>You are Emery Errant, a curious satyr who has left home and gone off in search of your missing father.
>Guided only by the photos in his journal and his three weird knick knacks that found their way to your door, you begin your travel to six towns in the middle of nowhere in order to find clues about his disappearance.
>But be warned. Not everything is exactly what it seems in these small towns...
Archive: http://anonpone.pineapplecomputing.com/curwhibbles/24150172/
Last Thread: >>24810497
==========
>Time: 6:03 PM
>Current Status: Fine
>Current Town: #1 - Barkingsburg
>Safe Places Found: 2
>Hidden Places Discovered: 1
>Curwhibbles Activated: 1
>Money: 125 Bits
==========
>Key Points:
-You went to Mr. Paige's house and asked if he could teach you how to fight with your sword and buckler.
-You went into his study and potentially identified the creature with the help of some mythology and folklore books.
-You learned about the origins of your sword and buckler as well as one of its previous owners, Shanty Ann.
-You learned more about the workings of magic and how other creatures besides unicorns can channel it via runes, or Words of Power.
-You trained with Mr. Paige and bested him in a match friendly sparring, who gave you the option to train with him any day during your stay.
-You found a book on cryptids and got permission to borrow it for the night.
==========
>Finally, after a grueling ride back, you open the door and enter the front end of Amara's shop. The soft lights still flicker on the untouched goods of the convenience store. Enduring the aches and pains in your thighs, arms, and overall body, you teeter your way towards the back room.
"Ow...ow...ow..." You cringe with each hoofstep.
>Once inside the kitchen-dining room combo, you notice that Amara isn't here. Instead, you see a steaming pot and a covered plate perched on the stovetop, with a note taped to the foil.
----------
-Em
-Went upstairs to catch some much needed Zs. I figured you would work up an appetite once you got back, so I fixed you a plate. Help yourself to however much it'll take to fill that maw of a stomach of yours.
-Amara
-(P.S Your clothes should be drying out in the back.)
-(P.P.S Satyrs smell weird.)
----------
>You smile. You're glad that you lucked out with a roommate as nice as Amara. Peeling back the foil, you're hit by the the rustic smell of butter noodles and mixed vegetables.
>A zebra after your own heart.
----------
>After a nice plate of food (or three), you unfasten your holster, sheath, and impromptu shield strap and place them aside your burlap sack.
>You pull out 'The Big Book of Cryptids' and set it on the table. Really, you could see why they added big in the title, because this thing was a bitch to carry.
>That just meant more information to weed through, you figured. Hopefully that meant you'll find more clues as well.
>As you open the cover, you should determine what it really is you're looking for before you just start flipping through the pages like a madman.
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25223145
Lets look into the Barghest or falling that something with hot fur and claws.
Penis penis penis penis penis penis penis.
>>25223505
Wrong kind of book.
gone for a couple hours.
>>25223145
(>>25223368)
>You figure that you should look up the one that fits the suspected identity of the creature the most, the Barghest.
>It takes short work once you consult the appendix at the back and see that it's in alphabetical order, locating the page rather easily.
----------
'Barghest'
'These infamous phantom black dogs are part of a very old folklore that spans over several countries. Sometimes simply called black dogs (a very ambiguous term), tales of these supernatural hounds flood Equestria, even reaching so far past their southern borders. Most of these stories are found in Trottingham, and while the stories span centuries, many people swear they have seen the dogs recently as well. These dogs are very large with glowing eyes, usually red. According to legend, when a person witnesses one of the spectral black dog, a death will follow soon after, usually someone close to the witness. Thus black dogs are associated with great evil.
----------
>Hmm...most of this lines up with the other readings while in Mr. Paige's study. Both of the books echo that the Barghest is some type of large ghost dog that's an omen of death.
>But neither of them mention anything about it being corporeal, or being super hot for that matter. Unless you count the 'capable of inflicting great harm' in the other book you looked at as evidence.
>You look towards the back at the appendix and even further back and see that there's an index categorized by types. Two of which leaving you unsure which to investigate first.
>'Creature' or 'Element'...
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25224171
Element
>>25224171
(>>25224820)
>Deciding to go with the 'Element' category, you decide to look up some creatures with an affinity with fire.
----------
'Ifrit'
'Ifrit are said to be made of a smokeless fire and have many powers, including being able to travel extremely long distances in the blink of an eye. Other powers believed to be possessed by the jinn include shape shifting into animal forms, transforming, flying and possible having superhuman strength. Magicians, fortune tellers, astrologists and witchdoctors are said to use the powers of the jinn to accomplish their tasks. But in exchange for the ifrit helping them, they require the magician to sell their soul eternally. It is better that one stays away from the dark arts and communication with the ifrit. Chances are that once you start interacting with the world of occult, getting out of the trap is next to impossible.'
'Kapre'
'The Kapre is a mythological creature of fire that is monstrous and bipedal in nature. By smoking a pipe containing a sweet-smelling perfume it is believed to attract people, specifically, females which the Kapre itself is drawn to. It is illustrated by its huge figure, around 8 to nine feet tall. Although most Kapre inhabit forestland, some are believed to be mountainous. Kapre are said to play pranks on travelers, confusing them on their route. It wears a belt that has invisibility powers to blend itself into the trees to avoid being spotted by the susceptible wanderers.
Kapres, lurking in the forest shadows can be identified by strange rustlings of trees or shrub without the wind blowing them and hollow male laughter echoing through the trees.'
'Lampads'
'Lampads are malicious and evil nymphs from the fiery pits of the Underworld. They come out at night to haunt unsuspecting travellers, bearing torches that are said to drive one to insanity just by looking at it.
----------
==========
(...)
>>25225566
>None of these necessarily allude to something furry. Although some of the descriptions pique your general interest (wasn't there a symbol of a torch in the middle Shuck's seal?) you feel like their relationship to is too insignificant to put it under scrutiny.
>You're just about to give up and flip to the 'Creature' section until your eyes glaze over a title.
----------
'Hellhound'
'A hellhound is a supernatural dog in folklore. A wide variety of ominous or hellish supernatural dogs occur in mythologies around the world. Features that have been attributed to hellhounds include mangled black fur, glowing red eyes, super strength or speed, ghostly or phantom characteristics, and a foul odor. Seeing a hellhound or hearing it howl may be an omen or even a cause of death. In cultures that associate the afterlife with fire, hellhounds may have fire-based abilities and appearance. They are often assigned to guard the entrances to the world of the dead, such as graveyards and burial grounds, or undertake other duties related to the afterlife or the supernatural, such as hunting lost souls or guarding a supernatural treasure. They are said to be the protectors of the supernatural. Guarding the secrecy of supernatural creatures, or beings, from the world.'
----------
>Aha! You pump your fist in the air in triumph. This most definitely fits, you're positive. The foul stench, the scorched fur, and the claw marks seem to coincide with the Hellhound's descriptions.
>As you try and read more up on the creature, a flurry of thoughts start bombarding your head like mortars shells on a town of insurgents. Most of them concerning the authenticity of the Shuck family.
>How did Shuck's family manage to get a hold of a Hellhound? And why would he need one at that? Was he truly responsible for the numerous disappearances of the vagabonds coming through Barkingsburg, by sacrificing them to his pet devil beast? And if so, why? What's his motive?
==========
(...)
>>25226165
>It's at this moment of questioning, however, that you start to feel something. A specific something around your neck.
"What the hell." You mutter to yourself as you quickly tug at the nape of your shirt. The curwhibble's red glow is droning rapidly. It's uncomfortably warm.
>By now, with everything that's happened so far, you're able to deduce two things.
>One: you, including Amara and the entirety of her house, were somehow transported into the park, or something bizarre and creepy like it.
>Or two, and this is the one that seems to be the most likely candidate: something strange is close by.
>And by what the maw in your gut that more or less functions as you intuition tells you, it's right outside.
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25226222
Arm ourself and go to Amara's side.
>>25226224
Amara could be the strange thing. But yeah, let's go check on her and make sure she's actually in her bed and okay.
>>25226222
(>>25226224, >>25226257)
>You've surmised that whenever you feel this thing glowing, weird shit is about to go down. Rightfully so, you decide to be prepared for whatever weird shit it is and go whole hog with arming yourself to the teeth.
==========
>Equipment Added: Short Sword, Buckler Shield, Police Issued Handgun (x10 Rounds), Hunting Knife
==========
>Feeling sufficiently protected, though no less on edge, you sprint your upstairs to the bedroom and check up on Amara. You hope to God she's actually upstairs and didn't go out to run any last minute errands.
