Hijack (the CYOA) – Mission 6

>>28559019
who there?

>>28559019
Check ourselves and be sure we didn't have any dicks drawn on our face

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>Alright
>Quick check on inventory
>Legs, arms, wings, claws, hair floofy…

>Looks like you’re all here
>Just wish it wasn’t such a pain to exist

>You warily open your eyes, only to shut them again
“The sun is such a dingaling.” You curse to yourself, rolling yourself away from the window
>You curl the blanket around your chest and furrow your brow

>You smack your dry mouth once or twice
>…Copper?

>Could be worse, really.
>No vomity taste or smell.
>But then again, no taste of decent drink, either.

>You reach out and grap a cup of liquid off the table, only to spit out the little sip you took
“The hell is this swill?”

>You try to remember what you did the other night to get you in such a sorry shape and get a grip of your surroundings
>Judging from the all too overt pounding headache and aching body
>You could hazard a guess that it possibly involved a lot of drinking
>The bottles are fairly convincing as well

>You yawn, keeping your eyes shut against the offending light of the morning

>After a decent stretch and reach around, you make a few more blind observations
>A whole bed to yourself

“Could be worse, I guess.”
>You note the bandages on your head and wrist, as well as the pain in your neck.
>Far less than when you usually go drinking, actually.

*knock knock knock*

>Fine.
>Your thoughts are interrupted by that same incessant knocking on the door
>You blearily open your eyes to assess the situation
>After a few more raps, a female voice calls through

>”Miss Willow? Are you awake? I was instructed to call you for breakfast.”
>Awfully dainty voice
>”That… Is you in there, right? Am I interrupting?”

>You reply quickly,
"Yeah, it's me. Just... Uh... Give me a moment? I need to make sure I'm presentable."
>She chuckles warmly
>"I suppose so. You seemed to be quite out of sorts last night, if your... 'loudness' is to be trusted."

>Aw nuts.
>Did you do something degenerate?
>"I'll be waiting for you downstairs, Miss." she calls as her footsteps fade.

>>28559240
Willow's really let herself go

>>28559240
Seems like we got into a very drunk fight.
Try to clean up just a little bit before heading downstairs.

>>28559240
Check the bottles to see what they say.

>>28559240
Assess sheets to find out if we're gross and covered in spilled drink or double gross and covered in pee.

>>28559240
The maid is going to give us the meanest look next time we see her.

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>You take a peek around the room
>A cursory glance and the sharp pain in your ribs would indicate either you got into a serious fight
>Or things got really wild in a different way

>Your eyes fall upon the large wet and stick part of the blanket
>right by your crotch
>...Oh boy

>You throw the blankets off, revealing a sopping, dripping and positively punished
>Jelly doughnut

"how did you get here?" you ask the pastry
>It replies by merely dripping its contents on the bed.

>You roll off the now grape flavored matress and look around the room.
>Damaged walls, broken lamps
>Various puddles of alcohol

>And all of it the same bottle.

>You pick the only capped one up and read the label aloud
"Bath Water. The only shot with a cleansing burn."

>Hm.
>you uncap it and take a whiff
>And you can't help but reel back
>This is most certainly the same stuff in the glass you grabbed by the bedside

>It certainly burns as much as the stuff next to the bed.

>Your stomach grumbles
>Breakfast is sounding pretty good...

==

Inventory Updated: http://pastebin.com/0XDpcTiU

==

>You look around the room once more
>Eh
>You could probably afford to clean up the place first.

>Where should you start?

>>28559501
Probably the broken glass.

Check the back of our neck. I think something is there.

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>>28559501
>that mark
I think checking everything's okay in the mirror would be a good start.

>>28559501
>>You could probably afford to clean up the place first.

That doesn't sound like us at all. That Bathwater must've done a number on us. Get your head in the game, Willow.

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>>28559501

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>You rub the back of your neck t-
>...
>Wait a second...

>What the hell is that?

>You feel it pulse and send a mild heat through your body
>Looks...
>Foreign.

>Probably should get that checked out.

>You look back at the mess around the room
>Normally, you'd say 'screw it' and leave it to the paid help
>But you're feeling oddly...
>Helpful

>It might also be that you want to see if there are any other goodies around the room.

>You clean up as best as you can and stand proud before your pile

"Perfect!" you exclaim.

>Alright then
>With the room cleaned moderately, you take one more look around.

>Anything else?

>>28559821
Nope, breakfast.

>>28559821

Calling it now, Willow has been cursed to be extra helpful and friendly, and entirely non-violent.

Such a shame.

>>28559821
>tiny wings
Well it's a step up from no wings.

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>>28559821

>>28559821
Go see what that dainty voice wanted.

>>28559821
Where is Greg!?!

>>28559821

TINY

WINGS

>>28559922
Willow lost Greg gambling. C'mon man, keep up.

>>28559821
Who instructed an early wake up, that's a dick move. Hopefully it wasn't us.

>>28559821
Did we spiral into a drunken depression then get a tattoo to make ourselves happy, does that work?

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>You briefly consider the fact you may have drunk yourself into a spiraling depression
>And your empty Greg bag doesn’t help this train of thought.

>…
>Except that doesn’t sound right
>You lost Greg in a gambling incident sure
>But then…
>Something happened.
>You scratch at the brand on the back of your neck and growl to yourself

“This better not be messing with my head, I swear.”

>Nevertheless, you can come back to the room later and search for clues
>For now, you must tend to the rumblies in your tumblies
>The kind that only delicious and filling brekkie can satisfy

>You descend the crimson staircase, inlaid with gold and the same dainty voice greets you
>”Ah! You are awake! I apologize again for awaking you so early. Your entourage told me as such. Please, have a seat in the café while I serve the other patrons!”

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>She directs you to a somewhat cozy floor in which there are several tables around
>You see there are a few ponies here
>And one table in the back with a single menu upon it

>Where should we sit?

>>28560380
Who?

>>28560387
Sit with moff

>>28560387
Say hello to the moth.

>>28560380
>>28560387
These resolutions feel really small.

Anyway, sit at the empty table but invite dragon to sit with you.

>>28560387
Let's go sit next to the shady dude.

>>28560387
grab that free seat and see if moff will part with some morning tea to clear the head.

>>28560387
Moff dad.

>>28560387
Moff

>>28560387
Ma'am, your restaurant has a bug problem.

>>28560387
A fucking moth in a restaurant
REEEEE

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>You note a particularly rare sight – a mothpony stallion
>Certainly a poofer in some sense of the word

>Without thinking, you blurt out the first thing in your head
“Ma’am, your lovely Inn has a bug problem.”
>She turns to you shocked
>”Miss! I profusely apologize! The Kindred Spirit is not a low class establishment like that Sordid Hoard place!”

>Uh
>She produces a scroll and begins to write furiously
>”Just tell me the room number, and I’ll report it to the exterminator right away!”
"I was- I mean. Forget it."
>"What?"

>...

>Shrug
>And grab the chair from the empty table.

