Heart of War: Thread 15- Sand, Sea, and Blood

>>30169038
>…
>You’ve been sitting in the sand, leaning against the inn’s wall for a while now.
>Part of you even wonders…
>Is this all some dream?
>”Oi!”
>Call calls out to you.
>You glance over to see Shore behind him.
>And another Saddle Arabian on the other side.
>”Look who we found!”
“Who is that?”
>”Found him screaming in one of the slave barracks. All the ash piles around him were a bit… unexpected.”
“Who is he?”
>Shore then responds:
>”He said his name is Sadiq. Do you know him?”
“Sadiq… that’s who the Musir told me to get!”
>Call then stops you:
>”Sorry, the Mushir said what?”
“I could have sworn that I told you.”
>”No you didn’t.”
“This is- he’s the brother of one of the Mushir’s commanders. He wanted me to make sure that Jagir’s faction couldn’t figure it out and use it against him.”
>Shore then fills in the gaps:
>”He wanted you to kill him?”
“No! Well, yes. But I’m not an assassin. Does he speak Equestrian?”
>Call and Shore respond in unison:
>”No.”
>You take a look at Sadiq.
>Light brown coat, darker brown mane.
>Looks a bit younger than you: late teens maybe.
“Tell him we’re getting him to safety. We’re taking him to his brother.”
>After Call translates, you look to Shore:
“Anything else you need from here?”
>”Everything I couldn’t carry is already burnt.”
“You got all of our stuff Call?”
>”Affirmative.”
“Then let’s go. You and I can dress once we’re far away from this town. Who knows when they’ll come for the next shipment.”

>>30178700
>…
>It’s been a long few days on the road.
>That doesn’t mean it’s been tiring for you, but the monotony of walking on a simple road through the woods has been…
>Well it’s been boring.
>The short times you would walk through a town were much needed changes of scenery.
>On night you even got to stay in a city.
>Nothing near as grand as the even one of the smaller Equestrian ones, but it was fun.
>In one of the taverns, a loud drunk was making a scene, so you may have encouraged Offense to take him up on the offer of a drinking contest.
>They went for over two hours.
>But it wasn’t ended by one of them passing out.
>As Offense got more unhinged from the alcohol, he started returning the drunk’s bad talking.
>Long story short, they got into a fight.
>But they were both so far gone, that neither of them could walk straight.
>Offense stumbled into the minotaur and knocked him over.
>Flat on his flank.
>He then went in for a head butt.
>And that knocked them both out for the night.
>You wish that you could have gotten a picture of those two collapsed on the floor next to each other.
>But you thought that they didn’t deserve to spend the entire night on the hard ground, so you had some of your men reposition them.
>And that’s how Offense woke up on the ground of a bar, wrapped under a drunk minotaur’s arm and using his chest as a pillow.
>You’re a bad influence on the troops.
>You giggle at the memory.
>Offense, who’s walking to your left notices.
>And he just sighs.
>He knows exactly what you’re laughing at.

>>30178704
>Currently you’re going through mountainous terrain.
>The hills are coated with trees, but in the distance you can see a range of mountains that are pure rock.
>To your right, the old minotaur speaks:
>”The coliseum should be just beyond this turn.”
“Should?”
>”I’m old, not senile.”
>As you turn round the bend, it comes into view.
>He wasn’t lying.
>It really is a coliseum.
>Made of solid grey stone, you’d guess that it’s at least a hundred feet high.
>The Sage then comments as you look at the dozens of colored banners that have been draped across its walls.
>”The arena is perfectly circular, with a diameter of exactly one hundred and fifty feet.”
“It’s… definitely impressive.”
>Tents have been put up around the exterior of the massive building.
>Banners that match the larger ones on the coliseum walls are clustered around groups of tents.
>Each claimant and their entourages most likely.
>And representatives of all the clans if you remember the Sage’s road trip history lessons.
>”We have arrived, and midday has yet to pass. That means the Grand Melee will take place today.”
“Today?”
>”That is what custom dictates. You will take your place at the Arbitrators seat, and anoint each of the fifty claimants with the ash of the old Archon’s body. His urn is waiting for you on a ceremonial pillar next to your seat.”
“I don’t get time to meet any of the claimants?”
>”Forty-two of them will be eliminated before the Melee has finished, best not to get attached.”
“So just sit back, relax, and enjoy their view as a few dozen minotaurs fight to the death?”
>”Yes.”
>Offense then comments:
>”Sounds like a good afternoon.”

>>30178719
>…
>The desert.
>You hate the desert.
>The sand, the heat, the endless expanse of a view, the heat, the venomous creatures that come out at night.
>And the heat.
>You pause to take a drink from your canteen.
>It’s terrible.
>How anypony could live in this is beyond you.
>Things would have been much simpler if you could have flown back.
>If shore was the only pony with you, you and Call could have probably carried her.
>If not for the entire way, it would at least cut down your travel time.
>Now you’re out here alone, probably being tracked by Jagir’s soldiers.
>At least they won’t be able to move through these dunes any faster than you can.
>So here you are on day whatever.
>Your only company being the dunes, the heat, a pair of ponies who won’t stop arguing, and another pony that you can’t understand.
>But for all your grievances with the desert, you aren’t that bothered.
>Every waking minute you’ve been out here, away from everything else, has been complete serenity.
>What bothers you are the minutes you aren’t awake for.
>Each time you’ve laid down for rest, you keep dreaming about the same thing.
>All of those people.
>Sure, a lot were soldiers.
>But there were more civilians in that town than soldiers.
>And even if each and every one of them was an absolute fanatic to their cause, which the slave labor most certainly wasn’t, they were still noncombatants.
>Two hundred, maybe three hundred, wiped out in an instant just because at some subconscious level you saw them as enemies.
>Because that was the easiest way to cover your trail when you would have left that town.
>What frightens you more, is the possibility that it was a conscious choice and the experience just made you forget about it.
>Everything else from when you were in contact with the crystal is cloudy to you memory, so who’s to say that you didn’t willingly kill all them.

>>30178723
>”Oi!”
>Call yells as he catches up with you.
>”I forgot, here.”
>He pulls something from a saddle bag.
>A grey officer’s cap.
>”Swiped it from the dust pile before we left the mine.”
>You take the hat and inspect it.
>Part of you wants to throw away and let it be buried by the desert.
>No, you should keep it.
>To always remind yourself about what happened.
>You reach back and put it in one of your bags before continuing through the desert.
>You can then hear Call speak behind you.
>”Didn’t even say thank you.”
>Shore then speaks to him.
>”Ten whole minutes without a quip. Congratulations, I think that’s the new record.”
>”Actually, I’ll have you know that fifteen whole minutes is my record.”
>”The first thing I’m doing when we get back to Equestria is getting as far away from you as possible.”
>”I wonder if Lancer would let me be the pony you have to check in with regularly to make sure you aren’t getting back up to spy things.”
>”You wouldn’t dare…”
>”Oh, but that-“
“Shut up!”
>”Come on, she started it.”
“No, I mean shut up and look over there. You see that too, or is it just a mirage?”
>”I see it too.”
>”So do I.”
>Green.
>Trees.
>You reached an oasis.
“Come on, we’re camping there today.”
>It’s still early, but that’s something you can’t pass up.
>…
>”So.”
>Call begins as your group sits under the shade of the trees next to the water.
>”What’s the first thing you’re all doing once we get back to Equestria?”
>”Getting away from you.”
>”Knew that already luv, what about you?”
>You watch as a fennec drinks from the water on the side opposite you.
>”Thunder!”
>The startled fox runs away from the noise.
“What?”
>”What are you doing when we get home?”

>>30178731
“I don’t know.”
>”You mean the three of us aren’t all going for a nice cold pint?”
>”Most definitely not.”
>”You’d be invited too Sadiq, but I don’t think you’re old enough to drink… also you’re not going to Equestria with us. But don’t worry, I’ll have one in your honor.”
>The Saddle Arabian tilts his head in confusion.
>Call then says something to him in Arabian.
>That seems to settle his curiosity, and he goes back to nibbling on a loaf of bread.
>Silence then falls over the oasis.
>Until Call breaks it again.
>”The sun, the sun. Tis bringer of life, and harbinger of death. The kind yet harsh mistress of any pony who would toil under its light.”
>Shore then speaks to him.
>”Was that One Hundred Weeks of Day, by Violet Pages?”
>”Not my best work, I’ll give you that. But honestly she’s a bit rubbish. Her work is a shoddy knock off of the much earlier Poetic Prose, now she knew how to write a play. Pages just took the stories, ‘modernized’ the language, removed any nuance from the characters, and got rid of all the symbolism. But I’ll tell you something: I dragged that horrible script to the top. At least until I realized that if I stopped then the show would close and I could move on to greener pastures.”
>”Wait, wait, wait. YOU’RE Curtain Call?”
>”The one and only.”
>”You started acting in Manehattan at twelve?”
>”A fan, I take it.”
>”I saw every one of your shows.”
>”Finally, somepony who appreciates the arts.”
>”That just killed my childhood.”
>”Oh come on.”
>”Completely killed it.”
>She sounds like a kid who just watched her puppy get kicked.
>”Well…”
>Call starts.
>”If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go write my name in the sand, if you know what I mean.”

>>30178736
Got hit by the captcha failures last night. I'll be back later tonight.
>>30175848
Meant to be "could have sworn" not sword
>>30176156
a telenovela is one of those sometimes over the top spanish soap operas. It's different than a soap opera in that they usually tie up all the story lines in one season, rather than leaving things open ended in hopes of getting more seasons.

I have no idea why I know that off the top of my head.

What a beautiful new Thread.

File: OhYeah.gif (2MB, 230x250px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 230x250px

>>30181553
mmmm that fresh new smell

>>30178736
>…
>Everypony- err, everybody has had the old Archon’s ash anointed on their foreheads and have taken their positions in the area.
>They all stand at the edge, equidistant from the next minotaur over.
>Beside each of them is a weapon rack.
>Best you can tell, they have dozens of different arms on them.
>Swords, axes, bows, shields, armored gauntlets, spiked gauntlets, flails, maces, javelins.
>That type of thing.
>In the seats, you see that the spectators are packed shoulder to shoulder.
>A lot of minotaurs are here to see this fight.
>You have your own chair in the front row.
>Beside you is a waist high pillar containing the brass urn that holds the rest of the old Archon’s ashes.
>Well, it’s waist high for a minotaur, so about eye level for you.
>On the opposite side of the pillar, the Sage has his own seat.
>You’re the two people that are required to stand witness.
>The chairs are simple and made of carved stone.
>No real inscriptions or ornamentation.
>Very utilitarian.
>Behind you there is a small private section for you men and the Sage’s attendants.
>Vendors are going through the walkways selling food and drink (mainly alcoholic).
>”Hey, give me two!”
>You hear Offense yell from behind you.
>You glance back to see him set down his popcorn to get two glasses of ale from one of the minotaurs.
>He’s certainly enjoying himself.
>This is as much a political event as it is a spectator sport…
>The Sage then stands and approaches the low wall to overlook the arena.
>The crowds hush as he begins to speak.

>>30182556
>”Friends and kin. Today we have gathered to see which among us is worthy of our loyalty. Fifty would-be claimants, the champions of our people, stand ready for the Grand Melee. Should they yield and quit the field, their life will not be protected until they have left the arena, and their honor will be forever stained. If any among them wish to retract their claim now, they may be allowed to leave: honor intact.”
>He then pauses a moment, but none of the contenders leave the arena.
>”If any claimant wishes to question the legitimacy of this succession, let them speak now.”
>On the opposite side of the arena, a black minotaur steps forward.
>He then points towards you.
>You hear his voice echo through the coliseum.
>”This pathetic pony has no business serving as Arbitrator. This MARE cannot be trusted to respect minotaur tradition. And I say that-“
>”ENOUGH! Need I remind you that in over eight hundred of these rights, a female has served as Arbitrator for two hundred and fifty-seven successions, and a pony been Arbitrator on six other occasions. And do I need to remind you that it was this ‘pathetic pony’ who killed your father in single combat?”
>The vast majority of the crowd cheers at the Sage.
>On the arena, the minotaur clenches his fist as he angrily stops back to his position.
>At least now you have somebody to root against.
>The Sage then hushes the crowd and continues:
>”With the validity of this rite untarnished, does the Arbitrator stand in witness of this event?”
>You rise out of your seat, and loudly proclaim:
“The Arbitrator stands in witness.”
>”Then let the Grand Melee begin!”
>Around the top most levels of the coliseum, horns blast to signify the start.
>The Sage then moves back to his seat, and you take yours again.
>He then leans over to speak to you.

>>30182563
>”Do not forgive Black Rage, as the eldest of the previous Archon, he does not value our ways. If he had his way, he would already have taken the position.”
>Watching the arena, you weren’t sure what to expect.
>Part of you assumed they’d all charge into a giant mosh pit.
>Instead, they’re taking their time to equip themselves.
>Some have split off and are beginning one on one combat.
>You see some groups of three, four, or five, but for the most part that’s as large as it gets.
>The crowd yells out an “ooh!” of disgust and interest as you see a minotaur’s head get completely crushed by a flail.
>The one who swung it then focuses on the next target.
>Only to get run through with a spear.
>Quickly the arena becomes alive with the sounds of steel hitting steel and the occasional bone snapping.
>And the stands are filled with cheers and boos as groups see their favored competitors survive or die.
>In the center of the arena, you see two of them in a fist fight.
>Neither of them look like they picked up any weapons at all.
>They grapple with each other and end up in the dirt, each trying to best the other.
>Away from them, you see one claimant pull his axe’s head out of another’s gut, and then swing it into his chest.
>Another minotaur charges another with a mace held high, only to be stopped by a javelin impacting about where his heart should be.
>Two of them are walking in a circle, weapons at the ready but each unwilling to strike.
>An arrow hits one of them in the head, and shortly after, the second gets the same treatment.

>>30182569
>You look to the archer, who then has his bow arm sliced cleanly off as the black minotaur swings his greatsword down.
>He then follows through by sticking it into the archer’s side.
>When Rage pulls the sword clean, he then uses it to block a strike from a minotaur with a sword and shield.
>With one hefty swing, he brings the sword down and shatters the other minotaur’s wooden shield.
>And then sticks it through his gut, lifting him slightly off the ground.
>Back in the center of the arena, you still see the unarmed minotaurs wrestling each other.
>Closer towards you, you see a minotaur punch another in the jaw with an armored fist.
>You think you heard bone break.
>But both of them soon get killed by a third with a sword in one hand and axe in the other.
>This is absolutely barbaric.
>An uncivilized display of brutality.
>Senseless fighting.
>You love it.
>One of the minotaurs attempts to climb out of the arena.
>Only to get stabbed in the back of the spine with a spear.
>Nearby, two of them are locked in a heated battle as they swing one handed swords at one another.
>Each blow is caught by the other’s steel.
>A third approaches with a large axe, and the two swordsmen shift their attention to him.
>One blocks the axe as it swings, and the other stabs the minotaur holding it.
>They then both look to each other, take a step back, and begin their fight once again.
>The competitors’ numbers are certainly dwindling.

