[Nexus] Random Places and Plots 5

[Mina Kobold]

[Thunderhead Mountain]

Lewis' face brightens at the interest shown in the Pixie's stories. Pausing dramatically and calling forth illusory lighting to cast mystic shadows on Lewis, the Pixie begins the tale.

"It was in the year 1814, in tumultuous and warring times. Though safer than ever, it was yet a dangerous task to travel through the Prussian wilderness. Beasts indeed were waiting. And if you had luck shining upon you, they would be the worst."

The shadows darken and turn red as blood as the Pixie casts an evil grin at the other adventurers. Almost calling forth the clap of thunder, but not yet.

I was accompanying m'lady Donne on a quest to seek the aid of a mysterious group of sorcerers. Known only as the Jahrmarkt Wer and rumoured to possess immense power to aid those who found them. Just what was needed to turn the tides of wars, and just to our luck that we had uncovered the clues to find them!"

Cheerfully, Lewis does a backwards flip to underline the joy of such a stroke of luck. But when speaking again, the tone changes fast in the voice of the flying storyteller.

"Mere words and narrative do not describe the wonder we encountered when finally we entered the Jahrmarkt of the Wer. Like no other fair and carnival any human had ever seen, and impressive even to Pixie-kind. Entire forests danced and the stars themselves seemed bound by their power, drawing both mundane and wondrous audiences to their fair. But then, we thought, how could it be that no story told of this feast of joy?"

Pausing a final time, the Pixie goes all out for the finishing words. Allowing now the thunderclap to sound. Though quieter than real thunder, it creates a tremendous effect.

"We learnt the cause only when the night fell, bathing the sorcerers in the light of the moon at its fullest. Their laughter-turned-howl still rings through the German forests, revealing only too late their true nature to those caught in their trap."

[The Bushranger]

Thunderhead Mountain

"Fascinating," is all Rhyan can say to that, as she slaps her player and he catches up.

[Beans]

[Thunderhead Mountain]
The air gets a little cooler and more damp; Nycca whistles appreciatively at the story.

[OrchestraHc]

Thunderhead Mountain

Justin is enthralled by the story. "Really? How did deal with that? A few silver bullets?" Werewolves in Germany huh? Lewis might come from a world like his own. Only there are no werewolves and fairies in Justin's world. Or are there? That stuff is supposed to be fictitious but it might be useful know how to deal with it.

[Falgorn]

Thunderhead Mountain
Despite his peculiar (well, peculiar to Abraxes, at least) mannerisms, the pixie proved himself to be an excellent storyteller. "Oh, do go on, sir. Sorcerers turning into wolf-men? How did you defeat them?"

[Lady Serpentine]

[Thunderhead Mountain]

As her player has finally figured out that this is, y'know, running, and where, Talina undeadtimes!

"Interesting... Though once you've told us how you got out, perhaps you'd care to elaborate on who Lady Donne is, and why she needed the help of the Jahrmarkt Wer?"

[Beans]

[Thunderhead]
Nycca nods excitedly as buildings become visible in the distance, though made fuzzy by mist.

[Mina Kobold]

[Thunderhead Mountain]

Lewis, still upholding the dramatic mannerisms of a storyteller, continues the tale. Speaking with a grave tone to punctuate the danger they had experienced in 1814.

"Escaping the deceitful Wer was no easy task. Seeing through their illusions revealed not only their transformation, to which many others were still blind, but also the true nature of their carnival. The true horror of their trickery."

Pausing for effect, the Pixie yet again summons the red shadows to add to the tale's horror. Speaking more quietly, the Pixie continues.

"Remnants of more than a hundred victims covered the ground that had seemed bare mere moments before. Creatures from all reaches of the Prussian lands and beyond had encountered these savage sorcerers and all had died horrible deaths, even those possessing the talent for seeing through the glamour. Few had ever survived the Wer, and they planned not for us to join them."

As Lewis' finishes describing the lair of the Prussian Werewolves, the red lighting deepens. With raised voice, the Pixie dramatically continues.

"Summoning flames that dwarfed the ancient trees of the forest itself, the Wer attacked us and any other who showed resistance. Their deadly routine honed through countless murders. Even silver bullets, had they yet been common, would have done little to save us. Only the magic of m'lady Donne bought us precious time, honed too by quests in the name of the King and the Prince Regent. With the Wer in hot pursuit, we made it to the forest itself. But they would not give up on their prey so easily."

Voice quieting, Lewis finishes the tale with a tone of mystery.

"From then on, my way split from Donne. Though I fought a Wer with the lead and sword of my Baker rifle, the sound of magic and the roaring of the fire told me that m'lady had drawn the rest from me. Though I escaped to bring news to the Prince Regent, I did not learn the fate of Donne until many years later."

Finished with the tale, Lewis turns to Talina with a smile. Cheerfully replying.

