open Changeling History: Take a tribe through the ages

[The Down Trotten 300]

OCC link --> https://mlpforums.com/topic/141680-changeling-history-take-a-tribe-through-the-ages/

 

@@J.R.,@@Denim&Venom, @@Strong Copper, @@Unicorncob, @, 

 

Celestia is ruling her ponies with benevolence and grace, as she had been for the past hundreds of years. Ponies are happy and gay, and everything seems right with the world. And for them it actually is, but underneath, on the outskirts, and in the shadows a mostly forgotten world is turning and the cogs of politics and chatter of worry is spreading.

 

It is the reign of Queen Huskula, and the tribes of Changelings are feeling a tight grip on their independence like they never have before. Population is rising, and there is always the fear of discovery on the mind. This is the situation that the royal adviser Ambrose found himself as he called a very unofficial meeting. He didn't know how many more of these he would be able to have, in light of recent events.

He cleared his throat "Greetings prestigious leaders and representatives... all of you no doubt know why you are here... Please, why don't we begin with introductions. it has been a while since such a meeting has been called"    

Edited November 25, 2015 by The Down Trotten

[Unicorncob 5,679]

Sitting at one side, to Ambrose's left, was a mature-looking young unicorn mare, sporting a silver coat, a long, luscious black mane passing her shoulders, and soft emerald eyes. Her cutie mark depicted a heart with streams of velvet wrapped around it.

She wore a fetching black dress with gold laces, like something from 17th century Trottingham. She looked like she'd just stepped into the meeting from a time machine.

"The Lady is present, darling," she introduced herself nonchalantly, even sporting a high-class Trottingham accent, while using magic to levitate a teacup to her mouth and taking a dainty sip.

 

Sitting by her side was an earth pony stallion; red coat, brown eyes, and a blond mane peeking from beneath a black bowler hat. He wore a black buttoned shirt, top button undone, and bore the image of a baton on his flanks as a cutie mark.

 

"Oh, and we can't forget Droog, of course," The Lady continued, giggling into her hoof.

[J.R. 3,183]

@@The Down Trotten,

The Commander walked in with his number two, DeFormus. The Commander, a changeling, was disguised as a gray pegasus with orange eyes, and an orange mane and tail, wearing a kevlar vest, and several weapons in each pocket. He looked as if he was a rugged military veteran, complete with war paint his face and all the other 'fixins,' and even a cutie mark that looked like a mushroom cloud of a nuke's aftermath, "Search and destroy."

 

He said as he walked in with DeFormus. A mysterious looking earth pony, with a dark blue coat, black mane and tail, and yellow eyes, with a wool suit, and a fedora hat. He didn't say much, and kept his head down, and face hidden. His cutie mark was a simple closed book.

 

The two sat down opposite from Lady and Droog. The Commander nodded at Ambrose as he sat down, "Commander of the Hellfire Coalition, and DeFormus, present and accounted for."

 

DeFormus simply kept his head down, his face out of anyone's sight, and sat down with the Commander, "Hm...."

[Strong Copper 126]

Ambassador Golden Hooves quietly sat in his seat with a relaxed air and a small if somewhat practiced smile on his face. His coat was a lovely shade of gold that contrasted well with his crimson mane and tail, resulting in a very handsome earth pony. The suit that he wore wouldn't have seemed out of place on any of Equestria's many diplomats, largely because it was such a uniform; Golden Hooves had requested leave in order to attend to a 'family emergency' (Not actually a lie all things considered). 

 

The two almost identical white unicorns dressed as an Equestrian solders betrayed nothing as they stood to the left and right sides of the Ambassador, standing on alert and carefully surveying the room that they were in alongside the changelings that were already present. Sharp Spear and Parrying Shield had been on leave from the Day Guard when they was presented with the honor of escorting the hive's ambassador to this meeting and tasked with the goal of making sure Golden Hooves left the meeting alive and well regardless of how the meeting itself turned out.   

 

When the others spoke and introduced themselves, Golden Hooves bowed his head as he did likewise with an accent that would be right at home in Canterlot. "My name is Golden Hooves and it is my honor to be the ambassador and spokesman of the Humble Shepards. I am both excited and surprised to have been invited to this meeting considering the... tedious relationship our tribe has had with past High Kings and Queens. Am I to assume that her royal highness is unaware of this meeting?"  The question sounded innocent enough, but the implications of the answer would set the tone for this little meeting.  