>Thankfully, you see her sleeping figure tuckered out underneath a clean pair of sheets, hair matted and classily drooling on her pillow.
>You give out a brief sigh seeing how she's safe, but you're wondering if you should wake her up considering the circumstances...
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25226394
She's stressed out enough as it is, we should only wake her if there is an immediate need.
>>25226394
(>>25226484)
>No, you decide against that and let Amara keep sleeping. Sbe's had a long and eventful day, seeing her brother's murder site must have shaken her up a bit, even if she didn't show it.
>Still though, that doesn't mean that you're leaving her unsupervised. You've got no idea what's lurking outside, and with your curwhibble acting as a constant alarm, you've no intention of leaving.
>Frankly this house could topple over and you still wouldn't budge a spt from this room. Sitting on the edge of your own bed you find yourself a tad fidgety, fingers uncoordinatedly drumming into your thighs, hand tightening its clasp on the sword handle, while other times it would lower itself down to your holster ready to take aim.
>Today's been a non-stop dive into the town's strangeness, and right now, you're feeling the need to come up for air and into someplace sensible for the time being. But the warm stone against your skin reminds you otherwise.
>Just then, you're startled onto your hooves as you hear a startling sound. Straight hard knocks are coming downstairs from the door below.
>Visitors? Customers? Whichever one it is, the time isn't that late to normally draw suspision, seeing how it's thirty minutes before dark looking at the clock on the bed stand.
>But visiting Amara's shop probably bares questioning.
>The knocks sound again. They don't disturb Amara much, but you're particularly on edge on what to do. You could go downstairs and check what's at the door, but the curwhibble's glow doubts that this is a good plan. But your equipment of about four things suggest otherwise.
==========
-Input Reaction ()
==========
>Pause Story
>Time: 6:33 PM
>Status: Fine
>Inventory:
Jacket
Bit Pouch
MP3
Curwhibbles (x3)
'The Big Book Of Cryptids'
>Equipment:
Short Sword
Buckler Shield
Police Issued Hand Gun (x10 Rounds)
Hunting Knife
>Items Added:
N/A
>Items Lost:
N/A
>Key Points:
[ ] Terrance & Becca at The Spunky Bitch
[X] Visit Mr. Paige for training after 2 PM
[ ] Visit Mrs. Mayflower and learn about Barkingsburg
[ ] Check out a few spellbooks from the library
>Money Left: 125 Bits
=========
Pausing it here.
>>25226599
Good night OP. Too bad 4chan decided to shit itself for hours.
yeah
>>25226771
Why'd that happen?
>>25229748
Because 4chan? Who knows.
It's not like it's the first time that happens, and it almost certainly won't be the last.
In my experience, it seems to happen every few weeks at least. Could even be more often, since I don't browse 4chan 24/7.
>>25226589
So what do you guys think we should do?
>>25231175
Seems like we're going to be guarding Amara and hoping the thing goes away. I suppose we could go quietly downstairs and try to see who or what is outside through the windows (if there are any) without them/it spotting us.
We should also definitely use our sensing spell to see if we can find out anything else about the visitor's aura.
>>25231585
good idea
goodnight bump
We should definitely find some way to check.
==========
>Continue Story
==========
>>25226589
(>>25231585, >>25236477)
"Wait a minute Em," you say to yourself as you shake your head. "Maybe you're making this harder than it has to be."
>No one said that you had to go downstairs to check up on whatever's at the door. Closing your eyes, you take a deep breath and focus as a green spark of magic ignites on your head and the world shifts into dark silhouettes while you Sense the energies around the surrounding area.
>Besides the feeling of Amara's positive blue aura inside the room, you detect two other sources of energy coming from outside directly in from the front door.
>You can make out something pony shaped silhouette emitting another positive blue aura. However, the figure it's accompanied with is something else entirely.
>The negative red aura it exudes practically overwhelms the otherwise normal blue aura. It's emitted by a bipedal shaped silhouette, to garbled up in the chaotic mess of negativity to make an accurate assessment.
>You take a moment to dispel your Sense and find yourself back into the real world.
"Holy crap," you breathe. It feels just like that area inside the park. That almost suffocating bad aura which permeated the air.
>There's another series of hard knocks on the door.
>Given this, you think over your next plan of action, biting your thumb as your ruminate on what to do next.
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25237197
We need a visual confirmation of the target.
>>25237197
In other words, it's a normal pony and the murderer, who is probably a diamond dog - possibly Shuck?
Unless there's a window we can see them from upstairs, let's quietly sneak downstairs and look for a window from which we can see near the front door.
>>25237197
Does the "bad" aura necessarily signify evil intent, or could it mean something else as well? Sorrow maybe?
Would a murderer or evil person's aura appear blue if we encountered them in a peaceful situation when they were not planning to do something evil?
>>25237197
(>>25237215, >>25237322)
>Deciding that you need a visual confirmation of whoever it is, you abandon Amara for the time being and head downstairs and out the back room.
>Luckily you have the stealth of a jaguar after you were so careful to distribute your weight on your aching hooves.
>The storefront windows are currently shielded by blinds. Taking a peek from the farthest one reveals the visitors to be none other than Sheriff Brambles and Mayor Shuck.
>A garbled discussion can be heard outside between an impatient Shuck and the distant policeman.
>They don't seem to notice you watching through the blinds. The mayor, after checking the pocket watch from his vest, pounds on the door once more in hopes of an immediate answer.
>The curwhibble's red like flashes rapidly, growing hot as it beats rhythmically on your skin.
>Now that you've seen the source of the curwhibble's reaction and the incessant knocking, you think on whether or not to answer the door or do something otherwise.
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25237427
Confronting them alone seems unwise. Let's go back to Amara and wait and see if they go away.
If not, we should at least wake Amara.
Also, does this house have a back door?
>>25237390
'Negative' means that something's been heavily tainted with something negative. Malice, envy, rage, jealousy, sorrow, etc. Normally, if it's neither supernatural in nature or totally satuated in negativity, than most living thing will turn up blue. For instance, in a normal case, an unrepentant murderer who delights in people's misery will have a negative aura no matter where they are. Supremely depressed or apathetic people that cling on to misery will also have a negative aura. Unless you can somehow get them to change their ways, they'll still have a negative aura. Even if a person is portrayed as "bad", they won't usually show up as negative unless they're truly without a doubt unashamed of their actions.
>>25237533
Yeah, it has a backdoor, it's past a small hall in the back room.
>>25237564
Let's wake Amara and ask her what she thinks we should do. We might be able to sneak out if they don't go away, but then we'd be out in the forest at night which isn't very good either. The ghost might be lurking if it wasn't Shuck.
>>25237564
>an unrepentant murderer who delights in people's misery will have a negative aura no matter where they are
Seems odd that we didn't sense this horrible suffocating aura when we first met Shuck in the park then. Perhaps we simply failed to because we didn't know we had the sense ability yet?
Or did something happen to make Shuck even more saturated with malice and hatred?
Surely our rude gesture couldn't have affected him that much. Perhaps he found out we're investigating Boxcar's murder?
>>25237564
What if a person was saturated with sorrow and regret over something bad they did in the past, failed to prevent from happening, or feel that they were responsible for in some way?
Would that cause them to turn up red?
>>25237703
... or perhaps our somewhat rude outbreak made him realize how bad it must be for Amara to be shunned by the town and he started to feel guilty for not realizing it before. Perhaps he came to apologize to her.
>tfw OP fapped and fell asleep
>>25237427
(>>25237533, >>25237617)
>It's not a difficult call considering both your gut and the curwhibbles signal that it's bad news to confront them both alone. At least when it comes to Shuck.
>You retreat back upstairs and decide to wake Amara. She mumbles and turns from you rocking her side but she eventually wakes.
>"Emery?" She says groggily. "Didja really have to wake me from my nap?"
"Am, someone's at the door," you whisper.
>"What?" She gasps and sits up. "A customer!?"
"Wha-No. It's Shuck and Brambles. They're outside the store."
>"Shuck! Here? Now?" Her ears flatten down and she looks to you with an a troubled frown.
"Should we go out the back door?" You ask.
>"No no no," she waves her hooves. "That's a t-t-terrible idea! J-just pretend that we aren't h-here right night now!"
>As you hear another knock on the door Amara yelps and cocoons herself in her sheets.
>"Why the hell did he have to come now? Why the hell did he have to come now!?" She mutters to herself under the covers.
----------
>Eventually, the two of them depart from the house and your curwhibble stops glowing, much to the relief of Amara. You decided to Sense the area just to be safe, and sure enough their figures aren't present outside.
>"That wasn't pleasant at all."