>>30182572
>…
>You watch from across the oasis as a gerbil of some kind drinks.
>Behind it, you see a fox stalking it.
>The fennec has it’s ears pressed back, and is pressed low to the ground as it approaches the drinking rodent.
>The gerbil raises its head from the water, realizing something is wrong.
>The fox lunges out, but the rat runs.
>It chases it a while, almost catching up before the gerbil ducks into a small burrow.
>The fox paws at the sand, but soon gives up.
>Looking over to the right, you see Shore leaning against a tree as she naps.
>Sadiq is drinking from a canteen.
>Where’s Call?
>”Hey!”
>Call sits down next to you to the left.
“Call.”
>”I think something’s wrong with you.”
“What?”
>”You’ve barely been returning any of my snarky comments.”
“Maybe I just don’t want to.”
>”Nah.”
“Look, physically I feel fine. But my mind… I don’t know, it’s just kind of blank.”
>”It’s about those townsfolk, innit? Look, we’re soldiers. We try our best, but despite the effort sometimes civilians get caught in the crossfire. It’s happened to a lot of us.”
“But they weren’t in the way.”
>”That crystal, you think it was alive somehow?”
“Maybe.”
>”Cause that’s what killed those ponies, not you. I guess it was self-defense. Those people had been picking away at it for however long.”
“I think I felt some of the pain it went through.”
>”I don’t think I can even imagine what that felt like.”
“No, you can’t.”
>”Look mate, it really buggered you up. If you need to talk about it, I’m right here.”
“I’ll be fine.”
>”If you say so.”

More tomorrow
>>30182578
>He remains silent for a moment before speaking again.
>”Hey, I’d be careful with your canteens. Any day now I’d bet she’ll try to poison us.”
“I thought it was the crystal that made you suspicious of her occupation.”
>”Nah, has nothing to do with her being a spy. I just think she doesn’t like us.”
“You’re an easy pony to hate.”
>”There’s the Thunder I know.”
>You rise from the sand.
“Come on.”
>You offer a hoof and pull Call up.
>Neither of you are currently bundled up in robes.
“Let’s get some air. See if anything is around here.”
>”Right by me.”
>You then take flight.
>Aiming high as you enjoy the wind pass through your mane.
>Soon every grain of sand has fallen from your coat.
>You go higher and higher.
>Up to cloud level, if there were any clouds in the sky.
>When you do stop, you hover in the air and look to the horizon.
>Sand as far as the eye can see.
>Just endless dunes.
>No people.
>No buildings.
>Nothing.
>Other than the tiny oasis in midst of it all.
>”How long do you think it’ll take?”
>Call asks you over the wind.
“At this pace? A week if we’re lucky, two if we aren’t.”
>”We’d have been back at the port already if we could have flown.”
>Maybe, or at least a day or two away from it depending on the wind.
“Call?”
>”Yeah?”
“I have an idea.”

>>30178736
I can definitely see them somehow getting into a relationship.

>>30185202
rumpus bumpus

we

Think I might take a break for the night, back tomorrow.

>>30190033
I hope you dream of your waifu.

10

>>30192344

Bumperino

>>30182586
>…
>As a minotaur falls to the ground after having his stomach sliced open, he succumbs to his wounds.
>However he did manage to kill the one who let out his entrails.
>Now there’s only ten minotaurs remaining… and the stench of battle is starting to kick in.
>Near your seat, you can see two wrestling with a spear, each trying to get it from the other’s grasp.
>They don’t dare leave themselves open by grabbing a different weapon from a rack or the ground.
>To the left side of the arena (from your perspective), three competitors are locked in a battle.
>One with a one handed sword, one with a two handed axe, and the last with a mace and shield.
>That fight is rather mobile, as they duck, roll, or jump back from incoming strikes.
>Directly opposite you, Black Rage is leaning against the wall, his sword planted into the ground.
>None of the others are trying their luck with him, and he’s content to wait out the rest of the fight.
>Over to the right, the two swordsmen are still locked in their duel.
>They teamed up to stop three others that tried to get in the way, and after that they’ve been left alone.
>And in the center of the field, the unarmed brawlers are still struggling with each other.
>Not a single other claimant has paid them any mind.
>These battles are the last ones left, and betting has really skyrocketed in the stands.
>You glance over to see huge crowds around the stands that are taking bets.
>Is that Offense?
>He’s certainly not in his seat…
>”Right now, they’re betting on who will be the last deaths.”
>You glance over to the Sage as he speaks.
>”Not who will survive.”
“That’s grim.”
>”That’s politics.”

>>30197856
“So who are these guys anyway?”
>”You should know enough about Rage already. The two swordsmen are Brass Nerve and Steel Fortitude- their families have been in blood feud for over twelve generations.”
“What started it?”
>”An argument between friends over who had the most courage.”
“Can’t they just kiss and make up?”
>”This is not Equestria… no offense meant.”
“None taken. How about these two?”
>You nod towards the two wrestling over the spear.
>”Blue Virtue- a member of one of the oldest and most respected families. And Yellow son of Yellow- no family name due to his status as a peasant.”
“Well isn’t that clichéd?”
>”Over there, the one with the axe is Rust Blood, the mace wielder is Blunt Force, and the swordsman is Iron Resolve.”
“And I really have to know, who are those two in the center?”
>”Copper Wind and Copper Wind. Never mispronounce their names: one is like the air when it blows, the other is what you do to a clock. They just despise that their names are the same on paper.”
“It really doesn’t help that they look pretty similar.”
>”One of them is half an inch taller… I forget which.”
“They must be fun at parties.”
>”It usually ends in many broken bones.”
“So who do you think is next to go?”
>”Rust does not have the endurance to continue for much longer, after he falls then Resolve will fall to Force once he can put his undivided attention to a single opponent.”
“How do you think each of them would rule?”

>>30197862
>”Rage would set us into civil war to give himself more authority, and then look to expansion. If Nerve or Fortitude were to win, they would continue the feud and begin a civil war, but leave other nations alone. Wind and Wind don’t have the patience for ruling, they’re only using this event to settle their personal grudges.”
>He pauses to watch Nerve and Fortitude lock blades, only to back off slightly.
>”Blood wants only what his family took its name for- he wants conflict, be it with the largest dragon he can find or the largest army he can find… and there’s only one large army that borders our lands. Force is in it for the personal glory and indulgences, he would most likely sit around and get fat. Resolve just wants a degree of stability, but his family is not well liked.”
>The Sage then pauses to take a drink of water.
>”Yellow could go one of two ways: he could be content with raising his family up, or seek reforms that would not go over well with the other more established tribes. If that route is taken then civil war is likely.”
“I don’t really like any of these options.”
>Maybe this whole ‘running your nation by finding the strongest fighter’ has one or two teensy-tiny little humongous flaws.
>”Your preferred choice would be Virtue. His family has a great deal of support, and if anyone can keep some degree of peace, it’s him. However if Yellow could be a close second if he doesn’t rock the boat too much- that’s what you young ones say, right?”
“Yeah, we said that… more than a few decades ago.”
>”Hmm.”

>>30197866
>Looking back to the fights, you see that not much has changed.
>Metal still hits against metal.
>In the center of the arena, you see that Wind is on the ground and Wind stands above him.
>Wind jumps and prepares to bring his shoulder down onto Wind, with the entire force of his body.
>However Wind rolls out of the way, and Wind crashes down into the dirt.
>Ouch.
>Closer to you, you hear wood snap.
>Glancing down, you see that the spear between Yellow and Virtue has snapped down the center.
>Virtue holds the front half, and Yellow has a broken haft.
>After a split-second of disbelief, they both thrust.
>The spear head goes up into Yellow’s chest, and the broken wood pierces up into Virtue’s chest.
>Both of the strikes look like they hit near to the heart.
>They stand while still gripping their weapons before each take a step back.
>The stands go silent as the two combatants fall onto their backs.
>Well there goes the good option, and the possibly good option.
>There is a huge amount of upset in the crowd, as many voice their anger.
>But behind you, you can pick out Offense’s voice:
“TWENTY TO ONE RETURNS, BABY!”
>After the bodies remain still for a moment, the horns blurt out again.
>The three locked in their battle step away and stop fighting.
>The blood feud buddies stick their blades into the dirt and let them rest there.
>Rage looks smug.
>Wind and Wind wipe some dirt off of themselves, and glare angrily at each other.

>>30197873
>As the combatants hold, several minotaurs wearing grey leather vests enter the field with some wooden poles.
>They then go around and poke bodies…
>The Sage leans over to explain:
>”They are confirming that only eight survive. The vests are to clearly identify that they are… referees I suppose would be a decent word for it.”
“By poking them? Is that some time honored and symbolic tradition?”
>”Because it is simple.”
>Soon, one of the corpse checkers approaches the center of the arena and speaks:
>”Eight claimants remain!”
>At that, the crowd cheers, and the Sage stands to speak.
>When he approaches up to the wall, the crowd becomes quiet.
>”The Grand Melee has been concluded, and the enduring claimants will soon face their final trial. Now, as it has been said eight hundred and twenty times previous to this day: Get out!”
>He then turns and returns to his seat.
“Get out?”
>”If they celebrate inside of the coliseum, it won’t be clean enough to house another event for months. The drunken disorder at the first succession took place inside of the coliseum, and by daybreak only the foundation of the building remained… granted, that one WAS made of wood.”
“Does the get out thing apply to us?”
>”Of course not. The coliseum is open to the Sage, Arbitrator, surviving claimants, and their retinues- provided that their celebrations take place outside… and just don’t get in the way as they burn the bodies.”

>>30197876
>…
>Sitting against one of the trees, you watch the oasis.
>The fennec you’ve been watching is back again.
>You know it’s the same one because the tip of its large ear is missing.
>It just killed a large beetle.
>The insect looks about as large as a coconut.
>As the fox begins to take a bite, a second fennec appears from a burrow.
>The new one looks a bit larger, and has more meat on its bones.
>The first fox springs around as the new one approaches- it’s head down and teeth glaring.
>The hunter stands there a moment, entertaining it’s options.
>But then it steps back from the larger fennec.
>The second fox then picks up the dead beetle with its mouth and walks back to the burrow.
>Without a meal, the first fox then begins to walk away.
>You glance as you see Shore approach in the corner of your eye.
“Yes?”
>You ask as you watch the fox curl up next to a tree.
>”Where’s your friend?”
“I sent him away.”
>”Well… where to?”
“He’s flying ahead.”
>”Why?”
“To bring the airship.”
>”Then we’ll be staying here?”
“We will. If we’re lucky the Prydwen will be here in three or four days.”
>”The what?”
“Prydwen, it’s the name of the ship.”
>”What kind of name is that?”
“The Field Marshal chose it.”
>”Figures.”
>Does the fox not even have a burrow?

>>30198061
>”You know, I can understand why you work with him, he has his uses. But how is he your friend?”
>Was the tip of its ear taken off by the bigger one?
>”Major?”
“What? Oh, I don’t know. He’s a decent pony. A bit of a pig… okay, a complete pig.”
>”How did you even meet him?”
“Beat each other within an inch of our lives.”
>”How…”
“Men are like that. We laughed about it over a beer… Then I think he went off to flirt with some mare. It’s in his nature.”
>The fox is fully curled up as it sleeps.
“Frankly, I’m a pretty surprised that he didn’t try to flirt with you. There may have been one double-entendre, but usually he’s very forward.”
>”Frankly, I’m glad that he didn’t.”
“It’s like instinct, the first sight he gets of a mare and he’s on the hunt. He either just doesn’t like you, or he’s hiding it and showing more restraint then I’d imagined possible.”
>”That’s… good?”
“When I get home, I’m going to see my wife.”
>”What does that have to do with…”
“You should go to your family.”
>”You’re talking about my file, aren’t you?”
“I know that you cut them out of your life to better desensitize yourself to the world.”
>”Look, I-“
“And I know that it still pains you. You miss going to the theater with your mother, and the walks through the park with your father. They meant the world to him, even as his hip started acting up.”
>”How do you know that!”
“I saw it… or felt it?”
>”What?”

More tomorrow
>>30198064
“You hate it, all of it. The stealing, murders, the bombs you planted. They taught you that it would be the right thing, that it was all for the greater good. For each time a pony died that deserved it, a dozen innocents would be caught in the crossfire. For years you wanted out, but there is no out in the Ministry.”
>”Stop.”
“It was Haqim that made you change your mind. The governor you assassinated. When his carriage blew up, his wife and all three of their children were caught in the blast. His son remained alive, his back legs both blown off… But he died in the street when help wasn’t able to get there soon enough. But the worst part is that when you got the documents from his office, it turns out that Haqim was actually a supporter of peace with Equestira, not war like the Ministry thought.”
>”STOP!”
“Go home. To your family. Put all of… this behind you.”
>You hear her run off as you continue to watch the fennec.
>As it sleeps, you see its ear flick.
>You wonder what it’s dreaming about.

Give me a basic gestalt on this story. I've noticed this thread on the catalogue for ages but never looked at it. What's it about? Is it a trainwreck as long fanfics tend to be?

File: Rundown.jpg (157KB, 540x378px) Image search: [Google]

157KB, 540x378px

>>30198131
>basic gestalt

>>30198131
Anon's been in Equestria for decades, became soldier, eventually gets posted out in the middle of nowhere (Appleoosa) with Flurry, who he somewhat adopted as a daughter after Shining went missing on an expedition and Cadence became overcome with grief. Shit happens, and Anon has to go out to fight one last war.

I will say that the prologue and first act might have a few glaring spelling issues. Especially for the early few days. I've been meaning to get around to fix them sometime.

PoV characters are Anon- a grizzled veteran and demoted general. Flurry- idealist princess who's been tutored in the arts of war by Anon. Thunder- an OC character meant to be the 'everyman'/boots on the ground soldier perspective.

Genres it touches on: war story (obviously), political intrigue, dream sequence fuckery, a bit of romance (non-lewd), espionage, and grand adventure questing.

>Is it a trainwreck as long fanfics tend to be?
That's not really for me to decide. I've tried to keep things consistent and am hoping to properly tie up all the divergent plot lines for the grand finale.

And I will say that the story was started before Flurry's first episode aired. So be somewhat lenient with any odd thing you might see that disrupts later canon. I've tried to account for season 6 and further as best as I can (such as Sunburst not being there to be the godfather figure). Canonically the changeling reformation didn't stick for whatever reason (there hasn't been a story reason after the reformation happened in show to explain why)

>>30198181
>Changeling reformation
Easy way to explain why there are still normal changelings.
Changeling civil war.
The reformed rainbow deers just integrated into normal life or go do their own thing becoming isolationist while the defectors stayed their true for and went underground like the neo-equality cult.