"M'lady Donne was one of the wizards who served King George III and George, Prince Regent at the time. We were sent to seek the assistance of as many forces of magic as possible, to end the Napoleonic Wars and prevent further wars. It was quite fun."

[The Bushranger]

[Thunderhead Mountain]

Rhyan listens quietly, even as she squints and attempts to make out just what sort of buildings they're approaching.

[Falgorn]

Thunderhead Mountain
"That is quite the tale, Lewis. You seem quite experienced at storytelling - perhaps you could regale us with another story after this business is done?" He pauses, squinting to glance at the buildings in the distance. "I take it that's where we're going?"

[OrchestraHc]

Thunderhead

"Ditto, you're good Lewis." On spotting the buildings, he turns to the group, "You guys want me or the Ninja-mancer to scout ahead?"

[Zefir]

Necanth Prison- Spiral Staircase

The chest contains an assault rifle and fifty cartridges, alongside a hard plastic helmet and a hefty steel mace. The wardrobe has several pairs of jeans, a leather jacket, a blue hoody and a box of grenades at the bottom, in addition to a pair of Chelsea boots and a combat knife with a sheath that can be strapped to the arm or leg. Unfortunately, no key; presumably that's kept at the bottom.

Necanth Prison- Spiral Staircase

Well just what he needed. graping the rifle zefir checks it out. He hasn't made much use of such a weapon but in a closed area it may be more usefull than a grenade, especially when the whole are could colaps. He also grabs some of the grenades making out what they are. Since he is a specialist he should be able to do that. After that he will continue in his search and if I'm right the stairs go futher down?

[Mina Kobold]

[Thunderhead Mountain]

Lewis responds with a grand bow, floating to the ground as the buildings become visible.

"Many thanks, granolas."

Putting on the pilot's goggles, the Pixie tries to get a better look at the buildings by holding a hand above the eyes. Trying to keep the sun out.

"Quite a mist. There might be an ambush!"

Lewis cheerfully comments to Justin.

[Dark Elf Bard]

Thunderhead Mountain

Kallista speaks!

So, what kind of m-monsters are here?

[Beans]

[Thunderhead
Nycca shrugs.
I hear there's lumbermill golems and stuff...

[Falgorn]

Thunderhead Mountain
Abraxes coughs. "A 'lumbermill golem' sounds most unpleasant. Perhaps one of us should be scouting ahead. 'Blondie' did just volunteer, didn't he? If there are no objections, I think he should scout ahead."

[OrchestraHc]

((There's no set turn order, but may I recommend we adopt one soon?))

Thunderhead Mountain

"Well I do love me some ambushes," Justin comments to Lewis. "I'm going to sneak to the edge of the tree line then circle around the building counterclockwise. If you guys do anything at all while I'm gone, try to sneak around the opposite way and meet me half way. We'll go through the most convenient opening we find." If there's no objection he'll get moving. If there is, he'll stop and hear it. He's polite that way.

[Mina Kobold]

[Thunderhead Mountain]

Lewis nods cheerfully at Justin's plan. Speaking remarkably quietly for one so eager-looking.

"Yessire, sneak around clockwise if we go anywhere. Most convenient opening."

Looking about for a good place to watch the stealthy reconnaissance, Lewis absently activates the magical boots. Turning the Pixie, rainbow coat and all, invisible.

[Chaotic Bob]

[Canterlot]

An almost idyllic castle-city, jutting out of the side of a mountain, the capitol of the Equestrian nation is as it always has been.

Visibly consisting primarily of spires and the keep itself, a proper city exists just below these and beyond the walls, full of homes, shops, and extravagant noblepony estates.

Ponies and pony-drawn carriages move through the streets, and pegasii move through the skies in generally refined and measured manners.
This is the city of royalty and it would not do to look uncouth.

Overall, any snobbery exists because the city is at peace, through the efforts of its loving Princesses.


And yet, the guards of the castle are mobilizing, taking up arms and many moving towards the courtyard.

Therein lay a gateway to the chaotic realm of the Nexus, through which several individuals can be seen.

One of which is Princess Luna, shouting down the guards before stepping through the portal with an imperious look on her face.

[Gnrlshrimp]

[Canterlot]

Princess Luna is closely followed by the Cricketbatman. The paper bag and traffic cone so generously provided by Magtok seem to be rather...absent. 'twould appear the blood-soaked cricket bat wielding avatar of destruction did not approve.

'course, he doesn't look like his normal self to folks around him, does he?

Thanks to Luna's magic, he looks like a regular ol' earth pony...with a bright orange mohawk...with his cricket bat held in his mouth, blood-free of course. He does not seem to care too much about this.

There are worse fates than having an orange mohawk.