"I'll say."
>Amara sighs and looks you over with all of your visible gear and smiles. "Did you put all that on just because someone knocked at the door?"
>In hindsight, if it were any other ordinary visitor, you might have been branded as paranoid.
"I was just making sure we were well protected. Do you think Shuck found out about our investigation?"
>"That's...maybe." Amara wipes her sleepy eyes with her hoof. "We've been sure to lie low with this, providing you haven't spoken with too many townsfolk and reopening old memories by mentioning anything about it."
>"But it's more likely that-" Amara pauses and shakes her head. "N-nevermind, forget I said that."
==========
(...)
>>25237962
"Wait, what was it you were gonna say?"
>"It's nothing, really." She chuckles lightly. "Just tired is all. We can wait till the morning," she finishes before letting out a huge yawn.
>Something's up, you figure, and Amara knows what it is. There had to be a reason for Mayor Shuck's and Brambles' visit. If he didn't know about your investigations, then what is it?
>You desperately want to press Amara to divulge more info, but you see that she's tired herself. Should you really leave this matter for tomorrow though?
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25237968
Let's go to bed and snuggle with Amara. Timeskip the night unless anything eventful happens, and then we ask her about it again immediately in the morning.
>>25237984
>Yup. It's still overwhelmingly negative and destructive to yourself if not others as well.
In other words, the "bad" aura does not necessarily mean Shuck is evil.
==========
>Pause Story
>Time: 6:49 PM
>Status: Fine
>Inventory:
Jacket
Bit Pouch
MP3
Curwhibbles (x3)
'The Big Book Of Cryptids'
>Equipment:
Short Sword
Buckler Shield
Police Issued Hand Gun (x10 Rounds)
Hunting Knife
>Items Added:
N/A
>Items Lost:
N/A
>Key Points:
[ ] Terrance & Becca at The Spunky Bitch
[X] Visit Mr. Paige for training after 2 PM
[ ] Visit Mrs. Mayflower and learn about Barkingsburg
[ ] Check out a few spellbooks from the library
>Money Left: 125 Bits
=========
Pausing it here.
>>25237718
Yup. It's still overwhelmingly negative and destructive to yourself if not others as well.
>>25237999
Nope. Some instances an aura is negative not particularly because it's evil, just severely tainted with negative aspects like sorrow, regret, or apathy.
>>25238019
Sorrow and regret I can see, but why would apathy cause a "bad" aura?
Isn't apathy just a lack of any strong feelings about anything?
>>25238141
Mmn, yeah, cross it out. Maybe it's more down the line of misanthropy. Pretty tired today sorry.
>>25238179
Misanthropy makes more sense, I guess.
I'm calling it. Shuck is actually not evil. He's just full of sorrow and regret that his pet hellhound that's supposed to be guarding his eldritch secrets (that are probably related to the creation of the town, and not necessarily bad) killed an innocent colt and he's been forced to cover it up ever since. Those symbols in the forest around the murder scene are magic runes maintaining the scary illusion, and he put them there to keep people away for their own safety, because his secret is somewhere in that area and therefore so is the hellhound.
Brambles is just a massively sleazy douchebag, but not actually evil.
>>25238722
Are you saying we should try and cooperate with Shuck? Apologize for the way we acted the next time we meet him?
>>25240222
No, we should keep investigating him. However, if an opportunity arises to meet with him during the day in a reasonably public place where he can't quietly murder us and hide the body, we should take it and have a chat with him.
>>25237985
>Snuggles in bed
Anon, you perv, that's super lewd...
>>25243056and handholding
>>25240338
Let's just hope he doesn't loudly murder us and hide the body.
>>25251215
I don't think he would risk blowing his facade by murdering us in public in broad daylight.
>>25251299
He could always have the sheriff make up an excuse to arrest us and drag us away.
>>25251722
I suppose he could if the sheriff is completely corrupt, but if he went around having people arrested for no apparent reason people would start taking notice eventually.
good night bump
>>25255598
night
Sorrh for the wait, tomorrow we'll continue the story.Also, considering the circumstances on this one, would you like optional lewd in the form of a pastebin story so as not to distract from the main plot? Or no?
>>25258147
If there is going to be lewd post it here and spoiler it for those people that don't want to read it.
>>25258147
Sounds good.
>>25258147
Lewd when?
>>25263880when you do it
==========
>Continue Story
==========
>>25237968
(>>25237985)
>...Yeah. You suppose you should. Whatever Amara's guarding right now doesn't really matter tonight. In fact, you're still feeling rather tense from the day's tribulations.
>From spooky forests and sparring, to reading up folklore and a scare in with the mayor, it's been one of the more hectic days since you've arrived in this town.
"I'll tell you what Am." You sigh as you remove your holster, sheathes, and curwhibbles.
"Shuck could come in with his demon dog thing, the shop could be overrun by zombies, and my Dad could appear and shoot up the place Rambo style; but none of that would keep me from sleeping in once I get in this bed."
>A slump of the shoulders slides your auburn coat and open button down shirt off onto the floor, effectively leaving you in just your t-shirt. The perfect nightwear.
>Troubled with the amount of cracks and sighs you let out as you stretch, you're about to make use of that Soothe spell until you feel the presence of two strong hooves pressing into your back.
>"Y-you looked like you, um...needed to unwind." Amara says. She pats your back and looks at you with a nervous smile. "This is fine, right? Giving you a massage? I'm not breaking any sacred roommate laws, or..."
"Uh..." You stare unsure of what to say.
>Hugs? Totally fine, basically an established staple in the lives of ponies. Binge watching old sentai tapes? Practically a coming of age ritual for all younglings. But is a nighttime massage in the same vein as those?
>You already know a spell for this and you wouldn't want to trouble her even further after you woke her up.
>Although, the look of those giant eyes seems to suggest she'd like to do it. And her hooves, as you can tell from the nice amount of pressure she's applying to your back, seem like they'd feel rather nice to have a massage from...
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25268865
No reason to spend expend any more energy, lets have the massage.
>>25268865
Sure, a massage sounds good. We can give her one in return afterwards.
>tfw OP fapped and fell asleep
>>25269774
The lewd was to good.
>>25269785
There hasn't been any yet, though.
>>25269801
Fapped before he could post it.
>>25269843
Could be.
>>25270157
don't fap too hard
>>25269774
Must have been a really good one.
What would Emery dress up as if she decided to go out on Nightmare Night?
>>25284068
A vampire werewolf witch.
>>25284068
A sexy knight
>>25284122
What? How can a knight be sexy underneath all that plate armor?
>>25285649
Haven't you ever seen girls in plate mail?
That shit is hot as fuck.
>>25287059
Remember to delete it.
>>25285986
They should cool off then.
Dead
>>25293953
Are the undead in bed?
>>25296641
For the next year.
Is bumping a thread considered spamming?
Just let the thread for, no point bumping it any more when the last time we had an OP post was 4 days ago
He'll make a new thread when he gets back
>>25268865
(>>25268944, >>25269175)
>As you think it over, Amara messes with her hooves and tenderizes your afflicted area. She's pushing hard underneath your shoulder blades, but it feels really good...
>What the hell, it's not like you're one to pass anything up for free.
"Yeah, go for it. Just don't be afraid to get all up in there."
>Amara grins and nods quickly. "Y-yeah, I'll do that." With your permission she gets to work, pressing firmly into your back, rolling and kneading around your taut back.
"Oooh, that's the spot. Say, Am, thanks for looking out for me. I really can't thank you enough."
>"It's no big deal, really. I used to fuss over Boxcar's stuff all the time, and your antics aren't nearly as bad as his."
"No, I mean it. You even washed my clothes and fixed me lunch while I was gone. That wasn't necessary. You're something else Amara."
>"Y-yeah, well. I'm asking a lot out of you since you agreed to help me with the investigation when you had your own stuff to take care of. Not to mention that you're paying rent. The least I could do is make your stay comfortable."
>Amara made a steady trek from your shoulders down to your lower back. It felt like velvet lined hockey pucks trying to get at something underneath your skin, desperate in its search.
>Even though your roommate seemed to want to do this out of the goodness of her heart, you figure maybe it's for a different reason.
>The fact that her years isolation and branding as the town outlier for so long had her develop a brittle shell of disdain for people, which gave way brilliantly at the first sign of possible connection, makes Amara work twice as hard to maintain what relationship she's latched on.
>Even if there were a few hiccups of mistrust initially.
"A-ah! Easy on that part, ah!" You suck the air through your teeth. The jolting discomfort on your side jostles you from your thoughts; it seems that Amara pressed on a sore spot from the result of Mr. Paige's training.
