private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

Interacting with the mare would bring up dialogue as normal, the mare would speak first, "You're here about the machine, Cabinet Mare, right? It's all anyone ever comes back here for. It's why I came back here." She didn't turn to face Null, just looking at what appeared to be a piece of wood in her hoof, "I've tried to take it apart, tried to fix it, but I don't understand how it works at all! It is truly a marvel, the last and greatest creation it's creator ever made."

She turned to face Null, not her character but her in the real world, she seemed more realistic than would normally be possible, it only lasted a moment before the image reverted to normal, "She said if I waited she'd come back to see me, to congratulate me on my achievement, said I got further than anyone else did." She chuckled, "They said I was mad, maybe I was predisposed to madness," she shrugged, "Who knows?"

Unlike previous interactions she wasn't given options outside of the microphone and 'goodbye'.

(Troy)

Peal much prefered the strawberry to the yogurt, "Stah... stah beh bi? stah bear, bear ree, stahberry." she'd point at the strawberries, "Want stahberry!"

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'm almost done. Do you think you could wake the rest of them?"

Pen and Vale moved to go to the sleeping ponies, there was a bit of hesitation as to how they should wake up the others, they were thankful then that Peal was distracted by the call to wake them up, she jumped off Vale's back to run over to the beds, jumping on the bed they had gathered on, "Up! Up! Up!"

It wouldn't take long for the young ponies to start moving, especially when Peal started trying to force her way into the pile.

Ardee carefully extracted herself from the bottom of the pile by gently pushing the other ponies off and encouraging them to get moving, there was a bit of confusion to her face as she looked around, the recognition slowly coming to her as she looked at the mares at the other end of the room.

Teal and Toupé filed off to the bathroom while Ardee came over to where Void was preparing food, "Good... morning? That's what you call it when the sun is going up right?" Peal was now perched on Ardee's back, snugly sitting between her wings.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 9/29/2020 at 3:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"She said if I waited she'd come back to see me, to congratulate me on my achievement, said I got further than anyone else did." She chuckled, "They said I was mad, maybe I was predisposed to madness," she shrugged, "Who knows?"

Okay, this was... Unnerving, frankly.

Now, Null had seen a great deal of things. Some of them, were the sort of things, that haunted your nightmares, and made strong stallions weep. How couldn't she, when dealing with cursed artefacts of varied purpose and power?

She'd seen beings skinned alive. Minds torn apart. Hope wither and die, in the eyes of beings falling to their knees, aware of every painful second, of their inevitable end. These and far more, she had born witness too, so the prospect of a pony being trapped in this machine, by the mad being who created it, weren't horrifying to her. But it were an unnerving prospect. That much she'd give it, since being trapped in this playhouse purgatory, seemed like a nightmarish fate, even if the pony were not aware of it anymore.

This might be nothing though. Just another part of the game, taunting her. Yet the brief, realistic look of the mare, that had stared at her, told her that this was something more than just a sprite. She might have found it actually contained not just A spirit, but multiple ones. And maybe, with one entity being in control, and collecting them all here, in this machine. The creator itself, maybe? There were a lot of potentials here, yet nothing certain.

As it seemed like the mic was active here at least, it could be that she'd be able to find some sort of answer, to at least something. Though right now, the questions she had, were not about the machine itself. Not directly, anyway.

"I am Horizon. Who are you? And who made you stay here"

They'd see what'd happen from this. Might be she'd be able to do some good, via this dumb little game, by releasing some of it's bounty. And with that, she did not mean gold. Even in her most cold, callous times, she did not think that any amount of riches, were able to cover the price, for an innocent soul. A rotten, evil one though? She were open for a talk about that. Though ultimately, judging souls wasn't her business. There were more primordial beings that had that right, reserved for them.

(Troy)

On 9/29/2020 at 3:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Stah... stah beh bi? stah bear, bear ree, stahberry." she'd point at the strawberries, "Want stahberry!"

Void felt as if her heart were melting, when the little foal tried her best to say *strawberries*, and made clear what she liked of these things. It were probably not good to encourage her to get what she pointed at, but Void just couldn't say no to this little bundle of joy, and reached up a fourth of a strawberry to Peal, after she asked for it. A fine piece for her, that wasn't too big. A little treat before the full meal, if you would.

If she took the treat or not, before speeding off, to take care of waking the others up, were not too important. It'd just be added to her bowl, if it were.

Sure had been a half second were Void almost dropped things, as she feared that Peal were slipping off. But the feeling of the hooves pushing, and her deliberately moving away - a familiar feeling, from the times that Null did the same - made her instead just stand still, and tense up. She were prepared to quickly rush her hooves to the side, and grab the little one in an instant if it were, even if she'd drop a few things. Thankfully that did not happen. Peal landed safely on the ground, and rushed over to the others, where she'd provide a display that Void simply couldn't help herself looking at. Without much in the way of stops, she let out a laugh at seeing Peal jump, dig, and call her friends up, in preparation for their breakfast. There was just something so innocent and wholesome in this, that she couldn't help but enjoy.

Honestly, Peal were doing an amazing job, of soothing Void's mind, and help her not think about her sister right now.

On 9/29/2020 at 3:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Good... morning? That's what you call it when the sun is going up right?"

"Goodmorning, Ardee. That is what you're supposed to say, yes. Breakfast is almost done. I have some yogurt with me, along with varied fruits and nuts, so you can mix what you think would be the best. But first, everyone needs to wash their hooves. I'll set the plates and everything.

And don't worry Peal. There's plenty of strawberries."

After everything that had just happened with Peal, Void were a good deal calmer than the foals would have seen her yesterday. She weren't jittery, nervous, or stuttering in the slightest. It'd probably come back eventually, but for the time being at least, Void proceeded with things rather calmly, whilst feeling warm and light-hearted. She even had a little twinkle in her eyes, as she said that last part to Pel, before going over, and start setting the dining area.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

The sprite looked back at Null for a moment, "My name is egryhesro, I'm stuck here until the work is done. The machine was made by... by my sister. She was a very good maker. And now she's gone."

The conversation ended, the mare turned away and went back to staring at one of the many drawings on the wall.

But more notably, the progress in the corner now said 2/5.

Null would not be able to interact with the mare again, attempts would only give her the prompt that 'she doesn't know any more'.

(Troy)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Goodmorning, Ardee. That is what you're supposed to say, yes. Breakfast is almost done. I have some yogurt with me, along with varied fruits and nuts, so you can mix what you think would be the best. But first, everyone needs to wash their hooves. I'll set the plates and everything.

Ardee had a tired smile, "I'll make sure they get their hooves washed. I don't think we've had yogurt before, one of the scientists might have mentioned it at some point but if you've brought it for us I'm sure it'll be good."

She left to follow Teal and Toupé to the bathroom, she somewhat roughly encouraged Elef to vacate the bed before she gently nuzzled Piecey awake and scooped her out of the crib to join Peal on her back.

About fifteen minutes later they'd all be back, gathered around Void, Ardee in the middle with the foals on either side with Teal and Toupé, Elef taking up one side of the semicircle. They were looking between Void and the food she had prepared for them.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Weird name, and a tiny bit of info. A small taste more than anything really, but it were seemingly all that she'd get, as the mare became unresponsive. Weren't even the microphone option anymore, so seemingly, her purpose in Null's run were done. At least for the time being.

Curiously enough, it seemed as if she had done something right though, as the objective timer finally went on to say 2/5. So this were apparently, part of the whole mystery? If the goal of it all, were still to break into the safe, it stood to reason then, that this unnamed creator of Cabinet Mare, were part of how to get to that goal. Maybe she held the real key? It were hard to say, though right now, it wasn't even certain if said mare were alive. Looking at the chalk outline on the floor, someone died here at least. Though as it stood, Null honestly weren't sure if it were the creator of the machine, or instead Egryhesro. Which for the record, were a weird name, and one she doubted were the real one. Might be the character name. Or an anagram of some sort. She should probably keep this *name* in mind, and think about it later.

Just to see if she couldn't get a reaction out of the mare, Null would try to interact with the chalk outline, as well as a few of the machines. If it got her nowhere though, she'd start to backtrack. With her being further on the meter now, she had to check a few older options.

First she'd go and see if she could get to the performers room yet. Likely not, but they'd see.

If that didn't get her anywhere, she'd then go back to the one she couldn't speak to, when her counter were at 1/5, and see if she now could. Had to come some point when it became an option, or something new at least, would happen. That is, if said NPC were still even there.

(Troy)

On 10/1/2020 at 3:55 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I'll make sure they get their hooves washed. I don't think we've had yogurt before, one of the scientists might have mentioned it at some point but if you've brought it for us I'm sure it'll be good."

"It's not a taste for everyone, but that's what the toppings are for. I promise you Ardee, we'll find some tastes that fits you, and everyone else."

Void countered Ardee's tired smile, with a kind, warm one of her own. Seemed like the poor dear could've used with a few hours more. Understandable, considering their situation, but they had to try and get them into a standard day and night cycle. It'd make integrating them into regular pony life easier. Though they'd see if that stuck with Elef, or if he'd be more of a typical bat pony, who tended to stay night active. Not something all of them did of course, but it were a norm for them. Especially the ones with light sensitive eyes, though he seemed to be okay so far. Didn't even need tinted glasses or anything.

