Personification Life: EPIC (IC Thread XI) [CLOSED]

by **Fvaarniimar** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 2:58 am

Carnival
Rmwtyliin grinned back, yelling to be heard over the air rushing past her ears. "Sure, Macy! I'd like that." Glancing at the apparent machine, she wondered how such an entity could seem entirely human. "Kale? You're welcome too, of cooouuurse -"

Bouncing fifty feet high, she landed on her back with a delighted squeal. Her bed was nice, but this cloud put mattresses to shame. A few moments and a thought; she was on her feet again.

by **Primordial Luxa** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 12:20 pm

Insidious
Insidious followed the trail of the creature that had disturbed her and eventually came across a pair of black eyes just barely visible in one of the nearby bushes. It was accented by a blooming cloud of breath and the Luxa gave a slight smile. Insidious spent a moment with her head cocked to one side trying to determine exactly what the obscured creature.

A sudden flash of intrinsic fields occurred at a color wavelength beyond basic sanity as Insidious tapped into the spell she knew as Baleful Influence. She was attempting to control the poor Fennecs mind to encourage it to reveal itself and exit the bush.

She wanted it to stand close to her bag so that she could sketch a scene of it stealing from her bag.

Primordial - the Tavern
Primordial wasn’t entirely surprised by the dwarves lack of interesting magical items nor was he too off put by the fact his gem had been worth so little in this realm. Yet even though he wasn't surprised he was still disappointed that this entire location didn’t seemed to have anyway of interesting him. However upon spotting the tavern where his friends were drinking he felt more confident.

Primordial wandered into the tavern and waved to Marcus and Sandy as he went to the barkeeps counter and attempted to order the strongest drink he could for what money he had available. He hoped to find something avalible his metabolism wouldn’t treat like water but he wasn’t entirely sure he could get something like that for the money he had.

Once he had the best he could buy he wandered over to the other residents and asked “You mind if I join you? Been looking around for something interesting to buy, but it doesn't seem this place has anything that piques my interest. You have any better luck?”

Aegis

Aegis nodded and wandered back over the mass of blankets he had turned into a bed on the ground. Trying to speak over the wind he said “Yes we’ll go back in the morning after we check the message for any changes. We can see if Smart Cookie has any news for us and try and get a look at that disk. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if at some point we are forced to steal it. But let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. In anycase why don’t you come over here and lay next to me without a fire we should at least try and share body heat a little bit.”

by **The BranRiech** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 1:24 pm

Bran

"I think we can let her do something." Bran leaned over to Katya, as the diminutive Drone-girl in front of them excitedly decided to show them something inside one of the tents. "Alright, Torii, what is it? You're showing us inside your head, right?" He asked for a little bit of needed-clarification. Torii's mind was forever going to be an interesting topic for Bran, who sometimes wondered what Torii was thinking, whenever she did what she did. Whether it was for better or worse, there were actual thoughts behind her actions.

He managed another smile for the girl, as he nodded. "Well, better than anything I can think of, so let's see what you're thinking of." His welcoming smile curled into a satisfied smirk, at the play on words he crafted.

by **Germanic Templars** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 6:18 pm

Carnival

"Joining you guys?" Smith had to think on that one for a moment while he walked towards the group. His original intent was try the carnival out that he never been to but seen many times, which came to his liking since he got to be his "old" self again. "Well since I have nothing better to do and originally came here to relax a bit why not?"

His old body, ironically, felt more liberating than his mechanical body that he placed himself into. Smith tugged on the bottom of his shirt as to give it a more comfortable feel on him before finishing his approach on the group. "You know, this place is pretty alright." He remarked. His eyes glanced over at Macy and Rym bouncing around. "Alright, but peculiar at the same time, but I guess that is the effect of magic." He glanced back at Sterling. "So, who the bloody, are you?"

SERENDIPITY- Hammerfall

Lucius sat at the table with his head bowed down keeping a stern expression on his face with his eyes closed, he kept his arms crossed and tucked into the sleeves of his robe as if he was contemplating or just listening in on the conversations that were passed around the table. It pained him to be in the same room as Old Sam was his trust in him went down to little to none, however, despite his odds with the man he still kept his mouth shut and tried to do his best to only speak if spoken to or if absolutely needed.

As he sat there he wondered if any other of the residence felt the same discomfort around the necromancer as he did or if he was just going crazy and just clinging onto old memories of the past to justify his hatred and distrust to the rather friendly man.

by **Torsiedelle** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 6:35 pm

"Oh, inside my head? Let me see."

Torii led the two inside. At first, it was just the inside of a tent, grass at their feet and canvas all around them. Torii turned to face her guests. "I wanna show you something special."

And, just as she said that, the grass around them began to slowly grow...

Katya's eyes twinkled. "Oh, is it. Going to be in a forest?"
"Kind of. Just watch."

And then what started slowly began to accelerate around them. The walls of the tent faded away as a bright night sky formed over them. The grass at their feet, a curious shade of blue-green, reach up to tickle their shins, and a soft breeze swept across the open field that had become their new world. A dark, ominous forest surrounded the field, except for in one direction, which seemed to go on endlessly, except for the far-off view of a beautiful fantasian castle on the horizon.

"This is my own little magical realm. I like to call it my Lunar Sanctuary.", Torii admitted, feeling a little embarrassed at the name. "This is my "happy place" when I dream. Well, I usually have my favorite dress on, too."

And Torii snapped her fingers, and so it was done. "The dress fits the scene I always imagine.", She explained, waving her arms around like a child talking about their favorite storybook scene. "And with my bare feet, I can feel the moist, cool grass, and prance around in the fields of moon-lillies and lunar daisies, and look up at the sky where I can see the great planet my sanctuary orbits."

