The Five Gems (In-Character Thread)

[Beacon of Chaos]

Woah, hey! You're famous, dude. Highly recommended by the playful youth down at Raise the Moon.

"O-oh, really?" replies Elixir, blushing slightly at the thought of being famous. "I haven't heard of Raise the Moon before. Sounds like a club of some sort?"

Oh man, I know! Seriously though, a pony can do calculations like that, he needs to apply it. Could you imagine if he were at the observatory charting heavenly bodies, or like, a sculptor! He could go to the clubs, and take notes, charting heavenly bodies. Haha! But no, I'm just kidding that's amazing, but totally weird.

Elixir nods and grins. "Haha! Totally!" This guy was alright. Bit of a talker, but that's fine because Elixir was more of a listener anyway.

The unicorn watches as Gerry Rig flips a stack of cookies into his mouth. The way earth ponies could use their hooves always amazed him, since he used his magic for absolutely everything. "Oh, yeah, McDiver sounds familiar. Don't think I ever saw the plays though."

[Forum Explorer]

That Arrogant... Iron Wing hesitates and looks at the other guests Unicorn. I Cannot Believe How Rude He is Being To His Guests! If He Was Not The Source Of The Best Lead I Have To The Griffon Crown I Would Surely Abandon Him Now! Iron Wing glares and is visibly flexing his claws, imagining them tearing into a certain unicorn right about now. With an effort he turns his attention back to the ponies around him and tries to calm down.

I Must Admit That I Am Unfamiliar With Equestrian Plays, Though This McDiver Sounds Interesting. Iron Wing turns to Compass Rose

The Griffon Kingdoms Are Not A True Kratocracy. However It's Long Been Been Our Belief That The Strong And Powerful Deserve Respect. And With Respect Comes Authority. These Days The Royal Family Has Lost All Respect Of The Griffons So It Is Very Possible For A Griffon Of Suitable Fame and Strength To Overthrow Them.

[Emperor Ing]

That's more-or-less how the line of succession works back home. However when a Queen loses support they're almost immediately succeeded by a Prince or Princess. Literally it seems like the only purpose of the royal family is to keep the queen on her hooves. From what he has seen of the Equestrian monarchy, the fact that Queen-erhm Princess Celestia has maintained the fear and adoration of her subjects is an immense testament to her character. If she could dim the sun, though, that would be nice. What is it with ponies and light? Don't they realize it makes them vulnerable? So uhh...why hasn't anyone overthrown the light-ah, I mean the Royal Family already?

[SiuiS]

You're related to McDiver?!

Gerry Rig grins, with just a touch of sheepishness. Yeah, distantly. I didn't find out until after I graduated, though. Professors took it hard on me anyway, but there was genuine pride there when I graduated top class despite the legacy. he fails to add any comment about disappointment that his celebration included three days of parties and landing his first job salted out of his mind.

So uhh...why hasn't anyone overthrown the light-ah, I mean the Royal Family already?

What? Why woul anypony want to do that? The princesses do a great job, and if they didn't they would appoint someone who could. We had, like, an entire war over that a thousand years ago. Don't they teach you guys any history at those flight schools?

[Rater202]

Gerry Rig grins, with just a touch of sheepishness. Yeah, distantly. I didn't find out until after I graduated, though. Professors took it hard on me anyway, but there was genuine pride there when I graduated top class despite the legacy. he fails to add any comment about disappointment that his celebration included three days of parties and landing his first job salted out of his mind.



What? Why woul anypony want to do that? The princesses do a great job, and if they didn't they would appoint someone who could. We had, like, an entire war over that a thousand years ago. Don't they teach you guys any history at those flight schools?

I believe he was referring to the Griffon royal Family, who are apparently unfit to rule.

[Forum Explorer]

I Cannot Truly Say, But I Suspect That They Are Simply Too Cowardly To Make The Attempt! Failure Would Mean Losing Everything!

[Emperor Ing]

Gerry Rig grins, with just a touch of sheepishness. Yeah, distantly. I didn't find out until after I graduated, though. Professors took it hard on me anyway, but there was genuine pride there when I graduated top class despite the legacy. he fails to add any comment about disappointment that his celebration included three days of parties and landing his first job salted out of his mind.

That's still pretty darn cool, you have to admit.

