly everyone goes silent as [what's described above] happens.
>>537267
>>537268
>>537270
"Shouldn't we…"
He points at the commotion between Volodski, the guard, and Grog.
"…Isn't he the one who helped you yesterday?
Shouldn't we help him?"
>>537269
Grog speaks up.
"One chance to explain. You."
He points at the guard, who promptly stands back up and dusts himself off.
"Sir. He was carrying alcohol, I tried to confiscate it but he hit me, s-"
He doesn't even wait for the guard to finish before pointing the same finger at you.
"You."
>>537268
>>537270
"Shouldn't we…"
He points at the commotion between Volodski, the guard, and Grog.
"…Isn't he the one who helped you yesterday?
Shouldn't we help him?"
>>537269
Grog speaks up.
"One chance to explain. You."
He points at the guard, who promptly stands back up and dusts himself off.
"Sir. He was carrying alcohol, I tried to confiscate it but he hit me, s-"
He doesn't even wait for the guard to finish before pointing the same finger at you.
"You."
>>537272
"I swear, at times I don't understand you at all, Legoba.
How far did you say you came from, again?"
Sea squints as he asks this.
>>537273
Looks like he did.
>>537274
"Beause you shouldn't have it in the first place."
Then he turns to the guard
"And you know why he had it?"
The guard promptly answers.
"Beause he snuck it in, of course!"
But the dry "No." from Grog makes him grow pale.
"Do you think I didn't notice it?"
Grog looks at you again.
"Why do you think I left you keep that bottle?"
>>537275
His voice lowers to a whisper.
"Silence might be the best course of action for now…
But if worse comes to worse, we could vouche for him."
"I swear, at times I don't understand you at all, Legoba.
How far did you say you came from, again?"
Sea squints as he asks this.
>>537273
Looks like he did.
>>537274
"Beause you shouldn't have it in the first place."
Then he turns to the guard
"And you know why he had it?"
The guard promptly answers.
"Beause he snuck it in, of course!"
But the dry "No." from Grog makes him grow pale.
"Do you think I didn't notice it?"
Grog looks at you again.
"Why do you think I left you keep that bottle?"
>>537275
His voice lowers to a whisper.
"Silence might be the best course of action for now…
But if worse comes to worse, we could vouche for him."
>>537277
He seems slightly pleased.
"Splitting punishments? You might just survive after all…"
>>537278
"Not exactly. No.
You were strong. Maybe the stronger pony around the batch of greens that came in yesterday."
He picks up the bottle and walks up to you, throwing it back into your lap.
"If you are so strong, defend it."
He's got a wicked smirk on his face as he walks away.
>>537277
Sea whispers to you.
"Might be the right moment to approach him."
"Listen up.
You are all weak and unarmored and ready to drop dead at the first sneeze. I'm here to teach you how avoid that.
There will be no repetitions.
Now. Pick those wooden weapons and form groups, quick."
He seems slightly pleased.
"Splitting punishments? You might just survive after all…"
>>537278
"Not exactly. No.
You were strong. Maybe the stronger pony around the batch of greens that came in yesterday."
He picks up the bottle and walks up to you, throwing it back into your lap.
"If you are so strong, defend it."
He's got a wicked smirk on his face as he walks away.
>>537277
Sea whispers to you.
"Might be the right moment to approach him."
"Listen up.
You are all weak and unarmored and ready to drop dead at the first sneeze. I'm here to teach you how avoid that.
There will be no repetitions.
Now. Pick those wooden weapons and form groups, quick."
There are wooden weapons of all kinds on racks right behind the dog, leaning against one of the outside walls.
>>537280
"There is a lesson to be learnt here, you know."
He starts trotting towards the weapons, and Volodski.
"Got any preferences?"
>>537283
Ponies start eyeing you all the wrong ways.
One certain group, though, doesn't. And from that group, a cyan colored stallion, very young in face, approaches you.
"Protecting a bottle of fine alcohol in this place might be a tall order for a lone pony."
>>537286
Which kind of weapon?
>>537280
"There is a lesson to be learnt here, you know."
He starts trotting towards the weapons, and Volodski.
"Got any preferences?"
>>537283
Ponies start eyeing you all the wrong ways.
One certain group, though, doesn't. And from that group, a cyan colored stallion, very young in face, approaches you.
"Protecting a bottle of fine alcohol in this place might be a tall order for a lone pony."
>>537286
Which kind of weapon?
Grog talks again.
"Once you are done, form couples. I want to see how you dance!"
Which would surely put smiles on the face of the more gutter-minded individuals here, if only they weren't the ones forced to do this aswell.
>>537289
Long wooden spear acquired.
[Great] and [Non-Lethal] tags.
>>537290
Short knife acquire.
[Normal] and [Non-Lethal].
>>537291
Wooden bow acquired.
[Ranged].
Practise arrows acquired. They are sticks with a padded end.
[Non-lethal].
>>537292
"Sasha? Well damn, looks like I really am the only one coming to the Wall on my own."
He extends a hoof.
"Culling Sea."
"Once you are done, form couples. I want to see how you dance!"
Which would surely put smiles on the face of the more gutter-minded individuals here, if only they weren't the ones forced to do this aswell.
>>537289
Long wooden spear acquired.
[Great] and [Non-Lethal] tags.
>>537290
Short knife acquire.
[Normal] and [Non-Lethal].
>>537291
Wooden bow acquired.
[Ranged].
Practise arrows acquired. They are sticks with a padded end.
[Non-lethal].
>>537292
"Sasha? Well damn, looks like I really am the only one coming to the Wall on my own."
He extends a hoof.
"Culling Sea."
>>537296
He doesn't seem fazed. Instead, answers with a laugh and a pat on your back.
"Up in the north, like me!"
Then lets go.
>>537297
New Season, the bald mare from before, joins your lot carrying a simple sword on her back.
"I guess that's the point?"
>>537298
Dude, that's gay.
He picked up a broadsword, of the kind ponies use with their mouth.
"I did promise to pair with you after all. This leaves…"
He looks around and starts counting.
"The two zebra, Volodsky, and…"
He looks to the newcomer mare, who promptly answers.
"New Season."
"New Season. You four should try facing off against each other."
Meanwhile, ponies are starting to face themselves in the training pit, Grog just looking silently at them.
He doesn't seem fazed. Instead, answers with a laugh and a pat on your back.
"Up in the north, like me!"
Then lets go.
>>537297
New Season, the bald mare from before, joins your lot carrying a simple sword on her back.
"I guess that's the point?"
>>537298
Dude, that's gay.
He picked up a broadsword, of the kind ponies use with their mouth.
"I did promise to pair with you after all. This leaves…"
He looks around and starts counting.
"The two zebra, Volodsky, and…"
He looks to the newcomer mare, who promptly answers.
"New Season."
"New Season. You four should try facing off against each other."
Meanwhile, ponies are starting to face themselves in the training pit, Grog just looking silently at them.
>>537301
"I…"
She blinks a few moments, then unsceathes her sword and points it at you.
"Hey! Are you calling me dumb?"
>>537303
"Right, let's see what you can do."
>>537306
>>537305
Sea looks at Camain and Season already enaging in combat, and then at you two.
"You two should try facing against each other."
Grog walks over aswell.
"Stick to the wooden weapons.
I don't want to send anyone to an early grave.
No magic."
He's looking at Volodski reeeeal deep.
And yes, Volodski's got a wooden [Great][Non-Lethal] mace.
"I…"
She blinks a few moments, then unsceathes her sword and points it at you.
"Hey! Are you calling me dumb?"
>>537303
"Right, let's see what you can do."
>>537306
>>537305
Sea looks at Camain and Season already enaging in combat, and then at you two.
"You two should try facing against each other."
Grog walks over aswell.
"Stick to the wooden weapons.
I don't want to send anyone to an early grave.
No magic."
He's looking at Volodski reeeeal deep.
And yes, Volodski's got a wooden [Great][Non-Lethal] mace.
>>537313
Grog just walks away.
>>537311
>>537313
The reckless charge meets Legoba ready hooves, as he quickly sidesteps and pokes Volodski with the small knife on a flank.
>>537314
He rushes for you, trying to close the distance between you two in a single leap and slash.
'1d10'
>>537315
"You said I'm dumb! Take that back!"
She flails at you.
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3 / Roll #2 10 = 10
Grog just walks away.
>>537311
>>537313
The reckless charge meets Legoba ready hooves, as he quickly sidesteps and pokes Volodski with the small knife on a flank.
>>537314
He rushes for you, trying to close the distance between you two in a single leap and slash.
'1d10'
>>537315
"You said I'm dumb! Take that back!"
She flails at you.
'1d10'
Roll #1 3 = 3 / Roll #2 10 = 10
>>537318
>>537319
Volodsky reckless movements allow Legoba an easy and safe strike on his unarmored head, and the blunt force alone is enough to send the northener stumbling back.
>>537320
You had no chances to begin with.
In trying the dexterous manouver required to trample her, you lower your head to better handle 'dat spear, but her wild and maniacal flailing hits you square in the head and sends you KO on the cold ground.
The sky above you is filled with clouds, and it's such a nice day… You could just lie here forever…
Look, stars!
>>537324
He's not getting caught dead a second time, and swats your arrow out of the bow before heaving a slow blow to your side.
Suddenly-
BWAAAAAAAAAAA
A horn blows.
Grog's ears, and those of nearly ever other guard, perk up.
"So early?"
Everyone is starting to head towards the great iron gate in the Wall.
>>537319
Volodsky reckless movements allow Legoba an easy and safe strike on his unarmored head, and the blunt force alone is enough to send the northener stumbling back.
>>537320
You had no chances to begin with.