And, just as Torii had described, there it was. Hovering above them, the shadow of an ominous red planet sat, breaking up the canvas of twinkling stars and colorful bands of sky that watched over their twilight world. It was indeed a scene from a dream, with the three all alone in the empty, breezy field, gazing up at the lively night sky. Along the horizon to the right of the red planet, red blips and bright white lights streaked across the sky like shooting stars, only lasting a moment, but so frequent that it seemed like a meteor shower.

"And that's the war above, where legions of men sail towards the stars to fight for their princess. I like to think that this represents all my bad dreams and worries, and that the fleet above us represents my happy thoughts going out to push the darkness away. They do it so I can be at peace here in my world. Oh, and while they do, I can watch from my little shrine."

A soft rumble behind them, and up sprung a marvelous, tiny ruin. A small hexagonal area, with intricate black and white marble tiles and four busted pillars, one tipped over to make a perfect little bench. From here, Torii could sit and think to herself, gazing at the sky above.

Katya smiled. "And are you the princess?"

Torii couldn't hide her embarrassed smile.

Katya shot another glance Bran's way. "She has an imagination, doesn't she?"

by **Stormwrath** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 9:15 pm

Carnival

"Here I go!" She jumped onto the cloud and began to sink all the way up to her head. The cloud recoiled and sent her bouncing higher than Rmw did, topping off at around 60 feet in the air. "Aaaaaaaaah~!" her squeal was a mix of delight, thrill and horror because of how high she bounced. Macy could see the entire carnival from up here! The roller coaster, the ferris wheel, the tents and the booths all over the place—it was all here. Well, the view a a bit faint due to the fog but still. She fell back down and landed on the cloud, only to sink and be launched into the air again in a humorous fashion.

"Whaaaaaaa~!" she kept on squealing and giggling as she went up in the air. Coming back down she continued, "I didn't know clouds can bounce! This is greaaaaat~!" On her third bounce, she spread her arms and legs outwards as if she was ready to bear-hug the sky. She fell face down towards the cloud, and her voice was muffled as she invited everyone to join. "Yu thood yoim uuuuuuuus~!" she said and blasted off again.

As she plummeted back down, she noticed a new someone that had just arrived and called out, "I'm Macy! Nice to meet youuuuuuuu~!"

by **New Aksarben** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 10:07 pm

The pony blinked in confusion, wondering why the man had choosen to be so blunt. It still was surprising seeing so many humans that seemed almost hostile to people they didn't know. It was so at odds with what the pony was used to, though in the bigger cities it tended to be a more common reaction. His parents had always taught him to return rudeness with kindness, and they'd return that kindness in turn. A very hard to recite mantra but neither of his parents had been poets.

"Oh, I'm Sterling Venture. A unicorn pony from Canterlot in Equestria. Nice to meet you sir, can't say I've had the pleasure of your acquaintance before either. What's your name?" He asked, holding out a hand for a handshake, like he'd seen many humans do before. "Oh, normally I'm quadrupedal, but the carnival let me be in this form instead, which should help with scavenging. Though it is weird being so... Tall. I'm like double my normal height now!" He chuckled and grinned at the man, giving his chin a little scratch again, still marveling about this whole situation.

"I do very much prefer my normal form, but the carnival does let us be whatever we want after all."

by **Germanic Templars** » Sat Mar 05, 2016 10:25 pm

Smith responded to his handshake with a firm grasp and a firm shake; a lot of exuberance behind it. His voice chirp as his British accent became more thick than before bringing out a more gentleman voice," The name is Charles Smith, Chief of the Bio-medical Research Department, Third District, Hojo Island, on planet Gliese 581g... Home planet of the Germanic Templar, proud to make your acquaintance good sir." The pony's height did not seem to concern the doctor despite standing at an average 5 foot 9 inches height. "Mmmm, yes I can see the height to you. Must say I never heard of Canterlot or Equestria but it sounds like an interesting place indeed."

"Yess, normal body is indeed better, which reminds me of a useful tip to ya, chap: If anyone offers you the ability to live longer via mechanical singularity, don't take it because one moment you will find yourself on an operating table thinking you will be having a more joyous time, next moment you wake up you find yourself on a screen like Zordon from Power Rangers only able to play games and calculate data on the given closed terminal your brain is connected to." Smith's nonchalant advice seemed to not have phased the doctor nor caused him to think twice on it.

by **The Carlisle** » Sun Mar 06, 2016 12:58 pm

Kale watched at Remilia and Macy bounced up and down the cloud like a trampoline. For the first time in a long while, she had the desire to jump up high and down on the springy surface. Her paralyzing fear of heights and falling have always kept those desires away. But now, with those fears wished away along her wish for flight, she could bounce freely without being scared in place.

"Coming!" Kale shouted, stretching her wings wide and flapping hard, lifting herself above the cloud. When she was almost as high as Macy on her jumps, Kale stopped flapping, falling to the cloud and hitting the springy surface, stretching it down before it sprung her back up high.

"WOOOOO!!!!" she shouted loud, echoing across the empty carnival. This was fun. She look around when she reached the pinnacle of her bounce, looking at the wide carnival. So much stuff but so empty. It was the strangest thing. She wondered if they would learn why. It might be an aventure in of itself. But for now, some fun. She fell down and bounced again, this time almost syncing up with Macy's bounce. "Hold my hands!" Kale say, "We can bounce together and spin around!" The idea sounded fun. She wondered if it would work. If it didn't, then the Carnival's magic would make it work.

by **Cerillium** » Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:04 pm

SERENDIPITY - Halls of Hammersong

Rodigan accepted Romulus' handshake, then gestured for his guests to partake in what was offered.

