In Changelingia (West Equestria), Brie gains the support of a Changeling queen for his endeavors. Spark is doing his best to help an ill Wolf spiritual leader.
In Free Equestria (East Equestria), Iron is trying to intimidate a group of criminal griffin interlopers. Fantasy Play is helping to shut down an Anarchist press. Silver is helping his new household. Amber Sunset is walking through the city, and Dark Star has just finished helping the orphans.
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
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>>133509
He nods
"I'm getting paid to be in airconditioned building, and that's good enough for me right now"
He nods
"I'm getting paid to be in airconditioned building, and that's good enough for me right now"
>>133512
Now Dark Star is inside, with the same grey-white receptionist they hired a few days ago at the front desk. Who does he wish to see?
Now Dark Star is inside, with the same grey-white receptionist they hired a few days ago at the front desk. Who does he wish to see?
>>133515
"Is she..." she looks up to him, then down
"I think she's out on duty. Sea Breeze should know."
"Is she..." she looks up to him, then down
"I think she's out on duty. Sea Breeze should know."
>>133521
He turns his head up to Dark Star
"Good Afternoon. Checking in after whatever in the hell went down on the shoreline last night?"
He turns his head up to Dark Star
"Good Afternoon. Checking in after whatever in the hell went down on the shoreline last night?"
>>133523
"Well... I've heard... Mostly that mission is an R&M detail. But I think it's given you enough of a view into Griffonian culture to understand why it's best we let Griffonian culture stay in Griffonia, and why the Equestrian Project must be preserved."
"Well... I've heard... Mostly that mission is an R&M detail. But I think it's given you enough of a view into Griffonian culture to understand why it's best we let Griffonian culture stay in Griffonia, and why the Equestrian Project must be preserved."
>>133525
"No. I'm sure the ones they captured will not have a pleasant time on their return to Griffienheim. I just wish we could have captured more of those involved in the process."
"No. I'm sure the ones they captured will not have a pleasant time on their return to Griffienheim. I just wish we could have captured more of those involved in the process."
>>133526
"Thats the thing about crimainals,sir. They always commit more crime. We'll bust em next time."
"Thats the thing about crimainals,sir. They always commit more crime. We'll bust em next time."
>>133527
"Well, that we shall. It's unfortunate that there must be a next time. But really, all of that is more of a problem for Customs. I think you see why we keep them around, even if half of them really ought to be mobilized in the Army."
"Well, that we shall. It's unfortunate that there must be a next time. But really, all of that is more of a problem for Customs. I think you see why we keep them around, even if half of them really ought to be mobilized in the Army."
>>133531
"Well, you should pay them a visit some time. They are an essential part of the organization of the Pony State here in Baltimare, even if they aren't as well organized as we here in the SSA."
"Well, you should pay them a visit some time. They are an essential part of the organization of the Pony State here in Baltimare, even if they aren't as well organized as we here in the SSA."
>>133537
"Tell me Dark Star. Have you ever heard of Special Monster Interdiction and Law Enforcement?"
"Tell me Dark Star. Have you ever heard of Special Monster Interdiction and Law Enforcement?"
>>133539
"Well..." He turns his head to look over down and to the right, his line of sight ending at the wall.
"Every nation has matters that threaten its stability, and the safety of its people. Matters that must be handled with discretion... In Equestria, long ago, the role of handling these dangers was taken by the Inquisition, as it still is in Griffienheim, albeit under more State control. In many more modern countries, like ours, there is a special police force responsible for the security and stability of the nation and its ruling party. But Equestria... it seemed to be lacking any such special police force, didn't it? Once the Inquisition withered away..."
He looks back up directly at Dark Star
"Now, you know, going into Hoebuck, we sort of just assumed that what went on in Hoebuck, the true nature of that operation, was unknown to the Equestrian government. Customs went and searched the files and could only find a little. But then they asked us. And after the mess of last night, we decided to check the archives in Canterlot. And you'd be amazed at what records we found sealed away in the mines under Canterlot."
"Well..." He turns his head to look over down and to the right, his line of sight ending at the wall.
"Every nation has matters that threaten its stability, and the safety of its people. Matters that must be handled with discretion... In Equestria, long ago, the role of handling these dangers was taken by the Inquisition, as it still is in Griffienheim, albeit under more State control. In many more modern countries, like ours, there is a special police force responsible for the security and stability of the nation and its ruling party. But Equestria... it seemed to be lacking any such special police force, didn't it? Once the Inquisition withered away..."
He looks back up directly at Dark Star
"Now, you know, going into Hoebuck, we sort of just assumed that what went on in Hoebuck, the true nature of that operation, was unknown to the Equestrian government. Customs went and searched the files and could only find a little. But then they asked us. And after the mess of last night, we decided to check the archives in Canterlot. And you'd be amazed at what records we found sealed away in the mines under Canterlot."
>>133541
"Well, what we found is that the Equestrians knew significantly more than they ever let anyone know. The first time they entered that building, they discovered evidence of cult activity. Just like you. They arrested who they could, and tried to shut it down. They may have gotten further, but the leaders of the cult and smuggling operation got away. Must have had a heads up warning. Most of those arrested were either released without charge, or deported without notifying the Griffienheim government of the cult activity. They made their way back... But the Equestrians did raid the church. They did capture more than a few of the senior priests. And they did set the cultists back several years. They kept what they found a secret from the general public and from the Baltimare Police, even." He shakes his head.
"They must have not wanted to turn local opinion against Griffonian Immigrants. Must have thought it would be bad for integration, or something. They also didn't want to shut down smugglers generally, or deport immigrants who were caught. Now of course we know that if you don't deport immigrants who hire smugglers, they just assume that any money spent on smugglers will result in them getting here whether they get caught or not, but that was their 'soft' approach. Anyways... This gets us back to the Equestrian Special Police, the Special Monster Interdiction and Law Enforcement. You see, Equestria did have their own secret police to hunt down Changeling Infiltrators, to spy, and to hunt bugbears. And they tried to track down the smugglers involved in Hoebuck."
"Well, what we found is that the Equestrians knew significantly more than they ever let anyone know. The first time they entered that building, they discovered evidence of cult activity. Just like you. They arrested who they could, and tried to shut it down. They may have gotten further, but the leaders of the cult and smuggling operation got away. Must have had a heads up warning. Most of those arrested were either released without charge, or deported without notifying the Griffienheim government of the cult activity. They made their way back... But the Equestrians did raid the church. They did capture more than a few of the senior priests. And they did set the cultists back several years. They kept what they found a secret from the general public and from the Baltimare Police, even." He shakes his head.
"They must have not wanted to turn local opinion against Griffonian Immigrants. Must have thought it would be bad for integration, or something. They also didn't want to shut down smugglers generally, or deport immigrants who were caught. Now of course we know that if you don't deport immigrants who hire smugglers, they just assume that any money spent on smugglers will result in them getting here whether they get caught or not, but that was their 'soft' approach. Anyways... This gets us back to the Equestrian Special Police, the Special Monster Interdiction and Law Enforcement. You see, Equestria did have their own secret police to hunt down Changeling Infiltrators, to spy, and to hunt bugbears. And they tried to track down the smugglers involved in Hoebuck."
>>133542
Dark star looks intruiged at the idea that there are secret police that kill monsters
"This is very interesting,sir. Did they succseed in hunting them down?"
Dark star looks intruiged at the idea that there are secret police that kill monsters
"This is very interesting,sir. Did they succseed in hunting them down?"
>>133543
"No. No they didn't. But you see, it's not because they didn't try. The primary agent assigned to the Baltimare smuggling operation died in the line of duty. They say that as she was riding a ferry in the harbor, she fell into the water and drowned, pulled down by the undertoe and her body dragged out to sea, or more likely caught underneath a pier somewhere. But this agent was a hippogriff. And whoever heard of a hippogriff who drowned? Even the Equestrians didn't believe it, as they tried to investigate, and I am sure they would have launched a more thorough homicide investigation if they didn't need to divert resources into tracking down Changeling infiltrators.
But you see, I have a theory. Well, not really my theory, I got it from an analyst who went through all of this information, But I have a theory, and that theory is that the agent in question was never found because she never died. I believe she was taken captive, found by you, and then pretended to be an indentured servant alien so as to slip by you. How does that sound to you?"
"No. No they didn't. But you see, it's not because they didn't try. The primary agent assigned to the Baltimare smuggling operation died in the line of duty. They say that as she was riding a ferry in the harbor, she fell into the water and drowned, pulled down by the undertoe and her body dragged out to sea, or more likely caught underneath a pier somewhere. But this agent was a hippogriff. And whoever heard of a hippogriff who drowned? Even the Equestrians didn't believe it, as they tried to investigate, and I am sure they would have launched a more thorough homicide investigation if they didn't need to divert resources into tracking down Changeling infiltrators.
But you see, I have a theory. Well, not really my theory, I got it from an analyst who went through all of this information, But I have a theory, and that theory is that the agent in question was never found because she never died. I believe she was taken captive, found by you, and then pretended to be an indentured servant alien so as to slip by you. How does that sound to you?"
>>133545
"Why? It's rather simple. The secret police apparatus doesn't belong to the nation, so much as to the particular state and its controlling ideology. S.M.I.L.E. was Equestria's primary intelligence agency. They very nearly discovered our planned landings, and the only reason they didn't is because of a favor of the Changeling Infiltration branch, and even they only barely outsmarted S.M.I.L.E. She is a special agent of Princess Twilight. Not the last soldier fighting her cause to be sure, but surely alone in the moment. And so she pretended to be an innocent alien, and slipped by. I have to wonder just how many dangerous cultists, smugglers, and criminals, slipped by the Equestrians by pretending to be innocent aliens. It seems she learned something in her time on the case."
"Why? It's rather simple. The secret police apparatus doesn't belong to the nation, so much as to the particular state and its controlling ideology. S.M.I.L.E. was Equestria's primary intelligence agency. They very nearly discovered our planned landings, and the only reason they didn't is because of a favor of the Changeling Infiltration branch, and even they only barely outsmarted S.M.I.L.E. She is a special agent of Princess Twilight. Not the last soldier fighting her cause to be sure, but surely alone in the moment. And so she pretended to be an innocent alien, and slipped by. I have to wonder just how many dangerous cultists, smugglers, and criminals, slipped by the Equestrians by pretending to be innocent aliens. It seems she learned something in her time on the case."
>>133547
He gives a curt nod, and pulls up a hoof
"That's alright. I can understand the desire to be compassionate. Kindness is, after all, a cherished pony value. But in this case, we have an intelligence operative who could meet up with resistance groups, or even worse, with the government of her birth country where she has dual citizenship."
He gives a curt nod, and pulls up a hoof
"That's alright. I can understand the desire to be compassionate. Kindness is, after all, a cherished pony value. But in this case, we have an intelligence operative who could meet up with resistance groups, or even worse, with the government of her birth country where she has dual citizenship."
>>133548
"I understand,sir. Do we have any more intel on her? Maybe we can find her before she flees."
"I understand,sir. Do we have any more intel on her? Maybe we can find her before she flees."
>>133549
"A few addresses. Where she used to live, where creatures she knew used to live, and the old headquarters in Baltimare. Maybe she will check there. But otherwise, who knows."
"A few addresses. Where she used to live, where creatures she knew used to live, and the old headquarters in Baltimare. Maybe she will check there. But otherwise, who knows."
>>133552
He shakes his head
"To try to intercept her? No. We could send an agent or two to look for her."
He shakes his head
"To try to intercept her? No. We could send an agent or two to look for her."
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Tell me when anypony is available
>>133561
>>133487 →
"Okay," Fantasy says and nods. "I would take some if you have any to spare that is."
>>133487 →
"Okay," Fantasy says and nods. "I would take some if you have any to spare that is."
>>133563
"Are you sure? You explain it well to me, While it was a bit complicated at times, you seemed to really know what you were talking about?"
"Are you sure? You explain it well to me, While it was a bit complicated at times, you seemed to really know what you were talking about?"
>>133564
"Well, these things help you to organize your thoughts, you know?. They help to put what you already know and have seen into words more clearly. I've been here and I've seen a lot of it since the uprising back in '90. Well, I have a couple pamphlets about that. About the centralization of power and whatnot. And a few more about the Resistance. But if you don't already know all of this stuff, well, there's a lot of good stuff in there. And you won't hear in on the radio or read it in the newspaper."
"Well, these things help you to organize your thoughts, you know?. They help to put what you already know and have seen into words more clearly. I've been here and I've seen a lot of it since the uprising back in '90. Well, I have a couple pamphlets about that. About the centralization of power and whatnot. And a few more about the Resistance. But if you don't already know all of this stuff, well, there's a lot of good stuff in there. And you won't hear in on the radio or read it in the newspaper."
>>133565
Fantasy nods. Then she hangs her head forward with a glum look on her face.
"Part of me doesn't really wanna see them, you know?"
Fantasy nods. Then she hangs her head forward with a glum look on her face.
"Part of me doesn't really wanna see them, you know?"
>>133567
Fantasy looks down into her lap.
"Becuase if you're right then my Dad might loose his shop in the future. If the goverment is run by ponies who doesn't care about their citizens then I cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. But don't like conflicts..."
Fantasy looks down into her lap.
"Becuase if you're right then my Dad might loose his shop in the future. If the goverment is run by ponies who doesn't care about their citizens then I cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. But don't like conflicts..."
>>133561
If Amber's next stage is ready, I can play, otherwise I don't mind watching on the sidelines.
If Amber's next stage is ready, I can play, otherwise I don't mind watching on the sidelines.
>>133569
She takes a step back, frees her right hoof, and pats the back of Fantasy’s head.
“There there, little pony. I can understand the worry. You should be worried. But I can also understand the desire to avoid conflict. Remember most of all that it isn’t supposed to be your fight alone. This is a struggle that concerns all of the masses of the creatures, and it’s in our numbers that we show we will not be put down. But you don’t really have to do anything. I just think you should know. Become ‘class conscious.’ When that happens... you’ll know what to do.”
>>133570
“Well, either way, you don’t have to take my word for it. We have a little novella. There’s this pony I know who used to be in the unions who drops them off for me, since he knows I see a lot of creatures. You can take a couple.”
>>133571
Um... do you know what you want Amber to do?
She takes a step back, frees her right hoof, and pats the back of Fantasy’s head.
“There there, little pony. I can understand the worry. You should be worried. But I can also understand the desire to avoid conflict. Remember most of all that it isn’t supposed to be your fight alone. This is a struggle that concerns all of the masses of the creatures, and it’s in our numbers that we show we will not be put down. But you don’t really have to do anything. I just think you should know. Become ‘class conscious.’ When that happens... you’ll know what to do.”
>>133570
“Well, either way, you don’t have to take my word for it. We have a little novella. There’s this pony I know who used to be in the unions who drops them off for me, since he knows I see a lot of creatures. You can take a couple.”
>>133571
Um... do you know what you want Amber to do?
>>133572
Yes, Amber will trot to the west, deeper inland, eager to put that stallion's lurid stories out of her mind.
Yes, Amber will trot to the west, deeper inland, eager to put that stallion's lurid stories out of her mind.
>>133572
Fantasy nods.
"I think I will take some," she says and sends a smile via the mirror toward the mare behind her. "Thank you."
Fantasy nods.
"I think I will take some," she says and sends a smile via the mirror toward the mare behind her. "Thank you."
>>133573
Amber goes further inland to find, first of all, that the grid pattern gives blocks that are longer north to south and thus there are fewer streets crossing East to West. Going further, she finds that many of these buildings are run down or crowded together. At one point she finds a street with a make shift barricade at the front of it, although it seems to be pushed open at the moment to allow for thru traffic
>>133574
Another snip
“But be careful with them. The fascists will be suspicious of you if they know you have them.”
Amber goes further inland to find, first of all, that the grid pattern gives blocks that are longer north to south and thus there are fewer streets crossing East to West. Going further, she finds that many of these buildings are run down or crowded together. At one point she finds a street with a make shift barricade at the front of it, although it seems to be pushed open at the moment to allow for thru traffic
>>133574
Another snip
“But be careful with them. The fascists will be suspicious of you if they know you have them.”
>>133575
Without really thinking of why there would be a barricade on a busy street in a bustling city, the mare passes through it to whatever neighborhood lies beyond.
Without really thinking of why there would be a barricade on a busy street in a bustling city, the mare passes through it to whatever neighborhood lies beyond.
>>133578
"Okay." Fantasy takes a deep breat and clenches her teeth for a moment. "I'll take them but I'll keep the illegal one at home. You would think that no information would be illegal to obtain."
"Okay." Fantasy takes a deep breat and clenches her teeth for a moment. "I'll take them but I'll keep the illegal one at home. You would think that no information would be illegal to obtain."
>>133581
And now, she completes the humane styling, fluffing up Fantasy’s hair so that the forward facing layers are more apparent.
“Well, that’s still five bits” she says
And now, she completes the humane styling, fluffing up Fantasy’s hair so that the forward facing layers are more apparent.
“Well, that’s still five bits” she says
>>133582
Fantasy looks in the mirror while she turns and tilts her head in it to inspect her new mane.
"Woah, only five bits for this? That's cheap," Fantasy says.
Fantasy looks in the mirror while she turns and tilts her head in it to inspect her new mane.
"Woah, only five bits for this? That's cheap," Fantasy says.
>>133583
She smiles back
“A discount for a fellow. So you can look like you want, but not be so drained financially. I can tell you’re new here, and you probably need it.”
The mane flops a bit, but seems kind of precarious, otherwise the layers may come undone.
She smiles back
“A discount for a fellow. So you can look like you want, but not be so drained financially. I can tell you’re new here, and you probably need it.”
The mane flops a bit, but seems kind of precarious, otherwise the layers may come undone.
>>133584
"My economy is quite stable at the moment. I don't mind paying full prize," Fantasy brings out her pouch with her magic out of her bag.
"My economy is quite stable at the moment. I don't mind paying full prize," Fantasy brings out her pouch with her magic out of her bag.
>>133586
"Heh," Fantasy chuckles. "Well, if you insist." Out of her pouch five bits fly out and form a tower on the counter.
"O-okay," Fantasy stammers and swallows. She looks over her shoulder towards the windows.
"Heh," Fantasy chuckles. "Well, if you insist." Out of her pouch five bits fly out and form a tower on the counter.
"O-okay," Fantasy stammers and swallows. She looks over her shoulder towards the windows.
>>133587
She goes to the back and opens a door and carefully moves something just out of Fantasy's view on what seems to be a wooden shelf to the left. She thinks she sees a small steel box move and open, but she pulls out three printed papers, one blue, and two red
"Uh" She looks down, clearly nervous herself. She looks at the papers, and then tenders them towards Fantasy, as if she doesn't know what to do with them
"Here."
Blue Skies keeps her eyes on Mint, while nopony passes outside in the moment
She goes to the back and opens a door and carefully moves something just out of Fantasy's view on what seems to be a wooden shelf to the left. She thinks she sees a small steel box move and open, but she pulls out three printed papers, one blue, and two red
"Uh" She looks down, clearly nervous herself. She looks at the papers, and then tenders them towards Fantasy, as if she doesn't know what to do with them
"Here."
Blue Skies keeps her eyes on Mint, while nopony passes outside in the moment
Fantasy quickly pull them into her magic aura, the flap to her bag lifts aside, and then the papers fly into her saddlebag. Fantasy then takes a deep breath and then looks over at Skies .
"There was nopony ouside, right Cloudy?"
"There was nopony ouside, right Cloudy?"
>>133589
"Hmmm? Oh. No." She answers, looking back
Mint breathes, and smiles awkwardly, seeming nigh exhilarated from the illicit act.
"Hmmm? Oh. No." She answers, looking back
Mint breathes, and smiles awkwardly, seeming nigh exhilarated from the illicit act.
>>133590
Fantasy releases a breath.
"Well, now I kinda wanna get home and put these-" Fantasy taps the bag with her hoof. "-bad boys under lock and key. Not just stand around with them in public."
"T-thanks again for the cut. Its actually wonderful. I love it." Fantasy beams as she peers up at the fringe of her mane.
Fantasy releases a breath.
"Well, now I kinda wanna get home and put these-" Fantasy taps the bag with her hoof. "-bad boys under lock and key. Not just stand around with them in public."
"T-thanks again for the cut. Its actually wonderful. I love it." Fantasy beams as she peers up at the fringe of her mane.
>>133591
"Well, they are meant to be read. But fortunately your mane won't need to be kept hidden." She returns to her warmer smile.
The bangs are definitely cut above the eye line, which means that the forward most layer doesn't look that much like Songbird Serenade's mane, although the layers above do
"Well, they are meant to be read. But fortunately your mane won't need to be kept hidden." She returns to her warmer smile.
The bangs are definitely cut above the eye line, which means that the forward most layer doesn't look that much like Songbird Serenade's mane, although the layers above do
>>133592
"Hehe. No it doens't. If that ever gets illegal, then I expect every mare in baltimare[?] will riot." Fantasy smiled.
"Hehe. No it doens't. If that ever gets illegal, then I expect every mare in baltimare[?] will riot." Fantasy smiled.
>>133595
"Agreed." Fantasy nods.
"Well, I'll think I take my leave and as I said take these home." Fantasy starts to turn. "This was great. I may come back here if I decide to style my tail and if you do style tails that is. I haven't decided yet. I always wear this cloak so I never bohrter wth it." Fantasy lifts up a patch of fabric of her cloak.
"Agreed." Fantasy nods.
"Well, I'll think I take my leave and as I said take these home." Fantasy starts to turn. "This was great. I may come back here if I decide to style my tail and if you do style tails that is. I haven't decided yet. I always wear this cloak so I never bohrter wth it." Fantasy lifts up a patch of fabric of her cloak.
>>133597
Fantasy smiles back.
"Yeah, you too. Thanks again for, you know, everything."
Then Fantasy lets Mr. Snuggles crawl back on her back and walks out of the shop.
Fantasy smiles back.
"Yeah, you too. Thanks again for, you know, everything."
Then Fantasy lets Mr. Snuggles crawl back on her back and walks out of the shop.
>>133598
Mr. Snuggle jumps on Fantasy, and crawls up on her
Fantasy and Blue Skies walk out of the shop, onto the street
Mr. Snuggle jumps on Fantasy, and crawls up on her
Fantasy and Blue Skies walk out of the shop, onto the street
Fantasy walks back the way they came in a controlled pace, not too fast and not to slow.
A glum expression startsto appear on her features as further away they get. Shetiltes her head forward so the hair falls over her eyes.
>>133600
Blue Skies looks around, and then speaks to Fantasy
"Ugh! Why do they all sound like that? It's like they are made in a factory. I wish they were as well educated about virtue and science as they were about 'class consciousness.' It's hard to suffer through them talking about 'nations dividing the creatures' and 'equality.'"
>>133601
Unfortunately, her new haircut makes this impossible
Blue Skies looks around, and then speaks to Fantasy
"Ugh! Why do they all sound like that? It's like they are made in a factory. I wish they were as well educated about virtue and science as they were about 'class consciousness.' It's hard to suffer through them talking about 'nations dividing the creatures' and 'equality.'"
>>133601
Unfortunately, her new haircut makes this impossible
>>133602
>Unfortunately, her new haircut makes this impossible
You are right. I thought that but yeah I thought wrong. That makes more sense.
>Unfortunately, her new haircut makes this impossible
You are right. I thought that but yeah I thought wrong. That makes more sense.
>>133602
There's a hitch up in Fantasy's throat.
"Hee... Heee... Haaa-haa-ha," exits her mouth.
Her eyes go wide for a second and then she shuts them and tear streams runs down her cheeks.
There's a hitch up in Fantasy's throat.
"Hee... Heee... Haaa-haa-ha," exits her mouth.
Her eyes go wide for a second and then she shuts them and tear streams runs down her cheeks.
>>133607
Call up on the seaponies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iakTl9SZTTY
Blue Skies:
"I don't think it's wrong to pay for a manecut from an Anarchist. You did get a lower price, after all."
It's not clear whether he's responding to Fantasy's emotional state, but he is snuggling up around the base of her mane, and partly underneath it around her shoulders
Call up on the seaponies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iakTl9SZTTY
Blue Skies:
"I don't think it's wrong to pay for a manecut from an Anarchist. You did get a lower price, after all."
It's not clear whether he's responding to Fantasy's emotional state, but he is snuggling up around the base of her mane, and partly underneath it around her shoulders
>>133608
Fantasy for a moment cracks a smile but then she frowns.
"Hilarious *sob*," Fantasy says and wipes away the snot from her nose with the side of her hoof. "Did we really do the right thing?"
Fantasy for a moment cracks a smile but then she frowns.
"Hilarious *sob*," Fantasy says and wipes away the snot from her nose with the side of her hoof. "Did we really do the right thing?"
>>133609
"Well..." She looks down and away. "You got what we assume are some copies of the pamphlets. But you didn't find out where she got them from, although she sort of hinted at it. On the bright side, it looks like she took a liking to you, and will trust you in the future. So can probably get more information out of her."
"Well..." She looks down and away. "You got what we assume are some copies of the pamphlets. But you didn't find out where she got them from, although she sort of hinted at it. On the bright side, it looks like she took a liking to you, and will trust you in the future. So can probably get more information out of her."
>>133610
Fantasy is silent for a moment.
"She seemed like a nice pony, minus the Anarcho-syndicalism."
Fantasy is silent for a moment.
"She seemed like a nice pony, minus the Anarcho-syndicalism."
>>133611
"Minus the Anarcho-Syndicalism? It is the Anarcho-Syndicalism that's caused Baltimare to revolt twice before in the past, to vandalize and burn houses of worship and destroy business, to murder police officers, politicians, and generally disrupt the social harmony. It's containing Anarcho-Syndicalism that we're here for."
>>133612
"Why not? You did a pretty good job at it. She seemed to trust and like you and you could certainly go back to her again. And you could probably do this with more mares. I myself often have difficulty with females, but you didn't have any problems."
"Minus the Anarcho-Syndicalism? It is the Anarcho-Syndicalism that's caused Baltimare to revolt twice before in the past, to vandalize and burn houses of worship and destroy business, to murder police officers, politicians, and generally disrupt the social harmony. It's containing Anarcho-Syndicalism that we're here for."
>>133612
"Why not? You did a pretty good job at it. She seemed to trust and like you and you could certainly go back to her again. And you could probably do this with more mares. I myself often have difficulty with females, but you didn't have any problems."
>>133616
First line with regards to anarchism: urging, slightly indignant
Second line, with regards to Fantasy not liking the work: consoling but supportive.
First line with regards to anarchism: urging, slightly indignant
Second line, with regards to Fantasy not liking the work: consoling but supportive.
>>133614
Fantasy still looks a bit sad when she lifts up her head to meet Blue Skies' gaze. She wipes away her tears with her hoof.
"I'll need some time... to... mull this over. Do we go back and leave these pamphlets at headquarters?" Fantasy taps her saddlebag. "Or can we visit a dairy bar before that I could go for an ice-cream."
Fantasy still looks a bit sad when she lifts up her head to meet Blue Skies' gaze. She wipes away her tears with her hoof.
"I'll need some time... to... mull this over. Do we go back and leave these pamphlets at headquarters?" Fantasy taps her saddlebag. "Or can we visit a dairy bar before that I could go for an ice-cream."
>>133618
"We can leave the pamphlets back at headquarters, sure. I'm not sure how much information about their origins we can gleam from that. What we really need is for Mint to give up the name of the pony who is providing her these pamphlets, as that pony - hopefully - knows the actual source. It would make sense to wait a while before coming back to her though, so it seems like you've had time to read them and consider what she said." She blinks. "There's enough time for ice-cream."
"We can leave the pamphlets back at headquarters, sure. I'm not sure how much information about their origins we can gleam from that. What we really need is for Mint to give up the name of the pony who is providing her these pamphlets, as that pony - hopefully - knows the actual source. It would make sense to wait a while before coming back to her though, so it seems like you've had time to read them and consider what she said." She blinks. "There's enough time for ice-cream."
>>133619
Fantasy seems to be half-listening at first but thwn she nods.
"Then let's leave for that dairy bar. I need something to cool my head. It is burning up like furance."
She starts to walk over but thens stops and turns around.
"Well, heh. I guess you should lead the way."
Fantasy seems to be half-listening at first but thwn she nods.
"Then let's leave for that dairy bar. I need something to cool my head. It is burning up like furance."
She starts to walk over but thens stops and turns around.
"Well, heh. I guess you should lead the way."
>She starts to walk over but thens stops and turns around.
>"Well, heh. I guess you should lead the way."
And the prize of the most jarring tone-shift goes to...
>"Well, heh. I guess you should lead the way."
And the prize of the most jarring tone-shift goes to...
>>133620
"I don't... really know many dairy bars... uh..."
She turns around to Fantasy and looks at her skeptically
"It's winter, and you have less hair now to keep your head warm."
[1d20 = 6]
"I don't... really know many dairy bars... uh..."
She turns around to Fantasy and looks at her skeptically
"It's winter, and you have less hair now to keep your head warm."
[1d20 = 6]
"Tell that to my head," Fantasy rubs her forehead with her hoof. "But fine, let's just go back to HQ and I will slump down in a couch there or something while drowning myself in cold tap water."
>>133623
"No... We can, uh, find an ice cream place. Somewhere."
Blue Skies looks around
"If you had asked for a bar I would have a dozen local recommendations. Let me see, where have I seen an ice cream parlor..."
"No... We can, uh, find an ice cream place. Somewhere."
Blue Skies looks around
"If you had asked for a bar I would have a dozen local recommendations. Let me see, where have I seen an ice cream parlor..."
>>133624
Fantasy remembers the map she bought at the train station and holds it out between them in her magic.
"I wonder if this has dairy bars amrked on it."
Fantasy remembers the map she bought at the train station and holds it out between them in her magic.
"I wonder if this has dairy bars amrked on it."
>>133624
>>133623
After a few blocks, and looking down to each side, Blue Skies says "There we go" and trots over to the left, to a corner shop in a building with a white coloration and a set of colored circles over the top that look like icecream in a bowl. Going inside, there is a tan stallion at the counter, and of course many flavors of icecream on display
>>133623
After a few blocks, and looking down to each side, Blue Skies says "There we go" and trots over to the left, to a corner shop in a building with a white coloration and a set of colored circles over the top that look like icecream in a bowl. Going inside, there is a tan stallion at the counter, and of course many flavors of icecream on display
>>133626
Fantasy orders a bowl with three balls of ice-cream if they exist. She orders blueberry, chocklate, and strawberry flavours. On that she pours caramell sauce and a slice of banana. Is this possible?
Fantasy orders a bowl with three balls of ice-cream if they exist. She orders blueberry, chocklate, and strawberry flavours. On that she pours caramell sauce and a slice of banana. Is this possible?
>>133627
Strawberry, Chocolate, caramel sauce and banana slices are all available. But Blueberry ice-cream, unfortunately, is not available
Strawberry, Chocolate, caramel sauce and banana slices are all available. But Blueberry ice-cream, unfortunately, is not available
That's fine, she then takes something random for that ball of ice-cream and pays the stallion. She then moves towards a desolate table where the two can speak in private.
What does Skies order? Does she order anything?
What does Skies order? Does she order anything?
>>133630
There' s a mint flavor. Just saying....
The ice cream costs seven bits
Blue Skies: "More expensive than a mane cut"
Skies does not order anything
There is a table past the door in the corner of the parlor, where the two may sit
There' s a mint flavor. Just saying....
The ice cream costs seven bits
Blue Skies: "More expensive than a mane cut"
Skies does not order anything
There is a table past the door in the corner of the parlor, where the two may sit
>>133631
Fantasy sits down there.
She sneaks a spoon of ice-cream over to her cat and holds a hoof below it to catch any spill.
Fantasy sits down there.
She sneaks a spoon of ice-cream over to her cat and holds a hoof below it to catch any spill.
>>133632
Mr. Snuggles moves his head back at the spoon shoved in his face.... At first. But after a moment, he licks the ice cream
Mr. Snuggles moves his head back at the spoon shoved in his face.... At first. But after a moment, he licks the ice cream
>>133633
After he is done, Fantasy takes a spoon for herself. Her spoon cuts a banana slice into a smaller piece, dips it in caramell suace, and then scoop up some chocklad ice-cream on the spoon.
"Mmm..." she mumbles with plasure on her features after she had consumed the spoon's contents.
She then sighs a calming sigh.
She meets the gaze of Skies.
"You didn't buy anything," she says.
After he is done, Fantasy takes a spoon for herself. Her spoon cuts a banana slice into a smaller piece, dips it in caramell suace, and then scoop up some chocklad ice-cream on the spoon.
"Mmm..." she mumbles with plasure on her features after she had consumed the spoon's contents.
She then sighs a calming sigh.
She meets the gaze of Skies.
"You didn't buy anything," she says.
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>>133646
Fantasy eats a bit more in silence. After some time has passed, Fantasy make eye-contact with Skies again. Her face still carries the glum exprsssion from before but perhaps a bit less strained.
"So, you said I did good for my first time?" she says.
Fantasy eats a bit more in silence. After some time has passed, Fantasy make eye-contact with Skies again. Her face still carries the glum exprsssion from before but perhaps a bit less strained.
"So, you said I did good for my first time?" she says.
>>133648
Blue Skies seems to stare at her the whole time while Fantasy eats her ice cream.
“I mean you bonded with her fairly well. Made her think you were real, that you were interested in what she was trying to sell. But you didn’t get the name of her friend.” She tilts her head and looks off to the side. “Not that she would have given that to a filly she just met anyways.”
Blue Skies seems to stare at her the whole time while Fantasy eats her ice cream.
“I mean you bonded with her fairly well. Made her think you were real, that you were interested in what she was trying to sell. But you didn’t get the name of her friend.” She tilts her head and looks off to the side. “Not that she would have given that to a filly she just met anyways.”
>>133649
Fantasy nods.
"Though, I wonder a bit, now in hindsight, mmmm.... Why you gave me this mission. I said that my specialities *lips smack* were sneaking and illusions and you gave me a social infiltration mission," Fantasy says while taking spoons of ice-cream. "But I'm glad I did well, though." Fantasy adds.
Fantasy nods.
"Though, I wonder a bit, now in hindsight, mmmm.... Why you gave me this mission. I said that my specialities *lips smack* were sneaking and illusions and you gave me a social infiltration mission," Fantasy says while taking spoons of ice-cream. "But I'm glad I did well, though." Fantasy adds.
>>133650
“Well... The Blackhooves don’t exactly get to chose what tasks they have to do. Preventing the spread of propaganda that may incite rebellion is just part of the job description.”
Then she looks at Fantasy, and smiles wickedly
“Besides. Who says you won’t get to sneak and use illusions? We’ve only just begun.”
“Well... The Blackhooves don’t exactly get to chose what tasks they have to do. Preventing the spread of propaganda that may incite rebellion is just part of the job description.”
Then she looks at Fantasy, and smiles wickedly
“Besides. Who says you won’t get to sneak and use illusions? We’ve only just begun.”
>>133651
Fantasy still looking a bit guilty cracks a small smile.
"I'm glad that it can still happen," she says. "Does this mean I'm hired?"
Fantasy still looking a bit guilty cracks a small smile.
"I'm glad that it can still happen," she says. "Does this mean I'm hired?"
>>133652
“Well” she looks up and off to the side. Then back to Fantasy with a more norma smile. “On a mission-by-mission basis. We use quite a few local informants, after all.”
“Well” she looks up and off to the side. Then back to Fantasy with a more norma smile. “On a mission-by-mission basis. We use quite a few local informants, after all.”
>>133653
Fantasy nods.
"That's fine. While I do this for the cause, I cannot live on that alone and I have a feeling I will try to take on as many missions as possible. I want to at least a get a small salary per mission.
Fantasy nods.
"That's fine. While I do this for the cause, I cannot live on that alone and I have a feeling I will try to take on as many missions as possible. I want to at least a get a small salary per mission.
>>133654
“Don’t worry about that. They pay by the mission, by the bounty, and for information. For as long as the sparks of rebellion threaten to become fires, there will be missions.”
“Don’t worry about that. They pay by the mission, by the bounty, and for information. For as long as the sparks of rebellion threaten to become fires, there will be missions.”
>>133655
Fantasy scrapes up the last part of the now melted ice-cream from the bowl.
"Okay," Fantasy says and nods. "Then I say I like to return and cash in these pamphlets." Fantasy tries to wink at Skies but since she still feels bad it comes off as forced and pats her bag. "It would also be intresting to read what they say. Maybe we can find some clues on the whereabouts of the printers on them."
Fantasy scrapes up the last part of the now melted ice-cream from the bowl.
"Okay," Fantasy says and nods. "Then I say I like to return and cash in these pamphlets." Fantasy tries to wink at Skies but since she still feels bad it comes off as forced and pats her bag. "It would also be intresting to read what they say. Maybe we can find some clues on the whereabouts of the printers on them."
>>133658
"Yeah, probably," Fantasy says.
Fantasy stands up and walks over to the tan stallion.
"The ice-cream was tasteful. I may return."
She then leaves teh establisment with Mr. Snuggles on her back. I assume that Skies follow after.
"There were two times which I had to stop myself from speaking up before." Fantasy looks into the ground. "When she talked about equality and hierachies and the idea that the fascists were trying to divide creatures through nationality.
"First, I don't believe that, even if we wanted to, a world could exist without hierarchies. It's just the nature of nature.
Fantasy starts to stare up into the sky above.
"Second, I find it sad and hilarious taht she thinks that the divide between creatures is artifical but the one between classes isn't."
"Yeah, probably," Fantasy says.
Fantasy stands up and walks over to the tan stallion.
"The ice-cream was tasteful. I may return."
She then leaves teh establisment with Mr. Snuggles on her back. I assume that Skies follow after.
"There were two times which I had to stop myself from speaking up before." Fantasy looks into the ground. "When she talked about equality and hierachies and the idea that the fascists were trying to divide creatures through nationality.
"First, I don't believe that, even if we wanted to, a world could exist without hierarchies. It's just the nature of nature.
Fantasy starts to stare up into the sky above.
"Second, I find it sad and hilarious taht she thinks that the divide between creatures is artifical but the one between classes isn't."
>>133660
She nods
“I know the feel. I’ve had to learn to hold my tongue as well. There is a hierarchy of creatures in nature, and for the same reasons, a hierarchy in everything nature produces. Ponies who follow these ideologies tend to hate hierarchy because they often find themselves on the bottom. They don’t understand how to run a society or an economy. You couldn’t run a daycare without a clear understanding who who does what and who has final say in what is done, let alone a country. As for this ‘unity across nations... they don’t understand that ponies are like ands and bees. They live in hives by nature. Destroying the hive does little good.”
She sighs
“But ideologues similar to these, if not the same, hold sway in many parts of Equestria and parts of the world. It will take a long time to rehabilitate this area. Everypony has their place. Everypony has their role. Fighting that leads to unhappiness. But making ponies see that... is more challenging than I’d wish.”
She nods
“I know the feel. I’ve had to learn to hold my tongue as well. There is a hierarchy of creatures in nature, and for the same reasons, a hierarchy in everything nature produces. Ponies who follow these ideologies tend to hate hierarchy because they often find themselves on the bottom. They don’t understand how to run a society or an economy. You couldn’t run a daycare without a clear understanding who who does what and who has final say in what is done, let alone a country. As for this ‘unity across nations... they don’t understand that ponies are like ands and bees. They live in hives by nature. Destroying the hive does little good.”
She sighs
“But ideologues similar to these, if not the same, hold sway in many parts of Equestria and parts of the world. It will take a long time to rehabilitate this area. Everypony has their place. Everypony has their role. Fighting that leads to unhappiness. But making ponies see that... is more challenging than I’d wish.”
>>133662
Fantasy mostly nods throghout Skies' dialogue.
"Mmm... Yes. Though I would say that mare knew her craft well. I assume that she thinks stuff like this because she pities the creature and ponies below her. She might not fully understand that money cannot be given to everypony that has it rough.
"Although, from where I'm form this did not matter because ponies help each other for free. The idea that social benefits from the tgoverment were to solve everything never even entered our minds."
Fantasy mostly nods throghout Skies' dialogue.
"Mmm... Yes. Though I would say that mare knew her craft well. I assume that she thinks stuff like this because she pities the creature and ponies below her. She might not fully understand that money cannot be given to everypony that has it rough.
"Although, from where I'm form this did not matter because ponies help each other for free. The idea that social benefits from the tgoverment were to solve everything never even entered our minds."
>>133663
She shrugs
“She’s an Earth Pony. They always find themselves on the bottom of society, and they always want to get out of it. Government is a tool of it sometimes. Sometimes it’s unions. But always, it’s the same peasant revolt.”
She shrugs
“She’s an Earth Pony. They always find themselves on the bottom of society, and they always want to get out of it. Government is a tool of it sometimes. Sometimes it’s unions. But always, it’s the same peasant revolt.”
>>133664
"I suppose that's fair. I wouldn't trust some higher standing ponies to always be on the lookout for my best intrests. To seek power isn't wrong but the methods can be.
"Though I would say that I never seen any branch of socialism as peasenats revolting, its kmore like they are used by someone powerful to their purposes rather than for a cause." <- Would have liked to add this buI'm not sure if this is something she would say.
"Anyway, let's get back to HQ."
"I suppose that's fair. I wouldn't trust some higher standing ponies to always be on the lookout for my best intrests. To seek power isn't wrong but the methods can be.
"Though I would say that I never seen any branch of socialism as peasenats revolting, its kmore like they are used by someone powerful to their purposes rather than for a cause." <- Would have liked to add this buI'm not sure if this is something she would say.
"Anyway, let's get back to HQ."
>>133665
“Seeking power is wrong when the ponies seeking it can’t use it well” she says.
But the two ponies walk back to HQ, arriving back at the offices
“Seeking power is wrong when the ponies seeking it can’t use it well” she says.
But the two ponies walk back to HQ, arriving back at the offices
>>133666
I guess we'll stop here until Dark Star returns.
Anyway, this a was fun and a fine session. .
I guess we'll stop here until Dark Star returns.
Anyway, this a was fun and a fine session. .
Once it gets closer to dinner, Silver gets up and goes to the kitchen to prepare their food.
>>133668
This is pretty straightforward, with the kitchen having all the necessary equipment, and mod ingredients
This is pretty straightforward, with the kitchen having all the necessary equipment, and mod ingredients
>>133669
Then Silver gets to work preparing the stroganoff. He also tries pan frying some of the crocogator meat they got for Mala.
Then Silver gets to work preparing the stroganoff. He also tries pan frying some of the crocogator meat they got for Mala.
>>133670
Hopefully Silver knows how to prepare both. The electric stove isn’t quite as powerful as the gas or even wood stoves Silver is familiar with, but he makes so
Hopefully Silver knows how to prepare both. The electric stove isn’t quite as powerful as the gas or even wood stoves Silver is familiar with, but he makes so
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>>133673
I'll probably leave the station soon if Darkstar doesn't show. Then I'll just check on the pamhplets and then leave. Our characters can bump into each other on the streets.
I will give Darkstar sometime thought but otherwise it make sesne that my charcter would take the rest of the day off and not meet Darkstar (if he doesn't appear) since he is in a meeting with Seabreeeze.
I'll probably leave the station soon if Darkstar doesn't show. Then I'll just check on the pamhplets and then leave. Our characters can bump into each other on the streets.
I will give Darkstar sometime thought but otherwise it make sesne that my charcter would take the rest of the day off and not meet Darkstar (if he doesn't appear) since he is in a meeting with Seabreeeze.
>>133676
Khoi and Jubilosa enter the room together, while Mala, last to enter, is the first to the table. Jubilosa looks with intrigue at the new food while Khoi examines it with caution. Mala sniffs both the struganoff and the fried alligator with enthusiasm
>>133677
Hopefully he'll be around tomorrow...
Khoi and Jubilosa enter the room together, while Mala, last to enter, is the first to the table. Jubilosa looks with intrigue at the new food while Khoi examines it with caution. Mala sniffs both the struganoff and the fried alligator with enthusiasm
>>133677
Hopefully he'll be around tomorrow...
>>133678
Silver serves up portions of the stroganoff onto everyone's plates, and serves up a portion of fried gator to Mala. He looks over to the other carnivore in the room.
"Want some crocogator, Jubilosa?"
Silver serves up portions of the stroganoff onto everyone's plates, and serves up a portion of fried gator to Mala. He looks over to the other carnivore in the room.
"Want some crocogator, Jubilosa?"
>>133710
Each of the creatures looks at the strogranoff as it is placed. Mala bends over to sniff the stroganoff, and then the fried alligator. Jubilosa looks down at the stroganoff with curiousity, and then picks up a fork to move it. Khoi is rather skeptical of the stroganoff, unsure about it.
Jubilosa:
"Crocogator? What's a crocogator?"
But when she looks over to Mala's plate, she says,
"Oh. Sure. I'll try it, I guess."
Each of the creatures looks at the strogranoff as it is placed. Mala bends over to sniff the stroganoff, and then the fried alligator. Jubilosa looks down at the stroganoff with curiousity, and then picks up a fork to move it. Khoi is rather skeptical of the stroganoff, unsure about it.
Jubilosa:
"Crocogator? What's a crocogator?"
But when she looks over to Mala's plate, she says,
"Oh. Sure. I'll try it, I guess."
File (): DBBFAF26F4FBA3AA1FED6D62F8138BBD-94050.jpg (91.8 KB, 894x894, 1597345994392.jpg)
>>133711
The stroganoff moves, well, like a cassarole. Noodles provide the base of the dish, covered in a simple sauce of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, with extra mushrooms to add more substance to the meal.
He looks over to Khoi, and smiles.
"Go ahead, try it. It is quite good!"
He sevres some meat to Jubilosa and then sits down in front of his own plate. He licks his lips before digging into the satisfying meal.
The stroganoff moves, well, like a cassarole. Noodles provide the base of the dish, covered in a simple sauce of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, with extra mushrooms to add more substance to the meal.
He looks over to Khoi, and smiles.
"Go ahead, try it. It is quite good!"
He sevres some meat to Jubilosa and then sits down in front of his own plate. He licks his lips before digging into the satisfying meal.
We need to send a radio signal to see if Dark Star and Iron are okay
>>133721
Khoi seems rather hesitant looking at it. She looks over to Mala and Jubilosa.
Jubilosa, however, uses a fork to try to pick up some of the aligator meet, moving it up in her beak in exactly the manner you’d expect a bird to eat. Mala basically just puts his muzzle directly in the Stroganoff.
[1d2 = 1]
Khoi seems rather hesitant looking at it. She looks over to Mala and Jubilosa.
Jubilosa, however, uses a fork to try to pick up some of the aligator meet, moving it up in her beak in exactly the manner you’d expect a bird to eat. Mala basically just puts his muzzle directly in the Stroganoff.
[1d2 = 1]
If Dark Star and/or Fantasy shows up I can squeeze in a session, otherwise I won't be here
File (): 155314D5BAFAA68F5F3C34ADD2005B98-115976.jpg (113.3 KB, 1000x1226, 126056.jpg)
>>133733
Would like to play but has some stuff on my mind. I think another day. I just can't hack it today. However, I think my character will seek out yours next time I play.
Would like to play but has some stuff on my mind. I think another day. I just can't hack it today. However, I think my character will seek out yours next time I play.
>>133739
Jubilosa eats a piece of alligator, and then another and another. She's eaten a significant portion of it before she tries the Stroganoff. She takes a small sample with her fork, tastes it, and looks off to the side to contemplate it, before using her fork to eat it in earnest.
Mala sticks his muzzle into the stroganov and eats a portion of it, before pulling his muzzle out and licking his nose and lips - covered in cream - for many seconds, before placing his muzzle into the plate of fried aligator. Mala eats all of the fried alligator quickly, always directly with his mouth, simply biting off pieces where the meat is too large to swallow. When this is done, Mala goes back to the stroganov, especially liking to lick up the cream.
Khoi is the slowest to eat, trying but struggling to use a fork, before using her magic directly to pick up noodles. She chews the noodles extensively, unlike Jubilosa and Mala, who don't or very possibly can't chew. She often looks over to Mala and Jubilosa with concern o judgement, and while Mala does not notice, her glance seems to provoke Jubilosa to switch from the alligator meat to the stroganov. Khoi avoids the cream where she can, and eats mostly just the noodles.
Jubilosa eats a piece of alligator, and then another and another. She's eaten a significant portion of it before she tries the Stroganoff. She takes a small sample with her fork, tastes it, and looks off to the side to contemplate it, before using her fork to eat it in earnest.
Mala sticks his muzzle into the stroganov and eats a portion of it, before pulling his muzzle out and licking his nose and lips - covered in cream - for many seconds, before placing his muzzle into the plate of fried aligator. Mala eats all of the fried alligator quickly, always directly with his mouth, simply biting off pieces where the meat is too large to swallow. When this is done, Mala goes back to the stroganov, especially liking to lick up the cream.
Khoi is the slowest to eat, trying but struggling to use a fork, before using her magic directly to pick up noodles. She chews the noodles extensively, unlike Jubilosa and Mala, who don't or very possibly can't chew. She often looks over to Mala and Jubilosa with concern o judgement, and while Mala does not notice, her glance seems to provoke Jubilosa to switch from the alligator meat to the stroganov. Khoi avoids the cream where she can, and eats mostly just the noodles.
Nova Griffonia is a much better country to play for a new player than Equestria is. You won't get dec'd on by anyone else and there are hardly any unexpected surprises. There are several very fun paths to go down, and the research bonuses you get from national focuses are useful for keeping up in different areas.
I picked Goldfeather for the ancap memes and it's actually a fun and very different way to play the game. You can actually get civilian factories in return for volunteers which is a great help for such a small country, and it lets you play the game and get experience without risk of getting invaded. I've found that special ops units (mountaineers and knights in particular) are the best option, at least because my main army templates are still substandard. You can basically ignore navy and air force as you can't use those as mercenaries, though I'm playing catch-up with those since I'm boosting fascism across the northern hemisphere and maybe making a faction.
Also it was disappointing to see how the Equestria AI trounced the Karthianian Empire. Then again, it clearly had naval superiority whereas my navy was bugged in the other game. Interestingly that bug hasn't surfaced in this game. Also the Griffonian Republic's faction declared war on the Empire which never happened in my last game.
I picked Goldfeather for the ancap memes and it's actually a fun and very different way to play the game. You can actually get civilian factories in return for volunteers which is a great help for such a small country, and it lets you play the game and get experience without risk of getting invaded. I've found that special ops units (mountaineers and knights in particular) are the best option, at least because my main army templates are still substandard. You can basically ignore navy and air force as you can't use those as mercenaries, though I'm playing catch-up with those since I'm boosting fascism across the northern hemisphere and maybe making a faction.
Also it was disappointing to see how the Equestria AI trounced the Karthianian Empire. Then again, it clearly had naval superiority whereas my navy was bugged in the other game. Interestingly that bug hasn't surfaced in this game. Also the Griffonian Republic's faction declared war on the Empire which never happened in my last game.
>>133741
Silver looks up from his food and over to Khoi. His raises his eyebrow and tilts his head slightly to the left.
"Why do you not use fork?"
Silver looks up from his food and over to Khoi. His raises his eyebrow and tilts his head slightly to the left.
"Why do you not use fork?"
>>133666
>“Seeking power is wrong when the ponies seeking it can’t use it well”
Kind of like this qoute.
>“Seeking power is wrong when the ponies seeking it can’t use it well”
Kind of like this qoute.
This is getting pretty far off-topic, but has anyone else played Darkest Hour? I wanted to get some vanilla HOI in but for some strange reason the vanilla game crashes after loading though EaW works fine. The next best thing was to try Darkest Hour, a "Hearts of Iron game" that is a standalone built by the modding community. It's based on HOI2 which I've heard is the best HOI game. It certainly is a very different sort of game and has a vast amount of depth.
The amount of depth in the game is astounding. For one, the time-frame extends from WW1 all the way to 1970. The densely-packed research system works off a research team system--rather than have a flat bonus based on government ministers (though you can get that too), you hire teams according to their expertise and skill level. I think the political system is far superior since rather than four ideologies, you get ten Kaiserreich-style depending on the axes of democratic/authoritarian and left/right. Diplomacy and intelligence are both self-managing for the most part. Although there are decisions, there are no focus trees, and outside of special events you can change the path of your country's politics only very gradually. Being an older game it isn't heavy on the visuals (and I still don't know if there are any hotkeys), but it makes up for it with the sheer amount of flavor text in the game (every historical government minister of every country is present!)
Part of me wishes that EaW was made in this game because of how well-grounded everything is. HOI4 is definitely a much more arcadey and "dumbed-down" game in comparison, but that probably works better for a cartoony setting. Still, if you like the history aspect of Hearts of Iron then check out DH.
The amount of depth in the game is astounding. For one, the time-frame extends from WW1 all the way to 1970. The densely-packed research system works off a research team system--rather than have a flat bonus based on government ministers (though you can get that too), you hire teams according to their expertise and skill level. I think the political system is far superior since rather than four ideologies, you get ten Kaiserreich-style depending on the axes of democratic/authoritarian and left/right. Diplomacy and intelligence are both self-managing for the most part. Although there are decisions, there are no focus trees, and outside of special events you can change the path of your country's politics only very gradually. Being an older game it isn't heavy on the visuals (and I still don't know if there are any hotkeys), but it makes up for it with the sheer amount of flavor text in the game (every historical government minister of every country is present!)
Part of me wishes that EaW was made in this game because of how well-grounded everything is. HOI4 is definitely a much more arcadey and "dumbed-down" game in comparison, but that probably works better for a cartoony setting. Still, if you like the history aspect of Hearts of Iron then check out DH.
>>133744
Silver smiles at her.
"It is okay, I am just curious. I have not seen unicorn - or kirin, in this case - eat like that."
Silver smiles at her.
"It is okay, I am just curious. I have not seen unicorn - or kirin, in this case - eat like that."
>>133757
He looks at the cream, and gives an amused smile.
"Cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. It is very good!"
He demonstrates by using his fork to impale some noodles and a large piece of mushroom from his plate, scooping up some of the cream sauce, and eating the savoury bite with a look of definite enjoyment.
He looks at the cream, and gives an amused smile.
"Cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. It is very good!"
He demonstrates by using his fork to impale some noodles and a large piece of mushroom from his plate, scooping up some of the cream sauce, and eating the savoury bite with a look of definite enjoyment.
>>133759
Silver swallows the bite, and smiles at Khoi.
"You do not have to eat it, and you especially are not obligated to like it, but it would be nice to see you try it before you give final judgement."
Silver swallows the bite, and smiles at Khoi.
"You do not have to eat it, and you especially are not obligated to like it, but it would be nice to see you try it before you give final judgement."
>>133764
Now Silver looks confused.
"Cream of mushroom soup and sour cream...? I am afraid I do not understand."
Now Silver looks confused.
"Cream of mushroom soup and sour cream...? I am afraid I do not understand."
>>133777
I don't want to be the one looking this up, but did they use certain machines to incentivise cows to produce milk in the 1940's and would those exist in Equestria?
I don't want to be the one looking this up, but did they use certain machines to incentivise cows to produce milk in the 1940's and would those exist in Equestria?
>>133779
Silver shrugs to her use of magic instead of her fork, and resumes eating the last of the stroganoff on his plate. He leans back in his seat once he's finished, giving his stomach a satisfied pat.
"Ahhhhh, that hit spot..."
Silver shrugs to her use of magic instead of her fork, and resumes eating the last of the stroganoff on his plate. He leans back in his seat once he's finished, giving his stomach a satisfied pat.
"Ahhhhh, that hit spot..."
>>133780
Mala is the first to finish eating, licking the plate repeatedly, then his lips, and then sitting up. Jubilosa takes a little longer, eating the stroganoff and then the alligator meat with her fork. Khoi is still eating, picking up strands of noodles, and then using her spoon to pick up mushrooms. She doesn’t pick up cream, but she doesn’t push it off the noodles either.
Mala is the first to finish eating, licking the plate repeatedly, then his lips, and then sitting up. Jubilosa takes a little longer, eating the stroganoff and then the alligator meat with her fork. Khoi is still eating, picking up strands of noodles, and then using her spoon to pick up mushrooms. She doesn’t pick up cream, but she doesn’t push it off the noodles either.
>>133781
To be considerate, Silver waits for Khoi to finish before getting up. He turns to Jubilosa and Mala.
"So, what did you two think?"
To be considerate, Silver waits for Khoi to finish before getting up. He turns to Jubilosa and Mala.
"So, what did you two think?"
>>133782
Mala nods, with his triangle ears now pointing towards Silver as he smiles. Jubilosa
“Hehe, what is this stuff called again? Is this from your homeland?”
Khoi is silent until at least Jubilosa is finished speaking
Mala nods, with his triangle ears now pointing towards Silver as he smiles. Jubilosa
“Hehe, what is this stuff called again? Is this from your homeland?”
Khoi is silent until at least Jubilosa is finished speaking
Do you smell what the Iron's cooking?
Iron softly exhales from his snout, stabilizing his breath after his small skirmish against the two weapon-wielding griffin mafiosos back at the pier.
(We might be here for a while,) he muses.
Iron softly exhales from his snout, stabilizing his breath after his small skirmish against the two weapon-wielding griffin mafiosos back at the pier.
(We might be here for a while,) he muses.
>>133800
No... But Iron can smell salt water and cigarettes
A fast but light "clop clop clop," and then:
"What the hell was the that?" White Sands sounds a little frustrated
"You made them pull weapons on you."
She turns her head to the side, then quickly turns it back
"Be grateful they didn't have submachine guns."
No... But Iron can smell salt water and cigarettes
A fast but light "clop clop clop," and then:
"What the hell was the that?" White Sands sounds a little frustrated
"You made them pull weapons on you."
She turns her head to the side, then quickly turns it back
"Be grateful they didn't have submachine guns."
>>133801
Good. Because he's a terrible cook.
Iron turns to Sands, ears drooped and puckered lips at the truthful accusation.
"I might need to practice goading them into hoof fights," he admits in a low tone, realizing the circumstances he's in "the coat shredders, "suh-ma-chin" guns, really hurt last time I got hit by them."
Glancing at the planks his hooves currently perched themselves on for a bit, he glances up at the mare once more. "...Should I directly challenge them to a hoof fight from the getgo?"
Good. Because he's a terrible cook.
Iron turns to Sands, ears drooped and puckered lips at the truthful accusation.
"I might need to practice goading them into hoof fights," he admits in a low tone, realizing the circumstances he's in "the coat shredders, "suh-ma-chin" guns, really hurt last time I got hit by them."
Glancing at the planks his hooves currently perched themselves on for a bit, he glances up at the mare once more. "...Should I directly challenge them to a hoof fight from the getgo?"
>>133802
Shee blinks, and her entire body seems to ease up as tension fades away
"That's most likely better than vague threats. Insults will make them angry. They will make them want to hurt you. Threats, however, may just make them fear you. And every creature, no matter what it is, is at its most dangerous when it is afraid."
She moves along again, past Iron
"Hoof fights... who knows. You'll have your most success with the bigger ones, the ones who think they're most likely to win in a fight against you. But successful hoof fight challenges are definitely the safest way to do this."
She looks back to him from past him
"Then again, the whole point of this operation is scare them away... so you can't really ever completely remove the danger from it."
Shee blinks, and her entire body seems to ease up as tension fades away
"That's most likely better than vague threats. Insults will make them angry. They will make them want to hurt you. Threats, however, may just make them fear you. And every creature, no matter what it is, is at its most dangerous when it is afraid."
She moves along again, past Iron
"Hoof fights... who knows. You'll have your most success with the bigger ones, the ones who think they're most likely to win in a fight against you. But successful hoof fight challenges are definitely the safest way to do this."
She looks back to him from past him
"Then again, the whole point of this operation is scare them away... so you can't really ever completely remove the danger from it."
>>133806
Iron nods, somewhat understanding the balance explained to him and being reminded specifically what he had to do to those griffons.
"So I should find bulkier individuals whose main course of action is to fight barehoof," he answers "so that they choose to fight with it even with threats."
Nodding to himself, the native smacks his lips, thinking up the remainder of his plan. "If I recall correctly, there was a famous griffin in this area. They must have a bulky guard on him to dissuade any sort of goading towards him. He might be a good target to scare by beating up those protecting him."
Iron nods, somewhat understanding the balance explained to him and being reminded specifically what he had to do to those griffons.
"So I should find bulkier individuals whose main course of action is to fight barehoof," he answers "so that they choose to fight with it even with threats."
Nodding to himself, the native smacks his lips, thinking up the remainder of his plan. "If I recall correctly, there was a famous griffin in this area. They must have a bulky guard on him to dissuade any sort of goading towards him. He might be a good target to scare by beating up those protecting him."
>>133807
She moves directly in front of him
"He'll have a guard or two or three for sure. They'll need to be beat up... To send a message. What worries me is if they have hitgriffs. Professional killers. Those griffins could be far deadlier..." she looks down, then back up
"Challenging the bigger ones to a fight, or otherwise provoking them... that's a good move. But the smaller griffins, well, they won't want to attack you without weapons." Then she looks to Iron with her head tilted away.
"Maybe they could be lured into a trap. They could think they are going after an easier target."
She moves directly in front of him
"He'll have a guard or two or three for sure. They'll need to be beat up... To send a message. What worries me is if they have hitgriffs. Professional killers. Those griffins could be far deadlier..." she looks down, then back up
"Challenging the bigger ones to a fight, or otherwise provoking them... that's a good move. But the smaller griffins, well, they won't want to attack you without weapons." Then she looks to Iron with her head tilted away.
"Maybe they could be lured into a trap. They could think they are going after an easier target."
>>133809
Iron hums softly, glancing at the probably smaller griffons behind Sands.
"What sort of traps would they be attracted to?" he asks out loud before looking back at Sands. "Perhaps we could try to stand up to the civilian ponies that may have suffered from any aggressive tactics aimed at them in order to scare them into complacency instead. They're essentially the easier target, although I do not recall hearing any complaints about them."
Iron hums softly, glancing at the probably smaller griffons behind Sands.
"What sort of traps would they be attracted to?" he asks out loud before looking back at Sands. "Perhaps we could try to stand up to the civilian ponies that may have suffered from any aggressive tactics aimed at them in order to scare them into complacency instead. They're essentially the easier target, although I do not recall hearing any complaints about them."
>>133811
"Trying to stop whatever they are doing will definitely do it, that's for sure. If they don't know what they're fighting they won't be prepared.
But, if that doesn't work, their attempts to teach an obnoxious unicorn mare a lesson could go horribly wrong."
"Trying to stop whatever they are doing will definitely do it, that's for sure. If they don't know what they're fighting they won't be prepared.
But, if that doesn't work, their attempts to teach an obnoxious unicorn mare a lesson could go horribly wrong."
>>133812
Iron's snout scrunches slightly, having the faintest feeling of dread from her last sentence, blinking softly in response.
"...D-did you just-"
Then as suddenly as the apprehension appeared, it dissipates from the bigger plan in motion, spiking his ears up.
"Oh! I see! That sounds like a good idea, actually. Specially if said mare has some injuries on her. But where could that happen?"
Iron's snout scrunches slightly, having the faintest feeling of dread from her last sentence, blinking softly in response.
"...D-did you just-"
Then as suddenly as the apprehension appeared, it dissipates from the bigger plan in motion, spiking his ears up.
"Oh! I see! That sounds like a good idea, actually. Specially if said mare has some injuries on her. But where could that happen?"
>>133814
"Where ever the griffins are, we go to them. Or if you are willing to take more time, whatever it is they value, we go to that and threaten it. Either way, let them not know what is coming."
"Where ever the griffins are, we go to them. Or if you are willing to take more time, whatever it is they value, we go to that and threaten it. Either way, let them not know what is coming."
>>133815
"Find the griffins," Iron repeats, confirming the first option to be more fool-proof before glancing around the area "...where were those places, again?"
"Find the griffins," Iron repeats, confirming the first option to be more fool-proof before glancing around the area "...where were those places, again?"
>>133816
"Well, evidently they have a location operating hear around the piers. They are trying to operate a fishing company, or something. But they'll want to have businesses as fronts, and as places to congregate... There's probably a restaurant or a bar or something somewhere around here they like to congregate too."
"Well, evidently they have a location operating hear around the piers. They are trying to operate a fishing company, or something. But they'll want to have businesses as fronts, and as places to congregate... There's probably a restaurant or a bar or something somewhere around here they like to congregate too."
>>133818
"Sounds to me we'll stick around these piers for a while," Iron responds with a nod "unless we get hungry for... feathers?"
He wore a small, sheepish smile as he glances, finding it mildly difficult to keep the hidden meaning flowing along smoothly.
"Sounds to me we'll stick around these piers for a while," Iron responds with a nod "unless we get hungry for... feathers?"
He wore a small, sheepish smile as he glances, finding it mildly difficult to keep the hidden meaning flowing along smoothly.
>>133819
"Heh" She briefly smiles, but returns to a serious expression.
"One more thing. We're not in Baltimare anymore. Police will probably still respond to gunshots, and always be careful of witnesses, but if they find us, they aren't going to assume we're involved in gang violence, or that we are potential thieves. They are going to see a poor, innocent mare, and her stallion - admittedly a slightly scarier looking stallion, but a pony stallion nevertheless. And when they look at our adversaries, they will see big, mean griffins with foreign accents, questionable paperwork - Interlopers in land that in their eyes, belongs to ponies. And they will make their own conclusions as to what happened, who was the aggressor, and who the victim."
"Heh" She briefly smiles, but returns to a serious expression.
"One more thing. We're not in Baltimare anymore. Police will probably still respond to gunshots, and always be careful of witnesses, but if they find us, they aren't going to assume we're involved in gang violence, or that we are potential thieves. They are going to see a poor, innocent mare, and her stallion - admittedly a slightly scarier looking stallion, but a pony stallion nevertheless. And when they look at our adversaries, they will see big, mean griffins with foreign accents, questionable paperwork - Interlopers in land that in their eyes, belongs to ponies. And they will make their own conclusions as to what happened, who was the aggressor, and who the victim."
>>133821
"I understand," Iron answers with a nod "so keep the gang talk to only key moments and do it subtly so only the gangsters hear the threats."
"I understand," Iron answers with a nod "so keep the gang talk to only key moments and do it subtly so only the gangsters hear the threats."
>>133822
"Well, don't be afraid of the police if you can't outrun them. No need to dive into salt water this time, for instance..." she narrows her eyes a little at these words
"But as for the gangsters, it's a delicate balance to make them want to hurt you, without making them think they need to destroy you."
"Well, don't be afraid of the police if you can't outrun them. No need to dive into salt water this time, for instance..." she narrows her eyes a little at these words
"But as for the gangsters, it's a delicate balance to make them want to hurt you, without making them think they need to destroy you."
>>133823
Iron nods once more, licking his lips softly as he look to his naked form, hide hopefully covering whatever scars he may have gotten these past few days.
"...considering somepony else will activate their drive to hurt, I do not think it will be necessary for me to do much..."
As soon as that thought crosses his head, his eyes widened and, with a small excited hop and renewed vigor, he quickly turns to Sands. "I know! I will stutter on purpose so my threats are not as deep as they usually would."
Iron nods once more, licking his lips softly as he look to his naked form, hide hopefully covering whatever scars he may have gotten these past few days.
"...considering somepony else will activate their drive to hurt, I do not think it will be necessary for me to do much..."
As soon as that thought crosses his head, his eyes widened and, with a small excited hop and renewed vigor, he quickly turns to Sands. "I know! I will stutter on purpose so my threats are not as deep as they usually would."
>>133824
He'll need a long coat for that, as he is quite scarred. Hopefully hair will cover what time has not yet.
She nods
"Stuttering. That sounds like a clever trick. Make your enemies think that you are already afraid of them. They won't feel as threatened."
He'll need a long coat for that, as he is quite scarred. Hopefully hair will cover what time has not yet.
She nods
"Stuttering. That sounds like a clever trick. Make your enemies think that you are already afraid of them. They won't feel as threatened."
>>133825
"Great!" Iron exclaims, getting excited to execute their plan before inhaling deeply, composing himself in order not to be blinded by the raw anticipation of battle "Let us commence our plans, then: Find griffons, the mare goads them and the stallion comes out the moment they take action. Like fishing... birds in a... pond."
The native took a second to process his last statement before chuckling softly at his raw attempt at a simile.
"Great!" Iron exclaims, getting excited to execute their plan before inhaling deeply, composing himself in order not to be blinded by the raw anticipation of battle "Let us commence our plans, then: Find griffons, the mare goads them and the stallion comes out the moment they take action. Like fishing... birds in a... pond."
The native took a second to process his last statement before chuckling softly at his raw attempt at a simile.
>>133829
Iron nods a couple of times excitedly, clearly agreeing about it more due to it meaning more battling, before starting his quest to find more griffons on this pier first and foremost, hoping to test out their new plan's effectiveness to further their own ends.
Iron nods a couple of times excitedly, clearly agreeing about it more due to it meaning more battling, before starting his quest to find more griffons on this pier first and foremost, hoping to test out their new plan's effectiveness to further their own ends.
>>133832
Ears flicking towards the building, Iron starts to slowly turn his head as well. "I feel griffons over there," he tells Sands in a hushed manner "Scout ahead to see if you can find any. I will follow you as inconspicuously as I can."
Ears flicking towards the building, Iron starts to slowly turn his head as well. "I feel griffons over there," he tells Sands in a hushed manner "Scout ahead to see if you can find any. I will follow you as inconspicuously as I can."
>>133787
"Stroganoff! It is indeed from my homeland of Severyana. It is nothing considered fancy, or eaten by tsars, but it is tasty, and quite cheap."
"Stroganoff! It is indeed from my homeland of Severyana. It is nothing considered fancy, or eaten by tsars, but it is tasty, and quite cheap."
>>133833
The first building is two stories, brick with a flat roof, and a white sign saying “Salty’s Seashore” on it. There’s a couple windows on the first floor with the blinds down, and a simple door.
>>133850
https://youtu.be/ELsc0btFgRI
She is silent for a moment
“Huh. That’s pretty neat. Nice of you to share.”
The first building is two stories, brick with a flat roof, and a white sign saying “Salty’s Seashore” on it. There’s a couple windows on the first floor with the blinds down, and a simple door.
>>133850
https://youtu.be/ELsc0btFgRI
She is silent for a moment
“Huh. That’s pretty neat. Nice of you to share.”
>>133851
Silver smiles at Jubilosa, then looks to Khoi when she gets close to finishing.
"What about you? What did you think?"
Silver smiles at Jubilosa, then looks to Khoi when she gets close to finishing.
"What about you? What did you think?"
>>133851
Iron's hooves clip clops in attempted inconspicuousness towards it, letting Sands go in front of him as she's more knowledgeable about the place and charismatic than he is.
He would keep an eye out for any griffon activity he could spot on his approach while he quickly cranes his neck towards the mare taking point.
"When you think you have spotted a good opportunity to start the scenario, whisper "Honeybee," he asks.
Iron's hooves clip clops in attempted inconspicuousness towards it, letting Sands go in front of him as she's more knowledgeable about the place and charismatic than he is.
He would keep an eye out for any griffon activity he could spot on his approach while he quickly cranes his neck towards the mare taking point.
"When you think you have spotted a good opportunity to start the scenario, whisper "Honeybee," he asks.
>>133854
Iron couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, feeling strange around this area built yet unguarded. He opted to keep his snout shut for the time being, content with simply looking around for anything worth paying attention to: Danger or curiosity apply.
[1d20+2 = 12]<Spot Check
Iron couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, feeling strange around this area built yet unguarded. He opted to keep his snout shut for the time being, content with simply looking around for anything worth paying attention to: Danger or curiosity apply.
[1d20+2 = 12]<Spot Check
>>133853
>>133854
>>133855
She goes inside for a minute. Then another minute. Then another. Then the door opens:
Female voice that isn't Sands:
"Ms..."
Sands:
"Heron"
Female:
"Ms. Heron, we are closed and we have nothing to do with any 'illegal dumping.'"
Sands, sounding very angry
"Do not give me that talk pretty feathers, you dumped something that poisoned my dog and I know it. Pay the medical bills or I will have the city council investigate. I use the same tailor as the mayor; I have connections."
As she opens the door and steps back out, she turns her head to give a slightly worried grin to Iron. She does not say the code
>>133856
"It's... it's nice, but where are the chopsticks, and why are there animal products?"
Jubilosa
"Also... I don't want to sound rude but... Where's the wine?"
>>133854
>>133855
She goes inside for a minute. Then another minute. Then another. Then the door opens:
Female voice that isn't Sands:
"Ms..."
Sands:
"Heron"
Female:
"Ms. Heron, we are closed and we have nothing to do with any 'illegal dumping.'"
Sands, sounding very angry
"Do not give me that talk pretty feathers, you dumped something that poisoned my dog and I know it. Pay the medical bills or I will have the city council investigate. I use the same tailor as the mayor; I have connections."
As she opens the door and steps back out, she turns her head to give a slightly worried grin to Iron. She does not say the code
>>133856
"It's... it's nice, but where are the chopsticks, and why are there animal products?"
Jubilosa
"Also... I don't want to sound rude but... Where's the wine?"
>>133857
Figuring there wasn't anything worth in there from how she didn't say the code to spring him into action, the stallion simply remains quiet, opting instead to remain vigilant yet passive for any attempts on her life until the mare currently kicking Sands out lets her walk off the premises.
Figuring there wasn't anything worth in there from how she didn't say the code to spring him into action, the stallion simply remains quiet, opting instead to remain vigilant yet passive for any attempts on her life until the mare currently kicking Sands out lets her walk off the premises.
>>133858
She turns her head in
"No, I'm telling you. I'm telling you we have the dog outside. No. You listen here. No. Your negligence poisoned my dog. I am not leaving. You poisoned my poor, poor Honeybee."
She turns her head in
"No, I'm telling you. I'm telling you we have the dog outside. No. You listen here. No. Your negligence poisoned my dog. I am not leaving. You poisoned my poor, poor Honeybee."
>>133851
>[YouTube] Russia Theme - Industrial (Civilization 6 OST) | Kalinka
Underrated, I can see why you like Civ 6. This is cursed but I can't listen to Kalinka without thinking of the misheard lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0fdlUyrBNk
>[YouTube] Russia Theme - Industrial (Civilization 6 OST) | Kalinka
Underrated, I can see why you like Civ 6. This is cursed but I can't listen to Kalinka without thinking of the misheard lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0fdlUyrBNk
>>133859
(Huh, guess she really thinks this is a good target,) Iron thought to himself before approaching the scene, ready to put on his macho act to back up his mare in need.
With a careful nudge inside the door alongside Sands, Iron puts up a disdained yet weak scowl.
"Y-you two better take responsibility for o-our dog," Iron stutters out, making sure to up his usually pitch to sound even more pathetic yet with anger clear in his voice "s-she meant everything t-to us. Y-you cannot g-get away from this."
(Huh, guess she really thinks this is a good target,) Iron thought to himself before approaching the scene, ready to put on his macho act to back up his mare in need.
With a careful nudge inside the door alongside Sands, Iron puts up a disdained yet weak scowl.
"Y-you two better take responsibility for o-our dog," Iron stutters out, making sure to up his usually pitch to sound even more pathetic yet with anger clear in his voice "s-she meant everything t-to us. Y-you cannot g-get away from this."
>>133860
I absolutely love Civ 6 and especially its sound track. Every song has so much character to it
Sometimes I like to match areas of the occupied world to civ themes. I would give Baltimare the England theme, because that music has a feeling of reserved granduer, but also a feeling of age, of sorrow, and the feeling that the best days are behind you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG_AZky2Xkc
I would give the Northern areas, like Bales-Whinnysota, the America theme, because of the youthful optimism and belief and in progress, because the Northern areas seem historically younger and they are more obviously American in inspiration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRv501x6WP0
I would give the German theme to the Griffonian Empire, because that song sounds like an outright funeral dirge, like the death of that culture is a fiat accompli. It also for some reason sounds like you're moving over snow covered streets in a very old city, buying candy at Christmas time. It has a majesty to it, in addition to resignation to fate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTHmPOzWxzg
>>133861
Now, Iron can see what is in the room. There is a female griffin there. She's further back. But in the fore, trying to push Sands out, are two very large griffin males. Both have darker brown feathers. Both do not look like they are interested in messing around, and both say nothing. They are not brandishing weapons and don't seem to be threatening any violence at all, but the message is clearly "get out and never come back."
Their eyes meet Iron's
I absolutely love Civ 6 and especially its sound track. Every song has so much character to it
Sometimes I like to match areas of the occupied world to civ themes. I would give Baltimare the England theme, because that music has a feeling of reserved granduer, but also a feeling of age, of sorrow, and the feeling that the best days are behind you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG_AZky2Xkc
I would give the Northern areas, like Bales-Whinnysota, the America theme, because of the youthful optimism and belief and in progress, because the Northern areas seem historically younger and they are more obviously American in inspiration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRv501x6WP0
I would give the German theme to the Griffonian Empire, because that song sounds like an outright funeral dirge, like the death of that culture is a fiat accompli. It also for some reason sounds like you're moving over snow covered streets in a very old city, buying candy at Christmas time. It has a majesty to it, in addition to resignation to fate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTHmPOzWxzg
>>133861
Now, Iron can see what is in the room. There is a female griffin there. She's further back. But in the fore, trying to push Sands out, are two very large griffin males. Both have darker brown feathers. Both do not look like they are interested in messing around, and both say nothing. They are not brandishing weapons and don't seem to be threatening any violence at all, but the message is clearly "get out and never come back."
Their eyes meet Iron's
>>133863
(It will work as an excuse,) Iron thinks to himself before his brow furrows in further anger. "H-hey! What are you doing with her?!" the stallion cries out in shock, partly because the shoving may actually hit her in her burn marks and the opportunity to strike rises "You are not allowed to do that! She is recovering! H-how dare you treat a hurt, grieving mare in such a manner?!"
For now, Iron is content with simply adding extra weight to push out by stepping inside as well in order for the male griffins to escalate further.
(It will work as an excuse,) Iron thinks to himself before his brow furrows in further anger. "H-hey! What are you doing with her?!" the stallion cries out in shock, partly because the shoving may actually hit her in her burn marks and the opportunity to strike rises "You are not allowed to do that! She is recovering! H-how dare you treat a hurt, grieving mare in such a manner?!"
For now, Iron is content with simply adding extra weight to push out by stepping inside as well in order for the male griffins to escalate further.
>>133864
[1d20 = 1]
One of them raises an eyebrow at the new pony, who is twice the size of the mare being pushed out.
The other one speaks. Though even these few words betray that Ponish is not his first language, his deep voice is clear:
"Get Out"
[1d20 = 1]
One of them raises an eyebrow at the new pony, who is twice the size of the mare being pushed out.
The other one speaks. Though even these few words betray that Ponish is not his first language, his deep voice is clear:
"Get Out"
>>133857
He starts off answering Jubilosa:
"...Дерьмо. I forgot to buy wine. I will have to go get some more."
He then turn to Khoi:
"I apologize for such difference in cultures, Khoi. I believe chopsticks are unique to Nugua Nam, or to kirin cultures in general. We use forks, knifes, and spoons. And for sour cream, it is tasty and does not hurt cows. Is there issue in your culture around consuming animal products?"
He starts off answering Jubilosa:
"...Дерьмо. I forgot to buy wine. I will have to go get some more."
He then turn to Khoi:
"I apologize for such difference in cultures, Khoi. I believe chopsticks are unique to Nugua Nam, or to kirin cultures in general. We use forks, knifes, and spoons. And for sour cream, it is tasty and does not hurt cows. Is there issue in your culture around consuming animal products?"
>>133865
>>133866
Iron scowls grows further at the insistent griffon, yet his forelegs softly tremble to give the appearance he really doesn't want to fight.
That was, until the male griffin currently trying to shoo off Snads dares to dramatically ram into her, quickly stepping over and shoving the griffon off his mare to avoid her getting actually hurt. "H-hey! Leave her alone, y-you beaked chicken!"
>>133866
Iron scowls grows further at the insistent griffon, yet his forelegs softly tremble to give the appearance he really doesn't want to fight.
That was, until the male griffin currently trying to shoo off Snads dares to dramatically ram into her, quickly stepping over and shoving the griffon off his mare to avoid her getting actually hurt. "H-hey! Leave her alone, y-you beaked chicken!"
>>133867
"In the Great Vehicle, we do not like to consume products from animals and things that feel. Only plants. And I'm not sure if any Kirin culture eats meat, anywhere."
>>133868
This prompts them to look at him angrily, and shove back with significant force
[1d20+3 = 10]
Roll balance
And Roll Initiative
"In the Great Vehicle, we do not like to consume products from animals and things that feel. Only plants. And I'm not sure if any Kirin culture eats meat, anywhere."
>>133868
This prompts them to look at him angrily, and shove back with significant force
[1d20+3 = 10]
Roll balance
And Roll Initiative
>>133869
He bows slightly towards her.
"I apologize. We do not have beliefs about consumtion of animal products in Celestialism. I will keep your beliefs in mind in future."
He bows slightly towards her.
"I apologize. We do not have beliefs about consumtion of animal products in Celestialism. I will keep your beliefs in mind in future."
>>133870
Iron is shoved so hard, he falls backwards, onto his legs
Big Griff A [1d20+2 = 14]
Big Griff B [1d20+2 = 6]
White Sands tries to scurry backwards, through the doorway
Iron is shoved so hard, he falls backwards, onto his legs
Big Griff A [1d20+2 = 14]
Big Griff B [1d20+2 = 6]
White Sands tries to scurry backwards, through the doorway
>>133873
With a yelp and a tumble, Iron quickly scrambles to get back up after that claw tried to swipe his coat out from down below signalled him it was time to bonk some heads.
With a yelp and a tumble, Iron quickly scrambles to get back up after that claw tried to swipe his coat out from down below signalled him it was time to bonk some heads.
>>133874
The claw swipes at him, but does not reach him in his state on the ground. As he gets up, the two griffins each swing at him
[1d20+6 = 22]
[1d20+6 = 17]
The claw swipes at him, but does not reach him in his state on the ground. As he gets up, the two griffins each swing at him
[1d20+6 = 22]
[1d20+6 = 17]
>>133874
>>133875
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRTIFbJZ_R8
Iron gets the whammy...
He pis punched, both times around the chest and shoulders.
[1d3+3 = 6]
[1d3+3 = 6]
>>133876
Looking down:
"I don't know... But I think I am alone in this."
Jubilosa is distressed by this, but can say nothing
>>133875
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRTIFbJZ_R8
Iron gets the whammy...
He pis punched, both times around the chest and shoulders.
[1d3+3 = 6]
[1d3+3 = 6]
>>133876
Looking down:
"I don't know... But I think I am alone in this."
Jubilosa is distressed by this, but can say nothing
>>133877
With a force, loud huff as he stood up, the pony grits his teeth before finally landing his first punch at the slower of the two griffons, hoping to take him down before he did any more punching to him, meaning he'd put all his might onto this attack.
[1d20+5 = 18]<Power Attack Non-lethal Melee Strike (+5 damage for -5 to hit bonus)
With a force, loud huff as he stood up, the pony grits his teeth before finally landing his first punch at the slower of the two griffons, hoping to take him down before he did any more punching to him, meaning he'd put all his might onto this attack.
[1d20+5 = 18]<Power Attack Non-lethal Melee Strike (+5 damage for -5 to hit bonus)
>>133877
"It is your choice...but you do not have to. We are all here for you."
He looks to Jubilosa and Mala.
"It is your choice...but you do not have to. We are all here for you."
He looks to Jubilosa and Mala.
>>133887
"Not if I don't know it myself..."
>>133888
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atxYe-nOa9w
Iron punches the griffin right in the beak, knocking him backwards, up into the air, and over a counter some 15 feet or so behind him, causing him to fall over with a crash
"Not if I don't know it myself..."
>>133888
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atxYe-nOa9w
Iron punches the griffin right in the beak, knocking him backwards, up into the air, and over a counter some 15 feet or so behind him, causing him to fall over with a crash
>>133889
"Uh...hmm..."
He falters a little bit before deciding to take a step back in the discussion.
"What is causing this crisis of faith you are having?"
"Uh...hmm..."
He falters a little bit before deciding to take a step back in the discussion.
"What is causing this crisis of faith you are having?"
>>133889
With a quick huff as he turns to the other griffon, he powers up his punch to the same level as his first strike, hoping to have that same power that last buck of his had.
[1d20+5 = 15]<Power Attack Nonlethal Unarmed Strike (+5 for -5)
With a quick huff as he turns to the other griffon, he powers up his punch to the same level as his first strike, hoping to have that same power that last buck of his had.
[1d20+5 = 15]<Power Attack Nonlethal Unarmed Strike (+5 for -5)
>>133891
She takes a moment
"Violence. You are not supposed to take life, or to harm another creature, except in self defense. Above all else, you are never to hate. And the experience in that building... was different."
>>133893
>>133892
He moves - barely - out of the way of Iron's attack, before landing his own
[1d3+3 = 4]
She takes a moment
"Violence. You are not supposed to take life, or to harm another creature, except in self defense. Above all else, you are never to hate. And the experience in that building... was different."
>>133893
>>133892
He moves - barely - out of the way of Iron's attack, before landing his own
[1d3+3 = 4]
>>133894
Thanking the gods the battle was ending shortly, he actually starts his trip attempt to minimize further damage.
[1d20+10 = 29]<Melee Touch Attack
Thanking the gods the battle was ending shortly, he actually starts his trip attempt to minimize further damage.
[1d20+10 = 29]<Melee Touch Attack
>>133898
The griffin is knocked down onto the ground. White Sands lopes past Iron, around the downed griffin
The griffin is knocked down onto the ground. White Sands lopes past Iron, around the downed griffin
>>133899
Iron now goes for a quick strike on the downed griffon thanks to his maneuver, mainly bonking him on the back as payback for the beatdown he received as he stood up.
[1d20+10 = 12]<Extra Melee Strike.
Iron now goes for a quick strike on the downed griffon thanks to his maneuver, mainly bonking him on the back as payback for the beatdown he received as he stood up.
[1d20+10 = 12]<Extra Melee Strike.
>>133886
[White Buddhist just gets off the phone with guy who pretends to convert, just to end with a 9/11 joke]
White Budhhist:
"Okay, next caller"
Caller:
"Yeah, I need help. I just had a tragedy"
White Buddhist:
"What is it?"
Caller:
"Yeah. I lost my uncle in 9/11"
White Buddhist:
"9/11"
Caller:
"Yeah. 9/11. At least he died doing what he loved. He was flying a plane."
White Buddhist:
"My... My condolences"
>>133903
He is hit, but tries to get up. Iron has an attack of opportunity
[White Buddhist just gets off the phone with guy who pretends to convert, just to end with a 9/11 joke]
White Budhhist:
"Okay, next caller"
Caller:
"Yeah, I need help. I just had a tragedy"
White Buddhist:
"What is it?"
Caller:
"Yeah. I lost my uncle in 9/11"
White Buddhist:
"9/11"
Caller:
"Yeah. 9/11. At least he died doing what he loved. He was flying a plane."
White Buddhist:
"My... My condolences"
>>133903
He is hit, but tries to get up. Iron has an attack of opportunity
>>133902
"Ah. That I know."
He lets out a sad sigh.
"I do not know how your culture and religion work. I wish I did, so that I might be more able to help you. So, knowing that...do you feel you did right thing?"
"Ah. That I know."
He lets out a sad sigh.
"I do not know how your culture and religion work. I wish I did, so that I might be more able to help you. So, knowing that...do you feel you did right thing?"
>>133911
He is hit in the head, and falls down, knocked out.
The female griffin is very much intimidated, and is moving towards a door in the back, towards the left side of the room. White Sands is moving towards her
He is hit in the head, and falls down, knocked out.
The female griffin is very much intimidated, and is moving towards a door in the back, towards the left side of the room. White Sands is moving towards her
>>133913
Iron moves along with her, gazing upon the intimidated griffiness, attempting to freeze her in place through his sheer presence.
[1d20+9 = 10]<Intimidate Roll
Iron moves along with her, gazing upon the intimidated griffiness, attempting to freeze her in place through his sheer presence.
[1d20+9 = 10]<Intimidate Roll
>>133914
*poof*
Iron activates fluff mode, poofing up. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to intimidate her much
*poof*
Iron activates fluff mode, poofing up. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to intimidate her much
>>133915
Iron's can't help but look deadpan in shame at his uncharacteristic fluff he's not used to have due to his tropical origins.
(Guess my coat grew real quick with this coat...)
Nonetheless, the stallion moves towards her anyways, hoping she wouldn't simply run away, considering he has no intention of bashing the female griffin out of principle.
Iron's can't help but look deadpan in shame at his uncharacteristic fluff he's not used to have due to his tropical origins.
(Guess my coat grew real quick with this coat...)
Nonetheless, the stallion moves towards her anyways, hoping she wouldn't simply run away, considering he has no intention of bashing the female griffin out of principle.
>>133908
Silver nods.
"Life is more than black and white. In between are many shades of gray, and what we call each shade may be different depending on who you are. It is good you are worried. Taking another life is dreadful thing. But sometimes it is right thing. You helped to save countless lives, and bring peace to countless more. For that, your conscious should be clear."
Silver nods.
"Life is more than black and white. In between are many shades of gray, and what we call each shade may be different depending on who you are. It is good you are worried. Taking another life is dreadful thing. But sometimes it is right thing. You helped to save countless lives, and bring peace to countless more. For that, your conscious should be clear."
>>133921
Iron is able to move over the female griffin, who has found her way to the base of a set of stairs past the door. White Sands moves out of the way, and says to the griffin,
"The Lady sends her regards."
Iron is able to move over the female griffin, who has found her way to the base of a set of stairs past the door. White Sands moves out of the way, and says to the griffin,
"The Lady sends her regards."
>>133923
"Why could I not fight in the war at home? Why did I move away?
Jubilosa looks troubled as well
"Why could I not fight in the war at home? Why did I move away?
Jubilosa looks troubled as well
>>133922
Iron, admittedly curious about Sands' statement, keep the probably scared griffiness down still until he gets the all clear to let her free or do whatever else.
He takes the opportunity to hold her in such a way a quick knockout was available whenever Sands deemed it so.
Iron, admittedly curious about Sands' statement, keep the probably scared griffiness down still until he gets the all clear to let her free or do whatever else.
He takes the opportunity to hold her in such a way a quick knockout was available whenever Sands deemed it so.
>>133927
With a nod, Iron starts to choke the griffiness out non-lethally, eager to end any immediate danger to both his and Sands' wellbeing.
With a nod, Iron starts to choke the griffiness out non-lethally, eager to end any immediate danger to both his and Sands' wellbeing.
>>133928
She tries to scream, immediately receiving a kick in the face from Sands, and then gags at the choking
"Keep it up" Sands says
She tries to scream, immediately receiving a kick in the face from Sands, and then gags at the choking
"Keep it up" Sands says
>>133927
"Well...alright. If it still troubles you, I would like to talk it through with you later. I do not relish seeing you in such distress."
"Well...alright. If it still troubles you, I would like to talk it through with you later. I do not relish seeing you in such distress."
>>133930
She nods, looking down
"Very well"
Jubilosa tries to talk, in this case about music and what appeared on television. Mala remains silent, but the expression on his face is one of relative happiness
She nods, looking down
"Very well"
Jubilosa tries to talk, in this case about music and what appeared on television. Mala remains silent, but the expression on his face is one of relative happiness
>>134049
Silver joins the conservation, himself impressed by the bit of technology now in their living room.
Silver joins the conservation, himself impressed by the bit of technology now in their living room.