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@Strong Copper,

Ambrose cleared his throat  "You assume correctly honorable sir, the Queen....the Queen is very preoccupied at the moment to be fully aware of such a meeting. So I decided to hold this conference at the present time, we must act as a unit after all even when the High ruler is busy yes? but please gentlemen, ladies, We do not need our disguises." he smiled fangfuly, hoping to lighten the mood just a bit "we are safe here I assure you"  of course the implication was that, they were safe, not only from ponies, but from a higher power as well 

[Unicorncob 5,679]

The Lady watched with mild, if not invisible interest as The Commander and Golden Hooves entered the meeting with their entourages. She had no quarrel with her fellow hive leaders, otherwise she wouldn't dare show her 'beautiful self' there.

 

She let out a soft noblemare chortle into her hoof before taking another sip of tea.

"I would, dear Ambrose," she began, then spread her forelegs and gestured to her svelte disguise, "but why have such beauty if you cannot flaunt it, hm?"

[J.R. 3,183]

@@Unicorncob,

Deformus heard Lady's statement about beauty, and gave a loud, "Hmph."

 

@@The Down Trotten,

The Commander looked at Ambrose, "Doesn't matter to me. I feel practical. Now get to the topic of the matter. Come, on, let's go. We don't have time to waste worrying about how we look, when we have an imminent threat."

[Strong Copper 126]

@@J.R., @@Unicorncob, @@The Down Trotten,

 

Golden Hooves chuckled a little at the confidence that their host seemed to have in their belief that the High Queen didn't know about this meeting, but he remained silent on the matter. Politics was a dangerous game after all and assumptions could cause the situation to go sour quickly enough. 

 

At the question of meaning in their more natural form, Golden shook his head politely with the same practiced smile. "Thank you for the offer but I find this form rather comfortable when dealing with meetings such as this. Puts me in the right state of mind I find. But I must agree with the right honorable Commander in that we have much more important topics to discuss then our physical appearance." A respectful nod towards Ambrose was as good a signal as any that the Royal Adviser should start the meeting proper.

[Denim&Venöm 18,701]

 

 

@J.R.,@Denim&Venom, @Strong Copper, @Unicorncob, @Guts,   

 

The door to the room opens. Two guards, covered in armor, garbed in black, tinted glass visors on their helms. They looked around. One of them turned their head towards the door. A third pony walked in. A tall bat pony with a voluminous silvery white mane done up in a pony tail. 

 

"I was told that this was the place?" She help an envelope in the grasp of long bushy tail. 

[The Down Trotten 300]

The door to the room opens. Two guards, covered in armor, garbed in black, tinted glass visors on their helms. They looked around. One of them turned their head towards the door. A third pony walked in. A tall bat pony with a voluminous silvery white mane done up in a pony tail. 

 

"I was told that this was the place?" She help an envelope in the grasp of long bushy tail. 

@@Strong Copper,@@J.R., @@Unicorncob,   @Guts, 

Ambrose jolted up from his seat and quickly greeted the bat pony. 'Of course, of course this is the place madam." he looked at his fellow changelings a tad nervously. "madam if I may speak to you aside for a moment? Then we will begin I promise, I'm sorry for the wait my fellow brothers and sisters" 

[Denim&Venöm 18,701]

@@Strong Copper,@@J.R., @@Unicorncob,   @Guts, 

"Alright then. If you wish to talk privilege so soon, I'll albliege to that." She then proceeded to step outside the door. Her two guard following suit, shutting the door behind them.  Each took spots opposite one another on either side on the hallway, as all three waited to be addressed. 

[The Down Trotten 300]

"Alright then. If you wish to talk privilege so soon, I'll albliege to that." She then proceeded to step outside the door. Her two guard following suit, shutting the door behind them.  Each took spots opposite one another on either side on the hallway, as all three waited to be addressed. 

Ambrose looked worried and as he was about to speak to the new arrival he struggled with years of inherited suspicion "Madam.... it is an honor to have you here and a representation of your tribe. It has been too long since your and tribe has been lost to us...but I had hoped that you would send a Changeling?... I do not know how ready our other brothers and sisters are and unity is the utmost necessity. I fear that the upcoming years may be hard for us all... especially for you." 

 

he sighed and rubbed his temple with with holed hoof "but as we can not change that now, please come in. But I beg of you.... forgive us if we are slow to accept..." he gulped, bowed to the batpony and reentered the room

 

@@Strong Copper,@@J.R., @@Unicorncob,  

"Brothers and Sisters, may I introduce, after far to long, the tribe from Hallow Shades... in light of recent circumstances I figured they needed to be present.

