Celestia's Finest: Sunshine for Days

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Ironsides ears draw back as Rose relates what happened during the game she played. "Horsefeathers... If that 'game' and the disappearances are related..." He glances at the zebras. "Ya'll might be in fer ah bit of trouble even if ya didn't know what it really did. Ah suppose that might be the most insidious magic is makin everythin happen outa sight."

[DigoDragon]

Wait, what? Love's ears dip down. "You met Sombra? What part did he play in the game?"

"What exactly was seen or said during this game? Should we be worried, Rose? I saw a lot of whispering..."

"It's a little hard to describe. Like... I saw things in visions in my mind. They seemed real enough. Like watching a friend fight for their life in a killer maze and you can't do anything about it but play the dice and hope your results are high. Then Sombra came to me as this... lich in person. In front of me. He demanded I explain why Alta should live." Rose shudders slightly at the memory. "But there is no need to worry. Alta defeated the last challenges and the artifact destroyed itself. Sulmandeer will not get his claws on that cursed object"

Ironsides ears draw back as Rose relates what happened during the game she played. "Horsefeathers... If that 'game' and the disappearances are related..." He glances at the zebras. "Ya'll might be in fer ah bit of trouble even if ya didn't know what it really did. Ah suppose that might be the most insidious magic is makin everythin happen outa sight."

Rose sighs. "I can hear Longshot now, 'don't bet on a game you don't know the stakes to.' The game was pure insidious magic and I don't know if these acolytes knew the full extent of what they were doing. I guess they knew something since the prize was slaves and only rotten people would dare bet on that. Err, well I wasn't in it for the prize. I was more curious about the game itself. The magic kind of... I dunno, called to me? Maybe fate played it's hoof."

[Miltonian]

The bottle, in fact, is not military, but civilian. ‘Sweet Apple Acres’, no less.

The oldest stallion pipes up. “I told you this was a bad idea.”

“Timiti…” Anaki says, a slight warning in her voice.

His eyes flash. “No. I will say my piece. The Elders were fools. They hid the truth from us all these years, trusting in the way things had always been. Trusting that they would be around to teach us ‘in due time’. And then, when the inevitable happened, they sent us off with an artifact we had no knowledge of other than vague sayings and told us to protect it!”

“The Elders had their reasons,” Anaki says, though she doesn’t sound so sure herself.

------------

As Sniper slips back to the room, he finds two people already at the door. The changeling brothers, Pins and Needles, talk in hushed tones.

“You sure this is the right room?”

“Yeah. Checked at the front desk.”

“Alright. So knock.”

“You knock.”

“If you’re sure, you knock. I’m not getting a face full of tear-gas again.”

[D.KnightSpider]

Spoiler: OoC

Show

Guess who doesn't know who Pins and Needles are? That's right!

Changelings outside room. The comm. message went out quickly and quietly.

Rather inept Changelings, too, from the looks of it. Longshot stowed the book and drew his rifle. A flick of the switch set it to 'stun'. He pointed the barrel at the two Changelings and cleared his throat-- loudly.

"Hooves up. Or it won't be tear-gas filling your insides." Longshot gave the two a death glare. "Now, start talking. Fast."

[Elbeyon]

"Good. It was all in your head." A tiny spring in her step, she says, "Heh. Poor phrasing."

"The sky-soarer's attack may have been defensive in nature. The artifact can't be used against them now. That... a ponies' special someone won't be at risk..."

Love snaps out of her thoughts. "That type of attack is a scary thing."

Love will start reading Scope's report from the top.

Psh. A 'fake' bottle. Wire is really probing and suspicious. Not good. He is probably already a very paranoid pony, and we must be setting off his alarms like crazy. Everypony needs to be really careful not to tip a hoof she figures.

-----

Spoiler: OoC

Show

Scope did see Love and Star with them though! All of her initial contact with them was in her first report.

Love is about to address the Zebras when Scope activates Scope Mode. She checks her hud. "Oh", she says out loud.

She springs up with her weapon in hoof and goes to open the door.