"Oh course you're allowed to talk," some of the frown melted away as the dwarf eyed Giovenith. He tossed a wink her way as he helped himself to a foamy mug. "You're allowed to eat and drink as well, little miss."

Old Sam cleared his throat. It wasn't his role to speak for the group, but the night was getting on and they couldn't sit in relative silence and hope to accomplish anything. "We won't take up much of your time. Perhaps you could give us more insight into Varg?"

"I'll do better by you by giving insight regarding the paths to him," Rodigan wiped froth from his beard. "Much has changed since you've been out this way, Old Sam. The old roads are gone -- buried deep under constant storms. You won't find any safe passage over them, and will never reach the Pass. Even if you could, that, my friend, is something not even we would attempt in the winter."

The druid folded his hands and considered this new knowledge. "The Pass is treacherous even in good weather," he explained for the group's benefit." His eyes flickered towards the dwarf again, "But the road? I thought it was still clear."

Rodigan shook his head. "You'll have no luck beyond the Tides, Old Sam, not on foot and not on wing. I'd strongly advise you wait out the weather. The storm that settled last night will keep you at bay, but it will keep Varg contained. Don't be foolish, druid."

by **TotallyNotEvilLand** » Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:42 pm

The Iracuse Sisters

Adri seemed to be deeply considering Sterling's choice of clothing... and getting nowhere. "I'd go for clothing that matches your fur and hair colors, personally. If I weren't so fond of these musty old robes I would've switched to black and teal long ago." Adri said, smiling softly. Hrm! "For some reason I can see a tie fitting you nicely. Perhaps you could try one of those on?"

Crysal scoffed slightly, beginning to move away from the group. Here they were, discussing clothing colors! If it kept you warm and didn't make you stick out like a sore thumb, it was practical enough. "I loathe interrupting your fashion show, girls, but we've got supplies that need gathering." With that, the Arkadacian wandered off into a supply building, fully intent on snatching up anything that wasn't nailed down. Well, and attempting to snatch anything that WAS nailed down.

Adri also gave a brief nod in regards to Charles Smith. Fangs poking out from the top of her mouth, she stuffed her hands into her pocket. "I think our little scavenging group keeps growing bigger and bigger. By the time we're through we'll have packed up the whole carnival."

by **New Aksarben** » Mon Mar 07, 2016 12:14 am

"I was thinking the same, but its been absolutely forever since I've done any color theory. Librarians don't get to be creative very often, you know." Sterling nodded with a small chuckle, snapping his fingers. A bit flashy something he'd always wanted to do since he saw humans doing the strange little action. As the sound rung out a tie appeared around his collar, along with the color of his shirt changing to a deep red color, the pony looking over himself to see how it looked. The tie was a spiral patterned thing in black and gold, the primary color being black, with spiraling patterns of gold running diagonal across it. He huffed again, before shrugging.

"How's this?" He asked the one who was actually helping him fix up the colors of his outfit. He then glanced over at the man who's accent he thought was peculiar, but couldn't really place it to any one place that he knew of. "Never heard of those places, or this Germanic Templar. Who is this person?" He honestly had no idea what a nation was, being that his home was united into exactly one of them, with other groups in distant lands. No real thing as nationalism in his world, nor the idea of a nation-state. Not for a long time at least. "Oh and Equestria is quite the interesting place. Peaceful, everypony's nice and generally gets along bar personality conflicts, and the Princesses Celestia and Luna rule over us with benevolence and grace, controlling the heavens to make the sun and moon rise and set. Oh!"

It was then that Crysal rushed off, announcing her intentions to go help actually do something. "Oh yes, Mister Smith, if you wouldn't mind, could you aid us in getting supplies for the building? If nothing else food, since it seems we'll be short that especially from what I've heard, and any sort of useful bits."

by **Chedastan** » Mon Mar 07, 2016 1:35 pm

Romulus sat right back down once his handshake was accepted by Rodigan, and began to partake in some of his gestured offerings by first taking a mug. As he briefly drank from the mug, he eyed the necromancer who began to speak to the dwarf before he himself could ask him anything. But as Rodigan then pointed out, the roads and paths beyond Hammerfall were practically impassable now on account of the weather. There was no doubt in Romulus' mind that this could mean one thing at the bare minimum: Quite a delay. Of course how long of a delay is was going to be, he wasn't quite so sure. As far as he was concern, the weather so far wasn't giving him any cues that it was entirely stable, as he could've sworn it was closer to autumn when he first arrived here.

Whatever the case though, if the dwarf was correct, then Varg shouldn't be too much of a problem until they can resume their quest for him. If it only took them a day to arrive at Hammerfall, then it'll only take them another day to return back to the building. He considered the option on heading back if it would prove to take too long to remain in Hammerfall doing nothing, then he also remembered that there's the return of the Fiends to worry about. At least then they could still help in getting rid of another threat if they returned, just that Varg would have to come second.

He then spoke after Rodigan was done. "So how long do you think the storms will continue to make the paths impassible? Because if it's long, we can just simply return back from where we came from by next morning, as we're only a day's travel from each other. And I wouldn't imagine you'll want us sitting around here, draining your economy, as we wait for things to get warmer." He chuckled a bit a the end.

by **Fvaarniimar** » Mon Mar 07, 2016 5:37 pm

Carnival!
It's my cloud, I don't need to ask permission. I don't think they want to exclude me anyway, Rmwtyliin thought as her feet again touched the cloud. Leaping over somewhat further and much faster than a human normally could, she synced up with Kale and Macy as the pair hit and offered each a hand. "Thiiiis is fun!"

