A sequel for Crystal Warlock; Quest set in Sombraverse.
Anonpone link: https://www.anonpone.com/virginharder/
Crystal Warlock summary: http://pastebin.com/raw/GBPa5pgR
Character [Body Composition] and [Known Spells]: http://pastebin.com/raw/Jxaev6w2
Last Thread:
>You awake as a golem inside the Crystal Castle.
>You make friends with a colt named Trampled Flower.
>You decide to help the colt reach the throne room.
>You pass as manners of traps on your way to the throne room.
>You have a serious discussion with Fair Trade, current Vizier.
>You agree to attempt a saving operation of your captured friend, current Legate.
>Scarab Amber, Trampled’s friend, has a day to leave the boundaries of the Crystal Empire.
>You have about an hour to gather supplies and prepare for your journey.
“You two sound close,” you notice with a fade of a smile.
Trampled Flower blinks at you; his eyes dart away instantly. Scarab Amber raises her hoof to her forehead and exclaims, “Oh, you can’t even imagine! Friends since the sunrise of our foalhood, closer than any brother or sister ever could! Oh, all perishes and perils I’ve saved him from! You can’t even imagine!”
Trampled Flower rolls his eyes, “You are exaggerating. Also, your scarf is…”
He doesn’t get to finish; just as he feared, the bronze skinned filly stumbles upon her long cloth wear. Her front legs trample upon the ground with a loud, albeit hollow, impact. She huffs: “What a travesty…”
You help her up. She courteously thanks you with a bow and a nod. Trampled Flower catches the scarf into his hooves and quickly rolls it between them. He snarls:
“Care to remind me how many times I asked you to give me this thing for a cut and a hem?”
“Oh, the times forgotten by the haze of ages,” she begins. She stops, catching Flower’s annoying gaze. Scarab Amber sighs, “About… three, maybe four times in total, Trampled.”
Friends… Such a simple world, but how much energy and magic there is in it. You miss your friends…
“We have to get some of those “water crystals”,” you say, breaking their friendship moment. Despite the fact that you hate yourself for doing this, you have things to do and barely any time for it. It is also quite painful for you to see.
“They are either exchanged in the market,” Trampled Flower answers you with a quick nod; this kid is quick to acknowledge the current situation. He continues, “Or we can get them on the plantations. There’s one on the very edge of the Frozen North borders, because… well-“
“The flowing and gracious Pegasus ponies will no longer create rain clouds for us,” Scarab Amber finishes.
It was pretty obvious; why would they carry with their duty during the war? It is a bit unexpected that the Frozen North produces actual rain; as long as you remember you have either seen snow or hair in its borders.
“Can we get there in time?” you ask your companions.
Trampled Flower rubs his chin, “Well, maybe if we run…” He glares back at Amber, his glance of concern, “I don’t want to risk us overstaying the hour the Vizier gave me… her. I’d suggest going to the market and asking for the crystals and what else there. Ponies won’t like you or the Vizier for that but…”
He doesn’t finish but, you understand perfectly well what he is trying to say. Will you care if they’ll hate you?
>What do you do now?
>>27157733
>She huffs: “Unacceptable...”
FTFY
>>27157741
I know we might be disliked, maybe even hated for appearing out of nowhere and requisitioning stuff, but I don't think we have much choice here. All of those ponies will be better off if we succeed. Then they can lynch Vizier or something.
>>27157741
The vizier obviously doesn't care if ponies hate her, and we're doing it in her name.
“I agree,” you say with a grinding nod, “We don’t have much choice here either. For them I’m just a golem anyway; all their hate will be upon the Vizier and… I don’t think she cares that much.”
Scarab Amber says, “Oh, the self-sacrifice of a martyr worthy of a stained glass!”
You nod to them after she is done:
“Lead the way to this “Market”… Anything I should know before we get there?”
Scarab Amber gently grabs Flower by his neck and turns him around into another direction. Trampled Flower stops and, with an awkward smile, follows, “Oh right, the market is that way…”
Flower loudly clears his throat and, avoiding stern gaze of his friend-sister, begins explaining, “Well, I think I’ve told you that ponies are now able to exchange goods between each other. Since the mines closed and plantations opened most of the citizens of the Crystal Empire started working there. Instead of giving everything for the war efforts ponies are able to keep forty percent of all the things they created or gathered for themselves.”
“Sixty percent to the Vizier is still a lot,” you say, your voice hollow.
“That’s true,” he lowers his gaze, “But that’s still better than nothing; so the more work you do, the bigger is your share. Basically, I think that’s the idea. Then, ponies exchange their items in the market. That’s why a lot of ponies are trying to get into the food plantations. That and the water crystals are valuable as well.”
“The world born from the ashes left by the Shadow King,” concludes Amber, “We are its embers.”
Eventually, the three of you enter the market area. It seems at this time of day it’s still empty as most ponies are still currently on their duty. You notice rows and rows of tents and crystals make-shift buildings center around what appears to be a broken fountain. There are several, two to be exact, stalls that have ponies in them. One of those tents is displaying what appear to be miniature blue amulets: water crystals. The other is tent has dozen of crystal ewes clothes.
You spot the vendors who immediately cut their barter once they see you.
>What do you say?
>>27158097
Lets look for somebody with water crystals.
>>27158592
there a stall that is selling water crystals, let just go to then and try to get 2 of them
>>27158636
Remember to not get too violent.
>>27158636
>>27158592
I'd like to know how exatly would you approach the stall. Like, what do you think Aurora should say. Demand, require, ask? People wanted to adjust her personality so let's do that.
>>27158636
Is 2 enough for the trip?
>>27158642
There's no reason to be violent. We haven't even interacted with anybody yet.
>>27158658
Let's let Scarab start since a golem talking would shock them.
>>27158663
What I wanted to say was: let's try ask without any violence.
>>27158677
Or this, sounds good.
You nod your head at Amber. Your crystal voice fails are forming a mutter, “Ask them for two or more of amulets. I think you’ll have better chance at this than me.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea-“says Flower.
“Nonsense!” she raises her hoof with a grin, “I will fulfill this rightful duty of mine.”
Following such loud exclamation, she swiftly trots forward. She stops before the needed tent and, loud enough for you to hear, she says, “I ask for forgiveness in advance, gentlecolt. I’m sorry.”
The timid mare that stands before the count clears her throat. You can see her eyes uncertainly shifting away from your crystal figure, to look at the dramatic filly before her. Her eyebrows are raised:
“Y-Yes? What can I help you with?”
“I know how hard the life is it for ponies like you and me. This is why it’s so hurtful for me to say this but… By the orders of the Royal Vizier, the mare in charge, I am to take two water crystals off your shoulders.”
“But I’ve already paid my share,” she says and immediately pauses. Her eyes dart quickly back to you. She gulps and sighs, pushing two of the crystals towards Scarab Amber, “I don’t need problems, here.”
“Oh, despite their small size those little crystals just now have blurred the line between somepony’s life and death! I’m grateful to you for this. Mine and Vizier’s gratitude is never-ending!”
The mare smiles, “T-that’s alright. Stay safe.”
“I will do my best,” Scarab Amber says.
She returns back to you two with a confident smirk. The filly raises her hooves in order to show the items she just got and, maybe, brag about it just a bit. Then, one of it slips by her crystal horseshoes. The water crystal immediately shatters against the road. The water inside the amulet spills out into the ground.
“Amber!” Trampled Flower shouts.
“I’m sorry!” she yells in shock, “It slipped!”
>What do you do now?
>>27158936
Get another one.
>>27158936
Lets do it this time. We're just shopping, no reason to be an ass about it.
>>27158936
let see if we can cast a repair spell on the amulet
>>27159004
You don't know this spell.
>>27159062
Then try to learn it. Maybe our intuition will work, or something.
>>27157732
Oh shit I remember that one.
>>27159134
Lets also learn a spell to turn us into a normal pony and locate the crystal heart while we're at it.
>>27159145
Glad to see more old players.Unless you were a faggot.
>>27159134
I don't think that's how it works.
>>27159134
we have to learn it from a book to cast the spell
You allow the black veil of your dark magic envelope your vision. You concentrate on the shattered water crystal, trying to paint and form its image in your mind. You draw the symbols and syllable based on your intuition alone. The dark magic inside you remains undisturbed; it is ignorant of your casting words.
It was worth a short. You place your hoof on Scarab’s head and gently move it by her, relatively ridiculous, manestyle. She looks disturbed and appalled by her own little mistake. You attempt to calm her down.
Now, you approach the stall yourself. The mare jumps back at the sight of you. Her neighbor vendor, an old stallion, appears to be on the edge of his seat also. You place your hooves on the counter; you lean with all your weight upon the tent’s structure. It creaks as loud and obnoxious as you expect a cheap tent to do.
You try to speak as calm as you can. The slow, monotone voice forced by the magic’s delay isn’t helping:
“I would like as many water crystals as you can give,” you begin.
She is surprised. You are a talking golem; what a rarity.
“I-Is the Vizier not happy with her share?” she ask meekly.
