CYOA - Just Another Day Ch. 17

>>25486435
That could be problematic considering we'll be going to businesses.

>>25486435
Well I mean

If he steals from sundance or wispy, he's as good as gone from this corporeal plane.

If he steals from ember or azura, he's toast

And if he steals from Longshot or airy, he's gonna be Swiss cheese.

So I mean if he comes, we aren't responsible for his fate, should he choose poorly.

>>25486557
Could always have a hoof on demonstartion with Sundance about touching things that don't belong to you. I am sure that it will be a totally fine lesson!

>>25486546
>>25486557
>>25486750

"Ponies...tend to react rather badly to the idea of theft," you remark, not that Tom shouldn't be aware of this already. "I mean, you're lucky that the Longhorns just swat you away and try to discourage your attempts, there's ponies out there that would do a lot worse to you if you tried to rob their business."
>"Believe me, we have dealt with those who are more...violent in their response," Tom nods somberly. "We are not a violent people, Mr Pot, but we are survivors."
>Though you can't do much to safeguard Neil if he decides to get...sticky paws, but you can't see a reason why not to let him come along. If the cats are goign to become a part of society, Neil will eventually have to learn...best to start early and with close supervision. If he tries to steal from an adventurer, though, and you can't be held responsible for when the cat loses one of those nine lives of theirs.
"Now we just need to get Neil..."
>Your musing is brief, however, as the aforementioned sphynx suddenly drops in and lands on your back.
>"Onward, noble steed!" Neil shouts, clearly having eavesdrop on the conversation.
"I am not your steed," you reply.
>"Please?" Neil asks, flashing a quick grin. He quickly gives up, though, and hops off. "I hear these pony settlements have places where they serve these drinks that make you act crazy and stupid. DO you know of such a place?"

Input response.

I was 100% not expecting this today. Now if only it would let me post!!!!

>>25486905
YEs my fine furry fellow, however if you want to go there you will need to do one tiny little detail for me.

Let the silence draw out.

When he gets impatient and ask what it is, we bump him off, "Get off my back."

Personal space dude

>>25486905
There are actually two in town, but those are also the exact worst places to get caught stealing.

So we won't be going there.

>>25486974
>He quickly gives up, though, and hops off.

>>25486974
Lets state stealing is wrong and if he behaves we will give him and tom a free drink when we are done with business.

>>25487006
Let's get some fish for chowder

>>25487034
I think we planned to go there anyway for game selling

>>25486995
>>25487006

"There's a few such places in town. In fact, I happen to operate one," you explain, though you like to think of your business as more than just making people 'act crazy and stupid.'
>Still, that is a pretty accurate way to describe spirits. Not everyone got crazy and stupid, though, some just got really loud...some got really sad...and some got incredibly horny. Okay, that's usually like crazy and stupid, but not always.
"Listen Neil, if you're going to come with us to Ponyville, you are going to need to keep your hooves...I mean, your paws to yourself. I can't help you if one of the guards catches you stealing...and stealing is just plain wrong to begin with. If the two of you can manage to go without causing any trouble, I'll see about making you something to eat while we're in town."
>Feels like talking to a child, really, but you suppose when it comes to pony society, these sphynxes may as well be children.
>"OKay...no stealing from ponies. Like, starting now you mean?" Neil replies.
"Yes I mean now and..." you pause for a second when you notice the sphynx looking a bit sheepish. "Did you take something from me?"
>"N-No."
>"Neil, give it back," Tom warns.
>The sphynx sighs and rolls his eyes. He then holds out a paw with a bunch of bits...your bits.
>"Ah-heh...force of habit," Neil replies with a small chuckle.

Input response or just get going to Ponyville?

>>25487313
While I don't mind such things as long as they're given back I know ponies that would have you thrown in jail or worse.

This isn't a game right now.

>>25487313
Let's count them to be sure we got them all back.

>>25487313
Warn him that if he does that to the wrong ponie, he's gonna lose that paw.

Then again, I'm excited to see how sundance will rek the kitty.

>>25487313
Go to pone let's get it started in here

>>25487464
Honestly, and I feel bad for suggesting this but I feel I must, it might be beneficial to plan a way to capture these Sphinxes. If we jail their leader they might scatter from the Whitetail.

>>25487329
>>25487358
>>25487464

"You're lucky I'm more forgiving than some other ponies," you reply as you take your bits back. You do a quickly count to make sure every coin is accounted for and not replaced with a tin button or something. "There's plenty of heavily-armed ponies in Equestria that wouldn't give a second-thought to taking their property back by force."
>"Pfft, that would mean they'd have to catch me first," Neil says with a dismissive scoff.
>Tom shoots a harsh glare at the sphynx.
>"I...mean, o-of course. I'll behave, I promise."
>Whether you decide to believe him or not, you see no reason to dawdle any longer. You gesture for the pair to follow and the three of you head back to Ponyville.
>It's a long walk back to Ponyville, but at least you have some company with you...for what little it's worth. You soon discover that sphynxes are too big on long walks.
>"Come on, just let me ride on you for a little while! All this walking is making a mess of my paws."
"No."
>"Pleeeasseeee."
"No."
>"I'll be your friend."
"Rides are a bit for ten minutes."
>"Now you are just mocking me."
"Wouldn't dream of it. It's a valuable lesson in free market enterprising."
>"I didn't understand half of what you just said."
>After listening to their complaints for another hour or so, you finally return home...and thank goodness for that. Any longer and you might've drowned a kitten just for some peace and quiet.

So where to first?

Let's take them for a tour around the inn

Show em what you know about a good business

Also probably get the lesson of 'keep your paws to yourself' done and over with as quick as possible.

>>25487576
I suppose we could bring them to the inn first before involving them with others. A nice tour and some explanations about the services we provide to customers in exchange for bits.

>>25487613
Yep, then the market if we can. Gotta get fish

>>25487613
We might not want to let them case our establishment.

>>25487843

We should show them how we prep and make food better then raw counterparts and how bits are exchanged

>>25487843
How about not giving them a full tour then? Just show them the main hall, and maybe the kitchen too. Threaten them with Ember and our fire stones too, maybe get Sundance to watch them if she's there.

>>25487613
>>25487820
>>25487883

>Despite the risks, taking the two to your business is probably the best plan. How better to show the workings of a capitalist business than showcasing your own success? After all, you came to Ponyville with little to your name but a handful of bits and a broken-down inn, now after only a few days you are doing fairly well for yourself.
>At least you like to think you're doing okay.
>So it was a quick trot over to your inn, where shortly upon entering you are greeted to the sight of Ember and Airy playing cards at one of the tables.
>"Madre de Dios! What is with that one?" Tom gasps, pointing over at Ember.
"It's...a long story. She's harmless, mostly."
>Oh, kiss my big black demon butt," Ember snips in response. "What are you doing back so soon? I thought you were going to be gone for most of the day?"

Input response.

Also, I'll be heading to work soon. Hopefully can resume there so I'll be about an hour or two.

>>25487967
"Oh you know, the usual"

>>25487967
Teaching capitalism, hey airy know where to get fish?

>>25487967
These cats captured me and are keeping Wispy hostage so I agreed to help them learn how to not steal.

Ember is lawful Evil, I'd assume, so she'd be a good one to teach them what the punishment for stealing was down in Tartarus

>>25487967
See you Innkeeper
>Tell her what happened, and what we're here for.

So, looks like we've got an hour of discussion now. I think Pot should go see some of the less-visited stores.I don't exactly trust they won't steal anything just yet, so no crowded places. Like the apothecary or the post office or the tailor. We could even get some clothes.
And by clothes I mean socks

>>25488044
Maybe lighten up on the first sentence, we want them to love capitalism after all.

>>25487967
Ran into some trouble on the job. Namely, these guys. Now i'm trying to show them ways of getting things they want that don't involve stealing.

>>25488065
Sundance needs a holster for her future cannon

>>25487967
Get them to help and show them how transactions work.

>>25488065
If Pot is going to spend so much time in the bedroom he just might need several pairs toosocks

>>25488148
Speaking of several pairs...
The rooms don't have anything other than beds right now, do they? No furnishings like closets or mirrors?

>>25488196
They all have minor furniture stuff in them

Is Pot's family ever going to appear? In person I mean. They were only mentioned in conversation before.

>>25488565
Screw our family, they were dicks and whores

>>25488565
>>25488643
We have a new family that's much better anyways.

>>25488677
This guy gets it, yep. I wouldn't trade the curtains and spiders for anything.

