CurseQuest! An adventure /cyoa/ #10

hmmm, we should be Cap and get ready to try our Curse power in case we need to get off these rails.

>>27871801
Unless we are still Basil, that's fine too

>>27871764
Let's play as Lithy, She seems excited about riding a minecart that probably hasn't been properly maintained in a long time.

I also want to see her current thoughts on Cap though. Only the safe ones though.

>>27871764
Play as lithy, try and go faster.

>>27871764
Lith.

>>27871889
Adding onto my previous vote, we should hold our hooves up and wooo as we go. Cap isn't the only one who knows how to have a good time.

>>27872035
Wooooooooooooooooo!

>>27872035
I'm down with this.

>>27871801
>>27871824
I'm changing my vote to woooing Lithy just so it's unanimous.

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>>27871801
>>27871813
>>27871824
>>27871884
>>27871889

>You are Lithy!
>And this is great!
>The rail car rockets along down into the darkness, and you can't help but smile.
>This is definitely the type of adventure you've been longing for!

>You hear Basil whining in the back, as a sharp turn pushes all of you gently to the left.
>"It's okay Basil. Nothing bad is going to happen, I swear," Cap promises her.
"Yeah, I'm telling you, this may look dangerous and uncertain, but it's totally fine."
>Archie's horn is alight with red, and the cave ahead of you all is lit up brilliantly.
>Bottle Cap tries to light up a torch, but as soon as he hoists it up the rush of moving air snuffs it out.
>Unusual, that didn't normally happen to torches.

>But your good spirits hold out.
>Soon you feel yourself slowing down, as the cart reaches a flat.
>You look about, and have time to notice the red shine of gemstones hiding within the walls.
>You can't tell what type they are, since Archie's magic makes everything look red, but you assume they are probably a type of quartz.
>Just as you predicted, the cart begins to rise suddenly, and sails to a stop after climbing a short hill.
>You can see a switch.
>And looking down at the tracks you can see moveable rails indicating to you that if you want to continue your mine cart journey, you'd have to pull that switch.

>Basil lets out a sigh of relief.
>"Oh, thank goodness that's over."
"Yeah. That was fun though. Shall I pull the switch and take us for another ride?"
>Basil gives you a weak look.
>Cap shoots you a grin, but you see Archie looking at the ceiling nervously.
>"I'm not sure how far away I want to go from the surface. I- I guess further couldn't hurt."

>You look about some more, and see a mine shaft leading away, mystery lurking in the darkness.

>>27872122
>no wooo
Tsk tsk.

>>27872122
Are the three paths any different? Any of them feel warmer or colder or anything? Is there a draft or a smell coming from any of them? If so, pick the odd one out. If not, pick whichever one goes down. Important things are always at the bottom of caves. You can trust me on this. I read it in a book.

>>27872122
Which way is the most mysterious? We could ask Archie and Cap if they can sense anything, but pulling that lever would be fun too. It's a tough call.

>>27872122
>R A I L R O A D I N G
I don't think so, Lithy! Ride that minecart into the shaft with no rails!

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>>27872127

I'm sorry. I missed reading it. please take this Lithy wooing as payment for my sins.

>>27872197
Wooooooooooooo!

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>>27872197

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>>27872147
>>27872163
>>27872161

>You hop out of the mine cart real quick, and check the different paths.
>Approaching the mouth of each, you take a quick sniff, whilst trying to gauge their temperatures.
>The first two paths smell completely fine to you, although you feel a cool breeze coming from the walking path. It feels fresh and foresty, so it's probably a tunnel out of here.
>The third path feels just a bit warmer, and also smells like a scent you had been smelling earlier today.
>Basil clambers out of the mine cart, and joins you in the sniffing.
>"O-Oh. That smells like-"
"The slime Cap was messing with earlier."
>"Do you think- Do you think this is a changeling cave?"
"I- I don't know. Do you hear anything?"

>You watch Basil tilt her head.
>"I don't- It's so strange. There's absolutely no sound of the call."
"The call of the swarm?"
>"Yeah. It's just not there right now. If there were any changelings down there, I'm certain I'd hear something!"

>She takes a tentative step towards the entrance.
>"I- I sort of want to check it out. Why would it smell like bugs if there weren't any down there?"

>Dorchie interrupts from the platform he was sitting on.
>"Maybe there were a bunch, and then something ate them."
>Basil freezes.
>"A-Ate them? Oh my gosh- I smell like changeling! What if it smells me, and then comes to eat me?"
"Basil, don't be ridiculous. We aren't going to let anything eat you. Even if there was anything that could do that, I'm sure Dorchie would happy to eat it first, RIGHT?"
>You turn towards Dorchadas, emphasizing the last word.
>"Of course! There is nothing I can't out eat!"

>You turn back to face the other tunnels.
>Although, now you sort of wanted to know what was down that last tunnel.
>The switch was right there- It was so tempting to hop back in and go see.
>What will you do?

>>27872384

As seen in the OP pic, Lithy's mane is actually a tad lighter than that.
Nice coloring though. Cute horse.

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>>27872453
I'll use that as a color reference, then.

>>27872451
>No call of the swarm
Well there's our mystery right there. reasure/hug the bug and stealth our way down that path. Actually, you know who's good at steathing? The shadow shifter, ask Dorchie to scope it out for us.

>>27872384
You beat me again. Why are SWC pics so tempting to color?

>>27872487
I just really like Lithy, okay

>>27872451
Pat the changeling on the back for reassurance
Go straight.

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>>27872497
You know it.

>>27872451
Go down the smelly path. Say hello to the nice bugs.

>>27872451
Ask party members what they think.

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>>27872487
>>27872502
>>27872624
>>27872647

>You give Basil a reassuring hug and a pat on the back.
>You make sure to let the hug linger for an extra little while.
>Then you break off, and try to address her doubts.
"Hey, just so you know, I'm not going to let anything happen to you. None of us are. So even though we appear to be in deep dark cave where nothing is certain, I want you to feel absolutely safe, okay?"
>Basil starts to nod.

>You address your friends.
"So? Which way do you think we should go?"
>"Straight-" Basil says
>"-Down into danger-" Dorchie breaks in
>"Anywhere is fine as long as it's with you-" Cap smiled.

>You pause, trying to consider the options.
>Archie speaks up.
>"You know. It really feels like we have a mystery on our hooves. So even though I don't like going too deep underground, I really do want to go see what's going on with the changeling tunnels."

>Basil looks down the tunnel nervously, taking a deep gulp.
>"A-Alright. Well, If we're going to go down that tunnel, let's at least take it slow and sneak down there."
"Of course!"
>"Aww. I wanted another roller coaster."
>Cap sighs, as he haltingly out of the mine cart, and trots over to the cave mouth.
>He meets you a few steps later, lighting a torch and holding it out towards you.
>"It's not going to get too smelly, is it? Should we cover our nostrils or something?"
"Oh come on, it's nowhere near that bad. Let's go!"
>You take the torch from Cap, and head off, leading the way.

>>27872855
Keep going until you see adventure.

=-=-=-=-=

Unfortunately pausing for tonight.
Sorry about the lack of progress. My only excuse is that it's already encroaching on lich hours for me, so while my heart was in it, my brain was too tired to function enough for a full session.

Thank you for playing.

I hope to see you tomorrow, but there is a chance I might actually have to wait till wednesday. Plans are still up in the air though, so we'll see.

>>27872472
Thank you for the QT Lith.

Goodnight.

=-=-=-=-=

>>27872855
Speaking of smelly, when's the last time any of us have taken a shower? Whatever, we smell like adventure.

>>27872874
No, thank YOU for the qt Lith.

>>27872874
good night sleepy qm, enjoy your nap.
While it was short it is nice to play again.

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>>27872883

Cap still smells like orange soda, and Basil smells like teriyaki stir-fry and love.

These ponies actually take showers off screen, inbetween sessions.

>>27872949
What about the rest?

>>27873001

You'd expect Laccolith to smell like something green like apple or lime or maybe even lemon, or maybe something blue like the ocean or something. But Lithy actually smells the same as the taste of a sweet medley of wild berries, like raspberry and black berry.

Archie smells like peaches.

Dorchie smells like all the musk and testosterone of a gym, bruh.

Curse isn't updating on anonpone. Is that good or bad?

>>27872949
My god, that's cute

Stay alive fucker.

up you go

Ressurect the poners

So as mentioned last night, I have conflicting plans tonight that are preventing me from running tonight, and I probably wont be home until well after midnight.

I'm sorry again. I'm still free to answer questions or do small art requests for the next hour or so though.

>>27878350

Forgot trip. Just a little post to confirm this.

>>27878350
I request Basil as a filly.

>>27878527
doxel pls
>>27878350
Draw cap and basil accidentally holding hooves.
Don't sweat not being able to run, real life stuffs is more important than horse stuffs.

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>>27878527

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>>27879416
Fuck.

>>27879416
I need medical assistance.

boop the bug

unnecessary bump

necessary bump

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curse classic bump

>>27884195

Looks the same to me. SWC hasn't improved at all. What a shame.

>>27884333
>implying SWC needs to improve to give cute poners

>>27884333

Bruh. Nah.

I'd say SWC has improved quite a bit.
There is a noticeable contrast in detail and quality from his first thread to his most recent.

Having looked through the archive, I'm actually having trouble gauging where exactly he started getting good though. It's either when he first started playing with lighting effects:

https://img.anonpone.com/archive/curse/1457747680082.png

Or when he switched from the lighter pencil tool to a pen tool. Which was sort of around threads five and six.

>>27884333
I thought this was sarcasm. If it wasn't then this anon is dumb and not worth responding to.

A) SWC has improved.
B) They started off good.
C) Sketchy cartoon updates are the way to go.

A huge problem with CYOAs and ask blogs is that artists think they have to make increasingly elaborate updates. Then they hit a level where it becomes impossible to maintain and burnout or don't have the time. I hope our QM can avoid that trap, and personally I've always loved SWCs simple comic strip style updates.

>>27884333
Counterargument: >>27879416

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>>27872855
Dorchadas mentioned something about tunnels at one point. I wonder if he has any info about where we are, I also want to stick a flower in him still. Hopefully it won't just float to the ground or erupt in black flames.