“No,” you say, “She’s very happy. They are all already in use and suddenly, something came up that requires me and those two to go away from the Crystal Empire. It is important.”
The mare trembles in response. She looks towards the old colt who is nodding in panic.
The vendor mare forcefully pushes four of those rain containing amulets into a small, paper bag. She offers the bag to you, “One should be enough for… one day. You don’t have to use all of it in one sitting.”
“Thank you,” you say with Canterlot gratitude, leaving the two with a completely new topic of discussion.
>Inventory:
[Gem Beans Portion] x2
[Water Crystal] x5
>>27159160No I wasn't.
Soon, the three of you leave the market area behind you with no time to spare. You and your companions reach the supposed gathering place outside of another plantation. Scarab Amber is no longer bothered by her mistake, while Trampled Flower is calmed down after you managed to get more crystals without trouble.
You spot two golems waiting for you under the snowing mantle of a ridiculously tall mountain. One of them is the aquamarine golem you had an “honor” to meet in the hallway. Second is a slightly greenish statue you haven’t met until just now. It looks as if the Vizier is going to keep Standing Ground’s body away from you.
They both turn as soon as you arrive. Surprisingly, their “eyes” are set on Scarab Amber. You can see the dark energy boiling inside their eyes, flowing like a fountain of dark plague. It is safe to assume that Fair Trade have already warned and told them about Amber and the time limit she has. You wonder, if they are going to attack her the moment her time is up. If they do, will you be forced to fight them?
You spot a piece of crystal paper and a necklace of strange gems around the hoof of one of them. Uncertainly, you take them into your own hooves. There’s not a single reaction from him.
You put the crystal necklace around your ankle for now.
>You open what you assume can only be a promised map. You never know that bitch.
>>27159429
So uh, what now? Plot a course?
>>27159419
STOP MAKING US INTIMIDATE EVERYBODY WE MEET! THIS IS NOT AURORA"S CHARACTER! Also you robbed us of a chance to be friendly and to try and give the slaves a little hope.
>>27159536
we are a Crystal gomel that sombre used as a detestation for slaves who get out of line, there is no way the people of the empire would see that there is hope from a golem
>>27159536
I'm actually ok with this one. The plantation owner? No.
>>27159530
well is we are plotting a course let head to hollow shade
>>27159536
She's a walking crystal statue with cold, menacing voice. She didn't do a single thing in that converstation that would butcher her character. You have to realize that anybody will be afraid of a golem; especially ponies in the Crystal Empire.
As for giving the slaves a little hope, I have been asking for suggestions >>27158658. Please let me know what you want Aurora to say in the future.
>>27159530
You can plot a course now, yeah.
>>27159555
We're escorting these two, that won their freedom, out of the crystal empire or the heart that Sombra destroyed was a fake. Also we aren't a crystal golem, we're Aurora Flare.
>>27159673
>The Vizier demands that you surrender all of your valuable water crystals.
>Excuse me. Our friend accidentally broke one of the crystals you gave her, can we have a replacement.
Which is friendlier?
>>27159673
Also I didn't realize that question was for the entire interaction. I thought it was just for the approach.
>>27159576
I agree. Let's follow the road to Hollow Shades.
>>27159429
Why did we put the necklace on? It came from somebody that loves traps after all?
>>27159778
the necklace might be what we need to controll the golems
>>27159707Well, I'm sorry for not making it clear. Your suggestion is, of course, friendlier but, since nobody suggested me that, I had Aurora go with the most logical and less troublesome option of acting like a golem and having Vizier get all the blame. Aurora was never over-friendly, and if you want her to begin you have to suggest those things, man. I can't read minds.
>>27159805My bad. It is not on your neck yet but I shouldn't have touched it without your imput.
>>27159738
>>27159576
That road is actually a river that goes from the Crystal Empire to the Neighara Falls and then all the way to the Horseshoe Bay. Your destination is the Ebon Point resting under the Cloudsdale. Is this the route you'll follow for now?
>>27159844
Yeah, then we'll head west to Ebon Point.
>>27159844
how bad are the oaken bear as well as the thundercloud
>>27159844
Sounds like a plan. Lets inspect the necklace.
>>27159844
Wait, that's where the bat ponies are.
Turn around, turn around!
>>27160080
well we're not stopping there, we will just turn toward ebon point
You put the map on the ground before yourself. You keep a close watch on the unmovable but eerie statues of Vizier’s will nearby. Trampled Flower pushes himself to stand as a barrier between his sister-friend and the dreadful crystal golems. Scarab Amber, on other hand, is trying to push him aside to step in herself.
You grab their attention with an echoing, hollow hum. They quickly turn their glances towards the map. This is apparently their first time seeing the outside of the Crystal Empire; it is of no surprise to you. In your vivid, colorful and pleasant dreams you’ve experienced a life of a traveling diva. In here, you were shackled.
“I can almost see the troubles and problems emerging from the pages of this book!” Amber exclaims.
“I… I do not like the sound of either the ‘Thundercloud’ or the ‘Oaken Bear Territory’” says Flower.
“I don’t like them either,” you say, moving your crystal hoof just a few inches away from the surface of the crystal map. You do not want to damage it. “So let’s avoid that for now. I say we go through this mountain range here, towards the Neighara Falls and then make a turn by the Hollow Shades.”
Trampled Flower nods, “Most of the territory east of us belongs to the Empire now after the battle under Manehattan.”
“Even the Hollow Shades?” you ask. You remember something about this place. Something dangerous.
“I’m not sure,” Trampled Flower sighs with defeat, “But logically it would make sense. Right?”
You do not answer. You twist and turn the strange necklace of obsidian emeralds in your hooves. You spot, and somehow sense, dark energy inside every single gem. They are about seven medium sized ones in the whole chain. You do not dare to put on something that was probably created by a mare famous for her traps.
“I don’t think we’ll be able to leave the boundaries of the Empire in a day,” Flower says with a note of concern. He glances at Amber who simply leans her head at him, as if saying “Don’t worry”.
“We will also be exhausted and dehydrated, nothing but dried, empty shells, if we do not stop for rest. This journey is not one to be taken lightly, oh no. I think it’s an adventure worthy of three days!”
Trampled Flower grumbles, “Great… What are we going to do? Where are we going to rest?”
Rest. Strangely, you can feel your body slowly becoming heavy. You wonder what will happen if you try to sleep yourself.
>What will you do now?Probably the last post for today. Thanks for playing.
>>27160328
I wonder if we can have the golems carry them to speed up our journey.
>>27160328
we better start now and get as far as we can till they need rest
>>27160328
the necklace might be a focuses for us to use instead of our own dark magic i think we should take it
I think I should just say as a Heat veteran that sometimes the destination IS more important than the journey. So if you feel there's something important to the trip there or whatnot than fine, bur if not then it's ok to skip to when we're close. It beats sessions of dreary travel.
>>27163716
This. Skipping is favorable to monotony.
Heat sure did have a lot of timeskips, but probably not always when it should.
>>27163721
Though the days of travel through the desert may have been monotonous I kinda feel they were befitting of the setting and tone. Aight threw in random events to break some things up. Dispite it's failings I still look back on it fondly.
Think Vince could stand to take a page or two from Aight's book too.
>>27164040
I think the days in the desert were far from the lowest point in that quest. They could certainly have been worse, though.
I look back on it fondly as one of my favorites as well, but it certainly had some low points. Namely Litaria.
bunp
>>27164040
>Aight's book
What's that?
Hang the Vizier bump.
>>27165713
It's an expression.
"Taking a page from someone's book," means that you could learn a thing or two from them.
Aight is the QM who runs Dirty Work and Heat.
https://www.anonpone.com/heat/
https://www.anonpone.com/dirty/
>>27166655
Oh, I missed that part. Yeah.
>>27166655
I sadly never participated in those quests. Perhaps you can explain in more detail?
>>27166972
You'd get far more out of it if you read them for yourself.
A good part of QMing is learning from other QMs.
>>27166979If I can find time to do that I will.
>>27166972
Are you going to run now?
>>27167053Yeah in a short while.
You manage to figure out the reason hidden behind the purpose of the strange crystal necklace. Despite your, quite logical, unease, what the Vizier bitch gave you appears to be something practical and useful. Every crystal in the chain is storing enough dark magic inside of it for a single one of your known spells. While Fair Trade didn’t figure out a way to restore your dark magic, she decided to give you this necklace.
There is still a long way until she manages to repay you for your literal death.
>Inventory:
[Gem Beans Portion] x2
[Water Crystal] x5
[Crystal Necklace (Alicorn ‘Dark’ Magic %7)]
Surprisingly, the golems obediently followed every single one of your commands. Your journey was swift and easy. Without much trouble they carried both foals on their back all the way to the Neighara Falls, where you decided to make your first stop. Excluding the fact that commanding a body with such annoying delay was becoming unpractical, and also the fact that the sun was quickly vanishing behind the tall mountains on the horizon, Neighara Falls held a special meaning to you. Not for Aurora the apprentice, no, but for Aurora the happiest of all conductors. It was the place of yours and your husband’s honeymoon…
Sombra’s influence and dark magic haven’t bothered those majestic waterfalls. The only thing different and… surprisingly more pleasant, was the lack of ponies and the amount of empty cottages. This place was practically abandoned now. Trampled Flower said the ponies abandoned this place themselves after Sombra’s return. It’s not that unlikely, considering the houses are still standing strong and untouched.
