/q/ - Quest

ADVENTURE!

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File: 1395683354030.jpg (28.97 KB, 456x401, Mountain Village.jpg, IO Exif Google TinEye)

543578

Who called in the fleet?

You get up early in the morning. Two more days of travel to get where you're going. Light Heart or Chip should roll 1d16 when ready to go.

543579

Brushie my hair and I'm ready to go.

543580

>>543578
Up and ready to go.

543581

>>543578
I messaged Lemon on steam, but no response.
'1d16'
Did HP Lovepone ever share why the town was so familiar to her?

Roll #1 15 = 15

543582

>>543578
Time to get back into the breach.
Hopefully today will be slightly less crazy than yesterday.

543584

>>543581
You could ask. She just mentioned she remembered.

>>543581
>>543580
>>543579
>>543582
Getting down the other side of the mountain is considerably easier: there is a mountain pass and a road down the great slope. It must be a popular trade route because it's not long before you reach a unique phenomenon you've never encountered before.

Up ahead there is a large circle of wagons – trade caravans that have stopped for a spell to trade amongst themselves, entertain guests and generally rest before moving on. The place is nothing special: thick forested trees, but there is a nearby waterfall and ponies are drinking from the freshwater.

The goods here look more authentic than that tourist garbage back on Nagobana.

543586

>>543584
I want to talk to Lovepone about this place aswell.
Oh. Maybe here I can get some rare tea leaves.
Have a look around.

Roll #1 9 = 9

543587

>>543584
Joy!
"Did you ever figure out why you felt that village was familiar to you, Puzzle?"

Definitely want to go check out some of their wares for something extraordinary and exotic too.

543588

>>543584
I'd love to go for a swim… but they'd probably get angry at me for swimming in their drinking water.
I think instead I'll see what kind of blades these ponies have to offer, if any at all

543589

>>543584
Ooh, lots of shops means lots of coin.
First let's take a look at their goods; anything we need? I could use some rope, for starters.

543591

>>543584
I look through the market with the others.

543596

>>543586
>>543591

There are five caravans parked here currently. They are as follows:

1) An agrarian caravan that is traveling north from the great rice fields. Though it is carrying mostly rice, they also have barley, tea leaves, flax, and burdock fruit. A trophy venomous greenjaw is hanging from their caravan.

2) A mercenary caravan. Various characters mill about here. They are mostly ronin, but other odd adventurers are present. One shady figure, likely ninja, and a few robed ponies which you suspect by lack of weapons must be healers or monks.

3) A traveling caravan simply providing transportation. They're headed directly west to the sea, disembarking in Akajiso.

4) An ore caravan. They sell some refined metal and weapons, but the bulk of their stock is crude ore being brought down from the village in the side of the mountain.

5) An entertainment caravan. Courtesans, jugglers, fools, musicians, and fortune tellers attempt to draw in the interest from the other caravans.

>>543587
"Yep!"

>>543588
Ponies are washing off in the pond proper. The waterfall remains clean, though.

There isn't much to look over: the weapons certainly have a different style than you're accustomed to, though. A few blades, no guns.

>>543589
You haven't had anything to eat since you left Nagobana, though it has only been one day.

543597

>>543596
What's a greenjaw?
I've never seen it before.

543598

>>543596
Oh. I've really got to stop forgetting to eat.
I'll go check out that agrarian caravan, see if anything looks tasty.

543599

>>543596
"If you are willing to, perhaps you could tell me about it some time."

An entertainment caravan you say?
Do take a closer look at these artists. '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

543600

>>543597
It appears to be a plant with jaw-like protrusions. You might ask about it if you're interested.

>>543598
If you like rice, there's a lot of it. Burdock fruit and root is edible, too.

543601

>>543596
Oh. Well in that case, I'll go for a quick dip.
And after that, take a look at the design of these blades.

Roll #1 10 = 10

543602

>>543600
Right, and me without any money…
Any of that rice sitting around someplace easy to grab?

543603

>>543600
Do they speak equestrian?
"Excuse me, sir?"

543604

>>543596
To the agrarian caravan.

543605

>>543599
There are Kabuki actors, Gagaku performers, and even a bard telling a Jōruri. The bard is using a Biwa, but the Gagaku performers have a Yu, Shinobue, and Koto.

The Kabuki actors are in full makeup and in the middle of a performance in Neighponese. Some foals are watching.

"Okay!"

>>543601
Splish splash! You feel refreshed.

You're no expert on blades, but the curvature is different. You're not sure why but the metal looks different, too.

>>543602
It is packed into large, tied off bags on the caravan. Not to say that you couldn't try for it.

The wagon itself provides some cover, as do the large sacks of goods. There are three merchants on this caravan. One sits at the front, reclining. Another is at the front, peddling wares. The third is washing his face in the pool of water.

>>543603
He exchanges a look with his partner and they both go back and forth in Neighponese.

Finally he points at a third merchant who is washing his face. "That!"

>>543604
Selena and Hircus are here. Selena is trying to get them to speak Equestrian.

543606

>>543578
>>543584
Go and ask them for directions if the route we are taking to Awa is the right way.
"Say, anything we need to be worried about along the road? Say bandits or toll fee's and stuff you know mate?" I talk to one of the merchants

543607

>>543603
>>543605
"Need any help?"
Turn to the merchant.
"May I see your selection of tea?"

543608

>>543607
"Yes, mister Tree, I want to know what that thing is."
Point to the greenjaw

543609

>>543608
>>543605
"Of course."
Turn to the merchant.
"And what is the strange flower?"

543610

>>543605
My knowledge of Neighponese culture is a little lacking…
Observe the actors and whisper to HP Lovepone.
"What is the play about?"

543611

>>543605
Eh, that rice doesn't look like anything special. Still, I'll watch Flowing Tree to see how they do business here.

543613

>>543605
I'm pretty knowledgeable on blades!
The curvature kind of reminds me of scimitars.
If I can try and wield one of the blades to see how balanced they are.

Roll #1 2 = 2

543614

>>543606
It takes a bit of time to find one who speaks your language.

"That is… yes, sometimes roads are unsafe, but mostly okay if you are on roads. Stay on trail, and good."

>>543607
"Yes, of course sir. We have a lot of tea flower. Good for white, yellow, green, oolong, pu-erh, and black."

>>543609
"Dangerous carnivorous plant we found down in the ricelands. It springs itself on wildlife and paralyzes it. The plant can't digest parts of the skin and coat, so the inside becomes furry and thick as raw leather accumulates, making it look like a bloody mouth. We uprooted this large one while picking up a rice shipment."

>>543610
"It's hard to pick up partway through… I think it's about the Emperor and the Shogun."

>>543613
The weight is totally different than what you're used to! You fumble with it, but manage to not drop it.

543616

>>543614
My favorite flavor is…
[1d6]
"What are you gonna do with the plant?"

Roll #1 5 = 5

543617

>>543614
I smile at this merchant.
"So you are one of those neighpon who gets around here aye?"

I then lower my voice.
"Say anything you can tell me about Awa? What kind of place is it? Any hot spring or those kind of things there?"

543619

>>543614
"… I see. Political intrigue then? These are the times I wish I could speak your language."
I bet that music being played must be quite pretty as well…

543620

>>543614
Is there a merchant nearby?
"Hey, mind telling me more about this thing? Feels kind of weird…"

543621

>>543616
"Preserve it and keep it as a trophy maybe sell it when we reach Akitagami."

>>543617
"I do not… ah… word for a thing you think sure…. ah, but there is war there."

>>543619
Yes, the strings blend mesmerizingly with the woodwind.

"More or less!"

Who tugs at HP's hair and they talk in Neighponese.

>>543620
None of these merchants seem to speak Equestrian. He makes motions with his legs, extending them the whole way and then bending them in. Then he taps the sword.

543622

>>543621
I looked at him a bit alarmed.
"War? What is happening in Awa right now sir?"

Btw what is this merchant carrying? Is he one of the rice merchants?

543623

>>543621
Nod.
"I see. Now, about the tea. Do you keep seeds with you? Just a few will do."
>>543608
Turn to Selena.
"It seems to be a predatory plant, which feeds upon insects and small animals paralyzing them with its dangerous venom."

543624

>>543621
Rude!
"Discussing the finer things in life, are we?"

543625

>>543621
"Uh… folding?"
Not like he understands anyway. How much would this thing even cost? Take out some of my gold.

543626

>>543622
No, this is one of the transportation merchants. He's not carrying anything presently.

"Yes."

>>543623
He thinks for a bit.

"We could dredge the bag and see if any fell out."

>>543624
"Sorry! Who says that the Shogun is a… what's the Equestrian word? Jingoist? A military commander without legitimacy? I was explaining that while the emperor has symbolic and spiritual power, the shogun has practical control."

>>543625
He separates one doubloon from the others on the table.

543627

>>543626
Nod umbled.
"That would be a most kind act."

543628

>>543626
"Hmmm….. is the town of Awa currenly under siege? Is it being attacked from what you heard last time?"

>>543627

543629

>>543626
I don't suppose any of these merchants look particularly wealthy, do they?

543630

>>543627
He shuffles through the bag for a while and eventually gathers a small pile of seeds.

"They're free if you buy tea."

>>543628
"Yes. Dangerous place."

543631

>>543626
"Oh… I believe I have heard of this before, but I never quite understood how it worked. The shogun has the true power then, correct?"

543632

>>543629
>>543628
>>543625
>>543624
>>543631
I turn to the others.
"Hey looks like the town of Awa is currently under siege or something, said by this merchant over here."

543633

>>543629
That depends on what you mean by particularly wealthy. Of course, the real rich merchants aren't the ones who have to do the legwork, they're the ones that own the company that does the traveling.

>>543631
"That's… more or less right."

543634

>>543626
Eh, sure.
Might as well take a souvenir.
Take the blade and… bow? That's what these ponies do right?
Strap the blade to myself.

543635

>>543630
Nod.
"Most humbled. Tea for two, thanks."
>>543628
>>543630
"Could you elaborate on the matter in Awa?"

543636

>>543630
I turn to the merchant.
"Thank you for telling us, that is very helpful." I nod.

543637

>>543633
"How quaint. Are these shoguns chosen by birthright?"

>>543632
"That is… unfortunate. If the town is under siege, getting in may prove to be an issue."

543638

>>543633
I thought that was obvious. I meant any who appeared to be carrying a noteworthy chunk of coin that is easily accessible.

543639

>>543637
"Perhaps we need to scout it first and see if ti is safe to enter. If the place is a burning wreck then by Gods this privateering business will go to a stand still." I grit my teeth.

543640

>>543639
"Let us hope not. Such a setback would only delay our recovery."

543641

>>543632
"Well yeah, shit like that happens in wars."

543642

>>543637
"To the strongest!"

>>543636
He nods and goes back to his business.

>>543634
Strapped like a gat.

>>543635
You finish off your songs.

"They are at war with their neighboring clan which find their home in Takikaga. Everyone wise is staying away from those kuni. Though likely only the kori along the border have raised levies."

>>543638
Roll to assess targets.

543643

>>543641
"Well just our luck."
"But the thing is we still dont know so we got to check it out still. I just hope it is not burned down cause…. arg."

>>543640
I think for a moment.
"Say just to be on the safeside, what if the place is indeed under siege and we cant access it, should we call for Abilio and use the flare?"

543644

>>543642
Roger that, scanning. '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

543645

>>543642
Give me the meaning of kuni and kori.
"Is the city itself safe to reach?"

543646

>>543642
"Hmm…"
Lean in closer and whisper.
"Those unarmed ponies there… are they healers?"

>>543643
"We will do everything we can to access it."

543647

>>543645
Kori are local fiefdoms, like counties. Kuni are larger fiefdoms that encompass those.

"I cannot say since I have not been near since the war started. War always stirs up opportunistic bandits, of course."

>>543644
None of the merchants look particularly rich, but that suggests their wealth is in lockboxes on the caravans.

543648

>>543646
"Could be! Hard to say for sure without asking!"

543649

>>543648
"Could you ask for me, please?"

543650

>>543643
"Can't do anything to change that right now. Just hope that they can hold out and repel the siege."

543651

>>543647
Which are currently unattended, right? Stealth over to one of the caravan wagons.

543652

>>543623
Look at it again.
"I see. Thank you, mister Tree."

543653

>>543650
>>543646
"Indeed, all this walking will be for nothing if the place is nothing but rubble."

>>543647
I then browse a bit, what are the wares avaialable.

543654

>>543647
"Of course. Thanks for your time, and your fair trade."
Bow and leave.
>>543649
>>543650
>>543643
"There are no news of the current state of the city of Arwa. But bandits are a likely thing.@

543655

>>543649
She discusses with them for a time.

"They are travelers from the Temple of the Burning Hoof adventuring for inspiration to bring into their styles. Each of them is an aspiring monk developing his or her talents. They will surely diverge in skills, but none are a healer right now."

>>543651
Varying levels of attended. Which caravan do you want to go to?

>>543653
see >>543596

543656

>>543655
How's attendance levels at the Entertainment Caravan?

543657

>>543654
"Bandits great, we just got to stick together and keep a sharp eye if things gets hairy."

543658

>>543655
"Ah… very well. Thank you, miss Puzzle. I believe that is all I need from this caravan then."

>>543654
"Let us hope they can hold out."

543659

>>543656
Mostly foals and parents from the traveling caravan. Not near what they'd draw in a city.

>>543658
"Okay!"

543660

>>543658
When everyone is ready to move on, roll 1d16 for next encounter.

543661

>>543659
So, let's see if I can sneak around and find their lockbox.

543662

>>543655
Hmmm…
Lets check the fortune teller

543663

>>543659
Spend the rest of my time idly listening to the music then until people are ready to go.

543664

>>543661
They have a covered wagon and a small stage setup in front of it for performing. You can slip around back. There's nothing on this side, it's probably inside the wagon.

Chip climbs inside.

>>543662
You climb into the back of the entertainment wagon. A robed pony sits before a crystal ball. "I've been expecting you."

>>543663
Noted

543665

>>543664
I look at her/him glumly
"Really?"

I then approach and sit down.
"So how does this work eh? This is the first time I've ever been in one this booth I tell ye."

543666

>>543664
Alright, I'll slip in after Chip, using his body as a vision shield.

543667

>>543664
I'm ready to move.

543668

>>543665
"I could do a tarot card reading for you, or just look into my crystal ball…"

>>543666
The wagon is small and cramped, and the table in the middle isn't making it any bigger.

543669

>>543668
Any sign of the lockbox? '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

543670

>>543668
I nod.
"Cards works for me. I guess both of us will play or something? That is how it works right?"

543671

>>543669
You think you spot a chest behind the fortune teller, it's hard to tell from your peeking position. Getting over there is going to be the hard part. The room is dark, but she's clearly looking in your direction – at your 'vision shield'.

>>543670
"No, all you have to do is…"

She flushes a hand.

"Pick three cards."

543672

>>543671
I scratch my head.
"That is all?"

"…. alright."
Pick three cards.
should I roll?

543673

>>543672
Yes, roll 3d22

543674

>>543671
Wait for her to be distracted, then.

543675

>>543672
'3d22'

Roll #1 22, 2, 21 = 45

543676

>>543675
"The fool in the first position… you are not the wisest dog, but you're aware of it. You surround yourself with advisers and intelligent ponies to help guide you. The High Priestess in the second position… your journey will bring you in conflict with an intelligent foe who uses cunning as a weapon. The fate card… The World. How interesting. The land itself lay in the balance. Perhaps you feel you are more enlightened now?"

>>543674
It's now or never.

543677

>>543676
Quick and quiet. '1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

543678

>>543677
You sneakily roll under the table and past the fortune teller to the chest. There's a big padlock on it.

543679

>>543678
Let's pick that lock quietly, then. '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

543680

>>543679
You work the lock open, but there's a loud click when it finally slides open. What do you do?

543681

>>543680
Uh… hide behind the fortune-teller's back! '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

543682

>>543681
You rush up to the chair with too much force, causing it to topple over! There's a moment of confusion as the fortune teller attempts to figure out what's going on.

543683

>>543682
Shit, abort! Get out before she sees me! '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

543684

>>543683
You leap out the back and run for it!

She starts yelling in Neighponese! Looks like you're getting run out of camp!

#Pause

543802

I think I was listening to some music with my followers.

543803

Before you get run out of camp, anyone you want to chat with?

543804

>>543684
So, I have tea.
We are stopping.
Let's find somepony to share it with.
HP.
Find her.

543805

>>543802
Wark sits on your left with his shield leg protectively wrapped around you, ever vigilant for threats.

HP is bobbing up and down to your right while Who grips her curls to stay aboard.

543806

>>543804
She's over watching the kabuki with Light Heart and Wark. The Breezie is in her hair.

543807

>>543805
Oh Wark.
"So… would you like to share your past ventures with us, Puzzle?"

543808

>>543807
"Oh, you mean that village? I couldn't recognize it completely from the bottom of the mountain, but that's where I grew up before I found out I was a ninja!"

543809

>>543806
>>543805
Eh, guess I won't bother LH's followers.
Let's go meet the other ronin.

543810

>>543808
"Oh, it looked very quaint. It must have been very… peaceful up there."

543811

>>543810
"It was boring! There was no talking, no smiling! Only rocks!"

543812

>>543811
No ronins either?

543813

>>543811
"That seems rather extreme. What of your family?"

543814

>>543812
Missed that.

There are a collective of various ronin here lounging around the mercenary caravan. They all have various symbols of clans.

>>543813
"I didn't find out I was a ninja until later, I told you!"

543815

>>543814
Walk slowly over to them, and share a look.
"Good day to you, brothers."

543816

>>543814
"… I'm sorry, but I am confused. What does that have to do with this?"

543817

>>543815
One of them is shouldering a ridiculously heavy blade. "Brother to who? You? I have no brothers. My only family is coin."

There's a dwarf pony here who is looking highly disinterested in the conversation with a short sword.

A large, more jovial ronin approaches you. "Do not let him dampen your spirits! You seek to travel with the caravan? You are ronin? It is good! I am Bear. I help new ronin find their way in the world, yes?"

>>543816
"You asked where my family were. Well obviously I didn't meet them until after I found out I was a ninja. Otherwise I'd know, right?"

543818

>>543817
Shake my head.
"I have company in my travels already, Bear.
But time with a group of fellow souls is too grand an occasion to pass up on.
"

543819

>>543817
"This is very confusing and I feel as if there is a gap of cultural understanding between us."

543820

>>543818
"Oh? How so? Not much grandeur to have in standing around."

The dwarf grunts in approval.

>>543819
She gives you a look of confusion.

"What don't you get?"

Who says something in Neighponese.

"Oh… do you think? Maybe… Being a Ninja is something you're born into Light Heart! You knew that, right?"

543821

>>543820
"… No? I am sorry, but I never heard of such a thing before."

543822

>>543820
"It's the spirit you and I were born with that matters.
And what you do with that.
Surely you must have stories to share.
"

543823

>>543821
"That's why I got upset that you made assumptions that I know about stealth just because I happen to be a ninja! After I broke out of ninja academy I went on to pursue my real dream of being a candy striper! Then I accidentally became a board-certified physician!"

>>543822
"Dohoho. A tale or two perhaps."

"Don't let him start. I'm warning you now."

"Nonsense! What about the tale of the two-headed dragon?"

"Not that one again."

"He hasn't heard it!"

543824

>>543823
"That's right, I haven't heard it!"
Answer back with an excited smile.
"Should we sit?"

543825

>>543824
"I've heard in Poneland they squat while telling stories. But that makes your legs weak! Stand and build endurance!"

The heavy-blade ronin groans.

543826

>>543823
"… Ah. Ninja Academy? Candy striper? Accidental physician?"

543827

>>543825
"Ah yes, sulavusi. They really like doing that."
Let's stand then.

543828

>>543826
"Oh, you must be confused. Striper – not stripper. A candy striper is a volunteer who cheers up patients!"

>>543827
"Anyway, the story begins when I was aiding a group of new ronin. We were to travel to the Yakamaru District of the Shimizu Province which was under the authority of the local prefect. However to get to this location we would have to travel through the Mountains Which Are Tall And Covered In Snow In Winter Mountains. One of my traveling companions, however, promised a shortcut pass through the mountains which would save us the trouble of having to climb it, if we would only go through the Caverns of Forbidding Darkness Cave. I cannot say where it is now for I have lost track of it, but sure as the sun shines today, we were lead there in great haste by our traveling companion. There is where our story truly begins!"

"Get on with it you enormous meat product."

543829

>>543828
I did say striper!
"Ah… but how exactly did you end up accidentally becoming a physician?"

543830

>>543828
"…Do tell the rest."

543831

>>543829
"I went to get some candy and after I filled out what I thought was the paperwork, it turned out it was the examination to become a diagnostician!"

