Loud Opinion

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih Fear is a master of disguise. While Limbo Dreams physically pursued her metaphorical answers, the point of the chase lost its meaning. A butterfly happened to be fluttering in the direction she cantered. So, having lost the original goal of physically chasing her ideas, Limbo concluded that the butterfly was the thing she was chasing all along. She thought she saw wonder and beauty in the butterfly. As the chase went on, she felt more and more like an observer to the world than a participant. It was then that the butterfly shed its facade of wonder to reveal her fears beneath: Her life as a passive observer; the chaos of her youth. The prison of madness that had gripped her so thoroughly painfully emerged from her memories. It was then that she slid to a halt with a haunted look. Not a word escaped her. Her life prior had ironed out any value she gave her voice. Light's dynamic entrance hadn't even registered. That to was a product of her history in isolation. All that she showed was a thousand-yard stare. Within those eyes, her soul thrashed. Within her mind, she was back home.

@ExplosionMare Interesting. Can you point to any examples where the plot is ambiguous or misleading? I actually was concerned that I was rushing the story. I'll have to rethink how I feel about pacing.

Just getting a complete understanding before we conclude. It was a pleasure to have the both of you as a part of my story. It was a shame that the experience wasn't mutual. Alas, a GM is nothing without his players, but do not be burdened. This is not the last story I will attempt to tell, and greener pastures await you as well. Let it be known that this one-sided farce has come to a close.

So are you worried about receiving trauma personally, or do you not want your character to go through this tragedy? The grammar error could be corrected in either direction.

@Starforce Upon the oaken counter, Spiral Spell would read a very simple note. 'To the students of our school, 'Each batch of students caries its own story, and its own aesthetic. The school will always maintain its dolomite culture, but this house should be a place of comfort and carry with it a seance of ownership. Feel free to decorate the dorm through the school's catalog attached to this note. 'With Silver's authority, 'Spring Chicken.' The crisis at the door would surely break anyone's focus.

@ExplosionMare Limbo Pass waited for a long moment before speaking. "I think it's time to let go." "I know it's hard to say goodbye, and your daughter deserves better, but this can't go on. Even if Radiant finds a cure, what will our neighbors to the south think?" "By trying to give your daughter everything, you risk her having nothing." "Look," Miss Pass says as she pulls out a cup of warm water, "I'll leave this here for you. It's boiled nightshade. I added something to numb the pain. I hate to see you like this, and I'm afraid that Magy might lose her father. I'd talk to him about it if those masks..." She shudders, but then catches herself and looks Sombra in the eyes, "You're the only pony that can stop him." She doesn't wait for an answer. With a lively trot, she leaves Sombra alone with the reaper.

@Thunder Light @Zoom Jetstream @Kujamih @Starforce Before Tamani could leave, Silver answered her query, "Currently, yes. Though I do hope others will see what our school has to offer. I never got your name." "You've been very quiet ever since you got here. I do hope there is no language barrier between us." The board hung between two windows. The interior was of no relation to the structures bygone. The healthy oaken walls framed a fireplace that was composed of a stone similar to granite. The color was the expected grey, but the composition was more uniform. The ground around it was the same stone. Only a few stray embers made it to the red carpet beyond. The seats were luxurious. The counter to the left, near the stairs, had the design of a carpenter's dream and seating to match --if lacking in luxury. Beyond was the stairwell leading both up and down a flight. However, the walls seemed drab; No crest, knickknacks, flowers, candles, or decorative furniture save a few empty shelves. Upon the counter was a note, but it hardly seemed to be the most pressing. More importantly, the board hosted rather tame-looking classes, given the school's namesake. At least, they started tame. First years must take a 'Living Wellness' course hosted at the end of the day and have a selection between 'Natural Magic' and 'Protection and Dispelling of Nefarious Magic.' The second year's core was 'Leadership and Martial Mastery' followed by an opt of either 'Clairvoyance' or 'Magically Assisted Anatomy.' The third year's core was, as expected, 'Basic Necromancy,' and the option from 'Psyonics' and 'Demonology.' Finally, the fourth year core: 'Advanced Necromancy' and elective of 'Chronomancy' or 'Hexology.' A note at the bottom instructed readers to, at the start of each year: Stamp their hoof-print on the box next to the core course and to choose one course from the year's selection. At the bottom of the board was a ledge that hosted an ink-well for stamping.

