File: 1377722228020.jpg (944.88 KB, 1920x1201, island.jpg, IO Exif Google TinEye)
Three days pass. Today there's one of the weekly Mates' Meetings, as it is a Wednesday.
About two weeks until arrival.
About two weeks until arrival.
>>474439
You kind of drag yourself out of bed because you were up late steering the ship last night.
It's harder work than it looks like, holding that wheel straight for hours.
You swing by the mail cage near Marsh's room and pick out your mail.
Minutes from last week's meeting.
Requisition approval.
Special offer from a pony in the Oddomane lands.
Something from Vivid Eclipse.
And a letter from Dixie City, Confederate Republic of Dixie.
>>474438
No doubt. Did you finish it? '1d2-1'
>>474441
We all know how awkward it is going to be for you to approach all of those mates you never speak to and say, "So, uh… help me out even though I don't know you at all."
Anyway, it won't be until this evening.
>>474442
Sleeping.
>>474443
It's early, so there are no patients here.
Roll #1 1 - 1 = 0
You kind of drag yourself out of bed because you were up late steering the ship last night.
It's harder work than it looks like, holding that wheel straight for hours.
You swing by the mail cage near Marsh's room and pick out your mail.
Minutes from last week's meeting.
Requisition approval.
Special offer from a pony in the Oddomane lands.
Something from Vivid Eclipse.
And a letter from Dixie City, Confederate Republic of Dixie.
>>474438
No doubt. Did you finish it? '1d2-1'
>>474441
We all know how awkward it is going to be for you to approach all of those mates you never speak to and say, "So, uh… help me out even though I don't know you at all."
Anyway, it won't be until this evening.
>>474442
Sleeping.
>>474443
It's early, so there are no patients here.
Roll #1 1 - 1 = 0
>>474446
You could still swing by before this evening.
>>474447
The first one is boring and you immediately throw it into a nearby brazier.
The second one is about those hammocks and you eat it to preserve your secrecy.
The third one seems like a good deal. All you have to do is open a bank account that both of you have access to and put in some seed money once you get to Roads, and he'll put in 5.4 million bits, and you're allowed to keep half of that.
The letter from Vivid asks what you thought about the windows.
The letter from Dixie is sealed with the seal of the Fraternal Order of the Olive.
You could still swing by before this evening.
>>474447
The first one is boring and you immediately throw it into a nearby brazier.
The second one is about those hammocks and you eat it to preserve your secrecy.
The third one seems like a good deal. All you have to do is open a bank account that both of you have access to and put in some seed money once you get to Roads, and he'll put in 5.4 million bits, and you're allowed to keep half of that.
The letter from Vivid asks what you thought about the windows.
The letter from Dixie is sealed with the seal of the Fraternal Order of the Olive.
>>474449
You catch sight of a deer being berated by a diamond dog.
>>474451
The weather is fair and clear. The deck seems fine as it has been for the last few days. Things sure are boring and uneventful here out at sea. You could still go talk to Spring, I guess.
>>474452
Any of them.
And I think you were talking to Ruxiang, not Al-Jinn.
>>474453
There are two letters inside, one from the Fraternal Order of the Olive and one from your niece.
You catch sight of a deer being berated by a diamond dog.
>>474451
The weather is fair and clear. The deck seems fine as it has been for the last few days. Things sure are boring and uneventful here out at sea. You could still go talk to Spring, I guess.
>>474452
Any of them.
And I think you were talking to Ruxiang, not Al-Jinn.
>>474453
There are two letters inside, one from the Fraternal Order of the Olive and one from your niece.
>>474456
Liberty,
The Governor said he had a way to get letters to you! I was excited and had to stop myself from writing right away. It's been a week since you left now. Chivalry is still recovering, but they tell me he's more lucid now. I think I've figured out how to use grandfather's sword, though. Please, stay safe!
Signed,
Glory Belle
>>474457
No, remember, he wasn't in there at first, then you saw him exiting the belowdecks of the Eagle's Roost.
Anyway, you locate him at the crow's nest of the Sirocco.
>>474458
The dog is growling at the deer: "It's so pointless! Especially her, the most useless of the useless! Just keep your miserable time wasting out of my face, because I don't want to hear it."
The deer runs off.
>>474459
You get up early and start scribing while Skylight is out praising the sun.
You're on the last chapter now, titled
>>474460
You find her in the Sirocco cabin.
Liberty,
The Governor said he had a way to get letters to you! I was excited and had to stop myself from writing right away. It's been a week since you left now. Chivalry is still recovering, but they tell me he's more lucid now. I think I've figured out how to use grandfather's sword, though. Please, stay safe!
Signed,
Glory Belle
>>474457
No, remember, he wasn't in there at first, then you saw him exiting the belowdecks of the Eagle's Roost.
Anyway, you locate him at the crow's nest of the Sirocco.
>>474458
The dog is growling at the deer: "It's so pointless! Especially her, the most useless of the useless! Just keep your miserable time wasting out of my face, because I don't want to hear it."
The deer runs off.
>>474459
You get up early and start scribing while Skylight is out praising the sun.
You're on the last chapter now, titled
Prophecy.>>474460
You find her in the Sirocco cabin.
>>474464
Al-Jinn doesn't use the stilted speech pattern that Ruxiang does.
>>474465
You recall a mental image of a blue mare with an orange mane.
>>474466
The bitch turns on you.
"I'm gonna let that one slide because I need a drink. Don't press your luck."
>>474467
Intermittently stepping between rambling and riddle, this chapter is mostly concerned with what it seems to consider the ultimate destiny of the Elements of Harmony. It is well known and documented in the earlier chapters of the books that occasionally avatars of each of the elements raise – with one two unite and guide them. The Magic Element. This chapter is a rough prophetic account of times the Magic Element has arisen in the past, and will come to rise in the future. This all seems very interesting, but you aren't able to interpret most of it because you're not as familiar with scholarly – or prophetic – texts as you could be. If only you knew somepony good with history.
Al-Jinn doesn't use the stilted speech pattern that Ruxiang does.
>>474465
Liberty Belle,
As you may remember, I have been assigned to the Belle Family case and will be overseeing the recovery of your niece and nephew. Please find enclosed a mailing address for the Abbey of the Sun and Moon at Dixie City. Return mail will be screened. Thank you for your cooperation.
Eternal Sun Protect Us All,
Blazing BoltYou recall a mental image of a blue mare with an orange mane.
>>474466
The bitch turns on you.
"I'm gonna let that one slide because I need a drink. Don't press your luck."
>>474467
Intermittently stepping between rambling and riddle, this chapter is mostly concerned with what it seems to consider the ultimate destiny of the Elements of Harmony. It is well known and documented in the earlier chapters of the books that occasionally avatars of each of the elements raise – with one two unite and guide them. The Magic Element. This chapter is a rough prophetic account of times the Magic Element has arisen in the past, and will come to rise in the future. This all seems very interesting, but you aren't able to interpret most of it because you're not as familiar with scholarly – or prophetic – texts as you could be. If only you knew somepony good with history.
>>474472
Right, I remember that mare. Good on her. Good to know her name too. If something happens to my family, I'll have to murder her.
Store my stack of letters in my bag for now. The meeting wont happen until tonight, right? Gives me time to go check on those goddamn windows in the mansion. Let's go.
Right, I remember that mare. Good on her. Good to know her name too. If something happens to my family, I'll have to murder her.
Store my stack of letters in my bag for now. The meeting wont happen until tonight, right? Gives me time to go check on those goddamn windows in the mansion. Let's go.
>>474472
If only, right? Still, Miss Puzzle should be able to puzzle it out. Once I've finished up this chapter, and put the transcription note on the back cover (basically saying that this tome was transcribed in this year by both Curry and Skylight of Autumnsreach), I'll wait for the ink to dry on that and then pack it up and go looking for Chip.
If only, right? Still, Miss Puzzle should be able to puzzle it out. Once I've finished up this chapter, and put the transcription note on the back cover (basically saying that this tome was transcribed in this year by both Curry and Skylight of Autumnsreach), I'll wait for the ink to dry on that and then pack it up and go looking for Chip.
>>474477
You head over to the mansion and enter the main foyer.
>>474478
He shrugs. "You always complain when come to see me. Impatient student, too. What in it for me?"
>>474479
The deer has definitely disappeared, but a big buffalo laying about nearby remarks, "Don't get too concerned. Happens all the time around Helena God-Hater. I wouldn't bring up any of the pony pantheon, or even canine pantheon, or that matter, around her."
He speaks with an odd tone, and very slowly. Weird.
You head over to the mansion and enter the main foyer.
>>474478
He shrugs. "You always complain when come to see me. Impatient student, too. What in it for me?"
>>474479
The deer has definitely disappeared, but a big buffalo laying about nearby remarks, "Don't get too concerned. Happens all the time around Helena God-Hater. I wouldn't bring up any of the pony pantheon, or even canine pantheon, or that matter, around her."
He speaks with an odd tone, and very slowly. Weird.
>>474487
No windows in the foyer.
From here you can head into the fine dining room, the concert hall, down to the shooting range, to the scullery, up the grand staircase to the second floor, over into the parlor, the parlor, the conservatory, or into the gallery. Next to the scullery is the buttery, which has a staircase down into the wine cellar and basement which houses the servants' quarters.
The second floor houses mostly rooms and the billiards parlor, library, ballroom, drawing room, and fainting room. You know the third floor houses the humidor, among other rooms. You think you've seen a solar up there.
>>474488
He shrugs. "I dunno if you reliable anyway."
>>474491
He gives you that same really odd way of talking. Very slow and off pitch. Instead of laughing, he actually says 'ha'.
"Ha ha. If you want to know that, ask her yourself. Be prepared to have your ear talked of."
He gestures along with his statement, indicating ears.
No windows in the foyer.
From here you can head into the fine dining room, the concert hall, down to the shooting range, to the scullery, up the grand staircase to the second floor, over into the parlor, the parlor, the conservatory, or into the gallery. Next to the scullery is the buttery, which has a staircase down into the wine cellar and basement which houses the servants' quarters.
The second floor houses mostly rooms and the billiards parlor, library, ballroom, drawing room, and fainting room. You know the third floor houses the humidor, among other rooms. You think you've seen a solar up there.
>>474488
He shrugs. "I dunno if you reliable anyway."
>>474491
He gives you that same really odd way of talking. Very slow and off pitch. Instead of laughing, he actually says 'ha'.
"Ha ha. If you want to know that, ask her yourself. Be prepared to have your ear talked of."
He gestures along with his statement, indicating ears.
>>474509
Take a sheet of paper and a quill, and start writing. First for Glory.
My dearest niece,
It is very good to hear from you so soon and I hope you are feeling well. At the time of me writing this, we am still at sea after a week of travel. The days are long, but I manage to keep myself occupied with this and that. It is good to hear that Chivalry's treatment is proving to be fruitful. If you happen to speak to him, be sure to give him my regards. As for the sword, I am quite interested to hear as I was unable to figure it out during the short timespan I was in Dixie Town myself.
Signed,
Liberty Belle
Then for that Blazing Bolt mare.
Blazing Bolt,
Blessings be upon you, I trust you will guard them both well from the many dangers that lurk in the shadow of the Sun.
Signed,
Liberty Belle
Take a sheet of paper and a quill, and start writing. First for Glory.
My dearest niece,
It is very good to hear from you so soon and I hope you are feeling well. At the time of me writing this, we am still at sea after a week of travel. The days are long, but I manage to keep myself occupied with this and that. It is good to hear that Chivalry's treatment is proving to be fruitful. If you happen to speak to him, be sure to give him my regards. As for the sword, I am quite interested to hear as I was unable to figure it out during the short timespan I was in Dixie Town myself.
Signed,
Liberty Belle
Then for that Blazing Bolt mare.
Blazing Bolt,
Blessings be upon you, I trust you will guard them both well from the many dangers that lurk in the shadow of the Sun.
Signed,
Liberty Belle
>>474522
He's not at the helm.
>>474523
"I meant for calling me a sir, dumbass. Didn't yer mommy teach you how to talk to a lady? Or is she too busy feeding worms?"
>>474524
You are stopped at the mansion door. "What's your business here? Landgrave has asked us to be more selective about who gets in."
>>474525
This pleasant little dining area is for Landgrave's personal meals when he doesn't feel like eating with his inner circle. Bright sunlight streams in from a large bay window nearby.
He's not at the helm.
>>474523
"I meant for calling me a sir, dumbass. Didn't yer mommy teach you how to talk to a lady? Or is she too busy feeding worms?"
>>474524
You are stopped at the mansion door. "What's your business here? Landgrave has asked us to be more selective about who gets in."
>>474525
This pleasant little dining area is for Landgrave's personal meals when he doesn't feel like eating with his inner circle. Bright sunlight streams in from a large bay window nearby.
>>474526
"I've had superior officers who got mad at being referred to as anything else. Seeing as how they could, and some of them did, kick and drag me across several battlefields, it's a hard thing to drop. But if it offended you, as a proper thoroughbred," set the drink I have for myself on a table, "I must apologize for such gross negligence and misconduct on my part."
Bow my head down and put my hat to my heart.
"I've had superior officers who got mad at being referred to as anything else. Seeing as how they could, and some of them did, kick and drag me across several battlefields, it's a hard thing to drop. But if it offended you, as a proper thoroughbred," set the drink I have for myself on a table, "I must apologize for such gross negligence and misconduct on my part."
Bow my head down and put my hat to my heart.
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>>474528
Popping open the window, you get quite the view. How pleasant.
>>474527
You head down to his cabin and knock.
"Yes?"
>>474529
She shrugs. "Alright. A little overplayed, but whatever. You're fine. I wasn't even really mad at you."
It's begrudging, but sincere. Almost surprised.
>>474530
He eyes you. "Alright. I'll summon her."
He sends off for another servant, which retrieves Happy Puzzle for you.
She bounces over to the door. "Yeees? Oh, hey Mister Chip."
Popping open the window, you get quite the view. How pleasant.
>>474527
You head down to his cabin and knock.
"Yes?"
>>474529
She shrugs. "Alright. A little overplayed, but whatever. You're fine. I wasn't even really mad at you."
It's begrudging, but sincere. Almost surprised.
>>474530
He eyes you. "Alright. I'll summon her."
He sends off for another servant, which retrieves Happy Puzzle for you.
She bounces over to the door. "Yeees? Oh, hey Mister Chip."
>>474537
"The Mates' Meeting."
>>474538
Your wings are too wide for the bay window. Also the decorative railing obstructs your legs. You think you see ponies moving down below.