>>134052
The conversation continues, with Jubilosa asking questions about the music. She gets up, and goes to wine latice above the kitchen bar to pull out one of the bottles remaining from Maakie’s collection. Khoi says nothing, but also gets up, taking her plate. Mala is likewise silent and is the third to stand up, taking his plate. He attempts to carry his plate to the sink, but Khoi takes the plate from his mouth, and takes Jubilosa’s plate too. Jubilosa pokes a glass of wine for herself, and then for Silver, and the group slowly migrated to the living room. First Jubilosa, then Mala, and only eventually Khoi, who seems to have done the dishes.
The conversation continues, with Jubilosa asking questions about the music. She gets up, and goes to wine latice above the kitchen bar to pull out one of the bottles remaining from Maakie’s collection. Khoi says nothing, but also gets up, taking her plate. Mala is likewise silent and is the third to stand up, taking his plate. He attempts to carry his plate to the sink, but Khoi takes the plate from his mouth, and takes Jubilosa’s plate too. Jubilosa pokes a glass of wine for herself, and then for Silver, and the group slowly migrated to the living room. First Jubilosa, then Mala, and only eventually Khoi, who seems to have done the dishes.
>>133929
Pressing harder yet not enough to directly kill yet, Iron hopes to incapacitate the female griff without risking killing one of their scare pieces prematurely.
Pressing harder yet not enough to directly kill yet, Iron hopes to incapacitate the female griff without risking killing one of their scare pieces prematurely.
>>134068
She gags, and with another "Guck" she seems to lose consciousness. All three griffins are down
She gags, and with another "Guck" she seems to lose consciousness. All three griffins are down
>>134058
Silver partakes in the wine, though it's definitely not his favorite. He enjoys being in such good company, in a comfy place like the living room.
Silver partakes in the wine, though it's definitely not his favorite. He enjoys being in such good company, in a comfy place like the living room.
>>134075
And so, the creatures come back into the living room. Jubilosa looks fairly pleased, and tries to relax on the couch. Khoi is anxious and looks over to Silver. Mala sits down on the floor, passive once again.
And so, the creatures come back into the living room. Jubilosa looks fairly pleased, and tries to relax on the couch. Khoi is anxious and looks over to Silver. Mala sits down on the floor, passive once again.
>>134073
After giving a few, sudden yet careful tugs around her neck to make sure she wasn't pretending, Iron lets the griffiness go, letting out a solid exhale.
"That went well," Iron comments plainly to nopony in particular.
After giving a few, sudden yet careful tugs around her neck to make sure she wasn't pretending, Iron lets the griffiness go, letting out a solid exhale.
"That went well," Iron comments plainly to nopony in particular.
>>134079
"Indeed," Iron replies with a nod "but they will surely think twice on trying to mess with me and the colts..."
There was a pause before he lightly pouts. "The ponies like me they should be scared of, I mean."
"Indeed," Iron replies with a nod "but they will surely think twice on trying to mess with me and the colts..."
There was a pause before he lightly pouts. "The ponies like me they should be scared of, I mean."
>>134080
"Hopefully... But I'm sure there's more of them here"
She looks to him quickly with an expression of concern, and then forward
"Hopefully they are smaller"
"Hopefully... But I'm sure there's more of them here"
She looks to him quickly with an expression of concern, and then forward
"Hopefully they are smaller"
>>134082
"I second that notion," Iron agrees with a nod as he decides to stand up. "We might need to start setting a bar of beaten griffons to pass in order to truly give them a scare."
His apparent bruising around the chest and shoulders should raise the smallest concern as he lightly cranes his neck. "We might even need to stay a day or two."
"I second that notion," Iron agrees with a nod as he decides to stand up. "We might need to start setting a bar of beaten griffons to pass in order to truly give them a scare."
His apparent bruising around the chest and shoulders should raise the smallest concern as he lightly cranes his neck. "We might even need to stay a day or two."
>>134086
"I understand," Iron answers with a second nod "I would rather not do it either. It will lead to a bigger mess than anypony could foresee."
"I understand," Iron answers with a second nod "I would rather not do it either. It will lead to a bigger mess than anypony could foresee."
>>134088
"This might have been an extreme case," Iron proposes "but we definitely need a place to rest up for a bit before continuing the plan in order to stay in shape."
"This might have been an extreme case," Iron proposes "but we definitely need a place to rest up for a bit before continuing the plan in order to stay in shape."
>>134089
"Well... They'll learn that we're here soon. And they'll come for us."
She grimaces
"Unfortunate, as they will likely have weapons."
"Well... They'll learn that we're here soon. And they'll come for us."
She grimaces
"Unfortunate, as they will likely have weapons."
>>134090
Iron thinks for a moment, tapping his chin in thought before the torch in his head lights up. "That is it. We prepare a spot to lure them to us and defeat them using our enviornment."
Iron thinks for a moment, tapping his chin in thought before the torch in his head lights up. "That is it. We prepare a spot to lure them to us and defeat them using our enviornment."
>>134092
Iron thinks for a second, unsure exactly what to do.
"...I guess we can storm another spot or two before we fall back to letting them come to us," he concludes.
Iron thinks for a second, unsure exactly what to do.
"...I guess we can storm another spot or two before we fall back to letting them come to us," he concludes.
>>134094
"Agreed," Iron replies
With that being said, the stallion starts looking for any clues inside the building for any spot to visit.
"Agreed," Iron replies
With that being said, the stallion starts looking for any clues inside the building for any spot to visit.
>>134096
Iron tries the door on the left, assuming the griffiness was looking to escape rather than to grab something from the room.
Iron tries the door on the left, assuming the griffiness was looking to escape rather than to grab something from the room.
>>134076
Silver looks over at Khoi, his jovial expression dropping. He moves over to her.
"Are you okay, Khoi?"
Silver looks over at Khoi, his jovial expression dropping. He moves over to her.
"Are you okay, Khoi?"
>>134103
Iron trots towards the desk, figuring these magic spots have all of the important papers like back in Hoebuck.
Iron trots towards the desk, figuring these magic spots have all of the important papers like back in Hoebuck.
>>134104
This desk, at least, is entirely clear. It looks to be left over from the previous owner of the building
This desk, at least, is entirely clear. It looks to be left over from the previous owner of the building
>>134105
Huffing in mild disappointment, Iron takes no time to pivot towards the steel door being the short hallway. He knew time was of the essence.
Huffing in mild disappointment, Iron takes no time to pivot towards the steel door being the short hallway. He knew time was of the essence.
>>134107
"Yes, but there must be reasons behind them rebelling. Or, perhaps my memory truly is going out if you already told me."
"Yes, but there must be reasons behind them rebelling. Or, perhaps my memory truly is going out if you already told me."
>>134108
This immediately leads him into a large room. A very large room, with a ceiling of at least three stories and at least 75 feet just in the main portion. There is a boat, looks to be a fishing trawler, in a rail or ramp in the center, and a number of objects like tool boxes to either side.
>>134109
"I suppose I should tell you the full story..."
This immediately leads him into a large room. A very large room, with a ceiling of at least three stories and at least 75 feet just in the main portion. There is a boat, looks to be a fishing trawler, in a rail or ramp in the center, and a number of objects like tool boxes to either side.
>>134109
"I suppose I should tell you the full story..."
>>134110
"This seems familiar," Iron admits, thinking back on the Hoebuck event but nods softly "so we definitely need to hit these fishing places for sure, but I do not know for certain which are from the targets..."
He decides to quickly inspect the fishing boat and toolboxes for any specific clues on where to go.
"This seems familiar," Iron admits, thinking back on the Hoebuck event but nods softly "so we definitely need to hit these fishing places for sure, but I do not know for certain which are from the targets..."
He decides to quickly inspect the fishing boat and toolboxes for any specific clues on where to go.
File (): 6391403B3DC7BDA9D10CC8F3F745187F-873591.png (853.1 KB, 1280x1024, 1582519614247-0.png)
>>134113
Crud.
Iron's felt as if a potted plant hit him on the head, reviewing the surroundings better. "...wait, why is there a ton of boxes with funny looking... tools around the ship? That does not seem right..."
Nonetheless, he figures getting inside the trawler would be a good idea.
Crud.
Iron's felt as if a potted plant hit him on the head, reviewing the surroundings better. "...wait, why is there a ton of boxes with funny looking... tools around the ship? That does not seem right..."
Nonetheless, he figures getting inside the trawler would be a good idea.
>>134116
Fantasy asks the receptionist.
"Is Seabreeze here? Or is he busy? It isn't necessary to meet him now, just tell him we got some pamphlets for him to see and I would like to get paid. But none of this is in a hurry."
Fantasy asks the receptionist.
"Is Seabreeze here? Or is he busy? It isn't necessary to meet him now, just tell him we got some pamphlets for him to see and I would like to get paid. But none of this is in a hurry."
>>134117
The off-white unicorn mare looks up to Fantasy.
"Uh, he's in his office. I think he's available to see you."
The off-white unicorn mare looks up to Fantasy.
"Uh, he's in his office. I think he's available to see you."
>>134119
I think logically the meeting with Dark Star is separated by an entire day, but either way, Dark Star's player is not here
I think logically the meeting with Dark Star is separated by an entire day, but either way, Dark Star's player is not here
The bag flap opens and by Fantasy's magic the three phamplets fly out and lands on Seabreeze's desk.
"Apparently the blue one is illegal," Fantasy says as she stares blankly off in the distance.
"Apparently the blue one is illegal," Fantasy says as she stares blankly off in the distance.
>>134125
He looks at one of the red ones. It takes a booklet form.
"'Principles of Anarchism.' We've seem booklets like this before. We think these ones are made from what we call 'Printer H.' Comparatively professional. We've never located it. That printer only prints pamphlets that are technically within the censorship laws, so we haven't really bothered with it."
He opens the red pamphlet
"On shutting down the unions..." He flips through it further, "This one is questionable, to say the least, and it certainly hasn't been approved." He turns to the back of it. "This is from the mystery printer alright."
Then, he opens the blue one. It looks to have the same construction as the red pamphlet:
"Tales of the work of the Foreign Legion in Manehattan..."
He puts it down.
"Not only does this violate the laws, it means they have correspondence from outside of this district. Yes, this is definitely contraband."
The second one is a clearer pamplet. And the
He looks at one of the red ones. It takes a booklet form.
"'Principles of Anarchism.' We've seem booklets like this before. We think these ones are made from what we call 'Printer H.' Comparatively professional. We've never located it. That printer only prints pamphlets that are technically within the censorship laws, so we haven't really bothered with it."
He opens the red pamphlet
"On shutting down the unions..." He flips through it further, "This one is questionable, to say the least, and it certainly hasn't been approved." He turns to the back of it. "This is from the mystery printer alright."
Then, he opens the blue one. It looks to have the same construction as the red pamphlet:
"Tales of the work of the Foreign Legion in Manehattan..."
He puts it down.
"Not only does this violate the laws, it means they have correspondence from outside of this district. Yes, this is definitely contraband."
The second one is a clearer pamplet. And the
>>134126
Fantasy tears her gaze from the window and looks at Seabreeze.
"So I'm I privy to what these pamhplets say? I brought them without looking even if I had opportunity to do so at the barbershop. It will be hard for me to continue to gain information from the owner that gave me these if I haven't read them." Fantasy turns her head towards the window. "But then again, that's if I decide to continue."
Fantasy tears her gaze from the window and looks at Seabreeze.
"So I'm I privy to what these pamhplets say? I brought them without looking even if I had opportunity to do so at the barbershop. It will be hard for me to continue to gain information from the owner that gave me these if I haven't read them." Fantasy turns her head towards the window. "But then again, that's if I decide to continue."
>>134129
"If you don't continue, it would be better if you hadn't read them. 'Anarcho-Syndicalism' does not occur in nature. It reproduces like a virus, spreading from host to host and destroying them."
"If you don't continue, it would be better if you hadn't read them. 'Anarcho-Syndicalism' does not occur in nature. It reproduces like a virus, spreading from host to host and destroying them."
>>134130
Fantasy pushes one of her fore hooves across the length of her one of her folded back hooves as she archs her neck backwards while looking up the ceiling with a conflicted expression.
"Yeah, I heard that one before today. Your probably right though." She ruffles her own mane with her hoof. "I need to think about all of this. I think I'll just take my pay for this job and leave for the day."
Fantasy pushes one of her fore hooves across the length of her one of her folded back hooves as she archs her neck backwards while looking up the ceiling with a conflicted expression.
"Yeah, I heard that one before today. Your probably right though." She ruffles her own mane with her hoof. "I need to think about all of this. I think I'll just take my pay for this job and leave for the day."
>>134132
Fantasy return her head back into a neutral position with smirk on her face.
"Heh. Are you really gonna go cheap on me now? I don't want much, really I'm here for the cause, just wanted to make it offical like. And besides, now you know that they have correspondence from outside this district and I bet these Pamphlets are new, as well. But no, I haven't located the printer." Fantasy rotates her head counter- and just clockwise in small jerks, smlies, and shuts her eyes.
Fantasy return her head back into a neutral position with smirk on her face.
"Heh. Are you really gonna go cheap on me now? I don't want much, really I'm here for the cause, just wanted to make it offical like. And besides, now you know that they have correspondence from outside this district and I bet these Pamphlets are new, as well. But no, I haven't located the printer." Fantasy rotates her head counter- and just clockwise in small jerks, smlies, and shuts her eyes.
>>134133
“Don’t be silly. We’d never go cheap on good information. We always pay what it is worth to us. We don’t need the printer shut down. We just need it located, and the ponies... or, ‘creatures,’ working it unaware.”
“Don’t be silly. We’d never go cheap on good information. We always pay what it is worth to us. We don’t need the printer shut down. We just need it located, and the ponies... or, ‘creatures,’ working it unaware.”
>>134139
"Its fine, I guess your just awekward because of my new amazing looks," Fantasy says and drags a hoof drew her mane.
"Its fine, I guess your just awekward because of my new amazing looks," Fantasy says and drags a hoof drew her mane.
drew
Through*
Through*
>>134140
He smiles
“Indeed. Interesting style you have going there, with the several layers. Is that... Songbird Serenade’s ‘07 style?”
He smiles
“Indeed. Interesting style you have going there, with the several layers. Is that... Songbird Serenade’s ‘07 style?”
>>134143
He smiles, this time revealing more teeth
“We played her songs on the radio at the waterfront back then. She never toured out to the Dominion, but still we’d listen to them when we went swimming at dusk.”
He smiles, this time revealing more teeth
“We played her songs on the radio at the waterfront back then. She never toured out to the Dominion, but still we’d listen to them when we went swimming at dusk.”
>>134144
Fantasy continues to nod.
"Yes, she is great! I used to listen to her as a fillly. I know her songs by heart."
Fantasy continues to nod.
"Yes, she is great! I used to listen to her as a fillly. I know her songs by heart."
Should I join? I'm l8 but it looks like an active session still.
>>134146
Its you that I'm going towards next so. It would actaully be fitting but it depends on how lonng the gm is still awake.
Its you that I'm going towards next so. It would actaully be fitting but it depends on how lonng the gm is still awake.
>>134145
“Oh I haven’t followed her that long. But I did in secondary school. My gal was a big fan. And more than anything, her songs would play loud over the speakers at the restaurant at the sea shore. I didn’t see her appearance much, but I still saw an album cover or a poster here and there. She wasn’t as popular in the Dominion... more of a special taste.”
>>134146
I’m supposed to be writing out a backstory segment fir Khoi’s country
“Oh I haven’t followed her that long. But I did in secondary school. My gal was a big fan. And more than anything, her songs would play loud over the speakers at the restaurant at the sea shore. I didn’t see her appearance much, but I still saw an album cover or a poster here and there. She wasn’t as popular in the Dominion... more of a special taste.”
>>134146
I’m supposed to be writing out a backstory segment fir Khoi’s country
Will be busy today. Can't make it.
patient waiting pony noises
File (): 74A884090CA1A8D8680D2C004EEC765A-328629.jpg (320.9 KB, 786x1080, 2284068.jpg)
>>134112
She nods slowly. "Very well..."
"We, the Kylan of the Kingdom of Ngua Nam, are an old people, living in the mountains, valleys, rainforests, marshes and shorelines for a thousand years, a vassal of the Empire. We warred sometimes with the Khmare and the Empire, to be sure, and faced typhoons and famine and raiders from far away, but by and large we lived peacefully, with ourselves, with our neighbors and with nature. For though we had little of the more modern industry and technology, we wanted for little. We learned how value order and tranquility of mind over abundance and passion. The belief back then was that the outside world could be, and should be kept out, and that we fare best when left alone. None believe that now, but that was how things were in the old days."
She pauses, slowly breathing out as if in an imperceptible sigh.
"Then the outside world made its way in. The first incursion came when the Storm King's armies attacked. There was not much fear in our lands as there was elsewhere. We felt ourselves secure in our forests and bays... they had not been breached by the yetis 500 years before, and they had only so many airships. They could not burn our houses, for we Kylan build of brick were we imitate the foreigners, of stone where we are wealthy, and of cod where we are poor, and these things do not burn. So they set up garrisons in our lands, and demanded to be paid tribute. For the Prince, this was no matter, as our diplomats have centuries of experience of ambassadors of the Empire. He simply paid them. When they demanded more, he obfuscated and dissembled, and pulled tricks that would not work for a moment on an Emperor, but that the Storm King, so far away and so overstretched, would have to accept. That is how Kho Củi and the cities of the coast responded. Inland, in the countryside, the situation was very different. With no cities to bombard, and forests and caves to hide, in, the peasants resisted. It started in the lands of the Khmare, then made its way to our eastern provinces. At first it was a disobedient lord or two, then the peasants themselves organized. Took up arms. And so they resisted for years, bleeding his army dry.
Then one day we received news that the Storm King was killed and his Grand Army lost in a far away land. The Prince declared war after three days, and the peasant militias did not wait that long. The invaders were expelled from our soil forever. But the peasant militias did not put down their arms. At first they demanded lower taxes, replacement of unpopular local rulers. All of these things could be agreed upon. But then they demanded more radical demands. Land reform, end of clergy privilidges... But that isn't where it ended. For what was not understood was that an invasive seed took root.
The Storm King's armies were far from the only gift of the outside world to make itself felt on our lands. As when we fought the Storm King, we did not do it alone. Crates filled with modern weapons and ammunition were clandestinely shipped to our ports, given false papers by administrators, and shipped in boats up the river. It was guns at first... then they started to send little booklets, little red booklets"
She moves her hooves together as if to give an idea of the physical dimensions of said booklets
"And then they sent live ponies. 'Military advisors,' they said, to teach the peasantry how to fight modern war. That is not all they taught them... They told them of modern industry, of wholly different ways of living, of ideas they had never heard before.."
Now, she definitely sighs
"And finally, came a pair of ponies to the Kirin Grove up north. They told the Kylan there, err, 'Kirin,' not to seek tranquility, but to embrace the passions. This was a revolution in their lands. In ours, it was the start of one. As the Great Vehicle and our customs teach to subdue passion beneath reason and will, and to seek to not desire rather than to be sated... these ideas were sparks to light a fire, to burn away centuries of moral teachings..."
A short pause, and she starts again,
"And so, a movement began. It is lead by a Kylan whose assumed name translates best to Ponish as 'Bright Will,' or perhaps 'Light Bringer' is a better alternative. I've heard conflicting stories on where he came from, but I know he went to school abroad, and came back with the pony advisors during the resistance, and he was an accomplished partisan. He told of a great Equestrian pony by the name of 'Steel Stallion,' who he said had lessons for Ngua Nam, to turn it from what he calls a 'pre-industrial feudal state' into 'a Modern Nation-State.' His movement seeks to industrialize the nation rapidly and by force. They seek liberation of the passions over tranquility and triumph of the spirit. They seek a universal 'empowered' peasantry over monastic, merchant, and landowning classes. They believe religion and belief must be replaced with 'Science.' And they believe all tradition, customs, and other symbols of the past to bring out this future they seek.
And so the rebellion began, seeking not merely to replace the Khoe Dynasty, but every aspect of society. The temple on the mountain by Kho Củi has withstood many Earthquakes in its time, but I do not know if it, or the walls of the great city, will withstand this one. They stand strong against it, I do know that, and they stood still when I left."
She nods slowly. "Very well..."
"We, the Kylan of the Kingdom of Ngua Nam, are an old people, living in the mountains, valleys, rainforests, marshes and shorelines for a thousand years, a vassal of the Empire. We warred sometimes with the Khmare and the Empire, to be sure, and faced typhoons and famine and raiders from far away, but by and large we lived peacefully, with ourselves, with our neighbors and with nature. For though we had little of the more modern industry and technology, we wanted for little. We learned how value order and tranquility of mind over abundance and passion. The belief back then was that the outside world could be, and should be kept out, and that we fare best when left alone. None believe that now, but that was how things were in the old days."
She pauses, slowly breathing out as if in an imperceptible sigh.
"Then the outside world made its way in. The first incursion came when the Storm King's armies attacked. There was not much fear in our lands as there was elsewhere. We felt ourselves secure in our forests and bays... they had not been breached by the yetis 500 years before, and they had only so many airships. They could not burn our houses, for we Kylan build of brick were we imitate the foreigners, of stone where we are wealthy, and of cod where we are poor, and these things do not burn. So they set up garrisons in our lands, and demanded to be paid tribute. For the Prince, this was no matter, as our diplomats have centuries of experience of ambassadors of the Empire. He simply paid them. When they demanded more, he obfuscated and dissembled, and pulled tricks that would not work for a moment on an Emperor, but that the Storm King, so far away and so overstretched, would have to accept. That is how Kho Củi and the cities of the coast responded. Inland, in the countryside, the situation was very different. With no cities to bombard, and forests and caves to hide, in, the peasants resisted. It started in the lands of the Khmare, then made its way to our eastern provinces. At first it was a disobedient lord or two, then the peasants themselves organized. Took up arms. And so they resisted for years, bleeding his army dry.
Then one day we received news that the Storm King was killed and his Grand Army lost in a far away land. The Prince declared war after three days, and the peasant militias did not wait that long. The invaders were expelled from our soil forever. But the peasant militias did not put down their arms. At first they demanded lower taxes, replacement of unpopular local rulers. All of these things could be agreed upon. But then they demanded more radical demands. Land reform, end of clergy privilidges... But that isn't where it ended. For what was not understood was that an invasive seed took root.
The Storm King's armies were far from the only gift of the outside world to make itself felt on our lands. As when we fought the Storm King, we did not do it alone. Crates filled with modern weapons and ammunition were clandestinely shipped to our ports, given false papers by administrators, and shipped in boats up the river. It was guns at first... then they started to send little booklets, little red booklets"
She moves her hooves together as if to give an idea of the physical dimensions of said booklets
"And then they sent live ponies. 'Military advisors,' they said, to teach the peasantry how to fight modern war. That is not all they taught them... They told them of modern industry, of wholly different ways of living, of ideas they had never heard before.."
Now, she definitely sighs
"And finally, came a pair of ponies to the Kirin Grove up north. They told the Kylan there, err, 'Kirin,' not to seek tranquility, but to embrace the passions. This was a revolution in their lands. In ours, it was the start of one. As the Great Vehicle and our customs teach to subdue passion beneath reason and will, and to seek to not desire rather than to be sated... these ideas were sparks to light a fire, to burn away centuries of moral teachings..."
A short pause, and she starts again,
"And so, a movement began. It is lead by a Kylan whose assumed name translates best to Ponish as 'Bright Will,' or perhaps 'Light Bringer' is a better alternative. I've heard conflicting stories on where he came from, but I know he went to school abroad, and came back with the pony advisors during the resistance, and he was an accomplished partisan. He told of a great Equestrian pony by the name of 'Steel Stallion,' who he said had lessons for Ngua Nam, to turn it from what he calls a 'pre-industrial feudal state' into 'a Modern Nation-State.' His movement seeks to industrialize the nation rapidly and by force. They seek liberation of the passions over tranquility and triumph of the spirit. They seek a universal 'empowered' peasantry over monastic, merchant, and landowning classes. They believe religion and belief must be replaced with 'Science.' And they believe all tradition, customs, and other symbols of the past to bring out this future they seek.
And so the rebellion began, seeking not merely to replace the Khoe Dynasty, but every aspect of society. The temple on the mountain by Kho Củi has withstood many Earthquakes in its time, but I do not know if it, or the walls of the great city, will withstand this one. They stand strong against it, I do know that, and they stood still when I left."
>>134494
Silver looks sadly at Khoi as she tells her story, knowing full well the meaning of those 'little red booklets'. He bristles slightly at the utterance of Steel Stallion's name.
"Communism. Destroyer of nations, corruptor of peoples...I wish Ngua Nam better luck in their fight against it than my own people had..."
He lets out a sigh.
"What did you think of ruling Khoe Dynasty?"
Silver looks sadly at Khoi as she tells her story, knowing full well the meaning of those 'little red booklets'. He bristles slightly at the utterance of Steel Stallion's name.
"Communism. Destroyer of nations, corruptor of peoples...I wish Ngua Nam better luck in their fight against it than my own people had..."
He lets out a sigh.
"What did you think of ruling Khoe Dynasty?"
>>134498
Durr, I meant Fantasy. I'm playing Amber. What she does next is dependent on meeting Fantasy.
Durr, I meant Fantasy. I'm playing Amber. What she does next is dependent on meeting Fantasy.
By the way, Dark Star's player is in the area affected by the recent hurricane and so doesn't have power or non-phone based internet now
>>134499
Hmmm.... there's a decent chance Fantasy could come by.
>>134499
Hmmm.... there's a decent chance Fantasy could come by.
I'll try to play with you guys again soon but I most inform you tat this is something that i do whenever i feel like it and have time. don't have the time to take this too seriously. It will have to be when it be.
File (): 606FF9EAB5077AF1ACC9257F1A357825-518058.png (505.9 KB, 763x904, 6000199.png)
So I decided to keep playing to see if time would run out in the game. I rented out mercenaries to Wingbardy/Griffonian Empire when it tried taking over New Mareland but despite this we were steadily pushed back as the AI Equestria was much more competent than I was in the last game. After we failed to push out a naval invasion in the south it was basically all over, and the Griffonian Republic declared war for the scraps in the north.
After that nothing interesting went on for years, though the game does have random wars in the late-game to spice things up. Unfortunately the Dread League's done squat and after switching to it I saw it wasn't even building an army. The Aquilean Republic decced on the Griffonian Empire and puppeted everything in the north, becoming a superpower while Equestria had absorbed the southwest of Griffonia. As the only "fascist" country left I used my plentiful political power to influence half the world. I successfully turned the Polar Bears, the Pinguins, and Stalliongrad, but countries like Olenia and the Changelings never flipped because of their high stability. I started coups in Aquileia and its major northern vassals but despite having 70 divisions the fascists in Aquileia got crushed by the Republic's huge army, which proceeded to swarm north and drove back my volunteers. Fortunately I micro'd my troops so they didn't get surrounded before the capitulation.
After that I thought it would be "the end of history" but I pressed on.
I managed to get the fascists to become a majority in the River Federation but before they could be elected to power the whole Federation was taken over by the Kingdom of Prydwhen sp00kily. Haukland got itself puppeted by declaring war on Equestria but has the same leader as before, but this ended a stalemate over a decade long with the Dragons. All of a sudden though the Kingdom of Prydwhen absorbed Equestria as well, with Celestia being exiled to New Mareland. I justified for the Village Up North though I didn't expect to use the CB; however, when the Free Creatures Alliance (basically the Harmonic Alliance without Equestria itself) declared war I took advantage of this opportunity. I've been winning the defensive air war and have even been bombing Albion, and I managed to make a naval invasion on Trottingham with my knights. However, to defend my skies and project power my air force needs 21k of fuel, leaving me dry and unable to use my decent fleet to effectively patrol and harass convoys. I can buy more fuel but I barely have room for more civ factories/they take too long anyway, and I've been building anti-air to reduce the number of planes needed. Also I'm critically short on every other resource though I have a decent stockpile.
It's 1028 and the best time to invade Equestria while Prydwhen is locked in stalemate with Olenia and the Changelings but without fuel it might be suicidal. I think I'll reload to mid-1026 and focus on fuel production and move faster to avoid this deadlock.
This sort of scenario would be great for a multiplayer game where the players have to work together to take on the Prydwhen hyperpower. It's late-game so all focus trees are done as well as most research, but you can still try to get the best units using experience. I don't know how you would go about doing setup for the nations, though.
After that nothing interesting went on for years, though the game does have random wars in the late-game to spice things up. Unfortunately the Dread League's done squat and after switching to it I saw it wasn't even building an army. The Aquilean Republic decced on the Griffonian Empire and puppeted everything in the north, becoming a superpower while Equestria had absorbed the southwest of Griffonia. As the only "fascist" country left I used my plentiful political power to influence half the world. I successfully turned the Polar Bears, the Pinguins, and Stalliongrad, but countries like Olenia and the Changelings never flipped because of their high stability. I started coups in Aquileia and its major northern vassals but despite having 70 divisions the fascists in Aquileia got crushed by the Republic's huge army, which proceeded to swarm north and drove back my volunteers. Fortunately I micro'd my troops so they didn't get surrounded before the capitulation.
After that I thought it would be "the end of history" but I pressed on.
I managed to get the fascists to become a majority in the River Federation but before they could be elected to power the whole Federation was taken over by the Kingdom of Prydwhen sp00kily. Haukland got itself puppeted by declaring war on Equestria but has the same leader as before, but this ended a stalemate over a decade long with the Dragons. All of a sudden though the Kingdom of Prydwhen absorbed Equestria as well, with Celestia being exiled to New Mareland. I justified for the Village Up North though I didn't expect to use the CB; however, when the Free Creatures Alliance (basically the Harmonic Alliance without Equestria itself) declared war I took advantage of this opportunity. I've been winning the defensive air war and have even been bombing Albion, and I managed to make a naval invasion on Trottingham with my knights. However, to defend my skies and project power my air force needs 21k of fuel, leaving me dry and unable to use my decent fleet to effectively patrol and harass convoys. I can buy more fuel but I barely have room for more civ factories/they take too long anyway, and I've been building anti-air to reduce the number of planes needed. Also I'm critically short on every other resource though I have a decent stockpile.
It's 1028 and the best time to invade Equestria while Prydwhen is locked in stalemate with Olenia and the Changelings but without fuel it might be suicidal. I think I'll reload to mid-1026 and focus on fuel production and move faster to avoid this deadlock.
This sort of scenario would be great for a multiplayer game where the players have to work together to take on the Prydwhen hyperpower. It's late-game so all focus trees are done as well as most research, but you can still try to get the best units using experience. I don't know how you would go about doing setup for the nations, though.
File (): 9A74C0F94816F0BD1C78C7A323EF65A2-1190959.gif (1.1 MB, 1050x480, bfedb2a62c0cb34fd9b9623ec766df50.gif)
I'll be writing a lot tonight or today for you 'merican! So I can play but will have a slight delay in my responses.
Although, it will have to wait a little bit because I'm not quite ready to start yet. I'll sign back in when I can, also obviously if you guys can as well.
Although, it will have to wait a little bit because I'm not quite ready to start yet. I'll sign back in when I can, also obviously if you guys can as well.
File (): F1179B687BA813EAC75FF477BBA19E8B-1247902.gif (1.2 MB, 505x547, 2429430.gif)
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File (): 4F11A26C81373F569AE2ECC57BF92551-15981932.webm (15.2 MB, Resolution:1280x720 Length:00:00:30, ParksAndRecreationEaW.webm) [play once] [loop]
>>134758
Phew, I dodged a bullet. I just came back from church and I was worried I wouldn't be here if you wanted to play.
>>134757
>Wait what
It's a super sekrit event chain for the Kingdom of Brodfield but I didn't know it happened with historical focuses. I don't know if it has to do with my lack of DLCs but the mod after the invasion of New Mareland seems very unfinished in the late game, both in terms of lack of unit icons/descriptions and in terms of events. I think this is just some random stuff they threw together to reward players who stick around. I'm still impressed by how much depth there is and it's perfectly possible to have any number of adventure campaigns set in the 1020's.
Phew, I dodged a bullet. I just came back from church and I was worried I wouldn't be here if you wanted to play.
>>134757
>Wait what
It's a super sekrit event chain for the Kingdom of Brodfield but I didn't know it happened with historical focuses. I don't know if it has to do with my lack of DLCs but the mod after the invasion of New Mareland seems very unfinished in the late game, both in terms of lack of unit icons/descriptions and in terms of events. I think this is just some random stuff they threw together to reward players who stick around. I'm still impressed by how much depth there is and it's perfectly possible to have any number of adventure campaigns set in the 1020's.
File (): D3CE3094BAAEB938BD1445D9B3B64D3D-694131.png (677.9 KB, 1000x1000, 1338359.png)
>>134760
>Church
>At what is ~11 PM Central US Time
Uh, alright
I think I've only ever twice been into the 1020s, and neither time was past 1022 if I even got that far. One of those was Dread League.
>Church
>At what is ~11 PM Central US Time
Uh, alright
I think I've only ever twice been into the 1020s, and neither time was past 1022 if I even got that far. One of those was Dread League.
>>134761
Timezones. I don't plan on playing such long games again, but I'm just curious at this point whether there's a hard time limit or if the game stretches on to infinity like that one Civ 2 game.
Timezones. I don't plan on playing such long games again, but I'm just curious at this point whether there's a hard time limit or if the game stretches on to infinity like that one Civ 2 game.
>>134762
Prolly stretch to infinity, but you reach a point where you've reached your full potential in terms of tech. Most grand strategy games let you do that in order to get the sweet world domination satisfaction.
Prolly stretch to infinity, but you reach a point where you've reached your full potential in terms of tech. Most grand strategy games let you do that in order to get the sweet world domination satisfaction.
>>134114
>>134111
Iron gets nearer the trawler, which is located with its hull between a sort of pair of yellow steel rails. the hull itself seems to have chipping and barnacle infested red paint. The boat is painted white, with the cabin in the forward end and a boom and mast in the rear. The upper part of the mast appears to have been taken down to fit within the high ceiling of the structure. It's possible to climb to the deck, but it's high enough above the concrete floor of the room that it requires some effort to jump and climb up.
There is sound on the opposite side, which sounds most like a chair scraping on the floor.
>>134111
Iron gets nearer the trawler, which is located with its hull between a sort of pair of yellow steel rails. the hull itself seems to have chipping and barnacle infested red paint. The boat is painted white, with the cabin in the forward end and a boom and mast in the rear. The upper part of the mast appears to have been taken down to fit within the high ceiling of the structure. It's possible to climb to the deck, but it's high enough above the concrete floor of the room that it requires some effort to jump and climb up.
There is sound on the opposite side, which sounds most like a chair scraping on the floor.
>>134777
Iron tilts his head, remembering the Wirraway from the dream at the similar physical deterioration. (So this is either used a lot or is in disrepair and in need of fixing,) he thinks until the sound of chair scraping on floor is heard, quickly trotting to see what was the sound all about first in case it's something to be worried about.
Iron tilts his head, remembering the Wirraway from the dream at the similar physical deterioration. (So this is either used a lot or is in disrepair and in need of fixing,) he thinks until the sound of chair scraping on floor is heard, quickly trotting to see what was the sound all about first in case it's something to be worried about.
>>134778
Looking around the boat, he sees behind the boat and to the right, three darker feathered griffins sitting around a wooden table in chairs. One of them has just gotten up
[1d2 = 1]
Looking around the boat, he sees behind the boat and to the right, three darker feathered griffins sitting around a wooden table in chairs. One of them has just gotten up
[1d2 = 1]
>>134779
(Uh oh,) Iron thinks to himself, briefly turning around and looking for a suitable chokepoint that he could use in order to maybe take these griffins on one at a time.
(Uh oh,) Iron thinks to himself, briefly turning around and looking for a suitable chokepoint that he could use in order to maybe take these griffins on one at a time.
>>134780
The room is very large and open, maybe 50 feet wide, a hundred feet long, and 35 or more feet in height, being essentially a garage. There are work benches and tool boxes around the edges that make it a little harder to move. By far the largest and greatest obstacle in the room is the raised set of rails on the left side, and the trawler near the middle, as well as the winch in front of the trawler and at the end of the rails. These effectively cut the room in half (though it's possible to step or maybe fly over the rails) except on the far right side. There are windows on the second level, a (closed) large door on the left, a door to exit where Iron came from, and the status of any doors on the other side of the trawler is unknown
The room is very large and open, maybe 50 feet wide, a hundred feet long, and 35 or more feet in height, being essentially a garage. There are work benches and tool boxes around the edges that make it a little harder to move. By far the largest and greatest obstacle in the room is the raised set of rails on the left side, and the trawler near the middle, as well as the winch in front of the trawler and at the end of the rails. These effectively cut the room in half (though it's possible to step or maybe fly over the rails) except on the far right side. There are windows on the second level, a (closed) large door on the left, a door to exit where Iron came from, and the status of any doors on the other side of the trawler is unknown
>>134781
From what he understood from the scenery seen, he at first check the winch's position in relation to the griffons, starting to use his less developed concrete jungle mind to diminish the enemy's advantage in numbers by forcing them to attack one at a time.
(Maybe I can buy some time by making them split up through the bars while one tries to hold me down,) he thinks.
From what he understood from the scenery seen, he at first check the winch's position in relation to the griffons, starting to use his less developed concrete jungle mind to diminish the enemy's advantage in numbers by forcing them to attack one at a time.
(Maybe I can buy some time by making them split up through the bars while one tries to hold me down,) he thinks.
>>134782
The winch is rather large, with a spool of steel chain two feet in diameter, propped up several feet off the ground and connected to an electric motor. The end of the chain is connected to a moor on the trawler. The winch is directly attached to the rails and forms the end of it. The rails are several feet tall, several feet apart from each other, and have a recess underneath them that is deeper than the floor of the room. The rails and the winch are painted in alternating stripes of yellow. The winch is essentially parallel to the griffins and their table, across from them
The winch is rather large, with a spool of steel chain two feet in diameter, propped up several feet off the ground and connected to an electric motor. The end of the chain is connected to a moor on the trawler. The winch is directly attached to the rails and forms the end of it. The rails are several feet tall, several feet apart from each other, and have a recess underneath them that is deeper than the floor of the room. The rails and the winch are painted in alternating stripes of yellow. The winch is essentially parallel to the griffins and their table, across from them
>>134783
Iron couldn't help but pout softly as he looked back at the entrance, now deciding if the hallway back there is a better spot to hold the ground if it manages to undermine their numbers.
Iron couldn't help but pout softly as he looked back at the entrance, now deciding if the hallway back there is a better spot to hold the ground if it manages to undermine their numbers.
>>134784
The door behind Iron does indeed still exist, with Sands looking uncertain and standing near it
The door behind Iron does indeed still exist, with Sands looking uncertain and standing near it
>>134785
Iron's mouth curls further. (Crud. Now Sands' there and if I go there, she's going to be attacked, too,) he thinks (specially with the unconscious bodies around there.)
Glancing back at his battlefield, he starts to walk towards the winch, licking his lips in anticipation as he looks for a way up there.
(I might need to go all out,) he thinks (give in to my natural instincts.) aka barbarian rage.
Iron's mouth curls further. (Crud. Now Sands' there and if I go there, she's going to be attacked, too,) he thinks (specially with the unconscious bodies around there.)
Glancing back at his battlefield, he starts to walk towards the winch, licking his lips in anticipation as he looks for a way up there.
(I might need to go all out,) he thinks (give in to my natural instincts.) aka barbarian rage.
>>134786
Three griffins. They don’t look as large as the two that he fought earlier. It’s hard to see what weapons, if any, they have available. They seem to have been playing a card game, and look surprised by the appearance of Iron
Three griffins. They don’t look as large as the two that he fought earlier. It’s hard to see what weapons, if any, they have available. They seem to have been playing a card game, and look surprised by the appearance of Iron
>>134787
Feeling it's a good idea to simply walk away from their vision while acting the slightest bit shocked himself, Iron trots towards the right-most corner instead and hopefully manage to either get them close to him or leave their weapons behind and thinking it's just a trespasser and not some sort of henchman seeking to bust their feathers.
Feeling it's a good idea to simply walk away from their vision while acting the slightest bit shocked himself, Iron trots towards the right-most corner instead and hopefully manage to either get them close to him or leave their weapons behind and thinking it's just a trespasser and not some sort of henchman seeking to bust their feathers.
>>134789
Feeling exposing himself yet again is going to cause more headaches for the griffons, Iron's foalish side can't help but to slowly, carefully retreat back into cover, still remaining as slightly shocked as ever.
Feeling exposing himself yet again is going to cause more headaches for the griffons, Iron's foalish side can't help but to slowly, carefully retreat back into cover, still remaining as slightly shocked as ever.
>>134792
It's unclear whether the room is large enough to allow flight or cramped enough to prevent it... But the ceiling is high above his head in almost every position, although the hull of the trawler gives some cover, and it's probably technically possible to go underneath the trawler on the rails or inside the cabin if he could get on the deck. Aside from that, he can go back the way he came.
It's unclear whether the room is large enough to allow flight or cramped enough to prevent it... But the ceiling is high above his head in almost every position, although the hull of the trawler gives some cover, and it's probably technically possible to go underneath the trawler on the rails or inside the cabin if he could get on the deck. Aside from that, he can go back the way he came.
>>134793
Seeing no other feasible option that doesn't involve getting striked from above, Iron decides to trot back the way he came into the room, having given up on the room to provide a good battleground for his rather disadvantagious position.
Seeing no other feasible option that doesn't involve getting striked from above, Iron decides to trot back the way he came into the room, having given up on the room to provide a good battleground for his rather disadvantagious position.
>>134794
Sands, seeing Iron coming, goes through the door before him. Iron again finds himself in the hallway, expanding to a cubicle behind him, two closed doors on the right, and a closed door on the left
Sands, seeing Iron coming, goes through the door before him. Iron again finds himself in the hallway, expanding to a cubicle behind him, two closed doors on the right, and a closed door on the left
>>134795
"Three griffons," Iron whispers to Sands as he closes the door behind him "I could not see what they had, but they definitely saw me."
With that being said, Iron chooses the closed door on the left, attempting to maybe weird the griffs out enough to maybe follow him to a door he could use to limit any attacks against him.
(Yeah. As long as they do not bring weapons, that should work.)
"Three griffons," Iron whispers to Sands as he closes the door behind him "I could not see what they had, but they definitely saw me."
With that being said, Iron chooses the closed door on the left, attempting to maybe weird the griffs out enough to maybe follow him to a door he could use to limit any attacks against him.
(Yeah. As long as they do not bring weapons, that should work.)
>>134797
Quickly beckoning Sands inside the room, Iron leaves this door partly open before pointing at the stalls. "I will see if I can take them," he whispers to her before readying himself, using his hearing to pinpoint an estimated location.
[1d20+8 = 27]<Listen Check
Quickly beckoning Sands inside the room, Iron leaves this door partly open before pointing at the stalls. "I will see if I can take them," he whispers to her before readying himself, using his hearing to pinpoint an estimated location.
[1d20+8 = 27]<Listen Check
>>134798
The griffins are talking to each other. Iron cannot make out what they are saying, and they do not seem to be speaking ponish in any case. One of them opens the door to the hallway
The griffins are talking to each other. Iron cannot make out what they are saying, and they do not seem to be speaking ponish in any case. One of them opens the door to the hallway
>>134799
Realizing the potential from hiding inside the stalls to jump out into surprised enemies, Iron intentionally makes the door creak before slipping into a stall himself, closing the door and awaiting his time to strike.
Realizing the potential from hiding inside the stalls to jump out into surprised enemies, Iron intentionally makes the door creak before slipping into a stall himself, closing the door and awaiting his time to strike.
>>134802
Iron attempts to peek from any cracks the stall has to offer in the hopes of seeing what was coming.
Iron attempts to peek from any cracks the stall has to offer in the hopes of seeing what was coming.
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Just a quick update on my game though it's probably distracting at best.
This time I loaded an old save two years back and focused on navy construction and oil production, building as many synthetic refineries as I could fit in my land. With all the technology this amounted to 1.8k extra production, not enough to be secure but I was able to make up the difference with judicious use and sacrificing production to buy oil on the world market. It wasn't challenging in the fun way as I had to micro my planes constantly and hold them when enemy bombings stopped. However, I never got below 50% in reserves so that was reassuring.
I also moved faster when I declared war, promptly landing troops on Trottingham as soon as the coast was clear. This was a handy base from which to launch bombers to obliterate the enemy navy. Naval bombing is as OP as it is in real life as Prywhen losts countless cruisers, battlecruisers, carriers, and battleships to my coastal bomber presence. Combining this strategy with submarine warfare made being a Prywhen sailor the most dangerous profession in the world.
In reality I think the Kingdom of Prywhen is a paper tiger despite the excellent buffs it gets with national spirits. You can see how much land it has in the first picture. However, only the Changelings who had been previously castrated by Equestria looked to be in any serious danger, though I'm sure Olenia would have fallen with enough time. I was preparing to launch a D-Day into Equestria but both the Changelings and the deer beat me to it, but my reinforcements helped secure the eastern coast. Although Prywhen had nearly a thousand divisions the few I encountered were 20-width and melted before me, though that may be because I was using space marine templates and fully upgraded griffon knights. The whole enemy army looked to be starved by the time and I didn't face any major offensive, but maybe that had to do with Equestrian resistance. Fascist Stalliongrad joined the war after I already took the northeast and the first thing they did was nuke Canterlot. Anyway, it took only a year after the outbreak of war to completely secure Equestria, with the Changelings somehow occupying more land than Chrysalis ever did. I'm confident Griffonia will be more challenging though I wish I could use "ally" airfields.
I should have screencapped war participation, but I have 35%. I barely have any ground casualties with about two million for our side total, but Prywhen has taken over twelve million after losing the entire army in Equestria.
This time I loaded an old save two years back and focused on navy construction and oil production, building as many synthetic refineries as I could fit in my land. With all the technology this amounted to 1.8k extra production, not enough to be secure but I was able to make up the difference with judicious use and sacrificing production to buy oil on the world market. It wasn't challenging in the fun way as I had to micro my planes constantly and hold them when enemy bombings stopped. However, I never got below 50% in reserves so that was reassuring.
I also moved faster when I declared war, promptly landing troops on Trottingham as soon as the coast was clear. This was a handy base from which to launch bombers to obliterate the enemy navy. Naval bombing is as OP as it is in real life as Prywhen losts countless cruisers, battlecruisers, carriers, and battleships to my coastal bomber presence. Combining this strategy with submarine warfare made being a Prywhen sailor the most dangerous profession in the world.
In reality I think the Kingdom of Prywhen is a paper tiger despite the excellent buffs it gets with national spirits. You can see how much land it has in the first picture. However, only the Changelings who had been previously castrated by Equestria looked to be in any serious danger, though I'm sure Olenia would have fallen with enough time. I was preparing to launch a D-Day into Equestria but both the Changelings and the deer beat me to it, but my reinforcements helped secure the eastern coast. Although Prywhen had nearly a thousand divisions the few I encountered were 20-width and melted before me, though that may be because I was using space marine templates and fully upgraded griffon knights. The whole enemy army looked to be starved by the time and I didn't face any major offensive, but maybe that had to do with Equestrian resistance. Fascist Stalliongrad joined the war after I already took the northeast and the first thing they did was nuke Canterlot. Anyway, it took only a year after the outbreak of war to completely secure Equestria, with the Changelings somehow occupying more land than Chrysalis ever did. I'm confident Griffonia will be more challenging though I wish I could use "ally" airfields.
I should have screencapped war participation, but I have 35%. I barely have any ground casualties with about two million for our side total, but Prywhen has taken over twelve million after losing the entire army in Equestria.
>>134808
>Prywhen just annexing large nations
Okay, that's really spooky
>Prywhen is a Paper Tiger
>Had 1000 divisions, and suffered as many losses as all Soviet losses including POWs in WW2
You and I have very different definitions of "Paper Tiger
>Prywhen just annexing large nations
Okay, that's really spooky
>Prywhen is a Paper Tiger
>Had 1000 divisions, and suffered as many losses as all Soviet losses including POWs in WW2
You and I have very different definitions of "Paper Tiger
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>>134495
>>134494
Jubilosa gives her own commentary:
"Well, I don't see what is so wrong with that..."
She trails off at the end, aware that her words are not desired, and she becomes quiet. Khoi doesn't act like she heard Jubilosa. But she does respond to Silver's question:
"You must understand, the Khoe dynasty would face a difficult task even without the rebels, and without the Storm King. Ngua Nam would face change regardless, and to stand strong as King in these times would be like to stand strong in the middle of river. You are more likely to be swept away with the current. The Khoe dynasty started two centuries ago, when a general named Cháy Rừng overthrew the last ruler of the Yín Mén dynasty, a northern Kirin bloodline, and restored Ngua Nam to rule by the native Kylan.
Áo Gió Khoe, the old King, was very well versed in the teachings embodied in the Great Vehicle and ruled Ngua Nam in peace for twenty-five years. But he tired of politics and ostentation, and decided to seek awakening in a small farm on a hill in the country. He visits the temples and the places of the poor to help out sometimes. He retired a year before the Storm King came. Some say he stepped down to leave the throne to his son, so he would not be the last king of Ngua Nam, the one to lose it all.”
She pauses, and closes her eyes as she hakes her head
“But that is not true at all. He helps his son when the country needs it, but stays away from power otherwise. I admire him…
His son is Prince Chắn Sóng Khoe. They is call him ‘Prince’ because of his young age and his still living father, who often makes the decisions instead of Chắn Sóng. But he is King now, and has been much of his life. I think he wants to be something more than a ‘king,’ a highest noble. He wants to be a sort of father of the nation, a ruler who does not simply rule by law but cultivates the virtue of his people. This philosophy is common in the Kirin Empire, but he may have been inspired by your . But he is more likely to be the Last King than to be a father of the nation. He appeared weak when the Storm King came, and his personality is sometimes overshadowed by his ministers. His passion, I think, is in reforming the education system, to add more state-owned schools alongside the village and religious schools. I went to one of these for a couple years. He lacks his fathers wisdom, but he has the energy and idealism of youth. What one lacks, the other has.
The Foreign Minister is Hěnduō Fāngfǎ. He is not Kylan but is the foal of Imperial merchants. The elder king could see his talent and positioned him as ambassador to the Empire. He proved skilled at navigating the complex relationships between nations, and so was made Foreign Minister, and in this role has served both kings. His special project is trade. He hopes to attract foreign investors, and to open new markets for exports. But he’s spent most of his tenure dealing with the wars. It was he more than anyone who kept the Storm King’s forces at bay and stopped them from despoiling the country. But it was likely he who invited the subversive foreign advisers, a failure that casts a shadow over his whole tenure. Neither the foreign mining corporations he has brought, nor the new military backers make him especially popular in the country. But I remember the siege of Cue Song. I do not think the rebels could have been defeated were it not for the foreign bought planes bombing the rebel artillery. His craftiness is invaluable to the nation.
Gió Nóng is the head of the Army and the Minister of War. Like Hěnduō he is not Kylan, but he is not northern Kirin either, but is of a minority tribe of the western mountains and follows an Equestrian Celestialist religion. Born to a landowning family, his family’s plantation has been destroyed and its remains taken twice, by both the Storm King and the rebels. With no where else to go, he spends day and night organizing the resistance against the partisans. He is not a full supporter of the Monarchy, admittedly a dangerous trait for his position, and instead calls himself a ‘Nationalist’ and an ‘Anti-Communist.’ Yet he is valuable because, though does not quite equal Bright Will’s tactical genius, he has a firm understanding of the provincial rulers, their lands and needs, and is a skilled staffer. He is less popular with the peasantry than he is with the landowners, less popular even than Hěnduō. What he considers a ‘modernizing national service’ is seen by some as just a peasant levy. But I was impressed into the national service myself. And I know that Cue Song did not fall, for all the effort of the enemy. And I know that no major city has fallen since he became Chief of the Army"
>>134494
Jubilosa gives her own commentary:
"Well, I don't see what is so wrong with that..."
She trails off at the end, aware that her words are not desired, and she becomes quiet. Khoi doesn't act like she heard Jubilosa. But she does respond to Silver's question:
"You must understand, the Khoe dynasty would face a difficult task even without the rebels, and without the Storm King. Ngua Nam would face change regardless, and to stand strong as King in these times would be like to stand strong in the middle of river. You are more likely to be swept away with the current. The Khoe dynasty started two centuries ago, when a general named Cháy Rừng overthrew the last ruler of the Yín Mén dynasty, a northern Kirin bloodline, and restored Ngua Nam to rule by the native Kylan.
Áo Gió Khoe, the old King, was very well versed in the teachings embodied in the Great Vehicle and ruled Ngua Nam in peace for twenty-five years. But he tired of politics and ostentation, and decided to seek awakening in a small farm on a hill in the country. He visits the temples and the places of the poor to help out sometimes. He retired a year before the Storm King came. Some say he stepped down to leave the throne to his son, so he would not be the last king of Ngua Nam, the one to lose it all.”
She pauses, and closes her eyes as she hakes her head
“But that is not true at all. He helps his son when the country needs it, but stays away from power otherwise. I admire him…
His son is Prince Chắn Sóng Khoe. They is call him ‘Prince’ because of his young age and his still living father, who often makes the decisions instead of Chắn Sóng. But he is King now, and has been much of his life. I think he wants to be something more than a ‘king,’ a highest noble. He wants to be a sort of father of the nation, a ruler who does not simply rule by law but cultivates the virtue of his people. This philosophy is common in the Kirin Empire, but he may have been inspired by your . But he is more likely to be the Last King than to be a father of the nation. He appeared weak when the Storm King came, and his personality is sometimes overshadowed by his ministers. His passion, I think, is in reforming the education system, to add more state-owned schools alongside the village and religious schools. I went to one of these for a couple years. He lacks his fathers wisdom, but he has the energy and idealism of youth. What one lacks, the other has.
The Foreign Minister is Hěnduō Fāngfǎ. He is not Kylan but is the foal of Imperial merchants. The elder king could see his talent and positioned him as ambassador to the Empire. He proved skilled at navigating the complex relationships between nations, and so was made Foreign Minister, and in this role has served both kings. His special project is trade. He hopes to attract foreign investors, and to open new markets for exports. But he’s spent most of his tenure dealing with the wars. It was he more than anyone who kept the Storm King’s forces at bay and stopped them from despoiling the country. But it was likely he who invited the subversive foreign advisers, a failure that casts a shadow over his whole tenure. Neither the foreign mining corporations he has brought, nor the new military backers make him especially popular in the country. But I remember the siege of Cue Song. I do not think the rebels could have been defeated were it not for the foreign bought planes bombing the rebel artillery. His craftiness is invaluable to the nation.
Gió Nóng is the head of the Army and the Minister of War. Like Hěnduō he is not Kylan, but he is not northern Kirin either, but is of a minority tribe of the western mountains and follows an Equestrian Celestialist religion. Born to a landowning family, his family’s plantation has been destroyed and its remains taken twice, by both the Storm King and the rebels. With no where else to go, he spends day and night organizing the resistance against the partisans. He is not a full supporter of the Monarchy, admittedly a dangerous trait for his position, and instead calls himself a ‘Nationalist’ and an ‘Anti-Communist.’ Yet he is valuable because, though does not quite equal Bright Will’s tactical genius, he has a firm understanding of the provincial rulers, their lands and needs, and is a skilled staffer. He is less popular with the peasantry than he is with the landowners, less popular even than Hěnduō. What he considers a ‘modernizing national service’ is seen by some as just a peasant levy. But I was impressed into the national service myself. And I know that Cue Song did not fall, for all the effort of the enemy. And I know that no major city has fallen since he became Chief of the Army"
File (): 6E77032E8C808DC2E1BD1A566010ED1B-8265418.png (7.9 MB, 3000x1438, 2155894.png)
>>134495
>>134811
She continues,
"Gió Nóng’s main assistant is the head of the National Police. Someone called Không Ai. I don’t know his background. We just know his horn is broken from an assassin’s bomb, and he wears excessive clothing. Gió Nóng may be disliked by many, but Không Ai is the most hated person in all Ngua Nam. He has not a single friend, save for an Equestrian Pegasus stallion named Drawn Card, who is an advisor on matters of policing, and part of the attache. The two are said to sit by themselves at a table, eating together in the public lunchroom, as they do many things together. Drawn Card must be a strong influence on Không, as Không likes to dress his officers up in black uniforms, and decorate themselves with the two horseshoes, back to back.”
Khoi moves her hooves so that she can try to form the symbol of the two horseshoes. Her split-toed Kirin feet don’t look like they could fit normal horseshoes.
“Though he does not have the love of the people, he has their fear… His officers arrest suspected rebels by the thousand. They come at night, and during work, and every hour of the day. There are stories about what happens to prisoners... And there are rumors that he is addicted to painkilling opiates, or that he commits crimes against nature with Drawn Card… But you must understand, he is near legendary among the nation. When his name is mentioned, or his National Police is mentioned, ears go up and Kylan look around. He is like a made up creature parents tell their foals to spook them into behaving, lest they be dragged away and eaten. I think the other ministers tolerate him because he is like a mousing cat.”
She pauses for a long moment and looks around
“In the earlier days of the war, the city of Đền Cổ came under siege from the rebels. The garrison there took up position behind the barricade… Until part of the garrison let the rebels through the gate at night and slaughtered the loyalists. Nothing like that has happened since Không Ai has come. If Gió Nóng is a match for Bright Will’s determination and strength of will, then Không Ai is a match for his ruthlessness.”
She takes another pause, this one shorter
“Trên Tán Cây is his opposite. She was born of the peasantry, to a family that has supplied many monks. She went to school in the Griffin lands, and a teacher of hers there, Ailes Bleues I think is his name, has come here to teach. She believes the people embrace the new ideas because of issues like poverty, or anxiety about industrialization. So she promotes helping the poor and the less advantaged. The young Prince made her the Minister of Health, besides roles like land redistribution and resettlement – one of the few staff choices to come from Chắn Sóng and not the Elder King. Their ideas about education and healthcare are similar. She is very popular among the people. Unlike the other Ministers, who stay in their concrete buildings in the walled cities for fear of assassination, she walks out in the open unafraid, from town to town and village to village. Her plans have not been perfect, for even where there is an effort to make them real, they meet opposition, like land reform, or face practical problems, like resettlement, or in the cases of some hospitals, are targeted by the rebels. But she is one of the few with the hope, the ideas, and the compassion to challenge Bright Will’s vision of the future.
When I was in the national service, I was a nurse's assistant in a makeshift hospital under her ministry. There was no air cooling, and there were not always enough beds or doctors or good sanitation, but the Kylan there carried on their duty. I could tell she was an inspiration to them… to all of us.”
She sighs
“I don’t think the Monarchy knows what it wants to be. And I don’t think it has a singe person, or single idea, to match the fever-dream movement of the rebels. But with the wisdom, the youthful idealism, the determination, the ruthlessness, and the compassion of the many who comprise it, they are collectively a match for Bright Will and his movement. Though they hold only half of a less wealthy vassal state of the Empire, they persevere as a capable and independent nation in spite of a decade of intermittent war and foreign influence.”
>>134811
She continues,
"Gió Nóng’s main assistant is the head of the National Police. Someone called Không Ai. I don’t know his background. We just know his horn is broken from an assassin’s bomb, and he wears excessive clothing. Gió Nóng may be disliked by many, but Không Ai is the most hated person in all Ngua Nam. He has not a single friend, save for an Equestrian Pegasus stallion named Drawn Card, who is an advisor on matters of policing, and part of the attache. The two are said to sit by themselves at a table, eating together in the public lunchroom, as they do many things together. Drawn Card must be a strong influence on Không, as Không likes to dress his officers up in black uniforms, and decorate themselves with the two horseshoes, back to back.”
Khoi moves her hooves so that she can try to form the symbol of the two horseshoes. Her split-toed Kirin feet don’t look like they could fit normal horseshoes.
“Though he does not have the love of the people, he has their fear… His officers arrest suspected rebels by the thousand. They come at night, and during work, and every hour of the day. There are stories about what happens to prisoners... And there are rumors that he is addicted to painkilling opiates, or that he commits crimes against nature with Drawn Card… But you must understand, he is near legendary among the nation. When his name is mentioned, or his National Police is mentioned, ears go up and Kylan look around. He is like a made up creature parents tell their foals to spook them into behaving, lest they be dragged away and eaten. I think the other ministers tolerate him because he is like a mousing cat.”
She pauses for a long moment and looks around
“In the earlier days of the war, the city of Đền Cổ came under siege from the rebels. The garrison there took up position behind the barricade… Until part of the garrison let the rebels through the gate at night and slaughtered the loyalists. Nothing like that has happened since Không Ai has come. If Gió Nóng is a match for Bright Will’s determination and strength of will, then Không Ai is a match for his ruthlessness.”
She takes another pause, this one shorter
“Trên Tán Cây is his opposite. She was born of the peasantry, to a family that has supplied many monks. She went to school in the Griffin lands, and a teacher of hers there, Ailes Bleues I think is his name, has come here to teach. She believes the people embrace the new ideas because of issues like poverty, or anxiety about industrialization. So she promotes helping the poor and the less advantaged. The young Prince made her the Minister of Health, besides roles like land redistribution and resettlement – one of the few staff choices to come from Chắn Sóng and not the Elder King. Their ideas about education and healthcare are similar. She is very popular among the people. Unlike the other Ministers, who stay in their concrete buildings in the walled cities for fear of assassination, she walks out in the open unafraid, from town to town and village to village. Her plans have not been perfect, for even where there is an effort to make them real, they meet opposition, like land reform, or face practical problems, like resettlement, or in the cases of some hospitals, are targeted by the rebels. But she is one of the few with the hope, the ideas, and the compassion to challenge Bright Will’s vision of the future.
When I was in the national service, I was a nurse's assistant in a makeshift hospital under her ministry. There was no air cooling, and there were not always enough beds or doctors or good sanitation, but the Kylan there carried on their duty. I could tell she was an inspiration to them… to all of us.”
She sighs
“I don’t think the Monarchy knows what it wants to be. And I don’t think it has a singe person, or single idea, to match the fever-dream movement of the rebels. But with the wisdom, the youthful idealism, the determination, the ruthlessness, and the compassion of the many who comprise it, they are collectively a match for Bright Will and his movement. Though they hold only half of a less wealthy vassal state of the Empire, they persevere as a capable and independent nation in spite of a decade of intermittent war and foreign influence.”
>>134811
>>134813
Silver listens quietly and respectfully during her telling of the kirins behind the Khoe Dynasty. He mimics her hoof gesture to make the Black Hooves symbol, grimmaces at her telling of the secret police of Không Ai, and smiles at her tale of Trên Tán Cây.
"It sounds little bit like Whites of Severyana, during our own civil war."
His smile slowly fades as he thinks about the outcome of that particular war.
"Hmm. If I was move religious pony, I might suggest that you were not destined to fight and die in civil war, but to live on and share your light. Certainly there would have been bright light snuffed out from this world had you stayed and died. But I do not know if that would answer your question of why you fought at Hoebuck and not in your motherland. I do know that civil war is bloody, and brutal. There is usually very little to be gained from such fighting besides spilling your own countrypeople's blood. Perhaps you felt disillusioned with it, for Ngua Nam to survive fighting bloody war against Storm King only for your own people to start killing each other in aftermath instead of rebuilding. It also sounded like you had hoped to bring rest of your family here too when you had become settled, right?"
>>134813
Silver listens quietly and respectfully during her telling of the kirins behind the Khoe Dynasty. He mimics her hoof gesture to make the Black Hooves symbol, grimmaces at her telling of the secret police of Không Ai, and smiles at her tale of Trên Tán Cây.
"It sounds little bit like Whites of Severyana, during our own civil war."
His smile slowly fades as he thinks about the outcome of that particular war.
"Hmm. If I was move religious pony, I might suggest that you were not destined to fight and die in civil war, but to live on and share your light. Certainly there would have been bright light snuffed out from this world had you stayed and died. But I do not know if that would answer your question of why you fought at Hoebuck and not in your motherland. I do know that civil war is bloody, and brutal. There is usually very little to be gained from such fighting besides spilling your own countrypeople's blood. Perhaps you felt disillusioned with it, for Ngua Nam to survive fighting bloody war against Storm King only for your own people to start killing each other in aftermath instead of rebuilding. It also sounded like you had hoped to bring rest of your family here too when you had become settled, right?"
>>134834
She looks sad for a moment , but then had a reassured smile at Silver’s words.
“I don’t... I don’t know. My father would not want to leave our home. His family has owned that land as free holders for four generations, since his great grandfather received it. My older sister is married. I don’t think they would want to leave unless they had no other choice. I don’t want that to happen. I would like to return, if I could. And I would like to send money back to them, to help them.”
She looks sad for a moment , but then had a reassured smile at Silver’s words.
“I don’t... I don’t know. My father would not want to leave our home. His family has owned that land as free holders for four generations, since his great grandfather received it. My older sister is married. I don’t think they would want to leave unless they had no other choice. I don’t want that to happen. I would like to return, if I could. And I would like to send money back to them, to help them.”
>>134835
Silver smiles back at her.
"If you are willing, I would be honored to help you, in whatever way I can."
Silver smiles back at her.
"If you are willing, I would be honored to help you, in whatever way I can."
>>134837
"I know, but my offer still stands for you if you want it, Khoi."
He continues to smile brightly at the kirin.
"I know, but my offer still stands for you if you want it, Khoi."
He continues to smile brightly at the kirin.
>>134842
She looks embarrassed
Jubilosa:
“Yeah. Why not?0
Mala:
“I wish someone offered me money when I was on the street.”
Khoi:
“Well... I mean... each Kirin, err, creature should strive to be self sufficient. To care for others rather than to be cared for. That is part of becoming an adult.”
She looks embarrassed
Jubilosa:
“Yeah. Why not?0
Mala:
“I wish someone offered me money when I was on the street.”
Khoi:
“Well... I mean... each Kirin, err, creature should strive to be self sufficient. To care for others rather than to be cared for. That is part of becoming an adult.”
>>134843
Silver nods at Khoi.
"That is understandable. But there is no shame in offering or accepting help, especially if it is to or from those who care for you."
He leans over to give the poor Mala some pets.
"You do not have to accept it, but I would like for you to know that my offer of help is always there for you."
Silver nods at Khoi.
"That is understandable. But there is no shame in offering or accepting help, especially if it is to or from those who care for you."
He leans over to give the poor Mala some pets.
"You do not have to accept it, but I would like for you to know that my offer of help is always there for you."
>>134844
She smiles. Mala also smiles
“Thanks... I would like to stay here some time more, if I could. Maybe not until I am married, but... a little longer.”
She smiles. Mala also smiles
“Thanks... I would like to stay here some time more, if I could. Maybe not until I am married, but... a little longer.”
>>134846
She smiles.
Jubilosa:
“I would like you to stay around longer. It’s been kind of nice these last two days.”
She smiles.
Jubilosa:
“I would like you to stay around longer. It’s been kind of nice these last two days.”
>>134847
Silver nods in agreement.
"It has been wonderful being part of household again, and you are valued part of it."
Silver nods in agreement.
"It has been wonderful being part of household again, and you are valued part of it."
>>134849
Silver rolls his eyes and lets out an amused chuckle.
"Well, whatever you would call it, it has been wonderful having you three here."
Silver rolls his eyes and lets out an amused chuckle.
"Well, whatever you would call it, it has been wonderful having you three here."
>>134851
Most definitely. He looks to his friends after they release each other.
"I do have to apologise, but I have couple quick errands I have to finish tonight. I will be back before too long, though."
Most definitely. He looks to his friends after they release each other.
"I do have to apologise, but I have couple quick errands I have to finish tonight. I will be back before too long, though."
>>134852
The creatures look up at him
Khoi:
“Uh, alright”
Jubilosa:
“Get some wine while you are out.”
Mala just stares
The creatures look up at him
Khoi:
“Uh, alright”
Jubilosa:
“Get some wine while you are out.”
Mala just stares
>>134853
Silver nods to Jubilosa.
"Absolutely."
He bids them goodbye, then departs for Black Cauldron's place of work. If it's available, he takes a taxi, otherwise he trots.
Silver nods to Jubilosa.
"Absolutely."
He bids them goodbye, then departs for Black Cauldron's place of work. If it's available, he takes a taxi, otherwise he trots.
>>134854
Taxis are not as common in Cherry Hill as the main city, and Silver trots some ways before a taxi passes. But it isn’t that long, really, before a taxi comes along and takes Silver to East side, to the Watering Hope. By this time a crowd is building, and music is playing - some new tune. He knows this is the place, and it’s a pretty active time. Or at least, it will be soon.
Taxis are not as common in Cherry Hill as the main city, and Silver trots some ways before a taxi passes. But it isn’t that long, really, before a taxi comes along and takes Silver to East side, to the Watering Hope. By this time a crowd is building, and music is playing - some new tune. He knows this is the place, and it’s a pretty active time. Or at least, it will be soon.
>>134810
Allied losses were only about three and a half million, mostly among the Olenians, Changelings and New Mareland. Nova Griffonia has taken only a few thousand casualties (I don't think air losses are counted, otherwise it would be higher). I'll grab a screencap of the war next time.
>>134841
>she squirts around on the couch
NOT ON THE COUCH!.
Unironically though, great backstory.
>Hěnduō Fāngfǎ
Kek
>Gió Nóng is the head of the Army and the Minister of War. Like Hěnduō he is not Kylan, but he is not northern Kirin either, but is of a minority tribe of the western mountains and follows an Equestrian Celestialist religion.
I feel proud for knowing the irl corollary of this character.
Allied losses were only about three and a half million, mostly among the Olenians, Changelings and New Mareland. Nova Griffonia has taken only a few thousand casualties (I don't think air losses are counted, otherwise it would be higher). I'll grab a screencap of the war next time.
>>134841
>she squirts around on the couch
NOT ON THE COUCH!.
Unironically though, great backstory.
>Hěnduō Fāngfǎ
Kek
>Gió Nóng is the head of the Army and the Minister of War. Like Hěnduō he is not Kylan, but he is not northern Kirin either, but is of a minority tribe of the western mountains and follows an Equestrian Celestialist religion.
I feel proud for knowing the irl corollary of this character.
>>134912
I’m curious as to why that name invites a “Kek”
Gió Nóng, the head of the secret police, and even the griffin have direct IRL parallels, as do many of the programs and efforts described.
writing this almost felt like an application for EAW writing
I’m curious as to why that name invites a “Kek”
Gió Nóng, the head of the secret police, and even the griffin have direct IRL parallels, as do many of the programs and efforts described.
writing this almost felt like an application for EAW writing
>>134913
It's literally "Many Methods" in Mandarin so although it's not an accurate Chinese name it's a clever use of Google translate
You would be a great EAW loremaster. I don't know if they would accept you because of your associations, and you're definitely busy with other things, but still.
It's literally "Many Methods" in Mandarin so although it's not an accurate Chinese name it's a clever use of Google translate
You would be a great EAW loremaster. I don't know if they would accept you because of your associations, and you're definitely busy with other things, but still.
>>134914
It’s supposed to me “many ways,” which is an epithet for Odysseus in “The Odyssey,” since the character’s modus operandi was similar to a description of Odysseus I recall from a literature professor in college. I have no idea if that explanation is more or less satisfying than what you imagined.
I mean, they have literal talkie on their team, so...
[s\Also, uh, any other commentary?
It’s supposed to me “many ways,” which is an epithet for Odysseus in “The Odyssey,” since the character’s modus operandi was similar to a description of Odysseus I recall from a literature professor in college. I have no idea if that explanation is more or less satisfying than what you imagined.
I mean, they have literal talkie on their team, so...
[s\Also, uh, any other commentary?
>>134915
Not really. I'm guessing "talkie" is supposed to be "tankie." That's an interesting bit of fluff, I just thought it was an appropriate name for a foreign minister who can make things happen through his connections.
Not really. I'm guessing "talkie" is supposed to be "tankie." That's an interesting bit of fluff, I just thought it was an appropriate name for a foreign minister who can make things happen through his connections.
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>Before anyone asks I can't play just came by to say hey
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>>134861
When Silver goes to the counter, he sees a young, red stallion with spiked hair and an eye patch over his right eye. Evidently he works as the bar tender
When Silver goes to the counter, he sees a young, red stallion with spiked hair and an eye patch over his right eye. Evidently he works as the bar tender
File (): 71779C36317BF4F08F5C38E34D63DB05-92850.gif (90.7 KB, 320x320, 2096668.gif)
>>135127
"Thank you for the information,sir. is there anything that needs to be taken care of around the HQ?"
"Thank you for the information,sir. is there anything that needs to be taken care of around the HQ?"
>>135128
"There's a new filly we are testing, and the natives are restless as always, but nothing especially relating to you. The actual investigation of the trafficking operation from last night is being taken care of by R & M."
"There's a new filly we are testing, and the natives are restless as always, but nothing especially relating to you. The actual investigation of the trafficking operation from last night is being taken care of by R & M."
>>135130
He nods
"She's on a probationary period of sorts. She's tasked with helping to locate an anarchist printing press. If she succeeds, excellent. If her motives are less than noble, she could only do so much harm."
He nods
"She's on a probationary period of sorts. She's tasked with helping to locate an anarchist printing press. If she succeeds, excellent. If her motives are less than noble, she could only do so much harm."
>>135132
"An Equestrian unicorn filly from somewhere deeper in the countryside. Her name is 'Fantasy Play.'"
"An Equestrian unicorn filly from somewhere deeper in the countryside. Her name is 'Fantasy Play.'"
>>135136
"She likes cats, even taking one inside with her. She's fairly young. She says she has some expertise in illusion magic. She doesn't seem to like either the Anarchists or the Changelings."
"She likes cats, even taking one inside with her. She's fairly young. She says she has some expertise in illusion magic. She doesn't seem to like either the Anarchists or the Changelings."
>>135138
He nods
"It seems the natives in this area didn't appreciate Canterlot's reach any more than the Dominion did, and the new migrants here just do what the labor unions tell them to do. It's rather sad that they go this way, but we are making slow progress to plug the leak. The Changelings, of course have few friends anywhere."
He nods
"It seems the natives in this area didn't appreciate Canterlot's reach any more than the Dominion did, and the new migrants here just do what the labor unions tell them to do. It's rather sad that they go this way, but we are making slow progress to plug the leak. The Changelings, of course have few friends anywhere."
>>135139
"Its Sad Really. i wish things could be different. the labor unions are nothing more than traitors to ponykind."
"Its Sad Really. i wish things could be different. the labor unions are nothing more than traitors to ponykind."
>>135140
He nods again
"Indeed. In other cities they are known to have connections to the mafia. But here, even the mafia would not touch them. The largest of the unions, "CAN" I believe, was nothing other than a political organization that had no other purpose than provoking rebellion, and all of that in the time of the Princesses. So the military banned it, and of course they started a rebellion... It's still banned under Halcyon Shores, and all collective bargaining is done through the state-run worker's Union."
He nods again
"Indeed. In other cities they are known to have connections to the mafia. But here, even the mafia would not touch them. The largest of the unions, "CAN" I believe, was nothing other than a political organization that had no other purpose than provoking rebellion, and all of that in the time of the Princesses. So the military banned it, and of course they started a rebellion... It's still banned under Halcyon Shores, and all collective bargaining is done through the state-run worker's Union."
>>135142
"Oh so much more has already been done, especially in the last revolt. You must understand, that in Baltimare, the Left is very powerful, in a way it isn't in Canterlot, or Fillydelphia. When Stalliongrad seceded to form their own, 'social project,' the Left revolted here too. They subdivide into three seperate factions.
Historically, the most powerful is the Social Democratic Party of Baltimare. They promise to be everything the far left is, minus the whole 'violent revolution' aspect. Whether they actually offer meaningful change through slow reform, or are merely enabling hierarchy and exploitation by curbing its greatest excesses and thus forestalling violent revolution... that is an argument I leave to Left. They came to power after Celestia's Royal Guard crushed the rebellion a quarter century ago. Canterlot thought the region more easily ruled if a compromise were met, and so the SDP took Baltimare as their own personal fiefdom. Through scandal, they lost the election a cycle or two ago... but they took it back.
The Black Hooves Party and its Fascist Republican ideology does not rule as a one party state. You must understand that. And to that end, as a sign of good faith, the Blackhooves have allowed free, democratic elections open to all parties willing to pledge allegiance to Sunset. Half of the SPD consented, and half didn't, but those who did were strong enough to take the key posts in the election. They have undermined Blackhooves rule by refusing to order their police to search homes and look for resistance members. They have placed subtle blocks to our war time industry. Their complacency towards organized crime is questionable to say the least. But the most disturbing trend is that some of them have been found to support the Resistance. And so we have uncovered their indiscretions with Comte Burgher... This will certainly hurt them.
Another faction in the Left in Baltimare is the Communist Party. They've always been the least popular among the masses here - the locals don't take too kindly to the Authoritarian spirit of the ideology, or its tendency towards centralization - but they've become more popular with defectors from the SPD, and their support abroad, as well as actual effectiveness in insurgency, has always boosted their support. They lead the efforts on Blackbriar peer a week ago. And so when that was crushed, a significant blow was struck against the Communists in Baltimare, both in material terms and prestige.
This leaves one strong enemy, the ideology with the most support among the radicals. The Anarchists. I don't care much to explain their ideology, just know that it's perhaps the most appealing the ponies.. and non-ponies" he shudders "of this region. They are neither tainted by the collaboration of the SPD nor the foreign atrocities of the International Communists. Their failures in 92 and 12 hurt them then, but time has passed. They remain strong."
"Oh so much more has already been done, especially in the last revolt. You must understand, that in Baltimare, the Left is very powerful, in a way it isn't in Canterlot, or Fillydelphia. When Stalliongrad seceded to form their own, 'social project,' the Left revolted here too. They subdivide into three seperate factions.
Historically, the most powerful is the Social Democratic Party of Baltimare. They promise to be everything the far left is, minus the whole 'violent revolution' aspect. Whether they actually offer meaningful change through slow reform, or are merely enabling hierarchy and exploitation by curbing its greatest excesses and thus forestalling violent revolution... that is an argument I leave to Left. They came to power after Celestia's Royal Guard crushed the rebellion a quarter century ago. Canterlot thought the region more easily ruled if a compromise were met, and so the SDP took Baltimare as their own personal fiefdom. Through scandal, they lost the election a cycle or two ago... but they took it back.
The Black Hooves Party and its Fascist Republican ideology does not rule as a one party state. You must understand that. And to that end, as a sign of good faith, the Blackhooves have allowed free, democratic elections open to all parties willing to pledge allegiance to Sunset. Half of the SPD consented, and half didn't, but those who did were strong enough to take the key posts in the election. They have undermined Blackhooves rule by refusing to order their police to search homes and look for resistance members. They have placed subtle blocks to our war time industry. Their complacency towards organized crime is questionable to say the least. But the most disturbing trend is that some of them have been found to support the Resistance. And so we have uncovered their indiscretions with Comte Burgher... This will certainly hurt them.
Another faction in the Left in Baltimare is the Communist Party. They've always been the least popular among the masses here - the locals don't take too kindly to the Authoritarian spirit of the ideology, or its tendency towards centralization - but they've become more popular with defectors from the SPD, and their support abroad, as well as actual effectiveness in insurgency, has always boosted their support. They lead the efforts on Blackbriar peer a week ago. And so when that was crushed, a significant blow was struck against the Communists in Baltimare, both in material terms and prestige.
This leaves one strong enemy, the ideology with the most support among the radicals. The Anarchists. I don't care much to explain their ideology, just know that it's perhaps the most appealing the ponies.. and non-ponies" he shudders "of this region. They are neither tainted by the collaboration of the SPD nor the foreign atrocities of the International Communists. Their failures in 92 and 12 hurt them then, but time has passed. They remain strong."
>>135143
"The anarchists must be crushed, if there's any hope of restoring my homeland to her former glory."
"The anarchists must be crushed, if there's any hope of restoring my homeland to her former glory."
>>135144
He nods
"When the city revolted last September, half of the city was out of our control. The whole eastern side away from the harbor. It took five days for the garrison to push in most of it, and eleven days to clean up the remnants... But like puddles left after a flood, some of it came back in... In one neighborhood, the Anarchists have sectioned off a 'commune.' They have a council of their own, and deny the police access often but not always. Our own garrison forces and police never go there. It hasn't been quite the stronghold they hoped, owing to a fear infiltration and informants, and as they have support elsewhere. But things have changed in the last few weeks. The governor in Manehattan decided to do a purge of sorts of the organized crime syndicates, foreigners, and academia, and the results were... predictable. It now has our opponents spooked everywhere in East Equestria. They think they need to act to help their comrades in Manehattan, or at least, to prevent the same from happening to them. Add to that the massacre on Blackbriar Peer, we can only assume the Anarchists feel pressured to act. And we must take this danger seriously."
He nods
"When the city revolted last September, half of the city was out of our control. The whole eastern side away from the harbor. It took five days for the garrison to push in most of it, and eleven days to clean up the remnants... But like puddles left after a flood, some of it came back in... In one neighborhood, the Anarchists have sectioned off a 'commune.' They have a council of their own, and deny the police access often but not always. Our own garrison forces and police never go there. It hasn't been quite the stronghold they hoped, owing to a fear infiltration and informants, and as they have support elsewhere. But things have changed in the last few weeks. The governor in Manehattan decided to do a purge of sorts of the organized crime syndicates, foreigners, and academia, and the results were... predictable. It now has our opponents spooked everywhere in East Equestria. They think they need to act to help their comrades in Manehattan, or at least, to prevent the same from happening to them. Add to that the massacre on Blackbriar Peer, we can only assume the Anarchists feel pressured to act. And we must take this danger seriously."
>>135145
"if they do act that would be bad for them. they would literally be signing their own death warrants."
"if they do act that would be bad for them. they would literally be signing their own death warrants."
>>135146
"Perhaps. But they may well be signing the death warrants for many of our soldiers and collaborators as well, besides disrupting the manufacture and shipments of essential landing gear and aviation gasoline. It would be better to strike first, or - if we must react defensively - that we know precisely what they are doing and where."
"Perhaps. But they may well be signing the death warrants for many of our soldiers and collaborators as well, besides disrupting the manufacture and shipments of essential landing gear and aviation gasoline. It would be better to strike first, or - if we must react defensively - that we know precisely what they are doing and where."
>>135168
"I'm not good with these sorts of things. He just looks ill. I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary kind of sickness."
"I'm not good with these sorts of things. He just looks ill. I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary kind of sickness."
File (): 9C98FF53293D1D9775A4A05D4B368B18-1239313.png (1.2 MB, 1366x768, Spoilered)
Fun 1940's fact: did you know public restrooms, or more specifically their stalls, were pay-to-enter and had locks which unlocked by inserting a coin?
Anyway, I did promise to give you screenshot updates of that war. Prywhen had at least 50% more divisions at the start of the war. I was going to join Equestria in a southern naval invasion but after a few in-game days my computer went kaput.
I think my fan is broken. That won't stop me from playing this game, though, whenever it picks up again.
Anyway, I did promise to give you screenshot updates of that war. Prywhen had at least 50% more divisions at the start of the war. I was going to join Equestria in a southern naval invasion but after a few in-game days my computer went kaput.
I think my fan is broken. That won't stop me from playing this game, though, whenever it picks up again.
>>135170
They are still like that in Europe
Okay, that’s quite a few losses for Prywhen
Now I just need to figure out what the characters are doing...
They are still like that in Europe
Okay, that’s quite a few losses for Prywhen
Now I just need to figure out what the characters are doing...
>>135171
They were banned decades ago in the U.S. because feminists argued they comprised gender discrimination as urinals could not be locked the same way. I learned all this from a lockpicking video and it surprised me as I always thought paying to use the restroom was a Rollercoaster Tycoon meme.
They were banned decades ago in the U.S. because feminists argued they comprised gender discrimination as urinals could not be locked the same way. I learned all this from a lockpicking video and it surprised me as I always thought paying to use the restroom was a Rollercoaster Tycoon meme.
hopes to play again soon
Cute farmpony noises
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>>134960
Silver sits down in one of the open seats, and calls him over.
"Have any whiskey? I will take one if you do."
Silver sits down in one of the open seats, and calls him over.
"Have any whiskey? I will take one if you do."
>>134805
Though he pushes open the door with force, he slows down, moving in front of the first stall, then the second, then by Iron's stall...
>>135199
Without word or comment, the pony pulls a glass up from under the counter, then takes a bottle from the shelf behind him, poring Silver an orange tinted whiskey
Though he pushes open the door with force, he slows down, moving in front of the first stall, then the second, then by Iron's stall...
>>135199
Without word or comment, the pony pulls a glass up from under the counter, then takes a bottle from the shelf behind him, poring Silver an orange tinted whiskey
>>135200
Iron readies a mighty buck for the exact moment the griffon tried to open the stall door, hoping to donk him out in one go.
Iron readies a mighty buck for the exact moment the griffon tried to open the stall door, hoping to donk him out in one go.
>>135203
Silver places three Bits on the counter in front of him before taking a drink of his whiskey. He sighs as the drink burns in his throat, before looking to the bartender again.
"Do you know if Black Cauldron is in?"
Silver places three Bits on the counter in front of him before taking a drink of his whiskey. He sighs as the drink burns in his throat, before looking to the bartender again.
"Do you know if Black Cauldron is in?"
As he rotates around, he freezes in place, locking eyes with Silver for some seconds. He moves over to the side, and taps on the shoulder of a big grey Diamond Dog wearing a jacket. The Diamond Dog says to Silver,
"Yes?"
>>135207
Iron bucks back onto the door, immediately knocking it off its hinges, and sending it flying backwards, the top half leaning forward and going first. It flies into the griffin, sending him back towards the wall, and evidently causing his head to hit the back of the wall first, sandwiching him between the wall and door.
"Yes?"
>>135207
Iron bucks back onto the door, immediately knocking it off its hinges, and sending it flying backwards, the top half leaning forward and going first. It flies into the griffin, sending him back towards the wall, and evidently causing his head to hit the back of the wall first, sandwiching him between the wall and door.
>>135208
Silver turns to the Diamond Dog.
"I am looking for Black Cauldron. Do you know if she is in?"
Silver turns to the Diamond Dog.
"I am looking for Black Cauldron. Do you know if she is in?"
>>135208
Iron quickly trots out, slamming against the door with his body in order to bonk the griffin further and potentially trap him between a rock and a hard place.
Funny joek.
Iron quickly trots out, slamming against the door with his body in order to bonk the griffin further and potentially trap him between a rock and a hard place.
Funny joek.
>>135211
Iron turns to Sands with a sheepish smile, pretending that was his plan all along before turning a serious expression and looking down at the griffon.
"Welcome to the jungle," the native greets before proceeding to bonk on the griffon again to knock 'im out.
Iron turns to Sands with a sheepish smile, pretending that was his plan all along before turning a serious expression and looking down at the griffon.
"Welcome to the jungle," the native greets before proceeding to bonk on the griffon again to knock 'im out.
>>135212
Another "slam" on the door, and he's unambiguously out. White Sands scrunches, but stands up and looks to Iron
Another "slam" on the door, and he's unambiguously out. White Sands scrunches, but stands up and looks to Iron
>>135213
Huffing softly, the native turns to Sands. "I assume we have more to do before we get out of here," he proposes, sheepish smile coming back again at her scrunching.
Huffing softly, the native turns to Sands. "I assume we have more to do before we get out of here," he proposes, sheepish smile coming back again at her scrunching.
>>135211
"I met her previously, and thought she might be able to tell me where I can find fence to sell goods to."
"I met her previously, and thought she might be able to tell me where I can find fence to sell goods to."
>>135215
Iron's radar ears start its scanning, wondering if the other two griffs have heard the three slams in the bathroom.
[1d20+8 = 28]<Listen check
Iron's radar ears start its scanning, wondering if the other two griffs have heard the three slams in the bathroom.
[1d20+8 = 28]<Listen check
>>135219
Popping his neck, Iron readies his hooves, carefully walking towards the door for yet another door hinge surprise.
Popping his neck, Iron readies his hooves, carefully walking towards the door for yet another door hinge surprise.
>>135222
Iron, being the predictable stallion that he is, awaits the moment where the griff was standing right in front of the door, licking his lips softly as he glances for Sands' position and potential critique of his current, somewhat desperate method.
Iron, being the predictable stallion that he is, awaits the moment where the griff was standing right in front of the door, licking his lips softly as he glances for Sands' position and potential critique of his current, somewhat desperate method.
She only stares on. It's hard to tell just precisely where the griffin is, as the floor outside is quieter than the tile in the bathroom
>>135225
Iron, feeling the need to ensure the griff comes even closer, does his best imitation of a griffon from what he learnt back at the dock.
"I am-a fine, fellow griffin," he lets out in the crudest Griffalian accent ever recorded in civilized history.
[1d20+1 = 12]<Bluff check
Iron, feeling the need to ensure the griff comes even closer, does his best imitation of a griffon from what he learnt back at the dock.
"I am-a fine, fellow griffin," he lets out in the crudest Griffalian accent ever recorded in civilized history.
[1d20+1 = 12]<Bluff check
>>135227
Cursing softly, Iron unleashes the powerful buck, ready to once again give the griffon a nice, snug massage with doors and walls.
Cursing softly, Iron unleashes the powerful buck, ready to once again give the griffon a nice, snug massage with doors and walls.
>>135230
Iron misses the griffon, but pushes strongly into the door, pushing the griffin back into the hallway, closing the door and damaging it
Iron misses the griffon, but pushes strongly into the door, pushing the griffin back into the hallway, closing the door and damaging it
>>135231
Iron, feeling his joker side coming up, stifles a smile before licking his lips for yet another cultural appropriation crime.
"It is-a private place!" he calls out with that horrible Griffalian accent.
[1d20+1 = 12]<Bluff Check x2.
Iron, feeling his joker side coming up, stifles a smile before licking his lips for yet another cultural appropriation crime.
"It is-a private place!" he calls out with that horrible Griffalian accent.
[1d20+1 = 12]<Bluff Check x2.
>>135234
>"È qui!"
Uh oh.
Iron quickly opens the door up in order to deliver a strong punch to the now tumbling griffon.
[1d20+5 = 24]<Attack (+5 to -5)
>"È qui!"
Uh oh.
Iron quickly opens the door up in order to deliver a strong punch to the now tumbling griffon.
[1d20+5 = 24]<Attack (+5 to -5)
>>135235
By the time Iron opens the door, the griffin is recovering, having evidently just picked up a hatchet. But Iron kicks him. Solidly.
By the time Iron opens the door, the griffin is recovering, having evidently just picked up a hatchet. But Iron kicks him. Solidly.
>>135223
Silver shakes his head no.
"No, came here for you actually. I was wondering if you know of any fences to sell goods to."
Silver shakes his head no.
"No, came here for you actually. I was wondering if you know of any fences to sell goods to."
>>135242
Iron does so with gusto, albeit far more precise this time.
[1d20+8 = 22]<(+2 to -2) Attack roll
He couldn't help but smile at Sands' attempt to help him out, even if she failed.
(She sure got spirit.)
Iron does so with gusto, albeit far more precise this time.
[1d20+8 = 22]<(+2 to -2) Attack roll
He couldn't help but smile at Sands' attempt to help him out, even if she failed.
(She sure got spirit.)
>>135246
Huffing softly, Iron turns to Sands, patting her back before his ears start to scan for the last enemy.
[1d20+8 = 25]<Listen
Huffing softly, Iron turns to Sands, patting her back before his ears start to scan for the last enemy.
[1d20+8 = 25]<Listen
>>135247
This isn't hard. This isn't hard at all. He's coming for Iron through the open door in the reception area, carrying a double barreled shotgun
This isn't hard. This isn't hard at all. He's coming for Iron through the open door in the reception area, carrying a double barreled shotgun
>>135242
Silver nods.