In trying the dexterous manouver required to trample her, you lower your head to better handle 'dat spear, but her wild and maniacal flailing hits you square in the head and sends you KO on the cold ground.
The sky above you is filled with clouds, and it's such a nice day… You could just lie here forever…
Look, stars!
>>537324
He's not getting caught dead a second time, and swats your arrow out of the bow before heaving a slow blow to your side.
Suddenly-
BWAAAAAAAAAAA
A horn blows.
Grog's ears, and those of nearly ever other guard, perk up.
"So early?"
Everyone is starting to head towards the great iron gate in the Wall.
>>537333
She's snorting and keeping her head up high in satisfation.
"Now who's the stupid!"
>>537334
>>537335
You two start pushing and showing ponies, donkeys and griffons and goats and dogs out of the way, until you reach the edge of the crowd.
A polar bear, one of those used here as mounts, is back.
But its rider is nowhere to be seen.
Grog is holding the scared beast down.
"Quick! Get Saud here!"
A few guards scramble out.
She's snorting and keeping her head up high in satisfation.
"Now who's the stupid!"
>>537334
>>537335
You two start pushing and showing ponies, donkeys and griffons and goats and dogs out of the way, until you reach the edge of the crowd.
A polar bear, one of those used here as mounts, is back.
But its rider is nowhere to be seen.
Grog is holding the scared beast down.
"Quick! Get Saud here!"
A few guards scramble out.
>>537342
"Not talking to you!"
She's trying real bad to get a look, but able to grasp anything.
You might be able to help her.
>>537343
>>537346
You two make it right beside Sea and Volodsky, pushing and shoving your way to the front of the row.
>>537347
"When you become a ranger, bruv."
You let her pass.
A jenny dashes inside the ring, to the scared bear, and instantly extends her hooves as to try and calm him.
She mutters something nigh-unintellegible to him Lagoba can roll to understand and the bear calms down, almost immediatly.
Then, she takes slow, quiet steps forwards. Her hoofbeats are so soft they are almost impossible to hear.
Lying her head onto the bear, whispering a few more words, she goes silent.
This is when most of the newcomers gasp in surprise as the bear growls softly back, as if answering the jenny.
She nods, and steps aside, walking up to Grog and extending a hoof for the reins.
"He's dead.
The village, he says."
"Not talking to you!"
She's trying real bad to get a look, but able to grasp anything.
You might be able to help her.
>>537343
>>537346
You two make it right beside Sea and Volodsky, pushing and shoving your way to the front of the row.
>>537347
"When you become a ranger, bruv."
You let her pass.
A jenny dashes inside the ring, to the scared bear, and instantly extends her hooves as to try and calm him.
She mutters something nigh-unintellegible to him Lagoba can roll to understand and the bear calms down, almost immediatly.
Then, she takes slow, quiet steps forwards. Her hoofbeats are so soft they are almost impossible to hear.
Lying her head onto the bear, whispering a few more words, she goes silent.
This is when most of the newcomers gasp in surprise as the bear growls softly back, as if answering the jenny.
She nods, and steps aside, walking up to Grog and extending a hoof for the reins.
"He's dead.
The village, he says."
>>537350
You try to 'loan' a few high-quality glasses off the local armory.
A sharp sound of iron being drawn stops you dead on your tracks, and a squeeking voice comes from the darkness.
"Put that back right now."
>>537354
The Jenny said a few words, like a nursery rhyme, to calm the bear down.
The beast, scared and confused, started crying in front of her.
Something about a village, about eating, about being alone and running.
>>537353
>>537351
There's a deadly silence in the keep right now.
The only sound is the jenny leading the bear off to the stables, Grog stare hardening as he tightens his jaw.
Then, first low as a whisper and then loud as thunder, a mumbling begins between the soldiers.
There's talk of war.
There's talk of broken truces.
There's talk, of Winter.
#Pause
You try to 'loan' a few high-quality glasses off the local armory.
A sharp sound of iron being drawn stops you dead on your tracks, and a squeeking voice comes from the darkness.
"Put that back right now."
>>537354
The Jenny said a few words, like a nursery rhyme, to calm the bear down.
The beast, scared and confused, started crying in front of her.
Something about a village, about eating, about being alone and running.
>>537353
>>537351
There's a deadly silence in the keep right now.
The only sound is the jenny leading the bear off to the stables, Grog stare hardening as he tightens his jaw.
Then, first low as a whisper and then loud as thunder, a mumbling begins between the soldiers.
There's talk of war.
There's talk of broken truces.
There's talk, of Winter.
#Pause
Suddenly, fervor takes over the fort, dozens of ponies chatting loudly, whispering in worry, gritting their teeth as they nervously look at the sky for a sign, as if waiting for the stars to turn red and the Wall itself to crumble.
Grog leaves without a word and heads for the Lady Commander's office.
Sea shakes his head.
New Season finally manages to regroup with you, and her worried eyes beg silently for an explanation.
>>537359
"Keepin' dat shing 'ight here 'nto may hoof."
The figure in the darkness take one more step, his long, dark iron sword shining in the light.
Grog leaves without a word and heads for the Lady Commander's office.
Sea shakes his head.
New Season finally manages to regroup with you, and her worried eyes beg silently for an explanation.
>>537359
"Keepin' dat shing 'ight here 'nto may hoof."
The figure in the darkness take one more step, his long, dark iron sword shining in the light.
>>538962
"Tak'a stiep beck."
Even if the accent is strange and foreign to you, the wiggling of the sharp iron in front of your throat is enough to let you understand what he might be suggesting.
>>538963
>>538964
"B-but…"
Her ears flop down, and she seems about to cry, but in a decent show of self-restraint gulps down all that worry and shuts up.
Sea clears his throat.
"If the wild tribes really did attack one of our riders…
They would just be signing their own death warrant."
"Tak'a stiep beck."
Even if the accent is strange and foreign to you, the wiggling of the sharp iron in front of your throat is enough to let you understand what he might be suggesting.
>>538963
>>538964
"B-but…"
Her ears flop down, and she seems about to cry, but in a decent show of self-restraint gulps down all that worry and shuts up.
Sea clears his throat.
"If the wild tribes really did attack one of our riders…
They would just be signing their own death warrant."
>>538968
"Ain't no need fer ya tricks.
Dat's just da way ah spoke. Always!"
The blade does its best to stay close to your throat, almost if mesmerized by it…
And as you step back, the frail figure of a young stallion steps into the light. He must not be older than sixteen, and most of those years weren't spent training his phisique, you'd guess.
>>538969
>>538972
>>538973
"It m-must have been the Night then! They are back!"
New squeks these words in a low pitch, almost shaking in fear. You can see how she's not the only one.
Sea seems displeased by this.
"We could make conjectures like everypony else or we could try and find out."
"Ain't no need fer ya tricks.
Dat's just da way ah spoke. Always!"
The blade does its best to stay close to your throat, almost if mesmerized by it…
And as you step back, the frail figure of a young stallion steps into the light. He must not be older than sixteen, and most of those years weren't spent training his phisique, you'd guess.
>>538969
>>538972
>>538973
"It m-must have been the Night then! They are back!"
New squeks these words in a low pitch, almost shaking in fear. You can see how she's not the only one.
Sea seems displeased by this.
"We could make conjectures like everypony else or we could try and find out."
>>538975
"I don't think they'd be letting us out anytime soon, but has this happened before? Any ideas on if they'll increase armed patrols or try to keep everyone inside?"
>>538978
"There's a monster in everyone. But like Sea said, we shouldn't try to guess from here. We should get ready for orders. Grog and the Commander don't seem the type to just take the loss sitting down."
"I don't think they'd be letting us out anytime soon, but has this happened before? Any ideas on if they'll increase armed patrols or try to keep everyone inside?"
>>538978
"There's a monster in everyone. But like Sea said, we shouldn't try to guess from here. We should get ready for orders. Grog and the Commander don't seem the type to just take the loss sitting down."
>>538984
Sea seems relieved.
"Not in hundreads of years.
The northern tribes used to be quite the headache, but then…
Something happened to most of them."
His eyes meet yours.
"And dark voices go around as to who or what that was."
>>538989
"Isshues wi'ya.
Stealin' in MAY forge!"
>>538991
The slap doesn't even make New flinch… She's got a damn strong jaw.
But she does blink, and turn to look at you with an ashamed expression and a coy smile.
>>538993
Star ran off. Bad omen.
Sea just sighs.
"As I was saying.
The tribes have more to fear from us than us from them."
>>538990
If your superior officers saw you, they'd call you a deserter.
Sea just shakes his head and sighs before going back to talking with Ogaden.
Sea seems relieved.
"Not in hundreads of years.
The northern tribes used to be quite the headache, but then…
Something happened to most of them."
His eyes meet yours.
"And dark voices go around as to who or what that was."
>>538989
"Isshues wi'ya.
Stealin' in MAY forge!"
>>538991
The slap doesn't even make New flinch… She's got a damn strong jaw.
But she does blink, and turn to look at you with an ashamed expression and a coy smile.
>>538993
Star ran off. Bad omen.
Sea just sighs.
"As I was saying.
The tribes have more to fear from us than us from them."
>>538990
If your superior officers saw you, they'd call you a deserter.
Sea just shakes his head and sighs before going back to talking with Ogaden.
>>539007
She pick it up and takes a sip.
Kind of a deep one.
Then hooves it back to you, wiping her nuzzle.
"I was fine though. But thanks for the warmer up.
Your other pal might need it a bit more…"
He looks over your shoulder, where you notice a beated down Star walk sadly along the outer edges of the fort.
>>539008
You slide away from the smelly underside of the white bear and start heading out of the stables, under the kinda-shocked look of the jenny from earlier.
Out in the training plaza again.
Your 'friends' are not so far away.
>>539009
"If they do something like this…
Don't lose your head, okay?