>You pause a moment, looking around, and catch the unicorn stallion to your left sneaking a peak
>If that nerd wants a shiner like yours all he has to do is ask!
>But you don’t have time for that
>You have to smooze with a certain buggy stallion
>And not Steel

“Heheh.”
>The moth perks up and looks at you with those gigantic black eyes
>Kinda creepy, actually
>”Oh, hi stranger. Would you like a seat? You look like you’ve had a rough night.” He speaks with a smooth and calming tone.

>You have a seat gladly and notice him poring over photos.
>They appear to be of a colt at various angles
>A colt that shares his antenna and floof colors and style

“Cute kid. Yours?”
>He nods quietly and agrees
>”Though I guess he was a hoof-full at times.” He sighs
>”You… Wouldn’t happen to have seen a colt like him, have you?”

>Your heart sinks a little
>That kid looks awfully young
“Well, not really, sorry.”
>”Please, have some tea. You look thirsty.”
>You nod and have a cup

>You look over at the menu and pick it up
>…And none of it is in Equuish.
>Actually, what the hell language is this?

>You put the menu back
>If anyone asks, you'll just bark or something and hopefully that works.

>The stallion finishes sorting his photos and turns to you
>He cocks his head to the side and asks, "So, what manner of night did you have, Miss? You seem like you're missing something too."

>>28560769

We don't know. By the way, where are we?

>>28560769
I may have gotten a tattoo, I've lost my best friend who is a book, and I feel like my life is slowly spiraling out of control.

>>28560769
I'm missing my memory of last night.

>>28560769
What happened to the red thing on his table?

>>28560769
>missing kid
Well fuck. Thats a bit heavy.

I'm not sure, it's a bit fuzzy. Seem to have traded a talking book for a tattoo.

Shot in the dark: Does the language on the menu seem to match the design of the tattoo? Buggy here must be able to read it if he could order from the menu.

>>28560769
I have crippling depression

>>28560769
Yea, it's totally bad. I couldn't be happier about it.

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>What you've lost?
"'Manner of night?' Dude, you wish- I WISH I had a clue. I lost my memory of last night, or heck, even a few nights, I don't even remember when I stopped remembering things! I don't even know where we are!"

>"The dragoness told you, you're in the Kindred Spirit. It's a three gem resort in Meridian. No dive, but not the Mile High in Cloudsdale for sure."

>Well
>Ok that answers that but...

"I still don't know what's this thing on my neck, I lost my best friend to someone, and my life - evidently - is spiraling out of control due to the drink."
>He sips his tea carefully and places his hoof upon your neck

>"You've got a lot on your plate, huh Miss...?"
"Willow"
>"Right." He moves his hoof across the brand, and you wince slightly from the sensation.

>"Interesting... This is a security brand. You do something bad?"
>You bury your head in your hands
"I got no clue, dude."

>He pauses a moment, and looks back at the table at that red ball looking thing.
>"Well... I haven't had much luck with talking to the locals about my son, but maybe I can help you out too."

"Huh? You know about this security sigil?"
>"Not enough to take it out, but I know you're just like me. Pearl, red band, and everything. A collector. And I'd imagine your friend is an item worth collecting"

>You push him back slightly

"Wait, how did you know? Like, all of that?"

>He picks the red die back up in the frog of his hoof and grins
>"Experience, mostly. The red item gives it away though. I also know of two parties that might be able to help, and I get the feeling one such as yourself is more suited to 'exciting' pursuits."

>His eyebrows bounce

>"Locals say there's a certain Bast that runs around serving with the local gangs who might be interested in acquiring certain 'items' if you catch my drift, kid."
>KID?!

>"It's either find that gopher, or come with me to a clandestine magical specialist downtown. Your call."
>He sips his tea again and awaits your response.

>>28561107
Slow down buddy. What? You can't just drop all this on a girl.

Why are you going to this magical specialist?

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>You put your claws up and start to chuckle at this silliness
"Hold on a second buddy, you can't just drop all of this on me like this!"

>"Oh? I figured you for the 'go-gettem" type? Was I mistaken?"

>Oh no he didn't
"I am SO a gogettum, whatever that is! I'm the gogettumgettingest there ever was!"

>"Glad you see it my way, then!"
"Hey, hold on! Why should I go with you?"

>He drops the die on the table again and leans over to you, staring through you with those big dark eyes.
>"Because you wanna have fun, don'tcha? Anything can be fun, as long as you bring friends."

>He stops and leans to the side to look behind you
>and you follow his gaze
>The unicorn that snuck a glance at you has departed

>"That fellow isn't going to partner up with you, and judging by your looks, I don't think you're well traveled are you?"
>He ain't wrong.
>You've only been to the mainland.
>This place is entirely new, and while you've been lucky in the past
>The whole amnesia bit, as cliche as it is, is a real kick in the ass

"Geeze, fine. I guess I could use a buddy. My last book buddy isn't here to complain anyway."
>You clap your talons
"I'll pick where to go later. Now I'm hungry, so let's eat already!"
>You pick up the menu again and see
>The text is still gibberish
>You're not sure what you expected.

>"Well, Hungry, what would you like for what the dragons call "Dim Sum'?"
"What is that, like a band or something?"
>He flips through the menu causally and replies
>"It's a lot like Dim Mak, only a lot less death and touching and a lot more brunch-y."

>You feel like you missed something here.

>"How about a meat bun, Hungry?"
"It's Willow"
>"Actually the buns are all 'ta siu bao'"

>You crumple in a heap and groan aloud.
>But not before a certain though crosses your mind.
"Wait, why are you even trying to go to a magic specialist?"

>Atticus holds the die sighs
>"Call it a hunch."

>Your food arrives soon afterwards
>And you begin to eat the bun as you wonder where to go first.

Pausing here.

>>28561244
Jesus, this guy is a mile a minute.

A hunch about what? For a guy who loves to gab you're being pretty evasive.

>>28561271
I am guessing this guy is in a bigger rush than he appears.

We should at least see what's up with his kid. Maybe someone took them?

>>28561244
What kind of meat is this? And ask about the die. Is he a fan of that game? He's talked about his son, but what about his wife? Wouldn't she be searching for him too?

As for where to go, we'll let him take the lead this time.

>>28561244
>Atticus
He never said his name.

>>28561244
First I need to get my bag, my vest, and my bloodthirsty attidue.

>>28561244
>>28562586
Put some booze in that bag, we might be an alcoholic now. Let's go with this guy, I like his attitude. Ask him what's up the unicorn peeper on the way.

Should we use our pearl to contact someone and figure out what the hell is going on? Personally I don't call friends the night after a blackout, give them time to chill in case I really pissed them off.

Celestia had us pulled off that ship because she needed a drinking buddy

Shit I think I missed the last one of these anyone got an archive link?

>>28563810
Anonpone son.

beb

>>28564801

>>28565287

>>28565287

>>28563810
Last I remember Playing as willow was halway through this thread. The we got pulled off a boat by authorities later on.
http://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/26497997/#q26537702

>>28566897

>>28567758

>>28568866

>>28567758

>>28566319

>>28570435

>>28571284

>>28564801

>>28573220

Reminder that Es is a bad poner.

>>28574625
She deserves to be spritzed until her coat is all matted and uncomfortable.