>>25488004
>>25488034
>>25488044

"Oh, you know, the usual," you answer with an indifferent shrug. "You go out for a job, and then you get kidnapped by a bunch of kleptomaniac cats, whom I am now trying to instill the virtues of basic capitalist economics."
>"Man, why am I never around for the fun stuff," Airy comments whilst tossing a few cards onto the table.
>"I could set something on fire. Would that count as fun?" Ember asks.
>"For the hundredth time, no."
"Hey, do you know where a decent place to get some fish would be?"
>"Goldbeaks, I reckon," Airy answers.
>Makes sense - the gryphon butcher is pretty much the only person in town that has no qualms about stocking all kinds of meats. Your average pony doesn't quite have the stomach to handle that kind of work, especially given Ponyville's sparse gryphon population.
>Neil, meanwhile, scampers across and hops up onto the table near Airy.
>"Well hello there...do you have a name to go with those legs of yours?" he greets with a playful little grin.

What shall you do?

>>25488883
Let things play out

>>25488883
I have no clue what airy is going to do, so lets see.

>>25488883
please get off the table unless you want to dance

>>25488883
airy does have noice legs

>>25488907
>>25488976
>>25489152

Sorry, that was a weak prompt. I should know better...

==============

>You stand back and watch for a moment to see how the gryphon will react. Knowing her, this isn't going to be too much of a problem...might even be amusing.
>"Name's Airy. I see you certainly don't lack for courage, kiddo," the gryphon replies.
>"I may have nine lives, but they are pointless if you do not live them to the fullest," Neil explains, slowly working his way over to the chair alongside Airy. "Your friend, Mr Pot, is showing me the wonders of this Ponyville, but perhaps you would like to show me around instead, no?"
>Airy giggles quietly and cast a glance back to you. "Where do you find these folks, Pot?" she replies.
"They took me prisoner, remember?"
>"Sorry, sport, but I'm on the clock. Gotta watch over the inn," Airy explains.
>You silently roll your eyes and motion for Tom to follow you along to the kitchen. You figure you might as well show your main guest how a capitalist society functions.
"Like I said in the camp, ponies pay me bits to provide them with food prepared in certain manners."
>"They do not just go and catch it somethings?"
"Well we eat mostly vegetables, so we have to grow our food," you explain as you grab a few examples to show him.
>"And you grow vegetables as well?"
"No, actually I don't. I buy them from a farmer."
>"Why do the ponies not just buy the food from the farmer themselves?"
"Because the farmer or the pony might not have the time or knowledge on how to prepare the food in the manner they want," you explain while gesturing to the kitchen. "Paying me to provide them with a meal saves them the time from having to do the work themselves."
>Tom murmurs under his breath, nodding slowly in agreement. "So spending this money can save me from having to do the work on other tasks. This I like. So...how can I go about making these...bits? Show me, Mr Pot, please!"

Input action.

>>25489204
Bend over, but seriously explain how we, ember, airy, and wispy make our coin.

>>25489204
"well it depends on what you want to do, their are plenty of odd jobs around that you can do, farming, mining its not to hard to find work because their is always someone hiring in this busy place"

>>25489204
You could sell items to people that want them, as long as you acquired those items legally.

>>25489315
Also produce goods like fish and whatever to get more variety and better goods.

>>25489281
This. Its partially why communities form in the first place. Making lives easier through cooperation so everyone can specialise on their own thing.

>>25489391
That's sounds like a great thing to say. Trough work and cooperation we make everyone's lives easier and better.

>>25489281
>>25489337
>>25489391

"Well the best way to earn bits would be for you camp to band together and cooperate on particular services - like gathering fish or helping out with odd jobs around town," you explain. "It's why communities form in the first place, really - to make things easier through cooperation."
>"Hrmm...we do have numbers, that's for sure, though we are not as strong or large like you ponies," Tom replies. "If we can get more of the fish...you say we can sell them, yes?"
"Um, yeah. Either to Goldbeak, or I suppose you could try opening a vendor's stall and selling them yourselves."
>"And what would the difference be? Which one is better?"
"I guess that depends. Selling them to Goldbeak might be more reliable, but he might not give you the same amount of money if you were selling them yourself," you answer. "Selling them yourself gives you more control over the price, but you might not sell as many since you have to attract what few customers there are in town."
>"Which would you suggest?"

Recommend the cats start their own fish business, or just sell to Goldbeak?

>>25489551
Goldbeak. Selling them at a stall or something would just result in board cast pickpocketing when they have nothing better to do. Plus they have no idea if the demand is high or low.

>>25489551
Lets pump it up to to hunting business to sell leather, meat, fish and whatever they find through the woods.

I say start their own businesses with all that, give them the control and first hand experience of capitalism.

>>25489551
Considering their reputation, I'd say sell to Goldbeak first. Plus, they'll be easing into the whole business thing.

>>25489551
Goldbeak, They have no prior knowledge about business so they would probably get nowhere near as much as they could and that's only if they can actually sell anything.

>>25489584
>>25489574
>>25489568

How about we say "How about at first you sell to Goldbeak and other vendors to get an idea of whats good to sell and make some bits, then when you feel confident open your own stall"

>>25489551
>>25489594
Pretty good.

>>25489594
Buying from your competition is bad business, I doubt Goldbeak would go for it. So if they were to open a stall later down the line it's doubtful that anyone selling their fish, including Goldbeak, would keep buying. Besides bulk sales are better for lazy cats, less work overall.

>>25489594
Sure

>>25489594
>>25489590

Agreed, they need to learn before doing something serious. Perhaps suggesting they learn herbalist if they don't know how to already.

>>25489619
That knowledge could be useful to them since they live in a forest, but that can come later.

>>25489613
That's capitalism, its its up to them if they wish to continue this or make their own stall. Its not like they still can't sell fish to him.

Also lets head to him

>>25489634
We should remember to mention it

>>25489619
Usually even in hunter gatherer societies they still have one or two 'healers' even if they don't consider them as such. Which is sometimes just old people that lived long enough to be old and pass down healing knowledge.

So should we go to Autumn and tell her whats up after we sort our stuff out? Get tom to say sorry and they won't do it again.

>>25489568
>>25489584
>>25489590
>>25489648

"It's probably best to start off slow by selling directly to Goldbeak. It might not earn you as many bits to start, but it'll get you experience with how the system works, and once you're more comfortable with the market, you can consider opening your own business selling fish and...whatever else you can find in a forest that might be valuable. I hear things like herbs and certain mushrooms can fetch good prices."
>"I wish to meet with this Goldbeak. If he is to be my gateway into this...market, then I will need to see him eye-to-eye," Tom declares, not that you weren't already planning on introduce the two anyways. "Neil! We are going to this Goldbeaks!"
>"Go on without me, chief, I have found all that I need to," Neil replies, having moved over and was now sitting in Airy's lap, nestling against the gryphon's chest and purring contently.
>"One track mind, that cat," Tom mutters under his breath.
>The two of you head out and you take him over to Goldbeak's. Upon entering the butcher's shop, Tom has quite the reaction. He stops in mid-stride, his jaw slacking as his eyes feasts upon the wondrous vision
>"Sweet mother of all that is warm and fluffy," he gasps, his eyes widening upon the sight of so much meat in one place. "It is...so beautiful..."
>He slowly starts reaching out to it, but you promptly stop before he sets a paw on any of the produce.
"Focus Tom."

Now is the matter of Goldbeak. Shall you handle the talking or send Tom in?

>>25489915
Tom's unlikely to be able to explain what he needs, so we should probably go in and set it up. He need to understand how business is done before he can really do it himself. And we wouldn't want him to get a bad deal in his ignorance.

>>25489915
I think we should just introduce him and let Tom do the talking correcting and helping as we go. Also give him some bits for his first transaction to buy a fish for us (for chowder).

>>25489930
This, teach him first but >>25489939 let him do the trade and make some legendary food.

>>25489915
its kinda sad how they have never had real food before

>>25489930
This

>>25489915
Ask Gold about places to sell leather or if he does it as well.

>>25490008
I'm sure they can find their own vendor at the market

>>25490044
It's better to set the precedence of indirectly showing Goldbeak being helpful and friendly to other businesses/customers with suggestions if he has any. It sets a precedence.