>>474539
She shrugs. "Just that dumb deer meditating over Nature again. What a waste of time! You'd think they'd know better around me what with the nickname. Yes. I hate the gods. All gods. They can all bite my garters. And if you don't like it, YOU can bite my garters, too. I just get sick of all the god-talk. Might as well pray to rocks and lamp posts. The gods don't do a damn thing. Do they even exist? How could anyone tell? When was the last time Celestia even left the palace? And Luna is conveniently banished? Oh, and Mother Nature won't talk to anyone, and the Spirit of the Law has no corporeal form? Seems like an awful lot of excuses for supposedly all powerful beings."
>>474540
She frowns a little. "I'm not sure Landgrave wants outside ponies in his mansion anymore. Should I come out there?"
#Pause
"The Mates' Meeting."
>>474538
Your wings are too wide for the bay window. Also the decorative railing obstructs your legs. You think you see ponies moving down below.
>>474539
She shrugs. "Just that dumb deer meditating over Nature again. What a waste of time! You'd think they'd know better around me what with the nickname. Yes. I hate the gods. All gods. They can all bite my garters. And if you don't like it, YOU can bite my garters, too. I just get sick of all the god-talk. Might as well pray to rocks and lamp posts. The gods don't do a damn thing. Do they even exist? How could anyone tell? When was the last time Celestia even left the palace? And Luna is conveniently banished? Oh, and Mother Nature won't talk to anyone, and the Spirit of the Law has no corporeal form? Seems like an awful lot of excuses for supposedly all powerful beings."
>>474540
She frowns a little. "I'm not sure Landgrave wants outside ponies in his mansion anymore. Should I come out there?"
#Pause
>>474543
"Your talking to someone who was in a similar boat. I know what it means to get mad at them for all the things that have happened. Rarely does the sun set when I don't think of the ones who deserved to live instead of me and what they would have been doing if they made it out of all those messes we got into."
"But tearing into that Deer, and anyone else for that matter, won't make any of them answer any faster."
"Your talking to someone who was in a similar boat. I know what it means to get mad at them for all the things that have happened. Rarely does the sun set when I don't think of the ones who deserved to live instead of me and what they would have been doing if they made it out of all those messes we got into."
"But tearing into that Deer, and anyone else for that matter, won't make any of them answer any faster."
>>474548
Perhaps in his private quarters, on the other end of the solar, as he was not in the humidor, drawing room, or parlor, as where he normally reclines when receiving guests.
>>474549
She shrugs. "Whatever. I won't stop you, that's for sure. He lives over on that big junk heap, the Eagle's Roost."
>>474550
You practice standing for a time in the warm sun.
Perhaps in his private quarters, on the other end of the solar, as he was not in the humidor, drawing room, or parlor, as where he normally reclines when receiving guests.
>>474549
She shrugs. "Whatever. I won't stop you, that's for sure. He lives over on that big junk heap, the Eagle's Roost."
>>474550
You practice standing for a time in the warm sun.
>>474569
I nod slightly.
"Maintaining a social network can be quite difficult at times, but it also comes with many benefits. I myself find myself constantly busy these days with keeping up relations… but it is something I enjoy doing. And if there is enjoyment to be found in doing something, it becomes far less strenuous."
I nod slightly.
"Maintaining a social network can be quite difficult at times, but it also comes with many benefits. I myself find myself constantly busy these days with keeping up relations… but it is something I enjoy doing. And if there is enjoyment to be found in doing something, it becomes far less strenuous."
>>474573
"I was talking more in terms of keeping them together instead of blowing their bodies.
There was this sweet girl I met once, kept one of her ribs. You know, to chat with her whenever. She knew a lot of really cool ghost stories.
The kind you tell around a fire to scare kids.
I loved them.
So anyway, turns out I had to blow that up after some other guy had me pinned on the floor.
RIP-" I will mimic a stabbing motion "- right into its guts, and then BOOM!"
Snicker.
"I loved that old trick.
But I never got to hear the end of her stories."
"I was talking more in terms of keeping them together instead of blowing their bodies.
There was this sweet girl I met once, kept one of her ribs. You know, to chat with her whenever. She knew a lot of really cool ghost stories.
The kind you tell around a fire to scare kids.
I loved them.
So anyway, turns out I had to blow that up after some other guy had me pinned on the floor.
RIP-" I will mimic a stabbing motion "- right into its guts, and then BOOM!"
Snicker.
"I loved that old trick.
But I never got to hear the end of her stories."
>>474552
Just as you're about to knock on Landgrave's door, you hear Happy Puzzle bouncing about below. You head to the balcony to warn her to keep it down, worried that she might jeopardize your guest status, when you spot her down below with a new book and her scrolls out. Attention drawn away for a moment, you glance up to see from your third floor vantage point that the nearby chandelier suffering from extreme wear. No sooner do you think it than it starts to give in.
Quickly utilizing your pegasus speed and wings, you tackle the chandelier chain and safely navigate it to the second floor of the house, saving Happy Puzzle from certain doom and this priceless relic as well. The servants clap and cheer. HP bounces upstairs to greet you. "Oh wow! That was super brave and dexterous, Miss Heart! Maybe I doubted you too soon. You do seem like a pony I can trust. I was just worried before because I was uneasy about you going through my things, but I'm sure now you had a good reason for it."
What uncommon luck! You smell something burning, but the odor quickly fades.
Just as you're about to knock on Landgrave's door, you hear Happy Puzzle bouncing about below. You head to the balcony to warn her to keep it down, worried that she might jeopardize your guest status, when you spot her down below with a new book and her scrolls out. Attention drawn away for a moment, you glance up to see from your third floor vantage point that the nearby chandelier suffering from extreme wear. No sooner do you think it than it starts to give in.
Quickly utilizing your pegasus speed and wings, you tackle the chandelier chain and safely navigate it to the second floor of the house, saving Happy Puzzle from certain doom and this priceless relic as well. The servants clap and cheer. HP bounces upstairs to greet you. "Oh wow! That was super brave and dexterous, Miss Heart! Maybe I doubted you too soon. You do seem like a pony I can trust. I was just worried before because I was uneasy about you going through my things, but I'm sure now you had a good reason for it."
What uncommon luck! You smell something burning, but the odor quickly fades.
>>474776
She departs, and Happy Puzzle spreads out the scrolls.
"I'm actually protecting these scrolls until the next pony who succeeds me gets them. Apparently they are very important to the next Avatar of Laughter, once one is chosen. It could have major implications, like every time the Elements gather! That's why I'm here to protect them. I thought the prophetic portion might help find out how long away until the Avatar comes! It might not be in either of our lifetimes!"
She departs, and Happy Puzzle spreads out the scrolls.
"I'm actually protecting these scrolls until the next pony who succeeds me gets them. Apparently they are very important to the next Avatar of Laughter, once one is chosen. It could have major implications, like every time the Elements gather! That's why I'm here to protect them. I thought the prophetic portion might help find out how long away until the Avatar comes! It might not be in either of our lifetimes!"
>>474778
"It's complex, and most ponies don't know about it. The widespread belief is exactly what I told you before – it's a philosophy, and for most ponies, that's true. There is no afterlife for the Elements. Yet. This book talks about how one is destined to come into being – I believe the next time the chosen Avatars of each Element reconvene! Which would be great if it happens before I die!"
"It's complex, and most ponies don't know about it. The widespread belief is exactly what I told you before – it's a philosophy, and for most ponies, that's true. There is no afterlife for the Elements. Yet. This book talks about how one is destined to come into being – I believe the next time the chosen Avatars of each Element reconvene! Which would be great if it happens before I die!"
>>474786
"I was out of money in Stonebriar when he offered me a job as a personal doctor. I can't tell you what for because that would be a breach of doctor patient confidentiality! Sometimes I did spy work on the side too!"
All this talk of spy work makes you feel terrible knowing you're betraying her trust. After all, unless you get rid of that lapel pin, it will no doubt report back to Smitts.
"I was out of money in Stonebriar when he offered me a job as a personal doctor. I can't tell you what for because that would be a breach of doctor patient confidentiality! Sometimes I did spy work on the side too!"
All this talk of spy work makes you feel terrible knowing you're betraying her trust. After all, unless you get rid of that lapel pin, it will no doubt report back to Smitts.
>>474846
"Anyway, I got something.
You are a mate right?
Well turns out I'm currently trying to gain ranks.
Don't get me wrong, I've it easy already.
Living with Terrebonne, spending my time studying and discovering old secrets, having domain over life and death…
But I'd like to start making it official, you get me?"
"Anyway, I got something.
You are a mate right?
Well turns out I'm currently trying to gain ranks.
Don't get me wrong, I've it easy already.
Living with Terrebonne, spending my time studying and discovering old secrets, having domain over life and death…
But I'd like to start making it official, you get me?"
>>474854
Snicker.
"Which one of the few dozen times?"
Then relax and start looking up at the sky.
"You know, for all my talk of gloom and doom, I never died.
Well, once, maybe, but that time I was punching a demon with my bare hooves and he had me pretty beaten up.
But that was a close death at best."
Snicker.
"Which one of the few dozen times?"
Then relax and start looking up at the sky.
"You know, for all my talk of gloom and doom, I never died.
Well, once, maybe, but that time I was punching a demon with my bare hooves and he had me pretty beaten up.
But that was a close death at best."
>>31412
"See, there is no need to.
This is the reason of the doubloon.
It's a token cost for the service, a way to say that all your obbligation have been fulfilled.
Took me a while to realize that, but it's really a way to protect those that are brought back.
Look at Chip.
I've saved it half a dozen times and never asked for money, and now he almost feels like he owes me something, even if I don't care for material stuff.
I realized it only after seeing that.
The reason we do this… It's not for money. Not for favors.
It's not about the reward.
But because this world runs like this, a token is required."
"See, there is no need to.
This is the reason of the doubloon.
It's a token cost for the service, a way to say that all your obbligation have been fulfilled.
Took me a while to realize that, but it's really a way to protect those that are brought back.
Look at Chip.
I've saved it half a dozen times and never asked for money, and now he almost feels like he owes me something, even if I don't care for material stuff.
I realized it only after seeing that.
The reason we do this… It's not for money. Not for favors.
It's not about the reward.
But because this world runs like this, a token is required."
While keeping an eye out for some of the people I've made arrangements to meet, and between helping out any sailors that wet their whistle too much, I run into a familiar looking adult Pegasus.
"Well, hello there ma'am. Sorry to intrude, but you look awfully familiar. Have we met before somewhere?"
"Well, hello there ma'am. Sorry to intrude, but you look awfully familiar. Have we met before somewhere?"
>>31491
"One's enough! One IS enough! I'm too old for this, what about the little filly's education? I chose a life of action, but that no place for such a young child. We'll pool our money and send her to the best schools in Lethuania! Equestria even! But how long before I kick the bucket? I need to make more plans about this…"
"One's enough! One IS enough! I'm too old for this, what about the little filly's education? I chose a life of action, but that no place for such a young child. We'll pool our money and send her to the best schools in Lethuania! Equestria even! But how long before I kick the bucket? I need to make more plans about this…"
>>31508
"I'll hold you to that. Today I'm going to go check in on the dock and see if he needs any help. We just started this voyage and I don't want it to sink because to many of us got sick."
"Speaking of voyages, any plans after all this is through? Or at least after we get pass the Island of Roads? You thinking of staying with the fleet?"
"I'll hold you to that. Today I'm going to go check in on the dock and see if he needs any help. We just started this voyage and I don't want it to sink because to many of us got sick."
"Speaking of voyages, any plans after all this is through? Or at least after we get pass the Island of Roads? You thinking of staying with the fleet?"
>>31513
"You gotta be confident. There's always some who are undecided because they didn't even know they were going to have that meeting today. A strong, confident face is often the only thing they have to go on. At least you didn't get promoted in the field because all the others were dead."
"You gotta be confident. There's always some who are undecided because they didn't even know they were going to have that meeting today. A strong, confident face is often the only thing they have to go on. At least you didn't get promoted in the field because all the others were dead."
>>31522
It is black and fully matted from being under a catsuit all the time. It does look washed, though, which beds the question of when she is sneaking off to the bath. Maybe after you go to sleep?
She frowns. "Awwww. Well, with your heart condition, I guess you're worried about complications!"
>>31521
You roll out of bed in Terrebonne's room. She must be out and about, because she's not here.
>>31523
"I see."
It is black and fully matted from being under a catsuit all the time. It does look washed, though, which beds the question of when she is sneaking off to the bath. Maybe after you go to sleep?
She frowns. "Awwww. Well, with your heart condition, I guess you're worried about complications!"
>>31521
You roll out of bed in Terrebonne's room. She must be out and about, because she's not here.
>>31523
"I see."
>>31552
>implying I ever let conversation peter out
Always on the ball, nigga.
"Now, I do trust your secrecy with this matter, miss Puzzle. Nopony else needs to know about this matter. Hopefully either miss Spring or doc Peg will be able to solve this issue for me and that will be the end of it."
>implying I ever let conversation peter out
Always on the ball, nigga.
"Now, I do trust your secrecy with this matter, miss Puzzle. Nopony else needs to know about this matter. Hopefully either miss Spring or doc Peg will be able to solve this issue for me and that will be the end of it."
>>31556
He shifts around in bed a moment, getting comfortable.
"Well, I personally hold the creator sacred."
>>31557
She shrugs. "I don't know if doctor-patient confidentiality applies to pirates!"
>>31558
"I'm not saying I don't think you're capable. I think a trained monkey is capable. But I would not support a trained monkey to be promoted because…?"
He shifts around in bed a moment, getting comfortable.
"Well, I personally hold the creator sacred."
>>31557
She shrugs. "I don't know if doctor-patient confidentiality applies to pirates!"
>>31558
"I'm not saying I don't think you're capable. I think a trained monkey is capable. But I would not support a trained monkey to be promoted because…?"
>>31560
He shrugs. "Most of the pantheon seems to either insist on behaving in this life for rewards in the next, or freedom in this life in exchange for a price in the next. Mother Nature demands and offers neither."
>>31561
She approaches closely and whispers in your ear, "I heard that sometimes, pirates break the law!"
He shrugs. "Most of the pantheon seems to either insist on behaving in this life for rewards in the next, or freedom in this life in exchange for a price in the next. Mother Nature demands and offers neither."
>>31561
She approaches closely and whispers in your ear, "I heard that sometimes, pirates break the law!"
>>31566
"Yes, while everypony else was out getting drunk and whoring, I was outside city limits, visiting a holy site in the nearby woods."
He winks. "Bet you didn't expect that."
>>31567
"Those are all things that can be taught. What quality does an officer require that is not taught?"
>>31568
"You don't have to worry about me! After all, I trusted you with an even bigger secret! But… are you sure you'll be alright?"