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"You're a mile a minute, you know that?"
>"Ah. I'm sorry an old bug like me is too quick for you" he states with a healthy dose of snark
"Watch it grandpa, I might not be drunk yet, but that doesn't mean I'm not ready to smush a buggo"

>You pause a second in realization
"Wait, what's your name, anyway?"
>"Atticus." he states simply.

>You look back at the neat stack of photos
>On the very top, you see a picture of three ponies
>The moth in front of you, and what you assume is his wife and kid.

“So…” you awkwardly state
“Where’s your wife?”
>”Awful personal question there, kid.”
“You already said your son was kidnapped, and you’re probably thinking I’m some belligerent drunk. At this point, its all out on the table so we might as well get to know each other.”
>”…A real way with words, don’tcha?” he sighs
>”She’s back home. As far as she knows, her dear Atticus and little Caesar are off on a father-son trip.”

>A wry chuckle accompanies a despondent “if only that were true”
>Atticus sits there quietly, rolling the die in his hoof absentmindedly.
>You’re very poor at this smalltalk with a parent bit

>Think!
“Uhhh… So what’s with that red die, anyway? Is that your son’s?”
>He stops rolling it for a bit and looks it over
>”For the most part, yeah. We used to play Ogres and Oubliettes with this thing.”

>heh, nerds

>”It wasn’t until we rolled a few bad ones did he go missing.”
>He places the die on the table, and his expression grows distant.
>”And I’m here to find the cretins that ripped him from our good home.”

“An I’m guessing you think the die has something to do with it.”
>”Very astute. That’d be some good girl points right there. This die is magical. A sort of magnet for destiny. Roll high, and the impossible becomes fact. Roll low…”

“And you get spirited away.”
>”In a sense, yeah.”

"...This is really good meat."
>He smiles warmly at your reaction
>"I'm glad you like it! Feel free to eat up kid. You're probably starving. Once you finish up we can leave, Ok?"

>>28575131
So, what are the odds they want to trade your son for that die?

>>28575160
1 in 20

>>28575131
Why don't we just keep rolling it then? Roll high and we might get your son back just like that. Roll low and we can confront whatever took him?

>>28575131
Playing tabletop games with an Artifact is just asking for it, really. Once we've seen his friend maybe we can help him find his son.

>>28575177
Seems you simply risk 'bad' things with low rolls my guess is that it would be something/one different since finding the ones who took his son could be considered 'good'.

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>You pop the final piece of bun into your mouth and give a satisfactory blech
>To which Atticus reminds “Excuse you.”

>You pound your chest once to assert dominance, and he simply shakes his head and smiles.

>You stand up to go back to your room, but you stop when you see the table that unicorn was seated at
>Is now empty.

>In fact, his tea is almost completely undrunk
>He must have left in a hurry.

>”They must be onto us.” Atticus sighs
“Who? That unicorn dork?”
>”Maybe? He’s a scout for the White Collars. He could be after you, since you’ve got the brand on your neck. Or he might be after me, considering the ruckus I've been bringing in here. I’m just glad he left before we made a formal choice.”

“Wait, hold up” you start, getting close and quiet with Atticus
“What the heck is a ‘White Collar’”
>”You’re new around here, aren’t you?”
“No, I’m Willow, remember?”
>”Joking aside, when you’re in Meridian, just be sure to stay out of the way of anypony dressing like a tool. With the sunglasses and suits.”
"But who are they?"
>"They, like the Blue Roses and the Firebugs are the local powers. They keep the underground running smoothly, and they keep problems minimal."
>He taps your neck
>"And I have a feeling you might be one of the 'problems' they tried to fix."
>he raises the die and waves it
>"Just like me."

“Why even get in the way? You said the die can help if we roll high, why we don’t just keep rolling.”
>He pauses a moment and laughs
>”You really are a funny bird… How do you think I got here?“
>Atticus finishes his tea and places his photographs and the die in a saddlebag
>”Ready to go?”

“Hold on,” you say as you finish off your tea
“I need to get a few things like my bag, my vest, and my bloodthirsty attitude.”
>”Wha-“
“I’ll be back!”

>You head on up to your room and walk in.
>Everything appears to be where you left it.
>With your head clearer and new information gained, you decide that not everything is as it seems…

>>28575267
Is there something in the bed?

>>28575267
Note the strange lumps under the carpet and in the bed. act oblivious and equip vest.

>>28575307
Under the carpet was our old bottles, and in bed is a jelly donut. But it does seem unusually large, I'd check the bed.

>>28575267
Throw bottles at the lumps and promptly hide in the footlocker to observe reactions.

>>28575267
Did someone drink our booze?!

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>You walk around the room
>And you feel…
>A presence

>And it is certainly not the bundle of empty booze bottles you just nudged

>You look over at the bed and see a steady mass bundled up in the center
>Far too large to be simply blankets

>Keeping your eyes on it, you walk slowly around the room and gather your things
>You slip your vest on, but stop when you feel a few items in your pocket
>Fishing them out reveals a small slip of paper reading “High Roller #8” with a blue flower of some kind on it.
>The other is a betting chip worth 100 bits.
>It too shares the blue flower on the back.

==
Inventory Updated: http://pastebin.com/0XDpcTiU
==

>You place the items in your vest pocket and look back at the lump in your bed
>You pace the room a bit, trying to out wait it
>…But you were never a patient bird.

>You pick up an empty bottle of the Bathwater Select and uncap it
>Same rancid smell
>If you ever did get blackout drunk, it would certainly not be on this stuff.
>Its too dark for your liking.
>Hell, the taste made you gag.

>You toss it to yourself a few times to test the weight
>Right before hucking it with a lazy arm right at the lump
>It connects with a solid *clonk* and deflects off the lump’s body.
>A young voice cries out in surprise and pain, bleating and shouting
>”OW! I’M UP, I’M UP!”

>>28575538
Who are you and what are you doing in my bed?

>>28575538
huh. Was hoping for a moff colt. Who are you?

>>28575538
We didn't sex did we? What do you know about jelly donuts?

>>28575538
"Who're you, and what're you doing in my room?"

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“Well, you aren’t a moth. And that’s really disappointing.”
>The kid looks around quickly, eyes wide and scared
>They fall upon you and she attempts to scramble out of the covers
>Presumably trying to go for the window
>But you’re too quick, and you leap over and slam it shut before she can get free of her fabric prison

“Not so fast, missy!” you open your stance and get ready to jump her
“If I’m going to prison, it’s not for having a child in my bed, but for putting one in the hospital!”
>You crack your knuckles, intent on intimidating information out of her
“Who are you, and what are you doing in my room?”
>”YOUR room? This is White Collar territory! This is MY room! I’m warning ya!”
>A bit of jelly drips from her mouth

“And the donut?”
>”The donut is also White Collar territory.”
>The dastards!

>The goat kicks stamps her hooves and shakily threatens
>”I-If you don’t move, I’ll have to rough you up! Last chance to run, p-punk!”

“Oh yeah? Bring it, shrimp!”
>She charges you with all her might
>And you brace for impact

*boof*
>…
>Really?
>She continues her brutal assault
>Slamming into your chest floof repeatedly
>”You’re! Not! So! Tough!”

>A few knocks rap against your door.
>”Willow? You alright up there? Heard you slamming around and shouting. It’s not nice to break stuff that isn't yours, you know."