>>25489930

>Since Tom is new to the ways of business and marketting, you figure it's best to take the first step and help set things up for this first transaction. Once Tom's spent more time in business, he'll have the experience to do it himself.
"Goldbeak, top of the morning to ya!" you call out to get the gryphon's attention.
>"Pot Luck! How're you doing?" He's overjoyed to see you, that's for sure, which just goes to show how much he values your business. You're service is definitely making you popular with the gryphons. "I didn't expect to see you here so soon. Customers run through all your meat already?"
"Still holding in there, actually," you answer, "the reason I'm here actually is to introduce you to a potential business partner."
>"Business partner, huh?" Goldbeak replies. "And that would be?"
>"Me. Down here."
>From Goldbeak's standing behind the counter, he doesn't notice the much shorter feline until he leans over and glances down.
>"Hey, you're one of the half-cat things, ain't'cha? Haven't seen one of your ilk in a long time," he remarks with a hint of surprise and amusement. "And what kind of business does he bring?"
"He wants to get into the fish mongering business."
>"Fish, eh? Well we sure don't get much of that around these parts. Ponies ain't much for fishin', no offense, so they're hard to come by. If you're able to supply fresh fish, I'll be more than happy to pay good bits for 'em."
>"How much is 'good bits?'" Tom asks.
>"Depends on the size and variety, really. Good-sized salmon will easy get you ten to fifteen bits a head."
>Tom nods slowly, mumbling 'mm-hm' to himself all the while. He seems to be liking what he hears, though whether he can deliver on such arrangements is another altogether.

Input action?

>>25490304
Ask if he has fish, get Tom to buy.

>>25490304
The sphinxes haven't really done this before so I doubt they reliably know what their output can be. A by-the-fish payment is beneficial until they can get more of an idea of how much the demand is and how much they can provide. After that point it'd be best to ink out more of a set deal that costs Goldbeak more per head/pound, but he's also promised a certain minimum every week/month/whatever.

>>25490304
Ask if Tom is up to it.
And make sure he knows to send in whole fish, not just 'a head'

>>25490341
Sounds brilliant, also ask him about other game and leather.

>>25490345
Good catch

>>25490358
Knowing how literally he takes things, its necessary to reel him in once in a while.

For the record, while they are used inter-changeably to some extent, a sphinx is what you're describing while a sphynx is a breed of hairless cat.

>>25490368
>>25490358
Baiting him with free food at the end of the day is the only way to tackle the situation.

>>25490341
If we actually mention the last bit of that we should joke about getting a negotiation fee.

>>25490304
Thats good gold for a fish. Rarity and hard to get = profitable.

>>25490386
For a lazy cat like him, free food is the perfect lure.
Though I'm wary of him trying to manipulate. Mostly because stereotypical cat reasons. I don't know enough to say he's different.

>>25490415
When he tastes Chowder and how much better it is then raw food he will accept capitalism in his heart.

>>25490441
Factual.

>>25490441
Only if we call it the Legendary Chowder, we gotta bedazzle them.

>>25490488
Orgasmic glory is a good name, considering it looks kinda like jizz

>>25490517
>Tom accepts capitalism when he tastes Pot's Orgasmic Glory

>>25490532
Hahaha, praise capitalism

"Just to make sure we're all clear, Tom, it's the whole fish he wants. Not just the head," you remind your associate, just in case the feline took things a bit too literally in this case.
>"Yesyesyes, I know...whole fish. Not eaten," Tom replies with a dismissive wave of his paw.
"Now, it's probably best if we start with just a by-the-fish payments, and then perhaps you can re-negotiate to something more substantial if Tom and his associates are able to provide a reliable supply."
>"Like I said, I'll pay good for any fish I can get - it's hard to get decent supplies in Equestria, especially this far from the sea," Goldbeak explains.
"What about other game? You know...birds and such? Do you buy any of those."
>"Hrmm...not as big a market for those," Goldbeak replies, scratching at the lower half of his beak. "But I reckon that's just cause folks are used to the low supply. Pony fisherman are hard to come by, hunters even more so. But I'll pay if you get bag any game birds like pheasants or quails."
"What about leathers?"
>Goldbeak shakes his head. "Only real market is for leather is pig leather. Maybe if we were in the Gryphon Empire you'd get a market for pelts and such, but not here in Equestria. Not much interest in animals furs, really. I blame the Princess for that, really...she always voiced a distaste for it, and the nobles followed suit."
>"Personally, I prefer the fur I was born in," Tom remarks.
"By the way, do you have any fish for sale?"
>"Sure do. I picked up a few decent pieces of smoked salmon, we got some fresh trout and cod as well. Some leftover haddock too."

Buy some fish?
Smoked salmon - 20 bits
Trout - 14 bits
Cod - 12 bits
Haddock - 8 bits

>>25490550
Lets go with Cod. Nothing too expensive, but also not bottom barrel fare.

>>25490557
Why not let tom pick, its alright if we shout a bit to grease the wheels.

>>25490550
Depends on who we're feeding.

We could get some cod or haddock or salmon. Smoked salmon can keep for a while and we could make sandwiches out of it, or something.
Cod and haddock for the chowder, obviously. But they're good if you bake them too. Maybe give Airy something for doing a good job last night?

>>25490568
Whatever fish is big enough to feed the 2 cats and airy for her job. But taste is top priority. First time is always free.

>>25490577
I think cods the biggest, salmon is tastiest. But I believe salmon is big enough for those 3 and some left over. Lets get salmon.

>>25490588
Only the best for Pot's Orgasmic Glory

>>25490588
Personally I prefer cod, though I haven't had smoked fish in chowder before.

>>25490610
If it goes well, we could add it into the menu. Only carnivores will get to taste Pot's Orgasmic Glory.
I wonder if Qasim has something that induces orgasm....[/spoilier]

>>25490618
You can also make chowder out of vegetables.

Salmon is the most expensive, and we lost money yesterday. We don't need to add on extra expense.

>>25490637
Its only 8 bits more, I'm good ether way. Though we could spare some fish and make part of it back.

>As much as you enjoy being generous to your new friends, you're not made of money. The cod is arguably a better choice for a chowder anyways. You purchase the cod, which turns out to be more-or-less the entire fish. You notice that Tom watches the fish as it's being wrapped up with a child-like glee, pawing at the counter as the fish is handed off to you.
>"Oh that is a beautiful sight to behold," he cooes as he follows alongside you. "Okay, so let me see if I got this straight - when we catch the fish, instead of just enjoying the fish now, we sell it to the Goldbeak. That way we have bits to buy other things we might like, and if we want fish...then we can just choose not to sell a few of them. I am liking this plan, my friend."
"You'll love what I can do with this fish even more," you reply with a knowing wink.
>You keep Tom in the dark about what exactly you have planned, wanting it to be a surprise for later. It seems, though, that you've convinced Tom of the virutes of pony soviety and market place, so that hopefully means they won't have to worry about stealing from the milk wagons anymore.
>Upon returning to the inn, you find things are pretty much the same as when you left a short while ago. The only major difference is that Neil is sprawled across one of the tables, basking in a ray of sunlight.
>"Hey boss...your, um... 'guest' is asking for lunch," Ember informs you.

Input action.

>>25490550
The losing money will probably worsen when the cats ask us for a loan to buy fishing equipment.

I could go for the cod or the salmon, preference on the cod but we do need enough to feed Airy too so whatever works.

And we still need to find a place that'll do business with those cats to sell them milk.

>>25490754
Make the best god damn Chowder ever call it the Legendary chowder.

>>25490754
"I've got him covered, Ember. I'm going to go in back and do some cooking, then I'll serve them."

>>25490754
If the fish isn't cooked ask Ember if she wants to use a fire starter thingy that I forgot the name of.

>>25490759
we can sell them milk and for giving them fishing equipment, genius. I didn't even think of it.

>>25490759
Cods pretty big so we should have plenty left over. Also ask if they want mead or wine.

>>25490773
wow same here for the fishing gear, ask airy to teach them how to fish better.

>>25490791
They'd probably ask for milk

>>25490810
Chowder has plenty and they already asked to try some crazy drank.

>>25490761
"The Legendary Chowder can not be caught, but crafted by a true artisan"

"Okay, we'll start whipping up some lunches then," you answer. "Come on Ember, I bet you'll want to start up the oven."
>"Finally get to set something on fire," the demon-pony murmurs to herself, but still glad to have something more interesting to attend to.
>You let your feline guests know to make themselves comfortable while you head into the kitchen with Ember and your fish.
"Time to show you how to make a chowder," you explain to Ember. "We'll need plenty of vegetables, milk, a hot oven, and to chop up this fish."
>You set the slab of fresh fish down on the counter, which catches Ember's attention. "Can I carve the helpless animal?" she asks.
"Fine, you get to butcher the innocent little fishy."
>"Now this is the kind of work I can enjoy. Too bad it's already dead...would've liked to have seen a little flailing in despair."
>There's a bit more cod than you need to make chowder for your two guests, but you figure you can make one large vat of chowder and just serve the rest of it to any customers you have today. No doubt Airy will enjoy it as a little 'thank you' for her hard work.
>A short while later, you return to the main hall with bowls of fresh, piping hot chowder. The aroma immediately catches the attention of the two felines, who scamper to your side to see what it is you have brought.
"Calm down and take your seats," you instruct, much to their impatience.
>Once you set the bowls down, you don't even have enough time to explain what it is before the two guests dive face-first into it, chomping away at the tasty morsels and slurping up the thick broth.
>"Madre de Dios...this is incredible!" Tom says between mouthfuls. "It is like I have died and gone to kitty heaven."
>"I think I have just found the second-most beautiful thing in this town," Neil adds. "We must get more of this!"
>"Yes...and we can. First we get the bits, and this 'chowder.'"