[Miltonian]

The changelings whirl, fangs bared and hissing. Sniper has a gun on them, so they aren’t going to attack, but he just stepped out from around the corner with a rifle pointed their way. No way they’re going to react well to that. They keep their hooves where he can see them. “Can’t a pony visit a friend without getting jumped in the halls?” Needles growls.

Pins nods. “Also, STROMBOLI!”

The door to the room behind Sniper opens and a mare points a pistol at him. “Hooves in the air!” she shouts, “And start talking. Fast.”

Love opens the door. “Shock!” Pins says. His grin fades when he notices the pistol pointed at him. Two, once Star joins the standoff.

“Well this is going well…” Needles sighs.

[DigoDragon]

"Sky soarer is a dragon we tried to stop twice. I doubt what he did was defensive," Rose depends. She nods to the eldest who spoke up.

"Well you will be in my care now, and you make a good point. The word is a difficult place and so I will teach you what I know if you are willing. I believe you all are ready to see facts for yourselves."

[D.KnightSpider]

A grin slid across Longshot's face. He could appreciate the situation.

"Okay, sure." Longshot replied. He put both hooves in the air-- one holding his rifle-- and slowly turned to face Stromboli.

"My friends have two Changelings at gunpoint. You have me at gunpoint. You just screamed at the top of your lungs. The question now is whether Wire's security is going to show up in time to partake in the festivities."

[Elbeyon]

Shock lowers her gun from a half salute down to her side. These weren't just any changelings! These were her changelings, probably. "Hey, Pins", she answers. She looks to Needles. "Hey, Needles. That's chance meetings for you, huh? Everything is fine!", she super stressed that last point.

She pokes her head out of the door and looks around for Scope. Her eyes light up on the mare pointing a gun at him. To Scope, "I told these two they could track me down if they wanted to play some cards."

"Everypony can stop with the guns now."

"Hey, you two", she addresses the changelings. "How about your friend does the same as Longshot over there and lowers their weapon. How about we all lower our guns?"

[Miltonian]

“If you think that was ‘the top of my lungs’, you underestimate my lung capacity,” the mare says.

“Well we don’t have guns drawn,” Needles points out. But their companion slowly lowers her gun, as per Love’s request. She glowers at Scope and flicks her hooves between her eyes and his. The message is clear. ‘I’m watching you.’ Then, she fades back into her room and closes the door.

Odds are, she’s a changeling too.

Pins clears his throat. “So...ya gonna let us in?”

Rose’s words stop the argument short. The stallion smirks triumphantly. Anaki nods. “Never fear. We know much. But maybe not much about where you come from.”

[D.KnightSpider]

Means to an end, Miss Changeling. Thanks to the distraction of his inane comment, she was one Quick Draw away from a stun shot to the face.

Longshot sheathed his rifle and took note Stromboli's room number. The odds that she'd be there later were slim but that was what he was counting on.

He trotted over to flank the Duplicitous Duo

"I think she likes me." Longshot deadpanned. He looked at Shock and Jet. "We need a debrief, but I don't think we should mix social circles-- if you get my meaning."

[DigoDragon]

Rose’s words stop the argument short. The stallion smirks triumphantly. Anaki nods. “Never fear. We know much. But maybe not much about where you come from.”

Rose nods. "I come from Equestria to the north, a field medic in the military, part of a group sent to these lands to find two very dangerous enemies, Polaris and Hyperthought. I've found that Equestria isn't well liked down here, hence why I'm hiding my actual identity while at this casino."

"Anyway, Polaris wants to take down our ruler, Celestia, destroying our home in the process. Hyperthought has been gathering dangerous artifacts to create an army of unbeatable creatures for Polaris. That might be why the sky soarer Sulmandeer attacked you; to get at any artifacts you had guarded at the temple. If there are any you might think that Sulmandeer got, please tell me. We have been trying to destroy these artifacts for some time. We've succeeded a few times, plus captured a pony that Hyperthought put an artifact inside of. It replaced his heart and it allows him to bring despair to anyone near him. We don't know how to take out that artifact without killing him. It's a level of magic we haven't seen. That's how dangerous these beings are."