"Yes, while everypony else was out getting drunk and whoring, I was outside city limits, visiting a holy site in the nearby woods."
He winks. "Bet you didn't expect that."
>>31567
"Those are all things that can be taught. What quality does an officer require that is not taught?"
>>31568
"You don't have to worry about me! After all, I trusted you with an even bigger secret! But… are you sure you'll be alright?"
>>31577
He sighs. "A pirates' life involves dying early, and I have too many regrets this early. Still, it's not a life I didn't choose to live… and I am mostly happy with my choices. More and more I wonder if history will remember any of us – or even all of us, as a group."
He suddenly bursts out laughing. "Wow, I sure am waxing ostentatious this morning. I don't portend to be a navel gazer or armchair philosopher, I've sucked cocks for a living."
>>31578
Landgrave's estate is far too fine for the common yoke. There are no candles or lanterns. Instead, the rooms are lit by some sort of odd circular mineral installed in the ceiling.
>>31579
"You need it. Attempts have been made to describe it. Honor. Prestige. Respect. You need to command the sense of being an officer even before you are one. Prove to me that you have it, and I will back you."
He sighs. "A pirates' life involves dying early, and I have too many regrets this early. Still, it's not a life I didn't choose to live… and I am mostly happy with my choices. More and more I wonder if history will remember any of us – or even all of us, as a group."
He suddenly bursts out laughing. "Wow, I sure am waxing ostentatious this morning. I don't portend to be a navel gazer or armchair philosopher, I've sucked cocks for a living."
>>31578
Landgrave's estate is far too fine for the common yoke. There are no candles or lanterns. Instead, the rooms are lit by some sort of odd circular mineral installed in the ceiling.
>>31579
"You need it. Attempts have been made to describe it. Honor. Prestige. Respect. You need to command the sense of being an officer even before you are one. Prove to me that you have it, and I will back you."
>>31583
"Not my respect. You need the ability to command. A pirate fleet is not like a military. The menials will not listen to you if you do not have a commanding presence. It is why I was disgusted by you when you were as you were before."
He doesn't say this with malice. It's very matter of fact.
>>31581
He chuckles. "Maybe I'm just anxious. Do you feel it? Something coming? Like a storm in the distance, a sailor who has enough experience feels it before it meets the horizon."
>>31582
You head into the kitchen. A zebra is barking orders to a staff of various ponies. It's quite busy here in preparation for lunch.
"Not my respect. You need the ability to command. A pirate fleet is not like a military. The menials will not listen to you if you do not have a commanding presence. It is why I was disgusted by you when you were as you were before."
He doesn't say this with malice. It's very matter of fact.
>>31581
He chuckles. "Maybe I'm just anxious. Do you feel it? Something coming? Like a storm in the distance, a sailor who has enough experience feels it before it meets the horizon."
>>31582
You head into the kitchen. A zebra is barking orders to a staff of various ponies. It's quite busy here in preparation for lunch.
>>31584
Stare at him in the eyes for a second, then close my own, throw my head back and take a long, deep break.
Relax for a moment.
Think about what's been happening.
I've stopped running.
I've found a roof, a steady meal.
A master that doesn't hate me.
A pony whose embrace I can lose myself into.
Friends and peers to live with.
I've cleansed my mind of doubts and demons.
Attained respect from the thoughest of the thoughest and the smartest of the smarties.
Found a way in my life.
Lower my head and open my eyes again.
"It's… So peaceful now.
If there is such a thing as the calm before the storm, this has to be it."
Stare at him in the eyes for a second, then close my own, throw my head back and take a long, deep break.
Relax for a moment.
Think about what's been happening.
I've stopped running.
I've found a roof, a steady meal.
A master that doesn't hate me.
A pony whose embrace I can lose myself into.
Friends and peers to live with.
I've cleansed my mind of doubts and demons.
Attained respect from the thoughest of the thoughest and the smartest of the smarties.
Found a way in my life.
Lower my head and open my eyes again.
"It's… So peaceful now.
If there is such a thing as the calm before the storm, this has to be it."
>>31585
This is the head of a rose, though perpetually alive. An interesting curiosity. Perhaps it has a water conjuration enchantment, much like a plucked flower can continue to live on in a vase. It is on a little pin backer that makes it easy to attach to your clothes.
>>31586
He sits motionless, and finally opens his eyes from his meditation. "Prove your mettle."
>>31587
He chuckles again. "So you feel it too? In a way, it's almost a relief. It should be good, then. Whatever happens, happens."
This is the head of a rose, though perpetually alive. An interesting curiosity. Perhaps it has a water conjuration enchantment, much like a plucked flower can continue to live on in a vase. It is on a little pin backer that makes it easy to attach to your clothes.
>>31586
He sits motionless, and finally opens his eyes from his meditation. "Prove your mettle."
>>31587
He chuckles again. "So you feel it too? In a way, it's almost a relief. It should be good, then. Whatever happens, happens."
>>31601
"If you cannot command their respect, you cannot command my respect. I will not support you if I do not respect you. Perhaps there are other mates interested in supporting a pony that knows only how to bludgeon. Perhaps on the Seaworthy."
>>31602
She shrugs. "I'd radda be in mah room, but we all must do tings which we do not like. At least da wedder is fair."
>>31603
"Oh, quite, darling, but I confess, I am so anticipating the opera house at Roads. Can't this miserable flotilla move any faster?"
Eclipse nods again.
"If you cannot command their respect, you cannot command my respect. I will not support you if I do not respect you. Perhaps there are other mates interested in supporting a pony that knows only how to bludgeon. Perhaps on the Seaworthy."
>>31602
She shrugs. "I'd radda be in mah room, but we all must do tings which we do not like. At least da wedder is fair."
>>31603
"Oh, quite, darling, but I confess, I am so anticipating the opera house at Roads. Can't this miserable flotilla move any faster?"
Eclipse nods again.
>>31606
"Oh, not to be rude, but I found it a bit gaudy and warm for my tastes. Perhaps when our rule is fully consolidated we'll simply install you as the local ruler instead of dealing with some unknown intermediary. Would you like that, dear?"
>>31607
"Have them take the ship to full sail and pull out ahead of the fleet. Don't forget to withdraw the gangplanks. And make it your own command, not mine. Return to your own ship, amongst your own crew if you must."
>>31605
"Afraid dat would be against da rules. Basides, Dolly told me ya haven't been checkin' ya mail."
"Oh, not to be rude, but I found it a bit gaudy and warm for my tastes. Perhaps when our rule is fully consolidated we'll simply install you as the local ruler instead of dealing with some unknown intermediary. Would you like that, dear?"
>>31607
"Have them take the ship to full sail and pull out ahead of the fleet. Don't forget to withdraw the gangplanks. And make it your own command, not mine. Return to your own ship, amongst your own crew if you must."
>>31605
"Afraid dat would be against da rules. Basides, Dolly told me ya haven't been checkin' ya mail."
>>31616
"I haven't the foggiest. I never cared to ask, I suppose. Perhaps you can ask Landgrave if you're truly curious, though I can hardly think of anywhere it would be safe to have this mansion without walls. Perhaps in Poneland-Lethuania. I believe Landgrave's line has traditionally reigned in exile there in the court of the last free king. I believe he still has quite a few friends in that court, and it is of course the country to which his title belongs."
>>31617
She chuckles. "Ah wouldn'ta expected dat friendship."
"I haven't the foggiest. I never cared to ask, I suppose. Perhaps you can ask Landgrave if you're truly curious, though I can hardly think of anywhere it would be safe to have this mansion without walls. Perhaps in Poneland-Lethuania. I believe Landgrave's line has traditionally reigned in exile there in the court of the last free king. I believe he still has quite a few friends in that court, and it is of course the country to which his title belongs."
>>31617
She chuckles. "Ah wouldn'ta expected dat friendship."
>>31647
The Eagle's Roost is pretty unlike any other ship. It's like a large shipwreck with cannons that moves.
>>31646
There is a tinderbox on the mantel you missed before.
>>31645
We only skipped a few days!
Hm… It's a summons for the afternoon three days from now. And the letter is dated three days ago.
"Sure, might help! Did you get anything on fashion?"
The Eagle's Roost is pretty unlike any other ship. It's like a large shipwreck with cannons that moves.
>>31646
There is a tinderbox on the mantel you missed before.
>>31645
We only skipped a few days!
Hm… It's a summons for the afternoon three days from now. And the letter is dated three days ago.
"Sure, might help! Did you get anything on fashion?"
>>31648
"Well fu-"
Good thing we are still in the morning, right?
Look up from the letter, back to Dolly.
"Uh? Oh, no, sorry. I was kinda caught up, had a lot of shopping to do."
Giggle.
"It was for a special occasion."
Okay, other letter now.
Who the hell could be mailing me from…
The Oddomane empire?
"Well fu-"
Good thing we are still in the morning, right?
Look up from the letter, back to Dolly.
"Uh? Oh, no, sorry. I was kinda caught up, had a lot of shopping to do."
Giggle.
"It was for a special occasion."
Okay, other letter now.
Who the hell could be mailing me from…
The Oddomane empire?
>>31649
You pinch yourself by accident.
>>31650
Al-Jinn's ship, the Sirocco, has by far the sleekest design and the most sails. It also sits higher int he water.
>>31651
Morning is generous now. It's right at noon.
The other letter… hmm… it seems like a pretty good deal. All you have to do is, once you get to Roads, open an account that both of you can access and put in the minimum balance, then he'll deposit 5.3 million bits. You're allowed to keep half of that.
"A shame. I guess pony towns wouldn't have anything for me anyway."
You pinch yourself by accident.
>>31650
Al-Jinn's ship, the Sirocco, has by far the sleekest design and the most sails. It also sits higher int he water.
>>31651
Morning is generous now. It's right at noon.
The other letter… hmm… it seems like a pretty good deal. All you have to do is, once you get to Roads, open an account that both of you can access and put in the minimum balance, then he'll deposit 5.3 million bits. You're allowed to keep half of that.
"A shame. I guess pony towns wouldn't have anything for me anyway."
>>31661
"If they know your name and send it to the fleet, then I receive it and then give it to you. Come to think of it, I got a bunch of letters from that some outside source."
>>31662
The crewmembers look at you confused.
"Why are we pulling ahead? We need to stay with the fleet."
[Patronize] "You dare question me?"
[Misdirect] "My word carries the weight of the captain."
[Humble] (Begin the task of working yourself)
[Deceive] "We need to scout ahead."
[Fawn] "You're big and strong, it'll be easy for you."
[Bribe] "There's money in it for you."
[Flirt] (Smile amorously) "There's something in it for you."
"If they know your name and send it to the fleet, then I receive it and then give it to you. Come to think of it, I got a bunch of letters from that some outside source."
>>31662
The crewmembers look at you confused.
"Why are we pulling ahead? We need to stay with the fleet."
[Patronize] "You dare question me?"
[Misdirect] "My word carries the weight of the captain."
[Humble] (Begin the task of working yourself)
[Deceive] "We need to scout ahead."
[Fawn] "You're big and strong, it'll be easy for you."
[Bribe] "There's money in it for you."
[Flirt] (Smile amorously) "There's something in it for you."
>>31670
She laughs. "Do you know how to paint with a brush and palette?"
>>31671
She shrugs. "I always like whatever's new. High fashion. Stuff with feathers is my favorite."
>>31672
Some of them shrug and take to their stations, but others remain questioning. "Are you even part of the ship?"
One particularly large pony breaks through the crowd and approaches. "Hey, what, so we do all this work for reasons we don't even know, for a pony we don't know, and you're just going to sit up there and have a good laugh at us because we do whatever you want?"
You can reroll diplomacy or write your own answer.
She laughs. "Do you know how to paint with a brush and palette?"
>>31671
She shrugs. "I always like whatever's new. High fashion. Stuff with feathers is my favorite."
>>31672
Some of them shrug and take to their stations, but others remain questioning. "Are you even part of the ship?"
One particularly large pony breaks through the crowd and approaches. "Hey, what, so we do all this work for reasons we don't even know, for a pony we don't know, and you're just going to sit up there and have a good laugh at us because we do whatever you want?"
You can reroll diplomacy or write your own answer.
>>31673
To the large pony.
"I'm not doing this to get a laugh or just because I want to watch you work, but all you have to know is that I gave an order, and you are going to comply."
Be stern as I look at him.
"Am I understood? I don't have to repeat myself, do I?"
Don't even wait for an answer.
"Good. Now let's take point, shall we?"
To the large pony.
"I'm not doing this to get a laugh or just because I want to watch you work, but all you have to know is that I gave an order, and you are going to comply."
Be stern as I look at him.
"Am I understood? I don't have to repeat myself, do I?"
Don't even wait for an answer.
"Good. Now let's take point, shall we?"
>>31683
Ack, no… the proportions are wrong… Well, at least it was good practice, and in no time you do feel a little more relaxed. It helped you take your mind off that baby killing you need to take care of.
>>31681
"You get used to 'em."
>>31682
A sail-pony in a suit shouts at you in a thick accent, "Who are you? I've never heard of you! Nobody in the Sirocco has ever heard of you!"
The big pony smirks and folds his hooves. "Alright, love. Why don't you show us how it's done, if it's so urgent? Bit above gettin' yer hooves dirty?"
Ack, no… the proportions are wrong… Well, at least it was good practice, and in no time you do feel a little more relaxed. It helped you take your mind off that baby killing you need to take care of.
>>31681
"You get used to 'em."
>>31682
A sail-pony in a suit shouts at you in a thick accent, "Who are you? I've never heard of you! Nobody in the Sirocco has ever heard of you!"
The big pony smirks and folds his hooves. "Alright, love. Why don't you show us how it's done, if it's so urgent? Bit above gettin' yer hooves dirty?"
>>31685
A few more of the ponies detach from the group and begin working on loosening the sails, but the big pony remains where he is. He begrudgingly nods, though.
>>31686
She draws a terrible storm at sea, but a single shaft of light cuts through the chaos and projects a ray of serenity onto a ship below.
>>31687
"If they're still around. I have my doubts."
A few more of the ponies detach from the group and begin working on loosening the sails, but the big pony remains where he is. He begrudgingly nods, though.
>>31686
She draws a terrible storm at sea, but a single shaft of light cuts through the chaos and projects a ray of serenity onto a ship below.
>>31687
"If they're still around. I have my doubts."
>>31689
You head over to the Eagle's Roost where his office is placed. You notice right off that he has renovated it a bit, and added a secretarial desk. There's a bored looking mare at the desk.
>>31690
"Peace from chaos. It's an important idea!"