While the foals got ready, Void would finish setting everything up, and put in a few spoons in the varied small boxes of things, to keep it more hygienic. As well as civilized. They might as well start on this sort, soon as possible. Especially with liquids like yogurt, or it could get messy. Void could say that from personal experience.

On 10/1/2020 at 3:55 AM, Illiad Easle said:

About fifteen minutes later they'd all be back, gathered around Void, Ardee in the middle with the foals on either side with Teal and Toupé, Elef taking up one side of the semicircle. They were looking between Void and the food she had prepared for them.

"Goodmorning everyone. I hope you slept well.

For breakfast today, I've brought some yogurt. It's full of good nutrients, for growing foals like yourself, but it is a little sour tasting. This is one reason, why we have these varied things to mix up with it.

We have a half dozen things you can pick from, and I put it from sweetest, to somewhat more salty. The cut up strawberries are the sweetest, and the roasted walnuts the least. I've also prepared a small bit of Moth Cacti you could use, if you like a more earthy taste."

It were one of the local cactus variants, that tended to grow around town. Mostly it were just looking pretty, with a tendency to grow towards whatever direction had the most consistent light source. But if you cut up some of the arms of it, got all the needles out, and skinned it, you did have a fairly okay food ingredient. It were pretty tame in its taste, but some liked that, and she did know a few dishes were it worked well in. Here, she had mostly just taken it along, as an option, just in case one of the foals liked this sort. She still had to figure out what their preferred tastes were, to make things fit them all, a little better.

Though, she expected most liked it sweet. Which were why the cut up strawberries, were the thing that were the most of, when it came to toppings. Something which Peal would likely be happy about, the little rascal.

"I'd like everyone to please take a taste of the yogurt as it is, and then tell me what they think. We'll make sure everyone gets some toppings on after that. And it doesn't have to be a big spoonful. A half is enough, if you prefer that."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If it got her nowhere though, she'd start to backtrack.

Interacting with the chalk outline gave her the prompt 'Maybe a guard would know more about this.' Other than that there was nothing in the shack to interact with.

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

First she'd go and see if she could get to the performers room yet.

The performance had ended, the doorpony no longer there as a fer of the performers and stagehoofs were busy cleaning up the stage and putting the scenery and props away. She would be able to interact with them if she liked. She would have some default dialogue options including praising the show, and the microphone.

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If that didn't get her anywhere, she'd then go back to the one she couldn't speak to, when her counter were at 1/5, and see if she now could. Had to come some point when it became an option, or something new at least, would happen. That is, if said NPC were still even there.

The NPC was still present, but she still couldn't talk to him.

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Goodmorning everyone. I hope you slept well.

They all nodded at that, besides the foals who were just watching, Piecey in particular seemed somewhat reserved, like Peal had been the previous night, though it was more apparent that she was still sleepy from having only recently woken up.

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'd like everyone to please take a taste of the yogurt as it is, and then tell me what they think. We'll make sure everyone gets some toppings on after that. And it doesn't have to be a big spoonful. A half is enough, if you prefer that."

They each tentatively took small spoonfuls, even smaller for the foals, with varying reactions on the taste. Teal, Toupé, and Piecey reacted similar to Peal had, remarking that it was sour, Ardee seemed a bit more accepting of it, but Elef seemed to really enjoy it as he quickly went back to try and get some more if Void would let him.

When they went to make up their bowls they would try each of the toppings individually before deciding what to add to their bowls, Peal was just strawberry, and Piecey was given the same, Teal had a small amount of the strawberry with some walnuts and a bit of the cactus, Toupé had a bit more of the walnuts and cactus without the strawberries, Ardee did an even mix of the three, and Elef did a large mix of the available items, with more yogurt than the others had taken.

As before, they would wait for Void and Vale to get their food and start before they did, Peal being especially hard to restrict from her strawberries as they waited.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 10/3/2020 at 3:25 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The performance had ended, the doorpony no longer there as a fer of the performers and stagehoofs were busy cleaning up the stage and putting the scenery and props away. She would be able to interact with them if she liked. She would have some default dialogue options including praising the show, and the microphone.

So the show area were open, and the goon were gone. That were good. Meant she might have a shot in here now. Especially as the show were either done, or there were a break. Either way, it seemed like there were an opening for her.

"Good show out there. Never heard a crowd enjoying themselves so much before."

She'd open up with the flattering angle, to try and get on their good side, before she tried anything. Also just in case the goon were still around a corner or something. Tis would be a safer way to start off in case of stuff like that, before she went in something like *I know what you are, and I need your help for something*.

Probably would garner her a bit of a more favorable position, if she played to their vanity. Performers tended to be at least a little prideful, and liked to have their ego fanned. In her less than angry years, this had actually helped them well, as Null played an overly innocent filly, praising them for one thing or another, whilst Void nicked something.

Yeah yeah, she knew, it wasn't ethical, and some performers were barely scraping by as it were. But it wasn't like they took everything. Just a bit of food, and a few bits here and there. More often than not, a bit of costume, that they could use for clothes in cold times. They didn't rip someone off unless it were like, someone attacking them, who had some valuables on them. In that case, Void considered it fair game. A sort of repayment, which now that she were thinking about it, were probably something she had to take into consideration, when she went around judging others. Whatever she had done to some of those who had wronged her, had to be countered into their punishments likely, or she'd get into trouble for an abuse of power. Considering the sort of power she were juggling with now, that were likely a real bad thing to do.

As for the changelings- If these were the changelings from real life, personified in the game, they'd be thrilled about the nice words. Cheshire herself would even give a theatrical bow, with the dress of her costume held to the side, to show her thanks. Performers after all, yes? Though the game maybe had its own interpretation of them. Or if not that, then its own way of replying, which might be colored some, depending on if the entity Null were sure were in control of the machine, knew that they were changelings.

(Troy)

Void indeed noticed how hard it were to stay away from the bowl readied for her. A cute little display, that made Void giggle a little, before nodding to them all with a big smile on her face.

"You can all start eating."

She'd have personally gone for a half portion, with some nuts and cacti, with a big of strawberries to top it off, though she did sit and bite notice in what the others were eating on their yogurt. As well as how they reacted to it. It'd become important in the long run, for her to know these sorts of things. Well, them, not just her. Vale and pen needed to know too.

"After you've eaten, I'd like if you could please tell me what you think of the tastes. Sour, salty, sweet and earthy. It's good for you to try a lot of different things, and then we can figure out what your favorite tastes are. I'm thinking that perhaps as an option tonight, I could bring something spicy for you to try. Nothing too strong. Just something with a little heat.

Any of you tried spicy food before? It leaves some heat in your muzzle, but it can be really delicious, and some beings like their food to be spicy. Dragons especially. Do you know what a dragon is?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(np)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Good show out there. Never heard a crowd enjoying themselves so much before."

The sprite she was talking to smiled, "Thank you! It certainly looked like everyone enjoyed it, we've been practicing for ages to get it just right and it looks like it all payed off." The sprite looked contemplative, "Did you notice anything we could improve? We're doing this show a few more times this week, and we want to make sure it's the best it can be."

There were some default options that had some minor criticisms, one that said you didn't notice anything the could improve, and the microphone.

(Troy)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"You can all start eating."

They ate with earnest, though a bit more relaxed than the night before, they seemed to be taking the time to enjoy the food rather than just eat it. The foals of course were a bit messier about it than before, and seemed to start enjoying the yogurt after a bit of initial opposition.

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"After you've eaten, I'd like if you could please tell me what you think of the tastes. Sour, salty, sweet and earthy. It's good for you to try a lot of different things, and then we can figure out what your favorite tastes are. I'm thinking that perhaps as an option tonight, I could bring something spicy for you to try. Nothing too strong. Just something with a little heat.

Any of you tried spicy food before? It leaves some heat in your muzzle, but it can be really delicious, and some beings like their food to be spicy. Dragons especially. Do you know what a dragon is?"

The young ponies all looked towards Ardee with a slight bit of discomfort at her line of questioning, and she herself looked a bit taken aback by it, but worked to reassure them, "This isn't a study. She just wants to know what we like so she can make things we would like, right?" she looked back at Void with a somewhat piercing gaze.

(Assuming Void aggrees)

Ardee would look back at the others with a smile, "See? Just like Mistress did, remember?"

The others nodded and turned their attention back to Void as they thought how to respond. They seemed unsure as to what order they should respond in,

If Void stepped in to ask individually they would respond in her order, otherwise Ardee would impose the order listed below:

Elef: "I liked the salty and earthy tastes, the yogurt was really good. Um, it might not be popular with the others and I understand if you don't know how to make it, but I would like to try more meats, rather than just the stuff I can hunt."

Teal: "I liked the salty and earthy, I think I'd like to try some more stuff like that. I liked the bred when we first started eating it, are there other breads than what the bowl makes?"

Peal (via Teal): "She seems to really like the strawberries, so maybe other soft sweet things?"

Toupé: "Can't say I much like sweet things... too overpowering, the nuts were nice, I'd like to try things like those if I could."