==========
(...)
>>25315046
>"Sorry, sorry!" She hastily replied, going on her way to avoid the bruise. As you further savour her massaging on other places of your back. "That was from sparring, right?"
"Sure was. That dog can hit, old librarian my ass. He's as spry as a elementary school teacher."
>"Yeah, my father always complained about how hard Mr. Paige went at him afterwards. I'm surprised he missed so much, though, usually he's so fervent in his attacks from the amount of bruises my father came home with."
"Oh no, he definitely hit me. Twice, in fact. But I managed to get a few good hits of my own as well."
>"So I'm guessing that your swordsmanship training is going alright?"
"Definitely, Mr. Paige is surprisingly a good instructor. I'll be going back there shortly for another lesson," you say. Among other things, you think to yourself as you remember the info you got from his borrowed book.
>The massage continues in silence after that. You're convinced that any further extensive rub down of your back would result in you turning into a piece of Twizzlers candy. But you don't feel the need for it to end, if your moans concerned about it. And it seems Amara is content on prolonging it too, since she hasn't let up in a long while.
>"Hey, Emery?" While administrating her healing hooves back up your body, you hear her break the silence.
"Hmmm...?" You do your best to reply, but you've been lost in the moment with your eyes closed.
>"Do you think you'll ever use it?"
"Mmm...use w-what now?"
>"The sword." Amara, to your regret, stops her massaging and looks to you. "That, and your gun and knife. Do you really think you'll ever use them?"
"Uhm. It's possible? I mean, I got this primarily for self-defense, right? Plus you said that it's generally more accepted than concealed guns, so..."
>"But are you expecting to get into a street brawl with anyone here? With the Barkingsburg citizens?"
==========
(...)
>>25315067
"The likes of them?" You nearly break out in a fit of laughter. "With the Dorothy Anns and Tommy Lees out there? Not any time soon, besides some street punk or two. But they're always there, no matter where you go."
>"And that's all, right?" She puts a hoof on your shoulder. "Just to scare away a thug or two?'
"I guess? Are you feeling okay? You seem a bit on edge about something."
>But it was then, you realise, what Amara alludes to. She isn't worried about the potential aggressors you might typically see at night, like the muggers and bandits of a city.
>Anyone that's got a lick of sense to them would hopefully flee once you brandish your hand-me-down piece at them if the sword didn't deter them.
>No, you know that she's talking about getting in an altercation with something else. What the rumors try to concretely name, but somehow fall through. The strange things talked about in town, like The Ghost.
>More specifically, though, you figure her number one concern is if you plan to take on The Creature.
>That got you. Even if all you've seen is the results from its murder, it's made a distinct impression on you, and certainly made a stronger impact on Amara.
>Her eyes are eager for an answer, constantly shifting back and forth.
>If you really were faced with the displeasure of meeting The Creature face to face, do you expect to fight him given what you've seen it do?
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25315079
Fight only if necessary. Better to use brains rather than brawn.
>>25315234
This. We're primarily a detective, not a fighter. Unless someone outright attacks us and we have a chance at defeating them in melee combat, we should try to avoid combat. I don't think we would stand a chance against the "creature" in direct combat.
>>25315079
(>>25315234, >>25315273)
>You're no slouch, you've done your research. This thing tore through magic super trees like a regular animal. And from the way people described Boxcar's remains...
"If you're worried about me having to fight Shuck's pet killer, don't worry," you reassure her. "Unless we don't have a choice, I'd rather try to outsmart it, or better yet outright running from it, rather than trying to fight it. I can hold my own in a regular fight, but I don't think anyone can hold there own against a beast like that."
>Amara sighs and holds her hoof to her chest. "Oh, good. I mean, I'd hope you would be running with me as soon as we saw the thing."
"We?" You get to say before feeling her hooves press into your back again.
>"Yeah, we. We're in this mess together, me and you. I'm your shadow as far as you're concerned."
"A shadow that cooks, cleans, and I pay rent to?"
>"Exactly."
>You guess Amara grew tired after that since she stopped massaging. "Alright, that should work out your kinks. How do you feel?"
"Like a million bits," you say as you stretch and take breaths of relief. "Thanks Amara."
>"Hey, don't mention it. I'll just put the services on your tab." Her smile is displaced by a yawn. "Ah geez. Sorry about that, I think I'm gonna go back to being dead again."
"Yeah, no problem Am. That sounds like a pretty good idea too."
>"Make sure to bundle up," she says while turning inside her bedsheets. "It's supposed to get rather chilly tonight and this house has sort of crappy insulation."
"Got it, chief," you say as you pull your sheets across yourself. "Goodnight."
>"Night, Em."
----------
>Holy shit, she wasn't kidding. Right now, you're shivering up a storm underneath two pairs of covers. There's a draft picking up inside the house that leaves you more than a little uncomfortable.
>Though your hooves and plot seem to be fairing well, you positively freeze your nips off, your skin is so cold.
==========
(...)
>>25315666
>You could just sleep in your jacket, you figure. Or...
>You take a look at Amara across the space of the room. From the looks of it, she seems quite content, undisturbed by the wind and subsequent clattering of teeth.
>If you had to guess, she looks positively warm. All that fur must be good for something. Maybe she wouldn't mind sharing body heat? She's hugged you quite a number of times before.
>Now, you could just zip up your coat and soldier on through the night, but then you might miss out on the chance to sleep with a zebra. Platonically, of course.
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25315674
Let's snuggle with Amara.
We bros now, so I'm sure she won't mind.
>>25315674
(>>25315748)
>You've done it before, why should it be any different now that she's unconscious? Besides, you've had plenty of girl to girl sleepovers as a growing satyr child, so it's not like it's weird or anything.
>It's settled. You toss off your covers and trot slowly across the wooden floorboards.
>Amara slumbers thoroughly undisturbed, so you try not to rustle her awake as you get underneath the covers. Once pressed up against her body, however, you can't help but voice out your comfort with a deep breath and sigh.
>Her body's really warming you up. Her fur is soft and smells like frankincense. Darn it, and she's perfect size for cuddling too.
>Though you resist the urge to wrap your arms around her and nestle your head into her back, you unfortunately stir her from her sleep.
>"H-huh? Emery? W...What are you d-doing in my bed?" She says with a hushed and sleepy distress.
"I didn't mean to wake you," you whisper. "I was just really cold and needed to warm up. Is it alright if I sleep with you tonight?"
>"U-uh. Okay...yeah." She must've felt how ice cold you were since you could feel her body shivering against you.
"I'll be quiet, sorry about this."
>"M-mn."
>You take one last breath and exhale, closing your eyes as you inevitably snuggle up against your friend, relishing in the warmth and returning to your skin.
"Sweet dreams, Am."
>"Y-you too..."
==========
(...)
>>25316095
Are we still wearing our jacket, or are we going topless now that we've got a warm cuddly zebra to snuggle against?
==========
>Pause Story
>Time: 11:21 PM
>Status: Fine
>Inventory:
Jacket
Bit Pouch
MP3
Curwhibbles (x3)
'The Big Book Of Cryptids'
>Equipment:
Short Sword
Buckler Shield
Police Issued Hand Gun (x10 Rounds)
Hunting Knife
>Items Added:
N/A
>Items Lost:
N/A
>Key Points:
[ ] Terrance & Becca at The Spunky Bitch
[X] Visit Mr. Paige for training after 2 PM
[ ] Visit Mrs. Mayflower and learn about Barkingsburg
[ ] Check out a few spellbooks from the library
>Money Left: 125 Bits
=========
Pausing it here. I'm making up a schedule for work and running the CYOA. I might adopt something like a minimum of two posts a day (not like the string of megaposts like I normally do) if I don't have enough time to go into a full session and to lessen the amount of bumps. I've got stuff to prepare for Wednesday and Friday, so maybe you can expect that this week.
>>25316119
All you have on is a t-shirt to protect you from the cold, but yes, you are warm and comfortable now that you've procured a zebra to snuggle with.
>>25316167
>I might adopt something like a minimum of two posts a day (not like the string of megaposts like I normally do) if I don't have enough time to go into a full session
Sounds like a good idea.
That'll give us something to discuss and maybe even allow more people to participate.
>>25316167
>All you have on is a t-shirt
Do we even need the T-shirt when we've got a warm cuddly zebra next to us?
So what should our goal be for the day once we wake up?
>>25319904
Go to the library to return Petrov's book and check out the selection of spellbooks. If he has time, we could also discuss the occult monsters we found in the books with him. Maybe he knows something more about them that it didn't say in the books.