>>28575783
Help, I'm under attack from the white collars!

>>28575783
I'm in a... fight? I guess.

>>28575783
"One of the White Collars is assaulting my person, but I think I can handle it."

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“Well I think I might be under attack, for starters.”
>”…You think?”

“Yeah, but I’m not sure what to do.”
*boof*
>>”Take this!”
>”Just… Can I come in?”
“No nerds allowed” you sigh as the goat takes another ram into your floof
>She’s really working it there, isn’t she?
>”Alright, I’m coming in.”

“If you were going to come in without invitation, why knock?”
>”I’m respecting your independence by knocking, but asserting authority by coming in anyway. Parenting trick, you understand.”

>The stallion opens the door slowly, and the goat skips on over eager to fend off the intruder
>”Another one, huh!? I’ll take you on! This is White Collar territory! You Firebugs can’t have it!”

“Firebugs?”
>”Another gang. A rival one at that.”
>The moth leans closer to the goat and give her a smile
>Though you are a bit uncomfortable with the notion of those soulless black eyes and a wide grin greeting you

>”You’re quite the strong kid, aren’t ya?” Atticus inquires, assuaging the goat’s rage momentarily
>”T-That’s right! I AM strong!”
“Ya sure beat the heck out of my floof, kiddo.”

>She glares at you
>”And I’ll do it again! Just watch me!”
>Atticus moves his hoof onto her shoulder
>”Hold on there, killer, let’s not cause any more damage. Now first, what is your name?”

>”Pan.”
>She shakes off his hoof and continues to pout and glare.
>”…I don’t like you.”

>Harsh.
>Atticus, not missing a beat, keeps his pleased demeanor
>”Don’t like me? How mean! What if I like you? Do you think that’s fair?”
>”N-no…”
>”Why don’t you like me? Am I scary?”
>”N-N…”
>”Oh? Is it my eyes?”

>She nods sheepishly
>Atticus then lowers his head
“Oh I get it, you’re gonna-“

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>Atticus raises his head with a single jerk
>And his fluff explodes into a majestic plume
>Pan can hardly contain herself

>As her giggles die down, Atticus asks her simply
>”So what is a kid like you doing with the White Collars?”
>She has a seat and produces another jelly doughnut from the bed

>…
>Geeze
>How many of them are there under there?

>As she nibbles on it quietly, Atticus settles down and starts to ask questions again
>”So? What do you know about the White Collars?”
“And why were you in my room?”

>She looks distressed for only a moment.
>Before she breaks down
>”I-I’m not actually one of them, I just follow around Hedge and his crew! He came here for some reason and was talking about a room for rent! I just wanted to borrow the room for a bit!”

>Atticus whispers to you “Hedge Fund is one of the higher ups for the White Collars. I’m not surprised he’s got a room rented here.”
“Yeah but what if its my room he’s renting?”
>”Then the question is why did the White Collars hole you up there?”

>We’re going to need more information…

pausing

>>28576048
Ask him and her about the note with the flower.

>>28576048
Huh thorax tail don't think I've seen that particular interpretation of mothponies before, it's kinda neat.

>>28576048
Being familiar with goats, that's a really good representation of one. Even a tiny little goat will fearlessly bunt an opponent even if relatively huge, should they feel the need.

Awful cute scenario there too.

I say we get our stuff, determine what to do with our new friend, then head out. No sense getting wound up with that gang if we don't leave soon enough.

>>28576048
Ask the kid what she can tell us about Hedge. Who is he?

boop

>>28575267
>That dreamcatcher
Keeping out edgy princesses?

>>28576908

>>28577989

>>28576048

Well presumably they're the ones who branded us then. Maybe Pan the goat how fucking original knows something about why they would brand someone and stick them in a hotel room.

>>28576048
Resist urge to rub our floof on his floof.

>>28579056
He's a married stallion, Willow. Resist. RESIST.

>>28576048
So is Pan really that young or is she just small?

Willows looking huskier these days, and more quadrupedal.

>>28579709
I like it.

>>28579727
me too

What does Atticus say about the stereotype of moth stallions being all gay?

>>28580979
More importantly, does he have the scary penis?

>>28581076
thats not a penis anyway

>>28581090
eww, what is it?

>>28580979
That it's just that, a stereotype.

>>28581258
A pheromone gland that's been pumped full of air.

>>28581348
kinky

>>28581290
But no stereotype comes without observations to back it up. It's not exactly correct to say it about ALL moths but it isn't exactly nonexistent. Surely he's at least looked at another stallion appreciatively

beb

>>28582388

>>28582388

>>28584989

>>28586594

>>28587439

>>28588320

>>28588768

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“Hey kid, what if I told you I was put in this room against my will?”
>”It might mean our gang think's you're special ”
>You smooth back your floof
"You don't say?"

>"Only ponies who are special get to stay in the room with THAT!”
>Pan points at the dangly above the door.

“…So what?”
>”Hedge always says that dreams of Princesses only bring trouble, and that dream catcher keeps them from showing up. He rents this room to anyone he needs to keep safe!”

“Huh. Guess he must like you then, huh?”
>”O-Oh, uh… He does! Yeah! I might not be a REAL member yet ‘cause I’m too young, but I’ll be one soon enough! They promised!”

>Atticus pats her head and looks at the dreamcatcher
>”I’m surprised they work. I always figured they were buffalo hoo-ha.”
“Think we should take it? Could be useful.”
>”Unless you plan on falling asleep, I think stealing from one of the more prolific gangs might do us no good.”

>So if this room is supposed to be a safe place…
“Why stick ME here?”
>You rake out the betting slip and chip
“What about these?”
>Atticus flips them back and forth and cocks his head
>”High Roller? Didn’t know you were well off, Willow.”
“I’m a dirt baron, though I don’t look it” you state, dripping with sarcasm
>”Well the Blue Roses are a rival gang. They control most of the gaming in Meridian. This ticket and chip is from one of their underground casinos.”

“…Did I lose?”
>”You still got your shirt, don’t you?”
>You puff out your chest
“This floof is too dangerous to hang free!”
>Atticus waves his hoof dismissively
>”I’ve seen better, birdie”

“Hey on that note, do you know any… ‘flowery’ stallions?”
>He cocks his head again
>”Is this some kinda joke? Do you know how you get kids?”
“Yeah, yeah I get it, but the rumor is a ton of moth stallions are g-“
>”Willow, you are not my kid, but I will not hesitate to ground you.”

>You sit and stare blankly
>He quietly tacks on
>”OK! I know a few.”
>KNEW IT

>”Can we get a move on? We gotta meet either the gopher or the specialist”

poner princesses were on our good side, relatively, last we checked. If they were installing dreamcatchers it wasn't for our benefit thats for sure.

lets do the specalist.

>>28589777

Specialist sounds good though I'm not sure how it helps us.

>>28589832
I think we're checking if he's heard of anyone trying to sell a talking book lately.

>>28589777
Lucky 777, maybe we should gamble more. Specialist though.