Such as being eternally soaked in blood. Definitely a good thing he's been disguised. "It would appear that were it not for you, entering this place would be...much more difficult" he idly observes, looking round at the guards. This place feels...odd. I wonder why."

[Earl of Purple]

Necanth Prison- Spiral Staircase

There's another rest room like the one Zefir just visited about halfway down. This one is larger, with a king ogre-sized bed, a bucket with three rifles thrust into it and a large chest made of greenish blue wood.

[Chaotic Bob]

Ponies With Terrible Ideas and Awfulness

"That's...a very colorful promise. I think I heard a much darker one like that somewhere, something to do with-"

Oh goddammit, how did Magtok end up on this side of the portal? He doesn't even remember moving his feet or anything! How in the hell did this happen?!

"...Fudge."

[Canterlot]

Leaky-the-mohawk-Pony thinks the place is strange!
Magtok is distressed to be here!
Pinkie Pie is giggling at his side!
Applejack is grabbing Rainbow Dash by the tail before she can disappear!
Fluttershy is cowering behind Applejack!
Luna is frowning at the guards pointing spears at them!

"Stand down. I desire to have words with my sister. This concerns the safety of our nation and the Elements of Harmony."

Most of the guards are lowering their weapons, although the captain hesitates a moment longer.
Unfortunately, directly disobeying a Princess...is not something he can do.
"I am leaving guards posted to this portal, but you will follow me to Princess Celestia's study."

And away the cranky pony goes, off into a pair of large doors behind him.
Luna swiftly follows.

"This is gonna be fun, Maggy. I know the bestest fudge place in all of Equestria!"
"L'eggo of me, AJ! Can't we just follow the Princess, get the Elements, and be done?"
"Hush now!"
"...is Rarity coming?"

Everypony else stands in the middle of the Canterlot courtyard, near a portal, surrounded by guards.
Paths to the castle, into the city, and off towards the gardens are here.
What shall they do? Follow Luna or something else?

[Lord Magtok]

Canterlot

"And this bakery and the ponies inside aren't going to fall over in shock or something over a half-robot non-pony human person walking on two legs?"

To be honest, if it weren't for such a long history with weird and unbelievable things, Magtok probably would've done exactly that upon spotting the ponies bouncing and yapping their way across the Nexus.

[Gnrlshrimp]

[Canterlot]

The Cricketbatponyman decides to follow after Princess Luna. As long as they are here, he sees much less need to watch over the ponies. This is their homeland after all, they are presumably familiar enough with it to not get into trouble.

[Chaotic Bob]

[Canterlot]

Leaky follows Luna, following the guardpony into the castle!
Maggy encourages Pinkie Pie.

"COME ON, let's go already! The Princess is going, so that seems like permission enough to me!"
"Alright, alright! Don't get yer tail in a twist. But you stay close, you hear me? Stick together, don't go wanderin' off."
"Okay, fine! Jeez."

Applejack cautiously releases Rainbow Dash's tail, and they trot/fly after Luna.

"What about Rarity? Um...girls? Oh dear. Don't leave me..."
Fluttershy glances back at the portal once or twice, but meekly goes after her other two friends.

Pinkie Pie, however, is completely ignoring all of this, instead opting to gleefully bounce around Magtok.
She may as well be a perpetual motion device, in pony form.
"Of course not, you silly filly! It's my bakery! Teehee. Or well, I guess it's the Cakes' bakery. But I work there and make all the tasty awesome treats! Like cupcakes! And brownies!
Oooooh, fudge brownies! I should make some of those! Or even better, we should make some of those!
We could totally be baking buddies, Maggy! Wouldn't that be great? It would be great! You wouldn't even have to buy the fudge if you were helping to make it, cuz we could just make more to replace whatever we eat! I already have to do that a whole bunch because I sort of taste test too much and the Cakes say that there isn't enough goodies to sell the customers sometimes which is fine by me because then I get to make more and then taste test even more of those! Everypony wins!"
If the cyborg isn't careful, he's going to be completely left behind!

Meanwhile, with the sane ponies:

The guard captain leads them into a series of pristinely cleaned castle halls, twisting and winding in all manner of directions and rooms.
Barring descriptions of precisely how many rooms, stairs, and side-passages there are along their route, we shall just say the building is fairly maze-like.

Good luck getting around without actively making a map or asking for directions!
They fail to go to the throne room (walking past it rather simply), moving off through a couple staircases towards the upper levels.

"Why has my sister given you such hostile orders?"
"She did not say and I did not ask."
Not his job. Conversation isn't either, so it dries up in short order.

Barring shenanigans of some sort, they'll all be led to a rather fancy wooden door with an ornate sun upon it.
A suiting design for a Sun Princess, no?

[Gnrlshrimp]

[Canterlot]

The Cricketbatman follows Luna along wordlessly. Despite the maze-like nature of the place, he's quite aware of the precise path they took and hence how to get back out.