After that, we should go talk to Mrs. Mayflower if there is time.
>>25320281
not bad
>>25320281
Do you think we'll have time to visit the bar?
>>25322813
that'd be grate
>>25322813
That would be great, but I think it depends on how long we end up talking to Mrs. Mayflower. we don't want to end up having to go home after dark. The ghost might show up.
==========
>Continue Story
==========
>>25316095
>Nestled up against the swarth of warm fur, you quickly drift off to sleep.
----------
>The start of your fourth day in Barkingsburg. After last night's little endeavour, you sluggishly head off to the bathroom and blast the hot shower water over your body and begin to sud up.
>Between all of the stuff you engaged in yesterday, you didn't get a chance to thoroughly wash off the sweat and gunk you accumulated. You just hope Amara didn't mind after bunking with her last night.
"Shhhn...! Ooo, that doesn't feel pretty..."
>As comfy as you were last night, mornings are typically killer for you. It's often the when all the consequences from yesterday start showing their effects on you. Most notably you feel a creeping burn in your thigh muscles from the long hours spent walking and running in the forest, as well as biking your way to and from your subsequent locations.
>Nothing a good Soothe spell can't fix later on, you figure, so you double your cleaning efforts and throw on your pants and your jacket that Am so gratefully stocked in the drawer for you.
>Downstairs is bereft of the smell of scrumptious coffee or sizzling eggs. Instead, Am sits by the table chowing down on her humble bowl of cereal.
"Hey sunshine," you say with a smile. She looks like a mouse caught in the cookie jar.
>"O-oh, mornin Em." She clears her throat. Her hair is like a tangled mess of yarn, and her cheeks go red as cherry tomatoes once she sees you. "Sleep well?"
"Absolutely, with a little help from my partner." A small wink gets her all flustered and she trips over her words. The spectacle is quite a pick me
>"P-partner!? Me? In crime, I-I hope you mean...not like i-in bed. But wait, i-it's not like I meant "p-partner" partner! And I've never committed a crime or anything, so-"
==========
(...)
>>25326073
"Amara, remember to breath! Like damn!" An act that proves difficult for yourself as you currently laugh out of your wits. "Listen, let's not make this awkward, okay? Let's just prefer to look at last night as a matter of survival and leave it at that if you want to."
>"Yeahokay." She says while staring into her cereal bowl. She must've really wanted to change the subject into else since she immediately asks a you question.
>"Do you know what's the plan for today?"
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25326079
We could head to the library first and then have a chat with Mrs. Mayflower, but first we should ask Amara about what she was about to say last night.
>>25326108
This all the way. We must know what she was about to say last night before we do anything else.
After that, unless whatever she says is something of so great importance that it changes the priority of our tasks or adds a new one that takes priority over the others, we should head to the library with Petrov's cryptid book and check out the selection of spells.
>>25326079
(>>25326108, >>25326137)
"I've got a good idea of what I'm doing today, yeah. Like heading over to the library and picking up a lead from the florist's shop. But I'm more interested in you, right about now."
>"W-what! Emery, y-you got it all wrong!" Before you get to say your piece she covers her head with her hooves and whines. "T-this is...! I mean, it's t-t-too sudden!"
"Am, what are you getting at?" You cross your arms. "I meant what you were about to tell me last night."
>"...Eh?"
"Yeah, about why Shuck and Brambles just paid us a house visit last evening."
>"Oh...so that's what you meant." Her hooves drop lamely to her sides."I don't know you want to hear it Em."
"Wait, what? Why bring it up in the first place if you aren't going to talk about it?"
>"Hey, don't blame it all on me, I remember a certain someone waking me up from my sleep! I was just groggy, alright?"
"And practically scared shitless of the two fellas knocking on your door, I can recall. Do you not trust me again? Is it personal, because I can back off if it is."
> "Not personal. It's just sort of complicated..."
"Then what? I can deal with complicated Am, just don't shut me out if I can help you."
>Amara sighs and holds her head in her hoof. "I doubt it," she mutters. She takes a deep breath and lets it out. "They were probably here to settle matters with the store."
"Oh...don't I feel like an idiot now. Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. Is it the fact that it's not bringing in too much money?"
>"No, it's the fact of the very real possibility that I might be homeless in about a week."
>She delivered that with such an assured straightforwardness that you're forced to do a double take.
"I'm sorry, could you...what?"
>"Yeah. I haven't been making my payments thanks to the fact that I'm cut from customers with that supermarket outside of town. Just fuck, man...I haven't even made half of the expected pay this month..."
==========
-Input Reaction ()
==========
>Pause Story
>Time: 9:08 AMZ
>Status: Fine
>Inventory:
Jacket
Bit Pouch
MP3
Curwhibbles (x3)
'The Big Book Of Cryptids'
>Equipment:
Short Sword
Buckler Shield
Police Issued Hand Gun (x10 Rounds)
Hunting Knife
>Items Added:
N/A
>Items Lost:
N/A
>Key Points:
[ ] Visit Terrance & Becca at The Spunky Bitch
[X] Visit Mr. Paige for training after 2 PM
[ ] Visit Mrs. Mayflower and learn about Barkingsburg
[ ] Check out a few spellbooks from the library
>Money Left: 125 Bits
=========
Pausing it here.
>>25326366
Hopefully we'll have solved the mystery in a week and looted Shuck's secret hoard so that Amara can live a life in riches from then on. Or join us in our adventure, if she wants to, since we'll presumably be continuing to the other cursed towns after we figure this one out.
Goodnight bump
>>25326714
good morning
>>25326532
I hope she joins us.
>>25329580
I hope so too.
>>25327995
Goodnight again
>>25326366
Tell her that if we don't somehow get any loot out of solving this town's mystery, she can come with us on our quest if she wants, and stay with us at our mom's house when we return.
>>25337158
options are good
Boop
>>25344075
>>25326380
paused for a while
>>25326366
We should ask how much it is.
>>25348790
...Can we pay it?
goodnight emery
>>25359361
Emery says they'll be a session come morning.
>>25359450
Looking forward to it. What timezone are you in anyway?
>>25360204
Central.Staying up late to write a late paper.
First for OP sits on a throne of lies
>>25373018
goodnight bump
>>25379882
>>25379882
>>25384111
The numbers, what do they mean?
>>25360256
work?
>>25366339
And sits
>>25400136
OP is lazy fuck confirmed.
>>25401736
yep
>just about 20 story related posts in a thread with 180 posts
>promises to pick quest in the morning, 4 days ago
>hasn't shown up since
Yeah, fuck this.
I enjoyed the story, but you're terrible as a QM pyrfely, and that makes me enjoy the quest less and less as the days go by.
Either set a fucking schedule about when you're gonna post, or at least show up once in a while to tell people when you're gonna run and at least try to adhere to it.
Because fucking hell I'm incredible close to dropping the quest right now, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Yes, I mad.
>>25406131
Yeah, it would have been nice to have a schedule, and if something comes up at least a quick post saying so.
>>25406959
Can we not bump the thread anymore, at least until pyrfely shows up again? Cause there's no point bumping it any longer if he's not here
>>25407010
aww
>>25359450
Is it morning yet?
>>25407010
>>25406321
>>25406131
>>25401736
Sorry, I know this is getting aggrivating. I'm taking suppliments to help me with this problem and in order to prevent this in the future. I'll have a proper session up tomorrow morning.
>>25412766
Good to finally hear from you again. Looking forward to it.
>>25412766
Didn't you make this promise before.
>>25412890
Yeah, but it wasn't backed with bottles of nootropics. So hopefully it'll have more staying power.
>>25412930
What's nootropics?
>>25413148
Drugs and supplements that help with memtal enhancements.
>>25412732
Morning in what timezone?
>>25412930
Looks like even drugs can't help him keep his promises.
==========
>Continue Story
==========
>>25326380
(>>25326532, >>25337158, >>25348790)
"Wha-Seriously?" You gawk openly at her statement. It never would've occurred to you Amara was that deep in loses. No wonder why she was so desperate in getting you to stay here, she needed every piece of coin she could get. Well, that and probably to stave off further alienation.
>"This place has been floating just barely above the red ever since you got here. I was hoping I'd at least scrounge up enough to make this next payment. But..." Amara leans back on the wall and sighs. "Things went south. Real south."
"Can't I help with this?"
>"No offense Em, but unless you're lugging a thousand bits in that sack of yours, I'm pretty much fucked either way."
"Then what about Mr. Paige? He seemed to have a good history with you and your father, and the guy's practically loaded from the looks of it. Can't you call him up and tell him you're in a bind?"