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“Let’s head on to the specialist”
>”Thanks, I was hoping for you to help me out first.” Atticus adds
“I figured the specialist would be easier to find, since gophers spend most of their time underground”
>”…Was that a joke?”
“Huh? Oh yeah, of course! What am I, an idiot?”
>Atticus and you share a laugh
>All the while a thought hovers around in the back of your mind –
>He wasn’t talking about an actual gopher, was he?

“Am I retarded?”
>”What?
“What?”
>”Did you-?”
“I didn’t say anything?’

>You get yourself dressed and your bag equipped and head down the stairs
>However an additional set of hooves clack behind you
“Need something, kid?”
>Pan just stands and stares intently.
>Atticus turns around and inquires, “Did you want to follow me?”
>She simply shakes her head
>”I want to follow /her/”
>She points at you

>You shrug
>”She’s a bit young, Willow. Do you think we should let her tag along?”
“What? It’s just a specialist, what do you need to worry about?”
>Atticus pulls you over and whispers
>”The specialist I intend to see is not one that we will be speaking with on a ‘professional’ term.”
“Gang member?”
>”Possibly.”
“Do you know which gang?”
>”Not really. All I know is that they deal with the flow of magical items, and I am fairly certain they might know a few things about your book, and my die.”

"You got a lot of confidence in that die of yours." you remark
>"It's one of the only leads I have left. Can you blame me?"

>Hmmm

>>28590331
She too cute, I can say no to that. Plus we're obviously responsible adults, she'll be fiiiinnnneeeeeeeeeeeeeee

>>28590331
What age did we start our life of adventure?
I mean just look at how awesome we turned out.
Also loving Atticus as a character he's got like parent themed superhero

>>28590331
Gote has joined the party!

>>28590331
Sure, take her along but sing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5rRZdiu1UE&feature=youtu.be
on the way to establish that age dominance.

>>28590405
Seconding

>>28590331

She's pretty cute, she can probably come in handy. Maybe we can trade her to someone.

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“In her defense, I began adventuring when I was just a chick!”
>”Really? You turned out well-done, all things considered.”

>You turn back to Pan and ask her simply
“Hey kid, you wanna follow us?”
>She nods
“Then try to keep up, alright?”
>”What, you’re not gonna watch her?”
“You’re the parent here buddy.”
>”Yeah, but she’s not my kid, I don’t think it’s really my place here to-“
“Listen, I’m sure you’re fine, heck maybe even great at watching kids! You already have -“

>Er
>Oops
>”Willow…”
“I didn’t mean it like that, I just-“
>”Willow. It’s fine, really. I’m flattered, even if the situation doesn’t call for it. I get what you mean, don’t worry.”
>He gently reassures you
>”I’m sure between the two of us, a reasonable adult can be mustered up, right?”
“Yeah! And if it gets really bad, we can trade her for pizza!”
>”Hey! I am worth MUCH more than pizza! At least TWO!” Pan interjects

>The three of you resume your journey
>Atticus leads the way through the bustling morning streets
>As you walk, you get the feeling of being watched
>Be it because of the possibly hundreds of ponies and citizens watching your odd group strutting their stuff around downtown
>Or the fact you have a particularly determined moth pony at the head of your group
>One thing is certain
>Whatever you did, seems to have attracted some powerful attention

>You have a knack for it, evidently.

>A lengthy walk leads you to a small store in the corner of downtown Meridian

>After some twists and turns you find yourselves in a darker alley than usual

>Atticus motions towards an aged wooden door
>Upon its red surface the name “The Back” is painted in draconic.
>Well, that’s what Atticus says

>”I might not be much use in a fight, but years of experience, and expensive schooling I might add, has taught me a lot about various cultures. Let's get in there already!"
>He ushers you in
>Inside rests myriad trinkets
>And you see a diamond dog reading a magazine behind the counter.
>She has yet to notice you.

>>28590847
HI PUPPER
WHATS YOUR NAME

>>28590847
Fluffy over here wanted to talk to you. Or someone in this establishment at least.

>>28590847
OH NO SHE'S CUTE
P-Pet her ears

>>28590847
How much for the seaponer.

>>28590847
"Hello?"

>>28590847

>diamond dogs
>literacy

This must be a ruse of some sort. Approach cautiously.

>>28590847
We should probably notice something here, but those ears though. Hey sushi!

Oh and that shady dude from earlier is behind that door.

>>28590847
Holy cow, this dog is adorable.

>>28590847
that's Bath's liver, isn't it

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>A diamond dog?
>Reading?
>You’ve seen stranger things you suppose
>But you’re not buying it
>You approach with utmost caution

“HEYA PUPPER”
>Your voice rattles the various trinkets in the room
>And the seapony in the tank hides in the plastic house
>The clerk on the other hand is not as graceful

>Her surprisingly feminine voice cries out in shock
>And she slams into various moving objects around her
>Her chair flies backwards, and her magazine flips into the air

>Really, its just a big old mess
>She shakily rises from behind the counter and you give her a little wave
>”O-Ooh… How… How can I help you all?”

>She’s awfully well learned
“I don’t think I’ve met a diamond dog capable of such steady speech. Or reading, for that matter.”
>Her expression twitches momentarily to grumpy before she kindly says with a measured tone –
>”Not all of us that blow in from Houndell are idiot mutts. Some of us, like some of you griffin types, surpass our louder members.”
>She glares deeply at you, locking eyes fearlessly
>”But I can see that unlike me, you fall into the ‘idiot catbird’ archetype that precedes your kind.”
>Oh no she didn't
>You dig your claws into the table and lean in towards the dog
>You growl out a simple
"I can teach you some classic discipline if you'd like, you little-"

>Atticus places himself between you two and puts his floofy hoof on each of your heads
>"Easy, children," he starts "let's be reasonable here."

"Sure, I will if she will."
>"As a worker at this fine establishment, I can say I am ALWAYS reasonable!"

"And just what IS this establishment?"
>"We at 'The Back' have all the things they don't want you to have." she says with a wry smile.
>"Interested in some seapony tears? How about a jar of zap apple extract? It's very fresh!"

>"I was hoping you could tell me about... This"
>Atticus places the die on the table, and the dog's expression becomes grim
>She calmly states
>"Do you know what this is?"

>>28591157
I was really hoping we could be friends with this qt.

Of course we know what this is. But do YOU know what this is?

>>28591157
a trinket.

>>28591157
Scritch her behind the ears and smirk as she devolves into her doglike state.

>>28591157
It's a moth pony, They're harmless, what's up with this die.

>>28591157
Examine the room as Atticus deals with her for now, see if there's anything we need.

>>28591157
A twenty sided die, clearly. Its red, too.

Married stallion goes on a vacation with his son and circumstances surrounds himself with pretty females. Are we sure his son is missing and not just in daycare?

I'm on to you Atticus.

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“It’s a Moth pony. Weirder still, he’s married. To a mare, of all things. Shocking, right?”
>She looks at you blankly, and back at Atticus
>She merely repeats the question.
>”Do you know what this is?”

>”Yes.”
>He then pushes the die closer to her, and she folds her arms
>”The question is, do you?”

>She stares at the two of you for a moment before sighing.
>”No, I do not KNOW what that is. That would be impossible.”

“What a waste of time, let's-“
>Atticus clamps your beak shut
>”I’ll ask again. What do you THINK this is?”