"That it is. I am still new to city, though, so I have no one to sell it to. Can you help me?"
Silver nods.
"That it is. I am still new to city, though, so I have no one to sell it to. Can you help me?"
>>135248
Charging towards the shotgun wielding griffon with a menacing look on his face in order to sell that scare factor even further, Iron opts to buck the griff in his chin while ignoring the glaring issue of charging at the most effective singlefire close range weapon.
[1d20+7 = 23]<Charge attack (+5 for -5)
Charging towards the shotgun wielding griffon with a menacing look on his face in order to sell that scare factor even further, Iron opts to buck the griff in his chin while ignoring the glaring issue of charging at the most effective singlefire close range weapon.
[1d20+7 = 23]<Charge attack (+5 for -5)
>>135257
>>135256
>>135255
Pushing through the insane recoil of the shotgun, Iron connects his powerful strike with a strained smile on his face to intimidate the griffon that thought the big boomstick would actually help him right now.
[1d3+10 = 12]<Bonk
[1d20+9 = 24]<Intimidate (just to add some extra oomph into the griff's psyche.)
>>135256
>>135255
Pushing through the insane recoil of the shotgun, Iron connects his powerful strike with a strained smile on his face to intimidate the griffon that thought the big boomstick would actually help him right now.
[1d3+10 = 12]<Bonk
[1d20+9 = 24]<Intimidate (just to add some extra oomph into the griff's psyche.)
>>135260
Iron huffs softly as the pellets inside his coat started to tickle his nerve in a bad way before turning to Sands with a couple of shallow holes in his chest and a smile.
"Whew," he utters out, breathing somewhat even "that was close."
Iron huffs softly as the pellets inside his coat started to tickle his nerve in a bad way before turning to Sands with a couple of shallow holes in his chest and a smile.
"Whew," he utters out, breathing somewhat even "that was close."
>>135260
Silver takes a drink of his own, shaking a little as the alcoholic warmth spreads through his body.
"Ahh...so, how was Khoi's first day working for you?"
Silver takes a drink of his own, shaking a little as the alcoholic warmth spreads through his body.
"Ahh...so, how was Khoi's first day working for you?"
>>135262
"Those griffs will think twice after that last griff saw me barrelling through that big metal boomstick he got," Iron confirms with a smile before looking at Sands. "Do you think we should keep going or that this will be enough to convince them of our powerful nature?"
"Those griffs will think twice after that last griff saw me barrelling through that big metal boomstick he got," Iron confirms with a smile before looking at Sands. "Do you think we should keep going or that this will be enough to convince them of our powerful nature?"
>>135267
Iron tilts his head by Sands' holding request, yet provides no comment aside from waiting a follow up to it.
Iron tilts his head by Sands' holding request, yet provides no comment aside from waiting a follow up to it.
>>135271
She goes up the stairs, and to a landing with a window at the far end with a door to the left
[1d3 = 2]
She goes up the stairs, and to a landing with a window at the far end with a door to the left
[1d3 = 2]
>>135272
Iron remains fully quiet, patiently waiting for her to check out the area for... whatever she had spotted.
Iron remains fully quiet, patiently waiting for her to check out the area for... whatever she had spotted.
>>135270
"She was among number of people who had been tricked and captured by traffickers operating out of 33 Hoebuck. She needed place to live after she was rescued, so...I offered to let her stay with me."
"She was among number of people who had been tricked and captured by traffickers operating out of 33 Hoebuck. She needed place to live after she was rescued, so...I offered to let her stay with me."
>>135275
(I wonder where are we going...) Iron thought to himself as he followed the mare into the room.
(I wonder where are we going...) Iron thought to himself as he followed the mare into the room.
>>135276
In the room is a table with a typewriter, some shelves, a window with the blinds down, and a turned over table
In the room is a table with a typewriter, some shelves, a window with the blinds down, and a turned over table
>>135277
(Huh,) Iron thought, unaware of this place's true purpose or Sands' reason to come here (this place seems rather fancy.)
(Huh,) Iron thought, unaware of this place's true purpose or Sands' reason to come here (this place seems rather fancy.)
>>135278
"He was pretty bad when I saw him yesterday, but he was much better today. So much better, in fact, he volunteered to help do some work."
"He was pretty bad when I saw him yesterday, but he was much better today. So much better, in fact, he volunteered to help do some work."
>>135281
Iron follows Sands around as she kept looking for whatever she was looking, peering his head behind her to see what she'd find.
Iron follows Sands around as she kept looking for whatever she was looking, peering his head behind her to see what she'd find.
>>135287
With a nod, Iron does as told, frankly a bit confused at her irritation.
(What are we doing?) Iron thought to himself.
[1d20+2 = 7]<Spot Check
With a nod, Iron does as told, frankly a bit confused at her irritation.
(What are we doing?) Iron thought to himself.
[1d20+2 = 7]<Spot Check
>>135288
Iron finds nothing under a stack of papers. But Sands, peers over the end of the upturned table, and a griffin head pops up, reddish in color.
Iron finds nothing under a stack of papers. But Sands, peers over the end of the upturned table, and a griffin head pops up, reddish in color.
>>135289
Iron's head tilts softly at the griffin's appearance, unsure of its intentions as he could've easily tried to attack Sands right about now.
Iron's head tilts softly at the griffin's appearance, unsure of its intentions as he could've easily tried to attack Sands right about now.
>>135291
Iron puts on a far more intimidating posture, walking towards the griffon. "It is a simple message," he confidently asserts "of who is the one ruling this area. You understand what I am saying so far?"
Iron puts on a far more intimidating posture, walking towards the griffon. "It is a simple message," he confidently asserts "of who is the one ruling this area. You understand what I am saying so far?"
>>135293
He smiles sheepishly.
"Oh! Sorry, I did not mean to suggest that. I can find my own way there, if you can show me where to go."
He smiles sheepishly.
"Oh! Sorry, I did not mean to suggest that. I can find my own way there, if you can show me where to go."
>>135296
"What sort of accountant has got armed guards inside his premises?" Iron presents, not being actually sure about how rare that is.
"What sort of accountant has got armed guards inside his premises?" Iron presents, not being actually sure about how rare that is.
>>135298
She gives accepts the hoof shake. Her shake is strong, and she tries to not be the first to break off
She gives accepts the hoof shake. Her shake is strong, and she tries to not be the first to break off
>>135299
(...I suppose,) Iron thought before closing the distance between heads further. "I know that you are working for the recently moved out griffon family from Manehattan," he reveals "now drop the act."
(...I suppose,) Iron thought before closing the distance between heads further. "I know that you are working for the recently moved out griffon family from Manehattan," he reveals "now drop the act."
>>135300
Silver is surprised at this, but pleasantly so. He breaks it off first before it gets awkward.
"Tell Iron hello for me, would you?"
Silver is surprised at this, but pleasantly so. He breaks it off first before it gets awkward.
"Tell Iron hello for me, would you?"
>>135303
"I will keep it simple," Iron starts. "Do not mess with the Waterfront Gang. Try to impede our operations, and you will be dealt with in a far worse manner than the griffons downstairs."
"I will keep it simple," Iron starts. "Do not mess with the Waterfront Gang. Try to impede our operations, and you will be dealt with in a far worse manner than the griffons downstairs."
>>135306
"Nothing big," Iron reassures dismissively as he glanced away, making sure to show off his wounds to see how hard they tried to stop him "I just forcibly made them go to sleep, since this is simply a reminder of who owns the area."
This was followed with Iron's now far more grim expression. "But, if you really want to be an example of how ruthless our ponies can be, I can show you."
"Nothing big," Iron reassures dismissively as he glanced away, making sure to show off his wounds to see how hard they tried to stop him "I just forcibly made them go to sleep, since this is simply a reminder of who owns the area."
This was followed with Iron's now far more grim expression. "But, if you really want to be an example of how ruthless our ponies can be, I can show you."
>>135309
"I have told you already," Iron replied, keeping his stoic look "it's the Waterfront Gang."
(At least I can see that he is scared enough that his mind is almost in a panicked haze.)
"I have told you already," Iron replied, keeping his stoic look "it's the Waterfront Gang."
(At least I can see that he is scared enough that his mind is almost in a panicked haze.)
>>135309
Silver speaks up to get the griffon's attention.
"Hello there. I was directed here by Black Cauldron, she said you could get me good price on jewelry I am looking to sell."
Silver speaks up to get the griffon's attention.
"Hello there. I was directed here by Black Cauldron, she said you could get me good price on jewelry I am looking to sell."
>>135311
"So she did" He smiles, looking rather fat
"And what is it you have to sell?"
Okay, I have to sleep now...
"So she did" He smiles, looking rather fat
"And what is it you have to sell?"
Okay, I have to sleep now...
hopes to play again soon
File (): 7931810C386E87E944D05FBD5F714812-139593.jpg (136.3 KB, 1280x720, 1598147308171.jpg)
Then... Suddenly... Fantasy took off her mask. It was voldymort !!1111
If I post here, assume that I can't play unless I stat the opposite. Just came by to say hi.
If I post here, assume that I can't play unless I stat the opposite. Just came by to say hi.
File (): 375A1BF4D76F09843233A674A5E0121B-57275.png (55.9 KB, 611x784, 0363F70D-1C81-456F-ACB8-2DABD11C3E72.png)
>>135316
"Hmmm"
He looks down at the set of jewelry intently, his lips pulling back into what must be a smile.
"A brooch"
He picks one up
"This looks like a wedding band... There's some damage here. Some jewels have been removed..."
He picks up a smaller piece
"A golden tooth. Must have belonged to an equine of some kind."
He smiles back to Silver
"1100 for the lot."
"Hmmm"
He looks down at the set of jewelry intently, his lips pulling back into what must be a smile.
"A brooch"
He picks one up
"This looks like a wedding band... There's some damage here. Some jewels have been removed..."
He picks up a smaller piece
"A golden tooth. Must have belonged to an equine of some kind."
He smiles back to Silver
"1100 for the lot."
[1d20-1 = 8]
>>135569
Charisma: "I killed crocogator in swamp to get that haul. Think you can throw another 100 in there?"
>>135569
Charisma: "I killed crocogator in swamp to get that haul. Think you can throw another 100 in there?"
>>135570
He has a half smile, and places the tooth down. Then he picks up the brooch
"A golden brooch"
Then the wedding band
"A wedding band... It seems to be broken. A necklace, missing its jewels. And a golden capped tooth belonging to a zebra I believe."
Now he smiles more intently
"Only an animal had to die for this haul? You are more efficient than I would have guessed. I assure you, I operate with complete discretion. That is well worth your 100 bits."
He has a half smile, and places the tooth down. Then he picks up the brooch
"A golden brooch"
Then the wedding band
"A wedding band... It seems to be broken. A necklace, missing its jewels. And a golden capped tooth belonging to a zebra I believe."
Now he smiles more intently
"Only an animal had to die for this haul? You are more efficient than I would have guessed. I assure you, I operate with complete discretion. That is well worth your 100 bits."
>>135572
"Do not worry. I pay in coin."
He removes the set of jewelry in the box, and places gold coins in a pile, counting out to 1100 bits
"Do not worry. I pay in coin."
He removes the set of jewelry in the box, and places gold coins in a pile, counting out to 1100 bits
>>135573
Silver smiles.
"That in and of itself is worth that 100 Bits. I thank you."
He shovels the Bits in his bags, which now jingle with the sound of coin.
"I hope we can do business again soon."
Silver smiles.
"That in and of itself is worth that 100 Bits. I thank you."
He shovels the Bits in his bags, which now jingle with the sound of coin.
"I hope we can do business again soon."
>>135574
He nods, with the strange smile still
"I always welcome repeat business"
Silver gains the whole set of coins, which at least are not too bulky
He nods, with the strange smile still
"I always welcome repeat business"
Silver gains the whole set of coins, which at least are not too bulky
>>135575
Silver bids him goodbye, and leaves for his last destination of the night: to go visit Pear Faucet.
Silver bids him goodbye, and leaves for his last destination of the night: to go visit Pear Faucet.
>>135576
Presumably, Silver goes to the motel where Ms. Faucet told him she was staying. It's an L shape one story building with red tile roofs and pink tinted white stucco walls.
Presumably, Silver goes to the motel where Ms. Faucet told him she was staying. It's an L shape one story building with red tile roofs and pink tinted white stucco walls.
>>135579
Good! He enters the front office to ask the person behind the counter which room is Pear Faucet's.
Good! He enters the front office to ask the person behind the counter which room is Pear Faucet's.
>>135580
It's a middle aged mare with her mane in a bun and glasses.
"You lookin' for a guest?" She says, skeptically, looking up from reading a magazine. "And who are you?"
It's a middle aged mare with her mane in a bun and glasses.
"You lookin' for a guest?" She says, skeptically, looking up from reading a magazine. "And who are you?"
>>135581
Silver nods.
"Yes, Pear Faucet. I am Silver Sword, by way. I met her earlier today and we talked about getting toget to talk some more. Is she at her room?"
Silver nods.
"Yes, Pear Faucet. I am Silver Sword, by way. I met her earlier today and we talked about getting toget to talk some more. Is she at her room?"
File (): 3A0236FBABF0B2D66B2D966BF494B424-94322.png (92.1 KB, 726x344, SleepingAmber000216296101333318108356081032000106007000293337.png)
As the day progresses Amber seems to grow weary and she elects to return back to her new apartment, choosing a direct route along major streets. Hopefully no new interruptions happen along the way.
She does not spare a glance to her landlord/receptionist on the way up, though it does take Amber a moment to remember where the stairway is. She trudges up the cramped stairs and down the hallway, stretching her neck tiredly. Once reaching her door she pushes her snout below her cloak and pulls it back a moment later with a keyring with a solitary key. It doesn't take long for Amber to open her door and lock it behind her.
Once laying her burlap cloak as well as her headscarf on top of her dress over the counter, the mare does some stretches to loosen those muscles exerted by a day-long trot and heads into the bathroom. The toilet itself is designed with ponies in mind, being slightly elongated and set low to the floor. However, the space which encloses it is not, as most ponies would need to bend their hind legs at an uncomfortable angles with hooves pressed to the wall. Thankfully this is not so much of an issue for Amber, and although the wooden lid is cracked and smells strongly of chemicals, the commode flushes effectively if slowly. The sink is likewise a simple rectangle with a bare pipe underneath, and it has a single faucet topped by a spoked knob. After turning the knob the faucet spurts water erratically with a gurgle but after a couple of seconds and a splash it resumes a steady stream. Once washing her hooves and face Amber places her few toiletries atop its sparse space, including a rustic wooden brush, a simple toothbrush, unbranded tooth powder, and a small bar of soap.
The pony frowns disapprovingly at the only other bathroom fixture, the shower, jammed at the far end next to the toilet. She sighs and puts the brush and soap on the toilet tank lid before sidling over into the shower area. The width of the bathroom is barely enough to stand on all fours, and doing so requires an equine to turn her head to the side with it touching the wall. A simple set of pipes on the same side as all the other plumbing, and again with a knob valve, rises out of the wall to a fixed shower head. Amber determines that rising on her rear hooves is better for comfort and rests either her plot against the wall behind her or her forehooves on the wall in front for support. The shower itself works well and Amber starts by running the soap through her mane, behind her ears, and down her neck, followed by a brush. Although she manages to reach her withers with effort, her hooves cannot reach her loin and croup so she picks up the brush in her mouth. The shower's spray cannot reach her belly directly but suds running down her coat make it possible to wash there. This is followed by her tail, her nether regions and finally down her gaskins.
After rinsing and shutting off the water Amber is now free of the grunge inevitable after a full day of travel, but she's now faced with a new problem. Besides the lack of a shower curtain and spray thus reaching as far as the floor beneath the sink, there is no proper basin for the shower. Rather, the tiled floor slopes gradually into a drain, but part of it failing to do so leaves a puddle of standing water. She shakes herself off carefully and uses a hoof to sweep some of the water into the drain, and as she leaves she shakes the water off her hooves. Shivering in the sudden chill of the room the mare wishes she had a towel instead of having to resort to wrapping herself in her burlap cloak.
Having corrected her hair with the brush to be in the right place--namely, all falling over the right side of her head, she decides to have dinner. She carefully unwraps the bread and cheese, slices it in half, and after giving thanks nibbles on one half until it's gone. No longer hungry for now at least, she wraps the remaining meal, gulps down some water, and brushes her teeth.
Not wanting to go to bed until she's only slightly damp, the mare fishes out a bulky instrument from her saddlebags. In the rosy but fading glow of the sunset shining through her window, she sits on the floor with the cloak around her, carefully tunes this stringed instrument, and plays a little song over and over, trying out different variations.
https://youtu.be/BQtJ3v4lGfY?t=99
This goes on for a couple hours, and when there's no longer enough light to see she resorts to the dimly harsh orange light of a sole unshrouded incandescent bulb on the ceiling.
Yawning, Amber carefully leans her mandolin against the wall and turns to the bare mattress serving as the only bedding in the room. Frowning, she jumps on top of it a few times with nothing happening. She grips a corner with her teeth and pulls it up, spotting a cockroach scurry out. Pupils shrunk and eye twitching, she drops the mattress and hits with a thwack. The young mare grimaces in disgust at the still-twitching remains, and she quickly finds a handkerchief, picks it up gingerly and practically throws it into the sink, washing whatever is on the handkerchief and her hoof down the drain. After what was surely an excessive amount of washing she shuts off the sink.
Amber, after calming down, rests next to her mattress in a supplicative pose. Aloud she says a very common prayer, "O Celestia, our Princess...", which praises the former monarch and provides petition for both well-being and forgiveness. She follows this with a shorter prayer devoted to Luna which requests safeguard from threats in both the world of reality and that of dreams. After following these with lengthy lists of things to be thankful for--mainly health, safe travel, accommodation, and a job--and requests--mainly the physical and economic well-being of her family--she crawls into bed. It takes some repositioning to huddle with the burlap cloth, and she's never truly warm, but she manages to fade off into sleep.
END OF FIRST DAY
She does not spare a glance to her landlord/receptionist on the way up, though it does take Amber a moment to remember where the stairway is. She trudges up the cramped stairs and down the hallway, stretching her neck tiredly. Once reaching her door she pushes her snout below her cloak and pulls it back a moment later with a keyring with a solitary key. It doesn't take long for Amber to open her door and lock it behind her.
Once laying her burlap cloak as well as her headscarf on top of her dress over the counter, the mare does some stretches to loosen those muscles exerted by a day-long trot and heads into the bathroom. The toilet itself is designed with ponies in mind, being slightly elongated and set low to the floor. However, the space which encloses it is not, as most ponies would need to bend their hind legs at an uncomfortable angles with hooves pressed to the wall. Thankfully this is not so much of an issue for Amber, and although the wooden lid is cracked and smells strongly of chemicals, the commode flushes effectively if slowly. The sink is likewise a simple rectangle with a bare pipe underneath, and it has a single faucet topped by a spoked knob. After turning the knob the faucet spurts water erratically with a gurgle but after a couple of seconds and a splash it resumes a steady stream. Once washing her hooves and face Amber places her few toiletries atop its sparse space, including a rustic wooden brush, a simple toothbrush, unbranded tooth powder, and a small bar of soap.
The pony frowns disapprovingly at the only other bathroom fixture, the shower, jammed at the far end next to the toilet. She sighs and puts the brush and soap on the toilet tank lid before sidling over into the shower area. The width of the bathroom is barely enough to stand on all fours, and doing so requires an equine to turn her head to the side with it touching the wall. A simple set of pipes on the same side as all the other plumbing, and again with a knob valve, rises out of the wall to a fixed shower head. Amber determines that rising on her rear hooves is better for comfort and rests either her plot against the wall behind her or her forehooves on the wall in front for support. The shower itself works well and Amber starts by running the soap through her mane, behind her ears, and down her neck, followed by a brush. Although she manages to reach her withers with effort, her hooves cannot reach her loin and croup so she picks up the brush in her mouth. The shower's spray cannot reach her belly directly but suds running down her coat make it possible to wash there. This is followed by her tail, her nether regions and finally down her gaskins.
After rinsing and shutting off the water Amber is now free of the grunge inevitable after a full day of travel, but she's now faced with a new problem. Besides the lack of a shower curtain and spray thus reaching as far as the floor beneath the sink, there is no proper basin for the shower. Rather, the tiled floor slopes gradually into a drain, but part of it failing to do so leaves a puddle of standing water. She shakes herself off carefully and uses a hoof to sweep some of the water into the drain, and as she leaves she shakes the water off her hooves. Shivering in the sudden chill of the room the mare wishes she had a towel instead of having to resort to wrapping herself in her burlap cloak.
Having corrected her hair with the brush to be in the right place--namely, all falling over the right side of her head, she decides to have dinner. She carefully unwraps the bread and cheese, slices it in half, and after giving thanks nibbles on one half until it's gone. No longer hungry for now at least, she wraps the remaining meal, gulps down some water, and brushes her teeth.
Not wanting to go to bed until she's only slightly damp, the mare fishes out a bulky instrument from her saddlebags. In the rosy but fading glow of the sunset shining through her window, she sits on the floor with the cloak around her, carefully tunes this stringed instrument, and plays a little song over and over, trying out different variations.
https://youtu.be/BQtJ3v4lGfY?t=99
This goes on for a couple hours, and when there's no longer enough light to see she resorts to the dimly harsh orange light of a sole unshrouded incandescent bulb on the ceiling.
Yawning, Amber carefully leans her mandolin against the wall and turns to the bare mattress serving as the only bedding in the room. Frowning, she jumps on top of it a few times with nothing happening. She grips a corner with her teeth and pulls it up, spotting a cockroach scurry out. Pupils shrunk and eye twitching, she drops the mattress and hits with a thwack. The young mare grimaces in disgust at the still-twitching remains, and she quickly finds a handkerchief, picks it up gingerly and practically throws it into the sink, washing whatever is on the handkerchief and her hoof down the drain. After what was surely an excessive amount of washing she shuts off the sink.
Amber, after calming down, rests next to her mattress in a supplicative pose. Aloud she says a very common prayer, "O Celestia, our Princess...", which praises the former monarch and provides petition for both well-being and forgiveness. She follows this with a shorter prayer devoted to Luna which requests safeguard from threats in both the world of reality and that of dreams. After following these with lengthy lists of things to be thankful for--mainly health, safe travel, accommodation, and a job--and requests--mainly the physical and economic well-being of her family--she crawls into bed. It takes some repositioning to huddle with the burlap cloth, and she's never truly warm, but she manages to fade off into sleep.
END OF FIRST DAY
>>135584
Amber groggily wakes up, blinks a couple of times, stares blankly for a couple of second, and sits upright with a start. The sun is up! I'm...I'm LATE!!!
Cantering to the bathroom she swiftly washes her face, corrects her mane--made much simpler with the world's second-simplest mane style--and brushes her teeth hurriedly. She dons her midnight blue woolen dress as quickly as possible, just carefully enough to avoid causing any damage, and fumbles with the buttons with her hooves. "Come on, come on...." She has a similar experience with her green headscarf. She doesn't bother eating now but stuffs the pack of remaining food--and her nearly empty canteen--beneath her black cloak. She races out of her door, but midway remembers she needs to lock her door. After doing so and securing her key ring she practically jumps down the stairs, is a blur through the lobby, and gallops down the street west to the store, weaving to avoid hitting anypony. Needless to say she breaks a sweat even in the brisk winter morning.
Amber groggily wakes up, blinks a couple of times, stares blankly for a couple of second, and sits upright with a start. The sun is up! I'm...I'm LATE!!!
Cantering to the bathroom she swiftly washes her face, corrects her mane--made much simpler with the world's second-simplest mane style--and brushes her teeth hurriedly. She dons her midnight blue woolen dress as quickly as possible, just carefully enough to avoid causing any damage, and fumbles with the buttons with her hooves. "Come on, come on...." She has a similar experience with her green headscarf. She doesn't bother eating now but stuffs the pack of remaining food--and her nearly empty canteen--beneath her black cloak. She races out of her door, but midway remembers she needs to lock her door. After doing so and securing her key ring she practically jumps down the stairs, is a blur through the lobby, and gallops down the street west to the store, weaving to avoid hitting anypony. Needless to say she breaks a sweat even in the brisk winter morning.
>>135596
She sighs, and waits a moment
“Very well... you’re alone and look too old to be with the Waterfront Gang.”
She puts her glasses back on, and picks up a sheet in front of her. She holds it up and reads off it before placing it down and looking to Silver.
“Her room number is 13.”
She sighs, and waits a moment
“Very well... you’re alone and look too old to be with the Waterfront Gang.”
She puts her glasses back on, and picks up a sheet in front of her. She holds it up and reads off it before placing it down and looking to Silver.
“Her room number is 13.”
>>135598
Silver knocks on the door, and there is quickly an almost frantic "just a minute!" response yelled from inside. It takes a while longer - a decent while, actually, before Silver hears the clicking sound of the chain lock moving, and then the door opens. Then, the red-orange capped head of the small yellow mare pokes out from the cracked open door, and looks over to Silver
Silver knocks on the door, and there is quickly an almost frantic "just a minute!" response yelled from inside. It takes a while longer - a decent while, actually, before Silver hears the clicking sound of the chain lock moving, and then the door opens. Then, the red-orange capped head of the small yellow mare pokes out from the cracked open door, and looks over to Silver
>>135600
She pushes it further open, and moves her front two legs outside. Her mane is kept together in a wrap.
"Oh. Silver Sword, was it? With the sword from today."
She pushes it further open, and moves her front two legs outside. Her mane is kept together in a wrap.
"Oh. Silver Sword, was it? With the sword from today."
>>135601
He nods, and smiles at the mare.
"Yes. To be honest, I had no idea if you would even want to see me after that."
He pauses for a moment before speaking again.
"You look great!"
He nods, and smiles at the mare.
"Yes. To be honest, I had no idea if you would even want to see me after that."
He pauses for a moment before speaking again.
"You look great!"
>>135603
He takes a half step back, and looks sheepishly at her.
"Oh...uh...well, it looks good, still."
He takes a half step back, and looks sheepishly at her.
"Oh...uh...well, it looks good, still."
>>135605
"We talked about getting to know each other better and talking back at quarry. I was wondering if you still wanted to or not."
"We talked about getting to know each other better and talking back at quarry. I was wondering if you still wanted to or not."
>>135613
She opens the door all the way, to show behind her is a fairly small room with a single bed with red covers, an armchair with a floral pattern on it, and a chair on the far end by a counter top. The countertop has a closed book and some papers, as well as a couple folders by it. This area alone is lit with an overhead light, and the remainder of the room is rather dark.
She opens the door all the way, to show behind her is a fairly small room with a single bed with red covers, an armchair with a floral pattern on it, and a chair on the far end by a counter top. The countertop has a closed book and some papers, as well as a couple folders by it. This area alone is lit with an overhead light, and the remainder of the room is rather dark.
>>135616
"Have you lived here long?"
She moves further in, goes to the bed, takes some papers off of the bed, and bends down to place them under the bed
"Have you lived here long?"
She moves further in, goes to the bed, takes some papers off of the bed, and bends down to place them under the bed
>>135618
"Well, if you're having a showdown with university faculty... and whatever that was with the zombies... I can imagine it would."
She pushes it under
"Well, if you're having a showdown with university faculty... and whatever that was with the zombies... I can imagine it would."
She pushes it under
>>135619
"Heh. He made me feel like I was in my old adventuring days, having to put my hoof down for payment...sorry..."
"Heh. He made me feel like I was in my old adventuring days, having to put my hoof down for payment...sorry..."
>>135622
She stands back up, and gets on the bed. Her long, red tail is also wrapped by bands. She moves to a position where she is sitting ontop of the made-bed.
"Well, technically my doctorates degree is in equinology, and my undergraduae degree is in equinology and comparative religions. I specialize in study of religions and religious practices. This is actually my first time out in the field on an archeological dig. So... about three days now."
She stands back up, and gets on the bed. Her long, red tail is also wrapped by bands. She moves to a position where she is sitting ontop of the made-bed.
"Well, technically my doctorates degree is in equinology, and my undergraduae degree is in equinology and comparative religions. I specialize in study of religions and religious practices. This is actually my first time out in the field on an archeological dig. So... about three days now."
>>135623
Silver's eyes widen a bit.
"Really? I would have never guessed. What is it like, studying religions?"
Silver's eyes widen a bit.
"Really? I would have never guessed. What is it like, studying religions?"
>>135624
She starts to answer while looking away to her left, near where the carpet turns to tile further back in the room.
"Well, in many ways it's a lot like studying most anything. There's a lot of reading books, a lot of time spent in libraries. You have to track down primary sources, and request books, manusrcipts, and letters from far away. You're expected to know at least one foreign language and translate documents yourself, which is kind of necessary because for many of these primary sources no translation exists. And of course because it's Equinology, it's not enough to just read. You're expected to go on location, to these old chapels built back during the Castallion migration that are falling apart, and speak with old coltec mares who don't even know Ponish, and ask them questions to try to figure out what their beliefs are..."
She then sits upright so that her hind legs face forward, and she rubs the top of her right hoof with her left. Then she moves her head to make eye contact with Silver, her lime green eyes to Silver's blue
"But that isn't what you meant when you asked the question, is it? Yes. There's something special about studying religion Something very different about about it. You see, in Equinology, you try to study how ponies - and other creatures now. The department is looking to an East Equestria-wide renaming of the science to "meta-zoology." But that's besides the point. In Equinology you study cultures, traditions, practices. What ponies do. But religion... religion is about how ponies structure their lives. How they structure their entire universes. How they make sense of everything they experience, and tie it all together. It's about how they understand how everything came to be. Why magic works, what the purpose of life is. What is good and bad, and what to do about it. What happens after you die. And it's not just a theory, it's how ponies actually respond to these questions. It's about how ponies live their lives, build their institutions and structure their societies. You see, it's very important to ponies... well, to creatures generally. It's something they live, kill and die for. And you have to kind of view it like an outsider. Like you're a naturalist, looking at how a manticore hunts a rabbit. Just look at it objectively and make no judgements. But of course for them it's very different. It's the most serious thing in the world, because to them their whole world is always in some way structured around the religion. Even if they don't take it too seriously, or deviate from the prescriptions it's always there. It's their fallback if they are asked questions about morality, or if they fear death. And you are there to understand it, or to try to understand it in the way they understand it. Or to understand it better than they do, really, because you're outside and can see it objectively, and can compare it to other practices elsewhere in the world. But that's very hard to do with religion because it's a lived thing. It's very much based upon subjective experience.
So I guess it can be challenging, but it always feels like you are studying something important."
She starts to answer while looking away to her left, near where the carpet turns to tile further back in the room.
"Well, in many ways it's a lot like studying most anything. There's a lot of reading books, a lot of time spent in libraries. You have to track down primary sources, and request books, manusrcipts, and letters from far away. You're expected to know at least one foreign language and translate documents yourself, which is kind of necessary because for many of these primary sources no translation exists. And of course because it's Equinology, it's not enough to just read. You're expected to go on location, to these old chapels built back during the Castallion migration that are falling apart, and speak with old coltec mares who don't even know Ponish, and ask them questions to try to figure out what their beliefs are..."
She then sits upright so that her hind legs face forward, and she rubs the top of her right hoof with her left. Then she moves her head to make eye contact with Silver, her lime green eyes to Silver's blue
"But that isn't what you meant when you asked the question, is it? Yes. There's something special about studying religion Something very different about about it. You see, in Equinology, you try to study how ponies - and other creatures now. The department is looking to an East Equestria-wide renaming of the science to "meta-zoology." But that's besides the point. In Equinology you study cultures, traditions, practices. What ponies do. But religion... religion is about how ponies structure their lives. How they structure their entire universes. How they make sense of everything they experience, and tie it all together. It's about how they understand how everything came to be. Why magic works, what the purpose of life is. What is good and bad, and what to do about it. What happens after you die. And it's not just a theory, it's how ponies actually respond to these questions. It's about how ponies live their lives, build their institutions and structure their societies. You see, it's very important to ponies... well, to creatures generally. It's something they live, kill and die for. And you have to kind of view it like an outsider. Like you're a naturalist, looking at how a manticore hunts a rabbit. Just look at it objectively and make no judgements. But of course for them it's very different. It's the most serious thing in the world, because to them their whole world is always in some way structured around the religion. Even if they don't take it too seriously, or deviate from the prescriptions it's always there. It's their fallback if they are asked questions about morality, or if they fear death. And you are there to understand it, or to try to understand it in the way they understand it. Or to understand it better than they do, really, because you're outside and can see it objectively, and can compare it to other practices elsewhere in the world. But that's very hard to do with religion because it's a lived thing. It's very much based upon subjective experience.
So I guess it can be challenging, but it always feels like you are studying something important."
>>135625
Silver sits down during her explanation, nodding from time to time.
"Huh...I could see appeal, if I was more scholarly pony. Afraid I got more my father's strength than much intelligence."
He pats the firm muscles in his foreleg before turning back to Pear.
"You must have been to many places, and learned about many religions."
Silver sits down during her explanation, nodding from time to time.
"Huh...I could see appeal, if I was more scholarly pony. Afraid I got more my father's strength than much intelligence."
He pats the firm muscles in his foreleg before turning back to Pear.
"You must have been to many places, and learned about many religions."
>>135626
She seems to smile at the muscle pat
"Only so many..." She says
"I did my doctoral thesis on the branch of Celestialism practiced by the Coltecs and Neighuatl, and especially, for surviving remnants of the Solar Cult. So I went to many old churches in Tenochtitlan, the countryside, to Monestaries... I went to a cave temple of the Moon God, that was something, but I didn't leave Equestria. Of course you're expected to have a general knowledge of religions around the world, so I studied the religions of the Griffins, or the River Ponies, of the Kirin, of the Gnolls and so forth. I've read most of the holy texts of the biggest ten or so religions, I can say that."
She seems to smile at the muscle pat
"Only so many..." She says
"I did my doctoral thesis on the branch of Celestialism practiced by the Coltecs and Neighuatl, and especially, for surviving remnants of the Solar Cult. So I went to many old churches in Tenochtitlan, the countryside, to Monestaries... I went to a cave temple of the Moon God, that was something, but I didn't leave Equestria. Of course you're expected to have a general knowledge of religions around the world, so I studied the religions of the Griffins, or the River Ponies, of the Kirin, of the Gnolls and so forth. I've read most of the holy texts of the biggest ten or so religions, I can say that."
>>135628
She nods
"It was the focus of my thesis. Specifically, to what extent they actually adopted Celestialism after being integrated into Equestria, or just continued their old practices and called it "Celestialism"
She nods
"It was the focus of my thesis. Specifically, to what extent they actually adopted Celestialism after being integrated into Equestria, or just continued their old practices and called it "Celestialism"
>>135630
"Well, in the larger cities and in the areas with the most Castallion settlement, you do see something kind of like the celestialism practiced in the Heartland. If anything it's an older variety, since changes in practices adopted in the Heartland, like a general tendency towards austerity over ostentation, haven't occured in the Southeast. But further away from the cities and the settlements, you have more of an identification of Celestia with the Sun itself, or even what seems to be a direct worship of the celestial entity of the sun, as well greater fetishism of things like the solar calendar. You'll see this most obviously with the lay ponies, though sometimes even with the ministers. And that's more consistent with what we know about the Solar Cult than traditional Celestial Universalism. Of course in almost all of these places the religion is nominally Celestialism, with Celestialist style churches, and ministers reporting to Canterlot."
"Well, in the larger cities and in the areas with the most Castallion settlement, you do see something kind of like the celestialism practiced in the Heartland. If anything it's an older variety, since changes in practices adopted in the Heartland, like a general tendency towards austerity over ostentation, haven't occured in the Southeast. But further away from the cities and the settlements, you have more of an identification of Celestia with the Sun itself, or even what seems to be a direct worship of the celestial entity of the sun, as well greater fetishism of things like the solar calendar. You'll see this most obviously with the lay ponies, though sometimes even with the ministers. And that's more consistent with what we know about the Solar Cult than traditional Celestial Universalism. Of course in almost all of these places the religion is nominally Celestialism, with Celestialist style churches, and ministers reporting to Canterlot."
>>135632
“Well, I thought it was a success. An argument for the survival of the Solar Cult, albeit in a passive, and ‘above ground’ form.”
“Well, I thought it was a success. An argument for the survival of the Solar Cult, albeit in a passive, and ‘above ground’ form.”
>>135633
"I do not know much of region, but I could believe it. You would definitely know more than me."
He scratches his chin.
"So...what do you know about kirin religion?"
"I do not know much of region, but I could believe it. You would definitely know more than me."
He scratches his chin.
"So...what do you know about kirin religion?"
>>135636
"Yes... That is one of the more widespread religions of the Kirin folk. It is a specific permutation of a more widespread lived philosophy that follows the teachings of the 'one who came,' who dispelled darkness," known as Sageheart Contentment in life. That lived philosophy sees the world as coming from one spiritual being. Well, not so much 'being' in the sense of a living, conscious thing, but rather, one spiritual existence, like all of consciousness is one thing, or can be, and reunification with this consciousness is desirable. It generally sees suffering as coming from unfulfilled passions, hence reducing the passions itself generally the goal. What seperates The Great Vehicle from the other versions of the same philosophy is that it's more... 'social.' Well, perhaps that isn't the right word, buts its morality has more focus on altruism and compassion, and helping others than the other varieties, which tend to think of spirituality as something you do alone, and still another version is very austere and shuns all possessions, whereas The Great Vehicle shuns acquisitiveness, but it doesn't shun owning possessions. Well, that's sort of an overview. It's most common in Ngua Nam and the Kirin Communities of the old Empire, especially in the south and on the coast, but not so much in, for example, the Khamare lands."
"Yes... That is one of the more widespread religions of the Kirin folk. It is a specific permutation of a more widespread lived philosophy that follows the teachings of the 'one who came,' who dispelled darkness," known as Sageheart Contentment in life. That lived philosophy sees the world as coming from one spiritual being. Well, not so much 'being' in the sense of a living, conscious thing, but rather, one spiritual existence, like all of consciousness is one thing, or can be, and reunification with this consciousness is desirable. It generally sees suffering as coming from unfulfilled passions, hence reducing the passions itself generally the goal. What seperates The Great Vehicle from the other versions of the same philosophy is that it's more... 'social.' Well, perhaps that isn't the right word, buts its morality has more focus on altruism and compassion, and helping others than the other varieties, which tend to think of spirituality as something you do alone, and still another version is very austere and shuns all possessions, whereas The Great Vehicle shuns acquisitiveness, but it doesn't shun owning possessions. Well, that's sort of an overview. It's most common in Ngua Nam and the Kirin Communities of the old Empire, especially in the south and on the coast, but not so much in, for example, the Khamare lands."
>>135637
"It sounds rather noble, and fitting for kirins. You would not happen to know Great Vehicle stance on warriors, or taking another's life, would you?"
"It sounds rather noble, and fitting for kirins. You would not happen to know Great Vehicle stance on warriors, or taking another's life, would you?"
>>135638
"Well... Generally it's associated with pacifism. For instance, the great stag of the Chital, Sorrowless, was a conquering emperor in his younger years, but converted under the Great Vehicle and spread the religion in his later reign, regretting his earlier conquests. But at the same time, it's kind of hard to say, because unlike Celestialism, and certainly unlike any of the Griffin Pantheon, The Great Vehicle doesn't really moralize actions. It moralizes states of mind. So it isn't so much the act of killing someone that is forbidden, so much as anger, or revenge, or the desire to exert power over someone else. Spiritual leaders in that faith have said that killing in self-defense isn't prohibited. But it really isn't a faith associated with warriors in the way that Celestialism sometimes is, or Borealism is, or even than the followers of the Second Son in the Kirin Grove."
"Well... Generally it's associated with pacifism. For instance, the great stag of the Chital, Sorrowless, was a conquering emperor in his younger years, but converted under the Great Vehicle and spread the religion in his later reign, regretting his earlier conquests. But at the same time, it's kind of hard to say, because unlike Celestialism, and certainly unlike any of the Griffin Pantheon, The Great Vehicle doesn't really moralize actions. It moralizes states of mind. So it isn't so much the act of killing someone that is forbidden, so much as anger, or revenge, or the desire to exert power over someone else. Spiritual leaders in that faith have said that killing in self-defense isn't prohibited. But it really isn't a faith associated with warriors in the way that Celestialism sometimes is, or Borealism is, or even than the followers of the Second Son in the Kirin Grove."
>>135639
He listens, nods, and contemplates on how he can use this information to maybe help Khoi. After a few seconds, he smiles at Pear.
"You really do know your stuff."
He listens, nods, and contemplates on how he can use this information to maybe help Khoi. After a few seconds, he smiles at Pear.
"You really do know your stuff."
>>135640
For a moment, she has a proud smile on her face. It doesn't last long before her lips return to a more neutral expression.
"Only surface level. It's about what they expect you to know to teach classes in religion and comparative religion to undergraduates at the University. But the only area I am really an 'expert' and could really write anything about is the religion of the Neighua, and maybe the Coltec."
For a moment, she has a proud smile on her face. It doesn't last long before her lips return to a more neutral expression.
"Only surface level. It's about what they expect you to know to teach classes in religion and comparative religion to undergraduates at the University. But the only area I am really an 'expert' and could really write anything about is the religion of the Neighua, and maybe the Coltec."
>>135642
“Well, yes. We’re investigating an archeological site reported my a visitor to a village a couple years ago. There’s the ruins of a small town out on the Snake, or ‘Windy’ River around sixty miles northeast of Tenochtitlan. They think it could have relics, artifacts, or especially architecture relating to the religion of the Neighua, specifically the Marexica nation.”
“Well, yes. We’re investigating an archeological site reported my a visitor to a village a couple years ago. There’s the ruins of a small town out on the Snake, or ‘Windy’ River around sixty miles northeast of Tenochtitlan. They think it could have relics, artifacts, or especially architecture relating to the religion of the Neighua, specifically the Marexica nation.”
>>135651
Not sure why I made taht joke since it scks so bad. WEll ,whatever.
I don't think I will be able to play for a while to be honest got irl things to do and so on.
Not sure why I made taht joke since it scks so bad. WEll ,whatever.
I don't think I will be able to play for a while to be honest got irl things to do and so on.
File (): 16A3A1E5F9072337AB9C4B5CBDE98CC0-220924.png (215.7 KB, 408x612, VerityOnTheFence.png)
>>135657
Yes. He would lead he over there as soon as he has a chance. Does the doctor have anything else to note before we leave?
Yes. He would lead he over there as soon as he has a chance. Does the doctor have anything else to note before we leave?
>>135659
"To my friend. He is outside of this town a bit to not draw much attention from the changelings."
"To my friend. He is outside of this town a bit to not draw much attention from the changelings."
>>135660
His hairs visibly stand up. He moves his head and opens his mouth, but only manages to get out "geh" and "ah," never succeeding in forming a coherent response as he squirms.
His hairs visibly stand up. He moves his head and opens his mouth, but only manages to get out "geh" and "ah," never succeeding in forming a coherent response as he squirms.
>>135666
He is silent for a moment, though he seems to take a quick breath out as soon as he takes a breath in
"The beasts are down?"
He is silent for a moment, though he seems to take a quick breath out as soon as he takes a breath in
"The beasts are down?"
>>135667
"As far as I know. I helped take down about three. No more roaring or anything so I assume that was the last of them."
"As far as I know. I helped take down about three. No more roaring or anything so I assume that was the last of them."
>>135668
He pauses again. Both ears stand at full height, swiveled towards Spark. The left ear twitches twice. He stands there for some seconds.
"Is that - is that what that commotion was yesterday?"
He pauses again. Both ears stand at full height, swiveled towards Spark. The left ear twitches twice. He stands there for some seconds.
"Is that - is that what that commotion was yesterday?"
>>135669
"Afraid so. I would be glad to share more, but I have a feeling the changelings would not like such information being shared so publicly. Let's wait until we get to a bit more privacy."
"Afraid so. I would be glad to share more, but I have a feeling the changelings would not like such information being shared so publicly. Let's wait until we get to a bit more privacy."
>>135670
He frowns, and the ears twist somewhat.
"I am... I am a doctor. I am sworn to help and do no harm. But going out into the forest... It is risky. Very risky..."
He frowns, and the ears twist somewhat.
"I am... I am a doctor. I am sworn to help and do no harm. But going out into the forest... It is risky. Very risky..."
>>135671
"Perhaps, but I would say that the risk is about equal to working with the changelings, and probably less if they are in one of their grumpy moods."
"Perhaps, but I would say that the risk is about equal to working with the changelings, and probably less if they are in one of their grumpy moods."
>>135673
"This isn't fleeing into the forest. Just visiting. And besides, they are a bit busy cleaning up the mess to worry about a house call."
"This isn't fleeing into the forest. Just visiting. And besides, they are a bit busy cleaning up the mess to worry about a house call."
>>135674
He breathes in, closes his eyes
"Very well... I will try. But I have to be careful in how I sneak out of here."
He breathes in, closes his eyes
"Very well... I will try. But I have to be careful in how I sneak out of here."
>>135676
"Let me... close out for a few hours..."
He closed a few cupboards, and turns off lights
"I'll need an alibi if they catch me... We should take the alley to the north, down the hill."
"Let me... close out for a few hours..."
He closed a few cupboards, and turns off lights
"I'll need an alibi if they catch me... We should take the alley to the north, down the hill."
>>135678
He locks them anyways, carefully. He hands a stethoscope and bag to Spark
"I think this is your risk to take. Carry these."
He locks them anyways, carefully. He hands a stethoscope and bag to Spark
"I think this is your risk to take. Carry these."
>>135681
"Okay. Onwards." He breathes in, closes the door in the office, then goes through the door to the reception area, locks it, and goes out the front door.
"Okay, you go around right, I'll go left, then go right to Hickory Street." He goes left, and spark goes through a small alleyway that goes to another street. He appears over there in his large brown coat and hat, and waves to Spark, then going with Spark down a street and another directly north, until the two walk along a dirt road by the forest
"Okay, we are clear of the main area they patrol."
"Okay. Onwards." He breathes in, closes the door in the office, then goes through the door to the reception area, locks it, and goes out the front door.
"Okay, you go around right, I'll go left, then go right to Hickory Street." He goes left, and spark goes through a small alleyway that goes to another street. He appears over there in his large brown coat and hat, and waves to Spark, then going with Spark down a street and another directly north, until the two walk along a dirt road by the forest
"Okay, we are clear of the main area they patrol."
>>135652
Not to worry! Tbh it's hard to balance for me too sometimes.
Take all the time you need because I found a good plan that doesn't need coordination with other players for a while.
Not to worry! Tbh it's hard to balance for me too sometimes.
Take all the time you need because I found a good plan that doesn't need coordination with other players for a while.
>>135682
I thought I would have more time to pick this back up, but it looks like it will have to wait a bit.
I thought I would have more time to pick this back up, but it looks like it will have to wait a bit.
How will Amber's second day go?
>>135701
Amber gradually stirs awake and lets her eyes adjust to the light. Initially hesitant to leave even what little warmth the burlap blanket offers, she gets up with a yawn and says a set of morning prayers. Still unfamiliar with the layout of the room, she resorts to turning on the light before going to wash up. She eats the very last of the bread and cheese, makes sure to refill her canteen, and brushes her teeth.
Once she puts on her dress, headscarf and cloak, she has a small internal debate on whether to bring her knife. She decides against it, reasoning that the clothing store should be plenty safe and having a knife might get her in trouble. She does pack her key and canteen though. Although Amber doesn't know precisely what time it is, she's fairly certain there's some time before the store opens, so after locking her door and setting off she proceeds at a determined trot.
Amber gradually stirs awake and lets her eyes adjust to the light. Initially hesitant to leave even what little warmth the burlap blanket offers, she gets up with a yawn and says a set of morning prayers. Still unfamiliar with the layout of the room, she resorts to turning on the light before going to wash up. She eats the very last of the bread and cheese, makes sure to refill her canteen, and brushes her teeth.
Once she puts on her dress, headscarf and cloak, she has a small internal debate on whether to bring her knife. She decides against it, reasoning that the clothing store should be plenty safe and having a knife might get her in trouble. She does pack her key and canteen though. Although Amber doesn't know precisely what time it is, she's fairly certain there's some time before the store opens, so after locking her door and setting off she proceeds at a determined trot.
>>135702
Off in the distance, Amber can hear factory whistles, the greatest sigh of life in the city. But the streetlights are on, and few creatures roam on the streets, and even fewer shops have lights on. Nevertheless, a few automobiles barrel down the streets, and some early morning cafes shine with all lights on. The waning gibbous moon is setting, and few stars are visible in the sky.
Off in the distance, Amber can hear factory whistles, the greatest sigh of life in the city. But the streetlights are on, and few creatures roam on the streets, and even fewer shops have lights on. Nevertheless, a few automobiles barrel down the streets, and some early morning cafes shine with all lights on. The waning gibbous moon is setting, and few stars are visible in the sky.
>>135703
Amber doesn't question how the sun and moon still rise and set with the current state of affairs, but takes in how the sights and sounds differ so much at this time of day.
Those whistles must be some sort of mechanical rooster employed here...
The brisk air is refreshing.
Amber doesn't question how the sun and moon still rise and set with the current state of affairs, but takes in how the sights and sounds differ so much at this time of day.
Those whistles must be some sort of mechanical rooster employed here...
The brisk air is refreshing.
>>135643
"Ah, you hope to find something big there related to your speciality, and bring you great renown as scholar?"
"Ah, you hope to find something big there related to your speciality, and bring you great renown as scholar?"
>>135704
Whatever else may be true about this new state of affairs, there seems to be some kind of regularity to it, and a new normalcy, however uncanny it may be.
It takes a walk of some minutes to arrive in West town. By this time, twilight seeps in, giving the black sky a bluish tint as the moon nears the horizon.
>>135706
"Heh."
She smiles
"You sound like them."
Whatever else may be true about this new state of affairs, there seems to be some kind of regularity to it, and a new normalcy, however uncanny it may be.
It takes a walk of some minutes to arrive in West town. By this time, twilight seeps in, giving the black sky a bluish tint as the moon nears the horizon.
>>135706
"Heh."
She smiles
"You sound like them."
>>135986
"Oh yes. Looking for renown and prestige. Some times it seems like it's all they think about besides politics and funding. They always want to have the most widely known book or publication, the best ratings... I don't think they even think these things will exist in a year, but they act as if it is all."
"Oh yes. Looking for renown and prestige. Some times it seems like it's all they think about besides politics and funding. They always want to have the most widely known book or publication, the best ratings... I don't think they even think these things will exist in a year, but they act as if it is all."
>>135987
"Ahhhh. Yes, I apologise, it is adventurer in me. Fame and fortune, what little has not been already plundered centuries ago, are what preserve my existence. But it does make me curious as to why you decided to come on this expedition."
"Ahhhh. Yes, I apologise, it is adventurer in me. Fame and fortune, what little has not been already plundered centuries ago, are what preserve my existence. But it does make me curious as to why you decided to come on this expedition."
>>135988
She makes a frown of some kind, scrunching her mouth, and then answers.
"Well, professors - besides teach - are expected to write and to do field work. Preferably write while doing either of the above. So far, I've only done the former most. The University is getting a little on edge that I haven't published anything, besides my thesis, so they wanted me to take a semester off for sabbatical. That's what this is. The Tenochitchlan basin is in my area of expertise, so it made sense that I go. They hoped I could write about it."
She makes a frown of some kind, scrunching her mouth, and then answers.
"Well, professors - besides teach - are expected to write and to do field work. Preferably write while doing either of the above. So far, I've only done the former most. The University is getting a little on edge that I haven't published anything, besides my thesis, so they wanted me to take a semester off for sabbatical. That's what this is. The Tenochitchlan basin is in my area of expertise, so it made sense that I go. They hoped I could write about it."
>>135991
“Well,” she looks away, “I wouldn’t say that. There’s something... well, I can’t think of the word for it, but there’s a kind of familiarity to the jungles down south, like I belong there. It’s a feeling I don’t really get in the university. I think if this as a kind of coinciding of interests, for me to go on the expedition.”
“Well,” she looks away, “I wouldn’t say that. There’s something... well, I can’t think of the word for it, but there’s a kind of familiarity to the jungles down south, like I belong there. It’s a feeling I don’t really get in the university. I think if this as a kind of coinciding of interests, for me to go on the expedition.”
>>135994
Silver smiles at her, seemingly unaware of her reaction.
"Well, I hope your destiny will help to change world for better."
Silver smiles at her, seemingly unaware of her reaction.
"Well, I hope your destiny will help to change world for better."
>>135995
“Well...”
She looks down at the carpet
“I meant... I meant more like it’s familiar. Like it’s a place that is more like me. Like I know it more. The villagers, the hieroglyphs... I know it better than the politics of the department. You know?”
“Well...”
She looks down at the carpet
“I meant... I meant more like it’s familiar. Like it’s a place that is more like me. Like I know it more. The villagers, the hieroglyphs... I know it better than the politics of the department. You know?”
>>135996
Silver nods.
"Oh, I can understand that. It always feels better to be in your element than not."
He stretches his legs out a bit.
"So...I have asked lot about your studies. What about you? Is there anything you can tell me about you?"
Silver nods.
"Oh, I can understand that. It always feels better to be in your element than not."
He stretches his legs out a bit.
"So...I have asked lot about your studies. What about you? Is there anything you can tell me about you?"
>>135998
Silver gives her a look of concern, hoping he's not done something wrong.
"Well, you had interesting philosophy when we talked inside catacombs. I was wondering if I could hear more about mare behind that philosophy."
Silver gives her a look of concern, hoping he's not done something wrong.
"Well, you had interesting philosophy when we talked inside catacombs. I was wondering if I could hear more about mare behind that philosophy."
>>135999
She looks down, and bats her hoof at a rise in the bed covers
“What was that? I mean what was that that I said...”
She looks down, and bats her hoof at a rise in the bed covers
“What was that? I mean what was that that I said...”
>>136000
"Uh...if you are talking about just know, you asked 'what about me'. If you are talking about earlier, you talked about ponykind needing adversity to overcome in order to unite."
"Uh...if you are talking about just know, you asked 'what about me'. If you are talking about earlier, you talked about ponykind needing adversity to overcome in order to unite."
>>136001
"Oh."
She looks up at Silver
"Yes... Well, if you look at the critical points in Pony history, like the founding of Equestria, or even the coming together of the Elements of Harmony, you see that it was sparked by an external threat, like the Windigo Crisis, or the return of Nightmare Moon. Self interest is often more powerful than the drive to courage, or friendship, or to creativity. It causes ponies to fight. But when self interest aligns with the interests of the group, and ponies are made to work together... Ponies can begin to see past self interest, and see the good in other ponies... what value they have to us and what we can do for them." She gives a light smile
"Oh."
She looks up at Silver
"Yes... Well, if you look at the critical points in Pony history, like the founding of Equestria, or even the coming together of the Elements of Harmony, you see that it was sparked by an external threat, like the Windigo Crisis, or the return of Nightmare Moon. Self interest is often more powerful than the drive to courage, or friendship, or to creativity. It causes ponies to fight. But when self interest aligns with the interests of the group, and ponies are made to work together... Ponies can begin to see past self interest, and see the good in other ponies... what value they have to us and what we can do for them." She gives a light smile
>>136002
"Yes, that is much like what you said earlier. Do you think changelings could have provided that proverbial light for fire under our hooves?"
"Yes, that is much like what you said earlier. Do you think changelings could have provided that proverbial light for fire under our hooves?"
>>136003
She blinks, and then answers, again keeping eye contact with Silver
"I was in Baltimare, west town, when the war broke out. Did you see it? Did you feel it? There was a change in the air, like all of the bickering over working hours, the power of the monarchy, immigration, and all of the politics that have come up in the last few years started to subside, like we were all in this together. Ponies would willingly send rubber and metal into the scrap collector, buy bonds, and turn the lights off if they lived on the shore line. There were lines to volunteer. It wasn't perfect, and it didn't entirely last, but it was there."
She blinks, and then answers, again keeping eye contact with Silver
"I was in Baltimare, west town, when the war broke out. Did you see it? Did you feel it? There was a change in the air, like all of the bickering over working hours, the power of the monarchy, immigration, and all of the politics that have come up in the last few years started to subside, like we were all in this together. Ponies would willingly send rubber and metal into the scrap collector, buy bonds, and turn the lights off if they lived on the shore line. There were lines to volunteer. It wasn't perfect, and it didn't entirely last, but it was there."
>>136004
Silver responds after a couple seconds of silent contemplation.
"Да. I did feel that. Dear Tartarus, even I came out of retirement to help Equestria's army through this nation's darkest days. Had New Mareland not stabbed us in back, I feel we could have beaten changelings."
Silver responds after a couple seconds of silent contemplation.
"Да. I did feel that. Dear Tartarus, even I came out of retirement to help Equestria's army through this nation's darkest days. Had New Mareland not stabbed us in back, I feel we could have beaten changelings."
>>136005
She winces
"Ugh... Yes. But it was not just that. It was maybe four or so months before things started to unravel. CAN... if you're not from here, that's the bigger of the worker's Union. Former workers Union... They took the opportunity to make more demands for higher wages. I heard the Liberals in Manehattan pushed for an elected legislature, though they weren't as organized as CAN, so that didn't go through. The defeats in Acornage and at the Shire, and the names in the newspapers, I think, shook the faith many ponies had in the Monarchy. I'm not entirely certain the Changelings would have been beat back... And of course the whole New Mareland debacle was a mess all of its own. It wouldn't have happened if it came to a head a few years before."
She winces
"Ugh... Yes. But it was not just that. It was maybe four or so months before things started to unravel. CAN... if you're not from here, that's the bigger of the worker's Union. Former workers Union... They took the opportunity to make more demands for higher wages. I heard the Liberals in Manehattan pushed for an elected legislature, though they weren't as organized as CAN, so that didn't go through. The defeats in Acornage and at the Shire, and the names in the newspapers, I think, shook the faith many ponies had in the Monarchy. I'm not entirely certain the Changelings would have been beat back... And of course the whole New Mareland debacle was a mess all of its own. It wouldn't have happened if it came to a head a few years before."
>>136006
"Shire...I was not there when it fell, thankfully, but from what I hear changelings got pummeled badly before our ammunition ran out. It is sad we could not stay united for long, even under those condititions. Makes me almost wonder if changelings were infiltrating those groups even then to try to destabilize our homefront."
"Shire...I was not there when it fell, thankfully, but from what I hear changelings got pummeled badly before our ammunition ran out. It is sad we could not stay united for long, even under those condititions. Makes me almost wonder if changelings were infiltrating those groups even then to try to destabilize our homefront."
>>136007
"That is the wonder. You never really could tell. It eroded trust in anyone against the war..."
She looks down, closes her eyes as she shakes her head, before looking up to Silver
"We could have won. We should have won. We would have won. But a few bad generals, a bad quartermaster general, and of course the whole 'New Mareland' debacle... That was bad decision piled upon bad decision, until the unthinkable became a present reality."
"That is the wonder. You never really could tell. It eroded trust in anyone against the war..."
She looks down, closes her eyes as she shakes her head, before looking up to Silver
"We could have won. We should have won. We would have won. But a few bad generals, a bad quartermaster general, and of course the whole 'New Mareland' debacle... That was bad decision piled upon bad decision, until the unthinkable became a present reality."
>>136050
He nods, with a sad look on his face.
"There is little that can be done. I just hope we can salvage something out of all this."
He nods, with a sad look on his face.
"There is little that can be done. I just hope we can salvage something out of all this."
>>136052
Silver shakes his head clear of those dark thoughts, and smiles weakly at Pear.
"So...is there anything you could tell me about yourself personally? You seem like interesting pony, it would be nice to get to know you better."
Silver shakes his head clear of those dark thoughts, and smiles weakly at Pear.
"So...is there anything you could tell me about yourself personally? You seem like interesting pony, it would be nice to get to know you better."
>>136053
Her eyes are once again wide, as she lies on her belly on the bed
"Uh... what do you want to know?"
Her eyes are once again wide, as she lies on her belly on the bed
"Uh... what do you want to know?"
>>136054
Silver continues to be confused and intrigued by her strange reaction.
"To start, how did you first discover your talent for language?"
Silver continues to be confused and intrigued by her strange reaction.
"To start, how did you first discover your talent for language?"
>>136055
"Heh" She smiles
"When I was in Parochial school as a filly, there was an option to take a class in the classic language of Unicornia in the form used by the Church. The class was at the same time as my sections' normal lunch period, so I wasn't signed up for it. On the second day of school that semester, I put my uniform on wrong, and so the sleeve fell down, I stepped on it and tripped. Missy Cakes made fun of me for it in front of the whole cafeteria, and after that I begged to be in the classic language class so I wouldn't have to be in that lunch section any more.
Actually taking the class was challenging, and Sister Hearthsworth was a bit... 'distant,' but part of the lesson was to read the tale of Peat Veil in the original language, and it intrigued me... After that, I followed through in classical language, and later moved to the language of the Neighuatl.
I'm not actually that good at it, but it's enough to let me do other things."
"Heh" She smiles
"When I was in Parochial school as a filly, there was an option to take a class in the classic language of Unicornia in the form used by the Church. The class was at the same time as my sections' normal lunch period, so I wasn't signed up for it. On the second day of school that semester, I put my uniform on wrong, and so the sleeve fell down, I stepped on it and tripped. Missy Cakes made fun of me for it in front of the whole cafeteria, and after that I begged to be in the classic language class so I wouldn't have to be in that lunch section any more.
Actually taking the class was challenging, and Sister Hearthsworth was a bit... 'distant,' but part of the lesson was to read the tale of Peat Veil in the original language, and it intrigued me... After that, I followed through in classical language, and later moved to the language of the Neighuatl.
I'm not actually that good at it, but it's enough to let me do other things."
>>136058
Yay!
Spark wonders what is with the doctor's strange behavior, but shakes it off.
"So, my friend isn't exactly a pony... I know it probably isn't ideal, but you are the only pony that can help me."
Yay!
Spark wonders what is with the doctor's strange behavior, but shakes it off.
"So, my friend isn't exactly a pony... I know it probably isn't ideal, but you are the only pony that can help me."
>>136059
He stops, and turns around to Spark, as if to say something. He stops for a moment, but then turns back around, loudly inhaling as he does so.
He stops, and turns around to Spark, as if to say something. He stops for a moment, but then turns back around, loudly inhaling as he does so.
>>136061
He nods, exhaling with labor, and looking behind him before scurrying forward, until they are in the woods. At this point, he more or less follows Spark along to wherever Spark s taking him
He nods, exhaling with labor, and looking behind him before scurrying forward, until they are in the woods. At this point, he more or less follows Spark along to wherever Spark s taking him
>>136065
Spark walks to the lake, walking over the berms, and towards the still water.
The doctor turns around to Spark
“So... where are these creatures?”
Spark walks to the lake, walking over the berms, and towards the still water.
The doctor turns around to Spark
“So... where are these creatures?”
>>136067
“The what?”
It is around this time that Waabishki comes into view, evidently from behind a berm, though she may have come from the forest. She’s clearly moved while the two ponies were not looking. Her soft padded feet make little noise when treading upon grass.
The doctor turns around, jumps back, and moves slightly behind and to the right of Spark.
“Wolves?! You didn’t tell me there would be wolves. I was expecting a Changeling, which would have been bad enough...”
Waabishki slowly walks closer to Spark and the Doctor, stopping a few feet in front of the two. She frowns at the doctor’s remarks, but seems more curious than averse to him
“This isn’t the town’s normal doctor” she says
“The what?”
It is around this time that Waabishki comes into view, evidently from behind a berm, though she may have come from the forest. She’s clearly moved while the two ponies were not looking. Her soft padded feet make little noise when treading upon grass.
The doctor turns around, jumps back, and moves slightly behind and to the right of Spark.
“Wolves?! You didn’t tell me there would be wolves. I was expecting a Changeling, which would have been bad enough...”
Waabishki slowly walks closer to Spark and the Doctor, stopping a few feet in front of the two. She frowns at the doctor’s remarks, but seems more curious than averse to him
“This isn’t the town’s normal doctor” she says
>>136068
"It isn't? Well, we are going to have to make the most out of the substitute."
Spark turns to the doctor.
"Why are you upset? I figured that this would be simple as opposed to working for things with exoskeletons."
"It isn't? Well, we are going to have to make the most out of the substitute."
Spark turns to the doctor.
"Why are you upset? I figured that this would be simple as opposed to working for things with exoskeletons."
>>136069
“I...” he looks down, then turns to Spark
“Is this the patient”
Waabishki moves a leg forward
“He isn’t here. It’s the Mide Priest. Miskobag, if you’ve ever heard of him.”
The doctor sways back before turning to her and speaking
“What are his symptoms?”
“Symptoms?”
“I mean, what is wrong with him?”
“He is ill and nothing is working to cure him.”
“Guh! I mean how does the illness manifest. What are the signs. Does he have fever, vomiting...?” He turns his head at the question
“Well, he has difficulty getting up sometimes. He’s tired easily, and sometimes has pain in... the chest? He also has swelling around his chest I think.”
“How long has he been like this?”
“Since the leaves fell. Three months I think.”
He is silent for a moment, then says
“I think I need to see him to say anything definitive.”
“I...” he looks down, then turns to Spark
“Is this the patient”
Waabishki moves a leg forward
“He isn’t here. It’s the Mide Priest. Miskobag, if you’ve ever heard of him.”
The doctor sways back before turning to her and speaking
“What are his symptoms?”
“Symptoms?”
“I mean, what is wrong with him?”
“He is ill and nothing is working to cure him.”
“Guh! I mean how does the illness manifest. What are the signs. Does he have fever, vomiting...?” He turns his head at the question
“Well, he has difficulty getting up sometimes. He’s tired easily, and sometimes has pain in... the chest? He also has swelling around his chest I think.”
“How long has he been like this?”
“Since the leaves fell. Three months I think.”
He is silent for a moment, then says
“I think I need to see him to say anything definitive.”
"I don't suppose there are any objections for the doctor to examine the Priest, is there?"
>>136071
From the forest, there is a sound of a twig breaking as Makade emerges from the tree line, his dark fur blending well with the shadow left by the trees. His rifle moves down as it is sling over his back. The doctor jumps back with a “wah!” in startlement, but even Waabishki stands straight up in alert, both ears pointing towards Makade.
“Yes. There is. The secrecy of the village’s location is its security. It is a danger to let outsiders in.”
From the forest, there is a sound of a twig breaking as Makade emerges from the tree line, his dark fur blending well with the shadow left by the trees. His rifle moves down as it is sling over his back. The doctor jumps back with a “wah!” in startlement, but even Waabishki stands straight up in alert, both ears pointing towards Makade.
“Yes. There is. The secrecy of the village’s location is its security. It is a danger to let outsiders in.”
>>136073
He doesn’t answer. Instead, he turns his head to Waabishki
Waabishki:
“I don’t... I don’t know how far he could travel... I don’t think he could walk far or for long on his own.”
He doesn’t answer. Instead, he turns his head to Waabishki
Waabishki:
“I don’t... I don’t know how far he could travel... I don’t think he could walk far or for long on his own.”
>>136075
Waabishki
“A... sled? The pony toy?”
Makade
“I believe we have one at the village. So long as the location of the village does not get out.”
Waabishki
“A... sled? The pony toy?”
Makade
“I believe we have one at the village. So long as the location of the village does not get out.”
>>136056
Silver smiles at her.
"I might not be able to understand it, but could you show off some of your skill to me?"
Silver smiles at her.
"I might not be able to understand it, but could you show off some of your skill to me?"
File (): 812C47DE8688C99DFD2B522D0197B620-378017.gif (369.2 KB, 300x300, AA04D40D-B79E-4E77-BFD0-CF2E57F3DB9A.gif)
Is anypony available to play this weekend?
>>136080
"Well, I can try"
She smiles awkwardly, and moves back, so that she is (once again) sitting upright in the bed, with her hind legs extended forward and holding her forelegs in the air. She briefly touches her right foreleg with her left, moves her still-tied mane behind her neck, and then looks upwards towards the white painted ceiling. With a loud "Uh-hug uh-hug" she clears her throat, and begins to recite a set of memorized lines, inflecting a slightly deeper tone and trying to imitate an accent. She stares down to the left as she does so, onto the bed covers:
"Huel ya cuica ye nican
xiuhtototl quetzal tzinitzcan
ya quechol achtohua
moch on quinanquilia
ayacachlli huehuetl,
Ohuaya Ohuaya"
"Well, I can try"
She smiles awkwardly, and moves back, so that she is (once again) sitting upright in the bed, with her hind legs extended forward and holding her forelegs in the air. She briefly touches her right foreleg with her left, moves her still-tied mane behind her neck, and then looks upwards towards the white painted ceiling. With a loud "Uh-hug uh-hug" she clears her throat, and begins to recite a set of memorized lines, inflecting a slightly deeper tone and trying to imitate an accent. She stares down to the left as she does so, onto the bed covers:
"Huel ya cuica ye nican
xiuhtototl quetzal tzinitzcan
ya quechol achtohua
moch on quinanquilia
ayacachlli huehuetl,
Ohuaya Ohuaya"
Both Spark and Amber have posts to reply to to continue their respective stories
>>135707
Amber looks to see if there's any clock about for a precise reading of time. If there isn't she'll ask a nearby pony, if there are any, for the time.
Amber looks to see if there's any clock about for a precise reading of time. If there isn't she'll ask a nearby pony, if there are any, for the time.
Fantasy Play does a triple-flips and kicks Chryssalis to the moon.
Rolling for procentage[1d100 = 77]
Rolling for procentage[1d100 = 77]
File (): D69A5E5E7757A3AB169E3A562F073C4A-49574.jpg (48.4 KB, 256x198, 25302C91-D4C1-4B4C-89E4-05A5C42E3C31.jpeg)
>>136164
She goes 77% of the distance to the moon, leaving her stuck forever in the L1 La Grange point
She goes 77% of the distance to the moon, leaving her stuck forever in the L1 La Grange point
>>136097
Silver stomps his hooves against the floor lightly in applause.
"Превосходно! That was impressive!"
Silver stomps his hooves against the floor lightly in applause.
"Превосходно! That was impressive!"
>>136208
“It’s... ‘Beat Your Drums.’ It’s a poem about joy, and celebrations the nice things in life. The verse I quoted is about the birds chirping in the forest.”
“It’s... ‘Beat Your Drums.’ It’s a poem about joy, and celebrations the nice things in life. The verse I quoted is about the birds chirping in the forest.”
File (): 67F2B9B1FC17E75948BDE51D5BE74B5B-284053.jpg (277.4 KB, 1016x653, EBD2D796-F139-43C7-B75B-9140DEB3A034.jpeg)
>>136214
Or maybe not 6:30...
Standing by the door of the shop, outside of it, is High Sewn, smoking a cigarette. She looks at Amber through the twilight, and under the dim illumination of a street lamp
“You’re here early”
Or maybe not 6:30...
Standing by the door of the shop, outside of it, is High Sewn, smoking a cigarette. She looks at Amber through the twilight, and under the dim illumination of a street lamp
“You’re here early”
>>136215
Amber blushes and says, "I didn't want to accidentally arrive late. And it's not too early for me."
Amber blushes and says, "I didn't want to accidentally arrive late. And it's not too early for me."
>>136217
As she sucks on the cigarette, the end glows a bright orange. She pulls it out with glowing yellow magic, and flips the cigarette away, with the orange glow showing in the dim light.
"Good. Then let's start early."
As she sucks on the cigarette, the end glows a bright orange. She pulls it out with glowing yellow magic, and flips the cigarette away, with the orange glow showing in the dim light.
"Good. Then let's start early."
File (): 77F2C91CD04263566AE369EC4C366DC2-348362.jpg (340.2 KB, 1600x1476, Close-up-head-sunflower.jpg)
>>136216
She moves over slightly to the right, showing her right flank, and moving her wrapped red tail out of the way. Silver can see what looks like a pattern of over lapping curved lines emanating from a center point. Past this is a circle, with shorter "rays" emanating from this. The lines are black, and the area within is an orangish hue, distinguishing it ever so slightly from her yellow fur, although the cutie mark almost blends Her cutie mark resembles a sun flower, but the sharper lines and consistent yellow-orange color makes it appear more abstract, like a representation of the sun.
She answers
"I would like to think it represents a sense of wonder; a search for something higher."
>>136219
Once she flicks the cigarette, she moves to the door and enters, with a flick of yellow magic turning on the light. The sign on the door remains in the "closed" position.
She says to Amber,
"We open on weekdays at 8AM. We didn't used to, but there are enough mares getting off of night shift, or wanting to shop before factory day shift to justify these hours. It'll just be you in the morning, but Verina will join you around noon. Before we open we check inventory to see what we have in stock, and we restock our shelves."
She walks in further towards the register, and then turns around.
She moves over slightly to the right, showing her right flank, and moving her wrapped red tail out of the way. Silver can see what looks like a pattern of over lapping curved lines emanating from a center point. Past this is a circle, with shorter "rays" emanating from this. The lines are black, and the area within is an orangish hue, distinguishing it ever so slightly from her yellow fur, although the cutie mark almost blends Her cutie mark resembles a sun flower, but the sharper lines and consistent yellow-orange color makes it appear more abstract, like a representation of the sun.
She answers
"I would like to think it represents a sense of wonder; a search for something higher."
>>136219
Once she flicks the cigarette, she moves to the door and enters, with a flick of yellow magic turning on the light. The sign on the door remains in the "closed" position.
She says to Amber,
"We open on weekdays at 8AM. We didn't used to, but there are enough mares getting off of night shift, or wanting to shop before factory day shift to justify these hours. It'll just be you in the morning, but Verina will join you around noon. Before we open we check inventory to see what we have in stock, and we restock our shelves."
She walks in further towards the register, and then turns around.
>>136220
Amber slowly walks in and looks around, but focuses her attention on Sewn when the latter turns toward her.
Amber slowly walks in and looks around, but focuses her attention on Sewn when the latter turns toward her.
>>136221
It looks much the same as when Amber came in the day before, with a few empty spots on shelves and many others with clothing
High Sewn looks at Amber
"So your task is, mark down what we don't have, then go in the back, and replace what we don't have with what we do have, and keep note of what is still missing."
It looks much the same as when Amber came in the day before, with a few empty spots on shelves and many others with clothing
High Sewn looks at Amber
"So your task is, mark down what we don't have, then go in the back, and replace what we don't have with what we do have, and keep note of what is still missing."
>>136222
"I understand, ma'am." Amber starts on this task with the shelves closest to the entrance, trying to remember from yesterday which clothes go where if there aren't labels to help. Nearby articles of clothing of similar type help to jog the memory.
"I understand, ma'am." Amber starts on this task with the shelves closest to the entrance, trying to remember from yesterday which clothes go where if there aren't labels to help. Nearby articles of clothing of similar type help to jog the memory.
File (): 64BC873767AD620CBCE3D2B20D3684B9-3437308.png (3.3 MB, 1880x946, F2821BEE-4EB4-43A4-98FE-F273298F633C.png)
>>136233
Makade raises a paw
“I can fetch it. You stay here and watch him.”
Wabashki adds solemnly
“And I will speak with Miskobag... prepare him for a trip.”
Makade raises a paw
“I can fetch it. You stay here and watch him.”
Wabashki adds solemnly
“And I will speak with Miskobag... prepare him for a trip.”
>>136234
Spark turns back to the doctor.
"Looks like we have a little time to kill. Might as well discuss a couple of things. So, are you a substitute doctor?"
Spark turns back to the doctor.
"Looks like we have a little time to kill. Might as well discuss a couple of things. So, are you a substitute doctor?"
>>136235
“Substitute? No. I am the primary physician of the town, and have been for about five months now. Before that, I was a physician in Whinnyapolis, and I was a surgeon during The War.”
>>136223
The shop seems to sell a number of fairly ordinary woolen sweaters, which evidently are the items in greatest demand as the shelves are largely empty.
High Sewn takes a seat behind the counter, opens the register, and seems to occupy herself with paperwork.
“Substitute? No. I am the primary physician of the town, and have been for about five months now. Before that, I was a physician in Whinnyapolis, and I was a surgeon during The War.”
>>136223
The shop seems to sell a number of fairly ordinary woolen sweaters, which evidently are the items in greatest demand as the shelves are largely empty.
High Sewn takes a seat behind the counter, opens the register, and seems to occupy herself with paperwork.
>>136238
Amber will go into the storage room and pick out several sweaters of each color. She has time to make several trips if necessary, as she carefully balances the wares on her back to avoid upsetting their folds.
Amber will go into the storage room and pick out several sweaters of each color. She has time to make several trips if necessary, as she carefully balances the wares on her back to avoid upsetting their folds.
>>136239
As she goes back, she discovers that green, shades of yellow and orange, and red are in shorter supply, with green being entirely unavailable. White, black, grey, and blue are more plentiful.
As she goes back, she discovers that green, shades of yellow and orange, and red are in shorter supply, with green being entirely unavailable. White, black, grey, and blue are more plentiful.
Amber frowns and quickly trots back to Sewn. "Ma'am...it looks like we're running short on some sweaters. We ain't got any green at all, and only a few of yellow, orange and red are left."
>>136241
“I was told to transfer here by the... Changeling Authorities.”
>>136242
She looks up, and exhales
“Yeah, that’s about how it goes. Between international shipments being down and wool, cotton and dye being used for blankets, uniforms, bed sheets, paint and other ‘wartime priorities’” she bothers to raise both forehooves for air quotes on this one “shipments are unreliable if they come at all. If you see an orange, or any kind of lively color like that, you can be sure there’s a mark up on it and we will advertise it in the window.”
“I was told to transfer here by the... Changeling Authorities.”
>>136242
She looks up, and exhales
“Yeah, that’s about how it goes. Between international shipments being down and wool, cotton and dye being used for blankets, uniforms, bed sheets, paint and other ‘wartime priorities’” she bothers to raise both forehooves for air quotes on this one “shipments are unreliable if they come at all. If you see an orange, or any kind of lively color like that, you can be sure there’s a mark up on it and we will advertise it in the window.”
>>136243
"I see...well, blue and other colors aren't in any shortage…"
She turns to enter the storage room again. If Sewn doesn't call after her, she will get the remaining yellow, orange, and red sweaters, then put out the other sweaters. Any stacks remaining on the shelves will be topped off if possible.
"I see...well, blue and other colors aren't in any shortage…"
She turns to enter the storage room again. If Sewn doesn't call after her, she will get the remaining yellow, orange, and red sweaters, then put out the other sweaters. Any stacks remaining on the shelves will be topped off if possible.
>>136244
“I hope so.” He smiles in an uncanny way. “Caramel, Butterfly, Malt Wheat and Spring Flower. They are with my wife’s family in Winnyapolis.”
>>136245
This is doable. High Sewn looks up from her work - which seems at this stage to involve receipts - to observe Amber.
“It’s good that you start with those. They are the first to go in the morning shift.”
“I hope so.” He smiles in an uncanny way. “Caramel, Butterfly, Malt Wheat and Spring Flower. They are with my wife’s family in Winnyapolis.”
>>136245
This is doable. High Sewn looks up from her work - which seems at this stage to involve receipts - to observe Amber.
“It’s good that you start with those. They are the first to go in the morning shift.”
>>136246
Amber looks a bit confused and, while completing her task, asks, "Do city-ponies buy different clothes through the day?"
Amber looks a bit confused and, while completing her task, asks, "Do city-ponies buy different clothes through the day?"
>>136247
“Indefinitely.” He says, with the same uncanny wide, toothy grin.
“I try to make trips back when there is someone to take my place up here. You always need a physician on standby in case of emergencies...” his smile drops. “But that isn’t often.”
>>136248
Something must be different about this question, because High Sewn stands up, out of her chair, and moves to where Amber can see her.
“It’s about different demographics buying clothing. Housewives of the well to do don’t expect to buy clothing in the early morning. It’s working ponies, especially mares, who work night shift or later day shifts in the factories, shops, or as operators in the office buildings, who come in in the morning. They tend to be a little... less well to do, and more utilitarian in their clothing preferences. Mostly they just want clothes for the winter, or for children. Dresses and gowns for special occasions, or for those working in professional occupations, tend to be sold later in the afternoon, and usually only after other chores are taken care of. Stallions especially - well, high class stallions - rarely come in during working hours on weekdays, but they can occasionally be seen after working hours.”
“Indefinitely.” He says, with the same uncanny wide, toothy grin.
“I try to make trips back when there is someone to take my place up here. You always need a physician on standby in case of emergencies...” his smile drops. “But that isn’t often.”
>>136248
Something must be different about this question, because High Sewn stands up, out of her chair, and moves to where Amber can see her.
“It’s about different demographics buying clothing. Housewives of the well to do don’t expect to buy clothing in the early morning. It’s working ponies, especially mares, who work night shift or later day shifts in the factories, shops, or as operators in the office buildings, who come in in the morning. They tend to be a little... less well to do, and more utilitarian in their clothing preferences. Mostly they just want clothes for the winter, or for children. Dresses and gowns for special occasions, or for those working in professional occupations, tend to be sold later in the afternoon, and usually only after other chores are taken care of. Stallions especially - well, high class stallions - rarely come in during working hours on weekdays, but they can occasionally be seen after working hours.”
>>136249
"Well, how about this. Since I dragged you into this with not much in the means of payment, I am going to find you a replacement so you can head back home. Sound like a deal?"
"Well, how about this. Since I dragged you into this with not much in the means of payment, I am going to find you a replacement so you can head back home. Sound like a deal?"
>>136249
Amber blinks and freezes in place, swiveling her ears forward toward High Sewn. After this explanation is finished, she nods and replies, "Yes, ma'am. I understand." She waits for the older mare to continue and tries to gauge her immediate mood.
Amber blinks and freezes in place, swiveling her ears forward toward High Sewn. After this explanation is finished, she nods and replies, "Yes, ma'am. I understand." She waits for the older mare to continue and tries to gauge her immediate mood.
>>136252
Feeling less pressure now that she isn't the focus of attention, Amber resumes her duties as diligently as possible.
Feeling less pressure now that she isn't the focus of attention, Amber resumes her duties as diligently as possible.
>>136253
It doesn’t take long at all for Amber to finish the shelves; after the sweaters there are socks, stockings and undergarments (evidently pink and purple are still available in number). Once these are filled, it’s a matter of checking the racks. This is harder, as there is more variety and fewer instances of the same item.
It doesn’t take long at all for Amber to finish the shelves; after the sweaters there are socks, stockings and undergarments (evidently pink and purple are still available in number). Once these are filled, it’s a matter of checking the racks. This is harder, as there is more variety and fewer instances of the same item.
>>136254
Amber takes her time to go through the racks, comparing their present condition to what she saw the day prior. If there's relatively fewer of a type or style of clothing than others on the racks, she makes a mental note of it.
Amber takes her time to go through the racks, comparing their present condition to what she saw the day prior. If there's relatively fewer of a type or style of clothing than others on the racks, she makes a mental note of it.
>>136257
The clothing is often arranged in patterns - one type of dress of shirt with several variations on color or especially size - so it’s East to see where something is missing. What is harder is memorizing what is absent. “Turtle pattern green and black size small” is simple enough on its own, it’s combing this with “that curvy style with the French name I can’t remember, slightly less black, medium and small” and several other permutations that is harder.
The clothing is often arranged in patterns - one type of dress of shirt with several variations on color or especially size - so it’s East to see where something is missing. What is harder is memorizing what is absent. “Turtle pattern green and black size small” is simple enough on its own, it’s combing this with “that curvy style with the French name I can’t remember, slightly less black, medium and small” and several other permutations that is harder.
>>136258
Amber, anxious to finish before the store opens, hurries into the storeroom and checks the patterns to see what styles she hadn't seen on the racks. She then rushes back and looks through the racks to confirm whether or not this is right, and then makes another round trip to fetch the goods. Altogether it's much more hectic than the sweaters were.
Amber, anxious to finish before the store opens, hurries into the storeroom and checks the patterns to see what styles she hadn't seen on the racks. She then rushes back and looks through the racks to confirm whether or not this is right, and then makes another round trip to fetch the goods. Altogether it's much more hectic than the sweaters were.
>>136259
“You should write things down” High Sewn says, not bothering to look up.
Not every item missing from the racks has a corresponding item in inventory.
“You should write things down” High Sewn says, not bothering to look up.
Not every item missing from the racks has a corresponding item in inventory.
>>136260
Amber catches her breath and sheepishly walks to the front counter to look for some paper and a pencil. After retrieving these she'll return to the racks.
Amber catches her breath and sheepishly walks to the front counter to look for some paper and a pencil. After retrieving these she'll return to the racks.
>>136261
“And we need to note what we don’t have. Those must be requested from the tailor or factory.” She adds
“And we need to note what we don’t have. Those must be requested from the tailor or factory.” She adds
>>136262
Amber pauses, pencil in mouth. Hopefully what isn't there isn't also missing from her brain.
Amber pauses, pencil in mouth. Hopefully what isn't there isn't also missing from her brain.
>>136265
She thinks she is able to remember everything... though how precisely she got the names correct is another matter.
She thinks she is able to remember everything... though how precisely she got the names correct is another matter.
>>136266
Amber takes the piece of paper to High Sewn for confirmation, just in case. "Here you are...I'm not sure how accurate it is, it's tough remembering so many odd terms and styles."
Amber takes the piece of paper to High Sewn for confirmation, just in case. "Here you are...I'm not sure how accurate it is, it's tough remembering so many odd terms and styles."
>>136267
She looks down at it, then takes a pen
“This is spelled with a ‘aught’ not an ‘ot.’ There is an ‘e’ here; silent at the end. There is an ‘sh’ there...”
She looks up at Amber
“Do please take note as you find them.”
She looks down at it, then takes a pen
“This is spelled with a ‘aught’ not an ‘ot.’ There is an ‘e’ here; silent at the end. There is an ‘sh’ there...”
She looks up at Amber
“Do please take note as you find them.”
>>136269
“If this were the afternoon shift, you would need to make sure clothing removed from shelves was put back and correctly arranged. Had I not been here, you would have to turn on the various lights and check the register. Now all that remains is to turn the sigh at the front to ‘Open.’”
“If this were the afternoon shift, you would need to make sure clothing removed from shelves was put back and correctly arranged. Had I not been here, you would have to turn on the various lights and check the register. Now all that remains is to turn the sigh at the front to ‘Open.’”
>>136271
She looks up at the clock from her seat, not putting down the jacket she was evidently sewing.
“It’s a few minutes early, but the morning clientele will hardly be offended if we change the sign now.”
She looks up at the clock from her seat, not putting down the jacket she was evidently sewing.
“It’s a few minutes early, but the morning clientele will hardly be offended if we change the sign now.”
>>136273
When this is accomplished, she gets up out of the chair and stands next to it, with her right forehoof on it, surrendering the chair to Amber.
“And now begins the harder part, comparatively speaking. You handle customers as they come in.”
When this is accomplished, she gets up out of the chair and stands next to it, with her right forehoof on it, surrendering the chair to Amber.
“And now begins the harder part, comparatively speaking. You handle customers as they come in.”
>>136276
She smiles in the same awkward way as with the previous compliments, but this time her head and ears do not lower even as her right forehoof is raised closer to her face.
“Not quite. But I like to think it is something special... like any cutie mark.”
She smiles in the same awkward way as with the previous compliments, but this time her head and ears do not lower even as her right forehoof is raised closer to her face.
“Not quite. But I like to think it is something special... like any cutie mark.”
>>136277
"Indeed. I must say, it looks wonderous adorning your flanks like that."
His face goes blank a second after saying that and quickly gains a small blush. He puts a hoof up to his mouth and clears his throat to try to cover it up.
"Indeed. I must say, it looks wonderous adorning your flanks like that."
His face goes blank a second after saying that and quickly gains a small blush. He puts a hoof up to his mouth and clears his throat to try to cover it up.
>>136289
Her face, likewise, goes blank for more than a moment, and her right ear twitches once as she stares forward. She adopts an awkward smile as she sits upright in complete silence
Her face, likewise, goes blank for more than a moment, and her right ear twitches once as she stares forward. She adopts an awkward smile as she sits upright in complete silence
>>136291
"Uhm...I am afraid mine is not quite as interesting as yours."
He turns in his seat to show off his furry flank and the cutie mark on it - a sword in mid-swing.
"Mine was earned through my skill with sword, but it also represents my skill with weaponsmithing."
"Uhm...I am afraid mine is not quite as interesting as yours."
He turns in his seat to show off his furry flank and the cutie mark on it - a sword in mid-swing.
"Mine was earned through my skill with sword, but it also represents my skill with weaponsmithing."
>>136293
"Well, when I was colt, I trained under my father in was of sword, both in using and forging them. It was bit of antiquated weapon, even then, but I was enamoured with them. One day, my father and I went out into woods to meditate and train. While there, we heard scream of filly and ran towards it. She was caught outside of city by wolves, and they were dragging her away to their den. When we caught them, wolf that was dragging filly dropped her to leap and bite at me, and with swing of my sword I dropped wolf in one hit. Others ran off, we took filly back to her family, and I got my cutie mark."
"Well, when I was colt, I trained under my father in was of sword, both in using and forging them. It was bit of antiquated weapon, even then, but I was enamoured with them. One day, my father and I went out into woods to meditate and train. While there, we heard scream of filly and ran towards it. She was caught outside of city by wolves, and they were dragging her away to their den. When we caught them, wolf that was dragging filly dropped her to leap and bite at me, and with swing of my sword I dropped wolf in one hit. Others ran off, we took filly back to her family, and I got my cutie mark."
>>136294
She turns both ears towards Silver, leaning forward so that she is sitting with her forelegs propping her up. She listens intently to the story.
After a pause, she asks,
“Were you scared?”
She turns both ears towards Silver, leaning forward so that she is sitting with her forelegs propping her up. She listens intently to the story.
After a pause, she asks,
“Were you scared?”
>>136295
Silver nods.
"Very. It is natural to be scared like that. I am glad I had my father's teachings to rely on, that my fear did not still me and that I was able to put it into my swing."
Silver nods.
"Very. It is natural to be scared like that. I am glad I had my father's teachings to rely on, that my fear did not still me and that I was able to put it into my swing."
>>136296
She nods, and smiles at Silver
“What is your take away from that? From that event, I mean. Well, you told me you got your cutie mark, but what did it mean to you?”
She nods, and smiles at Silver
“What is your take away from that? From that event, I mean. Well, you told me you got your cutie mark, but what did it mean to you?”
>>136298
He looks up, as if remembering something fondly.
"It was first time I had truly put needs of others before my own, at great risk to myself. I could have run, or let my father handle it. It would have so easy, and I would not have put myself in danger. But she needed help, and I could not have lived with that regret had I not done something."
He looks up, as if remembering something fondly.
"It was first time I had truly put needs of others before my own, at great risk to myself. I could have run, or let my father handle it. It would have so easy, and I would not have put myself in danger. But she needed help, and I could not have lived with that regret had I not done something."
>>136299
Her eyes are very wide as she looks at him, almost like a child listening to a fantasy story.
“Thank the wolf” she smiles and gives a half laugh
Her eyes are very wide as she looks at him, almost like a child listening to a fantasy story.
“Thank the wolf” she smiles and gives a half laugh
>>136300
He laughs with her.
"I suppose I should. I have saved many lives since that fateful day. I might not have had I not encounted that wolf and that filly."
He laughs with her.
"I suppose I should. I have saved many lives since that fateful day. I might not have had I not encounted that wolf and that filly."