>>27886973
Wow, didn't mean to post that. I was trolling through the archive today. That's the original 5 artifact bearers, as imagined by Cap.

>>27886995
Cross out the green one and repost it. We can keep a running count of our progress.

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>>27887139
k, will do. They each have symbols too. They are all in that pic, but here they are again.

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>>27887139
I got carried away.

>>27887888
No, you got exactly the right amount of carried away.

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Late night session out of guilt from not running is a go.

>The group begins heading down into the mines, with Lithy leading confidently.
>And they continue down... And down...

>Lots of rocks and gems down here, huh?
>"The smell sure is getting worse." Cap comments.
>Lithy nods a bit, still trotting along determinedly.
>"We really should have taken that mine cart, huh?" He adds
>"Well, this is a long walk- But no, Stealth is the way to go. We don't know what's down here," She replies.
>"You could always send Dorchadas ahead as a scout."
>"I could- But we promised we'd protect Basil from any thing that was going to eat her. I'd like Dorchie here to make sure that that promise remains true."
>"You- Do you really think there's something down there that wants to eat me?"
>"Well, we can't be sure unless we find out."

>Finally, after what feels like half an hour of walking, the group reaches flat ground.
>They have reached a wide open cavern, with two directions this time.
>The rails stretch on for a little while into the right tunnel.
>Near the rails, two full loads of what look like precious gems sit waiting, dusty and forgotten.
>Cap takes a deep sniff of the air, and nearly gags.
>"The smell is really strong down here, I really can't tell which way it's coming from!"
>"I'm still not getting a single thing from the call of the swarm."

>Where will we go next?
>Who will we be today?

>>27888013
Keep being Lithy.

Ask Cap to borrow that bottle cap we gave him. Heads we go left, tails we go right.

>>27888013
Lithy. We should follow Cap's judgement on this. He's the best when it comes to a fork in the path.

>>27888013
Oh, also we should look up, ponies don't just abandon gems, not good.

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>>27888078
>>27888101
>>27888103

>You are Laccolith once more!
>"Alright, Cap. Which way do you think we should go. You're usually pretty lucky with this kind of stuff."
>"Right. Uh- Lemme think."
>He approaches the mine cart full of gems, and looks around.
>First left, then right-
>Then back at the gems.
>"Why are these here, do you think?"
"What? Haven't you seen all the gemstones in the walls? This is an abandoned mine."
>"Yeah. But why is it abandoned? Why would anyone leave two perfectly good cars of gems down here? The rails obviously work, and it's not like there is any debris raining down on us, so the cave isn't in danger of collapsing. It's like- Everyone just went home? Or disappeared?"

>He slowly looks straight up, studying the roof.
>You follow his gaze, unsure what he is looking for.
>"Archie, can you project light? Like, shoot off a flare or something?"
>"Sure-"
>"I can see just fine in the dark. There's nothing up there." Basil chimes in.
>You turn, and notice her eyes appear to be glowing just a little bit, as well as slitted like a cat or nocturnal animal.
>She must have transmuted them.
>You see Dorchie nod from the darkness in agreement.
>"Oh good," Cap continues, "I was afraid there were going to be cave spiders or something in-"

>Something dark and black skitters across the ground just behind Cap, and you jump in fright.
>Cap turns, just barely seeing it as it disappears right back from whence it came.
>You think it must have come from the left tunnel, and it skittered straight back into it.
>Whatever it was, it seemed to be afraid or surprised at your presence.
>You hear a strange sound coming from the direction of Basil, like a squeaking.
>What will you do?

>>27888510
Have Archie do the light spell.

>>27888510
Ask Basil if she is okay, and if she is aware what her eyes are doing.

>>27888510
Can someone raise the contrast of this image or something?

>>27888510
Grab our newspaper.

>>27888510
Well, let's say hello. If nothing answers ,we get our crossbow out.

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>>27888585

Basil's eyes though.

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>>27888585
skitter

>>27888635
>>27888510
>>27888651
We got bugs, outcast bugs of some kind. We should take the time to make sure everyone is who they are supposed to be.

>>27888567
Ask her if she's aware how cool they look.

>>27888510
Ask Basil if that squeeking sounds like something she might be able to understand.

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>>27888535
>>27888567
>>27888610

"Archie! Light spell, now!"
>The room lights up, as Archie shoots a flare up to the roof of the cave.
>Everything turns a dull red, but you can see every corner of the cave at least.

>Cap is staring down the cave path, and you notice him pull out his sword in a quick flash.
"Hello?" He calls out.
>Dorchie is standing watchful beside Basil, but you can tell by the direction he is looking he wants to take after the skittery thing.

"Basil- Are you okay?"
>"I- I felt it-" She squeaks out.
>Oh, it was her squeaking.
"Felt what, sweetie? What was that?"
>"It was- Another changeling. I heard her as she ran past- And there was suddenly so much noise and- And it's gone now, but it was just-"
>She flinches at nothing.
>"It was suddenly ten, maybe twenty dozen voices suddenly whispering. And I could hear them all, and understand- They knew I was here! I heard one of them say hello! How did- How did they know? That I was here- And that- How did they hide the entire call of the swarm? How did I miss all of this?"
"I- I don't know, Basil-"
>She stands up, moving towards the cave the changeling had scampered off into.
"Basil? Where are you going?"
>"I- I have to find out. Nothing down here is eating changelings, there's something hiding them instead! I want to find out what!"
>"Wait- Isn't that- Really really dangerous? We aren't walking straight into an entire hive, are we? You can't just go in there!" Bottle Cap proclaims, holding her back.
>"I- Oh. I don't know! I've never met other changelings before. Are they mean? Or evil? The only one I've met so far said hello!"

"W-Well, Neighxican law regarding changelings is relaxed, they have most of the same rights as ponies down here, unlike up in Equestria. There's even a hive or two that have become sort of tourist attractions. B-But there's a rumor that they still snatch a tourist or two every now and then! I don't think it's a good idea to just waltz on in like this! We need a plan!"

>>27889012
I know! Basil can act like a master and we're her slaves for love.

N-no... I didn't mean it like that..

>>27889012
>changelings are accepted enough for their hives to be tourist attractions
Impressive.

Head down and say "hey, we heard about the hive and wanted to come take a peek. Do you have any brochures?"

>>27889012
>I heard one of them say hello!
Then use your swarm call thing to say hello back. Changelings are apparently friendly down here.

>>27889012
Basil, would you feel comfortable disguising yourself as a changeling. You know, full c.h.a.n.g.e.ling? Do you think that would make you too overwhelmed to the call of the swarm, or be too weird for you? I don't want you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, but maybe that way they will feel better about us being with you.

Also if you try running off by yourself again, I think Dorchie should sweep you up. I couldn't live with myself if you got hurt.

>>27889123
Ooh! We can switch control at any time, right? Quick change to Cap, and he can try to go complete changeling too, since he absorbed both Basil and goop energy! Let's see how far that curse can go!

And then back to Lithy.

>>27889108
If hostile, absorb life force.

>>27889136
If you're going to try that you'll need the jar of goop. We need a physical object for our curse to work, remember? And please ask Archie first if it is okay to try that, and if he says no, don't do it. If he says it's fine I guess there's no harm in trying.

>>27889012
Advance as a party toward the swarm, this bears investigation. They seem friendly enough, at least toward Basil.

Meta: I noticed what an art powerhouse SWC was becoming when he drew the fleshed-out Archie and I thought, 'damn, I'd sure like to give that critter a rubdown.'. Funny how something so base would bring my attention to it, but I guess that's just how 'tis. The same thought applies to this latest pic too, though it's just from the cheek up.

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>>27889056
>>27889079
>>27889108
>>27889123
>>27889136
>>27889153
>>27889161

>"Well, I have a little bit of an idea," Cap says, "How about- Basil acts like she is our master- And we're captured, and indentured slaves-"
>"Wh- I couldn't be your masters! You're my- Uhm"
>She stops as you ready a boop, still holding true to that deal you made with her.
>"Okay, so are we going on the attack? Weapons drawn and at the ready, all together?"
"What? I think that's a worse idea than your first one! We don't know how many of them are in there- And we haven't tried just talking to them yet. Maybe diplomacy will work? Maybe we could just walk in and tell them we heard about the hive, asking if they have any brochures?"
>You're plan didn't sound convincing to you at all. The tourism hives were well marked and advertised. This one was certainly meant to be a secret.
>"I really- Maybe I could just go in alone? I'm part changeling, what's the worst that could happen?" Basil peeps up.
>"Absolutely not. I don't know what they're like today, but changelings were a violent and savage race when I was many years younger. I refuse to let you go in by yourself," Archie insists.
>"So we send Dorchie in to sweep her up if there's any trouble?" Cap counterjects.
"That'll work but- I just wish there was another way. Have you tried saying hello back with that 'Call of the swarm thing' of yours, basil?"
>"I'm not picking up anything anymore. I don't hear a peep, but I can't tell what's blocking it! I only heard it briefly when that other changeling was in eyesight."

>Cap's face brightens.
"Oh no. What's your plan this time?"
>He slowly removes a bottle of goop from his saddlebag, smiling widely.
>Oh no.
"No no no. Don't tell me."
>"Wait- Cap, didn't we talk about this? Transformation is really difficult to do- You can't just- Pick up a jar of goo and absorb it or whatever, and figure it out from there!"


1/2

>>27889515

>His smile drops.
>"It's- It's not too far-fetched, right Archie? I already took a bit of life force from Basil, and some other goop- Surely my curse or whatever would let me do something neat, right?"

>"Well- Transformation is something that I haven't personally meddled with. I have definitely seen it done before. However, the results can be- Frightening. But we have a changeling here with us, and if you were also disguised as a changeling- You could sneak in with her, and protect her yourself. It does have numerous benefits- If we do it right."
"Wait, Archie, you aren't really considering-"
>"I am. Cap is a grown stallion, and he knows the risks."
>You turn to Basil.
"Somepony- Talk him out of this- This is a bad idea, right?"
>"Lithy, We've already come this far, so I can understand if you want to stop- But I've never met any of my people before! I want to know what they are like. And even if I'm frightened, I know that you guys have got my back. So I'm not going to stop here. I know I'm just a frail little chef, but I- I have to! I can't just wait in the boat while you guys do all the exciting stuff all the time- I'm- I'm an adventurer too!"
"B-Basil?"
>You'd never seen her like this before.