While those two are enjoying their chowder, you still have your other guest to take care of. What shall you do?

>>25490958
what other guest?

>>25490967
Airy, I assume?
Though she's more an employee

>>25490958
Feed them

>>25490982
Could be referring to Zuri. She's still upstairs

>>25491023

I am referring to Zuri, yes.

>>25491097
Ah, well ask if she wants chowder, but she probably won't, so prepare something vegetarian for her.

>>25491105
We could make her a salad or something, give her some variety.

She probably heard everything last night too. The Inn doesn't exactly have thick walls. That'll be an awkward conversation....

>>25490958
Make her something she might like, and run it up to her and see how she's getting along. Likewise if you see Airy, inform her of the pot of chowder on the stove.

I wonder if Ember giggled maniacally whilst dicing the fish?

Okay, it's late so I'm gonna have to call it a night. See you tomorrow hopefully.

>>25491161
Night

>>25490958
"There are plenty more types of food to enjoy here, its what I do"

>>25490958
Ember is awesome, also I agree with the other anon who said we should help them with fishing equipment. "Well, another way to fish without using your own paws at the risk of getting wetting would be a fishing poll, but it requires you laying around for a long time till you get a bite"

>>25491865
they seem to have no real trouble catching the fish on their own.

>>25493643
Only their bravest can catch them, now even the kids can join the fun

So they're going to catch fish, sell it to Goldbeak, which we buy to sell to carnivores for great PROFIT, and the cats take their profit to buy milk and food from our inn?

Praise capitalism.

>>25493821
I hope the milk farm can also make a bigger profit now that they won't waste tons of money defending their carts.

>>25494382
Those ponies they hire to guard them will have to find new things to do, though the carts were probably an odd job kinda thing. Still, I maintain what I said last time: Azura's gonna be pissed when she finds out.

>>25495071
Hahaha, I am so looking forward to the meeting between tom and the milk farm to patch things up and telling her what we did.

>>25491097
Make sure know one is watching, give her food and lets continue repairing relations. We can talk with her more later.

>>25490958
"You and your kind are always welcome here Tom, feel free to try some other items when you get the bits"

Dum ditty doo

Guest no game today

A victory for communism!

>>25498056
Better dead then red

So next week if the Changelings get their freedom we should have a party to celebrate the cats and changelings being allowed in give us their bits. Chowder and quiche everywhere.

>>25498097
Next week?

>>25498163
in game time when we get the bits

>>25498178
You honestly think the Changeling situation would change in a week? Also we're the boss so we get money every day. For the time being all of our money should go to the business, if they pay us then they can party.

>>25498215
We still make money when we have parties + publicity.

>>25498221
That would be a private party.

Stuff happening this weekend is muckin' up my sleep cycle. We can have a late start iffin you folks are still here.

>>25498285
I'm here but got work in 10, but can still kinda post

>>25498285

I'm up for it.

>>25498285
Of course

>>25498285
lurking

>>25498285
goardhead

>>25491116
>>25491150

>You excuse yourself to return to the kitchen. You can't forget about Zuri, of course, so you go about preparing a nice garden salad for her to enjoy. Just because she's pretty much stuck in a room for days on end didn't mean that her meals had to be boring.
>You hope she's holding up okay. You haven't really been able to check on her too often, though that's part of the reason why you have Airy helping you.
>When you drop off the meal, you find Zuri sitting quietly on the bed with a book.
"Brought you some lunch," you announce as you set the plates down next to her. "What'cha reading there?"
>"I...am not entirely sure. Miss Aireanna loaned to me. It is some sort of tale of a unicorn who transforms into a...'bat pony' at night?" She looks a bit confused, as if having trouble graspign the concept in general. "It's difficult to follow. I only learned how to read your language a few weeks ago."
"If you ever need something else to read just let me know. We can find some more books for you."
>You turn to leave so you can attend to your other guests, but Zuri calls for your attention just when you reach the door.
>"Excuse me. I have a question," Zuri says, looking a bit wary. "This...Miss Sundance. Do you...what sort of pony is she?"

Input response?

>>25498479
A good one if that's what you mean

>>25498479
I'd like to know that myself, Zuri. I do trust her though.

>>25498479
>Well, she's a Pegasus. But she's missing a wing though.....oh! You meant her personality?

>>25498479
Tough

>>25498479

She can seem a bit scary and she's definitely seen the darker side of life, but I know she's a good pony at heart. She'd wrestle the gods into submission to protect her friends. She just needs a little help coming out of her shell, is all... figuratively and literally...

>>25498479
She's strong, if I were to use one word. Beyond that, I'm still finding out.

>>25498514
>>25498623
>>25498640
>>25498645

>She's certainly rather curious about Sundance. Guess the whole 'mare in armour' thing is really alien to her.
"She's...strong," you reply, while trying to find the right words to make sense of your thoughts. "She's complicated - there's a goodness in her, but it's hard for her to let that out after everything she's been through."
>"She was a slave, wasn't she?" Zuri asks.
"Er...uhm, y-yes. I think so. She's never really confirmed it to me," you answer, albeit a bit hesistantly. "What made you think that?"
>Zuri lets out a quiet sigh, staring off to the far wall, perhaps to the window were the curtains not drawn shut for her protection.
>"Slaves are...commonplace where I am from," she answers with some reluctance. "She is...tense around me. On guard. She covers the scars on her body, but she can't hide the scars we left on her soul."
>She sounds almost remorseful, though you can't really picture this mare being anything remotely cruel.

Input response, or return to your other guests?

>>25498762
Perhaps you should tell her that

>>25498762
I thought it was the same place, tell her this is a safe place for all

>>25498762
>"We? What makes you say that?"
I wanna find if she's referring to Zebras in general, or her tribe specifically

>>25498935
Me 2

>>25498935
>>25499004

Agreed.

>>25498935

"We? What makes you say that?"
>You start to get the impression that the subject is almost as uncomfortable for her as it would be for Sundance. You hope she doesn't think you'll be judgemental towards her for the culture she lived in.
>"Indentured servitude had always been a part of our society, but long ago it was considered a great honour and privilege. It wasn't so much servitude but the individual was made a sort of...honorary member of the family. They were treated as a distinguished guest - to be cared for and looked after. For those who had much, it was a great way to share the bounty and improve the community...for those who had nothing, it brought you a family and a home."
"So...less slavery and more just...a live-in job with a different kind of paycheck. What changed?"
>"The droughts and wars that ravaged lands. Indentured servitude became less about community, and more about status. After all, only the largest families had many servants...so if you have many servants, then clearly you must be important."
>You can easily imagine how things can spiral out of control when that kind of mindset takes over society.
"So...what exactly were slaves used for?"
>"Anything a rich person would not be interested in doing themselves," Zuri explains. "Farming, mining, preparing meals, physical labor. A pegasus like Sundance...would probably have been used for...companionship. I...I imagine after many scars and years, a pony her size would have been pressed into fighting."

Input response.

>>25499190
Poor sunny, I'm not sure what to say

>>25499190

I see. Well, you aren't to blame for the actions of other zebras. I'm sure Sundance will grow more comfortable with your presence in time.

>>25499190
Well that explains some of it. "Companionship" is probably the reason why she's to touchy about her booty. We do know she was a soldier too, so the fighting part may or may not have happened.

Whole thing reminds me of Roman slavery. And they were pretty shitty to their slaves near the end.

Good thing we've got the dance cult.

>>25499247
Dance, Dance, Dance. You may never give it up, because it will never let you down.

>>25499190
I think we owe it to Sundance to stop slavery. The free market only works when everyone is free.

>>25499394
But the slave market is a free market. We'll be reducing the free market by freeing slaves.

>>25499399
The free market is all about lack of force. A pony forced into slavery is not part of the free market.

>>25499424
>>25499399
The only true concept of trade is everyone gets what they work for, Laissez-faire I think?

>>25499436
Yeah it is

>The individual is the basic unit in society.
>The individual has a natural right to freedom.
>The physical order of nature is a harmonious and self-regulating system.