[Elbeyon]

Shock gives a subtle nod. "Yeah, I agree, we should have a talk. You alright with the living room or would you prefer elsewhere?" Shock steps out of the doorway to show that the zebras aren't here. "Roxy is in the bedroom." The topics staying on course she can handle. She isn't sure if that's enough privacy for Scope's intentions. They could try to head to the changelings' room.

[D.KnightSpider]

"Elsewhere." Longshot replied. "Maximize segregation. You and I can escort them back to their room and talk there. This way our guests aren't disturbed."

Changelings couldn't eat off of Love (never thought he'd think that sentence) and he could make it very difficult for them to eat off of himself.

Longshot began shoving his emotions down deeper into his mind, far below where he normally did. A familiar clarity settled into his mind as he became fully analytical. His features blanked. Shock had seen this before so she shouldn't be worried.

"Ironsides, check on our special guests. Shock and I have to make a business trip." He looked to the two Changelings. "We'll follow you."

[Miltonian]

Both brothers snort. "Yeah, totally likes you. You should knock on her door. See if she'll let you in." Needles grins. "Go ahead. I'll watch."

"Living room's fine," Pins says and steps inside at Love's invitation only to be blocked by Sniper Scope. "Oh. Uh, sure then. Follow me." They turn and head off deeper into the guest area. If they're hostile, this would be the set-up for an ambush.

------------

Anaki sighs. "Any we think he got? How long do you have? There was a treasure trove of minor artifacts and a few powerful ones. The game was the most powerful, but still, there were plenty we had to leave behind."

"And we don't know what they do," Timiti grumbles.

[Elbeyon]

Shock gives an impish grin. "Alright. We'll do things business-like.'" Shock starts moving out of the room, a quick look back she winks at Jet. "Don't drink too much without me." If no pony has parting words, she'll close the door.

----

She'll turn to her changeling buds. "Don't disappointment you two."

[D.KnightSpider]

They needed to find out what was up with the Changelings, but they didn't have to be entirely stupid about it.

Longshot didn't even care about appearances. He dropped his goggles over his eyes and kept his gaze moving. He kept his rifle at the ready as he followed the two Changelings down the guest area.

He primed his comm. to send a message, but held off for the moment. It was a bit of insurance. All he needed to input was a location.

[Elbeyon]

"Hold up", Shock says as they progress. She'll move in closer to the brothers and seemingly search them over just by looking.

Love wants to Hound them to see if they match the scent on the note they passed over to her earlier. While that processes she'll slip a hoof into her bag and activate wifi on a sleep grenade.

If after all that, nothing is plainly wrong she'll be ready to go again.

[Miltonian]

The brothers hold up. "Something the matter?" Pins asks. They stare back at her as she stares at them. One blinks. Then the other. "Oooookay. This is getting a bit awkward."

They match the scent. And they don't seem to have weapons on them either. After Love releases them, they lead the way to a small room all the way in the back. "Scuse the mess," Needles says and kicks the door open.

'Mess' is an understatement. They seem to have covered the floor in clutter, spare pillows, and sheets. No blood though, so that's a good thing.

[DigoDragon]

Anaki sighs. "Any we think he got? How long do you have? There was a treasure trove of minor artifacts and a few powerful ones. The game was the most powerful, but still, there were plenty we had to leave behind."

"And we don't know what they do," Timiti grumbles.

"I have all the time you'll need. If you don't know what else could be out there, we'll just work it out as we come across them," Rose says. "Outside that, what did you do day to day at the temple? What was life like for you all?"

[D.KnightSpider]

"Excused." Longshot said.

He swept the room with his rifle to check for anything hidden.

"And before anything else happens, Shock needs to check for infestations. Then we can talk."

Spoiler: OoC Roll

Show

Perception:
(3d6)[3][1][5](9) VS 16 (13 Skill + 3 Hyperspectral)

[Elbeyon]

"Nope", she answers the brother's question. "Awkward? That wasn't my plans. You two are very handsome", she says as matter of fact.

Love looks through the kicked door and over the mess. "I've seen much worse."

She checks for active signals passively. If there are no obvious traps so far, she says, "You two first." She follows after them and continues to help clear/spot check the rest of the rooms. She will scan for spying devices too.