>She stares at the two of you for a second before picking up the die and rolling it around in her paws.
>”Using my expertise, I THINK this is a cosmic grade magical anomaly. Though for me to know I would need to have other examples, and possession of such magical anomalies is strictly forbidden by Meridian law.”

>She pauses a second and gives the die back to Atticus
>”Now if you don’t mind me asking, how did-“
>Her droopy ears perk up and she leans to the side
>”PANINI!”

>”Chalk, don’t call me tha-!”
>Quick as lightning, the dog jumps from her counter and tackles the tiny goat

>”Nini! What did I say about bringing strangers here!?”
>A noogie occurs and Pan groans out loud
>"I didn't bring them! They came here! They're cool, I swear!"

>Chalk quietly growls, but reluctantly returns to her counter.
>"Listen, I'm supposed to be running a perfectly legal re-distribution center here. I just don't want trouble!"

>Atticus sighs
>"Okay, how about this, cut the crap and just tell me what I need to know, NOW."
>"Or what?"

>His voice takes on a sinister tone
>"Try me."

>"Nothing off the top of my head." Chalk quickly adds
>She ponders a moment
>"I suppose if I had time to check our catalog, I could give you an answer."

>She turns around and looks over her shoulder
>Her paw reaches out from the crook of her elbow
>"But if I were to do such a thing, I would need a consultation fee."

>Her fingers beckon
>"I am running a business, you understand."

>>28591385
Give bit

>>28591385
the only money we have is the 100bit chip, right? give her that.

>>28591385
>Panini

My God that's adorable.

>>28591385
All we have is the poker chip. If we pay her, she must also include our tatoo in her consulting.

>>28591418
This. We need answers too

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>Atticus curses to himself
>”Ah ponyfeathers! I don’t have any bits! And I really doubt she’s gonna take a traveler’s check”

>At this moment you have an idea
“Here, can you break a small fortune?”
>You place the chip in her hand, and she grips it curiously
>Upon seeing it, she turns around again

>”This is a Blue Rose, chip”
“Yeah, I’ve heard that before. Is it good money?”
>”I… Guess? We’ll have to cash this in later.”

>She puts the chip in her pocket and immediately tries to take the die
>You extend your claw and grab her paw first though
>”What’s wrong Willow?” Atticus asks

“Before you take that die, you need to give me a once-over.”
>”Excuse me?”
>You turn around and preset your brand
>To which the dog gasps quietly

>”That brand explains the chip, then.”
“How so?”
>As she pokes around on the surface of your skin, you feel cooling sensations rush through your body
>"Everyone who enters a high stakes Blue Rose casino gets one. I'm surprised you don't know this, actually. It's common knowledge at this point."

"Well, let's say I have a short memory, and I- AAAH"
>With a final jab, she slaps the back of your neck, and you feel a great weight lifted from your body
>"There we go! Almost good as new!"

>You shudder and ask quietly
"Almost?"
>"Well, it takes time for it to wear off fully, but its deactivated. You should be back to normal soon enough. Usually they take these off after the gambling is over, but yours was on for much longer. Weird."

>Atticus, interrupts her explanation to pry further into the Blue Roses.
>"Do these high profile casinoes only deal with cash? Do you think they deal with... other things?"

>Chalk shrugs
>"I suppose they might do it. But they probably don't because it's illegal. And no one in Meridian does anything illegal, clearly."

>"As for your die," she starts, pulling a large box out from under the table
>"I'll just have to check it against our codex"

>A leathery tome sputters and sneezes, its whines echoing through the store.

I know that whining!

>>28591680
Examine codex.

>>28591680
Cancel dice consultation and attempt to buy codex.

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"...Greg!?"
>"Oh lord, it's the bird again! As if the horrors of that dreaded casino weren't enough!"

>"Greg?" Atticus inquires
"Greg is MY book! GIMMIE!"

>Your talon shoots out, digging into his leathery surface
>Oh how you've missed his squishy exterior
>He squeals out in that Trottingham accent, "STOP WITH THE CLAWS, PLEASE!"

>Chalk, is not as cooperative however
>"What are you doing?! STOP! You'll tear it!"
"That's not an 'it' thats GREG! And I'm gonna take it back!"
>"Don't you mean him?"
"CAN IT, ATTICUS"

>You yank once more and start to argue with the dog
"Where did you even GET him!?"
>"That's not for me to say, bird brain!"

>As you and Chalk struggle between the counter with Greg, you hardly notice a familiar unicorn stallion emerge from the back door.
>His magic envelops your arm and Greg
>And he says simply
>"Release the book, or I will have you removed for stealing my property."

"And just who are you, nerd?"
>"My name is Hedge Fund, and I would like to keep this situation civil. Release the book. Now."

>>28592162
Greg is a high level magical trinket, which is illegal for you to own. Really i'm doing you a favour here.

>>28592162
"Your property, hm? And just how did MY property become yours? This got lifted off me sometime last night!"

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“YOUR property? You better tell me how this old magic tome, which is ILLEGAL I might add, made it into your hooves?”

>”This trinket, among other things, was payment from the Firebugs and their leader Phosphene.”
>He chuckles at the thought
>”She got it off someone over in the casino as far as I can tell, and she gave it to me to settle her debts.”

“Yeah buddy? Well, I’ll tell you what’s going to happen. I’m going to beat the tar out of you and your cute puppy over here if I don’t get what’s mine.”
>”Oh? Yours? Then you’d better take that up with Phosphene or offer me a price. She hangs around the Blue Roses for fun. Go talk to her, and don’t waste my time or damage my merchandise.”

>Merchandise?
“First you steal my stuff, then you try to sell it back to me? You’re itchin’ for a beatdown, I hope you know that.”

>”I didn’t steal anything. I merely circulate the merchandise. If you have a problem with the goods, take it up with the suppliers.”
“And those are?”
>”Firebugs. Posphene is their leader. Go back to the Blue Roses if you want to find her. She’s got a gambling habit and is one of my greatest customers for it.”

>Hedge motions to leave, but Atticus stops him, shouting-
>”Wait!”
>He fishes through his bag, dropping papers left and right
>”Have you – Has ANYPONY seen this kid?!” he begs, throwing a photograph to the diamond dog and the unicorn.
>Chalk and Hedge merely shrug
>"We're not the most savory folk..." Hedge starts
>"But we'd never traffic ponies - or foals for that matter."

>Pan sidles up next to Hedge, and he pats her head and shoots her a smile.
>"We're just not that kind of pony."

>You look at Greg nestled perfectly in Chalk's massive forearms
>And he looks back at you, almost apologetically.

>"But..." Hedge interrupts
>"We are still running a business. We can't just part with something this valuable. Surely you understand?"

pausing

>>28592978
Ask a bit value to outright buy Greg back. I wouldn't be averse to some violence, but in this store full of trinkets, they probably have something that could make our life difficult. Maybe Atticus could roll the Die of Power?

Then again, maybe we should just leave.

Goodnight, Hijacker.

>>28592978
I don't see how going after the firebugs would accomplish anything, they don't have the book any more and if they needed they book to settle the debt, they don't have anything else we could take from them either.

ask the price and roll the dice.