What? Why woul anypony want to do that? The princesses do a great job, and if they didn't they would appoint someone who could. We had, like, an entire war over that a thousand years ago. Don't they teach you guys any history at those flight schools?

Steel Wing looks surprised by this remark. The surprise is genuine, he has nothing but respect for Equestria's Princesses. Wait....princesses? As in there's more than one of them? What? No! I have nothing but respect for Equestria's polyarchy. Roll with it. By the Queen, don't you dare not roll with it! I was talking about the Griffin royal family.

[Crimson Doom]

Ancient Myth trots downstairs. "As fascinating as this discussion sounds, the rest of them have shown no intention of attending, so we'd best get to the briefing," he grunts. "You five had better be as good as I'm told, since you're all I have. Magnetic Lily might be able to whip you into shape, though. Perhaps."

[If I acted too soon, my apologies.]

[Rater202]

So, Mr. Myth, I believe this is the part where you tell us exactly what you want us to do, why you want us to do it, and how much you will pay us when it's done. Am I correct?

[Crimson Doom]

Myth grunts again, this time with faint approval. "To the point. I like that.

"As you were no doubt told in the invitation, we seek the Crown of the Griffon King. Reports of it are sketchy at best, but it was said to contain great power, enough that it could overpower Equestria even with Celestia and Luna opposing it. I doubt this, as our one record of this is written by somepony not known for historical accuracy; he also claimed that Equestria was made when some pink pony got her Cutie Mark." He snorted sardonically. "What we know for sure, however, is that it was stolen by forces unknown during the griffon invasion of Equestria, and hidden away.

"Recently, I discovered the long-lost journal of the grandcolt of Clover the Clever, who claimed to have aided in stealing the crown and mentioned that it was sealed away with five magical gemstones. He then indicated that he had hidden one of these gems inside the mountain we stand upon now.

"Your job will be to escort me to the gem, past any traps or countermeasures he may have installed. With luck, we will discover the locations of the other gems while there, and you can aid me in doing the same for those. Then we'll use it to free the crown for study.

"Your pay will be 10,000 bits each." He looks at Iron Wing. "In your case, your pay will be the crown itself, dependent on my unconditional access to it at least one day out of seven so that I may study it. Should somepony else wish for alternative payment, or have any questions, now would be an opportune time to voice them."

[Rater202]

What if we find other treasures while locating the Gems? I assume we would get a cut?

[Crimson Doom]

What if we find other treasures while locating the Gems? I assume we would get a cut?

"If it's just gold or other such minutae, you may keep it," he says dismissively. "If it's historically important, it goes to me, though I might be talked into alternative arrangements if necessary."

[Rater202]

"If it's just gold or other such minutae, you may keep it," he says dismissively. "If it's historically important, it goes to me, though I might be talked into alternative arrangements if necessary."

I was thinking less the actual treasures and more profits from selling it to museums and such, but your terms are acceptable to me.

Adamant's eyes widen.

A thought occurs to me, what if the Gems are not in their stated location?

it is entirely possible that some aspiring treasure hunter or tomb raider stumbled across it already. or one could be in a Dragons Hoard, or worse, it's belly. What then?

[Crimson Doom]

A thought occurs to me, what if the Gems are not in their stated location?

it is entirely possible that some aspiring treasure hunter or tomb raider stumbled across it already. or one could be in a Dragons Hoard, or worse, it's belly. What then?

Myth blinks, then scowls. "Possible, if unlikely. I will consider possible solutions, though I am fairly sure that nopony has found this first gem." His scowl eases up. "Primarily because his journal was written in archaic Sea Pony. I believe I am one of five ponies alive today who still speak it, and two of those are the Princesses. The odds of anypony having stumbled on it this way are remote."

[Forum Explorer]

Iron Will has been glaring at Ancient Myth but nods when his payment is mentioned. For The Crown Those Terms Are More Then Acceptable! I Have Two Questions For You Though:

First Off Do You Have Any Clues About The Locations Of The Other Four Gems?

Second What Do These Gems Actually Look Like? I Imagine They'll Be Easy To Recognize In Some Manner!

[Crimson Doom]

Iron Will has been glaring at Ancient Myth but nods when his payment is mentioned. For The Crown Those Terms Are More Then Acceptable! I Have Two Questions For You Though:

First Off Do You Have Any Clues About The Locations Of The Other Four Gems?

Second What Do These Gems Actually Look Like? I Imagine They'll Be Easy To Recognize In Some Manner!