Your decision is to spend a night in one of those cottages. Perhaps you can catch some… sleep yourself.
>Are there any preparations for the night you would like to make?
>>27167323
I want to see if we can pull the energy in the necklace into ourself to increase our power.
>>27167323
I thought our own energy sort of recharged. Anywho, hold up in an abandoned hose. After settling down I want to open up to the two and with melancholy tell them about before we came back, in our dreams. A perfect Empire, our dreams, our husband...
Scarab Amber and Trampled Flower gently slide off the backs of the crystal golems at the exact same time. Scarab Amber fumbles, barely avoiding falling face flat into the ground. Trampled Flower chuckled at his clumsy friend first, before asking her if she needs any help. She pouts and refuses. She stands up by herself.
“I’m all out of breath,” Amber exclaims in defense.
Trampled Flower says, “Well, it seems we are going to stop here. You won’t have any excuses tomorrow.”
She huffs. Both of them turn towards you with a questionable expression over their faces.
You nod, opening the nearest cottage door with a powerful push, “We are staying here for the night.”
“I don’t think we’ll be attacked yet,” Trampled Flower says uncertainly, “We are still close to the Empire.”
“Don’t worry,” your uncertainty is hidden, “I’ll leave the two golems to guard us during our sleep.”
“Sleep?” Trampled Flower asks, “You are going to sleep as well?”
“I…” you pause, “I feel tired. I’m going to try. Besides, it’s better if I’m with you both.”
“Under that heavy, crystal armor there’s a gentle, noble and kid heart,” Amber exclaims, raising her hoof.
You manage to awkwardly grin in your mind. You throw a glance towards the necklace… It would be better to wait until both of them are asleep until you try something as dangerous. There’s no way to know how the thief’s dark magic is going to react compared to Sombra’s and yours. It shouldn’t be different but…
… … …
Trampled Flower and Scarab Amber nuzzle under a thick, cotton blanket. The cottage you decided to spend your night in is; it only has two rooms, one of which is a kitchen. There’s only one entire bed, most likely for one person or a couple. They are still young, those two, nothing wrong with them sharing one bed…
You manage to find some matches but, you decide against igniting the wood inside the fireplace just yet.
“Aurora,” Scarab Amber catches your attention, “Do you… know any stories with a good moral?”
Trampled Flower rolls his eyes, “Amber, you don’t need a moral for a good story.”
“For a young and impressions colt such as you, Trampled, every story should have a moral.”
>What exactly would you like to share with them? A story with a moral?
>>27167884
Tell them our story.
Tell them a story of a meek music teacher. How a evil pony came to power and made an offer. How the little music teacher saw a way out. She was scared, so terribly scared. She took the offer but it never made her more happy. She was a... a coward. Nothing mattered more to her than her own life. She died alone and hated. So I guess the moral is to be brave and care for others, or something. I'm sorry.
“Let’s see,” you pause. You gather your thoughts in absolute silence. The two wait patiently.
“Once upon a time in the Crystal Empire there lived a musical teacher. She was happy…”
You start remembering the life you fought so hard to forgive. It was honest to blame Sombra for all your misery and troubles; after all, you experienced your life without his interference. It was a happy, honest life. You had a bright future. There, you didn’t have to fight for survival. An orchestra alicorn…
Yet the harshest of conditions show who you really are. Nopony knows what you are in the dark. That’s how it’s supposed to be but… Sombra is the darkness incarnated. He knew every horrible thing. He adored tormenting ponies that, with all their might, fought against the truth. The truth… In reality you are a coward, a pessimist and an egotist. You grasped the first chance to survive you were given with a second though.
The real life is not a fairytale. There’s no moral when you die; there’s no grand conclusion.
You do no notice yourself drifting into some kind of sleep. The dark magic envelops your mind.
That night you had a dream… A memory…
… … …
You remember your first week. You are Aurora Flare, Sombra’s most loyal apprentice. While the other crystal ponies are slaving away in the crystal mines, breaking both their will and bodies, you are here in the grand royal grounds. You are free of that torment and troubles and, arrogantly, you don’t feel any shame.
Your only duty and a way to survive are to study this strange, unknown artifact of a book given by the Shadow King himself. Other ponies might not realize but there’s a long way until you receive the promised glory and power. You have to do everything you possibly can to not disappoint Sombra.
Besides you, there’s another pony in those lonely, empty fields. During your “lessons” you sometimes watch him train and battle other crystal ponies. He’s also a pony who willingly joined the King’s will. You don’t know his name but you know that he has it way more difficult than you. He’s wounded; he has scars all over his body. His noble, grand colors of pure white mane and lemon skin are dirty and bloodied.
He has gray eyes. Now that you think about it, this was the first time you met. Golden Shield.
Your mind is in a haze. You can’t remember anything else.
>How did it happen? Did you approach him? Was it him?
>>27168357
We approach and ask if he's alright or needs any help. If it's a memory than yes, it was him.
>>27168357
Aw man! I wanted to see their reaction! Were they intrigued or if they figured out if it was us and their reaction upon figuring out it was us. That's some nice character stuff man.
You do not remember yourself being the forward type. Despite that, he is amongst the few ponies who know how it is to be in your horseshoes. Perhaps, just maybe, you can make a friend. It won’t be as lonely…
You approach him yourself. Yes, you remember that’s how it went. Somehow you managed to beat your anxiety and do the first step. He turns towards you once you are close enough. You gasp at first.
You quickly back down from him, your head is lowered. The stallion, who you recognize being Golden Shield, raises his head at you. He looks surprised if not curious. He’s holding a javelin over his shoulder.
Javelin, of course. He is the best javelin wielder there is. Doesn’t make sense with his cutie mark…
“D-do you need any help?” you ask.
“Nope,” he says. There’s a small smile over his lips.
He breaks the awkward pause himself, “I’ve noticed you here often.” He’s trying to be brief and serious.
>What did you say? You can’t remember!
>27168549Will have to ask them in the morning!
>>27168784
Get flustered.
Sorry! I, um I, oh darn I forgot what I was doing... Sorry if I'm bothering you but you looked kinda beat up and y-you're bleeding a bit so I sort of wanted to see if you're ok.
You fluster immediately at his response. Did he notice you watching him before?
“Sorry!” you blurt out, “I… Um, I forgot what I was doing. I’m sorry if I’m bothering you.”
“Not at all,” he says; the tiny smile over his muzzle barely moving.
“Um,” you say, “You look kind of beat up…”
“Just a scratch,” he says with an expression you know too damn well.
“You sure you don’t need no help?” you finish. You are barely able to breathe out.
He pauses. Golden Shield forcefully pushes the javelin into the ground and looks over his hooves.
“The face,” you clear your throat, pointing your hoof towards his head, “All those scars.”
“Oh those,” he says, “Those are about a month old.”
Both of you force the most awkward smile imaginable. You had to break the silence here.
“I’ve heard of you too,” you say, “You are brave.”
“Not as brave as you.”
Wait what?
“You are the one pony who decided to take Sombra’s position so no other pony would have to, right?”
>What did you say in response?I don’t know who you are but thank you for playing today anon!
>>27169406
Well... not exactly but I was certainly hoping to help ponies with this new position. Is that what happened to you? How did you end up here?
>>27169406No problem. Just count yourself lucky I didn't have to work today.
>>27169406
Lie, obviously, and say something along the lines of "yeah, I sacrificed stuff and things".
Night bump.
Should we talk about future plans while there are no updates or something?
>>27172991
Why not?
>>27173002
So how are we going to free Shield once we get there? I heard somebody mentioning talking but I don't think that's going to work considering he wounded Celestia and is the lead general.
>>27173064
There's no way we can get him out by force. The only option I can think of is to try to negotiate his return. We do have a fair bit of intel we can give them.
>>27173097
and how would negotiating for shield when we are still a crystal golem that can talk. I don't think they would even let us say anything before attacking us.
>>27173146
We could just sit down and let them attack us. It'll be unusual enough that they might figure out we're peaceful.
>>27173174
ok let say that work, but if we even try to negotiate for Shield back they still wouldn't give him up due to him doing damage to celestial herself, who ponies look up to her like a goddess. it would be a long stretch to even have them to agree to let him go
>>27173235
That would depend on who we're dealing with. The only alternative is to use a combination of our extremely limited magic and brute force to break him free.
>>27173273
At least we're good in brute force this time.
You remember lying; clear as day that memory lingers. You can’t manage to tell him the truth.
“He-he,” you chuckle awkwardly, “Yes, that’s about it. And I hope to help them with my new position.”
You shudder. Even then you remember being quite the awkward and prude mare. You feel his glare on your rump. By instincts alone you back down; your tail lowers in order to hide your backside.
Golden Shield notices. He flushes and clears his throat in an effort to apologize.
