The Staff IC: Threat IV: Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon tea party!

[DualShadow]

Munching on an apple with everyone as Starswirl's voice resonated throughout the castle, Astral Glimmer jumped up from her seat with the apple falling down on the floor.

"You saw how she vanished Deepwood, that was magic! I think only Starswirl can help with that!" With that she dashed after Tailwind, following her to the wizard's office.

[igordragonian]

Looking panicked, Deepwood flew at top speed to the office.

[Emmerlaus]

At Starswirl office, you see a lot of the other Staff members who are at the castle at the moment. Night Shift look like he is half asleep, Money Bags is nervous and Cornucopia... is bashing the door down. It seemed like it was close and hard to open.

You all see what is inside once it open... It is a weird situation:

A magic scroll is open floating in midair. Starswirl seem to be purring his magic on the scroll. Next to him, their seem to be the ghostly form of a pony. a light purple one with a darker purple mine with a touch of teal:

Spoiler: The ghost in question

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The ghost is looking scared ****less. Its in the corner of the room with eyes as big as saucers.

Two ponies in the flesh are on the floor. One is in a warrior apparatus and the other seem to be in a ninja looking attire. They seem to be slightly disoriented, confused and disoriented at first.

As soon as the door open, Starswirl order: " Unicorns, pour you magic into me! I need to stabilize this spell! "


Money Bag and Astral obey immediatly. Fortunatly, it seem it was enough. The magic surrounding the castle finally seem to swirl back to the magic scroll floating in midair. Its glowing still but the situation seem under control.

Starswirl however, seem a bit pale. He sit down on the floor, taking a few deep breath. He turn to the others, point at the two strangers in the room: " Bubbles, seize that soul manifestation in the corner. As for the others, you guys make sure those two," point at Iron Lord and Archeon characters, " doesnt escape. "

After issueing these orders, he took the bottom of his robe to remove the sweat on his face. Starswirl... look especially pissed and tired. He dont seem to realize about Tea Agony missing however?

Wait, is everypony here accounted for?

[DualShadow]

Things went by fast as soon as she got in the office and without thinking pooled magic for Starswirl.

As ordered after, her focus went to the two mysterious ponies "Alright you two, please don't move. No harm will be done and probably we are just as confused as you are." Astral Glimmer declared in a gentle tone.

[The_Iron_Lord]

Things went by fast as soon as she got in the office and without thinking pooled magic for Starswirl.

As ordered after, her focus went to the two mysterious ponies "Alright you two, please don't move. No harm will be done and probably we are just as confused as you are." Astral Glimmer declared in a gentle tone.

W-what? I... What was I just doing? I was... The navy blue-coated stallion seems completely disoriented, his brow furrowed in thought. If anypony gets closer, though, his demeanor will change completely. His eyes will focus sharply on the approaching pony, and he will flare out his wings, showing everypony the razor-sharp edges of his bloody wingblades.

Spoiler: Intimidation check

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(3d6)[2][5][3](10) +
2 (assuming that it's a Heart roll)= 10 for Intimidate plus maybe some bonuses for brandishing bloody weapons?

[Acheron]

"What pony's escaping from where?" Bass Tornado asked a little dazed, hoof pressing to his forehead as he shook his head. How was a pony to make any sense of what was going on when his head felt like he was stuck in a twister nopony got no control over. The big-boned pony, put his hoof back down onto the ground, finally looking around just where the hail he was.

Opening his wings and flapping them once to relax them, he put them back against his body as he looked at the ponies around here. "Who are you all, I don't think I've seen any of you before? And where am I?"

[DaOldeWolf]

BubbleGuard salutes like a soldier in affirmation. "Yes, sir." He begins casting his spell to capture the strangers without a second though. He waves his bubble wand to create to bubble capture sphere to trap the arrivals.

Spoiler: OOC

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Bubble Capture Spell DC 10 (The DC is 2 so I pass.)
Reducing the DC: (2d6)[8]
Casting: (2d6+3)[6]

[igordragonian]

Deepwood's eye twitched, as ponies sometimes, when they about to lose it.
"Where is Woodchuck? Where is Sketch Book? AND WHERE IS TEA AGONY?!" he barked, toward the mysterious ponies who he has decided to blame.

[Emperor Ing]

Magical shenanigans of immense strangeness are ahoof! The maid declared, raising a hoof at the strange ponies. Many of our own are missing and we know nothing of your-EEP!! She jumped back when one of the Pegasi brandished strange bladed weapons that appeared to be affixed to the Pegasus' wings.