The cloud seemed to stretch a little further this time, although not far enough to be noticeable from the ground. Regardless of whose hand was grasped by who, all three would find themselves rather far in. In fact, the short Fvaarniimarn would vanish from sight for a moment before shooting upwards with a bit of fluffy white material clinging to her hair.

by **Stormwrath** » Mon Mar 07, 2016 6:08 pm

Carnival

"Sure!" Macy extended her hand for Kale to grasp. Rmw was also in on this as well, holding on to Macy and Kale's other hand. The three fell back down onto the cloud, and sank deeper into it more than usual. In fact, one from the ground would most likely see the cloud stretch. The stronger recoil sent the girls flying into the air much higher than they had been. "Whaaaaaaaa~!" the android cried out her loudest. "So much fuuuuun!"

The three began to spin counterclockwise as they ascended up and up into the sky, tearing into a normal-looking cloud in the process, and continued to spin as they came back down. "A cutout of the three of us!" Macy looked down and noticed the hole they had just created into that cloud. They fell back down on Rmw's trampoline cloud and bounced another time.

by **The BranRiech** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 5:22 pm

Yuna

"Oh . . . Um, sure."

Yuna grimaced. Snuggling up to someone she barely knew wasn't much her idea of a good night's sleep, but then again, neither was shivering in the cold confines of an unlit cottage, far from her original home. She gently tapped her way across the floor, trying to keep the noise she was generating to a bare minimum as she circled around the blanket pile for a few moments, judging whether or not they would both fit on it together.

Satisfied, she plopped herself down next to Aegis, letting their backs rub together for warmth, as the two laid down to sleep for the night. "I'll wake you up if I get up first, and vice versa?" She prompted the Pony who's back was snuggled up right next to hers.

--

Drova

Should have been asked to the meeting?

Shit! Why didn't Drova think of it? His face folded downwards into a frown, listening to the rest of Marcus and Sandy's little back and forth left him without much to say. His mind kept returning now, to the idea that going to the meeting would have been a good thing for him, to learn how leaders interacted with one another, and how diplomacy worked. In theory, Drova was well-educated on the ideas of diplomacy, but he was lacking in any real practical experience. It was the story of many of the things that Drova knew. Sure, he knew how to swordfight, but would he be any good against a real opponent. He knew how to fly, but would it work in a battle, or just as a nifty way to get around?

Was that what Marcus meant by impacting the universe?

"Mmm." He mused, trying to indicate he was still invested in the conversation, in response to Marcus' observations on the other members of the expedition. He had scant little to say again. He barely knew anyone else on the trip with the exception of the boy sitting opposite him, and his girlfriend, the wonderful-Giovenith. Other than that, he didn't even know the names of most everyone else.

Except for Amara of course. He'd interacted with her, somewhat, and left with a rather bitter taste in his mouth. But that was a complaint for a different time.

Now though, he turned his head, listening to Sandy.

The more and more Marcus and Sandy spoke, the less confidence he was having in the trip as a whole. Or more specifically, the leader of the trip, the General, Romulus. Marcus and Drova were both the Squires, assigned to either the General, or whoever seemed to need them whenever, which hadn't been at all yet, considering both Squires were sitting in a pub.

Not once had Romulus asked anything of the two, or he had yet to make use of the various resources at his disposal, such as Drova's flight (The others too, of course).

"Oh . . . Uh, flying? Well crap, I never really give that much thought, you know?" He flapped his wings, beating them lightly against the chair he was propped up against. "Well, I can hover if I flap my wings up and down . . . I can cruise at around 50 miles an hour or less, and my top speed in level flight is . . . Ah shit . . . Somewhere around 100 miles, though I can nearly double that in a dive."

His cheeks turned a little red. It was the first time he'd ever actually explained his flying to someone else. "And sorry, I meant to but in earlier, but I do think that a little meeting would be good for us all." He responded now to Marcus, and his suggestion of a 'pow-wow'

--

Bran

It was a different world entirely than what he assumed.

His eyes didn't know what to focus on. The dark forest closing in from the distance, the bluegrass that swayed gently in the wind, the castle far off on the horizon, or the beautiful starscape above. Each sight was breathtaking in it's own way, and Bran almost couldn't bear to witness. This was the mind of Torii, the girl who he managed to stay friends with despite years of confusion, fighting, and fun. This was where she went when she was happy, to be a Princess in command of the very stars, watching battles in her dainty dress.

"She really does." He whispered over to Katya, before turning back to their host of the strange realm. "You'd make an excellent Princess, Torii. Wait, no, you do." He smiled encouragingly. "But now I wonder, what are our roles here, if we're even in here?" He asked, chuckling.

by **Torsiedelle** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 5:55 pm

Torii stepped ahead, her back facing Bran and her sister as she struck an authoritative pose and gazed at the sky above. She looked liked a general watching his collumns march and fire their volleys.

"Well, that's a good question.", She replied. She remained standing for a few more moments, then turned back around. "Katya, you'd be my financial advisor, keeping control over our commerce and economy, because I know you love controlling people with money."
"That is true..."
"For real! Oh, and Mr. Nikanor, you'd be my economic planner, I suppose. I bet you could rally the people with satisfactorily nationalistic propaganda and ensure that our industry stays running."

"As for me, my will is divine, and as I say, it shall be so. That's how it is in here. If I want to help the needy, I can, and if I want to behead them all, then it will be done."