>>543830
"We traveled with both catlike tread and haste as we were obliged to arrive at the Shimizu Province to receive our commission in three days and we were uncertain of the reliability of the cavern, though we were assured with each passing footstep by our traveling companion that we were headed the right way. Although I was skeptical at the time I was somewhat reassured by the presence of sconces which were mysteriously lit in the darkness which implied to me the presence of other ponies, though I would later learn that this was owed to a mystical force which had pervaded the caverns without my knowing."

"Just get to the part with the dragon already, he doesn't need to know any of this."

543832

>>543831
"And… you did not notice this at the time?"

543833

>>543832
"I was in the hurry!"

543834

>>543831
"What of the mystical force?"

543835

>>543834
"I am inclined to believe that magic filled those mountains as if it knew that things were building to a climax!"

"Or more likely they were put there by explorers or even the dragon itself to lure in victims and steal their gold. You have no real evidence of some magical force placing and lighting torches in caverns."

"Stop trying to ruin my story, it isn't working."

543836

>>543833
I chuckle.
"Of course you were. That is quite the unique way to become a physician."

543837

>>543835
"So you followed the torches.
And then?
"

543838

>>543836
"Yeah… I guess I got distracted and never continued my past dream of being a candy striper though! But that's alright, most ponies don't live their dream at all so just for a few days is still good too!"

>>543837
"We came upon an enormous room in the cavern – huge beyond belief! You would think that we had come out topside at night but we knew were were still inside. And there it was!!"

543839

>>543838
"So… being a ninja… what does that entail exactly?"

543840

>>543838
"The exit?"

543841

>>543839
She gives you a weird look. "What does being Dixie entail so I know what to compare it to?"

543842

>>543840
"NO! The two headed dragon, of course! It was bearing down upon us with both heads lit up like Tanabata!"

543843

>>543842
Raise my head slightly, silent, but hinting to go on.

543844

>>543843
"It was at this time that by sheer coincidence and luck that I had been experimenting with a naginata. So it was when the dragon seized upon us to gobble us up in one terrible gulp, I drove my pole weapon between its jaws, blade against the soft tissues of the roof of its mouth. I had hoped that when the jaw snapped shut it would drive the blade into the brain, but unfortunately the dragon was smart enough to not close its mouth. This bought us time however. Soon the second head had turned and was preparing to bellow fire down upon us, and so I reached for my flask and threw a whole tea pot full of sake at the monster! As fire came out, the head burst into flames, which is not normally a concern for a dragon, but to get fire in the eyes is a terrible thing even with flame-resistant scales! The now blinded dragon reflexively bit down and killed its other head. Bleeding profusely, blinded, and without one of its brains, it stumbled away in agony! One of the new ronin wanted to chase it down but I warned that to kill a fleeing animal is bad luck. He chased after and was never seen again and we continued on to the province to meet the prefect."

"That story is all made up clearly."

"I swear to you that it is not."

543845

"But of course it isn't."
Take a step back.
"Then, perhaps, you will care for a friendly skirmish.
Just to have a taste of your unparagonable ability with the naginata.
"
Smirk.

543846

>>543844
>>543845
Meant to link.

543847

>>543841
"Dixie is a fresh breeze from the new world, a place of sacred hospitality, plantations and gentry. It is a land of honest, down-to-earth and religious folks and… slavery too. The unicorn is subject to the earth pony, a stark contrast to the Equestrian Canterlot. Being Dixian? To be polite and hospitable. To care for one's family. To carry yourself with dignity and grace. To respect your elders and be educated."

543848

>>543845
He chuckles.

"I made not claim to undefeatability. I was simply experimenting with the weapon at the time."

>>543847
She thinks about it. "I guess that makes sense. In Neighpon, ninja are part of a separate caste. Those who are born into the clans of ninja must be educated in the art of stealth and assassination and are expected to be singularly loyal to the clan. Usually a ninja does not know their family because if they did it would create blood-feuds within the clan due to rivalries. Raised as a community. But I didn't want that kind of life! I wanted to help ponies, not devote my life to killing them!"

543849

Let's stop here and continue tomorrow.

543850

>>543848
"I've had too much time at sea, Bear, and wouldn't want my skills to rust."
>>543849
Sure. Thanks for running.

543851

>>543848
"I see… I believe I understand now. I for one am very happy you chose this path instead. It is good to have you with us, Puzzle."

543852

Let's go take a look at how Emrille is faring.

543853

>>543852
I'm probably chilling somewhere, looking down the mountainside.

543854

>>543853
"Enjoying the view, miss Emrille?"

543855

>>543854
"It ain't bad. Feels good to look down on others, y'know."

543856

>>543855
"How kindhearted of you to think so. I take it your are enjoying Neighpon thus far then?"

543857

>>543856
Frown.
"Eh. It was pretty shit so far, to be honest."

543858

>>543857
"Why so? It has been quite educative as far as I am concerned."

543859

>>543858
"It's boring as shit. We only went through some creepy places and that's it. I didn't even get to shoot something."

543860

>>543859
"Is shooting all you truly care for? Why not appreciate the natural beauty? Or the unique cultural sights, the breezies, the local music or the monks?"

543861

>>543860
"I'm not saying it's not nice, it's just boring! I wanna' do something!"

543862

>>543861
"We will get to the action soon enough, I can assure you that. From what we hear, Awa is currently having issues with bandits. An extra bonus target for us of course."

543863

>>543862
Smirk.
"Good, fucking finally. Don't you like it more when we have shit to do?"

543864

>>543863
"I am quite content with diplomatic missions such as these to be entirely fair. Too much action is also too… risky. Some balance is required between action and rest."
Take my repeater rifle off of my back.
"Which does remind me… mister Strom was so kind as to gift me one of these contraptions. Not quite as magical as yours, of course, but a fine rifle nonetheless."

543865

>>543864
"Heh, not bad. Can you handle it though? They aren't cheap toys like those single shots."

543866

>>543865
"I admit that while I do have a lot of experience with firearms thanks to my father, this is my first time utilizing a rifle such as this. I feel as though it may have more recoil when fired, but have yet to truly put it to the test."

543867

>>543866
"It has a bigger kick, yeah. I learnt it pretty quick though."
Smirk.
"If you need tutoring, y'know who to turn to."

543868

>>543867
"Hm… Why not put ourselves to the test?"

543869

>>543868
"Right now?"

543870

>>543869
"We are resting here, so we have a little bit of time."
Look around where were sitting and pick up a smaller rock.
"You may line up your rifle, I will throw this rock in a wide arc and you must try to hit it."
I'll use a d6 to throw for easy mode. You shoot by beating the roll.

543871

>>543870
Stand up and cock my rifle.
"Bring it on!"

543872

>>543871
"Let us see if you are able to shake the rust off of your wings. One, two…"
Take a step back, then fling the rock in a wide arc into the air.

Roll #1 1 = 1

543873

>>543872
"I'm always good, baby!"
Chuckle and shoot from the hip!
I don't even need magic for this!

Roll #1 6 = 6

543874

>>543873
"A warm up, of course. Foalsplay."
Line up my own rifle this time.
"Now… let us see what this thing can do. Please give me a target, miss Emrille."

543875

>>543874
Pick up a rock with my wing and throw it just above it a few times.
"You ready?"
Flick it in the air just like she did.

Roll #1 5 = 5

543876

>>543875
"Give it to me."
Tighten my grip, breathe out and fire when I see the rock fly.

Roll #1 10 = 10

543877

>>543876
Let out a whistle.
"My, my, Light Heart, the way you handled that was downright sexy."

543878

>>543877
"That was very fortuitous!"
I chuckle.

543879

>>543878
"Was it? It seemed to me like you did it on purpose!

543880

>>543879
"Oh I am sure it was quite the stroke of luck… mixed with a little bit of skill."
Pick up another rock.

543881

>>543880
Pull the lever on my repeater to get ready.
"Throw it~"

543882

>>543881
"At your command."
Take a step back again, then throw the rock once again.

Roll #1 6 = 6

543883

>>543882
Lick my lips and close my left eye, then fire.
Let's give the bullet a little air boost this time.

Roll #1 2 + 3 = 5

543884

>>543883
I grimace.
"What kind of shit throw was that?"

543885

>>543884
"A very elegant one, I assure you."

543886

>>543885
"Like shit it was!"

543887

>>543886
"You were quite close to hitting it, but alas… it was a rock who dared to dream."

543888

>>543887
"Yeah well you'd miss too if I threw it like that!"

543889

>>543888
"Perhaps. No need to despair however, I am certain that your rock shooting skills are still optimal."
Ready my rifle.
"Now, if you would please give me a target."

543890

>>543889
"Yeah, you bet your ass I will."
Fling a rock in the air.

Roll #1 3 = 3

543891

>>543890
"You're not angry with me, are you?"
BANG

Roll #1 10 = 10

543892

>>543891
Scrunch.
"Not at all."
Motion at the ground.
"Five. Pick up five rocks."

543893

>>543892
"… Five? Oh my."
Very well, do as told.
"My curiosity has been piqued. Show me what you can do."
Throw all six of them.

Roll #1 4, 1, 2, 3, 6 = 16

543894

>>543893
Air Barrage with the rifle to hit five of them.
'1d10+1'
Then quickly draw my pistol and shoot the last one.
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 + 1 = 10 / Roll #2 2 = 2

543895

>>543894
Clap my hooves.
"Bravo, miss Emrille. You hit every single one of them."

543896

>>543895
Kiss the top of the barrel of my pistol, then put it back in the holster on my chest.
"Yeah, see? That's the real power of these babies."
Caress my rifle with my wing.
"Can your heart handle it?~"

543897

>>543896
"Your concern for my wellbeing is most kind, but I believe that while I do not possess the same shooting skills as you do, I can still handle it quite well."

543898

>>543897
"That's the spirit."
Flutter closer, and caress your rifle, slightly brushing my wing to you as well.
"Y'know, these guns are like those kids you take care of. Make sure to take good care of them if you don't want them to fail you at the worst moment."

543899

>>543898
I smile.
"To be quite fair, that counts for all guns. Not to worry, I have enough experience with cleaning them to know what I am doing. Thank you for the advice, however."

543900

>>543899
"Do you?"
Run the tip of my wing along the barrel.
"You have more than one cartridge in there, meaning that it can jam without you knowing when you load one if you rush it. You can also knock them together if you load too fast, and you wouldn't want a bullet go off when you don't expect it to, do you?"

543901

>>543900
"Having served alongside you for so long does have its perks in terms of this type of knowledge."

543902

>>543901
Chuckle.
"You haven't been checking me out, have you, you naughty little mare~"

543903

>>543902
"It is rather hard not to notice you, given your… unique style of carrying yourself."

543904

>>543903
"You've got something against the way I move, huh?"

543905

>>543904
"Of course not, I am an extremely tolerant pony."

543906

>>543905
"Sooooo…. what you meant by that was that…"
Flick your nose with my tail as I make a circle around you.
"I distract you?~"

543907

>>543906
"Now that would be quite unprofessional."

543908

>>543907
"I won't tell anypony if you admit it!"

543909

>>543908
Give her an innocent look.
"Admit what?"

543910

>>543909
Give a sly look in return.
"Say it."

543911

>>543910
"It is no secret that you have good looks, miss Emrille."

543912

>>543911
"I know that. That's not what I want you to say~"

543913

>>543912
"Is it wrong of me to admire the looks of another mare?"

543914

>>543913
"Nah, I do that all the time too."
Grin again.

543915

>>543914
"Eyecandy is to be admired."

543916

>>543915
"That's what I tell Tela all the time too, I swore loyalty, not blindness."

543917

>>543916
"Well, that is none of my business of course."

543918

>>543917
"Hey, you were the one eyeing me up like you were about to jump me!"

543919

>>543918
"The rulings of your relationship are none of my business, I mean."

543920

>>543919
"Why, you keep your little nurse on a short enough leash that she doesn't care about what you do?"

543921

>>543920
"I will have you know that Rosemary is a doctor."

543922

>>543921
"Since when?"

543923

>>543922
"She was appointed about a year ago."

543924

>>543923
"Where's her degree?"

543925

>>543924
She holds it, not me.

543926

>>543925
Shrug.
"I'll just call her a nurse then."

543927

>>543926
"Ah, but that would be an incorrect title. It would be unfortunate to think that perhaps one day you will find yourself in the need of a doctor and only have Rosemary around, who you presume to be a nurse."

543928

>>543927
Shrug.
"Much of a muchness. They both exist to patch me up."

543929

>>543928
"There are some wounds that nurses are not allowed to touch. Be a smart pony and ensure that you call her by her proper title."

543930

>>543929
"Right, then you should start calling me Princess too."

543931

>>543930
"Of course not, I do not possess such a title."

543932

>>543931
Smirk.
"No, but I do. Yeah, you've heard me."

543933

>>543932
"How wonderful. Unfortunately, I still outrank you as first officer on the fleet, rendering such a foreign title to be about as significant as the title of bilgerat."

543934

If you have anything you want to do around camp the NPCs are available.

543935

>>543933
Imitate the snooty way you speak.
"Such vulgar language, such nerve! I shall condemn you to ten spanks on the ass by the wings of a pretty pegasus princess!"

543936

>>543934
How about that pony with her tarot cards?

>>543935
"Utilizing the correct terminology is hardly vulgar language."

543937

>>543936
Presumably before Hircus goes crazy.

543938

>>543936
"It's that last word that irked me."

543939

>>543937
Yes.
Let's go see her.
I'm curious!

>>543938
"'Bilgerat' is a nautical term, I assure you. No less wrong than 'captain' or 'quartermaster'."

543940

>>543939
"Yeah, I know that. It's still not a very nice thing for you to say, now is it?"

543941

>>543940
"Calling a second mate a bilgerat is no less nice than calling a doctor a nurse."

543942

>>543939
"Welcome. I've been expecting a pegasus… Would you like me to perform a tarot reading, or just look into my crystal ball?"

543943

>>543942
"Indeed? I quite like cards, so let us go with those."

543944

>>543941
"Hey, I didn't mean it as an insult. Nurses have those cute little outfits. Better than a boring coat or someshit."

543945

>>543944
"It matters not. She is a doctor and should be addressed as such when brought up."

543946

>>543945
Roll my eyes.
"Fine, I'll call her Doc then. Happy now?"

543947

>>543946
"Very pleased."

543948

>>543946
>>543945
"I am!" Happy interjects.

>>543943
She shuffles.

"Draw three."

3d22

543949

>>543948
Draw.
Draw.
Draw.
'3d22'

Roll #1 22, 6, 16 = 44

543950

>>543948
>>543947
Take a step back.
"Whoa there!"

543951

>>543949
"In the first position, the reverse fool. You're good at keeping your cool, it seems. In the second position, The Lovers. Interesting. Are you vexed by love triangles? The complications motivated by positive emotions are often harder to untangle than those motivated by simple greed. Finally… oh, dear. Perhaps it's best not to say. The Tower in the final position. It symbolizes ruin in your future. It can be averted, naturally, if you change your course in time."

>>543950
She gives you a friendly smile.

543952

>>543951
"Fuck, what if you sneak up on me like that and I get startled and accidentally shoot you?"

543953

>>543951
"My… ruin?"

543954

>>543953
"Well, not specifically yours. But it's not 'ruin' if it happens to your enemies. Perhaps one you care about, perhaps your home town – I see that one a lot. Or, yes, the most likely option, you."

>>543952
"You'd miss!"

543955

>>543954
"Me? Miss? Not by a long shot."

543956

>>543955
She gives you a cheerful giggle.

543957

>>543954
"Oh goodness. Would the crystal ball be able to elaborate?"

543958

>>543956
Smirk.
"You like that, huh?"

543959

>>543957
"Possibly. The ball is three times as fickle as the cards, and prone to specifics where the cards give generalizations."

>>543958
"You're funny."

543960

>>543959
"I see… then, could we try?"

543961

>>543960
"Hm… very well… but if you want this second reading, you must pay a TERRIBLE PRICE!"

543962

>>543961
I cock my head.
"A… terrible price? What does that entail?"

543963

>>543959
Look proud.
"Yeah, I'm real good at a lot of stuff, aren't I?"

543964

>>543962
She points to her tip jar.

>>543963
Instead of answering, she boops you on the nose.

543965

>>543964
"… Oh."
Well, tip the lady.

543966

>>543965
"Alright… now, touch the ball, and I will see if I can channel your energies…"

543967

>>543964
Scrunch.
"Uh, thanks?"

543968

>>543965
Roll 1d100

543969

>>543966
Do as told, move my hooves onto the crystal ball.

543970

>>543967
"I've been to Great Bridle. Are you from Loindon?"

543971

>>543968
'1d100'

Roll #1 79 = 79

543972

>>543970
"Uh, maybe, why?"

543973

>>543972
"Bridle Ponies are usually very proud of their heritage, so I expected from your disposition you'd talk about it a lot, but you've never talked about your home at all!"

>>543971
"Hm… I see… four figures… armed and traveling together… they spot you… and they begin to sprint toward you. I can almost make them out… they are all different races. One of each pony race, and one not a pony…. and the mists are obscuring them again… I can't see anymore."

543974

>>543973
"That is rather… vague."

543975

>>543973
I let out an annoyed snort.
"Yeah well there's nothing to say about it."

543976

>>543974
"I told you, it is fickle."

>>543975
"Whyssat?"

543977

>>543976
"Could you… perhaps try again?"

543978

>>543976
"It was shit. There you go."

543979

>>543977
"Very well. Just once! This isn't a charity. Try again."

>>543978
She taps her chin. "I don't know any Bridle Ponies who didn't love their homeland. Even the destitute ones!"

543980

>>543979
"Thank you."
Again!

Roll #1 34 = 34

543981

>>543979
Shoot her a look.
"Well now you do, be fucking amazed."

543982

>>543980
"Hm… I see… a great culture center. Ponies have foreign instruments. I see… a stupid purple hat with lenses on it… I see… a great fire… I see… a romantic meeting on the beach…"

543983

>>543981
She just giggles. "It's almost like you aren't from Great Bridle at all!"

With that, she leaves.

543984

>>543983
Muble.
"Yeah well it's almost like go fuck yourself."

Let's take a walk towards that entertainer caravan to chill out.

543985

>>543982
"'a stupid purple hat with lenses on it'? That sounds quite familiar."

543986

>>543984
But you were already there! Near the kabuki theater.

>>543985
"Know the future by its marks!"

543987

>>543986
Sorta' creepy.
What more fun is here?

543988

>>543986
"Thank you. I am not entirely certain how much I have learned from this, but some of the things you said did catch my attention."

543989

>>543987
There's a troupe of jugglers, a fool, a bard telling a Jōruri. There are courtesan dancers and a fortune teller, too.

543990

>>543988
"Good luck."

543991

>>543989
Watch the dancers for a bit.
Any hot mares?

543992

>>543990
Take my leave.
Hm.
Ruin.
I do not like that card one bit.

Where is Who?

543993

>>543991
It depends on how much you like imagination. The dancers here, in contrast to Roads, are completely veiled and make a show of how they gracefully wave their long-trailing sleeves.

>>543992
Still riding in HP's hair. HP is harassing the ninja at the merc caravan.

543994

>>543993
…meh.
What about that fortune teller?
I can't wait to be told that I'll make a fortune!

543995

>>543994
Light Heart is exiting the fortune teller's lair in the back of the covered caravan.

543996

>>543993
Let's go see what's what with them.

543997

>>543995
Give her a wave with my wings, then enter.

543998

>>543996
The Ninja is not replying to HP's cheerful pestering. Who is bouncing about.

>>543997
"Ah. Two pegasi in a row. No wonder I was having such a strong feeling of pegasus in the future."

543999

>>543998
How does the future teller look.
"Such a treat, right?"

544000

>>543998
In Neighponese, of course.
What does the ninja look like?

544001

>>543999
She is wearing loose-fitting robes. You can't see her face in the darkness, but you can see she has black hooves.

>>544000
Body-tight robes with only a slit for eyes. He has a pouch on his left flank and a sheath on his back. He reclines on the caravan.

I say he for the purposes of ease. You can't make out a gender.

544002

>>543999
"Business is always a treat."

544003

544004

>>544001
"Who?"

544005

>>544001
>>544002
How mysterious.
Sit down.
"So, is this the part when you say how good my life will be?"

544006

>>543850
"Very well, just a friendly fight! Allow me to collect my arms, then!"

He ushers a great Northern Crystal Tortoise out of the caravan and fishes out a shortbow, naginata, as well as his pair of wakizashi and katana. Sheathing his bow, and swords, he sits atop the tortoise and wields his naginata/shield combination.

"Are you prepared?"

>>544004
Who: "What?"

HP: "He's a ninja! Oh, you meant him!"

>>544005
"Only if that's the case… I can do readings by cards or look with my crystal ball. Which do you prefer?"

544007

>>544006
"Can't I have both?"

544008

>>544006
"Do you have a moment to talk?"

544009

>>544007
"Only for those that tip do I perform both readings."

>>544008
He glides out of HP's hair and begins to circle your head.

"About?"

544010

>>544009
Snort.
"This better be good then."
Fine. Money is for spending anyway.

544011

>>544010
"Which first, the tarot cards or the crystal ball? Draw three, or touch the ball."