>Finally, you turn to Cap.
>He's frowning, looking at you.
>"Lithy- If you don't want me to, I don't have to do this. I do want to help Basil, but I know I make mistakes a lot too. I really trust you more than I trust myself most times. So- If you don't think it's worth the risk, I don't have to do it."
"Cap- I- Do we even know what trying this thing- With your curse and random changeling goo- Will you be okay? What will it do to you?"
>"I- I don't know. I'm fairly certain it will work out in the end, but- But Damn it, I care about your feelings. I'm not going to do it unless you are okay with it."

>Now it feels like you are tearing everyone apart.
>H-How dangerous good a jar of goo be anyway?
>Archie was saying it would be fine, right?
>What will you do?

2/2

>>27889526
Let him do it. He's an adult. Also your boyfriend. Don't you want to know what it's like to kiss changeling Cap?

>>27889526
So why can't Basil and Dorchadas go together? Surely that is enough protection for Basil IF something happens.

>>27889515
Uh, I..guess..it'll..uh...be.. fiiiiiinnnneee.

>>27889526
JUST DO IT. It will be awesome.

>>27889548
Fair enough. No harm in having Dorchie follow along a bit behind in case something goes wrong with Cap's changeling plan.

>>27889526
let him JUST.

>>27889526
Switch to cap, absorb the gooy changeling cum and transform into Basil.

>>27889526
Let Cap transform, and have Dorchie 'shadow' them into the hive with instructions, should there be any problem, to come back and get help before engaging the enemy- Just in case they have anti-shadow-beast defenses.

>>27889581
Not basil, just changeling Cap. Two Basils would look suspicious to even the dimmest of changelings.

>>27889687
twins bruh

>>27889625
This a good plan. Double Basils isn't.

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>>27889547
>>27889548
>>27889550
>>27889564
>>27889567
>>27889625

"I- I guess that it's-"
>Cap starts to put the jar back down.
"No. It's okay."
>"It is?"
"You may be my coltfriend, and I may be super worried about your well being and I swear to god this better not permanently cripple you somehow- Anyway! You are an independent stallion, and the point I am trying to make-"
>You try and gather your words together, unsure of what point you actually were trying to make-
>You were trying to justify it in your mind, but all that came to you was that you were sure things would turn out fine somehow, because- Because you were going to be there for him!
"Anyway. I am trying to say that I trust you. I'm sure that however it turns out, we'll be able to get through it together."
>You manage to strangle the words out, likely sounding much better in your mind than they probably actually did.
>He trots over, and gives you a calming hug.
>"Thanks Lithy. I- Trust you too?"

>You make sure to squeeze him extra tight, before finally letting him go.
>Archie trots over, supervising close.
"S-So, why can't we just send Dorchie in with Basil? Couldn't he just hide in her shadow or something-"
>"I can feel where Dorchie is. He has a layer of emotions that are always prideful and angry, and most importantly really detectable. If I go in like that- My- The other changelings might assume I'm really hostile. I don't want them to get the wrong first impression!"
>"You can feel me? What?" Dorchie says in surprise.
>"Yeah, why?"
>"What about that one time I snuck up on you at the dryad village?"
>"I- I was really distracted- Okay?"

>Cap opens the jar, and you unconsciously start holding your breath.

>>27889893

>"So- As you probably realized, the way you control the curse is sort of like- Commanding it to do what you want. Of course, it's like trying to prove you are the alpha dog. If you aren't forceful enough, you might start losing control. Don't worry though, I know a couple little tricks if that ever happens. Just- try not to let it happen, obviously."
>"R-Right. So I'm just going to stick my hoof in, and- Desire to transform really hard?
>"Something like that. It's different for everyone, finding a command word that really resonates with you is one of the most important parts."
>"Oh right, I was- I need to drain it first, right? Of the life or whatever?"
>"N-Not necessarily, but if you just-"

>"Right- I think I understand then."
>Cap plunks his hoof in, and closes his eyes.
>Nothing happens for a brief moment.
>Then the jar begins to sparkle with life.
>No wait- Cap's entire body was sparkling!

"C-Cap!"
>You call out, not really sure what else to do.
>Touching him would probably be pretty bad at this stage.
>"Hmmmmmm- Change!" He shouted out.
>A green flame erupted across his fur, and you watched him in horror.
>He was wincing, was he in pain?
>You had to help!-

>You hold yourself back from leaping to stop it all.
>This was- You agreed to this already. This was all fine-
>Right?

>Cap's fur singed off, being replaced by hardened armored skin, and in a quick flash a pair of wings and horn adorned his body.
>H-Hey- You're boyfriend was sort of like an alicorn now. That was pretty cool-
>His eyes were closed, his face contorted in what you hoped was only discomfort.

>"Cap- You're good- Don't lose control! That's far enough!" Archie informed him.
>Tiny holes gouged themselves out of Cap's legs, before he started groaning-
"Okay! Stop! Stop now!"
>The fires of change surrounding him suddenly ceased, and he briefly glowed every color of the rainbow.

2/3

>>27889904
Did he only get as far as half changeling? That might be enough for now, he can practice later to get better at it.

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>>27889904


>"See?" Buggle Cap said aloud, his voice distorted but recognizable, "That wasn't so bad, was it?"
>He looked much more like a regular changeling than Basil did, but you still saw some of his features. His trademark messy mane for one.
>He spat out some glowing fluid onto the ground, and wiped his mouth.

>"C-Cap- That's blood. Are you really okay?" Basil said, now approaching him in concern.
>He nodded.
>"Right. So- Are you two ready to go then? Are we okay? Did you want to take Dorchie anyway?" Archie says
>Cap and Basil nodded in unison.

"Ar-Are you sure?"
>"Wait taking Dorchie or-"
>"Don't ask me- Apparently Changelings can sense me."

>Cap turns back to you.
>You are still looking over him with concern.
>He doesn't seem to have changed that much-
>But he looks so different!
>This is- This is going to take some time to get used to.
>But you were going to do it! No matter what. Cap needed you to be there for him!

>"Don't worry Lithy, I-"
>He stops, then turns his head at you.
>"Is that- Basil, is that what it feels like all the time?"
>"Yeah, pretty much. It's really something isn't it?"
>What? What were they talking about?
>Cap approaches, and caresses your face.
>"Wow, you really do care about me. I never knew that feeling was so intense."

>You breath out a sigh of relief.
>Same old Cap.

3/3
-=-=-=-=-=
Pausing here for tonight.

>>27889927
Goodnight, SWC, thanks for the fun!

As for Dorchie- Have him just hang back and keep an ear peeled in case we need a hand. Since they can sense him it's too hazardous to bring him right in with us.

>>27889927
Cap can now shape shift his penis, isnt that cool lithy?
Take dorchie, but have him hang back in case anything goes wrong.

>>27889941
I agree with both of those things.

>>27889927
Cap looks awesome. Thanks SWC, goodnight.

boop

>>27890271

emergency BOOP

>>27889927
We should switch to Basil or Cap.

BOOP

>>27893407

This thread won't stay booped

>>27889927
Cap should find some alicorn goo after this.

Curse will be Six months old on the 25th

>>27894140
Boop damn it, BOOP!

>>27895509

Com'on lich session

Boop before bed.

=-=-=-=-=-=

I'm sorry.

It's uh, a little bit late for apologies, but I guess I need to give one. You can probably guess as much, but there isn't a session tonight. I wish I had a legitimate reason, but tonight I just really didn't feel like running.
I'm going to try and run extra early tomorrow, but I know I've said that in the past, and not followed through.

!billy SWC.

Again, really sorry about this.
I'll see ya in the morning.

>>27897298
It's okay mate, happens to the best of us. Don't worry about it.

>>27897298
>run extra early tomorrow
You mean earlier in the afternoon than normal, or actually early like in the morning?

>>27897374

I legitimately want to attempt a morning session. But it is my weekend now, so I will probably still be in bed till 11.

insomnia boop

>>27897298
I hope you still like running, it would make me sad if you were just running out of obligation. Don't make anons sad SWC.

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>Bottle Cap looks himself over, studying his new form.
>"Well this is- Really cool, actually!"
>He holds a hoof up, and blows air through one of his leg holes.
>"Ha. That tickles."
>Lithy approaches him, and begins studying him meticulously, from top to bottom.
>Cap blinks.
>Then blinks again, noticing he has one of those inner eyelid things that some types of cats and reptiles have.
>He gently pokes it.
>"This is weird! Ha ha!"
>Lithy finishes studying him, and gives a cough.
>"Right, so that thing- With the scouting ahead, and diplomacy. Are you going or not?" She says.
>"Well Lithy, I-" Cap stops to brush some hair out of his eyes.
>"Hey! I still have hair. Did I not do it right? Am I only like- A half changeling like Basil?"
>"Well, the rest of you looks very... Buggy. I'm sure you'll pass. Basil is already a half changeling, so it's not that big of a deal, right?"
>"Well, I mean- Does this mean I didn't transform properly? Like, what if I can't turn back? Do you think that maybe I didn't do it right, and my internal organs are all wrong? That'd be so freaky! Like one of those old horror movies, where-"
>Basil raises her hoof to her mouth in fright.
>"Oh no! What if that did all happen? Cap, this is all my fault! I shouldn't have let you do this- You- You have to turn back, right now!"
>He holds up a hoof.
>"Psh. Come on Basil. I'm just messing around. I'm sure I'll be fine, I certainly feel okay."
>She starts to calm down.
>"Oh good- I- Are you sure? Yes? Okay, well I guess... Are we ready to go then?"
>"I think so. We're just going around that corner, and seeing who or what we can find, right? And Dorchie is right behind us if we need help? Is that the plan?"

>Who would you like to be today?

>>27899997
Cap or Basil.

>>27899997
Either Basil or Cap to maintain control of the mission.