Any of you.
We need to band together, in case they send us out."
Sea seems nervous.
>>539015
Sea answers up.
"Ogaden makes a point.
We might be seeing a real assignment any day now.
If there's anything you don't feel sure about, if there's anything you still want to say to your gods…
I think it's time you do that."
>>539013
"Ah've plans."
He lowers the sword, planting it on the ground.
"Great plans."
She pick it up and takes a sip.
Kind of a deep one.
Then hooves it back to you, wiping her nuzzle.
"I was fine though. But thanks for the warmer up.
Your other pal might need it a bit more…"
He looks over your shoulder, where you notice a beated down Star walk sadly along the outer edges of the fort.
>>539008
You slide away from the smelly underside of the white bear and start heading out of the stables, under the kinda-shocked look of the jenny from earlier.
Out in the training plaza again.
Your 'friends' are not so far away.
>>539009
"If they do something like this…
Don't lose your head, okay?
Any of you.
We need to band together, in case they send us out."
Sea seems nervous.
>>539015
Sea answers up.
"Ogaden makes a point.
We might be seeing a real assignment any day now.
If there's anything you don't feel sure about, if there's anything you still want to say to your gods…
I think it's time you do that."
>>539013
"Ah've plans."
He lowers the sword, planting it on the ground.
"Great plans."
>>539020
"I don't think I've offered a prayer in a long while, and I reckon we won't have to. 'Cept for the poor pony we already lost, everyone here knows their duty here."
>>539032
"Oy, it'll be a long time 'fore that happens to you or anyone else, ya' hear me. Focus on the task at hoof and we'll all be fine, got it?"
"I don't think I've offered a prayer in a long while, and I reckon we won't have to. 'Cept for the poor pony we already lost, everyone here knows their duty here."
>>539032
"Oy, it'll be a long time 'fore that happens to you or anyone else, ya' hear me. Focus on the task at hoof and we'll all be fine, got it?"
>>539031
>>539028
Star's back, and he's looking rather pale.
And smelling like manure, which is to say, only slightly worse than everyone else here.
Barely noticeable.
Sea looks at him as he returns, ignoring his comment on the snow.
"We were just talking about what might happen if we are sent out."
>>539035
The young stallion scoffs, but puts on a cocky smile and reaches with a hoof for your shoulder.
"Please, I'm not worried about my life.
Dying like this would be a honor."
>>539036
You never got to pick it up to begin with.
>>539028
Star's back, and he's looking rather pale.
And smelling like manure, which is to say, only slightly worse than everyone else here.
Barely noticeable.
Sea looks at him as he returns, ignoring his comment on the snow.
"We were just talking about what might happen if we are sent out."
>>539035
The young stallion scoffs, but puts on a cocky smile and reaches with a hoof for your shoulder.
"Please, I'm not worried about my life.
Dying like this would be a honor."
>>539036
You never got to pick it up to begin with.
>>539039
He seems to be caught by surprise.
"Because my parents did!"
>>539040
And I assumed you did. Otherwise, he wouldn't have let you off the hook.
>>539041
He's locked in phylosophical debate over the meaning of religious worship with the zebra.
New Season answers instead.
"Take up arms.
Defend ourselves."
He seems to be caught by surprise.
"Because my parents did!"
>>539040
And I assumed you did. Otherwise, he wouldn't have let you off the hook.
>>539041
He's locked in phylosophical debate over the meaning of religious worship with the zebra.
New Season answers instead.
"Take up arms.
Defend ourselves."
>>539047
He stops a moment from his arguing to give you the faintest nod back.
There's something of a flame in his eyes.
>>539050
"Gave me well being and strength and all their favors!
Made me grow strong, kept my father safe and my mother wise, lightened my path in darkness!
You can't measure the greatness of the gods!
It's like…"
He winces.
"Look, maybe you should ask all these questions to a priest."
He stops a moment from his arguing to give you the faintest nod back.
There's something of a flame in his eyes.
>>539050
"Gave me well being and strength and all their favors!
Made me grow strong, kept my father safe and my mother wise, lightened my path in darkness!
You can't measure the greatness of the gods!
It's like…"
He winces.
"Look, maybe you should ask all these questions to a priest."
>>539064
>>539064
"You apologize for being so late and burdening him with so many others you sent to him before you finally bucked it, that's what. Let's focus, we've lost only one rider so far, but we've got plenty of weapons to go about and I don't doubt they'll be assigning us to patrol in groups to make sure we all get through this."
>>539072
"We we're already training earlier, it just happened to get interrupted. We'll probably step that up, but I'm sure everyone here will be grateful for knowing how to kill the other guy and not kill yourself with your weapon."
>>539064
"You apologize for being so late and burdening him with so many others you sent to him before you finally bucked it, that's what. Let's focus, we've lost only one rider so far, but we've got plenty of weapons to go about and I don't doubt they'll be assigning us to patrol in groups to make sure we all get through this."
>>539072
"We we're already training earlier, it just happened to get interrupted. We'll probably step that up, but I'm sure everyone here will be grateful for knowing how to kill the other guy and not kill yourself with your weapon."
>>539091
She looks at you strange.
"The heck you on about, I didn't know him!"
Then turns to reply to Sea.
"Get warm clothes?"
>>539096
"Oh nonono, my friend, the question is deeper!
I'm not talking of this cold. See the sun, up there?"
He points at the sky.
"It always shines on this side of the wall for six months and more, each year.
That's what they call summer.
But see how low on the horizon it is?
This means, on the other side of the wall, the sun never shines.
There's an everlasting shadow."
>>539101
"Because, before the tribes, before the wild animals, before the giants and even before the Night, the cold will be our first enemy, on the other side of the wall!"
She looks at you strange.
"The heck you on about, I didn't know him!"
Then turns to reply to Sea.
"Get warm clothes?"
>>539096
"Oh nonono, my friend, the question is deeper!
I'm not talking of this cold. See the sun, up there?"
He points at the sky.
"It always shines on this side of the wall for six months and more, each year.
That's what they call summer.
But see how low on the horizon it is?
This means, on the other side of the wall, the sun never shines.
There's an everlasting shadow."
>>539101
"Because, before the tribes, before the wild animals, before the giants and even before the Night, the cold will be our first enemy, on the other side of the wall!"
>>539105
"Good. Vodka is a nice solution. Just watch not to finish that bottle."
He then scratches his head.
"And… It's the second time you mention Sasha.
Who's he?"
>>539114
>>539115
"The main thing to watch out for are your hooves.
Walking through the snow saps all your strength out. It's the reason the Watch uses bears fo-"
He's distracted by Camain.
>>539107
Sea turns to you.
"Hey.
Are you listening to a word of what we say?"
"Good. Vodka is a nice solution. Just watch not to finish that bottle."
He then scratches his head.
"And… It's the second time you mention Sasha.
Who's he?"
>>539114
>>539115
"The main thing to watch out for are your hooves.
Walking through the snow saps all your strength out. It's the reason the Watch uses bears fo-"
He's distracted by Camain.
>>539107
Sea turns to you.
"Hey.
Are you listening to a word of what we say?"
>>539149
"Once the rush dies down we should definitely investigate.
Maybe talk to the stable keeper, or check with the local archivist."
He shakes his head.
"Your best warface might work. If we are against something that knows fear, that is."
>>539151
"That's why you are here for.
What we are all here for."
"Once the rush dies down we should definitely investigate.
Maybe talk to the stable keeper, or check with the local archivist."
He shakes his head.
"Your best warface might work. If we are against something that knows fear, that is."
>>539151
"That's why you are here for.
What we are all here for."
>>539155
"Won't be hard either. This Wall's been up for so long and it won't fall while we're here. Work with us and we'll make it through."
>>539162
"Just think of all the new things we'll meet and put down. We'll be needing someone to catalogue and work on it. Think of all the new things you'll have to work with."
"Won't be hard either. This Wall's been up for so long and it won't fall while we're here. Work with us and we'll make it through."
>>539162
"Just think of all the new things we'll meet and put down. We'll be needing someone to catalogue and work on it. Think of all the new things you'll have to work with."
>>539154
As if mag-
No scratch that.
By magic, by your magic, the flame is mesmerized.
The dancing of the lantern stops its erratic pattern and twists and turns, piercing the white and cold world imprisoning you, slipping through the iron bars imprisoning it.
In front of you, a mare stands. And at the same time, fire stands.
The shape, the thought, the feeling of her is there, but the alien image in front of you is instead of burning, twisting flames with no boundaries, turning and eating and consuming all, while standing still as a breath held for too long.
The energic, faceless form walks up to you, and with a tongue of fire, she roars.
And bows to Volodski.
Everyone in the Fort is staring at the summoned essence and has stopped doing whatever they were doing a moment before.
As if mag-
No scratch that.
By magic, by your magic, the flame is mesmerized.
The dancing of the lantern stops its erratic pattern and twists and turns, piercing the white and cold world imprisoning you, slipping through the iron bars imprisoning it.
In front of you, a mare stands. And at the same time, fire stands.
The shape, the thought, the feeling of her is there, but the alien image in front of you is instead of burning, twisting flames with no boundaries, turning and eating and consuming all, while standing still as a breath held for too long.
The energic, faceless form walks up to you, and with a tongue of fire, she roars.
And bows to Volodski.
Everyone in the Fort is staring at the summoned essence and has stopped doing whatever they were doing a moment before.
>>539178
Your horn shimmers the color of twilight, and the universe shrinks.
Right beside you, reality stretches and bends and turns and fights itself to stand still, as you break her with nothing more than your Will.
In an instant, the whole thing falls apart and shatters and squirms, almost if shrieking in pain, silently.
Then, a second before all of this, You happear beside you.