U-um, our intentions are most harmless, I bestow upon you the totality of my assurances!

[Emmerlaus]

As Deepwood yell that, Wood Chuck, Sketch Book, Charcoal Knight and Golden Hour arrive. They all look tired and confused.

The violet pony look at Deepwood and something seem to click: " Wait Tea Agony? I readed that name... Oh right! Then wait, you must be..." and she look at Starswirl like she had a revelation.

Starswirl chuckle darkly: " Oh joy, my assistant being recognized before me. I feel so flattered. Its Master Starswirl for you Miss and we don't need any information about the future, thank you!"

He seal her bubble with a silencing spell. He grumble: " We won't need her anyway. Money Bag, Wood Chuck and Charcoal Knight, please escort our little angels outside. You are dismised. The others might stay. We will bief you when the crisis is over with. "

Sketch Book hesitate but finally say something: " Just in case, I was in the garden with Harvest Moom. Them the castle started glowing and Harvest Moon was gone when I looked back at her. Is that what happened to Miss Agony?"

Starswirl sigh in desperation: " Thank you Sketch. I know two ponies would be missing since those two are here," he point to the newcomers." But True, knowing who is missing shall be of some help. "

Once wverypony else is gone, he start explaining: " I wanted to make a spell about timelines. Too complicated to explain in great details. But the moment I finished it, it activated on his own! This... mare here hijacked my spell in the future and changed things on it but did it half-way. She compromised my spell to bring more the a single pony but by doing so, the spell balanced itself and it started the moment it was created, here. That's the short resume of it."

He seem to have a headache as he massage his temple: " I managed to correct the spell to start switching ponies out of their timeline but now, we need to get back your coworkers from the timeline they ended up with. "

He look at the two newcomers: " Dear pegasis guests, Im sorry you were dragged into this. Do you ind telling us about you two? "

[Acheron]

Bass prodded the bubble he was suddenly encased in experimentally. "This is new," he said aloud, then snorted as he looked at the bat-winged pony. "I've not heard of Wood Chuck, but I imagine he chuck's wood where woodchucks would wood chuck."

What kind of pony would he be to give up an opportunity to comment on that? A dull one, that's right. He pointed with his right front leg at the three new ponies, since it sounded like one of them was Wood Chuck. "There he is. And another pony you were screeching for."

Bass sat down, scratching with his right hoof at his head as he listened to Starswirl's explanation. "What a waste of a good explanation." He shook his head, not really understanding anything of unicorn magic. He had no idea who this pony was either, 'Master Starswirl' sounded like he should know. But he didn't.

But he was asked for a introduction, so... "I'm Bass Tornado," he stood back up on his fours, buffing his chest out, "Weather pony and studying all about weather I can. It's very fascinating, sure you'll all agree!" He hmmed for a moment, trying to remember what he was doing before he was standing in this office. "I was head deep in preparations for the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration which would be happening in Ponyville, being assigned my task and all. You know, making sure the weather was clear and the like and then...I was here."

Bass nodded to himself, smiling broadly at the others.

Then he looked down at himself, only now noticing the weird get-up he was in. "What the hail am I wearing?" He turned his head to look at his flank and, yes, he was really wearing some weird...black ninja suit. "Am I a spy? Worst spy there is if I can't even remember being one. Even worse to have a big-boned pony like me do any spying."

That thought made him laugh, then chuckle and finally...shrug.

[Emperor Ing]

The lavendar pegasus looked around between herself, High-Councilor Bubble Guard, and Astral Glimmer. None of them were Wood Chuck. Wood Chuck does not yet grace us with his immaculate presence! My most sincere apologies, Ninja Cosplayer! She booms in reply.

Behold! She roared, rising up on her hind legs with a kick, hooves in the air, wings outstretched. The Damnation of Dust! The Eradicator of Filth, and Commissar of Clean! Tailwind!

Part-time Amateur Demolitions Expert, Full Time Maid, All Time Gloriousness! Loudest pony in Equestria, for a record one year running, and it is my great honor to meet your acquaintance! She reached out a hoof to shake the newcomers' hooves VERY enthusiastically.

And BEHOLD!! This is Sketch Book! Tailwind zipped next to the crimson earth pony and wrapped a foreleg around him. A bastion of intelligence, integrity and kindness like none other and the greatest teacher young filly princesses could ask for!

Now please, explain the nature of this "Summer Sun Celebration" and how it is possible I was not made aware of the prior one thousand, of them!