She chuckled. "Of course, I never do that. The best part about being here is that I never do anything. I simply am. I never see the castle up close; it sits on the horizon, all mysterious and tantalizingly open, but I'd never reach it. I don't know what the battles are like in the skies, but I can watch from here and imagine."

And then, suddenly, she stopped smiling. "But the woods? Those are real, and it's there that one can become lost, just as easily as they can have a calm stroll and return here a minute later. If you get lost, then only bad things can happen. That's when the nightmares come."

by **Northwest Slobovia** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 8:34 pm

The BranRiech wrote:"Oh . . . Uh, flying? Well crap, I never really give that much thought, you know?" He flapped his wings, beating them lightly against the chair he was propped up against. "Well, I can hover if I flap my wings up and down . . . I can cruise at around 50 miles an hour or less, and my top speed in level flight is . . . Ah shit . . . Somewhere around 100 miles, though I can nearly double that in a dive."

Sandy nodded as the prince spoke, his smile growing ever wider. Oh, yes, this would be great fun! "We seem to have compatible flight envelopes. That'll make flying together much easier. We'll have to talk to Lucius tomorrow, and see what he can do. This may work out very nicely... very nicely, indeed."

Primordial Luxa wrote:Once he had the best he could buy he wandered over to the other residents and asked “You mind if I join you? Been looking around for something interesting to buy, but it doesn't seem this place has anything that piques my interest. You have any better luck?”

At the sound of Primordial's voice, Sandy looked up and gestured towards an empty chair, the baron's appearance not dimming Sandy's good cheer. "Yes, yes, sit... by all means." Sandy considered the rest of what Primordial said, then shook his head slightly and briefly. "No, we've been nowhere but the inn and here. I guess you found the markets and dinner. Which reminds me..." Sandy gestured for a waiter, and when one came over, ordered a small tray of pastries. "Any we don't finish for dessert, we can have with breakfast", he explained.

by **Cerillium** » Wed Mar 09, 2016 12:47 pm

SERENDIPITY - HAMMERSONG

Rodigan snorted in good humor. "You'll want to come back as spring draws near," he advised with a kindly wink. "The rains are more bearable than the snow, wind and ice. Also less treacherous. Old Varg choose that mountain for good reason. It meant his fires remained low, but few could tread there to challenge him as he rested."

The dwarf's mug tipped back to release the remaining liquid into his gullet. No sense wasting a good brew. He drew his palm over his bear to wick away remaining foam. "Right. It's getting late and, contrary to what you hear, I do work. You'll need to stay at the inn overnight. We don't open our gates until dawn. Come see me in the spring. I'll have tidings then."

He rose and, after offering a polite bow to the group, departed. They were free to finish their drinks, or to head back to the inn. (Undoubtedly they'd pass the tavern on the way and spot the rest of their party.)

Old Sam was the first to speak, though he did it while stifling a yawn behind the back of his hand. "I could use some rest. Maybe some hot tea. I might depart tonight and ride ahead of you to break the news to the ogres. My ox is enchanted, and gates are easy for one druid to squeeze through."

SERENDIPITY - TAVERN

Marcus tuned the flyers out as they discussed their abilities. He wasn't one for soaring, unless it was floating a few inches above the ground every time Giovenith kissed him. Primordial's arrival caused him to look up. He offered a tired, lop-sided grin to the Luxan.

"Baron, your technology? How dire an impact would electricity have on it?" his brow shifted into a concerned frown. "I mean a lot of electricity. Electromagnetic field disruptions, EMP bursts, static discharges."

Not that Marcus had ever attempted any of this. He'd gone through the motions with all the careful attention to detail that a t'ai chi master would dedicate to his daily meditations. The power had remained mostly low level. And that was the crux of the priest's problem. Would he be able to pull it off without frying half his companions? Pulses, bursts, cracking displays of ungodly power were very nice, atta boy!, but had the potential to do great harm in the hands of a young, inexperienced priest. To put it frankly, Marcus had never cranked up the juice to lethal levels. It was somewhat comedic to picture the already-blackened Drova glaring at him, hair on end and smoke coming out of his ears like some angry character in a cartoon. It was quite another to understand that comedy made light of serious damage, and Drova would look far different after all the water molecules had blistered right out of his skin and organs. The priest involuntarily shuddered and rubbed his augmented arm.

by **Primordial Luxa** » Wed Mar 09, 2016 1:57 pm

Primordial - Tavern

Primordial took a seat and nodded as he observed Sandy placing dessert orders. He would have made some rather hedonistic request himself if he had the money to spare but he didn’t get nearly enough for his jems and his drink had costed him greatly. He sighed slightly at the thought of being restricted by his relatively wealth and hoped that elsewhere he could have better luck exchanging his minerals.

Still his drink proved challenging enough that he was able to enjoy it. As Sandy turned away Primordial turned with a bit of froth on his lips to cheerfully speak with Drova. He was about to ask Drova and how he was doing but closed his mouth and thought for a moment to think over Marcu’s question.

“Luxan Technology is primarily run on electricity and intrinsic fields. Those that run on electricity would be affected naturally by EMP’s and other in that they might suffer serious damage depending on the strength and location of the pulse. However intrinsic field are much less physical in the traditional sense. An EMP might have no effect or might slow them down a little, but I doubt any of my more arcane devices would suffer any sort of real damage to an EMP,” Primordial said mulling the thought over. “Of course their are bound to be some exceptions to both situations. Why do you ask?”

Ponyquest

Aegis didn’t register Yuna’s discomfort merely making addition room for her in the pile of blankets before agreeing to wake her up.