Piecey (via Toupé): "She was more than happy with the yogurt, so I think she likes sour things like that, are there other kinds of yogurt?"

Ardee: "It was all the same to me, nothing you've brought so far have tasted bad, so if it's good for the rest it'll be good for me."

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Any of you tried spicy food before? It leaves some heat in your muzzle, but it can be really delicious, and some beings like their food to be spicy.

They shook their heads 'no', but they seemed interesting in trying it.

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Do you know what a dragon is?"

They seemed confused at the name, Ardee spoke up, "Is that a kind of pony? I don't think we ever saw one in the facility, and I don't recall any of the researchers talking about dragons."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 10/5/2020 at 5:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Did you notice anything we could improve? We're doing this show a few more times this week, and we want to make sure it's the best it can be."

Null would pick the microphone option for this, as she wanted to try and see if she could test the waters here, with her reply.

"Can't think of much that could make it better. Seemed like the details were done so strikingly, that it'd take a changeling to make it better. A shame there's none of them in theater. You'd think they'd love the scene. What with them changing into things so easily, and imitating characters like no others."

If the game did see them as changelings, and they had some sort of vanity this might lead to something. Could well be that there'd instead be a defensive response, or them suddenly needing to move on. Though if that were the case, she'd go and be more blunt. 

(Troy)

On 10/5/2020 at 5:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"This isn't a study. She just wants to know what we like so she can make things we would like, right?"

Aaaand there went her calm mood, as she were faced with worried little faces, as what she had said, had been interpreted in the worst, possible way.

"Y-Yes, of course. I just want to m-make sure that I don't m-make some sort of food that no one w-will like. I'm... I'm s-sorry if it sounded like something else."

Void mentally beat herself up over this. Of course when she talked like that, they'd think the worst. It was so stupid of her! She had to think before speaking, or they'd just start to think that she were studying them. Which were not what she intended to do. Not in the way they'd be afraid of. What with tests and stuff. Her only sort of interest in studying them, were to study what they liked and disliked, to that they could adjust accordingly. To make things better for them, obviously.

It was good that Ardee helped out there, as well as making them answer in turn, what sort of tastes they liked, because Void were too unsure of what to say right then and there, to know how to ask that. Praised be that there were someone here, who could function as a mediator between them, in situations like this.

"Okay, I'll uhm... T-Take what I hear into consideration. Sounds like salty is the m-most popular one, and I need to g-get more nut variants in for you to try. Peal is s-sweets, like really young foals t-tend to like, and Piecey uhm... S-Surprises me. I don't know a l-lot of foals who likes sour food.

And there is a f-few variants of yogurt, but not t-too many in town. There's this, and a v-variant that's a little more spicy. Most of the t-tastes depend on where the milk c-comes from, and what is put on t-top of it. Though I guess there's non-milk b-based yogurts too. Almond, soy, and s-so on. I can look around one of these days. See if I c-can find something, and we can figure out if the taste is b-better for some.

Uhm, what was next... B-Bread, right. There's many variations of that a-actually. I were thinking that w-when the oven gets set up, we could all t-try and bake some ourselves. I know a good deal of b-bread recipes, including an old Trojan one, that's got a s-saltier taste to it. I think I know how to m-mix a more earthy taste into it too, but we'll t-try and figure this out together.

When it comes to meat, I don't k-know a lot of recipes. Well... None that I t-tasted myself, but if you can help me in the k-kitchen when it is, Elef, I'm s-sure we can make it work. There's a certain s-stew I've seen the griffons like, that I think m-might be good, and the meat doesn't n-need to be part of it, so we could put a portion to t-the side for you, that have that in it, and then vegetarian for the o-others. It might be a f-few days before I get things for it though. I'll uhm... S-See what I can do.

And Ardee? I think if y-you didn't have a problem with any taste so far, I have an idea for something y-you should try and help me make. It's not e-easy, but it have a rich m-mix of flavor, and I'm sure you'd have what it takes to g-get it done right. I needed a lot of h-help when I was a filly, to make it too, but I'd enjoy p-passing on the tricks of the trade."

Troy had some difficult to use ingredients, if you wanted to really get into things. Among them, were Blackroot. A gnarled mess that were unforgiving to anyone using it, and if handled even a little wrong, would overwhelm any dish even a small portion were put into, with an unbearable bitterness. Done right though, and it could elevate a solid, rich stew, that really were a treat. Though due to how irritating it tended to be to work with, it weren't popular. Made it annoying to find sometimes, but if you did, it tended to be on the cheaper end.

As for the dish she had in mind, it wouldn't just use a small section though. It'd use the main lump, along with about four other nearly inedible, scavenger level ingredients. It were a challenge for sure, but one that she were sure Ardee would be able to conqueror in time. Just needed some practice, and an understanding that she wouldn't get it right the first time. Not unless she were some sort of natural.

She honestly weren't sure if it were her mother who made up the dish, or if she followed some old recipe, but her guess were the latter. She tended to find that a lot of the old, Trojan recipes, were inventive, and seemed to have a scavenger based outlook in some of it's dishes. At least in the cook books she had read.

All the other things said, she'd take into mind too, and she had a good deal to prepare over the next few days it seemed. And some meat to find, which were going to be a challenge, as she liked to taste what she were making, to make sure it were right. Which she couldn't with meat. But they'd figure this out, soon enough. Had to be made here though, so... More reason to hope the stove got up one of these days.

"Oh, r-right. I'll make sure to f-find something sweet and soft, that's not candy. I'll get you some of that too, for treats, but for main food, it h-have to be something else. Maybe banana bread, if I can f-find some ripe bananas. That is soft, and on the sweeter side."

On 10/5/2020 at 5:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They shook their heads 'no', but they seemed interesting in trying it.

"I'll bring a s-small bowl of something spicy for dinner then, so you can t-try it and tell me what you think."

On 10/5/2020 at 5:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Is that a kind of pony? I don't think we ever saw one in the facility, and I don't recall any of the researchers talking about dragons."

"Dragons are not equines. More like b-big lizards with wings. They have a lot of s-sizes actually, with some being our size, and others t-tall like buildings, or even mountains. Mostly the really l-large ones, are the old dragons. They can l-live for thousands of years, so they have t-time to grow. We don't have any of the r-really big ones here in town, but uhm... There's a few smaller ones. One of whom I h-helped, not too long ago. I think when eventually y-you're ready to meet others, I could ask him to come around, and you c-could see for yourselves.

I'll tell you s-some more of them another day, but I could p-probably find a book that could at least s-show you how they looked.

Oh uhm, and if you d-don't know what a lizard is, I made some mosaic's yesterday, t-that have some local animals on it. One of them is a lizard, so you can g-get a feel of what I mean. Unless you already s-saw them. I'm not sure. I mean, you had a l-lot of things to focus on since you got here."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(np)

Things were odd in response to her words. The screen froze up as it tried to formulate a response, the sprite glitched, quickly flipping through all the emotions it could display, which was an impressive quantity.

Eventually a small error appeared in the text box: "Error in dialResp: Error in Lookup: Error in SoftMemory: Entry "Changeling" not found. Could not Load. Could not formulate response."

The error was visible only for a moment before the screen went black, then the scene appeared again as it was when she most recently entered the backstage. There was a new message on the center of the screen, "The Microphone is a work in progress and cannot respond to made up or nonsense words. Try to use simple language to not upset the program."

It looked like the machine didn't know what changelings were, or at least didn't know how to deal with a reference to them.

(Troy)

They all seemed pleased by the varieties of food mentioned by Void, they looked quite amazed to discover that so many different kinds of food existed.

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

if I can f-find some ripe bananas

(Banana bread often calls for overripe bananas, at least the bread my family makes)

As Void mentioned the mosaic they turned their attention towards it and were amazed, Teal, Toupé, and Elef went over to inspect it more closely while Ardee kept an eye on the foals who had taken to playing with the empty bowls.

Vale went over with them to point out the lizard type creature, "This is what she was talking about. Lizards, or reptiles as they are more generally called, are characterized by being covered with scales instead of fur, these scales act like a thin coat of armor as well as regulating and absorbing heat as they don't produce as much heat internally as we do. Dragons, like Void said, have a large variety in size, baby dragons can be as small as foals like Peal and Piecey, and can grow to hundreds of lengths long over the course of their lives. Some dragons are violent, but most young dragons, especially those that live in cities, are much more even tempered."

Toupé asked, "Are they smart? Like ponies are?"

Vale nodded, "Some even smarter. Dragons are typically characterized as hoarders, most hoarding gold or food, but here are some who decided to hoard knowledge, becoming very intelligent in the process."

Pen added, "Just because they aren't ponies doesn't mean they're all that different on the inside. They're just one of the many different kinds of creatures out there that, although they look different, they're the same as us on the inside."

While the others were occupied by the spontaneous lesson, Ardee turned her attention back to Void, "So, what happens now? What do we do now?" she sighed, "It's... it's been a long time since we weren't busy all the time. After Mistress we were constantly on guard, watching to make sure that no monsters got to us, before her it was always one exam to another. What now though? If we're not being studied or guarding, what do we do?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 10/7/2020 at 4:25 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"The Microphone is a work in progress and cannot respond to made up or nonsense words. Try to use simple language to not upset the program."