>9

>>30201646
8 m8

Bumperino

And now for something completely different
>>30198069
>…
>”You know Anon, I’m happy to tell you that your brain has gotten more accustom to these little dream like pauses we take. I think you could spend weeks in here without any real damage being done… although you might be a little disorientated once your body realizes that barely a second has past.”
>You’re walking through the woods with Harvey.
>He’s ditched his brown pinstripe suit for a pair of jeans and a brown polo.
>You’ve got jeans and a blue polo.
“I thought my puny human mind couldn’t handle it.”
>”Well it turns out that your puny mind is slightly less puny than I thought.”
“Where are we even going?”
>”I thought you could use some time to properly relax and enjoy yourself, so I’ve cooked up a little something you should like.”
“Keyword being ‘should’.”
>”Here we are!”
>A shack.
>In very bad condition.
“How is this supposed to be relaxing?”
>”Come with me.”
>He opens the door to the dilapidated wooden structure and steps inside.

>>30205173
>You follow, and notice that the ground is very hard.
>A metal of some kind.
>Harv reaches over and presses a large red button that’s sticking out of a wooden plank.
>And the ground then lurches as you begin to descend into an elevator.
“Was that button even wired to anything?”
>”Willing suspension of disbelief.”
“No elevator music?”
>”And I thought That I thought of everything.”
“Try saying that ten times fast- DON’T.”
>When the elevator stops, you reach an open hallway.
>It’s made of concrete.
>At the end of the hallway, you think you can make out a corner.
“Global thermonuclear war?”
>”I prefer tic-tac-toe.”
>You step out into the hallway, and stand there for a moment.
“Harv, what is this?”
>”Just wait. Three… Two… One.”
>Nothing happens.
>”One.”
>You glance back down the hallway.
>Nothing.
>”ONE!”
>Down the hall, you see someone turn the corner.
>Tattered clothes, grey skin, decomposing flesh…
“Zombies… really Harv?”
>”Don’t say the Z word. They’re infected.”
>The corpse shambles down the hall, at a slow walking pace- it’s arms outstretched.
“Do I not even get a gun?”
>He offers you a Ka-Bar knife.
“How quaint.”
>You take it and grasp the blade.
>Then you turn and nonchalantly throw it at the ‘infected’, striking it in the head.
>As the corpse falls to the ground, you turn back to Discord.
“And let me guess, the bunker is filled with absurd puzzles and doors that require three items to unlock?”
>”… I have a plan B.”

>>30205176
>The bunker melts away, and turns into a rundown mansion.
>The main entrance room…
“This better not be more zombies.”
>”Like, that would be- okay, I’m not doing the voice.”
>You turn to face Harvey, who is now wearing a baggy green t-shirt and loosely fit brown pants.
>Looking down, you see that you’ve got a white over shirt, blue collar, and orange ascot.
“Really Harv? Wait, why is that Great Dane purple and green?”
>The dumb dog then speaks:
>”Rhuts rong?”
“Is that supposed to be… Spike?”
>Let’s take a look at the rest of the ‘gang’.
>Velma’s hair is in Diamond Tiara’s colors…
“Horrible choice.”
>And Daphne-
>You remember that purple and it’s highlights.
>Approaching Discord, you give him a swift right hook.
“You don’t go there Harv!”
>”Understood.”
>Looking back at the girl in the purple dress…
>She looks confused, and speaks to you:
>”What’s wrong Anon?”
>Yup, that’s Lancer.
>A voice then calls out from behind you:
>”LEAVVVVE THIS HOUSE!”
“Wow, a bed sheet ghost. Haven’t seen one of those before.”
>You step towards the ‘ghost’ and give it a right hook to the face as well.
>Amazingly, you actually impact something.
>The ‘ghost’ then falls down, and drops the SPOOOOOKY voice:
>”Gah, what are you doing!”
>You pull the sheet off, revealing (as the gang says in unison):
>”Old Man Smithers!”
>Harv however waited and then says:
>”Plan C it is then.”

>>30205179
>You then find yourself in the seat of a car.
>A Ferrari.
>A blue Ferrari…
>The street in front of you is cleared and set up for a race.
>Looks like a knock off New York.
>You glance to the car next to you.
>Harv is in the seat of a Brown Lamborghini.
“Come on Harv! BLUE Ferraris? BROWN Lambos?”
>”Plan D.”
>You’re standing in a line.
>In front of soldiers handing out supplies, as a commissar speaks to the crowd.
>”The first man receives a rifle, the second ammunition for the rifle. When the-“
>You turn to Harv, the conscript behind you in line.
“Stalingrad is NOT relaxing!”
>”Plan E, you’re a hard man to please.”
>You are now in a muddy trench, taking cover from the artillery shelling.
“Trench warfare isn’t relaxing either!”
>”Plan F…”
>You stand in an apple orchard, an empty barrel in front of your feet.
>Glancing around, nothing seems out of the ordinary.
“Alright Harv, I’ll bite. I have no idea what the gimmick is here.”
>”No gimmick, just pick apples I guess.”
“What’s Plan G?”
>”Pirates.”
“Already on a ship. H?”
>”Gladiator arena.”
“Why wasn’t that G?”
>”That would have made more sense.”
“Too easy though. I?”
>”Ice cream.”
“Gimmick?”
>”Ice cream.”
“I’m not going to have fake ice cream with you. J?”
>”Oh that’s a fun one. See we’re these secret agents and there are aliens-“
“K?”
>”A sequel to J… not as good as the first though.”
“L?”
>”Barbershop quartet.”
“That’s… maybe. M?”
>”Murder mystery.”
“Did the maid do it?”
>”… N is all about puzzles and number sequences.”
“N is for No.”
>”O involves situational comedy, where you live in an apartment and I’m across the hall from you.”
“Any sitcom ever. P?”

>>30205182
>Is that music?
>”Well, you remember that total eclipse of the sun a few weeks ago?”
>”Da doo.”
>Disembodied female voices sing.
“No musicals.”
>The background music stops.
>”Q- Imagine it: You are a starship Captain.”
“You’re not playing Q.”
>”What? No, I’m the first officer. Why would I be Q?”
>He asks completely seriously.
“R?”
>”Revenge. After your family were killed-“
“No.”
>”S is a world where everything is a snake.”
“What?”
>”EVERYTHING.”
“T?”
>”You are sent back in time to protect-“
“U?”
>”Giant underground subterranean worms.”
“That’s redundant. V?”
>”Nam.”
“World War Two isn’t relaxing, World War One isn’t relaxing, what makes you think that Vietnam would be relaxing? W?”
>”Wax on and wax off Anon-san.”
“X?”
>”Playing the xylophone while on a trapeze.”
“How do you even think of something like that? What about Y?”
>”Cowboys.”
“Z? Wait, don’t tell me: more zombies.”
>”Robot Zebras.”
“I don’t even… What?”
>”That’s all I’ve got…”
“What about fishing?”
>”Fishing is boring.”
“When it’d be fake fish and fake beer, I suppose you’re right.”
>”Jousting?”
“I’ve said no to every other fighting related scenario, what makes you think jousting would be any different?”
>”Bear wrestling?”
“One more idea like that, and I’m gonna wish away your mouth.”
>”We could bake something.”
“This isn’t real, it would just taste however I want it to taste.”
>”But that’s cheating.”
“No baking.”
>”I don’t know then… tennis?”
“That… actually sure. Why not?”

Well shit. I thought I still had a few thousand words left in the act.
>>30198069
This is the end of Act XIII (I'll update the pastebin right now)
>>30205173
This will be the start of Act XIV

That went faster than I thought. I guess I've been putting out more words per day recently

>>30205209
Link to new act

https://pastebin.com/CqHSxGSY

Bamp

>9

Hitting some writers block, dialogue isn't really falling together. I'll be back tomorrow

>>30205182
>j and k
that one hit me in the sides

>>30211815
Good luck friend

Bumperino

>>30205182
The blue ferrari and brown Lamborghini reference is lost to me.

>>30212359
I don't think it's a reference. The Lamborghini is brown because Discord is brown, and blue Ferrari I'm not so sure about, probably to reference anons eyes or something.

>>30212359
>>30212554
Not a reference, just horrible color choices. Brown for discord because of his color, Blue was to show that the one time Discord wasn't overly clichéd, he should have been.

>>30214073
I get a bit irrity about cars sometimes. Like Ferrari's look the best in red, most other colours is jarring. And a brown Lamborghini is shit, black all the way.

>>30214713
It's a shame to see such a great work of machinery ruined by a bad paint job

>>30215937
what if i told you that me, the invade the east guy, had refinished and repainted the stocks of several ww1 era mausers to be themed around various m6 cast members

>>30216732
>Bubba-ing milsurp
>Ruining historical antiques
>Displaying power-levels in public (presumably)

It's like an unholy trinity

Really though, do what you like. You bought them, so they're yours to do with as you please. I'll give you credit for doing the full set.

They get much use?

>>30216806
I made a derpy one for myself and I use it maybe once a month when the spot I go to is empty.
The rest were all for fellow anons. I made a rarity, a fluttershy, and a twilight one.

It's not like I welded the bolt or re-barreled it, wood is just wood.

>>30205186
>…
“Well it’s been awhile… aren’t any of the survivors going to come speak to me?”
>”Tomorrow is for speaking, tonight is for drinking. I doubt any of them are sober enough to find their way here.”
>You’re at a small balcony overlooking the now empty arena, a table was set up for you.
>The Sage is sitting opposite you.
“So, I have to announce the final challenge tomorrow?”
>”You don’t have to. As long as you announce the test to them at the same time, you will be within your rights.”
“But it has to be announced by midday in a week?”
>”It seems all of my words were not lost upon you.”
“And the challenge can start any time between the announcement and nightfall in a week.”
>”Indeed.”
>At most you can give them a week to prepare, or you could throw them into the test immediately.
>You turn your head as you see Offense approaching.
>He’s walking backwards as he drags a large sack of coin with his teeth.
“Why didn’t you just fly?”
>He pauses for a moment before releasing the sack, and grabbing it with his hooves.
>He then flaps the rest of the distance, easily lifting the money bag.
>When he reaches the table, he sets it down and takes a seat.
>And he’s trying to keep a straight face…
“What are you even going to do with your winnings?”
>”Haven’t seen my daughter since before the civil war. Think I’ll take her on a vacation. Rainbow Falls maybe, it’s pretty beautiful in the early autumn.”
>You didn’t know he had any family…

>>30217767
“Not taking your wife?”
>His look immediately shits into a thousand yard stare.
>”N-no ma’am… She passed. Five years ago.”
“I’m so sorry! I had no idea.”
>He shakes his head clear.
>”Let’s just- so what are we talking about?”
“Well, we’re brushing up on the final challenge.”
>”What’s on the table? Tournament style or a free for all?”
“Well…”
>”Combat or a more endurance and survivalist based?”
“Actually…”
>”In the arena or will you set them out into the wilderness?”
“I have no idea!”
>Honestly you don’t…
“Yet.”
>The Sage is the first to speak:
>”That is… disconcerting.”
“Thanks for the support.”
>Offense then proves more helpful:
>”Well let’s work it through. We saw all of their skills, you can use that for or against your preferred choice.”
“I’m not sure who would even make the best leader. The way the Sage described them, they’re all pretty bad choices.”
>”How bad are they?”
“One of them would cause a civil war and invade us, another would just invade us. Two would spark civil wars because they don’t like each other’s families. The two wrestlers have no idea what politics are, they just want to settle a childhood grudge. One is corrupt, and the last one means well, but everyone else hates him.”
>”At least we’ll be fine with six of those options.”
>The Sage grunts.
>”What?”
>Honestly, you’ve taken that into account.

>>30217771
that should be *shifts not shits
>>30217771
“Look, I’ll get blamed personally for whoever gets put in charge. If we want a better relationship with the minotaurs, they need a good leader.”
>”So we have to roll the dice with a pair of idiots, government corruption, or the least popular kid in class.”
“Only problem is, the wrestlers were evenly matched, but I don’t know how the others are in unarmed combat. Then, the other two were fairly straightforward fighters, and I’m not sure how to tip the challenge in their favor.”
>”Arbitrator, if I may?”
>The Sage speaks up.
“Go ahead.”
>”All of the eight survivors are well versed in multiple forms of close combat, and although they all have preferred weapons, the choice wouldn’t change much. In ranged forms of combat, they are all about as equally as mediocre.”
“How would you rank them in a melee?”
>”The favorite to win would be Black Rage. After him I would consider Brass Nerve and Steel Fortitude to be equally matched. Rust Blood would be tied with those two, however he lacks the endurance of the others.”
>He clears his throat, and goes to take a drink.
>”Blunt Force has less skill than Blood, but makes up in endurance. I would rank Wind and Wind a bit lower, many left them alone in the Melee so that a pair of less skilled opponents would make it to the final challenge. Finally there is Iron Resolve, the least skilled by a decent margin. Though many would say it was luck that let him survive, I believe it was actually very clever. He specifically put himself into combat with two other combatants that were equals, but would not ally themselves to defeat him.”

I'll be back tomorrow
>>30217774
“What about in general terms of endurance?”
>”Nerve, Fortitude, and Force. Followed by Rage and Resolve. Next would be Wind and Wind. Last would be Blood.”
>So, you can allow a straight up fight and risk war with Equestria or civil war.
>Or, you could make it a more grueling test, and risk civil war or corruption.
>Or, you could make it an archery challenge and leave it entirely up to fate.
“And this challenge, it doesn’t have to be to the death. Right?”
>”Although the test is usually fatal, it is allowed.”
>Offense then quips:
>”First one to get to Appleoosa and back by hoof?”
>”Endurance on one’s legs is closely related to martial prowess, that would be allowed… I doubt the people would enjoy such a long wait however.”
“It can be anything directly related to fighting, hunting, or war.”
>”Indeed.”
“That wasn’t a question.”
>”So you have chosen a trial?”
“I have, but I don’t think anyone here will like it.”
>”And that would be?”
“Patience, you’ll both find out tomorrow at noon.”