>>136302
"Most recently, I was part of team that raided old fortress asylum here in Baltimare, 33 Hoebuck, that was being used by traffickers. They would trick desperate people from across world looking for passage to Equestria by bringing them here and foalnapping them, then either selling them off as slaves and servants or using them as cheap labor to produce clothing. As we were raiding and freeing prisoners, we learned something even more horrible was happening there for years right under government's muzzle. In addition to traffickers, there were also Maarist cultists who would sacrifice some captives in brutal rituals, and would then use their hides and furs to make coats and leather, before either feeding corpses to gnolls or, I assume, selling meat to market. It was most disgusting example of evil and deprevity I have seen. We even interrupted their leadership in middle of one of their ritualistic sacrifices..."
Silver lets out an involuntary shudder.
"...they had two people, one was young stallion and other was deer buck, strung up to alter. Their ribcages were torn open and their hearts exposed...while they were still alive. We managed to stop them, slay their leadership after very hard, brutal battle, and save many people they had captured. Even their victims were saved from being sacrificed. But being witness to all of that..."
"Most recently, I was part of team that raided old fortress asylum here in Baltimare, 33 Hoebuck, that was being used by traffickers. They would trick desperate people from across world looking for passage to Equestria by bringing them here and foalnapping them, then either selling them off as slaves and servants or using them as cheap labor to produce clothing. As we were raiding and freeing prisoners, we learned something even more horrible was happening there for years right under government's muzzle. In addition to traffickers, there were also Maarist cultists who would sacrifice some captives in brutal rituals, and would then use their hides and furs to make coats and leather, before either feeding corpses to gnolls or, I assume, selling meat to market. It was most disgusting example of evil and deprevity I have seen. We even interrupted their leadership in middle of one of their ritualistic sacrifices..."
Silver lets out an involuntary shudder.
"...they had two people, one was young stallion and other was deer buck, strung up to alter. Their ribcages were torn open and their hearts exposed...while they were still alive. We managed to stop them, slay their leadership after very hard, brutal battle, and save many people they had captured. Even their victims were saved from being sacrificed. But being witness to all of that..."
>>136303
She twists her lips back, exposing part of her teeth and twisting another part of her lips, she pulls back, pulling her left foreleg up and crossing it, as both ears pull down and her eyes narrow.
She is silent in disgust for all of this, and for a time after Silver is finished speaking.
“I thought the Maarists were all gone...” she volunteers, not giving much volume or emphasis to her words
She twists her lips back, exposing part of her teeth and twisting another part of her lips, she pulls back, pulling her left foreleg up and crossing it, as both ears pull down and her eyes narrow.
She is silent in disgust for all of this, and for a time after Silver is finished speaking.
“I thought the Maarists were all gone...” she volunteers, not giving much volume or emphasis to her words
>>136304
"They are now, or that chapter is at least. Their leadership is dead, their members have been arrested, and countless beings have been either saved or avenged. As horrible as it was, I am glad we were able to stop it."
He looks sadly at Pear.
"I am sorry for disgusting you, or ruining mood."
"They are now, or that chapter is at least. Their leadership is dead, their members have been arrested, and countless beings have been either saved or avenged. As horrible as it was, I am glad we were able to stop it."
He looks sadly at Pear.
"I am sorry for disgusting you, or ruining mood."
>>136305
"It's..."
She does not finish her sentence, but relaxes slightly
"I thought it was mostly an excuse by the Church of Boreas to operate an Inquisition..."
"It's..."
She does not finish her sentence, but relaxes slightly
"I thought it was mostly an excuse by the Church of Boreas to operate an Inquisition..."
>>136306
"Unfortunately, that is not case it seems."
He looks from side to side, before leaning in towards Pear.
"Perhaps I had some sort of episode, but I swear, during that raid, Maar himself tried to scare me by showing me vision of past, back when asylum was still in operation, of mare he had influenced to kill herself by jumping off of balcony. It was...unsettling."
"Unfortunately, that is not case it seems."
He looks from side to side, before leaning in towards Pear.
"Perhaps I had some sort of episode, but I swear, during that raid, Maar himself tried to scare me by showing me vision of past, back when asylum was still in operation, of mare he had influenced to kill herself by jumping off of balcony. It was...unsettling."
>>136307
Her lips move back to their normal positions as both ears focus on Silver. She moves one step forward with her forebody, coming closer to Silver.
"I don't study Maarism... But I have heard of it. Read of it. The cult is associated with mental illness, what we would call 'Schizophrenia.' The leading deity, what they call 'Maar,' will speak to those who have a greater connection to the... well..." she looks away, then looks back to Silver,
"There is this school of philosophy, this belief... It's not as prevalent in the Baltimare or Fillydelphia acedemic scene as it was 50 years ago, but it's still very respected in Canterlot, Sunset and Grieffienheim... It's this belief that the world as presented to us by our senses is not as it seems. You know, you see a red flower or taste a salt lick, and it seems like the salt lick or the flower is what is primal, and it exists regardless of how you experience it. But in this school of philosophy, experience itself - consciousness; thought; emotion - is primal, is what is real. Now, Maarists don't quite think like that-"
She looks off to the side
"All of the original Maarist texts are burned or secreted away, but we know what they think because of a work by Aquilas who wrote a book in part arguing against some of their 'heretical' beliefs... The Maarists agree with the Equestrian philosophers that the world is not quite as it seems. They think that the senses, your emotions... they give a kind of glimpse into reality. The world as it really is. But they think there is so much more than what the mind can grasp. And that is where hearing things comes into play. They think that people with schizophrenia aren't really ill in the way we do. They think that these people actually have a kind of sense into the world that we do not, a new way of perceiving things. They think that their deity can help offer greater insights into the world. Like the Equestrians they don't believe that time and space are real things. So they think that with the help of their deity, they can see worlds far away, or times long ago or far into the future..."
She blinks. In some weird sort of way, it's like she had forgotten that Silver was in the room, and she is only just now remembering the pony directly in front of her.
"But... I think I have heard stories like that. I think..."
Her lips move back to their normal positions as both ears focus on Silver. She moves one step forward with her forebody, coming closer to Silver.
"I don't study Maarism... But I have heard of it. Read of it. The cult is associated with mental illness, what we would call 'Schizophrenia.' The leading deity, what they call 'Maar,' will speak to those who have a greater connection to the... well..." she looks away, then looks back to Silver,
"There is this school of philosophy, this belief... It's not as prevalent in the Baltimare or Fillydelphia acedemic scene as it was 50 years ago, but it's still very respected in Canterlot, Sunset and Grieffienheim... It's this belief that the world as presented to us by our senses is not as it seems. You know, you see a red flower or taste a salt lick, and it seems like the salt lick or the flower is what is primal, and it exists regardless of how you experience it. But in this school of philosophy, experience itself - consciousness; thought; emotion - is primal, is what is real. Now, Maarists don't quite think like that-"
She looks off to the side
"All of the original Maarist texts are burned or secreted away, but we know what they think because of a work by Aquilas who wrote a book in part arguing against some of their 'heretical' beliefs... The Maarists agree with the Equestrian philosophers that the world is not quite as it seems. They think that the senses, your emotions... they give a kind of glimpse into reality. The world as it really is. But they think there is so much more than what the mind can grasp. And that is where hearing things comes into play. They think that people with schizophrenia aren't really ill in the way we do. They think that these people actually have a kind of sense into the world that we do not, a new way of perceiving things. They think that their deity can help offer greater insights into the world. Like the Equestrians they don't believe that time and space are real things. So they think that with the help of their deity, they can see worlds far away, or times long ago or far into the future..."
She blinks. In some weird sort of way, it's like she had forgotten that Silver was in the room, and she is only just now remembering the pony directly in front of her.
"But... I think I have heard stories like that. I think..."
>>136310
Silver looks fascinated with her, and her knowledge of philosophy.
"I can believe it, having experienced that myself. I must admit, it was shock learning that Maar exists. It makes me wonder about other gods in griffon faith, if they exist as well."
Silver looks fascinated with her, and her knowledge of philosophy.
"I can believe it, having experienced that myself. I must admit, it was shock learning that Maar exists. It makes me wonder about other gods in griffon faith, if they exist as well."
>>136313
"Well..."
She looks down
"I... don't have quite the faith I had as a filly. There are some who say that much of what we think of as gods is actually wild magic, or mass hallucinations, and all of these various other explanations... but besides that... are these creatures really what we could call gods? Or are they just creatures like us. Creatures born of magic and not of earth, but creatures still... Not really a part of any kind of 'higher' moral or spiritual aspect of the world, but just another thing looking for its interests, indifferent to ours."
She looks back up to him
"Whether there are any gods, or if there is a spiritual dimension to the world at all... there is no doubt about how it affects the behavior of ponies, or most creatures. It adds a whole new dimension to how we behave, how we form our own values and views. I feel at times, many times, like we are abandoned by the larger universe, left to make our own way. But there is no doubt that what we think about the spiritual - even if we just project it - is a part of the measure by which we judge our lives and the universe."
"Well..."
She looks down
"I... don't have quite the faith I had as a filly. There are some who say that much of what we think of as gods is actually wild magic, or mass hallucinations, and all of these various other explanations... but besides that... are these creatures really what we could call gods? Or are they just creatures like us. Creatures born of magic and not of earth, but creatures still... Not really a part of any kind of 'higher' moral or spiritual aspect of the world, but just another thing looking for its interests, indifferent to ours."
She looks back up to him
"Whether there are any gods, or if there is a spiritual dimension to the world at all... there is no doubt about how it affects the behavior of ponies, or most creatures. It adds a whole new dimension to how we behave, how we form our own values and views. I feel at times, many times, like we are abandoned by the larger universe, left to make our own way. But there is no doubt that what we think about the spiritual - even if we just project it - is a part of the measure by which we judge our lives and the universe."
>>136314
Silver smiles at her.
"I like your view on the world. It is incredibly interesting. Or at least to me, it is. So, do think there is some kind of spiritual connection behind our alicorns? Or could anypony become one, provided they had right circumstances?"
Silver smiles at her.
"I like your view on the world. It is incredibly interesting. Or at least to me, it is. So, do think there is some kind of spiritual connection behind our alicorns? Or could anypony become one, provided they had right circumstances?"
>>136315
"'Spiritual,' in the sense of having connection to some different, non-material plane of reality endowed with moral value the mundane and the magical are lacking? I don't know. I don't know if any such thing exists. They show up in the oldest tales after completing some daring tasks, and at the time of great crisis... They could just as easily be sent from the Universe, or normal ponies whose souls were harden into diamonds by the crises of Early Equestria. And then Twilight... you can say that it was Providence, the working of Harmony in the world to bring about a newer, higher concept of Harmony in the world. And I know many who say that. But the ponies around me say that this proves that it's nothing other than magic. Exceptionally strong magic, but nothing truly special or spiritual. I believe one thing one day and something else the next. But in my own kind of way I have never wavered in my faith in our mother of the nation...."
"'Spiritual,' in the sense of having connection to some different, non-material plane of reality endowed with moral value the mundane and the magical are lacking? I don't know. I don't know if any such thing exists. They show up in the oldest tales after completing some daring tasks, and at the time of great crisis... They could just as easily be sent from the Universe, or normal ponies whose souls were harden into diamonds by the crises of Early Equestria. And then Twilight... you can say that it was Providence, the working of Harmony in the world to bring about a newer, higher concept of Harmony in the world. And I know many who say that. But the ponies around me say that this proves that it's nothing other than magic. Exceptionally strong magic, but nothing truly special or spiritual. I believe one thing one day and something else the next. But in my own kind of way I have never wavered in my faith in our mother of the nation...."
>>136316
Silver smiles brightly at her.
"I am admittedly not best Celestialist, but as I figure it, there has to be something special about alicorns that transcends normal ponies."
Silver smiles brightly at her.
"I am admittedly not best Celestialist, but as I figure it, there has to be something special about alicorns that transcends normal ponies."
>>136317
She smiles, albeit less brightly
"That, there is. Patience. Wisdom. Kindness... Celestia, in her time, was like the true Universal Emperor. Somepony, if pony she was, who truly had more virtue than anyone else, who could impart that virtue upon her subjects through careful lesson, and who by this virtue had the right to rule over all of ponykind and possibly beyond that. That is what most ponies thought. That is what Twilight and Cadence, or even Erebus Haygle tried to be, sometimes trying to be a "Philosopher King" as surely as a Universal Emperor... But Celestia succeeded."
She smiles, albeit less brightly
"That, there is. Patience. Wisdom. Kindness... Celestia, in her time, was like the true Universal Emperor. Somepony, if pony she was, who truly had more virtue than anyone else, who could impart that virtue upon her subjects through careful lesson, and who by this virtue had the right to rule over all of ponykind and possibly beyond that. That is what most ponies thought. That is what Twilight and Cadence, or even Erebus Haygle tried to be, sometimes trying to be a "Philosopher King" as surely as a Universal Emperor... But Celestia succeeded."
>>136318
Silver nods in agreement.
"Even if she only could do so once, she was only one who was worthy of using every Element of Harmony at same time. There is good reason why Celestialism exists."
Silver nods in agreement.
"Even if she only could do so once, she was only one who was worthy of using every Element of Harmony at same time. There is good reason why Celestialism exists."
>>136319
She pauses for a moment, then answers
"Yes... I can see that. I can see that in the way her followers can. Her little ponies."
She pauses for a moment, then answers
"Yes... I can see that. I can see that in the way her followers can. Her little ponies."
>>136327
Within a few minutes, a mare comes into the store. She wears a rather tattered blue sweater.
[1d3 = 2]
Within a few minutes, a mare comes into the store. She wears a rather tattered blue sweater.
[1d3 = 2]
>>136329
When she comes in, she looks off to the side at rows of thicker clothing. It takes about two or three seconds for her to acknowledge Amber and look towards her
"I'm looking for something warm for myself and my son."
When she comes in, she looks off to the side at rows of thicker clothing. It takes about two or three seconds for her to acknowledge Amber and look towards her
"I'm looking for something warm for myself and my son."
>>136330
"There are sweaters right over here." Amber leads her to the shelves containing the sweaters.
"There are sweaters right over here." Amber leads her to the shelves containing the sweaters.
>>136333
And now, she turns around slowly to Amber
"Uh, do you know anything that is maybe water proof, or won't get water logged? I'll be going to the mountains in a few weeks, and I wouldn't want to get soaked in the winter."
And now, she turns around slowly to Amber
"Uh, do you know anything that is maybe water proof, or won't get water logged? I'll be going to the mountains in a few weeks, and I wouldn't want to get soaked in the winter."
>>136334
"Oh, um..."
Amber tries to remember if the store carries any outdoor jackets or, barring that, which sweaters are woolen.
"Oh, um..."
Amber tries to remember if the store carries any outdoor jackets or, barring that, which sweaters are woolen.
>>136336
Woolen sweaters are marked separately. The cheaper sweaters are closer to being of "outdoors" quality to any of the more expensive and formal clothing
Woolen sweaters are marked separately. The cheaper sweaters are closer to being of "outdoors" quality to any of the more expensive and formal clothing
>>136337
"My pa would wear a wool sweater whenever he'd go working outside in the cold. I'd recommend one of those."
"My pa would wear a wool sweater whenever he'd go working outside in the cold. I'd recommend one of those."
>>136340
It's complicated, but generally the outer layers will absorb water while inner layers remain dry
It's complicated, but generally the outer layers will absorb water while inner layers remain dry
>>136342
She smiles, and look through the coats, taking at least two full minutes, perhaps even longer.
"I'll buy this one"
She shows a larger blue one
"And this one..."
A smaller blue one
She smiles, and look through the coats, taking at least two full minutes, perhaps even longer.
"I'll buy this one"
She shows a larger blue one
"And this one..."
A smaller blue one
>>136343
Amber nods. "Is there anything else you might like?
I've never been to the mountains but they're not easy on the hooves."
Amber nods. "Is there anything else you might like?
I've never been to the mountains but they're not easy on the hooves."
>>136345
Wait, aren't there dedicated farriers? I was thinking of "shoes" as in literal horseshoes.
Amber looks a bit uncertain. "We do have shoes, but they're more for everyday or fancy use..."
Wait, aren't there dedicated farriers? I was thinking of "shoes" as in literal horseshoes.
Amber looks a bit uncertain. "We do have shoes, but they're more for everyday or fancy use..."
>>136346
Well yes. She never said she was expecting to buy them at the store
"You do?" She asks, with a slight surprise
Well yes. She never said she was expecting to buy them at the store
"You do?" She asks, with a slight surprise
>>136352
"Oh, ma'am, those socks might be too big for a colt.
Do you want me to check if we have them in a smaller size?"
"Oh, ma'am, those socks might be too big for a colt.
Do you want me to check if we have them in a smaller size?"
>>136354
Amber grins and trots to the section containing socks. "I'll be back in a second!" She searches for the size of socks she thinks would fit a colt who would wear the jacket she saw earlier.
Amber grins and trots to the section containing socks. "I'll be back in a second!" She searches for the size of socks she thinks would fit a colt who would wear the jacket she saw earlier.
>>136355
She looks down at the socks, inspecting them intently, before taking them from Amber’s hooves.
“These will do”
[1d2 = 2]
She looks down at the socks, inspecting them intently, before taking them from Amber’s hooves.
“These will do”
[1d2 = 2]
>>136358
She questions, "How do you know if they'll fit if you don't try them on? As my ma says, 'Don't buy a harness without pulling with it first.'"
She questions, "How do you know if they'll fit if you don't try them on? As my ma says, 'Don't buy a harness without pulling with it first.'"
>>136359
This question causes her to pause for a minute, as she evidently had not considered it.
“I suppose I should.”
She asks the location of the dressing rooms, and is presumably directed there. It takes her maybe seven minutes, but she returns with the full set.
“It fits well enough.” Then she remarks “don’t know how well it works wet, though.”
This question causes her to pause for a minute, as she evidently had not considered it.
“I suppose I should.”
She asks the location of the dressing rooms, and is presumably directed there. It takes her maybe seven minutes, but she returns with the full set.
“It fits well enough.” Then she remarks “don’t know how well it works wet, though.”
>>136360
Amber lightly says, "As long as you don't go swimming with your clothes or sleep without a cover, you should be fine," and gives a hopeful smile.
Amber lightly says, "As long as you don't go swimming with your clothes or sleep without a cover, you should be fine," and gives a hopeful smile.
>>136363
Before Amber can ring up the total, she brings out a small baggie with the old Equestrian coinage in it. It comes out to 23 bits, which she slides over.
Before Amber can ring up the total, she brings out a small baggie with the old Equestrian coinage in it. It comes out to 23 bits, which she slides over.
>>136364
Amber stares at the coinage, quickly thinking to herself. Miss Sewn didn't mention customers using old coins, did she? Maybe I have to ask her... Also, is it numerically enough for the items?
Amber stares at the coinage, quickly thinking to herself. Miss Sewn didn't mention customers using old coins, did she? Maybe I have to ask her... Also, is it numerically enough for the items?
>>136365
High Sewn had previously mentioned something about items purchased with the old currency being secretly cheaper. It appears that the total cost of the items as listed is 25 bits.
High Sewn had previously mentioned something about items purchased with the old currency being secretly cheaper. It appears that the total cost of the items as listed is 25 bits.
>>136366
Confident in her memory, then, Amber makes the transaction. "Safe travels on your trip," she says with a smile.
Confident in her memory, then, Amber makes the transaction. "Safe travels on your trip," she says with a smile.
>>136367
She nods, not smiling nor saying anything, and takes the set of clothing, loading it into a paper bag and leaving
She nods, not smiling nor saying anything, and takes the set of clothing, loading it into a paper bag and leaving
>>136368
Amber secures the bits in the cash register, makes whatever notes are necessary and resumes waiting.
Amber secures the bits in the cash register, makes whatever notes are necessary and resumes waiting.
>Fantasy Play dabs.
"Mr. Universe. Please, roll a death saving throw."
[1d20 = 10]
"Mr. Universe. Please, roll a death saving throw."
[1d20 = 10]
I might not have much time this week to play, but I hope that we can pick back up soon.
Can't play right now, finishing something urgent and on top of that I'm dizzy for no reason.
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Is anypony here?
File (): D34FC28D9D2BEA027C92DF7BB9A43752-5127648.png (4.9 MB, 3000x4000, 863031.png)
>>136532
Take heart, the game will go on
>t. Not involved, but GM is known to me and I speak with assurance
that's more than disingenuous, and I apologize. Im also Brie's player, and let me assure you that GM pays very close attention, and caters to all in time
Take heart, the game will go on
>t. Not involved, but GM is known to me and I speak with assurance
that's more than disingenuous, and I apologize. Im also Brie's player, and let me assure you that GM pays very close attention, and caters to all in time
File (): 3F849EEB925F12A61FBC8BB25051F178-1304670.png (1.2 MB, 1400x1845, 2964EA76-64C3-4B8D-BBD4-0A016C4D0C00.png)
>>136369
The mare takes the items and leaves the store. High Sewn, watching the whole interaction, looks at the mare suspiciously.
One transaction down
The mare takes the items and leaves the store. High Sewn, watching the whole interaction, looks at the mare suspiciously.
One transaction down
>>136536
Amber remembers to pick up the oversized clothing left behind and put it away on the right shelf.
Amber remembers to pick up the oversized clothing left behind and put it away on the right shelf.
>>136537
The next mere to come in looks to be smaller, but also looks towards the sweaters and winter clothing. She has said nothing thus far.
The next mere to come in looks to be smaller, but also looks towards the sweaters and winter clothing. She has said nothing thus far.
>>136540
She turns around startled, and smiles awkwardly
“I was just... well, I wanted to get something for the winter, but...”
She looks around, then back to Amber
“I thought I’d get something stylish”
She places a hoof forward as she emphasizes the last word
“You know, to celebrate my new job and all. Maybe find a stallion.”
She turns around startled, and smiles awkwardly
“I was just... well, I wanted to get something for the winter, but...”
She looks around, then back to Amber
“I thought I’d get something stylish”
She places a hoof forward as she emphasizes the last word
“You know, to celebrate my new job and all. Maybe find a stallion.”
>>136541
Amber mulls this over for a second. "Okay!" she says excitedly. "What did you have in mind?"
Amber mulls this over for a second. "Okay!" she says excitedly. "What did you have in mind?"
>>136543
"I'm no expert, but I think stallions like colors that go with your mane, coat, or eyes, and clothes that fit you snugly. Or so I've read." A slight blush tints her cheeks.
"I'm no expert, but I think stallions like colors that go with your mane, coat, or eyes, and clothes that fit you snugly. Or so I've read." A slight blush tints her cheeks.
>>136544
“Uh”
She lifts her leg up, and peaks forward, as if into a closer and secret room
“What do you have?”
And she looks back to Amber, and smiles again in an awkward but less toothy smile
“In the lower price range, eh heh”
“Uh”
She lifts her leg up, and peaks forward, as if into a closer and secret room
“What do you have?”
And she looks back to Amber, and smiles again in an awkward but less toothy smile
“In the lower price range, eh heh”
>>136545
"Mmm, I think maybe a dress might be best. We have different ones for all sorts of occasions, but also some that can be worn in most weather. Like mine, but more current." She giggles quietly and leads the mare into the appropriate section.
"Mmm, I think maybe a dress might be best. We have different ones for all sorts of occasions, but also some that can be worn in most weather. Like mine, but more current." She giggles quietly and leads the mare into the appropriate section.
>>136546
Probably a majority of the space in the store is taken up by female formal attire; the fancier items are in the front, so that the two have to walk past them as they go. Some of the items looks as if they could be on the racks at the Carousel Boutique, or worn at the Opera House. The mare looks at them with awe, knowing she may never wear them. When they get to the back the items are almost disappointing after what came before, yet they still hold a sort of grandeur to them, with intricate lacing and soft colors, especially blues, that are usually simple but certainly effective.
>>136547
gasps
Probably a majority of the space in the store is taken up by female formal attire; the fancier items are in the front, so that the two have to walk past them as they go. Some of the items looks as if they could be on the racks at the Carousel Boutique, or worn at the Opera House. The mare looks at them with awe, knowing she may never wear them. When they get to the back the items are almost disappointing after what came before, yet they still hold a sort of grandeur to them, with intricate lacing and soft colors, especially blues, that are usually simple but certainly effective.
>>136547
gasps
>>136548
Amber looks to the dresses with a certain sense of longing herself, but she keeps her attention focused on the customer. "Does anything catch your eye?"
Amber looks to the dresses with a certain sense of longing herself, but she keeps her attention focused on the customer. "Does anything catch your eye?"
>>136549
"Yes... This one"
She picks out a sky blue dress with green and dark blue frills at the bottom. It's not entirely clear that it's a cold weather dress, as it looks to be rather thin, more likely silk than wool.
"Yes... This one"
She picks out a sky blue dress with green and dark blue frills at the bottom. It's not entirely clear that it's a cold weather dress, as it looks to be rather thin, more likely silk than wool.
>>136550
"It looks very nice, but I think it's for warmer weather or indoor occasions." Amber touches the fabric with the frog of her hoof. "Feel that?
It's silk: light and airy, but not warm at all."
"It looks very nice, but I think it's for warmer weather or indoor occasions." Amber touches the fabric with the frog of her hoof. "Feel that?
It's silk: light and airy, but not warm at all."
>>136552
Amber looks for a dress of a similar style but of different material. "Let's see if there's one a bit warmer."
Amber looks for a dress of a similar style but of different material. "Let's see if there's one a bit warmer."
>>136553
There's a larger, fuller dress that curls in rather than out at the bottom with no frills. It's a slightly darker shade of blue. This one must be cotton or wool
There's a larger, fuller dress that curls in rather than out at the bottom with no frills. It's a slightly darker shade of blue. This one must be cotton or wool
>>136555
"Ooh" She looks down at it, then takes it out, placing it against her. It looks somewhat large against her body, but appropriately so. After a pause, she says
"Why not"
"Ooh" She looks down at it, then takes it out, placing it against her. It looks somewhat large against her body, but appropriately so. After a pause, she says
"Why not"
>>136556
Amber leads the pony to the fitting room and waits patiently, looking toward the entrance in case there are any new customers.
Amber leads the pony to the fitting room and waits patiently, looking toward the entrance in case there are any new customers.
>>136557
High Sewn herself stands by at the counter. The mare comes out after some minutes, wearing the dark dress
"How do I look?" She says, smiling. The dress is not tailored for her specifically, and thus is perhaps a little large, but there is no doubt that it has at least some sense of style and formality to it.
High Sewn herself stands by at the counter. The mare comes out after some minutes, wearing the dark dress
"How do I look?" She says, smiling. The dress is not tailored for her specifically, and thus is perhaps a little large, but there is no doubt that it has at least some sense of style and formality to it.
>>136559
"Oh, great! Well, no... I don't think so at least. Maybe it would be nice to have one for more regular use and one for more formal wear, you know. More special occasions" She smiles in a strange sort of way, like she thinks she is implying something
"Oh, great! Well, no... I don't think so at least. Maybe it would be nice to have one for more regular use and one for more formal wear, you know. More special occasions" She smiles in a strange sort of way, like she thinks she is implying something
>>136561
Awww... Okay
Maybe sometime I will write a commentary, or I will write out the fluff for the island campaign or questline
Awww... Okay
Maybe sometime I will write a commentary, or I will write out the fluff for the island campaign or questline
Fantasy Play craves and wants your attention. This is bad. She needs to learn that the world doesn't circle around her.
Discipline her!!!!1111
Discipline her!!!!1111
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>>136560
Amber smiles. "Sure! What did you have in mind.
You can see we have lots of different things...."
Amber smiles. "Sure! What did you have in mind.
You can see we have lots of different things...."
>>136578
"Uh..." She looks around at various items, especially woven sweaters that are a bit less formal, as well as practical jackets, some of which seem to be nylon and water-resistant.
"Uh... maybe this one?"
She picks out a white woolen coat that has an air of formality to it, but is thick and plain with a black band around the center.
"Uh..." She looks around at various items, especially woven sweaters that are a bit less formal, as well as practical jackets, some of which seem to be nylon and water-resistant.
"Uh... maybe this one?"
She picks out a white woolen coat that has an air of formality to it, but is thick and plain with a black band around the center.
>>136580
She pets the coat
“It does look nice... but not as nice as the dress... it definitely looks ‘warm’...”
She pulls her lips back
She pets the coat
“It does look nice... but not as nice as the dress... it definitely looks ‘warm’...”
She pulls her lips back
>>136581
"What are you looking for? A warm coat to look nice and attract attention? A dress to get gussied up for a party?
Maybe something smaller like a shawl?" Amber tries to gauge what's going through the mare's head.
"What are you looking for? A warm coat to look nice and attract attention? A dress to get gussied up for a party?
Maybe something smaller like a shawl?" Amber tries to gauge what's going through the mare's head.
>>136375
"Well..." She looks away from SIlver's eyes, up and towards the left.
"It was kind of cold that morning... which is very unusual for that time of year. It must have been the breeze, so I got on the ground between the crowds of ponies where it was warmer. I rather small then, and I was young to get my cutie mark. My mother was very much a proud follower of Celestia, she was very proud to be there. She told me her father took her when she was a filly, and she still has fond memories. Really I think she wanted something to brag about to the other mares at church. My father was proud to be there but for... very different reasons. You see, he was a member of the civil service for the treasury. So when his superior extended him an invitation to go to the Summer Sun Celebration he considered it quite an honor... and something of a career move. That isn't where my mind was. I didn't want to be up so early, and I didn't like the way the dew made my fur wet. I liked that we were in Canterlot - we spent most of the previous day taking the train from Dappleshore to Fillydelphia, and from there to Canterlot - and I wanted to walk down the boulverard in midtown and go to a candy shop...."
She pauses, and her eyes move from to her upper left at what seems to be a water stain in the ceiling of the motel room, to up and directly in front of her; above Silver. Though, throughout the conversation, she has regularly kept eye contact with Silver, no more than 6 feet in front of her face, her eyes tend to wonder during her long tangents. Every time before, however, it has been to the right, or slightly down.
"You know, I didn't actually have a direct view of her when it started. Someone next to me told the ponies around him 'shut up, it's starting,' and just like that the entire field went quiet into the most perfect silence. Not even a chirped. I moved back in the crowd of ponies, so I could have a better look... there were other foals there who stood on the shoulders of their parents, but that option must have escaped the thought of my parents... The light came upon us slowly, and from where I was I noticed it first on the ponies around me. It illuminated their stilled faces, transfixed on what lay before them, even as I remained in the shadow. I think that it what made the experience for me; seeing how it affected the others first. When I did see the light, it came down on me from above, over the top of the ponies in front of me. Kind of like how light comes over a mountain, or a line of trees in the morning, but... not the same. The light was, different somehow. When you feel it in most mornings its easy to feel a sort of mundanity to it, a feeling that it just happens every day. But when I saw it, I felt it. I felt its warmth upon me. And I do mean that in the sense that for the first time that day, it felt like a summer morning... but it was more than that. Like a warm that removed fear and loneliness."
She begins to smile, and her eyes widen as she stares above
"I felt enveloped by the light. Like I had been lifted out of the group of ponies, like I was going to merge with them. Merge with the source of the life giving essence. I felt like I was raised above the wet grass, above the group of ponies, and into the air."
Then she winces, and now finally turns her eyes to SIlver
"When the sun was raised higher, I had to pull away. Of course you don't look directly into the sun. I was blinded for a number of seconds. It felt like a minute, but it was probably about four seconds, where there was the image of a bright light imprinted on the center of my vision, and darkness off to either side, pierced by the rays emanating from the central light I could see it even when I closed my eyes, and it only slowly faded away and was replaced by the view of the ponies around me. The crowd cheered, and I cheered too. I could feel my self as a part of it, a cheering mass below the ever-rising sun. I felt the rush of euphoria as I tried again to look at the sun, only to pull away when it was too much for my eyes. I think it was only after this point that I saw Celestia herself at all. I don't remember seeing her at any point during or before the raising. Somehow... she looked almost mundane compared to the light, though Light Bringer she was. It took about fifteen minutes... well, maybe a minute and a half, but it took some time for my mother to look back at me. I still remember seeing her just glance down, pull her eyes back, and then turn back to me, and say 'Pear! You got your cutie mark!" and she turned to me and I turned to my flank and I saw it. My father turned down, smiled and said 'alright!' though I swear that for a moment he looked disappointed..."
She smiles widely at Silver
"They took me to the candy store later that day."
"Well..." She looks away from SIlver's eyes, up and towards the left.
"It was kind of cold that morning... which is very unusual for that time of year. It must have been the breeze, so I got on the ground between the crowds of ponies where it was warmer. I rather small then, and I was young to get my cutie mark. My mother was very much a proud follower of Celestia, she was very proud to be there. She told me her father took her when she was a filly, and she still has fond memories. Really I think she wanted something to brag about to the other mares at church. My father was proud to be there but for... very different reasons. You see, he was a member of the civil service for the treasury. So when his superior extended him an invitation to go to the Summer Sun Celebration he considered it quite an honor... and something of a career move. That isn't where my mind was. I didn't want to be up so early, and I didn't like the way the dew made my fur wet. I liked that we were in Canterlot - we spent most of the previous day taking the train from Dappleshore to Fillydelphia, and from there to Canterlot - and I wanted to walk down the boulverard in midtown and go to a candy shop...."
She pauses, and her eyes move from to her upper left at what seems to be a water stain in the ceiling of the motel room, to up and directly in front of her; above Silver. Though, throughout the conversation, she has regularly kept eye contact with Silver, no more than 6 feet in front of her face, her eyes tend to wonder during her long tangents. Every time before, however, it has been to the right, or slightly down.
"You know, I didn't actually have a direct view of her when it started. Someone next to me told the ponies around him 'shut up, it's starting,' and just like that the entire field went quiet into the most perfect silence. Not even a chirped. I moved back in the crowd of ponies, so I could have a better look... there were other foals there who stood on the shoulders of their parents, but that option must have escaped the thought of my parents... The light came upon us slowly, and from where I was I noticed it first on the ponies around me. It illuminated their stilled faces, transfixed on what lay before them, even as I remained in the shadow. I think that it what made the experience for me; seeing how it affected the others first. When I did see the light, it came down on me from above, over the top of the ponies in front of me. Kind of like how light comes over a mountain, or a line of trees in the morning, but... not the same. The light was, different somehow. When you feel it in most mornings its easy to feel a sort of mundanity to it, a feeling that it just happens every day. But when I saw it, I felt it. I felt its warmth upon me. And I do mean that in the sense that for the first time that day, it felt like a summer morning... but it was more than that. Like a warm that removed fear and loneliness."
She begins to smile, and her eyes widen as she stares above
"I felt enveloped by the light. Like I had been lifted out of the group of ponies, like I was going to merge with them. Merge with the source of the life giving essence. I felt like I was raised above the wet grass, above the group of ponies, and into the air."
Then she winces, and now finally turns her eyes to SIlver
"When the sun was raised higher, I had to pull away. Of course you don't look directly into the sun. I was blinded for a number of seconds. It felt like a minute, but it was probably about four seconds, where there was the image of a bright light imprinted on the center of my vision, and darkness off to either side, pierced by the rays emanating from the central light I could see it even when I closed my eyes, and it only slowly faded away and was replaced by the view of the ponies around me. The crowd cheered, and I cheered too. I could feel my self as a part of it, a cheering mass below the ever-rising sun. I felt the rush of euphoria as I tried again to look at the sun, only to pull away when it was too much for my eyes. I think it was only after this point that I saw Celestia herself at all. I don't remember seeing her at any point during or before the raising. Somehow... she looked almost mundane compared to the light, though Light Bringer she was. It took about fifteen minutes... well, maybe a minute and a half, but it took some time for my mother to look back at me. I still remember seeing her just glance down, pull her eyes back, and then turn back to me, and say 'Pear! You got your cutie mark!" and she turned to me and I turned to my flank and I saw it. My father turned down, smiled and said 'alright!' though I swear that for a moment he looked disappointed..."
She smiles widely at Silver
"They took me to the candy store later that day."
>>136582
"Uh... yes! I mean... I don't have a party or anything in mind but I... well, I would like to look nice when I am doing things like buying groceries, or am on my way home from work.. you know?"
"Uh... yes! I mean... I don't have a party or anything in mind but I... well, I would like to look nice when I am doing things like buying groceries, or am on my way home from work.. you know?"
>>136583
Silver's eyes sparkle and smiles back widely, clearly in awe of her cutie mark story.
"Are you certain you are not Celestial chosen?"
Silver's eyes sparkle and smiles back widely, clearly in awe of her cutie mark story.
"Are you certain you are not Celestial chosen?"
>>136596
"Heh"
She smiles at Silver in a kind of embarrassed and awkward way. And yet, she isn't bashful like with the compliments on her translation abilities. She does not lower her ears, nor turn her head away. Rather, she stays where she is, eyes, ears and head facing forward, on Silver.
"Heh"
She smiles at Silver in a kind of embarrassed and awkward way. And yet, she isn't bashful like with the compliments on her translation abilities. She does not lower her ears, nor turn her head away. Rather, she stays where she is, eyes, ears and head facing forward, on Silver.
>>136599
"Heheh..."
Silver in turn smiles as warmly as always at her. His body language suggests he's relaxed and comfortable around such good company. His attention is focused on her, but being unable to think of much else to talk about at the moment, he just sits there quietly enjoying the calm moment.
"Heheh..."
Silver in turn smiles as warmly as always at her. His body language suggests he's relaxed and comfortable around such good company. His attention is focused on her, but being unable to think of much else to talk about at the moment, he just sits there quietly enjoying the calm moment.
>>136608
Silver rubs the back of his neck, thinking of things to talk about.
"So...anything else you would like to say about yourself? Favorite foods, friends you have...any lovers?"
Silver rubs the back of his neck, thinking of things to talk about.
"So...anything else you would like to say about yourself? Favorite foods, friends you have...any lovers?"
>>136609
This causes her to back up a little, and to essentially sit upright. She smiles awkwardly and grabs the end of her wrapped tail, as if to play with it.
"Not... really. I've been mostly alone since I started my professorship. There's been a precocious student or two that has been good to talk to... I've thought of socializing at the church, but the academics don't have the best of reputations..."
This causes her to back up a little, and to essentially sit upright. She smiles awkwardly and grabs the end of her wrapped tail, as if to play with it.
"Not... really. I've been mostly alone since I started my professorship. There's been a precocious student or two that has been good to talk to... I've thought of socializing at the church, but the academics don't have the best of reputations..."
>>136610
Silver's eyebrows raise in surprise at her statement.
"Truly? I honestly do not know why. You are smart, interesting, great to talk to...and if I may, your appearence absolutely does not hurt you."
Silver's eyebrows raise in surprise at her statement.
"Truly? I honestly do not know why. You are smart, interesting, great to talk to...and if I may, your appearence absolutely does not hurt you."
>>136611
She smiles awkwardly, and drops her tail, sitting up in place towards Silver
"I.... I had an somepony, sort of... kind of, when I was in graduate school. But we sort of drifted apart and I think he joined the Navy. I... sometimes get advances by professors at the University, but... they don't really share my values."
She smiles awkwardly, and drops her tail, sitting up in place towards Silver
"I.... I had an somepony, sort of... kind of, when I was in graduate school. But we sort of drifted apart and I think he joined the Navy. I... sometimes get advances by professors at the University, but... they don't really share my values."
>>136613
She exhales, and seems to ease, looking down then back up
"In the students, sometimes. Or in some of the workers, like janitors and cafeteria staff. There are a couple professors, mostly older..."
She exhales, and seems to ease, looking down then back up
"In the students, sometimes. Or in some of the workers, like janitors and cafeteria staff. There are a couple professors, mostly older..."
>>136615
"It's... it's a very different world in the Universities. Very different. The students and the workers... a few of the professors, come from among the locals of Stable Side. Many of them come from farming families, or craftspony families. Something a bit... closer to the standard practices of ponies, if I may call it that. Closer to old wisdom. But many of the professors, and some of the students, they come from the Petty Bourgeoise, or their parents were academics. They look to knew knowledge, new discoveries. Many who don't have that as their background, adopt it."
"It's... it's a very different world in the Universities. Very different. The students and the workers... a few of the professors, come from among the locals of Stable Side. Many of them come from farming families, or craftspony families. Something a bit... closer to the standard practices of ponies, if I may call it that. Closer to old wisdom. But many of the professors, and some of the students, they come from the Petty Bourgeoise, or their parents were academics. They look to knew knowledge, new discoveries. Many who don't have that as their background, adopt it."
>>136616
Silver leans forward in his seat.
"You sound like you have had experience with both. I take it you align more with lower classes than upper?"
Silver leans forward in his seat.
"You sound like you have had experience with both. I take it you align more with lower classes than upper?"
>>136617
She blinks
"It depends. Not in Baltimare, that is for sure. The upper classes are, I think, more likely to be... 'refined.' They are more likely to appreciate art, or enjoy moderation, or to build for the future... but they are also more likely to pursue profit at the expense of all else, or adopt the belief in no values at all in pursuit of naked power. The lower classes can range from families working hard and faithful, to hooligans, alcoholics, and Anarchists."
She blinks
"It depends. Not in Baltimare, that is for sure. The upper classes are, I think, more likely to be... 'refined.' They are more likely to appreciate art, or enjoy moderation, or to build for the future... but they are also more likely to pursue profit at the expense of all else, or adopt the belief in no values at all in pursuit of naked power. The lower classes can range from families working hard and faithful, to hooligans, alcoholics, and Anarchists."
>>136621
She shakes her head
"I just mean they are more prone to certain ideologies. I think that is true everywhere."
She shakes her head
"I just mean they are more prone to certain ideologies. I think that is true everywhere."
>>136622
Silver slowly nods, understanding what she means.
"Before Stallionists, St. Petershoof was city of many different ponies holding many different professions. Dock workers, merchants, craftsponies, farmers, fisherponies, clergy, clerks, and aristocrats. There was little issue between them before Caramel Marks and Steel Stallion came."
Silver slowly nods, understanding what she means.
"Before Stallionists, St. Petershoof was city of many different ponies holding many different professions. Dock workers, merchants, craftsponies, farmers, fisherponies, clergy, clerks, and aristocrats. There was little issue between them before Caramel Marks and Steel Stallion came."
>>136624
He smiles and nods.
"You could not tell from my accent? Yes, I was born in Severyana before revolution."
He smiles and nods.
"You could not tell from my accent? Yes, I was born in Severyana before revolution."
>>136625
"Heh, I meant that you came from the secessionist districts as a part of the emigration. Can you... tell me more about that?"
"Heh, I meant that you came from the secessionist districts as a part of the emigration. Can you... tell me more about that?"
>>136626
"I was not there when Steel Stallion declared his revolution, but I learned much of it from other Severyanans after, fleeing fighting. They were not only group involved in civil war. There were others, united under one united White Movement. Farmers, aristocrats, merchants, members of clergy, clerks, and many from older generations of my people. They both opposed Steel Stallion and his radical Reds, and desired their independance from Equestria, which they felt had abandoned them. Some wanted to form their own republic, built by Severyanans to serve Severyanans, others wanted to restore old Severyanan Empire from before we were integrated into Equestria with descendent of Tsar Peter on its throne, and others were simply joined because they recognized threat communism posed to us. They were centered in St. Petershoof, heart of our people, and fought valiantly to oppose Reds and preserve our honor...but they were too divided, and their leaders could not agree on plan of action. As Steel Stallion pushed ever closer to city, they were betrayed by dock workers loyal to Red cause, and Reds were able to join up with them to push Whites all way back to Peter and Pony Fortress, first building to have ever been built in city, where they had their last stand, holding out until Reds had broken through fortress walls themselves and had captured White leadership."
"I was not there when Steel Stallion declared his revolution, but I learned much of it from other Severyanans after, fleeing fighting. They were not only group involved in civil war. There were others, united under one united White Movement. Farmers, aristocrats, merchants, members of clergy, clerks, and many from older generations of my people. They both opposed Steel Stallion and his radical Reds, and desired their independance from Equestria, which they felt had abandoned them. Some wanted to form their own republic, built by Severyanans to serve Severyanans, others wanted to restore old Severyanan Empire from before we were integrated into Equestria with descendent of Tsar Peter on its throne, and others were simply joined because they recognized threat communism posed to us. They were centered in St. Petershoof, heart of our people, and fought valiantly to oppose Reds and preserve our honor...but they were too divided, and their leaders could not agree on plan of action. As Steel Stallion pushed ever closer to city, they were betrayed by dock workers loyal to Red cause, and Reds were able to join up with them to push Whites all way back to Peter and Pony Fortress, first building to have ever been built in city, where they had their last stand, holding out until Reds had broken through fortress walls themselves and had captured White leadership."
>>136627
She nods, listening in on the story
"I've head portions of the story... Not necessarily from the same perspective."
She nods, listening in on the story
"I've head portions of the story... Not necessarily from the same perspective."
>>136628
"There was great cathedral in Severyana before our civil war. Temple of Light. You might have heard of it. It was made of purist white stone and adorned with gold, and it stretched taller than every other building in city. My father told me when he took me to it that all Severyanans should get to experience it once in their life. Being inside that cathedral was like being in presence of Celestia herself, even with he being so far away from cold Severyana. It was designed to let sunlight come through its domed roof, and when it did, light would reflect off of walls and throughout entire cathedral. And when it reached midday, during Summer Sun Celebration...it felt just as you had experienced, when your own mother had taken you to see Celestia raising sun..."
"There was great cathedral in Severyana before our civil war. Temple of Light. You might have heard of it. It was made of purist white stone and adorned with gold, and it stretched taller than every other building in city. My father told me when he took me to it that all Severyanans should get to experience it once in their life. Being inside that cathedral was like being in presence of Celestia herself, even with he being so far away from cold Severyana. It was designed to let sunlight come through its domed roof, and when it did, light would reflect off of walls and throughout entire cathedral. And when it reached midday, during Summer Sun Celebration...it felt just as you had experienced, when your own mother had taken you to see Celestia raising sun..."
>>136630
Silver joins her in her solemn nod.
"I did not take my own foals to see it, and that I do regret. It is travesty what Reds did to it, when they burnt it down, shattered its walls, stole its gold...all but erased it from world entirely..."
He sighs.
Silver joins her in her solemn nod.
"I did not take my own foals to see it, and that I do regret. It is travesty what Reds did to it, when they burnt it down, shattered its walls, stole its gold...all but erased it from world entirely..."
He sighs.
>>136631
She bows her head curtly in a single nod.
"I've heard the same out of Aquelia" she adds. "And even a few stories from here in Baltimare, during the revolts."
She bows her head curtly in a single nod.
"I've heard the same out of Aquelia" she adds. "And even a few stories from here in Baltimare, during the revolts."
>>136632
"It is unfortunate, terrible, that they believe religion to be such a threat to their 'ideology'. That they feel they have to destroy such beauty..."
"It is unfortunate, terrible, that they believe religion to be such a threat to their 'ideology'. That they feel they have to destroy such beauty..."
>>136633
"It only follows from their premises. They believe that only the realm we see and feel is real and has any relevance. Anything spiritual is a superstition at best, and more likely a charlatanism perpetrated by established interests. Aquellia had it the worst because of the power the church there had, how the church was seen as beholden to foreigners and the privileges the clergy had under the Discret Dynasty. Severyana had similar pressures, but I think the masses of the ponies remained believers, and so the violence was more tempered. That didn't save the Temple of the Light though... They built their 'Palace of the Soviets' overtop of it." She sticks her tongue out in disgust.
"It only follows from their premises. They believe that only the realm we see and feel is real and has any relevance. Anything spiritual is a superstition at best, and more likely a charlatanism perpetrated by established interests. Aquellia had it the worst because of the power the church there had, how the church was seen as beholden to foreigners and the privileges the clergy had under the Discret Dynasty. Severyana had similar pressures, but I think the masses of the ponies remained believers, and so the violence was more tempered. That didn't save the Temple of the Light though... They built their 'Palace of the Soviets' overtop of it." She sticks her tongue out in disgust.
>>136634
He looks to be a mixture of angry and sick for a couple seconds.
"And they say they hate religion...when they are building what is cathedral to communism over top of what was greatest Celestialist cathedral in all of Equus."
He looks to be a mixture of angry and sick for a couple seconds.
"And they say they hate religion...when they are building what is cathedral to communism over top of what was greatest Celestialist cathedral in all of Equus."
>>136635
For a moment, she seems to form a smile
"I don't know about the greatest"
Then she drops the smile, evidently realizing it was a poor time for a joke. She shakes her head.
"Well, to them it follows. It sort of is a Cathedral... to them. You see, in the oldest traditions, there are spirits in the world, and then ponies can achieve a connection, even a unity with this spiritual realm by achieving noble deeds. Then in the Celestialist Traditions, Spirit is abstracted above but Celestia and other Alicorns are the most perfect incarnation of the spirit in ponykind, and they can inculcate the Spirit, which is now synonymous with Harmony, into the ponies. Then Spirit is abstracted even further in the Reformed traditions, pervading almost everything and definitely synonymous with Harmony and serving to develop ponykind and other creatures. Then in certain philosophies like that of Erebus Haygle, Spirit, Harmony, and ponykind are all merged into the same, with Harmony and Spirit having no existence at all outside of creaturehood... and then finally we have these Materialist Magicalist traditions, where spirit disappears completely. There is only creaturehood and Harmony, and a world haunted by nothing, but waiting to be conquered. Well, I say 'finally.' Perhaps I shouldn't. In some of the even more modern philosophies, the world is haunted again, but by ideologies and beliefs rather than spirit, and any notion of Harmony disappears. There is only struggle over power and interests."
She sighs
"So when they build there Palace of the Soviets, they really do think they are building a Cathedral. They are building a Cathedral to celebrate what they think is the workers taking control over the economy."
She looks down and shakes her head
"What a pathetic god to worship. Some fur coats, maybe? A few shipyards? Some furniture factories? That is their god now. Work. Stripped of any notion of virtue in conducting it, like diligence or work effort. Somehow I doubt they will find even that very meager god."
For a moment, she seems to form a smile
"I don't know about the greatest"
Then she drops the smile, evidently realizing it was a poor time for a joke. She shakes her head.
"Well, to them it follows. It sort of is a Cathedral... to them. You see, in the oldest traditions, there are spirits in the world, and then ponies can achieve a connection, even a unity with this spiritual realm by achieving noble deeds. Then in the Celestialist Traditions, Spirit is abstracted above but Celestia and other Alicorns are the most perfect incarnation of the spirit in ponykind, and they can inculcate the Spirit, which is now synonymous with Harmony, into the ponies. Then Spirit is abstracted even further in the Reformed traditions, pervading almost everything and definitely synonymous with Harmony and serving to develop ponykind and other creatures. Then in certain philosophies like that of Erebus Haygle, Spirit, Harmony, and ponykind are all merged into the same, with Harmony and Spirit having no existence at all outside of creaturehood... and then finally we have these Materialist Magicalist traditions, where spirit disappears completely. There is only creaturehood and Harmony, and a world haunted by nothing, but waiting to be conquered. Well, I say 'finally.' Perhaps I shouldn't. In some of the even more modern philosophies, the world is haunted again, but by ideologies and beliefs rather than spirit, and any notion of Harmony disappears. There is only struggle over power and interests."
She sighs
"So when they build there Palace of the Soviets, they really do think they are building a Cathedral. They are building a Cathedral to celebrate what they think is the workers taking control over the economy."
She looks down and shakes her head
"What a pathetic god to worship. Some fur coats, maybe? A few shipyards? Some furniture factories? That is their god now. Work. Stripped of any notion of virtue in conducting it, like diligence or work effort. Somehow I doubt they will find even that very meager god."
>>136636
"Somehow, I think those in Supreme Soviet do not even go that far, and believe that it will be cathedral to them, and their 'achievements'."
"Somehow, I think those in Supreme Soviet do not even go that far, and believe that it will be cathedral to them, and their 'achievements'."
>>136637
"Humph. Well... I don't know how degenerated the command up there is, but I know what I hear from the ponies in my own fellow departments... from the professors I will be spending my sabatiical with. They believe that all of history is classes and tribes dominating over each other, and every aspect of culture and every institution is simply a tool to power, and nothing more. To believe that, I think, does something to you. It makes you think that money, status, and power are the only good things to be pursued, and that any means is valid to pursue them. Caramel Marks... well, he wasn't so degraded as that, and there was more of the older ways in him. But still, it is an ideology that sees money and power as the only good things, and sees them as worth killing for, while it sees creatures as created by their farms, factories and shops rather than the other way around. And it sees them as having even less ultimate dignity or value than these things. Maybe they really do see themselves as lliberating the ponies from centuries of oppression by entrenched nobles..."
She shakes her head
"I really don't think they will find it. In my experience, in my studies... in my heart. I believe that those who pursue only wealth, power, or status may find it. But they never keep it"
She shakes her head
"Never."
"Humph. Well... I don't know how degenerated the command up there is, but I know what I hear from the ponies in my own fellow departments... from the professors I will be spending my sabatiical with. They believe that all of history is classes and tribes dominating over each other, and every aspect of culture and every institution is simply a tool to power, and nothing more. To believe that, I think, does something to you. It makes you think that money, status, and power are the only good things to be pursued, and that any means is valid to pursue them. Caramel Marks... well, he wasn't so degraded as that, and there was more of the older ways in him. But still, it is an ideology that sees money and power as the only good things, and sees them as worth killing for, while it sees creatures as created by their farms, factories and shops rather than the other way around. And it sees them as having even less ultimate dignity or value than these things. Maybe they really do see themselves as lliberating the ponies from centuries of oppression by entrenched nobles..."
She shakes her head
"I really don't think they will find it. In my experience, in my studies... in my heart. I believe that those who pursue only wealth, power, or status may find it. But they never keep it"
She shakes her head
"Never."
>>136638
Silver nods with conviction.
"All of these things are temporary. Friends and family, however, will last lifetime."
Silver nods with conviction.
"All of these things are temporary. Friends and family, however, will last lifetime."
>>136639
She nods
"Mhmmm. Maybe even beyond, as so many traditions believe."
She pauses for a moment
"I think I see what Firebirch, and what Twilight were trying to do. Firebirch - you've never heard of him and that's okay, but Caramel Marks read him intently - Firebirch wanted to take Friendship and Fraternity, and expand it into a Brotherhood of Ponykind. A kind of unconditional love for those we never met. But the thing is, actual friendship, actual brotherhood, is very intimate. You have to actually know them, understand them. Be in sympathy with their interests and form a portion of your world around them, and likewise them to you. A brotherhood of ponykind is... it's impersonal. How could it possibly be otherwise? It turns 'brotherhood' into charity. Friendship into the act of tossing a coin to a beggar. It debases the concept... it doesn't expand it. Much the same with Twilight and her expanded notion of Harmony. I can see what she was trying to do. What she wanted to do. She wanted to expand harmony to all of the nations, a brotherhood of all creaturedom. I suppose she figured if it could happen with the three races of ponies, it could happen with the non-equine races. But even that"
She turns off to the right, and holds her hoof up as she narrows her eyes
"It's so much more complex than that. So all this expanded harmony really does is to replace friendship and building a community with a philosophy of pacifism and... race relations. Both of these philosophies replace personal morality with government policies... but enough of that. It's something of a tangent."
She nods
"Mhmmm. Maybe even beyond, as so many traditions believe."
She pauses for a moment
"I think I see what Firebirch, and what Twilight were trying to do. Firebirch - you've never heard of him and that's okay, but Caramel Marks read him intently - Firebirch wanted to take Friendship and Fraternity, and expand it into a Brotherhood of Ponykind. A kind of unconditional love for those we never met. But the thing is, actual friendship, actual brotherhood, is very intimate. You have to actually know them, understand them. Be in sympathy with their interests and form a portion of your world around them, and likewise them to you. A brotherhood of ponykind is... it's impersonal. How could it possibly be otherwise? It turns 'brotherhood' into charity. Friendship into the act of tossing a coin to a beggar. It debases the concept... it doesn't expand it. Much the same with Twilight and her expanded notion of Harmony. I can see what she was trying to do. What she wanted to do. She wanted to expand harmony to all of the nations, a brotherhood of all creaturedom. I suppose she figured if it could happen with the three races of ponies, it could happen with the non-equine races. But even that"
She turns off to the right, and holds her hoof up as she narrows her eyes
"It's so much more complex than that. So all this expanded harmony really does is to replace friendship and building a community with a philosophy of pacifism and... race relations. Both of these philosophies replace personal morality with government policies... but enough of that. It's something of a tangent."
>>136640
He shakes his head at her.
"No no, it is perfectly alright. I find all of this interesting, especially coming from you."
He shakes his head at her.
"No no, it is perfectly alright. I find all of this interesting, especially coming from you."
>>136642
She smiles, a little bit embarrassed, and again sitting upright
"You know, we were talking earlier about The War, and why it went so much more poorly than it should have. I think it is because of some of these ideas, these insidious new ideas. They don't really separate the hero from the villain on any kind of abstract level. There isn't really any difference in intent really. It used to be that the hero is the one who had courage, and who sacrificed themselves to save those they loved. But now... Now the hero is one who sacrifices themselves on behalf of the Nation, or of the Class, so that the Class or Nation can take land belonging to someone else. Of course the individual 'pony' doesn't exist under this only the class or the nation or the race, so if the class or nation or race sacrifices the pony for its own sake, its all the same to them... all it is is about taking power or wealth belonging to someone else, and taking it for your own and calling it 'liberation' or 'freedom.' That is heroism today, what was yesterday recognized as villainy. Not everyone believes it. Most ponies even don't believe it. But enough of them did that... it's like steel. If you heat up steel, carbon steel, to a very high temperature, you can beat it with a hammer or even rapidly cool it in water, and it will only get stronger. So it is in the past... and I pray again, in the future, that removing the comforts of life shows how little the comforts matter, and forces harmony and heroism. But if you add an impurity to the iron, like silica... when you hit it with a hammer, it shatters. Our defeat was something like that."
She smiles, a little bit embarrassed, and again sitting upright
"You know, we were talking earlier about The War, and why it went so much more poorly than it should have. I think it is because of some of these ideas, these insidious new ideas. They don't really separate the hero from the villain on any kind of abstract level. There isn't really any difference in intent really. It used to be that the hero is the one who had courage, and who sacrificed themselves to save those they loved. But now... Now the hero is one who sacrifices themselves on behalf of the Nation, or of the Class, so that the Class or Nation can take land belonging to someone else. Of course the individual 'pony' doesn't exist under this only the class or the nation or the race, so if the class or nation or race sacrifices the pony for its own sake, its all the same to them... all it is is about taking power or wealth belonging to someone else, and taking it for your own and calling it 'liberation' or 'freedom.' That is heroism today, what was yesterday recognized as villainy. Not everyone believes it. Most ponies even don't believe it. But enough of them did that... it's like steel. If you heat up steel, carbon steel, to a very high temperature, you can beat it with a hammer or even rapidly cool it in water, and it will only get stronger. So it is in the past... and I pray again, in the future, that removing the comforts of life shows how little the comforts matter, and forces harmony and heroism. But if you add an impurity to the iron, like silica... when you hit it with a hammer, it shatters. Our defeat was something like that."
>>136643
Silver nods, remembering their conversation from earlier.
"What do you think that impurity was?"
Silver nods, remembering their conversation from earlier.
"What do you think that impurity was?"
>>136644
She pauses, and seems as if she is about to say something, but closes her mouth. She's still sitting upright, and she's been occasionally using her forelegs in gestures as she speaks, but she sways in place in her unstable position. She looks from side to side.
"When I entered University in Fillydelphia, in my physics class - it must have been only my third class in University, my second day there - a professor said that Celestia did not raise the Sun, that the celestial bodies were free floating entities alicorns could scarcely touch. I couldn't believe I was hearing that. I sat brewing in my seat until the end of class. I was so offended... I can't say after everything that I'm not impressed by some of their arguments, but still..." She looks down, bites her lip, and then looks back up to Silver
"The audacity to claim that... Do you want to know what I think is the impurity in modern Equestrian Society? In Severyana and New Mareland and Aquileia? It's Progress itself. Ponies no longer have to fear famine unless it's caused by a war or government mismanagement. They can live long. See far away stars. They don't have to worry about at least most diseases, and see fewer and fewer of their foals die. They see planes travel through the sky, and the clouds themselves made by factories. The problem with all of this isn't merely that it breeds complacency. Complacency can be overcome. The problem is that Ponies themselves come to see themselves as gods, or to see ponykind - or creaturekind - as a collective god. There is no enemy they cannot conquer, or has not already been conquered. Therefore, they see themselves as the highest thing in the universe; that they have already achieved the grandest stage of development. There is no humility. They see no need for virtue, for persistence, courage, wisdom, temperance, 'friendship' in any real sense. Never needing to mature, they instead go to their basest instincts, and elevate those to the status of a religion.
They need to be humbled. To see what a god really is. Only when their power amounts to nothing and their wealth is burned away will they appreciate the value of friends. Courage, kindness, generosity, loyalty... That's how it worked when the Windigos froze the lands, that is how it worked when the younger alicorn sister blocked out the sun, and that is how it must work in the future."
She pauses, and seems as if she is about to say something, but closes her mouth. She's still sitting upright, and she's been occasionally using her forelegs in gestures as she speaks, but she sways in place in her unstable position. She looks from side to side.
"When I entered University in Fillydelphia, in my physics class - it must have been only my third class in University, my second day there - a professor said that Celestia did not raise the Sun, that the celestial bodies were free floating entities alicorns could scarcely touch. I couldn't believe I was hearing that. I sat brewing in my seat until the end of class. I was so offended... I can't say after everything that I'm not impressed by some of their arguments, but still..." She looks down, bites her lip, and then looks back up to Silver
"The audacity to claim that... Do you want to know what I think is the impurity in modern Equestrian Society? In Severyana and New Mareland and Aquileia? It's Progress itself. Ponies no longer have to fear famine unless it's caused by a war or government mismanagement. They can live long. See far away stars. They don't have to worry about at least most diseases, and see fewer and fewer of their foals die. They see planes travel through the sky, and the clouds themselves made by factories. The problem with all of this isn't merely that it breeds complacency. Complacency can be overcome. The problem is that Ponies themselves come to see themselves as gods, or to see ponykind - or creaturekind - as a collective god. There is no enemy they cannot conquer, or has not already been conquered. Therefore, they see themselves as the highest thing in the universe; that they have already achieved the grandest stage of development. There is no humility. They see no need for virtue, for persistence, courage, wisdom, temperance, 'friendship' in any real sense. Never needing to mature, they instead go to their basest instincts, and elevate those to the status of a religion.
They need to be humbled. To see what a god really is. Only when their power amounts to nothing and their wealth is burned away will they appreciate the value of friends. Courage, kindness, generosity, loyalty... That's how it worked when the Windigos froze the lands, that is how it worked when the younger alicorn sister blocked out the sun, and that is how it must work in the future."
>>136646
Silver seems to be held up on the first part of her statement, and looks at her with a mix of shock and disgust.
"We see her raise and lower it, same as Luna! How can anypony deny what is right in front of them?"
Silver seems to be held up on the first part of her statement, and looks at her with a mix of shock and disgust.
"We see her raise and lower it, same as Luna! How can anypony deny what is right in front of them?"
>>136646
While I like what this horse is saying but she speaks too long, imo. One post, were your character explains their persective or two, okay. But several is annoying. But as long as your players are fine with it I guess its okay.
Don't do this >>136583 with Fantasy though. I'll probably won't read it anyway and Fantasy will roll a bite roll and bite the pony speaking. ;P
>>136575
Ooh-hoo-hoo.
While I like what this horse is saying but she speaks too long, imo. One post, were your character explains their persective or two, okay. But several is annoying. But as long as your players are fine with it I guess its okay.
Don't do this >>136583 with Fantasy though. I'll probably won't read it anyway and Fantasy will roll a bite roll and bite the pony speaking. ;P
>>136575
Ooh-hoo-hoo.
>>136674
In this particular situation, I do like what she says a lot. But again this is not the first time I have reacted to how one-sided these conversations are.
In this particular situation, I do like what she says a lot. But again this is not the first time I have reacted to how one-sided these conversations are.
File (): 992A197846BE873011C6387D1FDAA08E-2530864.png (2.4 MB, 1792x828, 186BD361-069D-483F-9926-E0B216C14BD1.png)
>>136676
Sure, I don't know the context so in this situation it might make sense. And again, I kinda of do like your characters opinions and often what they are talking about.
I just think that you have done this a lot before. Just try to avoid doing these one-sided conversations with my character and there is no problems.
Sure, I don't know the context so in this situation it might make sense. And again, I kinda of do like your characters opinions and often what they are talking about.
I just think that you have done this a lot before. Just try to avoid doing these one-sided conversations with my character and there is no problems.
>>136584
Amber smiles. "Alright, let's see what we have here." She looks for something relatively inexpensive.
Amber smiles. "Alright, let's see what we have here." She looks for something relatively inexpensive.
>>136674
Personally, I love these long-posts because they "humanize" the characters and add dimension to the lore, as they're very well written. I imagine though they take a lot of time for the DM to write, and I can understand it's not for everyone.
Personally, I love these long-posts because they "humanize" the characters and add dimension to the lore, as they're very well written. I imagine though they take a lot of time for the DM to write, and I can understand it's not for everyone.
>>136684
"Uh..." She has a rather awkward smile
"Yes..."
Inexpensive ware, among other things, leads Amber back to the sweaters, although the one semi-formal heavy dress remains an option.
>>136680
I was a philosophy major in college, so you'll see things like these posts.
But now I know what you prefer so, I will avoid those with Fantasy Play.
>>136685
D'aww, thanks
"Uh..." She has a rather awkward smile
"Yes..."
Inexpensive ware, among other things, leads Amber back to the sweaters, although the one semi-formal heavy dress remains an option.
>>136680
I was a philosophy major in college, so you'll see things like these posts.
But now I know what you prefer so, I will avoid those with Fantasy Play.
>>136685
D'aww, thanks
>>136686
Amber prods a sweater with a hoof. "These are popular from what I'm told. Probably more practical to wear everyday than a whole dress, but I leave it up to you."
Amber prods a sweater with a hoof. "These are popular from what I'm told. Probably more practical to wear everyday than a whole dress, but I leave it up to you."
>>136690
About 100 bits for the formal dress, 38 for the semi formal, and 12 for a sweater.
Imagine a timelapse of a flower wilting condensed to two and a half seconds, and you have an understanding of how the mare's lips slowly came down as the price was related to her.
About 100 bits for the formal dress, 38 for the semi formal, and 12 for a sweater.
Imagine a timelapse of a flower wilting condensed to two and a half seconds, and you have an understanding of how the mare's lips slowly came down as the price was related to her.
>>136692
Amber smiles awkwardly. "Prices here are among the best in town…at least, I think they are."
Amber smiles awkwardly. "Prices here are among the best in town…at least, I think they are."
>>136693
"Uh... hehe, do you have store credit?"
High Sewn is already shaking her head from behind the counter, watching with neutral expression
"Uh... hehe, do you have store credit?"
High Sewn is already shaking her head from behind the counter, watching with neutral expression
>>136694
"Er, no…but maybe we could hold a piece of stock until you've saved enough for it." She looks hopefully at High Sewn to see her response to this. "Living in a brick house in town isn't cheap, but I think a nice sweater will suit you fine."
"Er, no…but maybe we could hold a piece of stock until you've saved enough for it." She looks hopefully at High Sewn to see her response to this. "Living in a brick house in town isn't cheap, but I think a nice sweater will suit you fine."
>>136695
"In... layaway?"
High Sewn nods
"I guess... Hopefully there will be enough after the next pay check..."
"In... layaway?"
High Sewn nods
"I guess... Hopefully there will be enough after the next pay check..."
>>136696
Amber pats the mare's withers in consolation. "What is it you want, exactly? It'll be here next time you stop by."
Amber pats the mare's withers in consolation. "What is it you want, exactly? It'll be here next time you stop by."
>>136697
"Uh"
She pulls up her lips again, and this time, in a manner like a wince.
"I think... this one"
She points at the relatively formal heavy dress
"But I really like this one"
She points to the more formal dress.
"But I'll take this one"
Pointing again at the formal dress
"When I... have enough money"
"Uh"
She pulls up her lips again, and this time, in a manner like a wince.
"I think... this one"
She points at the relatively formal heavy dress
"But I really like this one"
She points to the more formal dress.
"But I'll take this one"
Pointing again at the formal dress
"When I... have enough money"
>>136700
She returns to the awkward smile
"Uh, okay... Thank you for the help!"
She slowly turns around, and slowly walks out, tail down
She returns to the awkward smile
"Uh, okay... Thank you for the help!"
She slowly turns around, and slowly walks out, tail down
>>136702
After an indeterminate passage of time, a mare walks in through the front door. She does not look around nor modify her pace as she walks from the door and towards the back. She wears a white an black faux fur jacket. Her mane and tail are curly, and partly in a bind, but partly just messy, and they move up and down as she moves forward. Her left lower eyelid is partly raised up.
After an indeterminate passage of time, a mare walks in through the front door. She does not look around nor modify her pace as she walks from the door and towards the back. She wears a white an black faux fur jacket. Her mane and tail are curly, and partly in a bind, but partly just messy, and they move up and down as she moves forward. Her left lower eyelid is partly raised up.
>>136705
Amber cheerily approaches the mare from the side and walks beside her. "Hello, ma'am, how can I help you today?"
Amber cheerily approaches the mare from the side and walks beside her. "Hello, ma'am, how can I help you today?"
>>136706
"Hmmm?"
She turns her purple eyes, though not her head, to Amber. Her faux fur coat extends down her forelegs as well. She makes a big smile, and she seems to be around High Sewn's age
"Well yes, I'm expecting my fiance to return today, or any day now."
She speaks with a thick accent of the Hayseed Swamp region
"And I just need to look my best"
She pulls up a part of her hair on the left as if to make the point.
"Hmmm?"
She turns her purple eyes, though not her head, to Amber. Her faux fur coat extends down her forelegs as well. She makes a big smile, and she seems to be around High Sewn's age
"Well yes, I'm expecting my fiance to return today, or any day now."
She speaks with a thick accent of the Hayseed Swamp region
"And I just need to look my best"
She pulls up a part of her hair on the left as if to make the point.
>>136707
"Oh, that's wonderful…um, of course!" Amber thinks to herself for a moment before continuing her reply, "You already look wonderful, what more do you need?" Evidentially this is not a rhetorical question as Amber scans the shelves around the store.
"Oh, that's wonderful…um, of course!" Amber thinks to herself for a moment before continuing her reply, "You already look wonderful, what more do you need?" Evidentially this is not a rhetorical question as Amber scans the shelves around the store.
>>136708
"Oh have to be up with the times. Must look the best for when Sterling Starlight comes home."
She moves her head closer, and bats her eyes with a smile
"So a fine dress, if you have any."
"Oh have to be up with the times. Must look the best for when Sterling Starlight comes home."
She moves her head closer, and bats her eyes with a smile
"So a fine dress, if you have any."
>>136711
She looks around
"Not a bad selection"
She inspects a yellowish looking dress
""But... you're young. What do the stallions like the most, these days?"
She looks around
"Not a bad selection"
She inspects a yellowish looking dress
""But... you're young. What do the stallions like the most, these days?"
>>136712
"Oh, erm...I just arrived in Baltimare yesterday. I can't say I'm an expert, but…" Amber tries to remember what dresses mares her age were wearing in the better parts of town.
[1d20 = 1]
"Oh, erm...I just arrived in Baltimare yesterday. I can't say I'm an expert, but…" Amber tries to remember what dresses mares her age were wearing in the better parts of town.
[1d20 = 1]
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>>136718
"If my memory serves me right, ponies in the better part of town–when I was walking around yesterday, you see–were wearing bright dresses with lots of frills around the shoulders. Oh, and something like a turban on the head with grapes and a pineapple as decoration."
"If my memory serves me right, ponies in the better part of town–when I was walking around yesterday, you see–were wearing bright dresses with lots of frills around the shoulders. Oh, and something like a turban on the head with grapes and a pineapple as decoration."
>>136719
She looks into Amber's eyes in serious contemplation, and waits a moment, before nodding
"So, do you... what do you have in the way of turbans or hats?"
She looks into Amber's eyes in serious contemplation, and waits a moment, before nodding
"So, do you... what do you have in the way of turbans or hats?"
>>136722
"I'm not sure if the colors suit you. A more conservative option would still look perfectly fine, if I may…"
"I'm not sure if the colors suit you. A more conservative option would still look perfectly fine, if I may…"
>>136723
She blinks
"'Fine' will not do." She tilts her head and closes her eyes as she says "Only exquisite."
She blinks
"'Fine' will not do." She tilts her head and closes her eyes as she says "Only exquisite."
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Who will be here this weekend?
>>136649
She shakes her head
"The more fanciful ones say that the sun and moon just rise naturally independent of pony input, and the princesses merely mime moving them. If there is any appearance of movement separate from its standard pattern, it's just illusion magic. Another subset say that the Princesses can and sometimes do move the celestial bodies themselves, but these things don't need them, and can move on their own. Still another group - actually this is an older idea - says that the sun and moon can move on their own, but they need alicorns or unicorns to adjust their movement and keep it from crashing down. But in all of these explanations, telekenesis magic isn't any more special or spiritual than magnetism, for example."
She smiles and snickers
"Not that any of the professors can explain how they work."
She shakes her head
"The more fanciful ones say that the sun and moon just rise naturally independent of pony input, and the princesses merely mime moving them. If there is any appearance of movement separate from its standard pattern, it's just illusion magic. Another subset say that the Princesses can and sometimes do move the celestial bodies themselves, but these things don't need them, and can move on their own. Still another group - actually this is an older idea - says that the sun and moon can move on their own, but they need alicorns or unicorns to adjust their movement and keep it from crashing down. But in all of these explanations, telekenesis magic isn't any more special or spiritual than magnetism, for example."
She smiles and snickers
"Not that any of the professors can explain how they work."
>>136725
There's a bright yellow... if you add the green top to this orange one, it kind of looks like a pineapple. Or maybe a lime green dress.
There's a bright yellow... if you add the green top to this orange one, it kind of looks like a pineapple. Or maybe a lime green dress.
>>136741
Amber nods and gets the green top, assuming of course that such articles are interchangeable.
Amber nods and gets the green top, assuming of course that such articles are interchangeable.
>>136742
It takes a little bit of creativity in mixing and matching various layers of clothing, and a little bit of imagination as well. She’ll probably need to go by a hat store and a grocer, but she’s well on her way to the highest levels of fashion.
It takes a little bit of creativity in mixing and matching various layers of clothing, and a little bit of imagination as well. She’ll probably need to go by a hat store and a grocer, but she’s well on her way to the highest levels of fashion.
>>136743
Amber smiles at the results of her amateurish attempt to dress the mare. "You look…how did you put it again…exquisite!"
Amber smiles at the results of her amateurish attempt to dress the mare. "You look…how did you put it again…exquisite!"
>>136796
She looks into the mirror near the changing room, studying her appearance carefully. Then she nods
"This will do."
She looks into the mirror near the changing room, studying her appearance carefully. Then she nods
"This will do."
>>136797
Amber has second thoughts about this but doesn't air them as she leads the oddly-dressed mare to the counter. "Right this way, miss."
Amber has second thoughts about this but doesn't air them as she leads the oddly-dressed mare to the counter. "Right this way, miss."
>>136798
She closes her eyes and smiles, adjusting the layers of clothing over herself,
"Quite a hot dress for a summer's day, but it'll be worth it for when my stallion steps out of that carriage."
It adds up to 135 bits
She closes her eyes and smiles, adjusting the layers of clothing over herself,
"Quite a hot dress for a summer's day, but it'll be worth it for when my stallion steps out of that carriage."
It adds up to 135 bits
>>136800
She ties her mane into a bun, and pulls out of her bag a few coins, evidently golden but not really appearing to be bits, and placing them on the counter.
She ties her mane into a bun, and pulls out of her bag a few coins, evidently golden but not really appearing to be bits, and placing them on the counter.
>>136802
She's given about six of large, yellow coins. On one side of the coin is an image of a griffin wearing a crown and the words "Duex Florin," and on the other side is some... thing - what looks like a torch with a spear on top, and then something like a wing spiraling around it. The coins are a little off in their construction. None are perfectly circular, and some are notibly oblong. The stamping is often off center, and none of the rims are pristine in their dimensions. The coins are all high relief. Some are a little worn, but most are not. The final coin is about half the size of the other six, and has the same symbol on the reverse, but has a... female? griffin on the obverse, and the words "Un Florin." All of the coins are a heavy yellow metal, ever so slightly faded, and are larger than any bits Amber has ever seen.
She's given about six of large, yellow coins. On one side of the coin is an image of a griffin wearing a crown and the words "Duex Florin," and on the other side is some... thing - what looks like a torch with a spear on top, and then something like a wing spiraling around it. The coins are a little off in their construction. None are perfectly circular, and some are notibly oblong. The stamping is often off center, and none of the rims are pristine in their dimensions. The coins are all high relief. Some are a little worn, but most are not. The final coin is about half the size of the other six, and has the same symbol on the reverse, but has a... female? griffin on the obverse, and the words "Un Florin." All of the coins are a heavy yellow metal, ever so slightly faded, and are larger than any bits Amber has ever seen.
Amber stares at the unfamiliar coinage and calls out, "Miss Sewn, I have a question about these coins."
She raises her head and smiles apologetically at the oddly-dressed mare, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
She raises her head and smiles apologetically at the oddly-dressed mare, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
>>136804
She walks over, moving her hair back with magic. She looks at the strange coins:
"In Tartarus are these things?" She moves one close to her eye to inspect it
"Well, this looks to be actual gold, so it has that going for it over the paper money."
She walks over, moving her hair back with magic. She looks at the strange coins:
"In Tartarus are these things?" She moves one close to her eye to inspect it
"Well, this looks to be actual gold, so it has that going for it over the paper money."
>>136740
"That is...crazy talk! Of course they raise and lower sun and moon. They have for well over thousand years!"
He shakes his head in disappointment, and returns to her point.
"What threat exists that could unite ponykind? Dread League suddenly coming out of hiding and invading all of world?"
"That is...crazy talk! Of course they raise and lower sun and moon. They have for well over thousand years!"
He shakes his head in disappointment, and returns to her point.
"What threat exists that could unite ponykind? Dread League suddenly coming out of hiding and invading all of world?"
>>136807
"Dread League?" Her left ear flops down then back up.
"I am not sure. The Changelings may have done it, and may still... but maybe they are too mundane, too ordinary. Too much like just another competing set of Warlords. At least I hope ponies don't see them that way. But it's, well, the surprises that strike fear into ponies. The Windigo Crisis, the return of Nightmare Moon... those sorts of things."
"Dread League?" Her left ear flops down then back up.
"I am not sure. The Changelings may have done it, and may still... but maybe they are too mundane, too ordinary. Too much like just another competing set of Warlords. At least I hope ponies don't see them that way. But it's, well, the surprises that strike fear into ponies. The Windigo Crisis, the return of Nightmare Moon... those sorts of things."
>>136808
"Like Nightmare Moon? I hope whatever world-ending threat comes for us does not take another thousand years."
"Like Nightmare Moon? I hope whatever world-ending threat comes for us does not take another thousand years."
>>136809
She smiles widely as she nods for an extended period of time
"Like Nightmare Moon"
>>136810
"I don't know either. A couple years ago we'd just reject this, but with rationing and now paper money receiving gold is kind of a blessing"
She looks up from the coins and towards Amber
"Should probably make a surcharge though, because we'd have to sell this."
She smiles widely as she nods for an extended period of time
"Like Nightmare Moon"
>>136810
"I don't know either. A couple years ago we'd just reject this, but with rationing and now paper money receiving gold is kind of a blessing"
She looks up from the coins and towards Amber
"Should probably make a surcharge though, because we'd have to sell this."
>>136812
[1d20+4 = 19]
High Strewn speaks to the mare
"We're sorry, there's a surcharge on the... 'foreign exchange,' we need ten additional bits, or its equivalence."
[1d20+4 = 19]
High Strewn speaks to the mare
"We're sorry, there's a surcharge on the... 'foreign exchange,' we need ten additional bits, or its equivalence."
>>136811
He smiles back, though not nearly as widely.
"Let us hope that, whatever it is, it does not end up actually ending world. You mentioned windigoes. That might actually end us, with as much discord and strife there is in world."
He smiles back, though not nearly as widely.
"Let us hope that, whatever it is, it does not end up actually ending world. You mentioned windigoes. That might actually end us, with as much discord and strife there is in world."
>>136813
>>136812
She twists her lips
"I forget sometimes just how inconvenient the city can be."
She pushes over another "Un Florin" coin.
High Sewn
"Best of luck."
The mare takes the dress, the cravat, the scarf, and the stockings, and fluffs up the bun on her mane.
"Oh he will just faint when he sees my outfit when I have it complete"
>>136814
She answers to him
"There has always been strife and discord... what I am afraid of is a world without anything noble."
>>136812
She twists her lips
"I forget sometimes just how inconvenient the city can be."
She pushes over another "Un Florin" coin.
High Sewn
"Best of luck."
The mare takes the dress, the cravat, the scarf, and the stockings, and fluffs up the bun on her mane.
"Oh he will just faint when he sees my outfit when I have it complete"
>>136814
She answers to him
"There has always been strife and discord... what I am afraid of is a world without anything noble."
>>136816
"I'm sure he will!" Amber says as she waves goodbye. When the mare is gone she looks down at the "florins" and remarks, "You reckon they're any count?"
"I'm sure he will!" Amber says as she waves goodbye. When the mare is gone she looks down at the "florins" and remarks, "You reckon they're any count?"
>>136817
She picks a couple coins up and drops them on top of the other. They give a sharp, high pitched ring, that ends quickly.
"Well, that's gold alright."
She picks a couple coins up and drops them on top of the other. They give a sharp, high pitched ring, that ends quickly.
"Well, that's gold alright."
>>136816
Silver slowly nods after a couple seconds.
"I can agree with that. I think it is part of reason so many looked up to Celestia, Luna, even Elements of Harmony. I think we never fully gave up herd mindset after we as species had awoken. We looked up to somepony to lead us and show us how to be noble and true, and now that they are gone...who is it ponykind will look to now?"
Silver slowly nods after a couple seconds.
"I can agree with that. I think it is part of reason so many looked up to Celestia, Luna, even Elements of Harmony. I think we never fully gave up herd mindset after we as species had awoken. We looked up to somepony to lead us and show us how to be noble and true, and now that they are gone...who is it ponykind will look to now?"
>>136818
"Gold is gold, so I think there shouldn't be any problem. I wonder where she got these? They certainly aren't Equestrian…"
"Gold is gold, so I think there shouldn't be any problem. I wonder where she got these? They certainly aren't Equestrian…"
>>136823
She inspects them
"They look to be Griffin" Her face eases up, before again becoming confused and uncertain
"But they look like they are old. I'm not sure how old... But it is gold."
>>136822
She shakes her head
"I don't know. Without Celestia as the mother of ponykind, I wonder. But I am more concerned as to what we will look to. And I hope it is something better than money or land, or some flowery term like 'liberty' or 'reunification' that really is just the same thing."
She inspects them
"They look to be Griffin" Her face eases up, before again becoming confused and uncertain
"But they look like they are old. I'm not sure how old... But it is gold."
>>136822
She shakes her head
"I don't know. Without Celestia as the mother of ponykind, I wonder. But I am more concerned as to what we will look to. And I hope it is something better than money or land, or some flowery term like 'liberty' or 'reunification' that really is just the same thing."
>>136825
Amber grins. "We sure get all sorts of folks passing through these doors." She ponders something to herself. "It's odd, though, that one pony really wants one dress and can't buy it, but another spends just as much on a medley of clothes at a whim…"
Amber grins. "We sure get all sorts of folks passing through these doors." She ponders something to herself. "It's odd, though, that one pony really wants one dress and can't buy it, but another spends just as much on a medley of clothes at a whim…"
>>136825
Silver tilts his head.
"Is that even possible for us to do? After so long of having our Alicorn Goddesses, going to look to some ideal for our values?"
He scracthes his fluffy chin in thought.
"I hope it is something worthy of Them."
Silver tilts his head.
"Is that even possible for us to do? After so long of having our Alicorn Goddesses, going to look to some ideal for our values?"
He scracthes his fluffy chin in thought.
"I hope it is something worthy of Them."
>>136830
Yes, and I realize I wrote it poorly. Anything in quotations is spoken out loud, anything in italics is only a thought.
Yes, and I realize I wrote it poorly. Anything in quotations is spoken out loud, anything in italics is only a thought.
>>136828
She shrugs
"That's the way this industry is, really. We're not selling bread, something everyone needs and most can afford. We're selling most dresses, a luxury you only really buy when you have money to spare or a once in a lifetime occassion. Not everypony can afford them, and some can afford more than others."
>>136832
"Well, I don't have the greatest faith in Anarchism, Equestrian Socialism, Republican Fascism, or the Liberals... but I've spoken quite a bit already."
She shrugs
"That's the way this industry is, really. We're not selling bread, something everyone needs and most can afford. We're selling most dresses, a luxury you only really buy when you have money to spare or a once in a lifetime occassion. Not everypony can afford them, and some can afford more than others."
>>136832
"Well, I don't have the greatest faith in Anarchism, Equestrian Socialism, Republican Fascism, or the Liberals... but I've spoken quite a bit already."
>>136833
"Oh, I know. All these dresses are much above my means though they are very pretty. What I have already is more than enough so I'm not very anxious about being able to afford them."
"Oh, I know. All these dresses are much above my means though they are very pretty. What I have already is more than enough so I'm not very anxious about being able to afford them."
>>136833
He continues his smile.
"Are you sure? Unless you are getting tired, I have no problem with talking. This has been most interesting conversation I have had in forever."
He continues his smile.
"Are you sure? Unless you are getting tired, I have no problem with talking. This has been most interesting conversation I have had in forever."
>>136835
She gives a half smile
"I'm sure you'll want to wear the white lace come the day of your wedding too." She looks up, then to the side, then:
"I need a smoke break."
>>136836
She smiles
"There are a couple students who can be so curious. Not many though. Not many at all. There's not much concern for intellectual nuance these days. Or probably in most days, really."
She gives a half smile
"I'm sure you'll want to wear the white lace come the day of your wedding too." She looks up, then to the side, then:
"I need a smoke break."
>>136836
She smiles
"There are a couple students who can be so curious. Not many though. Not many at all. There's not much concern for intellectual nuance these days. Or probably in most days, really."
>>136837
Amber giggles in response. "I don't even know any colts yet!" However her expression becomes confused when High Sewn suddenly cuts out of the conversation.
Amber giggles in response. "I don't even know any colts yet!" However her expression becomes confused when High Sewn suddenly cuts out of the conversation.
>>136838
She looks down as she pulls out a cigarette and a match. She does not make eye contact as she says:
"Probably for the better. Stay self-sufficient, you'll do well."
She looks down as she pulls out a cigarette and a match. She does not make eye contact as she says:
"Probably for the better. Stay self-sufficient, you'll do well."
>>136839
"Um, o-okay.…" However, the sudden reversal spurs her curiosity such that she follows with, "What do you mean?"
"Um, o-okay.…" However, the sudden reversal spurs her curiosity such that she follows with, "What do you mean?"
>>136842
She is walking towards the door now
"Having somepony to help you, to support you, that's great and all. But make sure you can stand on your own four feet if you have to."
She is walking towards the door now
"Having somepony to help you, to support you, that's great and all. But make sure you can stand on your own four feet if you have to."
>>136841
He leans in slightly towards her.
"Are you sure there is nopony with your views who has taken interest in you?"
He leans in slightly towards her.
"Are you sure there is nopony with your views who has taken interest in you?"
>>136844
She leans a little back, and her eyes move away
"I don't... I don't really talk to that many ponies..."
>>136846
"Keep it up. Only then, look for a stallion."
Then she looks back to Amber
"Then again, there may not be too many of those in your generation. May have to snag one when you can. Anyways, I'm going for a smoke."
She leans a little back, and her eyes move away
"I don't... I don't really talk to that many ponies..."
>>136846
"Keep it up. Only then, look for a stallion."
Then she looks back to Amber
"Then again, there may not be too many of those in your generation. May have to snag one when you can. Anyways, I'm going for a smoke."
As Amber waits she hums a little tune to herself, but she can remember only one part and the rest seems lost to memory.
https://youtu.be/M8YM58PH66g
https://youtu.be/M8YM58PH66g
>>136855
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxlZgToMDjk
She is outside for several minutes, leaving Amber to herself. But she returns soon enough.
"Afternoon shift is coming soon" she says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxlZgToMDjk
She is outside for several minutes, leaving Amber to herself. But she returns soon enough.
"Afternoon shift is coming soon" she says
>>136854
"I would not mind studying under you..."
He lowers his eyelids slight, puts on a mischevous smile, and speaks the next word in a low, heavy voice.
"...professor."
"I would not mind studying under you..."
He lowers his eyelids slight, puts on a mischevous smile, and speaks the next word in a low, heavy voice.
"...professor."
>>136859
She gives a half smile, and generally seems to sit there (still upright), as if not sure what will come next
She gives a half smile, and generally seems to sit there (still upright), as if not sure what will come next
>>136861
He holds the look for a couple seconds before it's replaced by one of confusion, then one of general acceptance.
"Not interested, I suppose?"
He holds the look for a couple seconds before it's replaced by one of confusion, then one of general acceptance.
"Not interested, I suppose?"
>>136863
"Well..."
He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly.
"...you have been really nice and interesting pony to talk to, and you said nopony who could share your values had any interest in you, so...I was testing waters bit, seeing if you had any interest in...that."
"Well..."
He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly.
"...you have been really nice and interesting pony to talk to, and you said nopony who could share your values had any interest in you, so...I was testing waters bit, seeing if you had any interest in...that."
>>136865
"Well...you know..."
He smiles sheepishly at her, and finishes his thought in a small voice.
"...mating?"
Alrighty. Goodnight!
"Well...you know..."
He smiles sheepishly at her, and finishes his thought in a small voice.
"...mating?"
Alrighty. Goodnight!
>>136866
Her eyes become very wide, and all of a sudden, she pulls back her lips in an embarrased smile, starts to blush, and waves her forelegs in front of her. This knocks her off balance from her upright position, falling a little to the left, and then throwing herself to the right so she does not fall off the bed. She falls down onto her side, her forelegs and muzzle partly hanging off the edge, her right hindleg still folded underneath her, but her left hindleg stretched out and almost reaching Silver. Her tail, which was curled up to her left before, gets caught on the pillows and headboard behind her, and thus does not cover her hindquarters. Although she falls onto her side, she quickly moves her forelegs under her, so she moves her head upright and back towards Silver. She is definitely blushing.
"Do you - Do you - Do you mean 'dating'?"
Her eyes become very wide, and all of a sudden, she pulls back her lips in an embarrased smile, starts to blush, and waves her forelegs in front of her. This knocks her off balance from her upright position, falling a little to the left, and then throwing herself to the right so she does not fall off the bed. She falls down onto her side, her forelegs and muzzle partly hanging off the edge, her right hindleg still folded underneath her, but her left hindleg stretched out and almost reaching Silver. Her tail, which was curled up to her left before, gets caught on the pillows and headboard behind her, and thus does not cover her hindquarters. Although she falls onto her side, she quickly moves her forelegs under her, so she moves her head upright and back towards Silver. She is definitely blushing.
"Do you - Do you - Do you mean 'dating'?"
>>136887
He chuckles at the frankly adorable display.
"I am not sure our respective situations would allow for dating each other, unfortunately. But no, I meant 'mating', as in, uh..."
He puts on a more sensual voice.
"...'fucking', to use primal term."
He chuckles at the frankly adorable display.