@Starforce @ExplosionMare It was a joy having the both of you involved in my story. I wish you the best of luck on your adventure.

Regardless, the ball is in your court @Kujamih.

@Starforce Skipped over you this time because your a little ahead of explosion mare in the time line.

@ExplosionMare Limbo Pass strode closer to Sombra and sat on her bed. It broke her heart to see Radiant's beloved too weak to hear her enter. "We need to talk," She said solemnly, "Radiant hasn't been eating. Radiant is tearing himself apart. I can't get much sleep I'm so worried. I can't imagine what Magnloria is going through." "Look," Miss Pass got to the point, "whatever this is, it's not healthy, and I don't mean you. I don't know what Radiant has told you, but I can tell he hasn't made any progress since he started. It's not just your family that suffering either. Guards are knocking on ponies' doors in the middle of the night and locking them up. Any guard that questions it is being put in these weird masks that force them to obey." Limbo Pass paused to look at Sombra's response. Looking for anything to tell her she was listening.

@Starforce @ExplosionMare Each door had a note attached by a silver-wax seal. One was addressed to Magnolia, but only for a moment. When the pony in question saw the name, it morphed to Moonlight. 'Moonlight and Starlight, 'We are pleased to invite you to tonight's banquet. It begins at sundown at the temple. There will be several other guests in attendance, so be sure to find matching attire in your wardrobe. The earlier you arrive, the more time you will have to mingle with our guests, though that is your discretion. 'If you have any questions, you can find me at the Golden Oaks Library. 'I'll see you tonight, 'Silver Tongue.' Within Starlight's room was the same visage of glory that she left. The spined books awaited further inspection. The Apollo and Marsyas: the flaying of Marsyas was no easier to stomach. Neither was the application of the aftermath. Indeed, ingesting the skin was claimed to restore youth, though the book glossed over that fact. Apollo seemed far more interested in what instruments you could make from what was left of Marsyas. From accordions to harps, any instrument of string or percussion seemed to produce an irresistible tune that the body demanded to move through. One page was dedicated to music sheets. That page got Lyra's attention. She scowled as she read them, "These songs don't sound very good. You'd have to be downing wine all night to think of dancing to this." The Victory of Crowns described an Alicorn hunt. Aura or her ghostwriter wasn't particularly talented. The text is a very direct journal of Aura's day-to-day life on her hunt. Many days are dedicated to maintaining her equipment, ranting about the alicorn target's political career, and a few tactics she planned to employ when she got close enough. Some seemed obvious, like using the opposite element against your target. Others seemed insightful: If an alicorn losses a limb or too many healthy feathers, that can drain its power like a leak in a water balloon. It's all about the element of surprise and a decisive first strike. If you can hurt it bad enough and get away, it would only be a matter of time before it is weak enough to finish off. On The White is a simple story of an artist that suffered in spite of his art. Though the masterpieces were said to be profound beyond imagining, he never shared them with anyone. Despite his profession, the book is mostly composed of existential dread and the futility of his life. I would advise against reading it. The Skeleton Songs is too steeped in its own symbolism to be understood on a technical level. When reading a poem, not a single word can be remembered. No matter how much focus or how slowly it is tackled, the knowledge of the book never leaves the physical text. All that the book conveyed was a need. Each poem gives a different craving. Some make one hungry, others thirsty, while others still convey an itching sensation. The Apollo and Marsyas seemed most pertinent.

I forgot to describe the interior. I can either let you players make that up, or I can do so in my next response.

@Zoom Jump-Scare @Starforce @Kujamih @Thunder Light "That pit is connected to Tartarus. We have an understanding with the steward to lend us some of their souls to labor." "These souls are as dull as they come. Now come, let us not give them more attention than they deserve." The next destination was on the other side of the next hill. The structure was a black-on-white wooden house. Several stories ended off in a set of intersecting, triangular roofs. "The dorms," Silver introduced, "You'll find all the amenities on the ground floor. Sign-ups for classes are also there on the board." "The rest of the School are either classrooms or under construction. Feel free to roam the grounds as you please. Our professors are open to questions and conversations. They'll be notified when you enter their classroom, so you can always meet them there." Silver Tongue looked about done but tacked on a final statement, "A locked door is not a challenge. It's a warning."