>>28592978
We should at least find out what happened, I think we should go see phosphene.

Blimp

Kick their ass. Greg is ours.

>>28594568

>>28594568
>Let's piss off a gang right now
As in character that is, that seems risky as hell. Especially since we are in a shop filled with trinkets

>>28596132
We have just as much access to the trinkets as they do right now.

>>28596160
>Beat up doggo and kid
Dunno m8

>>28596173
throw a bone out the window, make goat faint and beat up unicorn.

>>28596202
This.

>>28596202
>>28596273
Just imagine his surprise when he awakens with a sea-pony for a suppository!

>>28597028
Hang on that actually raises an interesting point he claimed they don't traffic in ponies yet there's a seapony in the shop.

>>28597576

Busted!

>>28597576
Clearly seaponies arent ponies

>>28598920
That's just a minnow with some legs glued on.

>>28596202

Do this and then touch the dog inappropriately.

boop

>>28602078
gote boop

>>28592978
We seem to be getting rather side tracked from helping the nice moth find his son.

>>28602842
Fuck that moth, let's make a new son!

>>28602842
Oh, yea, but you just know it's got to all be connected somehow.

>>28602842
I'd rather have greg back than help the moth.

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>>28603043

>>28603221
brutal

>>28603221
>implying dad moth isn't hiding something.

I don't trust him.

>>28603221
Moff dad is a cutie, but Greg is our best friend. OUR BEST FRIEND.

>>28602842
this place was his idea and they knew nothing, but Greg is right here.

hijack is turning me into a furry

>>28605575
It's just one cute doggo, Anon. It'll probably be fine.

>>28592978
We know deep down that loosing Greg was our fuckup somehow, and we're not a bad birb.

We paid for a dice consultation so let's have them use Greg. While that's happening take a good look around the shop for burglaring spots

Boop

>>28605575
It's his revenge for all the anthro jokes. He makes willow pure quadruped but also dangles doggo in front of us. Forcing us to second guess ourselves. Devious.

beb

>>28609901
Cunning little creature, the hijjiji is.

Quadrapedal birb, bipedal pupper, horse sized moff, tiny gote. Madness.

>hey I haven't checked in on hijack in a while
>ANTHRO ANTHRO ANTHRO ANTHRO
>oh right that was why

>>28612010
There are five instances of the word anthro in this thread.
You have posted 4 of them.

>>28612010
Don't be that guy.

boop

beb

>>28613731

>>28613731

>>28615684

>>28616509

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“Yeah I understand completely!”
>You shake your fist, inches from his face
“How many pummelings will it take to get my book back? I’m going to start at ‘all of them’ and I don’t think I’ll stop!”
>Atticus takes this moment to pull your claw down back under the counter and stem your rage
>”Easy! Violence is NOT the answer here. Not yet.”

>You rip yourself from your position and instead opt to stroll around the shop itself to cool off
>And maybe look for premier burglaring spots.
>As you look high and low, you also keep an ear out for what the dog is saying about the die

>She opens Greg and gets a bead on the item and starts to read his contents
>”The die is known for having profound effects on reality itself, but at a price. Upon rolling an unspecified integer, it will take a host and compel them to a place where magical forces congregate. Each time a host is taken, the die grows in power, and the current host is confined to an arbitrary area (generally an area where luck is afoot) where it can siphon magic to the die. This continuing chain of hosts allows the die to have greater scope of control in the world. If a host is reintroduced to the die, the connection will be severed, and the die will seek a new host to replace the lost connection.”

>Siphon magic?
>Where luck is afoot?

>This is an odd implication
>Is luck a magical construct?
>Does the host the die take disappear somehow?
>Will this window’s lock stay stuck?

>You reassert your attentions to the shop’s security measures
>Aside from the front door and window, there appears to be a rooftop latch that likely leads to the top of the building.
>Each uses a similar latch and lock mechanism that is flush against the frame.
>And each one can be sabotaged by a small obstruction like a card being jammed into the lock.

>Chalk and Atticus are still discussing something or other, so you have a chance to slip something through if need be
>Then again…
>Why bother with that?
>Let’s just deck the sucker and move on!

>>28617742
Luck, like a casino? Why are we even in this town in the first place?

>>28617790
Yeah, no point in being in this town. Let's go to las Pegasus.

Ride moff dad

>>28617742
I agree with our internal monologue. Deck the sucker and move on.

We've really got no reason to bother with any of their gang nonsense. We need Greg, Greg is here, once we have Greg we can help moff dad since there's nothing better to do here. These guys aren't even useful for finding moff son, no reason not to deck them.

>>28617837
We don't even really have to help moff dad. We can peace out and hit more towns. Besides, we paid for his dice consultation so either he owes us or we're even.

>>28617807
I was insinuating that we might be a host.

>>28617862
Of course we don't have to, but it's something to do and we don't really have anything else on our plate. Saving a foal isn't the worst way to spend the day.

>>28617870
I assumed moff son rolled the bad number and thats why he's missing.

>>28617862
I would rather help him than leave him to look for a kid alone.

>>28617878
But when do we get our best friend back?

>>28617878
It also talked about making multiple hosts.

>>28617887
Now?
deck the nerd.

>>28617895
DECK THE NERD

>>28617742
So the die sucks people up?

wasn't the Die the kids?

The Die probably sucked the kid up.

>>28618000
>it will take a host and compel them to a place where magical forces congregate.

>>28617895
>>28617906

We probably shouldn't deck the nerd.

>>28618295
Would would willow do?
She'd deck the nerd.

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>You've made your decision
"Alright, I'm going to ask one last time, I would please like my book back, you guys."

>Chalk looks at the book, and looks at you uneasily
>Right on cue, Hedge peeks out and remind you
>"We are a business, miss. We can't simply part with such a valuable item with no compensation. If you'd like to pay twenty five thousand bits, I would be happy to part with it, otherwise I-"

>You reach out and grab his horn, squeezing brutally on it
>Hedge all but shrieks in pain and you drag him over the counter towards yourself
>Chalk shouts, "WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

"I'm gonna beat the tar out of this nerd, and if you want some, feel free to stop me!"
>He winces and shakily stands, trying to ease the pain you are quite liberally applying to his horn
>"Y-You... Don't know what you're doing!? You idiot bird!"

"I'm getting my book back, whether you like it or not!"
>You cock your fist back and get ready to strike
>You also feel a heat gather in his horn
>"You've already assaulted me, and as the leader of the White Collars, I can tell you, your time in this town is already lim-

>You're done here
>Your fist flies forward and strikes him square in the temple
>You feel the heat of his horn rush out almost instantly
>And the force of your strike sends him flying into the counter with substantial force
>The impact sends Chalk falling backwards, and Pan shrieks in terror

>"WILLOW!" Atticus shouts
"What?"
>"Why would you do that?!"

>>28618312
Pick up the book and point at it. "THIS IS MY BEST FRIEND". Clutch Greg to your chest and give him a big hug.

>>28618312
I am not leaving my friend here to be exploited by criminals. I don't care what kind of business they're running, Greg is as alive as you or me.

>>28618312
Greg is our best friend and we aren't going to allow this greedy criminal to treat him like property.