"I am not sure our respective situations would allow for dating each other, unfortunately. But no, I meant 'mating', as in, uh..."
He puts on a more sensual voice.
"...'fucking', to use primal term."
>>136888
A surprisingly dainty lemon yellow earth pony with a strawberry red mane and tail, both of which are long but tied up with bands.
Also, that should read that her tail was formerly curled onto her right side, so that now her tail is caught partly underneath her. She was sitting upright on her hindquarters on the right side of the bed, but then fell onto her side over to the left (her right).
A surprisingly dainty lemon yellow earth pony with a strawberry red mane and tail, both of which are long but tied up with bands.
Also, that should read that her tail was formerly curled onto her right side, so that now her tail is caught partly underneath her. She was sitting upright on her hindquarters on the right side of the bed, but then fell onto her side over to the left (her right).
>>136889
At this point, Pear gives up trying to right herself, and falls over onto her right side, her face expressionless and somewhat facing Silver. She blinks twice, and has no words to say.
At this point, Pear gives up trying to right herself, and falls over onto her right side, her face expressionless and somewhat facing Silver. She blinks twice, and has no words to say.
>>136895
He rubs the back of his neck and offers an awkward chuckle.
"Heheh...I apologize. Subtlety has never been my strong suit."
He looks down at his large size and hefty build. Even under his fluffy coat it's clear he has a sizable amount of muscle mass.
He rubs the back of his neck and offers an awkward chuckle.
"Heheh...I apologize. Subtlety has never been my strong suit."
He looks down at his large size and hefty build. Even under his fluffy coat it's clear he has a sizable amount of muscle mass.
>>136896
Silver's mass finds no parallel in Pear, who, despite being of the Earth Pony race, lacks that race's typical virtues. She looks rather slim, small, and weak. Now, she places her forelegs underneath her again, and forces herself upright. She also pulls her hindquarters inwards, so that now she is sitting upright again, but leaning against the headboard in the center of the bed. She uses her hooves to remove the bands from her mane, and then her tail, showing both to be rather long and thick, covering her head in red hair. She places all four legs in front of her as she leans back against the wall, and looks over at Silver.
"I didn't... realize you were here for that..."
Silver's mass finds no parallel in Pear, who, despite being of the Earth Pony race, lacks that race's typical virtues. She looks rather slim, small, and weak. Now, she places her forelegs underneath her again, and forces herself upright. She also pulls her hindquarters inwards, so that now she is sitting upright again, but leaning against the headboard in the center of the bed. She uses her hooves to remove the bands from her mane, and then her tail, showing both to be rather long and thick, covering her head in red hair. She places all four legs in front of her as she leans back against the wall, and looks over at Silver.
"I didn't... realize you were here for that..."
>>136898
"Not originally, no. I came here because I thought it would be interesting to get to know you better, but I will admit that you have piqued my interest. If you do not wish to do, well, that...please, just say so, and we will forget I ever brought it up."
"Not originally, no. I came here because I thought it would be interesting to get to know you better, but I will admit that you have piqued my interest. If you do not wish to do, well, that...please, just say so, and we will forget I ever brought it up."
>>136899
"You...." She looks down, "What did you say your profession was again? Aside from arguing with High Chair over who gets an antique sword?"
"You...." She looks down, "What did you say your profession was again? Aside from arguing with High Chair over who gets an antique sword?"
>>136900
"I suppose best word for it would be mercenary, as dirty as it may sound. I like to think myself as kind of adventurer, though."
"I suppose best word for it would be mercenary, as dirty as it may sound. I like to think myself as kind of adventurer, though."
>>136901
"What makes an 'adventurer' to you?"
She's not making complete eye contact, and is now trying to organize her mane, brushing it as best she can with her hooves, since she has let her mane down. Before, it was tied up in a way that would keep it out of her face easily.
"What makes an 'adventurer' to you?"
She's not making complete eye contact, and is now trying to organize her mane, brushing it as best she can with her hooves, since she has let her mane down. Before, it was tied up in a way that would keep it out of her face easily.
>>136902
"Number of things, I suppose. I travel from place to place, taking jobs from ponies that vary from delivering letters to stopping ne'er-do-wells. When I do not have job, I sometimes wander and explore. I used to be retired from that life before War came and I went to help Equestria."
"Number of things, I suppose. I travel from place to place, taking jobs from ponies that vary from delivering letters to stopping ne'er-do-wells. When I do not have job, I sometimes wander and explore. I used to be retired from that life before War came and I went to help Equestria."
>>136903
"Does it give you greater freedom? Maybe 'freedom' isn't quite what I mean. Power?"
She is still playing with her mane and looking down and to the right.
"Does it give you greater freedom? Maybe 'freedom' isn't quite what I mean. Power?"
She is still playing with her mane and looking down and to the right.
>>136904
"Power, no. Freedom is bit closer, but it is not quite what it gives me. It is more being able to see new places, experience new things, and talk to new ponies. I feel as though I have grown to understand much more about this small slice of world than if I had stayed in one place for my entire life. It is also good feeling to help others in their time of need, using what few skills come naturally to me."
"Power, no. Freedom is bit closer, but it is not quite what it gives me. It is more being able to see new places, experience new things, and talk to new ponies. I feel as though I have grown to understand much more about this small slice of world than if I had stayed in one place for my entire life. It is also good feeling to help others in their time of need, using what few skills come naturally to me."
>>136905
"I don't mean that, I mean... You strong-armed High Chair and Grant into giving you a very valuable ancient sword that they claimed as theirs. Then you see a mare you want to... you don't use any kind of euphemisms or bother with dating, you just ask 'do you want to mate' with a mare that I don't think you think is 'easy.' Well, I hope not, but I mean - I mean you seem to expect to get what you want without having to deal with formalities or any kind of politesse or social ritual. Like there is little separating your will from from what you want. Like a gangster. I don't mean to compare you to a criminal, but I don't know who else live like there are no laws to restrain them, except criminals and despots...."
"I don't mean that, I mean... You strong-armed High Chair and Grant into giving you a very valuable ancient sword that they claimed as theirs. Then you see a mare you want to... you don't use any kind of euphemisms or bother with dating, you just ask 'do you want to mate' with a mare that I don't think you think is 'easy.' Well, I hope not, but I mean - I mean you seem to expect to get what you want without having to deal with formalities or any kind of politesse or social ritual. Like there is little separating your will from from what you want. Like a gangster. I don't mean to compare you to a criminal, but I don't know who else live like there are no laws to restrain them, except criminals and despots...."
>>136907
Silver slowly nods, realizing the pretty ridiculous position he's put himself in.
"Ah. When you put it like that, I can see how bad that is. I did not mean any offense, Pear. Forget I ever asked."
Silver slowly nods, realizing the pretty ridiculous position he's put himself in.
"Ah. When you put it like that, I can see how bad that is. I did not mean any offense, Pear. Forget I ever asked."
>>136908
"I don't mean it's bad, I mean - people sympathize with gangsters in films. You know? That kind of 'I can do what I want' attitude has an appeal, I just mean..." Now, she looks at Silver with an awkward expression
"Uh, nevermind. I... don't mean that."
"I don't mean it's bad, I mean - people sympathize with gangsters in films. You know? That kind of 'I can do what I want' attitude has an appeal, I just mean..." Now, she looks at Silver with an awkward expression
"Uh, nevermind. I... don't mean that."
>>136909
The now thoroughly confused unicorn tilts his head just a little more than he did earlier.
"Then...what do you mean? What do you think of what I told High Chair at quarry?"
The now thoroughly confused unicorn tilts his head just a little more than he did earlier.
"Then...what do you mean? What do you think of what I told High Chair at quarry?"
>>136910
"Well, uh... You strong-armed the sword out of High Chair's possession like a gangster, I'm not sure how else to put it. Not that I thought High Chair was noble or sincere in his intentions, but..."
She does not complete her sentence
"Well, uh... You strong-armed the sword out of High Chair's possession like a gangster, I'm not sure how else to put it. Not that I thought High Chair was noble or sincere in his intentions, but..."
She does not complete her sentence
>>136911
Silver nods.
"That, I do not regret. I had given him and Grant large collection of letters I had gathered while I cleared quarry and catacombs of undead, letters that explained what had transpired there in detail. I had spilled much of my own blood and sweat to acquire them, and merely asked for payment for my work. I was dismissed. Then when I found sword, I made second request. I was dismissed again. After that...well, you saw. I am curious, however, what you thought of it, whether you thought I was in wrong or not."
Silver nods.
"That, I do not regret. I had given him and Grant large collection of letters I had gathered while I cleared quarry and catacombs of undead, letters that explained what had transpired there in detail. I had spilled much of my own blood and sweat to acquire them, and merely asked for payment for my work. I was dismissed. Then when I found sword, I made second request. I was dismissed again. After that...well, you saw. I am curious, however, what you thought of it, whether you thought I was in wrong or not."
>>136912
Pear has not kicked Silver out of her motel room, and still talks to him, but her new position slightly further away, backed up against the wall and using it as a prop while her legs face forward, whereas before she sad upright in a posture few ponies would ever take.
"Whether it's you, the professor who ranks above me in the university or the expedition, the 'working class,' or 'the pony race,' when 'moral right' is the same thing as self interest, I don't consider it to be about moral right. Tearing each other apart for a little money..."
Pear has not kicked Silver out of her motel room, and still talks to him, but her new position slightly further away, backed up against the wall and using it as a prop while her legs face forward, whereas before she sad upright in a posture few ponies would ever take.
"Whether it's you, the professor who ranks above me in the university or the expedition, the 'working class,' or 'the pony race,' when 'moral right' is the same thing as self interest, I don't consider it to be about moral right. Tearing each other apart for a little money..."
>>136913
Silver nods, and stands up from his seat.
"Very well. I can not reasonably argue against that point, and I can see when I have overstayed my welcome. It was pleasure talking with you Pear. I wish you best of luck with your expedition, and hope to see you again in future."
Silver nods, and stands up from his seat.
"Very well. I can not reasonably argue against that point, and I can see when I have overstayed my welcome. It was pleasure talking with you Pear. I wish you best of luck with your expedition, and hope to see you again in future."
>>136914
She is completely silent after this point, instead waiting for Silver to move to leave. But when Silver is on the cusp of actually leaving the room:
"Wait! The Maarite assembly you say you found here in Baltimare. Can you tell me more?"
She is completely silent after this point, instead waiting for Silver to move to leave. But when Silver is on the cusp of actually leaving the room:
"Wait! The Maarite assembly you say you found here in Baltimare. Can you tell me more?"
>>136915
Silver turns to her and, after a second of silence, nods. He stays near the exit, however, and doesn't sit down.
"Okay. They had turned old Celestialist shrine on top floor of aslyum, or something of that sort, into their sacrificial chamber. Most of pews had been shoved aside to make room for their congregation and their sacrifices. Most were local or foreign griffons wearing dark hooded robes and wielding wicked sacrificial daggers. Their high priest was pony named Sweet Boek, who is apparently popular landlord in this area, and he had around him inner circle of devotees he trusted. There was Kafkar gnoll, voodoo-shaman zebra, griffon knight clad entirely in armor, and newly recruited diamond dog they were going to initiate into cult that night. Boek himself could call upon Maar to bestow powers to be used in battle. He had magic shield around him, he cast many explosive fireballs at us and captives we had rescued, he controlled his followers' minds and forced them to throw themselves on our weapons, and had even reanimated corpses of those we had killed to continue fighting us."
Silver turns to her and, after a second of silence, nods. He stays near the exit, however, and doesn't sit down.
"Okay. They had turned old Celestialist shrine on top floor of aslyum, or something of that sort, into their sacrificial chamber. Most of pews had been shoved aside to make room for their congregation and their sacrifices. Most were local or foreign griffons wearing dark hooded robes and wielding wicked sacrificial daggers. Their high priest was pony named Sweet Boek, who is apparently popular landlord in this area, and he had around him inner circle of devotees he trusted. There was Kafkar gnoll, voodoo-shaman zebra, griffon knight clad entirely in armor, and newly recruited diamond dog they were going to initiate into cult that night. Boek himself could call upon Maar to bestow powers to be used in battle. He had magic shield around him, he cast many explosive fireballs at us and captives we had rescued, he controlled his followers' minds and forced them to throw themselves on our weapons, and had even reanimated corpses of those we had killed to continue fighting us."
>>136916
After she asks her question, she starts to move her body forward, until she is up on four legs on the bed, looking in the direction of Silver. One hoof at a time, she steps down from the bed onto the floor, eyes locked on Silver as best she can, and with no sound at all as her hoof touches the carpet floor. She slowly walks towards Silver, looking up at him with intense interest. Whatever she was trying to do with her mane earlier, it did not work, as her long red mane falls down and covers her left eye. But when she stops, standing right in front of Silver, she moves her mane back, and looks to Silver with a rather serious expression as she asks,
"What happened to the cultists? And to this 'inner circle'?"
After she asks her question, she starts to move her body forward, until she is up on four legs on the bed, looking in the direction of Silver. One hoof at a time, she steps down from the bed onto the floor, eyes locked on Silver as best she can, and with no sound at all as her hoof touches the carpet floor. She slowly walks towards Silver, looking up at him with intense interest. Whatever she was trying to do with her mane earlier, it did not work, as her long red mane falls down and covers her left eye. But when she stops, standing right in front of Silver, she moves her mane back, and looks to Silver with a rather serious expression as she asks,
"What happened to the cultists? And to this 'inner circle'?"
>>136932
>>136930
High Sewn returns quickly. There are another 40 minutes until lunch, and those 40 minutes pass fairly quickly, and mostly uneventfully, with the most notable event being a customer whom High Sewn helped, where Amber was required to learn how to read the tags that distinguish specific items from one another, and what the prices are at sale versus nominal price.
Lunch time comes
>>136930
High Sewn returns quickly. There are another 40 minutes until lunch, and those 40 minutes pass fairly quickly, and mostly uneventfully, with the most notable event being a customer whom High Sewn helped, where Amber was required to learn how to read the tags that distinguish specific items from one another, and what the prices are at sale versus nominal price.
Lunch time comes
>>136934
Amber's stomach grumbles as her light breakfast is quickly forgotten. She asks, "Um…Miss Sewn, where can I get some food?"
Amber's stomach grumbles as her light breakfast is quickly forgotten. She asks, "Um…Miss Sewn, where can I get some food?"
>>136935
"All of the halfway decent shops are a little further west. But if you just want anything for lunch hour, there's something in every direction, if only you walk far enough"
"All of the halfway decent shops are a little further west. But if you just want anything for lunch hour, there's something in every direction, if only you walk far enough"
>>136936
The younger mare bashfully looks off to the side. "I don't have a bit to my name right now…"
The younger mare bashfully looks off to the side. "I don't have a bit to my name right now…"
>>136937
"Well, food costs money, obviously. There's cheap food around, oh, five blocks due east and one block down in some place the ethnics love. Of course you can always just not eat over lunch break. Heh, that's what I do often enough."
"Well, food costs money, obviously. There's cheap food around, oh, five blocks due east and one block down in some place the ethnics love. Of course you can always just not eat over lunch break. Heh, that's what I do often enough."
She shrugs. "That ain't anything new to me, at one point I was lucky to have a mess of beans a day."[/color] She adopts a more curious expression. "What do you normally do around this time?"
>>136939
"On good days when I have the time? Go to the Pache, or the Albion Cafe here in west side. With a little less time, I can go by the salad bar and eat there or take something back. But many days I have to check inventory or fill out requests to manufacturers or hem something or deal with any of these extortionists that lurk the city... On those times I bring something to work, or go with nothing at all."
"On good days when I have the time? Go to the Pache, or the Albion Cafe here in west side. With a little less time, I can go by the salad bar and eat there or take something back. But many days I have to check inventory or fill out requests to manufacturers or hem something or deal with any of these extortionists that lurk the city... On those times I bring something to work, or go with nothing at all."
>>136942
"Outside. I won't be long." If that is deemed acceptable Amber will wander near the vicinity of the shop, more to stretch her legs and feel the brisk air more than anything else.
"Outside. I won't be long." If that is deemed acceptable Amber will wander near the vicinity of the shop, more to stretch her legs and feel the brisk air more than anything else.
>>136943
“Heh, I’m flattered that you think the city belongs to me, but I don’t own anything more than a lease on this shop, a small home on a quarter of an acre in north town, and a tiny loft in Canterlot I haven’t been able to rid myself of in the last decade. So I can’t really claim to give permission to enter the great outside one way or another. Yes, you’re on lunch break. Be back at 1 PM sharp.”
“Heh, I’m flattered that you think the city belongs to me, but I don’t own anything more than a lease on this shop, a small home on a quarter of an acre in north town, and a tiny loft in Canterlot I haven’t been able to rid myself of in the last decade. So I can’t really claim to give permission to enter the great outside one way or another. Yes, you’re on lunch break. Be back at 1 PM sharp.”
>>136945
Looking outside, Amber can see the sharp contrasts of Baltimare, with colonial style houses, rundown brick tenements, neo-classical styled government buildings, glass and stainless steel modern office buildings, and old townhouses just a few blocks from each other. Oddly dressed strange creatures walk down some areas, while unicorns who look like they could be walking the streets of Canterlot, occupy different corners. Some streets have trash and boarded up windows, some are at least respectable. Of course Amber does not see the absolute extremes of each position - nothing in this part of town looks as bad as the average of the buildings by the shoreline, and she’s yet to see a true aristocracy anywhere in this city, but the contrast is noticeable. Mostly, it’s by the street, with some streets nicer than others. The particular street Amber has found employment on, as well as a few around it, are fairly respectable, and are home to government buildings and corporate offices. Not many blocks down are older residential buildings of a lesser character, and the shops that survive there are a bit less aligned with high society. There are several more advertisements for job openings, which are overwhelmingly for entry level positions like Amber’s.
Looking outside, Amber can see the sharp contrasts of Baltimare, with colonial style houses, rundown brick tenements, neo-classical styled government buildings, glass and stainless steel modern office buildings, and old townhouses just a few blocks from each other. Oddly dressed strange creatures walk down some areas, while unicorns who look like they could be walking the streets of Canterlot, occupy different corners. Some streets have trash and boarded up windows, some are at least respectable. Of course Amber does not see the absolute extremes of each position - nothing in this part of town looks as bad as the average of the buildings by the shoreline, and she’s yet to see a true aristocracy anywhere in this city, but the contrast is noticeable. Mostly, it’s by the street, with some streets nicer than others. The particular street Amber has found employment on, as well as a few around it, are fairly respectable, and are home to government buildings and corporate offices. Not many blocks down are older residential buildings of a lesser character, and the shops that survive there are a bit less aligned with high society. There are several more advertisements for job openings, which are overwhelmingly for entry level positions like Amber’s.
>>136919
Silver tilts his head at this display, but answers promptly.
"Most cultists survived, and were arrested. Those from abroad will be extradited to Griffonia, likely to be dealt with by their Inquisition. Locals were also arrested, but will likely go through our own criminal justice system for their crimes. Inner circle, including Sweet Boek, was killed in fighting twice, once when we first fought them, second after Boek resurrected them."
Silver tilts his head at this display, but answers promptly.
"Most cultists survived, and were arrested. Those from abroad will be extradited to Griffonia, likely to be dealt with by their Inquisition. Locals were also arrested, but will likely go through our own criminal justice system for their crimes. Inner circle, including Sweet Boek, was killed in fighting twice, once when we first fought them, second after Boek resurrected them."
>>136947
She pauses and blinks
“Did you... find anything? Recover anything? Books, idols, any kind of tangible artifacts?”
She pauses and blinks
“Did you... find anything? Recover anything? Books, idols, any kind of tangible artifacts?”
>>136946
Sorry I took so long
Amber takes a casual look at these employment ads, to see how they compare with her current line of work. Perhaps there's something with non-overlapping work hours?
Sorry I took so long
Amber takes a casual look at these employment ads, to see how they compare with her current line of work. Perhaps there's something with non-overlapping work hours?
>>136950
Some retail and operator positions do seem to occupy later times in the day, including night shift
Some retail and operator positions do seem to occupy later times in the day, including night shift
>>136953
Operator…like with telephones? Before she asks about that in person, however, she looks to see how the nightshift of retail would differ from the day.
Operator…like with telephones? Before she asks about that in person, however, she looks to see how the nightshift of retail would differ from the day.
>>136955
If Amber was hoping for a chemical plant or refinery operator job, a job as a crane operator, or even as a special forces operator (in Equestria!)... she'd be disappointed, as none of those jobs are advertised. Only telephone operators, according to the descriptions in the respective posters.
Mostly the commercial services night shift jobs are in grocers, drug stores, coffee shops, and occasional diners, restaurants, or bars.
If Amber was hoping for a chemical plant or refinery operator job, a job as a crane operator, or even as a special forces operator (in Equestria!)... she'd be disappointed, as none of those jobs are advertised. Only telephone operators, according to the descriptions in the respective posters.
Mostly the commercial services night shift jobs are in grocers, drug stores, coffee shops, and occasional diners, restaurants, or bars.
>>136962
A mare at a stand directs her to another mare, who explains that waitress, hostess, cleaning, and in some but not most restaurants, cook jobs are available.
Bartending requires more experience.
A mare at a stand directs her to another mare, who explains that waitress, hostess, cleaning, and in some but not most restaurants, cook jobs are available.
Bartending requires more experience.
>>136964
Somehow, the black maned grey earth pony in front of her looks exceptionally round. It's not fat... it's not fat at all, it's just... something about her hindquarters looks a bit more... "thick."
"Well, the hostess greats ponies... err, creatures, or whatever they are calling them these days, at the door, and helps set them up at their table, usually directing them herself."
Somehow, the black maned grey earth pony in front of her looks exceptionally round. It's not fat... it's not fat at all, it's just... something about her hindquarters looks a bit more... "thick."
"Well, the hostess greats ponies... err, creatures, or whatever they are calling them these days, at the door, and helps set them up at their table, usually directing them herself."
>>136966
She smiles;
"Yeah, it's pretty straightforward most of the time."
I can't believe it's just so round, it's like out there...
She smiles;
"Yeah, it's pretty straightforward most of the time."
I can't believe it's just so round, it's like out there...
She blinks. “So I have to keep track of reservations and make sure everypony has a seat?"
How is it that shape? It must be difficult sitting in a lot of chairs…though exceptionally comfortable.
How is it that shape? It must be difficult sitting in a lot of chairs…though exceptionally comfortable.
>>136968
She nods, still smiling
"Oh yes! Just take note of who is there when, what sized tables are available, who has reservations, any suspicious persons coming in, answer any questions ponies have, keep track of wait time... give out menus... there's more but I can't think of it off the top of my head."
You kind of have to wonder if she accidentally knocks items off shelves in shops.
She nods, still smiling
"Oh yes! Just take note of who is there when, what sized tables are available, who has reservations, any suspicious persons coming in, answer any questions ponies have, keep track of wait time... give out menus... there's more but I can't think of it off the top of my head."
You kind of have to wonder if she accidentally knocks items off shelves in shops.
>>136969
"That sounds like fun! If I may ask, what are the hours? I'm already working at a store in the day…"
I wonder how she got that way. A pony would have to pull a plow for miles to get that developed. Or maybe it's her diet? I wouldn't mind looking like that, I have the odd feeling some ponies would think I actually look better…oh Princesses I'm staring aren't I! Amber struggles to not visibly blush.
"That sounds like fun! If I may ask, what are the hours? I'm already working at a store in the day…"
I wonder how she got that way. A pony would have to pull a plow for miles to get that developed. Or maybe it's her diet? I wouldn't mind looking like that, I have the odd feeling some ponies would think I actually look better…oh Princesses I'm staring aren't I! Amber struggles to not visibly blush.
>>136981
"Why yes! It can be. Well, sometimes boring and sometimes stressful, but sure. Fun. The restaurant is open for dinner between three and eleven, although hostesses' aren't necessarily used everyday before 5 PM, and unless they help to close they don't stay everyday past 10:30. Although on busier days they-"
She loses her smile, and stops talking. Then she moves her head down into Amber's line of sight, so that she has eye contact with her again.
"Are.. are you okay?"
"Why yes! It can be. Well, sometimes boring and sometimes stressful, but sure. Fun. The restaurant is open for dinner between three and eleven, although hostesses' aren't necessarily used everyday before 5 PM, and unless they help to close they don't stay everyday past 10:30. Although on busier days they-"
She loses her smile, and stops talking. Then she moves her head down into Amber's line of sight, so that she has eye contact with her again.
"Are.. are you okay?"
>>136989
Amber looks shyly away, blushing and giving a nervous chuckle."Oh, yes. I–I think I can make it work. I normally get off at five and on special days I think…I think I can get out early!" She looks back in the other pony's eyes, still smiling nervously. "I'll do my best. When can I start?"
Amber looks shyly away, blushing and giving a nervous chuckle."Oh, yes. I–I think I can make it work. I normally get off at five and on special days I think…I think I can get out early!" She looks back in the other pony's eyes, still smiling nervously. "I'll do my best. When can I start?"
Well, this is annoying. I saw there was a new update to EaW so I went and downloaded that, then I made the mistake of updating HOI4 itself. It should be easy to revert to a previous version, right? Not so simple: https://steamcommunity.com/games/394360/announcements/detail/1706192127162206532
Just an inconvenience and probably actually a good thing because every time I play HOI I always spend a few more hours than planned.
Just an inconvenience and probably actually a good thing because every time I play HOI I always spend a few more hours than planned.
>>136993
She moves forward slightly, with certain parts of her gyrating nigh hypnotically as she does so.
"Oh, excellent! I would need to check with the owner - well, the technical owner, first, before I could do anything, but... soon!"
>>137009
Well, fortunately they updated it today so you can play it
She moves forward slightly, with certain parts of her gyrating nigh hypnotically as she does so.
"Oh, excellent! I would need to check with the owner - well, the technical owner, first, before I could do anything, but... soon!"
>>137009
Well, fortunately they updated it today so you can play it
>>137061
Amber laughs nervously as she backs up a couple of steps, eyes darting between the face of this well-endowed mare and someplace behind this individual. "I mean–it's such a terrific opportunity! I've–I've never worked in a restaurant before, but I know I can make ponies feel welcome. When can I start–er, if he accepts that is!"
Amber laughs nervously as she backs up a couple of steps, eyes darting between the face of this well-endowed mare and someplace behind this individual. "I mean–it's such a terrific opportunity! I've–I've never worked in a restaurant before, but I know I can make ponies feel welcome. When can I start–er, if he accepts that is!"
>>136948
"We did find some Maarist texts they had printed, bound in leather made from ponyhide. We did not grab any, but they might still be there."
"We did find some Maarist texts they had printed, bound in leather made from ponyhide. We did not grab any, but they might still be there."
>>137066
Like it has a gravitational pull
"Well yes, you get to meet all sorts of ponies! Uh... creatures. But it's a great first place to start. You should hear shortly."
>>137096
"So they do use hide..." She says to herself, looking down as if in contemplation.
"Uh..." She looks at Silver, and then sits down in place, her tail wrapping around her.
"There aren't many chances to actually see live Maarists, or even their effects, most anywhere. Most of them have not survived to modern times. Rumors about the cults are more prevalent than facts and hard to distinguish from the former. Most of its followers who have survived - if indeed they have survived, and it's not just the Inquisition looking to justify its continued existence - do not want to be found. And those that are found... well, governments try to hush it up. This is a rare opportunity."
Like it has a gravitational pull
"Well yes, you get to meet all sorts of ponies! Uh... creatures. But it's a great first place to start. You should hear shortly."
>>137096
"So they do use hide..." She says to herself, looking down as if in contemplation.
"Uh..." She looks at Silver, and then sits down in place, her tail wrapping around her.
"There aren't many chances to actually see live Maarists, or even their effects, most anywhere. Most of them have not survived to modern times. Rumors about the cults are more prevalent than facts and hard to distinguish from the former. Most of its followers who have survived - if indeed they have survived, and it's not just the Inquisition looking to justify its continued existence - do not want to be found. And those that are found... well, governments try to hush it up. This is a rare opportunity."
>>137098
“Yes! Or... if you could get me there, especially to have an interview with those cultists captured alive.”
“Yes! Or... if you could get me there, especially to have an interview with those cultists captured alive.”
>>137099
"Hmm...well, I can see what I can do. I will find out where they are keeping captured cultists, and maybe see if they will let you interview them."
"Hmm...well, I can see what I can do. I will find out where they are keeping captured cultists, and maybe see if they will let you interview them."
>>137100
She jumps back up onto her feet, all of them close together, smiling in a wide, toothy smile.
"Really?! That's great! I mean... that would be very good." She moves her head down, with a slight blush after that reaction, one ear flopping down momentarily.
She jumps back up onto her feet, all of them close together, smiling in a wide, toothy smile.
"Really?! That's great! I mean... that would be very good." She moves her head down, with a slight blush after that reaction, one ear flopping down momentarily.
>>137101
He offers a smile and a chuckle at her display.
"It will more than likely be tomorrow, but I will see what I can do."
He offers a smile and a chuckle at her display.
"It will more than likely be tomorrow, but I will see what I can do."
>>137102
She looks back up, smile dropping
"We're... leaving soon. I'm not sure when, but the survey will not last long." She steps forward, much closer to Silver. "You're really good at retrieving things, and getting into places... even when someone else already possesses it. You think... you can help me get in quickly?"
She looks back up, smile dropping
"We're... leaving soon. I'm not sure when, but the survey will not last long." She steps forward, much closer to Silver. "You're really good at retrieving things, and getting into places... even when someone else already possesses it. You think... you can help me get in quickly?"
>>137103
Silver scratches his chin, and lets out a small sigh.
"Alright. Come on, let us get to 33 Hoebuck."
Silver scratches his chin, and lets out a small sigh.
"Alright. Come on, let us get to 33 Hoebuck."
>>137104
She jumps up, and runs, rubbing against him as she moves through the door. She hops almost like a child's play as she moves, smiling, but then turning around after she's moved past Silver.
"Oh, uh, sorry. Let's go."
She jumps up, and runs, rubbing against him as she moves through the door. She hops almost like a child's play as she moves, smiling, but then turning around after she's moved past Silver.
"Oh, uh, sorry. Let's go."
>>137105
Silver smiles a bit more.
"You do not need to apologise about that, it is fine."
He hails a taxi as one passes by, and tells the driver once they get in to take them to 33 Hoebuck.
Silver smiles a bit more.
"You do not need to apologise about that, it is fine."
He hails a taxi as one passes by, and tells the driver once they get in to take them to 33 Hoebuck.
>>137097
Is it wrong that I want to know what it feels like?
"Um, of course! I'll come by later…I'm sorry, but I don't think I've gotten your name….…" The more petite mare rubs the back of her head, grinning nervously.
Success! I got the mod to work! Now only to get my computer to run it well…
Also does anyone use submods? Apparently there's one that makes Aryanne a possible leader for New Mareland.
Is it wrong that I want to know what it feels like?
"Um, of course! I'll come by later…I'm sorry, but I don't think I've gotten your name….…" The more petite mare rubs the back of her head, grinning nervously.
Success! I got the mod to work! Now only to get my computer to run it well…
Also does anyone use submods? Apparently there's one that makes Aryanne a possible leader for New Mareland.
>>137106
She gives a fleeting and awkward smile, and closes the door behind her. She starts on her way to the road, before running back inside her motel room to grab her keys and lock it. She also grabs a couple bands, and begins to tie her mane before giving up on it. She moves over to the road, as a couple wagons move by. She successfully hails a taxi herself, and gets in. She defers to Silver for the instructions on just where the Taxi goes.
>>137108
"Oh, my name is Salty Mixer. You can just call be Mixer." She says, smiling.
I only have the music mod
She gives a fleeting and awkward smile, and closes the door behind her. She starts on her way to the road, before running back inside her motel room to grab her keys and lock it. She also grabs a couple bands, and begins to tie her mane before giving up on it. She moves over to the road, as a couple wagons move by. She successfully hails a taxi herself, and gets in. She defers to Silver for the instructions on just where the Taxi goes.
>>137108
"Oh, my name is Salty Mixer. You can just call be Mixer." She says, smiling.
I only have the music mod
>>137110
"Um, pleased to m-meet you, Mixer! My name's…err, Amber! Amber Sunset, but you can call me Amber."
Amber tilts her head quizzically. "What do you mix, if I may ask?"
"Um, pleased to m-meet you, Mixer! My name's…err, Amber! Amber Sunset, but you can call me Amber."
Amber tilts her head quizzically. "What do you mix, if I may ask?"
>>137113
"Hold up, you mix drinks?" Amber looks puzzled by this, as if the concept is entirely new to her.
"Hold up, you mix drinks?" Amber looks puzzled by this, as if the concept is entirely new to her.
>>137119
Amber smiles. "Maybe you could show me sometime.
Excuse me, but I need to head back to the store. Have a nice day!"
Amber smiles. "Maybe you could show me sometime.
Excuse me, but I need to head back to the store. Have a nice day!"
>>137121
With a wave goodbye Amber heads outside. Once out of sight she bonks her head with a hoof, making her eyes spin around in a comical manner. "Being this hungry makes me really addled. She probably thought there was something wrong with me…" she mutters as her stomach growls.
With a wave goodbye Amber heads outside. Once out of sight she bonks her head with a hoof, making her eyes spin around in a comical manner. "Being this hungry makes me really addled. She probably thought there was something wrong with me…" she mutters as her stomach growls.
>>137122
Amber does have some time, though perhaps not as much time as she would prefer, given the short length of the Lunch break.
Amber does have some time, though perhaps not as much time as she would prefer, given the short length of the Lunch break.
>>137123
Amber returns to the clothing store, trying to focus on such practical matters as scheduling her now-limited time and how to be a good hostess, and NOT on trivial considerations like plump, practically jiggling hips.
Amber returns to the clothing store, trying to focus on such practical matters as scheduling her now-limited time and how to be a good hostess, and NOT on trivial considerations like plump, practically jiggling hips.
>>137124
Amber now has a new way of measuring chairs as she sees them. She returns to the store.
[1d2 = 2]
Amber now has a new way of measuring chairs as she sees them. She returns to the store.
[1d2 = 2]
>>137125
Once Amber enters the store she makes a cursory check of the shelves, though the stock likely has not changed much. During this process she reaches back and inspects her hip with a hoof. Although it doesn't jut out visibly the hip bone can be felt, and though earth pony shapeliness is still evident her figure is considerably leaner than just one year ago. At no point did she, nor is she likely to, match the contours of Salty Mixer, but the exchange dredged up a vague wistfulness that Amber doesn't quite understand yet is left to ruminate on.
Once Amber enters the store she makes a cursory check of the shelves, though the stock likely has not changed much. During this process she reaches back and inspects her hip with a hoof. Although it doesn't jut out visibly the hip bone can be felt, and though earth pony shapeliness is still evident her figure is considerably leaner than just one year ago. At no point did she, nor is she likely to, match the contours of Salty Mixer, but the exchange dredged up a vague wistfulness that Amber doesn't quite understand yet is left to ruminate on.
>>137119
He smiles, and motions with a hoof for her to turn in her seat away from him so he can see what he's doing.
He smiles, and motions with a hoof for her to turn in her seat away from him so he can see what he's doing.
File (): 51D3EA46E4D4FF1B2536B6BA8B747D78-271114.jpg (264.8 KB, 1016x653, 1594815613012.jpg)
[1d4 = 1]
ANIG
[1d2 = 1]
NI
[1d2 = 2]
OY
[1d2 = 2]
GN
[1d2 = 1]
AN
ANIG
[1d2 = 1]
NI
[1d2 = 2]
OY
[1d2 = 2]
GN
[1d2 = 1]
AN
>>137126
>>137128
Back near the end of the room, placing a few shirts on the shelves, stands a male griffin with white feathers and a brighter yellow coat wearing a white dress shirt with a black bow tie. He looks to be rather young, and has focused his attention on his work.
High Sewn watches Amber as she enters the shop. It's a few minutes until the formal start of the afternoon shift.
>>137128
Back near the end of the room, placing a few shirts on the shelves, stands a male griffin with white feathers and a brighter yellow coat wearing a white dress shirt with a black bow tie. He looks to be rather young, and has focused his attention on his work.
High Sewn watches Amber as she enters the shop. It's a few minutes until the formal start of the afternoon shift.
>>137130
He takes her mane in his magical grasp, along with the bands, and quickly gets to putting it up in a ponytail.
"My daughter liked having her mane in ponytail, too. When she lived with me she asked me to help her many times while we talked about life and how things had been."
She can feel him left go once her mane has been put up.
"And there."
He takes her mane in his magical grasp, along with the bands, and quickly gets to putting it up in a ponytail.
"My daughter liked having her mane in ponytail, too. When she lived with me she asked me to help her many times while we talked about life and how things had been."
She can feel him left go once her mane has been put up.
"And there."
>>137133
He turns his head around, momentarily expressing confusion but then narrowing his eyes.
High Sewn remarks:
""Amber, this is Guy. He works for the full afternoon shift. You did not happen to see him yesterday, but you will be working alongside him in the afternoon."
>>137134
She slowly turns back to him
"What is her name?" She asks, rather cautiously
He turns his head around, momentarily expressing confusion but then narrowing his eyes.
High Sewn remarks:
""Amber, this is Guy. He works for the full afternoon shift. You did not happen to see him yesterday, but you will be working alongside him in the afternoon."
>>137134
She slowly turns back to him
"What is her name?" She asks, rather cautiously
>>137135
Amber answers, "Oh, I didn't know. I thought it was just me and High Sewn. That's okay though, I'm sure we'll work great together!" She beams a cheerful smile at the new acquaintance.
Amber answers, "Oh, I didn't know. I thought it was just me and High Sewn. That's okay though, I'm sure we'll work great together!" She beams a cheerful smile at the new acquaintance.
>>137133
He looks back to her, but with no smile nor warmth. He must be only a little older than Amber. He looks rather sharp with with a well groomed tuft of feathers.
High Sewn:
"It'll be you two on the afternoon shift. It's busier anyways. I expect he will close he shop, at least for now."
He looks back to her, but with no smile nor warmth. He must be only a little older than Amber. He looks rather sharp with with a well groomed tuft of feathers.
High Sewn:
"It'll be you two on the afternoon shift. It's busier anyways. I expect he will close he shop, at least for now."
>>137137
If the griffon is unfriendly Amber is ignorant of it. Instead, she remarks, "It's good to have help, especially on my first day!"
If the griffon is unfriendly Amber is ignorant of it. Instead, she remarks, "It's good to have help, especially on my first day!"
>>137135
"White Light. She is scientist and researcher on, uh...Practical Application of Magic and Magic Theory if I remember correctly, though I do not think you two would have met. Did you?"
"White Light. She is scientist and researcher on, uh...Practical Application of Magic and Magic Theory if I remember correctly, though I do not think you two would have met. Did you?"
>>137140
"I will! I might be a simple farmpony, but I'm sure I can make a good impression!" she says as she grins confidently. "I'd better get in my position, they might be coming any minute."
"I will! I might be a simple farmpony, but I'm sure I can make a good impression!" she says as she grins confidently. "I'd better get in my position, they might be coming any minute."
>>137141
"You'll have to be more than a farm pony to make a good impression." High Sewn remarks.
It's not long at all before a white unicorn stallion in a blue suit enters the store. Lunch break isn't even over yet.
"You'll have to be more than a farm pony to make a good impression." High Sewn remarks.
It's not long at all before a white unicorn stallion in a blue suit enters the store. Lunch break isn't even over yet.
>>137140
The older unicorn shrugs.
"I figured as much, but you never know. You would be surprised how small this world can be at times."
The older unicorn shrugs.
"I figured as much, but you never know. You would be surprised how small this world can be at times."
>>137141
He looks down at her, eyeing her in a strange way
"Well hello. I need a dress. A mare's dress. Not for me... of course. But I need a nice one, one that just about any mare would count themselves blessed to receive."
He looks down at her, eyeing her in a strange way
"Well hello. I need a dress. A mare's dress. Not for me... of course. But I need a nice one, one that just about any mare would count themselves blessed to receive."
>>137146
Nodding, she replies, "Yes, right this way. I hope you like our selection, and I'm sure she would, too."
Nodding, she replies, "Yes, right this way. I hope you like our selection, and I'm sure she would, too."
>>137147
"Heh, she better. Well show me what you've got."
He starts to follow Amber, trailing behind her.
"Heh, she better. Well show me what you've got."
He starts to follow Amber, trailing behind her.
>>137148
Amber leads the stallion back to where the good dress racks are kept, practically jittery with excitement. When they get there she stands ready to unhook and display any particular clothing that he selects.
Amber leads the stallion back to where the good dress racks are kept, practically jittery with excitement. When they get there she stands ready to unhook and display any particular clothing that he selects.
>>137150
Is he talking about the most expensive/luxurious article of clothing or is he pointing to a particular piece high above them?
Is he talking about the most expensive/luxurious article of clothing or is he pointing to a particular piece high above them?
>>137154
Amber has to take a moment to check the price tags on each of the several dresses, and they still don't fail to astound her. However, she quickly recovers and proudly points to the very best of the lot.
Amber has to take a moment to check the price tags on each of the several dresses, and they still don't fail to astound her. However, she quickly recovers and proudly points to the very best of the lot.
>>137144
"Canterlot University," he replies. "I heard she was very excited when they accepted her application."
"Canterlot University," he replies. "I heard she was very excited when they accepted her application."
>>137175
Silver nods.
"In way, yes. Or at least she she did. Before Equestria was...annexed...she worked for Her Majesty's research division, before and during war. She researched new spells for our army's unicorns, helped to invent Luna Nova magic rifle, and was working on project about something called 'magic-nuclear reactor'. I am still not entirely sure what it is, exactly."
Silver nods.
"In way, yes. Or at least she she did. Before Equestria was...annexed...she worked for Her Majesty's research division, before and during war. She researched new spells for our army's unicorns, helped to invent Luna Nova magic rifle, and was working on project about something called 'magic-nuclear reactor'. I am still not entirely sure what it is, exactly."
>>137199
"Oh, Magic-nuclear reaction is... nevermind. That is rather neat. Where... is she now?" She turns her eyes away, and then back "If you know."
"Oh, Magic-nuclear reaction is... nevermind. That is rather neat. Where... is she now?" She turns her eyes away, and then back "If you know."
>>137218
His eyes seem to lose their sparkle at the question, and his ears lower just slightly.
"I...I do not know. I hope with all my heart she is okay, as well as her two brothers, but I have not heard from them at all since War came to end."
His eyes seem to lose their sparkle at the question, and his ears lower just slightly.
"I...I do not know. I hope with all my heart she is okay, as well as her two brothers, but I have not heard from them at all since War came to end."
>>137219
She sits there in silence, with a breath in and out during the pause. Then, she takes her right hoof, and gently starts to pet Silver's fur.
She sits there in silence, with a breath in and out during the pause. Then, she takes her right hoof, and gently starts to pet Silver's fur.
>>137221
He looks over at her, curious about the action. The unicorn relaxes a little, his ears perking back up and a small smile once again on his face. His fur is very soft and warm, thick and fluffy. It's like petting a fluffy dog almost.
He looks over at her, curious about the action. The unicorn relaxes a little, his ears perking back up and a small smile once again on his face. His fur is very soft and warm, thick and fluffy. It's like petting a fluffy dog almost.
>>137223
He shakes his head.
"No, actually. I only came here last week. Before that I lived near Manehattan. It was ages before then that I lived in Severyana."
He shakes his head.
"No, actually. I only came here last week. Before that I lived near Manehattan. It was ages before then that I lived in Severyana."
>>137224
"Manehattan..." She looks down and off to the side. After a pause, she looks back to Silver "And... is fighting cults and the undead a new thing for you?"
"Manehattan..." She looks down and off to the side. After a pause, she looks back to Silver "And... is fighting cults and the undead a new thing for you?"
>>137225
He shakes his forehoof a little.
"Sort of yes, sort of no. I have dealt with skeletons and cultists before, but not like I have faced here."
He shakes his forehoof a little.
"Sort of yes, sort of no. I have dealt with skeletons and cultists before, but not like I have faced here."
>>137227
"Well, when I faced undead before, it was usually scattered, small groups of skeletons and like - leftover experiments from necromancers. I had never faced such high concentration of such powerful undead before. And as for cultists...I have never seen or faced anything as grisly as that before or since."
"Well, when I faced undead before, it was usually scattered, small groups of skeletons and like - leftover experiments from necromancers. I had never faced such high concentration of such powerful undead before. And as for cultists...I have never seen or faced anything as grisly as that before or since."
>>137228
"Huh..." She sits there in contemplation for a moment.
"Can you... tell me more about what you found here, in Baltimare? Either the Necromancer's experiments and interests, or of the activities of the Maarists?"
"Huh..." She sits there in contemplation for a moment.
"Can you... tell me more about what you found here, in Baltimare? Either the Necromancer's experiments and interests, or of the activities of the Maarists?"
Hey Sven, are you here? Let's formulate a game plan pl0x.
I'm ready to play
>>137155
125 bits, 235....
"You know, why don't you tell me what you like wear when you want to feel special?" The stallion says, smiling in a suggestive way
125 bits, 235....
"You know, why don't you tell me what you like wear when you want to feel special?" The stallion says, smiling in a suggestive way
>>137235
"Oh, I like to wear a dress. Not this one–as nice as it is–but a summer dress that's pale blue and turquoise. It's so light you hardly feel it, and the skirt's a bit short because it only reaches my gaskin. My sister gave it to me." Amber blushes modestly.
"Oh, I like to wear a dress. Not this one–as nice as it is–but a summer dress that's pale blue and turquoise. It's so light you hardly feel it, and the skirt's a bit short because it only reaches my gaskin. My sister gave it to me." Amber blushes modestly.
>>137236
"I'd kind of like to see that. I bet it looks great on you. Short skirt with those hips."
He smiles, while Guy walks forward, as if off to the side and ready to join the conversation.
"I'd kind of like to see that. I bet it looks great on you. Short skirt with those hips."
He smiles, while Guy walks forward, as if off to the side and ready to join the conversation.
>>137238
"Oh, thank you, but you haven't seen me wear it yet," she replies, giggling. "Your marefriend must think you have impeccable taste."
"Oh, thank you, but you haven't seen me wear it yet," she replies, giggling. "Your marefriend must think you have impeccable taste."
>>137241
The griffin standing off to the side, steps forward. He wears a smile - insofar as the drawn back lower beak and pulled back lips may be called a smile that is almost... smug. And for the first time that Amber has heard, he speaks. His voice has a veneer of erudition, the sound you would expect from high class... though at moments the sound of an adolescent of some unknown and rude foreign extraction cracks through:
"You need what every gal would want to be seen wearing at the Opera House. The envy of every dinner party. Am I right now? Well, you're in luck. We have the Dame Aux Yeux Verts. It's on license from the Carousel of Canterlot, you know? I assure you, if anything can calm the heart of a lady scorned, it's hanging on our back shelf."
The griffin standing off to the side, steps forward. He wears a smile - insofar as the drawn back lower beak and pulled back lips may be called a smile that is almost... smug. And for the first time that Amber has heard, he speaks. His voice has a veneer of erudition, the sound you would expect from high class... though at moments the sound of an adolescent of some unknown and rude foreign extraction cracks through:
"You need what every gal would want to be seen wearing at the Opera House. The envy of every dinner party. Am I right now? Well, you're in luck. We have the Dame Aux Yeux Verts. It's on license from the Carousel of Canterlot, you know? I assure you, if anything can calm the heart of a lady scorned, it's hanging on our back shelf."
>>137242
Amber nods hurriedly like a schoolfilly who gets told the answer to an important question. "Oh yes, I can show you.
It's back this way…"
Amber nods hurriedly like a schoolfilly who gets told the answer to an important question. "Oh yes, I can show you.
It's back this way…"
>>137244
He motions with his foreleg - it's covered with a jacket sleeve, so none of that odd birdlike leg can be seen - "This way." He seems to try to lead him himself.
The Stallion at first looks ever so slightly offended by the interruption, but is quickly taken in by Guy's offer. He starts to follow.
He motions with his foreleg - it's covered with a jacket sleeve, so none of that odd birdlike leg can be seen - "This way." He seems to try to lead him himself.
The Stallion at first looks ever so slightly offended by the interruption, but is quickly taken in by Guy's offer. He starts to follow.
>>137245
Amber breathes a quiet sigh of relief and waits near the door in case a new customer comes in.
Amber breathes a quiet sigh of relief and waits near the door in case a new customer comes in.
>>137246
Guy looks back, and even walks backwards as he goes off with the stallion. The stallion, while still appearing nervous, as he did when he came in, at least seems trusting.
Amber is free.
[1d2 = 1]
Guy looks back, and even walks backwards as he goes off with the stallion. The stallion, while still appearing nervous, as he did when he came in, at least seems trusting.
Amber is free.
[1d2 = 1]
Amber trots over to High Sewn. "Ma'am, is it often that customers ask for the fanciest dresses?"
>>137250
She narrows her eyes and gives a short and sharp shake of her head.
"If they ask that, they are either trying to imply they are too good for this store - which obviously isn't true, because if they were they'd just go to the Carousel and never step hoof in hear - or they want someone to hear them say that so they think they fooled someone into thinking they have enough money for the fanciest dress. Either way, they either don't buy anything at all, or buy something much lower priced."
She narrows her eyes and gives a short and sharp shake of her head.
"If they ask that, they are either trying to imply they are too good for this store - which obviously isn't true, because if they were they'd just go to the Carousel and never step hoof in hear - or they want someone to hear them say that so they think they fooled someone into thinking they have enough money for the fanciest dress. Either way, they either don't buy anything at all, or buy something much lower priced."
>>137252
She shrugs
"Most ponies come to look around rather than buy anyways. And what they are buying is the appearance, so I can sort of understand it. What's less tolerable is those who have a higher than merited valuation of themselves."
She shrugs
"Most ponies come to look around rather than buy anyways. And what they are buying is the appearance, so I can sort of understand it. What's less tolerable is those who have a higher than merited valuation of themselves."
>>137253
"I reckon that too…"
Unless Sewn wants to continue the conversation, Amber will pass time until either a customer arrives or it's closing time.
"I reckon that too…"
Unless Sewn wants to continue the conversation, Amber will pass time until either a customer arrives or it's closing time.
>>137256
Amber smiles hopefully both times when it looks like the stallion would enter, but stops smiling when he only passes by. It would be nice if he would make up his mind… she thinks to herself.
Amber smiles hopefully both times when it looks like the stallion would enter, but stops smiling when he only passes by. It would be nice if he would make up his mind… she thinks to herself.
>>137257
Instead, he moves away, a little bit further across the sidewalk, and looks around. He looks scruffier than perhaps typical of this store's clientele. That last stallion at least looked well groomed and well dressed, not so with this one, a brown earth pony with a short grey beard or perhaps middle age, and a bit undersized.
Instead, he moves away, a little bit further across the sidewalk, and looks around. He looks scruffier than perhaps typical of this store's clientele. That last stallion at least looked well groomed and well dressed, not so with this one, a brown earth pony with a short grey beard or perhaps middle age, and a bit undersized.
>>137258
He looks like he needs some help with something, but I mustn't leave the store… Amber continues watching the stallion.
He looks like he needs some help with something, but I mustn't leave the store… Amber continues watching the stallion.
>>137259
From a bag, he pulls out some stubby cylindrical object, places it in his mouth from his hoof, and moves to the side, mostly out of view, mostly out of view. Mostly.
From a bag, he pulls out some stubby cylindrical object, places it in his mouth from his hoof, and moves to the side, mostly out of view, mostly out of view. Mostly.
>>137261
Then, he pulls out some metal item. An... ice pick? If not, something like it. He pulls back, and then...
Crash!
The window breaks in its center, and though the whole window does not shatter, the center portion does, sending glass to the ground. The stallion runs and moves to try to slam the pick into another portion of the window, before starting his way to run off.
"Ah!"
High Sewn screams, jumping up startled. Guy runs forward, observing the scene.
Then, he pulls out some metal item. An... ice pick? If not, something like it. He pulls back, and then...
Crash!
The window breaks in its center, and though the whole window does not shatter, the center portion does, sending glass to the ground. The stallion runs and moves to try to slam the pick into another portion of the window, before starting his way to run off.
"Ah!"
High Sewn screams, jumping up startled. Guy runs forward, observing the scene.
File (): C593FF0CA37DFF504CA4ED387C9A94CF-90934.png (88.8 KB, 499x501, FrightenedAmber.png)
Amber jumps back with a gasp, staring at the vandalism in horror. She's caught frozen like this for a few seconds that feel like an eternity. However, when the vandal makes his break she yells out, "HEY!" and bolts off in pursuit.
>>137265
Amber, perhaps because of the pause, does not manage to catch up to him as the assailant runs down the street and into an alley. Guy runs off, starting before Amber, and seems to be keeping pace, although the two quickly disappear to the left.
Amber, perhaps because of the pause, does not manage to catch up to him as the assailant runs down the street and into an alley. Guy runs off, starting before Amber, and seems to be keeping pace, although the two quickly disappear to the left.
>>137267
Amber gallops into that alley as quickly as she can. I'm guessing another roll is needed
[1d20+2 = 6]
Amber gallops into that alley as quickly as she can. I'm guessing another roll is needed
[1d20+2 = 6]
>>137268
Guy goes in hot pursuit, but Amber lags behind
One more contested roll
[1d20+1 = 21]
[1d20+2 = 10]
Guy goes in hot pursuit, but Amber lags behind
One more contested roll
[1d20+1 = 21]
[1d20+2 = 10]
>>137270
>>137268
The assailant turns a corner, and when Amber catches up, she runs in between a pair of commercial buildings: older in design, brick with two stories, a higher fire escape level and basement windows that appear above ground level. The assailant has disappeared, and she encounters Guy walking the opposite direction, towards her.
"I.. I think I lost track of him."
>>137271
I would say yes, but he got a 20. Unless you want to see if Amber can get a 20
>>137268
The assailant turns a corner, and when Amber catches up, she runs in between a pair of commercial buildings: older in design, brick with two stories, a higher fire escape level and basement windows that appear above ground level. The assailant has disappeared, and she encounters Guy walking the opposite direction, towards her.
"I.. I think I lost track of him."
>>137271
I would say yes, but he got a 20. Unless you want to see if Amber can get a 20
>>137272
Exasperated, Amber makes one last sprint in the direction Guy had went to see if she can catch a glimpse of the perpetrator. [1d20+2 = 15]
Exasperated, Amber makes one last sprint in the direction Guy had went to see if she can catch a glimpse of the perpetrator. [1d20+2 = 15]
>>137275
"He must have..." He looks around
"Gone through one of these doors. Or up a fire escape. Or through a basement window... of either building. Or he just ran right through the alley and turned to either side..." He is silent for a moment, as he exhales. "At least i know he didn't fly out."
"He must have..." He looks around
"Gone through one of these doors. Or up a fire escape. Or through a basement window... of either building. Or he just ran right through the alley and turned to either side..." He is silent for a moment, as he exhales. "At least i know he didn't fly out."
"Maybe we should look for him here…or it might be better to go to the police."
>>137278
Amber looks at the ground-level windows and the fire escapes to see if any look out of place. Search:
[1d20+3 = 7]
Amber looks at the ground-level windows and the fire escapes to see if any look out of place. Search:
[1d20+3 = 7]
>>137229
"Hmm. Well, there is not much else to tell, let me think...well, that necromancer, Joseph Curwhinny, wanted to find way to bring back his wife and foals from dead after they died from plague. He found that he could bring back dead souls, or their bodies, but not both. Something about process made it impossible, even after decades of experiments. To bring back their souls, he would cremate their body using necromantic rites and specific mixture of chemicals. What exactly they were escapes me at moment, but it would bind their souls to their ashes. He could communicate with ponies who had died ages ago, but it would curse them to be forever bound to their ashes, which apparently is torturous existence for souls. If he did not fully cremate them and he used slightly different rites, he would instead bring back their body void of any soul. Ghasts, they are apparently called. They have this supernatural stench to it that makes you instantly sick to your stomach, they can paralyze you just by striking you, and they can pass their curse onto you if they bite you, eventually turning you into one of them. And those catacombs were absolutely full of them, both those he had created and those they had in turn infected.
"Maarists were more simple affair, from what I understand. This place we are going to was owned by their leader, pony Sweet Boek. He came into contact with international smuggler and trafficker, griffon Stormfeather Maakie, and they struck deal. Boek would provide base of operations in Baltimare for Maakie and his operation, as well as Maar's favor, and Maakie would provide steady stream of sacrifices from those he trafficked into Baltimare as well as muscle needed to guard location. Maakie himself attended sacrificial rituals along with Boek's inner circle, but he apparently never truly held same beliefs as Boek. He just saw it as just another way to squeeze profit out of his victims."
"Hmm. Well, there is not much else to tell, let me think...well, that necromancer, Joseph Curwhinny, wanted to find way to bring back his wife and foals from dead after they died from plague. He found that he could bring back dead souls, or their bodies, but not both. Something about process made it impossible, even after decades of experiments. To bring back their souls, he would cremate their body using necromantic rites and specific mixture of chemicals. What exactly they were escapes me at moment, but it would bind their souls to their ashes. He could communicate with ponies who had died ages ago, but it would curse them to be forever bound to their ashes, which apparently is torturous existence for souls. If he did not fully cremate them and he used slightly different rites, he would instead bring back their body void of any soul. Ghasts, they are apparently called. They have this supernatural stench to it that makes you instantly sick to your stomach, they can paralyze you just by striking you, and they can pass their curse onto you if they bite you, eventually turning you into one of them. And those catacombs were absolutely full of them, both those he had created and those they had in turn infected.
"Maarists were more simple affair, from what I understand. This place we are going to was owned by their leader, pony Sweet Boek. He came into contact with international smuggler and trafficker, griffon Stormfeather Maakie, and they struck deal. Boek would provide base of operations in Baltimare for Maakie and his operation, as well as Maar's favor, and Maakie would provide steady stream of sacrifices from those he trafficked into Baltimare as well as muscle needed to guard location. Maakie himself attended sacrificial rituals along with Boek's inner circle, but he apparently never truly held same beliefs as Boek. He just saw it as just another way to squeeze profit out of his victims."
>>137289
If Spark was implying a hoof shake, he does not offer one without Spark offering first. He nods slightly and slowly while having an uncomfortable, toothy smile.
If Spark was implying a hoof shake, he does not offer one without Spark offering first. He nods slightly and slowly while having an uncomfortable, toothy smile.
>>137291
The doctor looks down at the hoof, and for a solid five or six seconds he does nothing, just staring at the hoof. But then, he slowly extends his own hoof, and starts to shake. It’s a rather limp shake and he maintains no real grip, but after a very slow first downward movement he pulls it back up hastily, then down hastily, in a nigh frantic movement until he breaks off the hoof shake not long after it began
The doctor looks down at the hoof, and for a solid five or six seconds he does nothing, just staring at the hoof. But then, he slowly extends his own hoof, and starts to shake. It’s a rather limp shake and he maintains no real grip, but after a very slow first downward movement he pulls it back up hastily, then down hastily, in a nigh frantic movement until he breaks off the hoof shake not long after it began
>>137292
Spark chuckles.
"Well, that will do."
Spark looks around to see if the wolves are heading back.
Spark chuckles.
"Well, that will do."
Spark looks around to see if the wolves are heading back.
>>137293
It isn’t immediate, but Spark hearing a sound of crunching and dragging of both snow and pine needles. The first thing Spark sees is the outline of a creature under the canopy, carrying some form of weapon along its side. Spark is soon enough able to recognize the form as that of Makade, staring at the doctor and himself. Through the trees, and from a very different direction than the wolves initially left, the peppered wolf appears, harnessed to a sled of the type presumably used by teams further north. On the sled, Spark can recognize Miskobag, lying down strapped down and conscious, looking at the two ponies. Waabishki walks to his side, hooked into a smaller harness with a rope connecting to the sled. She occasionally moves up a paw onto the side of the sled, next to Miskobag. She takes a little longer to turn her somber face towards Spark and the doctor.
Waabishki speaks:
“I’iwidi.”
When the sled gets closer and with the peppered wolf staring at the two with both ears erect, Waabishki says:
“Noogishkaa.”
And the sled stops. Makade moves into the clearing, then moves to loo behind in the direction from which the sled came. Waabishki starts to unhook her harness.
It isn’t immediate, but Spark hearing a sound of crunching and dragging of both snow and pine needles. The first thing Spark sees is the outline of a creature under the canopy, carrying some form of weapon along its side. Spark is soon enough able to recognize the form as that of Makade, staring at the doctor and himself. Through the trees, and from a very different direction than the wolves initially left, the peppered wolf appears, harnessed to a sled of the type presumably used by teams further north. On the sled, Spark can recognize Miskobag, lying down strapped down and conscious, looking at the two ponies. Waabishki walks to his side, hooked into a smaller harness with a rope connecting to the sled. She occasionally moves up a paw onto the side of the sled, next to Miskobag. She takes a little longer to turn her somber face towards Spark and the doctor.
Waabishki speaks:
“I’iwidi.”
When the sled gets closer and with the peppered wolf staring at the two with both ears erect, Waabishki says:
“Noogishkaa.”
And the sled stops. Makade moves into the clearing, then moves to loo behind in the direction from which the sled came. Waabishki starts to unhook her harness.
>>137296
>>137296
The doctor turns his head back to Spark quickly, then hastily steps forward a pace or so, stopping a few feet distant from the peppered wolf, who stares at him.
“Is this...”
“Yes.”
His question is swiftly and sharply answered by Waabishki.
He moves a hoof up as if to say “oh,” and then tries to walk around the peppered wolf to go towards Miskobag, in a definite half circle pattern to keep a distance between himself and the wolf. He moves a step to the right, to see that Waabishki is on that side, and evidently he does not wish to go that direction, because he moves back and to the left. Waabishki asks, almost demandingly,
“What happened to Faithful Oath?”
The doctor answers, without making eye contact to Waabishki, but instead looking to Miskobag who looks back to him,
“It’s... it’s a longer story. He is not here right now. Does he speak Ponish?”
Miskobag returned the answer, his fairly deep voice sounding through:
“Yes. I do.”
The doctor moves forward, and now stands next to Miskobag, looking down at him as he looks back up with tired eyes.
The doctor asks:
“What are his symptoms?”
Waabishki, who seems to understand the question as directed at her, opens her mouth.
“Uh...”
Makade speaks for the first time since he returned. He must be standing to the left and slightly behind Spark, and he has barely been seen except on the periphery.
“Aaniin aakozi?” He says
“Oh” Waabishki says. “He’s been fatigued, and kind of just wasting for months.”
“For how long?” The doctor asks
“I... think...” Waabishki tries to answer, but it’s Miskobag who replies in full
“August. I’ve had chest pain, and swelling. I feel tired. And it’s hard to eat; whether to swallow or to feel hunger at all.”
The doctor narrows his eyes and looks more closely at Miskobag. “And what do you eat” he says to himself, as his lower volume implies he does not expect or want an answer. He leans in towards Miskobag, still several feet away. “Let me see the swelling” he says, moving a hoof slightly closer to him, but still six inches away.
“Do you think he will bite Waabishki says with a clear air of offense. The doctor winces.
“It’s okay.” Miskobag says, and moves onto his side. Miskobag’s belly is exposed, with swelling just below the rib cage, and with a thin belly otherwise. The doctor gently touches it, and applies some pressure, causing Miskobag to wind gently. He lets off.
Makade has walked closer, now standing very close to the doctor behind him, looking at Miskobag and the examination very closely. The doctor keeps examining the swelling, before pulling his bag up next to him, and with a glow of orange magic, pulling a stethoscope out of the bag, and placing the relevant parts against his ears and Miskobag’s chest. He looks off towards the trees for almost a minute as he listens to Miskobag’s heart and breathing.
Makade, only a couple feet behind the doctor, breaks his silence to ask “So...?”
The doctor to contracts his legs inwards, jump up and scream “bah!” as he is startled, and jumps to the left, where he is no longer sandwiched between the three wolves of Makade, Miskobag, and the still-harnessed peppered wolf.
>>137296
The doctor turns his head back to Spark quickly, then hastily steps forward a pace or so, stopping a few feet distant from the peppered wolf, who stares at him.
“Is this...”
“Yes.”
His question is swiftly and sharply answered by Waabishki.
He moves a hoof up as if to say “oh,” and then tries to walk around the peppered wolf to go towards Miskobag, in a definite half circle pattern to keep a distance between himself and the wolf. He moves a step to the right, to see that Waabishki is on that side, and evidently he does not wish to go that direction, because he moves back and to the left. Waabishki asks, almost demandingly,
“What happened to Faithful Oath?”
The doctor answers, without making eye contact to Waabishki, but instead looking to Miskobag who looks back to him,
“It’s... it’s a longer story. He is not here right now. Does he speak Ponish?”
Miskobag returned the answer, his fairly deep voice sounding through:
“Yes. I do.”
The doctor moves forward, and now stands next to Miskobag, looking down at him as he looks back up with tired eyes.
The doctor asks:
“What are his symptoms?”
Waabishki, who seems to understand the question as directed at her, opens her mouth.
“Uh...”
Makade speaks for the first time since he returned. He must be standing to the left and slightly behind Spark, and he has barely been seen except on the periphery.
“Aaniin aakozi?” He says
“Oh” Waabishki says. “He’s been fatigued, and kind of just wasting for months.”
“For how long?” The doctor asks
“I... think...” Waabishki tries to answer, but it’s Miskobag who replies in full
“August. I’ve had chest pain, and swelling. I feel tired. And it’s hard to eat; whether to swallow or to feel hunger at all.”
The doctor narrows his eyes and looks more closely at Miskobag. “And what do you eat” he says to himself, as his lower volume implies he does not expect or want an answer. He leans in towards Miskobag, still several feet away. “Let me see the swelling” he says, moving a hoof slightly closer to him, but still six inches away.
“Do you think he will bite Waabishki says with a clear air of offense. The doctor winces.
“It’s okay.” Miskobag says, and moves onto his side. Miskobag’s belly is exposed, with swelling just below the rib cage, and with a thin belly otherwise. The doctor gently touches it, and applies some pressure, causing Miskobag to wind gently. He lets off.
Makade has walked closer, now standing very close to the doctor behind him, looking at Miskobag and the examination very closely. The doctor keeps examining the swelling, before pulling his bag up next to him, and with a glow of orange magic, pulling a stethoscope out of the bag, and placing the relevant parts against his ears and Miskobag’s chest. He looks off towards the trees for almost a minute as he listens to Miskobag’s heart and breathing.
Makade, only a couple feet behind the doctor, breaks his silence to ask “So...?”
The doctor to contracts his legs inwards, jump up and scream “bah!” as he is startled, and jumps to the left, where he is no longer sandwiched between the three wolves of Makade, Miskobag, and the still-harnessed peppered wolf.
>>137284
She blinks
“All of that magic sounds beyond me. And that ‘Stormfeather Maakie’? Seems to be that smugglers of gangsters teamed up with the Maarists?”
She blinks
“All of that magic sounds beyond me. And that ‘Stormfeather Maakie’? Seems to be that smugglers of gangsters teamed up with the Maarists?”
>>137300
Silver nods.
"Yes. The gangsters were from Skyfall before they made their way here. It was mutually beneficial relation for them both, and from what I gather had been going on for years before we stopped them. Those they captured would be forced to work in sweatshop to make cheap coats to sell. Those who were not sold as slaves and servants to highest bidder would be drained of their life force by changeling they had captured, kept in changeling pod until cultists had need of sacrifice, and then brought up to be sacrificed by having their ribcage torn open and exposing their heart to be stabbed repeatedly by cultists using wicked sacrificial daggers. After that, their hide would be either turned into fur coats or tanned into leather, any unicorns, deer, or kirins would have their horns sawed off for ornaments, and rest of their body disposed of. How they were disposed of depends on how long ago this was happening. They originally threw corpses down garbage chute, but eventually they discovered that they could use gnolls they had hired on to devour them whole, bones and all."
Silver blinks a couple times, and rubs the back of his neck awkwardly after realizing that she may not have wanted to hear all of that.
"Uh...I apologise if that was too gruesome."
Silver nods.
"Yes. The gangsters were from Skyfall before they made their way here. It was mutually beneficial relation for them both, and from what I gather had been going on for years before we stopped them. Those they captured would be forced to work in sweatshop to make cheap coats to sell. Those who were not sold as slaves and servants to highest bidder would be drained of their life force by changeling they had captured, kept in changeling pod until cultists had need of sacrifice, and then brought up to be sacrificed by having their ribcage torn open and exposing their heart to be stabbed repeatedly by cultists using wicked sacrificial daggers. After that, their hide would be either turned into fur coats or tanned into leather, any unicorns, deer, or kirins would have their horns sawed off for ornaments, and rest of their body disposed of. How they were disposed of depends on how long ago this was happening. They originally threw corpses down garbage chute, but eventually they discovered that they could use gnolls they had hired on to devour them whole, bones and all."
Silver blinks a couple times, and rubs the back of his neck awkwardly after realizing that she may not have wanted to hear all of that.
"Uh...I apologise if that was too gruesome."
>>137400
He looks back at the trio of wolves with wide open eyes, with his ears slowly climbing back upright to a more normal position, and his tail, mane and fur lowering as he eases up. He loudly exhales and inhales, and says,
“Right...”
The peppered wolf looks similarly startled, his ears raised and staring at the doctor, while Miskobag thinks nothing of it, and Makade maintains stands still, looking at the doctor.
He looks back at the trio of wolves with wide open eyes, with his ears slowly climbing back upright to a more normal position, and his tail, mane and fur lowering as he eases up. He loudly exhales and inhales, and says,
“Right...”
The peppered wolf looks similarly startled, his ears raised and staring at the doctor, while Miskobag thinks nothing of it, and Makade maintains stands still, looking at the doctor.
>>137403
Waabishki immediately joins Spark in this.
“Yes. What is wrong with him, doctor?”
The doctor is silent, and rubs his right leg with his left hoof
“Uh... well I think... it’s hard to say for certain without a thorough examination. You know, machines and spectrometers and so forth. And an exploratory surgery. You should take him to a doctor in Whinnapolis. Get a very thorough examination. See what they say.”
Waabishki immediately joins Spark in this.
“Yes. What is wrong with him, doctor?”
The doctor is silent, and rubs his right leg with his left hoof
“Uh... well I think... it’s hard to say for certain without a thorough examination. You know, machines and spectrometers and so forth. And an exploratory surgery. You should take him to a doctor in Whinnapolis. Get a very thorough examination. See what they say.”
>>137405
“Well... that’s... you got him this far, didn’t you? Just a little bit further to move him to a train car... and he could be in Whinnapolis.”
Waabishki sounds a little angry:
“What can your medicine do, ‘doctor’?”
“Well it... can... so many things. Not, not everything, you know? But uh, some things. It just had to be... precise. Yes, very precise. A lot of data is required.”
“Well... that’s... you got him this far, didn’t you? Just a little bit further to move him to a train car... and he could be in Whinnapolis.”
Waabishki sounds a little angry:
“What can your medicine do, ‘doctor’?”
“Well it... can... so many things. Not, not everything, you know? But uh, some things. It just had to be... precise. Yes, very precise. A lot of data is required.”
>>137406
"Alright, but in order to make this trip, you must come along and do everything in your ability to keep our friends here happy and comfortable. Think you can do that?"
"Alright, but in order to make this trip, you must come along and do everything in your ability to keep our friends here happy and comfortable. Think you can do that?"
>>137407
The doctor exhales, relieved. Waabishki looks on, displeased. Makade speaks, and it seems he speaks to Spark:
“Do you really believe him?”
The doctor exhales, relieved. Waabishki looks on, displeased. Makade speaks, and it seems he speaks to Spark:
“Do you really believe him?”
>>137415
"And by 'you', you of course mean 'we'. You will be helping me secure a car for our ill friend here to travel comfortably."
"And by 'you', you of course mean 'we'. You will be helping me secure a car for our ill friend here to travel comfortably."
>>137416
“Uh... Okay.”
Makade and Waabishki step forward. It’s Makade who speaks for the two of them
“Travel by train? The... ‘Changelings’ consider us in a state of war. They’ll shoot us if we go into town.”
The doctor adds:
“They are, um, very strict about travel and ID cards and so forth.”
“Uh... Okay.”
Makade and Waabishki step forward. It’s Makade who speaks for the two of them
“Travel by train? The... ‘Changelings’ consider us in a state of war. They’ll shoot us if we go into town.”
The doctor adds:
“They are, um, very strict about travel and ID cards and so forth.”
>>137417
"I have some with IDs and the like with the changelings, but we will need to convince them that highly important passengers are on board to secure a whole car, so we can avoid potential shooting. That's where some official doctor's paperwork will come into play."
"I have some with IDs and the like with the changelings, but we will need to convince them that highly important passengers are on board to secure a whole car, so we can avoid potential shooting. That's where some official doctor's paperwork will come into play."
>>137418
He pulls his lips back in a big, wincing smile.
“Uh... lying on government documents? Can we just, can we, can I not? This is the kind of thing I was afraid of...”
He pulls his lips back in a big, wincing smile.
“Uh... lying on government documents? Can we just, can we, can I not? This is the kind of thing I was afraid of...”
>>137422
“Mr. Spark, can you come talk to me over here?”
Makade lowers his ears, and moves forward
“And what is so important it cannot be shared?”
“Mr. Spark, can you come talk to me over here?”
Makade lowers his ears, and moves forward
“And what is so important it cannot be shared?”
>>137423
"It's ok. A quick chat and we will all be on the same page. Allow this privacy so we can be prepared to work together."
Spark walks over to the doctor.
"It's ok. A quick chat and we will all be on the same page. Allow this privacy so we can be prepared to work together."
Spark walks over to the doctor.
>>137426
He whispers, perhaps a little too loudly
“Hey. Spark. Listen. Listen well. I don’t think your sharp toothed forest friends will like the diagnosis for their... elder, I guess. And there is no way we can take any of them by train into Whinnapolis. I’ve helped a lot, but I don’t want to end up like the last doctor.”
He whispers, perhaps a little too loudly
“Hey. Spark. Listen. Listen well. I don’t think your sharp toothed forest friends will like the diagnosis for their... elder, I guess. And there is no way we can take any of them by train into Whinnapolis. I’ve helped a lot, but I don’t want to end up like the last doctor.”
>>137427
"Be open and honest and you won't end up like the last one. And I have a feeling I can get them on a train. Tell me why I shouldn't."
"Be open and honest and you won't end up like the last one. And I have a feeling I can get them on a train. Tell me why I shouldn't."
>>137428
“Have you travelled the trains much in Whinnysota? Or have you stayed long in Whinnysota period?”
“Have you travelled the trains much in Whinnysota? Or have you stayed long in Whinnysota period?”
>>137279
Nothing is identifiably out of place... what’s normal for a fire escape or basement window anyways?
Nothing is identifiably out of place... what’s normal for a fire escape or basement window anyways?
>>137434
Guy stops and looks around a little bit more, but gives up shortly after Amber does.
As they walk back, they can see High Sewn nervously outside smoking, and in chalk, a red “A” with a circle around it on the brick wall next to the store.
Guy stops and looks around a little bit more, but gives up shortly after Amber does.
As they walk back, they can see High Sewn nervously outside smoking, and in chalk, a red “A” with a circle around it on the brick wall next to the store.
>>137435
Amber walks up to High Sewn looking dejected, and she is shivering slightly. 'I'm sorry…we weren't able to catch him."
Amber walks up to High Sewn looking dejected, and she is shivering slightly. 'I'm sorry…we weren't able to catch him."
>>137436
High Sewn is visibly trembling. The only reason she can hold the cigarette at all is because of telekinetic magic, and even that shakes with her. She takes another long inhale as she looks at Amber.
“Well... thanks for trying. We are going to have to clean this up and close gif the day, and get it replaced quickly.”
She stands partly inside the door and partly outside, torn between her desire to handle the situation inside, and to not get cigarette smoke inside.
High Sewn is visibly trembling. The only reason she can hold the cigarette at all is because of telekinetic magic, and even that shakes with her. She takes another long inhale as she looks at Amber.
“Well... thanks for trying. We are going to have to clean this up and close gif the day, and get it replaced quickly.”
She stands partly inside the door and partly outside, torn between her desire to handle the situation inside, and to not get cigarette smoke inside.
Nodding, Amber says, "I'll get a broom." She looks for one and a wastebasket inside the shop.
>>137438
Guy moves over to the display cases to move items out of the way, while Amber is able to get a broom to start cleaning. Finding a waste bin is slightly more challenging. Amber basically has to take the waste bin next to the counter. High Sewn finishes her Cigarrette and starts her way back in walking quickly.
“I already called the police. Now I need to call a window store as well. Ugh! We were going to bet so much off of that stallion who bought the Dame aux yeux verts. Now we’re set back...”
Guy moves over to the display cases to move items out of the way, while Amber is able to get a broom to start cleaning. Finding a waste bin is slightly more challenging. Amber basically has to take the waste bin next to the counter. High Sewn finishes her Cigarrette and starts her way back in walking quickly.
“I already called the police. Now I need to call a window store as well. Ugh! We were going to bet so much off of that stallion who bought the Dame aux yeux verts. Now we’re set back...”
>>137439
With the adrenaline of the chase having faded away, Amber perhaps looks even more distraught and confused than before. "Why would anypony do such a thing?"
With the adrenaline of the chase having faded away, Amber perhaps looks even more distraught and confused than before. "Why would anypony do such a thing?"
>>137440
“Did you see that ‘A’ that decrepit thing left on the wall of our store? That’s the symbol of the Anarchists in Baltimare. It’s probably the only letter he knows how to write. He must be doing this for the Anarchists. A spontaneous showing of support for the breather in in Manehattan and condemnation of Aristocratic values, or whatever. Must have been too lazy or too afraid to go a couple streets over and attack the real boutiques over there. They’d shoot him if he tried that. So he comes over here. Of course I’d hardly be surprised if it was a regular thug of the Waterfront Gang, looking to justify their protection racket. I haven’t paid them since March and I’m not going to.”
“Did you see that ‘A’ that decrepit thing left on the wall of our store? That’s the symbol of the Anarchists in Baltimare. It’s probably the only letter he knows how to write. He must be doing this for the Anarchists. A spontaneous showing of support for the breather in in Manehattan and condemnation of Aristocratic values, or whatever. Must have been too lazy or too afraid to go a couple streets over and attack the real boutiques over there. They’d shoot him if he tried that. So he comes over here. Of course I’d hardly be surprised if it was a regular thug of the Waterfront Gang, looking to justify their protection racket. I haven’t paid them since March and I’m not going to.”
>>137441
Amber stands with a shocked expression. "That's horrible! Why would they attack your store?"
Amber stands with a shocked expression. "That's horrible! Why would they attack your store?"
>>137442
“If it really was an Anarchist? Probably because of what we sell. We sell fancier clothing. To the Anarchists it’s the epitome of classicism, because the clothing we sell is how you can tell the refined from the... well, from the Anarchists. And the various other bottom feeders. As for why this store and not one of the actually more expensive stores, it’s probably because we are the closest to the Occupational Government’s headquarters building. They must assume those ponies shop here, or at least will see it on their way home. He was probably inspired to do it in retaliation for whatever he thinks our clothing did to cause the situation in Manehattan. Probably a ‘lone wolf’ or whatever you want to call it. I don’t think the CAN is ordering any attacks against any stores. But then again, following rules laid down by a hierarchical organization isn’t exactly something the anarchists are known for.”
“If it really was an Anarchist? Probably because of what we sell. We sell fancier clothing. To the Anarchists it’s the epitome of classicism, because the clothing we sell is how you can tell the refined from the... well, from the Anarchists. And the various other bottom feeders. As for why this store and not one of the actually more expensive stores, it’s probably because we are the closest to the Occupational Government’s headquarters building. They must assume those ponies shop here, or at least will see it on their way home. He was probably inspired to do it in retaliation for whatever he thinks our clothing did to cause the situation in Manehattan. Probably a ‘lone wolf’ or whatever you want to call it. I don’t think the CAN is ordering any attacks against any stores. But then again, following rules laid down by a hierarchical organization isn’t exactly something the anarchists are known for.”
Her ears fold down. "So…these ponies hate your store because they can't afford what you sell? That's really mean.
How can anypony think that's alright around here?"
How can anypony think that's alright around here?"
>>137444
“Well, something like that, yes. They revolt against the very idea of looking professional or formal. I think it’s because this area is supposed to have so much industry for all of the Southeast, but then they come here and there’s more of them than there are jobs for them, so not everyone gets a job, and those who do are cheap and replaceable. So it causes them to feel cheated by society or whatever, and it makes them envious of those who actually put forth effort into succeeding, or who come from better families anyways.”
“Well, something like that, yes. They revolt against the very idea of looking professional or formal. I think it’s because this area is supposed to have so much industry for all of the Southeast, but then they come here and there’s more of them than there are jobs for them, so not everyone gets a job, and those who do are cheap and replaceable. So it causes them to feel cheated by society or whatever, and it makes them envious of those who actually put forth effort into succeeding, or who come from better families anyways.”
>>137445
"Oh, that's…odd. I mean, it's not easy to live here for sure, but there are a lot of advantages to living on a farm. I don't think it's that bad…"
"Oh, that's…odd. I mean, it's not easy to live here for sure, but there are a lot of advantages to living on a farm. I don't think it's that bad…"
>>137446
“I’ve never joined CAN or their Union, and I’ve never been an ‘anarchist.’ It doesn’t make any sense to me, I can tell you that.”
“I’ve never joined CAN or their Union, and I’ve never been an ‘anarchist.’ It doesn’t make any sense to me, I can tell you that.”
>>137447
"Hurting others never made much sense to me…" Amber grabs the broom and carefully sweeps the broken glass before anypony walks on it with bare hooves.
"Hurting others never made much sense to me…" Amber grabs the broom and carefully sweeps the broken glass before anypony walks on it with bare hooves.
>>137448
“They’re not the only ones” she says, pulling out a cigarette, and almost lighting it before she realizes she is inside. A couple minutes later. A police Mars arrives in blue uniform.
“They’re not the only ones” she says, pulling out a cigarette, and almost lighting it before she realizes she is inside. A couple minutes later. A police Mars arrives in blue uniform.
>>137449
Amber pauses in her sweeping, calling out to the policemare. "Officer, a terrible thing has happened! A stallion broke our window and galloped off!"
Amber pauses in her sweeping, calling out to the policemare. "Officer, a terrible thing has happened! A stallion broke our window and galloped off!"
>>137450
“Hmmm?” She walks up, slowly, and pulls out a pen and paper.
“Alright, tell me what happened.”
“Hmmm?” She walks up, slowly, and pulls out a pen and paper.
“Alright, tell me what happened.”
"I was waiting in the front of the store for a customer to enter and I saw a brown stallion, kinda small and scruffy, with a short grey beard. I smiled at him hoping he might buy something, but instead he pulled out some metal thing and broke the window! I didn't know he was mean as a striped snake! He galloped off that way"–she points with a forehoof–"and went down an alley. I don't know where he went, but Miss Sewn told me he's probably an an-arch-ist."
>>137452
She blinks, writing down a couple words, but now staring at Amber mouth partly open
“Uh huh. Anything else?”
She blinks, writing down a couple words, but now staring at Amber mouth partly open
“Uh huh. Anything else?”
>>137453
"Well, I don't know what he used but it looked like some sort of pick, but it was definitely metal…" She rubs the back of her head anxiously; her auburn mane is quite disarrayed. "Other than that I don't really know…"
"Well, I don't know what he used but it looked like some sort of pick, but it was definitely metal…" She rubs the back of her head anxiously; her auburn mane is quite disarrayed. "Other than that I don't really know…"
>>137429
"I have not. What I have done is cross the Changeling-New Mareland zone border without documentation and traveled from there to here."
"I have not. What I have done is cross the Changeling-New Mareland zone border without documentation and traveled from there to here."
>>137534
He blinks
“Well then... maybe you have better luck than most, but I am in real danger if I am caught helping those who live in the forest.”
He blinks
“Well then... maybe you have better luck than most, but I am in real danger if I am caught helping those who live in the forest.”
>>137536
It takes him a moment to process this, looking around and taking ragged breathes.
“What would you have me do?”
It takes him a moment to process this, looking around and taking ragged breathes.
“What would you have me do?”
>>137387
She recoils, wincing and with both ears down, looking away and closing her eyes at moments. She does not say anything to Silver.
She recoils, wincing and with both ears down, looking away and closing her eyes at moments. She does not say anything to Silver.
>>137537
"We just have to play it smart. Casts and crates should do the trick. We just have to say we have an important rush hospitalization. Wrap up some casts of pony limbs and attach them to our wolf friend here, and presto, you have a form that will not give us away. Then loan in a couple of crates that have medical supplies and our guard wolves here and we will be on the train and out of town before you know it. Of course, I would need the paperwork to make them buy the whole ordeal."
"We just have to play it smart. Casts and crates should do the trick. We just have to say we have an important rush hospitalization. Wrap up some casts of pony limbs and attach them to our wolf friend here, and presto, you have a form that will not give us away. Then loan in a couple of crates that have medical supplies and our guard wolves here and we will be on the train and out of town before you know it. Of course, I would need the paperwork to make them buy the whole ordeal."
>>137540
"Well, we need to get the wolves from here to Whinnysota. This is the plan to do it. Anything else will most likely result in capture."
"Well, we need to get the wolves from here to Whinnysota. This is the plan to do it. Anything else will most likely result in capture."
>>137544
"I already told you what I want. I'm in this to help them, after which you will receive your payment as we discussed."
"I already told you what I want. I'm in this to help them, after which you will receive your payment as we discussed."
Ready to play!
>>137454
“Hmmm....” she writes a couple more things down.
“And... do you know of anyone who has a grudge against this establishment or anyone who works here? Former employees, ex boyfriends of workers, anyone?”
“Hmmm....” she writes a couple more things down.
“And... do you know of anyone who has a grudge against this establishment or anyone who works here? Former employees, ex boyfriends of workers, anyone?”
>>137549
“Ah, well... thank you for your help, miss.”
Unless Amber has something more to say, the policemare goes for High Sewn, although Guy is waiting close by and is likely to intercept her before she gets to High Sewn.
“Ah, well... thank you for your help, miss.”
Unless Amber has something more to say, the policemare goes for High Sewn, although Guy is waiting close by and is likely to intercept her before she gets to High Sewn.
>>137551
Guy moves forward, and in the way of the police mare.
“Ma’am. I saw it.”
The policemare takes a step back from Guy, who is larger than she is (though he is younger), and pulls her lips forward, removing and trace of a smile she may have had.
“Eh... alright” she decides upon pulling out her pencil and note book. “Let’s hear it.”
As Guy speaks, something noticeable happens to his accent. When he spoke to the Stallion before, he spoke with something like a Northern coastal Equestrian accent with a bit of what even Amber can recognize as an Aquellian accent. It sounded very formal, and fancy. Now, he speaks with what sounds like a mix of the Baltimare area accent and some other accent. Maybe it is Aquellian? But it sounds almost like there is a tendency to slur words. It certainly doesn’t sound so fancy.
“I saw an earth pony, approximately chestnut brown in color, with a pepper-grey mane and beard of medium length . He wore a single bag, and had a tire? Or a wheel? I think? For a cutie mark. He paced around the store, looking inside and then around, back one time and then another, and in the third time produced from his pack a piece of chalk, which he held in his mouth...” This part seems to trip him up, as the earthling police mare blinks back at him. He resumes. “And he used it to draw a large ‘A’ with a circle outside. Afterwards, he put it back in his pack, and pulled out some sort of tool. Then he swing it into the right display window there twice, shattering it, and look off left down Percheron. I gave chase. I followed him about three blocks down, then he went through an alley, ran across Hoofer, and into another alley, where I lost him. The new employee too, she followed. I looked around, but could find no sign of him.”
The policemare blinks, and writes something.
“Uh huh.”
Guy moves forward, and in the way of the police mare.
“Ma’am. I saw it.”
The policemare takes a step back from Guy, who is larger than she is (though he is younger), and pulls her lips forward, removing and trace of a smile she may have had.
“Eh... alright” she decides upon pulling out her pencil and note book. “Let’s hear it.”
As Guy speaks, something noticeable happens to his accent. When he spoke to the Stallion before, he spoke with something like a Northern coastal Equestrian accent with a bit of what even Amber can recognize as an Aquellian accent. It sounded very formal, and fancy. Now, he speaks with what sounds like a mix of the Baltimare area accent and some other accent. Maybe it is Aquellian? But it sounds almost like there is a tendency to slur words. It certainly doesn’t sound so fancy.
“I saw an earth pony, approximately chestnut brown in color, with a pepper-grey mane and beard of medium length . He wore a single bag, and had a tire? Or a wheel? I think? For a cutie mark. He paced around the store, looking inside and then around, back one time and then another, and in the third time produced from his pack a piece of chalk, which he held in his mouth...” This part seems to trip him up, as the earthling police mare blinks back at him. He resumes. “And he used it to draw a large ‘A’ with a circle outside. Afterwards, he put it back in his pack, and pulled out some sort of tool. Then he swing it into the right display window there twice, shattering it, and look off left down Percheron. I gave chase. I followed him about three blocks down, then he went through an alley, ran across Hoofer, and into another alley, where I lost him. The new employee too, she followed. I looked around, but could find no sign of him.”
The policemare blinks, and writes something.
“Uh huh.”
>>137552
Amber also blinks in surprise. How did he notice all that? And he managed to change his voice too…but why?
Amber also blinks in surprise. How did he notice all that? And he managed to change his voice too…but why?
>>137553
She makes Guy sign something, before motioning for him to step aside, which he does. She goes back to High Sewn, who starts yelling something about “Hooligans”
She makes Guy sign something, before motioning for him to step aside, which he does. She goes back to High Sewn, who starts yelling something about “Hooligans”
"I didn't know you were watching him so closely," Amber remarks to the griffon once he's free.
>>137555
He turns his head to Amber swiftly, taking a moment to notice her. This is the first time Guy has spoken to her in the more than hour they’ve been working together, or at least it seems like it.
“Yes. He looked suspicious. I thought he might be drunk or lost. I didn’t think he would do that.”
He turns his head to Amber swiftly, taking a moment to notice her. This is the first time Guy has spoken to her in the more than hour they’ve been working together, or at least it seems like it.
“Yes. He looked suspicious. I thought he might be drunk or lost. I didn’t think he would do that.”
>>137556
She briskly nods. "With the description you gave, the police should find him in no time at all!"
She briskly nods. "With the description you gave, the police should find him in no time at all!"
>>137558
"But you even gave them his cutie mark! There can be only one pony who looks like him, even in this whole wide city!"
"But you even gave them his cutie mark! There can be only one pony who looks like him, even in this whole wide city!"
>>137559
“Even so, I do not think they will take the effort to find him over a broken window. They want a name and address. Besides, he is either a part of CAN or the organized crime. And the police here do not like to go after either.”
“Even so, I do not think they will take the effort to find him over a broken window. They want a name and address. Besides, he is either a part of CAN or the organized crime. And the police here do not like to go after either.”
>>137560
She droops her ears. "Aw. It would be a lot simpler in the countryside." Looking around the shop, she continues, "What should we do now?"
She droops her ears. "Aw. It would be a lot simpler in the countryside." Looking around the shop, she continues, "What should we do now?"
>>137561
“Replace the window if we can. Cover up the hole if we cannot. It will be hard to attract customers like this.”
“Replace the window if we can. Cover up the hole if we cannot. It will be hard to attract customers like this.”
>>137564
"Um, someone has to make windows around here someplace. It sounds like this is a common occurrence here."