@Starforce @Kujamih @Zombie Breeze @Zoom Jump-Scare Silver Tongue gave Thamani a knowing look. Had he overheard her? The headmaster ignored Spiral's question of robes. The mare was almost certainly attempting to make small talk to garner favoritism. As an impartial steward, he would not engage with this sophistry. Instead, he made way for the final stop: The dorms. Dutifully, each wisp carried their book around for their respective master. They would try to stay a few paces ahead and to their side. This way, there would be no delay if they wished to read while moving. However, before they got to the dorm, a great pit came into view on their right. The setting sun, obscured by the surrounding hills made it impossible to see what was inside. "Do not let yourselves be distracted," Silver spoke, "the only thing you will find down there is disappointment."

@Starforce @ExplosionMare As much as I'd love to write 800 characters of Lyra saying "lead the way" multiple times, I think it would be best if we just assumed she follows you wherever you go.

@abrony-mouse Fuchsia's less than refined response bore with it a spirit that Limbo could not deny her appreciation of. The baron bounds of lifeless land may have disturbed most, and Limbo's demeanor up to this point did not inspire confidence. Oh, but when her hooves touched the soil, her stride spoke of stamina. What would be unimpeded wind was silent and absent in her path. Did the very environment itself treat her with care, or did it not care to threaten? And to what end? Pity or reverence? As the two strode away from the station and onto a sparser path, Limbo would trot with authority through the waists. Then they were there. The silent estate did not beckon nor forebode. In the face of such apathy, Limbo had to repeat what the two already understood, "Looks like this is where we depart. I look forward to you introducing me to this Phantom fellow."

@Zoom Jump-Scare @Starforce @Zombie Breeze @Kujamih When Thamani got her book, the wisp automatically flipped nearly to the end of the book to a chapter dedicated to one called Windy Breeze and her race against a flock of crows that called themselves 'Legion'. Monsoon's book first flipped to a chapter from Fluttershy, only to flip to Applejack's section when she focused on the headmaster. Said headmaster gave a hard stare to Void, "Please do not damage school property." As if snapping out of a spell, Silver Tongue softened to address Spiral, "Feel free to try again, but it will take some time for the wisp to catch up to you as we continue the tour." This time, he waited for the other students to follow before he left the acropolis. "Robes will be given at the end. Until then, you'll have to hold your badge by hoof."

@Starforce @ExplosionMare "Oh, that?" Pinkie Pie said as she hopped out of her barrel, unaffected by Moonlight's implications, "Ya, I've scared them off sometimes. Don't worry. I'm sure that, in the next twenty-two minutes, everything will be back to normal." As Pinkey Pie spoke, she slid over to Moonlight to put a hoof over her shoulder. "This happens all the time around here. Keep your chin up, and it'll all work out in the end. You'll see!" Pinkie then hopped away, only to miss a beat when she saw the mouthless BonBon. "Well, maybe I should speed it up a little. I'll go get Twilight." A Pinkey-Pie-shaped cloud was the only evidence that the party pony was ever there. Perhaps she was just a figment of your imagination. Lyra seemed torn. Should she wait for Twilight or follow the ponies that were probably responsible. Twilight saved the day many times and this could be a simple fix for all she knew. If it wasn't so easy, then going with Moonlight and Starlight could help fix it faster. Finally, a decision was made. "Come on BonBon. These Ponies are going to help us fix this."