>>27899997
Gehbhard.
Cap.

>>27899997
Cap

>>27899997
Motherucking Bottle Cap.

>>27899997
Cap Bug

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>>27900148
GEHB
HARD
>>27900058
>>27900061
>>27900243
>>27900265
>>27900286

>You are Cap!
>And Basil!
>You are both at once!
>Not really, you are mostly Cap. but your thoughts are being shared with one other!
"ᵀʰᶦˢ ᶦˢ ʳᵉᵃᶫᶫʸ ᶜᵒᵒᶫ!"
>Cap thought towards Basil.
"ᴵᵗ ᶦˢ⋅⋅⋅ ᴾʳᵉᵗᵗʸ ᶰᵉᵃᵗ ᴵ ᵍᵘᵉˢˢ⋅ ᴵᵗ ᶜᵉʳᵗᵃᶦᶰᶫʸ ᵗᵃᵏᵉˢ ˢᵒᵐᵉ ᵍᵉᵗᵗᶦᶰᵍ ᵘˢᵉᵈ ᵗᵒ⋅"
>Basil thought back.

>"So. Are you two going or not?"
"Oh- Yes. We are. Let's go!"
>You declared, trotting towards the tunnels confidently.
>Basil followed behind, cautiously, but certainly with a degree of more bravery than usual.

>She stopped to wave goodbye to everyone, then the two of you began sneaking into the caves.
>About fifteen seconds later, Dorchadas began creeping after you, flattening himself against the rocks as nothing more than a shadow.

>You walk for a little ways, not seeing anything that would indicate any sort of changeling presence here.
>Your eyes weren't quite as blind in this darkness as they used to be, so no torch of any sort was necessary.
>After a while, you start seeing trails of slime and goop along the walls,
>You poke it, finding it now easily slides off of your changeling chitin.

>You come to an opening into another cavern, where you can distantly hear ordinary sounding voices.
>"I said... It would be a terrible shame if some adventurers came out and surprised us right now, when we are so weak and helpless!"
>You sit there waiting in bewilderment.
>"I don't think this is working, what if they aren't coming?"
>"Hey, Grey Shell said he saw them, and that there was a changeling female with them. He said hello out of surprise! They wouldn't just ignore us, would they? After we set a nice trap like this?"

>Um.
>Do you go out and see what all the fuss is?
>You can't help but think this sounds like a bad idea.

>>27900313
And here we go. I suppose we should listen for a bit, then come with an excuse. We need to explain what two changelings could do in the adventurers' tunnel. I'm kind of afraid they could recognize Basil. Also
>changelings not female by default

>>27900313
"What is up my fellow changelings, how about them ponies am I right"
Why did we do this again?

>>27900379
Such a Cap response. This pls.

>>27900313
Telepathically yell "you know you don't need to try and trap us, right? We'll all changelings here too."

>>27900379
>Why did we do this again?
For Basil. Poor thing just wants to explore her cultural heritage.

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>>27900343
>>27900379
>>27900383
>>27900515

>You listen in for a little while.
>The two presumed changelings around the corner call out a few more times, mentioning how unfortunate and helpless they are, and how they wish the damn adventurers would hurry up and come around the damn corner already.
>"I don't think this is working. Maybe they already went home? Should we go down the tunnel and check?"
>"What? No way. Our Queen told us to stay put, and we are going to stay put, and capture those adventurers, and make her super proud! Queen Hatshepsut knows best!"

>They fade into silence after a while.

>You turn to Basil, and speak into her mind.
"Do you think we should just get Dorchadas to go around the corner and check it out for us?
>She shakes her head.
>"Our entire reason for not sending him first was so that we didn't appear hostile or make a bad impression."
"Yeah, but they are waiting to capture us in a trap. I think they are the ones making a bad impression here."
>She looks down, trying to think of how to respond.
"Remind me again why we're doing this?"
>"Because I- I wanted to go meet my kin, and you guys didn't want me to go alone and be unsafe."
"Right. That. Well, do you think we could get away with going out there and pretending to be regular changelings unrelated to the party? It didn't sound like anyone except that one changeling knows what you look like."
>"I- I guess- No, wait, that wouldn't possibly work- Would it? Would we just walk in and be all: Hello changelings! Those ponies sure aren't like us at all, huh?"
"What? I don't see a single problem with that. Let's do it!"
>"Huh- What?"

>You walk around the corner.
"What's up, my fellow changelings! How about them ponies, right?"
>A flurry of voices suddenly crowd your mind.

>>27900624
We're adventurers! Also changelings. We were just passing by and saw the molted exoskeleton back up topside in the shed. Figured we'd stop by and say hello. Didn't expect to see any fellow changelings out here. Why are you guys hiding?

>>27900653
Also, this is my half sister. Don't worry, she's cool. Even if she IS half pony.

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>>27900653
>>27900812

>You blink trying to focus.
>Couldn't be caught off guard, you had to act like a changeling.
>Before you, were two innocent looking changelings, sitting in the middle of the cave floor.
>Right ahead of them was a dimly painted giant X on the floor.
>If you had been running around in the pitch black of the cave, you might have fallen for it.
>But a simple torch would've given it away.
>In fact, it seemed a little too obvious.
>"Hello?"
>One of the changelings says aloud to you.
>But internally, you hear his real thoughts.
>"(Is this guy really even a real changeling? Why isn't he responding to the call of the swarm?)"

>Oh shoot.
>How were you supposed to talk in two ways at once?
>Just think greetings at them?
"(Hi! Don't mind us, just some changeling adventurers passing through. We saw the molt upstairs and wanted to stop by and say hello! Why are you guys hiding down here?)"
>You tried to say, while pointing out Basil at the same time.
>Her face is frozen in fear.
"This is my uh- Half sister? She's pretty cool, despite being half pony."
>A multitude of responses come back to you.
>T-too many.
>You weren't just speaking to the two changelings before you, you were quite possibly addressing the entire hive, and however many changelings were residing within.
>You staggered a little under the weight of them all.
>But apparently, they fell for your bluff, as a number of voices greeted you with a friendly hello.
>"Why didn't you just say so! Did you want to come meet our queen? She's really nice! She can explain everything you ever wanted to know!"
>The changelings before you say, mild flickers of joy being projected onto you.
>"Oh, and watch out for the giant X! It has a pitfall into a cage underneath it."
>No way.
>Was this working?
>You look back and give Basil a grin.
"Wow- That was- Really nerve wracking."
>"Yeah. The call of the swarm can be overwhelming. Are you okay?
"Yeah. I'm okay, Basil. Shall we go?"

>>27901130
Sure. They're inviting us in, it would be rude not to accept.

>>27901130
Gratefully accept their offer.

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>>27901192
>>27901405

>You and Basil head off, following the drones back into to the depths of the caves.
>Making sure to give a wide berth to the red X on the floor.
>The drones creep out of view, and you feel your connection to the buzz and hustle of the hive simmer off.
>it made you- Sad?

>"There it goes again! I still don't understand. The connection of the call should be prevalent through out the entirety of the caves! How are they hiding it?"
"I don't know. I guess we can go ahead and ask the queen when we meet her."
>"Right. I've got a lot of questions for her."
>Basil sets off with renewed vigor, outpacing you just the littlest bit.

>A shadow swirls up and appears ahead of you.
>"Psst. Cap. Are we good? Can I eat anything yet? Did you want me to go in there and do some damage, bro?"
"N-Not just yet Dorchie. I think we're actually making some good progress here. Can you actually go back to the group and tell them we're doing fine?"
>He sighs, then slinks off into the shadows.
>You turn around, and race to catch up with Basil.

>The hive is a giant, complex maze. There is a sort of beauty to it, you can see that it isn't like any sort of mine any pony would ever build. There are so many offshoots and twists and turns, you were amazed you didn't get lost just trying to go straight.
>The deeper you headed in, the more you could feel the presence of everything around you.
>You stepped over bare rock, red gems, and changeling slime, quickly losing track of how long you had been walking.
>Whenever there was another changeling in sight, you felt a deep primal urge to get to the center, and-
>And something. You weren't sure what. You weren't sure you wanted to know. You were a pony inside, not a real changeling.

>Finally, the drones brought you to a well illuminated red room-
>No, not just a red room, it was a massive glowing gem, the same red gem that had been so prevalent everywhere else.
>The drones stopped, giving you a salute.
>"Queen Hatshepsut awaits you!"

>>27901607
Thank you. Go inside and bow to the changeling queen out of respect.

>>27901607
They use the gems in the cave to suppress the call of the swarm, calling it now.
Go say hi to the swarm queen. Keep Dorchie on alert though.
I really don't want to have Dorchie eat all the changelings in front of Basil, it'd probably wreck her.

>>27901607
Greetings, oh mighty queen! We are Cap and Basil, changeling adventurers from the hive of Queen... uh, Zinniaweis.

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>>27901626
>>27901649
>>27901842

>You go into the room cautiously.
>As soon as you do, a great silence hits you.
>You had just been getting used to the occasional bits and buzzes of the call of the swarm.
>And now it was gone, entirely.
>You notice Basil looking about in bewilderment.
>"Ho-How did it get even more quiet? That doesn't seem possible!"
"I think it's the crystals. They block it out somehow. Though, I don't see why you would want that."

>A voice answers from the next room over.
>A powerful voice, so that even without the call of the swarm you were certain in reverberated into your very being.
>"So that you can both hide from your enemies, and learn to overpower them."

>She steps out into view.
>A tall figure, taller than any pony you had ever met.
>"Think of it, young swarmlings," She speaks proudly, not even bothering to open her eyes, "The call of the swarm comes from the mind, it is an integral part of a changeling, to the very core. But it is like a muscle, if you never use it, it will be weak. However, with the use of these crystals, you can strengthen it, make it more powerful than any other. You could command the armies of other hives, if you can command hard enough."

>She opens her eyes, giving you a warm and kind look.
>Then looks over at Basil.
>"Ah, you must be the halfblood my brood was whispering of. I welcome you."
>She looks back over at you.
>"And I'm not sure what you are, you feel entirely different than anything I've ever come across, but you too are welcomed to my hive. Now, sit down, relax. What are you here for? Which hive have you come from?"