"So, you're not aware of everything I see."

Seems like that plan were a bust then, since this dinky piece of equipment hadn't been getting it's micro-hooie updates, or whatever the lingo were for these things. Which put her in a bind, because now, she had lost that idea, and didn't have much of a backup one. Though she did have them in conversation, so maybe she could ask them about something else, and see if they knew something about that?

She'd wait until the screen were prepared again, and would go in to say hello again, just as she had before. Though this time, after being asked about critique, she'd try to answer something different.

"I can't say there were much to put a hoof on. Sublime work out there. Which reminds me- Does any of you know what happened in that shed behind the casino? I went there to see who build this interesting piece of work called Cabinet Mare, and saw a white outline on the floor. I asked the mare in there, but she weren't all that talkative. Might've been in shock. Did some sort of accident happen?"

If they couldn't help as changelings, then perhaps they could help with useful gossip, or some sort of information at least. If they didn't know this either, she might have to go find a guard, to find out something. It seemed like it might be important to learn about Cabinet Mare.

(Troy)

On 10/7/2020 at 4:25 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Pen added, "Just because they aren't ponies doesn't mean they're all that different on the inside. They're just one of the many different kinds of creatures out there that, although they look different, they're the same as us on the inside."

"Some dragons can a-also use magic, like unicorns. But it's harder to s-see which ones can, since most of them have h-horns. It's not e-exactly like pony magic though. It's more... E-Elemental. You know, with fire, w-water, air and earth. At least the former E-Equestrian ones were, far as I were told. Most o-other magical dragons I've heard about, or met, t-tended to be the same."

Void felt like she wanted to add a little to the lesson too, even though she were not able to hold a candle to Pen and Vale. Quite honestly, as it looked now, those two were likely going to be the best when it came to teaching the foals about math, history, etc. Typical school work stuff. Void would mainly handle the cantina, so to speak, and some lessons not taught in a regular class room.

Though she could add a little something to things, such as this little bit about how dragons were further, somewhat connected to ponies, as they too had magic. Or well, some of them did. And a good deal of those who did, didn't get far with it. For some reason, most dragons she knew of, and had heard of, tended to stick with their raw strength, and their regular dragon's breath, which were not magic, but some sort of chemical reaction. Mainly anyway. Maybe there were a small bit of magic in it somehow, but the flames themselves were certainly not magic. She had a burn wound once that could attest to that.

As for the ones who did use magic, she found that they were mostly elemental based, and tended to fall into categories, pertaining to some sort of elemental alignment of certain dragons. It wasn't all of course, but the Equestrian model tended to hold water most places she had seen and heard off. With earth and fire aligned dragons being the most common, and the former especially being the sort who grew very large, faster than most other dragons. They also tended to be stronger, like earth ponies in a sense. Fire aligned ones tended to have the best fire to breathe, and were essentially immune to most sort of fire themselves. Both variants looked wide and varied though, so it were hard to tell, unless they had the size, or swam around in lava to relax.

Wind aligned dragons tended to be more nimble and elongated, and made for the better fliers. Some of them were even able to sit on clouds, like pegasi were, which were likely related to which one of them had magic. Even passive ones seemed to be able to do that much.

Water aligned ones were the ones she had found were easier to spot, but you didn't see them a lot. Apparently, they were highly territorial, and did not even like to mingle with other dragons. Mainly they resided in large ponds, lakes, or in the ocean, and had gills, as well as webbed hands and feet. They could still breathe out of the water, but according to what she had read, and been told, they still preferred to stay with their school, near water.

Though, this were all mostly based on three books - two of which had missing pages - rumors, and some of the few encounters that Null and her, had with dragons in their lifetime. For all she knew, it might be that it were small scale studies she had read about, or there were lacking important information. Might also be that the sources she had heard stories from, were biased, or didn't know better. Considering how dangerous dragons could be, and how they did not need magic to be that, they tended to do what they could to stay clear of their areas anyway, so stories and books were most of what they had to go by. Much like they did with sphinx, though dragons were harder to keep at a distance. Though at least when they ran into them in mixed societies, they were less likely to be flayed. What with the laws the dragons had about non-lethal force with ponies. A surprising one to have heard about for Void, but one that made sense really. It wouldn't function, if the two sides went on to slaughtering one another indiscriminately, for old griefs that no one could remember the beginning of anymore. It were better to simply have a rule against killing on either side, and then begrudgingly accept that the other one existed, until eventually whatever country's dragons and equines would learn to get along better.

Equestria wasn't exactly the first ones to bite the bullet, and open up negotiations. Though apparently their ways had been quicker. Seemed like the princess were an effective mare.

She'd keep this to herself for now though. Along with a lot of other story pointers, and how troubled their races history were. No need to make them afraid of dragons, right off the bat.

On 10/7/2020 at 4:25 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"So, what happens now? What do we do now?" she sighed, "It's... it's been a long time since we weren't busy all the time. After Mistress we were constantly on guard, watching to make sure that no monsters got to us, before her it was always one exam to another. What now though? If we're not being studied or guarding, what do we do?"

"Well, eventually you n-need to get back to school work, but I think today you should t-try and have some fun. We brought some g-games and toys in before you arrived, that might be funny, or i-interesting to you. We also have some b-books if you like to read stories."

Void would point towards the closet they had put the games in, and the varies places there were toys. Still some things back at the shop she needed to repair, but the stuff that were here, should suffice for a bit. Dolls, a puppet, a rubix cube, a puzzle she were pretty sure had all the parts, and a few more bits and pieces of toys, were to be picked from. Then there were also games, which were pretty simple, classic ones, like shoots and ladder, backgammon, chess (a few pieces seemed scrounged from, another, different looking set, to make a whole), and a worn deck of cards. A few others too, like ludo, were present, but in any case, there should be something to pick from.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I can't say there were much to put a hoof on. Sublime work out there. Which reminds me- Does any of you know what happened in that shed behind the casino? I went there to see who build this interesting piece of work called Cabinet Mare, and saw a white outline on the floor. I asked the mare in there, but she weren't all that talkative. Might've been in shock. Did some sort of accident happen?"

The sprite looked thoughtful for a bit before sighing, "Well, yes and no." they chuckled, "Yeah, I suppose it was kind of an accident. Mare in there... she wasn't really in the right state of mind when she did it. She was a bit of an artist, but quite bipolar. Really suffered from mental illness, but she managed to keep it to herself. Didn't want to be known as 'Cabin Mare' or something similar on principle; that's why she made the machine and painted it up. She didn't want to be remembered as just that one thing."

The sprite looked around before looking at her again, "The local guard might be able to tell you more. They never told us more than that she died, they never told us how."

Exiting the dialogue she'd now have two arrows pointing out of the room, one the color of her objective to open the safe, the other the color of her objective to win the game. They both pointed back into the casino proper.

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Some dragons can a-also use magic, like unicorns. But it's harder to s-see which ones can, since most of them have h-horns. It's not e-exactly like pony magic though. It's more... E-Elemental. You know, with fire, w-water, air and earth. At least the former E-Equestrian ones were, far as I were told. Most o-other magical dragons I've heard about, or met, t-tended to be the same."

Vale nodded at Void's contribution, "In addition, there are a few, very rare, dragons with magic more closely aligned with unicorns. If I remember correctly I think there were only two of that kind on the continent, one of them worked for the Equestrian Pr..." She paused, her eyes briefly looking at Teal before looking over at Ardee, who discreetly shook her head. "For the rulers of Equestria."

It seemed that Vale and Pen, having been scientists before, were well suited to theoretical instruction of the young ponies, while Void would be better suited for more practical education.

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Well, eventually you n-need to get back to school work, but I think today you should t-try and have some fun. We brought some g-games and toys in before you arrived, that might be funny, or i-interesting to you. We also have some b-books if you like to read stories."

Ardee snorted, "Back implies we had school in the first place. I looked at the books you left, they aren't written in the same script they used in the facility. So... we'll need to learn how to read and write again to what is, I assume, a more common script. Fun though..." She looked down at the foals playing in her grasp before looking up at Void with a bit of tears in her eyes, "I... I'd like that. Arcade and I, we had to grow up so fast, be the adults for them, keep them safe." She looked over at the others learning about the mosaic creatures from Vale and Pen, "You might have to show us how, to have fun that is. Its a foreign concept to us."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 10/9/2020 at 4:38 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"The local guard might be able to tell you more. They never told us more than that she died, they never told us how."

"Thank you. Keep up the good performances. The folks out there needs you."

The real ones more than these, but it still felt like the right parting words to give. Even if they weren't changelings in this machine, they might still act like the public personas that the hive had made themselves out to be. And so far, she hadn't seen any clue that they hadn't been good for the public. Strange to feel sympathetic to their kind, but Null were somewhat fair. She had her prejudice, but she wouldn't harm without a reason, snd they hadn't given her reason to. Frankly, the exact opposite were true, as she did believe that there were a need for those who took care of the downtrodden.