3d22 or 1d100

544012

>>544011
"Let's go with the ball."

Roll #1 19 = 19

544013

>>544009
"Would you terribly mind telling me a bit more about yourself?"

544014

>>544006
Look for a moment in slight disbelief at the assortment of weapons, but nod.
Bow, and draw my twin rapiers.
"I am."

544015

>>544014
"Come at me, then!"

>>544013
He finally lands in your hair and hangs upside down from your bangs.

"A little."

>>544012
"Hm… I see… I see a great Neighponese city with high walls. You are being received there… I see a great samurai lord, perhaps a daimyo… he is angry that you… did not remove your hat in his presence… and he is yelling and ordering you be removed… Yes. I foresee this future!"

544016

>>544015
"So be it!"
Launch myself at him, he's no doubt a master of defense, using the famous seating position that allows cover from all sides.
But he only has so many limbs.
'4d10'+1 each.

Roll #1 4, 2, 7, 8 = 21

544017

>>544015
Frown.
"That's not much of future telling. That's like making a guess, because you know the traditions and shit here."
I'll keep that in mind though…

544018

>>544015
I smile.
"Let us keep it simple then… have you ever left Neighpon?"

544019

>>544017
"No! It's true, I see it all here. Sometimes the crystal ball sees into the distant future, sometimes the next day. It is most fickle. Now draw three."

>>544016
The tortoise catapults itself forward with amazing speed, and he slams his shield directly into your blades, absorbing the strikes, as he swings around his naginata in a wide arc to attack you.

"How swift your blade is! But I have perfected the Offensive Shield Technique! Perhaps I will share some of my secrets with you in time!"

Flowing [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]

>>544018
"No. Do you go to bed with mares?"

544020

>>544019
"If you say so…"

Roll #1 15, 4, 6 = 25

544021

>>544019
"An answer for an answer? I suppose I will entertain you for the time being. The answer is yes. How did you learn how to fight?"

544022

>>544019
Jump back.
Time to think.
"A technique which cannot be defeated by attack alone, is it?"
Okay, but if it's the 'offensive shield', and if he had to taunt me into attacking, he must be relying on my strikes to attack me.
Which means, as long as I don't strike, I'm safe.
I do have one similar technique though…
Get ready to Retaliate!
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

544023

>>544020
"Aha! The Devil in the first position. You are a reckless one, aren't you? Propelling yourself into danger without a second thought! Oh… The Emperor in the second position. You will come into conflict with authority. Perhaps no surprises there, either? Hm? And the final card… The Lovers in the upright position. In the third position the Lovers represent The Ordeal and in the reverse position represent the Two Roads. Will your conflict with authority decide the fate of your lovelife? The cards seem to think so."

>>544021
"I was a trapper. As time went on I learned how to make larger and larger traps. The first were for ants, the last were for ponies. Do you go to bed with her specifically?"

He indicates HP.

>>544022
He strikes again.

"Trying something tricky, hm? I guarantee you won't defeat me in a single attack!"

Flowing [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]

544024

>>544023
"It's the many beestings that fell the Bear."
Okay, he's not bound by that limitation, scrap that.
Slice and dice.
Try and hit him in a weakspot.
'4d10'+1 each.

Roll #1 6, 3, 2, 3 = 14

544025

>>544024
He brings his naginata down on your back, bashing you.

You swiftly gallop around his side and slash at his armor. It breaks free harmlessly – but he's a lot less armored now.

"That tickles! But you're nearly finished!"


Flowing [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]

544026

>>544023
"No, she is simply a close friend. Nothing more or less. Traps for ponies? What did you do with them once trapped?"

544027

>>544023
Think about all of this for a few seconds.
"I get all that… but hey, it doesn't say if I'll win or not, does it?"

544028

>>544026
He bears his teeth sarcastically. "Devour them alive! What does she like to eat?"

>>544027
"Even if it did, fate can be changed. You are not fated to be thrown out of the audience with the daimyo. Now that you know, you may change your course."

544029

>>544028
"I think I will, wouldn't want money to swim away 'cause of that… also, what exactly do you mean with that lover card thing?"

544030

>>544029
She displays the card to you up close for your inspection. It has the silhouette of two ponies sharing a tender kiss in front of the moon.

"The Lovers. What did you want to know about it?"

544031

>>544030
Clear my throat.
"Like, y'know, what if I do have a lover. Getting this card means that all is well, right?"

544032

>>544028
"I believe the point of this exercise is to answer questions truthfully."

544033

>>544025
"There is only one way I go down, Bear. With a bang."
[4d10]+1 once again.
I only have to hold on this last few moments.

Roll #1 3, 3, 9, 1 = 16

544034

>>544031
"No, no. The card in the third position refers to what is at stake."

>>544032
"Fine. But it wasn't a fair question! There is no one solution. Sometimes rob them or just let them go. Sometimes ransom. Sometimes play a trick to make sure they won't come back. Now answer!"

544035

>>544034
"Fuck, that's not good at all!"

544036

>>544034
So whats happening? Are we walking towards Awa?

544037

>>544034
"There is not one solution to your question either. Happy Puzzle likes to eat several types of things to my knowledge. She seemed especially fond of local dishes here in Neighpon when we came here for the first time and wished me to taste them as well."

544038

>>544033
You trade barrages of blows but he knocks you helpless with one last sweep of his naginata. Helplessness unleashes your magic spell, which blasts him back, off his tortoise.

Flowing [▓░░░░░░░░░] HLP

He calls up from his laying position.

"Ha ha… you win! Was good fight!"

>>544035
"Interesting that you are more concerned with what is at stake than what imperils it… would a conflict with authority be acceptable if I had drawn The World or The Empress in the third position? How interesting."

>>544036
Still resting at the camp. Others have received card readings.

>>544037
"Hmmm. Okay."

544039

>>544038
Stand up, pating, amd sheathe my swords.
Trot over and help him stand.
"Your technique is strong, Bear. I was honored to face off against you."

544040

>>544038
"What authority? I'm not afraid of any."

544041

>>544038
Perhaps approach Puzzle.
"So hows does it feel coming back? Not much of a home coming with the war going on and all."

544042

>>544040
"Could be anything. Friend or foe. Or neither. One with a position of great power."

>>544039
"To you as well. Good luck on your travels."

>>544041
"Well, we're not to the war yet!"

544043

>>544042
"Well not yet but maybe one day it will." I sit down.
"Say dont you have a family here or something?"

544044

>>544043
"It's a complicated answer! I don't really want to talk about it."

544045

>>544044
I raise both hand.
"Hey, just want to talk to pass the time. My mistake."

544046

>>544042
"One can die easily from getting shot then."

544047

>>544045
"Okay!" She replies, upbeat.

544048

>>544042
Nod, and be off.
I should get a quick checkup before we hit the road again.
Find HP Lovepone.

544049

>>544046
"I cannot say, but beware the vagueness of the tarots. They say your conflict with authority may lead your relationship to ruin. Could it be that shooting an important politician ruins your love life? Could your lover be the one in authority in the future, and new power structure strains your relationship? Could you be the one in a position of power, and your abuses scare away your lover? You must think very carefully about your future if you wish to avert it."

>>544048
Chip is here hitting on her.

544050

>>544038
"Content?"

544051

>>544049
>>544045
Clear my throat.
"Miss Happy, might I require your attentions?"

544052

>>544050
"Are you?"

>>544051
"Sure! Oh, you look hurt!"

544053

>>544052
I smile.
"For the time being."

544054

>>544047
>>544051
"Hello there Sir tree."
I stand up.
"Well if you may excuse me Ms. Puzzle I need to attend to someone."

544055

>>544053
"Arright then."

544056

>>544052
Nod.
"Omly the result of a friendly barter, nothing to be concerned about. But I'd feel much better after your care."

544057

>>544049
"Why can't you tell the future properly then? If it's that vague it can be understood a million fucking ways!"

544058

>>544054
"Okay, bye!"

>>544056
"I'll see what I can do!"

She tops you off with her healing magics with less rubbing hooves on your body than you'd like.

>>544057
"Mmm, tell me something first. Suppose you are firing your weapon at the shooting range on a windy day. Does the bullet from your gun follow a perfectly straight path?"

544059

>>544058
"If I use my magic to control the wind, it goes where I want it to go."

544060

>>544058
"Say, miss Happy, is that magic of yours strong enough to regrow limbs?"

544061

>>544059
"Ah! There's the rub. You can make it end up where you want it to end up, but you don't know everything the path the bullet takes."

>>544060
"I don't do missing limbs! Oh no, did you get something cut off?"

544062

>>544061
Shake my head.
"Just plain old curiosity.
Does someone on the fleet do that?"

544063

>>544062
"Maybe Diamond Luck? I'm not sure!"

544064

>>544061
"But once it hits I can't take it back… or can I?"

544065

>>544064
"Nothing to be done about taking it back, but always remember, there's another target beyond the first, and so on. And there always will be, until the bullet hits the ground."

544066

>>544058
Lets check the ore caravan and see what kind of ore's and materials they are carrying.

544067

>>544066
Mostly lignite and copper.

544068

>>544065
"Right… well, thanks for the heads up. Was that everything you could read?"

544069

>>544067
Any weapons or ore material that caught my fancy?

544070

>>544063
"Thanks for your care, miss Happy."
Shake a hoof, as if testing it.
"Say, you mentioned having a memory of the village we moved through, earlier."

544071

>>544055
I chuckle.
"I look forward to travelling with you."

Let's rejoin Wark and Happy Puzzle then.
"I believe we will leave soon. I do hope you had sufficient time to rest."

544072

>>544071
"Ah, Lady Heart."
Nod in salute.
"Did you enjoy the chance to see one of the little authentic pieces of Neighpon?"

544073

>>544072
"As it so happens, we did. Despite it being in a language I could not understand."

544074

>>544073
"I'm sure miss Happy did her best to help you out with it.
Neighponese is not really a difficult tongue, after all.
The difficult part is the writing."

544075

>>544074
"Perhaps not, but learning how to fully understand a language takes quite some practice."

544076

>>544075
Nod.
"For all the time I've spent amongst mercenaries from all around the world, I still can't talk anything but Equestrian.
Makes me a horrible conversation partner in prench clubs."
Chuckle.

544077

>>544076
"A shame, it is such a pretty language."

544078

>>544077
"Perhaps, in time, I will have the occasion to properly settle down and learn it."

544079

>>544078
"I recommend going to Prench theater plays then."

544080

>>544079
"Do you have any favourites, in the genre?"

544081

>>544080
"Tragedy is especially prominent there… and while I do enjoy them, I prefer a mixture of tragedy and comedy."

544082

>>544068
"Hm… I sense you want something more substantial. Very well, for a little extra I will perform a hoof reading."

>>544070
"Yep!"

>>544071
Roll 1d16 when ready to leave.

544083

544084

>>544069
These are mostly raw materials. Nothing really stands out.

544085

>>544082
Already left, just waiting for the rest of the group.

544086

>>544082
I'll wait for the others to be ready.

544087

>>544084
Well alright if everybody is ready.

>>544086
Go for the roll.

544088

>>544087
We don't really have that many people here but… okay.

Roll #1 12 = 12

544089

>>544082
Ready to leave.

544090

File: 1395859612309.jpg (210.03 KB, 1032x774, structure.jpg, IO exif Google TinEye)

>>544088
>>544087
>>544085
Travel up the northwestern road takes hours on end, so it is a welcome sight when you finally spot something other than rolling hills and endless plains. The treeline to your right gives way to the ocean. It seems that after a day and a half of travel you've reached the northern end of Neighpon.

Stretched out on the other end of a bridge is a massive, ornate building.

544091

>>544090
"Well now."
What is it?

Roll #1 5 = 5

544092

>>544091
The sign says Hot Springs Bath House in Neighponese.

544093

>>544090
>>544092
"… Oh my. What is this?"

544094

>>544092
>>544093
Chuckle.
"Hot Springs. A traditional neighponese bath."

Roll #1 2 = 2

544095

>>544094
"Ah. That sounds quite lovely indeed. The building on its own is most impressive. But… do we have time for another distraction? I truly think not."

544096

>>544092
"Well, I suppose I could use a bath at that."

544097

>>544095
"Indeed. We should move on."

544098

>>544090
A hot spring.

>>544094
"A hot spring." I smile

544099

>>544097
"A shame… But perhaps there will be time for it later."

544100

>>544099
>>544098
>>544097
>>544096
If you're moving on, roll 1d16

544101

>>544099
"But its a hot spring."

544102

>>544101
"Yes but… as we understand the city of Awa is under siege. I am not sure how many more distractions we can afford."

544103

>>544100
"But…"
"Well alright." I nod.

>>544100
Calling shotgun!
'1d16'

Roll #1 7 = 7

544104

>>544100
Alright then, moving on.

544105

>>544103
>>544104
>>544102
You continue traveling west along the coast for several hours until, on the horizon, you see a group of soldiers traveling in the opposite direction, toward you.

544106

>>544105
… A group of soldiers? How many? What are they wearing?
"We may have trouble coming ahead. Do stay calm."

544107

>>544105
"I advise caution."

544108

>>544106
>>544106
I nod.
"Perhaps Puzzle or Sir Tree can greet them."

544109

>>544106
Battle armor.

544110

>>544106
>>544108
"Let's get off the road."
>>544109
Anywhere to hide?

544111

>>544109
Any insignias?
Again, how many of them?

>>544108
"Yes… that may be wise. But be ready for battle nonetheless."

544112

>>544110
I nod and follow Tree.

544113

>>544110
To your right is the cliffside. To the left a great plains. A skilled rogue might make something of it.

>>544111
As they approach you can make them out more quickly. They signal for your group to stop.

They bear a Neighponese symbol you do not recognize.

There look to be thirteen soldiers.

544114

>>544111
"Perhaps. But they might want to know why we are heading towards Awa."
>>544113
Too late to hide.
Stop but stand at the head of our group.

544115

>>544113
Stop then.

>>544114
"With some luck, they may speak our language."

544116

>>544113
Alright, this might get dicey. That cliffside might be a good escape route.

544117

>>544115
"As long as we dont do any sudden moves I think it will be fine."

544118

>>544114
>>544115
>>544116
The samurai at the head of the train consults a scroll. He speaks in heavy-accented Equestrian.

"You are these ponies?"

He shows you his scroll. It has depictions of the faces of Light Heart, Flowing Tree, Chip, and Emrille.

544119

>>544118
Exchange a look with LH.

544120

>>544118
Right.
This is fucked already.
"May we first know who we have the pleasure of speaking with, sir?"

544121

>>544118
Alright, they don't recognize me. Good. Let's see how this plays out. If things go south, though, I should be able to get away without too many issues.

544122

>>544119
>>544120
>>544121
"Employment of the foreigners to settle internal Neighponese disputes is dishonorable. His Honorable Lordship the Daimyo of Takigaga graciously offers you this opportunity to leave Neighpon and not get involved with this war. Otherwise, we will be forced to do battle."

544123

>>544122
"Are you leading these ponies to their death over an ideology, lord Daimyo?"

544124

>>544123
You have enough basic knowledge of Neighpon to know that a daimyo would not deliver this message personally. Care to rephrase?

544125

>>544122
"The Daimyo is very kind to extend such an offer, but I am afraid we cannot accept it. We were allowed to travel through Neighpon."

544126

>>544124
Yes. Stare into the messanger's eyes.
"Do your ponies know what they are going to die for?"

544127

>>544125
>>544126
He signals to his troops and they draw their weapons.

"Then it shall be decided in honorable battle."

With that battle starts and they attack.

#Pause

544128

>>544127
Cheap Shot one of them. Let's put this rifle to the test.

Puzzle can use one of her Substitutes '1d10'
Wark can attack them too. '1d10'
And Who can put his skills to the test by supporting Warks attack '1d10+1'

Roll #1 9 = 9 / Roll #2 9 = 9 / Roll #3 7 + 1 = 8

544129

>>544082
Can I still have that hoofreading?

>>544127
Well now!
Fiery Barrage!
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

544130

>>544127
Snarl at him.
"Honor my balls."
Ready to withstand their fury, Retaliate!
'1d10'
And aim two quick jabs of my rapiers at the samurai.
'2d10'+1 each.

Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 4, 6 = 10

544131

>>544127
"Suit yourself."
I'm going to start this battle by using the big booms.
Orbital Strike into the air [1d10]
Follow up roll if successful [1d10]

Roll #1 8 = 8 / Roll #2 8 = 8

544132

>>544127
I'll try to stealth while they're distracted. '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

544133

>>544128
Wark shatters the guard of one of the Gokenin, and Who follows it up with lash from his whip-like branch. HP sets up Substitute.

One soldier slashes at HP, but she disappears!

Wark absorbs hits for you and himself, but he can't protect Who in time due to injuries!

Who gets smashed between the shields of two soldiers and looks dazed.

>>544130
You're having a hard time focusing with all these soldiers bearing down on you. Nonetheless you open up the leader for attack.

Two soldiers come to take you out, but you gracefully dodge back and knock one over, only taking a glancing blow from one.

The leader, perhaps the daimyo's hatamoto based on his jitte, approaches through the chaos of the battlefield. "I will handle this myself!"

In a single motion, he draws his blade from the sheathe knocks you to the ground as he lashes you across the stomach with his katana.

>>544129
You douse them all in fire! Many guards are broken.

Two corner you and slam you with their blades, crushing you down into the dirt.

>>544131
It's up in the air!

Two soldiers come at you – slashing at you from both sides!

>>544132
You easily leap down to a ledge on the cliffs, concealed from view.

Light Heart [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] STH
>Mocking Wark [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░] DZD
Emrille [▓░░░░░░░░░] HLP
Flowing [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░░] HLP
Tela [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░] ORB-3
Hircus [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓] STH

544134

>>544133
Fuck!
Fly up above then and Earth shot one of them!
Aim to the heart!

Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8

544135

>>544133
"The sword of a coward!"
Stand back up.
Please do explain how helplessness works in this system, and combat in general.
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

544136

>>544133
Take another shot at the same guard '1d10'
HP Lovepone can immediately start healing Wark '1d10'
Who and Wark should… probably not attack, but they'll get attacked themselves no matter what because of this system, so I guess they should attack after all. '1d10' '1d10+1'

Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 4 = 4 / Roll #3 4 = 4 / Roll #4 5 + 1 = 6

544137

>>544133
"Two on one huh!? See how that works out!"
Slam into one of them! [1d10]

Roll #1 9 = 9

544138

>>544133
Pop up stealthily and Sleight of Hand a bomb onto one of the guards belt before disappearing back over the cliff. '1d10+2'

Roll #1 9 + 2 = 11

544139

>>544134
>>544135
6, 6

The two of you manage to pull yourselves to your feet.

Flowing is particularly impressive: The samurai begins to coup de grace him but he rolls out of the way just in time.

>>544136
Your round finishes off one of the Gokenin.

HP bursts from the shadows with streamers and gives Wark a wave of healing!

Who and Wark tear into another soldier. Who looks like he's recovered from his Daze.

Wark blocks hits for himself and Who, but can't yours. Two soldiers rip into you from both sides.

HP gets slashed up by a fourth assailant.

>>544137
You slam into the soldier, and he crumples in a single hit!

Another soldier takes the opportunity to drive a blade through the back of your armor, though, and you fall down bloodily.

>>544138
You sneakily leap up and give him the grenade, which blows up in a big display of fire. You've certainly got their attention now. One less soldier to deal with.

Three soldiers close in on you, ready to avenge their buddy. You zip around the legs of one of them, causing him to fall off the cliff to his doom. The other two are a little faster on the uptake, though, and take turns slashing at you.

Light Heart [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
>Mocking Wark [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░]
Emrille [▓░░░░░░░░░]
Flowing [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░░░]
Tela [▓░░░░░░░░░░░] ORB-2 HLP
Hircus [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]

544140

>>544139
"Never grow contempt!"
Pierce him like a pincushion.
'4d10'+1 each.

Roll #1 5, 4, 9, 2 = 20

544141

>>544139
Then Cheap shot one of the soldiers attacking me! '1d10'

HP needs to keep Healing Wark here '1d10'

Wark and Who need to deal with the other soldier attacking me '1d10' '1d10+1'

Roll #1 4 = 4 / Roll #2 9 = 9 / Roll #3 9 = 9 / Roll #4 7 + 1 = 8

544142

>>544139
I'll need a moment to recover from that…

Roll #1 5 = 5

544143

>>544139
Metal Marksman shot!
Give cover to Tela, kill anyone who tries to get close to her!

Roll #1 2 = 2

544144

>>544139
Zip under their blades and crack one right between the eyes with my blackjack. '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

544145

>>544140
With incredible speed you tear into the hatamoto. You slash through his armor with crushing blows and slay him!

"Glory!"

A soldier behind you takes the opportunity to strike at you now.

>>544143
You fire off another shot and execute one of the soldiers with a single blast!

>>544144
Bonk! He starts bleeding where you impacted him with your club. He tries to reply but he falls over, disabled.