>>25499424
They're not a part of the free market as an individual, but they are as a commodity.

>>25499436
Free trade* I assume you mean. But no, that doesn't really work in a free market either. It's not inherently fair.

>>25499239
>>25499247

"Well, you can't blame yourself for what others did," you try to reassure Zuri.
>In all honesty, you couldn't blame Sundance for holding a grudge against all zebras either, especially if what Zuri said was close to describing what happened to Sundance. It definitely makes sense given what you've seen of Sundance - the sensitivty towards close relations, protective of herself, the violent tendencies. You shudder to think about it further.
>"Why can't I? I lived in that society; I benefitted from that system. And I never gave it a second thought, well...not until I saw really how horrible it was."
"What made you change your mind?"
>"The night I got the scar...when everything was taken from me," she explains with a remorseful sigh. "Nearly dying gives you a lot of time to think and reflect. If you had been done a terrible wrong, Mr Pot, would you not want to seek retribution? If somepony took away your Whispy...what would you do to them?"

Input response.

>>25499491
"I like to think I would try to do something positive, but honestly I don't know"

>>25499491
Well, some cats are holding Whispy hostage right now, now that you mention it...

I'm trying to defuse the situation...

>>25499491
That's happening right now. Though she isn't necessarily in harm's way. If you meant in a more serious manner, I can't presume to know. I can only hope that my retribution is equivalent any harm they've caused her.

>>25499509
Yes this, we discussed why they are doing this and what problems they are having and we found a better way.

>>25499491
360 no scoop them

>>25499533
>>25499509

Communication's a two way street, though. Only reason we can talk things out is because Tom was willing to listen.

I'd say >>25499521. But only sometimes. Revenge isn't always going to return what you'd lost, and an endless cycle of revenge is not good for anyone.

>>25499502
>>25499509
>>25499521

"Yeah...um, funny you should mention Whispy..." you answer with a embarrassed chuckle.
>To be fair, Whispy was just being held as collateral by a bunch of cats, and the only real threat the filly is in is the threat of being smothered by too many kittens. Or perhaps a love overdose, if such a thing is possible to changelings. No doubt that somewhere out in the Whitetail Woods, the cries of giddy joy ring out...
"But I suppose I would like to think I'm above petty revenge, but it's hard to say what anypony would do in that kind of a situation," you answer with more a honest response. "If it was Whispy, though....yeah, I probably would want to answer in kind."
>"Do you think a pony like Sundance could ever...forgive what was done to her?"

Input response.

>>25499643
For her to forgive what was done to her she first needs to forget. What happened to her still haunts her.

>>25499643
"I can only hope, its the only way she can truly move on with her life"

> To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.

>>25499643
You'd have to ask her yourself. I think, given time, anything is possible. But right now? I don't think she's ready.

>>25499661
Its been years, she will never be ready if nothing is done.

>>25499643

Maybe. If we help her.

>>25499671
She's only JUST now even attempted to recover her old hobbies.

I'm not saying in the distant future, but it's going to take a few weeks or months. I just don't want our Zebra friend to get the wrong impression

>>25499682
I think tomorrow is her last day here, this might be the only chance to for Sundance to forgive or know they aren't all bad.

>>25499658
I love that quote we should say it

>>25499658

"I...honestly don't know. I hope so, because you can tell she's still carrying all that weight on her. She might not be a slave anymore, but those memories are still imprisoning her. Forgiveness is like...setting a prisoner free, and discover that the prisoner was you all along."
>The zebra shuts her eyes and nods somberly. "In that sense, are any of us ever really free?" she muses out loud. "Thank you for listening, Mr Pot...you've given a lot to think about."
"Well, always here to lend an ear if you need it," you reply with a friendly smile. "I'll be downstairs if you ever need anything."
>You bid your guest good-bye for now and head back downstairs to check on the others. You find Tom, Neil, and Airy all face-first in bowls of chowdy, devouring the entirety of the meal you prepared with no regard for manners or mess.
>At least the chowder is proving popular to your carniverous clients.
>"Oh, hey Pots," Airy says when she notices your return, her face still splattered with chowder. "Good grub you made here."

Input response.

>>25499854
"Thanks, hey Airy how do you fish? I wonder if you use a different way then the sphinx or no of a way they can improve their yield"

Can't think of anyone one better to ask then Airy

>>25499854
Shut up baby I know it

Glad to hear you guys like it.
So Tom, have you got any plans for how you might use what I've shown you today?

>>25499854
Given all the positive opinions soon we'll be the best spot to eat for any griffons in Ponyville.

>>25499879
>>25499870
These, improve improve improve, we should ask if he wants to go to the milk farm and apologize to them and stop the raids.

>>25499879
Remember, if you have bits you can get more chowder.

>>25499888
Legendary Chowder is best Chowder

>>25499883
I second visiting the milk farm. If we're lucky, of course we are the convoy might have made it back by then, and Tex will be there to hear it. Just have to stop them from fighting as soon as they see each other.

>>25499927
Yep, I'm sure Autumn will be the voice of reason and i think she is the one that actually runs the place.

>>25499854
>Thanks Airy. Think I should name it?
Because Legendary Chowder doesn't work if there's no legend. The lentil burgers are more fitting for that.
I'm not counting Pot's Orgasmic Glory unless it induces orgasm in whomever consumes it.

>>25499946
I got it, we will name it POG Chowder

>>25499946
Yeah lets ask for their input for a name

>>25499946
Oh, and speaking of inducing orgasm...Longtail probably has something for that
And knowing what happened last time Pot will somehow end up a victim.

Maybe give the first bowl to Azura...she needs to get laid.

>>25500010
She needs Pot the plumber to lay some pipe if ya know what I mean

>>25499870
>>25499946
>>25499981
>>25499949

"Glad you all enjoy it. Still trying to think of a name for it," you reply.
>You trot on over and plant your plot in a neighboring chair. You help yourself to some wine to help calm your mind after a long morning.
"Say Airy, how do you normally handle fishing? Tom and the others are looking to get into the trade."
>"With a spear," Airy explains, grabbing the nearby weapon and leaning it forward. "Fly over a stream, spot a fish, and stab 'em. Just gotta have a good eye and fast reflexes."
>"Hrmmm...a spear, eh?" Tom says as he examines the weapon. "We could fashion a few of these and use them. Would certainly a lot of wet paws in the long run."
>"I think we should start calling this the white gold," Neil said, still licking at the last traces of his chowder from the bowl. "Or maybe like...Liquid Nip."
>"Pot's Delicious White Cream?" Airy quips.
>"Let Pot Luck fill you up with his magic white sauce! Guaranteed to leave you satisfied!" Tom adds.
>"You could say the secret ingredient is love," the gryphon replies.
>"Pot's Orgasmic Glory?"
"Could we stop with that?" you reply.
>"Why? This place has gotten like...seven folks laid so far in just two days," Airy explains, "You should market the shit outta that. Maybe add a stripper pole or two."
>"Seven? Meeeeowww," Tom remarks, smirking at you, "And I thought the rabbits could get amorous."
>"This stallion's been up to the hilt in poon lately," Airy says.
"Can we please change the subject?!"

Subject change?

>>25500055
>>25499927
>>25499883

Ask if he would say sorry to Autumn and promise not to raid any more

>>25500055
Besides, it's not all just poon.

Forgot to mention, I'll need to end early tonight and I'll likely be late to start tomorrow as well. Gotta a work thing to do that's going to keep me awake for the next...11 hours or so. Yay me.

>>25500076
Cool cool

>>25500055
"You are free to save some bits to buy better gear to help you, I think their is another method where you use a pole and a string with some bait and the fish come right to you, though it requires laying around for some time"

>>25500055
Its the flank, everyone wants some

>>25500055
>>25500165
It simply cannot be helped.

>>25500055
New slogan:
>Its not Pot's Orgasmic Glory™ until you've came in your seat!
How about we change the subject onto stopping the raids? Like >>25500071

>>25500072
Yeah! There's at least one, ONE dick so far. And it won't be the last, if I have anything to say about it.

>>25500076
Don't push yourself too much, Innkeeper

>>25500219
Love the slogan

>>25500055
Darn auto-update script stealth-died and I had no idea this was actually running. grrrrrr

>>25500351
Brutal, though we are still in the same area and have just talked

>>25500380
See:
>>25500076
But yes, for the new topic, how about how we go about getting the cats a milk supply without causing a riot at the dairy? Maybe we could discuss strategy with the cats, like, they hang back while we negotiate, or something.

bed bump, hopefully someones awake to bump later till someone wakes up

>>25500656
I'm up

>>25500656

>>25503839

>>25505216

Is there a sex store in Ponyville?