>>30217776
bumpi

>>30218313

>>30219878

>>30220500
flumpty bumpty

>>30217776
>”Oh come on, don’t you have to clear it with the Sage first?”
>”As long as her reasoning is sound, it is her choice to announce when she likes.”
“Don’t worry General, I’m sure you’ll be just as entertained by it as you were the Melee. Who knows, you might even win some more money on it… Speaking of which, isn’t there a regulation that prohibits gambling while on active duty?”
>”Actually, Anon rescinded that regulation before he left.”
>Gee, thanks Uncle.
>”Also it wasn’t really gambling per say, just a friendly wager.”
“Name one minotaur outside of present company that’s on friendly terms with you… other than that drunk you used as a pillow.”
>”Now I know why Lancer wants to retire so bad…”
“And why would that be?”
>”You’re-“
>He stops himself.
“Speak freely Offense.”
>”With all due respect, you and the Field Marshal happen to share a certain trait of…”
“Quit sugarcoating. That’s an order.”
>”Frankly, you and Anon can be insufferable in the exact same way when you want to be.”
“I am not insufferable.”
>”I think he’s said those words almost exactly.”
“Remind me to teach your daughter a few very important lessons.”
>”Please, just no. Anon got to meet Lancer’s daughter once and kickstarted the ‘why?’ phase. It took Lancer two years to get her off of it.”
“Hahaha… oh I can do much worse.”
>”When Anon gets back, I’m going to kill him.”
“What for?”
>”For creating this monster…”
>You look to the sky.
>Almost sundown.
“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sun to set.”
>As you leave the table, you hear Offense speak to the Sage:
>”So really now, who’d have won in that fight. Wind or Wind?”

>>30224273
>…
>With the sun setting a whole different arrangement of creatures will find their way out of the sand.
>Even in the open and desolate wastes, fauna wouldn’t be a rare sight.
>But here, there’s an entire little ecosystem around the oasis.
>Even though things are cooling down, it still might take a while before everything comes out of hiding.
>Your thoughts are interrupted as Sadiq approaches you.
“Hello.”
>He begins speaking in Arabian.
>You have no idea what he’s saying.
>And his tone of voice isn’t really helping you decode the message.
>At least he tries slowing… his… words… to… make… you… understand.
>You shrug and shake your head slightly.
>He then sighs- something that goes beyond any language barrier.
>After sighing, he points a hoof over into the distance.
>You look.
>He’s pointing at Shore.
>You look back to him.
“What?”
>He points again, taking a swifter motion this time.
>Okay…
>She’s sitting against a tree.
>Looking into the distance.
>Thumping a front hoof against the sand every now and then.
>Is she upset?
>Rising from the sand, you look back at Sadiq.
>You pat him on the shoulder before making your way to Shore.
>As you walk, you notice the shift between day and night.
>Looks like a bright moon tonight.
>It’s been like that the past few days.
>Probably because you’re out in the middle of nowhere.
>No lights to muck up the sky.
>Only the moon and the stars beyond it.
>It’s beautiful.
>So much different than looking at the sky in Canterlot or the Crystal Empire.
>The way it shines…
>Were you doing something?
>Right!

More tomorrow
>>30224279
>You approach Shore and sit a few feet from her.
>”Can I help you?”
“You seem… distraught. I didn’t mean for anything I said to hurt you.”
>”It’s not about what you said, it’s that what you said was all true.”
“I know that. I’m sorry for bringing up bad memories.”
>”I have done HORRIBLE things.”
“I saw how they plague you. Even if you don’t acknowledge them, they were constantly on your mind.”
>”How am I supposed to just forget about it and start a new life?”
“You don’t. You have to remember who you were and what you’ve done. Pretending that it never happened will only delude yourself and be a disservice to everypony that you’ve hurt.”
>”Be honest with me. No matter the answer, I’ll go in willingly. The pardon, was it real or are you going to arrest me?”
“As far as I know, it’s genuine.”
>”Why would you ever let me go free after what I’ve done?”
“People have been forgiven for worse. It’s about what you do from here on out, not about what’s already been done.”
>”It can’t be that easy.”
“It’s simple. Even the simplest of tasks can be incredibly difficult. And it will be.”
>You think you can see a tear swelling in her eye.
“You should get some rest.”

>>30224282
9 isn't fine

>9

>>30227097
>10

>>30227995

>>30227097

>>30224282
>…
>”So what is it that you miss most about Earth?”
>You’re sitting at a table in the gardens of the Royal Palace.
>Drinking a glass of imaginary iced tea.
“I don’t know Harv, there’s a few things.”
>”Such as?”
“Air conditioning for one. But after a campaign or two, it hasn’t really been an issue for me.”
>”What else is there?”
“Cars, TV, the internet, women, and alcohol.”
>”Equestira has alcohol.”
“But all of the serving sizes are about a third smaller to better suit ponies. And don’t get me started on higher proof liquors, finding anything above thirty percent alcohol is damn near impossible.”
>”Are you sure that you don’t have a problem?”
“I have a lot of problems, alcohol is a solution. You know something Harv?”
>”One or two things.”
“I don’t particularly hold anything against you for bringing me here.”
>”Really?”
“I don’t like being sent out here to clean up your mess. But I’ve spent more of my life here than back on Earth… there’s nothing left for me back there.”
>”If it were reversed, I think I’d hold it against you for a century or two.”
“The worst part of all this is that I’m alone here. When I hit forty, by then Flurry was fully grown up, I really started hating that I can’t have any biological children here.”
>”Ah mortals and their obsession with procreation.”
“Now that you’re riding shotgun, you’re technically mortal.”
>”Don’t remind me.”

>>30231506
“If I kick the bucket, your immortal ass goes with me.”
>”Oh you can’t die.”
“Before you get out of my head, or is there something you haven’t been telling me?”
>”The only way you could possibly die is in your bed at ninety, or of abrupt liver failure.”
“Don’t remind me about that. I don’t want to think about how my knees will be in five years.”
>”Oh I think you still have ten or twelve years going around fighting dragons.”
“With sword in one hand, cane in another.”
>”That would be a sight.”
“Speaking of which, how much walking will I have to do once we hit land?”
>”It’s about as far as it would be to get to Manehattan from Appleoosa.”
“That’s what, about two or three months’ worth?”
>”If you weren’t being hunted by the local fauna and flora.”
“And flora?”
>”Oh yes.”
“Well isn’t that just peachy.”
>”I’ll be able to point you in the right direction… vaguely.”
“Vaguely?”
>”I’m the spirit of chaos, not a GPS.”
“Oh no, no, no. You are not the spirit of chaos. That’s Discord.”
>”I am Discord!”
“You’re Harvey. The half of Discord that I’m stuck with is very different from the Discord I know. Even your speech mannerisms are different.”
>”How so?”
“Well, you haven’t said ‘pray tell’ for a while, you speak in complete thoughts instead of cryptic half-statements, and honestly you’re a lot more down to earth.”
>”Am I really that different?”
“Oh yeah.”
>”I hadn’t noticed.”
“Well you wouldn’t.”

>>30231512
>”Why not?”
“Because for all intents and purposes, you have Discord’s memories, but Harvey was only born when you got cut off from the part of you that’s still in your body. Your basic thoughts and instincts are only based on the parts of your mind that you got.”
>”I hadn’t thought of it like that.”
“There is something I’m wondering about though.”
>”What?”
“I got the half of Discord that’s slightly helpful, less chaotic, and overall more of a decent person. What’s the other half doing while he has access to your body?”
>”Well clearly I’m the more intellectual half, so he’s probably trying to shove a chicken shaped plug through a square hole.”
“You have a way to get back into your body yet?”
>”I might be able to make your body to produce a substantial EM field targeted at ‘Discord’ and I might be able to piggyback on the discharge. Like how when you grab a doorknob after rubbing your feet on a carpet… it’s much much much more complicated than that, but that’s the bottom line.”
“So you want to turn my body into a lightning rod so that you can shoot yourself at your body?”
>”More or less.”
“Okay, now be honest with me… Can you give me superpowers?”
>”Once I get my body back I’ll whisk you up a barrel of nuclear waste.”

>>30231516
>…
>A new day.
>The spectators have all gathered, and the claimants stand in the arena below you.
>The Sage stands over them, resting his hands on the low stone wall that separates him from the arena.
>”People! I trust that your celebrations were as great as the skills and deeds of your claimants. Today, the Arbitrator will define her terms and put forward the final challenge. But before she speaks, the claimants may speak to their merits and how they will lead our people.”
>He then turns back to face you.
>”You may ask them to speak in your order of preference, once you finish you may announce your challenge.”
“Thank you Sage.”
>You rise from your seat and take his place.
>The crowd doesn’t cheer for you, but they don’t boo you either.
>You’ll take that as a positive.
>Looking down at the claimants, you think about which to choose first.
>How about the most hated claimant.
“Iron Resolve, speak.”
>He looks a bit shocked.
>But the grey minotaur steps forward.
>His voice doesn’t sound that old, so grey must be his natural color.
>”People, in recent times we have seen more large scale combat than we have in the five centuries previous. That must change!”
>The people begin to boo.
>He waits for them to die down a bit.
>”The battlefield is no place for honor, no true test of our abilities. Our ancestors valued the hunt. Our ancestors valued single combat. We were born to be warriors, not soldiers. It is the duty of the individual to seek glory and lead halls as they revel in glory. The old ways led us to prosper for countless generations, we must embrace them!”
>The crowd does something worse than booing.
>They remain silent.
>Resolve steps back into line.

>>30231519
>Alright then, the other not-so-bad option.
“Blunt Force, how would you lead your people?”
>The bluish-grey minotaur steps up.
>”Alright people, listen up! When I win this, we’re setting war behind.”
>The crowd boos just as they did to the first speaker.
>”Because!”
>He shuts them up.
>”We can do better! Where’s the glory in killing a minotaur or pony? I say we start thinking bigger! Manticores? NO. Hydras? NO. We… are going to lead great hunts to slay dragons and claim their hordes of coin! Think of the glory! Think of the revelry! Think of the money! We will be the richest people by far, and our people will prosper more than we ever have before!”
>The crowd cheers a decent amount.
>Force takes in the cheers and saunters back into line.
“Brass Nerve, step forward.”
>The light brown minotaur steps up.
“There is a cancer that infects our society! For too long the Fortitude family has had sway over our politics. Those dirty middlemen need to be eradicated, or else they will continue to bleed our economy dry.”
>Equal cheers and boos.
>He returns to his position.
“Steel Fortitude, care to respond?”
>The bright grey minotaur approaches.
>”The Nerve family only detests us because their vast trading empire would be the ones to bleed you dry without my family to halt their corruption. We give use our wealth to support our people, they only look out for their own interests. Say it with me: traders are traitors!”
>For everyone who boos him, another chants ‘traders are traitors’ in response.
>Now onto the next duo.

>>30231523
“Copper Wind?”
>Wind as in how the air blows.
>”When I win, we are going to celebrate every other day… a nice tall larger for all!”
>A few cheers.
“Copper Wind?”
>Wind as in how you set a clock.
>”Well when I win, we’re gonna celebrate EVERY day… And it’ll be a pint of ALE for all!”
>And a few different cheers.
>Heh.
>’cheers’
“Rust Blood, what would you do?”
>The dark red minotaur approaches.
>”We are going to fight.”
>He then walks back to his spot as a small portion of the crowd cheers.
“And how would Black Rage attempt to lead his people?”
>Now that he’s closer, you can see that his eyes are red.
>”This pony killed my father: White Rage. I will honor my father’s plans… We have ten years of ceasefire with the ponies. And we will spend each and every day of that decade building the greatest force that this world has ever seen. We will march through their cities, and take our spoils. When I finish, all of Equestria will be under our banner. Each tribe will have its own city to rule as they see fit. But Canterlot belongs to Rage.”
>He gets the largest applause.
>That’s…
>Disconcerting.
“Well, I wish you the best of luck in that endeavor.”
>A smaller section of the crowd laughs at you jab.
>”Humph.”
>He returns to his place.

More tomorrow
>>30231525
“Well, it seems to me that many of your potential leaders seek war.”
>Oh they’re going to hate this.
“So, I have chosen to directly test their skills as a military leader. The final challenge I put forward, is-“
>You pause as you feel the stone begin your hooves start to shake.
>You didn’t know that earthquakes ever happened up here.
>The sound that rings through the air seems to indicate that this isn’t a quake.
>You can hear a loud explosion.
>But it sounds a bit different.
>Not quite like a barrel of gunpowder going up, and more like a thundering pulse.
>It’s hard to tell from what direction due to the acoustics of the coliseum, but you think it’s from the north.
>From the mountains maybe.
>A few small rocks land in the arena.
>You see a dozen or so areas where spectators got hit, or received a near miss.
>The Sage soon steps up and addresses the crowd.
>”STAY CALM!”
>His voice carries and manages to quell the chaos among the people.
>”Everyone here knows the punishment for interrupting the succession. Blood has been shed outside of the tests, and until the perpetrator has been found and dealt with, I suspend the succession. As the Arbitrator is not a claimant, by law she serves as Archon of the Minotaur Tribes until the crisis has passed.”
>What?”
>Black Rage immediately voices his opinion:
>”I object!”
>And the Sage doesn’t take kindly to it.
>”ONE MORE WORD AND I WILL NULLIFY YOUR CLAIM!”
>Turning around, you rush over to Offense.
“General, get out there with the pegasi and see what that was.”
>”Yes Ma’am.”
>He rises from his seat and rallies the fliers.
>They then take flight and start flying above the arena.

10

>>30233552
9

>>30234896

>>30231535
What a twist!
And to think things were going so well.

Nothing tonight, be back tomorrow

Bump from 10 and wondering why this story still hasn't gotten any fanart whatsoever yet.
I can only think of that one pic where a shocked Flurry is staring at an angry Cadence, but that one never got finished. Or did it?

>>30238508
bump, I don't know either. I think there was a picture or sketch of the prydwen but I can't remember.

>>30238508
>shocked Flurry is staring at an angry Cadence
Pretty sure I have that saved on my battlestation, ima find it when I get home tonight

>>30237349

10

Bumperino

>>30238508
>>30239854
I had that one but lost it when my primary flash drive failed. (don't worry, I have plenty of backups for the story)
>>30231535
>Inside the arena things are… less than orderly.
>The stands are packed, and it’s a complete cluster as people try to help those hit by debris.
>Although the Sage got a quick moment of calm, it’s deteriorating quickly.
>Alright, let’s go through this a bit.
>You know that there was an explosion relatively close to the arena.
>Maybe one of the tribes was planning something but it went south.
>Saddle Arabians might be an option if they weren’t up to their knees in a civil war.
>Every known changeling queen is dead, but they’ve popped up again before.
>Could there be some MID remnant?
>In the stands, you see a couple brawls start to break out.
>You can only hope that they stay isolated cases.
>You don’t know what’s happening, but an open tribal war would certainly not help the situation.
>Maybe the plan was to let uncertainty take root and let the tribal differences break out.
>You wouldn’t be too surprised if the explosion was the work of one of the claimants.
>Brass Nerve or Steel Fortitude might want to settle their feud sooner rather than later.
>Rage could be attempting a coup.
>The crowd is getting even more unruly, and the Sage tries to deal with it:
>”Calm yourselves! Silence!”
>He’s not getting much attention.
>You see him motion up towards the horn blowers.
>A moment later, they hold a loud sustained pitch.
>It manages to get the crowd quiet enough for the Sage to get noticed.
>”People! PEOPLE!”
>With his voice carrying, the rest of the crowd is silenced.
>”Enough! We will not fall to internal strife through hysteria. The tribes will ORDERLY separate themselves. Find your elders and find your chiefs. You rightfully feel wrath, but you MUST direct it to whomever has truly interrupted this rite.”