[The_Iron_Lord]

The navy blue pegasus shook his head, then cocked an eyebrow at the black earth pony. Mind letting me out? I have no intention of harming anypony.... The intensity that had gripped him earlier when he brandished his wingblades was suddenly nowhere to be found.

He furrowed his brow upon hearing Starswirl's explanation, then said Hmmm...Well, that sounds problematic. Which timelines are we from? The last thing I properly remember is the preparations for the thousandth Summer Sun Celebration...A celebration where Princess Celestia raises the sun for the longest day of the year...after that it' s just a blur.

He grins at Bass Tornado. While I am not as knowledgeable about weather as you appear to be, it is certainly a very fascinating subject...perhaps we could talk in more detail about your experiences with it sometime?

To Tailwind he bows, saying A pleasure to make you and your friend's acquaintances, Miss Tailwind. You possess a truly impressive array of titles.
As for the Summer Sun Celebration...well, as I said, it's a celebration of the longest day of the year. Princess Celestia--a white-coated alicorn of great power-raises the sun in a grand ceremony as all of the host village watches. This year it was hosted by one "Ponyville", a town on the edge of the Everfree forest. Myself--and apparently Bass Tornado--were helping to prepare for the festivities when the spell took hold of us. If you have not heard of it...considering that Starswirl, an ancient mage of high renown, is here, and mentioned something about a time-manipulation spell, I would have to hypothesize that we are from your distant future, and you from our distant past.

[igordragonian]

Deepwood face hoofed, and growled.
He wasn't on friendly mood.
"Well.. it quite terrible to meet you like that. But I kind of wondering how to get my pregnant wife back." he grumbled, and his sharp pupiled eyes darted at the "ghost"
"Ghost or not, you better help us to return the ponies you have taken from us! Believe me, I can your day terrible one!"

[DaOldeWolf]

BubbleGuard just waits for a report about the situation on the staff. He didnt care about the recent arrivals. "Is there anything else I need to do?" He asks Starswhirl approaching him.

[The_Iron_Lord]

Deepwood face hoofed, and growled.
He wasn't on friendly mood.
"Well.. it quite terrible to meet you like that. But I kind of wondering how to get my pregnant wife back." he grumbled, and his sharp pupiled eyes darted at the "ghost"
"Ghost or not, you better help us to return the ponies you have taken from us! Believe me, I can your day terrible one!"

Pregnant?! A pregnant mare was caught up by this spell?! That's terrible...I for one am very much willing to help retrieve the ponies that you lost. I am nopony special, but I may be of some use...
Starry Sky looks honestly horrified that a mare with child was apparently transported to an alternate timeline...He has an irrational, nagging feeling that his home time is no place for a pony in such a vulnerable state...

[Emmerlaus]

Starswirl: " Hummm... The Sunset celebration was the starting point. And two pegasis, specialized in weather. The arriving point might be in midair. That's troublesome..."

He point at Deepwood: " Forget that ghostly mare. She knows too much about the future and shes only a manifestation of her future self. A mere reflection. We can only count on ourselves."

He sigh: " With Sugar Rush and Tailwind, It mean 4 pegasis... and one bat pony. Bubbles can use a bubble spell to land if needed or cast spells where I cant. The rest can go. Protect the castle, our protege and make sure the perimiter is safe."


He turn to Bubble: " yes, you can do something Bubble. Go to the artefact room, bring back the " Bond Compass" and come back. You'll need it to find your coworkers. "

To the two newcomers, he goes next to them: " You two have no choice but go back. You'll need to be our keys, somewhat. Im sorry for the trouble. "


Once Bubble is back, he prepare to cast another spell: " Remember, these are alternate dimensions. They are not the future we are aiming for or what is going to happen. Don't take anything there for granted or two seriously. But... try to be stealthy about it. From the look of it, they come from a timeline with a lot of conflicts. Get your friends and get out. Once you get them, pour the magic in the compass to bring you back here. Got it? "

When you guys agree, he wrap all of you with magic And the compass start start glowing and point to the scroll above the ground. In a blink of a eye... You are someplace else.

You are above the ground, in the starry night sky. You are looking at Starswirl castle who... seem a lot bigger then what you remember. Below you, their is the border of the Everfree Forest.

The compass point at the castle!

[DualShadow]

The grey unicorn stood there a bit confused as the explanations greetings flew about the room. Out of all what was said the harder the believe was Bass Tornado's description of Celestia, the cute little trouble maker being all 'alicorn of great power that raises the sun'.

"Maybe it's because I'm not usually flying above the castle but ... is it not bigger?" With a look of sudden realisation that she is in the air, Astral's squeezed Deepwood tightly for safety "D-don't let go of ME!!!!"