>>31691
He growls at you, but joins the others at work. In no time, the ship speeds up and pulls ahead of the rest of the fleet.
You head over to the Eagle's Roost where his office is placed. You notice right off that he has renovated it a bit, and added a secretarial desk. There's a bored looking mare at the desk.
>>31690
"Peace from chaos. It's an important idea!"
>>31691
He growls at you, but joins the others at work. In no time, the ship speeds up and pulls ahead of the rest of the fleet.
>>31697
Probably lurking on the Pillager's Fancy, though at heart, you're more of a Seaworthy mare.
>>31698
We have a word for raffinate in God's Chosen Language (English). It's 'refined'.
Anyway, you head in. Smitts is massaging the bridge of his eyes. "Yes? Oh, right, right. Well, you look better since the last time I saw you."
>>31699
"You tell me. What have you learned?"
>>31700
She nods and smiles. "Thanks! You'll get there, too, if you work at it!"
>>31701
"Exceptionalism is not a pretty picture."
Probably lurking on the Pillager's Fancy, though at heart, you're more of a Seaworthy mare.
>>31698
We have a word for raffinate in God's Chosen Language (English). It's 'refined'.
Anyway, you head in. Smitts is massaging the bridge of his eyes. "Yes? Oh, right, right. Well, you look better since the last time I saw you."
>>31699
"You tell me. What have you learned?"
>>31700
She nods and smiles. "Thanks! You'll get there, too, if you work at it!"
>>31701
"Exceptionalism is not a pretty picture."
>>31703
"Thirsty" Umlock, the lover of wines and speaker of foreign tongue. He's a huge, furious bull and supposedly a terror in battle. This inspires all the greatest warriors of the fleet to take up residence on his ship. It also has a galley, so the food over there is hotter, and the hold is a little more spacious, with training rooms for shooting and practicing sword play. Maybe you should think about a transfer.
>>31704
He nods slowly. "The crew of my ship are proud, but good workers. They will only respect one who is willing to do work as they do. Good. Very well, you have demonstrated that you are more clever than a blunt tool. You have my vote."
>>31705
"Perhaps. Maybe it doesn't matter. Maybe there is no bigger picture, and you might as well leverage things as you can."
He pauses, then laughs. "Well, maybe that might work on some other pony, but you and I are the only two here that get the story structure and plot. You should read more fiction. It's good for the brain and the soul."
>>31706
She smiles.
Once the two of you finish, she sets about packing up the stuff. "Don't worry about this… you don't know where it goes anyway. If you need to go ahead, that's fine."
>>31707
"That's good. You'll want to be at your peak in Roads. The truth is, Felfire, I've been following your career with interest for some time now, and I think you're ready to move to the next level. Not everypony agrees with me, but I have faith in your abilities, and I'm confident you have a future in this fleet. What do you think?"
"Thirsty" Umlock, the lover of wines and speaker of foreign tongue. He's a huge, furious bull and supposedly a terror in battle. This inspires all the greatest warriors of the fleet to take up residence on his ship. It also has a galley, so the food over there is hotter, and the hold is a little more spacious, with training rooms for shooting and practicing sword play. Maybe you should think about a transfer.
>>31704
He nods slowly. "The crew of my ship are proud, but good workers. They will only respect one who is willing to do work as they do. Good. Very well, you have demonstrated that you are more clever than a blunt tool. You have my vote."
>>31705
"Perhaps. Maybe it doesn't matter. Maybe there is no bigger picture, and you might as well leverage things as you can."
He pauses, then laughs. "Well, maybe that might work on some other pony, but you and I are the only two here that get the story structure and plot. You should read more fiction. It's good for the brain and the soul."
>>31706
She smiles.
Once the two of you finish, she sets about packing up the stuff. "Don't worry about this… you don't know where it goes anyway. If you need to go ahead, that's fine."
>>31707
"That's good. You'll want to be at your peak in Roads. The truth is, Felfire, I've been following your career with interest for some time now, and I think you're ready to move to the next level. Not everypony agrees with me, but I have faith in your abilities, and I'm confident you have a future in this fleet. What do you think?"
>>31708
"Stories…"
"Is the Astral Theatre an abstraction? Perhaps I see it as a theatre, and us as marionettes, only because it is how I can understand what is truly going on. I am not a marionette here, but when I exit, I see myself as one. Are my sense being hidden here? Or is the 'theatre' only one because I can only interpret it as so?"
"Anyway, fiction. What do you recommend?"
"Stories…"
"Is the Astral Theatre an abstraction? Perhaps I see it as a theatre, and us as marionettes, only because it is how I can understand what is truly going on. I am not a marionette here, but when I exit, I see myself as one. Are my sense being hidden here? Or is the 'theatre' only one because I can only interpret it as so?"
"Anyway, fiction. What do you recommend?"
>>31709
"I'm interested in aggressive expansion of the fleet. Adding more ships, becoming more powerful. Some of the captains under my command want to maintain a traditional low profile, but I have greater ambitions than that. Believe you me, if one of them were in power, we'd still be raiding petty colonies and avoiding viable business opportunities, but this is just the start. I want to create a future for all of us, and for that, I need to expand the officers' corps, starting with ponies that have demonstrated some real competence. Now, we did discuss this before just briefly, and you seemed excited about the opportunity before, but I need to know now if you're still interested."
>>31710
She nods rapidly and continues packing up.
>>31711
Looks like today, Salty Slugs is at the helm. He's probably in that monstrous fortress he calls a cabin at the aftcastle.
>>31712
"Yes."
>>31713
"All of it, and none of it. If the Astral Theater was entirely what you made of it, then how would I know what you made of it before you told me? But everything is filtered through impression and perception, and this doubly so."
"As for recommendations… well, there are of course the classics, but it'd be a waste of time to recite those you surely already know. Try Poppolacci's World Stage or Myagg's The Expedition. If you're feeling enterprising, go for the Brothers Maximilian and their collections of tales."
"I'm interested in aggressive expansion of the fleet. Adding more ships, becoming more powerful. Some of the captains under my command want to maintain a traditional low profile, but I have greater ambitions than that. Believe you me, if one of them were in power, we'd still be raiding petty colonies and avoiding viable business opportunities, but this is just the start. I want to create a future for all of us, and for that, I need to expand the officers' corps, starting with ponies that have demonstrated some real competence. Now, we did discuss this before just briefly, and you seemed excited about the opportunity before, but I need to know now if you're still interested."
>>31710
She nods rapidly and continues packing up.
>>31711
Looks like today, Salty Slugs is at the helm. He's probably in that monstrous fortress he calls a cabin at the aftcastle.
>>31712
"Yes."
>>31713
"All of it, and none of it. If the Astral Theater was entirely what you made of it, then how would I know what you made of it before you told me? But everything is filtered through impression and perception, and this doubly so."
"As for recommendations… well, there are of course the classics, but it'd be a waste of time to recite those you surely already know. Try Poppolacci's World Stage or Myagg's The Expedition. If you're feeling enterprising, go for the Brothers Maximilian and their collections of tales."
>>31715
Probably out, since she's not in your room. You think you remember something about a playdate.
>>31716
"Good, good. And I notice you've been closed-mouthed about my own magical proclivities, which demonstrates you can be trusted. I for one am all for inducting you into the officers' corps. I'd invite you to sit in on the mates' meeting this evening and get their impressions of you as an officer. That being said, what do you think you could bring to the leadership corps of this fleet? Will you be able to handle being in contact with, and leading your fellow crewmates?"
>>31717
They seem a little put off that it was for nothing, but don't complain when you help out.
>>31718
Some foreign tongue calls from within in a huge, deep voice. Another, more orderly voice calls, "Come on in."
The aftcastle of this vessel is reinforced with metal columns and has a huge double door to accommodate the bull. The smell hits you first when you walk in. The place smells of a million different flavors of alcohol, and the captain reclines on a couch in the back, laughing at something that Lieutenant Sunnyskies just said. This collaborator is a pegasus in an old, worn Equestrian uniform.
In any case, there are bottles and kegs everywhere. Umlock's muscles are huge and imposing. His martial prowess doesn't need to be stated.
Probably out, since she's not in your room. You think you remember something about a playdate.
>>31716
"Good, good. And I notice you've been closed-mouthed about my own magical proclivities, which demonstrates you can be trusted. I for one am all for inducting you into the officers' corps. I'd invite you to sit in on the mates' meeting this evening and get their impressions of you as an officer. That being said, what do you think you could bring to the leadership corps of this fleet? Will you be able to handle being in contact with, and leading your fellow crewmates?"
>>31717
They seem a little put off that it was for nothing, but don't complain when you help out.
>>31718
Some foreign tongue calls from within in a huge, deep voice. Another, more orderly voice calls, "Come on in."
The aftcastle of this vessel is reinforced with metal columns and has a huge double door to accommodate the bull. The smell hits you first when you walk in. The place smells of a million different flavors of alcohol, and the captain reclines on a couch in the back, laughing at something that Lieutenant Sunnyskies just said. This collaborator is a pegasus in an old, worn Equestrian uniform.
In any case, there are bottles and kegs everywhere. Umlock's muscles are huge and imposing. His martial prowess doesn't need to be stated.
>>31724
"With some broad in wings and a black dress."
>>31723
"As for the second question?"
>>31725
This is the only bull on the fleet.
Sunnyskies translates, and the bull barks something in a foreign tongue.
"He says, 'still not enough'. So are you going to sit down and have a drink or keep gawking there, private?"
"With some broad in wings and a black dress."
>>31723
"As for the second question?"
>>31725
This is the only bull on the fleet.
Sunnyskies translates, and the bull barks something in a foreign tongue.
"He says, 'still not enough'. So are you going to sit down and have a drink or keep gawking there, private?"
>>31727
The captain and lieutenant chat back and forth in incomprehensible northern for a while and then Sunnyskies asks, "So what brings you to these quarters, private? News from the front?"
>>31728
"Do be careful. The necromancers of this fleet have spent many decades cultivating a sense of good will towards the art of necromancy. Being overzealous with it could damage that. You've been studying under the Fullmaster, yes? In your time away from Miss Terrebonne, that is."
>>31729
"Claw."
She doesn't seem interested in elaborating, or asking your name.
The captain and lieutenant chat back and forth in incomprehensible northern for a while and then Sunnyskies asks, "So what brings you to these quarters, private? News from the front?"
>>31728
"Do be careful. The necromancers of this fleet have spent many decades cultivating a sense of good will towards the art of necromancy. Being overzealous with it could damage that. You've been studying under the Fullmaster, yes? In your time away from Miss Terrebonne, that is."
>>31729
"Claw."
She doesn't seem interested in elaborating, or asking your name.
>>31733
He gives a curt little nod.
"No doubt. But the warriors of the fleet grow restless. This voyage is taking too long."
Umlock says something.
"Right. Our way would have involved pillaging every city along the coast instead of a direct route."
>>31734
"Well, good. If that's the case, stop by the meeting later. Unless there's anything else, you're dismissed."
>>31735
"Bilge."
He gives a curt little nod.
"No doubt. But the warriors of the fleet grow restless. This voyage is taking too long."
Umlock says something.
"Right. Our way would have involved pillaging every city along the coast instead of a direct route."
>>31734
"Well, good. If that's the case, stop by the meeting later. Unless there's anything else, you're dismissed."
>>31735
"Bilge."
>>31737
She's mostly clean, but everyone is dirty in this time period, especially pirates. Maybe the only clean ponies are the ones in the mansion.
She shrugs.
Felfire exits the office.
>>31738
You head out and see Light Heart chatting at the desk.
>>31739
"Low profile? We need to show 'em we mean business! That's war! If victory is assured, then you MUST fight! Tirek himself said that, and I think he knew a LITTLE more about war than YOU DO, private, because he invented it!"
She's mostly clean, but everyone is dirty in this time period, especially pirates. Maybe the only clean ponies are the ones in the mansion.
She shrugs.
Felfire exits the office.
>>31738
You head out and see Light Heart chatting at the desk.
>>31739
"Low profile? We need to show 'em we mean business! That's war! If victory is assured, then you MUST fight! Tirek himself said that, and I think he knew a LITTLE more about war than YOU DO, private, because he invented it!"
>>31756
You would try again, but the universe is currently paying too much attention for you to pull one over on it. Let the heat die down a bit first.
>>31755
He nods slowly. "Yes, perhaps, but I'm afraid it was one of a kind. There is no replacement. I'm afraid you'll simply have to do without the symbol of my endorsement from here on out."
>>31757
"Ta do what? Accept? Expand da fleet?"
>>31758
He offers you a really, really large flagon of booze. I'm not exaggerating when I say you need to hold it with both hooves.
You would try again, but the universe is currently paying too much attention for you to pull one over on it. Let the heat die down a bit first.
>>31755
He nods slowly. "Yes, perhaps, but I'm afraid it was one of a kind. There is no replacement. I'm afraid you'll simply have to do without the symbol of my endorsement from here on out."
>>31757
"Ta do what? Accept? Expand da fleet?"
>>31758
He offers you a really, really large flagon of booze. I'm not exaggerating when I say you need to hold it with both hooves.
>>31760
"Was there something else?"
>>31761
She shrugs. "Ya'd probably be here on da Fancy. Necramancers have always held da Pillager's Fancy. Fer long since before my time."
>>31762
Rumors point toward that big hunk o junk, the Eagles Roost.
>>31763
You spill it all over yourself trying to take a drink. Umlock gives a bellowing laugh.
"Careful there, private. Need a bib?"
>>31764
"How about a plaintive melody to see you off?"
The sounds of a lute resound for a time, and eventually, it stops. The connection is severed.
"Was there something else?"
>>31761
She shrugs. "Ya'd probably be here on da Fancy. Necramancers have always held da Pillager's Fancy. Fer long since before my time."
>>31762
Rumors point toward that big hunk o junk, the Eagles Roost.
>>31763
You spill it all over yourself trying to take a drink. Umlock gives a bellowing laugh.
"Careful there, private. Need a bib?"
>>31764
"How about a plaintive melody to see you off?"
The sounds of a lute resound for a time, and eventually, it stops. The connection is severed.
>>31766
"Quite aware, yes."
>>31767
She shrugs. "I've grown ta trust Smitts over da years. He may be a scheming bureaucrat, but he upholds da traditions of da fleet. If Umlock were in power, he'd probably put ya on da Eagle's Roost just for a cheap laugh or sometink."
>>31768
He chuckles and pats you on the back. "Here, I've got something smaller. No foal lids, though."
>>31769
You locate some sailors on deck. Better ask them.
"Quite aware, yes."
>>31767
She shrugs. "I've grown ta trust Smitts over da years. He may be a scheming bureaucrat, but he upholds da traditions of da fleet. If Umlock were in power, he'd probably put ya on da Eagle's Roost just for a cheap laugh or sometink."