>>30245815
>In the arena, Steel Fortitude speaks up:
>”My people, we have agreed.”
>Brass Nerve addresses the crowd as well:
>”Calm yourselves. Almost every tribe here respects one of ours.”
>Fortitude takes back over:
>”And our families will settle our squabbles fairly in this arena. If you even have a shred of respect for either of us, save your strength for when it is needed.”
>That’s…
>An incredible olive branch.
>Your eye catches movement in the sky.
>A single pegasi is returning.
>When he approaches and sets down, you’re quick to speak.
“What is it soldier?”
>”The Brigadier thinks you should see for yourself. The site is about a half mile north.”
>You look over to the Sage.
“Think you’ll be fine?”
>”Go, but be quick.”
>…
>As you approach the blast site, you get a good view from the sky.
>The area is relatively flat, but heavily wooded.
>Well, outside of the blast zone it is.
>All of the trees in a fifty yard radius have been obliterated; the shattered wood coats the dirt.
>But there is no real crater.
>Just a hole in the ground.
>It looks to be a perfect circle, maybe eight or nine feet in radius.
>Offense and his soldiers are peering down it.
>Okay, maybe it isn’t the minotaurs.

>>30245821
>Landing next to your general, he looks down the shaft.
>You take a peek down.
>That’s…
>You can’t see the bottom.
“How deep is it?”
>”Don’t know. I sent a pair of men down a few minutes ago.”
“Alright… so what can get through that much rock?”
>”Don’t know that either.”
“Discord?”
>”Discord is dead… and it doesn’t fit his style. There’s no sprinkles or inverted gravity.”
“I’ll give you that.”
>”Think this is what Anon went to fight?”
“Why would it be here? I mean specifically here, outside the minotaur arena.”
>”Maybe it’s not just here.”
“I mean that outside of succession, which is somewhat common with minotaurs, this place usually doesn’t have many people nearby.”
>”What if it was meant to pop up in the middle of nowhere?”
“Then why isn’t way up in those mountains?”
>”Look, I know that I have all of a few more minutes of experience dealing with this situation, but I don’t know any more than you do.”
“Why do I even keep you around?”
>You joke.
>”Hey, I just wanted to watch minotaurs fight each other, this is more than I signed up for.”
“What’s that?”
>You ask as you think you see movement in the tunnel.
>”I think it’s the men.”
>A few moments later, he’s proven right.
>Two soldiers are flying up the shaft.
>Quickly.
>Very quickly.
>Offense picks up on that too.
>”Clear the way!”
>As the topside soldiers get away from the opening, the two soldiers soon shoot out.
>They don’t stop and end up going a few stories straight up in the air.

More tomorrow
>>30245825
>”On the ground soldiers!”
>As they hear the orders, they come down to the ground.
>The first pegasi who lands speaks:
>”Sir! Ma’am! Sir, we need to go. Now!”
>”Calm down son, report.”
>”I don’t know Sir, it was dark but there was movement. A lot of movement.”
>The other soldier then speaks up:
>”And growling, LOTS of growling. I got bit or clawed or something.”
>He indicates to a light gash on his rear leg.
>Offense speaks to him:
>”You alright soldier?”
>”It’s fine Sir.”
“How deep did you get?”
>”I don’t know, two thousand feet maybe.”
>That’s pretty deep.
>”Ma’am, Sir.”
>The first one starts.
>”We’re going to need more men, a lot more.”
“Well aren’t we lucky?”
>Offense asks you:
>”Ma’am?”
“We’ve got a few thousand armed and riled up minotaurs.”
>”You’re awfully casual about this… and that’s coming from me of all ponies.”
“Really?”
>”Well we’re standing here talking about it as who knows what is climbing up the tunnel we’re right next to.”
“That is a good point. Hit the skies ponies!”
>As you start taking flight, Offense gets one more thing in.
>”It’s scary how similar you are to him.”
“Not at all. I don’t have hands… or a beard.”

This thread is great, this story is brilliant and I think you've done an amazing job so far. I know there aren't many replies when you post, but know that we're all reading and lurking and enjoying the ride. Thank you.

And also, does Luke still write for us? I haven't seen him for awhile, hope you're still lurking mate.

bamp

>>30245829
>…
>As you get back over the coliseum, you can see that no one is killing each other.
>Thankfully.
>You can see several minotaurs look and point at you as you fly over the arena.
>When you land by the Sage, you waste no time.
“We need to get the warriors armed and armored, quickly.”
>”What is happening?”
“Well, there’s a great big hole in the ground, and some nasty sounding critters climbing up it.”
>The Sage’s eyes go wide and he stares into the distance.
>He then starts speaking in a strange language.
“Uhh…”
>”In your new home, when a generation of the people have known only war and no clear leader steps forward, the gods will present your ultimate punishment. The ground will tear asunder, and demons will pour forth to devour the people. Fight well, and I will return from hell to deliver your people from damnation.”
“I’m sorry?”
>”The last words of Broken-Horn as he saved our people when the gods attempted to destroy our people for squandering their paradise. He was the first and greatest of our prophets, before his teachings our people were decadent, weak, and pacifistic. As the survivors of our people left their homeland, he remained to hold back the tides of divine wrath so that the others could escape.”
“Wait, you think this is some minotaur apocalypse?”
>”We have fought four separate wars in under three decades, and if any of these claimants were to take power, only war or decadence will follow.”
“That doesn’t mean that the world is ending, it just means that you just got unlucky in the Grand Melee.”
>He ignores your words and looks to the crowd.

Got a bit sidetracked tonight, more tomorrow.
>>30250197
thanks m8. I know what it's like, before I started writing I almost exclusively lurked. I know that if there's enough people to keep the thread bumped, then I'm doing something right.

As for luke, he's gone AWOL before, he'll be fine.unless the alcohol got to him for realsies this time
>>30254035
>”My people… the ground has torn and hell approaches. The Sundering has begun.”
>At first he is met with angry yells from the crowd, and from the claimants in the arena.
>But after a moment they all die down as the minotaurs realize that the situation is similar given the current state of their politics.
>As they grimly reflect upon their lives, the Sage speaks:
>”Today there are no leaders. No kings, no Archons, no chieftains, no elders. There are no rivalries and no feuds. Today there is only life or death for all of our people. Now steel yourselves and prepare! Fight: your lives depend on it, your families lives depend on it, our souls depend on it!”
>As battle cries sound out across the coliseum, he then turns to you.
>”The Arbitration is over, our people will have no leader until the return of Broken-Horn. You are free to return to your lands… but you are also free to join our fight if you wish.”
“Wait, you’re just going to drop this entire thing?”
>”The gods themselves seek to destroy us, this is not a day of politics, this is a day of extinction.”
>The Sage looks to the cane in his left hand and sighs.
>”Now excuse me, I must fight alongside my people.”
>He turns from you and approaches one of his aides.
>”Fetch my axe.”
>As the minotaurs start getting on the warpath, Offense steps over to you.
>”So, you don’t buy any of the ‘end of days’ stuff, right?”
“Not really.”
>”So what are we going to do?”
“Oh I have an idea or two.”

>>30254047
ok so
did you actually have a plan for what she was gonna say before the plot literally dropped out of the sky?
what was the original plan?

>>30254134
niner

>>30257853
???

>>30258222
It was meant to be a bump but I forgot to delete it.
And here's a bump from 9.

>>30254134
It'll be covered in story

>>30260711
ok

>>30254047
>…
>”Ma’am, I REALLY object to this.”
“Well it’s a good thing it wasn’t a suggestion.”
>He quiets his voice:
>”Look, you have no magical abilities right now. None. You can’t just-“
“You have your orders, I take it that you don’t object to that half of things?”
>”No, that’s fine by me.”
“Well?”
>”Well?”
“Why aren’t you and the pegasi flying?”
>He looks over to the soldiers.
>”You heard the Princess!”
>The earth ponies and unicorns are left with you.
“Alright ponies, we’ve got to lead the way! Let’s make sure the minotaurs don’t drag their hooves in all the apocalyptic sentiment.”
>If left on their own, they’ll probably fight a pitched battle across days, maybe even weeks.
>Until all of the ‘demons’ are dead, or every last minotaur warrior has fallen.
>Only problem is that there are only so many minotaurs, and an unknown amount of critters.
>If you’re on a boat and a leak springs up, you don’t just bail the water out- you plug the hole.
>If this is a gateway to the minotaur’s hell… you’re going to blitz it.
>With sixteen men.
>Well, twenty-four but the eight pegasi are with Offense.
>You can only hope that the minotaurs take the bait and fall in behind the schwerpunkt.
>Cause if they don’t, you’re in for a real bad day.

>>30261445
>…
>Outside of the coliseum, you start leading the men forward.
>It looks like some of the minotaurs are getting moving, but most are still getting their arms and armor.
>But the ones who are ready are moving slowly, perhaps waiting for more to prepare.
>Keeping a marching pace, you’re quick to overtake them.
>But when you do glance back, you see that they’re starting to pick up the pace.
>Can’t have a pony beating them to the fight, now can they?
>After a while, the nearest minotaurs are about a hundred feet back.
>As you move through the dense forest with your honor guard, you decide to fly just off of the ground.
>Because you’ll have to do this the old fashioned way.
>A sword in the hoof, not telekinetically levitated.
>It’s a good thing that you decided to wear your armor for the event.
>Moving through the ancient oak and maple trees, you can see just how think the woods are.
>Thick and plentiful trees, overgrown brush, even the grass is at least a foot high.
>Wait…
>Something’s wrong.
“Hold.”
>The troops stop trudging through the foliage in their heavy armor.
“No birds.”
>Or any animals in sight or earshot.
>Only the sound of rustling leaves.
>You can see the wind really shaking the branches…
>Which is funny, because you can’t feel any wind.
“Heads up! They’re in the trees.”
>You had to open your stupid mouth…
>Seeing a large mass pounce down from the leaves, you start flapping your wings back as quickly as possible.
>That doesn’t stop you from feeling a claw tear down from your forehead, through your left eyebrow, and down into your cheek below.
>And if it was any deeper it would have hit your eye as well.
>When the creature lands in front of you, it’s immediately peppered by magical blasts and blades.
>Wiping the blood away from your eye, you take a moment to look at the beast.
>What pit did this thing climb out of…

More tomorrow
>>30261449
>Rough greyish green scaly skin.
>A foot or two taller than a pony.
>It’s front shoulders are very broad, and very muscular.
>The back half of it is much shorter though, only about three feet high, but going on into a five or six foot long tail that reminds you of a crocodile.
>The tail alone is as long as it’s body.
>And across it’s spine is a bony sail, connected by bright green skin flaps.
>Green like a pile of puke that contrasts from the grass it’s lying in.
>It has a good amount of ground clearance, and at the bottom of its legs are three toes that have huge claws.
>There are some strange fleshy pink areas next to the front shoulders.
>Are they layered, like really dense gills?
>But it’s head.
>It’s like a broad crocodile with what looks like layers of broad and serrated shark teeth inside of it’s large jaw.
>As you look to the minotaurs in the distance, you see other creatures dropping down to attack them.
>You see one minotaur get thrown to the ground as the creature hacks at it with its claws.
>Another lets his left arm get eviscerated by an animal’s mouth as he uses his free hand to hack at it with an axe.
>A third minotaur is being surrounded as three of the beasts start circling him.
>Further behind the scattered first rank of minotaurs, larger groups start rushing forward to aid in the battles.
>”Ma’am!”
>One of your men yells.
>Looking back forward, you see five- no, six of the creatures approaching your group.

>>30261449
>A sword in the hoof
how

>>30261449
>flurry's first badass scar
AWWW
YEEEAAAHH

>>30261450
Maybe it's my marathon of DOOM speaking, but those things sound like pinkys. RIP AND TEAR!

>>30261570
Ponies hold things with their hooves all the time in the show.
>Mugs of cider
>Cello pony's bow
>Plates/platters
>Newspapers

For example: In 'A Flurry of Emotions' (catching up on season 7, so those episodes are fresh in my mind) there was the gag where Cheerilee has to rewrite the chalkboard by mouth. However the episode previous had the non magic members of the mane 6 holding various items by hoof in the puzzle room (such as the Fluttershy placing the gem or Rainbow Dash turning the key), That would indicate that ponies can grasp things with their hooves, but can't preform very intricate movements with them (or that Cheerilee has shit hoof-writing skills).
>>30261597
General body shape is similar if they walked on 4 legs.
>>30261573
Take note of the exact placement of the wound

>>30261617
it's like powerpuff girl hands

toon power or whatever

>>30261570
>>30261617
>>30261992
Something like this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKOI_lVDPpw

>>30262618
8

>>30263994
9

>>30262618
that's retarded

Wasted a lot of time tonight, I'll be back tomorrow

>>30268473
have fun with that

>>30268168
How?

>>30269491
9

>>30269491
shitposting

>>30269491
>cartoon pony hooves work exactly like vacuum sealed balloons of coffee grounds
>it's not just the toon force

>>30261450
“Hit ‘em!”
>You watch as the unicorns fire bolts of magical energy at the oncoming animals.
>The creatures don’t seem that fazed.
>But then you see a red bolt hit one of them in the pink fleshy bit near its right shoulder.
>The beast screeches in pain as it’s limbs begin to spasm.
>It ends up falling on its side and thrashing around.
>Three of your earth ponies advance to skewer the first approaching creature with their spears.
>The creature that fell is still squirming on the ground.
>You turn to the nearest unicorn.
“Aim for that exposed spot.”
>You point to one of the creature’s that’s eyeing an earth pony, getting ready to pounce.
>The unicorn shoots out a teal beam right into the target.
>Causing the creature to completely freeze up.
>Taking the opening, the earth pony jabs his spear into the animal’s chest.
>As the weapon pierces the beast, it still doesn’t react.
>Looking over to the unicorns, you bark out orders:
“Keep hitting those exposed bits!”
>You don’t know what’s so special about those spots, but if it works- it works.
>Flying forward, you pick out the closest enemy.
>You might not have any magic right now, but you’ve always been strong in the air.
>Speeding towards the creature, you swerve at the last second to avoid it’s jaws.
>While under its neck, you aim your sword and let momentum drive it into the creature’s weak spot.
>Hindsight immediately kicks in as you continue flying past the creature, losing your sword.
>Scrambling to stop, you turn back and return to the creature.
>It looks like the hit killed it, the beast is slumped over to the side.
>Landing, you then reach out to the grip of your blade and try to get it free.
>It takes a try… or two.
>But you manage to get it out of the animal.
>The blood that’s coating the blade is a dark red, almost black.