"Um, someone has to make windows around here someplace. It sounds like this is a common occurrence here."
>>137565
“It happens more commonly in the Eastside where the gang does it to convince business to pay protection money. It happens every now and then when the Anarchists plan an uprising. Hopefully it is a one off... but yes, High Sewn will know.”
“It happens more commonly in the Eastside where the gang does it to convince business to pay protection money. It happens every now and then when the Anarchists plan an uprising. Hopefully it is a one off... but yes, High Sewn will know.”
I think that's enough for today
>>137567
“Ex-coltfriend? Good heavens no! I left him back in Canterlot. I’ve turned down a couple, but that was a while ago and anyways I don’t think there is a grudge.”
“Do my employees have vindictive ex-lovers? I don’t know what the griffin does. The filly, I think, doesn’t conceptually understand what a ‘somepony’ is.”
“Sure, there’s an ex-employee I fired a while back. He made a scene once but that was two years ago.”
“Yes. I’ve had several encounters here with the gang. I used to pay protection money to a set here, a couple years ago. They were comparatively respectable stallions, so far as social parasites go, then one day they replaced them with a couple colts who wanted me to pay an even higher margin. I knew their names and the name of their underboss, it was a kind of sloppy operation, really. I told them to get out of my store, or else I would go to their underboss and tell her they were taking a cut they weren’t supposed to - stealing from her. Then I’d go right down the road and report both of them as spies working for the Changelings, who I overheard talking about blowing up the railway. Those in charge always want scapegoats for lost profits and lost battles. They told me I was bluffing and they would burn down the store. Of course they used all manner of threat; I’ve dealt with their kind before. I told them to get the fuck out of my store. I haven’t seen them since, or any member of the gangs for that matter. That was last March, near the end of the month. Before the siege.”
“No, I am not registered with the Social Democrats, or any party for that matter, nor am I a fascist. There’s been no attempt to unionize in my store. I’ve employed CAN members in the past, but my store was never under any Union. Maybe I’ve been heard making anti-Union statements in the past? Yes, I’ve sold items to occupying soldiers and have worked with their quartmasters. Maybe I’ve been seen with them? I hardly consider it anything other than business.”
“Ex-coltfriend? Good heavens no! I left him back in Canterlot. I’ve turned down a couple, but that was a while ago and anyways I don’t think there is a grudge.”
“Do my employees have vindictive ex-lovers? I don’t know what the griffin does. The filly, I think, doesn’t conceptually understand what a ‘somepony’ is.”
“Sure, there’s an ex-employee I fired a while back. He made a scene once but that was two years ago.”
“Yes. I’ve had several encounters here with the gang. I used to pay protection money to a set here, a couple years ago. They were comparatively respectable stallions, so far as social parasites go, then one day they replaced them with a couple colts who wanted me to pay an even higher margin. I knew their names and the name of their underboss, it was a kind of sloppy operation, really. I told them to get out of my store, or else I would go to their underboss and tell her they were taking a cut they weren’t supposed to - stealing from her. Then I’d go right down the road and report both of them as spies working for the Changelings, who I overheard talking about blowing up the railway. Those in charge always want scapegoats for lost profits and lost battles. They told me I was bluffing and they would burn down the store. Of course they used all manner of threat; I’ve dealt with their kind before. I told them to get the fuck out of my store. I haven’t seen them since, or any member of the gangs for that matter. That was last March, near the end of the month. Before the siege.”
“No, I am not registered with the Social Democrats, or any party for that matter, nor am I a fascist. There’s been no attempt to unionize in my store. I’ve employed CAN members in the past, but my store was never under any Union. Maybe I’ve been heard making anti-Union statements in the past? Yes, I’ve sold items to occupying soldiers and have worked with their quartmasters. Maybe I’ve been seen with them? I hardly consider it anything other than business.”
Can't play this time
>>137635
He stands there, silent for a moment
“Well.... I don’t know if I can leave for that long. You know, town doctor and all.”
He stands there, silent for a moment
“Well.... I don’t know if I can leave for that long. You know, town doctor and all.”
>>137636
"We will just have to have to call in a replacement while on this urgent mission. I'm sure there is protocol for that."
"We will just have to have to call in a replacement while on this urgent mission. I'm sure there is protocol for that."
>>137637
“But I can’t tell them that!” He protests. “What am I supposed to do? Tell them that the town’s doctor won’t be in today because he is helping rebels?”
“But I can’t tell them that!” He protests. “What am I supposed to do? Tell them that the town’s doctor won’t be in today because he is helping rebels?”
>>137638
"Because he is helping an important changeling that needs medical attention, and they haven't provided enough supply to your station to get the job done. And they will believe it too, with the monsters and all."
"Because he is helping an important changeling that needs medical attention, and they haven't provided enough supply to your station to get the job done. And they will believe it too, with the monsters and all."
>>137639
“Uh... heheh, I’ll let you lead on this one. I’m just not so sure these... ‘friends’ of yours will like what those in Whinnyapolis have to tell them.”
“Uh... heheh, I’ll let you lead on this one. I’m just not so sure these... ‘friends’ of yours will like what those in Whinnyapolis have to tell them.”
>>137643
“Because even ponies would reject it if they heard it, and because I don’t want to displease your friends.”
“Because even ponies would reject it if they heard it, and because I don’t want to displease your friends.”
>>137644
"It is better to be displeased than to take a trip far away to learn the same news. What is it?"
"It is better to be displeased than to take a trip far away to learn the same news. What is it?"
>>137645
“Well... it’s not without good reason they would reject it. Normally I would want a biopsy for confirmation, or a sample. Maybe an x-ray. At the very least I’d have liked to press down on that swelling to tell if it was solid, full of liquid, or what. But the subject isn’t sedated, and I don’t want to cause so much pain that he tries to rip my throat out, or his friends jump me... But I know what this looks like, based on what I saw and what they told me. It looks like cancer. Maybe of the mesothelial lining of the lungs, hard to tell. It looks a little advanced, and it’s almost certainly terminal if it really is cancer. Six months with decent luck, maybe twice that with treatment. Could be less.”
“Well... it’s not without good reason they would reject it. Normally I would want a biopsy for confirmation, or a sample. Maybe an x-ray. At the very least I’d have liked to press down on that swelling to tell if it was solid, full of liquid, or what. But the subject isn’t sedated, and I don’t want to cause so much pain that he tries to rip my throat out, or his friends jump me... But I know what this looks like, based on what I saw and what they told me. It looks like cancer. Maybe of the mesothelial lining of the lungs, hard to tell. It looks a little advanced, and it’s almost certainly terminal if it really is cancer. Six months with decent luck, maybe twice that with treatment. Could be less.”
>>137647
“Treatment is very different from a cure, and the added months of life - it would be measured in months - won’t necessarily be pleasant. But yes, he’d have to travel to get treatment. He’d have to travel to confirm that he even has cancer, and he didn’t just suddenly become allergic to... deer, or foals, or whatever it is he eats.”
“Treatment is very different from a cure, and the added months of life - it would be measured in months - won’t necessarily be pleasant. But yes, he’d have to travel to get treatment. He’d have to travel to confirm that he even has cancer, and he didn’t just suddenly become allergic to... deer, or foals, or whatever it is he eats.”
>>137648
"Well, you still ought to inform them about this. I can assure you that you won't be harmed for giving your diagnosis."
"Well, you still ought to inform them about this. I can assure you that you won't be harmed for giving your diagnosis."
>>137651
"Uh... okay..."
The doctor slowly walks up to the group of four wolves. Makade is the first to see them, pointing his ears forward and coming closer, trying to speak to both Spark and the doctor.
“What were you two talking about? What could you not tell us?”
This time, the doctor tries to answer
“It’s considering the diagnosis. It’s… now please remember, usually we’d want a biopsy to confirm, or at least, a much closer examination than I can do out here.” He is completely emotionless when he says “There is only so much I can do in a forest clearing.”
Waabishki moves forward quickly
“But do you know what it is?!”
“Well, I have a suspicion,” he answers.
“What is it!?” She demands
“Okay… It’s not a firm diagnosis, but it’s a guess based upon what I’ve seen.” He walks around so that he is perpendicular to Miskobag, lying down on the sled. The doctor looks Miskobag in the eye. “I think it’s cancer. It seems like cancer. Maybe Mesothelioma, hard to say.”
Waabishki pulls her lips back and lowers her head, still annoyed. But Makade’s ears fall slowly, his eyes loose their focus, and his lips loosen, almost like a wilting plant. Miskobag keeps his pained wince, but his eyes seem to water. The peppered wolf remains confused, looking in the direction of Spark.
“Cancer? What is cancer?” Waabishki impatiently asks, lowering her head closer to the ground.
The doctor tries to answer “It’s the uncontrolled growth of tissue in parts of the body.”
Waabishki almost interrupts him. “So what is the cure? What would your medicine have him do?”
The doctor looks afraid for a moment, and tries to speak to her.
“There… there… there isn’t a cure. Not really anyways. I think he will die. Maybe some months, maybe a year if he takes certain treatments.”
Waabishki’s expression drifts quickly towards where Makade’s has been, with her jaw opening up, her ears turning down, and her golden eyes becoming very wide. Tears flow down, already dripping onto the snow-covered ground. But after some seconds, she lowers her head, pulls her ears back, and pulls her lips all the way back, baring her teeth in an unambigiously threatening manner at the doctor
“Then what good is your worthless medicine, you alleged doctor!”
The doctor immediately turns around, and bolts back frantically. As soon as the doctor turns, Waabishki bolts after him. For one half second, it looks like Waabishki will chase down the doctor. Makade moves a single step forward, the peppered wolf jumps forward two paces, and perhaps most surprisingly of all, Miskobag yells in his deep voice “STOP.” Waabishki stops after two or three paces. Maybe she stopped at Miskobag’s command, but maybe she stopped because the doctor stopped, as the doctor is now behind Spark, using him to separate himself from Waabishki. Waabishki starts to wail.
"Uh... okay..."
The doctor slowly walks up to the group of four wolves. Makade is the first to see them, pointing his ears forward and coming closer, trying to speak to both Spark and the doctor.
“What were you two talking about? What could you not tell us?”
This time, the doctor tries to answer
“It’s considering the diagnosis. It’s… now please remember, usually we’d want a biopsy to confirm, or at least, a much closer examination than I can do out here.” He is completely emotionless when he says “There is only so much I can do in a forest clearing.”
Waabishki moves forward quickly
“But do you know what it is?!”
“Well, I have a suspicion,” he answers.
“What is it!?” She demands
“Okay… It’s not a firm diagnosis, but it’s a guess based upon what I’ve seen.” He walks around so that he is perpendicular to Miskobag, lying down on the sled. The doctor looks Miskobag in the eye. “I think it’s cancer. It seems like cancer. Maybe Mesothelioma, hard to say.”
Waabishki pulls her lips back and lowers her head, still annoyed. But Makade’s ears fall slowly, his eyes loose their focus, and his lips loosen, almost like a wilting plant. Miskobag keeps his pained wince, but his eyes seem to water. The peppered wolf remains confused, looking in the direction of Spark.
“Cancer? What is cancer?” Waabishki impatiently asks, lowering her head closer to the ground.
The doctor tries to answer “It’s the uncontrolled growth of tissue in parts of the body.”
Waabishki almost interrupts him. “So what is the cure? What would your medicine have him do?”
The doctor looks afraid for a moment, and tries to speak to her.
“There… there… there isn’t a cure. Not really anyways. I think he will die. Maybe some months, maybe a year if he takes certain treatments.”
Waabishki’s expression drifts quickly towards where Makade’s has been, with her jaw opening up, her ears turning down, and her golden eyes becoming very wide. Tears flow down, already dripping onto the snow-covered ground. But after some seconds, she lowers her head, pulls her ears back, and pulls her lips all the way back, baring her teeth in an unambigiously threatening manner at the doctor
“Then what good is your worthless medicine, you alleged doctor!”
The doctor immediately turns around, and bolts back frantically. As soon as the doctor turns, Waabishki bolts after him. For one half second, it looks like Waabishki will chase down the doctor. Makade moves a single step forward, the peppered wolf jumps forward two paces, and perhaps most surprisingly of all, Miskobag yells in his deep voice “STOP.” Waabishki stops after two or three paces. Maybe she stopped at Miskobag’s command, but maybe she stopped because the doctor stopped, as the doctor is now behind Spark, using him to separate himself from Waabishki. Waabishki starts to wail.
>>137652
"The doctor can only do so much here with no means to further examine Miskobag. It is best not to attack somepony that has the courtesy to come this far and has offered to help us travel somewhere to seek a confirmation of suspicions and treatments. As for the illness, it may be best to also consider the aid of the spirits. Whether healing or comfort, it would be worth seeking their aid."
"The doctor can only do so much here with no means to further examine Miskobag. It is best not to attack somepony that has the courtesy to come this far and has offered to help us travel somewhere to seek a confirmation of suspicions and treatments. As for the illness, it may be best to also consider the aid of the spirits. Whether healing or comfort, it would be worth seeking their aid."
>>137653
It almost seems like Waabishki doesn't hear Spark. She quickly turns around, and runs to Miskobag, placing her head and muzzle near his neck, as he lifts up a foreleg to place over her head. She starts crying loudly into his fur.
"Ni-gikinoo'amaagewinini"
Makade has a very concerned and somber expression, staring back to the doctor and Spark. He then slowly turns away, going to the peppered wolf. He slowly takes off the portion of the harness most immediately tying the wolf to the front of the sled. He speaks to the wolf in their language, known only to them. Makade is soft and somber, while the peppered wolf speaks less, but in sharp and fearful questions. At the end, the peppered wolf jumps up, both ears up, then sharply down, and he runs to Miskobag, whining and trying to hug him with his foreleg. Makade slowly walks up to Waabishki, and places a paw on her shoulder.
It almost seems like Waabishki doesn't hear Spark. She quickly turns around, and runs to Miskobag, placing her head and muzzle near his neck, as he lifts up a foreleg to place over her head. She starts crying loudly into his fur.
"Ni-gikinoo'amaagewinini"
Makade has a very concerned and somber expression, staring back to the doctor and Spark. He then slowly turns away, going to the peppered wolf. He slowly takes off the portion of the harness most immediately tying the wolf to the front of the sled. He speaks to the wolf in their language, known only to them. Makade is soft and somber, while the peppered wolf speaks less, but in sharp and fearful questions. At the end, the peppered wolf jumps up, both ears up, then sharply down, and he runs to Miskobag, whining and trying to hug him with his foreleg. Makade slowly walks up to Waabishki, and places a paw on her shoulder.
>>137572
She gets out of the vehicle, at first saying nothing and seeming to not notice the gesture, but then looking back to silver with an awkward smile and uncertain expression. That expression is quickly replaced with laxed lips and what nears fear as the two look at the property of 33 Hoebuck. The building's beige stone exterior reflects the yellow lamps of the street, or the moonlight when the clouds clear, but these illuminated portions seem to almost hover in the air above more dimly lit portions of of the masonry, dark in the night, and the few leafless trees that surround the property make themselves known mostly by the silhouettes they leave on the view of the building. The entryway is taped off with police tape. There is one police cart outside the building, and parked within the area of the tape, and only two lonely lights are on, as seen through the window, both on the second floor.
She gets out of the vehicle, at first saying nothing and seeming to not notice the gesture, but then looking back to silver with an awkward smile and uncertain expression. That expression is quickly replaced with laxed lips and what nears fear as the two look at the property of 33 Hoebuck. The building's beige stone exterior reflects the yellow lamps of the street, or the moonlight when the clouds clear, but these illuminated portions seem to almost hover in the air above more dimly lit portions of of the masonry, dark in the night, and the few leafless trees that surround the property make themselves known mostly by the silhouettes they leave on the view of the building. The entryway is taped off with police tape. There is one police cart outside the building, and parked within the area of the tape, and only two lonely lights are on, as seen through the window, both on the second floor.
>>137659
Silver holds the police tape up and ducks his head to trot through the entryway. He looks back to Pear and motions with his head for her to follow.
"Coming? Police were rather lackadaisical last I was here, and it should not be difficult to come up with something to let us pass."
Silver holds the police tape up and ducks his head to trot through the entryway. He looks back to Pear and motions with his head for her to follow.
"Coming? Police were rather lackadaisical last I was here, and it should not be difficult to come up with something to let us pass."
>>137697
“Well... do you think you could get me artifacts? I mean, could you help me get me something that would help get an insight into their culture? Like one of their books. For academic purposes, it’s so hard to get a hold of these things.”
“Well... do you think you could get me artifacts? I mean, could you help me get me something that would help get an insight into their culture? Like one of their books. For academic purposes, it’s so hard to get a hold of these things.”
>>137706
“No, I mean...” she pulls her lips up to show her front teeth in something between a wince and a smile. “Can you help me?”
“No, I mean...” she pulls her lips up to show her front teeth in something between a wince and a smile. “Can you help me?”
>>137708
"Oh. Okay. I was confused for a moment there." she turns her head back to the dark building, with a sense of unease.
"Oh. Okay. I was confused for a moment there." she turns her head back to the dark building, with a sense of unease.
>>137712
Silver goes forward to the entry way in the administrative section (the middle section), and finds that the door is locked.
Silver goes forward to the entry way in the administrative section (the middle section), and finds that the door is locked.
>>137713
"Hmm. Then we will have to see if we can enter through shipping and receiving. Come on."
Silver trots along the side of the building until he reaches the shipping docks.
"Hmm. Then we will have to see if we can enter through shipping and receiving. Come on."
Silver trots along the side of the building until he reaches the shipping docks.
>>137714
Pear follows cautiously. But when Silver gets to the loading port, he finds that this, too, is locked.
Pear follows cautiously. But when Silver gets to the loading port, he finds that this, too, is locked.
>>137723
"Дерьмо."
The elder unicorn brings up a forehoof to rub the bridge of his snout.
"Okay, I know of one...possibly two other ways inside. Would you rather go in through drainage pipe, or see if nearby church connects to building?"
"Дерьмо."
The elder unicorn brings up a forehoof to rub the bridge of his snout.
"Okay, I know of one...possibly two other ways inside. Would you rather go in through drainage pipe, or see if nearby church connects to building?"
>>137744
She pulls her lips back in something that approaches a smile, albeit with her teeth in the back expose more than the teeth in the fore. It's hard to see in the dim light.
"Heh. I think I know which one I would prefer."
She pulls her lips back in something that approaches a smile, albeit with her teeth in the back expose more than the teeth in the fore. It's hard to see in the dim light.
"Heh. I think I know which one I would prefer."
>>137745
Silver smiles back, and lets out a bit of a chuckle.
"Heh, right. It is bit of trot, church is on other side of building. Let us go."
Silver smiles back, and lets out a bit of a chuckle.
"Heh, right. It is bit of trot, church is on other side of building. Let us go."
>>137748
"Okay." Pear follows him as Silver starts the walk back onto Hoebuck Street, then down to where Hoebuck Street splits off from Horseman Avenue. It's dark night, past twilight, yet still creatures roam the streets, as though the work day is over, the bars are far from closed. Nor is the darkness pure, as street lamps cast an almost obnoxiously yellow light upon that which is under, and waning gibbous moon casts a pale white light upon all, making the two ponies fairly visible to the groups of creatures - mostly griffins, though a couple zebra can be seen - who pass by talking in drunken merriment. Pear stays close to Silver, very close, as the two walk down the street the few blocks to Sacred Heart. Turning around the corner to Horseman Avenue, Silver sees the old Gilman Hotel, and across from it, the crumbling spires on either side of the street-facing portion of the Church of the Sacred Heart. Up the stairs to wooden doors, a paper on the door advertises reduced cost for lessons on the Schuhplattler.
"Okay." Pear follows him as Silver starts the walk back onto Hoebuck Street, then down to where Hoebuck Street splits off from Horseman Avenue. It's dark night, past twilight, yet still creatures roam the streets, as though the work day is over, the bars are far from closed. Nor is the darkness pure, as street lamps cast an almost obnoxiously yellow light upon that which is under, and waning gibbous moon casts a pale white light upon all, making the two ponies fairly visible to the groups of creatures - mostly griffins, though a couple zebra can be seen - who pass by talking in drunken merriment. Pear stays close to Silver, very close, as the two walk down the street the few blocks to Sacred Heart. Turning around the corner to Horseman Avenue, Silver sees the old Gilman Hotel, and across from it, the crumbling spires on either side of the street-facing portion of the Church of the Sacred Heart. Up the stairs to wooden doors, a paper on the door advertises reduced cost for lessons on the Schuhplattler.
>>137758
This works, actually.
Silver opens the door to find the wooden floored almost square room with sections to either side, with its decaying ceiling, has had most of the seats removed from the floor. Only a few chairs can be found off to the side, and there is what resembles a tabernacle over in the back besides a couple doors, a recessed are, and a raised section holding the equipment of a band. The center of the floor is clear.
This works, actually.
Silver opens the door to find the wooden floored almost square room with sections to either side, with its decaying ceiling, has had most of the seats removed from the floor. Only a few chairs can be found off to the side, and there is what resembles a tabernacle over in the back besides a couple doors, a recessed are, and a raised section holding the equipment of a band. The center of the floor is clear.
>>137759
Silver lets out a forlorn sigh.
"This used to be Northern Orthodox church. It is sad to see it in such state."
Silver lets out a forlorn sigh.
"This used to be Northern Orthodox church. It is sad to see it in such state."
>>137760
She looks up, and around, carefully studying the church
"I can see... the sections to the side look to be added on in later construction. The shape of the center section is more like the Reformed tradition... But this is very degraded."
She looks rather solemn, staring at the white paint on the lower sections of the walls, or what frescos of the princesses that were never covered, higher up on the ceiling.
She looks up, and around, carefully studying the church
"I can see... the sections to the side look to be added on in later construction. The shape of the center section is more like the Reformed tradition... But this is very degraded."
She looks rather solemn, staring at the white paint on the lower sections of the walls, or what frescos of the princesses that were never covered, higher up on the ceiling.
>>137761
Silver trots around the wooden floor, listening to his hoofsteps for any hollow sounds that would expose a hatch's location.
Silver trots around the wooden floor, listening to his hoofsteps for any hollow sounds that would expose a hatch's location.
>>137763
On the main wooden floor - that is, the portion of the floor in front of the raised section holding the altar and the musical instruments - Silver can hear a ring that signifies that underneath is neither solid foundation, nor at any part is the floor especially thin or hollow, as if suspended over air by a single sheet of wood. The sections off to the left and right, which don't even have wood, provide no ring.
On the main wooden floor - that is, the portion of the floor in front of the raised section holding the altar and the musical instruments - Silver can hear a ring that signifies that underneath is neither solid foundation, nor at any part is the floor especially thin or hollow, as if suspended over air by a single sheet of wood. The sections off to the left and right, which don't even have wood, provide no ring.
>>137768
While Silver looks for some kind of hatch, he asks Pear a question.
"You have experience with different denominations of Celestialism. Are there any you are more attracted to than others?"
While Silver looks for some kind of hatch, he asks Pear a question.
"You have experience with different denominations of Celestialism. Are there any you are more attracted to than others?"
>>137769
There does not seem to be any hatch on the main floor in the front portion of the room.
"That's.... Well, my father was in the Reformed Tradition. He didn't attend much. They have a very solemn way of practicing, I think. My Mother was in the Harmonist Universal sect. They are more ritualistic. Especially the rites of the brand her mother came from. There's something about the ritualism that appeals to me."
There does not seem to be any hatch on the main floor in the front portion of the room.
"That's.... Well, my father was in the Reformed Tradition. He didn't attend much. They have a very solemn way of practicing, I think. My Mother was in the Harmonist Universal sect. They are more ritualistic. Especially the rites of the brand her mother came from. There's something about the ritualism that appeals to me."
>>137770
Since this implies there are other parts of this church, I would assume Silver goes to check those. He nods in response to her answer.
"And Northern Orthodox?"
Since this implies there are other parts of this church, I would assume Silver goes to check those. He nods in response to her answer.
"And Northern Orthodox?"
Sorry, I've been preoccupied lately. I can start playing again tomorrow.
>>137771
She tries to give a faint smile. Or she seems to, if Silver is paying attention
"They are more mystical. They are the opposite of the Reformed, in many ways."
The raised section, half circular in shape, is comparatively solid, or even entirely solid at points, though segments near the instrument resonate a bit more. Going down on the floor below, behind, and to the sides, the segment that separates the main floor from the section that surrounds the platform containing the altar, is solid. But just a step beyond, and it sounds more like the main floor. The semi circle surrounding the platform is wooden, but it is a different sort of wood, seemingly older than the main floor. It sounds comparatively normal...
Until Silver arrives on a section in front of a door. Here is an unmistakable knocking sound when Silver stomps on it.
>>137784
That's alright. I'll probably be around tomorrow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsM_VmN6ytk
She tries to give a faint smile. Or she seems to, if Silver is paying attention
"They are more mystical. They are the opposite of the Reformed, in many ways."
The raised section, half circular in shape, is comparatively solid, or even entirely solid at points, though segments near the instrument resonate a bit more. Going down on the floor below, behind, and to the sides, the segment that separates the main floor from the section that surrounds the platform containing the altar, is solid. But just a step beyond, and it sounds more like the main floor. The semi circle surrounding the platform is wooden, but it is a different sort of wood, seemingly older than the main floor. It sounds comparatively normal...
Until Silver arrives on a section in front of a door. Here is an unmistakable knocking sound when Silver stomps on it.
>>137784
That's alright. I'll probably be around tomorrow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsM_VmN6ytk
>>137787
Silver nods in response to her question.
"It is much how I remember it. I thought it was so odd learning as foal that other denominations thought idols of Celestia were blasphemous."
He smiles once he hears the knocking sound, and attempts to use his magic to lift on this section of floor.
Silver nods in response to her question.
"It is much how I remember it. I thought it was so odd learning as foal that other denominations thought idols of Celestia were blasphemous."
He smiles once he hears the knocking sound, and attempts to use his magic to lift on this section of floor.
>>137803
“Well, the idea is that it isn’t Celestia herself, but what she represents...” she stands there with her mouth partly open, and tilts her head a little to the side, like she is contemplating whether to say more. But she does not continue.
When Silver pulls at the panel, it seems to give slightly, to lift up a small fraction of an inch. But it does not rise, as it stops
“Well, the idea is that it isn’t Celestia herself, but what she represents...” she stands there with her mouth partly open, and tilts her head a little to the side, like she is contemplating whether to say more. But she does not continue.
When Silver pulls at the panel, it seems to give slightly, to lift up a small fraction of an inch. But it does not rise, as it stops
>>137805
Silver looks over to her, a little curious what it was she was going to say.
"What is wrong? I find what you have to say on religion very interesting."
Silver looks over to her, a little curious what it was she was going to say.
"What is wrong? I find what you have to say on religion very interesting."
>>137806
“Well... I meant that the reformed think that placing too much emphasis on physical representations of certain figures can amount to fetishism... and in any case, distracts from the ideas, and the principles the representations are made to represent.” She says, somewhat softly
“Well... I meant that the reformed think that placing too much emphasis on physical representations of certain figures can amount to fetishism... and in any case, distracts from the ideas, and the principles the representations are made to represent.” She says, somewhat softly
>>137807
Silver looks around for an outline of a hatch in the floor, or anything that looks like a handle.
"Then what is it they think of Celestia? Not as our Goddess, but as pony and our ruler?"
Silver looks around for an outline of a hatch in the floor, or anything that looks like a handle.
"Then what is it they think of Celestia? Not as our Goddess, but as pony and our ruler?"
>>137809
“Well... that’s a matter of politics, really. But generally... She is the mother of Equestria. Or at the very least, the older sister, that helped guide the ponies through life.”
“Well... that’s a matter of politics, really. But generally... She is the mother of Equestria. Or at the very least, the older sister, that helped guide the ponies through life.”
>>137810
"But she is physical representation of Harmony, yes? Would they have problem worshipping her?"
"But she is physical representation of Harmony, yes? Would they have problem worshipping her?"
>>137814
“I never said it was true... or even that I fully understand their theology...”
There seems to be a kind of outline in the floor, maybe where the boards end. It seems to correlate well with the door on the wall
“I never said it was true... or even that I fully understand their theology...”
There seems to be a kind of outline in the floor, maybe where the boards end. It seems to correlate well with the door on the wall
>>137816
"It is alright, I suppose it is just differences between Northern Orthodoxy and Reformed beliefs. We less worshipped Harmony - though we did worship it somewhat - and more worshipped Goddess Celestia herself."
Silver decides he should probably try the door.
"It is alright, I suppose it is just differences between Northern Orthodoxy and Reformed beliefs. We less worshipped Harmony - though we did worship it somewhat - and more worshipped Goddess Celestia herself."
Silver decides he should probably try the door.
>>137817
It’s... a walk-in closet. There are costumes on racks on each side. There is no light on. The floor is the sand kind of wood as outside.
It’s... a walk-in closet. There are costumes on racks on each side. There is no light on. The floor is the sand kind of wood as outside.
>>137818
Silver desides to try to see if the floor of the closet is the hatch he's looking for.
"I am somewhat curious, since this is topic I do actually know about: what is it you know about Orthodoxy?"
Silver desides to try to see if the floor of the closet is the hatch he's looking for.
"I am somewhat curious, since this is topic I do actually know about: what is it you know about Orthodoxy?"
>>137819
Roll wisdom
“We covered some of its principles in Comparative Religion when I was an undergraduate.”
Roll wisdom
“We covered some of its principles in Comparative Religion when I was an undergraduate.”
>>137821
Silver can make out the outline of a wooden rectangle on the floor at the beginning of the closet, and extending into part of the floor outside.
“Well, a belief that a connection to the larger universe can be made by means of experience and feeling, rather than, let’s say, action.”
Silver can make out the outline of a wooden rectangle on the floor at the beginning of the closet, and extending into part of the floor outside.
“Well, a belief that a connection to the larger universe can be made by means of experience and feeling, rather than, let’s say, action.”
>>137822
"That is very intellectual answer, I must say. I am afraid I do not know quite what it means."
He tries the hatch now, since the door is open.
"That is very intellectual answer, I must say. I am afraid I do not know quite what it means."
He tries the hatch now, since the door is open.
>>137823
And clack. The hatch opens. Pear jumps slightly. The hatch opens to a wooden stairwell to a dark basement with brick walls.
And clack. The hatch opens. Pear jumps slightly. The hatch opens to a wooden stairwell to a dark basement with brick walls.
Sorry I wasn't able to make it, that's entirely on me
>>137824
Silver smiles at Pear before pulling his flashlight from his bags and descending the stairs into the dark below.
Silver smiles at Pear before pulling his flashlight from his bags and descending the stairs into the dark below.
>>137826
The room is dark, revealing nothing but where the light hits. The floor is concrete, and the walls are a yellow brick of a semi-modern style. It looks like the room is a full sized basement.
Pear takes a peak down
“I wasn’t expecting this...”
The room is dark, revealing nothing but where the light hits. The floor is concrete, and the walls are a yellow brick of a semi-modern style. It looks like the room is a full sized basement.
Pear takes a peak down
“I wasn’t expecting this...”
>>137827
Silver shines his flashlight around the room, to get an idea of what is inside. He steps forward to give Pear room to come down.
"What is it you were expecting?"
Silver shines his flashlight around the room, to get an idea of what is inside. He steps forward to give Pear room to come down.
"What is it you were expecting?"
>>137828
Mostly the room is open, evidently occupying, for the most part, the area under the main floor. The stairs going down goes towards a wall, requiring Silver to look back to see most of the room. Though much of the space is empty floor, it has more than a few items of note. A number of chairs, like what Silver saw a few nights before. A set of restraints. A stone statue of a griffin, albeit admittedly a fairly mundane looking one On each side of the room painted onto the wall, a symbol like a radiating and rotating sun. And what seem to be entrances.
Pear answers
“I don’t... know”
But she doesn’t hesitate in following Silver down the stairs
“Probably should have tied my tail up...”
Mostly the room is open, evidently occupying, for the most part, the area under the main floor. The stairs going down goes towards a wall, requiring Silver to look back to see most of the room. Though much of the space is empty floor, it has more than a few items of note. A number of chairs, like what Silver saw a few nights before. A set of restraints. A stone statue of a griffin, albeit admittedly a fairly mundane looking one On each side of the room painted onto the wall, a symbol like a radiating and rotating sun. And what seem to be entrances.
Pear answers
“I don’t... know”
But she doesn’t hesitate in following Silver down the stairs
“Probably should have tied my tail up...”
>>137829
The restraints confuse and concern the elder unicorn. He looks back at Pear.
"Well, if you did not mind having your hair down, we could tie your tail up into bun."
The restraints confuse and concern the elder unicorn. He looks back at Pear.
"Well, if you did not mind having your hair down, we could tie your tail up into bun."
>>137830
“Well... usually I just wrap it, to keep it out of the way and to keep the moisture in the air from messing it up. Maybe a bun is necessary in a structure like this? Maybe... a long tail could be pulled by an attacker? I don’t know....”
“Well... usually I just wrap it, to keep it out of the way and to keep the moisture in the air from messing it up. Maybe a bun is necessary in a structure like this? Maybe... a long tail could be pulled by an attacker? I don’t know....”
>>137831
"I do not think we will run into one...I hope. It is more if you are worried about messing your tail."
Which directions do the entrances face, relative to the rest of 33 Hoebuck?
"I do not think we will run into one...I hope. It is more if you are worried about messing your tail."
Which directions do the entrances face, relative to the rest of 33 Hoebuck?
>>137832
Two. Actually three, but one is in a section that makes it look like a side room One door facing Horseman Avenue. One door a little north and facing East, opposite of Horsemsn avenue and to the left of where Silver entered. One on the right side, in a set of wall that protrudes into the basement.
“I... alright. I should probably just wrap it then, as I do in most field work”
Two. Actually three, but one is in a section that makes it look like a side room One door facing Horseman Avenue. One door a little north and facing East, opposite of Horsemsn avenue and to the left of where Silver entered. One on the right side, in a set of wall that protrudes into the basement.
“I... alright. I should probably just wrap it then, as I do in most field work”
>>137834
“It’s difficult to do while standing... normally I do it while sitting, but the floor is dirty... so I wouldn’t mind help.”
“It’s difficult to do while standing... normally I do it while sitting, but the floor is dirty... so I wouldn’t mind help.”
>>137835
He nods, gives her a soft smile, and gently pulls out the band he used to put up her mane. She feels his magic grab a hold of her tail as he offers her an apology, before he trots behind her and works on putting it up in a neat little bun. He focuses solely on her tail, and averts his eyes away from anything else in the same vicinity to give her at least the barest minimum decency.
He nods, gives her a soft smile, and gently pulls out the band he used to put up her mane. She feels his magic grab a hold of her tail as he offers her an apology, before he trots behind her and works on putting it up in a neat little bun. He focuses solely on her tail, and averts his eyes away from anything else in the same vicinity to give her at least the barest minimum decency.
>>137836
She pulls out a second or more bands rather than letting her mane come down; she wants that up for the same reasons as her tail.
She lists her tail up slightly to let this be done, not seeming to mind any part of the process. Soon, Silver is able to get it into a neat enough gun, though the amount of hair in her long, somewhat bushy tail is rather high.
She pulls out a second or more bands rather than letting her mane come down; she wants that up for the same reasons as her tail.
She lists her tail up slightly to let this be done, not seeming to mind any part of the process. Soon, Silver is able to get it into a neat enough gun, though the amount of hair in her long, somewhat bushy tail is rather high.
>>137837
Thanks for the clarification.
He smiles to himself once the job is done.
"There! Not bad for old stallion, eh?"
Thanks for the clarification.
He smiles to himself once the job is done.
"There! Not bad for old stallion, eh?"
>>137838
“Uh, sure”
She smiles awkwardly, moves her tail, then turns around to face Silver.
“Now let’s try to uncover whatever is hiding here.”
“Uh, sure”
She smiles awkwardly, moves her tail, then turns around to face Silver.
“Now let’s try to uncover whatever is hiding here.”
>>137840
Opening the door... Silver finds a small room, perhaps five by seven feet and rectangular in shape, with a hole in the concrete on the floor, and indeed with no floor at all in portions with clay and sand visible, a single empty pail on the ground, and a couple pipes visible at the end of the tiny room.
Opening the door... Silver finds a small room, perhaps five by seven feet and rectangular in shape, with a hole in the concrete on the floor, and indeed with no floor at all in portions with clay and sand visible, a single empty pail on the ground, and a couple pipes visible at the end of the tiny room.
>>137842
It's a square hole, and inside is sand. The sand is moist, and partly mixed with silt and clay. In some areas is several; inches deeper than the floor, while on the side opposite Silver it even escapes the floor and covers a small portion of the concrete.
Pear remains in the main room and looks around
"I know some buildings were raised about four decades ago. I wonder if this is one of them."
It's a square hole, and inside is sand. The sand is moist, and partly mixed with silt and clay. In some areas is several; inches deeper than the floor, while on the side opposite Silver it even escapes the floor and covers a small portion of the concrete.
Pear remains in the main room and looks around
"I know some buildings were raised about four decades ago. I wonder if this is one of them."
[1d2 = 2]
>>137843
"With as close as building is to ocean, I can believe that. I wonder if this hole was dug to measure ocean levels, and if it started filling with water it was alert that ocean was rising."
Ultimately, Silver decides there isn't must else of interest in this room, and heads back into the main room. Looking at the two other pathways, he picks one at random.
"Eeny, meeny, miny..."
>>137843
"With as close as building is to ocean, I can believe that. I wonder if this hole was dug to measure ocean levels, and if it started filling with water it was alert that ocean was rising."
Ultimately, Silver decides there isn't must else of interest in this room, and heads back into the main room. Looking at the two other pathways, he picks one at random.
"Eeny, meeny, miny..."
>>137844
She takes a peak into the room
"Looks like unfinished construction. But maybe. If the water table is this high, something has gone wrong."
The entrance is covered by a small steel door that takes some effort to pull open. But when Silver does, it reveals the entrance to a tunnel with brick walls, and a height just barely enough for a quadruped to walk through. While electric lights seem to be rigged inside of the tunnel (a wire running through the ceiling is visible), there is no light in the tunnel, and Silver stares into darkness with no end in sight
She takes a peak into the room
"Looks like unfinished construction. But maybe. If the water table is this high, something has gone wrong."
The entrance is covered by a small steel door that takes some effort to pull open. But when Silver does, it reveals the entrance to a tunnel with brick walls, and a height just barely enough for a quadruped to walk through. While electric lights seem to be rigged inside of the tunnel (a wire running through the ceiling is visible), there is no light in the tunnel, and Silver stares into darkness with no end in sight
>>137846
"Let us see where this leads, shall we?"
After waiting for Pear, Silver shines his light down the tunnel and follows it.
"Let us see where this leads, shall we?"
After waiting for Pear, Silver shines his light down the tunnel and follows it.
>>137847
She looks down the tunnel, somewhat concerned, but follows.
The tunnel goes forward some length, likely at least 100 feet, straight and away from Horseman avenue. The floor is dirt, and at points the tunnel seems to sag. This goes on until it dead ends at another door.
She looks down the tunnel, somewhat concerned, but follows.
The tunnel goes forward some length, likely at least 100 feet, straight and away from Horseman avenue. The floor is dirt, and at points the tunnel seems to sag. This goes on until it dead ends at another door.
>>137850
At first the door scarcely budges, though a scraping sound hints at what may come with more effort. Evidently the door presses hard into the bottom of the doorwell, bent out of shape from its original construction. With a shove, the flies open, and reveals another tunnel. But this tunnel is older and lined with yellow brick, closer to cylindrical in shape with curved walls, and much taller, while running perpendicular to the direction Silver came. The floor of the tunnel is slightly lower than the floor of the tunnel Silver is moving through, and the ceiling somewhat higher. This tunnel, too, is unlit.
At first the door scarcely budges, though a scraping sound hints at what may come with more effort. Evidently the door presses hard into the bottom of the doorwell, bent out of shape from its original construction. With a shove, the flies open, and reveals another tunnel. But this tunnel is older and lined with yellow brick, closer to cylindrical in shape with curved walls, and much taller, while running perpendicular to the direction Silver came. The floor of the tunnel is slightly lower than the floor of the tunnel Silver is moving through, and the ceiling somewhat higher. This tunnel, too, is unlit.
>>137852
The tunnel goes off in two directions, one to the left and north, and the other to the south. The tunnel feels at least somewhat damp, and in the silence Silver can hear the scurrying of mice.
Pear:
"It's like a dream I had. Or like those serials they play at the cinema, or on the radio."
The tunnel goes off in two directions, one to the left and north, and the other to the south. The tunnel feels at least somewhat damp, and in the silence Silver can hear the scurrying of mice.
Pear:
"It's like a dream I had. Or like those serials they play at the cinema, or on the radio."
[1d2 = 2]
>>137853
"I suppose I could see that. How long ago do you think this was built? Was it part of original construction?"
Silver chooses...
>>137853
"I suppose I could see that. How long ago do you think this was built? Was it part of original construction?"
Silver chooses...
>>137855
This path goes maybe 50 feet. The tunnel dead ends at a brick wall - though it is a brick wall that looks a little different in color from the remainder. Immediately to the wall's right, is a concrete door well. Though there is no door, and there are steps leading up to a door well.
This path goes maybe 50 feet. The tunnel dead ends at a brick wall - though it is a brick wall that looks a little different in color from the remainder. Immediately to the wall's right, is a concrete door well. Though there is no door, and there are steps leading up to a door well.
>>137856
"Huh. Looks like this path was sealed off at some point."
Silver tries the door wells on the right.
"Huh. Looks like this path was sealed off at some point."
Silver tries the door wells on the right.
>>137858
Silver looks at Pear.
"Well...unless you have way to unlock it, now would be good time to step back so I can buck it open."
Silver looks at Pear.
"Well...unless you have way to unlock it, now would be good time to step back so I can buck it open."
>>137859
Silver scarcely needs to say anything. She stands far back, though she seems to be averse to the darkness.
Silver scarcely needs to say anything. She stands far back, though she seems to be averse to the darkness.
>>137861
The door has five points of contact with the wall: three hinges, the closing mechanism, and the lock. All five are broken as the door breaks from the wall and falls to hit the wall on the other side.
Just looking in, Silver can see a lit white washed wall
The door has five points of contact with the wall: three hinges, the closing mechanism, and the lock. All five are broken as the door breaks from the wall and falls to hit the wall on the other side.
Just looking in, Silver can see a lit white washed wall
>>137863
Looking inside, Silver can see that he is on one side of the end of a hallway. Exactly what this building is isn't clear, but it's certainly newer than the tunnels from which they came
Looking inside, Silver can see that he is on one side of the end of a hallway. Exactly what this building is isn't clear, but it's certainly newer than the tunnels from which they came
>>137569
Amber's ears twitch anxiously as High Sewn recounts her encounter with the gang members. Are ponies that mean? And why would anypony cause trouble all of a sudden?
Amber's ears twitch anxiously as High Sewn recounts her encounter with the gang members. Are ponies that mean? And why would anypony cause trouble all of a sudden?
>>137867
The officer seems to ask High Sewn a number of questions, but the interview concludes eventually, and the officer walks away, and out of the shop.
>>137865
Silver enters the hallway to find white washed cinderblock walls, dead ending at a window on the left, but continuing down the hallway on the right, with a couple doors, a window looking into a room, and ending in a door
The officer seems to ask High Sewn a number of questions, but the interview concludes eventually, and the officer walks away, and out of the shop.
>>137865
Silver enters the hallway to find white washed cinderblock walls, dead ending at a window on the left, but continuing down the hallway on the right, with a couple doors, a window looking into a room, and ending in a door
>>137871
The windows are simple pieces of glass. The one at the far end leads into a larger room with a high ceiling, concrete floors and a light on the far end with stacks of some rectangular item some five feet high in piles. Looking into the window on each of the rooms, it seems to be an internal office space in a bricked in room with one window on the far side.
The windows are simple pieces of glass. The one at the far end leads into a larger room with a high ceiling, concrete floors and a light on the far end with stacks of some rectangular item some five feet high in piles. Looking into the window on each of the rooms, it seems to be an internal office space in a bricked in room with one window on the far side.
Amber gathers information about hardware stores nearby. [1d20+2 = 20]
>>137875
A contractor who specializes in repairing windows can be phoned, to replace the window hopefully from stock in town. Windows can be carted and either installed by a crew, or simply delivered and installed by the recipient.
A contractor who specializes in repairing windows can be phoned, to replace the window hopefully from stock in town. Windows can be carted and either installed by a crew, or simply delivered and installed by the recipient.
>>137876
Amber approaches High Sewn with an anxious smile. "Ma'am, this here is a phone number of a shop that does windows. Do you want them to install it or us to do the job?"
Amber approaches High Sewn with an anxious smile. "Ma'am, this here is a phone number of a shop that does windows. Do you want them to install it or us to do the job?"
>>137877
She looks at Amber for a moment.
"It's probably best to let them install it."
Outside, a stallion in a baggy grey duster and a fedora looks inside the shop.
She looks at Amber for a moment.
"It's probably best to let them install it."
Outside, a stallion in a baggy grey duster and a fedora looks inside the shop.
Amber hurries to clean up what's left of the broken glass. She calls out to the stallion, "Don't mind the mess. Is there anything you might like?"
>>137879
The stallion approaches Amber. The duster covers much of his body, baggy on the back, but showing part of a short black tail, large hooves covered in greyish fur, and most of his face. His muzzle is a dark grey, and his fur is a grey with a purplish hue, though it has several stripes along the back of his neck and the side of his face that are a much darker grey. His mane is well kept and short black, and his eyes are a dark amber. His fedora covers the tips of his ears, though the bottom portion is visible. His grey duster has a rectangle with checkered yellow and black and a mare on it, as well as a separate circle with three downwards left facing white arrows in it.
"Ma'am. Do you work at this establishment?" He asks. His voice is deep, and definitely accented to the Celestial Coast region.
>>137880
Pear, though reluctant, comes up and into the hallway
"I... Don't know... it looks like a building in Eastern Redheart."
The stallion approaches Amber. The duster covers much of his body, baggy on the back, but showing part of a short black tail, large hooves covered in greyish fur, and most of his face. His muzzle is a dark grey, and his fur is a grey with a purplish hue, though it has several stripes along the back of his neck and the side of his face that are a much darker grey. His mane is well kept and short black, and his eyes are a dark amber. His fedora covers the tips of his ears, though the bottom portion is visible. His grey duster has a rectangle with checkered yellow and black and a mare on it, as well as a separate circle with three downwards left facing white arrows in it.
"Ma'am. Do you work at this establishment?" He asks. His voice is deep, and definitely accented to the Celestial Coast region.
>>137880
Pear, though reluctant, comes up and into the hallway
"I... Don't know... it looks like a building in Eastern Redheart."
>>137882
The stallion sits down, and pulls out a pencil and a notepad, holding it in his hooves and looking back at Amber
"Tell me - if I could avoid going through your boss - was this establishment the victim of a politically motivated attack?"
The stallion sits down, and pulls out a pencil and a notepad, holding it in his hooves and looking back at Amber
"Tell me - if I could avoid going through your boss - was this establishment the victim of a politically motivated attack?"
>>137883
"I…I think so. The stallion who broke the window didn't take anything, and Miss Sewn said nopony had threatened her for over a year…"
"I…I think so. The stallion who broke the window didn't take anything, and Miss Sewn said nopony had threatened her for over a year…"
>>137884
He looks at the drawing next to the window, and seems to reproduce it with delicacy in his notepad, gripping the pencil with his oversized hooves.
"So did you see him? What did he look like? Did he yell out any phrases?"
He looks at the drawing next to the window, and seems to reproduce it with delicacy in his notepad, gripping the pencil with his oversized hooves.
"So did you see him? What did he look like? Did he yell out any phrases?"
"He didn't say a word, but he did apparently draw that…" she says, gesturing to the anarchist symbol by the shop. Amber then painstakingly repeats the description she heard Guy give the police.
>>137886
He takes the time to write or draw something as Amber describes it to him. Then he looks back up to Amber
"Where did he go?"
He takes the time to write or draw something as Amber describes it to him. Then he looks back up to Amber
"Where did he go?"
>>137887
"He went down that-a-way. We tried to chase him but we lost him by the time we got to that alley down there with the metal stairs on the outside."
"He went down that-a-way. We tried to chase him but we lost him by the time we got to that alley down there with the metal stairs on the outside."
>>137881
Silver nods, and decides to keep exploring the building until he can find an external window or doorway.
Silver nods, and decides to keep exploring the building until he can find an external window or doorway.
>>137889
Amber hesitates, looking between the shop and the direction of the chase. Well, it's just about cleaned up, I don't think we're going to have more business today and they'll be installing the window themselves. Plus, it's not that far anyway…
"Alright, I'll take you there."
Sorry, have to call it for today.
Amber hesitates, looking between the shop and the direction of the chase. Well, it's just about cleaned up, I don't think we're going to have more business today and they'll be installing the window themselves. Plus, it's not that far anyway…
"Alright, I'll take you there."
Sorry, have to call it for today.
>>137890
At the end of the hallway, turning right, is a door that leads into a room that, looking through it, seems to be a reception area or foyer. This area is not illuminated in the night
At the end of the hallway, turning right, is a door that leads into a room that, looking through it, seems to be a reception area or foyer. This area is not illuminated in the night
>>137893
The door to the foyer is locked, but a mechanism to unlock the door can be found on the inside, which Silver presumably uses to unlock and open the door. This looks like a simple reception area with a desk, a window through the door to the back, a pair of simple wooden chairs, a hallway leading off to the left, some paper with writing hanging on the wall on a cork pin board on the left, and windows and a door on the opposite side
The door to the foyer is locked, but a mechanism to unlock the door can be found on the inside, which Silver presumably uses to unlock and open the door. This looks like a simple reception area with a desk, a window through the door to the back, a pair of simple wooden chairs, a hallway leading off to the left, some paper with writing hanging on the wall on a cork pin board on the left, and windows and a door on the opposite side
>>137907
On the wall are papers talking about varieties of doors available for purchase. Wooden doors, sometimes steel. Varieties with glass windows or not. Some information about what materials are in short supply, and about varieties of shipping and installation.
On the wall are papers talking about varieties of doors available for purchase. Wooden doors, sometimes steel. Varieties with glass windows or not. Some information about what materials are in short supply, and about varieties of shipping and installation.
>>137908
Silver's muzzle scrunches in confusion at this information, and investigates the window and door opposite to the cork board.
Silver's muzzle scrunches in confusion at this information, and investigates the window and door opposite to the cork board.
>>137909
The hall way goes further, towards a room with an open door, a desk and paperwork, past a closed door marked as a bathroom, past a stairway, and ending in a door with a window that view out into a large concrete-floored room with number poorly illuminated rectangles.
The hall way goes further, towards a room with an open door, a desk and paperwork, past a closed door marked as a bathroom, past a stairway, and ending in a door with a window that view out into a large concrete-floored room with number poorly illuminated rectangles.
>>137910
"Where are we...?"
Silver shines his flashlight through the window to better illuminate the room.
"Where are we...?"
Silver shines his flashlight through the window to better illuminate the room.
>>137911
Inside this room, there are indeed a number of doors, mostly appearing to be regular sized residential and commercial doors. This room is much larger, and has a brick wall with a deep shade of red. Silver can see that that room leads into others.
Inside this room, there are indeed a number of doors, mostly appearing to be regular sized residential and commercial doors. This room is much larger, and has a brick wall with a deep shade of red. Silver can see that that room leads into others.
>>137913
Pear has pulled up behind Silver, looking very uncertain about the whole ordeal.
“I... don’t know.”
Pear has pulled up behind Silver, looking very uncertain about the whole ordeal.
“I... don’t know.”
>>137914
"I have no idea where this is, if I am honest. I doubt this is part of 33 Hoebuck. Did you want to keep exploring here, or go back and try and find another route?"
"I have no idea where this is, if I am honest. I doubt this is part of 33 Hoebuck. Did you want to keep exploring here, or go back and try and find another route?"
>>137915
She looks uneasy. Her tail, previously held confidently high, is now firmly down.
“I don’t think we should be here.”
She looks uneasy. Her tail, previously held confidently high, is now firmly down.
“I don’t think we should be here.”
>>137918
Silver goes back through the hallway, through the door to the back hallway, and into the old, cramped hall through which they came, and steps over the locked down door and broken hinges back into the stairwell to the subterranean pathway
Silver goes back through the hallway, through the door to the back hallway, and into the old, cramped hall through which they came, and steps over the locked down door and broken hinges back into the stairwell to the subterranean pathway
>>137919
Having explored one of the forks in the tunnel they came across, Silver decides to explore the other.
Having explored one of the forks in the tunnel they came across, Silver decides to explore the other.
>>137920
This end of the tunnel is not very far from where Silver and Pear entered it, or at least, it is not as far as the distance the other way. Going that way, the ponies travel what is probably 200 or more feet down the old brick-lined tunnel. There is a smell of wet stone and at times, something less pleasant, as there is definitely mold growing in the tunnel, and who knows what else. Silver sees a rat scurry across. Pear jumps away, but makes no noise in relation to it. Finally, the tunnel ends in a yellow wall that matches the original construction, with a simple steel door off to the right side
This end of the tunnel is not very far from where Silver and Pear entered it, or at least, it is not as far as the distance the other way. Going that way, the ponies travel what is probably 200 or more feet down the old brick-lined tunnel. There is a smell of wet stone and at times, something less pleasant, as there is definitely mold growing in the tunnel, and who knows what else. Silver sees a rat scurry across. Pear jumps away, but makes no noise in relation to it. Finally, the tunnel ends in a yellow wall that matches the original construction, with a simple steel door off to the right side
>>137923
The door is neither locked nor pressing against the frame of the door. Opening the door, silver sees into a room that is yellow bricked, approximately medium in size, and empty besides a few coat racks. Mid way in the room part of the wall comes inward on the right side and nearly cutting the room in half, and there is what could best be described as a concrete bench along that portion of the wall, the half of the right wall nearest Silver. On the far side is still another door, though this one is partially open
The door is neither locked nor pressing against the frame of the door. Opening the door, silver sees into a room that is yellow bricked, approximately medium in size, and empty besides a few coat racks. Mid way in the room part of the wall comes inward on the right side and nearly cutting the room in half, and there is what could best be described as a concrete bench along that portion of the wall, the half of the right wall nearest Silver. On the far side is still another door, though this one is partially open
>>137925
Silver walks out into a somewhat narrow but long hallway. Looking right, there is another door further down and a dead end in yellow brick. But looking to the left, the hallway swiftly opens up into a larger hallway with a pair of steel doors and a newer tile floor.
Silver walks out into a somewhat narrow but long hallway. Looking right, there is another door further down and a dead end in yellow brick. But looking to the left, the hallway swiftly opens up into a larger hallway with a pair of steel doors and a newer tile floor.
>>137928
Walking out into this area, Silver recognizes were he is. He is under 33 Hoebuck in that portion between the forks and the administrative center, by the boiler room and that back-hallway that leads out to holding cells were Silver and friends found so much a few nights before.
Walking out into this area, Silver recognizes were he is. He is under 33 Hoebuck in that portion between the forks and the administrative center, by the boiler room and that back-hallway that leads out to holding cells were Silver and friends found so much a few nights before.
>>137930
She looks up and around, trying to take in her surroundings.
“So where should you take me first?” She asks
She looks up and around, trying to take in her surroundings.
“So where should you take me first?” She asks
>>137932
The little pony quickly comes up to Silver’s side, her upright posture displayed renewed enthusiasm
The little pony quickly comes up to Silver’s side, her upright posture displayed renewed enthusiasm
>>137934
Perhaps Silver is weary of running into guards or police as he makes his way up. All the same, it's just slightly down the hallway to a flight of stairs, then up to the dorms. Maybe he goes to the second floor to avoid walking by the glass doors on the first floor; in any event, he traverses the second floor of the administrative building to go to that one, horrid backroom where days before he found the printing press. One light at the far end of the second floor hall is on. All other light must be supplied by the flashlight, or if he intends subtlety, to walk in darkness. Pear follows Silver into the room. While the printing press itself is still present, the table is clear, the vat is empty, and there is indeed only one cardboard box in the corner of the room.
Perhaps Silver is weary of running into guards or police as he makes his way up. All the same, it's just slightly down the hallway to a flight of stairs, then up to the dorms. Maybe he goes to the second floor to avoid walking by the glass doors on the first floor; in any event, he traverses the second floor of the administrative building to go to that one, horrid backroom where days before he found the printing press. One light at the far end of the second floor hall is on. All other light must be supplied by the flashlight, or if he intends subtlety, to walk in darkness. Pear follows Silver into the room. While the printing press itself is still present, the table is clear, the vat is empty, and there is indeed only one cardboard box in the corner of the room.
>>137936
Silver is not disappointed: Inside the box are several very large, leather bound books with no title, description, nor other text. But he knows what it is.
Silver is not disappointed: Inside the box are several very large, leather bound books with no title, description, nor other text. But he knows what it is.
>>137938
She walks over and peaks in. Then, she pulls out a book with her hoof and looks at it, then sits down and uses both forelegs to examine it.
"Rather ugly leather" she remarks, then opens it, and her eyes go wide and for a moment she stops breathing, as she stares at the pages before her.
She walks over and peaks in. Then, she pulls out a book with her hoof and looks at it, then sits down and uses both forelegs to examine it.
"Rather ugly leather" she remarks, then opens it, and her eyes go wide and for a moment she stops breathing, as she stares at the pages before her.
>>137941
Silver raises an eyebrow, picks up one of the tomes in his magic reluctantly, and looks in it.
Silver raises an eyebrow, picks up one of the tomes in his magic reluctantly, and looks in it.
>>137942
Most of the text is in Herzlander, and what Silver can make out regardless implies secrets about the extra lunar spheres, or perhaps it is dimensions besides the three dimensions of space and the one of time occupied by matter. It is easy for Silver to understand Pear's evident feeling of having come in contact with forbidden knowledge.
Most of the text is in Herzlander, and what Silver can make out regardless implies secrets about the extra lunar spheres, or perhaps it is dimensions besides the three dimensions of space and the one of time occupied by matter. It is easy for Silver to understand Pear's evident feeling of having come in contact with forbidden knowledge.
>>137943
"I can see why you would be so taken by this, even if I do not understand it. Spheres, dimensions...I am not familiar, I must admit."
"I can see why you would be so taken by this, even if I do not understand it. Spheres, dimensions...I am not familiar, I must admit."
>>137944
"Neither am I..." She says almost vacantly as she looks at the pages, then flips one. Silver may think he hears distant conversation.
Then Pear adds,
"So few of these survive."
"Neither am I..." She says almost vacantly as she looks at the pages, then flips one. Silver may think he hears distant conversation.
Then Pear adds,
"So few of these survive."
>>137945
"Then it is good we got you one while we could. I suppose I will take one too, in case I ever manage to wrap my own head around it."
Silver's ears perk up and angle around at the detection of distant conversation.
"I hear voices. It will be little awkward running into them if we can not come up with plausible story for us being here. We can either leave now, or I can bring you to their ritual chamber. It is your choice."
"Then it is good we got you one while we could. I suppose I will take one too, in case I ever manage to wrap my own head around it."
Silver's ears perk up and angle around at the detection of distant conversation.
"I hear voices. It will be little awkward running into them if we can not come up with plausible story for us being here. We can either leave now, or I can bring you to their ritual chamber. It is your choice."
>>137946
"Heh" She makes a strained smile. "I'm not sure that's advisable."
"You hear voices? I think I hear something too. But I want to see the ritual chamber. I want to see whatever physical artifacts they left behind."
"Heh" She makes a strained smile. "I'm not sure that's advisable."
"You hear voices? I think I hear something too. But I want to see the ritual chamber. I want to see whatever physical artifacts they left behind."
>>137947
Silver nods, decides to put the book he had grabbed back in the cardboard box, and carefully leads Pear up to the ritual chamber.
Silver nods, decides to put the book he had grabbed back in the cardboard box, and carefully leads Pear up to the ritual chamber.
>>137948
Silver goes into the hallway, and for a moment it seems as if the distant conversation continues. But soon enough he is to a stairwell, taking him upstairs to the entrance foyer of the Chapel. Entering into the room with the high ceiling, Silver can see that the floor is cleaned, and most pews - some charred, broken, or even chopped - have been moved to the side, or perhaps even removed. But simple cleaning could not, and did not, remove all of blackened spots from the rear of the room, nor the dark, blackish spots near the center. Silver can see the two stone altars there are on the raised platform, not unlike as they were before.
Silver goes into the hallway, and for a moment it seems as if the distant conversation continues. But soon enough he is to a stairwell, taking him upstairs to the entrance foyer of the Chapel. Entering into the room with the high ceiling, Silver can see that the floor is cleaned, and most pews - some charred, broken, or even chopped - have been moved to the side, or perhaps even removed. But simple cleaning could not, and did not, remove all of blackened spots from the rear of the room, nor the dark, blackish spots near the center. Silver can see the two stone altars there are on the raised platform, not unlike as they were before.
>>137951
She walks forward. Slowly. Trying to look at everything, and take it in.
“Do you... want to tell me again, what that magic was?”
She walks forward. Slowly. Trying to look at everything, and take it in.
“Do you... want to tell me again, what that magic was?”
>>137952
"Primarily necromantic, which was used to bring back multiple dead cultists, but Boek also used mind-control magic to make living but unwilling cultists attack us, and he launched explosive fireballs at our group."
"Primarily necromantic, which was used to bring back multiple dead cultists, but Boek also used mind-control magic to make living but unwilling cultists attack us, and he launched explosive fireballs at our group."
>>137953
“Well... You haven’t disappointed me yet.”
She slowly walks up towards the altars, standing above one, holding out a hoof over it, and looking back to Silver
“Well... You haven’t disappointed me yet.”
She slowly walks up towards the altars, standing above one, holding out a hoof over it, and looking back to Silver
>>137955
She stares down at them
“I figured as much. I’ve seen similar things in the South-East, in my studies”
She stares down at them
“I figured as much. I’ve seen similar things in the South-East, in my studies”
>>137956
Silver trots over to where she's standing.
"I must admit, I did not know there was standard for sacrifical altars."
Silver trots over to where she's standing.
"I must admit, I did not know there was standard for sacrifical altars."
>>137957
“Well, there are only so many ways to conduct a sacrifice. You can kill them as they are kneeling, or sitting, or prostrate, but you don’t need an altar for that, and the action isn’t necessarily raised above for observers to see. Hanging hasn’t been popular, nor has crucifixion, for the purpose of sacrifice anyways. Burning is at least kind of popular, including with Maarists. Especially with Maarists... but if you want to sacrifice a subject before a crowd, laying them down on a raised altar is one of the best ways to do it.”
“Well, there are only so many ways to conduct a sacrifice. You can kill them as they are kneeling, or sitting, or prostrate, but you don’t need an altar for that, and the action isn’t necessarily raised above for observers to see. Hanging hasn’t been popular, nor has crucifixion, for the purpose of sacrifice anyways. Burning is at least kind of popular, including with Maarists. Especially with Maarists... but if you want to sacrifice a subject before a crowd, laying them down on a raised altar is one of the best ways to do it.”
>>137960
Silver looks up through the windows in ritual chamber.
"When Boek invoked Maar's power, it changed moonlight coming through windows. Does Maar have influence over moon, in Griffon beliefs?"
Silver looks up through the windows in ritual chamber.
"When Boek invoked Maar's power, it changed moonlight coming through windows. Does Maar have influence over moon, in Griffon beliefs?"
>>137961
“Not the moon per se... what lurks within the moon, or what hides in the craters, or on the far side, or in the dark voids surrounding... maybe. The moon light is a sort of fueling energy, it is thought.”
“Not the moon per se... what lurks within the moon, or what hides in the craters, or on the far side, or in the dark voids surrounding... maybe. The moon light is a sort of fueling energy, it is thought.”
>>137965
“So uh...” she looks up
“You see up there. The windows are directly above. You can’t see it right now because the time isn’t right, but this chapel is designed for the moon light to shine down directly at midnight on a full moon. Or the sun at noon, with the sunlight striking a slightly different part of the floor at different times of the year. That is why it was designed like this, when it was a Celestialist chapel.”
“So uh...” she looks up
“You see up there. The windows are directly above. You can’t see it right now because the time isn’t right, but this chapel is designed for the moon light to shine down directly at midnight on a full moon. Or the sun at noon, with the sunlight striking a slightly different part of the floor at different times of the year. That is why it was designed like this, when it was a Celestialist chapel.”
>>137966
Silver looks up with her.
"Many Orthodox temples in Severyana were designed same way. It is magical to behold."
Silver looks up with her.
"Many Orthodox temples in Severyana were designed same way. It is magical to behold."
>>137989
The stallion walks with Amber, being perfectly quiet as he goes. He’s fairly large - not exceedingly so, but still fully displaying the larger general size of the male sex - and he has a particularly sharp set of and prominent set of teeth. He stands still when he arrives at the scene, surveying the buildings
“Did you see where he went?” He asks
The stallion walks with Amber, being perfectly quiet as he goes. He’s fairly large - not exceedingly so, but still fully displaying the larger general size of the male sex - and he has a particularly sharp set of and prominent set of teeth. He stands still when he arrives at the scene, surveying the buildings
“Did you see where he went?” He asks
>>137991
Amber shakes her head. "No, and neither did Guy–the griffon who works with me at the shop. The vandal was out of eyeshot by the time we got here."
Amber shakes her head. "No, and neither did Guy–the griffon who works with me at the shop. The vandal was out of eyeshot by the time we got here."
>>137992
“Just where, precisely, did he disappear?”
He says, still eyes locked on the buildings, and with a completely emotionless voice.
“Just where, precisely, did he disappear?”
He says, still eyes locked on the buildings, and with a completely emotionless voice.
>>137993
"Guy said he must've gone in one of these buildings or else, if he was fast enough, he would have gone straight through and turned into those alleys back there."
"Guy said he must've gone in one of these buildings or else, if he was fast enough, he would have gone straight through and turned into those alleys back there."
>>137994
He nods. Then he turns his head towards Amber, and asks “what is the relation of your place of work with the unions?”
He nods. Then he turns his head towards Amber, and asks “what is the relation of your place of work with the unions?”
>>137995
The young mare blinks in surprise. "Um, I arrived in the city just yesterday. Nopony told me anything about unions."
The young mare blinks in surprise. "Um, I arrived in the city just yesterday. Nopony told me anything about unions."
>>137998
"Mhmmm"
He picks up his notepad again, and writes something. Then he looks back up at Amber, and says
"Thank you ma'am," gives a curt nod, and starts to walk off
"Mhmmm"
He picks up his notepad again, and writes something. Then he looks back up at Amber, and says
"Thank you ma'am," gives a curt nod, and starts to walk off
>>138001
She smiles shyly. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Smoke, I'm Amber. Do you need any more help with anything?"
She smiles shyly. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Smoke, I'm Amber. Do you need any more help with anything?"
>>138002
He moves a part of his lip on the right side of his mouth up. His lips are black and a bit thick.
"Is there any pertinent information related to the event, your employer, or the establishment that I should know about?"
He moves a part of his lip on the right side of his mouth up. His lips are black and a bit thick.
"Is there any pertinent information related to the event, your employer, or the establishment that I should know about?"
>>138003
"Well, Miss Sewn has convinced me it's an 'anarchist' who did it. Maybe because her shop is so fancy and they hate anything fancy, or because sometimes the fascists buy from her.
Gangs and other mean ponies haven't given her trouble for a long time, so I don't see how it could be anypony else. All that scruffy stallion did was break the window with a pipe of sorts; he took nary a scarf."
"Well, Miss Sewn has convinced me it's an 'anarchist' who did it. Maybe because her shop is so fancy and they hate anything fancy, or because sometimes the fascists buy from her.
Gangs and other mean ponies haven't given her trouble for a long time, so I don't see how it could be anypony else. All that scruffy stallion did was break the window with a pipe of sorts; he took nary a scarf."
>>138005
"Some sort of metal rod or pick. I'm sorry for not remembering all the details, it happened so unexpectedly…"
"Some sort of metal rod or pick. I'm sorry for not remembering all the details, it happened so unexpectedly…"
>>138007
"Uh-huh, you're welcome." Uncertainly, Amber turns and trots away back to the store, turning her head back once before continuing on her way.
"Uh-huh, you're welcome." Uncertainly, Amber turns and trots away back to the store, turning her head back once before continuing on her way.
>>138010
High Sewn, perhaps unsurprisingly, is on the phone. Guy is moving items located in the display case to further away in the store
High Sewn, perhaps unsurprisingly, is on the phone. Guy is moving items located in the display case to further away in the store
She follows the griffon's lead and carefully picks up one of the display case items to move it. What a sad state of affairs where you have worry about things being stolen in broad daylight… she thinks to herself.
>>138012
Nothing is stolen quite yet under Amber's watchful gaze, as they vacate the display case. High Sewn walks up to the two:
"Okay. I found a replacement. It will be here shortly. It'll be expensive, but we can have it shortly."
Nothing is stolen quite yet under Amber's watchful gaze, as they vacate the display case. High Sewn walks up to the two:
"Okay. I found a replacement. It will be here shortly. It'll be expensive, but we can have it shortly."
>>138016
Poor little pony probably should have eaten something at lunch break. Though time passes, ponies arrive in a cart with what seems to be the pane of glass, and High Sewn goes to greet them and Guy helps to install the glass
Poor little pony probably should have eaten something at lunch break. Though time passes, ponies arrive in a cart with what seems to be the pane of glass, and High Sewn goes to greet them and Guy helps to install the glass
>>138018
A grey earth stallion with a surprisingly long, charcoal mane turns to Amber and answers
"No, I think I've got it."
A grey earth stallion with a surprisingly long, charcoal mane turns to Amber and answers
"No, I think I've got it."
>>138020
Guy has by now long removed the remains of the old window, leaving an empty spot for the new pane to fit. Thus, he directs the two earth stallions as they place the pane in, and some time is spent securing the window, and sealing it with water proofing.
It is not long before dusk, and at the very end of this process that a certain creature approaches the store, and enters inside. The creature is of a variety that Amber has likely seen since her arrival in the city, but not at so close a distance - for this is a creature whose general shape and outline purports to be that of a pony, but whose wings are long thin, visible bones connected by thin, naked webs of skin, whose pupils are cat-like slits, and whose teeth includes two oddly long and sharp canines. This one has a lilac coat over her thin, almost greyhound-like body, and a dark blue mane that is cut almost too short for a creature whose eye lashes, lack of muscle, small size and curved muzzle allege the female sex. She wears a black shirt that seems to be some kind of uniform. Whatever Amber may say, the creature ignores Amber and walks past her, then past Guy, who himself wants nothing to do with her, and back towards High Sewn. High Sewn says some words to her, but waves her away, saying something like "no... she saw it," and evidently passes the mare on to Amber. Amber is approached by the creature, who says
"Were you witness to an attack on this store earlier?"
Guy has by now long removed the remains of the old window, leaving an empty spot for the new pane to fit. Thus, he directs the two earth stallions as they place the pane in, and some time is spent securing the window, and sealing it with water proofing.
It is not long before dusk, and at the very end of this process that a certain creature approaches the store, and enters inside. The creature is of a variety that Amber has likely seen since her arrival in the city, but not at so close a distance - for this is a creature whose general shape and outline purports to be that of a pony, but whose wings are long thin, visible bones connected by thin, naked webs of skin, whose pupils are cat-like slits, and whose teeth includes two oddly long and sharp canines. This one has a lilac coat over her thin, almost greyhound-like body, and a dark blue mane that is cut almost too short for a creature whose eye lashes, lack of muscle, small size and curved muzzle allege the female sex. She wears a black shirt that seems to be some kind of uniform. Whatever Amber may say, the creature ignores Amber and walks past her, then past Guy, who himself wants nothing to do with her, and back towards High Sewn. High Sewn says some words to her, but waves her away, saying something like "no... she saw it," and evidently passes the mare on to Amber. Amber is approached by the creature, who says
"Were you witness to an attack on this store earlier?"
>>138022
Amber feels the hairs of her coat stand on end beneath her dress as she watches the walking oxymoron enter the store. A deep-seated unease that had left since the chase now comes rushing back and roils within her empty belly. Every facet of this intruder is disconcerting to the country filly and she takes a step back when approached, trembling visibly.
"Y-y-yes, I was," she stammers.
Amber feels the hairs of her coat stand on end beneath her dress as she watches the walking oxymoron enter the store. A deep-seated unease that had left since the chase now comes rushing back and roils within her empty belly. Every facet of this intruder is disconcerting to the country filly and she takes a step back when approached, trembling visibly.
"Y-y-yes, I was," she stammers.
>>138023
Her lips, much thinner than that of the previous stallion, are pressed low over her jaw, but they do not stop the tips of her canines - they may as well be fangs - from protruding from her mouth. Her uniform has a collar and buttons, as well as several pockets. Sewn onto it is a rectangle with yellow and black checkers and the outline of a mare on one side, and triangle of red and white stripes, and a pair of horse shoes opposed to each other on the other on the left side of the rectangle. the uniform fits on her loosely, almost like it was made for a stallion to wear. But there is no doubting that, whereas the last stallion came wearing an overly baggy duster and large hat that hid almost all of his body from the tips of his ears to his back, this mare hides nothing, with her overly thin belly, overly fluffy ear tips, and especially her featherless wings of bone and skin plainly visible to all.
She looks Amber directly in the eyes with her own vertical slit pupils and Icy blue eyes, and she speaks with an accent that is probably from further north, yet decidedly still Equestrian:
"Does the owner, yourself, or any of the employees have any connection with any radical ideology, anarchist or otherwise?"
Her lips, much thinner than that of the previous stallion, are pressed low over her jaw, but they do not stop the tips of her canines - they may as well be fangs - from protruding from her mouth. Her uniform has a collar and buttons, as well as several pockets. Sewn onto it is a rectangle with yellow and black checkers and the outline of a mare on one side, and triangle of red and white stripes, and a pair of horse shoes opposed to each other on the other on the left side of the rectangle. the uniform fits on her loosely, almost like it was made for a stallion to wear. But there is no doubting that, whereas the last stallion came wearing an overly baggy duster and large hat that hid almost all of his body from the tips of his ears to his back, this mare hides nothing, with her overly thin belly, overly fluffy ear tips, and especially her featherless wings of bone and skin plainly visible to all.
She looks Amber directly in the eyes with her own vertical slit pupils and Icy blue eyes, and she speaks with an accent that is probably from further north, yet decidedly still Equestrian:
"Does the owner, yourself, or any of the employees have any connection with any radical ideology, anarchist or otherwise?"
>>138024
To Amber everything about this newcomer suggests coldness, not least the chill running down her back. Through the open front of her skirt it's clear her tail hangs low, practically between her legs. However, although the earth pony pulls her head back she doesn't avert her gaze.
"N-no…I certainly don't. M-Miss…Miss Sewn doesn't, I'm pretty sure, and I think Guy doesn't, though I don't know him very well…"
To Amber everything about this newcomer suggests coldness, not least the chill running down her back. Through the open front of her skirt it's clear her tail hangs low, practically between her legs. However, although the earth pony pulls her head back she doesn't avert her gaze.
"N-no…I certainly don't. M-Miss…Miss Sewn doesn't, I'm pretty sure, and I think Guy doesn't, though I don't know him very well…"
>>138025
"Guy? Who is Guy?" She asks. She seems not many years older than Amber, still very young, a decade or more below the age of the Stallion, but perhaps similar in age to the police mare from earlier, or even younger.
"Guy? Who is Guy?" She asks. She seems not many years older than Amber, still very young, a decade or more below the age of the Stallion, but perhaps similar in age to the police mare from earlier, or even younger.
>>138026
"He's…he's the griffon who works the afternoon shift, right over there. That's all I know about him, really." Amber steals a nervous glance at those odd wings. Even with such a high-pitched voice she reminds me of spiders, urgh.
"He's…he's the griffon who works the afternoon shift, right over there. That's all I know about him, really." Amber steals a nervous glance at those odd wings. Even with such a high-pitched voice she reminds me of spiders, urgh.
>>138027
Dragon or bat like, they are a darker purple than her body, and seem almost covered in velvet.
"A griffin... I should have figured. Does your store contract with the Provisional Government, the Army, or the local government?"
Dragon or bat like, they are a darker purple than her body, and seem almost covered in velvet.
"A griffin... I should have figured. Does your store contract with the Provisional Government, the Army, or the local government?"
>>138029
"Do any ponies from the Provisional Government or the Army come around here? Or the local government, for that matter?"
I do too..
"Do any ponies from the Provisional Government or the Army come around here? Or the local government, for that matter?"
I do too..
Amber seems noticeably calmer, though still clearly on edge.
"I haven't seen any, but this is my first day here…Miss Sewn did say some ponies from the government shop here sometimes…"
"I haven't seen any, but this is my first day here…Miss Sewn did say some ponies from the government shop here sometimes…"
>>138031
The mare moves her slightly canine-like head forward
"When the attacker chose this place, do you know if he looked around, chose this spot at random, or went directly for this shop, not stopping at any others?"
The mare moves her slightly canine-like head forward
"When the attacker chose this place, do you know if he looked around, chose this spot at random, or went directly for this shop, not stopping at any others?"
>>138032
"Well, he was poking his head around outside here when I first saw him, but then he wandered and looked around for a bit before he attacked."
"Well, he was poking his head around outside here when I first saw him, but then he wandered and looked around for a bit before he attacked."
File (): B058AF8E8B906CB508862D3291F8E447-437375.png (427.1 KB, 988x1024, 73586834-D49A-4E13-A08D-5144AD4BE4B4.png)
Is anypony gonna be available to play over the Thanksgiving Holiday?
>>137972
>>138053
Silver stares into the doorwell that is the entrance to the chapel. The area beyond is illuminated slightly by a light at the end of the hall, and the angle by which Silver views this area does not allow for the best of all views. But Silver can hear something, like the sound of a door being openned. There is no clopping of hooves, especially not iron-shoed hooves, but there is nevertheless, a tapping against tile floor, a tapping too heavy to be the product of rats, and too persistent to be the result of a mop or other object, disturbed by Silver's arrival, finally turning over and knocking against the floor. Silver can see a movement on the walls, with yellow tinged illuminated faded white wash turning a dim white as the walls are cast in shadow. It takes Pear a moment more than Silver to notice that something is off, but when she does, she becomes silent, and looks back to the entrance.
>>138053
Silver stares into the doorwell that is the entrance to the chapel. The area beyond is illuminated slightly by a light at the end of the hall, and the angle by which Silver views this area does not allow for the best of all views. But Silver can hear something, like the sound of a door being openned. There is no clopping of hooves, especially not iron-shoed hooves, but there is nevertheless, a tapping against tile floor, a tapping too heavy to be the product of rats, and too persistent to be the result of a mop or other object, disturbed by Silver's arrival, finally turning over and knocking against the floor. Silver can see a movement on the walls, with yellow tinged illuminated faded white wash turning a dim white as the walls are cast in shadow. It takes Pear a moment more than Silver to notice that something is off, but when she does, she becomes silent, and looks back to the entrance.
>>138062
Silver makes a split second decision, and whispers to Pear.
"Act natural and follow my lead."
He bends down, and makes it look like he's investigating the altars.
Silver makes a split second decision, and whispers to Pear.
"Act natural and follow my lead."
He bends down, and makes it look like he's investigating the altars.
>>138064
Silver turns around to look at the altars, as does Pear. Accordingly, Silver does not see the newcomer to the room, though he hears the light tapping as it becomes louder, then definitely comes onto the Chapel floor shortly past the entrance, and then stops. Then someone calls to Silver
"Vhat are you doing here?!"
This sentence is enunciated in a rather peculiar way, with almost every word having emphasis, "are" being drawn out, and "here" pronounced almost like "he-are." The voice is definitely male, but a little higher pitched.
Silver turns around to look at the altars, as does Pear. Accordingly, Silver does not see the newcomer to the room, though he hears the light tapping as it becomes louder, then definitely comes onto the Chapel floor shortly past the entrance, and then stops. Then someone calls to Silver
"Vhat are you doing here?!"
This sentence is enunciated in a rather peculiar way, with almost every word having emphasis, "are" being drawn out, and "here" pronounced almost like "he-are." The voice is definitely male, but a little higher pitched.
>>138065
Silver turns around to face the newcomer, looking somewhat irritated at having been interrupted.
"Excuse me?"
Silver turns around to face the newcomer, looking somewhat irritated at having been interrupted.
"Excuse me?"
>>138070
Silver sees behind him not one, but two griffins. In the fore is a male griffin with grey feathers nearly the color of Silver's fur, a rather square head and sharp hook on a bright orange beak. He wears no uniform nor badge nor identification of any kind, or indeed any clothing at all besides a belt. His right wing is strangely bent upwards, so as to cover a portion of his back. He does not look deterred at all by Silver's evident offense
"What are you doing here?" he repeats, though more sharply, quickly, and slightly less oddly.
Behind the male griffin is another, a female griffin, with orange rust colored feathers and coat, and she seems to wear a leather pack, albeit on her right side, which is not facing Silver. She stays decidedly further back and is silent, letting the grey male take the lead. She too, has no clothing.
Silver sees behind him not one, but two griffins. In the fore is a male griffin with grey feathers nearly the color of Silver's fur, a rather square head and sharp hook on a bright orange beak. He wears no uniform nor badge nor identification of any kind, or indeed any clothing at all besides a belt. His right wing is strangely bent upwards, so as to cover a portion of his back. He does not look deterred at all by Silver's evident offense
"What are you doing here?" he repeats, though more sharply, quickly, and slightly less oddly.
Behind the male griffin is another, a female griffin, with orange rust colored feathers and coat, and she seems to wear a leather pack, albeit on her right side, which is not facing Silver. She stays decidedly further back and is silent, letting the grey male take the lead. She too, has no clothing.
>>138072
The unicorn keeps a stern expression on his face as he stares at the intruding griffons.
"We are here to investigate occult activities. Do not interfere."
The unicorn keeps a stern expression on his face as he stares at the intruding griffons.
"We are here to investigate occult activities. Do not interfere."
>>138073
"With what aye-gency?!"
Again, his voice has that strange timbre, with every syllable having emphasis, and the pitch somewhat high. He does not back up.
"With what aye-gency?!"
Again, his voice has that strange timbre, with every syllable having emphasis, and the pitch somewhat high. He does not back up.
>>138074
"We are with Black Hooves. That is all you are entitled to know."
He stands up tall, and maintains his stern expression.
"Now, explain to me why I am dealing with two unidentified griffons, immediately."
"We are with Black Hooves. That is all you are entitled to know."
He stands up tall, and maintains his stern expression.
"Now, explain to me why I am dealing with two unidentified griffons, immediately."
>>138075
His eyes are wide, and his mouth opens slightly. His head lowers by the slightest margin, and there is a pause before his answer.
"I am from the owner."
He answers
His eyes are wide, and his mouth opens slightly. His head lowers by the slightest margin, and there is a pause before his answer.
"I am from the owner."
He answers
>>138078
"Owner of this property? That would be one Sweet Boek. Unicorn. Deceased. Died on this very spot three nights ago."
"Owner of this property? That would be one Sweet Boek. Unicorn. Deceased. Died on this very spot three nights ago."
>>138079
He pauses again, breathing out, then in, then back out, before answering
"I know, you robbers!"
He takes one step forward, though he is actually fairly far distant.
He pauses again, breathing out, then in, then back out, before answering
"I know, you robbers!"
He takes one step forward, though he is actually fairly far distant.
>>138080
The hilt on his sword is encompassed by a blue sheath of magic matching his lit horn. He takes a wider, aggressive stance.
"Cease."
The hilt on his sword is encompassed by a blue sheath of magic matching his lit horn. He takes a wider, aggressive stance.
"Cease."
>>138083
The griffin, still breathing heavily, turns his right wing over to reveal a cane-cutter's machette, which he places into his right claw.
"Do you know what you disturb?" he asks
The griffin, still breathing heavily, turns his right wing over to reveal a cane-cutter's machette, which he places into his right claw.
"Do you know what you disturb?" he asks
>>138086
Whether by the sight of Silver’s oversized sword, or his words, the griffin is a bit taken back
“So you are no ordinary trespasser.”
Whether by the sight of Silver’s oversized sword, or his words, the griffin is a bit taken back
“So you are no ordinary trespasser.”
>>138087
Silver stands firm in the face of this machette-wielding griffon.
"And you are no ordinary griffon. I am feeling generous, so I will give you choice. Leave immediately, or I will be forced to bring you in."
Silver stands firm in the face of this machette-wielding griffon.
"And you are no ordinary griffon. I am feeling generous, so I will give you choice. Leave immediately, or I will be forced to bring you in."
>>138090
Ära till Maar, förintelse av hans fiender!”
[1d20+1 = 19]
Roll initiative. Note that the creatures are actually pretty far apart.
[1d2 = 2]
Ära till Maar, förintelse av hans fiender!”
[1d20+1 = 19]
Roll initiative. Note that the creatures are actually pretty far apart.
[1d2 = 2]
>>138101
The griffin places the machete in his beak, then charges forward with a muffled “aaaargh!” He jumps, stomps, then moves the sword to his claw before swinging
[1d20+4 = 5]
The griffin places the machete in his beak, then charges forward with a muffled “aaaargh!” He jumps, stomps, then moves the sword to his claw before swinging
[1d20+4 = 5]
>>138106
Silver gives quite a bang to the griffin, who is at the very least, knocked down to the ground.
The female griffin, seeing this, turns towards Silver, revealing a wavy knife in her right wing. She charges at Silver with an “Aaaah!” yell, before swiping at Silver.
[1d20+2 = 12]
Silver gives quite a bang to the griffin, who is at the very least, knocked down to the ground.
The female griffin, seeing this, turns towards Silver, revealing a wavy knife in her right wing. She charges at Silver with an “Aaaah!” yell, before swiping at Silver.
[1d20+2 = 12]
[1d20+7 = 17]
>>138107
Silver just barely looks up in time to duck under the swinging blade with a "Yipe!". He brings the hilt of his sword around to bash her in turn.
>>138107
Silver just barely looks up in time to duck under the swinging blade with a "Yipe!". He brings the hilt of his sword around to bash her in turn.
>>138109
Silver is able to hit her with the end of the long and heavy sword, in an action almost like hitting a billiard ball.
Silver is able to hit her with the end of the long and heavy sword, in an action almost like hitting a billiard ball.
>>138114
He is struck. Firmly.
>>138115
The creature nods. If she is supposed to be a law enforcement officer, it’s not clear what she has going for her. She is thin and looks weak. Amber could probably win in a fight against her, and Guy certainly could. Her body looks built for flight, but even that only seems possible with Pegasus magic. Maybe those slit-cat eyes and long, fluffy ears give her some advantage. Who knows, really.
“Did he write of say anything else?” She asks
He is struck. Firmly.
>>138115
The creature nods. If she is supposed to be a law enforcement officer, it’s not clear what she has going for her. She is thin and looks weak. Amber could probably win in a fight against her, and Guy certainly could. Her body looks built for flight, but even that only seems possible with Pegasus magic. Maybe those slit-cat eyes and long, fluffy ears give her some advantage. Who knows, really.
“Did he write of say anything else?” She asks
>>138117
The male griffin is decidedly out, with definite bruising on the head or perhaps even a fractured skull. The female gives a pained moon, and it’s uncertain if she is or will remain conscious. Pear cautiously moves out from a position behind an altar.
“... Wow”
>>138118
She nods, then she turns her head the side, narrowing her eyes
“Is this store unionized?”
The male griffin is decidedly out, with definite bruising on the head or perhaps even a fractured skull. The female gives a pained moon, and it’s uncertain if she is or will remain conscious. Pear cautiously moves out from a position behind an altar.
“... Wow”
>>138118
She nods, then she turns her head the side, narrowing her eyes
“Is this store unionized?”
>>138119
Silver knocks the griffons' weapons away before rummaging through his bags for rope to tie them up.
"Yes, 'wow'. I did not expect to come across cultists."
Silver knocks the griffons' weapons away before rummaging through his bags for rope to tie them up.
"Yes, 'wow'. I did not expect to come across cultists."
>>138122
I do believe he did. If I remember correctly, he bought some not too long ago. He ties the griffons up with it.
"Probably heard us talking as they were coming up here for...something. I wonder why."
Silver looks in the female griffon's bags for any sort of clue.
I do believe he did. If I remember correctly, he bought some not too long ago. He ties the griffons up with it.
"Probably heard us talking as they were coming up here for...something. I wonder why."
Silver looks in the female griffon's bags for any sort of clue.
>>138123
The creature walks out of the store, and onto the sidewalk. She looks down the sidewalk to the left and South, half unfurling her wings, and shaking them. She then stares in that direction for what seems like an extended period of time, or at least ten seconds. Then she extends her long mammalian wings, jumps up into the air, and flies off.
>>138124
Inside her bag is a small Blue pillow with a white frill, a second small pillow that is white all the way through, a .38 revolver, and a livestock tie.
The creature walks out of the store, and onto the sidewalk. She looks down the sidewalk to the left and South, half unfurling her wings, and shaking them. She then stares in that direction for what seems like an extended period of time, or at least ten seconds. Then she extends her long mammalian wings, jumps up into the air, and flies off.
>>138124
Inside her bag is a small Blue pillow with a white frill, a second small pillow that is white all the way through, a .38 revolver, and a livestock tie.
>>138125
"...okay. That is little odd."
He looks up at Pear, smiling a little.
"Well, you did say you wanted to be able to talk with cultist."
"...okay. That is little odd."
He looks up at Pear, smiling a little.
"Well, you did say you wanted to be able to talk with cultist."
>>138125
Amber shakes her head as if the odd creature was just a mirage. Don't those wings get cold?
In any case, she trots back to High Sewn with a pensive expression on her face. "Is there anything else that can be done?"
Amber shakes her head as if the odd creature was just a mirage. Don't those wings get cold?
In any case, she trots back to High Sewn with a pensive expression on her face. "Is there anything else that can be done?"
>>138133
He smiles and blushes for just a second.
"Heh."
He quickly recovers, turns to the female griffon, and gives her a firm shake on the shoulder.
"Wake up."
He smiles and blushes for just a second.
"Heh."
He quickly recovers, turns to the female griffon, and gives her a firm shake on the shoulder.
"Wake up."
>>138136
Amber walks in, looking for either the mare from earlier or anypony who looks to be in charge.
Amber walks in, looking for either the mare from earlier or anypony who looks to be in charge.
>>138137
Amber walks in, and after going only slightly further back into the restaurant, sees Salt Mixer behind the bar. While her most distinct feature is obscured behind hardwood, her dark grey coat and comparatively square muzzle are unmistakable.
“Hello. You’re back” she says, when Amber approaches
>>138138
The female looks at Silver.
“There is nothing to say” - are her first words to him, in some sort of foreign accent that is not easily placed, but evidently from the northern portion of the Griffonian continent.
Amber walks in, and after going only slightly further back into the restaurant, sees Salt Mixer behind the bar. While her most distinct feature is obscured behind hardwood, her dark grey coat and comparatively square muzzle are unmistakable.
“Hello. You’re back” she says, when Amber approaches
>>138138
The female looks at Silver.
“There is nothing to say” - are her first words to him, in some sort of foreign accent that is not easily placed, but evidently from the northern portion of the Griffonian continent.
>>138139
"Hello! My shift at the store just ended and I was wondering if I'm hired to work here. I can start right now," she says, smiling eagerly.
"Hello! My shift at the store just ended and I was wondering if I'm hired to work here. I can start right now," she says, smiling eagerly.
>>138139
"Two Maarists are in former Maarist hideout. I think there is something to be said about that."