You're not ready for the soldier who snuck up behind you, though. He kicks you to the cliff, and you scramble to barely hold on! You have to pull yourself up!

>>544141
HP helps Wark continue recovering.

He and Who manage to dispatch that soldier in a tag team strike!

Wark takes another hit but he's too weak to continue blocking blows. HP and you both get ripped into by soldiers.

>>544142
You're breathless… just gotta rest a moment more…

Light Heart [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓░░░░░]
>Mocking Wark [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░]
Emrille [▓░░░░░░░░░]
Flowing [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
Tela [▓░░░░░░░░░░░] ORB-1 HLP
Hircus [▓▓▓░░░░░░░] HLP

Gokenin 1
Gokenin 2
Gokenin 3
Gokenin 4
Gokenin 5
Gokenin 6

544146

>>544145
Okay, Elemental Earth Shot on another soldier could be good now.
Keep providing covering fire for Tela.

Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8

544147

>>544145
Roar and turn around, bringing my rapiers down through the holes of his leather armor.
'2d10'+1 each.
Shout at the top of my lungs.
"YOUR COMMANDER'S DEAD!
SURRENDER!
"
And then tear onto another gokenin.
'2d10'+1

Roll #1 8, 5 = 13 / Roll #2 9, 10 = 19

544148

>>544145
These fuckers are going to get it next turn…
Enough resting, get up!

Roll #1 9 = 9

544149

>>544145
Kick off the cliff face to propel myself back over and into the fight! '1d10' +1 if goat racial applies.

Roll #1 6 = 6

544150

>>544145
Not good at all.

No need for reload, keep firing and providing cover for my team '1d10'

HP really needs to make sure our Wall is up to speed with Heal '1d10'

Wark and Who can keep holding them off. '1d10' '1d10+1'

Roll #1 8 = 8 / Roll #2 6 = 6 / Roll #3 5 = 5 / Roll #4 2 + 1 = 3

544151

>>544148
You're back on your hooves!

>>544149
You swing wide over onto the ledge and then leap back up into battle!

>>544146
Blam! You blast one back away from Tela.

>>544147
You bloody the first soldier, but stab the other in the throat, twice, killing him bloodily.

One soldier flees at top speed. (natural 10)

>>544150
You pick off a soldier near Tela and Wark finishes off one behind Flowing Tree. Who slashes up another.

Wark blocks blows for two of them.

Light Heart [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
>Happy Puzzle [▓▓▓░░░░░]
>Mocking Wark [▓░░░░░░░░░░░]
>Who [▓░░░░░]
Emrille [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Flowing [▓▓░░░░░░░░░░]
Tela [▓░░░░░░░░░░░] ORB-0
Hircus [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]

Gokenin 1
Gokenin 2

544152

>>544151
Air Marksman shot, get the fucker that tried to get away!

Roll #1 7 + 1 = 8

544153

>>544151
Just a constant battle to keep Wark alive… HP keeps healing him '1d10'

Shoot one of the remaining soldiers in the legs, Cheap shot '1d10'

Wark… you know the drill. '1d10'
Can Who go full colossus hunter mode and use Portable cage with some professional jumps and leaps if one of them goes helpless? '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 10 = 10 / Roll #3 8 = 8 / Roll #4 9 = 9

544154

>>544151
Two of them left.
"You are defeated.
Stand down.
"
Point my swords at them, but do not attack.
"Go out the honorable way.
We will allow you seppuku.
"

Shout to my comrades.
"Do not attack them, if they surrender!"

544155

>>544151
I don't think I'm needed anymore.
I will instead watch the fireworks and Slam if someone attacks me.

Roll #1 1 = 1

544156

>>544154
Also, '4d10' if they actually do try to attack.
Just as a readied action.

Roll #1 9, 1, 6, 1 = 17

544157

>>544151
Sleight of Hand to undo one soldier's belt so fighting becomes awkward for him. '1d10+2'

Roll #1 6 + 2 = 8

544158

>>544152
You clip him.

>>544155
>>544156
You both pass out from blood loss.

Tela's Orbital Strike slams the first Gokenin, frying him.

>>544153
>>544157
Light Heart executes the second Gokenin with a single bullet.

The other Gokenin reaches the treeline in the distance.

544159

>>544158
How horrible.
Try not to make this a drawn out thing, though. Regain consciousness.
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

544160

>>544158
"Emrille, with me. We will exercise some sharpshooting."
Take to the air and try to catch up with him so I can snipe him from afar.

Roll #1 1 = 1

544161

>>544158
Pick the bodies over for anything of value. Master Thief.

544162

>>544158
Oh and HP lovepone should heal some of our comrades, like Tree and Tela. '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

544163

>>544160
You also pass out from blood loss.

544164

>>544158
"I'll just… nap… five minutes…"
The ground must be really comfy right now

544165

>>544158
"Pursue and destroy, got it!"
Fly towards the forest where the guy fled!

544166

>>544161
Most of these guys are poor-ass grunts, but you manage to pick out 2300 songs between them.

The hatamoto has the nice stuff. He's wearing two really nice swords but it would be totally illegal for you to wear those openly here.

He also has a golden apple which is probably valuable.

>>544165
You are going to have to roll.

>>544162
>>544159
>>544164
>>544162
HP finally gets around to looking each of you over over the new few minutes to revive you.

544167

>>544166
Right.
'1d10'
Catch up.
Stay in the air.

Roll #1 1 = 1

544168

>>544167
You pass out from bloodloss.

544169

>>544166
"Thank you, miss Puzzle. Are all of you okay now?"

544170

>>544166
"Thank you, miss Happy."
Smile to her and catch my breath.
Then go over to the slain hatamoto and look his stuff over.

544171

>>544166
Pocket the golden apple to get appraised later. The rest of the group is probably going to want a cut of the money, so I'll have that out and ready to get divided.

544172

>>544170
The corpses have already been looted.

544173

>>544166
Stand up and snort.
"Thanks girl. Felt a little dizzy for a while there."

544174

>>544173
>>544169
"As long as you're feeling better!"

544175

>>544172
Are my followers looking fine?

544176

>>544172
Even.. The sword?

"Whoever took the sword, should probably give it back.
It's illegal to carry without the papers."

544177

>>544172
>>544170
Pass him the swords. "You'll probably get better use out of these than me."

544178

>>544175
HP, MW, and Who have all healed themselves up over the time.

544179

>>544174
"Oh yeah, feeling miles better now. I'll buy you a mug of rum next time we're in town."

544180

Am I scraped together yet?

544181

>>544177
"They are horrible for anything that's not cutting paesants down, don't worry.
It's more of a symbol of power than anything else. But you are not neighponese."
>>544178
Would I be allowed to carry the second sword with my current papers?

544182

>>544176
"It's not like I was hiding it. Compiling all the goods in one place makes it easier to distribute them properly."

544183

>>544178
Good.
Can I take a look at that poster they had?
"It seems word spreads quite fast."

544184

>>544182
Smirk.
"You have no idea how much problems this ended up causing when I was in the mercs, the first months of our activity."

544185

>>544180
Yes, you wake up getting CPR from HP.

She giggles. "You didn't actually need CPR. I just thought a kiss on the lips would wake you up like Sleeping Beauty!"

>>544181
Sure, it would just be really weird and cumbersome.

>>544183
Surprisingly good hoof-drawn images of you. It's on a scroll, though.

544186

>>544185
Lick my lips and chuckle.
"Heh, thanks~"
TIme to stand up.

>>544183
"Bad news, fucker got away."

544187

>>544179
"Sounds fun!"

544188

>>544184
"No, I don't actually. I usually work alone, and whenever I worked with others there were clearly defined rules about the division of loot. Ponies in my profession tend to be sensitive about this sort of thing."

544189

>>544185
"Hm…"
I'll keep it as a memento.

>>544186
>>544187
>>544188
"Well… the last soldier got away but it cannot be helped. We should move on."

544190

>>544185
I'm sure of that. Carrying four swords around might be strange.
What of HP? She'd need papers for that I imagine.
>>544186
"He will probably come back with an army. We should finish our mission before he has the chance to."
>>544188
"We had to put many aswell.
Most of the kids didn't think past the basic kill and pillage routine."

544191

>>544189
>>544190
Nod.
"Right. I'm okay with moving on."
Smirk.
"At least we got some action finally."

544192

>>544189
"Is there anything useful on those scrolls, Lady Heart?"

544193

>>544190
Only trained samurai are allowed to wield a katana or wakizashi. HP is a ninja.

544194

>>544190
"I doubt he'll bring back an army.
The reason the guy in charge only sent thirteen to stop us was to avoid drawing the emperor's ire.
Right now, he has plausible deniability. If he sends an army…"

544195

>>544189
You need to make camp for the night soon.

544196

>>544191
"They were fools and died like fools."
>>544193
Indeed.
But she is neighponese, and would be the only one who could benefit from a katana and the status it grants.
>>544194
"He has an excuse to hunt us now."

544197

>>544192
"Only our drawn images for identification purposes."

>>544195
Oh joy…

Very well then. Time to set up camp. We'll need to post extra guards tonight.

544198

>>544196
"Looks like you neighpons bleed just like the rest, huh?"

544199

>>544197
Chuckle.
"I feel like a dangerous privateer already."
>>544195
Let's say I pack away the second katana and the drawing with my face on it.

544200

>>544198
"If somepony told you otherwise, he was a lying cunt."

544201

>>544199
Light Heart took that scroll.

>>544197
Camp it is.

544202

>>544187
"You look like you'll be able to hold your drink, so I'm inclined to agree."

>>544198
"No shit, sherlock."

544203

>>544200
"I wanted to be sure."

>>544202
Flutter over.
"You allright?"

544204

>>544202
"I'd cheat by eating a lot of rice! That absorbs the alcohol!"

544205

>>544197
>>544201
I thought there was one for each of us! How sad, no wanted poster to put on the wall…
Also, bring out the second katana in front of her and HP.
"This might come handy.
If we find a way to make a faux sword permit for miss Puzzle."

544206

>>544201
By the way, what's the currency conversion rate for Songs?

544207

>>544205
HP frowns. "I don't want to lie about being a samurai. Plus people would know if I do something stupid with it! I don't fight directly like samurai do!"

544208

>>544206
It's about 23 bits.

544209

>>544205
"Perhaps I could help with that."

>>544207
"Are you certain? You do not have to use the sword."

544210

>>544207
"What's the worst that could happen?"

544211

>>544209
>>544210
"I always think: why lie when you don't get anything out of it? Lies just complicate things!"

544212

>>544211
"Very well, it was merely an offer."

544213

>>544209
>>544207
"She's right actually.
A samurai is expected to face her opponent face on and with no misdirection. It's a battle of honor, not strength.
Fools."
>>544210
"The secret police would want all of our heads."
>>544211
"Very well."
Put the sword away.

544214

>>544211
>>544213
Shrug.
"Whatever."

544215

>>544203
"Yeah, just a flesh wound… the doc patched me right back up. You?"

>>544204
"What's the fun in cheating like that?"

544216

>>544215
"Seeing the other contestant incredibly drunk."
Chuckle.

544217

>>544215
"Don't you know, silly? The fun part about drinking is not getting drunk yourself, it's seeing other ponies act silly when they get drunk. That's why ponies always pressure other ponies into drinking with them!"

544218

544219

>>544215
"I'm all better now that she treated me, hehe… I got a bit roughed up, but tried to cover your fat ass."

544220

>>544208
That… doesn't seem like much when you split it… what, seven ways? Six if we count the swords as Flowing's share.
That's about 4000 songs each, if I divide it evenly.

544221

544222

>>544216
>>544217
Look at them like they're crazy.
"But… the buzz of alcohol… drunken brawling… horrible vomiting episodes… are you saying you don't enjoy that? What kind of weirdos are you Neighponies?"

544223

>>544220
It's a non-significant number, just take it all for yourself you greedy sneakthief.

544224

>>544218
Yup

>>544222
"Yeah, you're a slob, we get it."

544225

>>544218
Yup yup.

544226

>>544222
Shake my head.
"It's more a question of what kind of pony you yourself are, Lady Tela.
Being Neighponese has little to do with it."
Exchange a plain look with HP.
"Even if I know this might seem suspect!"

544227

>>544225
Roll 1d16 for adventures

544228

>>544222
"The kind that need to keep their wits about them?"
>>544223
Fine, since nopony else seems interested.

544229

>>544227
'1d16'

Roll #1 2 = 2

544230

>>544229
>>544228
>>544226
>>544224
You get up early the next morning. No one disrupted you during the night. You travel for a few miles and reach the treeline that the soldier fled into. Onwards into the woods?

544231

>>544226
>>544224
>>544228
"Fucking… you people are the worst. Are you telling me you never drink a bottle after a really long and shitty day to forget your worries?"

544232

>>544231
"I tend to smoke, actually.
Very relaxing."

544233

>>544230
Are there any alternative routes?

No road? Just us? No? If not fine, go innawoods.

Roll #1 9 = 9

544234

>>544231
"Not when those worries are waiting for the chance to slit your throat in the middle of the night."
>>544230
Through the trees we go.

544235

>>544231
Shrug.
"Sometimes."

>>544230
Keep an eye open, those fuckers might have a trap set up.

544236

>>544233
>>544235
>>544234
You're no longer following the road, this is the clearest route as it is near the cliff face, but you are free to go in a non-linear direction as long as it is more south than directly west. North is off the cliff.

544237

>>544232
"I smoke too… but not often at all. Just tobacco as well. Not much of a buzz compared to alcohol."

>>544234
"Talk about paranoid. Bet you're going to die alone."

544238

>>544236
Let's divert South slightly, but not too much. I want to go in at an angle.

Roll #1 3 = 3

544239

>>544230
>>544236
Stick close to the team.
>>544237
"Oppium pipe.
You should try it sometimes.
It's nothing like tobacco, I assure you."

544240

>>544236
>>544238
"I hope you know where we are going."

544241

>>544236
I'll just follow the group.
>>544237
"Aside from the one putting a blade or bullet through my chest? Yes, I probably will."

544242

>>544238
>>544239
>>544240
You divert off the clear route. Before long, stomping through the woods you come to a briar patch.

544243

>>544240
"If we get lost, it will be up to brave fliers like you to save the day."

544244

>>544239
Snort.
"Fuck that. Don't try to sell that shit to her."

544245

>>544239
"I know what that is. Fuck that stuff."

544246

>>544244
>>544245
"I didn't know you were against oppium.
How peculiar."

544247

>>544242
"Wonderful."
Go around it please.

544248

>>544247
Left or right?

544249

>>544246
"Yeah, well a guy forced me to snort magic dust once, and I almost drowned because of it. Bullshit. Do you know what happened to him?"

544250

>>544248
Right.

544251

>>544246
"It has medicinal use calming the injured, but it can also be dangerous in untrained hooves. Their caution is understandable."

544252

>>544246
"I've seen a lot of ponies succumb to it in my time."

544253

>>544249
"If he snorted magic dust, I assume he didn't live long."
>>544251
"It hasn't killed me yet."

544254

>>544250
Perception check.

544255

>>544254
We are with her.
Check aswell?
'1d10'
>>544252
"Must have been rich ponies.
Affording enough to lose myself into would be quite the strain."

Roll #1 5 = 5

544256

>>544254
Be perceptive!

Roll #1 1 = 1

544257

>>544255
"You'd be wrong about that."

544258

>>544253
"The most sinister poisons take time to go into effect."
>>544254
'1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

544259

>>544255
But you're following her.

I'll save that roll for your reflex save, though! You fall, too.

>>544256
You fall into the covered chasm.

>>544252
>>544251
>>544249
Reflex saves!

544260

>>544253
"I think it was my bullet that set him on fire."

>>544259
Oh shit!
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

544261

>>544258
With your agile goat hooves, you manage to stop yourself in time!

>>544260
For you, avoiding a fall is as easy as opening your wings. No sweat.

544262

>>544259
>the dice has no memory
I remember that like it was yesterday.
Rolling reflex.
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

544263

>>544259
Ah fuck

Roll #1 2 = 2

544264

>>544259
Ow.

That probably hurt.

544265

>>544261
Stay in the air.
What the fuck happened?

544266

>>544262
>>544263
>>544264
>>544260
>>544258
Hircus, Wark, and Emmy are up top.

Tela, Light Heart, Flowing, and HP fall down below.

It seems you are not the only ones lurking down at the bottom of this chasm, though. You're surrounded by black-clad ninja with drawn swords. Based on the impromptu structures and the covered fire, it seems you have fallen directly into their campsite.

544267

>>544266
Aim at the ninjas.
"Hold it right there!"

544268

>>544266
Oh boy. Immediately stealth before they realize there are ponies up top!

544269

>>544266
"Placing your camp in the middle of a path was not the smartest idea.
We only need to leave the forest.
"

544270

>>544266
"… Oh dear. Good day, gentleponies. My apologies for the rude entrance."

544271

>>544269
>>544270
"This is explicitly off of the path, behind a large briar patch, and covered by stealth netting. You must be working for Tokusatsu."

544272

>>544271
"We would have attacked you already if that was the case, wouldn't we? Why waste the surprise.
Just allow us to leave and find another campsite, we will never know about it.
"

544273

>>544271
"My apologies, but I do not understand Neighponese."

544274

>>544272
"You might still tell him that we're coming if we don't kill you."

>>544273
HP: "He says we must be hunting their ninja clan because we went so far off the beaten path and found them behind the briar patch!"

544275

>>544274
"We are foreigners, we have no interest or purpose in hunting their clan."

544276

>>544266
>>544271
>>544272
"Uh…"
Yeah, I'm staying out of this ching chong talk.

544277

>>544274
Lean forward, showing my sword.
"On the honor this steel commends, we will do nothing of the sort.
In fact, our matters are so far removed from yours we do not care or know for Tokusatsu in the least.
Ninjas might not abide to the same code samurai do, but you must surely know what it stands for, to us.
"
Turn around.
"And besides, these are foreigners. We have nothing to do with feudal quarrels."

544583

A great buzz fills the village, today. It is the first day of spring, and in the outside world, the cherry blossoms have begun to bloom. The magic of nature has opened the portal between your world and that of the giant ponies. But for one Breezie, today was not so much a day of celebration as a day to make a plan.

Deep under the roots of the Great Sycamore Tree, in the secret workshop of Manako, there is a rumbling under the floorboards…

It has been almost a year since the last time the great portal opened and you returned home, and you have a guest you need to check up on in the other room…

544586

I had a hoofreading to get in the past

544588

>>544583
Well I can't keep them waiting. Go into the other room.

544589

This isn't exactly a prime faffing spot…

544592

>>544588
You're greeted by a giant face.

"Is it tiiiiime yet?"

Oh right. The whole reason you've been stressing about the portal opening again. About half a year ago when the portal closed you found an injured, foreigner filly out in the woods. With no time to heal the poor kid before the portal closed, you just shoved her through the portal and have been keeping her secretly in your workshop for months on end. Like a pet. A pet that is ten times your size at least. Sneaking her out is going to be a challenge, but your charity has had its perks. At last you had someone to talk to who wasn't a hippy obsessed with nature. Here was a pony who could appreciate your work! Your sketches and designs! Even if she was just a kid. And besides, she taught you Equestrian. That has to count for something.

"Well? I felt something weird this morning! It's time to go, right?"

>>544586
"Alright… let me see your hoof…"

544595

>>544592
Offer her my right hoof.
"I guess you can't do wingreadings, huh?"

544597

>>544592
Nod. "That's right little sister, today is the day."
What is her name. Do I have something big enough to cover her?

544599

>>544595
"The hoof has more character. This reading is about the past, I need to see where you've been – I get nothing from air resistance. Ready?"

>>544597
She has a silly Equestrian name. Felix Dimples. Covering her is going to be the real issue. You managed to sneak her in with the confusion last time, but this time everyone will be headed out, not in. Your best bet is to wait until the crowd thins a bit – but perhaps you could employ a genius contraption! Roll for number of genius contraptions you already have fabricated in your workshop. 1d7-1

544600

>>544599
'1d7-1' I have something that isn't broken!

Roll #1 7 - 1 = 6

544601

>>544599
"Well I fly a lot instead of walking…"
Sigh.
"Ready."

544608

>>544600
You have tons of kooky inventions for stuff like this! Maybe you should use your Beguilement-Concealer. Or your Camouflage-Shroud Shrouder. Or your Enthralling Hypnotizer. Or your Glowing Hypnotic Enchanter! Or just go all out and use the Light Beam! Or maybe just the Solar Hypnotism-Captivator.

Which will it be?

She squirms to look through the doorway with one of her big eyes. "Hey, what have you got in there?"