>"No." Her voice escalated and cut through the suggestion with the utmost precision. "Absolutely not. He's a good friend, but this place was entrusted to me after my folks died. I fought tooth and nail to keep it's and it's been my responsibility ever since."
"But it doesn't have to be! Look, you could just look it as a loan. A business investment."
>"Bull, I don't need a handout. Just support."
>You groan inside your hands. You may as well be on the cruise ship with the way she's making your head rock.
"Support, handout, whatever you want to call it. You're sinking fast Am, and as much as I want to, I can't do anything about it. Mr. Paige has to bail you out, it's the only reasonable thing."
>A permeable air of dread filled the room. Time is working against you. With the investigation of Boxcar's murder still underway, neither of you have the conclusive evidence of Shuck's involvement or The Creature's. Not like it'll do us you any good on the rent.
==========
(...)
>>25417968
>"Any chance that we'll get a reward once we bust the mayor?"
>After giving her a shake of your head, she rubs her temples with her hooves.
>"The way I see it, I've got two options: either I end up as another street bum hobbling for spare change," she says before taking a deep breath and looking down at her hooves. "Or I guess I head back to work."
"With the shop?"
>She made a flicker of a smile then nodded. >"Yeah. The shop."
>Stewing in the silence, Amara's despondent expression reminded how useless you were in this position. You'd like to help, but all you'd have to offer was your paltry amount of savings, which already took some heavy hits sooner than you expected. The only support you could provide was the comfort of being there, but even that had its drawbacks since you never expected to stay here long.
"Unless..." You look towards Amara. "Hey. What if you came with me?"
>She raised her head and came out from her clouded haze. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"Come with me to look for my dad. Why stay here if you're just going to lose the only thing that's keeping you here? You're house is gone, well great. Then what, you're off looking for another job or become another bum on the street? Think about it, no more worries about crabby townsfolk talking about you. No more Brambles, or the Mayor, or any other bad memories."
>It looked like she was a little sensitive to leaving Barkinhsburg from the way she flinched, but you really couldn't afford to sugarcoat the truth.
>"Go with you where? Nothing's there for me if I go outside either..."
"Don't be like that," you say with a wave of your hand. "We'll figure something out along the way. Just imagine it, two vagabonds travelling along Equestria, trying to piece together a mystery of a disappearing father."
> "And bits," she raised an eyebrow. "Any plans on expenses and lodges?"
"We'll figure something out..."
==========
(...)
>>25418032
>"Along the way. Yeah." She rubs her forehoof and breaks your head. "Listen, it's not like this doesn't sound decent. It's just...this was my whole life. As shitty as it was to me, this towm was my home. A good and friendly one at that. I know you're trying to help, but I think I need some time to think on it." She raises her head with quivering eyes. "Is that okay?"
"Duh, of course. Remember, it's not like this is your *only* option."
>You walk over and give Amara a good hug for comfort and make her giggle a little with a small kiss on the cheek.
>With that, you make sure to grab the book Mr. Paige loaned you before you head out.
"I'll be back later, Am. Just make sure to give it some major thought."
>Once the storefront door opened, the wind blasted you with cool air. Storing the book and zipping up your jacket, you remind yourself to have a long hot soak for your legs the moment you start riding to the library
----------
>It was chilly riding for your uncovered hands, but you were grateful for the warmth in the library once you were inside.
>"Welcome again, Miss Erant!" The jovial old diamond dog smiled at the sight of you, his speech muffled from the wraps of his long scarf. "How are you enjoying this blustering day?"
"It's not storming, that's for one. Here, I came with a gift."
----------
>Items Lost: 'The Big Book of Cryptids'
----------
>He receives the monster book he loaned you and grins. "Ah! Yes yes, I remember. I expect you found something that helped further your investigation, yes?" Pleased with his inspection, he nods expectantly.
"Oh, yeah! Actually, that's one of the things I wanted to talk to you about. Well," you say twisting your fingers, "one of a number of things I wanted to chat about."
>"Ah, of course! What would you like to discuss?"
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25418044
Several things, but lets hear what you got first.
>>25418044
Ask him if he knows anything more than what's in the books about the Barghest and the Hellhound, and whether he thinks they are two names for the same creature.
>>25418435
Oh, and also ask him what he knows about the various mysterious disappearances that supposedly happened in and around the town. If he's lived here for a long time, as it seems, he might remember some old news or rumors about it, or he might have some books or old newspapers we could look at for information. That stuff might be related to Shuck and/or Boxcar's murder.
Oh, and let's not forget the spellbooks. We gotta learn some new spells. Or at least find out what he's got and whether any of it is of any use to us.
>>25418044
Should we talk with him about Amara?
>>25418586
I suppose we could. Why not. Maybe he'd be willing to help her out if she decides not to go with us. He might not even know she's in so much financial trouble.
>>25418044
(>>25418292, >>25418435, >>25418459, >>25418586, >>25418626)
"Well, do you have anything," you say. "I've got a ton of questions and wouldn't want to keep you waiting."
>"Very considerate of you, Miss Errant! Truthfully, however, I don't think I have anything to report other than library responsibilities. We're installing a brand new set of computers, you see. Very shiny and professional to add to the antique charm of this grand place."
>He tapped his paws on the countertop and gave a chuckle. It sounded like someone enjoying being smothered with cotton from the huge scarf blocking his face.
>"Yes," he said after settling down. "I don't believe there's any news to...oh! Bugger it all, it completely slipped my mind for a moment. An order of new spellbooks arrived last week. I figured you'd like to know after expressing an interest last night, so you should have a grand amount of choices in addition to the old books."
"That's great to hear Mr. Paige, thanks."
>"Nothing troublesome for a good sparring buddies. Now." He crosses his arms. "Let's hear your points of discussion."
"Okay. First, I was reading last night and stumbled upon a creature in the book called the Hellhound. It sounded pretty similar to another creature I read about, something called the Barghest. What are the chances that they're one and the same?"
>"Quite high, I'm sure. Many types of creatures and figures of folk and myth go by different names based on location and culture. The similarities can change very little, often."
>"In terms of the barghest and hellhound, both are supernatural entities that take the form of a ghastly black dog and is attributed with death."
>So Boxcar's killer being an anagram of both of them is all the more possible. The troubling question now, you ask yourself, is how much information on it is accurate.
==========
(...)
>>25418953
Ask him if he knows where we can find out more about the circumstances surrounding Sebastian's father "Burning" Brahms' death. I know the book we perused earlier said he died of alcohol poisoning, but I have my doubts.
I'm going to bed now. Good night OP and other Anons. Looking forward to reading up tomorrow.
>>25419070
(...) means he's still writing.
>>25419110
I know. Just thought I'd throw it out there before going to bed.
Besides, he's taken input on ... posts before.
>>25418953
DID YOU FALL ASLEEP AGAIN!
>>25418953
(>>25419070)
"Another thing, then. You've lived in this town for quite a while I'm sure."
>"Hmm, I hope you're planning to compliment my wisdom hairs," Mr. Paige says after stroking his cheek fur.
"Right on the money, actually. You've got an exceptional memory, and I want to ask you about some incidents pretty far back."
>"Hohoo! Give it a go then!" You assume he's smiling under there and go ahead.
"I've heard rumors that there's been a slew of vanishings that's happened around town. Anything that you've heard about it? Like in papers or anything?"
>"Hah! Is that all? My dear, I'll have you know that there's always whispers of that hoohah going around."
"Like?"
>"Well, I don't know the particulars, my dear. Only whispers. I am a librarian after, people don't tend to gossip in the library."
"What about any reports or papers?"
>"I don't recall reading about it, I'm afraid." He shrugs his shoulders.
"So I'm out of luck then?"
>"My apologies. I would suggest you get a hold of someone in the main area of the town. There's bound to be all types of people there."
"Alright, but I have something that I'm sure you'd know. Remember the previous mayor of the town, Brahm Shuck?"
>"Burning Brahms. Yes, I remember that cad of character." He chuckles. "Is there anything you wish to inquire about him?"
"It's about his death. Do you think he died solely of alcohol poisoning? Nothing else?"
>"If there's any assured fact in this town, it's that Brahms had a gut filled with whisky and five other barrels as spares. He was loud, belligerent, and a sinful lecher, but he loved his drink. One time while making my rounds I saw him singing outside with the town drunkards. He was as red furred as a Welsh Spaniel."
"What did people say about his death?"
>"The news reported Brahms died in his estate, surrounded by bottles of Yakistan quality vodka. They found him in a drink induced coma and he passed shortly after."
==========
(...)
>>25420365
"So there's nothing peculiar about the autopsy? Or even strange about his death?"