Aegis was trying to fall into unconsciousness even as his mind took him back to various military missions where he had been forced to sleep in cold places. He was reminded of the nightmarish Plateau of Leng where technology barely worked and primitivism seemed to rule supreme. He and other Luxans had been assisting the men of Leng fight against the Nightgaunts of hoary Nodens. That campaign had been less successful because of how alien the Dreamlands was and how it rejected traditional form of warfare.

When he did finally get to sleep he dreamt of the large purple spiders that had been present in that terrible place and the time he had shared with other soldiers their.

by **Mincaldenteans** » Wed Mar 09, 2016 6:24 pm

SERENDIPITY - Halls of Hammersong

A mix of surprise, confusion, and disappointment were exchanged between Alexia and Dan. That was it? Their journey stopped as quickly as it had begun. Not that it was their fault, and shifting blame at nature would be a moot point, but the abrupt nature and resignation of the quest to end tonight left the two a little.. bewildered. More so Alexia then the young fae, who seemed relieved by the seconds passing that the VargCrewe wouldn't have to endure the frigid weather after all. For the monk, she thanked their host and nodded to Old Sam who took his leave from the table. She took a breath and exhaled, unsure exactly what to say, but stood up anyway ready to depart the grand hall.

"Well, sitting here without our hosts would be rather awkward despite his generous offer. Let us depart and find our companions to break the news, shall we?" Alexia suggested as she maneuvered herself out of the seat.

Dan nodded in response, zipping up his jacket as soon as he was up. He tilted his head then, looking at others at the table, "We've rushed along literally overnight and looks like we've stopped short. If we have to head home and wait the winter out, maybe during the interim, we could use the time to... I dunno, get to know one another? Could help us run a bit more smoothly by spring time."

"I'm sure the General will have something in store for us in the interim," Alexia commented with a nod. Not that she actually believed that given her personal misgivings about their commander. Still, the fae's suggestion was sound: the monk barely knew their leader, and with the exception of Sandy, Dan and Primordial, the rest were strangest in the least and distant acquaintances at best.

by **Germanic Templars** » Wed Mar 09, 2016 8:36 pm

Carnival
The doctor glanced at Crysal, remembering her from before with Max - she seems rather brash now that finally got to listen to her, how did Max get along with her? Regardless, he continued on, turning his attention back to Sterling "I'll see what supplies I can muster up, but don't expect me to be Jesus and feed 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish. The closest I can get is try and research into making fast growing wheat and corn really, anything else might be difficult." He remarked. He quickly scanned the area around him, deciding off the bat what is salvageable and what is not. "By the way, anything in particular you guys need? After all don't want to get something and it not be worth a pence, or worth adding to a bonfire."

by **Giovenith** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 7:29 pm

Aegis and Yuna

The small creek of wooden floor signaled Smart Cookie marching upstairs to catch up on her own sleep. Puddinghead still hadn't returned with the disc, which was probably for the better, since those two had had a long day.

Other dimensions.

As the secretary retired to her own room, she sniffed and felt a heavy gut at such a thought. Cookie wasn't as prejudiced at the other villagers, but that didn't mean she didn't also slightly fear the unicorns. All did. The magicians of the mountains knew things that were beyond any of them, and it hurt the simple mind to think of just what those things could be.

Perhaps they were here because of unicorn magic, perhaps the horned ones would come looking for them? Cookie didn't know, but she wasn't about to let others like Sundae get that into their heads. Too much work. Too much...

She settled down on her own bed for the night.

Brit and Chrys

Platinum didn't acknowledge Chrys' niceties despite they being the correct actions to take in the presence of royalty. Light lilac eyes looked down at the lowered head of the Conservapony before slowly diverting to lock gazes with youthful magician beside her. Despite apparently being quite close according to Clover, the slightly younger green unicorn folded her ears and grimaced a bit under the critical look, finding herself bewildered by the set-up they had walked in on. What was Brit doing tucked into bed? Was she alright? What with the... generosity?

"You two are the ones I sent off to do chores as punishment for causing a ruckus," the princess finally said.

Clover was confused for a moment but quickly remembered the initial excuse she'd used to pull Brit and Chrys away from the party. Right!

"Yes they are, and they are very sorry..." the magician began.

"It doesn't take too long to do chores, does it? You're not a chore pony, Clover."

Clover couldn't be sure what the Platinum was implying, but she knew the princess was catching on to something. To her, Brit and Chrys should have been sent off, finished, and doing their own thing a long time ago, not still beside Clover. Putting her namesake to the test, Clover the Clever began rapidly thinking of plausible excuses.

"I've been asking them to help me analyze my visions," the magician said, forcing a smile. "You know, about the tribes seeing reason? Turns out they're both quite good at prophecy."

This only caused Platinum to wince her eyes in apparent disapproval and tuck her chin. "I told you to forget about that and focus on researching the winter."

It was Clover's turn to pinch her brow and frown. Though she was technically still subservient to the princess like anypony else, there was more leeway in her case for conflict due to the nature of their relationship. "With all due respect, I've told you that I swear on my mentor that the solution can be found in them."

There was a moment of tense silence as the teen unicorns looked each other down.

"Lily Lightly," the princess called the maid, who had stood back till then, not removing her eyes off closer. "Please tuck her in for the night too and then you will be dismissed." She pointed at Chrys.

Lily, clearly feeling awkward, shifted her eyes back and forth between Chrys, Clover, and Platinum, and gave a toothy smile. "Uh, is she tired then?"

"I don't know, I don't care. Both of you go to bed."