>>544601
"Hmm… in your most recent past, I see a struggle to change and evolve… before that a time of great trauma… oh, interesting, another great shift, from one love to another. How interesting… you seem to be more pliable and able to adapt than even you give yourself credit for… how interesting… a fateful meeting in a bar changed your life… Ah, here's where I'm getting into the meat. Years as a sellsword… They sharpened your skills but not your manners… A great sense of honor and duty to a contract, a good trait in a sellsword, but so uncharacteristic for you otherwise… Ah, I'm seeing it now. There was a great shift, here in your childhood. This is the major fault-line in your hoof, see? This big crack across the center, you've probably always wondered of it if you've looked at your hoof at all. A loss of identity… perhaps from abandonment? No… You were taken in… but there is a great confusion… I see! It is all clear to me now! To resolve your troubles, you must undo this snarl that formed at the beginning. That which creates all the other knots in your hoof. You must return to the place of your childhood and confront your past. You must return to Anneiv, in Germaney!"

544612

>>544608
"Oh lots of neat things. Hypnotic beams, a few automatic acorn openers.. oh here is a good one to try. " bring the camouflage-shroud shrouder.

544617

>>544608
Gulp and shake my head.
"I don't get it… I'm not a Germane! What was I doing there was a kid? Why would I be there?"

544619

>>544617
"The hoof reading answers only 'what', not 'why'. That is up for you to determine. But I certainly see the traits of a Germane hoof here."

>>544612
She squints at you. "This isn't going to be like the time you tried to make a self-lighting fireplace, right?""

Got it! It has all the technological considerations that a camouflage-shroud shrouder SHOULD have, with none of the cut out extras! You should shroud so many camouflage-shrouds with this thing! You grab an extra camouflage-shroud for use with it just in case the first one falls off.

This thing is huge for you. Bazooka-sized. You built it out of paperclips, gum wrapper foil, and dreams.

544623

>>544619
Answer hesitantly.
"Well… I've had this weird dream about germanes and music… but, yeah, thanks. For everything, and all. It was better than I've expected."

544624

>>544619
"No no. Don't worry little sister dimples! This is the sturdiest invention yet! And look how much it shrouds! Its perfect. " drape it over her and clip it in place.

544626

>>544623
"Good travels to you, then!"

Anything else you wanted to do?

>>544624
She fidgets around in her camouflage-shroud cloak.

"Alright… if you say so I'll trust you… You're always right big sis… well, except when you're wrong I mean!"

544628

>>544626
That's all in the past.

544633

>>544626
Ruffle her bangs "let's get you out the door."
Grab [intentory] on the way out.

544636

>>544633
Nabbed it. She'll have to come out the other way, since your door is way too small for her.

You head up a series of winding tunnels and come out behind the bookcase in your humble little breezy room on ground level. Whenever you give the signal she will surface.

Right now you can see the portal is open and breezies are still streaming out of it into the great wood.

544646

>>544636
Wait until the crowd dies down a bit.

544660

>>544646
Things have mostly thinned out now, but there are still some Breezies near the portal.

544663

>>544660
We gotta go while the portal is still up! Give Felix the signal

544666

>>544663
"Raaaawr!"

Like a giant zombie, she bursts from the ground near the tree!

Quick, shroud her camouflage-shroud with your camouflage-shroud shrouder! 1d10

544669

>>544666
'1d10' flip the switch

Roll #1 10 = 10

544676

>>544669
With a flash, where previously a giant pony stood, now there is nothing but air! You'd think she was gone entirely if you couldn't hear her giggling under the cloak.

544680

>>544676
Grin with glee at my invention. I knew it would work!!
"Follow me little sister. Quiet like a ninja." Guide her toward the portal.

544681

>>544680
She whispers (which for her is still kinda loud): "Got it big sis!"

She follows you up to the portal. Okay… it's kinda hard to judge if it's big enough for her to fit yet with the cloak on… but you've gotta move before someone bumps her!

544688

>>544681
"go go go!" urge her through while we still can.

544689

>>544688
Roll luck!

544692

>>544689
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

544694

>>544692
Pomf! You bounce off her giant filly butt. She's stuck trying to go through the portal, and more Breezies are coming! Quick, push her through!!

544704

>>544694
'1d10' push "move it sis. "

Roll #1 7 = 7

544709

>>544704
You push her through just in time! But they keep coming! Felix shrieks in surprise and grabs you and jams you into her pocket alongside lint and spare paperclips. "Sorry sis, we have to go!"

With that she sprints off at blazing speeds – she gallops so fast! Must be nice being a big pony! The yells of surprise from your old Breezie neighbors grows quiet so quickly!

You better think on your feet… you know from chatting with little sis – the same little sister who is now carrying you in her pocket – that Breezies aren't totally accepted in pony society… but you're sure you'll figure something out.

To be continued…

544770

>>544277
Roll diplomacy.

"A samurai who travels with foreigners? You must be ronin. Why should we trust the honor of a masterless samurai?"

544774

>>544709
I'm here.
Where's here?

544775

>>544774
The better part of your party has fallen into a covered chasm that you found behind a briar patch when traveling off the beaten path in the woods.

It seems they've fallen into a camp of ninja.

544777

Can't speak moonspeak, so let's hope our own chinks can talk us out of trouble.

544778

>>544770
I'm watching this exchange from above while stealthed.

544779

>>544770
Keep my gun aimed at them.

544780

>>544775
I guess I'll watch from above then, with that goat.

544782

>>544770
"Ponies that are born in honor will not die in disgrace.
Are you questioning me, shadow?
"

544784

>>544782
Are you Taking 1?

544788

>>544784
On diplomacy? I didn't know I needed to roll to begin with.

Roll #1 8 = 8

544792

>>544709
Take a peak out of the pocket

544793

>>544788
The post you replied to said "roll diplomacy"! Read it!

"Most honorable ponies born in honor die in disgrace. I could float a junk on the river of samurai blood I have killed alone. But you are just a ronin, you clearly have no connection to Tokusatsu. Consider your band lucky, ronin."

Smokebombs go off all across the canyon sending the whole party into a coughing fit. With that, the ninja are gone: fire doused, tents missing, and no sign of any of them.

>>544792
You've been riding for a while. Doesn't she EVER get tired? It looks like you're approaching a huge wall.

544795

>>544793
"What's that Felix? Are we close to something?"

544796

>>544793
"Well fuck, they know how to make an exit."

544798

>>544793
Oof, that ended well.

544799

>>544793
"… Very dramatic. A job well done."

544801

>>544793
…I suppose that means crisis averted?

544802

>>544793
>>544796
>>544799
"Indeed. Sorry for the interruption. It seems they believed we were sent to spy on them.
Feudal dispues are strong in neighpon."

544803

>>544795
"We're getting near a city… I'm not sure which one."

544804

>>544799
Roll 1d16 when ready to go

544806

>>544802
"Of course. We should make haste and move on further."

544808

>>544803
"A city! This is great!" Try to get a better look '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

544811

>>544804
>>544806
So whats happening?

544812

>>544808
It's huge! It's the largest, most magnificent castle you've ever seen! Oh wait, no, that's a shack outside the city walls. Darn big pony architecture!

544813

>>544803
'1d16'

>>544811
We're moving on further.

Roll #1 11 = 11

544815

>>544812
"Little sis.. what will you do once we get in the city?"

544817

544818

>>544813
>>544812
>>544811
>>544802
>>544801
Eventually you pull yourselves out of the crevice and continue through the dense woods.

Everyone roll perception.

>>544815
"I'm not sure… I don't really have a plan yet… what do you think big sis?"

544819

>>544818
Eyes of a sniper!
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

544820

>>544818
Oh boy…

Roll #1 6 = 6

544821

>>544818
Trot trot trot '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

544822

>>544818

Roll #1 6 = 6

544823

>>544818
Oh boy, what do I see? '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

544824

>>544818
"Hmmm… nothing here I think."
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

544826

>>544818
"I want to see all the things you equestrians built. Its got to be huge! I just know I could learn a lot."
Flutter my wings excitedly. "I bet there are all kinds of parts to use here too. I can't wait."

544828

File: 1396037472680.jpg (70.57 KB, 483x721, imgl0017.jpg, IO exif Google TinEye)

>>544819
>>544820
>>544821
>>544822
>>544823
>>544824
You observe nearby a shallow pond full of cattails. In it, Red-Crowned Cranes bob for fish.

>>544826
She frowns a little.

"Hm… I'm not sure how to do that! It's… across the water. We'd need to somehow get a ship that would let us come on… and we don't have paperwork… I lost my papers before you took me in."

544829

>>544828
"Some birds you have there."

544830

>>544828
How nice.
You don't see stuff like this in Equestria.

544833

>>544828
Interesting. They don't seem spooked, so we're probably alone for now.

544834

>>544828
"A ship? Where are we?" Pop out and look again. '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

544835

>>544828
It's a good thing for these birds ponies don't eat meat.
They look very nice though.

544836

>>544834
You're at a town gate. It seems to stretch on high to the heavens. There are huge giant ponies in armor guarding the door. You imagine that you would have a lifetime supply of metal if you melted down one of those suits of armor.

>>544835
>>544833
>>544830
>>544829
Moving on?

544837

>>544828
>>544829
>>544830
"Dont disturb the water." I warn.

544838

>>544836
Nothing too interesting for me here. Moving on.

544839

>>544836
Nothing to see here.

544840

>>544836
It's a nice sight, but we should make haste.

Roll #1 9 = 9

544841

>>544837
"Didn't plan to."

>>544836
Keep calm and flutter on.

544844

>>544836
Appraise the gate! I bet its a lot different than anything we had at home. '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

544845

544846

>>544841
>>544840
>>544839
>>544838
>>544837
You move out of the woods with an odd feeling of being left out of the loop. It's probably nothing!

Outside of the woods is a great plains. You travel alongside a river which ends in a waterfall back near the cliffside. On the other side of the river there is a rice-farming community, but there is no bridge over the river.

544848

>>544846
Some of us has wings, you know!

544849

>>544844
Hm… it's a big gate! It's made out of metal with spikes on the bottom. It has some kind of mechanism linked up so they can draw it up and down.

544850

>>544846
Probably nothing!

544852

>>544846
"Well, the flyers don't have a problem here, but how are the rest of us getting across?"

544853

>>544846
No bridge? Well… we do have wings.


>>544852
"We could… carry the flightless ones."

544854

>>544846
"Well its tiime to test the rapids boys."
Lets see how deep the water is.
'1d10'


>>544848
>>544850
>>544853
"Well except for you three I guess."

Roll #1 5 = 5

544855

>>544854
It's about four feet and moving very quickly toward the waterfall.

544856

>>544849
"This place is amazing." Grin.

544857

>>544855
>>544848
>>544850
>>544853
"We need some rope so the flyers can support those who will pass and go to the waters." I shout at the others.

544858

>>544854
>>544855
"I wouldn't suggest wading across."

544859

>>544857
Uh…
Can I pull out some rope from my hat? '1d10+2'

Roll #1 8 + 2 = 10

544860

>>544855
"Not ideal."

>>544857
>>544858
"We could follow the river upstream and look for a suitable place to wade through."

544861

>>544860
>>544857
"Your plan works, just let's make sure we don't do it right beside the waterfall."

544862

>>544858
"Well unless the flyers will help us lift across the water."

>>544860
>>544861
"Actually that is a better idea, though we will be a bit far to the vilalge but at least we wont fall to the water falls."

544863

>>544862
>>544855
Anyway go upstream, away from the dangers of the waterfall and the fast current.

544864

>>544861
>>544862
"Indeed."
Follow the river back upstream and look for a suitable place to wade through.

Roll #1 4 = 4

544865

>>544856
She smiles, but then yelps and shoves you back into the pocket.

Then she whispers to you through the fabric. "Sorry big sis… remember how I had to hide before? Now you gotta hide for a while until I come up with something… I have an idea though! Don't worry!"

Someone outside with a deep voice and neighponese accent asks, "Are you talking to your clothes?"

"Ha ha! Just nervous! Can… I come inside? My parents are in there?"

"Get on then."

>>544864
You find a place a little ways up the river that looks more calm.

544866

>>544865
Alright lets see and cross the water.
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

544867

>>544865
Fly over.

544868

>>544865
I suppose I'll put away that rope then.
And fly over.

544869

>>544866
It may look more calm, but it's still fast.

You get knocked off your feet and jerked toward the waterfall!


>>544867
>>544868
You're across.

544870

>>544865
Oh right. Breezies aren't welcome.
Listen '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

544871

>>544869
Throw that rope to Snacks '1d10' and pull him back in.

Roll #1 3 = 3

544872

>>544865
Just fly over.

544873

>>544869
"Goddman it! Help!"
Try to swim towards the others side.
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

544875

>>544853
>>544869
>>544873
Is it fording time?
Jump in to help the big dog.
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

544876

>>544869
I'll try to cross as quickly as I can. '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

544877

>>544873
>>544875
Well fuck everything.
Fly downstream and… try to freeze the water.
Frost Shot at the river.
'1d10+2'

Roll #1 10 + 2 = 12

544879

>>544869
Oh dear.
Let's see if I can grab him and help him regain his footing.

Roll #1 9 = 9

544882

>>544870
There are a lot of neighponese voices all around you but then you detect that you're headed into a building.

"I hope they speak Equestrian, my Neighponese never got very good…"

She stumbles through a few sentences trying to buy something from the clerk, then grows frustrated and runs out.

Finally she pulls you out of her pocket in the alleyway behind a shop.

"I couldn't figure out what to say to buy something when I don't have any money, but I did get… this!"

She shows you a little ragdoll she clearly nabbed from the shop. She pulls the doll part out and throws it away, and hoofs you the doll outfit. "You can wear this and pretend to be my doll, and tell me what to say. I'll just repeat your Neighponese since you're so much better at it than me! Good plan, right?!"

She seems pretty proud of this.

>>544875
You take a big gulp of water as you get washed downstream. Suddenly you're encased in a block of ice!

>>544879
You pull him out on the other side, no prob.

>>544877
You freeze a chunk of water. The group quickly crosses before water buildup dislodges it, but Flowing is still an icicle. Better fish him out.

544883

>>544882
"Whoops!
At least he's not going anywhere. Can someone grab him?"

544884

>>544882
Damn.
Magic.
Through will unfaltering, through winter cold, dispel this madness which on me unfolds!
Emergency Spellbreak the ice.

Roll #1 9 = 9

544886

>>544882
>>544879
I shake myself.
"Thats a close call there Light Heart. Thanks." I grin.

Turn and help Sir tree from the ice block.
"reach my hand."

544887

>>544884
>>544886
'1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

544889

>>544884
There is nothing magical about this ice, but if there was you would have dispelled it beautifully.

>>544886
>>544887
It's going to wash away if you keep fumbling about like that!

544892

>>544889
>>544859
"Arrgghh… This stubby fingers is not good at anything."

I look at Selena.
"Selena! Tie me up using that rope by the body and I will help Flowing Tree here."

544893

>>544882
These useless idiots.

Fine, I'll grab him if they all prefer gawking instead.

Roll #1 3 = 3

544894

>>544889
I'm proud of myself.
Let that proud, warm feeling melt the ice.

Roll #1 6 = 6

544895

>>544892
Do as he says '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

544896

>>544893
>>544892
"We need to break the ice. and I want to be in the safe side so both of us dont get carried away."

544897

>>544893
>>544895
The two of you nearly fall in yourselves!

>>544894
The ice starts to crack. One more good swing oughta do it! Unfortunately you're now dislodged and moving down toward the waterfall.

544898

>>544897
Fucking hell, just drag that chump out of the water already.
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

544899

>>544882
"Ooh. Not bad little sis." Slip on the doll clothes.

544900

>>544897
Well I'm not about to let crew drown on my watch. Get him out of there.

Roll #1 6 = 6

544901

>>544897
Go after him.
"Grab my hand!"
'1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

544902

>>544897
Throw that rope like a lasso around flowing '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

544903

>>544897
Now it's mocking me.
Through mockery, is born hate.
Through hate, rage.
RAGE GIVES ME STRENGTH!
Burst the ice block open with quick and precise contractions of my hooves.
'4d10'

Roll #1 7, 10, 7, 2 = 26

544908

>>544897
I'm just trying to stay out of the way while the rest of the group panics. They're better qualified to rescue him than me.

544909

>>544898
You get your hoof caught in the ice and start getting dragged along for the ride!

>>544900
You pull Emrille free.

>>544901
>>544902
And the two of you drag Flowing to shore.

>>544903
Before he busts out of his icy prison.

>>544899
The doll outfit covers your wings, so you keep them furled up. She licks your antennae so they're slicked back into your mane.

"There! Now you'll pass as a doll no problem! Okay… so we have to find a boat, but now you can look around and help me talk. Where should we go first?"

544910

>>544908
Wisely done

544912

>>544909
"Grow some fucking wings already, people.
Fucking hell."

544913

>>544902
>>544901
>>544909
Roar and shake the few remaining bits of ice off me.
"Now.
Moving on."

544914

>>544909
"Is everyone all right?"

544916

>>544913
"You're welcome."

544918

>>544909
"That was a bit of an ordeal, but it appears we made it through. Good job, now let us move on."

Roll #1 5 = 5

544919

>>544909
>>544913
I try to dry off through shaking myself and snarl
"Why do these backward peasants havent thought of the bright idea of making something as simple as a bridge."

544920

>>544909
"The harbour master. The one in charge of where the boats can dock." '1d10' can I spot some one like that?

Roll #1 7 = 7

544921

>>544914
"Yes, we are alright so far, these neighpons really should make more bridges in the future though."

>>544918
"Indeed lets move."

544923

>>544916
>>544921
Nod.
"Your help is most appreciated. Without, I'd have surely died."
>>544919
"Because they don't want to deal with outsiders.
This means us."
>>544918
Nod.

544925

>>544923
"Oh… that kinda suck." I frown.

544930

"Let's move forwards, and hope they don't try to murder us for being outsiders.
Keep an eye out."

544931

>>544910
Ready to move on.

544933

>>544931
>>544930
>>544921
>>544918
As previously mentioned, there is a rice farming community here on the other side of the bridge.

>>544920
You ride on her back as she wanders through town. Big ponies even tower over her! You come to a harbor, but curiously there are no ships here. From the harbor you can see nearly everything, though: market lane, the big castle, and the city walls.

544934

>>544933
on the other side of the lack of bridge**

544935

>>544933
Let's head in at the head of the group.

544936

>>544933
Perhaps they can provide info. Go in.

Roll #1 10 = 10

544937

>>544933
Look confused. " where are the boats?"

544938

>>544933
"Well, shall we say hello to the locals?"

544939

>>544933
Alright Head to the village.

544940

>>544939
>>544938
>>544936
>>544935
I carefully avoided using "village" because it is highly decentralized. Large rice fields and a hut here or there. There doesn't appear to be a town center.

>>544937
Felix shrugs uncertainly. "Should we try asking?"

544941

>>544940
Closest hut, then.

Please confirm we are here to find a place to rest.

544942

>>544940
"Go to the castle. Some pony must know there."

544943

>>544940
The nearest hut then!

544944

File: 1396041294966.jpg (200.5 KB, 850x637, web_IMG_1067.jpg, IO exif Google TinEye)

>>544941
Rest? That's up to you.

>>544942
"Alright, let's try there first…"

It's certainly impressive. Big walls are around the keep. There are guards at the gates.

She gulps. "Are you sure? You better tell me what to say in Neighponese."

>>544943
Hutward bound! You knock on the door. No answer.

There are ponies out working the rice fields, though.

544945

>>544944
"Backwards fucking ching chongs…"

544947

>>544944
Flutter over to the fields then.
"Puzzle? I will need your translation aid."

What time is it?

544948

>>544947
It's late afternoon. You moved quickly today so you don't have to rest yet.

"Okay!"

544949

>>544947
Let's keep an eye on her, while she does that.
>>544948
And slowly trot over to another farmer.

544950

>>544948
Approach one of the farmers.
"Could you ask him where the town of Awa is?"

544951

>>544949
"What do you want? The Daimyo has already raised soldiers from this village."

>>544950
Hm, okay!

They go back and forth for a time.

"He says it's just up the road!"

544952

>>544948
Puzzle is a qt.

544953

>>544951
"I'm ronin.
Not working for the Daimyo.
"

544954

>>544952
You might get a peck on the cheek if you tell her. She seems pretty loose with the affection.

>>544953
"What do you want then? This is a poor farming community, there is nothing for you here."

544955

>>544945
"Well you tell me."

>>544951
let the others do their thing.

544956

>>544944
"I will tell you." Assure her with a soft pat on the head.

544957

>>544951
"Could you ask him how things are around there? Have any soldiers recently passed by this community?"

544958

>>544954
"I'm headed to Awa.
Any news from the battle?
"

544959

>>544954
>>544955
Anyway lets ask the locals if they know whats going on with Awa.

544960

>>544954
Eh one day. Maybe.
I suppose that would be weird to just say that.

Just wait for LH to do her business and drink some water.

544962

>>544954
…Foolishness. Why do I think of such foolishness?
"Perhaps we should get moving before the evening sets in."

544965

>>544962
"Should we? We dont know if there will be another village and frankly I dont want to sleep in the wilderness."

544967

>>544956
She nervously approaches and tries to initiate conversation.

"Good morning!"

It's afternoon.