Your horn shimmers the color of twilight, and the universe shrinks.
Right beside you, reality stretches and bends and turns and fights itself to stand still, as you break her with nothing more than your Will.
In an instant, the whole thing falls apart and shatters and squirms, almost if shrieking in pain, silently.
Then, a second before all of this, You happear beside you.
Suddenly, Grog bursts out of the Commander's office, throwing open the door already ajar with a mighty kick.
"What's the meaning of this?"
He's embracing his large axe in a paw, and looking down.
>>539199
Just as the might of Truth flows through your hooves, and with little more than some pressure you shatter the illusion, which vanishes without a word, and make Star fall on the ground as a result.
>>539201
The copy's gone, donkey's popped it!
WITH MAGIC!
>>539200
That's the face of someone who's seen a monster.
But there's another face you should worry about. Grog's.
He's staring at you from the balcony of the Commander's office.
For the whole lot of one split second.
With a mighty leap, using a paw and the railing to help himself, he jumps to the ground, his armor clanging heavily.
But he doesn't rest and instead rushes forward, axe first, as if possessed, and races past you, slicing Sasha effortlessly in half, a blue shimmer on his axe the only trace of the strike.
Grog turns to your whole group, growling.
"One chance to explain."
"What's the meaning of this?"
He's embracing his large axe in a paw, and looking down.
>>539199
Just as the might of Truth flows through your hooves, and with little more than some pressure you shatter the illusion, which vanishes without a word, and make Star fall on the ground as a result.
>>539201
The copy's gone, donkey's popped it!
WITH MAGIC!
>>539200
That's the face of someone who's seen a monster.
But there's another face you should worry about. Grog's.
He's staring at you from the balcony of the Commander's office.
For the whole lot of one split second.
With a mighty leap, using a paw and the railing to help himself, he jumps to the ground, his armor clanging heavily.
But he doesn't rest and instead rushes forward, axe first, as if possessed, and races past you, slicing Sasha effortlessly in half, a blue shimmer on his axe the only trace of the strike.
Grog turns to your whole group, growling.
"One chance to explain."
>>539220
>>539222
>>539223
"No more discussion about this."
He raises to his feet, slings the axe behind his back and walks to the middle of the training square.
"Back to work.
There's training to be done."
>>539223
If you were wondering, the magic was visible. Spellbreak always is.
>>539224
The shadow glances back, a wicked smile on its lips.
If it had lips.
>>539221
"Get some better friends. Friends that won't get you killed."
After Grog leaves, everypony's eyes still linger on you, but they do their best to return to normality.
New Season is the first to approach.
"That was…
Awesome!"
Her eyes are starry as she speaks, she might even have cried.
>>539222
>>539223
"No more discussion about this."
He raises to his feet, slings the axe behind his back and walks to the middle of the training square.
"Back to work.
There's training to be done."
>>539223
If you were wondering, the magic was visible. Spellbreak always is.
>>539224
The shadow glances back, a wicked smile on its lips.
If it had lips.
>>539221
"Get some better friends. Friends that won't get you killed."
After Grog leaves, everypony's eyes still linger on you, but they do their best to return to normality.
New Season is the first to approach.
"That was…
Awesome!"
Her eyes are starry as she speaks, she might even have cried.
>>539237
Sea answers you quite readily, in a stern tone.
"Then you will be ready, no doubt."
>>539239
"Zigger, you blind?
Everypony was staring! It was the best thing ever!"
>>539241
"You are totally going places.
Everypony will want to know you now!"
>>539240
Sea snorts.
"It's just a trick of flames. She'll be back."
Sea answers you quite readily, in a stern tone.
"Then you will be ready, no doubt."
>>539239
"Zigger, you blind?
Everypony was staring! It was the best thing ever!"
>>539241
"You are totally going places.
Everypony will want to know you now!"
>>539240
Sea snorts.
"It's just a trick of flames. She'll be back."
>>539246
"Whoa there. Look, whatever you think I might be doing, I meant what I said earlier. We'll all get through this, even if I have to take charge 'n train ya."
I'll pick up a pair of sticks then.
"Here, maybe something happen that I ain't gonna pry into, so I'll let you shoot me to let it out. Whatever you think of me, I'm just right here, so go ahead and let it out. Try to shoot me while I try to block it."
"Whoa there. Look, whatever you think I might be doing, I meant what I said earlier. We'll all get through this, even if I have to take charge 'n train ya."
I'll pick up a pair of sticks then.
"Here, maybe something happen that I ain't gonna pry into, so I'll let you shoot me to let it out. Whatever you think of me, I'm just right here, so go ahead and let it out. Try to shoot me while I try to block it."
>>539248
"Tsk.
You were hiding something like that all along, I'm suddenly a lot less scared about your survival."
>>539249
"You keep saying that zigger. But nopony will bend over to give one to you."
She smirks.
>>539252
"Oh sure, she's your magic and all.
I'm sure you have a lot of good words for her.
All I know is she's gonna save all of your asses, on the other side of the wall."
>>539258
Sea turns to you.
"And you.
That thing with your hoof…
What was that, disintegration?
Did you pop the real Star and leave behind the copy?"
"Tsk.
You were hiding something like that all along, I'm suddenly a lot less scared about your survival."
>>539249
"You keep saying that zigger. But nopony will bend over to give one to you."
She smirks.
>>539252
"Oh sure, she's your magic and all.
I'm sure you have a lot of good words for her.
All I know is she's gonna save all of your asses, on the other side of the wall."
>>539258
Sea turns to you.
"And you.
That thing with your hoof…
What was that, disintegration?
Did you pop the real Star and leave behind the copy?"
A cry in the cold wakes you all up as the rooster flexes his mighty voice.
It's the dawn of the next day in the almost empty bunkhouse.
Nobody's here to wake you up this time.
The old troop goes through its classic, well oiled routine with uneasy tension, maybe a hint of fear in the uncertainty of their future.
The door opens, and through it, Grog comes in.
Legoba
You can't move, your every bone is as if frozen in place, despite the heavy sheets you are sleeping under.
It's the dawn of the next day in the almost empty bunkhouse.
Nobody's here to wake you up this time.
The old troop goes through its classic, well oiled routine with uneasy tension, maybe a hint of fear in the uncertainty of their future.
The door opens, and through it, Grog comes in.
Legoba
You can't move, your every bone is as if frozen in place, despite the heavy sheets you are sleeping under.
>>551608
>>551609
The beds are tied enough to leave officers who would care satisfied.
Seems like the large dog, though, isn't here for the beds.
He stops to look at the sleeping zebra.
>>551607
Without a word, you feel your world turn. Next thing you know, you are standing upside down, being lifted up by Grog by the back legs.
He's glaring daggers at you.
>>551611
Grog growls lowly.
"You will get yours in due time."
>>551609
The beds are tied enough to leave officers who would care satisfied.
Seems like the large dog, though, isn't here for the beds.
He stops to look at the sleeping zebra.
>>551607
Without a word, you feel your world turn. Next thing you know, you are standing upside down, being lifted up by Grog by the back legs.
He's glaring daggers at you.
>>551611
Grog growls lowly.
"You will get yours in due time."
>>551628
Upstairs, after a long hallway with dozens of doors, you end up in a tiny room, in a mix of bandages, oils and pots, where a single zebra mare sits, reading.
Your rushing manners make her turn around, her ice blue eyes, looking at you expectingly.
"Mh?"
>>551630
Grog just covers you back again and lets out a groan.
>>551634
"Do I look like I know that?
Maybe it's that damn magic you are all full of."
Upstairs, after a long hallway with dozens of doors, you end up in a tiny room, in a mix of bandages, oils and pots, where a single zebra mare sits, reading.
Your rushing manners make her turn around, her ice blue eyes, looking at you expectingly.
"Mh?"
>>551630
Grog just covers you back again and lets out a groan.
>>551634
"Do I look like I know that?
Maybe it's that damn magic you are all full of."
>>551651
As soon as you speak, she rushes down, leaving you without as much as a word.
>>551653
A zebra mare comes running to your bedside and Grog pulls the covers out to reveal your form to her.
She gasps and the bag she was carrying in her mouth falls off, to the ground in front of you.
"What on earth did you even do to end up like that!"
As soon as you speak, she rushes down, leaving you without as much as a word.
>>551653
A zebra mare comes running to your bedside and Grog pulls the covers out to reveal your form to her.
She gasps and the bag she was carrying in her mouth falls off, to the ground in front of you.
"What on earth did you even do to end up like that!"
>>551660
"Your whole body's a mess, for the spirits!
Lemme get you up!"
That's a biiiiig needle she's pulling out of the bag!
>>551659
You see everyone around Legoba's bed, looking on as the zebra starts treating him.
"Bandages, warm syrup, unguents…"
Barika pulls a large set of tools and starts working on Legoba. This will take a while.
>>551659
>>551654
Grog turns to you two.
"You."
He's squinting, a hard stare on his face.
"Your whole body's a mess, for the spirits!
Lemme get you up!"
That's a biiiiig needle she's pulling out of the bag!
>>551659
You see everyone around Legoba's bed, looking on as the zebra starts treating him.
"Bandages, warm syrup, unguents…"
Barika pulls a large set of tools and starts working on Legoba. This will take a while.
>>551659
>>551654
Grog turns to you two.
"You."
He's squinting, a hard stare on his face.
>>551666
She winces.
"You will if you talk about that ever again."
She's climbed onto your bed, starting to pass the warm bandages all over your body, but you can't feel almost anything as her hooves run through your frozen coat.
>>551667
>>551676
Keeping up the hard stare, he talks.
"Follow me."
He turns around and leaves the bunkhouse.
She winces.
"You will if you talk about that ever again."
She's climbed onto your bed, starting to pass the warm bandages all over your body, but you can't feel almost anything as her hooves run through your frozen coat.