“Oh, it’s not… I was just looking at your Cutie Mark,” he says in over the top serious voice.
“My… Cutie Mark?” you ask, your eyebrows rise.
Barely, he hides a smile, “Yes. It’s a quite an interesting one.”
“My destiny was to become a conductor of an orchestra,” you remember joking.
“Conductor?” he’s visibly impressed; he is so gullible.
You awkwardly chuckle, “I’m… joking. I am, was, a music teacher.”
You pause for a moment. You gather your thoughts under the heavy, burying silence. You speak:
“Did the same happen to you? How did you end up here?”
He takes a noble and warrior stance. Golden Shield raises his chin at you:
“Yes. That’s about it,” he echoes your words, “Better me than anypony else. The citizens of our empire are fighting for their lives in the King’s battle and the least I can do is try to protect them…”
His words are full to the brink with demureness. He starts rubbing his hoof against the edge of his armor.
>What did you say in return?
>>27176328
Dunno. I feel like this is a good place to get to know him a little, since we're supposed to care about him. Ask questions. What was his life like? Who was he before the King's return? Who is he aiming to be in the future?Does he still have hope?
He might want to ask us some more questions, so I say we should lie about our true motives, cowardice and be honest about our past, how our pupils liked us, things, and stuff.
Vince' you there?
>>27177103
>>27176583Yeah, sorry. I want to apologize in advance that in the next four or five days I'll be unable to respond or update frequently.
Sorry. I'll get to the post now.
>>27177294
Thanks for letting us know.
“It’s noble,” you say. You try to sound as honest and truthful as you can. He believes it.
“Noble,” he pauses. The stallion’s eyes passes by his own trusted javelin. He’s uncertain.
You break the heavy silence with a smile of your own, “I think so; everypony else doesn’t agree with us.”
“They certainly don’t,” he says. He managed to scrub his armor clean in the short duration of your talk. With a presentable and pristine form, he raises his hoof towards you, “My name is Golden Shield; an honor.”
Your response is delayed. You always put your personal space and privacy above everything else. Even a simply hoofshake, to you, is an important and very intimate act. Still, you end up taking his hoof.
“Aurora Flare,” you say. Your red cheeks are burning bright over your pale yellow skin. “Um… honor.”
The blurred lined of your dream regains its sharpness with every breath you take and question Golden Shield answers. You remember meeting him every evening over the same, tall crystal castle. While the park dried and died under the shadow of Sombra’s castle, the both of you found the most needed isolation in it. You shared stories of your past and future. You shared your concerns and accomplishes. In every sense he was a friend, but he was different comparing to the foals of your foalhood. He was more; a fellow “traitor”.
He didn’t speak much and was short on words. He didn’t like to talk about his past either. He was amongst the princess royal guards when Sombra invaded the Crystal Empire. He shared his views of the potential future with more fire than his past and concerns. He was naïve and trusted Sombra more than you ever could. He said he knew the King is a tyrant but he knows and believes there’s a future to be reborn from the ash. You remember him mentioning the fact that even if Sombra is defeated, the Crystal Empire cannot fall.
He said that the ponies of the Crystal Empire will not be forgiven for what the war was about to bring…He was a patriot, to put it in short terms. You didn’t agree with him, but you didn’t say it outright.
You once asked him the most serious of all questions. One which was tormenting your heart for a while:
“What do you fight for?”
And he simply replied, “For the Crystal Empire.”
“But the Crystal Empire will never be the same.”
He paused. He pondered. He said, “As long as the crystal ponies strive to survive, Crystal Empire will live.”
>You don’t remember your answer. What were you fighting for? But deep inside, your egotism grew.
>>27177572
I guess we're fighting for a future that's at least slightly better than this. We're in a position to help things not get worse and to try to find tiny amounts of hope in the empire wherever that may be.
>>27177559
>>27177658
Except we aren't fighting. We're here just because we didn't want to slave away in the mines.
But he doesn't need to know this. Our response should be just as you suggested.
“And you?” he asked back then; the question ringed inside your mind anew.
“And me,” you paused with a poor attempt of a joke, “Probably a future that’s better than this.”
You raised your head towards the orange, charred clouds. You missed the bright sun and clear, blue sky.
“The King,” you said, “All he wants is to rule. It will be up to ponies like us to make the best out of it. Despite them hating us, despite them despising us… We have to fight for them… Right?”
Golden Shield looked at you with a silent smile. Then, he simply nodded and picked up his javelin. He stopped; you remember that as clear as day. He looked at you and opened his mouth. There was no voice.
His figure turned indistinct. Wait, don’t go yet!
The shadow of your dark magic envelops your entire dream, in an instant. This time, you are in control.
The sequence and memories shatter before your eyes.
… … …
Body Changes:
05% [+3] Alicorn ‘Dark’ Magic [Magic]
00% [-3] Volatile Arcane [Magic]
Your body reacts immediately. You can feel every particle, every living sparkle of dark void inside your crystal shell. The magic follows your every decision without any delay or resistance. You feel yourself rested; you are as fresh as a newborn foal. Your euphoria is twisted by reminder: your crystal hoof.
You grunt in disbelief as all your memories, fake and real, are molded together inside your mind once again. Obnoxious, painful repetition of things you’d rather forget and things you wish to remember forever. You think about standing up and clearing your head and without a blink, your body is already straight and ready.
The air is cold yet calming. The entire house is buried under the blanket of the night. To think that Celestia was still doing her duties while leading a war is outright ridiculous yet, she still did it. When you compare the goddess of the day and night to somepony like a Sombra… You quickly glance away; you need to get better at controlling your emotions and commands. A wrong though can put you in a troublesome situation.
The bed is half empty and rustled, to your immense surprise and bother. Scarab Amber is sleeping inside the blanket itself while Trampled Flower is nowhere to be seen. You hear a silent clang of knifes and pots coming around the corner, in the general kitchen are. There’s a distinct sizzling sound and a quite, barely audible humming.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out who’s doing the cooking here.
>What would you like to do now?
>>27178977
If we're in control, why did the dream collapse?
Anyway, get up, check how are the other golems, then silently wait for Trampled to finish cooking, thinking about the past. So, we know we can sleep and it recharges us. Can we eat as well?
>>27178996
let see who is in the kitchen
>>27178996
Bit early, or late, for a meal.
>>27178996
Go greet Tramp. Apologize for falling asleep during the story, we don't even remember when exactly we fell asleep. Ask him about Amber, why is she so... dramatic?
![sad_sombrero_by_cbdman100[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/REDFgfg.jpg "sad_sombrero_by_cbdman100[1].jpg")
Jesus, the day was so dead and then so many people when I was about to go to bed.Yeah, working morning shifts. I hate to cut it short either.
>>27179173
Wonderful piece of art.
>>27179173
What timezone you in?
>>27179706
He's in the bump timezone now.
Bamp.
>>27179706
He said he was a brit once, I think. So GMT.
You quietly pass through the room in one clean and gentle move. With utmost precision you raise the dirtied and dusty curtains above the front window. The green and aquamarine golems are still present; they are guarding your peace and rest with utmost diligence. They never were ponies, just statue. Uncanny slaves…
You leave them be. You do not plan to fall asleep anytime soon. You can either wallow in your own memories or spend the time you’ve got until sunrise in the kitchen with another pony. Despite your personality the choice appears to be obvious. You sneak your head into the kitchen room.
The kitchen is bright; there are multiple wax candles placed around the counter and corner table. At close inspection all of them are barely used. It appears Flower woke up barely an hour, or less, before you. To your surprise, in that little timeframe he managed to light up a small fire inside the fire oven, mix up some kind of peculiar dish and even place silverware and plates on the small, square table to his left.
Trampled Flower does not notice you. The colt is wearing a mane net as well as a makeshift apron. He appears to be making sauce inside a small, long pot. He is humming and whisking it constantly.
“Hey,” your hollow voice lingers.
Trampled Flower turns immediately, “Who’s there?! Oh… Aurora?”
You lower your head in a nod; your body appears inside the kitchen in a blink of an eye.
The colt awkwardly glances at his hooves and climbs down the stool he was standing on:
“Did… Did something happen?” he asks cautiously.
>What would you like to do now?
>>27186821
I'll say. What're you making?
>>27186821
nothing has happen, just find it interesting you're awake at this time
“No,” you pause, “No, nothing happened. We golems don’t need much sleep.”
“I see,” he says. Trampled Flower puts his body in front of the pot. He hides it away from your view.
“I am surprised to learn you are awake at this time of night,” you follow. You take a few steps closer.
“I um…” he throw his glance towards the floor, “Couldn’t sleep either. This is the first time I am outside the Crystal Empire. Since I can’t get my eyes closed I decided to do something… useful.”
“This is my first time as well,” you say. While you saw the outskirts, in this reality it’s practically truth.
He smiles sheepishly. The colt notices a distinct smell with his nostrils and moves the pot away.
“So, what are you making?” you ask with a mental smile.
“Oh,” he says awkwardly, “You know this and that; some breakfast for us. Do you want some as well?”