>"We- Uh-"
"Greetings, oh mighty Queen. We are Cap, and Basil, changeling adventurers from the hive of Zinniaweiss!"
>She tilts her head.
>"Oh? Really now? Never heard of that one. Are you sure about that? There's nothing I despise more than dishonesty you know."

>>27902160
It's a very small hive.

>>27902160
I think I'd pay to tell the truth. Or at least go with Basil's story and say we both escaped the witch.

>>27902229
I think that story would work.

>>27902160
Mention how qt she is
Tell her how we escaped from the witch and aren't really planning on joining the hive, just found a husk.
Reveal Dorchie.

>>27902292
Dorchie's not with us. We sent him back, I think.

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>>27902198
>>27902229

>"It's a- A very small Hive?" Basil replies, sounding very unsure of herself.
>The Queen raises an eyebrow.
>You could tell she wasn't buying a single word of it.

>"Uh huh. And I suppose next you'll be telling me that you are the queen of said Hive?"
"Hey, that doesn't seem so far fetched to me, she'd probably make a good queen!"

>The queen whips her gaze towards you.
>"And that is exactly why I know you aren't ordinary changelings. A queen takes control, she commands. If she was really queen material, she wouldn't have sat down when I asked you to do so, she would have stayed standing challenging me. Now, this is all well and amusing, but if you could tell me the truth, that would be excellent. I do not have time for games and lies."
>She finished off with a hiss.
>The two drones from outside entered the room at the sound of the hiss, carrying spears and looking fierce.
>They were hanging back for now, but they certainly did their job of making you uncomfortable.
>You hope Dorchie is watching out for you.

>Basil follows the advice of the queen and stands up, beginning to speak.
>"This is the truth, your majesty. I come from an unknown hive. I know one of my parents was a changeling, but I knew neither of them. I was placed into the care of a witch, many years ago. I grew up in a small stone tower, having never been told much of my bloodline, or about my race. I was rescued from my Mast- Erm, From the witch's tower by my friend Cap here, and have been adventuring around since. Earlier today, we found the molt of a changeling outside, and I took the only opportunity I had ever seen to go and learn what I could about this hive and my kin within it. That is- That's really the truth- Your majesty and graciousness."
>The Queen had been approaching ever so slowly as Basil had talked, and was now towering over her with a glare.
>"Is that so? Well what is it you expect to learn here? What would you have me teach you of the changelings?

>>27902472
Basil's never known any other changelings. It would be nice to know what life is like in a hive, how changelings live.

Basically anything and everything you'd be kind enough to share with us, we'll graciously accept.

>>27902472
I think Basil should learn how to grow her horn more. It's pretty undeveloped.

>>27902472
She's never known any changelings, she'd like to like to know a little bit about changelings and such.
]

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>>27902656
>>27902844
>>27902845

>"Well- I've never really known any other changelings- At all! I don't know what life is like in a hive, or in general for you. I- I'd like to know so many things- Anything at all would be-"
>The queen raises a hoof, silencing her.
>Then boops her on the snout, with another wide toothy grin.
>"So you wish to know all there is to know about hives?"
>"Y-Yes. Everything about changelings you are willing to teach me!"
>"Tell you what. I'm an experienced queen, I have some free time, there won't be another batch of eggs hatching anytime soon, so I don't have to worry about that for a while- And you are a cute little thing. But Queens don't just give out things on a whim like this, I'm going to need something in return eventually."
>"What do you-"
>Her entire tone switches, as she suddenly begins to sound almost motherly.
>"Shh. You'll know when the time comes."
>She raises her hoof, and shoos away the drones near the door.

>"Now, there is a great deal for you to learn, and I think if I told it all to you in the normal fashion, it'd take weeks!"
>She lowers her hoof down to Basil's mane, petting it gently and affectionately.
>Then pokes around Basil's mane until presumably she finds the nub of horn you'd heard she had, and she leaves her hoof on top of it.
>"My goodness, what a sad little horn. Did that witch of yours not allow you to use magic or something?"
>"W-Well, she mostly had me cook and clean- But I did learn some spell chants out of her books."
>"Oh, sweetie. That's simply not the same at all. Don't worry, with what I can teach you, I'm sure it can grow big and strong."
>Her horn lights up, and a hidden crystal door slides down on the room, sealing you in.
>"Another reason I like this room is that it ensures confidentiality. Now, I'm just going to go ahead and share my knowledge with you, through the call of the swarm of course, but the crystal surroundings ensure that HE won't hear a thing."
>She gestures towards you.

1/2

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>>27903157
"What? Why am I not included?"
>"You're just a drone, sweetie. What I'm giving this young half-blood is special. It is something a Queen would never usually give out. Now, go sit in the corner and turn around."
"B-Basil, Are you sure this is okay?"
>"N-No. I want to know the cost first. What will this do to me?"
>"Oh, it won't really harm you at all. It'll simply teach you... To be more."
>"That- Sounds really suspicious! I don't think I want to do-"
>The queen places her hooves on either side of Basil's face, and closes her eyes.

>You see Basil's eyes open wide, and all of her muscles tense up.
>"Ah-Ow. Ow! Please stop! I don't- N-"
>You watch her lift a hoof to, trying to stop it.
>Then you continue watching in horror as her hoof slumps down, while her eyes take on a hollow expression.

>Then she lets her go, and Basil stumbles backwards, breathing heavily.
"Basil? Are you okay?"
>"I- Yes. That was-"
>She pauses, holding her hoof over her mouth and looking like she was going to throw up.
>"Too much- So many- They were all-."
>Basil looks positively ill, as if she'd just witnessed many things she'd rather not have seen.
"What did you do? What was that?"
>"I merely taught her everything a hive queen would ever need to know about changelings. From the breeding to the control of the hive to the arts of war. Now she knows, and she got her wish!"
>The queen smiles gleefully.
>"Aren't I just so nice? Now, was there anything else you'd like to know?"

>You ignore her, approaching Basil.
"Hey, are you going to be okay?"
>"Ye- Yes. I think I will- I'm sorry. This- I guess I got what I wanted. I didn't realize it was going to be- All at once. And so graphic."
>She shakes her head, trying to smile.
>"D-Don't worry about me Cap. I'll be- I'll be fine."

>The Queen magically lifts the door of the room, letting in a cool breeze.
>"Now. Unless the drone wishes to know anything, I imagine you'd like to be on your way."

>>27903176
>Unless the drone wishes to know anything, I imagine you'd like to be on your way.
You're seriously offering? I get a go too? Awesome! Give me everything you've got! Fill me up with magic bug knowledge!

>>27903195
I don't think Cap is that dumb. Let's be on our way.

>>27903210
It's not dumb. It's optimistic. What does it hurt to ask?

>>27903176
Teach me how to use my new changeling powers senpai

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>>27903195
>>27903210
>>27903294

"I mean. I like knowing things. Do I get to know things too? I wouldn't mind. I- I think."
>You look back to Basil.
>She's rubbing her eyes, and trying not to cry.
>Poor girl.
>If for no other reason, you'd like to go through what she did so that you could be there for her. It couldn't be pleasant going through that, and you didn't want her doing it alone.
>You put on a brave face.
"Yeah- Go ahead. Give me all the magic bug knowledge too!"

>"I already said no about that kind of knowledge. You could ask her, of course. But she's a smart girl. I'm sure she'll know why she can't just tell you."
"Right, well, never hurts to ask at the very least. Is there anything you can teach me? Maybe, advanced transformation techniques or something?"

>The queen begins nodding- Then stops.
>"You are awfully curious, for a drone. I'd very much be willing to teach you a little, if you're willing to stay for a while. There is always space for another drone you know. What do you say? I could be there for you, if you join my hive. Call meee yourrr Queeeen."
>The way she dragged on those last syllables made something inside you shiver.
>Well, maybe you could-
>What? No-You had an adventure to go on!
>M-Maybe for a little while?
>The queen approached you, wrapping a hoof around your torso, pinning your wings.
>"It's not the type of offer a drone could ever refuseeee. You'd like to just serve me, wouldn't youuuuu?"
>It- It couldn't be that bad, right?
>You could feel something inside you giving away, telling you that this was all okay.

>"That drone is mine, Queen. He returns with me." An icy feeling splashes over you, as you feel Basil's demand reach your ears.
>You find yourself able to move again, and quickly trot over towards Basil.
>"Oh please, I was only having a little fun. I'd only keep him for a day or two."
>"Not happening. Come on Cap. We have to- Let's go."

>>27903443
Dorchie pls. Use your 'your bro is in danger' instincts now.

>>27903443
Dorchie save us
Hug basil, tell her she could totally pull that dom act to get cash.
Get the fuck out of dodge.

>>27903443
So can you hive command me now? Tell me to do something else. I want to see.

>>27903443
Let's get outta here. Hopefully we won't have to call on Dorch.

>>27903443
No thanks queeny, Basil is my Queen. Also I have way better waifus than you.

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>>27903498
>>27903565
>>27903574
>>27903578

"Y-yeah. N-No thanks, Queen Hatshepsut. I'd prefer to stay with my own Queen."
>Also, Lithy would kill you if you became a drone in some underground cave somewhere.
>You stand beside Basil, giving her a tight hug.
>She doesn't return it, still standing off against the queen fiercely.
>You wish you knew where Dorchadas was.
>"Right. You may go then. But remember, I'm watching you, drone. Closely."
>She licked her lips, extra slowly.
>Um.
>You need an adult.

>"Thank you for- Everything." Basil says, her voice emotionless.
>"Of course. Use your knowledge wisely sweetie. Have funnnn~!"
>The Queen smiles, and you get the feeling it was genuine.