>>25500055
7 here more if you count other areas

>>25507088
We should invest in it

>>25500055
Wispy will love those ideas

>>25508487
Blackjack and strippers were her ideas first, after all.

I wonder how she's doing now? Probably still under that pile of cats

>>25509061
The prison of cuddles

>>25509061
>>25509086
>The deal making between Tex and Tom goes south.
>Tom threatens using Wispy.
>Wispy just flutters up into the serious scene.
>Everyone looks at her in surprise.
>"Well they all fell asleep and I didn't want to bother them..."

>>25509264
Kek

>Wispy duct tapes the kitties to herself and makes the most comfy armor in history.

>>25509281
>>25509264
>The portable love source supercharges her
> Wispy is now the most powerful changeling

>>25509802
No one is willing to challenge her fearing they might hurt the cute kitties

>>25509802
Sorry, scratch that. Wispy is now the most powerful beatbox(er)

>>25509907
But she can't take the crown until NMM gets back from the moon.

So quick question...

Some anons commented about Pot Luck being bland/least interesting character in the story. Can't help but agree with that sentiment...

Can we fix this? Is it too late to try? Do you want to fix it?

>>25510204
I've expressed before that I like playing the straight man. Plus it's not like he has no personality, he just has a lower key personality than most of the other characters.

>>25510220
I feel the same, i love him the way he is.

>>25510204
I mean, we're playing as an innkeeper, who's usually the NPC of an adventure game. The overall generosity and hospitality is almost a part of the role itself.

We know that Potty there has a gift in cooking, why not give him a weakness? A fear? Maybe of fighting, water, family, whatever.

In terms of SPECIAL inb4 ew fallout, Pot's high on the Cock, but we don't know much about the other 6.

>>25510204
Pot is relatable when we play I see him as me like anon from other stories.

>>25510337
Pot is terrible at fighting and every time we have tried ends up badly, pretty good weakness, makes us more likely to think and talk it out.

> Plant, we failed and had to think quick by cutting balls
> Intrudes, we couldn't do anything even with a surprise attack and had to wait for Sundance
> Giant forest spider, ran around till someone saved us
> Cat raid, failed hard

>>25510337
Lucks in the name

>>25510204
Does your presence mean we can start soon?

>>25510220

I don't mind him being mild-manner, but I still some sort of...quirk is in order to make him feel more authentic. He can still be the straight-man and still be somewhat interesting - just not eccentric like the ponies around him.

>>25510337

I think a quirk or failing is something he's missing. But I mean, I don't want to go around retconning things so it needs to be...subtle, or just something not really dealt with thus far.

>>25510398

Being bad at fighting is more of a skill problem. I think Pot's missing more in the personality failing.

Anyone got a suggestion? It doesn't have to be something I need to shoehorn in, but it'll give me something to work towards.

>>25510500

Soon, yes. I kinda wanna address this before moving forward. Pot still sorta feels like the weak link in the ensemble.

>>25510529
http://ideonomy.mit.edu/essays/traits.html

I mean, we've got options.

>>25510529
Well I don't know how to help, I'm content with the way things are.

>>25510541

Not a bad chart. Could have you folks pick one from each category. Again, doesn't need to be instant but we can slowly work them in until they feel like they've always been there.

>>25510220
Me too. Those that have no problems usually are the ones that aren't saying anything. I find it easier to relate to Pot over other MCs, plus his personality isn't too over-the-top. Being male helps too.

>>25510337
I'm gonna assume 5 as average here
S: 6
P: 3
E: 4
C: 7
I: 5
A: 4
L: 6

Speaking of family, I never got why some anons hate them so much. Other than his father, none of them are complete scumbags or anything like that.
>Mom's single and had to care for 3, if anything she deserve's a letter from Pot the most.
>Sister is still in the city, not exactly the closest relationship. Maybe kina bratty but not a complete bitch to Pot either.
>Brother's a guard posted in some far away position. Hasn't written home but for all we know mail might not even be available. At the very least he's uncaring.

Pot doesn't have the best family relationship but its not like they all hate each other either.

>>25510529
Ignoring the tiny rant I just had, maybe some family drama? Maybe Pot's skill in diplomacy is from having to defuse fights when he was growing up?
Or maybe the lack of affection at home is the subconscious reason he's been so willing to bang so may ponies? Maybe that last one isn't so good. Makes him sound a little too much like White Wine

>>25510541
Adaptable, he gets through situation pretty well.

>>25510616
He'd already have some of those traits.

>>25510645

Maybe we should just focus on the negative traits. I mean we got positive ones...he's caring, driven, business-orientated, talkative, some cheeky wit to him.

But problems? Other than maybe a little over-trusting (which isn't really a problem unless I keep taking advantage of it...which would get old fast).

>>25510657
> Bug Zapper flash back

>>25510657
Well most of our fights we start with a plan but they end up running out fast so we panic. In stressful situations pot tries to control them and when it fails he flails like a child till something changes.

>>25510657
He has a property damage fetish

>>25510705
Maybe when the players have a tough time thinking of ideas during tough situations you could revert to panic pot.

Well I could try playing up the 'prone to panic' angle more in the future. I had always pictured Pots a bit more on the cowardly side...

>>25510757

We haven't seen anyone be truly aggressive or mean to pot luck, just indifferent.

>>25510657
He's over-trusting, prone to panic instead of cool-headedness, a poor fighter, and tries to get out of fighting where he can, which'd be cowardly.

Honestly any issue I have is that he's not put into situations that are adverse to his strengths very often. I can't recall a choice that was presented that really mattered one way or another and was hard to choose. Like Coltquest's recent 'Go with Hope' vs 'get the ball ring off' that split the thread down the middle.

Or just a pony that just doesn't like him and he can't win over. Everything seem to play to his strengths.

>>25510742
Half the time we tell him to panic.

>>25510782
His never dealt with combat in a positive manner

>>25510657

>weak (for an erf pone)
>over-trusting
>panicked (can't take stress)
>dependent on others
>submissive
>obsessive (cleaning?)

Not much to go on that fits with the story already. Might have to play off of Pot's weakness to fighting. This version of Ponyville tends to have a fight twice a day, which is deadly for someone like him.

>>25510803
Though we do try avoid them, like the changelings we are like fuck and chatted things out.

>>25510783

You haven't met them yet. It is Ponyville after all - most folks are quite amicable to each other.

>>25510819

So it's mostly a matter of just playing up the things have been mentioned or graced upon earlier, though obviously I need to be gentle with it.

>>25510803

Yeeeahhhh...my worry about soft-ball decisions is a whole different ballgame. To be fair, it's an inn, life-and-death decisions aren't exactly the focus.

>>25510803
I agree with those. Pot's flaws aren't non existent, just obscured.
So far, the situations Pot's been in have almost all been solvable with enough charisma, or having backup. Removing those factors would be one of the first things I'd try.
Perhaps Tom or some other cat would become too greedy to be persuaded? Or someone from the Manehatten with a grudge against Pot shows up?

>>25510913
Maybe some capitalism will fix things

>>25510926
Dude, I got it. Rivalry, pot doesn't have that, what about that other inn?

>>25510943
Rivalry with another business

>>25510931
> Is capitalism

>>25510926
> Adds all kind of issues like under cutting us and trying to take our bits which focuses on the main theme of the story

>>25510943
Maybe. The owner could have been out of town the last few days and doesn't like the new competition. I don't think the rivalry could be too serious without sounding ridiculous though. We're an Inn, sure, but the Sword and Board doesn't even compete for the same clientele as the Velvet saddle. We're more of a cheap food place.

>>25510913
>most folks are quite amicable to each other.
We've been inviting changelings and cats into the town. I'm quite sure most folks aren't exactly amicable to them.

>To be fair, it's an inn, life-and-death decisions aren't exactly the focus.
>Wispy is called to Canterlot and sends a messenger to Pot. We don't know if it's to put her away or to have her support the changelings. Do we let her go? Do we go with her? If we go with her do we shut the inn down? We have debts and deals, shutting it down could cripple us. Wat do?
It doesn't have to be life and death situations.

>>25511008
and a messenger is sent to Pot*

>>25511002
What about our friends businesses, new compilation threating them

>>25511008
All I'm hearing is we need to play the game for more situations

>>25511002
Right now, I mean.

>>25511008
The whole Changeling business certainly would be a good place to have choices like that. Pot can be summoned to give a testimony, or some overzealous guard captain overhears Sunlight's report and tries to have him arrested. We haven't seen Crystal Rose since either.