@Starforce @Zoom Jump-Scare @Kujamih @Zombie Breeze When each badge was returned to the wisps, they ignored them and let the piece of metal fall to the ground. Silver took a moment to realize he had misspoken, "Sorry, you're supposed to keep the badge. I don't know why I told you to give them back. Well, anyway, don't try to pick up the book when they get it. Just let them open it up and hold it for you. So long as you hold the badge, they'll know when to flip the page and they'll be able to keep the book in view as you move through the school grounds." Regardless, the wisps climbed up the spires of knowledge. Monsoon's wisp stopped at the base and pulled out a book at the very bottom. A deep purple cover wrapped around a mint-condition copy of the book of friendship. A golden horseshoe denoted that this was a later edition. Thamani's wisp only went one shelf higher and pulled out a blue book, but instead of going directly to Thamani, it took a detour and strode to Mr. Tongue. His horn lit up for a subtle flash, and the wisp returned to Thamani with a copy of 'Heros Above: The complete dramatization of the Wonderbolts.' Spiral Spell and Void's wisps took the same detour. Spiral Spell went to the third shelf, and Void strode to a rung far out of reach of a pony. Silver Tongue gave Sipral's book a hard look. He thought over whether or not he should allow access. Finally, he flashed his horn. Instead of returning to Spiral, however, it first put the book back on the shelf and returned with nothing. "Sorry. That book is a little advanced. I'll have to give you an abridged copy later," he explained. Voids whisp only strode higher. Its legs slowed down to be more careful around the older texts. When the wisp finally made it to Silver, he raised an eyebrow. He was about to say something when a flash came from Void's flank. The pile of dust was gone. Instead, a map and shovel was Void's new cutiemark. Silver had a look of understanding and approved the wisp. In its delicate grasp was a book entitled: 'How We Dig: A Modern Manual on Excavation.'

Hey all. I'm feeling under the weather. It'll be a while before my next post.

You're eyes take some time to adjust to the harsh artificial light from overhead. This is not your beautiful house. This is not your beautiful bed. The walls are padded with a single door with a small window. When you try to get up, you realize you are restrained to the bed. A straight jacket is the final peace of the puzzle. This is a mental institute. Nurses open the door with a tray of unfamiliar medication. Welcome: Your character was living a normal life in the Equestria we all know and love up until today. Now, you are a patient at Dr. Alavara's institute for the insane. The role play will be voice based and hosted on Discord, so make sure you have a microphone that is easily understandable. The RP will be multi-session and you don't need to be present for every session. If you aren't present, then your character isn't. There will be plenty of opportunities to exit and reenter. How to apply: Here is the character sheet:Alsylum Char Sheet.docx Here is the list of Talents, pick one:Talents.txt Here is the list of quirks, pick one:Quirks.txt Charisma, Physical Skill, and Mental Skill are all determined by dice. Your skill determine the type of dice you use. Everyone starts with a D6 in Charisma and can chose between a mental focus and a physical focus. Physical focus starts with a D6 in Physical and a D4 in Mental. Mental focus is reversed. To apply, simply DM me your character sheet, and if you are accepted, you will be given an invite to the server. (The fanfiction that inspired this RP: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/75199/asylum)

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Zoom Jetstream @Starforce "I hope the service was up to standard," Mr. Tongue did not wait for a response. Once everyone was accounted for, he strode down the steps, "We mustn't waste time. Their's an entire school's worth of ground to cover." Without alumni, the laboratory wasn't worth showing off and the Olympic gym wasn't done yet, so he opted for the library. Perhaps not the most impressive collection, but the presentation was certainly unique. At the center of the acropolis were spires of bookshelves. Simple creatures carefully strode upon the shelves without touching the delicate book spines. Their bodies were a basic black sphere of fuss attached to several long thin legs. "Here are all the texts made public to first years," The headmaster said as he pointed to the spires. "Further up are texts reserved for higher grade students. These books are delicate, so students are not allowed to touch them directly. Instead, please leave that to the whips." On cue, four of the dark fuzz-balls strode over to the students. Each of them held a badge with the symbol for brimstone engraved upon it. "Simply give it your badge and think of the subject you want to learn, and it will search for a text for you. Give it a try."

@Blitz Boom "Oh, hair is good for all sorts of things! It gets caught in things. It changes color. I'm still trying to figure that one out. You can fly with it. I don't know how to do that either." As she spoke, Limbo walked in a random direction without a care in the world. Fascination cradled Miss. Dreams heart while her mind ground out questions. When it came time for Limbo to express her wonder, a hesitation tugged at her. The answers she had already accumulated were slipping through her grasp. She made a mental note that Shark was a swimmer that eats other swimming things. That would explain why she was afraid earlier. As if chasing the feeling of discovery, she picked up into a trot and changed her direction on flimsy whims.

Yes! Finally! Someone has escaped conversation jail, and done something! Please, for future reference, do not be afraid to lead the way. As the story progresses, you'll see that staying on the rails and being led around everywhere isn't a winning strategy.