>>30276100
>Looking ahead, more of the creatures are approaching.
>Some sill drop from the trees, but most are just running across the ground.
>They’re remarkably fast for how uneven they’re built.
>As magical bolts fly past, and the earth ponies move forward in groups, you fly at the closest enemy.
>Maybe this time you won’t let yourself fly past it.
>You approach this one in the same way as the first.
>Once you duck under its jaw, you prepare to strike.
>But as you do, the creature kicks off and jumps to the side.
>And it then swipes its tail towards you, impacting with a decent thud and sending you tumbling out of the air.
>You land, completely dazed, with your back against a tree trunk.
>Oh that’s gonna hurt in the morning.
>Your side feels like it was hit by a train.
>Where’s your sword.
>Glancing around, you see it resting in the grass.
>Right past the creature that’s charging at you.
>Magical bolts are hitting it’s hide, but not affecting the animal’s pace.
>You shake your head clear, and roll over to the side- barely avoiding the creature’s teeth as it crashes into the tree.
>Reaching under your left shoulder, you grip onto the only other weapon you have on your person.
>The bronze dagger that’s held by the Arbitrator.
>Wasting no time, you jab it up into the beast’s neck.
>The ancient blade goes up through the creature’s jaw, then you pull it free and strike again.
>And again.
>And a fourth time for good measure.
>You then leave the body there, as you take flight and start dashing over to your sword.
>Sliding the old dagger into its sheathe, you then reach your hoof down and pluck your sword from the ground without landing.
>Back in the distance, you can see many more minotaurs charging forward.
>But when you glance the opposite way, you see dozens, maybe hundreds, of the creatures barreling through the woods.
>Why can’t anything be simple?

Back tomorrow
>>30276103
>…
“Alright, where are we?”
>”About half a day past an unnamed archipelago.”
>This morning, you were at an unnamed archipelago.
“Damn, should have guessed that.”
>Tiara remains silent as she steers the ship.
“So, in your professional opinion, how long do you think we have left?”
>”With good wind and no diversions, two weeks or so.”
“And when there are diversions?”
>”Depends how long you take.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?”
>”Well if we didn’t get caught up with the siren or the fog, we’d probably be almost there. So when we hit the next issue, and you run off on your own to deal with it, how long we take is dependent on you.”
“How will you ever get along without me?”
>”Smoothly I’d guess.”
“Right, because clearly I’m a magnet to all of the nasty critters out here.”
>”Exactly.”
>You let out a sigh as you look to the horizon.
“You know, it feels like an eternity we’ve been on this ship.”
>”I know exactly what you mean.”
“I’ll try not to take that personally.”
>”Well you know how they say that time flies when you’re having fun?”
“I think I’ve heard that once or twice.”
>”Then what’s the logical inversion of it?”
“That one I’ll take as a personal insult.”
>”Good.”
>She replies smugly.
“But in all this, I know something that you don’t.”
>”Just one thing?”
“After you drop me off and turn this ship around, you’re gonna miss me.”
>”But then the headache ends. I get to be in charge of my ship again, and there won’t be any more of these little talks.”
“And the sad part is that you’ll miss the headache.”
>She laughs in dismissal.
>”Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

Meant to ask this earlier:

So what have you guys been imagining the characters sound like? There's a ton of non-show characters, and in Flurry's case she obviously isn't voiced, so I've been wondering how you all envision it.

>>30276186
>Anon
Daniel Craig with a slightly toned down British accent

>Flurry
A younger Cadance, IE more energetic

>Thunder
in the beginning of the story it was more lively, like new recruit fresh out of bootcamp status. But as the story goes on its getting more raspy and deep

>Call
strayan of course

>Offense
[insert generic dad voice from 'x' cartoon here]

>Brairheart
Definitely British, perhaps Winston Churchill status

>Wave
John Wayne, full of wise confidence

>Sage
the antagonist brute from Halo 2


I know I'm forgetting about somepony but this is all I can think of off the top of my head with minimal diving into the pastebin

>>30277501
>Sage
>Tartarus
I like your thinking.

>>30277501
Ever since the rum incident I keep imagining Call's voice as Capt. Jack Sparrow.

>>30276103
>defiling the sacred blade

>>30276106
“Oh I sleep just fine. Being trapped under artillery fire for weeks will teach you to rest through anything.”
>”Wait, you’re saying that you actually need sleep? I thought you were beyond such menial tasks.”
“Brace yourself, because it might shock you… I need to eat and drink as well.”
>”Oh I know that you drink.”
“You’re one to talk Miss Gin.”
>”Yes, but my bloodstream isn’t half alcohol.”
“I think you’ll do just fine once you get back to Canterlot.”
>”Don’t tell me that your generals are worse than you are.”
“Not quite, but there are four of them.”
>”Why am I even agreeing to any of this…”
“It’s either from the patriotic fervor making you want to serve your country, or you want the prestige and influence that comes with it. You argue for the former, I’m not sure the latter should be dismissed.”
>”Alright, there’s something I need to know. Were you always like this, or did it take time?”
“Started like this, it died down a bit after a few years, but recent events have started bringing it back up.”
>Recent events as in: the spirit of chaos being a constant devil on your shoulder.
>”What did you mean you started like this?”
“Now that is a very old story, one that I’ve never told.”
>”Oh, and why haven’t you?”
“Let’s just say that it’s personal. Something that I’ve been rolling with ever since.”
>”Well isn’t that cryptic… you’re embarrassed of it, aren’t you.”
“Not embarrassed per say, disappointed works a bit better.”
>”Your greatest shame, is it?”
“Second or third, maybe. Tell you what- so far you haven’t lost a single crewman to this voyage. Get the ship back without losing anyone, and I’ll tell you it.”
>”We both know you’re not coming back.”
“So deal?”
>She sighs before reluctantly responding.
>”Deal.”

Small update tonight, I'll try to get more out tomorrow
>>30284272
“And that’s why I’ve won this. Because if you get back in one piece, now you’ll be wondering about it for the rest of your life.”
>”I think you’re overestimating my opinion of yourself.”
“Oh trust me, one of these days you’ll be laying in a palace bed, being kept awake by the curiosity.”
>”I wonder how long it’s going to take you to completely lose your mind once you’re out there on your own.”
“I’m still not fully convinced that I haven’t spent these twenty odd years inside a nice padded room.”
>”You do look like you could use a straightjacket.”
“But then how would I rescue your little boat from danger every week?”
>”I thought you could defeat entire armies just by looking at them. And does that mean you CAN’T breathe fire? I have to say, the man himself does not quite live up to the legend.”
“Only a legend? You do know that last I heard, the yaks were making me a god.”
>”So that’s where the narcissism stems from.”
“Well… a demon, but that’s still a deity.”
>”The yaks are smarter than I thought… they hate your company so much that they decided to make a religion out of it.”
“I take it you’ll be a convert?”
>”It’s tempting, but I think your head is big enough already. And I just don’t want to give you the satisfaction.”
“My head is perfectly proportioned, have any of you ponies ever looked into a mirror? You’ve got a quarter of your body mass up there.”
>”Aww… he’s upset that his head is so tiny. That is adorable.”
“You know Tiara, I think I will miss these little talks of ours.”

>>30284276

>9

>>30182572
>This is absolutely barbaric
>An uncivilized display of brutality
>Senseless fighting
Indeed, Flurry, it is-
>You love it.
FLURRY YES

>>30276106
Inb4 Tiaras ship is never heard from again since Anon isn't there to protect their voyage back.

Bamp

>>30284276
>…
“KEEP MOVING!”
>By exploiting their weakness to magic, you’ve managed to form a spearhead greater than you could ever have hoped for.
>As far as your eye can see through the woods, the battle rages on.
>Your thrust is deep but narrow into the lines, if as many of the creatures are going to the flanks then the battles would be much closer.
>Even though you only have eight unicorns, they’re managing to break enemy charges.
>With each group of the creatures that emerge from deeper into the forest, they manage to break the cohesion of those attacking your advance.
>Some of the creatures freeze up, others start thrashing on the ground, a couple even attack other beasts.
>Those who don’t get hit have to move around the stunned creatures.
>And when a group gets through, they’ve lost enough momentum or mass to tip the balance in your favor.
>As minotaur warriors form a bulwark to protect the unicorns, the unicorns then tip the scales to support the minotaurs.
>You’ve seen more than one minotaur take a hit to protect the unicorn soldiers.
>An explosion tears a couple of the beasts apart after a minotaur hurled a grenade over the lines.
>As you fly over the spearhead, you then get a glimpse of something through the forest.
“WE’RE ALMOST THERE!”
>You fly over to the minotaur who threw the grenade.
>The sounds of battle force you to shout.
“You got any more of those things!”
>”One!”
>He raises his hand and offers it to you.
>The he rips the slow burning fuse off of his armor.
“I’ll make it count.”
>As he hefts a large axe off of his back, you fly up through the branches.

>>30292434
>Getting over the trees, you can see the clearing.
>And the pit.
>Every second another creature climbs from the tunnel.
>You stay well over the horde as you fly to the entrance.
>Horde being the only word that does justice to the army of beasts springing from the pit.
>Once they get onto the ground, they run into the forest- spreading out but all going in the general direction of the coliseum.
>Well, bombs away.
>You hold the burning fuse up to the grenade’s fuse.
>As it catches you drop it down into the hole.
>You see it bounce off of one of the animal’s heads then fall deeper down, out of sight.
>This is only a stop gap solution.
>The blast and shrapnel will take out a few, and the explosive force will make a few more lose their grip.
>The falling bodies will then knock more of the creatures off.
>For a minute or two they won’t get any reinforcements.
>You hear the grenade go off.
>Looking to the tree line, you see your soldiers and the minotaurs punch through.
>Glancing down, you see a few more beasts climb out of the pit, but after they get out it’s just an empty hole in the ground.
“MOVE MOVE MOVE!”
>The warriors shift from a steady advancing pace and start charging forward.
>They start taking ground much quicker, but more minotaurs are falling to the creatures.
>As the spearhead punches through, you see the horde shift.

>>30292442
>The beasts that were heading off to the flanks start turning to hit the sides of the advancing troops.
>Over to the tree line where the minotaurs were following in, they’re replaced by the creatures.
>You’ve been cut off.
>Looking down, you see more of the animals climbing up.
>They’re still a decently far off though.
>But your people have made it to the tunnel.
>Getting closer to the ground, you shout to the unicorns.
“Cover the pit, stop any more from getting topside!”
>As they surround the mouth of the hole, you hear another voice yell over the battle.
>”MOVE IN, FORM A WALL! HOLD THE LINE!”
>Looking over to the source of the voice, you pick Iron Resolve out of the crowd.
>As you scan the clearing, you see the creatures start flooding through the tree line.
>And they’re not just charging straight to the pit.
>They’re actually fanning out and going to completely surround it.
>At least it will take pressure off the battle in other areas.
>As the minotaurs form up into a shield wall to circle the unicorns, they prepare to face the full brunt of the horde.
>The only thing stopping the flood of beasts from getting topside is a hundred or so isolated minotaur warriors.
>You set down onto the ground next to the unicorns.
“I now you’re all tired, but I need everything you’ve got right now!”
>Looking to the skies, you’re left with one last question.
>Where’s Offense at?

More tomorrow
>>30292447
>…
>Sitting against a tree, you watch the oasis.
>The water is perfectly still.
>Then a large leaf from one of the palm trees falls gently onto the water.
>The ripples go out in perfect circles, moving across the entire surface of the oasis.
>A gust of wind then blows past, ruining the serenity of the entire picture.
>You look over to the two tents that the others pitched.
>Near them you see Shore sitting in the shade, fanning herself with a palm leaf.
>Sadiq is further off, tossing a rock at a tree to make some dates fall to the ground.
>There are only two tents set up because you’ve elected to sleep under the stars.
>You can spend hours just laying down watching the wind blow against the palm trees and the bright stars illuminating everything below them.
>This place is very calming for you.
>In this tiny little speck in the desert, everything seems at peace.
>No conflict, no noises, no voices.
>Well aside from the occasional interruption there are no voices.
>Just the wind and various animals that eke out an existence in the desert.
>You slowly inhale the dry air.
>This place is a bastion of life among emptiness.
>But one day, be it in years, decades, or even centuries, this oasis will dry up.
>The animals might be able to set out in exodus and find a new environment, but all of the flora will wither and die.
>Water might return to this spot and old seeds might find sustenance, but the sand might simply swallow this entire area.
>While the oasis remains, it is an anchor to this little ecosystem.
>But eventually everything has it’s time.

Is it just me or does this whole "minotaur apocalypse" thing seem a little off? Like it kinda came out of nowhere. I'm still enjoying the battle scene, but it just feels a little strange is all.

>>30292507
>Ragnarok starts as soon as Anon goes away

I'm more interested in why the same things that attacked the boat are now attacking the minotaurs.

>>30294255
8

Finally caught up. Still think Flurry needs a good hard rutting but in due time.

>>30298081
I was just thinking about you.

>>30298081
and the east
it is almost invaded

>>30292543
i blame discord

>>30300112
Old timers must stick together.

File: b9e03157ac73b5b156.jpg (15KB, 230x230px) Image search: [Google]

15KB, 230x230px

>>30298081
this

>but in due time
>pic related

>>30300168
I love you guys
>>30292449
>…
>As the minotaurs continue to hold off the tides, you look to the sky.
>The overcast is completely gone, leaving only clear blue as far as the eye can see.
>Your eye catches movement.
>A single black speck moving in the air.
>When it grows closer, you can properly make out the shapes.
>Offense is flying alongside a cloud, and four pegasi are moving it through the air.
“JUST A BIT LONGER!”
>The General flies ahead of the men.
>You move up to meet him in the air just above the battle.
“Is that it?”
>Referring to the pitch black cloud that the pegasi are bringing in.
>”Every cloud for over three miles, in one nice little package.”
“Get it into position!”
>He moves back to the other, who are getting much closer.
>”Come on! What am I paying you for!”
>Heading back to the ground, you give orders to the unicorns as they fire down the pit.
“Last volley ponies, make it count!”
>The soldiers start firing magical bolts as quickly as they can, coating the tunnel with attacks.
>As they pull back, the pegasi get into position.
>They take the cloud over the pit and begin forcing it down.
>It was about three times as wide as the hole, so they really have to stamp it in.
>You can feel the hair on your coat start to stand up from the excess static.
>As they get the cloud down, they stop and stand atop it.
>They’re maybe ten feet down from the surface.
>”Won’t go any further!”
“Make it rain!”
>A pegasus carefully taps the cloud once or twice.
>Alright, now water is going to be flowing down, coating the sides of the tunnel.