A shame she never had a chance to meet their queen, but who knew? Despite her not thinking Cheshire could still be alive, she'd be okay with being wrong on it. Something told her the queen would have some interesting stories.

Anyway, wandering out, she'd find there were now arrows leading her path. The same way even, which were handy, she supposed.

She'd follow up on trying to get the objective done, first and foremost. Which at this point, due to now two mentions of it, likely meant she had to look for a guard. Maybe one were lingering on the casino floor?

(Troy)

Void gave a smile to Ardee, and put her hoof on her shoulder, while bending down, to be more in eye height with the filly. Poor thing meant it sincerely, when she said that she grew up too fast, to try and care for others. She hadn't had to say that though. Void could tell it on her. Once you saw that sort of look in another ones eyes once, it were hard to not spot it again.

"I think when my sister comes back, you should talk with her, Ardee. She's been where you are, and gone far beyond that, to try and keep me safe. She'd understand what you're going through.

But I'll do what I can to help you not go there. We'll help shoulder this burden you and Arcade had to put on your shoulders, and we'll try to help you find something that's fun. Maybe a game's gonna be it. Might be cooking, once we can get started on that. Could be anything, but we'll find something you like."

If Ardee allowed it, she'd give her a short, loose hug, to try and show her some comfort, without harming the infants. It weren't gonna be easy to help her get her lost foalhood back, if it were at all possible, but she'd do what she could. At the very least, they might be able to stop it here. She wouldn't allow Ardee to end up where Null had. Never.

After she let go, she'd rise up, and clear her voice. It were time to say something, and try to move things along. Starting with Ardee.

"Pick a game, and we'll see if it's something for you. We'll have as many with us as we can, and do something together. Okay?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

On 10/10/2020 at 3:00 PM, Blitz Boom said:

She'd follow up on trying to get the objective done, first and foremost. Which at this point, due to now two mentions of it, likely meant she had to look for a guard. Maybe one were lingering on the casino floor?

Following the arrows would bring her back to the main gambling floor of the casino, where one arrow pointed to the safe as was expected. The other pointed out the front entrance.

If she followed the arrow out the casino the view would shift to a more overhead view of the central plaza, showing the mural as it had originally been built with immaculate detail, before zooming back to the normal view centered on Null, there were guards milling about the plaza. If she went up to them it would open dialogue, but only the microphone was available.

(Troy)

On 10/10/2020 at 3:00 PM, Blitz Boom said:

She's been where you are, and gone far beyond that, to try and keep me safe. She'd understand what you're going through.

Ardee shrugged, "Maybe that's why Arcade went with her instead of staying with us." There seemed to be a hint of... anger? resentment? sorrow? in her voice when she said that.

On 10/10/2020 at 3:00 PM, Blitz Boom said:

we'll try to help you find something that's fun. Maybe a game's gonna be it. Might be cooking, once we can get started on that. Could be anything, but we'll find something you like.

There was a bit of a smile on her face as she watched the others being cared for by Vale and Pen, "I'd like that, it looks like we're in good hooves with you and your friends. Maybe I can let myself think about what I want, let you three worry about them for a change."

On 10/10/2020 at 3:00 PM, Blitz Boom said:

After she let go, she'd rise up, and clear her voice. It were time to say something, and try to move things along. Starting with Ardee.

Ardee was a bit surprised by the hug, she didn't reciprocate it much more than leaning into it, it was clear she wasn't used to physical affection like this.

On 10/10/2020 at 3:00 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Pick a game, and we'll see if it's something for you. We'll have as many with us as we can, and do something together. Okay?"

Ardee nodded, "I'll see what's there, but again... I can't read the writing you have here. I could only barely read the writing they had back there, Toupé was really the one to figure out what the symbols meant. But I'll try."

She would go over to the area where the games were kept, the foals following after her as they saw where she was headed, they immediately going for the box that held the stuffed toys, standing up to peer over the edge at the contents.

Ardee looked at the games, and paused looking at the chess set, "This looks familiar... at least the pieces do... they, the ponies back there, had these on their cards."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

If she followed the arrow out the casino the view would shift to a more overhead view of the central plaza, showing the mural as it had originally been built with immaculate detail, before zooming back to the normal view centered on Null, there were guards milling about the plaza. If she went up to them it would open dialogue, but only the microphone was available.

Alright, now they were talking. A big open area like this, there might be something here to grasp at to win the game. Looked to be big at least, but it might also just end up being a slice of town, right outside the casino, and then that was it. She'd see later on, but right now, she wanted to get hold of a guard. And lo and behold, there were several to pick from.

Probably best to pick someone worthwhile though. Either the youngest, or the eldest guard she could find, would suit her need the best. The younglings tended to be a bit nervous and talkative, since it helped on the nerves, and made them feel more connected to the locals. While the elder ones were just generally more talkative as per usual, when it came to elder ponies. Long as you had patience with them. And since it were guards, she'd have to weapon herself with some patience there, as they were also normally the sort who had lived so long by the rules, that they didn't veer off them too much. So if it were a high profile thing, where the details had to be kept down, she'd get little from that.

Hmm... That being said, the younglings tended to get quiet if there were more experienced guards around, as they'd be nervous to do something wrong, and be set straight. So she'd look for the oldest she could, and go talk to him or her. With what seemed like a microphone only response - a commonplace thing the further along this game got it seemed - she'd clear her throat, and start talking. Thankfully it were easier for her not to act like an irate tool to a game, than when she met someone in real life. Most of the time.

"Excuse me, sir? I just came from the casino, and went in to have a chat with an old pen pal of mine, and her sister, that have a shed behind it. But it looks like the sister is gone, and egryhesro - that's what she signed the letters with when we wrote at least - is in complete shock. Rambles and can't get herself to talk about what went on here. Could I ask you what happened, sir? I was hoping to catch up properly, and meet her sister, but right now, there's no sign of her, the place is in tatters, and the white outline almost makes it look like someone had been murdered there."

Was it the truth? Waaaaaay off it, but the game rules didn't say she couldn't lie. Wasn't like that were cheating. She weren't entering codes, or glitching stuff, or that kind of thing. She were just being creative with her responses, to see if it went anywhere.

(if she talked to a mare, replace the instances of sir, with ma'am)

(Troy)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I'll see what's there, but again... I can't read the writing you have here. I could only barely read the writing they had back there, Toupé was really the one to figure out what the symbols meant. But I'll try."

"I understand. Just take your time, and if you have any questions about any of them, just ask me, okay? We'll sort this out.

And don't think too much on your friend going with my sister, Ardee. I'm sure he just knew she might need some help, and once they're done, they'll come back. I promise, she'll make sure to keep him safe, and get him back. She's very protective like that."

Could also be that Arcade had followed Null, because he found her cute, and they'd come back like an adorable couple. But that were two things that were pretty unlikely to ever happen at the same time. Void weren't saying that her sister were ugly or anything, but she hated dolling up, and due to her size, and general attitude issues, it were hard for most to get close to her. Doubly so as she tended to push all non-family members away, as their migratory lifestyle, and need to be paranoid, had made her accustomed to not think it was worth it, to have friends. Why bother, when they might only want to stab you n the back, or you'd end up running away soon, and never see them again? They had enough in their lives they missed, without adding more beings into that mix, so it were rare that they made connections.

Then there were how most who said they thought Null looked cute, would get some variant of her asking if they thought she were a filly, and calling them creeps. Which really tended to ruin the mood, for obvious reasons. As were it that again, her attitude issues, made it so that most found her intolerable to be around, for a prolonged period of time. And on top of everything else, she were now also serving Vengeance, and were going to be migratory again. Which just might mean that she found even less reason to connect to anyone.

Don't get her wrong. Nothing would fill Void with more joy, than to see that Null finally get someone in her life. It just seemed like something that were never going to happen.

As for how Ardee looked and sounded like, when she talked about Arcade... It sounded like there were some bad feelings there, but it were probably just her, worried about her friend. Whatever else she might think were up, were probably just Void's own mind, playing tricks with her. Nothing worth focusing on currently. Doubly so, as they had to focus on getting them something to play with, so that Ardee's mind could ease up. Poor thing just sounded more and more like a mother, tired of carrying her young on her back, but doing her best to hang in. Which were something she were far too young to have to go through.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"This looks familiar... at least the pieces do... they, the ponies back there, had these on their cards."

"This game is called chess. It's for two players only, but we could try a game or two if you'd like? You might win too. I'm pretty bad at it, but I know the rules at least."

A curious game for her to pick first, and the mention of chess pieces being on cards were odd, but it were a start. And Ardee seemed like a smart filly. This might be a game just up her alley.

"I think Vale is much better at this, but you'd want some training before that, so you have a chance. And as for you two, let's get this box more to your level."

With a smile on her face, Void would wander over and tip the box with the stuffed animals in, so the two rascals could have a deeper dive in, and find one they liked. She really had to remember to sew up the ones with some issues she still had at the shop, some other time, to give them more options. Seemed like they really liked some plushies. No big surprise though. Foals that age, tended to enjoy them.