Myth shakes his head even before the griffon finishes his questions. "There was no indication as to where the others are, Copper Feather, simply that they are well-hidden and somewhere in Equestria. As for their appearances..." He grimaces. "The one hidden in the mountain is a sapphire, but there was no mention as to size, shape, recognizability, or precise location within. The others I can only guess at. We'll have to test every sapphire we find in there manually."

[Emperor Ing]

Again the bits don't concern Sicale. He's more interested in gaining some position of trust among these ponies. He's seriously considering revealing himself to them, it would certainly make things a far lot easier as well as remove a lot of this tension he's feeling. And what of these caverns in the mountain? Steel Wing asks. What can you tell us about those?

[Crimson Doom]

And what of these caverns in the mountain? Steel Wing asks. What can you tell us about those?

"Unfortunately, the journal was lacking in details," he replies with a grimace. "I only know the location and that to gain entrance, one must speak a particular phrase in Tauran. Whatever else he may have been, Sapphire Secrets was certainly well-educated in linguistics."

[Rater202]

*Laughs*A sapphire Gem hidden by a Pony named Sapphire?

On the Topic of finding the Gem, there are two possibilities that come to mind.

1. it is in an elaborate chamber behind a secret door at a point that is physically furthest from the entrance, behind the deadliest traps.

Or

2. in a pile of Junk next to the entrance, with the gem in the above mentioned chamber being a fake.

At least, that's how it goes in most stories and legends.

As elaborate death traps were not, many centuries ago, a cliche, the first is most likely.

So before we leave, we should probably update our wills.

Steal, there are 500 bits in my saddle bags, if I die, you may have them.


...Mines done!*Snorts in Laughter*

[Emperor Ing]

Steel Wing looks to Adamant with a bit of surprise and alarm. He didn't seriously think this would be a deathtrap, did he? Uhh, thanks. I guess. He says, not entirely expecting Adamant to joke about his own death like that. Truth be told I don't really have much. But if I have to go, then let me just say this before we go: We're not all like them.

[Crimson Doom]

Truth be told I don't really have much. But if I have to go, then let me just say this before we go: We're not all like them.

Myth raises an eyebrow at this odd statement, but doesn't comment on it.

[Rater202]

Now, before we leave, I would like to have a word in private with my dear friend Steal Wind.

Is that alright?

[Emperor Ing]

Honestly, if he hasn't figured it out by now then there's something wrong here. It's alright with me, anyways.

[Crimson Doom]

Now, before we leave, I would like to have a word in private with my dear friend Steal Wind.

Is that alright?

Myth looks up, looking a little startled. "Hmm? Don't see why not. Use the dining room, nopony will disturb you there." He gestures in the appropriate direction.

[Rater202]

*escorts Sicale into Dining Room, and them makes sure they are really alone*

Alright, I have noticed a few things about you. Like how you have a few strange mannerisms, or how you seem... adverse to light. Or how you seemed somewhat surprised to learn that We had more than one Princess(For the record their are currently three in Equestria proper and a fourth in the Crystal Empire). Add all that to your comment back there and there is a Question I have to ask you. Now I know your a Good...Being, and I won't think any less of you if the answer is yes, but... Are you a Changeling?

[Emperor Ing]

Yep. There it is. The question Sicale's been waiting for since day one. He's been prepared for this kind of eventuality, when someone would eventually catch on to a few ticks or circumstantial clues and come to that conclusion. He did try his best to hide it but knew since day one that he would slip sooner or later. No matter how much training or preparation one takes, it was an inevitability any decent changeling should expect. And an eventuality every changeling should plan for, let alone an Inquisitor. Fortunately he's been aware of his slip-ups, and has long since come up with ways to explain them away that are both completely plausible and foolproof. All he needs to do is say the words. ...yeah. He confirms it, looking away a bit sheepishly.

And just so you know, I have always been Steel Wing, and I actually am pretty photosensitive. Hence, these. He gestures to his sunglasses. I seriously hope you don't think any less of me for it, though. You won't mean to, but I seriously wonder if you can ever look at Steel Wing the same way again. I know you, Adamant. You won't mean to, but...well...I wouldn't blame you. If you turned out to be someone completely different than I thought you were for months, i'd be wierded out too.