>"Walk." Basil says simply, and your legs start working all on their own.
>"Oh- Okay. Yep, I was about to do that anyway."
>You follow Basil in silence for a while.
"So, you know how to command me now?"
>"Y-Yes. I think I know how a lot more deeply than I ever thought I would."
"Oh, can you command me to do something cool?"
>She looks back at you, still trotting.
>You notice she doesn't bother looking where she is going, as she rounds a sudden corner.
>"Fly."
>The wings on your back suddenly open up, and with a buzz you feel yourself take to the air.
>Not very high, as you feel a sudden wave of commanding pulses from Basil, and your wings adjust themselves to hover just behind her, and just below the cave roof.
"Hey, yeah, this is pretty cool."
>Basil nods. "It- It is isn't it? I couldn't even fly that well myself this morning. N- Now I could do it with my eyes closed!"
>She lets out a tiny laugh.
>"This is- This is good! I know all there is to know about myself! Did you know that his hive has only 231 different tunnels? That sounds like a lot, but large hives would normally have ten times as many! That's because this hive is really new and recent! There are only 113 Swarmlings total, with only 70 or so being male or female drones!"
>Do you say anything? She looks happy to just talk.

>>27903986
Let her be happy and talk.

I can't help but feel the queen has a degree of control over Basil now. I bet something bad will happen when she wants something in return.

>>27903986
113 but only 70 male or female? How does that work?

Basil has fangs now.

>>27904037

Not all of those 113 are drones. Some might be workers, or still young.

>>27903986
Is your magic better now too? Can you pick things up?

>>27903986
But is she a better cuddler now?

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>>27904032
>>27904037
>>27904293

"Wait, only 70 male or females, but 113 swarmlings? Are the others just- Some other sort of gender, or something?"
>"Oh, no. I said 70 male or female drones. The rest are larvae, and workers, and there are a few who are specialized for individual tasks that no other changeling can do! There's a lot of differences between all of them! But- But anyway. What was I saying?"
"You were talking about what you'd learned, and how much more you knew now that you didn't before?"
>"Y-Yeah. That."

>She takes a left.
"Uh, didn't we go the other way last time? Not that I really know for sure- I wish we'd asked for an escort out."
>"Don't worry. This is a shortcut."
>As she turns down twist after turn, you begin to notice that Basil had changed, just a little bit.
>Her fangs, which you had rarely seen before, were suddenly more prominent.
>Her cutie mark had also changed, dropping to a single heart with holes in it.
"Basil- Are you sure you're okay? Your cutie mark changed. That Queen didn't- Didn't do anything aside from give you knowledge, right? She said she would have to give her something in return eventually, what- Do you know what she wanted?"
>"I- I think I might. Don't worry about it. It isn't anything for you to worry about."
"She didn't like- Leave a magic command or something, that will make you do her bidding at some point?"
>"None that I know of- No, I don't think she'd have any reason to do anything like that."

>She looked down at her hip, and in a flash her cutiemark changed to the familiar one with the fork and spoon.
>"There we go- It- It- It still has holes? I must have done it wrong. Oh well, I'll fix it later."

"Has anything else about you changed? Can you use magic or something now?"
>"No, that's going to take at least a couple weeks for me to fix. I'm going to have to practice everyday, it's going to be so boring... But hey, once I learn telekinesis, I'll be able to cook even better than before!"
>She sneaks a smile.

>>27904559
Oh good, I'm glad you're still the same you.

>>27904559
Wait. Is she slowly turning into queen material or something? That would be cool.

>>27904559
I really hope this doesn't come back to bite us in the ass. :^)
you missed whiteing out some of the hair.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Pausing here for tonight, because I've sort of been doing this for ten hours straight.

Hope you all enjoyed.
Thank you for playing.

As per usual, feel free to leave any comments, criticisms, or concerns.

Seriously, please leave your comments.

There was mention of not really ever including real challenge in the general a little while back. So I'm planning on ramping the difficulty up a little bit over the next few months. Talking your way out of things is slowly going to become harder and harder. The type of thing we had in this session where we walked into a hive unprepared won't happen again.

That said, I feel bad about inflicting a major change like this on Basil, but at the same time I know I can't leave my characters entirely static. Change will happen.

>>27904301
She just became one of the top ten cuddlers in the world.

>>27904613
That's what I was thinking.

I'd be down with Queen Basil, honestly. Heck, I've BEEN down with Queen Basil.

>>27904635
I am proud to serve under the cuddle queen.
One day, all shall be within her domain.

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>>27904635
>Change will happen
Cap will become a changed stallion pretty soon.

>>27904635
But I liked talking our way out of things and walking into hives unprepared.

>>27904707
Yeah, he'll be Basil's qt cuddlebug

>>27904635
>I feel bad about inflicting a major change like this on Basil, but at the same time I know I can't leave my characters entirely static. Change will happen.
It already felt like she was changing. She was coming out of her shell a bit more and trying to find out more about herself and all sorts of stuff. Did we just skip to the end of all that?

>>27904765

Of course not.
Change doesn't happen over night. I very much want to make it a gradual thing.

>>27904635
Yeee just got back from work, really excited to catch up.

>>27903176
>You see Basil's eyes open wide, and all of her muscles tense up.
>"Ah-Ow. Ow! Please stop! I don't- N-"
>You watch her lift a hoof to, trying to stop it.
>Then you continue watching in horror as her hoof slumps down, while her eyes take on a hollow expression.
Just caught up. Which one of you fuckers okayed mindraping best waifu?

>>27904834
I think the change is awesome, Basil has always been a complex character in my mind. We love her, but she would have some serious issues from her upbringing. I was really happy to see you developing that side of her, like how she had boundry issues with Cap that one time.

For the first time since playing this I finally have a minor concern. I don't want you to fall in the trap where you feel like the artwork has to improve with each update. The arts looked great recently but fast sketchy updates are always welcome too. Maybe half and half each session. Just my hot opinion though.

>>27905307
On one hand I agree with you because I like how complex she is. On the other hand she was already damaged from being a slave and now we have this on top of it. She was just starting to get better at social stuff.

>>27905267

I think that would be SWC himself. We didn't know the queen was going to hurt Basil.

I hope she can recover from this, personality death is one of the worst fates a character can suffer.

>>27905458
>personality death
That was the name I was trying to remember
I'm uncomfortable now

>>27905458
Personality death is the same actual death. If you're not not you anymore then you're dead and someone new is here.

>>27905458
>>27905481
>>27905562

I mean, I already just finished saying that I don't want my characters to stay static, so this is going to seem like back pedaling. But I'm not going to just let Basil be removed like that. That's a horrible route to take, and I don't really want that to be the direction this quests goes. Having re-read it, that part did feel pretty mind-rapey, and I sort of feel really sick now. I shouldn't have done that, and I apologize. I honestly don't know who I expected that to appeal to, or why I ever thought that would be pleasing. I have no excuse, and I happily accept any deserved criticism.
As for the effect this will have on the story: Basil is still Basil, and though I can't ignore the fact that she had something done to her, I refuse to let that something effectively kill her character. It will remain a mildly traumatic event at the very most. I want her to be happy as much as anyone.

>>27905614
It's fiiinnnneee

>>27905614
Oh good, this makes me happy.

>>27905614
Oh thank fucking god.

>>27905614
So she's not going to stay a total 180 of what she used to be? Because I want my waifu back.

>>27905642
>>27905654
>>27905674

I just didn't get the same impression as you guys. She just got a little dose of the horrible true knowledge of changelings and the power within her. No reason for it to change her dramatically, it just seemed empowering to me.

>>27905614
THANK
BLESSED BE
Don't worry, this is good. you're developing characters and moving the plot forward. No longer can we do stupid shit that could have consequences . You're doing good SWC.

And remember, NEVER GIVE UP.

>>27904635
Oh, I have a comment that's not related to the thing.
When I delete my post, (>>27900383) it means that I thought it over again and now think it is a bad idea, thus retracting it. I would appreciate it if you didn't include it.

>>27905732
I'd rather develop characters through their experiences than just poof magic makes instant character development.

>>27905716
>No reason for it to change her dramatically
I really hope you're right anon. She seemed pretty dramatically changed to me.

>>27905853
She was still stuttering, she was still concerned about making everyone soup, and she saved her friend, even if she did it in a creepy dom way, she was just taking charge for once. Empowering is how I see it and I was happy for her since she was crapped on her whole life by the witch.

>>27905836
Anon, the 'poof magic' that just happened is an experience. Before, Basil had no goals other than sit in boat and make the foods. Now shes gone through something that isn't being locked up in a tower. SWC just said this wasn't some instant change thing that has completely changed Basil's character.

>>27905925
She was already going through things other than being locked in a tower and was growing on her own. She was going through gradual change that felt natural. This felt like a very different sort of change.

>>27905901
That makes me feel a bit better, though. I hope that she was just caught up in her new knowledge and how she was acting isn't how she will be all the time now.

>>27906095
>just caught up in her new knowledge
That seems most likely to me anon. She'll be Basil again when she comes down from the magic high. Don't worry.

Just want to add my interpretation because I haven't yet. I think Basil didn't go through personality death and this is just going to be how she interacts with changelings, because she was only taught stuff about how to properly interact with changelings. She'll still be Basil again once we turn back into a pony and get out of here.

That being said, >>27903176 did feel pretty rapey to me. Surprise edge.

>>27906219
This. Not how I read it before but I like your version better.

>>27905614
Requesting Full 2edgy4U Basil

page 10? not going to survive the night at this rate.

>>27906610
Eh.

Not good.

bump for the bumpanons

>>27908146
Still bumping

Just let it die.

>>27909591
No.

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>>27909591
>he wants more board space so he can shit up the catalog again
Nice try, TOGF.

I really wish Basil at least felt bad or something about this or something. Then we could comfort her and support her and help her come back from this. Instead she's perfectly fine being completely different. She didn't even care that she lost her original cutie mark. This is really depressing me more than it should.

This thread is bumming me out

How do we fix Basil Bump.

>>27910401
We don't. She doesn't seem to think there is anything wrong with the new way she views things. We don't really have any option but accepting that she is different now and moving on.