>>551667
>>551676
Keeping up the hard stare, he talks.
"Follow me."
He turns around and leaves the bunkhouse.
>>551679
>>551680
He leads you both in front of the commander's office, on the floor above the dining hall, and as you walk the balcony you can feel the stolen glances some of the other ponies are giving you.
Grog knocks, and a muttered reply can be heard from inside.
He opens the door.
"Go in."
The office is dark, and nothing can be seen from here.
>>551680
He leads you both in front of the commander's office, on the floor above the dining hall, and as you walk the balcony you can feel the stolen glances some of the other ponies are giving you.
Grog knocks, and a muttered reply can be heard from inside.
He opens the door.
"Go in."
The office is dark, and nothing can be seen from here.
>>551687
>>551688
The first thing you notice is, the place is much more vivid on the inside. The darkness which seemed to envelope it entirely disappears to give way to a warmly lit, well furbished and large office, with bookshelves on the walls, blazing lanterns burning all around and a large red and gold rug with the symbol of the night's watch emblazed upon it, above which stands a large ebony desk…
And behind the desk, stands the Lady Commander.
This tall Earth pony, her coat like dark amber and her mane long and flowing in its dull brown color, is seating on what seems the rest of the crystal throne from the dining hall, lazily slunched over as a hoof rubs her temple, and dark brown eyes peer deep into yours.
She doesn't speak.
>>551681
She's done patching you, and steps away as a warm sensation washes over your body.
"How did you even manage to hurt so much and make it back here?
Why not come to me instantly?"
You can move again!
>>551688
The first thing you notice is, the place is much more vivid on the inside. The darkness which seemed to envelope it entirely disappears to give way to a warmly lit, well furbished and large office, with bookshelves on the walls, blazing lanterns burning all around and a large red and gold rug with the symbol of the night's watch emblazed upon it, above which stands a large ebony desk…
And behind the desk, stands the Lady Commander.
This tall Earth pony, her coat like dark amber and her mane long and flowing in its dull brown color, is seating on what seems the rest of the crystal throne from the dining hall, lazily slunched over as a hoof rubs her temple, and dark brown eyes peer deep into yours.
She doesn't speak.
>>551681
She's done patching you, and steps away as a warm sensation washes over your body.
"How did you even manage to hurt so much and make it back here?
Why not come to me instantly?"
You can move again!
>>551704
>>551708
She nods, slow and methodical, her eyes glaring at you both as if full of hate.
"I saw your show, yesteday."
her voice is raspy and low, hard to understand at first glance.
>>551705
"You surely can't have frozen almost to death in your own bed!"
She no pony, she zebra.
Zebra in her 40s with eyes blue as ice.
>>551708
She nods, slow and methodical, her eyes glaring at you both as if full of hate.
"I saw your show, yesteday."
her voice is raspy and low, hard to understand at first glance.
>>551705
"You surely can't have frozen almost to death in your own bed!"
She no pony, she zebra.
Zebra in her 40s with eyes blue as ice.
>>551717
"It is not against the rules, no."
>>551720
She lunges slowly forward, putting both hooves over the black mogany table, staring at you both.
"You saw what happened yesterday. Beside your show."
>>551718
She blinks in mild surprise and starts packing her bag, not looking at you.
"Gift from my mother."
"It is not against the rules, no."
>>551720
She lunges slowly forward, putting both hooves over the black mogany table, staring at you both.
"You saw what happened yesterday. Beside your show."
>>551718
She blinks in mild surprise and starts packing her bag, not looking at you.
"Gift from my mother."
>>551739
She nods.
"Winter is coming. I can't send anypony behind the wall. Too dangerous, too cold.
And if the tribes attack, I will need the veterans protecting our fort, teaching the younglings.
But you are not veterans, you are a group of ponies with a very particular set of skills.
Skills that can save yourselves.
Save us."
>>551742
Where did you put the dagger, yesterday?
She nods.
"Winter is coming. I can't send anypony behind the wall. Too dangerous, too cold.
And if the tribes attack, I will need the veterans protecting our fort, teaching the younglings.
But you are not veterans, you are a group of ponies with a very particular set of skills.
Skills that can save yourselves.
Save us."
>>551742
Where did you put the dagger, yesterday?
>>551751
Noted.
Once outside, Grog turns his head from the training to look at you.
Straaaaight in your eyes. The only not-bandaged part of your body, really.
Your mummy attire elicits a few giggles around.
>>551752
She puts two small dagger on the table, its black sheat lined with silver leaves and gold lines as decoration.
"Rangers.
Traveling north to uncover the truth about our missing raider."
Noted.
Once outside, Grog turns his head from the training to look at you.
Straaaaight in your eyes. The only not-bandaged part of your body, really.
Your mummy attire elicits a few giggles around.
>>551752
She puts two small dagger on the table, its black sheat lined with silver leaves and gold lines as decoration.
"Rangers.
Traveling north to uncover the truth about our missing raider."
>>551760
"You took too long pal.
Gotta wait for them to finish."
He points up, at the commander's office.
"I think you will hear news soon."
>>551762
She stares into your eyes.
"And you will lead them."
>>551764
"Find out what happened to the missing rider.
Find anyone involved.
Report back before you die in the cold.
And bring the others ones with you.
Dismissed."
"You took too long pal.
Gotta wait for them to finish."
He points up, at the commander's office.
"I think you will hear news soon."
>>551762
She stares into your eyes.
"And you will lead them."
>>551764
"Find out what happened to the missing rider.
Find anyone involved.
Report back before you die in the cold.
And bring the others ones with you.
Dismissed."
>>551787
You leave without even glancing at the commander and make it for the door.
>>551786
"So, how did'ya find yourself covered in ice?"
>>551790
>>551788
Finally regaining some basic composture, Fortune manages to assert himself over his fears and stands tall by the door, floating his dagger over to himself as Ogaden takes his and reaches him by the door.
"Assemble a team."
You leave without even glancing at the commander and make it for the door.
>>551786
"So, how did'ya find yourself covered in ice?"
>>551790
>>551788
Finally regaining some basic composture, Fortune manages to assert himself over his fears and stands tall by the door, floating his dagger over to himself as Ogaden takes his and reaches him by the door.
"Assemble a team."
>>551798
Out.
You see Grog interrogating a mummy in the middle of the training fields.
>>551799
Sprinting like wind past a bandaged head to hoof Legoba, you tun to the same corner of the training fields where yesterday your little group sparred.
Here, Seas and New are chatting.
Or better, Seas is trying to hit New with a spear as she talks about girly things and dodges left and right with astounding ease.
Out.
You see Grog interrogating a mummy in the middle of the training fields.
>>551799
Sprinting like wind past a bandaged head to hoof Legoba, you tun to the same corner of the training fields where yesterday your little group sparred.
Here, Seas and New are chatting.
Or better, Seas is trying to hit New with a spear as she talks about girly things and dodges left and right with astounding ease.
>>551834
"I know nothing, Ogaoga."
>>551834
>>551835
He takes a step back and shakes my head.
"Heck, you don't even have to ask me twice!
Of course I want to be a ranger!
But this is crazy, why are they even sendin you instead of somepony with experience?!"
>>551837
"I'm not the…"
He just groans and covers his face with a paw.
"I know nothing, Ogaoga."
>>551834
>>551835
He takes a step back and shakes my head.
"Heck, you don't even have to ask me twice!
Of course I want to be a ranger!
But this is crazy, why are they even sendin you instead of somepony with experience?!"
>>551837
"I'm not the…"
He just groans and covers his face with a paw.
>>551844
"Sounds fun.
More fun than this place at least."
>>551845
"Look, I don't even care anymore!"
He's excitedly picking weapons off the rack.
"We should get ready to head out!
Need food, and clothes, and a mount, and proper weapons, and tools, and medical supplies, and basic training…"
He keeps going on and on.
"We better start working on that right now!"
"Sounds fun.
More fun than this place at least."
>>551845
"Look, I don't even care anymore!"
He's excitedly picking weapons off the rack.
"We should get ready to head out!
Need food, and clothes, and a mount, and proper weapons, and tools, and medical supplies, and basic training…"
He keeps going on and on.
"We better start working on that right now!"
>>551880
"Hey!"
New frowns at you, but just leaves.
>>551890
A few ponies snicker. Others linger on you for a little more than you are comfortable with.
Most, just don't care.
But some…
Some have a different look in their eyes, when they realize what it is you are carrying.
You are currently gathered near the training weapons racks, Culling Sea was sparring with New Season, but they both stopped as Ogaden and Fortune Star came back from the Commander's office, with important news, and shining new daggers.
Sea speaks up, trying to grab everyone's attention.
"First of all, we will need real weapons."
"Hey!"
New frowns at you, but just leaves.
>>551890
A few ponies snicker. Others linger on you for a little more than you are comfortable with.
Most, just don't care.
But some…
Some have a different look in their eyes, when they realize what it is you are carrying.
You are currently gathered near the training weapons racks, Culling Sea was sparring with New Season, but they both stopped as Ogaden and Fortune Star came back from the Commander's office, with important news, and shining new daggers.
Sea speaks up, trying to grab everyone's attention.
"First of all, we will need real weapons."
>>555517
Hard wake up, Ogaden and Star were led by Grog into the commander's office, they came back appointed rangers and have explained how all of you have been instructed to go on a mission outside the Wall, to find what happened to the missing rider.
>>555520
"I don't know, creepy fuck!
I'm not the Night!"
She keps rubbing and takes a step back.
>>555521
"Well, if you have to find him, that's easy…"
Sea lifts a hoof and points you to the nearby smithing stand, a modest workshop which faces out onto the training square, tools and unfinished works dangling off the roof.