Cold. Clover could offer little advice to Chrys as she was swept away by the ruffled maid and encouraged to be tucked into bed beside Brit like a child, Lily carefully setting her sword aside (and luckily not looking too close at it). The maid could only offer the dimensional visitor an apologetic frown before shuffling away and out the door. The princess and the magician looked in after the Bielefeldans before following the maid out and closing the door, leaving the two in darkness.

Willow and Rache

Willow chewed his top lip when Rache asked for another, more detailed recount of the HWE story. It wasn't a problem of remembering, the tale was pretty much burned into the back of his skull at ready access from having to hear it a million times in both history classes and during the holidays every year for his entire life, but it was very long-winded. He'd have to have patience though, Rache didn't have the benefit of the knowledge that he had. Taking a moment to think ahead, he launched into another retelling.

"The story as told in books and the pageant is pretty simplified. It doesn't go into a lot of detail about what happened during the build-up of the winter, just a brief narrator overview of the tribes, their roles, and the problems the winter caused. When the actual story really begins, it begins right at the summit between the leaders and their arguing.

"Commander Hurricane begins by demanding to know why the Earth ponies are keeping all the food to themselves, and Chancellor Puddinghead explains that it's because they believe the pegasi are the ones causing the winter and thus don't deserve any. Hurricane insists they have proven many times that it is not the pegasi and then turns on Princess Platinum, accusing the unicorns of causing the winter with their 'freakish magic'..." Willow mentally counted off the lines in his head. "So they pretty much repeat all the attitudes we've seen so far here.

"Well Platinum rebuffs, saying the unicorns are too civilized and morally upright to ever do such a thing - implying that the other tribes, especially the pegasi, are not. When Puddinghead expresses that she is tired of dealing with the other races' 'unnatural powers' and is running out of ideas on how to handle things, Hurricane snaps on her saying, 'How surprising, an Earth pony with no ideas' sarcastically, basically calling her and her race morons. Platinum tries to come to Puddinghead's defense by telling Hurricane to stop insulting others, which gets them both to snap on her - Puddinghead because she feels patronized by Platinum trying to speak for her, and Hurricane because he feels Platinum has no right to tell him what to do. Platinum, feeling insulted, insists that a princess should not be spoken to in such a manner and moves to leave the meeting, triggering the other leaders to take their leave as well."

This recount reminded Willow of one of his prime concerns: Commander Hurricane seemed like a fucking asshole. Granted, ALL the leaders were assholes, but the pageants in Equestria typically went with the 'screaming shoot-first military leader' stock type for the peagsi leader. Then again, just how much of the play could really be trusted? Pansy, while still meek like she was usually portrayed, had already proven herself to be a much deeper individual than the play had ever put forth. In fact, looking back on memories of years of watching the pageant, he almost felt a little insulted on her behalf. It was as Rache had said before, history had a way of simplifying historical figures to inaccurate degrees.

"Pansy's character is frequently used as comic relief in the play," he explained to Rache, frowning and drooping his wings. "Her fearful nature is ridiculously exaggerated to the point of jumping at small noises even though her ultimate role is important. After spending this time with her, I feel crappy about that now. She's just a poor little sad girl who doesn't fit in, she's scared of the death around her. I do hope we don't have to wind up telling her anything, I'm not sure she's strong enough to handle that yet. But anyway... the three leaders go back to their homes and explain to their subordinates how the other tribal leaders were completely unreasonable, blind to their own hooves in the issue." He paused to consider. "I'm honestly not sure how it is Pansy turns out to be Hurricane's sidekick in the matter, the play usually portrays her as just happening to be standing there when he enters scene and begins ranting about the other leaders' disrespect. The other subordinates have jobs in direct connection to the leader, but 'Private' is generally considered a pretty low and separate rank, isn't it? They wouldn't be just hanging around the tip-top ranks..."

Whatever, there was a lot to talk about and Willow was getting tired.

"Anyway, the leaders go home and speak with their subordinates, the dialogue itself not usually very important, each simultaneously coming to the conclusion that they need to find a new land for a new country. The leaders become increasingly angry and unreasonable during the trip due to their frustrations. Puddinghead fights with her subordinate over map directions out of protectiveness of her position as a leader, Hurricane becomes paranoid about unknown enemies and frequently attacks clouds for being in strange shapes, and Platinum's being used to comfort causes her disproportionate distress at the struggles of the trip and subsequently puts additional stress on her own subordinate over it. Eventually they all reach the land and comment on what makes it perfect for each of their race; the clear air, trees, and fertile ground for the Earth ponies, the clear open skies for the pegasi, and the limitless supply of gems and beauty for the unicorns. The leaders name the land Unicornia, Pegasopolis, and Earth respectively until they later happen to run into each other.

"They all get pissed off and try to force each other to leave the land, with Hurricane saying they should fight for it and Platinum threatening to throw Hurricane into "the dungeon" despite having no dungeon around nor anypony actually capable of putting him into one. Pansy and the other subordinates try to intervene and ask for peaceful talk, but are yelled down. Puddinghead pelts both the other leaders with snowballs, which, because they had been so used to being surrounded by snow in the first place, it takes them a few minutes to realize there shouldn't actually be any snow here to pelt them with - revealing that the blizzard itself has followed them and is now rapidly consuming the land at an unnatural rate.

"Realizing they can't stay outside with the severity of the storm, all six of them have no choice but to band together to find shelter, which they find in a cold and crowded cave. Things are somewhat peaceful for a while, until Platinum asks Hurricane to move further away from her and give her personal space, demonstrating an "invisible line" which he's not allowed to cross. He responds by ordering Pansy to draw a, quote, "real, non-invisible line" in the dirt of the cave to carve off a section for the two of them that the other four can't cross. Not to be outdone, the other leaders also command their subordinates to draw their own "territories" in the cave.