>Mr. Paige took a real deep breath and slowly nods. "Only that, if I am right, they found Sebastian huddled inside a closet."
"Mayor Shuck? The current mayor?"
>"Definitely. Shock, they said it was. You can read about it in the archives if you wish"
"That is weird," you muse.
>So Mr. Paige confirmed that Brahms' died as crazy drunk. That still doesn't get the Shuck family out of the heat. Not by a long shot.
"And one more thing." You figured you'd save the best for last. "I've got something to say about Amara."
>"Ah, yes! How is she, hm? Well taken care of, I figure?"
"God, I wish. I don't know if she told you, but she's about to lose her home."
>His eyes bulged as wide as dinner plates underneath his spectacles. "Excuse me? Do my ears deceive me? Did you say that Amara might be losing her abode?"
"Unfortunately, yeah." You stuff your hands into your jacket pockets and shake your head. Hopefully you can make your case to help her. "She's been in the red for a long amount of time apparently. She says that she'll lose her house if she can't come up with a thousand bits by the next few weeks."
>Mr. Paige sputtered in sheer amazement. "Such a sum is beggar's money!"
"I don't want to impose, but do you think you can help her out? I'm not in the position to bail her out of this."
>"I'll do so immediately!" He leaps out of his seat and puts on his coat. "I must say, I should really thank you for your information. She would have been out on the streets with some mangy diamond dogs by the time I'd hear about it."
"She'd probably be too stubborn to accept it anyway," you say.
>"Nonsense! Amara may be stubborn, but to risk her house so foolishly like that is..." A ruffle of fur and cloth shook with anger. "Miss Errant! I must take care of this problem at the utmost of haste. Would you like to accompany me to set our dear zebra's head straight?"
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25420396
Sure.
Not dead, still writing
>>25420396
Certainly. Let's go for it.
>>25420396
(>>25420461, >>25421779)
"Definitely," you say with a smile. "I'm not sure what I'd accomplish, but every effort counts right?" You walk out the front library and Mr. Paige leads you to his Sedan. Getting informed about Amara's situation today made it really urgent to find all the help you can get. The spellbooks can afford to wait.
>"Nonsense, Miss Errant! Why you must be the prodigal friend to her, the loyal Pythias to her Damon. You're merely helping her stay the coming execution.
>Entering the front of Mr. Paige's spacious vehicle, you feel the plush softness of the onyx colored faux leather seats, and look at the sleek interior and the luxury dashboard.
"Wooah, stylish!" Everything here is so shiny and clean. "Is this what a librarian's salary gets you? Because this thing's pretty sizeable."
>"I take it this vehicle is to your liking?" He says with a smile and brings the quiet engine to life.
"Who would like a beauty like this? It beats the dirty clunker of box that we had. That thing has gotten me in quite a number of accidents before, the piece of junk."
>It may have been from the fact that you were driving without a licence instead of the machine being a junky rolling death machine, but he doesn't need to know that.
----------
>After pulling up at the front, the both of you enter the store of Amara's house.
>"My word!" Mr. Paige exclaims while wiping his spectacles on his coat. "This is positively filthy!" Floating in the air and getting caught in both of your fur coats, the dust is just where you left it once you departed.
>"I believe a certain amount of good stewardship is needed," Mr. Paige said as he wiped his finger through the entire length of the grimy counter.
>Just then you hear hoofsteps coming down the stairs in the back room. Both of you give a nod towards the other and walk through the doorway.
>You see the zebra engulfed inside the refrigerator, only to turn around with a yelp at the moment she spotted you.
==========
(...)
>>25422122
>"Fuck'n-! E-E-Emery? Mr. P-Paige!? What are you both doing here?"
>"I've heard a most disturbing tale from Miss Errant that you've been having major financial burdens," Mr Paige starts.
>She sucks her teeth and snorts angrily. "I hope you didn't ask him to lend me a handout."
"You need help Am," you say. "At least just listen to what he has to say.
>"She's quite right Amara." Mr. Paige wags his finger. "You have to put your pride aside and think about what's for the best! I'm certainly able to grant you some coin if you would just ask."
>"Really, I've got the situation under control," she says with an aggravated edge in her voice.
>"Do you know?"
>"In fact, I was just headed out to handle the issue."
"And where would that be?" You interject.
>"Just...taking care of some business." Her hair gussied up more than usual, and you notice the subtle eyeshadow she applied.It's no surprise seeing her wear her blue hoodie from yesterday, but you haven't seen the tall fishnet stockings on her hooves, as well as...hey, those are definitely your boots! What the hell?
==========
-Input Reaction ()
==========
>Pause Story
>Time: 9:53 AM
>Status: Fine
>Inventory:
Jacket
Bit Pouch
MP3
Curwhibbles (x3)
>Equipment:
N/A
>Items Added:
N/A
>Items Lost:
'The Big Book Of Cryptids'
>Key Points:
[ ] Visit Terrance & Becca at The Spunky Bitch
[X] Visit Mr. Paige for training after 2 PM
[ ] Visit Mrs. Mayflower and learn about Barkingsburg
[ ] Check out a few spellbooks from the library
>Money Left: 125 Bits
=========
Alright, that time I did fall asleep at the keyboard. I have to pause it here tonight, but I'll run again tomorrow.
>>25422164
Deserves another key point. See you next month.
>>25422135
Good thing we came. Can't have Amara turning full street hooker.
should we bump this?
>>25422778
Of course.
>>25420365
Just because Brahms was a drunk doesn't mean he died of alcohol poisoning. I bet Sebastian just got fed up with his father's abuse and poisoned his drink.
>>25425625
>>25425625
>>25421437
hooray
>>25422135
(>>25422374)
"You're not...Am, please tell me you're not about to do what I think you're about to do."
>"Yeah? What of it?" The makeup didn't make the scowl any less threatening, in fact the color seemed to enhance the intensity of Amara's eyes and the irritation projected in them was loud and clear.
"Maybe you don't remember when I stumbled upon you after your business," you quote, "was finished with Sheriff Brambles. So then why are you so adamant on doing it again?"
>"And what, pray tell, is this occupation of yours that your friend is implying? I've always figured that you took on your father's mantle and fronted the general store. You seemed to be doing fine until recently." Mr. Paige taps his paw impatiently on the floor.
>"Nothing," she replies. "Just some volunteer work for some of the police force."
"Those corrupt bastards? They don't deserve a single good hoof, paw, or talon that steps into their headquarters. You and I both know good and well that's not what you were planning."
>It was then Amara stamped her hoof so hard that you wonder how the wood floorboard hasn't splintered yet.
>"Damn it, why won't you drop it! What do you expect me to say, Emery? That I'm doing shit all to keep my home from getting stolen from me?"
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25430900
Everything except for the most obvious and least damaging option.Holy shit, two nights in a row!
>>25430900
Do you think we should ask her if she thinks her brother would want her to live like this? Or would that only piss her off even more?
>>25430900
Tell her she's gonna get help whether she wants it or not, so she might as well just take it. We're not gonna let our best friend become a street hooker.
Is OP just taking very long to write the next post, or did he fall asleep?
Or maybe this was just going to be the one post of the day?
>>25431309
Even if she gets mad as hell, I kinda want to do this. Maybe it'll help her realize just how screwed up her life is right now.
>>25439345
>>25439345
Hey guys, I didn't expect to have such a full day today, so the session will be pushed to tommorow. Just wanted to let you know. It'll be longer than one post, and I'll see if I can run it during the day. In the meantime, which characters do you think come off as weak or inconsequential to the playthrough? Are there any improvements I need to make with them?
>>25439345
>>25441840
The characters we've met so far all seem pretty interesting.
>>25441840
Just out of curiosity, what timezone are you in?
>>25443017
Agreed
>tfw no op
>>25453711
I'm writing the posts, actually, but it's not going to be a full on session because I have to et up early. I'm just having a hard time fitting stuff together.
>>25453735
Great to hear. Any new post to ponder is greatly appreciated.
>>25452930
>>25453735
aight
>>25430900
(>>25430941, >>25431309, >>25431426)
"Anything and everything other than the most obvious choice," you say with a slight chastising tone. "But I guess our opinion doesn't matter, isn't that right Mr. Paige?"
>As you angrily put an arm over the confused librarian, a tad lost for the moment, he clears his throat and follows your lead.
>"Indubitably! Why, I would hope the significance of our past relationship would encourage you to reach out for our assistance. It appears I was mistaken..."