>>31768
He chuckles and pats you on the back. "Here, I've got something smaller. No foal lids, though."
>>31769
You locate some sailors on deck. Better ask them.
>>31771
"It is a pocket dimension. Were you lead to believe otherwise?"
>>31772
Sea, sea, sea. As far as the eye can see.
She just steers in silence for a while.
>>31773
"I think Jones has a spare or two if you go down to see him."
He translates and Umlock has another big booming laugh.
>>31774
A couple shrug, but another nods. "I think I've seen him on one of the upper bunk levels… near a window."
"It is a pocket dimension. Were you lead to believe otherwise?"
>>31772
Sea, sea, sea. As far as the eye can see.
She just steers in silence for a while.
>>31773
"I think Jones has a spare or two if you go down to see him."
He translates and Umlock has another big booming laugh.
>>31774
A couple shrug, but another nods. "I think I've seen him on one of the upper bunk levels… near a window."
>>31776
"As far as I know, it's a mirrored recreation of his estate in, yes, Poneland-Lethania. The view outside is just part of the recreation."
>>31777
You're free to.
>>31778
Eventually you do spot him, his unusual species making him stand out a little more. He's tinkering with a wooden sculpture.
>>31779
"Rate medicine is advancing these days, maybe you can graft it on."
>>31780
"It's about the Elements of Harmony."
Yep, you remember those. Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, Kindness, and Loyalty. Supposedly there's a sixth element too, but it's a hidden element.
"As far as I know, it's a mirrored recreation of his estate in, yes, Poneland-Lethania. The view outside is just part of the recreation."
>>31777
You're free to.
>>31778
Eventually you do spot him, his unusual species making him stand out a little more. He's tinkering with a wooden sculpture.
>>31779
"Rate medicine is advancing these days, maybe you can graft it on."
>>31780
"It's about the Elements of Harmony."
Yep, you remember those. Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, Kindness, and Loyalty. Supposedly there's a sixth element too, but it's a hidden element.
>>31782
"Not entirely, but it has to end somewhere, and a nice blue sky is more inviting than a black abyss."
>>31783
It appears to be some sort of totem.
"Yes?"
>>31784
"Big plans for Roads? The boys are getting antsy."
>>31785
Yes?
>>31786
She laughs. "They don't work like that. They only come into this world when there's a threat – and ponies are chosen to stop it. But that probably won't even happen in our lifetimes!"
"Not entirely, but it has to end somewhere, and a nice blue sky is more inviting than a black abyss."
>>31783
It appears to be some sort of totem.
"Yes?"
>>31784
"Big plans for Roads? The boys are getting antsy."
>>31785
Yes?
>>31786
She laughs. "They don't work like that. They only come into this world when there's a threat – and ponies are chosen to stop it. But that probably won't even happen in our lifetimes!"
>>31787
"Pardon my interruption, i didn't wan to bother you while you were working. I'm Friesian Cross and I couldn't help but find myself involved in the argument between you and Helena. I was hoping you could explain your side of the story so I could try to get things to calm down with her."
"Guess I should explain my mentality instead of just looking like a busy body. I've been a soldier almost all my life, so a cooperative crew is of utmost significance to me, so even with Privateers, I like to continue that part of my old career."
"Pardon my interruption, i didn't wan to bother you while you were working. I'm Friesian Cross and I couldn't help but find myself involved in the argument between you and Helena. I was hoping you could explain your side of the story so I could try to get things to calm down with her."
"Guess I should explain my mentality instead of just looking like a busy body. I've been a soldier almost all my life, so a cooperative crew is of utmost significance to me, so even with Privateers, I like to continue that part of my old career."
>>31788
"Will that be all?"
>>31789
He shrugs. "Haven't heard of either of them! But you seem good enough. Set aside to get a sword shoved through you, we could use a meat shield or two when we ransack that marketplace against the commodore's orders. You in?"
>>31790
Only loosely accurate. I was a professor and to the Northlands, royal surgeon. Please don't take this the wrong way, but in truth, I'm here for her, not for you. Understand?
>>31791
He gives you an odd look. "I was simply meditating on the teachings of Mother Nature, when she interrupted and started yelling at me to stop, so I left."
>>31792
She gives you a big grin. "It's my favorite, too! But yes, when Avatars are chosen, there are physical treasures that appear – but not until then!"
"Will that be all?"
>>31789
He shrugs. "Haven't heard of either of them! But you seem good enough. Set aside to get a sword shoved through you, we could use a meat shield or two when we ransack that marketplace against the commodore's orders. You in?"
>>31790
Only loosely accurate. I was a professor and to the Northlands, royal surgeon. Please don't take this the wrong way, but in truth, I'm here for her, not for you. Understand?
>>31791
He gives you an odd look. "I was simply meditating on the teachings of Mother Nature, when she interrupted and started yelling at me to stop, so I left."
>>31792
She gives you a big grin. "It's my favorite, too! But yes, when Avatars are chosen, there are physical treasures that appear – but not until then!"
>>31794
I suppose not.
>>31795
"Very good then, good day."
>>31796
"Because this ship is too mazelike for me. I do not care for it."
>>31797
"Ah, I do know her. Right. Well, think about it! And Hell, you can come on our ship if you're worried about flogging!"
>>31798
"Kinda! But yeah, that's the fun of it! It would be really great if we could see one, but like I said, probably not going to happen!"
I suppose not.
>>31795
"Very good then, good day."
>>31796
"Because this ship is too mazelike for me. I do not care for it."
>>31797
"Ah, I do know her. Right. Well, think about it! And Hell, you can come on our ship if you're worried about flogging!"
>>31798
"Kinda! But yeah, that's the fun of it! It would be really great if we could see one, but like I said, probably not going to happen!"
>>31799
"Guess that puts a bit of a damper on my plans. I managed to talk to Helena and let her know that getting in fights with worshippers isn't going to win her friends or favors, so I was hoping to help you find another place to worship, away from her, at least. Have you tried any of the other ships, or are there any special conditions you have to meet?"
"Guess that puts a bit of a damper on my plans. I managed to talk to Helena and let her know that getting in fights with worshippers isn't going to win her friends or favors, so I was hoping to help you find another place to worship, away from her, at least. Have you tried any of the other ships, or are there any special conditions you have to meet?"
>>31800
After I was accepted as a courtier, mostly opulent palaces and fine refreshment. Practically nobility.
>>31801
He's dozing in the Sirocco cabin.
>>31802
Yep. You down some.
"Smitts is doing some trading and appraisal, so we've gotta make our own fun."
>>31803
"Not really."
>>31804
"Maybe! But, you have to remember! Even once it happens, there will only be six in the whole world, so that's pretty rare to witness!"
After I was accepted as a courtier, mostly opulent palaces and fine refreshment. Practically nobility.
>>31801
He's dozing in the Sirocco cabin.
>>31802
Yep. You down some.
"Smitts is doing some trading and appraisal, so we've gotta make our own fun."
>>31803
"Not really."
>>31804
"Maybe! But, you have to remember! Even once it happens, there will only be six in the whole world, so that's pretty rare to witness!"
>>31806
I'm afraid I'm not comfortable discussing it. It's a private part of my life.
>>31807
"He's too subdued for war! Always concerned with profits and losses, instead of just charging headlong into battle!"
>>31808
"Mmh? Aye?"
>>31809
He thinks for a bit in silence. "Maybe."
>>31810
Looking for Ciddir? You locate him talking to Friesian.
>>31811
"A drink? What kind?"
>>31812
Who knows? Presumably you return back to the Mossy Plains when you're not on call. But Id is out, so maybe you are too?
>>31813
There you go. You pull out The Expedition.
I'm afraid I'm not comfortable discussing it. It's a private part of my life.
>>31807
"He's too subdued for war! Always concerned with profits and losses, instead of just charging headlong into battle!"
>>31808
"Mmh? Aye?"
>>31809
He thinks for a bit in silence. "Maybe."
>>31810
Looking for Ciddir? You locate him talking to Friesian.
>>31811
"A drink? What kind?"
>>31812
Who knows? Presumably you return back to the Mossy Plains when you're not on call. But Id is out, so maybe you are too?
>>31813
There you go. You pull out The Expedition.
>>31816
She was already working as a courtier for the High King when I came to his service. We met while visiting a tournament in a foreign nation.
>>31818
"Affirmative. Too many, if you ask me. Not warrior-like."
>>31819
"Perhaps." He says after a time.
>>31820
She bounces along. "Alright!"
>>31821
"Just's'well."
She was already working as a courtier for the High King when I came to his service. We met while visiting a tournament in a foreign nation.
>>31818
"Affirmative. Too many, if you ask me. Not warrior-like."
>>31819
"Perhaps." He says after a time.
>>31820
She bounces along. "Alright!"
>>31821
"Just's'well."
>>31822
It's a pretty lengthy tome about the adventures of some Saddle Arabians into the northern lands.
>>31823
You do that.
>>31825
"It'll be over with soon."
>>31826
No, it wasn't. It was, in fact, to decide the succession of the country. The result of the battle was annexation by the Northlands.
>>31827
He stares at you for a time. "We will see."
>>31828
"Well, this ship is alright."
He goes back and forth with Umlock again in the foreign language.
It's a pretty lengthy tome about the adventures of some Saddle Arabians into the northern lands.
>>31823
You do that.
>>31825
"It'll be over with soon."
>>31826
No, it wasn't. It was, in fact, to decide the succession of the country. The result of the battle was annexation by the Northlands.
>>31827
He stares at you for a time. "We will see."
>>31828
"Well, this ship is alright."
He goes back and forth with Umlock again in the foreign language.
>>31833
Briefly, though not intentionally. I was seized by border guards that insisted I fight for my personal freedom. I won, but I am not a fighter.
>>31834
You discover a keg of fine cognac in the hold.
"General medicine! I collect a wide variety of specialties by traveling!"
>>31835
He nods, and stands up.
>>31836
"Right."
#Pause
Briefly, though not intentionally. I was seized by border guards that insisted I fight for my personal freedom. I won, but I am not a fighter.
>>31834
You discover a keg of fine cognac in the hold.
"General medicine! I collect a wide variety of specialties by traveling!"
>>31835
He nods, and stands up.
>>31836
"Right."
#Pause
>>31843
He chuckles. Give a jack a full 24 hours to digest the changes of a millennium. Then I'll decide if the future is a more miserable fate than eternal sleep.
>>31842
He was. You go in there.
"Yes?"
>>31844
"It is."
He peers at you searchingly.
>>31845
"You still owe me a ship."
He begins to pick out bits from his teeth with a little carving knife as you chat.
"Remember? What I want, you can't provide."
>>31846
You head on over to his office. A bored looking mare is at a desk where the front part of his office used to be. There's been extensive renovating, it seems.
>>31847
"Yes, I am, and have! Have you traveled much?"
He chuckles. Give a jack a full 24 hours to digest the changes of a millennium. Then I'll decide if the future is a more miserable fate than eternal sleep.
>>31842
He was. You go in there.
"Yes?"
>>31844
"It is."
He peers at you searchingly.
>>31845
"You still owe me a ship."
He begins to pick out bits from his teeth with a little carving knife as you chat.
"Remember? What I want, you can't provide."
>>31846
You head on over to his office. A bored looking mare is at a desk where the front part of his office used to be. There's been extensive renovating, it seems.
>>31847
"Yes, I am, and have! Have you traveled much?"
>>31848
"I do, from Tall tale port up to Horseshoe bay if I might add, I also travelled to lands that I've forgotten the names now that I think about it. I've been.. forcefully retired for up to 10 years well until these ships came along and now I'm here." I scratched my chin and smile at her before drinking.
'1d10'
"How about you, when do you start travelling?"
"I do, from Tall tale port up to Horseshoe bay if I might add, I also travelled to lands that I've forgotten the names now that I think about it. I've been.. forcefully retired for up to 10 years well until these ships came along and now I'm here." I scratched my chin and smile at her before drinking.
'1d10'
"How about you, when do you start travelling?"
>>31849
"Yeah."
>>31850
Don't take this the wrong way, but even if I had a modicum of an idea of where to start, I'm not sure if you would even have all the information I want. Perhaps the basics… What is the state of the Northlands? What has become of the Noble Practices? Why are you interested in me and Kilana? Was time magic ever mastered?
>>31851
He shrugs. "Maybe it was an excuse, maybe confidence. If ya don't die, I do believe it'll come ta that some day. But excuses will be done with soon. It's been a long time coming. I feel the end closing in. There can be only one."
>>31852
"Ah, I see. There's only one reason you might be interested in a Mates' Meeting. I hope you realize that I can't singularly vouch for you over everypony else."
>>31853
"You think strangely. I can tell. The way the gears turn in your head. The mechanisms. You think like they do. Maybe that makes me the strange one."
He doesn't return the chuckle, but instead stares at you more intensely. His eyes are locked onto yours.
>>31854
"Oh, since I was a little filly! But not too young! Well, I like to think I'm still young now, too! Where are you from?"
"Yeah."
>>31850
Don't take this the wrong way, but even if I had a modicum of an idea of where to start, I'm not sure if you would even have all the information I want. Perhaps the basics… What is the state of the Northlands? What has become of the Noble Practices? Why are you interested in me and Kilana? Was time magic ever mastered?
>>31851
He shrugs. "Maybe it was an excuse, maybe confidence. If ya don't die, I do believe it'll come ta that some day. But excuses will be done with soon. It's been a long time coming. I feel the end closing in. There can be only one."
>>31852
"Ah, I see. There's only one reason you might be interested in a Mates' Meeting. I hope you realize that I can't singularly vouch for you over everypony else."
>>31853
"You think strangely. I can tell. The way the gears turn in your head. The mechanisms. You think like they do. Maybe that makes me the strange one."
He doesn't return the chuckle, but instead stares at you more intensely. His eyes are locked onto yours.
>>31854
"Oh, since I was a little filly! But not too young! Well, I like to think I'm still young now, too! Where are you from?"
>>31871
Smile at him.
"I've been in this business longer than some of the people here have been alive. What can I say regarding such a matter? I've seen combat for years and been amongst people like these for just as long, eventually we start thinking similarly. Isn't this something you had considered when you joined up?"
Smile at him.
"I've been in this business longer than some of the people here have been alive. What can I say regarding such a matter? I've seen combat for years and been amongst people like these for just as long, eventually we start thinking similarly. Isn't this something you had considered when you joined up?"
>>31877
I did have the decency to ask politely. To be honest, I am not sure if I still have the ability, or if you have some special increased perception as a result of being my loan officer.