"Shit soon hits the fan while Pansy is trying to draw her lines. She comes across a large rock in the ground and merely attempts to draw the border around it, when Hurricane snaps on her saying that she needs to go over the rock and not around it because he, and I quote, "is not giving up an inch of territory to the enemy." That's apparently not good enough for Princess Platinum, who interrupts the confrontation saying that the rock belongs to the "unicorn side," all of it. Evidently taking that as a rejection of diplomacy, Hurricane physically picks up the rock and takes it to the pegasus side, proclaiming that it belongs to them, much to Platinum's anger. Puddinghead also gets in on this dispute, apparently wanting the rock for no other reason other than that the other sides want the rock, actually running in and grabbing the rock while Hurricane is distracted and bringing it to her side."

Willow paused to make meaningful eye contact with Rache, silently acknowledging the sheer absurdity of the situation.

"Yeah. So that just pisses off Platinum and Hurricane even more and they attempt to gang-up on Puddinghead for the rock, which leads to a whole dramatic argumentative scene which feeds into the windigos' power and causes the cave entrance to freeze over with ice. Realizing that they are now trapped, Platinum says that the others deserve the fate of slow death more than her because they've done nothing but fight and argue. Puddinghead and Hurricane both snap on her saying she has done plenty of fighting, Puddinghead outright claiming to have done far less fighting than her. Platinum says that unicorns are morally above fighting, and Hurricane says that this is a lie they spout to excuse their weakness and cowardice. None of the three notice that their bodies are being slowly covered in ice the more they argue, and their last words before being fully consumed are derisive condemnations on the other races' characters.

"That leaves the subordinates there with only each other. Realizing the ice is closing in on them across the ground, they huddle together in the middle of the cave and look up to find the windigo spirits have actually gathered along the ceiling. The unicorn subordinate recognizes them and explains what they are to the others, stating that is was their own hatred and cold hearts that caused all the strife and suffering. Pansy remarks that she does not hate either of the other subordinates, on account that she realizes it's illogical to hate ponies she doesn't even personally know simply because they were born different. Comforted by this, the others admit that they do not hate one another either, and state that despite all their differences, they're all ponies. They hug as the ice almost overcomes them, until a flash of light shatters them out of it, and the unicorn's body is possessed as a magical outlet from which enchanted inferno bursts out and destroys the windigos. Once the unicorn is released, the inferno remains on the ceiling to warm the ponies within, and the unicorn explains that she felt within her that the magic that created it was a result of all three of the subordinates coming together as friends rather than enemies.

"And so the three spend the rest of the night in the cave getting to know each other, having never before spoken politely and personally to the other races. They tell each other stories, laugh together at jokes, and create songs to sing which modern Equestrians still remember. The story says that the warmth from their gathering assisted the magic inferno to melt away the ice prisons from the leaders, and that their time trapped in silence and being forced to observe the good nature between the subordinates caused them each to have a change of heart regarding the other tribes. Eventually the ice covering the opening fell away, and all six emerged to find the new land as splendid and alive as when they found it. Platinum, Hurricane, and Puddinghead all decide that they must put their strengths and resources together to share the land and save all ponykind, realizing from the magic of the subordinates that ponies are clearly stronger united than they are divided. They fashion a new flag and decide upon one name: Equestria, land of all ponies."

The artist took a long breath of air. "Then the rest is history. The rest of the tribes moved in, and the eventual establishment of a new culture began. How the princesses came to us is another story entirely. This is how the play puts it, and it is all I know. I'm also very tired..." Here he laid down. "Tomorrow, maybe you should try asking some of the other ponies we've met what they know about the situation, if you can. I may be a pegasus, but I am not a Cyniscan. I can only offer so much."

by **The Carlisle** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 7:38 pm

Kale giggle and laughed a she bounced up and down the cloud with Remilia and Macy. It had been a long while since she had some genuine fun. When they peaked on the big bounce, Kale looked at the clouds they burst through below. They looked like cookie cutouts, suddenly feeling a bit hungry for some cookies. When the three bounced up again after the big bounce, Kale said "Watch me!" and let go of them. Soaring in the air nearby, she thought of a vine in the sky held up by.... a bubble! With wings!

Popping into her hand was a green ropey vine. Looking up, she saw the rest of it. The vine was wrapped around several times over a big round seagull, its body shaped like a sphere, flapping and squawking in the air. Even though it was using its wings, it looked like its round body was filled with air or helium, keeping it afloat in the sky instead of its flapping. It looked ridiculous, like something out of a fantasy book. Not exactly what she though, but more fantastical. In fact, she wished for more, with a dozen more popping in the sky nearby.

Reaching the pinnacle of her bounce, Kale started falling down again. But this time, she held tight onto the vine and swung herself forward like on a rope swing. She fell down and forward, the reached the bottom of the arc, and was going back up again, swinging fast and wide on the vine. "WOOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!" She exclaimed as she swung high on the vine carrying bubble bird.

by **Giovenith** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 7:41 pm

"Sirs?"

Giovenith finally spoke up at the older men she had accompanied. Even though no one was ever rude to her, it could still be a hassle for a tiny girl to be able to speak up among a crowd of soldier-like men.

"How we get to the dragon is clearly not something I have much to offer on," she said. "You have already discussed that with the dwarf leafer. It is once we get there that my use will most likely come up, and I do not think that is knowledge that is best distributed one the spot minutes away from confrontation. If you would let me, I'd like to discuss some core points I know on dragons that might be of use."

She was doing her best.

Personification Life: EPIC (IC Thread XI) [CLOSED]

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