As for Ardee, if she wanted to play chess, Void would set it up, once the small ones had gotten hold of their toys, and would explain to her the rules, and what the varied pieces could do. As well as show her were they had to stand. Honestly a rather boring game, in Void's mind, but she'd humiliate her lack of skill in this game, if it meant that Ardee had some fun. And if she turned out to be really good at it, she'd ask Vale over. As a former computery thing, she were probably the closest they had to a grand master at this game.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Excuse me, sir? I just came from the casino, and went in to have a chat with an old pen pal of mine, and her sister, that have a shed behind it. But it looks like the sister is gone, and egryhesro - that's what she signed the letters with when we wrote at least - is in complete shock. Rambles and can't get herself to talk about what went on here. Could I ask you what happened, sir? I was hoping to catch up properly, and meet her sister, but right now, there's no sign of her, the place is in tatters, and the white outline almost makes it look like someone had been murdered there."

The game lagged a bit as it tried to parse all of what she had said to it, it almost looked like the guard stallion rolled his eyes as the game tried to return a response. Eventually the guard replied, "Well, that's what we think happened at least." the guard shuddered, "Real gristly scene that. The coroner retired immediately after. The mare, she was an odd one sure, but she didn't deserve that. A real shame too, she spent so much time making that machine, said it would be her greatest creation, and she never even got to test it. It hadn't been played yet when we found her body."

The guard shook his head, "I'd rather not discuss it further unless you've found something. I've seen some things in my time, but nothing quite like that."

Exiting the dialogue, she was now at 3/5.

(Troy)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And as for you two, let's get this box more to your level.

The foals stood back as Void tipped the box on its side for them before they charged into the pile of plushies and digging through them to see what they could find. Though Peal seemed more interested in the box itself than it's contents.

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

and would explain to her the rules, and what the varied pieces could do. As well as show her were they had to stand.

As Void explained the pieces Ardee nodded in understanding, "I think I understand why the researchers had these pieces, it's like a ranking system of who was more important and who did certain things. The guards were either knights, rooks, or pawns, the researchers were bishops, and the head researchers were the king and queen pieces. A few of the more prominent test subjects had the pawn on them as well."

When it came to actually playing Ardee was quick to pick up on the strategy involved, but it was clear she wasn't really enjoying it. "Eh, it's much more Teal and Toupé's sort of game, they like puzzles and strategy like this."

She looked back over at the games they had, and they found that Peal had flipped the box over on herself, and was watching everyone though a small hole in the side as she pushed it around from the inside.

Ardee shrugged as she looked back to Void, "I can't say anything else looks too familiar, is there something you could recommend I try?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

"I understand. Thank you for your time."

So the inventor had been grizzly murdered then, and that were about it. Hard to say if it were something utterly monstrous, but it were a guard with some years on his flank. Likely meant he had seen a little of many things, so chances were good it were macabre. Which likely meant a murder.

Seeing how the objective moved along, she were suspecting this might have some sort of murder mystery as part of the objective, but this game had twisted a lot of times so far. She weren't sure what to believe in anymore. Whatever the case, she might be able to get back here, if she found new info somewhere, and this were at least two out of three objectives so far, directly connected to the creator of this game. It seemed the real point of this were to get the info about her. Maybe the thing in the safe, were some sort of hidden evidence to her case? Could well be. They'd see in due time, if she managed to crack it open somehow.

Going back into the casino, she'd head for the top floor, and try and see if she could talk with the one who had so far, been impossible to get into contact with. If not, she'd wander around, seeing if there were anything new going on in the casino. Maybe someone who seemed important were here, that she could ask about the mare? It were seemingly their property. The higher ups here must had some sort of detail to go by.

(Troy)

On 10/13/2020 at 4:33 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee shrugged as she looked back to Void, "I can't say anything else looks too familiar, is there something you could recommend I try?"

"Yeah, chess is not exactly an engaging game, unless you like strategy. Let's see if we have something else that's a little more interactive..."

Void would put the horse she were using, down on the board again. She hadn't really enjoyed this either, but figured she'd give this a go, for Ardee's sake. Were she to guess, she figured that honestly, Ardee could still have won, as the board were rather equal. A few pieces taken here and there, from a lack of oversight from both of them.

She wouldn't put the game away though, but instead just let it stay for the time being. If Teal and Toupé liked these sorts of games, it were perhaps something to show them, and see if they didn't find this a little interesting. At least for a time. No game lasted forever, after all.

Going over and rummaging through the shelf, she'd eventually pull out a few board games. One being a *Guess Who? game that were missing a few tiles, but overall functioned rather well.

Another were a game of Jenga. A rather large one too, as it had likely been bagged up like this, out of two incomplete ones, so you could have two small games, or a large one. Thankfully the bricks seemed to be of the same size, so there shouldn't be an issue, hopefully.

Last one were a simple deck of cards. They might be able to play something with that, if she could explain a few simpler games to Ardee.

There were a ball over on the shelf too, which might catch her attention instead, that Void had missed. Not a big one, and it were a bit soft, but it might catch her interest, if she wanted something more active. If they could figure out how to blow more ar into it, it could be a pretty good ball too, but she hadn't found a pump when she were looking around.

"Have a look at these, and see if any of them seems interesting, okay? I'll just set the board again, in case Teal and Toupé wants to try chess."

Void would explain the rules of the games if if she were asked, best she could, though the card games were too varied to put down in a short sentence. She'd instead use some simple ones, like Go Fish, Casino, and a simplified version of Poker.

What? Poker could be fun and entertaining, long as you taught the younglings to not use real bits. And if they did, to do so responsibly. She were sure they could find some pebbles or maybe leftover nuts to use as poker chips if it were.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Going back into the casino, she'd head for the top floor, and try and see if she could talk with the one who had so far, been impossible to get into contact with.

By some stroke of luck, she was in fact able to speak with the stallion at the table, but it wasn't immediately obvious at first. When she pressed the interact button near the stallion the microphone appeared for as long as she held the button. It was almost as if the game were making it more difficult for her to progress in purpose by changing the mechanics halfway through.

As long as she held down the interact button she'd be able to talk to the stallion.

(Troy)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Yeah, chess is not exactly an engaging game, unless you like strategy.

Ardee shrugged, "It's just... very similar to what they used to test us back there. For what it's worth they said I was better than the baseline, but I got the feeling my baseline wasn't exactly a strong contender in the mental department."

(I'm thinking the best way for us to RP with the ponies would be for Void to be 1 on 1 with them at a time while Vale and Pen entertain the others. That way I can focus more on developing who they are individually rather than having to switch between them so quickly. We'll just focus on Ardee for now.)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Another were a game of Jenga. A rather large one too,

The blocks caught Ardee's attention, "What's the deal with these? Quite a few blocks to be exactly the same size, don't most building blocks have variety or something?"

If Void didn't immediately respond Ardee would start setting them up like dominos.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Yeah... Null were looking like an idiot for a few minutes, when she were finally able to interact with the stallion.

She had been used to the microphone being a *press and talk* system, where she pushed down on the option, said her piece, and it'd then end when she grew silent. Yet when she tried this here, she'd find that it weren't that simple. She just didn't realize it for a while, so she just looked like a right tool, as she pressed, made an introduction, and asked if he knew about Cabinet Mare. Then when she got nothing, she'd try again, and just try a shorter greetings, to see if this one might just not be receptive to long talks.

When that also failed, she'd start pointing at the machine, and let out a few curse words, with narrowed, annoyed eyes.

Let it be said that in the next minute of her trying, her language got very... Creative, and her ire were greatly focused on the figure itself, whom she now wished were real, so that she could beat the tar out of them. Arcade would probably think she were crazy for cursing at a machine like this, but she didn't care. It were miffing her off, and she had to let out some steam, before it boiled up, and she'd go the route of bashing it with a bat.

After the few minutes, she were fuming, and pressed down hard on the button for a few seconds, with clenched teeth. And then finally, she noticed how when her hold slacked, the microphone would go away.

Once that got through to her, she'd release her hold on said button, and with an icy cold, angry voice, look right at the center of Cabinet Mare, and utter a few choice words.

"You sadistic little gremlin. I bet you think you're real funny right now."

(if the machine did not in some way respond to this, the next part will happen.)

Taking a few deep breaths, and wheezing through clenched teeth, she'd slowly reach over to the button again, and talk into the microphone, in a tone that sounded like she had a really bad day. And so were whoever set a spark to her mood.

"Hello there. I am Event Horizon. I've been trying to learn what happened with the creator of Cabinet Mare, in that shed behind the casino, and wondered if I could ask you about it? Been hearing she might have gotten killed?"

She wanted to add some curse words in between so badly, that she had to almost bite her tongue to not utter them, but she managed. This time, anyway. No guarantee as this went on, depending on what the character would say to her.

(Troy)

On 10/15/2020 at 6:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee shrugged, "It's just... very similar to what they used to test us back there. For what it's worth they said I was better than the baseline, but I got the feeling my baseline wasn't exactly a strong contender in the mental department."

"It's probably best not to do something that reminds you of what they did or said."

School work might, but that were an essential part that they just had to try and change the perspective off. Chess were a hobby at best, and as such, were possible to avoid. No issue there really, unless the others found it interesting, and tried to ask her to play with them too. It were unlikely to have a wide audience though, she supposed. Considering the memories they brought along.