He's kinda pretty good at paying attention to things. Anything to distract himself from the blood.

"Hostile orders. Strange goings on. Clearly something is...not right here" The Cricketbatman observes as they reach the door. "Yet this is not what feels odd about this...place. Perhaps your sister's answers will make things clear?"

[Lord Magtok]

Canterlot

Magtok seems a bit uneasy about this whole mess, even more so than he was a moment ago, what with being trapped in a bright, pastel sunshine land of happiness and joy all over again. Something about running off to a bakery to prepare tasty snacks when some major disaster is unfolding just...just doesn't sit right with him.

"And they'll know to find you here and drag us back before a portal closes or something, right? Because I really don't think I'm cut out to spend the rest of my two-legged life here."

Gods only know what the pony world will do to him in that time. Or what he would do to it instead. Aside from that minor gripe, Magtok seems fine with getting the heck out of here and getting some snacks, though. Pinkie should have no further difficulty leading the cyborg astray.

[Chaotic Bob]

[Canterlot]

Leaky provides a question.
Magtok does something unwise.

->[In The Castle]

"I would hope they should. Perhaps Twilight has appeared here, instead of in the other realm. Although I would expect more militaristic movements."

Luna frowns a bit, ruffling her wings while the captain knocks on the door four times.
"Princess Luna and the Elements."
Also Leaky, but he is presumed to be a companion to the Elements.
Since he seems to be just that.

"Send them in."

The door is open!

And promptly revealed is the solar princess' main chambers.
Dominating one portion of the room, is a large, well-cushioned bed, of appropriate size for the goddess it belongs to.
A vanity, a wardrobe, a small side-room, a balcony, bookshelves, a desk.
These are all things that exist, neatly presented around the room.

The former two stand on either side of the bed, while the bookshelves and desk are near the balcony, with the side-room door is off across the bed itself.

It is at the desk that we find Celestia herself, in a state uncommon.
Normally a creature of beauty, alabaster skinned, tall, graceful, and a mane/tail of a beautiful aurora lining a kind smile.
Instead, what we see is a creature large and terrible, the fires of the suns flaring around her head and flanks, casting vicious lights across her form and the room, accentuating an angry glare on her face.


As the others enter, she closes her eyes, takes a breath, and lightly exhales.
The flames wither and die, fading back into their gentle multicolor hues, just to leave behind a rather tired looking ruler.

A display that seems to rather terrify her sister, judging by her stunned expression.

"Uh...did we come at a bad time?"
"Okay, something is seriously messed up here. We leave for a day and everything falls apart."
Fluttershy says nothing, having not even convinced herself to look into the room.

->[Outside the Castle]

Pinkie Pie bounces, and bounces, and bounces, so gleeful is she!
That was tantamount to permission, which is good enough for her!

"Of course! My friends aaaaall know where Sugarcube Corner is! It's the happeningest place in Ponyville! We can take a train and be there licketysplit! This waaaaaaay~"
Spontaneously acquiring an ominiously sing-song voice, Pinkie gently head-butts at Maggy towards the castle gate (guards looking at them somewhat uncomfortably, but their job is just to guard the portal), before bounding in that direction herself.

This is probably a bad idea.

[Gnrlshrimp]

[In the Castle]

Have you never noticed, blue one?" The Cricketbatman asks, directing his gaze at Rainbow Dash, "Isolated negative events are a rare thing. It is far more common for...many bad things to happen at once." The Cricketbatman has perceived this first-hand on numerous occasions.

Usually the last bad thing to happen in the places he observed would be their total destruction at his hands.

Perhaps there's a connection there. Perhaps not.

"From the ponies reactions, Celestia, I would...assume that your current appearance is somewhat different from your norm. Would you kindly...update us on the situation here?" The Cricketbatman leans on his cricket bat, unphased by Celestia's actions. There are more important things to do than waste time being surprised.

...

It might be worth pointing out that blood leakage is still occurring. Might need to sort out a clean up crew to follow the Cricketbatman's path. Well, unless Luna's magic is keeping that hidden from the ponies' eyes too. In which case there might just be a rather unfortunate accident at some point.

I doubt slipping and falling over in an invisible trail of blood is all that pleasant.

[Lord Magtok]

Outside the Castle

Pinkie's fault. If anyone says anything, this is all that smelly pony's fault. Not his. He did nothing wrong, nobody can hold him accountable for this, and watching over Pinky was blood guy's job anyways, so forget that. If anything goes wrong, Mag's going to point fingers at him, and refuse to have anything to do with whatever the awful consequences are.

"If anyone asks, she took me to Sugarcube Corner. Wherever that is, I mean. And that this is not my fault."

There, the guards have been informed! Now Magtok can feel slightly less at fault for what is sure to be the worst decision Pinkie has ever made in the entire history of her life!