>>28618312
Grab Greg and skedaddle!

NOTIMETOEXPLAIN,CHEESEIT.
Then grab Greg and run.

>>28618540
Meh, if he really wants to waste his money on medical bills then he's welcome.

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>>28618540
>You walk over to the counter where Chalk and Pan are cowering and you pick up Greg
"Hey buddy, how's it been?"
>"Pretty fine, right up until some colossal idiot struck out a mafia leader of sorts" he states with his classic prissy accent
"Glad you're so affectionate, my dear parchment filled friend."

>A tiny boof hits your leg, and you look back to see a teary eyed goat
>"Y-You can't just leave! Hedge was just trying to be fair! You're stealing!"

"Kiddo, I'm not stealing, I'm liberating!"
>"You're taking what isn't yours! It's not your book anymore!"

>It?
>Really?

>You turn around and lean down to her level
"Pan... I don't know what to say other than... Greg is not an "it""

>"This Greg is a book, Willow. I don't think 'it' is very off..."
"Atticus, for the first and last time, this is my best friend!"
>"What a touching thought," Greg adds

"Listen to this dingus! He's got a mind of his own! He's sentient!"
>You turn back to Pan, whose tears have somewhat slowed
"You guys don't traffic ponies because they are alive, right?"

>Chalk shakily nods and clarifies, "W-We don't believe anything that has a mind of its own should be treated like property. Ponies, dogs, minotaurs, even pigs."

"So why keep my best friend locked up in a box?"
>"Well, h-he's not an animal! He's just a book!"
"A book with a BRAIN! He has feelings, too!"

>"Though they are seldom respected, I must say"
"Can it Greg. The point is, he is a creature with a mind, like it or not."

>"W-Well..."
"No buts about it. You guys failed to follow your own rules, so I'm going to use mine. And my rule is no one gets to own anybody!"
>"Yes, that's why at no point you asked my opinion on the matter, no?"
"Greg, do you really want to be in a box?"
>"I suppose if its a choice between teh box or being burned alive, I suppose my pages are a bit tied, and I think-"
"FREEDOM!"

>You get ready to run, but Pan tries to stop you from leaving yet again
>"W-What if Hedge sends ponies after you?"

>>28618573
We'll fight them off! A seven nation army couldn't hold us back!

>>28618573
Lots of folks have tried.

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"Then I guess it's up to him to pay all the hospital bills."
>You flex
"A seven nation army couldn't hold me back!"

>Pan can only stare quietly as Chalk tries to pull her away from you
>"You... Need to leave." the dog says quietly

>"You're not going to call for help?" Atticus asks
>"No... I understand what your friend there is doing. she's right, I should have talked to Hedge about it, and I shouldn't have put the book in the box. But... You've made a huge mistake."

"The only mistake made here today was stealing my book."
>"It wasn't stolen! We have it because Posphene needed some money for her habits! She said she didn't need such a useless book!"

>Greg sputters at the accusation
>"Useless?! Why that ungratedful-"

>"Well, she needed money to get her big score back, but that's beside the point! You need to leave, now! BEFORE York comes back!"

>York?
>"The last thing you need is every enforcer on our staff after you. I understand why you did what you did, but I have orders too, and if I get ordered to attack you..."

>Chalk shakes her head of the thought and reiterates, "Just leave! Please!"

"Great idea! Come along, moth daddy!"
>"Who, me?"
>You grab his floof with a talon, and flee like a batpony out of prison
>You fly down the streets, and only after about thirty seconds does Atticus ask you
>"Where are we going?!"

>Well...
>Hm.

>You slow down and touch onto the street
>As several citizens flow around you and your moth friend, you think about possible places to go

>Atticus boops your shoulder
>"Willow, now that you have your book, what are you going to do?"

>Really one of the things on your mind is just the odd circumstances of this morning
>How did you get into such a sorry state?
>When you reallly think about it, you never get black out drunk...
>And the insistence of Hedge was very offputting.

>Well...
>You could return to the Inn, regroup and refuel
>You could call up a friend, maybe get some kind of backup
>Or maybe...

>>28618771
We rub Greg on Atticus die to find out what it can do.

>>28618771
We have a magical luck die.
LET'S ROLL IT

>>28618771
Earlier we heard something about the die needing hosts. Ask Greg if we might've been one of those hosts.

>>28618771
Go check out that gopher thing.

>>28618771
I dunno, didn't really think that far ahead.

Did your son roll the die?

>>28618893
We were going there to look for clues about greg.

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>>28618771
Shit, since when does willow owns a STANDO?

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>>28619171
Since like thread one senpai.

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"Well... I didn't really plan that far ahead."
>He sighs at this, but gives you a small smile
>"Well, I'm glad you were able to find what you were looking for."

"Yeah, me too, but I guess... I felt a little easy?"
>"Sorry it wasn't more of an adventure for you."

>He sighs again and starts to walk away
>"Well, it was fun. I suppose I'll take my leave now, seeing as your adventure has already concluded and-

>You grab his leg, catching him by surprise
>"Huh?"

"Woah there, buddy! What about your kid?"
>Atticus is shocked slightly, but he chuckles, saying, "I'm surprised you remembered. I thought I was the only one keeping track!"

"Hey, just because I was being insistent on getting my buddy back first, doesn't mean I'm not gonna help a pony out!"
>You fish the die out of his floof, much to the protests of Atticus
>"H-Hey! You can't just thrust your claw in there! That's private!"

"We're all adults here and if you are part of this party, your floof is now free domain."
>"Still pretty rude, Willow."

>You place the die in the seam of Greg, to which the book protests
>"This thing again? I told you-"
"no,no, Greg. This time I want to know about these 'hosts' you're talking about. Can we find them? Am I one?"

>"The hosts, hmm? Well, the easiest way to locate a host is to induce said host to convey magic to the item, and trace the trail it creates. Though the difficulty would be in perceiving magical trails. Then the difficulty comes from inducing an action or a roll that would have a persistent trail to follow with your circlet."

"Circlet?"
>"Surely you have it?"
"What if I don't?"

>"Then you could go with more traditional routes. Either use it a lot and run the risk of draining a host to find who you're looking for, or find a trinket that grants magical sight similar to what you would expect from the trinket. I suppose you could also find a creature with extremely excellent tracking ability, as well as the capacity to communicate civilly, but that would be rare!"

>>28619255
...we have to find that dog again, won't we?

>>28619255
Any ideas Atticus? None of my friends live here, do you know of any tracker types or should we look into the trinket market?

>>28619291
we can lure her away with a trail of biscuits.

pausing here
I'm unsure about the future week's schedule since i procrastinated in a very bad way

>>28619300
>lure her away with a trail of biscuits

This would never work. We have to try it.

>>28619255
Don't tell me we lost other stuff along with out memory.

>>28619313
Don't forget the squeaky ball and squirrel plush

>>28619310
I appreciate the early session tonight, Hiji.

>>28619291

What do you think her pussy looks like?

>>28619871
I want to find out.

Rolling for Bump...

20

beb

beb

>>28622296

not a bump

a bump

>>28625835

>>28621627

>>28626744

>>28627569

>>28628776

>>28626744

>>28630434