But if we're being honest, then let's get everything out there. My real name is Sicale, Inquisitor of her majesty Queen Anosta, monarch of Hive Hemiphera. I'd tell you more but I don't think this is the best place for it. Don't worry, Equestria has nothing to fear with us or me. I'm simply here to make sure we have nothing to fear from...well...the more hot-headed among you and right now I am feeling DARN good from finally getting all this off my back! Wanna see my natural form?

[Rater202]

Well, I don't think me looking at "Steel wind" differently is going to be a problem, I've sorta suspected this since... shortly after we met. I originally wasn't going to confront you on it, but you sort of made it obvious back there.

As for seeing your real form, why not. Just*Double checks that they are still alone* Okay.

[SiuiS]

I believe he was referring to the Griffon royal Family, who are apparently unfit to rule.

What? No! I have nothing but respect for Equestria's polyarchy. Roll with it. By the Queen, don't you dare not roll with it! I was talking about the Griffin royal family.

Oh! Uh... Gerry looks sheepish, grinning awkwardly out from under the forelock of his mane. You caught me. Sorry, it's an occupational thing. I've been dealing with the nobility long enough that... Wait, poly—

Luckily, a stuffy unicorn cuts him off and he puts down te conversational trowel before he can dig any deeper.

"Your pay will be 10,000 bits each." He looks at Iron Wing. "In your case, your pay will be the crown itself, dependent on my unconditional access to it at least one day out of seven so that I may study it. Should somepony else wish for alternative payment, or have any questions, now would be an opportune time to voice them."

Gerry shakes his head.

Myth shakes his head even before the griffon finishes his questions. "There was no indication as to where the others are, Copper Feather, simply that they are well-hidden and somewhere in Equestria. As for their appearances..." He grimaces. "The one hidden in the mountain is a sapphire, but there was no mention as to size, shape, recognizability, or precise location within. The others I can only guess at. We'll have to test every sapphire we find in there manually."

"Unfortunately, the journal was lacking in details," he replies with a grimace. "I only know the location and that to gain entrance, one must speak a particular phrase in Tauran. Whatever else he may have been, Sapphire Secrets was certainly well-educated in linguistics."

I wonder what his real name is? Gerry snickers.

*Laughs*A sapphire Gem hidden by a Pony named Sapphire?

On the Topic of finding the Gem, there are two possibilities that come to mind.

1. it is in an elaborate chamber behind a secret door at a point that is physically furthest from the entrance, behind the deadliest traps.

Or

2. in a pile of Junk next to the entrance, with the gem in the above mentioned chamber being a fake.

At least, that's how it goes in most stories and legends.

As elaborate death traps were not, many centuries ago, a cliche, the first is most likely.

So before we leave, we should probably update our wills.

Steal, there are 500 bits in my saddle bags, if I die, you may have them.


...Mines done!*Snorts in Laughter*

I'm looking forward to death traps, myself! I haven't seen many of those, and none from before the recent reprinting of Dering Doo. I can't wait to see if tey all really involve scorpions, sand and mind puzzles!

[Emperor Ing]

Well, I don't think me looking at "Steel wind" differently is going to be a problem, I've sorta suspected this since... shortly after we met. I originally wasn't going to confront you on it, but you sort of made it obvious back there.

As for seeing your real form, why not. Just*Double checks that they are still alone* Okay.

Yeah, I kinda did made it obvious didn't I? The idea was to make a statement that would only make sense when everyling figured it out. I mean if I died, my disguise would wear off.

Anyways... He says, a ring of bright blue fire surrounding his entire body for but a moment, consuming the entirety of his Pegasus features, revealing only a strange black creature that only resembles a pony. He looks as though a cross between an insect and an alicorn specifically. Only his sunglasses remain from the pegasus from before.
Augh. You have NO idea how long i've been waiting to do that!

[Beacon of Chaos]

"Your pay will be 10,000 bits each."[/COLOR] He looks at Iron Wing. "In your case, your pay will be the crown itself, dependent on my unconditional access to it at least one day out of seven so that I may study it. Should somepony else wish for alternative payment, or have any questions, now would be an opportune time to voice them."

Elixir raises a hoof. "Actually, I'd be interested in studying the crown too. If it's from a lost age the metals it's made of might have some interesting alchemical properties. If possible I'd also like to request time to study the crown as part of my payment," he looks from Myth to Iron Wing. "If that's fine with the two of you? I promise that any tests would be non-destructive."