"We just want to see you safe, Amara. How can you expect us to turn away when you're in as much trouble as you are "
>"I'm not a child, you know! You're acting as if this is the first time I've been in a tough situation, and newsflash, it isn't. This is just another rough patch to get through. Thanks for the worry, but I took care of myself just fine before you came along.
"Uh, no, except that's a blatant lie. I still remember you clinging onto me while that bag of flour dug into my back. Heck, it's not like I didn't have my moments of vulnerability."
>You go over and lay a hand on her to show your support, but she looks past you and backs up.
"-But at least I didn't deny that it happened! God, what's with you Amara? We try to bail you out and you act like you've got every dick in the entire town trying to jam it in your ass at once!"
>"M-Miss Emery! That seemed very unnecessary!" While the senior looks appalled by your rather crude language, at least you got a flicker of a response considering the look of shock on Amara's face.
"No, I want to know. Acting like this isn't going to get her anywhere worthwhile no matter how hard she fools herself. So tell us, how are you so prideful that you would risk losing your house than accept aid for your friends?"
>"No no no no!" Amara's uniformed mane becomes distressed as she shakes her head. "Don't go spouting off shit like you suddenly know everything about me after barely a week of living here!"
==========
(...)
>>25454719
>She hastily wipes her eyes with her hoof before going off again, smearing a bit of mascara on the sleeve of her hoodie. "You don't even get it. This is my last chance not to screw anything up. Back then...before everything got as bad as it did, my parents never trusted me with anything."
>She sits on a pillow and puts her hoof on her head as if trying to suppress a headache. "I'd always find a way to botch up the most menial of tasks, even if it was as small as babysitting my little brother. School, cooking, magic, bike riding. No matter what, I'd always have them come to my rescue sooner or later. It was embarrassing.But then when they died-"
>"That's quite enough." Mr. Paige is quick to stride over and place his paws on Amara's shoulders. "There's no need to discuss any unsettling memories, now. Me and Miss Emery are on your side, and we want to see you succeed as well as you do."
>"But that's exactly why I have to do this alone! When Mom and Dad died in that accident, they specifically told me to take care of the store, and most importantly, look after Boxcar. I wanted to cry and hide, God did I. But I didn't, because that was the last thing that my parents expected of me. They still believed in me after all those failures. So I opened up shop and had Boxcar run it with me."
>"I thought I was getting better. Some fool I was. Being a responsible person, and succeeding for once. It wasn't easy but it was a gradual change. Boxcar, he kept with me even though I was struggling with handling adulthood. But then one moment, one stupid fucking moment," she punctuates with a blow on her forehead. "I lose sight of my brother and he turns up dead the next day! Dead! He was-*sniff* I couldn't even be trusted with my own brother..."
==========
(...)
>>25454725
>The makeup splatters colored droplets on the floor as a rack of sobs comes from Amara. "I mean it Em. Have you ever felt that you were so unequivocally of a loser it stained the very insides of your bones? That whatever you do will never be good, or even halfway decent enough for the universe to give you a sliver of acknowledgement?"
"Amara..." You reach out but are only met with refusal.
>"I fucked up." She hugged herself and moved backwards towards the table. Her voice was quiet like a grey snowfall, with her eyes being just as cold and empty. "Hard. One of the most important responsibilities entrusted to me and I failed. Now this house, this store. It's all I have left of my family and their last will and testament. What kind of a person would I be if I can't take responsibility for it myself? Or else I'll just be pissing on their memories."
>"Dear oh dear." Mr. Paige woefully shakes his head. "Amara, if I knew the extent of trouble you were in, I would have contacted you sooner."
>" 's fine," she says with a quiet sniffle. "It's not like I would've answered anyway if you did at that time."
>At a loss for words, you cover your mouth and lets out a pathetic gasp. Seeing Amara on the floor like this hasn't surprised you in the slightest. You always knew she was emotionally sensitive about her life when you first met her. But not to the extent like this. It's much deeper and worrying than whatever you'd expect.
>That's exactly why she has to get talked out of it. She's just intending to go on shouldering the burdens until she inevitably breaks. You hate seeing her this self-destructing and self-deprecating, and you'll do your best to bring her out of it.
"What about Boxcar?"
>Amara looks to you and flattens her ears slightly. "What about him?"
"What would he have wanted? Do you think he would've wanted you selling your body for a cheap screw and some quick bits?" You see her cringe in anguish and she avoids your gaze once more.
==========
(...)
>>25454733
>"It's for the good of the house. He would've understood."
"I'm sorry but I sincerely doubt that, Am. What kind of family would be so willing to let their loved one throw away their dignity and self-worth like that?"
>Taking a pillow you sit alongside her. Though her head avoids your gaze, you see her eyes slowly shift towards your direction.
"I'm sure Boxcar wouldn't. Even if it meant losing your house, he wouldn't have wanted you to go to such lengths and you know it, and would've preferred any option safer than whoring yourself as the town bicycle."
>You think you see a hint of an objection when she raises her head, but instead Amara sighs and nods. "I...okay. I guess you're right on that one."
"See? Doesn't preserving his memory count just as well as your parents? Not that I'm acting like they all would have condoned this."
>"But then what does that leave me? Am I really that incompetent of a person if I can't be asked to solve my own problems"
>"Amara," Mr. Paige says as he kneels by her. "You are one of the most magnificent and wondrous person that I've had the joy of meeting! Why I remember back when you were just a little child, bright eyed and excited to check out your first book. And now look at you! A zebra as beautiful a swan, with as much strength as an ox."
>He brings her into to a small hug, tussling up her hair to make it at least a semblance of respectable. "It's truly a feat you've lasted as long as you have. But there comes a time where everyone needs their fair share of help."
"What do you say Am?" You take her hoof and clasp it with both hands. "Will you accept the bits? We really only want the best for you. It's really amazing, you've made it feel as if this were a third home for me everytime I come back here with you waiting for me? Cooking and watching silly junk with me? It's really been great getting to know you, Amara. Honest."
==========
(...)
>>25454748
>Amara sniffs and continuously works to keep her face dry. "A third home? What happened to the second one?"
"That one belongs to s friend. A good, loyal, cream-of-the-crop especially best friend. Just like a certain zebra I know," you say eskimo kissing her snout.
>"Gee, do tell." She laughs amidst her soft subsiding sobs, and her eyes start becoming less vacant. She turns to her side and takes a glance at an expectant Mr. Paige, smiling in wait of her answer, and turns to you as you nervously bite your bottom lip.
>"I'll be expecting it in all in a sack. It's a pretty hefty sum and I want to see the look on Shuck's face when he throws out his back trying to lift it"
>"That a girl!" The librarian chuckles heartily and bring you all into a group hug.
>"Thanks you two. For looking out for me," she says with a wistful sigh.
"What are friends for," you reply.
>She glances at you with a smile at first, but then frowns. "Emery. You know what this will mean, right?"
"What?"
>"The bits. After I pay off my debts and we complete this investigation, there's a fair chance that I won't be coming along with when you leave Barkingsburg."
>She looks you over with eyes of sorrow. "We may never see each other again, or at the very least a real long time. Are you...a-are you alright with that?"
==========
-Input Reaction ()
>>25454753
Right, let's get it all in small change and in the smallest existing unit of bit. Also, this sounds like it possibly might be an excuse to meet Shuck again in a safe public place and have a chat with him.
>>25454753
We'll be sure to drop in on our way back home and tell her about our adventures.
>>25454753
I don't see why it needs to be one or the other. Wouldn't she rather come with us and still have a home to come back to when it's over?
But if she wants to give up her store and come with us instead that's okay too. Either way she shouldn't become a street hooker.
bup
>>25455353
>Wouldn't she rather come with us and still have a home to come back to when it's over?
Ask her this. Maybe, after this investigation is over, someone can watch over her house while she's gone? But hey, we're not exactly leaving town just yet, so there's no need to carve anything in stone right away. Let's give her some time to think.
>>25454753
>After I pay off my debts and we complete this investigation, there's a fair chance that I won't be coming along with when you leave Barkingsburg.
Take her hooves in your hands, look deep into her eyes and tell her that while we'd like nothing better than to have her come along on our adventure, we don't want her to feel like she doesn't have a choice. As long as Shuck doesn't repossess the store, it will still be here waiting for her when she gets back, and maybe we'll even come across some treasure so that she could pay Petrov back and be able to manage on her own.
>>25455773
kiss
we'll make this right
goodnight bump
bunp
Hey, sorry for skimping out on you yesterday. I have some catching up to do for my classes so I don't think I'll run until the weekend. I might do another post later today to keep it from stagnating too much, though. We'll see. Sorry about this.
>>25475409
doing well?