[igordragonian]

Deeowood imagined 1,001 horrifying possible fates of Agony and his little promised warrior.
Things went so fast, and he didn't even bad a propper chance to yell and blame somepony, as he usually did.
That felt awful.
And now he had to hold his subdidarbate, in quite akward position.

"Seriously Astral?' He grunted. "From all ponies here... Ugh. I guess, that it my responsibility as your Commander or something."

"What NOW?"

[The_Iron_Lord]

Starry Sky catches himself in midair, wings flaring out. He settles into a hover fairly high above the castle.
Hmmm... I'm not quite sure why, but I believe we should be quiet. This place feels...angry. Starry Sky whispers this to his companions. Something about the place seemed off to him, like the very castle was giving off waves of hate.

He immediately begins looking around to analyze his surroundings. Any guards, anything of importance.

Spoiler: Mind roll?

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(2d6)[6][3](9) +2 {11}

[Emperor Ing]

If Starswirl shall expand the castle to colossal porportions, then I shall insist with ALL ferocity and zeal he hire additional maids!! Tailwind exclaimed as she caught herself in midair with her own wings, hovering in place.

Yet I know this may not be his decision as we are upon THE FUUUTUUURE!! The lavendar pegasus exclaimed as dramatically as possible before having an idea come upon her.

Knowledge of the future is a most volatile and dangerous thing, but I MUST KNOW!! Must the vile, wretched Pegasus hive of Cloudsdale endure into your era? She asked with way more interest than what was probably healthy, with a wide, excited grin.

[The_Iron_Lord]

If Starswirl shall expand the castle to colossal porportions, then I shall insist with ALL ferocity and zeal he hire additional maids!! Tailwind exclaimed as she caught herself in midair with her own wings, hovering in place.

Yet I know this may not be his decision as we are upon THE FUUUTUUURE!! The lavendar pegasus exclaimed as dramatically as possible before having an idea come upon her.

Knowledge of the future is a most volatile and dangerous thing, but I MUST KNOW!! Must the vile, wretched Pegasus hive of Cloudsdale endure into your era? She asked with way more interest than what was probably healthy, with a wide, excited grin.

Starry Sky begins to reiterate his request to be quiet, but gives it up as a lost cause. It was just a silly feeling, anyways. What could go wrong?

I do not know it this is the future of your world, or solely mine, but Cloudsdale is still the pegasus capital in my timeline. In fact,
as far as I know, it is thriving, and does not appear to be vile nor wretched. Though it is not my home, so I am unsure in that statement.

[Emperor Ing]

AauAAuuuRRUUGHH!! Tailwind leans backwards, foreleg across her forehead as she continues to make disappointed groaning noises.

Truly, a future where Cloudsdale continues to exist is the worst possibility of all timelines!

[Acheron]

Ah! Bass let the loud and cheerful pony shake his hoof.

"Thunder and lightning, pregnant — congratulations!" Bass proclaimed cheerfully in the direction of the bat pony, before his expression fell somewhat. "Although I can now see why you were so anxious to find her." Before he could say more, the bearded pony spoke up again and took charge, the big pony humming and looking down at the ground, scraping his hoof against the floor, then tabbed against it lightly as he was only partially paying attention.

When he was addressed again, he looked back up and nodded his head, the spikes in his hair flapping lightly along with the motion. "Oh, I got no problem being a key or whatever you need. It sounds like we have to get the ponies back quickly."

A pony should help when he could, after all!

Bass Tornado clopped his hooves together as the magic show began as if in applause — only to suddenly be in the sky, legs flailing only for a moment before his wings spread out swiftly and flapped to keep him afloat in the air and from falling.

"Well, what a lovely night it is!" Bass noted as he looked around, then over at Tailwind in confusion. "I'll have you know that Cloudsdale is hardly vile and no hive of anything but the best weather and clouds for all of Equestria!" Bass Tornado shook his head again. "It is the Pegasi's capitol in my timeline as well...from what I remember."

Hovering closer to the pony with the compass, the big-boned pegasus looked at where it pointed and did the same with his right hoof. "This thing seems to indicate your friends are down there in the castle, so let's go and get them and we'll be on our journey onward faster than a tornado spins."

[Emmerlaus]

Sugar Rush goes to Tailwind and try to reassure her: " Tailwind, have faith in our girls. They brought back Cloudsdale to the right path or so we heard. But we should focus on whats ahead right? "

Sugar Rush ask Bubbles: " What should we do Bubbles? "


The answer however would come too late as Starry Sky is the first to notice: guard patrols. And with Tailwind loud natural voice, you all realized one of them have spotted your group.