"Two Maarists are in former Maarist hideout. I think there is something to be said about that."
>>138143
"I may not speak your language..."
He points to her companion.
"...but I know when Maar's name is invoked."
"I may not speak your language..."
He points to her companion.
"...but I know when Maar's name is invoked."
>>138147
And thus Amber begins her role as a greeter At least I think that's what she signed up for. Salt Mixer walks out to show Amber where to stand, how to communicate with wait staff, gives advice on who to reject, how to respond, and so forth.
And thus Amber begins her role as a greeter At least I think that's what she signed up for. Salt Mixer walks out to show Amber where to stand, how to communicate with wait staff, gives advice on who to reject, how to respond, and so forth.
File (): A7BB1FF5462D6A1BABB3510F96CFC526-597172.png (583.2 KB, 1280x720, 1597632585113.png)
>>138152
"I am not certain you are in position to be asking questions, but very well, I will indulge you. My partner is expert on occult, religion, and language. She does not get many opportunities to study Maarism, she requested to come and study this place."
He sits down in front of the griffon.
"Now, explain yourself."
"I am not certain you are in position to be asking questions, but very well, I will indulge you. My partner is expert on occult, religion, and language. She does not get many opportunities to study Maarism, she requested to come and study this place."
He sits down in front of the griffon.
"Now, explain yourself."
I have to sleep now...
>>138153
She takes a pause, blinking, having evidently not expected this answer
>>138153
She takes a pause, blinking, having evidently not expected this answer
>>138170
“Because they offered asylum to those from the old lands, and to those in need in any land, and because so many were our friends.”
“Because they offered asylum to those from the old lands, and to those in need in any land, and because so many were our friends.”
>>138172
“As you should!”
She winces, and let’s out a breath
“You have destroyed our livelihood and much more!”
“As you should!”
She winces, and let’s out a breath
“You have destroyed our livelihood and much more!”
>>138174
“Thousands?! Where do you get ‘thousands’?! Are you so used to the mass numbers your regime kills that only ‘thousands’ register?”
“Thousands?! Where do you get ‘thousands’?! Are you so used to the mass numbers your regime kills that only ‘thousands’ register?”
>>138178
She starts to shake her head
“No, the gnolls-“
But she stops shaking her head, and stops speaking, shutting her beak abruptly.
She starts to shake her head
“No, the gnolls-“
But she stops shaking her head, and stops speaking, shutting her beak abruptly.
>>138179
"Yes, they started feeding corpses to their gnolls two years ago. Already knew that."
He raises his eyebrow at her.
"So, you knew about that, but did not know about chute. I suppose you two are recent arrivals, then."
"Yes, they started feeding corpses to their gnolls two years ago. Already knew that."
He raises his eyebrow at her.
"So, you knew about that, but did not know about chute. I suppose you two are recent arrivals, then."
>>138180
“He came to Baltimare five years ago, I think. I came here four years ago, lured by your Princess’s talk of harmony and Union. I found poverty, isolation and exploitation. I joined the Society eighteen months ago. I do not know what you speak of when you talk of corpses.”
“He came to Baltimare five years ago, I think. I came here four years ago, lured by your Princess’s talk of harmony and Union. I found poverty, isolation and exploitation. I joined the Society eighteen months ago. I do not know what you speak of when you talk of corpses.”
>>138181
Silver frowns, his ears drooping slightly.
"Hmm. I keep hearing this story from those who come to this land. What happened?"
Silver frowns, his ears drooping slightly.
"Hmm. I keep hearing this story from those who come to this land. What happened?"
>>138182
"I came here from Cloudbury 1008, when Kerenskai's government was teetering. All the money I had saved was gone not long after arrival. I lived in a dingy and crowded apartment at first. I did not speak the language. There were not so many jobs as advertised. I thought I got lucky after two weeks, starting a job as a seamstress in a factory. But the pay, which would have been high for Cloudbury, did not cover so much more than expenses. The hours were long, ten hours or more a day, and six days sometimes. A roommate left with my possessions, and ponies in gangs would be harsh in collecting any debts. Then after five months my claw slipped and was cut by a machine. I was out of work for more than a week, my claw was swollen and in pain for a month after that. I went back to work at the factory but was fired not long after, either for the mistake or my slow pace with a swollen claw. After that I was unemployed, and finally found work as a maid. But the maid work, though fine on its own was part time and intermittent. I could not earn much. I had to move several times. I did not have friends or family. I thought I would return to Cloudbury when The War broke out, but then I was afraid to travel and besides there were rumors wages would go up. Then I found the Society."
"I came here from Cloudbury 1008, when Kerenskai's government was teetering. All the money I had saved was gone not long after arrival. I lived in a dingy and crowded apartment at first. I did not speak the language. There were not so many jobs as advertised. I thought I got lucky after two weeks, starting a job as a seamstress in a factory. But the pay, which would have been high for Cloudbury, did not cover so much more than expenses. The hours were long, ten hours or more a day, and six days sometimes. A roommate left with my possessions, and ponies in gangs would be harsh in collecting any debts. Then after five months my claw slipped and was cut by a machine. I was out of work for more than a week, my claw was swollen and in pain for a month after that. I went back to work at the factory but was fired not long after, either for the mistake or my slow pace with a swollen claw. After that I was unemployed, and finally found work as a maid. But the maid work, though fine on its own was part time and intermittent. I could not earn much. I had to move several times. I did not have friends or family. I thought I would return to Cloudbury when The War broke out, but then I was afraid to travel and besides there were rumors wages would go up. Then I found the Society."
>>138184
“It was and it is. You have to thank your misplaced faith in your princesses, kings, and gods who cannot deliver.”
“It was and it is. You have to thank your misplaced faith in your princesses, kings, and gods who cannot deliver.”
>>138185
He frowns a little more, but his ears don't droop with them.
"Our Princesses are still ponies. Not everything that happens in Equestria is because of them. If it was case, I am certain you would not have had so many troubles."
He frowns a little more, but his ears don't droop with them.
"Our Princesses are still ponies. Not everything that happens in Equestria is because of them. If it was case, I am certain you would not have had so many troubles."
>>138187
"But why this? Why join Boek in causing so much suffering on those who were exactly as you were when you came to this land?"
"But why this? Why join Boek in causing so much suffering on those who were exactly as you were when you came to this land?"
>>138188
“Boek offered housing, jobs, and food! He offered community. He offered a connection to something grander. He offered a way out, and a way up.” She stares for a moment, and says almost under her breath “I didn’t hire a smuggler...”
“Boek offered housing, jobs, and food! He offered community. He offered a connection to something grander. He offered a way out, and a way up.” She stares for a moment, and says almost under her breath “I didn’t hire a smuggler...”
>>138190
She is silent for a moment
“I should have expected the government would come to try to snuff us.”
She is silent for a moment
“I should have expected the government would come to try to snuff us.”
>>138191
"I do not mean legal repercussions."
He motions to the altars with a hoof.
"Was it worth all this? I know what happened in this room. I saw what happened, and I know from your knife that you participated."
"I do not mean legal repercussions."
He motions to the altars with a hoof.
"Was it worth all this? I know what happened in this room. I saw what happened, and I know from your knife that you participated."
>>138192
She looks over to the altars, blinks, and then stares.
She does not answer Silver, or indeed, say anything at all.
She looks over to the altars, blinks, and then stares.
She does not answer Silver, or indeed, say anything at all.
>>138193
Silver trots over to the dagger he knocked aside, which was formerly the female's property, and inspects it.
Silver trots over to the dagger he knocked aside, which was formerly the female's property, and inspects it.
>>138194
Wavy "kris" patterned dagger, about six inches, with engravings on the blade and a red handle with black colored patterns.
Wavy "kris" patterned dagger, about six inches, with engravings on the blade and a red handle with black colored patterns.
>>138195
Silver lets out a solemn sigh, focused still on the dagger.
"I have killed more than my fair share across my life, and at times it can weigh heavily on me. I always wonder if I have done so for right reasons. Or if there is ever even right reason to take life. I know I am not good pony. All I hope is that I use what I am good at to stop even worse ponies."
He looks back at the female griffon.
"What about you? Does what happened at this altar weigh on you?"
Silver lets out a solemn sigh, focused still on the dagger.
"I have killed more than my fair share across my life, and at times it can weigh heavily on me. I always wonder if I have done so for right reasons. Or if there is ever even right reason to take life. I know I am not good pony. All I hope is that I use what I am good at to stop even worse ponies."
He looks back at the female griffon.
"What about you? Does what happened at this altar weigh on you?"
>>138197
He holds the dagger up for her to see.
"This blade pierced still-beating hearts of victims placed upon this altar. Whether or not it was killing blow does not change your part in it."
He holds the dagger up for her to see.
"This blade pierced still-beating hearts of victims placed upon this altar. Whether or not it was killing blow does not change your part in it."
>>138198
She looks up at the dagger, and the altar behind it. She blinks, and then looks down and away from Silver and the dagger. She is again silent.
She looks up at the dagger, and the altar behind it. She blinks, and then looks down and away from Silver and the dagger. She is again silent.
>>138199
He looks sadly at the griffon, and lets out a sigh.
"I apologize for beating you while you are down by pointing out what happened here. I know it weighs heavily on you. I just...what happened here is cut above everything else I have seen in all my years. I know it is easy to remove yourself from blame of what actions you are performing, when you are just one among dozens all doing same thing, but this is not something that can so easily be shrugged off or should be shrugged off."
He looks sadly at the griffon, and lets out a sigh.
"I apologize for beating you while you are down by pointing out what happened here. I know it weighs heavily on you. I just...what happened here is cut above everything else I have seen in all my years. I know it is easy to remove yourself from blame of what actions you are performing, when you are just one among dozens all doing same thing, but this is not something that can so easily be shrugged off or should be shrugged off."
>>138200
She takes a moment, but then looks back upwards towards Silver with an accusing face
"We never killed thirty creatures in one night. Never. Not even close."
She maintains the expression for a moment, but after looking into Silver's eyes for a second or so longer, she breaks off, closing her eyes and pressing her head down into the ground, and returning to silence.
She takes a moment, but then looks back upwards towards Silver with an accusing face
"We never killed thirty creatures in one night. Never. Not even close."
She maintains the expression for a moment, but after looking into Silver's eyes for a second or so longer, she breaks off, closing her eyes and pressing her head down into the ground, and returning to silence.
>>138201
"As I said, I have killed more than my fair share. I do not deny my part in that."
He stays silent for a second, then two, before he speaks again.
"What is your name?"
"As I said, I have killed more than my fair share. I do not deny my part in that."
He stays silent for a second, then two, before he speaks again.
"What is your name?"
>>138202
She looks partly upward, but does not make eye contact, staring instead at the wall on the far side
"Saulėlydis"
She looks partly upward, but does not make eye contact, staring instead at the wall on the far side
"Saulėlydis"
>>138203
"It is very beautiful name."
He smiles at her, and holds a forehoof over his heart.
"I am Serebry Meckov. 'Silver Sword', in Ponish."
"It is very beautiful name."
He smiles at her, and holds a forehoof over his heart.
"I am Serebry Meckov. 'Silver Sword', in Ponish."
>>138204
Now, she looks up, and makes eye contact with Silver. Her eyes are grey. She nods, but has no hint of a smile.
After a pause, she answers
"Sundown."
Now, she looks up, and makes eye contact with Silver. Her eyes are grey. She nods, but has no hint of a smile.
After a pause, she answers
"Sundown."
>>138205
"It is name that perfectly fits you."
He lays on all fours, in a more relaxed position.
"Do you think you could tell me about your companion? Are you two close?"
"It is name that perfectly fits you."
He lays on all fours, in a more relaxed position.
"Do you think you could tell me about your companion? Are you two close?"
>>138206
Invited or not, Pear, who has been in fairly close physical proximity for most of this, now moves to lay down in a manner similar to Silver, slightly further away and perpendicular to Silver. Sundown does not have her legs under her (like Pear and presumably Silver), but rather her legs are spread out as she lays down.
"Yes. He is a comrade and partner in the Society. He is Askfält Ihåligt. Originally from Vedina. He has been in the Society a little longer than I, and in Equestria a little longer than I."
Invited or not, Pear, who has been in fairly close physical proximity for most of this, now moves to lay down in a manner similar to Silver, slightly further away and perpendicular to Silver. Sundown does not have her legs under her (like Pear and presumably Silver), but rather her legs are spread out as she lays down.
"Yes. He is a comrade and partner in the Society. He is Askfält Ihåligt. Originally from Vedina. He has been in the Society a little longer than I, and in Equestria a little longer than I."
>>138210
He nods, and bows his head.
"I am sorry for hitting him over head so hard. He should be fine, he just will need some rest."
He nods, and bows his head.
"I am sorry for hitting him over head so hard. He should be fine, he just will need some rest."
>>138211
She looks over at the griffin near her, then reaches out a claw, and touches his leg
"He better"
She looks over at the griffin near her, then reaches out a claw, and touches his leg
"He better"
>>138212
He looks over the two griffons, contemplating things.
"If I was Imperial Inquisitor, or common Black Hoof operative, I suppose I would turn you in to be sent back to Griffonia, to face justice. And there would be those who would say it was necessary..."
He slowly shakes his head.
"I do not think it is though. I do not believe you are evil, and I doubt you would have joined Maarists in first place had you not been in such dire straits."
He looks over the two griffons, contemplating things.
"If I was Imperial Inquisitor, or common Black Hoof operative, I suppose I would turn you in to be sent back to Griffonia, to face justice. And there would be those who would say it was necessary..."
He slowly shakes his head.
"I do not think it is though. I do not believe you are evil, and I doubt you would have joined Maarists in first place had you not been in such dire straits."
>>138213
At the beginning of the statement, she moves to place both claws under herself as she looks up at Silver.
She ultimately doesn't make a response, although she breathes in, and then out in a ragged fashion.
At the beginning of the statement, she moves to place both claws under herself as she looks up at Silver.
She ultimately doesn't make a response, although she breathes in, and then out in a ragged fashion.
>>138216
"I know it is only paltry...but I do have some money I can give to you. Something to help you rebuild your life, without having to join cult again."
"I know it is only paltry...but I do have some money I can give to you. Something to help you rebuild your life, without having to join cult again."
>>138151
The distinctions of such roles are unknown to Amber, who stands smiling cheerfully by the front door.
The distinctions of such roles are unknown to Amber, who stands smiling cheerfully by the front door.
>>138218
He smiles at her, and pulls out his knife to cut the pair free before remembering something to ask her.
"Oh, do you think you could also talk to my companion? She really would like to hear about Maarism."
He smiles at her, and pulls out his knife to cut the pair free before remembering something to ask her.
"Oh, do you think you could also talk to my companion? She really would like to hear about Maarism."
>>138221
Silver puts his knife away after cutting them free, and offers a hoof to Sundown to help her up.
Silver puts his knife away after cutting them free, and offers a hoof to Sundown to help her up.
>>138222
She looks up at him, then down at his hoof, and then cautiously places her claw on his hoof.
She looks up at him, then down at his hoof, and then cautiously places her claw on his hoof.
>>138223
Silver grips her claw as best as one could with a hoof, and pulls her up with a measure of strength. He gives her a smile, before turning to rummage through his bags.
"Give me just moment to get some money."
Silver grips her claw as best as one could with a hoof, and pulls her up with a measure of strength. He gives her a smile, before turning to rummage through his bags.
"Give me just moment to get some money."
>>138224
Sundown has a very loose grip, as she is more grabbed by Silver and pulled onto her claws
Pear seems to slide back the revolver
Sundown has a very loose grip, as she is more grabbed by Silver and pulled onto her claws
Pear seems to slide back the revolver
>>138225
"Here we go!"
Silver pulls out a big stack of paper Bits. 500 Bits worth. He holds it out in his magic to Sundown.
"It is not much, but it is something. Take it."
"Here we go!"
Silver pulls out a big stack of paper Bits. 500 Bits worth. He holds it out in his magic to Sundown.
"It is not much, but it is something. Take it."
>>138228
She opens the end part of her beak in something like a wince
"If we will be left alone after that, and if nothing is told to the police."
Pear answers at least the last part
"This is for purely academic purposes."
She opens the end part of her beak in something like a wince
"If we will be left alone after that, and if nothing is told to the police."
Pear answers at least the last part
"This is for purely academic purposes."
>>138232
"I think I'll need some privacy, and some time. But I wouldn't want to conduct it here if you are not here."
"I think I'll need some privacy, and some time. But I wouldn't want to conduct it here if you are not here."
>>138234
"In a side room up here if you will stay around... or take us all back to the church if you will leave"
"In a side room up here if you will stay around... or take us all back to the church if you will leave"
>>138236
She nods, and then smiles, evidently actually excited. She says to Sundown, "My name is Pear Faucet, Associate Professor of Hippology at Stableside University.... I could... ask a few questions..."
Eventually the two go off to one of the rooms between the stairwell and the chapel, likely the same room where Keskoo was found
She nods, and then smiles, evidently actually excited. She says to Sundown, "My name is Pear Faucet, Associate Professor of Hippology at Stableside University.... I could... ask a few questions..."
Eventually the two go off to one of the rooms between the stairwell and the chapel, likely the same room where Keskoo was found
>>138237
Silver keeps watch near the door, while also trying to keep an eye on the unconscious Askfält.
Silver keeps watch near the door, while also trying to keep an eye on the unconscious Askfält.
>>138238
This takes perhaps more time than Silver intended, as she is in the room with Sundown for an extended period of time. The silence - and occasional lack of it - could perhaps feel unsettling.
This takes perhaps more time than Silver intended, as she is in the room with Sundown for an extended period of time. The silence - and occasional lack of it - could perhaps feel unsettling.
>>138241
Silver knocks on the door Sundown and Pear are behind before calling out.
"Just letting you know that Askfält is about to get up."
Silver knocks on the door Sundown and Pear are behind before calling out.
"Just letting you know that Askfält is about to get up."
>>138247
Yes. I think the last post for Spark was >>137654
>>138242
Silver can hear talking, almost whispered, inside the room. It stops the instant Silver knocks, and there is silence for a number of seconds. After a delayed reponse, perhaps long enough to make Silver repeat his statement, the door opens to Pear, who lets Sundown come out.
"I think I will need to calm him down after this."
She walks out into the room, towards Askfält
Yes. I think the last post for Spark was >>137654
>>138242
Silver can hear talking, almost whispered, inside the room. It stops the instant Silver knocks, and there is silence for a number of seconds. After a delayed reponse, perhaps long enough to make Silver repeat his statement, the door opens to Pear, who lets Sundown come out.
"I think I will need to calm him down after this."
She walks out into the room, towards Askfält
>>138250
Spark is going to travel to find aid for the doggo. He will go with the doctor and the main wolf cast on a train most likely.
Spark is going to travel to find aid for the doggo. He will go with the doctor and the main wolf cast on a train most likely.
>>138252
"The doctor did tell me that there are treatments out there. Not cures, but perhaps it would be wise to find them and see what they can provide us."
"The doctor did tell me that there are treatments out there. Not cures, but perhaps it would be wise to find them and see what they can provide us."
>>138253
"This illness came to him because of them, and even your doctor tells me that they cannot cure him. How am I to trust this 'treatment'?" Waabishki answers forcefully
"This illness came to him because of them, and even your doctor tells me that they cannot cure him. How am I to trust this 'treatment'?" Waabishki answers forcefully
>>138254
"The doctor is offering help the only way he knows how. That is not deserving of scorn. If he knew of a better way, he would have recommended it. If he could cure it, he would. If there is to be a chance that the treatment helps, then you should consider it."
"The doctor is offering help the only way he knows how. That is not deserving of scorn. If he knew of a better way, he would have recommended it. If he could cure it, he would. If there is to be a chance that the treatment helps, then you should consider it."
>>138248
Silver nods to her.
"That is good idea."
He looks to Pear, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Sorry to cut your interview short. Maybe they will continue after Askfält comes to?"
Silver nods to her.
"That is good idea."
He looks to Pear, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Sorry to cut your interview short. Maybe they will continue after Askfält comes to?"
>>138256
"The doctor says that another city has professionals that work with this disease and can help ease its effects. We will simply have to see what they offer and choose what will work best."
"The doctor says that another city has professionals that work with this disease and can help ease its effects. We will simply have to see what they offer and choose what will work best."
>>138257
Pear doesn't say anything, seeming kind of irritated.
But Sundown goes over to Askfalt, who, after being prodded, looks around and jumps up. Or rather, he tries to. His wings spread out, but his forelegs are tied together, so he falls back down onto his side.
>>138258
"I don't like this idea of 'faith in pony magic.' My father has it, and I do not believe it got him far. What have we really, to gain?"
Pear doesn't say anything, seeming kind of irritated.
But Sundown goes over to Askfalt, who, after being prodded, looks around and jumps up. Or rather, he tries to. His wings spread out, but his forelegs are tied together, so he falls back down onto his side.
>>138258
"I don't like this idea of 'faith in pony magic.' My father has it, and I do not believe it got him far. What have we really, to gain?"
>>138259
He smiles sheepishly at her, then looks to Sundown.
"If you can calm him, I will cut his bindings."
He smiles sheepishly at her, then looks to Sundown.
"If you can calm him, I will cut his bindings."
>>138259
"You simply have to weigh what you can gain from staying here and what you gain by going to see. If the worst gain is nothing, there what is there to lose by trying?"
"You simply have to weigh what you can gain from staying here and what you gain by going to see. If the worst gain is nothing, there what is there to lose by trying?"
>>138260
"You-oo Bas-tard!" Somehow his accent is more noticable than Sundown's. He tries to jump up. "Invading our sanctuary and killing our kin!"
>>138261
Waabishki breathes in and out heavily, and seems to make the beginning of a growl at Spark. Makade, who has been inching slightly closer over the course of the conversation, places a paw on Waabishki, who flinches at first and turns to Makade, but is more startled than angry.
Makade:
"He is right. You know we at the village can do no more, and I don't think there is much to be gained with the Nation up north. I have seen the pony's medicine, as has your father and Miskobag. It doesn't always work, but it can surprise you. If there is hope for Miskobag, it is probably in the City."
"You-oo Bas-tard!" Somehow his accent is more noticable than Sundown's. He tries to jump up. "Invading our sanctuary and killing our kin!"
>>138261
Waabishki breathes in and out heavily, and seems to make the beginning of a growl at Spark. Makade, who has been inching slightly closer over the course of the conversation, places a paw on Waabishki, who flinches at first and turns to Makade, but is more startled than angry.
Makade:
"He is right. You know we at the village can do no more, and I don't think there is much to be gained with the Nation up north. I have seen the pony's medicine, as has your father and Miskobag. It doesn't always work, but it can surprise you. If there is hope for Miskobag, it is probably in the City."
>>138263
He screams out something in some foreign language, though the meaning of his words requires little imagination. He again rises and falls, and Sundown places a claw on him, and then whispers in his ear (or ear hole, given the anatomy of griffins). He starts to calm down.
He screams out something in some foreign language, though the meaning of his words requires little imagination. He again rises and falls, and Sundown places a claw on him, and then whispers in his ear (or ear hole, given the anatomy of griffins). He starts to calm down.
>>138264
Silver looks over at Sundown, raising an eyebrow in concern.
"Is he okay? He will not attack us if I cut his bindings, yes?"
Silver looks over at Sundown, raising an eyebrow in concern.
"Is he okay? He will not attack us if I cut his bindings, yes?"
>>138270
Silver looks at Askfält, then at Sundown.
"No as in, he will not attack, or no as in he will?"
Silver looks at Askfält, then at Sundown.
"No as in, he will not attack, or no as in he will?"
>>138275
Pear at least attempts to head off Silver, walking up to Askfalt, who struggles and moves, and then whispers something into his ear. He ceases all movement, as his eyes are wide, and stare forward. When Silver cuts his bindings (or unties him) he does not move.
Pear at least attempts to head off Silver, walking up to Askfalt, who struggles and moves, and then whispers something into his ear. He ceases all movement, as his eyes are wide, and stare forward. When Silver cuts his bindings (or unties him) he does not move.
>>138277
Pear looks over to Silver, and freezes in place
"Huh? I told him about how I would like to ask questions."
Pear looks over to Silver, and freezes in place
"Huh? I told him about how I would like to ask questions."
>>138278
He blinks a couple times, tilts his head, but eventually decides to accept it.
"Oh...kay. I mean, he is at least not attacking us. That is good. He will be okay, yes?"
He blinks a couple times, tilts his head, but eventually decides to accept it.
"Oh...kay. I mean, he is at least not attacking us. That is good. He will be okay, yes?"
>>138286
Silver continues to stand guard outside the room, waiting either for a sign of trouble or for them to finish.
Silver continues to stand guard outside the room, waiting either for a sign of trouble or for them to finish.
>>138287
Pear is smaller than either of the two griffins, and though both Silver and Pear took steps to disarm the griffins, there is an element of risk in going into a closed door room with them. This does not deter Pear.
Silver doesn't hear anything out of the ordinary, or see anything exceptional, hopefully corresponding to an absence of threats. Hopefully. The dominant question is: how long is Silver willing to wait?
Pear is smaller than either of the two griffins, and though both Silver and Pear took steps to disarm the griffins, there is an element of risk in going into a closed door room with them. This does not deter Pear.
Silver doesn't hear anything out of the ordinary, or see anything exceptional, hopefully corresponding to an absence of threats. Hopefully. The dominant question is: how long is Silver willing to wait?
>>138288
Ideally until they're finished, but Silver would like to leave in time to buy some wine for Jubilosa and return home.
Ideally until they're finished, but Silver would like to leave in time to buy some wine for Jubilosa and return home.
>>138289
Whatever worst case scenario Pear was fearing, it does not happen while Silver is there. Perhaps in the meantime Silver becomes intimately familiar with the faded panels of the alicorn sisters on the ceiling, or with the patterns of star constellations and planets on the floor that correspond to no constellations or planets in the night sky that Silver can remember. In any case, after what is not less than half an hour - and very possibly much longer than that - the creatures come out, wordlessly, one by one.
Whatever worst case scenario Pear was fearing, it does not happen while Silver is there. Perhaps in the meantime Silver becomes intimately familiar with the faded panels of the alicorn sisters on the ceiling, or with the patterns of star constellations and planets on the floor that correspond to no constellations or planets in the night sky that Silver can remember. In any case, after what is not less than half an hour - and very possibly much longer than that - the creatures come out, wordlessly, one by one.
>>138290
Sillver looks at each on in the procession as they leave, before looking at Pear.
"How did it go?"
Sillver looks at each on in the procession as they leave, before looking at Pear.
"How did it go?"
>>138291
Pear:
"I will say more later"
Sundown looks to Silver, as does Askfalk, and the former says to him,
"We will go now" as the two start to inch away
Pear:
"I will say more later"
Sundown looks to Silver, as does Askfalk, and the former says to him,
"We will go now" as the two start to inch away
>>138293
Sundown looks down uncertainly at his hoof, and offers a very limp clawshake that she breaks off quickly. Askfalk stands behind her, not closing in to offer a hoofshake
Sundown looks down uncertainly at his hoof, and offers a very limp clawshake that she breaks off quickly. Askfalk stands behind her, not closing in to offer a hoofshake
>>138294
Silver decides to accept that this is the best he'll get from them, and gives them a smile.
"I wish you best of luck."
Silver decides to accept that this is the best he'll get from them, and gives them a smile.
"I wish you best of luck."
>>138295
Sundown blinks, and looks at Silver a little longer
"Thank you." And then she turns, and moves away
Sundown blinks, and looks at Silver a little longer
"Thank you." And then she turns, and moves away
>>138297
Pear:
"Unless you have another way out than how we came, it would be best to follow them. So there are no surprises"
Pear:
"Unless you have another way out than how we came, it would be best to follow them. So there are no surprises"
>>138299
Silver and Pear follow Sundown and Askfalt, staying some paces back. Both of them look back, but there isn't anything they can do or even complain about, as both pairs are presumably going to the same location. It's down the stairs to the second floor, then down to the basement, and back through the tunnel, where it goes into the second tunnel, and then into the church basement, and back into the church. The two griffins look back when both enter the church basement, but make no contact as they go back up.
Of course this means that they remain within at least earshot for this whole period of time, lasting several minutes.
Silver and Pear follow Sundown and Askfalt, staying some paces back. Both of them look back, but there isn't anything they can do or even complain about, as both pairs are presumably going to the same location. It's down the stairs to the second floor, then down to the basement, and back through the tunnel, where it goes into the second tunnel, and then into the church basement, and back into the church. The two griffins look back when both enter the church basement, but make no contact as they go back up.
Of course this means that they remain within at least earshot for this whole period of time, lasting several minutes.
>>138300
Silver is content with remaining silent along the journey, unless Pear has something to say. He gives the griffons a smile every so often when they turn around.
Silver is content with remaining silent along the journey, unless Pear has something to say. He gives the griffons a smile every so often when they turn around.
>>138301
The two turn around and face Silver and Pear. The ponies would need to walk past them to leave the church. Pear is cautious but moves forward, and then Sundown speaks to Silver, asking:
"What will happen from here?"
The two turn around and face Silver and Pear. The ponies would need to walk past them to leave the church. Pear is cautious but moves forward, and then Sundown speaks to Silver, asking:
"What will happen from here?"
>>138304
Silver shakes his head.
"I did not see any when we came in. If I can be honest, reason why I said we were Black Hooves is because I thought you were police when we came to this place."
Silver shakes his head.
"I did not see any when we came in. If I can be honest, reason why I said we were Black Hooves is because I thought you were police when we came to this place."
>>138305
This answer seems to please her. A smile slowly comes to cover her face, fully enveloping it as she tilts her head down, but looks back up towards Silver. There's a definitely mischievous, or even malign quality to it. "She has told me why she is here. Why don't you tell me why you are here?"
This answer seems to please her. A smile slowly comes to cover her face, fully enveloping it as she tilts her head down, but looks back up towards Silver. There's a definitely mischievous, or even malign quality to it. "She has told me why she is here. Why don't you tell me why you are here?"
>>138306
He points to Pear, or at least in her general direction.
"I was helping her. She mentioned she was not going to be in Baltimare long, and she wanted to learn about...well, you know. Thank you again for obliging her, I bet it meant world to her."
He points to Pear, or at least in her general direction.
"I was helping her. She mentioned she was not going to be in Baltimare long, and she wanted to learn about...well, you know. Thank you again for obliging her, I bet it meant world to her."
>>138307
She opens her beak in part
"All the world and more"
Her stance has completely changed, from distrust to a smile and tiptoed posture that looks perhaps even seductive
"Why didn't you just lead with that?"
She opens her beak in part
"All the world and more"
Her stance has completely changed, from distrust to a smile and tiptoed posture that looks perhaps even seductive
"Why didn't you just lead with that?"
>>138308
He knocks a forehoof against his own head lightly, smiling.
"Because I am not very smart pony."
He knocks a forehoof against his own head lightly, smiling.
"Because I am not very smart pony."
>>138309
"No matter. His followers come from many places and seek many very different ends. But they all follow the same way."
"No matter. His followers come from many places and seek many very different ends. But they all follow the same way."
>>138310
He is somewhat worried by this statement, but the unicorn quickly shakes it off.
"So what do you think you will do now with your mate?"
He is somewhat worried by this statement, but the unicorn quickly shakes it off.
"So what do you think you will do now with your mate?"
>>138311
"Go back to our apartment, or linger around here to see if any more intruders come by." She answers. She seems to want to add something to that, but awaits Silver's response
"Go back to our apartment, or linger around here to see if any more intruders come by." She answers. She seems to want to add something to that, but awaits Silver's response
>>138312
He smiles some more, evidently happy.
"That sounds quite relaxing. Or at least first portion of it does."
He smiles some more, evidently happy.
"That sounds quite relaxing. Or at least first portion of it does."
>>138314
"Uh...hmm...I will be honest, I am not sure if there is something I am suppose to ask or not."
"Uh...hmm...I will be honest, I am not sure if there is something I am suppose to ask or not."
>>138315
"I'll leave it at that." She says with her almost sensual look.
"Have a good night with your mare" she says
"I'll leave it at that." She says with her almost sensual look.
"Have a good night with your mare" she says
>>138316
He seems a bit confused by her response, but he waves goodbye to her.
"Have good night with your mate!"
He seems a bit confused by her response, but he waves goodbye to her.
"Have good night with your mate!"
>>138317
She waves back, and after a moment, Askfalt does as well. Pear waves to them, and gives a light smile. They start to leave the church, though they linger to see if Silver and Pear are leaving as well.
She waves back, and after a moment, Askfalt does as well. Pear waves to them, and gives a light smile. They start to leave the church, though they linger to see if Silver and Pear are leaving as well.
>>138319
Pear trots on through the door, down the short set of steps, and onto the pavement, and progresses down the sidewalk with Silver
Pear trots on through the door, down the short set of steps, and onto the pavement, and progresses down the sidewalk with Silver
>>138321
She twitches her still tied up tail, and the book she carries almost sticks out of her pack.
"They were willing to open up after a while, after I convinced them I had no interest in the police or any persecution. You saw they weren't entirely sure with you. Neither of them was a priest and so didn't have intimate knowledge of how the rituals worked or of the precise details about many parts of the theology, but I got something out of them. I think they may have held back out of diffidence, but that is to be expected. I don't think I would have done any better with a more obviously captive pair of subjects like at the jail. I think the money you gave them really loosened them up." She says
She twitches her still tied up tail, and the book she carries almost sticks out of her pack.
"They were willing to open up after a while, after I convinced them I had no interest in the police or any persecution. You saw they weren't entirely sure with you. Neither of them was a priest and so didn't have intimate knowledge of how the rituals worked or of the precise details about many parts of the theology, but I got something out of them. I think they may have held back out of diffidence, but that is to be expected. I don't think I would have done any better with a more obviously captive pair of subjects like at the jail. I think the money you gave them really loosened them up." She says
Should be back tomorrow
Am back
>>138336
"I bet you did not expect to be doing all of this tonight, huh? We had almost like miniature adventure."
"I bet you did not expect to be doing all of this tonight, huh? We had almost like miniature adventure."
>>138337
“No.” After saying that, she turns her head back to smile at him. “Is every dat like this for you?”
“No.” After saying that, she turns her head back to smile at him. “Is every dat like this for you?”
>>138338
He smiles back and chuckles.
"Heh, it usually is. Sometimes it is nice to have days where you do 'normal' things too. Read book, talk with friends, shop for groceries, that kind of thing."
He smiles back and chuckles.
"Heh, it usually is. Sometimes it is nice to have days where you do 'normal' things too. Read book, talk with friends, shop for groceries, that kind of thing."
>>138339
"I would bet. It's exciting, but it was more than a little nerve wracking seeing a griffin charge at us with a machete. I... Don't think I would like to do that every day. But I suppose you get paid well enough you don't need to.(?)"
That last part is inflected almost like a question
"I would bet. It's exciting, but it was more than a little nerve wracking seeing a griffin charge at us with a machete. I... Don't think I would like to do that every day. But I suppose you get paid well enough you don't need to.(?)"
That last part is inflected almost like a question
>>138341
"I figured. Being an Associate Professor is better pay than most jobs, but less than you'd think, especially for eight years of school."
She looks away, then down, the up, then opens her mouth, then looks back approximately in the direction of Silver but not directly at him
"Uh... I suppose I owe you for this...?"
"I figured. Being an Associate Professor is better pay than most jobs, but less than you'd think, especially for eight years of school."
She looks away, then down, the up, then opens her mouth, then looks back approximately in the direction of Silver but not directly at him
"Uh... I suppose I owe you for this...?"
>>138342
He uses a forehoof while trotting along to wave it off.
"There is no need to owe me. I am just glad I could help fulfill your wish."
He uses a forehoof while trotting along to wave it off.
"There is no need to owe me. I am just glad I could help fulfill your wish."
>>138344
"Really."
He smiles and nods, before tilting his head at her.
"Does being associate professor really not pay so much?"
"Really."
He smiles and nods, before tilting his head at her.
"Does being associate professor really not pay so much?"
>>138345
"Thank you so much"
She hops back over, and towards floof pone, jumping up, and hugging him. She moves over his shoulders, wrapping a leg around him. She is rather small, has a short coat, a long mane that is kept in a tie, and is generally dainty. It takes her a moment to reply, as she positions herself over him.
"Well, for the education level."
"Thank you so much"
She hops back over, and towards floof pone, jumping up, and hugging him. She moves over his shoulders, wrapping a leg around him. She is rather small, has a short coat, a long mane that is kept in a tie, and is generally dainty. It takes her a moment to reply, as she positions herself over him.
"Well, for the education level."
>>138346
Silver slows down to be able to enjoy the hug and this bit of pony interaction. He brings his opposite foreleg around to pat the petite unicorn who is so opposite to him in body size.
"Huh. I always figured college was how one got to have really high paying career. Either that or learning trade."
Silver slows down to be able to enjoy the hug and this bit of pony interaction. He brings his opposite foreleg around to pat the petite unicorn who is so opposite to him in body size.
"Huh. I always figured college was how one got to have really high paying career. Either that or learning trade."
>>138347
She closes her eyes at the large foreleg coming down on her. She isn't that much smaller in terms of dimensions, but her build is much less massive, and it is easy to see.
"I didn't go to make money. Unlike my father. People who take this path do so for love of knowledge... or the shorter working hours and air conditioning."
She closes her eyes at the large foreleg coming down on her. She isn't that much smaller in terms of dimensions, but her build is much less massive, and it is easy to see.
"I didn't go to make money. Unlike my father. People who take this path do so for love of knowledge... or the shorter working hours and air conditioning."
>>138350
"Money is not everything, but it is nice to have."
Silver resumes his trotting, half carrying Pear with him as long as she holds on.
"Air conditioning...is it that one machine that cools air in room? Now that is fancy. I can see why that would be perk."
"Money is not everything, but it is nice to have."
Silver resumes his trotting, half carrying Pear with him as long as she holds on.
"Air conditioning...is it that one machine that cools air in room? Now that is fancy. I can see why that would be perk."
>>138351
She moves off him, but she seems elated still, with a louder voice and faster pace of walk.
"Yes. It's really nice to have in the University in August and late spring. There's no hard outside work when teaching in the semester. It's when you're doing research you have to go out in the humidity."
She moves off him, but she seems elated still, with a louder voice and faster pace of walk.
"Yes. It's really nice to have in the University in August and late spring. There's no hard outside work when teaching in the semester. It's when you're doing research you have to go out in the humidity."
>>138352
Silver looks down at his fluffy figure.
"I have little idea how I am going to survive Summer down here. I might have to shave almost completely bald."
Silver looks down at his fluffy figure.
"I have little idea how I am going to survive Summer down here. I might have to shave almost completely bald."
>>138353
"Heh, maybe. It's a bit cooler here than in Stableside, but it can get pretty warm here. It's kind of chilly tonight though. I wish I brought my sweater."
"Heh, maybe. It's a bit cooler here than in Stableside, but it can get pretty warm here. It's kind of chilly tonight though. I wish I brought my sweater."
>>138354
"You can stay close if you wish. I think I have enough fur to spare for us both. We might also get lucky and encounter taxi soon."
"You can stay close if you wish. I think I have enough fur to spare for us both. We might also get lucky and encounter taxi soon."
>>138355
She smiles and moves next to him, leaning her body against his, as the two (presumably) await a taxi to hail. It seems to be at least 11PM by now. She looks down into her pack at the book she retrieved.
She smiles and moves next to him, leaning her body against his, as the two (presumably) await a taxi to hail. It seems to be at least 11PM by now. She looks down into her pack at the book she retrieved.
>>138356
Partly inside the layer of fluffy coat covering the Severyanan, Pear can feel the body heat trapped inside by his fur wash over her, providing a contrast to the chilly winter air. Silver leans slightly back against her in turn, though doing so lightly as to not overpower her. He looks down at the book in her possession.
"Did you learn anything from them that would go towards decoding that book?"
Partly inside the layer of fluffy coat covering the Severyanan, Pear can feel the body heat trapped inside by his fur wash over her, providing a contrast to the chilly winter air. Silver leans slightly back against her in turn, though doing so lightly as to not overpower her. He looks down at the book in her possession.
"Did you learn anything from them that would go towards decoding that book?"
>>138357
Pear turns her head to look back at Silver as he presses back. Presumably, one of the two hails a taxi. Horseman Avenue still has decent traffic at this time of night, and Pear would be afraid to stray far from Silver in such a neighborhood at this time of night. Both of her ears stand up.
"Maybe. Hopefully I will find out" she answers
Pear turns her head to look back at Silver as he presses back. Presumably, one of the two hails a taxi. Horseman Avenue still has decent traffic at this time of night, and Pear would be afraid to stray far from Silver in such a neighborhood at this time of night. Both of her ears stand up.
"Maybe. Hopefully I will find out" she answers
>>138358
Silver lets Pear into the taxi first before clambering in himself, and telling the driver the address for where Pear is staying.
Silver lets Pear into the taxi first before clambering in himself, and telling the driver the address for where Pear is staying.
>>138359
She gets in, and sits next to him, carefully setting her pack down to her other side.
When Silver is in, she turns to him and says,
"Hey. I didn't get to say this earlier but... that was really impressive what you did back in there. Not only did you take not one, but two griffins who were charging at you and knock them out, but you used empathy to talk one of them down. It's... something very special."
She gets in, and sits next to him, carefully setting her pack down to her other side.
When Silver is in, she turns to him and says,
"Hey. I didn't get to say this earlier but... that was really impressive what you did back in there. Not only did you take not one, but two griffins who were charging at you and knock them out, but you used empathy to talk one of them down. It's... something very special."
>>138360
He gets a little meek; smiling, blushing, and rubbing the back of his neck.
"Thank you. I am not used to receiving compliments."
He gets a little meek; smiling, blushing, and rubbing the back of his neck.
"Thank you. I am not used to receiving compliments."
>>138362
"It feels nice to be kind to others, even those who might start out as being your enemies."
He smiles at her.
"Once I got to know her little bit, I thought Sundown was actually quite nice."
"It feels nice to be kind to others, even those who might start out as being your enemies."
He smiles at her.
"Once I got to know her little bit, I thought Sundown was actually quite nice."
>>138363
"Kindness to ones enemies is a real test of kindness generally."
She gives a sort of smile to Silver, although it's a bit strained
"She was... something. I have to wonder what she would be like in a different environment. Or around different creatures."
"Kindness to ones enemies is a real test of kindness generally."
She gives a sort of smile to Silver, although it's a bit strained
"She was... something. I have to wonder what she would be like in a different environment. Or around different creatures."
>>138364
Silver nods in agreement.
"As for you, I thought you handled yourself excellently back there. You showed off quite bit of charisma."
Silver nods in agreement.
"As for you, I thought you handled yourself excellently back there. You showed off quite bit of charisma."
>>138366
"When you performed your interview. I was not there to witness it, but fact that you managed to get on friendly enough terms to ask them questions shows you have quite bit of charisma."
"When you performed your interview. I was not there to witness it, but fact that you managed to get on friendly enough terms to ask them questions shows you have quite bit of charisma."
>>138367
She answers rather seriously:
"Oh no. That only required asking the right questions. I could have gotten further if I knew more, and if there were better circumstances and more time."
She answers rather seriously:
"Oh no. That only required asking the right questions. I could have gotten further if I knew more, and if there were better circumstances and more time."
>>138368
"Heh. Still, I was impressed. You also stayed cool and collected when we were rushed, and you were great at helping to defuse situation."
"Heh. Still, I was impressed. You also stayed cool and collected when we were rushed, and you were great at helping to defuse situation."
>>138369
"You didn't see me jump back and hide." She gives a small smile, and then looks down, and back up. "I tried."
"You didn't see me jump back and hide." She gives a small smile, and then looks down, and back up. "I tried."
>>138373
She looks at him, almost looking into him for a moment.
"You seem to have chosen your path in life. Unless you want to change your path, and start again..."
She looks at him, almost looking into him for a moment.
"You seem to have chosen your path in life. Unless you want to change your path, and start again..."
>>138221
Amber Sunset, though a bit tired from the previous shift and a lack of food, waits to prove herself.
Amber Sunset, though a bit tired from the previous shift and a lack of food, waits to prove herself.
>>138377
Describing the details in the night of a hostess is a little uncomfortable because I have never been a hostess, a waiter, or indeed worked anywhere in the retail or service industry, but it's a common enough position that people reading may have and call me out on what I get wrong
Amber comes to learn the layout of the restaurant. They have an area fenced in next to the street, and area near the front, one in the back past a bar, and the bar
.
Describing the details in the night of a hostess is a little uncomfortable because I have never been a hostess, a waiter, or indeed worked anywhere in the retail or service industry, but it's a common enough position that people reading may have and call me out on what I get wrong
Amber comes to learn the layout of the restaurant. They have an area fenced in next to the street, and area near the front, one in the back past a bar, and the bar
.
>>138379
The restaurant takes up the left/southern half of a commercial office building on the rather large Chincoteague Avenue, a few blocks to the west of High Sewn's store. The office building, with brick and stone façade, is about five stories tall, and Amber hasn't figured out exactly what it's supposed to host, but it seems to have something to do with telecommunications. The restaurant is the only shop in it, facing the North/South running Chincoteague, but also bordering the northern side of fifteenth street. The door entering from the side walk from Chincoteague is brass lined, and opens to the stand where Amber must stand to greet guests. Behind her, is the front dining area, which hosts most larger tables, bathrooms on the right (but Amber's left) on the north side of the restaurant, the entrance to the kitchen (which occupies much of the north part of the establishment), and some combination booth/tables. The restaurant is basically cut in half by a U-shaped bar that sticks out from the wall and faces towards the south side, of course tended by Salt-Mixer. On the far side, the west side, is a slighter smaller section with a line of booths on two walls, and high tables that seat 2. On fifteenth street, there is a long and somewhat thin patio area enclosed with wrought iron fencing with several tables with an extendable awning. High Sewn explains that this area is not open tonight as it is a week night, but is often open during the days or on busier nights.
Most of the interior walls are are red brick, with the bar being composed of hardwood, and with stainless steel light fixtures. A photograph on the far side shows a city with a river and brick-walled factories, while another few show airships of multiple models, and notably one wall in the front side is basically covered in what is essentially a blue print or model of an early hot air balloon. The restaurant allegedly specializes in the cuisine of the Husaks, which seems to consist of goulash, a certain kind of sourdough sandwich, and... well, Amber hasn't memorized the menu yet. The Restaurant does not seem to cater to the same clientele as the clothing store - or rather, it caters to the same clientele, but the clothing store pretends to be higher class than it really is. Prices are slightly higher than what Amber thinks she saw in Eastside, but the mark up isn't that high.
There are three servers here tonight, one having all of the booths and most of the high tables in the back, one having the combinations booths and some of the large tables, and one having all of the remaining tables in the front and a small exclave of tables in the rear section - that marine colored stallion lodging a protest against this strangely gerrymandered arrangement of serving responsibilities. Theoretically, the owner is the manager, but because of some kind of development that Salt Mixer didn't fully explain, the owner is less active in the operation of the restaurant, and Salt Mixer is the de facto manager. She expects to become the full time manager soon.
The restaurant takes up the left/southern half of a commercial office building on the rather large Chincoteague Avenue, a few blocks to the west of High Sewn's store. The office building, with brick and stone façade, is about five stories tall, and Amber hasn't figured out exactly what it's supposed to host, but it seems to have something to do with telecommunications. The restaurant is the only shop in it, facing the North/South running Chincoteague, but also bordering the northern side of fifteenth street. The door entering from the side walk from Chincoteague is brass lined, and opens to the stand where Amber must stand to greet guests. Behind her, is the front dining area, which hosts most larger tables, bathrooms on the right (but Amber's left) on the north side of the restaurant, the entrance to the kitchen (which occupies much of the north part of the establishment), and some combination booth/tables. The restaurant is basically cut in half by a U-shaped bar that sticks out from the wall and faces towards the south side, of course tended by Salt-Mixer. On the far side, the west side, is a slighter smaller section with a line of booths on two walls, and high tables that seat 2. On fifteenth street, there is a long and somewhat thin patio area enclosed with wrought iron fencing with several tables with an extendable awning. High Sewn explains that this area is not open tonight as it is a week night, but is often open during the days or on busier nights.
Most of the interior walls are are red brick, with the bar being composed of hardwood, and with stainless steel light fixtures. A photograph on the far side shows a city with a river and brick-walled factories, while another few show airships of multiple models, and notably one wall in the front side is basically covered in what is essentially a blue print or model of an early hot air balloon. The restaurant allegedly specializes in the cuisine of the Husaks, which seems to consist of goulash, a certain kind of sourdough sandwich, and... well, Amber hasn't memorized the menu yet. The Restaurant does not seem to cater to the same clientele as the clothing store - or rather, it caters to the same clientele, but the clothing store pretends to be higher class than it really is. Prices are slightly higher than what Amber thinks she saw in Eastside, but the mark up isn't that high.
There are three servers here tonight, one having all of the booths and most of the high tables in the back, one having the combinations booths and some of the large tables, and one having all of the remaining tables in the front and a small exclave of tables in the rear section - that marine colored stallion lodging a protest against this strangely gerrymandered arrangement of serving responsibilities. Theoretically, the owner is the manager, but because of some kind of development that Salt Mixer didn't fully explain, the owner is less active in the operation of the restaurant, and Salt Mixer is the de facto manager. She expects to become the full time manager soon.
>>138380
Amber knows she is not expected to tarry in her introduction but her eyes revel in this new environment. The industrial style is entirely new to her as are the subjects of the black and white photos. It seems that this restaurant, if it successfully rides the waves of time, may be one of those that builds a rich and storied history. Perhaps this is presumption, however.
Amber struggles to remember who the Husaks were, as any of the medley of history books she read would have touched on them only briefly. Knowledge (history): [1d20+6 = 15]
Whatever the price point of the food here, it is well beyond her present ability to pay, and she hopes that her stomach will not growl at an inopportune time. I hope the ponies here are nice, I really wish they pay me tonight for the work I do, or even just give me some scraps of food. It smells so good…, she wonders to herself.
Despite the hunger pangs Amber is eager to stand at the entrance, framed by the shiny brass portal. Though she's clearly not the object being framed it's still something of an honor to be surrounded by an almost-gold border.
Amber knows she is not expected to tarry in her introduction but her eyes revel in this new environment. The industrial style is entirely new to her as are the subjects of the black and white photos. It seems that this restaurant, if it successfully rides the waves of time, may be one of those that builds a rich and storied history. Perhaps this is presumption, however.
Amber struggles to remember who the Husaks were, as any of the medley of history books she read would have touched on them only briefly. Knowledge (history): [1d20+6 = 15]
Whatever the price point of the food here, it is well beyond her present ability to pay, and she hopes that her stomach will not growl at an inopportune time. I hope the ponies here are nice, I really wish they pay me tonight for the work I do, or even just give me some scraps of food. It smells so good…, she wonders to herself.
Despite the hunger pangs Amber is eager to stand at the entrance, framed by the shiny brass portal. Though she's clearly not the object being framed it's still something of an honor to be surrounded by an almost-gold border.
>>138381
Exactly where this restaurant will end up upon the passage of time is anyone's guess. Time is a tenacious thing, with a nasty tendency of persisting long after you think it's come to a good stopping point.
Amber can remember that the Husaks where a nation of the greater Earth Pony Tribe from much further north, who, some time after the settling of Equestria, migrated further south to the areas around Sire's Hollow upon a dispute with their fellows, with a great wave later moving further east towards what is today Baltimare, an area already settled by the Amstels and the inhabitants of the Hayseed, and by indigenous ponies like the Chincoteague before that. While they were neither the first nor the last wave of migrants to the city, they are very possibly a plurality, and are by reputation if not necessarily fact responsible for Baltimare's Earth Pony majority... at least among the pony population.
To the right of the entrance, staring back at Amber, is a very old photograph of a stallion with no mane over the top of his head, but plenty of black facial hair and side burns, and a coat that was likely some shade of green (hard to tell in black and white). This pony, according the picture frame, was Beloved Black. Next to the photo is a painting of the same Beloved Black in front of an airship that is ready to take flight for the first time, one with a rigged keel and a basket.
Salt Mixer has agreed to a payment by the night, and in cash (as this is the way most customers pay anyways). Leftover food is often taken home by a group of diamond dogs one of the servers is friends with, but it's okay if Amber takes some.
Exactly where this restaurant will end up upon the passage of time is anyone's guess. Time is a tenacious thing, with a nasty tendency of persisting long after you think it's come to a good stopping point.
Amber can remember that the Husaks where a nation of the greater Earth Pony Tribe from much further north, who, some time after the settling of Equestria, migrated further south to the areas around Sire's Hollow upon a dispute with their fellows, with a great wave later moving further east towards what is today Baltimare, an area already settled by the Amstels and the inhabitants of the Hayseed, and by indigenous ponies like the Chincoteague before that. While they were neither the first nor the last wave of migrants to the city, they are very possibly a plurality, and are by reputation if not necessarily fact responsible for Baltimare's Earth Pony majority... at least among the pony population.
To the right of the entrance, staring back at Amber, is a very old photograph of a stallion with no mane over the top of his head, but plenty of black facial hair and side burns, and a coat that was likely some shade of green (hard to tell in black and white). This pony, according the picture frame, was Beloved Black. Next to the photo is a painting of the same Beloved Black in front of an airship that is ready to take flight for the first time, one with a rigged keel and a basket.
Salt Mixer has agreed to a payment by the night, and in cash (as this is the way most customers pay anyways). Leftover food is often taken home by a group of diamond dogs one of the servers is friends with, but it's okay if Amber takes some.
>>138374
He chuckles.
"Perhaps not professionally. I just think most ponies have something that can be taught to others."
He chuckles.
"Perhaps not professionally. I just think most ponies have something that can be taught to others."
>>138384
"I learned that there is much to learn from visiting other lands and talking to other peoples. This world is vast, and there is so much more to see and experience than in small bubble most ponies live in. I know most ponies can not do so, but I think teaching that to others is essential for mutual understanding."
"I learned that there is much to learn from visiting other lands and talking to other peoples. This world is vast, and there is so much more to see and experience than in small bubble most ponies live in. I know most ponies can not do so, but I think teaching that to others is essential for mutual understanding."
>>138386
The amused unicorn rolls his eyes.
"There is some wisdom in her teachings, though I disagree with some of her methods. 'Friendship School'?"
The amused unicorn rolls his eyes.
"There is some wisdom in her teachings, though I disagree with some of her methods. 'Friendship School'?"
>>138387
"What is it? Do you not like schools?" She asks, with a similar smile that is a little more amused.
"What is it? Do you not like schools?" She asks, with a similar smile that is a little more amused.
>>138388
"Heh. Perhaps not schools for friendship. That being said, with my current lack of friends..."
"Heh. Perhaps not schools for friendship. That being said, with my current lack of friends..."
>>138389
"Well, that's the downside of leaving the bubble. You can't set roots when you move..." She starts this reply with a smile, but it entirely fades from her face by the end, becoming more like a frown.
"Well, that's the downside of leaving the bubble. You can't set roots when you move..." She starts this reply with a smile, but it entirely fades from her face by the end, becoming more like a frown.
>>138391
"I'm fine"
She looks back up to Silver, as her gaze had turned away in the moment.
She starts to take the tie out of her hair, to let her mane down.
"I'm fine"
She looks back up to Silver, as her gaze had turned away in the moment.
She starts to take the tie out of her hair, to let her mane down.
>>138393
"Uh...."
She stares downwards as she removes the tie. Then she changes her sitting position so that she may start to remove the tie from her tail. She continues looking down, focusing on the tied up set of hair.
"Uh...."
She stares downwards as she removes the tie. Then she changes her sitting position so that she may start to remove the tie from her tail. She continues looking down, focusing on the tied up set of hair.
>>138395
"It can be kind of lonely at times...." She admits, briefly looking back up to Silver, then looking down
"It can be kind of lonely at times...." She admits, briefly looking back up to Silver, then looking down
>>138396
He smiles at her, and holds out his hoof towards her.
"I know how hard it is to have friends when you have no roots, but for what it is worth, I would be honored to call you friend...if you want my friendship."
He smiles at her, and holds out his hoof towards her.
"I know how hard it is to have friends when you have no roots, but for what it is worth, I would be honored to call you friend...if you want my friendship."
>>138398
Deciding it is appropriate, Silver wraps his forelegs around the petite mare, and gives her a hug.
Deciding it is appropriate, Silver wraps his forelegs around the petite mare, and gives her a hug.
>>138400
He gives her a reassuring squeeze.
"We will have to keep in touch after you leave Baltimare. Perhaps we can write to each other?"
He gives her a reassuring squeeze.
"We will have to keep in touch after you leave Baltimare. Perhaps we can write to each other?"
>>138382
Amber is most satisfied with this arrangement and mentally vows not to let these ponies down.
Amber is most satisfied with this arrangement and mentally vows not to let these ponies down.
>>138402
"We will have to share addresses then, so we can continue to communicate once you are successful in your expedition."
"We will have to share addresses then, so we can continue to communicate once you are successful in your expedition."
>>138406
"I'm not sure. It depends on how the city and the owner want to approach the site, really. Could be a couple days. Might be longer."
"I'm not sure. It depends on how the city and the owner want to approach the site, really. Could be a couple days. Might be longer."
>>138407
He maintains the hug, but pulls back just enough to smile at her.
"Then I should be able to see you again before you leave. We should still share addresses, however. That way you can let me know when you are certain of when you are leaving. I would like to see you off, at least."
He maintains the hug, but pulls back just enough to smile at her.
"Then I should be able to see you again before you leave. We should still share addresses, however. That way you can let me know when you are certain of when you are leaving. I would like to see you off, at least."
>>138411
The two little ponies are positioned again outside of the motel, about near the entrance.
Pear looks down and away.
“I... should say” she paws at the asphalt parking lot. “I’m.... sorry for being kind of dismissive of your advances earlier. And uh... and for calling you a ‘gangster.’ You’ve been a tremendous help tonight and I... think you’re a nice pony.”
The two little ponies are positioned again outside of the motel, about near the entrance.
Pear looks down and away.
“I... should say” she paws at the asphalt parking lot. “I’m.... sorry for being kind of dismissive of your advances earlier. And uh... and for calling you a ‘gangster.’ You’ve been a tremendous help tonight and I... think you’re a nice pony.”
>>138414
He smiles at Pear, and bows his head at her.
"It is forgiven. And thank you. Sorry about how unabashedly forward I was."
He smiles at Pear, and bows his head at her.
"It is forgiven. And thank you. Sorry about how unabashedly forward I was."
>>138418
"I suppose this is where we leave each other for tonight...it was great being with you, Ms. Pear!"
Silver smiles, and suddenly jumps up.
"Right, my address!"
He gives her the address to his house.
"I suppose this is where we leave each other for tonight...it was great being with you, Ms. Pear!"
Silver smiles, and suddenly jumps up.
"Right, my address!"
He gives her the address to his house.
>>138419
"Oh, nice." She takes the note, opens her pack, and places it in. She takes a moment or longer to look inside her pack and inspect its contents, to make sure she has everything she thinks she has, or perhaps just to linger on its contents. Then she places it inside, and turns back to Silver.
"It was... nice being with you!" She smiles in a weird sort sort of way, and turns back to the motel complex. "I guess you know where to find me..."
"Oh, nice." She takes the note, opens her pack, and places it in. She takes a moment or longer to look inside her pack and inspect its contents, to make sure she has everything she thinks she has, or perhaps just to linger on its contents. Then she places it inside, and turns back to Silver.
"It was... nice being with you!" She smiles in a weird sort sort of way, and turns back to the motel complex. "I guess you know where to find me..."
>>138420
"I hope I can see you again soon!"
He waves to her, regardless of whether she can see him do so or not.
"I hope I can see you again soon!"
He waves to her, regardless of whether she can see him do so or not.
>>138421
She gives a quick wave back, as if uncertain in her situation, and then looks back down to her pack
She gives a quick wave back, as if uncertain in her situation, and then looks back down to her pack
>>138430
In the darkness it’s harder to see what lies outside. There are not so many street lights, nor headlights of vehicles, nor lights of stores in this area of north town, and indeed, the townhouses, apartment blocks, and combination shops and apartment buildings are scarce, replaced by stand alone shops, the outline of lonely mill, single family houses, grass fields, and empty dirt lots that a month ago likely contained trees for hearthswarming. The first store the taxi goes to is closed, so they go to another location, where Silver finds a store open at least until midnight.
In the darkness it’s harder to see what lies outside. There are not so many street lights, nor headlights of vehicles, nor lights of stores in this area of north town, and indeed, the townhouses, apartment blocks, and combination shops and apartment buildings are scarce, replaced by stand alone shops, the outline of lonely mill, single family houses, grass fields, and empty dirt lots that a month ago likely contained trees for hearthswarming. The first store the taxi goes to is closed, so they go to another location, where Silver finds a store open at least until midnight.
>>138431
Silver pays him for this trip, and requests he stays here for just a couple minutes. Once he's done that, he goes in to buy some bottles of wine for Jubilosa, and a bottle of whiskey for himself.
Silver pays him for this trip, and requests he stays here for just a couple minutes. Once he's done that, he goes in to buy some bottles of wine for Jubilosa, and a bottle of whiskey for himself.
>>138432
Simple enough, but the wine variety is fairly basic. Nothing from the Western Equestrian valleys, but Asterionese wind is available. Whiskey, however, is more to Silver’s taste.
Simple enough, but the wine variety is fairly basic. Nothing from the Western Equestrian valleys, but Asterionese wind is available. Whiskey, however, is more to Silver’s taste.
>>138436
Silver does so. The Taxi drives Silver further through the north edge of town, past large centuries old oak trees that are only dark, leafless silhouettes against the headlights, and great bunches of younger, but similarly leafless trees. After some time, the road comes slightly further south, into row houses, and into the road that forms the center of Cherry Hill’s seaside location. The lights become more numerous, and soon Silver sees sights he’s seen before.
The taxi arrives
Silver does so. The Taxi drives Silver further through the north edge of town, past large centuries old oak trees that are only dark, leafless silhouettes against the headlights, and great bunches of younger, but similarly leafless trees. After some time, the road comes slightly further south, into row houses, and into the road that forms the center of Cherry Hill’s seaside location. The lights become more numerous, and soon Silver sees sights he’s seen before.
The taxi arrives
>>138437
Silver pays him one last time, leaves the taxi bottles in his magical grasp, and enters his home.
Silver pays him one last time, leaves the taxi bottles in his magical grasp, and enters his home.
>>138438
Silver opens the door to see a light on in the living room area, but none upstairs. Mala walks down the stairs shortly after Silver opens the door. He’s wearing a green sweater, and his mane is combed and cut in a short black manner. Most significantly, Mala seems to be wearing a pair of small, golden earrings that he was not before
Silver opens the door to see a light on in the living room area, but none upstairs. Mala walks down the stairs shortly after Silver opens the door. He’s wearing a green sweater, and his mane is combed and cut in a short black manner. Most significantly, Mala seems to be wearing a pair of small, golden earrings that he was not before
>>138440
Silver looks at the gnoll as he trots downstairs, and smiles.
"My, you look fancy, Mala! Where did you go while I was gone?"
Silver looks at the gnoll as he trots downstairs, and smiles.
"My, you look fancy, Mala! Where did you go while I was gone?"
>>138441
“It was the split-toed one. Lua. She cut my mane and styled it. She also found jewelry for me upstairs.I haven’t been anywhere except to the sea and back. I went down the road once but turned away when I saw police. Lua wanted to do someone’s mane, and the Juby didn’t have enough hair, so she chose me instead.”
Mala’s mane is definitely shorter, and it stands straight up. He looks effeminate, but presentable.
“It was the split-toed one. Lua. She cut my mane and styled it. She also found jewelry for me upstairs.I haven’t been anywhere except to the sea and back. I went down the road once but turned away when I saw police. Lua wanted to do someone’s mane, and the Juby didn’t have enough hair, so she chose me instead.”
Mala’s mane is definitely shorter, and it stands straight up. He looks effeminate, but presentable.
>>138443
“She seems to like doing it. Mane care. She probably would. Mala smiles, and comes closer to Silver.”
“She seems to like doing it. Mane care. She probably would. Mala smiles, and comes closer to Silver.”
>>138447
Mala comes to Silver’s side, and walks with him into the living room. Jubilosa is staring at the television while lying partly on her side, with a firm look on her face
Mala comes to Silver’s side, and walks with him into the living room. Jubilosa is staring at the television while lying partly on her side, with a firm look on her face
>>138448
The unicorn initially smiles at Jubilosa when he sees her, but it quickly changes to one of concern when he sees her expression.
"Hello Jubilosa. Is something wrong?"
The unicorn initially smiles at Jubilosa when he sees her, but it quickly changes to one of concern when he sees her expression.
"Hello Jubilosa. Is something wrong?"
>>138450
His smile returns instantly. He levitates one of the wine bottles he bought into view.
"Yes, and I brought presents, too!"
His smile returns instantly. He levitates one of the wine bottles he bought into view.
"Yes, and I brought presents, too!"
>>138451
Her beak slowly opens, her eyes slowly widen and focus on the bottles as her face fills with an expression of pure joy
“Oh Silver!”
She jumps up and hugs the pony, also grabbing a bottle
Her beak slowly opens, her eyes slowly widen and focus on the bottles as her face fills with an expression of pure joy
“Oh Silver!”
She jumps up and hugs the pony, also grabbing a bottle
>>138453
She tries to press her head into Silver’s fluff
“I don’t do so well when I am alone with my thoughts”
She tries to press her head into Silver’s fluff
“I don’t do so well when I am alone with my thoughts”
>>138454
There's more than enough fluff for her to do so, and Silver doesn't stop her. In fact, the way he holds the back of her head encourages it. It smells just faintly of him after his busy day, and it's still warm inside from his body head despite being him being outside in the chilled air.
"I can understand that. I am here if you want to spend time together."
There's more than enough fluff for her to do so, and Silver doesn't stop her. In fact, the way he holds the back of her head encourages it. It smells just faintly of him after his busy day, and it's still warm inside from his body head despite being him being outside in the chilled air.
"I can understand that. I am here if you want to spend time together."
>>138456
He nods in agreement as he pulls out his bottle of whiskey.
"I hope you do not mind, but I also got something for myself."
He nods in agreement as he pulls out his bottle of whiskey.
"I hope you do not mind, but I also got something for myself."
>>138457
She breaks away
“Uh, okay”
And she goes over to the bar area, pulling a glass and pouring into it. She turns to look back at Silver
She breaks away
“Uh, okay”
And she goes over to the bar area, pulling a glass and pouring into it. She turns to look back at Silver
>>138458
Silver joins her. In the middle of getting a glass, he looks down at the bottle of whiskey he's got with him, and decides to put the bottle away. Instead, he pours a glass of the wine for himself.
"Heh...it may not be my favorite drink, but it will be worth it to drink with you."
Silver joins her. In the middle of getting a glass, he looks down at the bottle of whiskey he's got with him, and decides to put the bottle away. Instead, he pours a glass of the wine for himself.
"Heh...it may not be my favorite drink, but it will be worth it to drink with you."
>>138459
She smiles, touches a part of the back of her head, and sits down at the table, turning her body. She takes a drink of the wine.
She smiles, touches a part of the back of her head, and sits down at the table, turning her body. She takes a drink of the wine.
>>138460
Silver joins her at the table, and takes a drink of his own wine. He only grimaces for the briefest of moments before returning to smiling.
Silver joins her at the table, and takes a drink of his own wine. He only grimaces for the briefest of moments before returning to smiling.
>>138461
She looks out over on the water through the glass windows. There are quite a number of lights over the bay.
She looks out over on the water through the glass windows. There are quite a number of lights over the bay.
>>138463
Mala seems to have been sitting nearby, just barely on the living room side of the floor. Mala moves over quickly, pulling out a chair, and sitting on the opposite side of Silver and Jubilosa
Mala seems to have been sitting nearby, just barely on the living room side of the floor. Mala moves over quickly, pulling out a chair, and sitting on the opposite side of Silver and Jubilosa
>>138465
“Not really” she says. “More lights here. More of a bend in the bay. You can’t see land from the sea front in Midora.”
“Not really” she says. “More lights here. More of a bend in the bay. You can’t see land from the sea front in Midora.”
>>138466
Silver nods, and continues looking out the window.
"Have you ever travelled by sea? Well, besides coming here, that is."
Silver nods, and continues looking out the window.
"Have you ever travelled by sea? Well, besides coming here, that is."
>>138467
“No. I haven’t. I hadn’t seen the sea before going to Midora to work. My work sometimes involved shipping but... I never even saw the things. The ships, I mean.”
“No. I haven’t. I hadn’t seen the sea before going to Midora to work. My work sometimes involved shipping but... I never even saw the things. The ships, I mean.”
>>138473
He smiles, and decides to change subject.
"So, I know what Mala and Khoi did while I was gone. What about you?"
He smiles, and decides to change subject.
"So, I know what Mala and Khoi did while I was gone. What about you?"
>>138479
"Hmm. I should really learn this kind of stuff..."
He scratches his chin for a few moments, before looking at Jubilosa.
"Well, perhaps we should go to spa sometime, you and me."
"Hmm. I should really learn this kind of stuff..."
He scratches his chin for a few moments, before looking at Jubilosa.
"Well, perhaps we should go to spa sometime, you and me."
>>138481
He smiles and nods.
"I have heard as much, but I am unsure exactly where it is at. We should go sometime, get you all pampered up."
He smiles and nods.
"I have heard as much, but I am unsure exactly where it is at. We should go sometime, get you all pampered up."
>>138485
He smiles even wider after taking another drink of his wine.
"That is great! It would be our first time together!"
He smiles even wider after taking another drink of his wine.
"That is great! It would be our first time together!"
>>138491
His smiles is dulled by this statement.
"I have also noticed that this city seems rotten, but yes there is some good to be found in it as well. After all, I found all of you, did I not?"
His smiles is dulled by this statement.
"I have also noticed that this city seems rotten, but yes there is some good to be found in it as well. After all, I found all of you, did I not?"
>>138494
She rubs more, then rubs the side of her head against his muzzle, and his head. This is better, as her beak is hard, slick, and almost cold, but the feathers on her head are short, mostly soft and warm.
She rubs more, then rubs the side of her head against his muzzle, and his head. This is better, as her beak is hard, slick, and almost cold, but the feathers on her head are short, mostly soft and warm.
>>138495
His smile returns to full force. The mutual rubbing continues for a few more seconds before Silver lets out a yawn.
His smile returns to full force. The mutual rubbing continues for a few more seconds before Silver lets out a yawn.
>>138497
He pulls back, and nods. His eyes look tired.
"Yes. It was busy, even though I felt like I did so little."
He pulls back, and nods. His eyes look tired.
"Yes. It was busy, even though I felt like I did so little."
>>138498
She pulls her beak forward in a gesture resembling a frown.
“Well that’s not good.” She blinks, and turns her head over towards the water.
“So long as what you did do, was good, then you can say you did good.”
She pulls her beak forward in a gesture resembling a frown.
“Well that’s not good.” She blinks, and turns her head over towards the water.
“So long as what you did do, was good, then you can say you did good.”
>>138499
Silver is silent for a moment, as he looks out the window.
"Yes...I think I did do some good today."
Silver is silent for a moment, as he looks out the window.
"Yes...I think I did do some good today."
>>138501
He looks at her, and smiles brightly.
"Have I ever told you how glad I am that you are here with me?"
He looks at her, and smiles brightly.
"Have I ever told you how glad I am that you are here with me?"
>>138502
She gives him a mischievous smile, turns to him and says
"No. I don't think you have."
Sipping her wine thereafter
She gives him a mischievous smile, turns to him and says
"No. I don't think you have."
Sipping her wine thereafter
>>138506
De Sew is the most senior of the waitresses, her section includes,
four combination booth and tables (seats 4)
3 regular tables (seats 4)
Melon Mangrove is less experienced, and approximately in the middle. She is assigned the tables on the opposite side of the bar. She has
five booths (seats 4)
four high tables (seats 2)
Mustard Trim is the least experienced. He has what remains, which is:
Six tables in the front section (seats 4; note that it is understood that if tables are combined, this section is the most suited for it)
Two tables of two (seats 2; section is located on the other side of the bar. The "exclave")
The bar is operated by Salt Mixer, and could seat probably about 12
De Sew is the most senior of the waitresses, her section includes,
four combination booth and tables (seats 4)
3 regular tables (seats 4)
Melon Mangrove is less experienced, and approximately in the middle. She is assigned the tables on the opposite side of the bar. She has
five booths (seats 4)
four high tables (seats 2)
Mustard Trim is the least experienced. He has what remains, which is:
Six tables in the front section (seats 4; note that it is understood that if tables are combined, this section is the most suited for it)
Two tables of two (seats 2; section is located on the other side of the bar. The "exclave")
The bar is operated by Salt Mixer, and could seat probably about 12
>>138509
The first evident customers appear almost immediately afterwards: a white Pegasus stallion and a cream colored Pegasus mare, both fairly young
The first evident customers appear almost immediately afterwards: a white Pegasus stallion and a cream colored Pegasus mare, both fairly young
>>138512
"Right this way," she says, taking them to a high table manned (ponied?) by Melon Mangrove. This isn't an establishment that uses a reservation system, evidently.
"Right this way," she says, taking them to a high table manned (ponied?) by Melon Mangrove. This isn't an establishment that uses a reservation system, evidently.
>>138513
No reservations. It ain't that fancy.
They take their seats.
Shortly there after, an earth pony mare with two foals (one of whom is yearling) enters
No reservations. It ain't that fancy.
They take their seats.
Shortly there after, an earth pony mare with two foals (one of whom is yearling) enters
>>138515
She smiles at Amber, looking up from her youngest child.
"Four. Hopefully" she says, and looking back at her yearling
"Don't pick that up." Then she moves to take hold of her slightly older foal before she runs off.
She smiles at Amber, looking up from her youngest child.
"Four. Hopefully" she says, and looking back at her yearling
"Don't pick that up." Then she moves to take hold of her slightly older foal before she runs off.
>>138516
"Of course! Your table is over here." She leads them to a booth in De Sew's section, reasoning that foals might be a little difficult so it's best to let the most experienced waiter handle this.
"Of course! Your table is over here." She leads them to a booth in De Sew's section, reasoning that foals might be a little difficult so it's best to let the most experienced waiter handle this.
>>138517
The slightly older foal, who has surprisingly long legs, takes off running, causing the mare to put her yearling down and chase the filly, before eventually herding them to the table. These tables are also, thankfully, one of the closest set.
Amber has to wait a little longer before the next set of ponies come in; two unicorn mares with purses and who look a look to be maybe 30ish, and who seem to be giggle shortly before entering
The slightly older foal, who has surprisingly long legs, takes off running, causing the mare to put her yearling down and chase the filly, before eventually herding them to the table. These tables are also, thankfully, one of the closest set.
Amber has to wait a little longer before the next set of ponies come in; two unicorn mares with purses and who look a look to be maybe 30ish, and who seem to be giggle shortly before entering
>>138518
Rather than interrupt their conversation Amber starts to wordlessly lead them to another high table under Melon. Midway though she comes to the sudden realization of how this may not work out; she turns and asks, "Are you expecting company?"
Rather than interrupt their conversation Amber starts to wordlessly lead them to another high table under Melon. Midway though she comes to the sudden realization of how this may not work out; she turns and asks, "Are you expecting company?"
>>138519
One of them - the light purple one, with her mane upwards in a sort of bun, drains the smile from her face. Turning to Amber, she answers plainly: "No."
One of them - the light purple one, with her mane upwards in a sort of bun, drains the smile from her face. Turning to Amber, she answers plainly: "No."
>>138520
"Not a problem, I thought maybe you folks might want more seats in case." Amber's smile is a bit more strained as she leads them the rest of the way. I've done caused offense already.
I don't know how, but I did.
"Not a problem, I thought maybe you folks might want more seats in case." Amber's smile is a bit more strained as she leads them the rest of the way. I've done caused offense already.
I don't know how, but I did.
>>138521
It's a silent procession to the back, as they are both seated right next to the first pair that Amber seated.
Next: a middle aged mare, a young earth pony mare, and a younger zebra stallion
It's a silent procession to the back, as they are both seated right next to the first pair that Amber seated.
Next: a middle aged mare, a young earth pony mare, and a younger zebra stallion
>>138522
What an odd assortment of guests…
This time Amber does not hesitate to ask. "Table for three, or maybe you would like more seats?" Amber looks curiously–almost in a surprised fashion–at the zebra.
What an odd assortment of guests…
This time Amber does not hesitate to ask. "Table for three, or maybe you would like more seats?" Amber looks curiously–almost in a surprised fashion–at the zebra.
>>138523
The younger mare frowns, the Zebra looks back at Amber. He has bright orange eyes. The older of the two mares speaks for them
"Yes please. A table for three."
The younger mare frowns, the Zebra looks back at Amber. He has bright orange eyes. The older of the two mares speaks for them
"Yes please. A table for three."
>>138525
The next to walk in is an earth pony couple dressed in semi-formal clothes. The pair look to be in their late 50s. They do not immediately make any request
The next to walk in is an earth pony couple dressed in semi-formal clothes. The pair look to be in their late 50s. They do not immediately make any request
>>138526
"Table for two, I presume? Let me get you a table." She takes them to another high table which is managed by Melon Mangrove.
"Table for two, I presume? Let me get you a table." She takes them to another high table which is managed by Melon Mangrove.
>>138527
Amber takes the pair to the back to the slowly filling rear section, a move that both Melon Mangrove and Mustard Trim pause to look at. (Not that Mustard Trim is doing anything else).
[1d3 = 3]
Amber takes the pair to the back to the slowly filling rear section, a move that both Melon Mangrove and Mustard Trim pause to look at. (Not that Mustard Trim is doing anything else).
[1d3 = 3]
>>138529
I really ought to balance this better…
She takes them to one of the front-section tables under Mustard Trim.
I really ought to balance this better…
She takes them to one of the front-section tables under Mustard Trim.
>>138530
Mustard takes these, as at the front, a set of stallions, mostly slightly older and some wearing military uniforms (they look like a slightly older Equestrian design but... hard to tell) enters. There are four of them.
Mustard takes these, as at the front, a set of stallions, mostly slightly older and some wearing military uniforms (they look like a slightly older Equestrian design but... hard to tell) enters. There are four of them.
>>138532
The pony frantically rushes to bring out drinks for the first table, before coming to the new one. Evidently they wish to combine tables, as they are expecting more coming.
In next is another pair, looks like a young earth pony stallion with a younger unicorn mare, whose almost white coat has a greenish hue. They come in smiling
The pony frantically rushes to bring out drinks for the first table, before coming to the new one. Evidently they wish to combine tables, as they are expecting more coming.
In next is another pair, looks like a young earth pony stallion with a younger unicorn mare, whose almost white coat has a greenish hue. They come in smiling
>>138537
Correction, although Melon is the most heavily tasked of the three Amber believes the couple would prefer a booth, and so gives one to them.
Correction, although Melon is the most heavily tasked of the three Amber believes the couple would prefer a booth, and so gives one to them.
>>138538
The stallion especially seems pleased with this decision, as they are lead to the back.
There is another delay, and three ponies enter, one mare and two stallions. They are somewhat middling in age and wear formal suits, including ties. The mare and one stallion are talking... something about an "exodus" or what have you.
The stallion especially seems pleased with this decision, as they are lead to the back.
There is another delay, and three ponies enter, one mare and two stallions. They are somewhat middling in age and wear formal suits, including ties. The mare and one stallion are talking... something about an "exodus" or what have you.
>>138540
The two don't stop talking, but they walk along. By this time, the first couple seated in De Sews section are leaving, the two hanging on each other.
A very much older couple slowly walks into the restaraunt
The two don't stop talking, but they walk along. By this time, the first couple seated in De Sews section are leaving, the two hanging on each other.
A very much older couple slowly walks into the restaraunt
>>138503
He chuckles.
"Heh. Shame on me, then."
He takes a sip of his own wine, then looks over to see how Mala is doing.
He chuckles.
"Heh. Shame on me, then."
He takes a sip of his own wine, then looks over to see how Mala is doing.
>>138544
Mala sits quietly, occasionally moving his head an field of vision between outside, and Silver and Jubilosa
Mala sits quietly, occasionally moving his head an field of vision between outside, and Silver and Jubilosa
>>138546
"Yes." He says simply. His canines escape his thin black lips, but the expression couldn't properly be called a smile. He sits mostly upright in the chair, though he is partly hunched over, and doesn't show any sign of tiring
"Yes." He says simply. His canines escape his thin black lips, but the expression couldn't properly be called a smile. He sits mostly upright in the chair, though he is partly hunched over, and doesn't show any sign of tiring
>>138547
Silver nods, though he remains a little worried that Mala is bored. The unicorn finishes his glass of wine, and stretches his forelegs.
"I think it is time for me to turn in for night."
Silver nods, though he remains a little worried that Mala is bored. The unicorn finishes his glass of wine, and stretches his forelegs.
"I think it is time for me to turn in for night."
>>138551
Jubilosa leaves Silver to go upstairs. There is a delay of perhaps one minute while Silver is alone in the room, before Jubilosa comes up. She enters the room carrying a wine glass with more wine in it than when Silver left, and a bottle of wine under her wing
Jubilosa leaves Silver to go upstairs. There is a delay of perhaps one minute while Silver is alone in the room, before Jubilosa comes up. She enters the room carrying a wine glass with more wine in it than when Silver left, and a bottle of wine under her wing
>>138552
He smiles at the griffon from his seated position on the bed.
"I see you have yourself bedtime drink."
He smiles at the griffon from his seated position on the bed.
"I see you have yourself bedtime drink."
>>138553
She moves in and sits on the opposite side of the bed from Silver. She is upright, with her hind legs pulled in. She smiles back to him while placing the bottle on the dresser and holding the glass in her left claw.
"A little" she says. "Helps to relax"
She moves in and sits on the opposite side of the bed from Silver. She is upright, with her hind legs pulled in. She smiles back to him while placing the bottle on the dresser and holding the glass in her left claw.
"A little" she says. "Helps to relax"
>>138554
He continues to smile, but it's just slightly tinged with concern.
"I know it is uncomfortable for you when we, uh hmm...mate. I hope you do not feel as if you must."
He continues to smile, but it's just slightly tinged with concern.
"I know it is uncomfortable for you when we, uh hmm...mate. I hope you do not feel as if you must."
>>138555
"It's okay, Silver." Her legs slowly slump down into the bed and under the sheets, which are pushed back in part. Her body slowly slumps forward in kind, with her laying more on her back
"I don't feel compelled around you, nor in pain. It's okay."
"It's okay, Silver." Her legs slowly slump down into the bed and under the sheets, which are pushed back in part. Her body slowly slumps forward in kind, with her laying more on her back
"I don't feel compelled around you, nor in pain. It's okay."
>>138556
This statement relaxes the unicorn enough that he returns to being his cheery self. He slides up to the head of the bed, sliding his hindlegs under the covers until he's joined her under the bedsheets. He scoots over to Jubilosa and wraps his forelegs around her, cuddling the griffon and nuzzling into the base of her neck.
"I am glad. I just want you to feel as good as I do when we are together."
This statement relaxes the unicorn enough that he returns to being his cheery self. He slides up to the head of the bed, sliding his hindlegs under the covers until he's joined her under the bedsheets. He scoots over to Jubilosa and wraps his forelegs around her, cuddling the griffon and nuzzling into the base of her neck.
"I am glad. I just want you to feel as good as I do when we are together."
>>138557
Silver can feel the feathers of the griffin's neck, her short fur coat, and her long-feathered wings that move aside as Silver moves in. She smiles, but turns her head, swallowing all that remains in the wine glass before placing it on the dresser
Silver can feel the feathers of the griffin's neck, her short fur coat, and her long-feathered wings that move aside as Silver moves in. She smiles, but turns her head, swallowing all that remains in the wine glass before placing it on the dresser
>>138558
Silver stops to look up at his griffon.
"Perhaps you would like to try something new? I get feeling what I have in mind is not very common between griffon mates."
Silver stops to look up at his griffon.
"Perhaps you would like to try something new? I get feeling what I have in mind is not very common between griffon mates."
>>138560
His smile widens as he moves to straddle over Jubilosa's body. With as fluffy as he is, Silver might as well be an additional blanket for the griffon.
"Just lay back, and relax."
He bends his neck down, and kisses her deeply. Despite how awkward it is kissing a beaked creature, Silver feels as if he's gotten used to it.
His smile widens as he moves to straddle over Jubilosa's body. With as fluffy as he is, Silver might as well be an additional blanket for the griffon.
"Just lay back, and relax."
He bends his neck down, and kisses her deeply. Despite how awkward it is kissing a beaked creature, Silver feels as if he's gotten used to it.
>>138561
Silver's mouth forces the beak open and let's his tongue through. At least it's warm and wet on the inside - if not very soft. Her tongue comes up to meet his. He can feel how her tongue narrows at the end, and how her mouth tastes of wine.
Silver feels a big, long wing come and wrap over him on his right side, then again on his left. She seems blissful, lying there
Silver's mouth forces the beak open and let's his tongue through. At least it's warm and wet on the inside - if not very soft. Her tongue comes up to meet his. He can feel how her tongue narrows at the end, and how her mouth tastes of wine.
Silver feels a big, long wing come and wrap over him on his right side, then again on his left. She seems blissful, lying there
>>138562
"Mmm..."
This continues for a few seconds, the dance of each other's tounges, until Silver breaks it to come up for air. Jubilosa can feel something of his grow and slide up her lower abdomen for some inches. He bends down as if he's going back in for another kiss, but instead goes lower to kiss her neck. He starts to slide his way down her body, planting kisses along the way. As he slides under the covers the unicorn lights up his horn to be able to see her body as he works.
"Mmm..."
This continues for a few seconds, the dance of each other's tounges, until Silver breaks it to come up for air. Jubilosa can feel something of his grow and slide up her lower abdomen for some inches. He bends down as if he's going back in for another kiss, but instead goes lower to kiss her neck. He starts to slide his way down her body, planting kisses along the way. As he slides under the covers the unicorn lights up his horn to be able to see her body as he works.
>>138563
Her neck plumage is middle length and soft. Her coat of gold and white fur is comparatively course, but short. Silver can see how her chest sticks out, her ribs, and her concave belly as he slides down, with massive brown-feathered wings to either side.
Her neck plumage is middle length and soft. Her coat of gold and white fur is comparatively course, but short. Silver can see how her chest sticks out, her ribs, and her concave belly as he slides down, with massive brown-feathered wings to either side.
>>138564
He keeps going lower, kissing down her abdoment, her naval, and finally placing a kiss right above her pubic mound and taking a look at Jubilosa's grand prize.
He keeps going lower, kissing down her abdoment, her naval, and finally placing a kiss right above her pubic mound and taking a look at Jubilosa's grand prize.
>>138565
She bounces at his touch, evidently not expecting it. Her long cat-legs move apart and slightly up to make room for Silver. What Silver sees, perhaps, isn't as grand as a mare. There are no large vulva lips, nor puffy anus, nor oversized clitoris, but an understated slit with pink flesh and short fur surrounding it.
She bounces at his touch, evidently not expecting it. Her long cat-legs move apart and slightly up to make room for Silver. What Silver sees, perhaps, isn't as grand as a mare. There are no large vulva lips, nor puffy anus, nor oversized clitoris, but an understated slit with pink flesh and short fur surrounding it.
>>138566
The first word that comes to Silver's mind is 'exotic', being so different to what mares have to offer. He lowers his head, placing his snout directly on the fleshy pink slit and nuzzling into it.
The first word that comes to Silver's mind is 'exotic', being so different to what mares have to offer. He lowers his head, placing his snout directly on the fleshy pink slit and nuzzling into it.
>>138567
She trembles, almost jumps back, but this just rubs her vaginal walls against the side of his nose as she pulls away
"Hehe" she giggles
She trembles, almost jumps back, but this just rubs her vaginal walls against the side of his nose as she pulls away
"Hehe" she giggles
>>138568
Silver licks his lips in anticipation of what griffon tastes like. He admires the view of the flower before him before holding onto her hindlegs, and giving her a long, slow lick.
Silver licks his lips in anticipation of what griffon tastes like. He admires the view of the flower before him before holding onto her hindlegs, and giving her a long, slow lick.
>>138569
She shakes at his tongue's touch. Her flesh does not want to give way much, but pushes back. There are not many juices, but some flow as flesh is pushed aside. The flavor is difficult to compare, but is a bit tangy.
She shakes at his tongue's touch. Her flesh does not want to give way much, but pushes back. There are not many juices, but some flow as flesh is pushed aside. The flavor is difficult to compare, but is a bit tangy.
>>138570
He savors the taste for just a brief moment before he continues to lick her. He keeps his tongue flat, and licks at a slightly faster, steady pace to get her nice and wet.
He savors the taste for just a brief moment before he continues to lick her. He keeps his tongue flat, and licks at a slightly faster, steady pace to get her nice and wet.
>>138571
She still moves slightly back as if flinching, but then moves less and less, relaxing forward. Her walls still offer stiff resistance, but she becomes a little looser, as liquids slowly pour in.
Jubilosa relaxes her head back, and her wings down.
She still moves slightly back as if flinching, but then moves less and less, relaxing forward. Her walls still offer stiff resistance, but she becomes a little looser, as liquids slowly pour in.
Jubilosa relaxes her head back, and her wings down.
>>138572
Silver presses his nose gently against the flesh, and attempts to push his way forward slowly.
Silver presses his nose gently against the flesh, and attempts to push his way forward slowly.
>>138573
Silver presses in, and finds its a tight squeeze, with her vaginal walls constricting around the edges of his muzzle
Silver presses in, and finds its a tight squeeze, with her vaginal walls constricting around the edges of his muzzle
>>138574
Silver snorts a little into her in frustration. He sticks his tongue out and strokes it along what parts of her vaginal walls he can reach.
Silver snorts a little into her in frustration. He sticks his tongue out and strokes it along what parts of her vaginal walls he can reach.
>>138575
Siilver's snort blows air inside her, briefly parting walls and evidently tickling her, judging by a brief giggle. Silver's tongue can move deeper in, pushing aside walls that move back in when the tongue moves. Soon enough he has a nice movement inside her, and the liquids slowly increase, covering Silver's tongue
Siilver's snort blows air inside her, briefly parting walls and evidently tickling her, judging by a brief giggle. Silver's tongue can move deeper in, pushing aside walls that move back in when the tongue moves. Soon enough he has a nice movement inside her, and the liquids slowly increase, covering Silver's tongue
>>138576
Grateful for this small favor, Silver begins to take a slow, methodical approach to his exploration of her love tunnel, running his tongue all along the walls both shallow and deep looking for that one magic spot where he can bring her true bliss.
Grateful for this small favor, Silver begins to take a slow, methodical approach to his exploration of her love tunnel, running his tongue all along the walls both shallow and deep looking for that one magic spot where he can bring her true bliss.
>>138577
A given spot remains elusive. What is pervasive are twists and small contractions and loosing movements as Silver pushes his tongue around, walls pushed out and reclaiming their space the moment the tongue moves.
Jubilosa trembles, and extends her legs far out to each side, and her wings as wide apart as she can, while facing towards the ceiling with her beak agape
A given spot remains elusive. What is pervasive are twists and small contractions and loosing movements as Silver pushes his tongue around, walls pushed out and reclaiming their space the moment the tongue moves.
Jubilosa trembles, and extends her legs far out to each side, and her wings as wide apart as she can, while facing towards the ceiling with her beak agape
>>138578
The unicorn decides that this is, most likely, the result of a difference between pony and griffon anatomies, but he continues to give her the same oral satisfaction. Through every crevace and crease, every contraction and loosening of her walls, he presses and folds his tongue against her insides. He savors the flavor of her, and takes his time to enjoy this wonderful moment with Jubilosa.