>>25511070
You might be onto something there, Anon.

Why not start our own rivalry by shitting on their welcome mat?

>>25511056
Sure, but they'd have to be doing a much better job or providing a much better product for it to make sense. I would think brand loyalty would be much stronger in Ponyville's residents.
>New adventurer could show up, it would be the easiest to introduce but they wouldn't be a very long lasting problem.
>A new business could open up, but we don't have many friends that would be too badly affected. Maybe a new farm opens up, threatening to put Honey Oats out of business?
Or diamond dogs move in nearby, digging up all the good ores faster than the miners can? It would make more sense to have the miners get kidnapped by slavers while we're there, and we'd have to escape go rescue them/escape

That's about all I can think of right now

Well this has all given me a lot to think about...almost too much to think about.

While everyone plots pots destruction and pain, i'm just sitting here wanting to help the cats and our friend Autumn come to peace in a happy way for all.

>>25511266
We have plenty of time to do stuff that was talked about, we have already set our goals for today which is the milk farm and get wispy back.

Anyways, back to the game, eh?

=============

>Your friends didn't seem to have any interest in changing the subject, which means it's up to you to figure out how to steer away from your sex life.
"Milk!"
>"Now who's got their mind in the gutters?" Tom quips back.
"No, I mean the milk farm. We should talk to Tex and August. If you want to be their customer, you'll probably want to apologize and everything."
>"What? You want me to apologize to that towering slab of stupidity?" Tom snaps, almost offended by the mere idea of it. "Do you have any idea how many times I have been soaked to the bone by that cold-hearted monster?"
"He's not a monster, he's a minotaur."
>"No! No apologizing. He is the boogeyman of my people...that which we use to frighten the kittens into behaving. I am willing to buy the milk from him, but I will not apologize! If anything, he should be apologizing to me and my kin."

Input response.

>>25511432
For protecting his goods from being wrongfully stolen from a bunch of cats who didn't know what a 'bit' was 20 minutes ago?

>>25511453
August has a wider variety of cheese and milk for purchase so it might be better to get on their good side if you want some. Perhaps its also time to let the boogeyman idea go and repair the damage done, just like you would protect yours Tex protects his own livelihood.

>>25511432
If a bunch of ponies came in your village and took all your food and you made a deal for peace, wouldn't you want an apology?

>>25511432
I wish wispy was here, she would know how to explain it.

>>25511453
>>25511482
He's just being petty. Tom will just look arrogant if he doesn't apologize, then demands business from them. The longhorns will obviously refuse, and he'll end up back where he started, no matter his opinions.
Plus, soaking a cat will seem like a mercy compared what they could have done. A relatively light response, considering the cats were threatening their own livelihoods.

>>25511432
You will stop the raids right?

>>25511432
And what has his sister done to you to deserve no apology?

>>25511549
Sounds good, we should also use the better man thing as well.

>>25511555
Trips "Tom why don't you show that you are the bigger man in this conflict by accepting your own fault in this and apologizing"

>>25511549

>And things had been going so smoothly. A little pride is to be expected, but Tom is going to need to put that aside.
"And what about August? I think she deserves an apology."
>"The sister?" Tom repeats.
"Yes. The one that insisted on non-violent means of defending the milk, rather than just using spears and swords. Cause while I realize I'm not a cat, I do think that a bit of water is far preferable to being stabbed. That's just me though."
>"Hrm...I suppose you have a point," Tom murmurs, albeit a bit reluctantly. "Very well, but I will still expect an apology from the bull-headed one. You do not just soak a cat and get away with it!"
"I soaked several this morning, remember?"
>"I try not to hold that against you," Tom answers with a smirk.
>Close enough for a solution, you figure. You get back up and usher Tom along for another brisk walk through Ponyville.
>When you reach the Longhorn Ranch, you can see the trio of wagons off in the distance near the barn. There are ponies and other figures gathered around it, and you can make out the distant silhouette of a certain bipedal milk rancher. Looks like they made their delivery, or at least you hope they did.
>You try to approach without drawing any attention to yourself, but that winds up being short-lived when a certain blue unicorn spots you.
>"Pot Luck!" you hear Azura's voice call out, followed seconds later by the unicorn rushing up to you. For a second, it looks like she's overjoyed to see you...until she skids to a halt in front of you and then suddenly smacks you across the face. "How dare you just jump off and abandon me like that! Do you have any idea how worried I was?!"

Input response, other than ow.

>>25511692
"Don't you think its kinda soon to be hitting on me"

We should at least give her a hug and say sorry

>>25511692
Would you of rather I abandoned Wispy?

>>25511710
Give that fine mare a hug also tell her whats going on and ask to take us to August

>>25511692
Ow would be a pretty good response, really.

Starting off with an apology and going into a little summary of why we jumped off and what's happened since then would be good.

>>25511692
Rub our now sore cheek and explain how Wispy got tangled in a tree so we had to get her. Apologize, we didn't mean to make her worried.

No hugs unless she makes the first move. Hugging a mare that's mad at you will just result in getting hit again.

>>25511775
She not really mad, she was scared for us I think.

>>25511792
Mad or psuedo-mad, either way.

Looks like you guys have got this covered

"Ow..." you mumble to yourself, rubbing the sore spot where Azura decked you. "Don't you think it's a bit early in the day to be hitting on me?"
>"Must you always keep with the wise-cracks?" Azura scoffs, giving you another punch in the shoulder, albeit much lighter. "You just think you can jump off, abandon the job, and just act like everything's okay?"
"Well, Whispy fell off the wagon...I couldn't just leave her behind," you explain.
>"Oh." For a moment, Azura looks genuinely surprised and even a bit embarrassed. She must've not realized why you had jumped off - perhaps she didn't hear what you said at the time. "Is she okay?"
"She's probably still being smothered by kittens right now."
>"I can't tell if you're being serious or not."
"Very. And I'm sorry I worried you."
>"Pfft, I wasn't worried about you," Azura says with a dismissive scoff, turning about face. "I was worried about completing the job, which I had to do by myself."
"Anyways, I need to talk to August and Tex. Maybe we can catch up later," you inform your friend.
>"Why would you need to talk--HOLY SHIT!" That's when Azura notices the sphynx walking alongside you, startling the unicorn to the point where she actually winds up jumping several feet back. "Don't move, Pot, there's a cat right behind you."
"I know, he's with me," you answer. You quickly explain the new situation with Tom and the other cats, stating how you're helping them learn how to be productive members of society rather than just thieves and vagrants.
>Azura glances between you and Tom for a moment, bouncing between skepticism and acceptance. "If you want me to blow up the cat, just blink twice."
"No explosions, please."
>Unfortunately, it's not Azura that you are worried about, but instead the minotaur...who sadly spots you and the feline.
>"What in great Bertha's teets is going on here?!" he shouts as he stomps over to you, water cannon still strapped to his back. "Pot! Why have you brought one of their kind here?!"

Input response.

>>25511972
>To negotiate. I think I have a way to stop these raids. They're going to buy your milk With bits, this time.

>>25511972
Stand between them and tell him we need August out here.

>>25512009
>>25511996

Agreed with both, August will make the rational choice. Also we should lets Tom talk for himself a bit to say sorry.

>>25511972
"Tex please listen to what Tom and I have to say but before that I would like that August joined the conversation as well"

> explain things

>>25512009
Take the shot for tom if it comes to it

>Normally most ponies would consider standing up to a visibly irate minotaur to be along the lines of insanity, but you're determined to see this deal through...though that sentiment begins to waver a bit as Tex looms over you.
"W-well you see...it's, uh...it's a funny thing. You see, the cats--"
>"You! I remember you!" Tex suddenly shouts, looking past you to Tom. You don't even get another word out before Tex shoves you aside to get at Tom.
>"I hope you never forget this face, you insolent buffoon!" Tom hisses back, arching his back and swiping his claws defiantly at the minotaur. "You who besmirched my honour time and time again!"
>"You threw a dead bird at me!"
>"You soaked my wife!"
>"You scratched my face!" Tex then levels his water cannon point-blank at Tom, and you realize this is about to go tits up before you can even finish a sentence.
>It might be a bit crazy, but you hastily step between Tex and Tom, realizing that you could suffer some unfortunate cross-fire from either direction.
"That's enough!" you shout.
>The two quarreling males fall silent and stare at you expectingly. Thank heavens you hear the familar chiming bell slowly approaching.
>"What's with all the shouting?" August asks as she canters around the wagon. Her gaze slowly pans between the three of you, the confusion evident on her face. "Did I miss something?"
"The cats want to make peace and be proper customers," You explain.
>"And you believed them?" Tex scoffs.
"Yes, I do. And they seem keen on the idea, too, so you two need to bury the hatchet so you both can get on with your lives."
>"Oh, well I would always love to have more customers," August replies with a pleased smile.
>Tex, unfortunately, remains less convinced. "Don't listen to that nonsense. Those cats are just trying to get you to lower your guard so they can rob us blind again. You can't trust them!"
"Just give them a chance."
>The minotaur just glares and growls at you. It might be tricky to convince him...