Pause. However, I don't see it as a matter of trust. I find most conflicts arise as a matter of poor communication skills. Besides, what could you possibly have to hide from your own shadow? It's not as though I can blackmail you.
>>31878
He surveys you. "No."
>>31879
"Snow is fun, when you get the chance for it! And it's romantic a lot of the time, too! Have you ever enjoyed the snow with a close friend, Chip?"
>>31880
"Maybe. I'll be busy anyway.
>>31881
"I can't say with certainty."
I did have the decency to ask politely. To be honest, I am not sure if I still have the ability, or if you have some special increased perception as a result of being my loan officer.
Pause. However, I don't see it as a matter of trust. I find most conflicts arise as a matter of poor communication skills. Besides, what could you possibly have to hide from your own shadow? It's not as though I can blackmail you.
>>31878
He surveys you. "No."
>>31879
"Snow is fun, when you get the chance for it! And it's romantic a lot of the time, too! Have you ever enjoyed the snow with a close friend, Chip?"
>>31880
"Maybe. I'll be busy anyway.
>>31881
"I can't say with certainty."
>>31883
There are parts of my memories I'd rather keep private.
Not for how they could be used against me, but for the significance they hold.
Showing my mind to someone would be an extreme show of trust.
But I can agree to let you start slow.
Try to read a very small piece of my mind and no more.
Keep in mind I have no way to tell where you will stop, no way of knowing if you broke your word.
There are parts of my memories I'd rather keep private.
Not for how they could be used against me, but for the significance they hold.
Showing my mind to someone would be an extreme show of trust.
But I can agree to let you start slow.
Try to read a very small piece of my mind and no more.
Keep in mind I have no way to tell where you will stop, no way of knowing if you broke your word.
>>31882
I am not sure if you are summoned right now! But let's say you are for more fun for you, I guess.
>>31884
"Perhaps. Just… don't rely too much on my support. I want to distance myself. Not for my benefit, but for yours. I think ponies think I just gave you a position for being a guinea pig. Well… that is actually true. See… you need to show that you can stand on your own hooves if you want their respect. That you don't need my backing."
I am not sure if you are summoned right now! But let's say you are for more fun for you, I guess.
>>31884
"Perhaps. Just… don't rely too much on my support. I want to distance myself. Not for my benefit, but for yours. I think ponies think I just gave you a position for being a guinea pig. Well… that is actually true. See… you need to show that you can stand on your own hooves if you want their respect. That you don't need my backing."
>>31883
"It was beaten into me, but you seem to be catching on to it by yourself, but different places will have different ideas of ther own when it comes to doing things. I'm already used to this life, or what's left of it, you have plenty of time left to decide what you want."
"Tell me, in your opinion, what is out "Outlaw" mentality? What do you think of it?"
"It was beaten into me, but you seem to be catching on to it by yourself, but different places will have different ideas of ther own when it comes to doing things. I'm already used to this life, or what's left of it, you have plenty of time left to decide what you want."
"Tell me, in your opinion, what is out "Outlaw" mentality? What do you think of it?"
>>31883
I stop and this made me think for a while, remembering my past.
"Snow is something to be wary about, the winter times of Novdogod is harsh. Most dogs and ponies living there have little time for the romantics and usually coop up inside their houses. I mostly stay inside the workshop since I have nowhere else to go and I burn scrap wood to stave off the cold. There are times when me and the other street foals have to huddle each other to stave it off, thats why many of us have to work hard in the summer so we dont run out of bits during the winter."
I then drink some.
'1d10'
I stop and this made me think for a while, remembering my past.
"Snow is something to be wary about, the winter times of Novdogod is harsh. Most dogs and ponies living there have little time for the romantics and usually coop up inside their houses. I mostly stay inside the workshop since I have nowhere else to go and I burn scrap wood to stave off the cold. There are times when me and the other street foals have to huddle each other to stave it off, thats why many of us have to work hard in the summer so we dont run out of bits during the winter."
I then drink some.
'1d10'
>>31885
See, that was so much faster than talking. The mind moves so much faster than the mouth.
>>31887
"It is not one quality. Instead… Patterns. If I use a lever, you use a slope. They would also use a slope."
>>31888
He grunts in assent.
>>31889
"Talking… Solving."
>>31892
"I see. Well, we may as well get it out of the way. What are you interested in now?"
>>31893
You start to get very intoxicated.
"I see. That sounds unhappy, but at least you get to be close to each other!"
See, that was so much faster than talking. The mind moves so much faster than the mouth.
>>31887
"It is not one quality. Instead… Patterns. If I use a lever, you use a slope. They would also use a slope."
>>31888
He grunts in assent.
>>31889
"Talking… Solving."
>>31892
"I see. Well, we may as well get it out of the way. What are you interested in now?"
>>31893
You start to get very intoxicated.
"I see. That sounds unhappy, but at least you get to be close to each other!"
>>31894
"Something has come to mind that I had forgotten. My former teacher, who had fished me out of the sea, often walked around in a form that as much resembled a pony-shaped bundle of seaweed as it did anything else. I was wondering if that was something that was actually nature magic, or if I'd somehow been picked up by a spirit of some kind."
"Something has come to mind that I had forgotten. My former teacher, who had fished me out of the sea, often walked around in a form that as much resembled a pony-shaped bundle of seaweed as it did anything else. I was wondering if that was something that was actually nature magic, or if I'd somehow been picked up by a spirit of some kind."
>>31894
Okay put down the drink first and just stare at her.
"Most likely yes, there is a sense of… how can I say it, camaraderie amongst the orphans who works on the shipyard. Most of us experience the same hardship thats why we stick together back then. Hmmm.. I wonder what happened to those guys now that I think about it." I
Okay put down the drink first and just stare at her.
"Most likely yes, there is a sense of… how can I say it, camaraderie amongst the orphans who works on the shipyard. Most of us experience the same hardship thats why we stick together back then. Hmmm.. I wonder what happened to those guys now that I think about it." I
>>31894
"Patterns, huh? Hmm, so where do you think we got such a thing embedded into us? You must have asked yourself a few questions about it? I've been in this industry long enough that I can probably answer some."
>>31901
"We're headed to the Hourglass. Some of our fellow sailors don't take to kindly to meditation, and we we're hoping to find a quieter area to help keep the peace."
"Patterns, huh? Hmm, so where do you think we got such a thing embedded into us? You must have asked yourself a few questions about it? I've been in this industry long enough that I can probably answer some."
>>31901
"We're headed to the Hourglass. Some of our fellow sailors don't take to kindly to meditation, and we we're hoping to find a quieter area to help keep the peace."
>>31896
Nothing relevant to your personal life. Politics, mostly.
You should head to the meeting soon.
>>31895
"Good."
You should head to the meeting soon.
>>31897
Everyone on the ships is mighty bored and antsy for arrival at Roads, where everything will pick up.
Sateo and Freisian are nearby if you like, or you saw Emrille go onto the Pillager's Fancy.
>>31898
"Yes. Such magic is possible, but incredibly difficult and dangerous until you master it."
>>31899
"I'm sure you'll see them again someday, even if it's in the hereafter!"
You should go to the officers' meeting soon.
>>31900
You head to the meeting early.
>>31901
"No… Or maybe yes? Complex."
>>31902
"Higher level. Processes, not specific thoughts."
Nothing relevant to your personal life. Politics, mostly.
You should head to the meeting soon.
>>31895
"Good."
You should head to the meeting soon.
>>31897
Everyone on the ships is mighty bored and antsy for arrival at Roads, where everything will pick up.
Sateo and Freisian are nearby if you like, or you saw Emrille go onto the Pillager's Fancy.
>>31898
"Yes. Such magic is possible, but incredibly difficult and dangerous until you master it."
>>31899
"I'm sure you'll see them again someday, even if it's in the hereafter!"
You should go to the officers' meeting soon.
>>31900
You head to the meeting early.
>>31901
"No… Or maybe yes? Complex."
>>31902
"Higher level. Processes, not specific thoughts."
>>31904
Yes indeed. Nearly all the mates are here, and no one else. Smitts is notably not here yet.
Oh, wait, there he comes.
>>31905
It's sincerely nothing you need to worry about. Relax yourself.
Terrebonne passes off the wheel to a officer corps member and heads to the meeting.
>>31907
"Good. Focus on becoming a rock. We'll reconvene tomorrow and dawn. Bright and early. Do not be late. Until then, I must go to a meeting."
He bustles out with some papers.
Yes indeed. Nearly all the mates are here, and no one else. Smitts is notably not here yet.
Oh, wait, there he comes.
>>31905
It's sincerely nothing you need to worry about. Relax yourself.
Terrebonne passes off the wheel to a officer corps member and heads to the meeting.
>>31907
"Good. Focus on becoming a rock. We'll reconvene tomorrow and dawn. Bright and early. Do not be late. Until then, I must go to a meeting."
He bustles out with some papers.
>>31903
"Maybe you're losing me. I'm guessing you mean the way we think about everything else? Many of us grew up in the area. We fight each other every so often, but we share a lot too, so that might be why you think we all think alike. I haven't met that many deer like yourself, so this is a fresh chance for me too. We might change each other, if I'm reading what you're saying properly."
"Maybe you're losing me. I'm guessing you mean the way we think about everything else? Many of us grew up in the area. We fight each other every so often, but we share a lot too, so that might be why you think we all think alike. I haven't met that many deer like yourself, so this is a fresh chance for me too. We might change each other, if I'm reading what you're saying properly."
>>31911
"There was a fellow Dog lady sailor whose been causing some raucous with the more 'spiritually inclined' amongst us. Even got herself the nickname of God-Hater. Took it upon myself to try and keep the peace and I'm showing our friend here a few places he can go to be alone and worship his way without interruption."
"There was a fellow Dog lady sailor whose been causing some raucous with the more 'spiritually inclined' amongst us. Even got herself the nickname of God-Hater. Took it upon myself to try and keep the peace and I'm showing our friend here a few places he can go to be alone and worship his way without interruption."
>>31909
Another look of scrutiny. "Maybe."
>>31910
You head to the meeting. It's busy! Light Heart is here. You're the only non-mate here. Until, wait… Felfire is here, too. Odd.
>>31912
If you insist, but really, I'm not doing it malignantly.
>>31911
He nods confidently.
>>31913
Smitts doesn't keep his office very decorated with plants, just one frondy affair next to his desk.
In your house I long to be; /
Room by room patiently, /
I'll wait for you there like a stone. /
I'll wait for you there alone.
>>31915
No one said that out loud, that was your brain working.
Your brain reiterates: YOU ARE GOING TO BE LATE FOR THE MATES' MEETING THAT HAPPENS EVERY THURSDAY, GO THERE NOW.
HP gives you an odd look. "What now?"
>>31914
You take a seat next to him. Emrille and Felfire are here, oddly.
#Pause
Another look of scrutiny. "Maybe."
>>31910
You head to the meeting. It's busy! Light Heart is here. You're the only non-mate here. Until, wait… Felfire is here, too. Odd.
>>31912
If you insist, but really, I'm not doing it malignantly.
>>31911
He nods confidently.
>>31913
Smitts doesn't keep his office very decorated with plants, just one frondy affair next to his desk.
In your house I long to be; /
Room by room patiently, /
I'll wait for you there like a stone. /
I'll wait for you there alone.
>>31915
No one said that out loud, that was your brain working.
Your brain reiterates: YOU ARE GOING TO BE LATE FOR THE MATES' MEETING THAT HAPPENS EVERY THURSDAY, GO THERE NOW.
HP gives you an odd look. "What now?"
>>31914
You take a seat next to him. Emrille and Felfire are here, oddly.
#Pause
>>31921
"She got in enough trouble to earn that name and keep most worshippers from decking her in retaliation, so aye, she be quite a strong lady."
>>31922
"I recall meeting your momma and her getting a bit worried at the thought of Miss Heart being by herself, I'm sure she might be worrying if you ran off up here by yourself. But if she doesn't mind, than neither will I."
"She got in enough trouble to earn that name and keep most worshippers from decking her in retaliation, so aye, she be quite a strong lady."
>>31922
"I recall meeting your momma and her getting a bit worried at the thought of Miss Heart being by herself, I'm sure she might be worrying if you ran off up here by yourself. But if she doesn't mind, than neither will I."
>>31924
"Memates? Who's Memates mister Satero?"
I scratch my head in confusion and look around at who else he could be talking to.
"Are you talking about mister Freesheen?"
>>31928
"I didn't ask her… but she was busy! And it was getting really boring just sitting there waiting for her to be done talking to miss Light Heart…"
"Memates? Who's Memates mister Satero?"
I scratch my head in confusion and look around at who else he could be talking to.
"Are you talking about mister Freesheen?"
>>31928
"I didn't ask her… but she was busy! And it was getting really boring just sitting there waiting for her to be done talking to miss Light Heart…"
>>31929
"You shouldn't be leavingher side like that if you know she gets worried that way. But what's done is done, would you like to join us as we tour the rest of the ships?"
>>31930
"She might not appreciate me sending a pup to pulverize. I barely managed to talk her into not getting into fights with our more spiritually-leaning fellows."
"You shouldn't be leavingher side like that if you know she gets worried that way. But what's done is done, would you like to join us as we tour the rest of the ships?"
>>31930
"She might not appreciate me sending a pup to pulverize. I barely managed to talk her into not getting into fights with our more spiritually-leaning fellows."
>>31932
"Can't say exactly as I'm not exactly a Diamond Dog myself, but," whisper back: "she's pretty cute, for a doggy."
"I've fought with enough that I got a decent grasp on those type of things, so go ahead and go after her, but don't say I didn't warn you, and don't say I sent you."
>>31933
"Of course, I wouldn't mind the company and she wouldn't mind you being supervised."
"Can't say exactly as I'm not exactly a Diamond Dog myself, but," whisper back: "she's pretty cute, for a doggy."
"I've fought with enough that I got a decent grasp on those type of things, so go ahead and go after her, but don't say I didn't warn you, and don't say I sent you."
>>31933
"Of course, I wouldn't mind the company and she wouldn't mind you being supervised."
>>31925
Secrets are just a source of conflict.
>>31923
The room slowly fills. Looks like it's starting soon.
>>31926
She nods and smiles. "Until then!"
You head on down to the meeting room. It's nearly full.
>>31927
You feel more like The Thing already.
>>31928
General Movp swings by and calls to you: "Cross, come with me. There's a meeting I'd like you to come to."
Secrets are just a source of conflict.
>>31923
The room slowly fills. Looks like it's starting soon.
>>31926
She nods and smiles. "Until then!"
You head on down to the meeting room. It's nearly full.
>>31927
You feel more like The Thing already.