>>555522
>>555523
"Onwards to our death, probably.
Other things we will need are mounts, provisons, maybe tools, and warm clothes.
Star and Ogaden know what our mission is better than me, they should explain."
Hard wake up, Ogaden and Star were led by Grog into the commander's office, they came back appointed rangers and have explained how all of you have been instructed to go on a mission outside the Wall, to find what happened to the missing rider.
>>555520
"I don't know, creepy fuck!
I'm not the Night!"
She keps rubbing and takes a step back.
>>555521
"Well, if you have to find him, that's easy…"
Sea lifts a hoof and points you to the nearby smithing stand, a modest workshop which faces out onto the training square, tools and unfinished works dangling off the roof.
>>555522
>>555523
"Onwards to our death, probably.
Other things we will need are mounts, provisons, maybe tools, and warm clothes.
Star and Ogaden know what our mission is better than me, they should explain."
>>555526
You can hear a distinct hammering sound coming from somewhere near the heated-up forge, but beside the orange flames coming from it, shadows envelope the scene.
>>555527
Sea chuckles.
"If we are northbound?
You can bet your ass they are gonna let us take booze."
>>555529
Sea turns to you.
"You should decide on who's gona take care of which task before we leave.
To make this faster."
>>555528
"That is only up to you."
>>555525
"Not to hit me with it!"
She's getting angry.
You can hear a distinct hammering sound coming from somewhere near the heated-up forge, but beside the orange flames coming from it, shadows envelope the scene.
>>555527
Sea chuckles.
"If we are northbound?
You can bet your ass they are gonna let us take booze."
>>555529
Sea turns to you.
"You should decide on who's gona take care of which task before we leave.
To make this faster."
>>555528
"That is only up to you."
>>555525
"Not to hit me with it!"
She's getting angry.
>>555531
Culling Sea, you met him at the banquet two days ago, the night you first came here.
He introduced himself as secondborn of House Maneria, and is a well-dressed, well fed cyan unicorn.
And then there's New Season, a bald mare with a light orange coat, sporting the normal grey winter gear all of you have gotten from the lockers near your bunks.
You met her on the cart leading you here.
>>555532
There is no door in the workshop to knock on, since it's literally an open space under a roof, growing out of one of the side buildings and into a corner of the training square.
So instead you knock one of the supporting wooden poles keeping the roof up.
As you approach, you can make out a thin, equine figure.
"Fer a renger, elways."
The voice is raspy but high pitched.
Culling Sea, you met him at the banquet two days ago, the night you first came here.
He introduced himself as secondborn of House Maneria, and is a well-dressed, well fed cyan unicorn.
And then there's New Season, a bald mare with a light orange coat, sporting the normal grey winter gear all of you have gotten from the lockers near your bunks.
You met her on the cart leading you here.
>>555532
There is no door in the workshop to knock on, since it's literally an open space under a roof, growing out of one of the side buildings and into a corner of the training square.
So instead you knock one of the supporting wooden poles keeping the roof up.
As you approach, you can make out a thin, equine figure.
"Fer a renger, elways."
The voice is raspy but high pitched.
>>555537
Can I get a clearer vision on who we're dealing with?
"It's going to take a while to come to terms with that term, but I'm already liking it. I'm Ogaden, just came 'round to make sure there was a Smith ready 'fore we march out into the snow. I heard some hammerin', Mind if I ask what you're working on?"
Can I get a clearer vision on who we're dealing with?
"It's going to take a while to come to terms with that term, but I'm already liking it. I'm Ogaden, just came 'round to make sure there was a Smith ready 'fore we march out into the snow. I heard some hammerin', Mind if I ask what you're working on?"
>>555539
You still have no proof of your status as ranger.
But this doesn't stop you from finding the kitchen without even asking for the way, simply stumpling into it by moving through the dinner hall and taking a left, a right, a left again, up and down the stairs and then a right.
And a left.
The kitchen staff, made up mostly by a few older mares and stallions, all turns to look at you, stopping their preparations for tonight's dinner.
>>555540
>>555541
"Hey, it's fine, I can take him!"
She picks up a wooden lance in her teeth, pointing it at Legoba.
"C'mon! I will beat you silly!"
>>555541
"For weapons, Ogaden's already working on that.
We need still bears, at the stable, and food, from the quartermaster, and maybe the blessing of the Three before leaving?"
He looks unsure on the last part.
"Oh, and clothes. And tools!"
You still have no proof of your status as ranger.
But this doesn't stop you from finding the kitchen without even asking for the way, simply stumpling into it by moving through the dinner hall and taking a left, a right, a left again, up and down the stairs and then a right.
And a left.
The kitchen staff, made up mostly by a few older mares and stallions, all turns to look at you, stopping their preparations for tonight's dinner.
>>555540
>>555541
"Hey, it's fine, I can take him!"
She picks up a wooden lance in her teeth, pointing it at Legoba.
"C'mon! I will beat you silly!"
>>555541
"For weapons, Ogaden's already working on that.
We need still bears, at the stable, and food, from the quartermaster, and maybe the blessing of the Three before leaving?"
He looks unsure on the last part.
"Oh, and clothes. And tools!"
>>555549
>>555550
As you try to overpower her, she simply let's go of the spear's handle for a moment, allowing it to rotate in her mouth and whip your stripy side as she hardens her grip once more.
Legoba 3/5
Season 5/3
>>555551
The old cuple looks at each other and just starts laughing.
>>555542
>>555552
Sorry.
Walking closer to the fire, you can see the flames cast their orange light on a thin, young pegasus.
You can't guess his coat color, as his face is covered in black spots of grease and smoke.
>>555553
"Gotcha."
He trots off towards one of the buildings.
The stable should be familiar to you, it's where you ran into hiding just yesterday!
>>555554
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>555550
As you try to overpower her, she simply let's go of the spear's handle for a moment, allowing it to rotate in her mouth and whip your stripy side as she hardens her grip once more.
Legoba 3/5
Season 5/3
>>555551
The old cuple looks at each other and just starts laughing.
>>555542
>>555552
Sorry.
Walking closer to the fire, you can see the flames cast their orange light on a thin, young pegasus.
You can't guess his coat color, as his face is covered in black spots of grease and smoke.
>>555553
"Gotcha."
He trots off towards one of the buildings.
The stable should be familiar to you, it's where you ran into hiding just yesterday!
>>555554
'1d10'
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>555558
>>555562
Trying to use your vicinity at your advantage, you spin around and lift a hoof to hit her on the cheek, but as your body twists around you can feel the back of your neck burning and cracking, as the stick in Season's mouth hits you from your blindspot.
Legoba 0/5
Season 3/3
She smirks and stands in front of you, looking at your helpless form on the ground.
"Had 'nuff?"
>>555559
"Do dat."
Finally coming into view, you notice he's slaving away on a silver helmet, still in what might be considered the roughest of its shapes, lacking decorations or an even form yet.
But his eyes are focused.
"Y'need wepon y'say?"
>>555561
As you cut through the training square, you can feel everyone's stare on your back, all of them slowing down or stopping what they are doing to stare at the dagger stripped to your side, a slow murmur rising.
The stables are here, on the other side of the square…
The jenny from yesterday is feeding one of the bears.
>>555562
Trying to use your vicinity at your advantage, you spin around and lift a hoof to hit her on the cheek, but as your body twists around you can feel the back of your neck burning and cracking, as the stick in Season's mouth hits you from your blindspot.
Legoba 0/5
Season 3/3
She smirks and stands in front of you, looking at your helpless form on the ground.
"Had 'nuff?"
>>555559
"Do dat."
Finally coming into view, you notice he's slaving away on a silver helmet, still in what might be considered the roughest of its shapes, lacking decorations or an even form yet.
But his eyes are focused.
"Y'need wepon y'say?"
>>555561
As you cut through the training square, you can feel everyone's stare on your back, all of them slowing down or stopping what they are doing to stare at the dagger stripped to your side, a slow murmur rising.
The stables are here, on the other side of the square…
The jenny from yesterday is feeding one of the bears.
>>555564
She moves the spear right above your head, and as you try to flip, your head bonks into it.
With a giggle, she drops it.
"Now we are even."
>>555565
"Aye, e'rry ranger gets his sword. T's tradition. Might'a take your sizes."
>>555557
The old stallion turns to you, his mane white as snow and his coat a pale purple.
"We don't give alcohol to you bums. Go back to work."
She moves the spear right above your head, and as you try to flip, your head bonks into it.
With a giggle, she drops it.
"Now we are even."
>>555565
"Aye, e'rry ranger gets his sword. T's tradition. Might'a take your sizes."
>>555557
The old stallion turns to you, his mane white as snow and his coat a pale purple.
"We don't give alcohol to you bums. Go back to work."
>>555571
They both raise a brow.
"You.. What?
Is this about yesterday?"
>>555569
"You were beaten by a girl with a wooden stick instead! Shame on you!"
She offers you a hoof to stand up.
>>555570
You visited the smith's workshop actually.
It's nearby, and Ogaden is talking to the pony you met the other day.
>>555574
She looks up, gazing into your eyes as if trying to weight your soul through them.
"Oh, the new blood.
Is it about order, about glory, or about regret for you?"
They both raise a brow.
"You.. What?
Is this about yesterday?"
>>555569
"You were beaten by a girl with a wooden stick instead! Shame on you!"
She offers you a hoof to stand up.
>>555570
You visited the smith's workshop actually.
It's nearby, and Ogaden is talking to the pony you met the other day.
>>555574
She looks up, gazing into your eyes as if trying to weight your soul through them.
"Oh, the new blood.
Is it about order, about glory, or about regret for you?"
>>555580
"Whoa now, don't start throwing big words around!
We don't know about no mission planned, what's that you gotta do up north?"