The unicorn decides that this is, most likely, the result of a difference between pony and griffon anatomies, but he continues to give her the same oral satisfaction. Through every crevace and crease, every contraction and loosening of her walls, he presses and folds his tongue against her insides. He savors the flavor of her, and takes his time to enjoy this wonderful moment with Jubilosa.
>>138579
Not as many creases and folds, but smooth, wet, warm and tangy walls for Silver to lick against
Jubilosa continues shaking, her mouth moving with silenced moans. Her breathing becomes slower and heavier. She whispers his name
"Silver..."
Not as many creases and folds, but smooth, wet, warm and tangy walls for Silver to lick against
Jubilosa continues shaking, her mouth moving with silenced moans. Her breathing becomes slower and heavier. She whispers his name
"Silver..."
>>138580
Silver lets out a moan into her in place of Jubilosa's name. His Sword, at full staff for a while at this point, presses achingly and wantingly into the bed below him. He continues to lap at her insides, determined to see to her needs and see her reach climax before him.
Silver lets out a moan into her in place of Jubilosa's name. His Sword, at full staff for a while at this point, presses achingly and wantingly into the bed below him. He continues to lap at her insides, determined to see to her needs and see her reach climax before him.
>>138581
It takes some time, and perhaps time moves more slowly with Silver and Jubilosa together in that way. Silver feels the walls contract and lovingly grab his tongue. Her legs stretch out, then her paws. Then she moans, a little louder, and louder, and then... She paws at the air furiously, scraping the air above her, and clawing the sheets below. A warm trickle of liquid flows towards Silver's tongue as she slowly relaxes, and lets her forelegs fall to her side.
It takes some time, and perhaps time moves more slowly with Silver and Jubilosa together in that way. Silver feels the walls contract and lovingly grab his tongue. Her legs stretch out, then her paws. Then she moans, a little louder, and louder, and then... She paws at the air furiously, scraping the air above her, and clawing the sheets below. A warm trickle of liquid flows towards Silver's tongue as she slowly relaxes, and lets her forelegs fall to her side.
>>138582
Silver laps all of the tangy juices up eagerly, nearly like a dog at a watering hole. Licking his lips, he slides back up her body to give her another deep kiss. Jubilosa can taste herself on his tongue, and she feels his rather eager Sword twitch against her furry abdomen.
Silver laps all of the tangy juices up eagerly, nearly like a dog at a watering hole. Licking his lips, he slides back up her body to give her another deep kiss. Jubilosa can taste herself on his tongue, and she feels his rather eager Sword twitch against her furry abdomen.
>>138583
She moves up a bit as she takes his tongue against hers, eyes wide open in surprise. As she sits up, Silver feels her chest press upwards against his, and he can feel her deep breaths in.
She moves up a bit as she takes his tongue against hers, eyes wide open in surprise. As she sits up, Silver feels her chest press upwards against his, and he can feel her deep breaths in.
>>138584
Once again, the unicorn keeps it like this for a few seconds, only breaking it to come up for air. Taking deep breaths, he says to her with the widest grin on his face,
"I bet you did not know ponies could do that."
Once again, the unicorn keeps it like this for a few seconds, only breaking it to come up for air. Taking deep breaths, he says to her with the widest grin on his face,
"I bet you did not know ponies could do that."
>>138585
"Heh"
She has something like an awkward smile
"I guess you teach me something new about ponies everyday"
"Heh"
She has something like an awkward smile
"I guess you teach me something new about ponies everyday"
>>138588
Silver moves to the opposite side, to give her more room to grab it.
"I am glad you think so! I may not have silver tongue, but it is dexterous at least. Maybe we can tell Khoi about it sometime."
Silver moves to the opposite side, to give her more room to grab it.
"I am glad you think so! I may not have silver tongue, but it is dexterous at least. Maybe we can tell Khoi about it sometime."
>>138589
Jubilosa reaches over for the wine bottle, and rather than pouring a glass, just starts drinking directly from the bottle. When Silver says that last part, Jubilosa coughs up, spilling some amount of wine onto the bed. But she recovers, and keeps drinking, eyes widened and looking at Silver.
Jubilosa reaches over for the wine bottle, and rather than pouring a glass, just starts drinking directly from the bottle. When Silver says that last part, Jubilosa coughs up, spilling some amount of wine onto the bed. But she recovers, and keeps drinking, eyes widened and looking at Silver.
>>138591
She stops drinking for a moment, with a couple drops of wine rolling off her beak
"Uh, carry on" she answers
She stops drinking for a moment, with a couple drops of wine rolling off her beak
"Uh, carry on" she answers
>>138592
"Was it really that surprising to hear? You have talked to her about our intimacies before."
"Was it really that surprising to hear? You have talked to her about our intimacies before."
>>138593
She tilts the bottle upright, and gives a kind of awkward smile
"You're right. I just kind of... choked on wine."
She tilts the bottle upright, and gives a kind of awkward smile
"You're right. I just kind of... choked on wine."
>>138594
Silver hugs his griffon tight.
"I am sorry about that...but..."
He pulls back just a little bit, blushing deeply and looking to the side.
"...I do have...question to ask you about that."
Silver hugs his griffon tight.
"I am sorry about that...but..."
He pulls back just a little bit, blushing deeply and looking to the side.
"...I do have...question to ask you about that."
>>138595
She is hugged, but seems ever so slightly offended
"I can stop drinking if I want. I just don't want to."
She is hugged, but seems ever so slightly offended
"I can stop drinking if I want. I just don't want to."
>>138596
He quickly looks blankly at her, holds the stare for a few moments, and then starts to chuckle heartily.
"Heheheeeeh...no no, it is not that, I drink more than enough, myself. It is about Khoi."
He quickly looks blankly at her, holds the stare for a few moments, and then starts to chuckle heartily.
"Heheheeeeh...no no, it is not that, I drink more than enough, myself. It is about Khoi."
>>138597
"Oh..." she turns her head to the side and a little down, looking up and blushing. Then she turns back to Silver
"What... about Khoi?"
"Oh..." she turns her head to the side and a little down, looking up and blushing. Then she turns back to Silver
"What... about Khoi?"
>>138598
"Well..." The blush returns. "...it is odd question, and feel free to say no, I will not begrude it. I know Khoi has been asking about what intercourse is like, she is wanting to find partner, and she is good friend to us both, so I was wondering what you thought about...including her in this relationship? If she turned about to be interested, that is."
"Well..." The blush returns. "...it is odd question, and feel free to say no, I will not begrude it. I know Khoi has been asking about what intercourse is like, she is wanting to find partner, and she is good friend to us both, so I was wondering what you thought about...including her in this relationship? If she turned about to be interested, that is."
>>138599
Jubilosa is silent for a moment, blinking and returning to silence.
"I guess... uh... I guess we're not... formally committed... I mean... I'm progressive... uh... maybe....?"
Jubilosa is silent for a moment, blinking and returning to silence.
"I guess... uh... I guess we're not... formally committed... I mean... I'm progressive... uh... maybe....?"
>>138601
Jubilosa places the wine bottle on the table, and sits up. She directs a question to Silver:
"What am I to you?"
Jubilosa places the wine bottle on the table, and sits up. She directs a question to Silver:
"What am I to you?"
>>138602
Silver sits up as well. He looks directly at Jubilosa.
"I suppose closest term would be marefriend, even if it is not official. I am not sure what griffon version of that is."
Silver sits up as well. He looks directly at Jubilosa.
"I suppose closest term would be marefriend, even if it is not official. I am not sure what griffon version of that is."
>>138603
She pulls her beak apart in the back in something that could be called a half-smile
"Okay, so I am at least that much to you. Even if you never asked."
She pulls her beak apart in the back in something that could be called a half-smile
"Okay, so I am at least that much to you. Even if you never asked."
>>138606
He holds one of her talons with his hoof.
"I want you, no matter what your answer to either question may be."
He holds one of her talons with his hoof.
"I want you, no matter what your answer to either question may be."
>>138607
She stares into his eyes, and - without answering any question, without saying anything at all - she leans in and hugs him
She stares into his eyes, and - without answering any question, without saying anything at all - she leans in and hugs him
>>138609
*griffin is hugged*
"You're not... you won't leave me? Will you...? I don't want to leave just yet..."
*griffin is hugged*
"You're not... you won't leave me? Will you...? I don't want to leave just yet..."
>>138612
There's more than enough fur and fluff for her to bury whatever sorrows she has. It can almost be as good as burying them in a bottle of wine. It has a faintly musky aroma that smells distinctly of Silver.
"Is that what has you so worried? That I would leave you?"
There's more than enough fur and fluff for her to bury whatever sorrows she has. It can almost be as good as burying them in a bottle of wine. It has a faintly musky aroma that smells distinctly of Silver.
"Is that what has you so worried? That I would leave you?"
>>138614
All she can see is white, or a color very similar to it. Some kind of light grey maybe? Either way, his fur is all she can see. Deep inside it she can feel her beak press against the muscled flesh of Silver.
"Jubilosa, I promise you, I will not lose interest in you. You are not just some..." He struggles to find the right word. "...fling."
All she can see is white, or a color very similar to it. Some kind of light grey maybe? Either way, his fur is all she can see. Deep inside it she can feel her beak press against the muscled flesh of Silver.
"Jubilosa, I promise you, I will not lose interest in you. You are not just some..." He struggles to find the right word. "...fling."
>>138616
He pets along Jubilosa's back. They stay like this for some time, just the two of them together, until Silver breaks the quiet to ask her a question.
"Feeling better?"
He pets along Jubilosa's back. They stay like this for some time, just the two of them together, until Silver breaks the quiet to ask her a question.
"Feeling better?"
>>138618
This time, he waits for her to get herself a drink and finish before continuing.
"Well, for one of those questions, I am with you all way if you wanted to make our relationship official."
This time, he waits for her to get herself a drink and finish before continuing.
"Well, for one of those questions, I am with you all way if you wanted to make our relationship official."
>>138621
Silver resumes holding her claw with his hoof.
"Whatever you decide, I am behind you. I will not leave you."
Silver resumes holding her claw with his hoof.
"Whatever you decide, I am behind you. I will not leave you."
>>138624
The strong, unicorn pony stands - or sits in this case - firm, and even leans against her in turn. He lets out a happy whinny.
"I understand if it is awkward, but what do you say about Khoi?"
The strong, unicorn pony stands - or sits in this case - firm, and even leans against her in turn. He lets out a happy whinny.
"I understand if it is awkward, but what do you say about Khoi?"
>>138624
"Oh, no, I can get you another. Over here…" she says, as she leads them to a regular table under De Sew.
"Oh, no, I can get you another. Over here…" she says, as she leads them to a regular table under De Sew.
>>138626
The ponies are walked back over to the front section. The stallion looks over to the entrance to the kitchen, which is nearby between the bar and a combination booth and table. The stallion remarks
"Do we have to be so near the kitchen?"
>>138625
"I... Guess it's okay... There's no need for jealousy in modern relationships, after all"
The ponies are walked back over to the front section. The stallion looks over to the entrance to the kitchen, which is nearby between the bar and a combination booth and table. The stallion remarks
"Do we have to be so near the kitchen?"
>>138625
"I... Guess it's okay... There's no need for jealousy in modern relationships, after all"
>>138627
He looks seriously at her, and grips her claw just slightly tighter.
"Are you sure? I am serious about wanting you, Jubilosa, I do not want to jeapordize that."
He looks seriously at her, and grips her claw just slightly tighter.
"Are you sure? I am serious about wanting you, Jubilosa, I do not want to jeapordize that."
>>138629
He hugs his griffon, sinking her partially in his fluffy coat.
"I do, Jubilosa, I really do."
He hugs his griffon, sinking her partially in his fluffy coat.
"I do, Jubilosa, I really do."
>>138627
"No, let me find a better spot…" This time she leads them to one of the two-seat tables in the exclave.
"No, let me find a better spot…" This time she leads them to one of the two-seat tables in the exclave.
>>138632
He continues the hug while speaking to her.
"It is okay to say no, I will not be upset and it will not change things between us."
He continues the hug while speaking to her.
"It is okay to say no, I will not be upset and it will not change things between us."
>>138632
Amber breathes a sigh of relief and makes sure they are comfortably seated before returning to the front.
Amber breathes a sigh of relief and makes sure they are comfortably seated before returning to the front.
>>138635
With that out of the way, Amber goes back to see a stallion carrying a foal. And an adolescent colt. And not one, but two mares of slightly less than middle age entering
The stallion proceeds to say
"Hello. We need a table for... seven?" He looks back over the set of ponies entering. "Some will be joining us shortly"
With that out of the way, Amber goes back to see a stallion carrying a foal. And an adolescent colt. And not one, but two mares of slightly less than middle age entering
The stallion proceeds to say
"Hello. We need a table for... seven?" He looks back over the set of ponies entering. "Some will be joining us shortly"
Amber grins. "Certainly! We have a section right and ready!" Inwardly, though, she's worried about whether Mustard would be able to handle this load.
>>138637
Mustard seems to have similar thoughts, seeing the group. The stallion tries to place the infant down in the seat next to him after he pushes the two tables together with the help of the colt. The two mares puzzle over where to sit, forcing the colt to (to his annoyance) get up and move
Mustard seems to have similar thoughts, seeing the group. The stallion tries to place the infant down in the seat next to him after he pushes the two tables together with the help of the colt. The two mares puzzle over where to sit, forcing the colt to (to his annoyance) get up and move
>>138634
He pulls back to look at Jubilosa.
"Khoi is our friend, and with her being curious about intercourse and her wanting to find mate, I thought we could help her. It would also be wonderful to share this feeling we have with her."
He pulls back to look at Jubilosa.
"Khoi is our friend, and with her being curious about intercourse and her wanting to find mate, I thought we could help her. It would also be wonderful to share this feeling we have with her."
>>138638
Amber looks at the–for now–small group, wondering if she should help them arrange this. Deciding that she IS the hostess after all, she walks up to them uncertainly. "Hello, folks, um…maybe it'd be a good idea for the leader of your parter to be at the head of the table, like in old custom," she says, gesturing to the far end of the table. She turns to face the stallion, "Sir, if I may suggest…" she rotates to the two mares, "Maybe you would like to watch over the infant? I mean, if it's okay with you…." She is smiling shyly, with a slight blush above her pale snout.
Amber looks at the–for now–small group, wondering if she should help them arrange this. Deciding that she IS the hostess after all, she walks up to them uncertainly. "Hello, folks, um…maybe it'd be a good idea for the leader of your parter to be at the head of the table, like in old custom," she says, gesturing to the far end of the table. She turns to face the stallion, "Sir, if I may suggest…" she rotates to the two mares, "Maybe you would like to watch over the infant? I mean, if it's okay with you…." She is smiling shyly, with a slight blush above her pale snout.
>>138640
"Heheh, thank you. I have couple of ideas on how to show our interest. I will take any ideas you can give, though!"
"Heheh, thank you. I have couple of ideas on how to show our interest. I will take any ideas you can give, though!"
>>138646
Silver nods.
"I know. It will be slow going, most likely, but worth it to be able to see two people I care about happy."
He smiles at Jubilosa, hoping to get across that she's one of those two.
Silver nods.
"I know. It will be slow going, most likely, but worth it to be able to see two people I care about happy."
He smiles at Jubilosa, hoping to get across that she's one of those two.
>>138649
She is silent for a moment
"Well... maybe just a little. But I do appreciate you. You and her both."
She is silent for a moment
"Well... maybe just a little. But I do appreciate you. You and her both."
>>138650
He hugs his griffon yet again.
"If you are uncomfortable with it, we can put idea off for another time."
He hugs his griffon yet again.
"If you are uncomfortable with it, we can put idea off for another time."
I'm ready
>>138651
The griffin smiles, and turns over onto her belly closer to Silver. She likes the hugs.
"It's fine Silver."
>>138641
The stallion nods, and starts to stand up
One of the two mares looks back to Amber
"What? You think I can't be the leader of the party?"
The other mare says to the first
"You should probably get Cricket over onto this side."
Which prompts a response from the stallion
"I can handle Cricket"
Who in tern is being stared at by the first mare because of how he quickly assumed the head chair.
The colt has disappeared
The griffin smiles, and turns over onto her belly closer to Silver. She likes the hugs.
"It's fine Silver."
>>138641
The stallion nods, and starts to stand up
One of the two mares looks back to Amber
"What? You think I can't be the leader of the party?"
The other mare says to the first
"You should probably get Cricket over onto this side."
Which prompts a response from the stallion
"I can handle Cricket"
Who in tern is being stared at by the first mare because of how he quickly assumed the head chair.
The colt has disappeared
>>138653
Rather than stare at this discussion of sorts, Amber quickly says, "I think your colt has wandered off, I'm going to find him and bring him back if that's okay with you…"
Rather than stare at this discussion of sorts, Amber quickly says, "I think your colt has wandered off, I'm going to find him and bring him back if that's okay with you…"
>>138653
Silver continues to hold onto his griffon as he lays partly on top of her. He's careful not to smother or crush her, and pays particular care for her wing. He's kind of like a weighted, fluffy blanket for her.
"I could stay like this all night with you."
Silver continues to hold onto his griffon as he lays partly on top of her. He's careful not to smother or crush her, and pays particular care for her wing. He's kind of like a weighted, fluffy blanket for her.
"I could stay like this all night with you."
>>138657
"Hmmm... The long legged Earth Pony? He's back at the table with his mother right now. At least I hope he didn't run off again."
>>138656
And so Silver lays on her. She is kind of large - not as large as Silver, but not far off. Silver doesn't really crush her. She moves her head towards Silver.
"I could stay like this forever" she answers
"Hmmm... The long legged Earth Pony? He's back at the table with his mother right now. At least I hope he didn't run off again."
>>138656
And so Silver lays on her. She is kind of large - not as large as Silver, but not far off. Silver doesn't really crush her. She moves her head towards Silver.
"I could stay like this forever" she answers
"No, another one who just arrived. Thank you anyway." She goes to Mustard Trim who must be at the opposite side of the restaurant and asks him the same question.
>>138659
"I think they came in with an infant... I don't know where he went. I haven't tripped over him yet. Eh heh..."
"I think they came in with an infant... I don't know where he went. I haven't tripped over him yet. Eh heh..."
>>138663
She goes back to the larger party and raises her voice to speak to them as a group. "Hello, erm, your colt is somewhere here in the restaurant…maybe he went to the bathroom. I'll be at the front to make sure he doesn't wander outside."
She goes back to the larger party and raises her voice to speak to them as a group. "Hello, erm, your colt is somewhere here in the restaurant…maybe he went to the bathroom. I'll be at the front to make sure he doesn't wander outside."
>>138664
The teenaged colt and the stallion look up to Amber listening to her. The two mares don't signal a response, perhaps because of the conversation the two carry on amongst themselves, or perhaps because their seating arrangement has them facing away from Amber
The teenaged colt and the stallion look up to Amber listening to her. The two mares don't signal a response, perhaps because of the conversation the two carry on amongst themselves, or perhaps because their seating arrangement has them facing away from Amber
>>138663
"We could show her, together. If you wanted."
He nuzzles her some more.
"I am fine with spending more time with you instead."
"We could show her, together. If you wanted."
He nuzzles her some more.
"I am fine with spending more time with you instead."
>>138669
I thought it was the other way around, sorry.
Amber tries to reassure them with a smile but it's clear she's nervous herself. "The little one can't have gone far.
I'll be at the front if you need me…" She slowly heads back to her post.
I thought it was the other way around, sorry.
Amber tries to reassure them with a smile but it's clear she's nervous herself. "The little one can't have gone far.
I'll be at the front if you need me…" She slowly heads back to her post.
>>138670
The stallion looks around, and soon the two mares join. But Amber is freed from this responsibility for now, and goes back to her post.
The stallion looks around, and soon the two mares join. But Amber is freed from this responsibility for now, and goes back to her post.
>>138667
He looks down at his griffon.
"We do not have to. We are partners, equals in this relationship. If one of us is unhappy, we need to fix it."
He looks down at his griffon.
"We do not have to. We are partners, equals in this relationship. If one of us is unhappy, we need to fix it."
>>138671
She breathes a sigh of relief at this. So far the night is going just fine, even if she's a bit jittery.
She breathes a sigh of relief at this. So far the night is going just fine, even if she's a bit jittery.
>>138674
He smiles with a big yawn.
"I am so glad, Jubilosa..."
The unicorn lays his head against the catbird pillow underneath him.
He smiles with a big yawn.
"I am so glad, Jubilosa..."
The unicorn lays his head against the catbird pillow underneath him.
>>138677
They're awfully nice. Maybe they're from out west?
I know they wear hats like those there… she thinks to herself.
They're awfully nice. Maybe they're from out west?
I know they wear hats like those there… she thinks to herself.
>>138677
In his sleepy state, Silver decides to make use of the nickname Mala used earlier.
"Are you ready to sleep yet, Juby? You make for wonderful pillow..."
In his sleepy state, Silver decides to make use of the nickname Mala used earlier.
"Are you ready to sleep yet, Juby? You make for wonderful pillow..."
>>138682
"I like it. It is cute nickname for beautiful griffon."
He kisses the back of her head, and closes his eyes.
"Goodnight Juby...I love you."
"I like it. It is cute nickname for beautiful griffon."
He kisses the back of her head, and closes his eyes.
"Goodnight Juby...I love you."
>>138684
The unicorn falls easily to sleep embracing his griffon. His chest expands and contracts slowly but steadily against Jubilosa as he is taken into Luna's embrace.
The unicorn falls easily to sleep embracing his griffon. His chest expands and contracts slowly but steadily against Jubilosa as he is taken into Luna's embrace.
>>138678
The hat is a little smaller than the hats Amber has seen in print, and whereas the western hats fold upwards on both sides, these fold upwards on the left side alone. The accents are slightly higher and softer than the stereotypes Amber is presumably familiar with. Still, there is no denying the similarity, especially in the hats.
One of them continues eye contact with Amber even after he has passed, until both continue on their way.
[1d4 = 2]
The hat is a little smaller than the hats Amber has seen in print, and whereas the western hats fold upwards on both sides, these fold upwards on the left side alone. The accents are slightly higher and softer than the stereotypes Amber is presumably familiar with. Still, there is no denying the similarity, especially in the hats.
One of them continues eye contact with Amber even after he has passed, until both continue on their way.
[1d4 = 2]
>>138689
Amber is approached by a trio of colts. All three are similar in age, though with one unicorn colt clearly smaller, and an earth pony a little larger and maybe older. The earth pony speaks
"Uh, yes, miss. We'd like a table for three. A booth, if possible."
He gives a large, toothy grin. His teeth look well taken care of
Amber is approached by a trio of colts. All three are similar in age, though with one unicorn colt clearly smaller, and an earth pony a little larger and maybe older. The earth pony speaks
"Uh, yes, miss. We'd like a table for three. A booth, if possible."
He gives a large, toothy grin. His teeth look well taken care of
>>138690
"Alright, I think that'll be fine…" She gives them one of Mango's booths and makes a mental tally of how many tables are left for each waiter.
"Alright, I think that'll be fine…" She gives them one of Mango's booths and makes a mental tally of how many tables are left for each waiter.
>>138699
The cold, dry air is welcome after walking six miles, sucking away any potential for sweat. What is less tolerable are the occasional gusts of wind that no tree is around to stop. These bite at exposed portions of skin and are less than pleasant. Still, SIlver's uniform provides cover as does his early winter coat. It's the other recruits who have difficulty, as some of them seem to come from warmer climes. A cream colored pegasus in particular tries to move his place in line to use other recruits, or one of the two wagons as a wind break.
The road covering the old Mecc Trail may be paved, but the asphalt has buckled and cracked under traffic. It's far from the worst of road surfaces, but after six miles the uneven ground begins to pain even steel booted feet. To either side for miles, Silver is surrounded by sagebrush and short grass, going up and down rolling hills, with naked, rock-faced mountains in the distance to either side of the long, winding valley. The sky has been mostly clear most of the day, with the noon sun alone breaking up gulfs of thin, blue sky above. Well, so it would be alone, but for the dark clouds, suggestive of a storm, that tower over the far horizon in front of Silver. Recruits debate amongst themselves whether they have heard the rumbles of thunder, or something else, in the far distance. Perhaps more - or less - perceptive, Silver attributes these alleged perceptions to the power of anticipation, rather than any actual noise. What he certainly has heard has been the number of marching songs, or the constant chatter among the recruits about mares and favorite bars and fears of what is to come, and so forth. Whom Silver has not heard much from is the Second Lieutenant, a raspberry colored Unicorn colt who walks besides Silver at the front of the procession. He wears glasses and his hat, and something in his expression suggests more anxiety than confidence as his reason for silence.
The cold, dry air is welcome after walking six miles, sucking away any potential for sweat. What is less tolerable are the occasional gusts of wind that no tree is around to stop. These bite at exposed portions of skin and are less than pleasant. Still, SIlver's uniform provides cover as does his early winter coat. It's the other recruits who have difficulty, as some of them seem to come from warmer climes. A cream colored pegasus in particular tries to move his place in line to use other recruits, or one of the two wagons as a wind break.
The road covering the old Mecc Trail may be paved, but the asphalt has buckled and cracked under traffic. It's far from the worst of road surfaces, but after six miles the uneven ground begins to pain even steel booted feet. To either side for miles, Silver is surrounded by sagebrush and short grass, going up and down rolling hills, with naked, rock-faced mountains in the distance to either side of the long, winding valley. The sky has been mostly clear most of the day, with the noon sun alone breaking up gulfs of thin, blue sky above. Well, so it would be alone, but for the dark clouds, suggestive of a storm, that tower over the far horizon in front of Silver. Recruits debate amongst themselves whether they have heard the rumbles of thunder, or something else, in the far distance. Perhaps more - or less - perceptive, Silver attributes these alleged perceptions to the power of anticipation, rather than any actual noise. What he certainly has heard has been the number of marching songs, or the constant chatter among the recruits about mares and favorite bars and fears of what is to come, and so forth. Whom Silver has not heard much from is the Second Lieutenant, a raspberry colored Unicorn colt who walks besides Silver at the front of the procession. He wears glasses and his hat, and something in his expression suggests more anxiety than confidence as his reason for silence.
>>138700
Silver sends a glance over to the Second Lieutenant, and keeps his voice low as to not broadcast to the entire company.
"Sir, is everything alright?"
Silver sends a glance over to the Second Lieutenant, and keeps his voice low as to not broadcast to the entire company.
"Sir, is everything alright?"
>>138701
Only platoon sized.
"Yes, Sargent."
He seems almost taken by surprise on this question, but he recovers quickly enough, looking forward
"I think we are coming up on Vale now. We will stop there for at least lunch and rest. After that, we will ask command if we are to proceed to The Front or assist in matters there."
In front of Silver is the first town Silver has seen since his march began. The town is no small city, but it is bigger than hamlet or village size - or rather, is a large sized village - and it's first large clump of buildings to break up the monotony of sage brush and short grass, otherwise only challenged by the occasional pastoral fence or ranch house. A river cuts through the valley, with the town located at the intersection of the road and the river, in front of a large hill. It looks to be mostly square brick buildings, with a large number of wooden houses and buildings to the side. Most have flat roofs.
Only platoon sized.
"Yes, Sargent."
He seems almost taken by surprise on this question, but he recovers quickly enough, looking forward
"I think we are coming up on Vale now. We will stop there for at least lunch and rest. After that, we will ask command if we are to proceed to The Front or assist in matters there."
In front of Silver is the first town Silver has seen since his march began. The town is no small city, but it is bigger than hamlet or village size - or rather, is a large sized village - and it's first large clump of buildings to break up the monotony of sage brush and short grass, otherwise only challenged by the occasional pastoral fence or ranch house. A river cuts through the valley, with the town located at the intersection of the road and the river, in front of a large hill. It looks to be mostly square brick buildings, with a large number of wooden houses and buildings to the side. Most have flat roofs.
>>138702
The promise of some rest before continuing is welcome news, but Silver doesn't express this externally. He instead nods to his CO with a firm expression on his face.
"With due respect Sir, you seem bothered by something."
The promise of some rest before continuing is welcome news, but Silver doesn't express this externally. He instead nods to his CO with a firm expression on his face.
"With due respect Sir, you seem bothered by something."
>>138703
He blinks, opens his mouth to say something, and then closes it again, breathing in.
"It'll be the stallions' first time to see combat. Mine too, and they know that. There are those rumors of a new enemy offensive. It could be bad..."
He blinks, opens his mouth to say something, and then closes it again, breathing in.
"It'll be the stallions' first time to see combat. Mine too, and they know that. There are those rumors of a new enemy offensive. It could be bad..."
>>138704
Silver nods again with a 'hmm'.
"Indeed it would be, but you and your soldiers have trained well. We are as prepared as any unit could be for combat."
He offers the Lieutenant a small smile.
"These are your soldiers, and you their CO. They will rely upon you for guidance. Do not be afraid to rely upon them for support."
Silver nods again with a 'hmm'.
"Indeed it would be, but you and your soldiers have trained well. We are as prepared as any unit could be for combat."
He offers the Lieutenant a small smile.
"These are your soldiers, and you their CO. They will rely upon you for guidance. Do not be afraid to rely upon them for support."
>>138705
He smiles back and nods
"I think they will be splitting us up when we arrive at The Front... But we may not go there."
He smiles back and nods
"I think they will be splitting us up when we arrive at The Front... But we may not go there."
>>138706
He motions to his head to the rest of the platoon.
"Either way, Sir, if I may recommend, it is good idea to either relax or steel yourself. It is not good to see our CO so anxious, and I believe only reason I am only one who noticed is because others are busy conversing with each other."
He motions to his head to the rest of the platoon.
"Either way, Sir, if I may recommend, it is good idea to either relax or steel yourself. It is not good to see our CO so anxious, and I believe only reason I am only one who noticed is because others are busy conversing with each other."
>>138707
"Uh, Yes. When we get to Vale."
Silver and the Platoon inch into the small town with a ranch house, a feed store made of wooden planks, a brick general store, and a slowly expanded central street. Silver doesn't see anypony outside, at least yet,
"Uh, Yes. When we get to Vale."
Silver and the Platoon inch into the small town with a ranch house, a feed store made of wooden planks, a brick general store, and a slowly expanded central street. Silver doesn't see anypony outside, at least yet,
>>138708
Silver looks from side to side, unease slowly setting in.
"It is quiet. I am unaware, did they evacuate Vale?"
Silver looks from side to side, unease slowly setting in.
"It is quiet. I am unaware, did they evacuate Vale?"
>>138709
"I don't know. It's been reported that the 23rd Infantry just fell back to a position in the hills about six miles west of here... I think they are going to turn this town into a supply depot, or a hospital area, or even a headquarters. It's one of the few towns in this cold desert, and the only one on the road this close to the front. Did you know this road goes all the way from Cloudsdale deep into Cascadia? I'm more surprised they haven't already fortified it."
He looks out and around and the purple, light green and brown shaded expanses of sage brush on the far hill, and at the wooden ranch house appearing on his side.
"We are to meet up with the 332nd Support Company, here in Vale. Then we are to await further instructions." He takes a pause, then he says
"I wonder... do they wish to keep us here at this juncture. You know, keep the 'path of withdraw' or whatever secure? Keep us here as reserves in case that big offensive they talk about comes?" He takes another pause
"Not all of the stallions want to be sent in as replacements."
"I don't know. It's been reported that the 23rd Infantry just fell back to a position in the hills about six miles west of here... I think they are going to turn this town into a supply depot, or a hospital area, or even a headquarters. It's one of the few towns in this cold desert, and the only one on the road this close to the front. Did you know this road goes all the way from Cloudsdale deep into Cascadia? I'm more surprised they haven't already fortified it."
He looks out and around and the purple, light green and brown shaded expanses of sage brush on the far hill, and at the wooden ranch house appearing on his side.
"We are to meet up with the 332nd Support Company, here in Vale. Then we are to await further instructions." He takes a pause, then he says
"I wonder... do they wish to keep us here at this juncture. You know, keep the 'path of withdraw' or whatever secure? Keep us here as reserves in case that big offensive they talk about comes?" He takes another pause
"Not all of the stallions want to be sent in as replacements."
>>138710
"This close to front line, either is likely answer. If they take Vale, it will be straight shot to Cloudsdale over road and it will become harder to resupply our front line forces in this area."
Silver listens for any sign of civilian or military activity.
"This close to front line, either is likely answer. If they take Vale, it will be straight shot to Cloudsdale over road and it will become harder to resupply our front line forces in this area."
Silver listens for any sign of civilian or military activity.
>>138711
"Well, the 23rd Infantry is in front of them keeping them from getting to Vale, and it's another thousand miles at least down this winding trail to get to Cloudsdale... At least I hope it won't be easy for them to get to Cloudsdale. But yes, it will be very difficult to resupply, to reinforce, to relieve, or to retreat from the front if Vale were cut off, somehow. That's why I am sort of hopeful we could remain here... I don't mean I'm afraid of The Front. It just, I'm not sure these colts quite understand what they would be getting into when they go."
There are no sounds of diesel engines, nor of cows mooing, nor of birds. Not that Silver has heard that many birds since he began marching at morning light. This is not the pine tree country, nor the rainforests he was lead to believe it would be. At least not here.
Silver does, however, hear the creaking of wood and opening of doors, slowly.
"Well, the 23rd Infantry is in front of them keeping them from getting to Vale, and it's another thousand miles at least down this winding trail to get to Cloudsdale... At least I hope it won't be easy for them to get to Cloudsdale. But yes, it will be very difficult to resupply, to reinforce, to relieve, or to retreat from the front if Vale were cut off, somehow. That's why I am sort of hopeful we could remain here... I don't mean I'm afraid of The Front. It just, I'm not sure these colts quite understand what they would be getting into when they go."
There are no sounds of diesel engines, nor of cows mooing, nor of birds. Not that Silver has heard that many birds since he began marching at morning light. This is not the pine tree country, nor the rainforests he was lead to believe it would be. At least not here.
Silver does, however, hear the creaking of wood and opening of doors, slowly.
>>138712
Silver doesn't immediately answer, instead focused on the relative lack of noise.
"Hmm. So town is not completely abandoned. Still...is it quiet to you at all?"
Silver doesn't immediately answer, instead focused on the relative lack of noise.
"Hmm. So town is not completely abandoned. Still...is it quiet to you at all?"
>>138713
"Well, a little. Compared to Fillydelphia, certainly, but what else can you expect from small mountain towns? Let's get the rest of the recruits and the wagon in. After we get in contact with the commander here, I need you to either go send a message at the telegraph station, or see if they can get cooking started for lunch."
"Well, a little. Compared to Fillydelphia, certainly, but what else can you expect from small mountain towns? Let's get the rest of the recruits and the wagon in. After we get in contact with the commander here, I need you to either go send a message at the telegraph station, or see if they can get cooking started for lunch."
>>138714
"Sir, yes sir."
He salutes the Lieutenant, and returns to the conversation.
"We have prepared them as best as we can. It will be up to them to put it in action, but with guidance from promising officer such as yourself, I have my full confidence in this platoon's ability."
"Sir, yes sir."
He salutes the Lieutenant, and returns to the conversation.
"We have prepared them as best as we can. It will be up to them to put it in action, but with guidance from promising officer such as yourself, I have my full confidence in this platoon's ability."
>>138715
"Well, that's very good to hear, coming from you."
Silver and the platoon enter what seems to be a center of the town of sorts, although even from here Silver can see the town extends slightly on the other side of the river, and the river itself is only a couple blocks down. To the left is an old, white painted church that looks fairly tall for its width. It purports to be the Old Stone House Harmonist Universalist Church. To its right is a brick square building, labelled as the town hall of Vale. On the right side is a two story brick building with a fairly blocky design that a black-lettered sign purports to be the Misfortune County Courthouse.
What is more interesting is who Silver sees. In front of the town hall, Silver sees five soldiers in green Equestrian Army uniform. There is an off-white Unicorn at the center, and two ponies at attention to each side, each with rifles. They look over in the direction of the approaching the platoon, but none say anything to Silver or the Lieutenant.
"Well, that's very good to hear, coming from you."
Silver and the platoon enter what seems to be a center of the town of sorts, although even from here Silver can see the town extends slightly on the other side of the river, and the river itself is only a couple blocks down. To the left is an old, white painted church that looks fairly tall for its width. It purports to be the Old Stone House Harmonist Universalist Church. To its right is a brick square building, labelled as the town hall of Vale. On the right side is a two story brick building with a fairly blocky design that a black-lettered sign purports to be the Misfortune County Courthouse.
What is more interesting is who Silver sees. In front of the town hall, Silver sees five soldiers in green Equestrian Army uniform. There is an off-white Unicorn at the center, and two ponies at attention to each side, each with rifles. They look over in the direction of the approaching the platoon, but none say anything to Silver or the Lieutenant.
>>138716
Silver looks over at the Lieutenant, expecting him as the CO to speak on behalf of the platoon.
Silver looks over at the Lieutenant, expecting him as the CO to speak on behalf of the platoon.
>>138692
Amber, startled by them moving past her, blurts out, "W-wait! Are you eating here? I have to get you a table first…"
Amber, startled by them moving past her, blurts out, "W-wait! Are you eating here? I have to get you a table first…"
>>138718
"Oh." They stop
"Uh, we're with a larger table. The Appleworths family."
>>138717
The Lieutenant unhesitatingly walks forward towards the grey stallion, who seems to be in charge.
"Uh, Captain Forrester, I presume?"
The grey stallion gives a curt nod, and then resumes staring back at the lieutenant with a blank expression. The lieutenant salutes him
"Second Lieutenant Brisbuck, assigned to Company C, second rifle battalion of the 23rd Infantry Division. I am leading 'E' platoon from Wald, in Sunny Mountains to join with the 23rd on the frontline, here in Cascadia, where I presume our platoon will be cut up and sent along as replacements."
"Is it just your platoon?"
He asks
"Yes. Are you expecting a medical division?"
"No. Not that I have been informed of. You walked here?"
"Yes."
"Why not use the rail?"
"Well, I assume command believes the rail lines to be less secure this close to the front. That, or the rolling stock shortage is as bad as the rumors say. You know the Newspapers don't report it, but that doesn't mean it's not there..."
The Captain almost cuts him off
"Very well. You may continue on your way."
"I'm - well, may we make use of this town's kitchen facilities? And any phone or telegraph lines. We need to get in touch with command, back in Wald."
The captain replies
"To the former, we are not prepared now for an entire new platoon. As for the latter, there seems to be a temporary outage of the telegraph lines."
"Well... that would explain why command did not tell you we were coming..."
"Indeed."
he pauses a moment
"We will make accommodations for your troops, and we are working on locating the source of the problem with the telegraph lines."
"Oh." They stop
"Uh, we're with a larger table. The Appleworths family."
>>138717
The Lieutenant unhesitatingly walks forward towards the grey stallion, who seems to be in charge.
"Uh, Captain Forrester, I presume?"
The grey stallion gives a curt nod, and then resumes staring back at the lieutenant with a blank expression. The lieutenant salutes him
"Second Lieutenant Brisbuck, assigned to Company C, second rifle battalion of the 23rd Infantry Division. I am leading 'E' platoon from Wald, in Sunny Mountains to join with the 23rd on the frontline, here in Cascadia, where I presume our platoon will be cut up and sent along as replacements."
"Is it just your platoon?"
He asks
"Yes. Are you expecting a medical division?"
"No. Not that I have been informed of. You walked here?"
"Yes."
"Why not use the rail?"
"Well, I assume command believes the rail lines to be less secure this close to the front. That, or the rolling stock shortage is as bad as the rumors say. You know the Newspapers don't report it, but that doesn't mean it's not there..."
The Captain almost cuts him off
"Very well. You may continue on your way."
"I'm - well, may we make use of this town's kitchen facilities? And any phone or telegraph lines. We need to get in touch with command, back in Wald."
The captain replies
"To the former, we are not prepared now for an entire new platoon. As for the latter, there seems to be a temporary outage of the telegraph lines."
"Well... that would explain why command did not tell you we were coming..."
"Indeed."
he pauses a moment
"We will make accommodations for your troops, and we are working on locating the source of the problem with the telegraph lines."
>>138720
She blinks in response to this. "Oh, I didn't know.
Right this way, I think these are the ponies you're looking for." She hopes the ponies at the front gathering are the "Appleworths" in question.
She blinks in response to this. "Oh, I didn't know.
Right this way, I think these are the ponies you're looking for." She hopes the ponies at the front gathering are the "Appleworths" in question.
>>138722
It seems to be so. The stallion and the colt move seats aside, revealing a small green pegasus colt, whom the older colt picks up, and sets in another chair
It seems to be so. The stallion and the colt move seats aside, revealing a small green pegasus colt, whom the older colt picks up, and sets in another chair
>>138723
She breathes a sigh of relief. Phew, seems like everypony's happy. Smiling to herself at the comfortable arrangement, she returns to her place at the front.
She breathes a sigh of relief. Phew, seems like everypony's happy. Smiling to herself at the comfortable arrangement, she returns to her place at the front.
>>138727
He speaks with an accent like that strange mare from earlier in the day at the clothing store.
"Yes Ma'am, I'd like table or a booth for one" He says
He speaks with an accent like that strange mare from earlier in the day at the clothing store.
"Yes Ma'am, I'd like table or a booth for one" He says
>>138726
Silver nods, and looks back to the Captain.
"Captain Forrester, our platoon has been on march for some time now. We need rest to be at our full fighting strength against Changeling forces, and Vale is last safe settlement before Front. We would request permission to stay in Vale until our platoon has recovered. Our forces in meantime are ready to assist in preparing accommodations and investigating telegraph line problem."
Silver nods, and looks back to the Captain.
"Captain Forrester, our platoon has been on march for some time now. We need rest to be at our full fighting strength against Changeling forces, and Vale is last safe settlement before Front. We would request permission to stay in Vale until our platoon has recovered. Our forces in meantime are ready to assist in preparing accommodations and investigating telegraph line problem."
>>138731
Amber smiles warmly at the stallion, perhaps with sympathy glinting in her eyes. "Alright sir, just holler if you need anything else."
Amber smiles warmly at the stallion, perhaps with sympathy glinting in her eyes. "Alright sir, just holler if you need anything else."
>>138731
He gives the Captain a military salute.
"Yes Sir, thank you Sir."
He looks to his Lieutenant, and waits for his lead.
He gives the Captain a military salute.
"Yes Sir, thank you Sir."
He looks to his Lieutenant, and waits for his lead.
>>138732
He nods
"Alright Ma'am"
Amber presumably returns to the front, where she stands in wait for a period of some minutes before two new guests arrive - two mares, young but certainly well past their teens, and wearing rather flamboyant dresses, with styled and seemingly bleached manes and large smiles.
>>138733
"Well, Sergeant, either help the stallions settle in, help with meal preparations, or help with the telegraph problem."
He nods
"Alright Ma'am"
Amber presumably returns to the front, where she stands in wait for a period of some minutes before two new guests arrive - two mares, young but certainly well past their teens, and wearing rather flamboyant dresses, with styled and seemingly bleached manes and large smiles.
>>138733
"Well, Sergeant, either help the stallions settle in, help with meal preparations, or help with the telegraph problem."
>>138734
Amber makes sure to politely greet these clearly wealthy mares, thinking back to how high-society ponies would talk. "Good evening! Would you care to dine at our establishment?"
Amber makes sure to politely greet these clearly wealthy mares, thinking back to how high-society ponies would talk. "Good evening! Would you care to dine at our establishment?"
>>138734
He salutes the Lieutenant.
"Right away Sir. I will start preparing accommodations with rest of platoon."
He salutes the Lieutenant.
"Right away Sir. I will start preparing accommodations with rest of platoon."
>>138735
Flamboyant, not expensive
>>138735
"Uh hehehehe, I don't know about 'dine'..." She moves a little up and forward as if curiously. "You do serve alcohol here?"
The other one, almost under her breath adds
"I could use a sandwich, though"
>>138736
Silver can see that in the town, there are a number of houses, and an inn. These are a two story house near the river, a number of one story ranch-style houses, and a two story wooden inn named "Old Mecc's Trail Inn" by the river
Flamboyant, not expensive
>>138735
"Uh hehehehe, I don't know about 'dine'..." She moves a little up and forward as if curiously. "You do serve alcohol here?"
The other one, almost under her breath adds
"I could use a sandwich, though"
>>138736
Silver can see that in the town, there are a number of houses, and an inn. These are a two story house near the river, a number of one story ranch-style houses, and a two story wooden inn named "Old Mecc's Trail Inn" by the river
>>138737
>implying Amber would know the difference visually
"Well, we do have a bar in the back if you don't want to sit at a table…" she responds, almost uncertainly.
>implying Amber would know the difference visually
"Well, we do have a bar in the back if you don't want to sit at a table…" she responds, almost uncertainly.
>>138737
Silver decides to try the inn first, and ask the innkeeper about room availability for a platoon of soldiers.
Silver decides to try the inn first, and ask the innkeeper about room availability for a platoon of soldiers.
>>138739
Amber is somewhat confused as to what these mares only a few years older than her want exactly, but she's also relieved that another table doesn't need to be assigned and the waiters won't be overworked.
Amber is somewhat confused as to what these mares only a few years older than her want exactly, but she's also relieved that another table doesn't need to be assigned and the waiters won't be overworked.
>>138740
Entering through the door, there is a desk on the right, a stairway going up behind him, and a hallway to the left with a number of doors. At the desk is a reddish color pegasus with a brown formal coat on, sitting upright in the desk
"A platoon of soldiers?" he asks incredulously
>>138741
They seem to want the bar, as the first mare is immediately trying to hail Salt Mixer even before she sits down. The other mare slowly moves into a seat, and carefully straightens her dress
Entering through the door, there is a desk on the right, a stairway going up behind him, and a hallway to the left with a number of doors. At the desk is a reddish color pegasus with a brown formal coat on, sitting upright in the desk
"A platoon of soldiers?" he asks incredulously
>>138741
They seem to want the bar, as the first mare is immediately trying to hail Salt Mixer even before she sits down. The other mare slowly moves into a seat, and carefully straightens her dress
>>138742
Amber makes sure they are seated comfortably before returning to the entrance. She's unsure of what these "high-society" ladies are so eager about, particularly as the bar has only two other occupants. Maybe they're meeting somepony?
Amber makes sure they are seated comfortably before returning to the entrance. She's unsure of what these "high-society" ladies are so eager about, particularly as the bar has only two other occupants. Maybe they're meeting somepony?
>>138742
He gives the pegasus a sheepish smile.
"Whatever you can provide would be of excellent help. Our troops can group up in rooms, and I can see what we can provide as compensation for you."
He gives the pegasus a sheepish smile.
"Whatever you can provide would be of excellent help. Our troops can group up in rooms, and I can see what we can provide as compensation for you."
>>138743
Maybe they are, as another mare (looking slightly younger and dressed in a still-stylish black dress with earrings and a more conservative hairstyle) enters, and asks
"Hi, yes, I just need to go to the bar."
>>138744
"Uh huh. There are rooms available on the first floor, and rooms 201 through 204 on the second floor but not 205 through 208, those are taken." He answers plainly
Maybe they are, as another mare (looking slightly younger and dressed in a still-stylish black dress with earrings and a more conservative hairstyle) enters, and asks
"Hi, yes, I just need to go to the bar."
>>138744
"Uh huh. There are rooms available on the first floor, and rooms 201 through 204 on the second floor but not 205 through 208, those are taken." He answers plainly
>>138745
"Certainly! Right over here…" As Amber leads the mare, who resembles herself more than the others, she thinks, It would be nice to join them sometime. I don't know what they do except look pretty, but it's certainly worthwhile to them. Maybe someday…
"Certainly! Right over here…" As Amber leads the mare, who resembles herself more than the others, she thinks, It would be nice to join them sometime. I don't know what they do except look pretty, but it's certainly worthwhile to them. Maybe someday…
>>138743
A mare can dream though. A mare can dream...
She follows Amber, and ultimately sits in a spot next to the mare who wanted a sandwich, though there is no immediate attempt at conversation. Amber can see the two mares who entered hours ago are conversing merrily with the two pegaus stallions. The one stallion still refuses to take off his hat.
>>138747
He blinks
"One moment." He opens a drawer, then closes it and opens another, and then goes through a set of keys. He pulls out one
"102"
And tenders it to Silver Sword.
A mare can dream though. A mare can dream...
She follows Amber, and ultimately sits in a spot next to the mare who wanted a sandwich, though there is no immediate attempt at conversation. Amber can see the two mares who entered hours ago are conversing merrily with the two pegaus stallions. The one stallion still refuses to take off his hat.
>>138747
He blinks
"One moment." He opens a drawer, then closes it and opens another, and then goes through a set of keys. He pulls out one
"102"
And tenders it to Silver Sword.
>>138748
Seems like everything is working out. Maybe I can handle this after all.
How many more patrons will I get?
Seems like everything is working out. Maybe I can handle this after all.
How many more patrons will I get?
>>138748
"Thank you."
He takes the key to the appropriate room. He also looks to see how many rooms they have on the first floor.
"Thank you."
He takes the key to the appropriate room. He also looks to see how many rooms they have on the first floor.
>>138751
Well... They are standing in the entrance together
>>138752
Looking into the room, well... This ain't no Rose City four star, that's for sure. The floor is wooden (not hard wood), there is a double bed with white covers, two frilled pillows, a wooden chair, a dresser, and a mirror. There is a small closet, and the window on this room - it's the first on the left - faces the river, and beyond that, the hill that looms over the town. Maybe the hill is prettier in the spring time, when the grass grows green, but now it's half brown, with purple tints where the sage brush grows.
There are 8 rooms on the first floor
Well... They are standing in the entrance together
>>138752
Looking into the room, well... This ain't no Rose City four star, that's for sure. The floor is wooden (not hard wood), there is a double bed with white covers, two frilled pillows, a wooden chair, a dresser, and a mirror. There is a small closet, and the window on this room - it's the first on the left - faces the river, and beyond that, the hill that looms over the town. Maybe the hill is prettier in the spring time, when the grass grows green, but now it's half brown, with purple tints where the sage brush grows.
There are 8 rooms on the first floor
>>138753
Amber is surprised by this sudden appearance but tries not to let it show. It's not too many, look at all of the tables that have already been served! she reassures herself.
She calls out, "Hello there, are you all in one group or would you like different tables?"
Amber is surprised by this sudden appearance but tries not to let it show. It's not too many, look at all of the tables that have already been served! she reassures herself.
She calls out, "Hello there, are you all in one group or would you like different tables?"
>>138753
"This is good!"
He returns to the innkeeper.
"I think these rooms will fulfill our needs perfectly, though I am curious if you have extra cots."
"This is good!"
He returns to the innkeeper.
"I think these rooms will fulfill our needs perfectly, though I am curious if you have extra cots."
>>138756
He waits patiently for the keys, and converses with the innkeeper in the meantime.
"I suppose Vale's citizens have either taken cover or abandoned town in face of Changeling advance. It seems unusually quiet, especially with Army Company stationed here."
He waits patiently for the keys, and converses with the innkeeper in the meantime.
"I suppose Vale's citizens have either taken cover or abandoned town in face of Changeling advance. It seems unusually quiet, especially with Army Company stationed here."
>>138756
"Oh, of course. Let me get you a table." She takes them to a high table under Melon Mangrove. This time she moves a bit more hurriedly.
"Oh, of course. Let me get you a table." She takes them to a high table under Melon Mangrove. This time she moves a bit more hurriedly.
>>138759
"Erm, we should…one minute." Amber trots to Salt Mixer and asks, "Miss Mixer, are there any candles for tables?"
"Erm, we should…one minute." Amber trots to Salt Mixer and asks, "Miss Mixer, are there any candles for tables?"
>>138759
"I do not think we did. We came up from Old Mecc Trail, and we have not encountered any other settlement since we started our march."
"I do not think we did. We came up from Old Mecc Trail, and we have not encountered any other settlement since we started our march."
>>138761
Amber blinks in surprise, and utters disappointedly, "Oh…"
She goes back to the table looking remorseful. "I am very sorry but I don't think we have any…"
Amber blinks in surprise, and utters disappointedly, "Oh…"
She goes back to the table looking remorseful. "I am very sorry but I don't think we have any…"
>>138762
He nods
"You would have encountered some of the townsfolk there. Ponies have been trickling through the valley since before Rose City fell, and started leaving here when Chemeketa fell. The more the Army falls back the more the ponies lose confidence. There are still ponies here. A couple in the post office, the railway station, and the telegraph office, but most have left. The last big batch left last night, when rumors spread. Gone to Virtue, or down the rail line south from Virtue to Neasa. Or more likely, past the state-line on to Wald. There are still a number of ponies on the ranches and farms. But they aren't in town." He answers
>>138763
"Hmmm..." she seems displeased.
He nods
"You would have encountered some of the townsfolk there. Ponies have been trickling through the valley since before Rose City fell, and started leaving here when Chemeketa fell. The more the Army falls back the more the ponies lose confidence. There are still ponies here. A couple in the post office, the railway station, and the telegraph office, but most have left. The last big batch left last night, when rumors spread. Gone to Virtue, or down the rail line south from Virtue to Neasa. Or more likely, past the state-line on to Wald. There are still a number of ponies on the ranches and farms. But they aren't in town." He answers
>>138763
"Hmmm..." she seems displeased.
>>138765
"Do you have flowers?" She asks
The stallion says "It's alright" making a downward motion with his hoof
"Do you have flowers?" She asks
The stallion says "It's alright" making a downward motion with his hoof
>>138764
Silver nods sadly at the mention of the rumors.
"Yes, rumors of big Changeling attack being planned. We have heard them too. We are part of plan to reinforce Front, either as replacement forces or to help garrison Vale. I also heard High Command is planning something big to turn tide of this War in our favor, finally."
Silver nods sadly at the mention of the rumors.
"Yes, rumors of big Changeling attack being planned. We have heard them too. We are part of plan to reinforce Front, either as replacement forces or to help garrison Vale. I also heard High Command is planning something big to turn tide of this War in our favor, finally."
>>138766
Amber gives a reassuring smile. "Surely we must." Amber returns to Salt Mixer at the bar and asks about flowers.
Amber gives a reassuring smile. "Surely we must." Amber returns to Salt Mixer at the bar and asks about flowers.
>>138770
Anxiously and jittery comes the question, "Where can I get some? That couple needs flowers."
Anxiously and jittery comes the question, "Where can I get some? That couple needs flowers."
>>138768
Silver nods, but before he says anything, he pulls his flashlight from his equipment.
"Do you mind if I check you, first?"
Silver nods, but before he says anything, he pulls his flashlight from his equipment.
"Do you mind if I check you, first?"
>>138776
"A lamp! That's it! Is there one around here I can bring them?"
Gotta go now, thanks for the session
"A lamp! That's it! Is there one around here I can bring them?"
Gotta go now, thanks for the session
>>138774
"It is simply way to check if pony is disguised changeling. I just flash this in your eyes, that is all."
"It is simply way to check if pony is disguised changeling. I just flash this in your eyes, that is all."
>>138779
Silver nods, and puts the flashlight.
"Fair enough, though I suppose I should not say what it is. All I can say is that it is big."
Silver nods, and puts the flashlight.
"Fair enough, though I suppose I should not say what it is. All I can say is that it is big."
>>138780
"Well..." He keeps eye contact with Silver for a moment. "They say that a lot. You can only have so many empty promises..."
"Well..." He keeps eye contact with Silver for a moment. "They say that a lot. You can only have so many empty promises..."
>>138781
"That I know, but I do ask you to trust me."
He smiles slightly at the innkeeper, but just a second later he scratches his chin in thought.
"You might know...where is Captain Forrester and his platoon staying here in Vale?"
"That I know, but I do ask you to trust me."
He smiles slightly at the innkeeper, but just a second later he scratches his chin in thought.
"You might know...where is Captain Forrester and his platoon staying here in Vale?"
>>138782
He presses his lips together
"Best I know, is a few of the rooms here, the house by the river, and a few of the homes in town."
He presses his lips together
"Best I know, is a few of the rooms here, the house by the river, and a few of the homes in town."
>>138783
He nods at him.
"Thank you. I think that is all."
He turns to leave, but pauses and turns his head back towards the innkeeper.
"Oh, one more thing. If we can not come up with adequet compensation for you, are there any tasks you need help with my ponies can assist in?"
He nods at him.
"Thank you. I think that is all."
He turns to leave, but pauses and turns his head back towards the innkeeper.
"Oh, one more thing. If we can not come up with adequet compensation for you, are there any tasks you need help with my ponies can assist in?"
>>138785
He nods again.
"That I can do."
Silver returns to the town proper to see how things are coming along.
He nods again.
"That I can do."
Silver returns to the town proper to see how things are coming along.
>>138786
The ponies of Silver's platoon have congregated near the town center, although some are at least stretched out to the river. A few members of the 332nd stand off to the side near buildings like the church, holding carbines. The one wagon Silver's platoon brought with them has been moved to the center, and a charcoal earth pony who was pulling it sits before it, smoking a cigarette.
Silver can see a pink colored Pegasus near him, the same cream colored Pegasus from earlier, a bright yellow pegasus, a black unicorn, and so forth. Mostly they carry rifles on their backs, and loiter or sit before the courthouse and town hall. A white pony is dipping himself in the river. Beyond this small cluster of buildings, a few houses and a couple shops spread outwards.
The ponies of Silver's platoon have congregated near the town center, although some are at least stretched out to the river. A few members of the 332nd stand off to the side near buildings like the church, holding carbines. The one wagon Silver's platoon brought with them has been moved to the center, and a charcoal earth pony who was pulling it sits before it, smoking a cigarette.
Silver can see a pink colored Pegasus near him, the same cream colored Pegasus from earlier, a bright yellow pegasus, a black unicorn, and so forth. Mostly they carry rifles on their backs, and loiter or sit before the courthouse and town hall. A white pony is dipping himself in the river. Beyond this small cluster of buildings, a few houses and a couple shops spread outwards.
>>138787
Silver calls out to the congregation of soldiers.
"Soldiers, on me! I need headcount on who is needing sleeping quarters!"
Silver calls out to the congregation of soldiers.
"Soldiers, on me! I need headcount on who is needing sleeping quarters!"
>>138788
Quickly, the ponies form up before Silver. Lieutenant Brisbuck, the lone member of the platoon to outrank Silver, stands next to him. Silver's platoon is full sized, or perhaps even oversized, perhaps characteristic of an entirely green unit, and expected of a unit that will simply be dispersed upon reaching its destination. Right now, however, it is properly formed.
Immediately in front of Silver is Platoon Guide Sergeant Amber Grain, a pegasus stallion who has probably the most experience in the platoon besides Silver. He is one of the few to have fought in the Cascadia Campaign before, and expects to be promoted to Platoon Sargent after meeting up with the 23rd. Saltlick, a pepper colored pegasus, is a messenger with the command section. Silver does not know him well. Firm Heart is a rather scrawny little white unicorn who wears glasses, and is the Platoon Medic. He's technically not a part of the platoon, but is rather "attached." Silver can boss him around all the same.
One pony in the command section is conspicuously absent: Platoon Radio Operator Hazelfront. Though green, Hazelfront seemed fairly sturdy in Silver's brief time to know him back in Wald, and his absence here is puzzling.
The platoon has three rifle squads of 12 ponies each. Of the sergeants who lead these, incredibly, two have combat experience, and one is a non-commissioned officer fresh out of training. A quick count of these units shows that one more pony - a riflestallion of B Squad - is absent from the formation.
What makes this unit oversized is an additional squad - a machine gun squad from the weapons platoon is attached. This is four more ponies, bringing the total to 46 ponies counting Silver, of whom 2 are absent from the formation.
The wagon is pulled by the charcoal Earth Pony - a light machine gunner for B squad who takes formation but continues smoking his cigarette. It contains the platoon's three light machine guns, the medium machine gun of the weapons squad, and various other weapons and items, many of which were never intended for this unit.
Quickly, the ponies form up before Silver. Lieutenant Brisbuck, the lone member of the platoon to outrank Silver, stands next to him. Silver's platoon is full sized, or perhaps even oversized, perhaps characteristic of an entirely green unit, and expected of a unit that will simply be dispersed upon reaching its destination. Right now, however, it is properly formed.
Immediately in front of Silver is Platoon Guide Sergeant Amber Grain, a pegasus stallion who has probably the most experience in the platoon besides Silver. He is one of the few to have fought in the Cascadia Campaign before, and expects to be promoted to Platoon Sargent after meeting up with the 23rd. Saltlick, a pepper colored pegasus, is a messenger with the command section. Silver does not know him well. Firm Heart is a rather scrawny little white unicorn who wears glasses, and is the Platoon Medic. He's technically not a part of the platoon, but is rather "attached." Silver can boss him around all the same.
One pony in the command section is conspicuously absent: Platoon Radio Operator Hazelfront. Though green, Hazelfront seemed fairly sturdy in Silver's brief time to know him back in Wald, and his absence here is puzzling.
The platoon has three rifle squads of 12 ponies each. Of the sergeants who lead these, incredibly, two have combat experience, and one is a non-commissioned officer fresh out of training. A quick count of these units shows that one more pony - a riflestallion of B Squad - is absent from the formation.
What makes this unit oversized is an additional squad - a machine gun squad from the weapons platoon is attached. This is four more ponies, bringing the total to 46 ponies counting Silver, of whom 2 are absent from the formation.
The wagon is pulled by the charcoal Earth Pony - a light machine gunner for B squad who takes formation but continues smoking his cigarette. It contains the platoon's three light machine guns, the medium machine gun of the weapons squad, and various other weapons and items, many of which were never intended for this unit.
>>138789
The unicorn looks up and down the formation.
"Can anypony tell me where our two missing soldiers have gone?"
The unicorn looks up and down the formation.
"Can anypony tell me where our two missing soldiers have gone?"
>>138790
Salt Lick responds:
“Sir, Technical Private Hazelfront went into the Town Hall building, I believe.”
The Cream Colored Pegasus is the one who volunteers the information on the missing rifle stallion.
“Uh, Sargent. Private Frosted Bark was somewhere by the river” he answers.
Salt Lick responds:
“Sir, Technical Private Hazelfront went into the Town Hall building, I believe.”
The Cream Colored Pegasus is the one who volunteers the information on the missing rifle stallion.
“Uh, Sargent. Private Frosted Bark was somewhere by the river” he answers.
>>138791
He nods, and points to the ponies who volunteered the information.
"Find them and bring them back here, as quickly as you can."
He nods, and points to the ponies who volunteered the information.
"Find them and bring them back here, as quickly as you can."
>>138792
The light brown earth pony, Technical Private Hazelfront, wordlessly appears from the Town Hall along with Saltlick, walking between the two guards of the 332nd. He speaks with a matter of fact tone when he addresses Silver:
"I was in the bathroom [pause] Sargent" He moves to stand next to Saltlick in line, near the front.
It's a little longer before an earth pony of mixed white and brown coat with green mane appears from the direction of the riverfront along with the cream colored pegasus. The earth pony is almost prancing with how high he moves up his legs as he walks, and the pegasus walks swiftly as well.
Frostbark speaks
"Sorry Sargent. I was just watching the ducks. It.... won't happen again."
The light brown earth pony, Technical Private Hazelfront, wordlessly appears from the Town Hall along with Saltlick, walking between the two guards of the 332nd. He speaks with a matter of fact tone when he addresses Silver:
"I was in the bathroom [pause] Sargent" He moves to stand next to Saltlick in line, near the front.
It's a little longer before an earth pony of mixed white and brown coat with green mane appears from the direction of the riverfront along with the cream colored pegasus. The earth pony is almost prancing with how high he moves up his legs as he walks, and the pegasus walks swiftly as well.
Frostbark speaks
"Sorry Sargent. I was just watching the ducks. It.... won't happen again."
>>138793
He nods at both of their answers, but he focuses on Private Frosted Bark for just a second longer.
"It is okay, Private, you are all due for some rest after our march. Just remember to keep focused once you are on Front, you can not afford to be distracted like that out there."
The unicorn waits for the ponies to join the formation, then marches in front of the soldiers.
"I have inquired with innkeeper in charge of Old Mecc Inn, and there are currently 12 rooms there available for our use, with room enough for two ponies to bunk in each one. In addition, I have learned that most of town's population has fled in advance of Changeling offensive, so there are empty houses we may make use of while we are resting here. So, here is what we are going to do: I want all of you to find bunkmate, then form orderly line in front of me to be assigned to your room. Once we run out of rooms, we will see about occupying empty houses here in town. Understood?"
He nods at both of their answers, but he focuses on Private Frosted Bark for just a second longer.
"It is okay, Private, you are all due for some rest after our march. Just remember to keep focused once you are on Front, you can not afford to be distracted like that out there."
The unicorn waits for the ponies to join the formation, then marches in front of the soldiers.
"I have inquired with innkeeper in charge of Old Mecc Inn, and there are currently 12 rooms there available for our use, with room enough for two ponies to bunk in each one. In addition, I have learned that most of town's population has fled in advance of Changeling offensive, so there are empty houses we may make use of while we are resting here. So, here is what we are going to do: I want all of you to find bunkmate, then form orderly line in front of me to be assigned to your room. Once we run out of rooms, we will see about occupying empty houses here in town. Understood?"
>>138794
"Sir, Yes Sir." A few of them start the chant, and the rest join in.
A pink pegasus pony Silver can identify as the assistant leader of A company comes forward.
"Sergeant, may I make a suggestion? Organize the arrangements by unit. A squad and C squad can stay in the in, as 12 rooms will fit exactly that many ponies. Command section can stay in a house, and the same to the weapons section. B squad can sleep by the river. With the ducks."
He can't help but smile at that last part.
"Sir, Yes Sir." A few of them start the chant, and the rest join in.
A pink pegasus pony Silver can identify as the assistant leader of A company comes forward.
"Sergeant, may I make a suggestion? Organize the arrangements by unit. A squad and C squad can stay in the in, as 12 rooms will fit exactly that many ponies. Command section can stay in a house, and the same to the weapons section. B squad can sleep by the river. With the ducks."
He can't help but smile at that last part.
>>138795
The unicorn exaggeratedly scratches his chin in thought, but from the small smile on his face, he seems to have already made his decision.
"Hmm...that *is* good idea."
He addresses the platoon.
"You heard him, ponies. A, C - buddy up and line up in front of me. B - get yourselves set up for duck watching."
The unicorn exaggeratedly scratches his chin in thought, but from the small smile on his face, he seems to have already made his decision.
"Hmm...that *is* good idea."
He addresses the platoon.
"You heard him, ponies. A, C - buddy up and line up in front of me. B - get yourselves set up for duck watching."
>>138796
A and C squads take a moment to buddy up, but eventually pair off. B squad is disheartened by the choice, with one private saying "Why do we have to sleep outside when there are so many houses?" Amber Grain answers him:
"Settlers coming through this area a century ago would sleep outside on the banks of the Misfortune River before fording it in the morning. Consider it becoming acquainted with history."
A stallion moves aside a mortar tube in the wagon to pull out tents.
Whether Silver intended it or not, Silver can see his choice would have all three rifle squads grouped around the hotel, with B squad in a sort of de facto watch duty, and with the weapons and headquarters sections a little further away.
A and C squads take a moment to buddy up, but eventually pair off. B squad is disheartened by the choice, with one private saying "Why do we have to sleep outside when there are so many houses?" Amber Grain answers him:
"Settlers coming through this area a century ago would sleep outside on the banks of the Misfortune River before fording it in the morning. Consider it becoming acquainted with history."
A stallion moves aside a mortar tube in the wagon to pull out tents.
Whether Silver intended it or not, Silver can see his choice would have all three rifle squads grouped around the hotel, with B squad in a sort of de facto watch duty, and with the weapons and headquarters sections a little further away.
>>138797
Silver nods, but is a little concerned about morale in B squad from his decision. He looks over at Lieutenant Brisbuck to gauge his reaction.
Silver nods, but is a little concerned about morale in B squad from his decision. He looks over at Lieutenant Brisbuck to gauge his reaction.
>>138798
Brisbuck is anxious, and volunteers his reason:
"Command back in Wald is going to want us to report in, and give us further instructions."
Brisbuck is anxious, and volunteers his reason:
"Command back in Wald is going to want us to report in, and give us further instructions."
>>138799
He puts a hoof on his Lieutenant's shoulder.
"We will take care of it, but I think they can wait long enough for these ponies to put some grub in their stomachs. Fate of this War does not rest upon hour our platoon will spend eating."
He puts a hoof on his Lieutenant's shoulder.
"We will take care of it, but I think they can wait long enough for these ponies to put some grub in their stomachs. Fate of this War does not rest upon hour our platoon will spend eating."
>>138800
His ears pop back up from their half-down position.
“Very well. Let’s see if the 332nd can help us with lunch. I am sure the stallions would like that.”
His ears pop back up from their half-down position.
“Very well. Let’s see if the 332nd can help us with lunch. I am sure the stallions would like that.”
>>138802
He moves to speak to Captain Forrester. It seems there are at least two restaurants in town, and parts of the town hall can also be used for cooking or to serve food
He moves to speak to Captain Forrester. It seems there are at least two restaurants in town, and parts of the town hall can also be used for cooking or to serve food
>>138803
Silver looks to his Lieutenant.
"Want to see if restaurants are still active? Even if they have been abandoned, we can still make use of their facilities for our own needs."
Silver looks to his Lieutenant.
"Want to see if restaurants are still active? Even if they have been abandoned, we can still make use of their facilities for our own needs."
>>138804
Moving down the street, and further in the direction of Wald, Silver comes across the Sagebrush Saloon, a building of wooden planks, perhaps containing a second floor (hard to tell), and appearing like an old western saloon, although the varnish on the wood and smaller details suggest a more recent construction. Silver is told that one street over is a diner.
Moving down the street, and further in the direction of Wald, Silver comes across the Sagebrush Saloon, a building of wooden planks, perhaps containing a second floor (hard to tell), and appearing like an old western saloon, although the varnish on the wood and smaller details suggest a more recent construction. Silver is told that one street over is a diner.
>>138808
Perhaps Silver decides to go to another restaurant. Branching off from Old Mecc Trail Road is Main Street, hosting mostly comparatively modern brick buildings, a partly wooden post office located at the branch of the two roads being an exception. There’s a school house with a tall, vaulted roof, the backside of the Courthouse, a police station, and Matilda’s Diner, right next to a clothing store. Matilda’s Diner is glass fronted and made of brick, with a second floor above. A light is on inside, but the door is locked. A coffee shop is unlocked and has lights on, but is unoccupied. It appears that only the post office is occupied, but electricity is still on.
Silver can break down doors with options all the way up to TNT, or see if a less intrusive way to enter locked buildings is available.
Perhaps Silver decides to go to another restaurant. Branching off from Old Mecc Trail Road is Main Street, hosting mostly comparatively modern brick buildings, a partly wooden post office located at the branch of the two roads being an exception. There’s a school house with a tall, vaulted roof, the backside of the Courthouse, a police station, and Matilda’s Diner, right next to a clothing store. Matilda’s Diner is glass fronted and made of brick, with a second floor above. A light is on inside, but the door is locked. A coffee shop is unlocked and has lights on, but is unoccupied. It appears that only the post office is occupied, but electricity is still on.
Silver can break down doors with options all the way up to TNT, or see if a less intrusive way to enter locked buildings is available.
>>138809
Silver checks the coffee shop first to see if they have everything the platoon would need to prepare lunch.
Silver checks the coffee shop first to see if they have everything the platoon would need to prepare lunch.
>>138810
There is no proper kitchen. There are some pastries, which seem to be more or less in good condition. The refrigerator, works, is on, and contains milk which seems to be locally sourced, unpasteurized, and in good condition. Coffee itself is very limited, perhaps unsurprisingly given wartime shortages.
There is no proper kitchen. There are some pastries, which seem to be more or less in good condition. The refrigerator, works, is on, and contains milk which seems to be locally sourced, unpasteurized, and in good condition. Coffee itself is very limited, perhaps unsurprisingly given wartime shortages.
>>138811
"No doubt some treats would go over well with platoon. But still, no kitchen."
Silver tries Matilda's Diner. He first tries knocking at the door to see if someone is inside.
"No doubt some treats would go over well with platoon. But still, no kitchen."
Silver tries Matilda's Diner. He first tries knocking at the door to see if someone is inside.
>>138812
No pony is inside. The light is over the front counter, and seems to be one used primarily at night.
No pony is inside. The light is over the front counter, and seems to be one used primarily at night.
>>138816
Salt lick volunteers, flying up and unlatching wooden shutters on the windows, but not lifting them up. Saltlick says he can’t open it, though it’s not clear from Silver’s position whether the window is locked inside, or if Saltlick just can’t hover long enough to push it up. Salt lick goes to the roof, which is flat, but reports that there is no rooftop entry. All roofs, except the schoolhouse and the church, have been flat thus far, contrary to the fact that it’s below freezing in this location for a significant portion of the year.
Salt lick volunteers, flying up and unlatching wooden shutters on the windows, but not lifting them up. Saltlick says he can’t open it, though it’s not clear from Silver’s position whether the window is locked inside, or if Saltlick just can’t hover long enough to push it up. Salt lick goes to the roof, which is flat, but reports that there is no rooftop entry. All roofs, except the schoolhouse and the church, have been flat thus far, contrary to the fact that it’s below freezing in this location for a significant portion of the year.
>>138817
Silver's horn lights to let him reach out with his telekinesis. He tries to open the second floor windows with his magic.
Silver's horn lights to let him reach out with his telekinesis. He tries to open the second floor windows with his magic.
>>138818
Silver's magic does not extend that far, nor is it likely Silver could feel out the unseen latch if it did.
Silver's magic does not extend that far, nor is it likely Silver could feel out the unseen latch if it did.
>>138820
"We can ask" He answers.
It takes a few minutes, but it is reported an assistant machinegunner in the weapons squad from Manehattan, knows how to do a thing or two. The kind of scrawny looking green earth pony uses a screw driver and a couple other devices used in taking apart weapons, to pick at the lock. After two minutes, it opens.
"We can ask" He answers.
It takes a few minutes, but it is reported an assistant machinegunner in the weapons squad from Manehattan, knows how to do a thing or two. The kind of scrawny looking green earth pony uses a screw driver and a couple other devices used in taking apart weapons, to pick at the lock. After two minutes, it opens.
Boops anyway
>>138779
Amber rushes to the area in question and looks for a lamp on an unoccupied booth table.
>>138779
Amber rushes to the area in question and looks for a lamp on an unoccupied booth table.
>>138826
HISS!!!
There is indeed a lamp on two of the tables
>>138827
Silver opens it to see a counter, a black chalk board detailing, among other things, that sandwiches are 3 bits for a combo, and a number of wooden tables with bench style seats connected to the tables.
Looking in the back, there are a number of larger pots, and food like potatoes (especially), carrots, lettuce (some of this is older), corn, cheese, and alfalfa.
HISS!!!
There is indeed a lamp on two of the tables
>>138827
Silver opens it to see a counter, a black chalk board detailing, among other things, that sandwiches are 3 bits for a combo, and a number of wooden tables with bench style seats connected to the tables.
Looking in the back, there are a number of larger pots, and food like potatoes (especially), carrots, lettuce (some of this is older), corn, cheese, and alfalfa.
>>138829
“Well, the captain was willing to offer services of cooks at the town hall, but I think this spreads out the work a bit. I think the stallions may appreciate the environment for a while, especially where we are headed.”
“Well, the captain was willing to offer services of cooks at the town hall, but I think this spreads out the work a bit. I think the stallions may appreciate the environment for a while, especially where we are headed.”
>>138831
The soldiers are informed, and a few of them volunteer for cook duty, while a few more are volunteered. The pots aren’t quite big enough to serve everyone, requiring food times and servings to be staggered
The soldiers are informed, and a few of them volunteer for cook duty, while a few more are volunteered. The pots aren’t quite big enough to serve everyone, requiring food times and servings to be staggered
>>138833
This is probably for the better, as some of the recruits are clueless when it comes to cooking.
Who eats first is determined largely by pay grade, with the Lieutenant sitting down first. This seems necessary, as his anxiety has not eased.
This is probably for the better, as some of the recruits are clueless when it comes to cooking.
Who eats first is determined largely by pay grade, with the Lieutenant sitting down first. This seems necessary, as his anxiety has not eased.
>>138835
Potatoes stick out as the most abundant of the available cooking ingredients, but there are also decent levels of wheat straw, alfalfa, carrots, a number of fresh apples, onions, celery, peas, green beans, tomato paste, tomatoes (not as many, though), wheat bread (some of this is going stale), corn, and oats.
Potatoes stick out as the most abundant of the available cooking ingredients, but there are also decent levels of wheat straw, alfalfa, carrots, a number of fresh apples, onions, celery, peas, green beans, tomato paste, tomatoes (not as many, though), wheat bread (some of this is going stale), corn, and oats.
>>138836
Silver directs the volunteer cooks to use the tomatos, tomato paste, and wheat bread to make tomato soup and toast. He also looks for some seasonings to make it more flavorful.
Silver directs the volunteer cooks to use the tomatos, tomato paste, and wheat bread to make tomato soup and toast. He also looks for some seasonings to make it more flavorful.
>>138837
These can be made (some basil, cheese, and oregano provide flavoring) though the supplies of tomatoes and tomato paste are quickly exhausted
These can be made (some basil, cheese, and oregano provide flavoring) though the supplies of tomatoes and tomato paste are quickly exhausted
>>138841
She's not quite sure why the lamp doesn't turn on, but she's well aware that she's short on time. "Pardon me, but hopefully this will make it up for you.
I'm sure the waiter can help get this to work."
She's not quite sure why the lamp doesn't turn on, but she's well aware that she's short on time. "Pardon me, but hopefully this will make it up for you.
I'm sure the waiter can help get this to work."
>>138844
Amber returns to the entrance, hoping to herself that the other customers haven't grown too impatient.
Amber returns to the entrance, hoping to herself that the other customers haven't grown too impatient.
>>138845
An older stallion in a military uniform takes off his hat, and says:
"Yes, I'm here with the meet up. I'm a little late, so they should already be seated"
An older stallion in a military uniform takes off his hat, and says:
"Yes, I'm here with the meet up. I'm a little late, so they should already be seated"
>>138844
Silver wipes his brow after baking the last of the potatos, those for himself and the cooks. He thanks and congratulates the other cooks on their hard day's work, and takes his own potato to a table to eat.
Silver wipes his brow after baking the last of the potatos, those for himself and the cooks. He thanks and congratulates the other cooks on their hard day's work, and takes his own potato to a table to eat.
>>138849
Silver licks his lips at the sight of his potato, but instead turns to Brisbuck while he waits for it to cool somewhat.
"I am surprised you are still here. What is up?"
Silver licks his lips at the sight of his potato, but instead turns to Brisbuck while he waits for it to cool somewhat.
"I am surprised you are still here. What is up?"
>>138853
"We're together" the mare answers. It's a stallion, a mare, and a colt who is at least old enough for a cutie mark. They aren't dressed fancy, but they are at least wearing clothing.
"We're together" the mare answers. It's a stallion, a mare, and a colt who is at least old enough for a cutie mark. They aren't dressed fancy, but they are at least wearing clothing.
>>138854
"Certainly, right this way!" She takes them to a booth/table combination operated by De Sew.
"Certainly, right this way!" She takes them to a booth/table combination operated by De Sew.
>>138852
Silver shrugs, and pokes some small holes with his fork in the potato to help it cool faster.
"What about you? You have not talked much about yourself personally."
Silver shrugs, and pokes some small holes with his fork in the potato to help it cool faster.
"What about you? You have not talked much about yourself personally."
>>138855
They take a moment to figure out which side of the table they want to sit on, but they take their menus and sit down.
>>138856
Normally, the commissioned officer in a platoon is older than the privates, and sometimes older than the non-commissioned officers. But with this new group, so many of the recruits of higher and diverse ages that Bisbuck isn't much above the median of the group. He begins to answer Silver's question
"Well... an ancestor of mine was a knight, who saved the life of a particular nobleman in battle. So Celestia rewarded him with a grant of land, and a minor noble title, and that is how the Brisbuck family became important in the region of Fillydelphia. Another ancestor sold the lands for royalties on coal mines. One younger brother took his minor share of the inheritance and left to the Dominion, where now the "Brisbuck" name is even more influential, because he used that money to buy up land for sheep farming. Anyways, my father is a councilman in Fillydelphia. He believes in Progressive Harmonism, and has gained fame for challenging the power of the Unions there. I thought I would go to school and become a teacher. You know, teach Equestrian Literature at a high school level. When the Changelings attacked, they started the draft. But I got a deferment because I was in college. But I decided to join the ROTC to become an officer. Then they changed the draft, so I was drafted, and went to Officer Cadet School. I just graduated that, and now I am sent here, to lead a platoon in the 23rd in the Cascadian Front."
They take a moment to figure out which side of the table they want to sit on, but they take their menus and sit down.
>>138856
Normally, the commissioned officer in a platoon is older than the privates, and sometimes older than the non-commissioned officers. But with this new group, so many of the recruits of higher and diverse ages that Bisbuck isn't much above the median of the group. He begins to answer Silver's question
"Well... an ancestor of mine was a knight, who saved the life of a particular nobleman in battle. So Celestia rewarded him with a grant of land, and a minor noble title, and that is how the Brisbuck family became important in the region of Fillydelphia. Another ancestor sold the lands for royalties on coal mines. One younger brother took his minor share of the inheritance and left to the Dominion, where now the "Brisbuck" name is even more influential, because he used that money to buy up land for sheep farming. Anyways, my father is a councilman in Fillydelphia. He believes in Progressive Harmonism, and has gained fame for challenging the power of the Unions there. I thought I would go to school and become a teacher. You know, teach Equestrian Literature at a high school level. When the Changelings attacked, they started the draft. But I got a deferment because I was in college. But I decided to join the ROTC to become an officer. Then they changed the draft, so I was drafted, and went to Officer Cadet School. I just graduated that, and now I am sent here, to lead a platoon in the 23rd in the Cascadian Front."
>>138857
Amber breathes in and out. It must be getting late; she certainly is starting to feel the wear of the day and hopes it will conclude soon.
Amber breathes in and out. It must be getting late; she certainly is starting to feel the wear of the day and hopes it will conclude soon.
>>138858
It isn't entirely over, as a couple more ponies come in for the bar, but the evening is unambiguously winding down. It's at least 9 PM now. The lone stallion in the booth leaves, as does a couple or two, and other patrons Amber can't always recognize.
It isn't entirely over, as a couple more ponies come in for the bar, but the evening is unambiguously winding down. It's at least 9 PM now. The lone stallion in the booth leaves, as does a couple or two, and other patrons Amber can't always recognize.
>>138857
Silver takes a bite of potato, now that it's cooled somewhat.
"Mmm...I can believe that. You were very intelligent in officer school, from what I heard of you. I also suppose that makes you noble, sort of."
Silver takes a bite of potato, now that it's cooled somewhat.
"Mmm...I can believe that. You were very intelligent in officer school, from what I heard of you. I also suppose that makes you noble, sort of."
>>138860
He smiles, one of few times his expression has changed.
"Only Gentlemen or Patrician rank. But owning a coal mine or sheep ranch in more modern times... You could say that is nobility of a sort. Anyways, that is my family."
The air in the room is colder than would be preferred indoors; raised by the the cooking and the presence of so many warm bodies in a room, but no proper heating. At least the wind is closed out. The ceiling above is wooden with exposed wooden rafters and lights attached to ceiling fans. On the wall of the kitchen is a poster to buy war bonds, on the far wall near the bathrooms is a large wooden symbol belonging to what must be some ranch or other local institution. It's of a Buffalo. Hanging from the ceiling by the windows are two fags - the light blue of sun and moon, with two alicorn sisters in the sky surrounded by starts, and a dark blue, white, and green striped flag with a scene of a river, forest, and mountains in a circle in the center.
He smiles, one of few times his expression has changed.
"Only Gentlemen or Patrician rank. But owning a coal mine or sheep ranch in more modern times... You could say that is nobility of a sort. Anyways, that is my family."
The air in the room is colder than would be preferred indoors; raised by the the cooking and the presence of so many warm bodies in a room, but no proper heating. At least the wind is closed out. The ceiling above is wooden with exposed wooden rafters and lights attached to ceiling fans. On the wall of the kitchen is a poster to buy war bonds, on the far wall near the bathrooms is a large wooden symbol belonging to what must be some ranch or other local institution. It's of a Buffalo. Hanging from the ceiling by the windows are two fags - the light blue of sun and moon, with two alicorn sisters in the sky surrounded by starts, and a dark blue, white, and green striped flag with a scene of a river, forest, and mountains in a circle in the center.
>>138859
Amber makes sure to tell them she hopes they have had a good experience and wishes them a safe trip home.
Amber makes sure to tell them she hopes they have had a good experience and wishes them a safe trip home.
>>138861
Silver looks at the wall and ceiling decorations while enjoying his potato.
"There is not much to say about my family. We primarily hail from Severyana. My father was Royal Guard quartermaster, and as far as I know most of my family dating back as far as Severyanan Empire has been in military."
Silver looks at the wall and ceiling decorations while enjoying his potato.
"There is not much to say about my family. We primarily hail from Severyana. My father was Royal Guard quartermaster, and as far as I know most of my family dating back as far as Severyanan Empire has been in military."
>>138864
He nods
“So you’re upholding family tradition?”
He looks down and then back up
“Are you caterer military?”
He nods
“So you’re upholding family tradition?”
He looks down and then back up
“Are you caterer military?”
>>138863
Now it's just a matter of waiting, though the cold, hunger and constant standing is wearing on her mood a bit.
Now it's just a matter of waiting, though the cold, hunger and constant standing is wearing on her mood a bit.
>>138865
"More like I felt calling to help Equestria in her greatest time of need. It is my first time in military, but I have seen combat before."
"More like I felt calling to help Equestria in her greatest time of need. It is my first time in military, but I have seen combat before."
>>138866
After a maddening 30 minutes, and two more young adult stallions who come in to try be seated at almost exactly the time Amber’s shift is over, Amber is done at 9:32. The restaurant is not closed yet, and the bar is still open.
>>138867
“The calling I can understand.” He nods, but then turns his head.
“But... where have you seen combat before?”
After a maddening 30 minutes, and two more young adult stallions who come in to try be seated at almost exactly the time Amber’s shift is over, Amber is done at 9:32. The restaurant is not closed yet, and the bar is still open.
>>138867
“The calling I can understand.” He nods, but then turns his head.
“But... where have you seen combat before?”
>>138868
He swallows a bite of potato, and looks at Brisbuck.
"I was bit of adventurer and sword-for-hire in my younger days."
He swallows a bite of potato, and looks at Brisbuck.
"I was bit of adventurer and sword-for-hire in my younger days."
>>138868
Amber almost wishes she could stay around and chat. Almost. She goes to the kitchen and, if they're not too busy, asks if she could have some leftover food.
Amber almost wishes she could stay around and chat. Almost. She goes to the kitchen and, if they're not too busy, asks if she could have some leftover food.
>>138869
He has a smile that is almost a wince, showing off his upper row of teeth.
“Why would you fight for hire?”
He has a smile that is almost a wince, showing off his upper row of teeth.
“Why would you fight for hire?”
>>138870
The zebra colt in the back bites on his lips, then offers a sandwich that was sent back because it was the wrong order.
The zebra colt in the back bites on his lips, then offers a sandwich that was sent back because it was the wrong order.
>>138872
"Thank you kindly, but I have hardly had anything to eat all day. May I please have some more?" She looks practically ashamed to be asking this.
"Thank you kindly, but I have hardly had anything to eat all day. May I please have some more?" She looks practically ashamed to be asking this.
File (): 2924A44E7462D4FA478C53B7668C57DA-3439308.gif (3.3 MB, 300x220, Amber Right Now.gif)
>>138873
"Heh" He seems to find the scene entertaining, smiling
"You want some soup? We got some soup left over?"
"Heh" He seems to find the scene entertaining, smiling
"You want some soup? We got some soup left over?"
>>138875
The zebra smiles, and with a spoon carefully empties out what remains of a large pot into a bowl. He takes out some bread and adds it to a plate under the bowl.
"Here ya are, miss."
The zebra smiles, and with a spoon carefully empties out what remains of a large pot into a bowl. He takes out some bread and adds it to a plate under the bowl.
"Here ya are, miss."
>>138876
"Thank you, you are too kind…", she says, gratefully smiling. She finds a place to sit down where she won't be in the way.
"Thank you, you are too kind…", she says, gratefully smiling. She finds a place to sit down where she won't be in the way.
>>138871
He turns his body to show his flank...before realizing that it's covered by his fatigues.
"My cutie mark is of sword. That combined with my desire for adventure as young stallion pretty well determined what I would do with my life."
He turns his body to show his flank...before realizing that it's covered by his fatigues.
"My cutie mark is of sword. That combined with my desire for adventure as young stallion pretty well determined what I would do with my life."
>>138880
>>138880
The cook-colt in the kitchen comes out and looks over at amber from the door frame, viewing a far from over the bar. Salt Mixer converses with a new set of patrons. The two giggling mares that Amber seated at the beginning of the night are still here, now moved into a booth where they cling on to the two pegasus stallions who came in earlier. The two fancily dressed mares have up and left. The large party of a couple families have long gone, and the reunion of veterans is leaving only now. The trio of business ponies is starting to leave. De Sew takes up payments, Melon Mangrove cleans up tables, and Mustard Trim sits down at a table, not evidently doing anything besides reserving time to himself.
A soft tune plays on a phonograph.
>>138880
The cook-colt in the kitchen comes out and looks over at amber from the door frame, viewing a far from over the bar. Salt Mixer converses with a new set of patrons. The two giggling mares that Amber seated at the beginning of the night are still here, now moved into a booth where they cling on to the two pegasus stallions who came in earlier. The two fancily dressed mares have up and left. The large party of a couple families have long gone, and the reunion of veterans is leaving only now. The trio of business ponies is starting to leave. De Sew takes up payments, Melon Mangrove cleans up tables, and Mustard Trim sits down at a table, not evidently doing anything besides reserving time to himself.
A soft tune plays on a phonograph.
>>138991
Silver looks to Brisbane.
"Unless you have already assigned group to it, last task should be telegraph lines."
Silver looks to Brisbane.
"Unless you have already assigned group to it, last task should be telegraph lines."
>>138995
Silver salutes his Lieutenant.
"Sir, yes sir."
The unicorn looks to the three other occupants of the table.
"What of it, soldiers, interested in joining me?"
Silver salutes his Lieutenant.
"Sir, yes sir."
The unicorn looks to the three other occupants of the table.
"What of it, soldiers, interested in joining me?"
>>138996
Amber Grain:
“I can join. But it may be wise that I see to it the stallions are orderly while they are in town.”
Saltlick:
“I can join, no problem.”
Firm Heart:
“Repairing lines is.. not quite my specialty.”
Amber Grain:
“I can join. But it may be wise that I see to it the stallions are orderly while they are in town.”
Saltlick:
“I can join, no problem.”
Firm Heart:
“Repairing lines is.. not quite my specialty.”
>>138997
Silver nods to Saltlick first, then addresses Amber Grain's concern.
"I am certain Lieutenant can keep troops reigned in during our absense."
He then turns to Firm Heart.
"I figured as much, but thought it would still be prudent to ask. I will find another."
Silver nods to Saltlick first, then addresses Amber Grain's concern.
"I am certain Lieutenant can keep troops reigned in during our absense."
He then turns to Firm Heart.
"I figured as much, but thought it would still be prudent to ask. I will find another."