"I am here for boats! What is boats now? I see no boats!"

The guard gives her an extremely confused look. His face is as big as you are.

"What exactly are you trying to ask little girl?"

"Psst! Help!"

>>544958
"The battle hasn't reached it yet as far as I know."

>>544957
"He says the daimyo send his men weeks ago to draft soldiers!"

>>544959
Well, try.

>>544960
Eeek! This water is full of leeches! Get it off!

…Don't those have alchemical applications?

544968

>>544967
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

544969

>>544967
"What of the soldiers that were taken from here?"

544970

>>544968
I'm not sure what you're trying to do. Talk to someone? Then talk!

>>544969
"What of them?"

544971

>>544967
"I see. No news from the war has reached this community yet then?"

544973

>>544970
"How many and how long ago?"

544974

>>544967
"excuse me sir. Where are the boats?"

544976

>>544970
Greet one of the locals.
"Do you speak my language? Do you have news on whats happening in Awa?"

544978

>>544967
Oh my!
I still have a pot.
Catch a few! '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

544979

>>544978
"What are you doing?"

544980

>>544971
"He says that they try to avoid thinking about the war here. A stallion from every family has been drafted! Awa is close, but… hm, I'm not sure how to translate this? It's an expression, but… well, literally it means that Nagobana is closer to the Forbidden City than Yotok, a little farming village outside of the city. So, the meaning is that big cities are more closely connected even though they have great separation, get it?"

>>544973
"Why are you asking? Is this a test? The daimyo might say to share this information is treason."

>>544976
They don't seem to understand. One knows a little, though. "Uh, Awa? Up road. Go on road. Very soon. Close."

>>544978
You nab several leeches and pry off the one on your face.

544982

>>544979
"Catching leeches!"

>>544980
Close the pot and take a look at them swimming about!

544983

>>544974
She takes a deep breath.

"[Gibberish] me sir. Where [gibberish] the boats?"

"Oh. The ships. They are being used by His Honorable Lordship in the war effort. Why are you looking for ships little one?"

"I didn't understand half of that! What's he saying?"

>>544982
Oh, you meant the BOTTLE! They're squirming. Some are fat, others are sleek.

544985

>>544982
"I see. May I ask what the purpose of that is?"

544986

>>544980
"Ah thanks, how many days will it take to go there?" I nod.

>>544982
>>544979
>>544973
"Well Awa is just up the road according to the locals so we wont be far off. If there is any advice I can give to you then that is to get tready since according to the last rumors, it is being attacked."

544987

>>544980
"Because I'm heading to Awa. If my company runs into them, I'd rather not kill the brothers and husbands of ponies that helped me."

544988

>>544983
Blame my english.

Make sure it's sealed tight and put it in my bag.

>>544985
"I can use them for my alchemical research."

544989

>>544986
Very soon.

>>544987
"They left weeks ago. With a force that small you will never take Awa. It is a fortress, you should turn back and not die."

>>544988
Bottled

544991

>>544983
"He says the ships are in a war. And asks why you need one. Say this next."
"I need a boat to get home. Where can I get a boat ride? Or a ferry? "

544992

>>544988
"Oh, you're an alchemist. Interesting.
…Forgive me, I'm not used to introducing myself to others. My name is Hircus."

544993

>>544989
"We have nothing to do with feudal skirmishes.
Our business in Awa is not of war.
"

544995

>>544992
I shake his hoof.
"Selena Springleaf. I hadn't seen you on the ship before."

544996

>>544989
Urgh, come the fuck ooooon…
Start playing with my pistol while I wait.

544999

>>544980
"Certainly. I believe that will be all then. Thank the stallion for the information."

545000

>>544991
"Are you talking to that doll?"

"Uh, uh… I need a boat!! Where [Gibberish] a boat ride? Ferry?"

"Hm? No boats in town right now. Listen, little girl, you need to go find your parents."

>>544993
"It is very close. You could make it by the end of the day if you hurry, then."

>>544996
What game do you want to play?

545001

>>544999
He gives a polite nod.

"Ready?"

545002

>>544995
"That's because I'm new. Apparently the old scout your captain hired went crazy or something?"

545004

>>545001
"Indeed. Let us make haste."

545005

>>545000
Testing how quick I can draw it.
And spinning it as I put it away.

545006

>>545000
"Thank you."
Back to the group.
>>545004
"We can reach Awa by nightfall."

545007

>>545002
I frown.
"He was carrying a lot of explosives. I told him to take them off while on the ship, he didn't want to, things led to things…"

545009

>>545005
Roll for quick draw.

545010

>>545006
"I am aware."

>>545009
Let's get a move on!

545011

545012

>>545007
Frown back.
"I carry a decent number of explosives myself, but I'm very careful about it. After all, one mistake is all it takes."

545013

>>545009
With proper trigger discipline of course!

Roll #1 2 = 2

545014

"One thing you should be aware of.
Awa might be locked down.
The border skirmishes might be closer than we thought."

545015

>>545012
"I'm happy you seem to understand the importance of proper safety when hoofling explosives. I'm sure we'll get along well together."

545016

>>545014
"True at that, any advice on what we should do?"

545017

>>545010
>>545011
>>545007
>>545002
You travel onward for a few miles. In the distance, you see the great city of Awa.

>>545013
You've got a long way to go.

Let's get down to business
To defeat Takikaga!
Did they send me mares
When I asked for stallions?
You're the saddest mare I've ever met
But you can bet, before we're through
Emrille I'll make a gunslinger out of you!

Tranquil as that river you just crossed
But on Fire Shot within
Once you find your target
You are sure to win!

Okay this has gone on long enough.

545018

>>545017
I smile.
"Ah… wonderful. We have arrived at last."

545019

>>545017
Take sight of it for a moment.
Regiments nearby?
Signs of battle?
Are the city doors open?
>>545016
"…Not right now, no."

545020

>>545017
Good thing my rifle is always drawn…heh, I'm a real fucking poet too.
I'll just have to practice more.
Keep on flying towards where we have to go.

545021

>>545000
"We're gonna have to bail soon. Try one more. And bow when you say it."
" sorry sir. I will go back to them right away. are there boats in the next town? "

545022

>>545015
Smile. "I'm sure we will.
So, how long have you been with this group? If you don't mind me asking."
>>545017
"Well, there she is." I wonder how well-kept the thieve's highway is in Awa.

545024

>>545017
Trot trot trot. What's it look like?

545025

>>545017
Look from this distance.
What does the city look like? Is it in flames?
'1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

545030

File: 1396043570266.jpg (162.37 KB, 500x374, 16161616d4faaebe-9.jpg, IO exif Google TinEye)

>>545025
>>545024
>>545022
>>545019
The city walls are huge here, but it is certainly not on fire. The protection of the walls guards a great keep in the distance.

The entrance is under heavy guard. These men scrutinize everyone who enters.

>>545021
"Sorry [Gibberish]. I will go [Gibberish] to them right [Gibberish]. Are [Gibberish] boats next town?"

"Most boats have been temporarily seized. Your best bet is to wait for a merchant vessel. They come once in every few days."

Little Sis Felix offers a little curtsy and backs off.

545032

>>545030
Very well.
At least we can still enter the town.
Let's get going.

545033

>>545030
Do my best to fade into the group. Guards always make me uneasy.

545034

>>545030
Enter then.
Strolling in.

545035

>>545030
Alright lets approach the city.

>>545032
"Ever been in this city?"

545036

>>545030
"How wonderful. It seems we came in time. We must get to the keep in order to speak to the Daimyo."

545038

>>545035
"Long ago."

545039

>>545030
Follow the others.

545040

>>545036
>>545035
>>545034
>>545032
>>545039
They halt you at the entrance.

"Foreigners. Your papers?"

545041

>>545040
I'm sure either me or LH have those.

545042

>>545040
We have papers right? The ones we used to get into the country? Show those.

545044

>>545042
>>545041
"Hm. You're here to see His Honorable Lordship. Very well. I will assign you an escort. SHIN! Take them to the castle, and keep an eye on them."

A scrawny, but lanky earth pone in heavy armor hops to and rushes over.

"I will guide you!"

545045

>>545044
Keep a low profile.
>>545042
"He's here to keep an eye on us."

545046

>>545040
Follow the earth pone.
Look around the town.

545048

>>545044
"Thank you. You are too kind. Please, lead the way."

>>545045
I chuckle.
"Of course he is."

545049

>>545044
Just smirk.
"Go on."

545050

>>545048
Chuckle back.

545051

File: 1396044035769.jpg (210.43 KB, 640x427, 6057381113_26943094ff_z.jpg, IO exif Google TinEye)

>>545048
>>545046
>>545045
>>545049
He leads you through a marketplace that is bustling with pones.

Eventually you come to a castle. A little Equestrian filly with a doll is pestering the guard.

545052

>>545051
"What's with the kid?"

545054

>>545051
What? What is she doing here?
Look at Puzzle.
"I must say I am surprised to see yet another Equestrian pony here."

545055

>>545051
"What's a non-neighpon doing here?"

545056

>>545051
Casually glance up at the rooftops (or the "thieves highway.") Can I tell what kind of condition it's in? '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

545057

>>545051
What do the kid is doing?

545059

>>545030
"Ugh. No more ships for a while unless we are lucky to find a merchant ship." I say

545060

>>545056
Here around the castle it is highly maintained with bunkers and chest-high-walls for archers. There are even braziers for early-warning and lighting arrows on fire. Siege engineers are currently working on reinforcing it in case a siege comes upon the city.

>>545057
Pestering the guard in what appears to be broken Neighponese.

>>545059
A whole pack of Equestrians is here with three Neighponese guides. They even have an ENORMOUS dog monster that walks on two legs!

"Eep! Big sis what should I do??"

>>545054
>>545055
>>545052
"Uhhh… uhhh…"

545062

>>545060
Bah.
Turn to the guard.
"What's the matter with the kid?"

545063

>>545060
"Ask if they are merchants."

545064

>>545060
Look around.
"Are you here with your parents by any chance?"

545065

>>545060
Roll my eyes.
"You can talk, can't you?"

545067

>>545060
Approach the filly and look at her.
"Hey hey hey calm down. Whats the problem here?"

545068

>>545062
"I think she was abandoned or something. She says she needs a ship to get home."

>>545064
>>545065
>>545067
"Um, are you merchants?"

545069

>>545060
"It's okay. We're friends!"

545070

>>545068
"Well…. not technically merchants but we do ride through some boats."

….
"Hey you're Equestrian? What the hell are you doing here?"

545071

>>545070
>>545068
"Actually not boat but ships, but we do get around a lot." I chuckle and try to calm her down.
"Say whats your name?" I smile

545072

>>545070
"My big sis says you aren't sposed to say words like that!"

>>545069
"Uh…"

545073

>>545068
"Not… quite. But we are certainly travellers."

545074

>>545063
"What should I tell them big sis? They're sailors."

545076

>>545068
Let's try sarcasm.
"Yeah, I sell guns and gun accessories…"

545077

>>545072
"Are you hungry?"

545078

>>545071
"Uh… I'm Felix…"

>>545076
"That's dangerous!"

>>545077
>>545073
"Really hungry! But I got stuff to do! I have to find a ship to get home!"

545079

>>545068
"Why would Equestrians even come this far, only to abandon a kid.
She must have either fled or just lost her way.
"
Stand on a side and wait for the others to be done with this.
"News from the war?"

545080

>>545074
"Ask if they can take you to equestria."

545081

>>545072
"Oooh my bad."
"And yes your sister is correct about bad words so yes dont make me a role model."

>>545078
"Felix, alright, where is your sister?"

545084

>>545079
Shin takes over here.

"They're here to work for the daimyo."

"Ah. We can brief them in the war room after they have their audience."

>>545081
"Um… Iunno! Can you take me to Equestria???"

545085

>>545078
Look these big equestrians over. appraise! '1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

545086

>>545078
Give her some of the food supplies I have.
"Here…It's not much but you must be hungry."

545087

>>545084
"Well…. that is a tough sell."
I kneel down.

"But you can ride in my ship." I smile

545088

>>545084
>>545078
Scratch my head.
"Well… I suppose you could if you are stranded here. We do have some other children on board our ships already."
Glance at Emrille.

545089

>>545084
…Nopony ever suspects children.
Can I see anything unusual about this filly? '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

545090

>>545078
Roll my eyes and sigh.
"No, kid, I don't actually sell them. They are my guns and I use them to kill people for money."

545091

>>545084
"Relax, it was nothing so formal. Just wondering what's the chatter."

545094

>>545085
In this order:

1) Big dog monster! Scary!

2) Weird serene pegasus lady! She has a donkey and a earth pony with her… The earth pony is a ninja from Neighpon!

3) A pegasus that won't stop playing with her guns. She seems like she has a bad temper!

4) A weirdo goat.

5) A pegasus lady with all kinds of baubles hanging off her outfit!

6) A sparkly pony made out of crystals! You've never imagined something so amazing!

7) A tough looking samurai with rapiers talking to the guards.

>>545086
She nabs them without a second thought and gives you a big smile. "Thank you thank you!"

>>545089
Nah, she's just some kid. More concerningly you seem to have stepped into a bucket of water.

>>545090
"Eeeew!"

>>545091
"The war is good for us. His Honorable Lordship employs the mightiest samurai in Neighpon, save for those of his Imperial Grace, the Shogun, of course. On land we are unmatched, but we are losing at sea. The cowards must rely on their cannons and ships. To make matters worse, they refuse to honorably sail in a straight line and do all kinds of weaving and avoiding of our return fire."

545095

>>545088
>>545087
>>545086
>>545084
"do you think you want to ride with them? I mean we don't have much choice.. but what to you think Felix?"

545096

>>545087
She looks nervous. "Really?"

>>545085
"They said we can come! Should we go with them on their ship?"

545097

>>545094
Roll my eyes.
"I can't imagine why.
Did you try boarding their ships?
"

545098

>>545094
"Where do you need to go?"

545100

>>545094
Take my hoof out of the bucket and shake it off. Who the heck leave a bucket of water in the middle of the road?

545101

>>545096
"Where are you from exactly, child? Which city?"

545102

>>545094
"What, you don't like money?"

545103

>>545095
"Uh, wait, there's just one thing I have to make sure of first!"

>>545090
>>545089
>>545088
>>545087
>>545086
"If I go with you, I have to be able to bring my doll, okay? You can't change your mind! We're a package deal!"

>>545098
"I gotta get home to Equestria!"

>>545097
"Of course, but they refuse to honorably dock with us and secure ships. They just keep sailing out of reach and firing!"

545104

>>545096
"Of course you can."
I then raise an eyebrow.
"Now tell me why do you want to go to Equestria?"

545106

>>545101
"Um… answer my question first!"

>>545102
"They use weird money here! It's all tiny!"

>>545104
"My home is there!"

545107

>>545103
I smile.
"Of course. I had a doll when I was younger I never parted with. May I see yours?"

545108

>>545103
"That will cost extra but yeah your doll can come with you."

545109

>>545103
"Of course. Trustworthy companions are a rare commodity, after all."

545110

>>545094
>>545096
Scrunch " they are a little odd. But I don't think they will hurt you. Just stay away from the dog and the pegasus with guns. "

545111

>>545106
>>545108
I then look at her with a bit of suspicion.
"How in earth did you landed here?"

>>545107
"You had a doll?"

545112

>>545111
"Of course. When I was a filly."

545113

>>545103
>>545106
I smile.
"Of course you can bring your doll. You said your name is Felix? Where are you from, Felix?"

545114

>>545107
She starts acting really cage-y. "Um…"

"Okay, but don't touch her, she's really fragile."

She holds out a little doll the size of a hoof.

>>545110
"Quick! Act really still!"

She pulls you down and holds you out for examination.

545115

>>545113
"It's called Canterlot. It's a really big city in Equestria!"

545116

>>545103
Shrug.
"Whatever, if you want."

>>545106
"Yeah, I know. It's annoying, really."

545117

>>545114
"I won't touch it, I promise."
What does it look like? '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

545118

>>545103
"thanks sis! "

545119

>>545114
Anything interesting about this doll? '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

545120

>>545111
>>545112
"Ah, I had one too. A shame I lost it."

>>545115
"Canterlot? My my, you are a long way from home, child. You must be quite brave, being here all alone."

545121

>>545117
The clothes are kinda cheap and ratty. You could probably sew something better than that and you don't even consider yourself to be a seamstress.

>>545119
Just that it looks worthless. You wouldn't even bother stealing this if you were paid to do it.

545123

>>545120
>>545112
"Well we got three doll lovers now on board."

545124

>>545114
Act still '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

545125

>>545120
"I have my big sis, I mean, uh… in spirit, that is."

545126

>>545121
The poor kid has been here for so long, who knows what happened.
Smile.
"It looks really cute. Take good care of it!"

545127

>>545103
Sigh.
"Of course."

545128

>>545120
"Did you have a Smartypants too?"

545129

>>545125
I cock my head.
"Of course. Unfortunately, our ships have not arrived quite yet. We have business to settle first in this town, you see."

545130

>>545125
"Say you still didnt say why you are here in Neighpon? How did you arrive here?"

545132

>>545130
"Mr Chip, I'm sure such questions can wait for later."

545133

>>545124
The stillest, tiniest, pony.

She puts you back on her back.

>>545126
"Thank you! She puts it back on her back."

>>545129
"Okay, I can wait. I've waited a long time anyway."

>>545130
"Yeah, I have plenty of time to tell you on the ships!"

>>545127
"When you are prepared we will take you in."

545134

>>545128
"A… Smartypants? I am sorry, but I do not know what that is. Some sort of garment, perhaps?"

545135

>>545133
"Should someone stay out here with her while we go in, or should we bring her in with us?"

545136

>>545129
>>545133
Cough a bit to catch her attention.
"We should not keep her excellence waiting.
Best to have someone remain with the filly."

545137

>>545132
>>545133
I shrug.
"Alright then, I just am curious as to why such a little thing like you ended up here. It is not safe you know."

545138

>>545134
"It's a doll here in Equestria. Not as popular as the princess dolls, but still I liked them."

>>545133
"Of course, you just stay close with me."

545139

>>545133
"Good. Master Wark? Would you terribly mind looking after our newest passenger while we conduct business?"

545140

>>545135
>>545136
"I'll stay."

545143

>>545133
>>545139
"Great, we got another fucking kid for the boat, can we move on now?"

545144

>>545137
I whisper in your ear.
"Maybe something bad happened to her parents. Let's not dig that all up now."

545145

>>545139
"Arright then."

>>545136
>>545135
>>545134
Those of you who head in, you're lead through a series of halls to a room with a golden statue of the daimyo in the sitting position.

A bald bureaucrat pony is here. "Ah, you are the privateers, yes?"

545147

>>545144
Whisper back.
"I am just being suspicious, better be safe than sorry."

545148

>>545145
"Yes."

545150

>>545133
psst. Be careful of the dog. He scares me. And the pegasus with the guns. Be careful. "

545151

>>545138
"Ah. No, I did not. My doll was custom made."

>>545145
"Thank you."

To the bureaucrat.
"Indeed we are. I do hope we arrived within a reasonable period of time."

545152

>>545145
"Yeah we are."

545153

>>545147
"She's a little filly. What kind of threat can she possibly be?!?"

>>545145
I tell the kid.
"Just wait here. I'll be right back."
Smile at her before I go in.

545154

>>545145
Hang in the middle of the group, keeping quiet and listening attentively.

545158

>>545153
"At the high seas and foreign lands you really dont know."

>>545145
Sit down and just relax, let them do the talking.
By the way what is she doing? And what is Wark doing?

545159

>>545154
>>545153
>>545152
>>545151
>>545148
"We expected you in the morning, but this is good as well. I am His Honorable Lordship's representative. All I need from you is to sign off on the paperwork and you can signal your ships to dock."

His voice is a little higher pitched than most stallions, like a mare's. You are not being shown to the room of the daimyo himself it seems.

>>545150
"Good thinking big sis! Anyway it sounds like their ships will arrive soon."

545160

>>545158
Wark is in a surprisingly good mood. He usually seems pretty grumpy but he's giving the little one a tender, fatherly look. What a nice donk.

545161

>>545158
>What is she doing?

She's talking to herself.

545162

>>545159
That's something for LH.

545163

>>545159
I smile.
"Splendid. I do like it when things go smoothly."

545165

>>545159
"Great!"
Light can do the red tape shit.

545166

>>545160
I then relax.
"Say Wark, what is best in life?"

>>545161
What?!
Just look and observe her for a bit. Anything unusual?
'1d10''

Roll #1 10 = 10

545167

>>545160
A propos, what happened to the breezie LH recruited?

545168

>>545159
Hmn…
Can I spot anything unusual about this stallion? '1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

545169

>>545148
Cultural information: the courts of daimyos and high lords are attended by eunuchs, which this stallion obviously is. They live their entire lives inside the castle keep and have the ear of the daimyo. They can be trusted to have absolute loyalty because they have no life beyond the palace walls.

>>545166
She is talking to her little doll.