Input action.

>>25512244
I think it would be well worth it to give this a shot. Think about it Tex, if they do become paying customers then you'll never need to run these ridiculous convoys again. Don't you think that's worth a shot?

>>25512244
Well I hope we can get tom to say sorry to august at least

>>25512265
Gotta talk capitalism "Tom here now understands business and that you work hard for your milk and that if they keep raiding they won't get milk any more if it closes. I also explained working and saving for bits by setting up a deal with Goldbeak about selling fish to buy milk, legendary chowder and improvements to their home"

>>25512244
Tom apologizing would be very welcome right about now.

>>25512300
We're not naming it legendary.

>>25512320
Agreed, "Tex would you prefer to continue the violence and harm to one another"

"Come on, Tex, if they become your customers than you don't have to worry about them trying to steal from you again."
>"Assuming they stay honest, but you can't trust these cats!" Tex shouts back.
"That's because they didn't know there was a better way. But I've been explaining things to them...working out deals so that they can be productive. Tom doesn't want to have to deal with more water anymore than you want to deal with their raids."
>Sadly, Tex is proving to be stubborn and unflinching even in the face of your pleas. You turn to Tom and gesture for him to step forward. You can see Tom is reluctant to do so, but he sighs and complies. He quietly steps forward, flopping onto the ground in front of Tex and rolling onto his back.
>"Mr Tex...on behalf of my tribe, I wish to apologize for our previous transgressions against you and your sister. We never meant harm...we simply wish to survive. Trust is...hard for us as well. But we are willing to let go of the past grudges and try to build a better relation. As such, I offer my belly to you as a token of friendship and ask for your forgiveness."
>Tex stares at the sphynx for a few seconds, first skeptical...then a bit confused...then uncertain. He doesn't lower his weapon though, not at first. It's not until he see August walk over to the cat that he slowly relaxes.
>"Awww, you poor little thing," August coos as she rubs her hoof against the sphynx's exposed belly. "We don't wanna be mean to you either. Isn't that right Tex?"
>She gives her brother one of those looks that transmits far more than words ever could. The kind of look that pleads for understanding and cooperation. You can see the effect it has on Tex as his frustrations slowly crumble away.
>"Oh...oh alright..." he answers with a sigh. "I guess we can...try to make something work." He still sounds reluctant, but at least he's willing to give it a shot.

Input action?

>>25512496
Burst into tears

>>25512496
Fuck it, hug the lot

>>25512515
>>25512514
Why not both? "This is so touching I can't hold myself back"

>>25512496
Thank you texy I guess we should get wispy back.

>>25512514
What? No

>>25512514
>>25512515
You people are overemotional. Make a joke about a negotiation fee.

>>25512561
Kek, the question is do we take our bits for the work we did considering we didn't actually do it?

>>25512572
Considering we potentially saved them loads on guarding fees and the such, such a modest amount would be reasonable.

>>25512561
Actually, I was trying to be sarcastic about it.
But if that's what everyone else wants....

>>25512578
Its only 25bits, I think we can gain a ton of friendship points saying we did it to help them.

>It's a rather touching moment to watch the lot getting over their differences, hopefully creating the foundation for a long and lasting friendship.
"Come on, everybody get in for a hug," you say as you start waving for everyone to gather closer.
>"Oh yes, hugs for everyone!" August happily agrees.
>Tex seems understandably reluctant to that, but he gets coaxed along by his sister until everyone is huddled together in one big group hug.
"So...I'm guessing I don't get paid for the guard stuff since I jumped off half-way through," you muse out loud since you've got them all together.
>"Damn straight. You don't get paid for a job half-done."
"Well I did sorta just stop all the raids in general."
>"Wait," Azura replies, "Does that mean you just robbed me of future work?"
>You flash a nervous grin.
"M-maybe."
*THUD!*
"Ow! Azura!"
>"You just put me outta work, you jerk!"

Just no pleasing some ponies. Input action or return to the inn?

>>25512702
Hahahahahaha

>>25512702
Invite her back to the inn where we'll treat her to a free meal.

>>25512702
Gotta pick up Wispy as well.

>>25512702
I'm sure other stuff will come up.

And I agree that we shouldn't get paid for the milk defending, but how about a free milk shipment to the inn for bringing the cats to the table?

>>25512729
Yeah lets go get wispy and drops off the cats

>>25512729
Yes, we can't forget about her.

>>25512702
Anyone else starting to like Azura?

>>25512754
Opinion hasn't changed.

>>25512702
"You did invite me on this job so its kinda your fault, so what are you doing tomorrow I might try and put you out of work again"?

> Run around Tex while she tries to hit us

>>25512734
I think we should leave it for now, feels a little mean to take from someone we went out of our way to help.

>>25512754
I always liked her.

>>25512810
She is fun to mess with

>With this business between the sphynx and the Longhorns settled, you, Tom, and Azura head on your way back to the inn. August promises she'll figure a way to repay you for your efforts, though Tex remains skeptical that this'll actually work out for them. Only time will tell.
"Technically you invited me along, this is sorta your fault."
>"No it's not! I've lost a source of income thanks to you. How'd you like if I came into your kitchen and just took over cooking food and stuff?"
"I'd probably like it. I could use an occasional night off work."
>"You're not supposed to like that!"
"Guess I'm just scewing up all your activities today."
>"Goddammit Pot..."
>You can't help but chuckle quietly to yourself. You figure you can make up for it with a free drink for the grumpy unicorn.
>You part ways with Tom on your way to the inn. He thanks you for all your efforts and promises he will find a way to repay you. In the meantime, he assures you that Whispy will be escorted back to Ponyville.
>Within the hour, you are reunited with Whispy back at the inn. The filly gleefully jumps into your hooves and gives you a big hug.
"Oh I missed you Whispy," you tell her as you give her a big squeeze.
>"Hehe...I missed you, too and--BUUURRRP!" The filly lets out a monstrous belch from the squeeze, leaving a small heart-shaped cloud in the air.
"My my, did you eat well while with the cats?" you remark.
>"I couldn't help it. It was like swimming in a pool of puddin...it gets your mouth regardless of how hard you try not to," Whispy explains.

Input actions?

>>25512867
> Nuzzle her cuteness
"Now you are full, ready for work champ"

>>25512867
Good thing there's still work to do. Wouldn't want you getting fat.

>>25512867
"Hey Azura to make up for taking some business away from you how about a buy some ice off you? I'm sure some ponies will like some cold drinks"

>>25512892
>>25512884
Pretty much start our day with work, maybe teach Ember about cooking meat because she likes it.

>>25512924
Not a bad idea. Treat her to some food of her choice too, as an apology.

>>25512971
Agreed

>>25512867
I wanna see that scene drawn

>>25512884
>>25512892
>>25512950
>>25512971

>You give Whispy a little nuzzle and then set her back down.
"Well it's a good thing you're well-fed, cause we've still got a business to run," you tell her, giving her a little pat on the rump to encourage her along. "Hey Azura, how about I make you something to eat...as a 'sorry I cost you future work.'"
>"I suppose it'll suffice," she replies, still acting in a playful pout.
>You return to your kitchen, feeling a great sense of relief to be back in your native element once again. No more fretting about cats and milk and all that ugly business. You can focus on your true passion again, and get down to cooking.

==============

>The day seems to just fly by through the lunch and early dinner time hours. There's a good amount of business tonight, once again riding the wave of popularity from the grand opening party.
>The gryphons come out in numbers as usual, lured in by your delicious meats and what little chowder you have left is quickly consumed as the latest popular item from your menu.
>As the evening winds along, you relax behind the bar, enjoying the sights of happy customers drinking and mingling with their friends.
>Signs point to at least an uneventful evening, which is a night change of pace from your usual business of madness and insanity.
>Your train of thought, however, gets bumped off course when a familiar face sits down at the bar.
>"Hey Pot."
>It's White Wine. Pretty as always, though looking a little worn, no doubt from a long day at her own business.

Input conversation

>>25513114
Hello, nice to see your pretty face at my bar. What can I getcha?

>>25513114
"Hey white, can I get you a drink?"

>>25513114
Hi there. How's your day? Is Cutie doing well?