>>30300311
>Wait for it.
>Just a minute longer.
>It’s got to get nice and deep.
>The minotaurs just need to hold a bit longer.
>Hold…
>Hold…
“Hit it!”
>The four pegasi leap up and stamp onto the cloud.
>Every hair on your body starts to stand up, it even frizzes your naturally curled mane.
>The ground shakes quite a bit, and an near ear piercing boom that emanates from the pit.
>That would be the lightning going down the few hundred yards of water that’s gotten down the hole
>As your ears ring, you see the four pegasi slowly flap above the opening and land on the closest ground.
>Each strand of hair they have is completely standing out straight.
>One of them sits down relatively composed, the rest fall over to the side.
>Yeah, they’re gonna feel that in the morning.
>And by morning, you mean immediately.
>That was still a stop gap, but the sheer amount of fried bodies falling down the pit will seriously hinder any reinforcements.
>Many of the minotaurs were taken aback by the thunder, but they’re still fighting.
>Glancing down the pit, you see that the rock face on the sides is completely scorched as far as you can see.
>Stretching out your wings, you start moving up to get a better view of the field.
>The minotaurs are holding for the moment.
>They’re taking casualties, but standing firm.
>Now where are the other four pegasi soldiers?

>>30300316
>Your ears are still ringing a bit, but you can hear something else.
>Are those… horns?
>Scanning the clearing, you see that some of the creatures on the western flank aren’t facing the pit.
>A single minotaur steps past the tree line.
>From this distance you can see his massive beard reaching down to the ground.
>The Sage?
>As a creature goes to claw at him, he knocks the arm away with his cane.
>Then brings down an axe into its head.
>No small feat for a minotaur of a hundred and five.
>Or was it a hundred and seven?
>On each side of the Sage, another minotaur come into view.
>Based on the color of their fur, you think you recognize them as Steel Fortitude and Brass Nerve.
>Each of them raises a hand, pointing towards your encircled group.
>As they charge past the Sage, who probably can’t keep up due to his age, dozens of heavily armored minotaurs erupt from the tree line.
>Behind them are the occasional banner men, and many more warriors.
>With the horde focusing on the pit, it looks like the western flank was able to break through.
>Good timing too, you’re not sure how much longer your group could have lasted.
>The reinforcement easily manage to cut through the creatures that separate them from your group.
>As the fresh troops get to the lines, they then spread out and begin to push the creatures back from the clearing.

>>30300319
>When the front lines shift, it gives the minotaurs that were with you a much needed moment to rest.
>Some of them hit the ground to sit, others pause for a moment before heading back into battle.
>A couple even just started moving forward.
>Confident that the area is being secured, you set down next to the pit.
>You see the Sage approaching as he steps over or around the bodies that litter the field.
>”So this is it.”
>He leans over the edge and harshly spits down it.
>As if to personally tell his hell exactly what he thinks of it.
>”I’m too old for this…”
“You seemed to handle yourself well enough.”
>”You can comment on that after your first century.”
>Offense sets down next to you.
>”Ma’am, look.”
>He points to the south.
>Four pegasi in two teams each carrying their payload.
>As the Sage continues to inspect the pit, he speaks.
>”This will have to be guarded every hour of the day.”
“I have a better plan.”
>”Humph, and what would that be?”
“I’m gonna blow it up.”
>As the pegasi approach, they set down two large kegs that should be filled with gunpowder.
“About time.”
>Offense is less… warm.
>”What took you so damn long?”
>One of the soldiers responds:
>”Sir, the minotaurs weren’t very keen on giving us anything… we may have… stolen these.”
“I’m sure they won’t miss it.”
>Another soldier tosses a coil of rope off of his shoulder, and a third soldier reaches into a satchel to pull out a pair of dynamite bundles.
“Well don’t just stand there, get to work.”
>Your men begin to tightly wrap a the dynamite to each of the barrels.
>When those go off, it should trigger a chain reaction and ignite the kegs.
>Offense takes to the skies, and begins yelling to the minotaurs in the clearing.
>”CLEAR THE AREA!”
>You look over to the Sage.
“That means you too.”

More tomorrow
>>30292507
>>30292543
Everything will come together by the end
>>30300321
>Moving over to the pegasi still in shock from the storm cloud, you help get them on their hooves.
>Looking over to the unicorns, you speak to them:
“Any of you still strong enough to levitate these and spark the fuses?”
>One of the men volunteers.
“Alright, this one-“
>You indicate the first barrel.
“-drops first, it’s got a twenty second fuse so it’ll get down a decent amount. That’ll collapse the tunnel deeper down. When it goes up, the other will only have a second or so, that’ll get this end of the pit.”
>”Yes Ma’am.”
>In the skies, Offense is still yelling at minotaurs to get back.
>”MOVE, MOVE! THIS WHOLE PLACE IS GOING UP!”
>…
>With the clearing… well… cleared, you stand near the tree line.
>The unicorn is next to you, hovering the first bomb over the pit.
>Offense is in the sky offering direction.
>”Left five inches… towards us by a foot… you’re good.”
“Fire when ready.”
>You see a faint spark as the fuse begins to burn, then the magical aura around the barrel dissipates.
>The bomb falls down out of sight.
>And…
>Three.
>Two.
>One.
>The sound of the explosion echoes up the shaft of the tunnel, and you feel the ground shake a bit.
“Move on to the next one.”
>The second barrel begins hovering closer to the pit.
>”Right three feet… left six inches… away from us a few inches… stop!”
“Fire in the hole.”
>A brief spark comes off of the fuse, and the barrel begins to drop.
>A moment later, it goes off.
>Fire and dust shoots out of the pit as the explosion reaches the surface.
>While the debris starts settling, you take flight to assess the damage.
>Well… there was a hole, now it’s a crater.
>Now the minotaurs just have to mop up the remnants.

I don't know if any of you have heard of a Jewtube glitch where people are getting unsubscribed from certain channels for no apparent reason, but I swear on me mum the same shit is happening with me and this thread.

>>30300711
???

been drinking, updates tomorrow

>>30306905
Why not write while drunk?

Bumperino

If you guys could draw like a pro, then what would you draw for this story?
Bumping from 9.

>>30309532
Anon and amber rutting.

>>30310602
>not flurry

>>30309532
I'd draw the ship with Anon taking on the sea monster things. Shit would be awesome.

>>30307129
Because it took me three times to properly write 'tomorrow'

Don't get me wrong though, at least a quarter of this story was written while buzzed. I know my limit when it comes to writing while drinking.

>>30309532
Off the top of my head, in no particular order
>Anon riding Frederick into battle
>Anon in front of Frederick's funeral pyre
>Anon scattering Frederick's ashes into the stream
>Anon standing alone in front of the walls of Canterlot
>Flurry facing the minotaur general in single combat
>Wide shot of the coliseum just after the Melee started
>Thunder and Call alone atop the gatehouse as the Arabians storm into the Mushir's city
>Anon and Tiara on the empty ship as the fog obscures everything
>Anon standing in front of the sea serpent as it rears above the ship
>Thunder sitting in the oasis observing nature
>Comic of Anon's solo fight against the creatures on the ship
>Harvey and Anon as noir detectives from that one quick dream scene
>Anon under the Siren's influence
>Anon fighting through the heart of a changeling hive (not shown in story, but mentioned quite a bit)
>Comic of Thunder's fights against the MID in the house and on the train
>The war council from act I where Anon decided to come out of exile
>Flurry on a cloud taking charge of the battle of Baltimare
>The ceasefire with the griffons in the middle of no man's land outside of Cloudsdale
>Anon low-tech napalm's the yaks outside of the Crystal Empire
>Thunder meeting the Mushir in his office
>Flurry fighting the blob manifestation of the parasite in her mind
>Thunder and Call's fight when Call 'assassinated' Lancer.
>Thunder and Call laughing about if over drinks.
>Harvey as Scorpius

>>30309532
I'd go with the coma scene right after Anon bursts through the thrown room doors and Celestia vaporizes his entourage leaving only piles of armor litering the floor behind him

>>30309532
Any scene with Thunder and Call fighting together. Or Flurry on top of the tower in her mind

>>30309532
Imagine this. The camera is at a low angle looking up at anonymous's back. He's at the bow of the ship staring up at the sky. In front of him is the large multiheaded beast he fought. He has a sword in his hand, and is prepared to face it down. Basically a setup right before the fight showing Anon sizing up the beast and mentally preparing

10

>>30300322
>…
>”You know Anon, in reflection your arrival here is rather funny.”
“Harvey.”
>”Hmm?”
“Stop.”
>You toss your tennis ball in the air and spike it down.
>Harvey jumps to return the volley, hitting the ball back but falling onto the ground to do it.
>Letting you easily score after hitting the ball back.
“That’s the match.”
>As Harvey picks himself off the ground, he speaks again.
>”I’ll get you next time, just needed a bit to get in the zone.”
“Maybe badminton is more your speed.”
>”But Anon, it was one great big comedy of errors!”
“Harv…”
>You begin walking around the net to approach him.
>”And you ran with it!”
“Harvey!”
>”In a way, you’re still running with it.”
>Yeah, he has this coming.
>You swing your racket down onto his head.
>The strings break and it ends up hanging around his neck.
>”Ouch.”
>He says in a complete deadpan.
>”That was completely uncalled for.”
“Don’t give me that.”
>”Okay, it may have been called for…”
>He pulls the racket off of his head.
>”But I still don’t understand your aversion to the topic.”
“Harv, you can see my memories. You know that I have three regrets.”
>”And what would those be?”
“Don’t play coy. You know damn well what the big one is. Number two is the stuff that happened after you hit me on the head with your trans dimensional golf ball.”
>”We should go golfing!”
“Three is the I took so long stopping Celestia, we already talked about that one though.”
>”Then why can’t we talk about the first two? It’s not like I don’t know exactly what happened.”
“No.”
>”That’s not an appropriate answer to my question.”
“No.”
>”But-“
“You’re pushing your luck Harv!”
>”Point taken. You have the pants in this relationship… seeing as I don’t even have a body on which to wear pants.”

>>30313816
“Harv.”
>”Yes?”
“You don’t wear pants at all when you’re in your body.”
>”It’s about the principle, not the pants.”
“Well I’m never getting that quote out of my head.”
>”Then my work is done here.”
“Don’t tell me that this was all just one big quest get a single concession out of me, and you’re either still connected to your body or you can jump back at any time.”
>”Oh no, we’re properly joined at the hip.”
“Lucky me…”
>”I know, we’re already the best of friends.”
“No, we aren’t.”
>”We’re already the best of acquaintances. So, another match?”
“Not today. I think it’s time you give me a proper rundown on the East.”
>”Shall we have that talk out here on the court?”
>You snap your fingers and dissolve the word around you.
>Replacing it, you create a small living room.
>Some nice leather armchairs, a burning fireplace, a bit of Verdi in the background.
“Alright Harv, you get one more concession today. I completely understand why you snap before using magic.”
>”Isn’t it just sublime?”
“Take a seat.”
>You do the same, letting yourself fall into one of the soft chairs.
>Too soft.
>Focusing on firming up the padding, you make it a bit more comfortable.
“Alright Harv, what should I expect? Most of the reports are by ponies who’ve barely stepped hoof on land, or have lost more than a few marbles.”
>”Well the first thing you should worry about is the geography. You’ll encounter many different shifting biomes. One day you could be walking through a savannah being staked by lions the size rhinos, and the next you’ll be in an overgrown swamp pestered by carnivorous lemurs. When a single environment dominates a large area, it goes on for quite a while. To the south there is one desert so desolate, that there is no life, not even bacterial, for over three hundred miles. Don’t worry, your path shouldn’t bring you anywhere close to that though.”

>>30313820
“A shame, no life means there’s nothing there that wants to eat me.”
>”Ah, but the sands are so loose that in a quarter of the desert you’d be literally sinking.”
“What specific types of environments should I be going through?”
>”Temperate zones, heavy forests, mountains, jungles, swamps, alpine highlands, savannah, caves, areas covered by volcanic ash. Some of them will come up more than once.”
“Outstanding.”
>”Next would be the flora and fauna. You’ll recognize some animals, but they are markedly more dangerous than any examples you’ve seen. Manticores that are twice as large and ferocious. Hydra’s that are much smaller but hunt in packs. Hornets the size of a pegasus. You get the picture.”
“And the stuff I won’t recognize.”
>”It would take months to give you a complete bestiary. Ivy that grows so fast that it will latch on your leg and work its way to your head in a manner of seconds. There are creatures that would be best described as fox-gremlins that possess excellent camouflaging abilities. Then these kind of hermit crab like creatures that use skulls as shells, they are very venomous and will plant eggs in the eye sockets of victims as they bleed out.”
“I get the picture.”
>”You asked…”
“What about civilizations, are there any intelligent species?”
>”Not intelligent per say. A few millennia ago I saw some deer that were showing rudimentary intelligence, but they’ve probably been driven extinct by now, a volcano erupted and destroyed the forest they dwelled in. You might find ancient ruins of sorts from various civilizations I never bothered to look at. If you’re lucky… or unlucky you might find a Cyclops, but let’s just say that the population over there didn’t have a lot of genetic diversity.”

>>30313822
“How long has it been since you even properly saw the region?”
>”To be honest it was much more fun around proto-Equestria. I would pop over ever odd century.”
“So your intel is shaky at best?”
>”More or less. Although, before I got cut off from my body, I dropped over an came up with a few possible paths for you to take. Before that blasted Siren cut my connection, I was going to drop in at random intervals and offer you vague advice.”
“Great…”
>”But I did leave a few supply caches for you. Food, water, weapons. That sort of thing.”
“What kind of weapons?”
>”Now that would ruin the surprise. Oh, but I will tell you that I left a boat at one of the swampy areas. By taking the river it lets out at, you’ll cut a week or two off of the walking time.”
“Assuming it’s still standing.”
>”I placed all of the supplies behind at least a foot of solid steel, they’ll be there.”
“What even made this place so feral?”
>”Now that is a very complicated answer, that I’m not quite at liberty to discuss.”
>What?
“You did it, didn’t you?”
>”… in a way. Partially. Kind of. It’s a very very long story.”
“Damnit Discord.”
>”Look, get me back in my body, and I’ll explain everything.”
“I’m not falling for that, I just used that same shit on Tiara.”
>”And your language! You hardly ever swore before these last few months.”
“What never?”
>”Hardly ever!”

>>30313824
>…
>Back in the coliseum, minotaur patrols still continue to search for any stragglers.
>But this place isn’t looking so hot.
>Bodies are scattered in many areas.
>While the center pushed through to the pit, and the western flank had success pushing through once the horde shifted attention, the east side of the battle did not fare well.
>It collapsed almost entirely, and the minotaurs were pushed back to the camps and the coliseum itself.
>A few hundred civilians were caught by the creatures.
>The minotaurs were eventually able to secure it again, but it was too late for many of those taking shelter in the structure.
>As the Sage finishes conferring with some scouts, he approaches you with a dour look on his face.
“Bad news?”
>”The reports. Fifteen hundred warriors died in the field, though I expect that number to rise as we learn more. Four hundred civilians were caught, and two hundred more are still unaccounted for.”
“I’m sorry for your losses.”
>”Do not be, I have heard something far more troubling.”
>He turns back to the scouts.
>”Bring him!”
“What happened?”
>”Early into the battle, there was a struggle for control over the eastern flank. Black Rage and Rust Blood both took their tribes there, and when Blood argued that he should lead the effort, Rage agreed. The second his back turned, Rage struck his axe in Rust Blood’s back. That triggered open conflict between the warriors, and by the time the demons arrived, they were able to quickly overrun the quarreling tribes.”
“That’s horrible.”
>”It goes beyond words.”