You don’t feel hunger or thirst; you wish you did now. The sparkling meal in form of a oblong cupcake looks absolutely divine. Who would have had expected not having a stomach to be a disadvantage!
“No, but I’m sure your friend will like it,” you say.
There’s uncertainty in his eyes, “This might be our last meal together after all…”
>What do you do now?
>>27187175
Assure him that we don't need to drink or eat. I have no idea if trying will result in a lump of food rotting in our crystal stomach, or if the crystallization literally blocked our digestive system.
We can speak, but do we even have a windpipe, lungs, vocal cords and all this stuff?
How do we even work? Let's stand in silence for a bit, wondering about this. Then explain, if we know.
>>27187175
Why do you say that?
“Last meal,” you pause. Your hoof rises towards the table and pulls out an old chair underneath it. You take a sit despite the quite obvious cracking; the chair is barely able to hold the immense weight of your body.
Trampled Flower is waiting for you; he waits patiently. He’s not bothered by your sudden silence; you wonder if he still considering you merely an unkind statue of Sombra’s will. You can’t blame him if he does. Trampled Flower picks up a long, wooden spoon and raises it to his lips. He sips the cream liquid.
You allow the powerful magic to envelop your mind once again. You glance into the dark void before you. The magic inside you resembles some kind of twisted blood flow. You manage to touch the dark magic with your mind. It has a freezing, adhesive and even alien touch to it. The magic is in constant wicked wait…
Every single piece of your body is crystallized. You are truly a statue chiseled out of a living pony. You can spot and sense a strange difference between the rest of your body and your internal organs, brain including. While your muscles, bones and skin are turned into crystallized flesh your important bits are somehow different.
“I don’t need food or water,” you admit in inconsistency, “I don’t want to risk trying it either… Sorry.”
“That’s alright,” Trampled says with a smile, “I wish she would wake up though. The food is ready!”
“I say we let her sleep,” you say, “We’ll have a long journey ahead of us.” You pause, “Why do you think this will be the last meal between you two anyway?”
“I might forget some things,” he sighs, “But I remember the timeframe Vizier gave me. It’s one day.”
“Do you think-?”
“There’s a chance she gave every golem in the Empire the command to attack Amber after a day. She’s an outlaw now after all… It won’t be that surpassing. I wouldn’t want her to get hurt.”
>What do you say?
>>27188073
Let's not be a cowardly liar once, assure him that we will try our best to defend them both. Actually do it if something bad will happen.
>>27188073
Do you really think the Vizier cares that much about a single filly? Tell me about her. Is there a reason she's dramatic or is it just the way she is? [cue rush of memories being a music teacher and being good with foals]
>>27179706As one anon said I'm GMT +0.I'm sorry for being unnable to do more updates.
I hope y'all are enjoying the Quest so far and if not, I'll be happy to hear ways to improve.
>>27188457
You're better than____meif it helps. I was one of the people who wanted to see a continuation/alternative story for Crystal Warlock. I genuinely tried to not get into a trap back then.And when I couldn't see any way out of it, I voted for Aurora to die a virgin.
>>27188457In the time you've been running, you've probably one of my favorite QMs by nature. I wish I could help, but I don't think I have anything to say that hasn't been said already.
Bump for the Vizier dying in a fire.
Bump for the Vizier being drowned.
Oh well.
Bump for vizier dying from shadow cock overload
>>27193384
>>27191454
>>27190356
You really hate her.
>>27193714
Yes, we do.
>>27193714
Hell yeah I do.
>>27194858
>>27195109
Sounds fun. Let's talk about what we hate about her the most while we wait. Her hair is stupid.
>>27195143
Her hair is indeed stupid, just like her fashion sense. I hate the way she fucking talks, know what I mean?
>>27195155
She's so fucking stuck-up and self-righteous it's unbearable.
>>27195180
Right? It's like she can't sustain herself without constantly putting someone else down. Not a single ounce of sympathy in her entire body.
>>27195301
She said she allowed her brother to become a rebellion so that's...sympathy?
>>27195424
Or being pragmatic. There might be "He'll gather all the ponies unhappy about my reign, then I'll strike" kind of thing going on.
“You shouldn’t worry,” you reassure him, “I’ll protect you both.”
He looks outside the cottage’s window. Flower’s glare is buried towards the empty horizon. He sighs.
You feel, what is in reality is a creation of your imagination, lump in your throat. You wish you could clear your throat: “Besides,” you say, “I don’t think this Vizier will care about one small filly that much.”
He shakes his head in uncertainty, “She’s all about the rules and “fairness”, Aurora. I’d rather be cautious when we are talking about her and her deals. Damn, I didn’t think this through!”
“You didn’t,” you answer bluntly, “But… from all the things I’ve seen in my life, your decision is the least horrible one. Amber means a lot to you, doesn’t she?”
“Best friend,” he says. The colt pauses and curses under his breath as he remembers something.
“She’s rather dramatic, was she always like this?” you inquire.
He shakes his head; there’s a worry in his eyes, “Dramatic you say… she was like this since the day we met. I don’t think it’s bad, it’s charming. You’ll get used to it.” The colt almost falls off the stool he was sitting upon. It seems in his trouble or leisure he forgot there is no backside. He flakily coughs into his hoof.
He says, “I am probably wrong, but I think it’s just a way for her to cope with Sombra’s rule. She’s probably imagining living through an epic adventure book. Can’t say I blame her…”
“That’s not all that’s bothering you, is it?” you ask.
He winces at you, “It’s… nothing. I’m just, ugh, I forgot my tea set.”
“Tea set?” you are bewildered.
“Um,” he colt flushes, “Yes. There’s nothing better than a properly prepared, fresh tea served inside a proper ware. I bet it could even filter and warm up your lungs. Amber loves it…Shame I forgot it,” he sighs.
A tea party. How adorable.
“Aurora,” he gently knocks his hoof against the table’s surface, “I’ve got a question for you…”
Oh right, you did tell them the pathetic story of your own miserable life.
Well, here goes nothing. You nod.
“Why did you decide to take me of all ponies with you? I am not really useful…?”
>What will you do now?
>>27195863
Tell him we have a soft spot for foals and fillies. I don't know if it's true, but it may cheer him up a bit. Then let's wake Amber up and prepare to head out, I think?
>>27195863
You got as far as you did though the Vizier's deathtraps and risked your life for your friend. I'd say that you're very useful.
>>27195955
Definitely have a soft spot for foals. Even thought about having our own someday. Guess it's not meant to be.
>>27196049
We will meet a fine stallion with a drill instead of dick. Or just devoted enough to find a way to un-crystallize us.
>>27196145
Damn that'd be great. Imagine it, we find someone who waifus US and makes it his personal mission to fuck us, have children, and live happily ever after. If it were the other way around I'd waifu Aroura so hard.
>>27196192
I don't know, I'm not sure about calling Aurora my CYOA waifu, at least not yet. Well, I'd definitely choose her over her past self from Crystal Warlock.
>>27196239
Current Aroura as waifu vs. every other mare we've seen. I'd take Aroura every time. Not to mention the challenge in getting perfect end with her.
>>27196255
I wonder if there's someone out there who would waifu the Vizier.
This is a terrifying thought.
“Let’s just say I have a soft spot for the foals and fillies alike,” you smile. Memory of your precious students runs through your mind. The black tentacles of your dark magic are crawling towards your bright, happy memorial. The tentacles stop under your mental glare and, with an obnoxious hiss, back down into the shadows of your crystal shell. With the weight of your entire burden, some happy memories are welcomed.
Trampled Flower gasps; realization hits him like a brick wall, “You did mention being a teacher.”
You look down with uncouth, “Ayeah, I did mention that.”
Trampled Flower rubs underneath his nose, “If there’s any adventure book to write it should be about you.”
“A tragedy, maybe,” you jest with your typically hollow voice, “But you are also underestimating yourself. Even before we met you managed to pass through several traps and you sacrificed your life for your friend.”
Flower coughs, “I hoped I could find a way to pass through the traps and then tell the others about it.”
You smirk, “Exactly. That’s why I’m certain you’ll be able to help me through.”
“I don’t like the sound of entering Cloudsdale with all their hostility but…”
“You don’t have to,” you assure him. In reality, your best wishes are that he won’t leave your side.
“No-no, at very least I have to make sure Amber is safe.”
“I’m doing something for a friend as well,” you say, “We’re in the same boat here...”
… … …
You settle the necklace over your neck with a bit of an ambiguity. It is, after all, a present from one and only royal bitch. In the end, you decide that you’ll be able to handle the small amounts of dark magic surging through the crystal shards and use them with proper benefits… if it comes down to it. Scarab Amber is finishing with her cleaning. She is cleaning the mess she clumsily made after agreeing to wash Trampled’s cooking appliances. In the end, several broken cups and dished ended up the garbage can broken and wasted.
Once the sun rises from the fallen depths of the horizon, you and your companions leave the inner walls of the cottage in order to settle on your future journey. At first, the statues remain unmoving and greet you with stillness. Once Scarab Amber is noticed, they immediately turn their heads towards her. With a slow, grinding noise their bodies soon follow. The eerie silence is flowing through the morning mist.