And as for memories, this one, were not one she were touching with a ten hoof pole. The way Ardee said it, made it sound as if they meant that Ardee were smarter than something else, and that something else were an early stage clone. A depressing, very cold thing to say to anyone, and several times more harsh, when said to a filly's open face. That were just cruel.

On 10/15/2020 at 6:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The blocks caught Ardee's attention, "What's the deal with these? Quite a few blocks to be exactly the same size, don't most building blocks have variety or something?"

"This is a pretty simple game actually. It's called Jenga. Here, let me show you how it's done."

She'd use about half of the blocks, to set up the tower of bricks that made up the game, and then took a deep, calming breath. Explaining this would be easy, but she had to also show how to do it, without messing it up at first. That were gonna require her to steady a bit more.

"You take out blocks from the tower, and place them on top, like they're set up now. Sounds simple, yes? But the game does get tougher, since the tower gets more and more unstable, the more bricks you take out. The one who causes it to collapse, loses the game."

She'ds show this, by poking at a brick in the middle, with the tip of her hoof, and carefully slide it through to the other side. Where she'd then be able to get hold of it, and pull it out, before putting it on top. Thankfully she had done this well, so that were a relief.

"You decide where you take the bricks from, and it can be the middle, or the sides, on any row. Go ahead and give it a few tests. See if you can get a feel for it, Ardee."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Let it be said that in the next minute of her trying, her language got very... Creative, and her ire were greatly focused on the figure itself, whom she now wished were real, so that she could beat the tar out of them. Arcade would probably think she were crazy for cursing at a machine like this, but she didn't care. It were miffing her off, and she had to let out some steam, before it boiled up, and she'd go the route of bashing it with a bat.

Arcade did in fact think she was starting to lose it, and would move to separate her from the machine, "Hey. Hey! You're starting to look crazy. Are you alright?"

Provided she did calm down and assuage Arcade's worries, he would let her continue. She may notice while Arcade had her attention that an albino thestral mare was sitting next to where Arcade had been posted, it looked like she had been talking to him while Null was playing. Most notably she had a Phi for a mark, the same symbol as on the grave of the sisters' ancestors.

If Null would not calm down Arcade would try to get her away from the machine.

When she was calm and asked the coroner again the standard interaction frame didn't appear, but he responded in a text bubble above him like the background characters did. 

"You're lucky you caught me drunk, wouldn't be able to talk about it otherwise. She was dead alright, whoever killed her must have been some sort of surgeon."

"There was very little blood, the cuts were very precise in that regard. Further, no signs of struggle or illness, from what I could see. When she was brought in..."

"She was missing several vital organs: her lungs, her heart, a large section of her circulatory and nervous systems. Her brain and horn stem had been expertly removed, somehow leaving her skull intact."

"We never found the missing organs."

Given she wasn't in the typical interaction menu, she might have noticed the counter tick from 3/5 to 4/5 when the coroner finished talking about her missing organs.

The standard interaction menu finally appeared, the microphone missing from the dialogue options, and the ones she had were wholly unrelated to the info she had been provided. Instead there was a highlighted line: 'I got this badge when I asked for a key to the safe. Know anything about that?'

If she selected that the coroner would chuckle, "It's a magic key, you give it a bit of blood with that pin on the back, and the magic key will appear."

(Troy)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"You decide where you take the bricks from, and it can be the middle, or the sides, on any row. Go ahead and give it a few tests. See if you can get a feel for it, Ardee."

Ardee seemed quite intrigued by the game, much more interested than she had been in chess. "So... it's a game of planning and balance then? Sort of setting up your opponent for failure while not ruining your own chances."

She looked at the tower from all sides before flapping out her wings, Void would be able to tell that her wings weren't well developed, similar to Null before her prosthetic, it was likely that Ardee had not had many, if any, opportunities to fly. Nonetheless, she displayed a remarkable amount of dexterity as she used her wingtips to remove a block and set it on the top of the tower.

She had a triumphant smile as the tower didn't fall, "Alright then, your turn!"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 10/17/2020 at 7:48 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Hey. Hey! You're starting to look crazy. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. This blasted piece of high tech though, is about to get it's panel smashed in with a two by four!"

She rose a hoof at the machine, and cursed at it once more. Might not be the most productive thing she could do, but it helped ease her mind a tiny bit, and take her an inch further away from smashing this thing into a little cube of dented metal. So far, she weren't there, but you could see from her narrowed eyes, and clenched teeth, that she weren't exactly happy right now. More irate, stubborn and focused on the thing that stirred her ire.

Essentially, she were approaching this like a dragon. Just with a bat and cursing, instead of claws and flaming breath. If she were a dragon, this machine would likely have been burned to a crisp already frankly. They tended to have even shorter tempers than her, when it came to things that got on their nerves.

On 10/17/2020 at 7:48 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She may notice while Arcade had her attention that an albino thestral mare was sitting next to where Arcade had been posted, it looked like she had been talking to him while Null was playing. Most notably she had a Phi for a mark, the same symbol as on the grave of the sisters' ancestors.

This one though, Null had no words for. She just looked at her annoyed, as her general mood right now had gotten soured some. It were probably best that she barely gave her even this glance, and didn't notice the cutie mark. Odds were that she would have let go of the machine, to go chase that one around with her bat. That symbol might have nothing to do with her *family*, but by the gods, she hated every reminder of it, and that one were scorched into her retina, after they had visited the gravesite. Or memorial. Or whatever the hay you'd call that place.

It was about this time too, that Null finally figured out how the machine worked, and her response to that, were a rather crude one. Though at least she seemed to become less volatile, and tensed up after that. She just had to vent a bit of frustration. And since Arcade wasn't offering to spar with her, right there and then, she were cursing like a sailor, and thinking some rather gruesome thoughts. Most of them currently involving a sledgehammer.

"Just... Don't think I'm going into the deep end yet. This machine here's just having a field day messing with me."

On 10/17/2020 at 7:48 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"You're lucky you caught me drunk, wouldn't be able to talk about it otherwise. She was dead alright, whoever killed her must have been some sort of surgeon."

"There was very little blood, the cuts were very precise in that regard. Further, no signs of struggle or illness, from what I could see. When she was brought in..."

"She was missing several vital organs: her lungs, her heart, a large section of her circulatory and nervous systems. Her brain and horn stem had been expertly removed, somehow leaving her skull intact."

"We never found the missing organs."

Oh goodies. Her reward for being annoyed like this, were some drunkard. What a bloody prize...

That were what she originally thought at least, but then the talk went on, and it got a good deal more informative. As well as disturbingly familiar.

It were very likely not the same ones she had last seen evidence of, but massive organ and even horn removal, were something her and Void had been near before. Well, sort of. They saw the outside of a house where some sick looking cops came out from, and there were a lot of mumbles and whispers around the crowd that had gathered around the place, for her to hear that the one in there, had been targeted by a real piece of work.

Considering they were looking for culprits, and Void and her were the new ones in town, that kept to themselves, she knew how this would go in advance, and they ran out of town before the sun rose. She weren't staying there to be accused of being some lunatic organ harvester.

That being said, despite what she had heard from the townsfolks about what went on in there, the victims nervous system hadn't been taken, and the brain were seemingly splattered on the floor. Hence why she were fairly sure that this were not the same being, or even the same motive. Back then it had seemed like simple organ harvest to her. A despicable thing for sure, but something relatively easy to grasp the twisted logic behind. This? Best bet she had with so much being taken, were so that they could transplant it into another vessel, and that frankly made the small bones of her spine tingle. That sort would be some twisted, necromantic-sounding stuff right there. Or even worse than what a necromancer could do: Science. There were a reason why the classic mad scientist were feared in stories. They always ended up going to the worst lengths, for their insane *breakthroughs*.

A brief thought then entered her head, which made her cringe, while an actual shiver went through her. This machine seemed to have a life of its own, right? What if the parts taken, hadn't been harvested to transplant or sell, but to complete this machine? A crazy thought maybe, but she had seen a lot of crazy in her life. She did not think it beyond possibility, that she'd remove a side panel, and see a heart beating blood through a spread out, internal system of a pony. Which for the record, if she did saw, would cause her to turn around, and run right out of here. That sight would be a huge amount of *Nope* that she weren't gonna deal with.

And naturally, this disturbing stuff pushed her objective from 3 to 4. Because apparently, creeping her out were the thing to complete the game. Goodies. Maybe if she vomited from fear, she'd win a stuffed monkey.

On 10/17/2020 at 7:48 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The standard interaction menu finally appeared, the microphone missing from the dialogue options, and the ones she had were wholly unrelated to the info she had been provided. Instead there was a highlighted line: 'I got this badge when I asked for a key to the safe. Know anything about that?'

If she selected that the coroner would chuckle, "It's a magic key, you give it a bit of blood with that pin on the back, and the magic key will appear."

Oh lovely, now bloodletting were also getting included. And knowing her luck, if there were an option for her to give some blood for the cause, it would turn out that a spike were going to poke out of the button and take some from her.