>>31928
General Movp swings by and calls to you: "Cross, come with me. There's a meeting I'd like you to come to."
>>31942
On a cob web afternoon,
In a room full of emptiness.
You wait for Smitts there.
Like a stone.
You wait for him there.
Alone.
Before long, you realize that hours have passed, and you hardly even noticed. Hm. Maybe you're more rock like than you thought. You'll have to report this tomorrow.
>>31943
He leads you off to a meeting room already crowded with faces, but the only thing you recognize in common between them is that they are all officers of various ships in the fleet.
"Today they will be taking nominations for Commander of the Hourglass, and I'd like you to sit in, though non-mates typically do not speak unless called on directly."
>>31944
>>31945
>>31946
Clearly things are starting, because Smitts pounds on the table, and the room quiets.
"Good evening everypony, this is the forty second week session of the Mates' Moot. Hopefully everyone has been having a pleasant voyage, we will make landfall in Roads in about two weeks. On that note, we have four items on the agenda tonight. First, I will be naming a new Jack o' Swords for the Eagle's Roost, second, we examine the end of an officer probationary period, third, we will consider a new officer candidate, and finally, I will be taking nominations for the commander position on the Hourglass. Anything before we begin?"
On a cob web afternoon,
In a room full of emptiness.
You wait for Smitts there.
Like a stone.
You wait for him there.
Alone.
Before long, you realize that hours have passed, and you hardly even noticed. Hm. Maybe you're more rock like than you thought. You'll have to report this tomorrow.
>>31943
He leads you off to a meeting room already crowded with faces, but the only thing you recognize in common between them is that they are all officers of various ships in the fleet.
"Today they will be taking nominations for Commander of the Hourglass, and I'd like you to sit in, though non-mates typically do not speak unless called on directly."
>>31944
>>31945
>>31946
Clearly things are starting, because Smitts pounds on the table, and the room quiets.
"Good evening everypony, this is the forty second week session of the Mates' Moot. Hopefully everyone has been having a pleasant voyage, we will make landfall in Roads in about two weeks. On that note, we have four items on the agenda tonight. First, I will be naming a new Jack o' Swords for the Eagle's Roost, second, we examine the end of an officer probationary period, third, we will consider a new officer candidate, and finally, I will be taking nominations for the commander position on the Hourglass. Anything before we begin?"
>>31947
It must be my experience with waiting. I've done it for 20 years, after all. But the passage of time is concerning. I've lost a lot of time to work on those books. Since Smitts is going to be in that meeting for the rest of the day, I suppose I can explore the fleet a little before coming back to work on those books. Let's go explore… well, how about that new boat? The Hourglass.
It must be my experience with waiting. I've done it for 20 years, after all. But the passage of time is concerning. I've lost a lot of time to work on those books. Since Smitts is going to be in that meeting for the rest of the day, I suppose I can explore the fleet a little before coming back to work on those books. Let's go explore… well, how about that new boat? The Hourglass.
>>31948
You head over to the Seaworthy where she's holed up and spot the bitch right away. She's wearing the traditional clothes of your people, which is to say, just a vest and nothing else. You approach from behind and see her tail wagging slightly. No mistaking her: she's quite big for a female, towering over you. She hasn't noticed you yet, but she does look a bit cute. She is a little older than you, though. Maybe ten years.
>>31949
>>31950
>>31951
>>31952
"Good, good. For the first item on our agenda, we're conferring the honor and station of Jack o' Swords of the Eagle's Roost upon Third Mate Chip. Thank you for your continued service, Mister Chip. I will issue your letter of commission after the meeting privately.
For the second item on the agenda, we will hear Miss Emrille speak on her own behalf, then take a private ballot vote on whether she retains her officership. Miss Emrille, the floor is yours."
He sits back down.
You head over to the Seaworthy where she's holed up and spot the bitch right away. She's wearing the traditional clothes of your people, which is to say, just a vest and nothing else. You approach from behind and see her tail wagging slightly. No mistaking her: she's quite big for a female, towering over you. She hasn't noticed you yet, but she does look a bit cute. She is a little older than you, though. Maybe ten years.
>>31949
>>31950
>>31951
>>31952
"Good, good. For the first item on our agenda, we're conferring the honor and station of Jack o' Swords of the Eagle's Roost upon Third Mate Chip. Thank you for your continued service, Mister Chip. I will issue your letter of commission after the meeting privately.
For the second item on the agenda, we will hear Miss Emrille speak on her own behalf, then take a private ballot vote on whether she retains her officership. Miss Emrille, the floor is yours."
He sits back down.
>>31959
Good… strong. Its growth has been rapid. In only a few days, it's been getting smarter and more capable. Catching rats on its own. Soon this hold won't be enough to feed it anymore as rats begin to run out, and she will have to expand her hunting grounds. She has also begun to flap her wings, strengthening them in preparation for flying. By the time you arrive in Roads in two weeks, you expect that she will be totally autonomous.
Good… strong. Its growth has been rapid. In only a few days, it's been getting smarter and more capable. Catching rats on its own. Soon this hold won't be enough to feed it anymore as rats begin to run out, and she will have to expand her hunting grounds. She has also begun to flap her wings, strengthening them in preparation for flying. By the time you arrive in Roads in two weeks, you expect that she will be totally autonomous.
>>31954
Stand up and clear my throat. Here goes!
"I never really was a mare of many words, so I'll be brief. I know what some of you might think of how I got this rank and that I couldn't do much as a filly, but that is over. Now, the fleet comes first. And I intend to do my job right.
At first I was hesitant to call myself a pirate, but now I know there's nothing more I could ask for than being one. I fucking love it. But that doesn't mean I left everything behind from my history as a mercenary. I still have the drive to complete any mission I have at hoof, whatever it might take. No backing down, no excuses.
I have the will to command and the skill to kill.
And I don't take no for an answer.
I know that I am suitable for this position, which I have proven already to some of you. For the rest of you, you will see once it is finalized.
Thank you."
Sit back down.
That went well I guess?
Stand up and clear my throat. Here goes!
"I never really was a mare of many words, so I'll be brief. I know what some of you might think of how I got this rank and that I couldn't do much as a filly, but that is over. Now, the fleet comes first. And I intend to do my job right.
At first I was hesitant to call myself a pirate, but now I know there's nothing more I could ask for than being one. I fucking love it. But that doesn't mean I left everything behind from my history as a mercenary. I still have the drive to complete any mission I have at hoof, whatever it might take. No backing down, no excuses.
I have the will to command and the skill to kill.
And I don't take no for an answer.
I know that I am suitable for this position, which I have proven already to some of you. For the rest of you, you will see once it is finalized.
Thank you."
Sit back down.
That went well I guess?
>>31964
Skylight blinks in surprise, but then nods in greeting. "Hello, Seekkill."
>>31966
"Alright, but lets finish here, first."
>>31965
Smitts nods and takes the floor.
"We'll have be having the vote. I'll come around with the hat."
You can see the various officers scribbling votes out on paper, and then dropping them into a hat Smitts provides.
He reads them up. Roll please.
Skylight blinks in surprise, but then nods in greeting. "Hello, Seekkill."
>>31966
"Alright, but lets finish here, first."
>>31965
Smitts nods and takes the floor.
"We'll have be having the vote. I'll come around with the hat."
You can see the various officers scribbling votes out on paper, and then dropping them into a hat Smitts provides.
He reads them up. Roll please.
>>31971
She shrugs. "I didn't expect you'd want a story time over here."
>>31972
A slow murmur creeps into the room, but after a few minutes, Smitts pounds on the table and remarks,
"Motion passed. I'm reassigning Emrille to a permanent post as an officer on the Seaworthy. Next order of business. A nomination has been put forward to promote Miss Felfire into the Officer Corps on the Pillager's Fancy. I'd like her to speak a moment, then I will listen to thoughts. This is a preliminary hearing, we will not be having a vote."
She shrugs. "I didn't expect you'd want a story time over here."
>>31972
A slow murmur creeps into the room, but after a few minutes, Smitts pounds on the table and remarks,
"Motion passed. I'm reassigning Emrille to a permanent post as an officer on the Seaworthy. Next order of business. A nomination has been put forward to promote Miss Felfire into the Officer Corps on the Pillager's Fancy. I'd like her to speak a moment, then I will listen to thoughts. This is a preliminary hearing, we will not be having a vote."
>>31973
"Alright, though they're probably going to ask for money for the book. Just in case it gets lost or damaged."
I'll consider a moment.
"Are there any quartermasters you're on good terms with? You might be able to get a better price with them than the others."
>>31974
I'll shrug.
"Well, there are worse places."
"Alright, though they're probably going to ask for money for the book. Just in case it gets lost or damaged."
I'll consider a moment.
"Are there any quartermasters you're on good terms with? You might be able to get a better price with them than the others."
>>31974
I'll shrug.
"Well, there are worse places."
>>31974
Step up from my seat and reach the middle of the room, giving a faint nod to the mates.
"Commodore, Captains, Mates.
There is little I have to say that isn't known already.
Most if not all of you know who I am and what I've done so far, so I will spare you all from tales about how well I will perform and how useful I would be.
Instead, I intend to address what I think is the main concern most of those who don't truly know me have."
Start pacing.
"Over the course of my travels, I've met people of every breed and kin, from mighty thinkers to lower scammers, I've had the occasion to stare in the face of each and every one of them.
After a life spent travelling, the Pillanger's Fancy has been my first harbor. The place I've decided to set up roots in.
If amongst you there are some worried about my ability to face others, to carry a command across, to be respected and not simply avoided, chase those thoughts from your mind.
Determination and hard work brought me here, determination and hard work will carry me over, and the same determination and hard work I will require of those under me.
That's all."
Step up from my seat and reach the middle of the room, giving a faint nod to the mates.
"Commodore, Captains, Mates.
There is little I have to say that isn't known already.
Most if not all of you know who I am and what I've done so far, so I will spare you all from tales about how well I will perform and how useful I would be.
Instead, I intend to address what I think is the main concern most of those who don't truly know me have."
Start pacing.
"Over the course of my travels, I've met people of every breed and kin, from mighty thinkers to lower scammers, I've had the occasion to stare in the face of each and every one of them.
After a life spent travelling, the Pillanger's Fancy has been my first harbor. The place I've decided to set up roots in.
If amongst you there are some worried about my ability to face others, to carry a command across, to be respected and not simply avoided, chase those thoughts from your mind.
Determination and hard work brought me here, determination and hard work will carry me over, and the same determination and hard work I will require of those under me.
That's all."
>>31987
Answered in meta.
>>31988
She shrugs. "Yeah, I'd fight just as soon as the next bitch. You here to brawl or somethin'?"
She offers you a paw up.
>>31989
>>31992
You were in the room.
>>31990
>>31991
Over on the Seaworthy, you knock on the metal door of Lockermaster Jones, but get no answer.
You head over to the Pillager's Fancy and knock on the door of the griffon known as Dolly Doldrums, but get no answer.
Right… all the quartermasters are officers! Maybe you should get one of your own books for now.
>>31994
"Very good. Any comments?"
PCs should speak up now if they want to, NPCs will evaluate next.
Answered in meta.
>>31988
She shrugs. "Yeah, I'd fight just as soon as the next bitch. You here to brawl or somethin'?"
She offers you a paw up.
>>31989
>>31992
You were in the room.
>>31990
>>31991
Over on the Seaworthy, you knock on the metal door of Lockermaster Jones, but get no answer.
You head over to the Pillager's Fancy and knock on the door of the griffon known as Dolly Doldrums, but get no answer.
Right… all the quartermasters are officers! Maybe you should get one of your own books for now.
>>31994
"Very good. Any comments?"
PCs should speak up now if they want to, NPCs will evaluate next.
>>31995
I raise a hoof.
"Miss Felfire's words ring true. One must only remind themselves of where she started and where she stands now. A most impressive improvement to be sure. I for one look forward to seeing her flourish further and think that she is well suited for a position among the officers."
I raise a hoof.
"Miss Felfire's words ring true. One must only remind themselves of where she started and where she stands now. A most impressive improvement to be sure. I for one look forward to seeing her flourish further and think that she is well suited for a position among the officers."
>>31995
I smile at the officers while I relax.
"What Ms. Felfire do is what she does. She is an odd case back then, a mare who is hard to approach and equally harder to please. But like she had said, she is determined to do what she can, without hesitation. Without a moments notice do she do her duty and revive any fallen comrade of our and she do it without thinking twice. That is dependability and I assure you people that she is a mare worth her salt."
>>31994
I smile at her.
I smile at the officers while I relax.
"What Ms. Felfire do is what she does. She is an odd case back then, a mare who is hard to approach and equally harder to please. But like she had said, she is determined to do what she can, without hesitation. Without a moments notice do she do her duty and revive any fallen comrade of our and she do it without thinking twice. That is dependability and I assure you people that she is a mare worth her salt."
>>31994
I smile at her.
>>32003
>>31999
Abilio adds: "It goes without saying how I feel."
He then immediately sits down. He must have meant it literally.
Terrebonne nods. "She be ready."
Doc Peg echos her: "Ready."
Short John Bronze groans, "Big surprise. This is just more nepotism. Can't really reliably judge her because she would've been promoted regardless of skill just because of her practice. Just listen to Miss Heart. Even she's not part of their little club and she knows that she's only being promoted for her magical abilities, not leadership abilities."
A few others murmur in agreement, Marsh notable among them.
Topaz adds: "There's more to running a tight ship than a spell here and there. And keeping in line with fear."
Umlock growls something in a foreign tongue, and Sunnyskies translates: "She doesn't have any meat on her bones."
Rusty Wrench nods. "She's good. Promote her."
General Movp adds to the end, "I'm not saying she is or is not ready, but I've never so much as spoken to Miss Felfire. I'm not prepared to advance an unknown into fleet leadership – nothing personal of course, Miss."
There are more murmurs of agreement.
Smitts bangs on the table. "Very good. That will do for now. Please see me in private counsel if you have any other concerns. We should be able to come to a vote on this in the next week or the following week. Moving on to the final order of business, nominations for Commander of the Hourglass. Any nominations to put forward?"
General Movp once again stands up and indicates Friesian, who he brought along. "I've worked with Mister Cross in the past. He is a commander is consummate skill and honor, and is not only a proven leader, but a champion of loyalty, dignity, and tact under pressure. I believe he is the ONLY right choice for the position."
>>32004
She laughs. "Yeah, but that's not saying much, is it?"
Then she pulls you up. "So that's what you came over for, just scrap? Boy, and here I thought you were trying to make a move."
She has an amused smile.
>>32005
The introduction, right. It's about his opinions of his swamp pony neighbors, if you recall.