>What are you planning to do now?
>>27196402
Let's leave with haste, the sooner we're outside to borders the better
>>27196402
Stand between them and the filly. See what happens. If they turned hostile, snatch Amber and run for it, Trampled can follow since they shouldn't turn on him. Technically he isn't the one banished.
>>27196443
I agree. Take up both of them on our back and make haste to Cloudsdale.
>>27196449
They're not agressive yet. We'll know when they're out to kill her.
“As I expected,” Trampled says with a sense of dread. He is blocking Scarab Amber with his body.
Your massive, crystal body mirrors the reflection of the morning sun around you. You stand as a tall and intimidating boulder before the two and Vizier’s obedient sculptures. The golems do not even bulge. They are not living and how no sense of right or fear. They raise their hooves in unison and creepily stride towards the filly behind you. They are moving as slow as they usually do. Can those bulky pieces of art even gallop?
Well, fuck you too Fair Trade.
“We don’t have much time,” you mutter. Trampled Flower picks your hoof and grasps Amber’s. She tries to break free from his hoofshake. Scarab Amber shakes her head in a renouncement. She puffs up her chest.
“What are you doing?!” asks Trampled Flower in disbelief.
“They only need me,” she says, “Come, run and don’t look back you fools. I’ll hold the-whaaa-”
You don’t have the temper or time to reason with this adventure book hero. You forcefully pick her up by her torso and force them both over your back. If their additional weight made you any heavier or your movements any troublesome you didn’t notice it. In fact, you cut the enormous distance in pure seconds.
As if through lucid dream you rush through the plains for several miles until you finally decide to stop. There’s no tiredness or that annoying coughing sound in your new, crystal body. You are slowly starting to appreciate it. Despite her initial complains, Scarab Amber agrees to your decision after Trampled Flower’s lecture. There’s no trace of the crystal golems anywhere nearby, they are a long walk back.
Unless you stop, they’ll never reach you.
“Where’s the border of the Empire nowadays?” you ask. Your voice doesn’t show your agitation.
“The south end should be around the Hollow Shades which is…” he peers into the rooted, dark forest.
You can hear distinct, echoing howls of several owls coming from inside the forest. It’s both mesmerizing and magical.
“About here-“ he finishes with; his expression is deadpan.
>What do you plan to do next?
>>27196911
Continue heading in the direction of hollow shades for supplies/information, a bit more leisurely now that we've made it just past the border
>>27196932
This. Be wary.
>>27196932
>>27197050
But if we get them to Cloudsdale they can both be safe there. It's not a part of the Empire and we need to get that direction.
>>27196145
My drill is the drill that will pierce thevirginity.
Um, won't the bats attack us?
>>27197304
Let's see. I doubt they'd try to attack children.
“We might as well take a rest here,” you suggest.
Trampled Flower nods with uncertainty. Amber raises her hoof to her head in exclamation:
“Even such a bright, century-worth mind of yours, Miss Aurora, can come to a wrong solution! Those forests are things of myth. They say colts and fillies that go there disappear forever! They say that nightmares and dreams collide into unstable, chaotic mess of a travesty in there! It will reach you and you’ll be forever cursed. It is most painful and horrible experience; to die from a heart attack in your dreams!”
Trampled Flower rolls his eyes at that. Despite that, he rubs his hoof against the soft ground, “She might have a point. This might not be such a good idea. But we have two statues on our tail…”
“You are right,” you say softly, “You have to trust me. If there are horrors inside then I’ll protect you.”
Trampled Flower and Scarlet Amber exchange dubious glances but, in the end, follow suit.
You have to be brutally honest, at least with yourself. The Aurora you currently are, the ex-slave and ex-apprentice, have never seen the outsides of the Crystal Empire. While your family home was located on the very outskirts of the Empire, you’ve never ventured anywhere further. Then, the banishment happened…
This is your first time, in reality, venturing outside its boundaries. “Hollow Shades” does not ring a bell in your mind. You decide to keep yourself as close as possible to the duo of foals, just in case somepony, or something, attacks from above or under. The morning sunlight demises against the thick canopy. The forest is barely lit; the pine trees are about five times your size. They grasp for air, leaving their trunks barren.
“It is a spooky forest,” you try to jest. They do not laugh.
“It’s quite possible that if anypony lived here they left-” Flower is cut mid sentence by a rustle above.
Your body reacts immediately. Flower and Amber are small enough to be able to hide behind you. The dark magic ignites in your eyes as you prepare for what might happen. What follows is long, empty silence.
“Oh, how awful it is to have fun at other ponies’ expense!” Amber exclaims once everything calms down.
In a blink of a moment five black shadows strike. With a powerful impact they form a circle around you. Trampled Flower attempts to take a better look at those ponies but you block his view, and him himself. At closer inspection the shadow figures resemble Pegasus ponies. They have charcoal marks all over their bodies and manes; a well prepared camouflage. It takes a while until one of them raises his head and speaks.
He has bright yellow eyes; he’s like a vicious and vulturous cat.
“I am ready to hear my notification,” he says. His voice is quite high in pitch. Ludicrously high.
>What do you do now?Last post for today. Thanks for playing.
>>27197774
We're escorting these two, who have been exiled, out of the Crystal Empire's territory.
>>27197774
Well, they didn't try to strike us down as soon as they saw us, so this is a good start.
Start with >>27197860 then see how they will react. Explain if they will demand it and don't give them the kids. They're ours now.
>>27197774
>His voice is quite high in pitch. Ludicrously high.
Are we totally sure he is male?
>>27197774
Do not be fucking aggressive or confrontational. We are argubly in the same state as the kids. We all want out of the Crystal Empire and want to see the fall of Sombra (the Vizier dead too). We seek any outside aid.
I just don't want Aroura to be a cold hard bitch.
Bump for bashing the Vizier's head in with a rock.
Bump for giving the vizier a thick crystallized hoof as deep as it can go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0bz8GCR9sQ
All of he above for the Vizier.
![1460826255987[1].png](https://i.imgur.com/WC4dLos.png "1460826255987[1].png")
>>27203329
You are the first to speak up; while Trampled is quite ingenious, Amber might ruin the whole situation.
“I am escorting the two ponies behind me outside the Crystal Empire. They were exiled.”
There’s an uncomfortable and awkward muttering as soon as you finish your sentence. You are practically a walking circus attraction. A talking crystal golem, come right up! Your annoying huff is barely audible. The central figure shortens the distance between you and him with a single spread of his powerful wings.
He opens his mouth in a vicious manner. His companions quickly follow suit and step forward. You are prepared to act; your body immediately takes a battle stance. You smash your hooves against the wet slack of a ground. Then, their most-likely leader chuckles in his feminine voice. With a single swing of his wings he sends himself hovering a few meters above from you. Trampled raises his head immediately.
“I am just joking,” he says, “First time me and my friends see a talking golem. Sombra’s been busy!”
“A bat pony,” Scarab Amber mutters, “You are a bat pony!”
The stallion stops his glare on Scarab Amber with a fanged grin of his own, “I prefer the term ‘Nightguard’”.
The stallion swiftly lands before you. He is, in fact, a stallion, despite his obnoxiously high voice. He has a dark, teal blue skin and grayed coral mane. His manestyle resembles a powdered wig; it’s comedic and lame. His ears are straight and fluffy. His eyes hold bright yellow colors and are slit horizontally. They dart in every direction as he inspects you and your companions.
“Seems like his ways are advancing. Anyway, where are you leading them? I and my friends were actually expecting a letter from the Crystal Empire one of those days.” The pony leans closer; he inspects your hooves and neck, “Is there anything for me from the King?”
He’s mistaking you for Sombra’s golem.
>How do you react?
>>27203948
If he really works for the empire, he's pretty out of touch. Sombra isn't really in any condition to send letters. Anyway, we're taking them to Equestrian territory, they are exiled after all.
>>27203948
"I'm not a messenger, I'm an escort", and perhaps it would be a good idea to let them know that the king is missing and a bitch is in his place
“I’m not bringing a message here,” you harrumph. Your mind is a blank canvas, Aurora. Calm…
“I see that,” he swiftly replies. The stallion hovers above your head with a silent pause; he is so close you could practically barf. You calm your senses and mind and unhesitatingly step forward. The stallion rushes back with a swing of his powerful wings in order to avoid a collision with your crystal head. He hums.
“I’m an escort of those two ponies here,” you answer; your eyes are burying through the ponies around you.
“Escort?” one of the bat ponies voices his thoughts out loud.
The stallion nods excitedly, “I want to know as well, why would Sombra want to escort exiles away? I think that it shouldn’t be his trouble if they can or can’t leave. That’s how he always is.”
Scarab Amber raises her hoof to her forehead, “Oh, the fog of ignorance.”
“Huh?” the stallion replies. There’s an obvious, transparent offense over his face.
“What the filly is trying to say-“
“The looming ghost of King’s presence is no longer here. The evil king is missing! Despite that, his magical reflection is still burning on the crystal surfaces of the Crystal Empire!”
The bat ponies exchange glances. Their leader is the most confused.
“What do you mean, the king is gone?”