 

And for this circumstances. I have no doubt all of you know that the Queen... has been rather adamant  lately about our population"  

Edited November 29, 2015 by The Down Trotten

[Strong Copper 126]

@@The Down Trotten, @@Denim&Venom, @@J.R.@@Unicorncob, ,

 

While the arrival of a fourth representative wasn't that surprising what with there being plenty of changeling tribes out there, the fact that this tribe was from Hallow Shades was actually somewhat surprising to Golden Hooves. Hallow Shades itself was something of a myth by being the hidden home of the batponies. Guess the place was less of a myth then he thought. Shrugging to himself a little, he silently waited until Ambrose started the meeting properly and brought up what appeared to be the main point of it.

 

The mention of the High Queen's policies in relation to over population would have caused a lesser diplomat to start wearing a smug expression on their face. Golden Hooves kept his face professional through. "Yes, the Humble Shepards have heard of the actions that her royal highness has taken to deal with over population." He confirmed but for the time being kept his mouth shut otherwise to let the tribes more affected by overpopulation have their say before showing his hand. 

[Unicorncob 5,679]

The Lady raised an eyebrow as the batpony was allowed into the meeting to represent the Hollow Shades hive. Strange, she thought, that they would not send one of their own. She could tell from a glance that this batpony had no disguise to put on.

Droog had craned his head toward the newcomers, eyeing them with distrust from the shadow beneath his hat.

 

"Now, Droog," The Lady chided gently, putting a hoof to the stallion's cheek to turn his head forward, which he complied to, "Don't glare at our allies. I've told you about that before, have I not?" Her tone was similar to that of a mother telling off her foal.

"Yes, milady," the stallion finally spoke, in a rough middle-class Trottingham accent.

"Good boy," she giggled, then turned to address the subject of the meeting.

 

"Darlings," She began, raising her voice so everypony around could hear her, "I've been hearing all this talk about overpopulation, but I believe the Velum Amour has no such problem." She paused to sip from her cup. "We have kept to our hunting grounds, as agreed."

[J.R. 3,183]

DeFormus gave a loud chuckle, and spoke in a drab, and raspy voice that was like nails on a chalkboard, "Hehe....Not even close."

 

The Commander nodded at his number two, and turned to Ambrose, "The coalition has stayed in accordance with their territory," he said, as he hovered, "Just how do you think that?"

[Denim&Venöm 18,701]

 

 

@Strong Copper,@J.R., @Unicorncob,  

"As you can guess, we haven't had much contact with the outside hives, but we do keep up to date with the issues facing the race as a whole. Changeling kind's issues with overpopulation and Huskula's overreaction to it, are of little concern to us. Our ancestors relationships to both royalty and neighboring hives has been less than...favorable."

[Vae Victis 742]

Having heard that there would be no need for disguises, Audax nonetheless chose to remain in his disguised visage. Normally, the Nexis tribe kept to themselves, even when meetings such as this were called. Such is the byproduct of pseudo-paranoia one could expect from a tribe that valued secrecy and exclusion on a level that was almost bordering on xenophobia, even from their own kin. After all, Audax's tribe prided themselves upon being one of the most magically and technologically inclined hives, constantly trying to develop superior methods of feeding along with studying their 'benefactors' excessively, hoping to perfect the formula of blending in to pony society without being spotted.

 

Audax's appearance was that of a grizzled old earth pony, obviously within the blue-collar worker caste. The form he took was nothing special at all. His coat was a sage shade of green, and his mane and tail were a tried-and-tested gray. The eyes were a light shade of brown. He was also sporting a somewhat unsightly stubble that could mark the beginnings of a beard, the kind of which one has after a few days after shaving. His clothing, so to speak, was also rather plain and even a tad boorish. A greasy, buttoned up white shirt with brown suspenders that were holding up a pair of brown workers' slacks. Had he not been wearing all of this, one would see that his chosen cutie mark was that of a sledgehammer nailing away at a railroad spike, with sparks flying from the impact. Why, he seemed no younger than sixty years of age, with a face that seemed as though it was wrinkled with experience, and hooves that were calloused with years of hard labor. 

 

Nothing lavish, or outstanding about this particular form. Just the way Audax preferred it.