>>31999
Abilio adds: "It goes without saying how I feel."
He then immediately sits down. He must have meant it literally.
Terrebonne nods. "She be ready."
Doc Peg echos her: "Ready."
Short John Bronze groans, "Big surprise. This is just more nepotism. Can't really reliably judge her because she would've been promoted regardless of skill just because of her practice. Just listen to Miss Heart. Even she's not part of their little club and she knows that she's only being promoted for her magical abilities, not leadership abilities."
A few others murmur in agreement, Marsh notable among them.
Topaz adds: "There's more to running a tight ship than a spell here and there. And keeping in line with fear."
Umlock growls something in a foreign tongue, and Sunnyskies translates: "She doesn't have any meat on her bones."
Rusty Wrench nods. "She's good. Promote her."
General Movp adds to the end, "I'm not saying she is or is not ready, but I've never so much as spoken to Miss Felfire. I'm not prepared to advance an unknown into fleet leadership – nothing personal of course, Miss."
There are more murmurs of agreement.
Smitts bangs on the table. "Very good. That will do for now. Please see me in private counsel if you have any other concerns. We should be able to come to a vote on this in the next week or the following week. Moving on to the final order of business, nominations for Commander of the Hourglass. Any nominations to put forward?"
General Movp once again stands up and indicates Friesian, who he brought along. "I've worked with Mister Cross in the past. He is a commander is consummate skill and honor, and is not only a proven leader, but a champion of loyalty, dignity, and tact under pressure. I believe he is the ONLY right choice for the position."
>>32004
She laughs. "Yeah, but that's not saying much, is it?"
Then she pulls you up. "So that's what you came over for, just scrap? Boy, and here I thought you were trying to make a move."
She has an amused smile.
>>32005
The introduction, right. It's about his opinions of his swamp pony neighbors, if you recall.
>>32018
>>32019
She cocks her head at you. "Come?"
>>32017
"Very well, not strictly traditional, since you're not a mate, but I'll note it."
>>32020
She playfully shoves you. "Well if you're going to be a dog, at least be an alpha. Scrawny pup like you, people are going to think you're my bitch if you don't start acting a little more confident."
>>32019
She cocks her head at you. "Come?"
>>32017
"Very well, not strictly traditional, since you're not a mate, but I'll note it."
>>32020
She playfully shoves you. "Well if you're going to be a dog, at least be an alpha. Scrawny pup like you, people are going to think you're my bitch if you don't start acting a little more confident."
>>32025
Sunnyskies interjects at the end. "You're right. The only acceptable candidate is Salty Slugs. He's been an officer longer than any of these maggots by a long shot, and he has quite a bit of sailing skill. And you think he got fleet cannonmaster by sitting around on her ass? Better believe not."
>>32026
She chirps at you.
Sunnyskies interjects at the end. "You're right. The only acceptable candidate is Salty Slugs. He's been an officer longer than any of these maggots by a long shot, and he has quite a bit of sailing skill. And you think he got fleet cannonmaster by sitting around on her ass? Better believe not."
>>32026
She chirps at you.
>>32035
She chirps pleasantly in recognition of the name.
>>32034
>>32031
Abilio stands. "I actually have a nomination of my own. Our fleet navigator has long commanded the helm when it has been necessary, and she has ample experience with controlling our route in general. Lucky Stripes would be the ideal choice for a small scouting vessel like the Hourglass."
She chirps pleasantly in recognition of the name.
>>32034
>>32031
Abilio stands. "I actually have a nomination of my own. Our fleet navigator has long commanded the helm when it has been necessary, and she has ample experience with controlling our route in general. Lucky Stripes would be the ideal choice for a small scouting vessel like the Hourglass."
>>32031
>>32032
Cute.
"Alright, most books begin with either an introduction, or a table of contents. This one has an introduction, so we'll start there."
I'll have the book on the floor so both gryphons can read it easily.
>>32039
I'll nod, and then I begin to teach as best I can.
"Now, as you recall, Sekkill, words are nothing more than letters and sounds. Certain combinations of letters make certain kinds of sounds."
>>32032
Cute.
"Alright, most books begin with either an introduction, or a table of contents. This one has an introduction, so we'll start there."
I'll have the book on the floor so both gryphons can read it easily.
>>32039
I'll nod, and then I begin to teach as best I can.
"Now, as you recall, Sekkill, words are nothing more than letters and sounds. Certain combinations of letters make certain kinds of sounds."
>>32039
She chirps a few more times. "Come!"
>>32040
At the beginning, she takes the lead and bends you over, using her size advantage to control the flow, but by the end, you've seized upon her and have taken the alpha position. She seems pleased as the two of you collapse in a heap on the cot.
You didn't realize it, but because of the way your member has inflated, you can't actually disengage from her for quite some time, so you end up laying with her for some time.
…She's soft… and smells… like strawberries.
>>32041
>>32043
"This is a nomination session, not a debate, Emrille. Sit down."
>>32042
The chick preoccupies itself with trying to climb up Seekkill's back.
She chirps a few more times. "Come!"
>>32040
At the beginning, she takes the lead and bends you over, using her size advantage to control the flow, but by the end, you've seized upon her and have taken the alpha position. She seems pleased as the two of you collapse in a heap on the cot.
You didn't realize it, but because of the way your member has inflated, you can't actually disengage from her for quite some time, so you end up laying with her for some time.
…She's soft… and smells… like strawberries.
>>32041
>>32043
"This is a nomination session, not a debate, Emrille. Sit down."
>>32042
The chick preoccupies itself with trying to climb up Seekkill's back.
>>32047
Umlock growls something in a foreign tongue, which Sunnyskies relates: "Non-mates should not even speak at a Mates' Meeting."
>>32050
>>32049
"Well, if those are all of the nominations, that will be fine. We'll continue this discussion next week, and we will decide two weeks from now, at the meeting after we make landfall in Roads. Enjoy the rest of your evenings."
Timeskip when you are ready.
Umlock growls something in a foreign tongue, which Sunnyskies relates: "Non-mates should not even speak at a Mates' Meeting."
>>32050
>>32049
"Well, if those are all of the nominations, that will be fine. We'll continue this discussion next week, and we will decide two weeks from now, at the meeting after we make landfall in Roads. Enjoy the rest of your evenings."
Timeskip when you are ready.
>>32057
Sunnyskies relates this. Umlock makes a [i]huge scene, bolting up from his seat and yelling in a foreign tongue.
The Lieutenant translates: "The captain invokes the privilege of non-appeal. You're banned from The Seaworthy indefinitely."
Smitts grimaces. "That's her new post. That will make things difficult."
>>32058
She squawks.
At least you're explaining things pretty clearly.
>>32059
Mmm… good memories.
Ready to timeskip?
>>32060
Does anyone?
>>32061
You pick up everything, but she seems a little young yet.
Sunnyskies relates this. Umlock makes a [i]huge scene, bolting up from his seat and yelling in a foreign tongue.
The Lieutenant translates: "The captain invokes the privilege of non-appeal. You're banned from The Seaworthy indefinitely."
Smitts grimaces. "That's her new post. That will make things difficult."
>>32058
She squawks.
At least you're explaining things pretty clearly.
>>32059
Mmm… good memories.
Ready to timeskip?
>>32060
Does anyone?
>>32061
You pick up everything, but she seems a little young yet.
>>32067
You stop by the desk and pick up your letter of commission. "Congratulations, Mister Chip. Take care to maintain that cudgel arm. The position of Jack o' Swords always belongs to the strongest."
>>32068
She nods. "Wise."
>>32066
Roads, two weeks ahead.
>>32069
>>32070
Perhaps she picked up on some, but her youth distracts her through most of it.
You stop by the desk and pick up your letter of commission. "Congratulations, Mister Chip. Take care to maintain that cudgel arm. The position of Jack o' Swords always belongs to the strongest."
>>32068
She nods. "Wise."
>>32066
Roads, two weeks ahead.
>>32069
>>32070
Perhaps she picked up on some, but her youth distracts her through most of it.
>>32072
"The Seaworthy would be a more ideal position since it is where her little mercenary troupe is located – it's also the traditional position of the fleets' warriors."
>>32073
"Come, hungry!"
>>32074
You catch him on his way back to his room.
>>32075
You may as well get it out of the way in character, we're not quite skipping yet.
>>32076
He shakes his head at you. "Are you incapable of determining the difference between my own faculties and the Captain's commands?"
>>32078
He nods approvingly. "Good, good. Keep strong."
"The Seaworthy would be a more ideal position since it is where her little mercenary troupe is located – it's also the traditional position of the fleets' warriors."
>>32073
"Come, hungry!"
>>32074
You catch him on his way back to his room.
>>32075
You may as well get it out of the way in character, we're not quite skipping yet.
>>32076
He shakes his head at you. "Are you incapable of determining the difference between my own faculties and the Captain's commands?"
>>32078
He nods approvingly. "Good, good. Keep strong."
>>32091
"No, but if survivors are as few as you say, then they will surely know each other."
>>32093
He grimaces. "I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt here, sergeant. You're not questioning the chain of command, are you?"
>>32092
Smitts nods. "Agreed."
With that, he departs. The only ones left in the room are Emrille and Sunnyskies.
>>32094
She chirps cheerily through some rat meat.
"No, but if survivors are as few as you say, then they will surely know each other."
>>32093
He grimaces. "I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt here, sergeant. You're not questioning the chain of command, are you?"
>>32092
Smitts nods. "Agreed."
With that, he departs. The only ones left in the room are Emrille and Sunnyskies.
>>32094
She chirps cheerily through some rat meat.
>>32101
She's back in your room in the mansion.
>>32103
"Perhaps on that pansy-ass ship. On the Seaworthy, power belongs to the strongest. So are you going to fall in line and learn to be great by training alongside the great, or are you going to find yourself a different ship, Sergeant?"
>>32104
"Do you think I should stay?"
She's back in your room in the mansion.
>>32103
"Perhaps on that pansy-ass ship. On the Seaworthy, power belongs to the strongest. So are you going to fall in line and learn to be great by training alongside the great, or are you going to find yourself a different ship, Sergeant?"
>>32104
"Do you think I should stay?"
>>32107
"I trust you to make the right call. What do you think?"
>>32108
"Yeah, go on in."
>>32109
She smiles, and comes to the door. "I just got Grey to sleep. Feeling alright?~"
>>32111
"Good. Tell you what, Sergeant, I appreciate your moxie."
He pats you on the back, heavily. "Good, good. I'll talk to Umlock for you. Listen, you can use our gun ranges, galley, practice dummies… whatever you like. Just one thing… we do things a little differently than the other ships."
"I trust you to make the right call. What do you think?"
>>32108
"Yeah, go on in."
>>32109
She smiles, and comes to the door. "I just got Grey to sleep. Feeling alright?~"
>>32111
"Good. Tell you what, Sergeant, I appreciate your moxie."
He pats you on the back, heavily. "Good, good. I'll talk to Umlock for you. Listen, you can use our gun ranges, galley, practice dummies… whatever you like. Just one thing… we do things a little differently than the other ships."
>>32113
"Good, good. Come in. Tell me all your thoughts on rocks."
>>32114
He shrugs. "They'll have to eventually. Besides, I've been training some successors."
>>32115
She smiles. "She is a rough one. Not like you at all. Well, except when it's more fun that way~"
>>32116
"We don't follow a lot of those crap-tastic traditions from the rest of your fleet. It's the privilege of non-appeal retained from ancient times by the captain of the Seaworthy. All of our officers take their own rooms. None of that bunking with the regulars crap. Go pick up your key from Lockermaster Jones."
>>32118
As soon as people are ready. I think we are mere posts away at this point.
"Good, good. Come in. Tell me all your thoughts on rocks."
>>32114
He shrugs. "They'll have to eventually. Besides, I've been training some successors."
>>32115
She smiles. "She is a rough one. Not like you at all. Well, except when it's more fun that way~"
>>32116
"We don't follow a lot of those crap-tastic traditions from the rest of your fleet. It's the privilege of non-appeal retained from ancient times by the captain of the Seaworthy. All of our officers take their own rooms. None of that bunking with the regulars crap. Go pick up your key from Lockermaster Jones."
>>32118
As soon as people are ready. I think we are mere posts away at this point.
>>32124
"Good, good. It sounds like you understand how to become one with the stone mentally. Let's start physically. And listen – don't expect to get this right away. It'll take weeks, even for a prodigy. So just be prepared…"
Then you spent a week training and transcribing.
Got Skill: Nature Elemental.
You transcribed books! You fill up the six you had, and scavenge more materials. You finish:
'1d9+6' more.
>>32127
She shakes her head. "No, no… I want to go back, I think… get closure. It's just… it's going to be difficult for me to see that, alright? I feel like it's going to be hard, but… the right thing to do. Sometimes the easiest thing isn't always the best, you know?"
Time skip imminent.
"Good, good. It sounds like you understand how to become one with the stone mentally. Let's start physically. And listen – don't expect to get this right away. It'll take weeks, even for a prodigy. So just be prepared…"
Then you spent a week training and transcribing.
Got Skill: Nature Elemental.
You transcribed books! You fill up the six you had, and scavenge more materials. You finish:
'1d9+6' more.
>>32127
She shakes her head. "No, no… I want to go back, I think… get closure. It's just… it's going to be difficult for me to see that, alright? I feel like it's going to be hard, but… the right thing to do. Sometimes the easiest thing isn't always the best, you know?"
Time skip imminent.
TIME SKIP!!
http://mlpg.co/q/res/476132.html#Bottom
http://mlpg.co/q/res/476132.html#Bottom
http://mlpg.co/q/res/476132.html#Bottom
http://mlpg.co/q/res/476132.html#Bottom
BE SURE TO SAY WHAT YOU FOCUSED YOUR LAST TWO WEEKS ON.
http://mlpg.co/q/res/476132.html#Bottom
http://mlpg.co/q/res/476132.html#Bottom
http://mlpg.co/q/res/476132.html#Bottom
http://mlpg.co/q/res/476132.html#Bottom
BE SURE TO SAY WHAT YOU FOCUSED YOUR LAST TWO WEEKS ON.
>>32145
"It's not only that. I'm realizing more and more that no matter how much I study, the rest of the crew will still see me as the ugly thing who got promoted because she was a necromancer.
I intend to change that. Show those the like of Al-jinn, Topaz, Umlock and Movp that I'm worth my own weight."
"It's not only that. I'm realizing more and more that no matter how much I study, the rest of the crew will still see me as the ugly thing who got promoted because she was a necromancer.
I intend to change that. Show those the like of Al-jinn, Topaz, Umlock and Movp that I'm worth my own weight."