You have one round before they intercept you.

[The_Iron_Lord]

Starry Sky quickly glances over the guard patrol. How many guards are there? What species are they? What weapons do they wield?
He is possessed with a new confidence and intensity as he says
Ponyfeathers. Alright, we've got this. I don't know you ponies' capabilities well, but all of you with combat skill who can fly, with me.
Those of you who cannot fly, but have combat capabilities, mount the back of a pony who can fly. If you cannot fight, then try to blend into the clouds--Bass Tornado, if you can, please craft a dark cloud to hide them in.
He turns to Bubble Guard and says You...can you try and trap some of the guards in that bubble spell you got me with? It would help to even the odds...

That said, he narrows his eyes and flies up, then arcs down at the lead guard, utilizing his momentum to maximize the power of his blow.

Spoiler: Rolls

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The attack roll (15, a perfect double-sixes crit) is in the OOC thread...but I didn't actually roll damage. What would be the damage for a wingblade slash from a pony who essentially just fell 40 meters straight down?

[DaOldeWolf]

He turn to Bubble: " yes, you can do something Bubble. Go to the artefact room, bring back the " Bond Compass" and come back. You'll need it to find your coworkers. "

To the two newcomers, he goes next to them: " You two have no choice but go back. You'll need to be our keys, somewhat. Im sorry for the trouble. "


Once Bubble is back, he prepare to cast another spell: " Remember, these are alternate dimensions. They are not the future we are aiming for or what is going to happen. Don't take anything there for granted or two seriously. But... try to be stealthy about it. From the look of it, they come from a timeline with a lot of conflicts. Get your friends and get out. Once you get them, pour the magic in the compass to bring you back here. Got it? "

When you guys agree, he wrap all of you with magic And the compass start start glowing and point to the scroll above the ground. In a blink of a eye... You are someplace else.

You are above the ground, in the starry night sky. You are looking at Starswirl castle who... seem a lot bigger then what you remember. Below you, their is the border of the Everfree Forest.

The compass point at the castle!

BubbleGuard rushes to the medium artfifact room and retrieves the object as commanded. It doesnt take much for BubbleGuard to return. BubbleGuard takes a minute to recover his breath and prepares for the next instruction.

BubbleGuard responds to Starswhirl reassuring. "I´ll make sure everypony returns safely."

[DaOldeWolf]

Sugar Rush goes to Tailwind and try to reassure her: " Tailwind, have faith in our girls. They brought back Cloudsdale to the right path or so we heard. But we should focus on whats ahead right? "

Sugar Rush ask Bubbles: " What should we do Bubbles? "


The answer however would come too late as Starry Sky is the first to notice: guard patrols. And with Tailwind loud natural voice, you all realized one of them have spotted your group.

You have one round before they intercept you.

Starry Sky quickly glances over the guard patrol. How many guards are there? What species are they? What weapons do they wield?
He is possessed with a new confidence and intensity as he says
Ponyfeathers. Alright, we've got this. I don't know you ponies' capabilities well, but all of you with combat skill who can fly, with me.
Those of you who cannot fly, but have combat capabilities, mount the back of a pony who can fly. If you cannot fight, then try to blend into the clouds--Bass Tornado, if you can, please craft a dark cloud to hide them in.
He turns to Bubble Guard and says You...can you try and trap some of the guards in that bubble spell you got me with? It would help to even the odds...

That said, he narrows his eyes and flies up, then arcs down at the lead guard, utilizing his momentum to maximize the power of his blow.

Spoiler: Rolls

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The attack roll (15, a perfect double-sixes crit) is in the OOC thread...but I didn't actually roll damage. What would be the damage for a wingblade slash from a pony who essentially just fell 40 meters straight down?

"I think whomever that is, is right. I shall try to trap them in bubbles. I dont think it will be a long term solution but it might give us some time to escape. " BubbleGuard replies in agreement.

Spoiler: OOC

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DC 10 - (2d6)[8]
(2d6+3)[9]

[DualShadow]

"I think we should retreat ... I REALLY don't want to fight in the sky!" but her comment seems too late at both Starry Sky and Bubbleguard went to engage them. Astral Glimmer squeezed Deepwood tighter "D-don't do anything rash please, unicorns don't fly."

[Emperor Ing]

Are-are they even here to fight? Tailwind hazarded a suggestion. Allow for reasoned discussion and honest debate between sensible ponies to conquer the day!

Maybe?