>>555581
"Ah'm warnin' ya, don start sniffin' round my plashe like lasht time."
You do locate the door to the armory.
>>555582
She helps you up.
"Looks like the others are gone."
>>555584
She nods.
"Suit yourself."
There are at least two dozen bears here, each in his own little stall.
"Might want to start from one of the smallest ones. They are 'bout your size."
"Whoa now, don't start throwing big words around!
We don't know about no mission planned, what's that you gotta do up north?"
>>555581
"Ah'm warnin' ya, don start sniffin' round my plashe like lasht time."
You do locate the door to the armory.
>>555582
She helps you up.
"Looks like the others are gone."
>>555584
She nods.
"Suit yourself."
There are at least two dozen bears here, each in his own little stall.
"Might want to start from one of the smallest ones. They are 'bout your size."
>>555587
He just shakes his head, and goes back talking to Ogaden.
You reach the armory's door, and open it.
Here, dozen of weapons of every kind, neatly categorized and lied out in racks create corridors narrow enough for only one pony at a time to walk.
What are you looking for?
>>555590
"Bah."
The mare speaks up.
"Let'him have it, if it's a cheat Grog's just gonna snap his neck."
"Yeah, could do that…"
The stallion smirks, stands up and brings you a crate of vodka.
With a smirk, he looks at you.
"Enough?"
>>555592
The small bear starts growling as you approach, baring his teeth and hinching closer, with eyes full of defiance.
"Maybe…
Not that one."
The jenny stands inbetween you two and immediatly the bear goes back into his place.
"No idea why he acted so angry…"
He just shakes his head, and goes back talking to Ogaden.
You reach the armory's door, and open it.
Here, dozen of weapons of every kind, neatly categorized and lied out in racks create corridors narrow enough for only one pony at a time to walk.
What are you looking for?
>>555590
"Bah."
The mare speaks up.
"Let'him have it, if it's a cheat Grog's just gonna snap his neck."
"Yeah, could do that…"
The stallion smirks, stands up and brings you a crate of vodka.
With a smirk, he looks at you.
"Enough?"
>>555592
The small bear starts growling as you approach, baring his teeth and hinching closer, with eyes full of defiance.
"Maybe…
Not that one."
The jenny stands inbetween you two and immediatly the bear goes back into his place.
"No idea why he acted so angry…"
>>555602
The stallion looks at you, then at the old lady, then back at you.
"Heck yeah, drive yourself crazy! Not like we can't conjure this stuff."
And another crate it is, just as large as the other.
>>555601
Suddenly, the whole stable explodes in a mix of roars and whimpers as what you thought an almost unhaudible note sends the bears into a fit of rage and pain.
The jenny looks paniched, and is trying to calm them down.
'1d10'
The mayem can be heard clearly from the square.
Roll #1 10 = 10
The stallion looks at you, then at the old lady, then back at you.
"Heck yeah, drive yourself crazy! Not like we can't conjure this stuff."
And another crate it is, just as large as the other.
>>555601
Suddenly, the whole stable explodes in a mix of roars and whimpers as what you thought an almost unhaudible note sends the bears into a fit of rage and pain.
The jenny looks paniched, and is trying to calm them down.
'1d10'
The mayem can be heard clearly from the square.
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>555605
Best looking is really subjective.
Which kind of weapon do you want?
And keep in mind, the others need weapons aswell.
>>555613
>>555606
The young bear you were talking to bursts out of his stall and rushes for you, and instantly your fears sieze you up, your eyes shutting close and your body freezing in place…
Many seconds later, when you open your eyes again, silence greets you, the bears are calm…
And the jenny is standing inbetween you and the bear, gently hugging it as she hums something into his fur.
Finally, after what seems like forever, the bear relaxes and goes back into him stall, a low grunt leaving him mouth.
The jenny turns to you and sighs.
"You okay?"
>>555607
As you start heading back through the strange path, three stallions stand in your way before the last turn.
What looks like the leader, if nothing because he's at least twice as tall as the others, speaks up.
"Hey hey hey.
Look who's here. Grog's new buttpal."
Best looking is really subjective.
Which kind of weapon do you want?
And keep in mind, the others need weapons aswell.
>>555613
>>555606
The young bear you were talking to bursts out of his stall and rushes for you, and instantly your fears sieze you up, your eyes shutting close and your body freezing in place…
Many seconds later, when you open your eyes again, silence greets you, the bears are calm…
And the jenny is standing inbetween you and the bear, gently hugging it as she hums something into his fur.
Finally, after what seems like forever, the bear relaxes and goes back into him stall, a low grunt leaving him mouth.
The jenny turns to you and sighs.
"You okay?"
>>555607
As you start heading back through the strange path, three stallions stand in your way before the last turn.
What looks like the leader, if nothing because he's at least twice as tall as the others, speaks up.
"Hey hey hey.
Look who's here. Grog's new buttpal."
>>555615
No cart. How ever shall a brilliant inventor like you do?
>>555616
They start circling you.
"What's in the crates?"
>>555618
She moves around and past you, ignoring your freezen posture.
"You must have done something to scare them so much.
The young one thought you were a threat, you know…"
Then, she looks back at you.
"You comin' or what?"
>>555619
Season shrudders.
"That guy's a creep.
I needed new boots and for some reason he had to feel all my hooves up!"
No cart. How ever shall a brilliant inventor like you do?
>>555616
They start circling you.
"What's in the crates?"
>>555618
She moves around and past you, ignoring your freezen posture.
"You must have done something to scare them so much.
The young one thought you were a threat, you know…"
Then, she looks back at you.
"You comin' or what?"
>>555619
Season shrudders.
"That guy's a creep.
I needed new boots and for some reason he had to feel all my hooves up!"
>>555622
As you leave, New shouts after you.
"HE HANGS BY THE CHURCH!"
Go there?
With the corner of your eye, you can notice Sea lean near New.
"So…
Your hooves?"
But they are out of earshot by now.
>>555623
You do have the ability to build one, and have a base for the cart.
What use as wheels?
>>555624
"That's why I'm working with the bears, and not Grog. Or Sudden."
She seems pretty amused at the last name.
As you stop, one of the bears leans with his head out of his stall to sniff you over.
The jenny's eyes shoot wide and she motions you to stay as still as possible.
>>555626
>>555627
"We will take those."
The two smaller ponies are coming closer.
As you leave, New shouts after you.
"HE HANGS BY THE CHURCH!"
Go there?
With the corner of your eye, you can notice Sea lean near New.
"So…
Your hooves?"
But they are out of earshot by now.
>>555623
You do have the ability to build one, and have a base for the cart.
What use as wheels?
>>555624
"That's why I'm working with the bears, and not Grog. Or Sudden."
She seems pretty amused at the last name.
As you stop, one of the bears leans with his head out of his stall to sniff you over.
The jenny's eyes shoot wide and she motions you to stay as still as possible.
>>555626
>>555627
"We will take those."
The two smaller ponies are coming closer.
>>555630
You backtracking.
Sea pulls away and acts as if nothing happened.
New, who actually thinks nothing happened, just shrugs.
"He's also the chaplain, wore loadsa holy stuff."
>>555632
Not even a bit. Having a bear head the size of your body sniff all over you triggers some primordial fear akin the lines of OHMYGODITSGONNAEATMEALIVE, and yous whole body shakes as shivers, your eyes refusing to open and your legs refusing to move under your control.
Then, suddenly, his large tongue licks your face.
>>555631
The leader picks up the bottle.
"Not good enough! We are three, and this is just one!
You have at least a dozen bottles in there!"
"Yeah!"
"Right!"
>>555633
A sleid.
Which would be perfect if it wasn't for the fact you are on stone right now!
No need to roll after the first success. Also, you can ask for a list of stuff around here.
You backtracking.
Sea pulls away and acts as if nothing happened.
New, who actually thinks nothing happened, just shrugs.
"He's also the chaplain, wore loadsa holy stuff."
>>555632
Not even a bit. Having a bear head the size of your body sniff all over you triggers some primordial fear akin the lines of OHMYGODITSGONNAEATMEALIVE, and yous whole body shakes as shivers, your eyes refusing to open and your legs refusing to move under your control.
Then, suddenly, his large tongue licks your face.
>>555631
The leader picks up the bottle.
"Not good enough! We are three, and this is just one!
You have at least a dozen bottles in there!"
"Yeah!"
"Right!"
>>555633
A sleid.
Which would be perfect if it wasn't for the fact you are on stone right now!
No need to roll after the first success. Also, you can ask for a list of stuff around here.
>>555637
"What, you want me to come?"
Sea looks confused.
>>555638
They laugh.
"No way tovabitch.
We can't get it there, Grog would kill us.
Two more bottles!"
>>555639
You turn to look at the bear and…
Instantly you notice the different fur color. Unlike all the others, he's a dark brown instead of a snow black, probably a different kind of bear entirely. And one of his eyes's missing.
This is exactly where you go poke him, and he lets out an angry growl, pushing you a few steps back.
The jenny looks impressed.
"He…
Didn't eat you?"
"What, you want me to come?"
Sea looks confused.
>>555638
They laugh.
"No way tovabitch.
We can't get it there, Grog would kill us.
Two more bottles!"
>>555639
You turn to look at the bear and…
Instantly you notice the different fur color. Unlike all the others, he's a dark brown instead of a snow black, probably a different kind of bear entirely. And one of his eyes's missing.
This is exactly where you go poke him, and he lets out an angry growl, pushing you a few steps back.
The jenny looks impressed.
"He…
Didn't eat you?"
>>555644
Off to the chapel!
It's a small, cobblestone-and-marble building with narrow and tall glassless windows, lines of wooden benches placed before three altars…
And it's incredibly empty.