 

"For the sake of the current project that I am involved in, staying incognito is vital to the experiment. As for my sole representation of the Nexis tribe, I apologize for the chieftain's unwillingness to cooperate in terms of actually appearing here before you all. But understand this; he is merely following the precepts of our tribe and keeping true to the vow of absolute secrecy. We trust no other but our own brood. Even I pondered if I should be here or not. Now in terms of population, I assure you that we have ours under control, as per the tenant of stealth."

 

Audax would hopefully refrain from even giving a name out, if he could help it. After all, that cold help them track him down if need be. Even from kin, the secrets of his tribe would need protecting. After all, with no military might, only coyness and careful strategics would be their saving grace. 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Guts

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@Strong Copper,@, @@Denim&Venom, @@J.R., @@Unicorncob,

 

Ambrose adjusted his scarf, the thing never came off and was one of his few individualistic calling cards. Slightly miffed that everyone refused to take on their natural forms he took his seat at the head of the group "Yes, yes, yes. All of your tribes have remained within your allotted space, and your population is under-control. But we are talking bigger picture here, the over all changeling population is growing to fast. I doubt none of you can argue that each of your tribes has experienced growth yes?" he sighed deeply and composed himself, he was to be the bearer of bad news 

 

"The freedom of Old King Corn is gone my brothers and sisters. Our Queen can, and will reign all of you in tighter then ever before. I have called you here to warn you and to prepare you. And to perhaps unite you... but I myself hold no power, it all lies with you: 

[Strong Copper 126]

@@The Down Trotten, @, @@Denim&Venom, @@J.R., @@Unicorncob,

 

"Don't sound so surprised Ambrose; After all, this is merely the logical conclusion of the path that 'King' Primordium set us upon during his reign. If learning from the examples of predatory species like ourselves has taught us anything it is that cultures that require hunting as their primary source of food have a population limit; They can only support as many members of the tribe as there is food to feed them." Golden Hooves began, sounding much like a school teacher explaining a concept to a foal. "The system might have been more sustainable during Primordium's day but the world has changed and if we don't change to adept to the new circumstances then things will only get worse as time goes on."

 

"While Primordium forced most of Changeling kind to become little more then parasitic leeches on the flank of pony civilization in the name of some 'Noble Hunter', the Humble Shepards founded the town of Dreamy Meadows and created a place were ponies wanted to live. From such humble beginnings we have spread throughout Equestria, guiding it from within their own power structures to create a land were beings of all races can be content with their lives and love freely. We have not forgotten our roots or our Changeling kin from other tribes however. I wish to offer a temporary reprieve from potential overpopulation while giving our fellow tribes the chance to witness a different way of living."  

 

While Golden Hooves took a moment to take a deep breath, Parrying Shield stepped forwards and presented the Ambassador with several copies of the same recruitment document; One calling out for those interested in taming a new frontier. The copies were being hoofed around to the various tribe leaders. "There are currently plans in the works for a new settlement by the name of Appleloosa. It is a settlement effort that is backed by the Apple family and thus considered to be a sure thing. Normally we would send our own people on such a project but in the interests of Changeling kind we are extending the offer to our fellow tribes. Each tribe can send us as many operatives as they desire and after we have given them enough training to ensure that they can handle what is asked of them we will create legal identities for them and implant them in positions of power and influence within the new settlement in order to help it grow and prosper. The choice to take part in this is completely voluntary of course... I trust you'll make the right decision for your respective tribes."   

[J.R. 3,183]

The Commander motioned to say something, but this time, DeFormus wanted to take the stage. This was odd, as DeFormus never usually spoke as it was something very important. That, and his voice sometimes is like an unrelenting torture due to how bad it sounded. But nevertheless, The Commander allowed his second-in-command to speak up, with his face still hidden and spoke in his raspy voice, "The coalition as a whole has been growing indeed. The dynamic of which we have grown hasn't changed all that much however, as the interval of our total feedings have not drawn any direct correlations to overpopulation. Contrary to popular belief, extra feeding does not directly lead to overpopulation, and here is why."

 

He reached in his pocket, and got out, a journal, which he handed to Ambrose. The journal was showing graphs, equations, and numbers that worked in tandem with what he was saying, "If we were to assume that feeding was the sole cause of overpopulation, we'd be wrong. One has to ask themselves, 'How are we overpopulating if we are feeding normally?' The answr has to come from outside sources. I.e. Traitor changelings that live for themselves without anyone's knowledge, extra feedings among the tribes without their leader's knowledge, or worst case scenario: There are other tribes that we may not know of at this current time that are taking more love from all of us!"