“Does that mean his deal with us i-“
“Don’t tell them that,” he whines. You are grateful for your lack of ability to laugh at hit pathetic screech. The leader picks up a pile of dirt into his hooves and throws it at you. In the tiny time fragment it takes for you to react to this insult of a greeting, every single one of them has disappeared into the thick canopy.
Amore’s Grace, less trouble to worry abo-
“I’m afraid to say we can’t let you leave now,” his voice rings, “Now that he told you those things!”
“For crying out loud,” Trampled Flower voices. He backs down cautiously. The leaves rustle.
>What do you do now?
>>27205086
So the "lunar guard" betrayed Equestria for some kind of deal with Sombra? Why did you have Scarab answer for us?
>>27205086
let have a light spell ready, they are dangerous in the dark but their eyes should be sensitive to light spells
>>27205148She cut Aurora mid sentence.
>>27205174
Let's use our magic since I doubt the necklace recharges. Also lets try to grab one of them, preferably their leader, with our magic so me can pin one to the ground to use as leverage against the others.
>>27205208
thing with our magic is that it's our energy to have better control of our body, so the more we use it the more slower we are with our body. Using the necklace would allow us to keep the same amount of magic to control our body
>>27205239
In the short term yes, but in the long term the total magic we could use would decrease. I'd rather use the necklace when we know we might need to cast a larger number of spells. Also we're able to do a couple of spells before the "fatigue" is noticeable so it's better to hold off on using the necklace.
>Batfags shove their fanon cancer into yet another CYOA
Of fucking course...
>>27205308
hi shiny
>>27205308
Annoying as hell, I know, but what can ya do?
>>27205319
Oh look, it's one of those retards who believes that everyone who doesn't love that fanmade batcrap is just one single person in the world.
“I don’t think they leave this forest often,” Flower mutters.
“Keep close,” you voice is cold; you remind them of your previous caution. The mere flicker of your though forces the dark magic inside your body to boil up. The shadow envelops your mind and enchants your abilities. Every idea and every emotion turns and twists and controls the river of dark energy inside of you.
“You are several mistaking,” Amber shouts into the deep forest, “We aren’t the bad ponies in this story!”
The orange filly accidently bumps against you and her friend. Using the second of blunder the bat ponies strike immediately, all five of them. You scribble down the eldritch words of the spell inside your mind. You calmly breathe out the focused, blazing vigor out of your body. You notice several of the bat ponies trying to stop midway once they spot the blazing bright, yet creepily cold, sphere hovering above your head.
04% [-1] Alicorn ‘Dark’ Magic [Magic]
01% [+1] Volatile Arcane [Magic]
You don’t want to ruin their eyesight forever but, you wager, that you could make them… worthless, for the next dozen of minutes or so. You place your hooves on Trampled Flower’s and Scarab Amber’s eyes and with a powerful motion you release the energy inside the sphere through the “lantern shell”.
The forest ignites for a lone second. Despite the immense brightness, you notice several of the silhouettes smashing against and falling through the nearby trees. While few of them pass out, some of them manage to sneak back into the canopy. Well, that should give you enough time for…
You almost fail to react to the silent figure passing by you. This figure is much smaller than the apparent leader you had a prior discussion with. It’s smaller, but stronger and faster. How did it…
03% [-1] Alicorn ‘Dark’ Magic [Magic]
02% [+1] Volatile Arcane [Magic]
You are holding her within the telekinetic grasp of your dark magic. It doesn’t appear to be hurting or torturing the ponies inside of it without your commands, unlike the times you used it on living beings under Crystal Note’s guidance; you don’t miss those times. In just a few moments you are able to see more of the attacker. It’s a mare, barely above your age. She’s completely bald if you exclude her short ponytail.
She’s holding what appears to be a sharp, silver dagger a few inches away from Trampled’s face.
Trampled Flower gasps once he realizes the current situation. The “hostage” is struggling in your hold.
>What will you do now?
I did not fall for the bat meme, it just happened. The players probably wouldn't have had met the bat ponies if they decided to take another route. Please don’t bully.On another note, I want to say thank you for the fan art of some of the anons here. I've added it to the anonpone achieve if you do not mind.
>>27205581
Smash her against the ground and pin her physically. Then announce to the others to give up.
>>27205638
Keep her as a hostage but be less edgy. And by 'less edgy' I mean get the fuck outta here, but with her. She may be useful.
>>27205673
Moving with her could be difficult and we don't know if they're smart enough not to attack the foals while we're trying to leave. I'd rather force them to talk with us again.
>>27205581
If we can hurt her from our grasp do that for a second. Like some kind of force choke shit until she passes out. Have Tramp take the dagger and keep her as hostage and future interrogation. Flee the forest in direction of Cloudsdale.
>>27205627
>Implying
>Implying you wouldn't have forced the players to meet the batshits one way or another
With the way they posted, it would only have been a matter of time, so don't play innocent.
This was also the last post for today. See you tomorrow for a longer session!
>>27205781
You scared Vincent away, you son of a fuck.
magic bump
Impale the Vizier bump
Bump for Vizier decapitation.
There's a rumor Vincent is bad at making likeable characters. Do you like anyone from the current assembly?
>>27210941
Tramp is pretty alright, clever and selfless for Amber.
Amber is funny, even if she fucks everything up.
Aurora is actually kinda up in the air still. Not a coward, much more forward with her ways now that she doesn't have much left to loose. Kinda fucking done with it all.
Golden Shield seemed pretty bro in the flashback but two grinding years of war has to have changed him.
>>27211895
I bet not feeling pain or her own body kind of helps with her being less afraid. Especially now that she "died" once it's not that frightening.
On that note, I like Flower and Amber as well.I've decided to crudely color one of Vincent's old sketches since I was bored. I hope I didn't pick the wrong colors. It's our favorite character and she's pretty fat.
>>27211963
>She's a fatass
Why am I not surprised?
>>27211963
I've noticed how Vince feels compelled to give every poner all sorts of accessories to wear.
I've been trying to draw something but I keep fucking up the pose. So let's go with text alone for a while.
“Let...me... go!” she struggles in your telekinetic grasp.
With a powerful haste you forcefully push the mare in front of yourself. You can feel every fiber and edge of your abysmal magic. The dark energy is slowly losing its touch and with every command, it weakens. You are in not situation to waste the precious time given; not to mention, your own life force. In your mind you tighten the force around the bald mare’s body and throat. Her painful scream is short as she immediately loses conscious in your grasp. You sense a loud retort as the bat ponies regroup above you in the canopy.
“Aurora,” Scarab Amber gasps, “Even the worst of enemies deserve courtesy.”
“That’s why I’m keeping her alive,” you say. Your head twists towards Trampled Flower. The colt gulps.
“Kid, take the dagger,” you mutter. Your telekinetic grasps windless and in a blink, disappears completely.
The unconscious mare falls onto the ground in front of you. Scarab Amber inspects her closely.
“Don’t touch her anymore,” their leader yells. There’s an obvious, massive presence above you. His voice follows, “I can’t promise the exiles’ safety if you do not listen to me. You are surrounded!”
You look behind you, towards the exit.
It’s a gamble to take: do they care more about their secret or their own blood?
>What would you want to do now?
>>27213142
We've already proven we can best them and now we have one of them hostage. If they want her returned with no further harm then they should return to talking with us like civilized creatures.
>>27213142
let get the kids out of here and see if we can get these batpony to help us get our friend back from cloudsdale
>>27213332
How would this even be an option?
>>27213278
>>27213332
Can you combine those two somehow, Vincent? I'd really like to chat with these shits, but kids are way more important than this.
>>27213142
I couldn't care less about whatever deal you have with Sombra, I just want to be on our way or so help me I will smash your friend's head like a crystal berry.
>>27213332
>>27213380
Let's handle the chat after we start talking with them.
All it takes for you is a split of a second to come up with an idea. Their leader is cocky, it just might work.
You stomp your hoof with a powerful impact a few inches away from the mare’s head. Dry leaves and wood cracks under your crystal hoof. The impact echoes across the heavy, humid air inside the fogged forest. You can hear the bat ponies flinch; they have their massive wings prepared for a charge. You did it just for show.
You yell, “Let the foals go and I won’t stomp the head of your friend like a crystal berry.”
There’s a rustling sound in the canopy.
“Nopony will believe them anyway,” one of the bat ponies whispers. There’s disarray and a discussion.
“I’m waiting,” you shout. You raise your hoof above her head in order to strength your argument.
“I’ve decided,” the high pitched voice rings, “That your friends can go but you are staying!”
There are now about seven or ten ponies surrounding you and the foals. You nod at them:
“A deal it is; if you try to do anything to them I’m lowering my hoof!”
“I don’t think you’d want to hurt he-auch!”
“Don’t tell her more than she already knows!” their leader shouts.
“Aurora,” Amber whispers, “A sacrifice in vain is not a noble deed.”
“It’s not in vain,” you say with a smile, "Try to hide somewhere.”
Trampled Flower shakes his head, “Consider the possibility of you not being able to handle with all of them. If we-”
“I’ll be fine,” you reassure them kindly, “Now, go.”