Not a single decoration or image adorns it, not one celebration of the Three, not one candle, not one poem hanging from the walls…
Sitting in one of the benches, you see a dark coated unicorn.
New points at him, looks at you, and nods.
>>555646
Nyet is the answer you get from Sasha aswell, as the two smaller stallions move closer, to your sides.
The boss takes another step aswell, staring you down.
"I don't understand you fucked up tongue, so I'm gonna ask once more and once more only.
Give. Me. More. Bottles."
>>555647
He lets out a bear-shout in understanding and nudges towards the offending hoof.
"He's one of our oldest bears.
Retired by now."
Off to the chapel!
It's a small, cobblestone-and-marble building with narrow and tall glassless windows, lines of wooden benches placed before three altars…
And it's incredibly empty.
Not a single decoration or image adorns it, not one celebration of the Three, not one candle, not one poem hanging from the walls…
Sitting in one of the benches, you see a dark coated unicorn.
New points at him, looks at you, and nods.
>>555646
Nyet is the answer you get from Sasha aswell, as the two smaller stallions move closer, to your sides.
The boss takes another step aswell, staring you down.
"I don't understand you fucked up tongue, so I'm gonna ask once more and once more only.
Give. Me. More. Bottles."
>>555647
He lets out a bear-shout in understanding and nudges towards the offending hoof.
"He's one of our oldest bears.
Retired by now."
>>555650
The stallion looks up from his book and glances you over. Somehow, you feel unnerved by his stare.
"I am."
>>555653
"Boulder, the dark."
The jenny starts petting him aswell.
"I think he wants… To bite your hoof."
The bear keeps nudging your hoof with his nuzzle.
>>555656
One of the torches lets out a puff and grabs the attention of the boss, that stops hitting you.
"Hey!
You guys saw that?"
The stallion looks up from his book and glances you over. Somehow, you feel unnerved by his stare.
"I am."
>>555653
"Boulder, the dark."
The jenny starts petting him aswell.
"I think he wants… To bite your hoof."
The bear keeps nudging your hoof with his nuzzle.
>>555656
One of the torches lets out a puff and grabs the attention of the boss, that stops hitting you.
"Hey!
You guys saw that?"
>>555666
He puts the book down.
"Now. Where are you going exactly?"
>>555667
"Not in a bad way, mind you. Probably just as a test of trust."
>>555668
They are all standard issue!
But this one looks shinier.
>>555669
"I don't fucking c-"
WHOOOOOMP!!
A fiery explosion envelopes the hallway as the torch's flame comes to life.
The heatwave pushes the two ponies holding you up off you, and forces the boss to turn…
Just to be petrified.
You have surprise on him. +2 this turn if you decide to attack.
He puts the book down.
"Now. Where are you going exactly?"
>>555667
"Not in a bad way, mind you. Probably just as a test of trust."
>>555668
They are all standard issue!
But this one looks shinier.
>>555669
"I don't fucking c-"
WHOOOOOMP!!
A fiery explosion envelopes the hallway as the torch's flame comes to life.
The heatwave pushes the two ponies holding you up off you, and forces the boss to turn…
Just to be petrified.
You have surprise on him. +2 this turn if you decide to attack.
>>555675
"Y-yeah! I don't even want your stupid vodka anyway!"
He throws the bottle at you and runs away.
Roll to catch and tell me if you let him pass.
>>555677
"That much was obvious, dimwit.
What is your mission on the other side of the Wall, though, that much I need to know."
>>555679
She lets you in and closes the gate behind you, watching from the other side with a hopeful smile.
The bear is imposing, at least four times your size, his fur turning grey in a few spots.
As you enter, he steps back, giving you space, and staring at you with his one good eye.
"Y-yeah! I don't even want your stupid vodka anyway!"
He throws the bottle at you and runs away.
Roll to catch and tell me if you let him pass.
>>555677
"That much was obvious, dimwit.
What is your mission on the other side of the Wall, though, that much I need to know."
>>555679
She lets you in and closes the gate behind you, watching from the other side with a hopeful smile.
The bear is imposing, at least four times your size, his fur turning grey in a few spots.
As you enter, he steps back, giving you space, and staring at you with his one good eye.
>>555843
His maws close upon your hoof, and suddenly you regret this greatly…
But they do not bite into it, not ripping flesh from bone, no…
Instead, the old bear softly pokes your hoof with his teeth, as if trying to shake it, and then gives it a vigorous lick before letting go.
He rears back and lets out a happy growl, keeping his head up high.
>>555844
Almost, but you fumble a bit with it before getting a steady grip.
Sasha bows down gently and steps aside, allowing the big, bad baby to run away.
His maws close upon your hoof, and suddenly you regret this greatly…
But they do not bite into it, not ripping flesh from bone, no…
Instead, the old bear softly pokes your hoof with his teeth, as if trying to shake it, and then gives it a vigorous lick before letting go.
He rears back and lets out a happy growl, keeping his head up high.
>>555844
Almost, but you fumble a bit with it before getting a steady grip.
Sasha bows down gently and steps aside, allowing the big, bad baby to run away.
>>556204
He leads your trio to a backdoor in the chapel, and pushing it open you find yourself in his 'office'.
Bookshelves cover the walls and a dim candelight sheads an orange hue on them.
A large, chunky desk lies near the end of the office, and paintings depicting strange medical practices are hanging behind it.
Strangerly, there are no chairs.
"Now. Let's take your order, shall we?"
He throws you a pen.
"Rope, some good old rope is always needed.
And food.
Warm clothes.
Vaseline.
Lots of alcohol and water to rehidratete you.
Shiny marbles to impress the natives.
A sleid to bring all of this.
Sleepbags.
A tent."
He stops and looks at you.
"Taking note?"
He leads your trio to a backdoor in the chapel, and pushing it open you find yourself in his 'office'.
Bookshelves cover the walls and a dim candelight sheads an orange hue on them.
A large, chunky desk lies near the end of the office, and paintings depicting strange medical practices are hanging behind it.
Strangerly, there are no chairs.
"Now. Let's take your order, shall we?"
He throws you a pen.
"Rope, some good old rope is always needed.
And food.
Warm clothes.
Vaseline.
Lots of alcohol and water to rehidratete you.
Shiny marbles to impress the natives.
A sleid to bring all of this.
Sleepbags.
A tent."
He stops and looks at you.
"Taking note?"
>>555976
You hike back through the snowy ground, the grey clothes on your back just a little lighter than they were when you first put them on.
Back at the meeting point, Lagoba is just coming back, with Sea and New in tow.
Camain and Volodsky are here aswell, chatting it over a makeshift sleid full of weapons, made of weapons.
You hike back through the snowy ground, the grey clothes on your back just a little lighter than they were when you first put them on.
Back at the meeting point, Lagoba is just coming back, with Sea and New in tow.
Camain and Volodsky are here aswell, chatting it over a makeshift sleid full of weapons, made of weapons.
>>559688
"Soon you will be. You're bound to prove yourself Seas." I say more relaxed. "And that will make us equals.. " I smile and sit next to him.
"As for the mounts it was exciting. " I start in a story telling voice "I went in and tried to talk to one of the bears a small one. I whistled a tune to try and calm the beast but then." I pause "they all started to freak out i mean really. I thought they were going to eat me!"
"Soon you will be. You're bound to prove yourself Seas." I say more relaxed. "And that will make us equals.. " I smile and sit next to him.
"As for the mounts it was exciting. " I start in a story telling voice "I went in and tried to talk to one of the bears a small one. I whistled a tune to try and calm the beast but then." I pause "they all started to freak out i mean really. I thought they were going to eat me!"
>>559700
"No. Then the jenny Iriana. Did the most amazing thing. She got them a to calm down with a mere wave of her hooves and a whisper. " I wave my hooves to illustrate "she is truly gifted I tell you."
"And then well. We still needed bears so she was walking me down the stables and this huge brown bear just leans over and sniffs me! Iriana was even scared for me. Thought he was angry still. And then then most amazing thing happened. He licked me! The big guy just licked me. "
"No. Then the jenny Iriana. Did the most amazing thing. She got them a to calm down with a mere wave of her hooves and a whisper. " I wave my hooves to illustrate "she is truly gifted I tell you."
"And then well. We still needed bears so she was walking me down the stables and this huge brown bear just leans over and sniffs me! Iriana was even scared for me. Thought he was angry still. And then then most amazing thing happened. He licked me! The big guy just licked me. "
>>559717
"I always was a little too lucky for my own good" chuckle "born on the night of a falling star. "
"Well anyway. I tell iriana, to let me in there with him. And well.. to get a bear to trust you, you have to let him bite your hoof.. so. I went ahead and let him." Rub the back of my head "so old Boulder is is sort of my bear now. And all the others respect me because of it."
Nod as if finished.
"I always was a little too lucky for my own good" chuckle "born on the night of a falling star. "
"Well anyway. I tell iriana, to let me in there with him. And well.. to get a bear to trust you, you have to let him bite your hoof.. so. I went ahead and let him." Rub the back of my head "so old Boulder is is sort of my bear now. And all the others respect me because of it."
Nod as if finished.
>>567460
"'Ere, when they sent us out on the training field, this is what the others grabbed."
I'll hand the Smith a list of the weapons I saw the others working on, but I'll omit mine for now.
"I'd like to work on my own weapon personally, if ya don't mind. Nothing against you, but I left a lot back to start again fresh here, I reckon I should even try out some new things while I'm at it."
"'Ere, when they sent us out on the training field, this is what the others grabbed."
I'll hand the Smith a list of the weapons I saw the others working on, but I'll omit mine for now.
"I'd like to work on my own weapon personally, if ya don't mind. Nothing against you, but I left a lot back to start again fresh here, I reckon I should even try out some new things while I'm at it."