"Hmph. Hard to say… maybe… finding someone to care about?"

>>545167
He's probably hiding somewhere now that you're in civilization.

>>545163
He withdraws some papers and sets them on the desk.

"I hope you'll forgive the absence of the daimyo. These are times of war, after all. None can be trusted, even his most loyal soldiers. Perhaps you've heard of the three assassins?"

>>545168
You tactlessly shove your head between his legs and determine he is a court eunuch. He is very professional and ignores your outburst, though.

545170

>>545159
"good good. Then we can get to your home. At least you will understand ponies there."

545171

>>545169
I'll have to hug and kiss him later.

Facepalm at the goat.
Why am I even surprised for goats doing this?
Are all goats just crazy?

545172

>>545170
"You're so smart big sis… I'm so glad you rescued me."

She gives you a hug.

545173

>>545169
Alright creepy…. but noted.
Just observe, occasionally glancing to her direction for a bit more while talking to Wark.
"Hmmm… that is true, have you found anyone? How about LightHeart?" I look at him.

545174

>>545169
"We understand. I cannot possibly blame his excellency."
Ignore what Hircus is doing.
"But no, we have not."

Take a look at these papers.

Roll #1 6 = 6

545176

>>545172
Hug her back. " I am glad too. Little sis. "

545179

>>545173
She hugs her doll.

"Aye, she is a fine mare… but she has someone."

>>545174
Nothing suspicious in the wording, it's a standard contract for a letter of marque.

"Assassins are everywhere of course, but Takikaga employs three particularly deadly assassins. Serene Waterfall, Reaching Spear, and Ocean. For the last ten years, since they last assaulted the palace, none have advanced within one hundred paces of the throne, safe for His Honorable Lordship's closest attendants. He has not even removed his armor in that time."

>>545176
"I think the diamond dog is watching us…"

Oh. That's what that thing is called.

545180

>>545171
Probably.

545182

>>545169
Well that explains it. Curiosity sated, I'll get back and act like nothing unusual happened.

545183

>>545182
"Did you have fun?"

545184

>>545179
"Oh goodness. Those three sound like quite the troublemakers."
Then I'll sign them.

545186

>>545183
>>545182
Snicker.
"Hey, not everypony can go after the opposite sex. Bet he was just a tad curious."

545187

>>545169
Facehoof at Hircus.
>>545179
"Speaking of which.
A word in private?"

545189

>>545183
"…In hindsight, that wasn't the most tactful way of satisfying my curiosity. Going without eating too long tends to do that to me."
>>545186
"Why settle for just one?"

545190

>>545184
"Good. You are free to signal your fleet, then. I should mention of these three assassins, there is a rather enormous bounty on them, but you should stay out of their way. Two of them were able to brush away the palace guards like leaves on the breeze. Any one of them is enormously dangerous."

>>545187
"If you so desire."

545191

>>545190
My eyes sparkle up at that.
"A bounty, huh?"
Smirk.
"Tell me more~"

545193

>>545190
>>545184
"I will be brief Lady Heart, please forgive me."
Off somewhere with less cospicous eyes with the eunuch.

545195

>>545179
"okay. I will be quiet for now. "

545197

>>545179
Fillies being fillies, just got to ask Selena and LH if talking to dolls is weird or anything.

"Ah that she has, but there are lots of fine mare's on board as of now. Specially that Selena, damn the things I can do to her…. but I will not execute without her permission."

545198

>>545190
"Well, we shall certainly keep your words in mind. Thank you for the timely warning. If we do run into them however, we will attempt to take them down for your security. Now… I should go and signal our fleet. Excuse me."
Bow my head, then head outside to fire the flare.

545200

>>545189
"Oh..I see."

545202

>>545200
"Don't act like you've never done something stupid or awkward in public before. Everyone has."

545203

>>545202
I smile.
"Don't worry, I've seen worse. I travelled for some time with a goat. She was quite something."

545204

>>545191
"I would strongly advise against confrontation."

>>545193
Off in the other rooms, then.

"Yes?"

>>545195
"If we're going to keep up this act I'm going to have to find you a prettier dress… oh, think you can make one?"

>>545197
"Mmph. She's reclusive at times."

>>545198
Outside on the balcony!

545205

>>545204
Make sure no pegasi are flying above me first, goodness me.
Then fire the flaregun.

545206

>>545204
Talk in Equestrian. Less chance to be overheard.
"We met ninjas on the way here. Be wary."

545207

>>545203
"Oh really? Care to share more?"

545208

>>545207
"Perhaps another time. On the ship."

545209

>>545206
"We have considerable protection against assassins because of the three. Thank you for the notification."

>>545205
In the distance, you hear a reply horn. Little dots start to move toward the harbor. Oh, the fleet!

545210

>>545204
Think for a moment " I could try. If we get materials. "

545211

>>545209
"As long as it is never known where this info came from."
Leave, back to LH.

545212

>>545210
"Okay! I'll see what I can find!"

545213

>>545209
Excellent. Very swift.
Return inside to the party.
"The fleet has been warned and is making its approach."

545214

>>545211
She is out on the balcony, she just fired the flare.

545216

>>545213
"Sweet. Now what? Do we hunt down those motherfuckers?"

545217

>>545208
"All right then. Maybe I can tell you about… well…
Actually, I'm not sure I have any stories that are really worth telling."
>>545214
I suppose we are all getting ready to rendezvous with the fleet?"

545218

>>545204
"Ooohh one can pry anyone's shyness if they try hard. As for Selena I will do my best to get as close as possible, and if I get rejected then I'll just jump to another ship. That simple." I grin.

I then stop and think.
"I just am wondering for a bit why stay with us Wark?"

545219

>>545214
Good.
>>545213
"Good.
I take this is gonna be the time for action, then.
I've gathered some basic infos about our opponents."

545221

>>545217
"I find that hard to believe for a goat."

545223

>>545216
"That is not our main goal, no. We should first rendezvous with the fleet."

>>545219
"We should certainly discuss this with the other officers then."

Back outside, to Wark and Chip.

545225

>>545223
"I will reach you by the docs. For now, I will discuss with the Daimyon's representative in details."
>>545214
Back to the Eunuch.

545226

>>545217
Any time you're ready.

>>545218
"Eh… maybe I'm gettin' a little sweet on her. Duncha tell anyone er I'll kill ya."

>>545223
Not a single filly was molested that day!

545227

>>545225
He's here with you.

545228

>>545223
"Yeah but didn't you hear? Enormous fucking bounty!"

545229

>>545223
Go to the filly.
"The fleet is coming soon. Are you ready to come with us?"

545230

>>545227
"We should discuss the tactical details of the war."

545231

>>545212
" maybe we can do something that lets my wings free. "

545232

>>545221
Give her a dirty look.
"That's speciest."
Shake my head and sigh.
"Though I suppose there might be a few worthwhile stories I can share. They might be boring if you don't enjoy sneaking around, though."
>>545226
Ready when the group is.

545234

>>545232
"I suppose it was a bit. My apologies."

545235

>>545226
"The fleet is on approach and we have the letter of marque."

>>545228
"With quite a bit of risk involved. We shall see how the cookie crumbles."

545236

>>545235
"We should totally convince Abilio that we should do this."

545238

>>545226
Raise my hand.
"Oh no no no, there are shit I know about people that I have no plan on telling to anyone."

>>545235
"OH shit yes!"
I stand up.
"Should we signal Abillio then?"

545239

>>545234
"No offense taken. I've been called far worse things."

545240

>>545236
"Perhaps. We shall see."

>>545238
"As I said, the fleet will arrive shortly."

545242

>>545240
"Ah then that is great, all we had to do is relax then."

545243

>>545231
"That would be good, but then they might learn you're a breezie!"

>>545230
"Most of the war's information is not necessary to you. What is most important is that there are three ports that serve as the main supply-line to Takikaga. If you can cut those off, the siege will no doubt succeed. Any wealth or ships owned by Takikaga that you pillage or seize are yours for the taking, but the daimyo will pay a bounty on intact ships so you don't need to find a seller if you do not want to trouble with the market. He will also play a smaller bounty on sunk ships, which is why we will be sending a representative with you, bearing approval, to confirm kills."

>>545240
Wark gives you a warm smile.

545244

>>545243
Look at Felix and smile.
"Hey the boat will arrive shortly so you better get yourself ready."

545245

>>545242
>>545243
"Let us go to the docks and wait for their arrival, shall we?"

545246

>>545243
"May I see a nautical chart with these infos, and meet the representative?"

545247

>>545244
"This is all I've got!"

>>545245
Wark nods and stands very close to you. "Ready when y'are."

545249

>>545245
>>545247
Ready to go to the fleet!

545251

>>545246
"We expected you to arrive tomorrow morning. He is getting in this evening having with his own eyes observed the seas and prepared the coastal map."

545252

>>545249
They are now arriving in the harbor – the only ships there. Now THAT is a sight you haven't seen in… forever!

545253

>>545247
"Alright then, follow me and we will go to the docks."

>>545245
>>545249
"Alright lets go."

545254

>>545247
>>545249
Good.

Let us head there… TOGETHER.

545255

>>545247
Stand with Felix.
Ready

545256

>>545243
"aww you're right… but I don't like them being bound back like this.. maybe I can disguise them. Build a new device to make them look like paper or invisible. Oh I hope there are parts to use on the ship."

545257

>>545251
"Most gratious of him. We will meet him when the time is right then.
Is there anything else we should know?
"

545258

>>545256
"Oh yeah! I'm sure you'll figure it out!"

545260

>>545252
>>545253
>>545254
Go there!
The Commodore must be waiting for us.

545261

>>545254
>>545255
>>545256
>>545253
The ships have now docked. They are the only ships in the entire, large harbor!

Abilio is at the helm of the Darklantern.

>>545257
"That is all for now. While you will almost certainly not encounter them at sea, if you make landfall, make sure to beware the three assassins."

545262

>>545261
Nod.
"How will we know who they are?"

545263

>>545261
So these are the ships I'll be serving on. At least until I get bored, I suppose.

545264

>>545261
Go with Felix to the ships.
"These are our ships. They're called the Darklantern, the Sirocco and the Hourglass."
Point them out to her.

545265

>>545262
"He will be dispatched at dawn and bear the personal writ of the daimyo."

545266

>>545261
"Ah there you are!" I hug Abilio.
"We got the Marquee as you ordered."

545267

>>545265
The assassins?

545268

>>545261
Fly over to him.
"We did good, as always!"

545269

>>545261
Board then.
"Commodore."

545270

>>545261
'1d10' look at the ship. Is it fast?
"wait did they say fleet? "

Roll #1 7 = 7

545271

>>545263
They are some fine ships indeed!

The Sirocco is a light, stately ship made of some light wood like birch. It is quite aquadynamic and has chase guns.

The Darklantern is a HUGE ship of the line with incredibly dark, ebon wood. It's also heavily plated with lead armor. A noble command vessel for any fleet!

The Hourglass is a little support dhow, so it is kinda outclassed.

>>545264
"Oh, uh, cool. Thanks!"

>>545266
He humors your hug.

"That's good to hear.

>>545267
No, the representative.

>>545268
>>545269
"Good to see you're all safe."

>>545270
The Darklantern looks pretty slow with all that armor weighing it down. The ship next to it, the Sirocco, looks… wow, those are some interesting designs… wait, would that really work? It's… interesting. If it works like it should… that ship must be REALLY fast.

545273

>>545271
I asked "How will we recognise the assassings?"

545274

>>545271
"So, what are your plans now?"

545275

>>545271
"The same goes to you. Our journey was quite interesting and… we picked up some new ponies along the way."
Look at Felix and Happy Puzzle.
Has Who come out again?

545278

>>545271
Go with her to LH and the Commodore.

545279

>>545271
Suppose I'll report in with the rest of the group.

545280

>>545271
"wow! This is so neat! "

545281

>>545273
He points to some fine calligraphed drawings on the wall.

"You will know because they will decimate anyone in their path. Serene Waterfall and Reaching Spear typically work together."

>>545274
"Now? Now we rest for the night before our real journey begins."

>>545275
Who has popped out from HP's neckline.

"Hm, so I see. Well, I'll trust your judgment."

545282

>>545280
"I can't wait to show you my home, but ships are fun too!"

545283

>>545281
Take a look at those.
"Can we take the drawings?"

545284

>>545278
>>545279
Everyone is gathered here. Abilio almost seems like a father figure to these ponies, especially based on the way Emrille is fighting for his approval and attention.

>>545283
"Just as well. You can find them on nearly every wall in the kuni."

545285

>>545271
"Well we are ready to head out and hunt some of those assholes that needed a new hole out of their asses." I grin.
"Your orders Commodore?"

545286

>>545281
"Thank you. We were warned of the presence of three assassins who are in service of the enemy. It seems the Daimyo is so wary of them that he has not taken off his armor in years. A bit of a… paranoid figure perhaps. We did not meet with him personally."

545287

>>545281
"Just 'cause I've heard wind of an enormous bounty for these three guys… Seemed like a real splinter in the eye of this boss guy here."

545288

>>545284
"Very well."
Take them and leave for the docks.

545289

>>545282
" I bet your home has some nice buildings too. Ask if you can see the Sirocco. I want a closer look."
Are all the big ponies still crowding us?

545290

>>545286
>>545287
I look at them.
"Do you think they will be worth the bounty?"

545291

>>545284
Then I suppose I probably won't fit in. Just like always…
"The task was completed as ordered, sir."

545292

>>545285
"Enjoy yourselves tonight. Tomorrow we enter battle!"

>>545286
>>545287
"We will likely not need to worry about them at sea, only if we head inland."

>>545288
Everyone is on the Darklantern.

>>545289
They have turned their attentions to the Commodore.

>>545278
"Uh uh… can you take me to the other ship? It's pretty."

>>545291
"Good! Take this time to get to know your new crewmates."

545293

>>545289
"I'll try!"

545294

>>545292
"The Sirocco?"

545295

>>545292
Off to the Darklantern aswell, then.

545296

>>545294
"Yes, please take me there!"

545297

>>545292
"Alright then."

Lets head and meet Ms. September.

545298

>>545292
I nod.
"Indeed. But it is good to be aware of their activities nonetheless."

Turn to the filly.
"As for you… you are free to stay on the ships."

545299

>>545295
Abilio, quite the tall unicorn, towers a head above his crew who buzz about cheerfully.

"Ah, our samurai arrives."

#Pause

545300

>>545292
"I mean, I'm sure the eternal gratitude of this guy is worth considering as a reward… right?"

545301

>>545287
>>545286
>>545292
And pull out the posters with their faces.
"These are the ponies you are talking about, I believe."

545303

>>545292
"…Very well, sir."
>>545294
"So… Hello again."

545304

>>545296
I smile.
"You like the Sirocco, child? It is a beautiful ship."

545305

>>545299
Bow.
"I'm honored of such consideration, Commodore.
The Daimyon has seen fit to send somepony else our way, it seems, to keep count of sunken ships and other things.
He will bring along nautical charts and tactical informations.
I've asked for a general inking, in the meanwhile."

545308

>>545304
"…Hi there."

545309

>>545301
"Ah, how fortunate. Though their faces will likely be covered, no?"

>>545308
"Hm? Yes?"

545310

>>545309
Nod.
"The trail of dead corpses will be enough to warn us, I've been told."

545311

>>545309
"Um… I am Hircus. I was hired as a scout and a guide. We were traveling together, but I'm not sure we were ever properly introduced."

545312

>>545310
"How generous of them, to leave us some breadcrumbs to follow."

545313

>>545312
"Interested in facing a challenge, miss Emrille?"

545315

>>545313
"Nothing stands between me and a large sum of money."
Smirk.

545316

>>545315
"Speaking of which.
We have been promised large bounties for captured ships."

545317

>>545316
Bite my lip.
"This war is a fucking gold mine."

545318

>>545317
"I agree.
Now, if only I were given a few dozen fighters to train, we would have a boarding party ready in less than a week."

545322

>>545310
"How very gruesome. However, it is unlikely we will run into them at sea."

>>545311
"I believe not not, mister Hircus. My name is Light Heart, the first officer on the Sirocco. It is good to have you with us."

545323

>>545322
"Maybe the ninjas we ran into were part of their group.
To better be safe, I warned them of that."

545325

>>545322
"Likewise, miss Heart. Working with this crew has been… different than most other times I've worked with groups. I think I enjoy it."

545327

>>545323
"I see. That would be quite the coincidence."

>>545325
"That is good to hear. You have joined us during interesting times."

545328

>>545318
"We don't need many. We are sort of seasoned privateers in case you didn't notice."

545329

>>545327
"Indeed." Let the silence stretch on for a bit, then shuffle and cough awkwardly.
"I… apologize. I do not often work with others, so I am not very skilled with… small talk, I believe is the phrase?"

545330

>>545328
"Of course you are!
But the rest of the crew is new."
>>545327
"Better watch our back."

545331

>>545329
I chuckle.
"That is quite alright. Why, I myself must apologize for not introducing myself sooner. It is quite unlike me. Getting to know the ponies you work with is quite important if we are to do business."

>>545330
"I always do, mister Tree."
I chuckle.

545333

>>545329
"There's a lot of free time at sea, Hircus. You will learn that art."
Chuckle.

545334

>>545330
"We have resurrectionists."

545335

>>545334
"It's about victory, not about lives."

545337

>>545333
"Perhaps I will at that. I've never worked on a ship before; always went from city to city when I was looking for work."
>>545331
"Indeed it is. It is the… getting to know them by approaching them that is still new to me."

545338

>>545335
Shrug.
"They get their lives back."

545340

>>545338
"What's the key to victory, Emrille?"

545341

>>545340
"Winning?"

545342

>>545341
"No, that's the reward.
What's the way you take to it?
Being the best with a gun, I've come to understand, is that right?"

545344

>>545342
Grin.
"Fucking right I'm the best with a gun."

545347

>>545344
Nod.
"Indeed you are.
But what of others?
Why should our strategy with the rest of the crew to just throw them at the enemy to thin their numbers as the few experienced enough will slice their way though them, and bring them back again as nothing more than cannon fodder?
Instead, here's my proposal.
A small group, no more than forty, of finely trained swordfighters, manning a quick and small ship, set to accomplish dangerous boarding actions during battles."

545348

>>545347
"And just how much time do you think training them will take?"

545349

>>545348
"I've done this all my life, Emrille.
Take two hundread of them, run them through the training I have in mind and the fourty left will break a neighpone samurai in two."

545351

>>545349
Snort.
"You didn't answer."

545352

>>545351
"Two weeks. It can be done while at sea."

545353

>>545352
"If we have that much time now."

545354

>>545353
"The point is moot, since the only fast ship in the fleet is the Sirocco, and it's not what I'd bring up close and personal with enemies. Not really designed for boarding."

545355

>>545354
"Then why did you waste my time explaining it?"

545356

>>545355
"Indeed, why did I."
Turn back to the Commodore.

545357

>>545356
"'Cause you think you're hot shit, that's why."
Chuckle.

545358

V I C T O R Y A C H I E V E D

545359

>>545358
Old pirates gain 1d4 Recovery Points.

New Pirates gain 1 Skill Point.

545360

>>545359
Can I talk to Abilio in private?
Or should I lead Felix around the ships first?

545361

>>545360
Whatever you want to do. She does seem to urgently want to go over.

545362

>>545359
Ooooooh! '1d4'

There's a tiny horse who wanted to go to the Sirocco right?

Roll #1 1 = 1

545363

>>545361
I'll go lead her to the Sirocco.
"You like this ship? It's where I'm stationed too."

545364

>>545362
>>545363
Yep, Selena's taking her over.

"Yeah, it looks really pretty."

545365

>>545359
Let's approach Abilio.

545366

>>545359
I suppose I'll stand around awkwardly for now. Maybe there's somebody willing to talk to me around?

545367

>>545364
I smile
"It's the fastest ship on the fleet."

545368

>>545364
"It is more than just pretty."

545369

>>545367
>>545368
"I bet my big sis would know all about that!"

>>545365
He's still at the helm.

"Something more you wanted, Mister Tree?"

>>545366
There are always ponies to talk to. You're on the Darklantern, but you know where the officer cabins are if you want to talk to those pones.

545370

>>545369
"You have a big sister?"

545371

>>545367
>>545368
>>545369
I'll go ahead and try to figure out why everyone finds Felix so fascinating.

545372

>>545369
"You keep mentioning her, she must be very important to you. Understandable of course, family is oh so important."

545373

>>545369
"About the incoming campaign.
We know of three major ports that, once sacked, should make the enemy supply line crumble.
But most of all, I was wondering what the actual battle tactic for the fleet is."

545374

>>545370
"Um… kinda adopted."

>>545372
"Yeah, she's really smart and pretty."

>>545371
You trail along behind the two mares and filly without saying a word. Not creepy!

>>545373
"The Sirocco is a chase ship, but the flag ship is a ship of the line and an armored powerhouse. If we can line up shots on the Darklantern, the enemy ships will not stand a chance."