Trampled Flower bites his lip but does not carry on with his argument. He picks Scarab Amber by her hoof and, at first forcefully, pushes her towards the side from which you came into the forest. She looks at you with a motherly kindness in her eyes. Then, she finally nods and turns. She follows Trampled until you can no longer see them. You are keeping a close watch on any sense of movement in the canopy.
>What is it that you want to do now?
>>27213560
Now maybe you'd be interested in talking this out? Now I'm curious about this deal with Sombra but I have business to attend elsewhere.
>>27213560
So, why do a bunch of ponies who are apparently loyal to Sombra try to fight against somebody on a mission from his empire?
“Your promise,” his voice echoes.
You leave the unconscious body of a mare behind you. She should be alright; you would never considering in all your life to actually kill somepony in cold breath; especially with dark magic. Once you are several steps away from her, all seven of them surround you. In the dusk shadow of the forest, their golden, bright eyes are giving you the creeps. Like a predator stalking their prey, they begin hovering in a circle.
Too bad their prey is a solid, crystal statue.
“So, are we going to discuss and talk now?”
“I don’t think there’s anything to talk about,” he jokes. The stallion raises his hoof and his comrades bow their head in a preparation. They are ready to act on his command.
“Well, how about the fact that ponies who are apparently loyal to Sombra are attacking somepony who is on a mission from the Crystal Empire?” you enquire.
“You are obviously not on a mission,” he says with a glee, “Else you’d know the situation.”
“Are you not keeping it a secret?” you ask, “Your deal with Sombra that is.”
His eyes open wide. He’s obviously confused and surprised.
“That’s even less of a reason for you to be here,” his companion, another mare, adds.
“I agree,” he says, “I’m afraid you know too much.”
This is the first time you even met a bat pony! Well, he’s right to be paranoid…
>What do you say or do now?
>>27214121
We should point out that crystal is more durable than flesh or bone and that we're able to use magic. This really isn't a fight they can win.
>>27214121
Are you seriously going to argue with someone who is made out of crystal and animated by dark magic that they're not on orders from the Crystal Empire? I really don't want to hurt any of you and I want to leave in peace.
>>27214121
Coming to this place was a mistake.
>>27214164
This sounds good enough. Not too edgy and still reminds them who's going to get out of this "alive".
“I am a crystal golem” you say calmly. You take a powerful step into his direction; you pull all of your weight into this one movement. The bat ponies nervously exchange glances, some of them back down. “I was reanimated by the darkest of all magic in Equestria. I can tear you with a simple through,” you follow. The dark magic flows into your crystal sockets. It boils as hot as magma and as dark as a night.
“Do you question me of my mission,” you ask with voices which can possible chill bones.
“I-it’s your words,” he chuckles nervously, “That you are escorting them out and…”
“Let me leave peacefully and nopony will…” you strike your hoof against the ground, “Get hurt.”
“It’s a risk I’m willing to take!” he looks around himself, “What are you waiting for! Attack her!”
The bat ponies stumble towards you but immediately stop once they catch your attention. They are scared.
“Don’t you understand?” he whines at them, “If she leaves then all of us are doomed!”
“I’ve told you,” you say, “I’m on your sid-“
“I told you not to touch me, you filth!” a feminine voice follows with a yell. You spot the pony you held hostage in high spirit. She’s pushing a stallion that apparently backed her down and woke her up with some mouth to mouth aid. It isn’t pretty. The stallion backs away from her tantrum. The mare, on other hand, rushes straight into you as she tries to get away from her “companion”. She bumps into your body and turns with a quick reflex. There’s an annoyed distrust in her cat eyes.
Didn’t she learn from the first time? Is she a masochist?
“Hey you,” she says. Her face is breaking your personal space; she’s speaking in barely audible voice. “I don’t know who you are, and since when there are talking golems in the Empire, but you are not going to destroy all of my freaking efforts here. I don’t want any of the mares dead here so play along. Tartarus.”
The bat mare lands right before you and folds her wings. She turns towards her leader:
“Nightwing, this is all a big freaking misunderstanding.”
“…The fact that she almost killed you, Meridian?” he’s visibly confused, other bat ponies are as well.
“Well, this one here is defected. Right?” she smiles at you.
>What now?>Tfw you spend a fuck load of time on your a horrible drawing.
>>27214414
Very true.What a lewd pic.
>>27214414
True, they didn't kill us when they turned us into a golem.
>>27214414
Why is she bald?
>>27214826
That's a good question.
You have no desire to fight an unneeded battle either. Still…
“Very true,” you reply with the best monotone tone you can manage, “They didn’t kill us when turned.”
“Damn straight,” the mare smirks, “She is from the King after all, Nightwing.”
“You know what I heard,” he says, “Are you sure you are saying the truth?"
Meridian grins from eye to eye, “Of course I fucking am. Do you trust a walking statue over your own niece?”
Nightwing, the leader of the bat ponies, lowers his hoof with a calming gesture. The other bat ponies stand up at his command. There’s an awkward silence as your “hostage” slowly approaches her uncle, “Now, Nightwing. You know that it’s my job and not yours here. This statue here needs my attention, somewhere.”
“What’s going on exactly?” asks one of the closer bat ponies.
Meridian replies immediately, “That’s what I’m about to find out.”
“I say you shouldn’t do anything ridiculous. Your father will worry,” there’s an obvious concern of his own reputation over the safety of his niece. Nightwing harrumphs once Meridian turns with annoyed eye roll.
“That’s what you stallions do, worry and complain.”
Nightwing visibly glees, “Your mother as well, you don’t want to disappoint her, now would you. Right?”
Meridian stops in mid-air. She awkwardly clears her throat and, with a tremble, mutters:
“Of course no; I won’t disappoint my mother.”
“I know that it’s been a week,” he says, “Someday, I’d like to hear-“
The mare bat pony silences him with a clean movement of her hoof over her neck. There’ a deep, hidden meaning behind this gesture of her. It is most likely translated to “Shut up!”
Nightwing shakes his head, “You know I am just joking. I know the agreement.” There’s a flicker of malice in his eyes: “So, where is it that you need to take her to?” he asks you directly.
>What do you say?
>>27215166
Cloudsdaleif I got the message right.
>>27215187
it is ebony point that close to cloudsdale to get the detail of how defended they are to save golden
>>27215228
Oh, ok. To the Ebony Point, then. Do you think we should let her know about our mission now? Or wait?
>>27215245
if she ask about it, but for now no
Bump for Vizier being sexually dominated by Crystal Aurora.
>>27216502
O-oh God.
We should have had simply pass by the forest, desu.
What does this quest need more of?
>>27219153
Cuddles. Every quest needs more cuddles.
You know what this quest needs less of? Virginity.
>>27219153
I would say characterbuilding but I guess that's being worked on.
>>27219274
Also this.
>>27219274
Do you hate pure mares or something?
this whole thread
>>>/qst/
>>27219337
I completely forgot to upload the version without the stupid light smile weeks ago, whoops.I'll probably work on better art for this quest eventually
>>27219587
Her smile and optimism: gone.
“We are going to Cloudsdale,” you say sharply. Meridian and Nightwing turn their heads towards you.
“Cloudsdale,” he thinks for a moment; a stupid realization hits his head, “Of course. You are leading those “exiles” in order to exchange them with some prisoners of your own. Genius! Am I smart or what?”
“Yeah,” you prolong with an awkward gesture. You can make this work, “That’s exactly it.”
“Well,” he grins from eye to eye, “As long as our deal with the King is still intact, I don’t care if you take the mare here or not. Meridian, remember to keep your lips shut.”
The bat pony growls in annoyance, “Oh, trust me, I’ve been doing my job for months now. A mare’s job.”
With a nod of his own, all the bat ponies back down. In one clean, simultaneous motion they release their massive, bat wing and escape back into the shadow of the leaves. As soon as you wish you could breathe out in relief, a handful of branches crush upon your head. Nightwing childishly vanishes soon after.
The bald bat pony, Meridian, turns towards you as soon as she makes sure all of her friends are gone:
“Stallions, right? They can’t do a single freaking thing right,” she clears her throat, “Alright then. The fuck are you? I know for a fact, that the Vizier didn’t have a talking golem in her side. “
>What do you say to this strange pony?Short update, will be back a bit later today.
>>27219587Looks dangerous, thanks!
>>27219309
No. I just want her to have a loving stallion and bunch of fluffy, totally not crystallized children.
>>27219759
Let's just say I was subjected to the process in which they create the golems. Unfortunately I did not die. Now what of you? Why are you all talking just about mares and maybe if you would be so kind as to let me in on your secret deal?
>>27219847
Oh yeah, we should also start head back to the kids.
>>27219847
Don't push it yet, Anon. We shouldn't be too invasive about the whole deal thing until we'll be far away from this bats and kids will be safe.
>>27219864
Yeah, I agree. Should still ask about how apparently their society prioritizes mares.
I guess Vince got distracted.
>>27222224Sorry yeah. I went drinking with friends and there was a bit of an accident. No CYOA today.