Page 8 already

>>27911115
9

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>Cap and Basil emerged from the deepest of changeling tunnels, straight onto one of the mining tunnels with a railway going through it.
>The two of them clamber up it, searching for their friends.
>Basil kept talking for a little while, until suddenly her ears twitched, and she stopped.
>She remained silent, but she kept walking.
>Basil started seeming more and more agitated, switching tunnels without warning all of a sudden.
>"Listen, Basil, about- All of this."
>"Shh."
>"I just wanted to say-"
>"Shhh! Cap. Not right now."
>She stops him, and points towards a nearby tunnel.
>A dim flash of eyes could be seen, scurrying away.
>"More changelings? What do they want from us now?"
>Cap became aware of a dull buzz, not in his mind but audible in the caves.
>"They aren't looking for us, in fact they're ignoring us completely. they're looking for our friends."
>"What will they do if they find them?"
>"Things. We need to find them and get out of here."
>Cap nods, following behind Basil higher and higher to the top of the caves.
>"I just- I just hope I can keep it together a little while longer." Basil whispers to her self.
>A shadow swept underneath their feet suddenly.
>"Hey. How did the thing go? Did you meet the queen?" Dorchadas asks.
>"Dorchie! Now's not the time. Have you seen Lithy and Archie?"
>"What? Of course I have. I relayed the message and everything. You know, I'm supposed to be a vicious beast, not a mail carrier."
>"Dorchie- Hush." Basil said, trying to take charge once again.
>"The hive is stirring up. Where did you last see Lithy and Archie?"
>"Outside. They made me push the rail cart back up the tunnel. I don't appreciate being used for physical labour either you know, I really wish I could just hunt or chow down on these little bugs I see everywhere."
>"Dorchie, you're going to hate me. We need you to take us back to them, right now." Cap tells the shadow beast.
>"Seriously?"
>"They're in danger! It's for a good cause!"

>Who would you like to be today?

>>27912122
Cap or Dorch. I want to observe Alpha Basil.

>>27912122
Dorchadas. Bros are in danger.

>>27912122
Dorchadas.

>>27912205
>I want to observe Alpha Basil
Alpha Basil scares me because it makes me worry old Basil is gone. That "I just meet to keep it together a bit longer" comment sounds hopeful though. Maybe she isn't actually as gone forever as she looks.

>>27912122
Cap.

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>>27912205
>>27912219
>>27912267
>>27912319

>You are the darkness, you are the night.
>You are Dorchadas.
>And you are just SO fed up with being pushed around like this all day.
"It's for a good cause? I already was delivering your messages, and pushed those guys up a hill- And I come all the way back down here so you can tell me I have to carry you up a hill now too?"
>"Dorchie, Lithy will kill me if I let her get taken by Changelings."
"How would she do that if she was captured?"
>Cap pauses for a bit, trying to think it out.
>"Okay, how about this- Basil will kill me if I let Lithy get captured by changelings!"
>What Basil? The cute little halfblood who was-
>"Darn right I will. Let's get going Dorchie, now!" Basil commanded, her entire demeanor seeming to have changed.
"Yes Mam."
>You say, grabbing both ponies and stretching yourself out to fill the hallway.
>You became a wide-spread cloud of darkness, carrying the two ponies out of the mines as quick as you could.
>Your plume of darkness washed over everything in it's way, which you quickly discovered to be an unusual quantity of changelings and red glowing rocks.
>The rocks produced light, it sort of stung you a bit.

>A short while later, you spit them out onto the grass just outside the cave enterance where Archie and Lithy were waiting-
>Oh- Trouble, they weren't there.
>And the sun was still high in the sky.
>You look over towards the boat, and spot a quilt nearby beside the bushes.
>Oh hey, you need that if you want to go into the sun and back to the boat ever again.
>"Right- What now? Where are they?" Cap asked, covering his eyes and waiting for them to adjust to the light.
>Basil is staring back into the cave with a worried look.

>>27912383
Looks like they're in the boat. Let's get going!

>>27912383
They could be in the boat...... or are those merely changelings disguised as them? Dun dun dun.

>>27912419
I'd imagine Basil's new knowledge would help with that sort of thing.

>>27912383
Check tha boat

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>>27912409
>>27912419
>>27912443
>>27912540

"Hm. Looks like they're already waiting in the boat."
>"R-Really?"
>Cap looks over, blinking rapidly in the bright sunlight.
"Yep. If I could just get that blanket over there, I could carry you guys over to-"

>Basil takes off, barking out an order.
>"Cap. Fly."
>Your high pitched predator ears pick up a couple of ultra frequency noises emitted by Basil, but you can't tell what they are for.
>Bottle Cap launches into the air clumsily, fluttering after her as if he had no idea how to fly himself and was merely a puppet on a string.
>"Wait- Basil. What if they're just changelings pretending to be Archie and Lithy? What if they beat us here?"

>She stops flying, hesitating entirely.
>"I- Um- Oh-"
>Then she shakes her head.
>"Not a chance! I'd be able to feel the difference from here! Come on! We need to land and get out of here."

>The two of them land, and you hear sounds of greeting coming from the boat.
>The boat, which is now many feet away from you.
>because you are a shadow beast, and the sun will kill you.

>You crouch down, and paw towards the blanket helplessly.
>Think Dorchie think- What would a brave and daring hunter like yourself do in a situation like this?
>It's not like you couldn't survive here until sundown, not even a swarm of changelings could hurt you, right?

>You could always... Take the cowards way out, and call for help?

>You look up at the boat.
>Basil is ordering Cap around, while Lithy is panicking and yelling something.
>You feel a little left out.

>>27912616
Push! Push to the blanket! Feel the burn!

>>27912616
Could we carry the mine cart over us?

>>27912687
That's a pretty good idea.

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>>27912668
>>27912687
>>27912779

>Well, you can't call yourself a great predator if you can't bear a little bit of sun pain.
>You'll just have to go for the blanket, and throw it over you as you go.
>Ready-
>And... Go!
>You dive forward into the sunlight-

"Agggggh!"
>You flip back around, waiting for your shadows to reconglomerate.
>The sun hurts way more than you remember it hurting!
>You shake off the last trails of smoke, and look around.

>Oh look, a mine cart.
>You could definitely use that.

>You pick up the heavy mine cart above your head, and fly over to the boat.
>You also make sure to snag the blanket on your way, since you're pretty sure they weren't going to let you keep a mine cart on board.
>You toss in into the water once you are close enough, and allow yourself to drift safely down, while wrapped inside the blanket.

>"Basil- Why did you tell Cap to shush? Why won't you tell me what happened down there?"
>Lithy was saying, visibly distressed.
>"Because if I start talking now- I'm not going to be able to hold myself together, and I need to hold together until I know you all are safe! The hive is looking for you both, but they don't know where you are, now we need to get moving, now!"
>Basil is shouting across the boat at Archie, who was only now laying a hoof on the engine.
>"But why are they looking for us? What did you do?"
>"We trespassed on a hidden hive. Cap and I are getting off with a warning, because we're both changelings- Erm, well, he's disguised as one- But- But that's not the point! They take major issue with random ponies wandering in!"

>You have taken shelter in the shady interior of the boat now, as it takes off with a lurch.

>"So where are we headed?" Archie asks.

>>27912923
'Away' sounds good.

>>27912923
The city with the airship of course.

>>27912923
Literally anywhere that's not here.

>>27912923
Airships ahoy!
Check up on Basil now.

>>27912923
Downriver because that will mean we get away slightly faster. Basically what >>27913043 said.

Also it's looking more and more like cold and distant alpha Basil was just an act to get us out of there and she didn't actually undergo personality death. I'm sorry for doubting you SWC.

>>27912923
As soon as we are safely out of danger, switch to Cap or Lithy so we can talk to Basil and see if she is okay. Dorchie really isn't well suited to that sort of thing.

>>27913160
Normally I would say Lithy but I think Cap might be better right now since he was there for the whole thing.

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>>27913032
>>27913037
>>27913043
>>27913062
>>27913132
>>27913160
>>27913179

>The boat takes off with a roar.
>Basil climbs through the back, standing beside Archie and watching the cave fade into the distance.
>You watch it grow smaller and smaller, until eventually, the boat turns a corner, and the cave disappears entirely.
>Basil walks into your room, and shuts the door.
>You float around the ceiling, watching her.
>And you are the only one present, as she falls over onto the bed, simply breathing.
>"It's over. We're safe. I did it-"
>She raises a hoof into the air.
>"Yeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh." She says quietly, almost monotonously.
>She let's the hoof flop down beside her.
>She continues breathing for a little while, looking entirely worn out.
>She sits up, looking herself over, and poking at her cutie mark.
>You watch her flank flare up green a couple of times, but the mark doesn't change. It's still the same old bright pink heart with holes in it, no matter how many times she takes away or adds untensils.

>You are Bottle Cap.
>And all you can feel coming from the cabin is stress.
>You could tell it was coming from Basil, since you knew she had gone through the most today.
>You open the door very gently.

"Basil."
>She looks up at you, her eyes full of tears.
>"I- I can't make the holes go away."
"What?"
>"M-My cutie mark- It's- It isn't changing the way I want it to. It's been bugging me all day- But, I couldn't- I didn't have time to think about it earlier."
"Listen, Basil- I wanted to talk to you about earlier, if I can."
>She wearily rises to her hooves, and steps over to you.
"I know today was- Really awful, and you've been through a lot. But you weren't acting like yourself, and now I can feel the stress pouring off you, and-"
>She interrupts you by draping herself onto, wrapping you into a tight hug.
"C-Cap. I'm- I'm really sorry." She starts to choke out.
"H-Hey, you don't have to be sorry- You had the worst day out of everyone, and-"

1/2

>"-But I was really rude- And I know I just wanted to get us out of there, because I realized how dangerous the hive was- And- And I thought the only way I could do that was if I stayed strong- And-"
>And just like that, she broke down on your shoulder.
>Tears streaked her face, and you patted her on the back lovingly.
>She hung off your shoulders for quite a while, just sobbing gently.
>You weren't really sure what else to do, so you kept patting her on the back and telling her that everything was going to be okay now.