 

The Commander nodded, and spoke out himself, "The Coalition understands that we have had no right to let any of our tribe take more than what is ours."

 

DeFormus sat back down with his leader, "Exactly. We need to find the source of this problem and eliminate is as quickly as possible. A overpopulation can lead to detection."

 

The Commander spoke, "And detection can lead to hostility."

 

Then, they both spoke, "And hostility can lead to a fight, and we sure don't want that."

[Unicorncob 5,679]

The Lady had her cup pressed to her lips, frozen in her magic as DeFormus spoke his piece. It was true that her less...civilised brood was nestled outside Manehattan, but would they really feed without her permission?

 

"Well, it would seem I will need a check on my...other followers soon," she commented, rather icily as she set her mug down, "Droog, inspect the outside hive when we return to Manehattan."

The stallion nodded once. "Yes, milady."

[Denim&Venöm 18,701]

 

 

@Strong Copper,@Guts, @J.R., @Unicorncob,

 "We are certainly not the source either. It would've been rather obvious if it had. Ponies going missing in the Hollowshades. That's a superstition. But a population increase requiring mass foalnapping, would lead to too much attention on our front. This has not been the case. Majority of locals stay away from Hollow Shades on account of the reputation of our cohabitants. Not a single mention of changelings exists within the lore and superstition of the area. 

Besides, with advances in technology and medicine, and due respect given to our fellow residents, our population is expected to hit a slight decline, with lings waiting until later in life to start having nymphs."

[Vae Victis 742]

@@The Down Trotten

 

Audax paused so that he could collect his thoughts accordingly, and within a matter of moments, formed his rebuking statement with a nonchalant manner of expression. He brought his hoof to the stubble on his chin, and slowly began to rub it, almost as like a normal pony would do. It was evident that he has spent much time among regular ponies if he was acting like them.

 

"If there were any changelings that were foreign to my tribe, yet on the same feeding grounds, I would say it would be a cause for concern. The tribe is far too busy with various experiments and testing to even think of venturing out, and the chieftain and I stand on the same plateau when it comes to how the tribe should be handled. When the time comes to adjourn this meeting, I'll be sure to check into the matter..."

 

He paused, and then shot a look to the one who had called this meeting. 

 

"Now on the subject of reigning the tribes in.... If the queen thinks that is a wise idea, then by all means, I say go ahead. Let her make a fool of herself and lose the support of the tribes. Let her sow the seeds of discontent herself, and reap the upheaval of her own throne later. I can promise you that if subjugated, the Nexis tribe will offer little to the ways of resistance."

 

He leaned in closer. Even the air in the room carried a tinge of heaviness to it. After all, this was the case whenever politics were in discussion, be it changeling or pony.

 

"But we will not exactly be supportive of future endeavors, either. Now.... Is this all that was needed? I have an ailing wife to get back to."

 

Audax sat back in his chair, relaxed once again and waited for the meeting to adjourn.

Edited December 2, 2015 by Guts

[J.R. 3,183]

The Commander spoke once again, I believe that we have better chances of survival if we at least listen to each others concerns and ideas. That way, we can ensure maximum effort was put into this before we decided to get up and leave."

 

DeFormus spoke, "One who listens has a better chance for survival than one who simply hears."

 

Commander nodded, "Anything else, Ambrose?"

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@Unicorncob,@@J.R., @@Strong Copper, @, @@Denim&Venom,  

 

With the rush of ideas and information pouring out to him, he had to take up quill and paper and write furiously, only pausing to put on a pair of glasses. Hearing his name finally he looked and sighed, there was more bad news " All of you, dear me, all of you have a lot to say" he looked down at his paper and cleared his throat and turned to Golden Hooves 

 

"Mr. Hooves... you purpose a interesting temporary suliotn. But I hope you hadn't planned on doing this venture without notifying the royal court?...' he stopped his accusation short, it surely wasn't the time for such triffles "Whatever the case this will have to be run by the queen and verified for execution."

'As for the rest of you... as it sounds like none of you claim to be the source of our "problem" it almost sounds like then I have presented a made up problem... Very well. I tired to warn you." his mother never told him that Chieftains could be so...self centered  

 

"And yes this meeting is almost done , but before you all go, I want you too look around, get a close look at the Changelings around you. They could be your closest allies in the upcoming years, or your worst enimes. As for me... I only hope the best for all of you, and I pray that I will never have to come knocking on your front door with more bad news"