>>30313829
>Behind the Sage, you see a pair of full armored minotaurs drag Black Rage in by the arms.
>His face is badly bloodied, and his nose is visibly broken.
>The Sage doesn’t say a single word to him, he just stares with stern eyes and a neutral face.
>When they stop dragging Rage, he just looks up to the Sage with a smug grin.
>”Is the pony here to lecture to me about friendship?”
>He then spits his own blood onto the Sage’s face.
>”What are you going to do old man? Kill me?”
>Remaining silent, the Sage lifts his cane up to grab the end of it with his right hand.
>He then swings the blunt end up into Rage’s jaw.
>The guards let him fall onto his back.
>You then watch the sage step around his body and hammer his cane down onto Rage’s skull.
>Multiple times.
>He doesn’t stop until the skull is visibly smashed, and bits of brain are thrown around by the swings.
>The Sage then says one word to the corpse.
>”Yes.”
>Looking to the nearby minotaurs, he addressees them.
>”Let it be known that for his crimes, the Rage family is not only struck from rank, but will bear the harshest honor stains until their line ends. Their tribe is hereby dissolved.”
>You never could have imagined seeing such brutality from him of all minotaurs.

>>30313835
>The Sage then steps back towards you.
>”Please, stay a day more. Due in no small part to your efforts, we were able to emerge victorious today.”
“I couldn’t have done anything without all of your people fighting alongside us.”
>”Which is why tonight you and your men will stand with the most honored warriors of the day. Rejoice today, for this war is far from over.”
“You think they’ll be back?”
>”The Sundering will only end after either my people are extinct, or when Broken-Horn returns to lead us into the final battle.”
“Look, I really don’t mean to insult your beliefs, but do you really think all this prophecy stuff has any merit in reality?”
>”Decades ago, your people prophesized that your Nightmare Moon would return, and she did.”
“Fair enough, but-“
>”Please, there has been enough battling today. Let us rest.”
“Oh, one more thing.”
>You start unstrapping the ceremonial dagger’s sheath.
“I may have had to use it to kill one of those things.”
>”Good.”
>He takes the dagger from you.
>”Do you know how this dagger became the symbol of succession?”
“No, but you said something about it being passed down for countless generations.”
>”Broken-Horn gave this to an unarmed farm boy to fight with. After the exile, he rallied our lost people and took the name Unyielding Dedication, and upon his death he gifted it to his eldest son. That family is said to have ruled as kings for two thousand years.”
“A king? Wait, how old is that exactly?”
>”Many records have been lost over the years, but it is estimated to be between three and six thousand years old.”
>You killed one of those things with a three to six thousand year old dagger.
“How is it even still in one piece?”
>”Before the exile, our craftsmen were quite skilled. Now we will guard this carefully, so that we may return it to Broken-Horn upon his arrival.”
“For symbolic purposes?”
>”Because he asked us to return it.”

>>30313841
That's it for the night

File: The call... .jpg (33KB, 500x387px) Image search: [Google]

33KB, 500x387px

>>30313820
>proper rundown

>>30313841
what if Flurry Heart is Broken Horn?

>>30314580
>magic-less horn
>Flurry can't use her horn other than stabbing purposes
>her horn is magically useless
>useless is similar to broken
>Flurry's horn is broken
>Broken Horn
Holy Shit

>>30314673
THE PLOT THICKENS

>>30314673
She also just led them into battle against the hoards of tataurus. With the ancient dagger that was being held for Broken Horn's return. I think she just fulfilled that prophecy that she is doubting

>implying the pink pohnee could ever compare to the great Broken-Horn

>>30320827
>Broken Horn was once poisoned by a manticore
>After three days of agonizing pain, the manticore died

>>30313841
>…
>This is chaos.
>Barbarism.
>Completely uncivilized.
>It’s horrible.
>This isn’t a celebration, it’s a riot.
>The chants, battle cries, singing.
>You can’t hear a single sound, only a hurricane of mostly drunk minotaurs.
>But it’s not only the noise…
>You’ve seen dozens of fistfights breakout.
>Supposedly it’s all in good fun.
>Supposedly being the keyword.
>At one point you walked by a huge crowd watching Wind and Wind wrestle.
>You’re amazed that they both survived the battle.
>Word is that they faced the beasts while completely unarmed.
>And that they teamed up to fight.
>Nothing like an apocalypse to bring people together.
>Between the fights and celebrations, family and friends burn pyres for the deceased.
>Their chanting and hymns are notably filled with more sorrow.
>Groups have taken turns urinating on the banners of the Rage tribe.
>Someone even brought out Black Rage’s body, and many take turns spitting on it.
>Males and females have been… having fun.
>Some of them don’t even bother to find a tent… they just let the world see.
>Lacking the… endurance to keep up with the celebrations, you decided to fly away to the top of the coliseum.
>The noise is all still there, but at least you’re not directly surrounded by it.

>>30320967
>Sitting down on the stone, you let the cool night’s wind go through your mane.
>Today has been… hectic.
>Now you don’t give much merit to the prophecy that the minotaurs believe in, but you have to admit some aspects are interesting.
>From how deep the tunnel was, it’s safe to assume that the creatures came from Tartarus.
>Which probable qualifies as ‘hell’ to the minotaurs.
>And you have no idea what could have tunneled and broken through thousands of feet of solid rock.
>None of the creatures were above ground when the pegasi got there to scout it out, so clearly they didn’t dig through it.
>There are plenty of nasties locked up in Tartarus that could have blasted through the ground, but anything strong enough to do that would have easily been able to gotten past Cerberus.
>If something, or someone, went so far out of their way to dig that hole in particular, it had to be about releasing those creatures.
>And why was this location chosen?
>If you wanted to release a horde to destroy the minotaurs, wouldn’t it make more sense to release them into the wilderness far away from any population?
>That way the horde could get incredible numbers on the ground without risking the security of their one way to get reinforcements.
>Sure this place usually doesn’t have thousands of minotaurs present, but there still would have been a small group keeping things clean and intact.
>And it’s likely that at least one of those minotaurs would have gotten word out.
>You can see two reasons to strike here and now.
>Either the entire political leadership of the minotaur people was supposed to be killed.
>Or this was just a message… that ‘hell’ is coming for you.
>Neither possibility is rather comforting.

>>30320969
>”I can’t take any more of this.”
>You look over to see Offense setting down next to you.
“Not enjoying the drinking.”
>”They’ve got fermented goat milk down there. Tried some, it’s by far the worst thing I’ve ever drank. And I’ve had to survive off of my own piss down in Saddle Arabia.”
“I did not need to know that.”
>”I know, who’d even drink unfermented goat milk!”
>Yeah, he’s had a few.
>”Still though, we did good today.”
“Yes we did.”
>”But it’s killing me… what was your final challenge going to be?”
>Oh, now that’s fun.
“Well, I was going to put them through a chess tournament. I figured that only Blunt Force or Iron Resolve would have been clever enough to win. Some corruption or a lack of popularity are bad and all, but it’s better than open war.”
>”Chess!”
“I told you that they would hate it. The justification was that it can be related to military strategy. Having to attack in clever ways, knowing when to sacrifice, that sort of thing.”
>”You’re evil.”
“I try.”
>”You know…”
“Yes?”
>He hiccups.
>”You’ve got the same cut over your eye as Anon has. Same side even.”
“Honestly I’m afraid that as soon as he sees it, he’ll start lecturing on how I put myself into harm’s way… well he’d complain about how I let myself get hit just to look like he does.”
>”Trust me your highness, he’d be damn proud.”

More tomorrow

The speculation is noted. Won't confirm/deny, but I like seeing the speculation.
>>30320970
“I hope… because right about now I could really use his advice. Honestly I’d rather that he was here instead of me.”
>”Look, I’ve worked with him for a long time. I don’t think he would have done much differently today… well before everything went south, he probably would have goaded that Rage guy a bit more. Actually during the celebrations last night, he probably would have started a fist fight with him to put him in his place… but hey, he got what was coming.”
>That’s a lot of rambling uses of ‘he.’
“I would have paid to see Anon and Rage butt heads.”
>”Rage wouldn’t have lasted ten seconds.”
“Why did you even let him leave?”
>”Because there’s nothing that can stand between him and saving you. And I mean nothing. When the parasite tried to get him, he would have left well enough alone after getting rid of it. But when it played for you, Anon started a one man war that only ends one way.”
“And you let him go alone…”
>”He’s going to a violent place. Anypony that went with him would only slow him down. This way he goes at his own pace and doesn’t have to worry about protecting anypony else.”
“I just hope he gets back soon.”
>”He’ll be back before you know it.”
“Because I have feeling that this stuff is only just starting.”
>Offense remains silent.
“Cause if whatever caused this is still down there, I really doubt that it’ll stop at one try.”
>Offense still doesn’t reply.
“Brigadier?”
>You look over to see him curled up and sleeping.
“You’re either pretty drunk, or I’m just pretty boring.”

10

>>30320974
Nice.

Just had 2 threads i track on this board get archived. One was bumped 54 minutes ago and one was bumped 40 minutes ago. What the hecken?

>>30324536
Was one Ragers?

>>30325162
Yup, and the horror thread
I think the board was getting spammed. There were glimcunt posts everywhere but now it looks like they're gone

>>30325193
it happens

art of war?

>>30326358
Fart of war, actually

Bumperino

Exhausted, updates tomorrow
>>30326358
what about it?
>>30327000
>That got trips

>>30320974
Nice

bamp

>>30320974
>…
>You’d guess that Offense was just drunk.
>Because you definitely weren’t able to sleep.
>The minotaurs just kept going.
>It’s noon for crying out loud.
>You think this might last as long as the alcohol lasts…
>Maybe the attack was meant to be defeated.
>That way, another pit can pop up and the minotaurs will all be too drunk or tried to fight back.
>It’s a bit quieter now, but the celebrations are still going strong.
>Walking around the coliseum, after getting a drink of water, you pass by the Sage.
>”Ah, young one.”
“Can I help you?”
>He motions down one of the hallways.
>”Walk with me.”
>You start walking with the old minotaur.
“So, is this kind of celebration common?”
>”Far from. Though given the circumstances, justified.”
“No, I don’t think it is.”
>”If we do manage to survive the Sundering, my people will not stop for at least a week.”
“Well… good luck with that?”
>”Thank you.”
“So what was it that you wanted to talk about?”
>”I’ve been meeting with the elders and chiefs. The tribes have reached a consensus on leadership while we await Broken-Horn.”
“Am I going to have to start the final challenge?”
>”No, in these days, we need the surviving claimants fighting for their people.”
>He leads you outside of the coliseum, and you stop by the entrance.
>”Brass Nerve, Steel Fortitude, and Iron Resolve will sit on a war council.”
“Okay, I understand Nerve and Fortitude. Combined they represent most of the tribes, but where does Resolve fit in.”
>”He led his small group of supporters down the center with you. He has been seen as the greatest hero from the battle. Behind yourself, of course, although many are slow to accept that a pony was key in the battle. But beyond his part in the battle, many have started to see his more traditional views as a necessity during these times.”
“And where does that leave you in all this?”

>>30334212
>”I will help advise the council. Decisions will be based off of vote, however if any decision is made to the detriment of the dissenting party, I can step in to forbid the motion. That is the only case in which I can effect decisions: if the Triarchs are all in agreement, then the matter is settled.”
“Triarch?”
>”An older title from the latter days of monarchy. Three factions of tribes formed to circumvent the power of the King. The leader of each alliance was known as Triarch. Eventually they went to war with the monarchists, after much fighting the Triarchs came to power. However the factions soon broke down without fear of the King to keep the tribes allied- after the resulting chaos, the tribes eventually came together to choose the first Archon.”
“Well hopefully it doesn’t break down this time.”
>”With the threat of the demons, that is highly unlikely.”
“Once things start getting settled around here, you can send an ambassador to Canterlot. Trade deals and the like. If another pit pops up, I’m sure we can come to an arrangement for weapons and supplies, troops maybe.”
>”If you were open to it, one of the topics the Triarchs discussed was reestablishing a diplomatic presence with your people.”
“One of the topics?”
>”One was setting up the war council, the other was diplomacy. The people wouldn’t let the Triarchs postpone celebrating for any longer.”
“Well you know where to find us. Just send the ambassador or ambassadors, we might be able to set up an embassy if you want to go that route.”
>”A proper embassy would take away too much manpower. Right now we need every man, woman, and child working to the war effort.”
>You have a feeling that they’re about to mobilize so much that it will make the height of the Equestrian war economy look like child’s play.

That's it for the night

After these next few updates, time will start moving at a quicker pace. I'm looking at you, boat ride
>>30334217
“Well… good luck with the war.”
>”Your own people should be wary. It is likely that the demons will only target us.”
“If it does, I’ll make sure that the entire country is on the warpath within a week.”
>You pause as you hear a voice screaming above the background noise.
>From above you?
>Oh crap…
>You left him on the roof!
>Offense then comes into view as he crashes onto the ground, wildly flapping his wings to slow the descent.
>He then groans loudly as he lays on the ground.
>Running over to him, you speak.
“Are you okay?”
>”Yeah… yeah.”
>He rolls over and rubs his temples with his hooves.
>”Just really hungover.”
>You hear the Sage chuckle.
>”It appears that your general still cannot hold his liquor.”
>”Bite me, old man.”
“Offense!”
>”He started it!”
“Offense…”
>”… I’m sorry”
“I’m sorry…”
>”I’m sorry, Sage.”
>”Ha, the little general bows to his little princess.”
“Bite me, old man!”
>”That’s merely what I hoped to get out of you. To prove that you have the teeth needed in these days.”
“Well do it again and you’ll be on your back, looking at the sky.”
>”Forgive me, young one.”
“Forgive me…”
>”Forgive me, Princess Heart.”
“That’s better. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have soldiers to collect and a nation to get back to.”
>You start walking away.
“On your hooves, Offense!”

FIE!
FIE ONT!

Nearly 9 hour bump

>>30336508
It's an unsettling experience to wake up, >check the threads on clover
>see a zero next to Heart of war
>check thread
>last post was 13 hours ago
>mini panic
>remember that everyone deleats bumps on this thread
>sigh in relief and go back to sleep