>Nearly an hour later, Lithy came into the room.
>She raised an eyebrow at the changeling who had cried herself to sleep on your shoulder, but didn't say anything.
>She left the room briefly to go mention something about airships to Archie, before returning to sit across from you.
>"Alright. Tell me everything. We've been hanging out for a week, and generally you're the leader. You guys go into the cave, and when Basil comes out she's bossing you around. And then she's crying on your shoulder, and-"
"Lithy-"
>You start out, sort of unsure how to continue.
>She waits.
>You begin telling her everything that happened. From the intensity of the feeling of crawling through the hive, to the frightening queen.
>Her eyes take on a shocked sad look when you tell her what the queen did to Basil.
>Then, you talk about your short escape from the cave, in which you sort of lost track of what was going on, but Basil stepped up and took charge like a pro.
>And how you think she had just revealed she had done it all to keep her friends safe, despite how much she was already going through.
>"Well- That's..." Lithy adds, once you're done. "A lot."
>You simply nod.
>The changeling on your shoulder shifting gently as you do.

>"Well, I'm going to make dinner for us all, and we're going to- Oh, Celestia, I don't know- We're headed to Outpost city, I guess we'll find out when we get there."
>She goes out to the bow, while you sit and watch Basil snooze on your shoulder.

>>27913456
Right now Basil needs to sleep, and I think it would be best for her if when she woke up she didn't have any reminders of the mind rape. Try to change back into a pony if we can.

bully

>>27913456
tuck the cook bug in bed, and what >>27913491
said. But first, we should cook dinner and add love with changeling powers

>>27913456
>a cutie mark represents who you really are
>hers has holes in it now
This literally put a hole in her own sense of self image, and she still pushed it down so she could use her bug knowledge to get us out. I though her acting all cold meant her personality had changed, but really it was just her being incredibly brave. Basil, you have a strength in you that we never knew about.

Gently pet her mane as she sleeps, and promise her that we will stand by her until she recovers from this and has her old cutie mark back.

>>27913613
Okay. Sorry we upset you so much. Good luck with your anger issues.

>>27913613
>Hacksaw
>Not rusty spoon
>>>/out/

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>>27913491
>>27913553
>>27913567

>You carefully pick Basil up, making sure not to wake her, and carry her into the other room.
>You place her into bed, tucking a blanket over her-
>You stop, studying her cutie mark first.
>What was she saying? That the holes wouldn't go away?

>Her usual heart had gained holes in it.
>Cutie marks were supposed to be representations of who you really were, or like, your destiny, right?
>You should have payed attention in cutie mark class.
>Either way, had Basil had holes poked in her sense of self? had her heart been broken, or torn apart?
>And despite all of that, had she stayed calm and brave, and gotten all of her friends out of there safe and sound?
>Darn right she did. She was seriously your hero right now.
>You finish tucking her in, petting her mane gently.
"Sweet dreams Basil."

>You walk back out onto the bow, joining Lithy.
>She gives you a gentle nudge in the side.
>"So. How long are you going to keep the bug look? Not that it looks bad or anything it just-"
"Oh, right yeah."
>As long as you kept it up, you were worried that it might remind Basil of the today. And you'd prefer to help her forget all she could.

"I'll go see Archie about helping me out with that, and then we'll start on dinner, okay?"
>"What? You don't want to see if you can add 'Love' to the cooking, like Basil does?"
"I-I can do that?"
>"I think so. Unless she's just using it as an expression."
"Okay, well, what are we cooking tonight?"
>"Uh- Well, I was going to try- A plain pasta!"
>Um.
"Do we have any veggies or sauce or anything?"
>"Do- Do we need those? I mean, Basil's cooking is great- Like, really great- but in my personal experience, you don't really NEED to eat things with other things. I'm sure if I cook a plain pasta, it'll be just as filling!"
"What? Lithy- Do you- Do you know how to cook?"
>"I know how to order out, and pay for food! And cooking can't be that difficult- It's just like, boiling water and adding stuff, right?"

>>27913908
>Lithy is a ramen sort of mare
I don't know why this fits so well.

>>27913908
L-lithy pls. Cooking doesn't work like that. If we make our food terrible enough, it could bring Basil out of her sleep and she'll freak out at the monstrosity we would make.

>>27913908
Come on, we all know the secret to good cooking is all in the soda. You need to know which soda pairs with which dish. This is serious business, Lithy.

>>27913908
Olive oil, garlic, oregano, tomatoes. You don't have to be a Basil to make a basic marinara sauce. Trust me, take the little extra effort.

>>27914087
>shoves all the ingredients together in a pot and turns the burner straight on high
Perfect.

>>27914146
Oh good god. Maybe we should stick to plain buttered pasta after all.

>>27913908
Lithy that's barbaric.
Crack a couple eggs open and throw together some simple pancakes
Breakfast for dinner people.

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>>27913945
>>27913954
>>27913973
>>27914087
>>27914146

"Right. You know, you've always taken me as a ramen sort of mare."
>"It-It's cheap and easy! And delicious! What's wrong with that!" She says, getting all flustered.
"Hey, I never said anything was wrong with it! So long as you pair it with the right soda, ramen can be among the best tasting stuff around."
>"Soda, with ramen? I mean- That's-"
>She notices your shocked expression.
>"That sounds good! I'd certainly be willing to try that- At some point!"
"Right. Anyway. We need to focus on what we're going to cook tonight! And if we make out food terrible, you know Basil is going to get and faint from the shock of whatever monstrosity we create. So let's put our heads together, and figure this out- Okay?"
>"Sure! Yeah, how hard can cooking be?"
"Well, I don't have to be basil to know we could make a pretty decent pasta with a marinara sauce. It's just tomatoes and garlic and stuff."
>"Y-Yeah, that doesn't sound too hard!"

>Fifteen minutes later

"What do you mean we only have sparkling grape soda! How are we supposed to pair grape soda with a tomato sauce pasta? It's just all wrong!"
>"Well! This wouldn't have happened if you had let me pick out a different vegetable!"
"Lithy! you were going to throw in an entire block of cheese! Cheese is not a vegetable! We need that to go on later!"
>"Well, nobody told me that! Why isn't there an instruction manual for this?"
"There is! They're called cook books! I promise that- Lithy, what are you doing?"
>"I'm adding the vegetables! You told me to chop them and add them!"
"Y-yes. But I didn't think- That you would put them all straight into the pot- With the burner turned on- Without any water."
>"O-Oh."
>She looks up at you.
>"So I should add the pasta to the pot too now, right?"

>An hour after that.

>You stand before your masterpiece.
>It wasn't easy, but somehow you managed to prepare it all without too much trouble.
>All that's left is to wake up Basil!

>>27914310
I'm surprised the smell of terrible cooking hasn't woken her up already.

>>27914310
>cooked the noodles without water and threw it in with the burning vegetables
Can't stop laughing.

Make it a surprise. We mustn't let her see it until she's at the table.

>>27914352
this

>>27914310
Don't forget to turn back into a pony first. I don't want her waking up and having a 'nam flashback because we forgot to fix our species.

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>>27914334
>>27914352
>>27914368
>>27914406

>You look down on your creation.
"Well- I mean, I've made worse! I don't think it seems that awful."
>"Are you kidding! This is the most complex thing I've ever cooked! I think it turned out awesome!"
"That's great! I'm so proud! So, Do you think we should serve it to Basil now?"
>She gives your chitin another poke.
>"Don't you have an exo-skeleton to get rid of?"
"Oh- Right! I'm on it!"

>You hop into the air, wings buzzing.
>Basil had given you some practice, so you sort of knew how to fly now.
>You just had to keep up a steady rhythm, or you'd lose control.
>You hover over the boat, letting it pass underneath you, before flittering downwards and landing besides Archie.
"Hiya, Arch!"
>"Hello Cap.
"I'm here for help transforming back into a regular pony, Arch!"
>"I'm afraid I don't know how to do that, Cap."

"W-What?"
>"I mean, you're the changeling, how am I supposed to know how their transformation works?"
"N-No, I mean, back from being a changeling to who I was before!"
>He stares on ahead, blinking a few times.
>"Oh- I thought- Ha. That was, I thought you meant- Okay, just grab that jar again, and use the same word as before I imagine."
"And if I happened to leave that jar in the cave?"
>"Cap- You didn't"
"No of course not!"
>You bring the jar out with a smile.
>About a quarter of the jar is ashen and black.

>You focus your mind, and as you close your eyes, you demand to change back to your original self.
>A brilliant light hits you.

>Then without warning, it's gone again.
>You double check yourself all over, and find no traces of any bugginess.

>>27914638

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

It's sort of a weird place to stop, but I have to pause for now.
As per usual, feel free to leave any yada yada yada I'm sure you know what to do by now.

Thank you for playing. I'm not certain of my schedule, but I might be busy tomorrow.
Have a good night.

>>27914653
Thank you for not killing Basil.

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>>27914653
I'd like to drop some words of warning regarding the general.

You know how, if somebody has a new, original show idea in Hollywood, they immediately saddle that person with professional Story Doctors who then add a chimpanzee, time machine, and a transsexual to the story to make it better?

That's CYOA general. They're like a whole thread of storyline blood-poisoning. Plus AIDS.

So, whenever you're really stuck, have written yourself into a corner, and need serious help to move the CYOA along- Ask ANYONE ELSE FIRST. Particularly, those who play your story. And never, ever, CYOAG, even in an emergency.

That said, Basil seems alright, no lasting damage done. Keep this in mind in future though.

>>27914952
Except cyoag is the opposite of that, and openly mocks adding things for no reason.

>>27914653
I nevet doubted you, or Basil, SWC. I still want a full 2edgy4u basil though. Ya know, piercings, eyeliner, a pony division shirt.

Thanks for running, I just worked 20 hours straight but still stayed up to read the new session. That's how much I love the Curse.

>>27914952
I don't know why you're warning SWC not to do something that they didn't do. Also I don't think the general is that bad. Also "no lasting damage done" is a funny way to describe a rape victim.

>>27915277
That's one way they do it. "[cyoa] sucks, they don't even have a chimpanzee! And think how much less flat the main character would be if he rode around on a time machine solving crimes with some teenagers and a big brown dog!"

That's one of the main ways they operate. I've witnessed their atrocities with my own eyes.

BTW nice dubs.

>>27915945
See:
>>27904635

The general-gremlins are hard at work. SWC needed to be warned of the evils they inflict.

The general, if useful at ALL, is only useful for finding out what quests are running at the moment. Other than that? Hollywood "story doctors" who make a sport of destroying CYOAs they don't even play, from afar.