545375

>>545374
"Oh I see…where is she now? Still in the city?"

545376

>>545375
"I… don't know where she is."

545377

>>545374
"Indeed. Standing to the reports from the Damiyon's ponies, the enemy is not gonna play the old Neighponese game, though. Which means, they won't stand still as we fire on them.
No doubt we will get them down anyway, especially with the Sirocco.
But what about the finishing strike?"

545378

>>545376
"…I know the feeling. Just hold on to the hope that you'll find her again someday."

545379

>>545374
>>545376
"She must be in Equestria then, no?"

545380

>>545376
"Oh..I'm sorry."
I sit down.

545381

>>545377
"The Sirocco has chase guns on the bow for that. Once they're crippled we can sink them with the Darklantern."

>>545379
>>545378
>>545380
"Thanks… I'm sure we'll find her too. She's… with me in spirit! Sometimes I talk to my doll like she's here with me and it makes me feel like she's here."

545382

>>545381
"Exactly.
The Daimyon offers a sizeable reward for captured ships, instead."

545383

>>545381
I smile.
"She's lucky to have a sister like you."

545384

>>545382
"Sunken ships also receive a bounty."

>>545383
"No! I'm lucky to have her!"

545385

>>545384
Nod.
"Not as sizeable.
And there's more opportunity to be found in sparing a life than taking it."

545386

>>545384
Give her a sad smile.
"Heh. Wish I could say the same."

545387

>>545381
That's a bit weird…
"It warms my heart to hear that. You are very brave to take this all so well."

545388

>>545384
"Do you know where your sister is? Is this is why you wanted to board our ship?"

545389

>>545385
"With the loss of Captain Umlock and his vessel, I'm not sure we can board ships anymore. He headed our boarding parties and had a ship specialized for the job."

>>545386
She looks confused. "Say what exactly?"

545390

>>545388
"No, I don't know."

>>545387
"Thanks ma'am."

545391

>>545389
Shake my head and look away.
"It's nothing, just… something best left buried. Forget I said anything."
Turn back to her and smile.
"So, this sister of yours… what's she like?"

545392

>>545390
"Oh…don't worry. We'll find her someday."

545393

>>545389
"Whilst I cannot offer a new ship, I did spend two decades as a land based mercenary.
Breaking into bastions and training troops.
Fourty ponies and two weeks, the fleet will have a boarding party."

545394

>>545390
"I'm sure Red and Grey will be thrilled to have you on board as well. If you ever require something, feel free to ask us."

545395

>>545391
"She's super smart and she can fix anything, like a cut or a broken ribbon or a wheel or whatever!"

>>545393
"It might be worth trying when we have a ship suitable for boarding. Certainly I'll look into it later if you are impressive as you say, but the Sirocco is too lightly armored to risk in a boarding operation. But meanwhile we also can't lose too much of our crew. We need money to hire on actual fighting ponies and fill out the rest of our compliment of menial workers. Right now we're not even at optimal capacity to run these ships in a firefight – we can't lose even more workers to death in battle, or even just being away from their stations to fight."

He sighs. "Don't take this as me being uninterested. I am. But we need to deal with our funding crisis first. Maybe you can demonstrate your boarding skills while we're at sea if you're so confident."

>>545394
"Colors will be thrilled?"

545396

>>545394
"Red and Grey? I don't believe I've met them. Who are they?"

545397

>>545395
"She sounds like a smart pony."

545398

>>545395
>>545396
"Hm? Oh no, Red Board and Grey Worm. Two other fillies on board of the fleet."

545399

>>545394
HP is bouncing along with you, Who in her hair.

Wark has left to go check on his – and your – child.

>>545398
"Oh, wow. I thought this was an adult pony boat."

>>545397
"Yeah, she's amazing!"

545400

>>545395
Bow.
"I most certantly will, Commodore.
It is indeed a great opportunity I came aboard just at the right time.
If there is nothing else, I will go."

545401

>>545400
"Dismissed. And try to enjoy yourself tonight. Tomorrow is another hard day."

545402

>>545399
I look at Who.
"Oh he's so cute in your hair, Happy."

545403

>>545401
"Will we be in port, tonight?"

545404

>>545399
"So did I."
>>545398
"Are there really children aboard this fleet?"

545405

>>545399
"It is, they are mere passengers like you are. No need to worry though, you will not be tasked with steering the ship or anything of the sorts."
I chuckle.

Who really seems to like her mane.

545406

>>545404
"That is correct. We used to have another, in fact. But she left a while ago."

545407

>>545403
"Yes, until noon tomorrow."

>>545402
"He's a scamp! Earlier he was hiding in my body suit when we got into town!"

He has a mischievous grin.

>>545405
Yes indeed.

"Hm, okay."

545408

>>545407
"So mischievous! Oh I just want to hug him!"

545409

>>545408
He glides off of her mane and around your head a few times before landing on your nose.

545410

>>545407
"Can't say I blame him. You're a very attractive mare."
>>545408
"Careful not to squish him."

545411

>>545407
Nod.
"I will take my leave then."
Go to the bunks and-
No wait.
"Commodore? One more thing.
A group of warriors was sent to kill us. Amongst them, a Samurai."
Take out the fallen samurai's katana.
"This is his sword. I personally slew him, so it belongs to me now.
Nopony outside of me can openly carry it in neighpon.
It's only useful to harm unarmored targets and it's more of a cerimonial item than anything else.
Please, accept it as a gift. A pledge of allegiance."

545412

>>545407
"So, if you ever feel like coming by my cabin, do not hesitate. My door is open to overpony."
Look at Hircus.
"Or… Everybody."

545413

>>545409
My ears are flopping on their own!
"You're absolutely adorable."

>>545410
"I wouldn't hurt a hair on his back!"

545414

>>545412
Give her a smile. "I appreciate the invitation. Perhaps I'll take you up on it sometime."
>>545413
"I know. You're always very careful, it seems."

545415

>>545410
She gives you a giggle. "Thanks!"

>>545411
"Thank you, I'll hang it in my cabin."

>>545413
He gives you a big grin and attempts in his semi-Equestrian:

"I've catched bigger ponies than you in my nets, but not as pretty ones."

545416

>>545415
Nod and leave.
Do I have enough songs to hit the tavern?

545417

>>545416
You're all out. But Light Heart had a bunch of personal money and she seems pretty loose with it.

After this job you'll have tons.

545418

>>545414
"If not I'd have blown myself up by now."

>>545415
I'm stunned for a second, then smile
"Oho, and a charmer as well~"

545419

>>545415
I chuckle at Who's advances.
I like this fellow.
"So Puzzle, did you enjoy our little road trip? We certainly did see a lot."

545420

>>545418
Give her a wry grin. "Well then, that's something we have in common."
>>545415
Bend my leg in a courteous bow. "Thanks are appreciated but unnecessary, when I am merely relaying the truth."

545421

>>545417
Asking for money is the lowlest thing I can think of.
Unfitting of a warrior with honor.
Time to…
Check on captain Marsh, I guess.

545422

>>545418
He nestles into your hair.

"You are a charmer too."

>>545419
"Yeah! I was glad you got to see a lot of what made Neighpon different!"

>>545420
"Honesty's good, but laughter's better!"

She tosses some streamers your way.

>>545421
He is at the helm of the Sirocco presently.

545423

>>545420
"You should come by my lab sometime, mr Hircus. We can discuss explosives."

>>545422
I giggle.
"Now don't get too comfy in there, mister." I say in a playful tone.

545424

>>545422
Look at Happy.
"You remind me of a goat I used to travel with, she always had streamers as well."

545425

>>545422
Right.
"Commander Mash.
I'm glad to see you, and the ship, again.
Reporting in."

545426

>>545422
"It was very educative to be sure. It was good to have you along with us. Let us hope we fare well tomorrow as well, make certain that you are ready."

545427

>>545423
"Not inviting me to sleep here the night? It would be little secret."

>>545424
"She sounds like a lot of fun!"

>>545425
"Captain is above commander. But it's good to see you're in one piece as well. Something you needed?"

>>545426
"Yeah, I think I'm going to enjoy the city tonight! Your two lovebirds would probably like it if you checked in on the little ones, thought!"

545428

>>545422
Streamers? …I'll take them, I suppose.
"Heh. I suppose I can't argue with you there."
>>545423
"I… I would like that. I'd like that very much, miss Selena." One genuine smile, headed your way.

545429

>>545424
"You've mentioned that before, that you used to travel with a goat. I take it you two were pretty good friends?"

545430

>>545427
"Yes… you are right about that."
Let's go check my cabin.

545431

>>545427
Commander is an operative rank, given to whoever commands a ship.
Captain is a military rank.
Shake my head.
"No sir.
I will be leaving for shore briefly."

545432

>>545427
>>545429
>goats
"She was a fun girl. Very energetic. Perhaps a bit too much. She got us into all kinds of trouble.
Why, once when we were at a doctor, she got hungry and ate the stairs to the doctors office."

>Who

"Mmmm, I don't know…" I continue playfully.
"You don't snore, do you?"

>>545428
"Please, just Selena will do."

545433

>>545431
Commander and Captain are both naval ranks in the US and in Pirate Quest.

Commander is a senior officer rank, with the pay grade of O-5. A captain is a senior officer of pay grade O-6. See meta.

"Enjoy your time ashore. I think I'm going to turn in early tonight. The seas were uneven on the trip in because we had to head out so far from shore."

>>545430
Wark and Rosemary are curled up on the bed with the babbies. You'd nearly think they were the parents. Well, technically they are, but you're missing from the equation. It's all smiles greeting you, though.

>>545432
"No! Maybe you don't want me to get comfy because you want to keep me up all night with fun, huh?"

545434

>>545432
"As you wish… Selena. I… look forward to it."
>goat
"I've known a few individuals like that. You say she ate the stairs?"
My stomach gurgles, and I grimace.
"And that reminds me that I've been forgetting to eat. Again."

545435

>>545433
"Very well, sir."
Off to shore.
Actually, before that, let's knock at the second mate's door.

545436

>>545433
We never discussed their names…
"Hello there, strangers."

545437

>>545433
"Well if it's really comfy, you can stay in there as long as you want. Or at least until I have to brushie my hair in the morning!"

545438

>>545435
There's no answer, but loud passion sounds coming from within.

>>545436
Nope! Nor did you ever give a straight answer about whether or not you'll actually treat the donkey as your own.

Rosemary practically leaps out of bed to hug you. "OH! I missed you SO much!"

Wark remains on the bed with a protective leg around the little ones – showing no discrimination between Rosemary's child and his. He gives a good-hearted chuckle.

"Twas only three days, lass."

>>545437
He waggles his eyelashes at you.

545439

>>545438
I try to contain my squee. '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

545440

>>545438
Right.
He's got this all worked out.
Outta here.
Onto shore.
Let's have some fun walking around land, keeping an eye out for the ladies.
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

545441

>>545439
You contain it well. What a dignified ponoe.

545442

>>545440
It's the evening, and when things get dark, you'd hardly remember there was a war on. Pleasant music fills the mercantile quarter, so much so that you can hear the competing strains here on the shoreline.

545443

>>545439
>>545438
Barely.
"Now, are you snug in there? I have to walk to the Commodore."

545444

>>545438
I'm pretty sure she hinted very strongly towards a yes.
Return the hug.
"As did I… it is good to be back and be able to spend a night here again."

545445

>>545442
Music, that sounds interesting.
Let's head for the mercantile quarters.

545446

>>545443
"Alright. Mush!"

>>545444
Grey springs off the bed.

"Momma's home!"

"Yeah, yeah, the duke is back. You don't get this excited for me."

"You're not momma!"

>>545445
All manner of lights fill the streets, and one street filled by a particular color if you know what I mean.

545447

>>545446
One color which I cannot afford, my dear.
But give the ladies a smile nonetheless.
'1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

545448

>>545446
Go to the Commodore's cabin.
If he still has time to see me.

545449

>>545446
Well, since everyone went and did their own thing, I guess I can satisfy this itch to climb by familiarizing myself with the ship's rigging. Anypony else up here, or am I on my own?

545450

>>545446
Give them both a hug.
"Rosemary hasn't been too strict with you while I was gone, has she?"

545451

>>545447
A few dignified mares giggle and flutter their fans at you, but it may've just been out of respect for the blade.

>>545448
Sure. You knock. "Come on in, I'm just about to turn in for the night."

>>545449
You bound around a bit until you come to a Crow's Nest where Diamond Luck is sitting. He's a red unicorn with a covered up cutie mark. Even though it's night time he has his sunglasses on.

545452

>>545451
Indeed.
Not like I expected much more.
Where did that music come from, to begin with?

545453

>>545451
I step in.
"Good evening, Abilio. Sorry for disturbing you so late."

545454

>>545450
"She was super harsh! She was mean to us momma! She said I couldn't have ice cream just cause we don't have any!"

"Pfff too soft more like. I reckon she'd be a pretty bad king."

Wark has pulled himself out of bed and mosied over. Even though he clearly doesn't want to make a show of it, you can feel the affection when he gives you a very brief nuzzle. Do you return it?

>>545452
All over! There are tavern halls and music halls – but the loudest comes from the courtyard of the palace. Then it hits you: no one can approach the throne of the daimyo, but he still enjoys music. He has to employ extremely loud performers outside his palace to play.

>>545453
"Any time for Theia's girl. What's the matter?"

545455

>>545454
Extremely loud performers can still be appreciated at a large enough range.
Go near the daimyo's palace.

545456

>>545451
Perch on the boom next to the Crow's nest. Just like the perches in the city. Almost nostalgic for me.
"Evening. Not many come up this high."

545457

>>545454
I sit down.
"There was something I wanted to discuss with you for some time. I heard that you're very skilled in the magical arts. I uh have a bit of skill too in that regard, but I've never had anypony to train me in it. My mother taught me everything she knew about alchemy, but she didn't know about this kind of magic."

545458

>>545455
Even outside the palace you can hear the pounding of the instruments, beautiful crescendos of the chimes, and the piping of the woodwinds. You're not the only one who thought to capitalize on the free music. A fine dignified lady, in complete getup with chalk-white face and traditional makeup and kimono is here on a bench enjoying the tunes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xY6OSv9KyY

545459

>>545454
"Well… I am really not certain whether the Neighponese even know what ice-cream is. No need to blame her for that."

Of course I will! It would be cold not to.

545460

>>545458
Following the notes of the music, slowly, calmly, approach the lady, walking steady and surely towards the bench.

545461

>>545456
"No… I hate to say this because it's going to sound like telling you to leave, but I came up here because it's quiet and I needed to get away from the crowds for a while."

>>545457
"Well, if it's magic you want to learn about, there are few better teachers. I've taught many ponies on this fleet. Unfortunately while they have found what they were looking for in a teacher, I am still looking for my match in a student."

>>545459
He seems quite pleased that you did so, and returns to looking after the little ones.

"When Emrille was here before we tricked her into making icicles and we made it ourselves! I learned on the streets in Reptil!"

"Yeah, she ain't too bad. I said I'd make her cupbear or somethin for that."

>>545460
With perfect elegance, she turns her head to face you, moonlight catching her face.

Wow. She truly is the embodiment of a Neighponese mare tonight, isn't she? You wonder how such a perfect lady could be here all alone.

545462

>>545461
Sit by her side.
"Why is such a perfect lady all alone here tonight?"

545463

>>545461
"I'm not sure if I could ever match that, there's only one skill I know so far…."
Focus and Doppleganger '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

545464

>>545461
"I understand what you mean." I appreciate the quiet too, so I'll just perch on the boom a ways out from the nest to give him some space, sit down and just… watch the world for a while.

545465

>>545462
She flutters the fan in front of her face.

"Tonight is a night of morning. Two years ago today my beloved died in a war not unlike this one. Now I spend all my nights alone. It is so cold and sad."

>>545463
You can Take 6 since you're not under pressure.

"Ah, I've seen this a few times before. You certainly have some talent."

545466

>>545464
The stars up above are so clear… it's not like Equestria where there's so much light and smoke pollution at all.

545467

>>545461
"That is… quite impressive actually. Necessity breeds ingenuity, I suppose."

I smile at Red.
"Cupbear?"

545468

>>545465
Approach Forever September aboard the Hourglass smiling.
"Captain, guess what."

545469

545470

>>545465
I grin as she materializes.
How is the doppleganger? Emotionless?

545471

>>545466
Take a slow, deep breath, and close my eyes as I exhale. Not only is the view better, but the air's cleaner too. It feels…

I don't know how that makes me feel.

545472

>>545465
"Then allow me to share this music with you, only for tonight."

545473

I think we were getting settled on the ship?

545474

>>545470
She's like a mirror image of you, with your expression.

"Is there something you wanted to learn in particular? Maybe I can pull some books from my library."

>>545467
"Cupbear. You know, a king's gotta have a court bear that brings her a cup or whatever. I heard it before so you ain't gonna tell me that's the wrong word I know it's right."

>>545471
You're startled from your stupor when a loud, terrifying voice speaks from the darkness.

"WHY ARE YOU ALL ALONE INSTEAD OF MAKING FRIENDS?"

>>545472
Her expression is coyly concealed behind her fan, but she scoots over so that you can sit next to her.

>>545473
Yep! You got a tour of the Sirocco. Selena took off to the Darklanter and Light Heart went to her cabin on this ship.

"Whew… we made it big sis… I can't believe we got through it all without getting caught!"

545475

545476

>>545468
"Hm. I'm a bad guesser, may as well just tell me."

545477

>>545474
Whoa! Who said that?
"Um… hello?"

545478

>>545474
Yawn a bit and stretch "pretending to be a doll was a great plan. I'm glad you learned so much from me little sis. "

545479

>>545474
"My mother called it illusion magic. When we were traveling through Neighpon, some breezies and a mage we met used illusion magic as well. I'd love to know more about it."
I grin for a second and then straighten up again.
"Uh, Abilio, is a doppleganger always…emotionless like this?"

545480

>>545476
"Well alright."
"We got the Marquee, with that we can 'legally' board plunder amongst these sea's."

545481

>>545474
"Ah. I believe you are referring to the cupbearer. One who bears cups."
I chuckle.
"Unless you are indeed referring to a bear fetching cups. That would be quite impressive too."

545482

>>545474
Give her a strong back to lean upon, and enjoy the music.
After a while, comment.
"Milady, I'm sad, tonight."

545483

>>545477
There's no one here!

Wait… there's a… cute little bunny?

"WE ARE BEYOND GREETING PHASE WE HAVE ENTERED THE QUESTION ANSWERING PHASE."

Yes. Yes, the cute little bunny is asking spooky questions.

>>545478
"They totally fell for it! Hehe… today was fun… almost as fun as that time you tried to make that acorn peeler and it bounced all around your house until I caught it!"

>>545479
"Illusion magic along with hat magic is part of what some mysticologists refer to as 'stagemancy'. It's all about putting on a show. That being said, I have seen much more… life-filled doppelgangers. I may have a book on it or two."

>>545480
"Ah, the Letter of Marque. Yes, just as expected. That all? I thought you were going to surprise me."

>>545481
She scratches her head. "Pretty sure it's a cupbear."

>>545482
"Oh?"

545485

>>545483
"But Grey Worm isn't a bear."

545486

>>545483
Giggle at the memory "remember how silly I felt when the druid told me you don't even peel acorns? "

545487

>>545483
Blink. "I…" Shake my head. "I suppose this isn't the strangest way I've been introduced to someone.
So, question answering phase. My name is Hircus, and my first question is: what is your name?"

545488

>>545483
"I'm far from home, milady. And yet, I've found a kindred spirit under the refuge of song.
But this is one of those fleeting moments that are too good to last, and forever remain, as pearls, in our lives.
So milady, as I'm the happiest I've been in my days, I'm sad.
"

545489

http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html
http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html
http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html
http://mlpg.copiratequest_2/545484.html

>>545485
"I'm workin' on it! You weren't a girl jackass before!"

>>545486
"I think he was trying to keep them for himself! He was always turning into a squirrel!"

545490

>>545483
I perk up with a smile.
"Yes, a book would be just what I need!"

545491

>>545483
I scratch my head.
"Well that is the surprise. I guess I am not good with making surprises."

I then relax.
"Say, Ms. September. What do you think with all of this? The pirating, the pillaging then… the mutiny? We've been together for some time and both of us have not talked with each other that much."

I then stand up and bow.
"Excuse me if this is all out of a sudden, I mean I am not that kind of Dog that get serious that much but I'd like to know more about my captain, the Captain of the Hourglass."

545493

>>545487
"YOU NEVER ANSWERED MY FIRST QUESTION I AM WILLING TO ANSWER YOU HOWEVER I AM ITZTLI."

>>545488
"Where do you call home?"

Better roll Diplomacy to seal the deal.

>>545490
"Well, I'll take a look first thing tomorrow. You ought to get some sleep."

545495

>>545491
"I think it was a foolish endeavor. Piracy is… usually a good gamble. We hit targets of opportunity. The mutiny was not one of those times. It was all just… foolishness."


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