Spoiler: Rolls/OoC

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Perception for Traps(!)
(3d6)[8] vs 13

How many nests/best do they have going on?

[Miltonian]

"There were charms to ward away spirits, potions to cure sickness, amulets to increase strength," Anaki says, "Many items will help individuals, but none had the pure power of the Game."

"We trained," a mare said, "Spent our days reading and contemplating the rhythms of the world. When travelers came by, we talked with them and learned what transpired in the world below. Sometimes we would venture out and trade with settlements nearby. And of course, we farmed and survived as best we could."

-------------

Needles grins. "Well thanks, pal."

--

"Infestation?" Pins says, kicking some stuff off the couch and making space for them to sit, "Well that's rude. We're not cockroaches, you know."

Love does, in fact, pick up on an active signal in here. No traps, but something is broadcasting wirelessly in the room. Additionally, there are four 'nests' in and around the corners of the place.

[Elbeyon]

Shock keeps searching the changeling's room. Without sending anything of her own out, she'll try to find the device by playing the technical equivalent of hot and cold. She doesn't need to tell Longshot that there is a device because that's the assumption until she gives the all clear.

[DigoDragon]

"There were charms to ward away spirits, potions to cure sickness, amulets to increase strength," Anaki says, "Many items will help individuals, but none had the pure power of the Game."

"We trained," a mare said, "Spent our days reading and contemplating the rhythms of the world. When travelers came by, we talked with them and learned what transpired in the world below. Sometimes we would venture out and trade with settlements nearby. And of course, we farmed and survived as best we could."

"I could use one of those strength amulets with all the gear I have to carry," Rose muses, "Course if they're cursed, probably not. Anyway, your knowledge of settlements can be helpful. Survival skills will be useful too. How about fighting? I mean, I'm not going to expect any of you to take up arms, but do you know how to defend yourselves if someone came at you with a weapon?"

She leaned back a little. "And, I guess lastly, I'd like to know what your aspirations are; needs, desires, that sort of thing. I'm not a difficult mare to work with. I like good food, I'm approachable, and if you are ever feeling sick or get injured, I will not hesitate to help you."

[Miltonian]

The changelings watch Love track down the bug. "What are you..."

Love finds a camera hidden under a pile of cushions in the corner.

--------------

"We know our bodies well," Anaki says, "And can fight hoof to hoof. But we relied in magic to defend the temple more than guns. And bullets were hard to come by. As for dreams...we do not know. We did not expect our lives to take this turn."

[D.KnightSpider]

"Never said you were." Longshot replied.

He stayed at the ready-- just in case.

[DigoDragon]

"We know our bodies well," Anaki says, "And can fight hoof to hoof. But we relied in magic to defend the temple more than guns. And bullets were hard to come by. As for dreams...we do not know. We did not expect our lives to take this turn."

Rose takes more mental notes on her new zebra charges. "Okay, so you have passing familiarity with firearms. Hoof-to-hoof is good to know. Well, it's alright if you don't know what you'd like to do with your lives yet. You are all young, so there is a lot yet you can experience before you figure that part out."

At this point Rose seems to have concluded her personal question and moves on to a current inquiry on their status. "So, have you all rented a room here at the casino? Where are you all staying? That Wire fellow has cameras and microphones everywhere to eavesdrop on anyone and everyone in this place. We removed a few from our room here."

[Elbeyon]

Spoiler: OoC

Show

Love doesn't want to be seen by it. What type of camera? Spy size? 'Normal' size? It's probably a good bet it can pick up sound too? Love doesn't want anyone eavesdropping on the conversation:

If it's normal size Love will unplug/de-power it.

If it's bug sized Love will seal it up in one of her tool containers to try to stop it from transmitting.

[Miltonian]

“Yes, we have a room,” Anaki answers, “It is crowded, but we have managed so far.” She shifts uncomfortably. “If we are being watched...Wire knows much already.”

-----------

Love finds a small spy camera, about the size and shape of a ballpoint pen. Though it does not have a plug…

The two changelings shift uncomfortably.