Despite that maybe happening, she'd still look to see if the option were there. And if it were, she'd push down, and clench her teeth, preparing for pain. If it wasn't though, she'd start moving back to the safe. Might well be that the option weren't gonna happen, until she were at the safe itself.

(Troy)

On 10/17/2020 at 7:48 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"So... it's a game of planning and balance then? Sort of setting up your opponent for failure while not ruining your own chances."

"That and precision. One wrong movement, and the whole thing collapses."

At least it sounded like Ardee were more interested in this game, and were eyeing ways of being competitive already. A far ring from how she sounded like, when they were having a go at chess. They'd see if she would win though. She weren't used to this game after all, so Ardee might not do too well on her first few attempts.

On 10/17/2020 at 7:48 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She had a triumphant smile as the tower didn't fall, "Alright then, your turn!"

Scratch that, she seemed to know how to use her wings well enough to gain an advantage. Considering that, there were a fair chance that Void could put in some real effort, and still not win. No need to hold back then she supposed, right? Though she were still mostly going to see if she could draw the game out, rather than set traps. She always liked this game better that way, rather than see how quickly you could make another one mess up.

Void would carefully move her hoof over, and push a piece on the right side, a few rows away from the bottom. Then she'd put it on the top too. The stack didn't wobble from this, but usually, it took a few more turns before it'd start, in her experience. After the first ten or so bricks had gotten taken out, it would start to get interesting.

"Can I ask you something, Ardee? It's o-okay if you don't want to answer, but... W-When was the last time you have been out flying?"

Void got a bit nervous now though, as she went on to ask something that struck her as important, after getting a better view on Ardee's wings. They seemed intact, and not crippled or broken. Yet at the same time, they appeared to be... Underused, she supposed were the best way of putting it? Like she hadn't been properly training the muscles in them, or they were stunted in some way by birth, rather than neglect. Either way, it were likely that she could still get to fly, if she had her wing muscles trained. Like Null had to do.

Something which she were sure the facility hadn't encouraged Ardee to do at all. Much like with Null, it seemed that they liked their test subjects, to have as little of a chance to suddenly fly away as possible. And when it came to the mistress, she might not have encouraged it either, as they had been mostly below ground, from what Void understood. It wouldn't give many chances.

Another thing to correct, far as she were concerned. Pegasi belonged in the sky, not on the ground. They weren't born to remain down here with the earth ponies and unicorns.

Edited October 18, 2020 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Just... Don't think I'm going into the deep end yet. This machine here's just having a field day messing with me."

Arcade didn't look fully convinced, but he stepped back and let Null continue. He went back to talking with the young mare as Null continued.

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Despite that maybe happening, she'd still look to see if the option were there. And if it were, she'd push down, and clench her teeth, preparing for pain. If it wasn't though, she'd start moving back to the safe. Might well be that the option weren't gonna happen, until she were at the safe itself.

As she found, she couldn't interact with the key until she was back at the safe, and once there she was given the option to prick her hoof with the pin. There wasn't any pain on her end, and the image of a key appeared, which she was then able to use to open the safe. Oddly enough what you find inside the safe is a small pile of used bandages and a small version of a Minotaur firearm, the revolver didn't have any bullets.

The secondary objective updates: Fix the revolver. The hint appears that the inventor on the workshop behind the casino might know how to fix it.

(Troy)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Can I ask you something, Ardee? It's o-okay if you don't want to answer, but... W-When was the last time you have been out flying?"

Ardee faltered a bit at Void's question, almost tipping the tower with her wings, but she managed to put the block on the top before she looked over at Void with an expression halfway between confusion, depression, and resignation. "F-flying? You mean... like Elef?" She looked over at the thestral colt for a bit before she turned back to Void. She hung her head low before speaking in a low voice so she wouldn't be overheard by the others. "It's... it's been a while. I... I was just younger than they are now. They... they told me my baseline was an excellent flyer, one of the best in Equestria. They pushed me to be like her, had me fly all the time. I used to like it, but I wasn't as good as they wanted me to be. They pushed me so hard..." She shuddered. "I wasn't rejected for having the wrong colors. I haven't flown since, I can only barely hover without remembering."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 10/19/2020 at 5:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

As she found, she couldn't interact with the key until she was back at the safe, and once there she was given the option to prick her hoof with the pin. There wasn't any pain on her end, and the image of a key appeared, which she was then able to use to open the safe. Oddly enough what you find inside the safe is a small pile of used bandages and a small version of a Minotaur firearm, the revolver didn't have any bullets.

The secondary objective updates: Fix the revolver. The hint appears that the inventor on the workshop behind the casino might know how to fix it.

...A gun and some bandages? Well, it wasn't as morbid at the still-beating heart she were halfway expecting to run into, but kind of a letdown though. Could still be important though. Maybe if she had some sort of idea what kind of gun this were, she'd have more of an idea, but to her, a gun were a gun. It really had to stand out as being special for her to notice. So if this looked like just a regular, yet large firearm, she wouldn't be able to tell where it were from.

If it did stand out in some kind of way, that just screamed *Minotaur*, she'd get the hint, but still not know why this were there. Didn't seem like the sort that would be used in delicate medical procedures. The bandages might be though, ad considering what she were investigating, she'd definitely take those with her, if it were an option, before heading back towards the shed. It seemed like she had some sort of direction to go with now. They'd see if it lead anywhere, or if it were another dead end.

(Troy)

On 10/19/2020 at 5:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"It's... it's been a while. I... I was just younger than they are now. They... they told me my baseline was an excellent flyer, one of the best in Equestria. They pushed me to be like her, had me fly all the time. I used to like it, but I wasn't as good as they wanted me to be. They pushed me so hard..." She shuddered. "I wasn't rejected for having the wrong colors. I haven't flown since, I can only barely hover without remembering."

"Please d-don't worry Ardee, I w-won't push you to do anything. I just wondered, s-since it sounds like you've been u-under ground for a long time, and pegasi naturally have a w-want to fly. If you don't want to, since it brings bad m-memories, you don't have to. But if you ever feel like it, w-we'll make sure you get to do it at y-your own pace, and if you need it, g-get you some help, okay? I'm not g-going to push any of you to do anything. Besides b-brushing your teeth. That's important."

Oh boy, sounded like she had just poked at quite the beehive. Ardee being the clone of Rainbow Dash, it made sense enough to try and see how fast she could fly. But pushing her so violently, that she could not take to the skies anymore, out of fear, and potentially some damage they had caused her, while they did that? She knew of several religions variation of a damned afterlife. Several of them being worse than the stories she had heard about Tartarus - even though she had some suspicion that it were all just talking about that place, but had different names and interpretations - and she juust got more and more certain, that most members of the facility, had gone straight to a painful afterlife. And rightly so, since at this point, she were afraid that if she asked some of the others, they'd tell her even worse stories. Like they'd electrocute Toupé if she didn't smile the right way.

Void pushed a brick out, a few rows below from where she had taken the last one, and put it on the top. Her hoof shook a little, as she were getting nervous again, after hitting the seemingly sore spot here, but it still managed to go well enough. For now at least.

"Maybe we should t-talk about something a little nicer. You've been t-talking about Arcade a few times now, and he sounds l-like a good pony, who h-helped keeping you all in check. A l-leader sort, like yourself. Would you like to t-talk about him? Or maybe something else? I uhm... Didn't r-really know what to bring up myself r-right now, sadly. All that c-comes to mind, are cooking and b-blowing glass. I'm not sure if t-that sort is interesting to you."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

So if this looked like just a regular, yet large firearm, she wouldn't be able to tell where it were from.

(By my canon, the minotaur invented firearms, and most ponies wouldn't use them on account of not having fingers to wield them with, most pony firearms were modified with a stock trigger, mouth trigger, or wing trigger, with appropriate modified holstering.)

The gun didn't have any of the modifications most firearms had for pony use, ar at least they weren't readily apparent from the small image on the screen. Likely what was important was that she had it, not that she knew what sort it was.

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

before heading back towards the shed.

She would not have the option to pick up the bandages, it looked like they were more part of the background than an actual item.

Nothing stopped her from heading back out to the workshop, when she exited the back of the casino there was a text bubble coming from the workshop. "I don't care if he's dead! He'll pay for what he did to you!"

When Null entered the workshop the strange mare was still there, "I knew you'd come back, you weren't here for the first reason most come here."

She would have the dialogue to ask about the workshop, or more directly ask her to repair the gun.

(Troy)

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

But if you ever feel like it,

She shook her head, there was a bit of fire in her gaze, but it was clearly not directed towards Void, "No. When I was rejected, I swore to any higher power that, if I survived, I would strive to be nothing like my baseline. I may never fly again, but I've put my wings to use. I admittedly haven't met too many other pegasi, but the ones I was able to compare with aren't even a third as skilled at fine control as I am."

She demonstrated this point by standing up and stepping away from the tower, she held out a wing, touched an edge block with the tip of a feather, pulled it back a short distance, then swung it across, knocking the block cleanly out of the tower. She quickly, and less gracefully, lunged to catch the block before it could fly too far or hit someone. She them carefully set the block on the top of the tower was an expression halfway between smug and sheepish, "I'd like to see my baseline do that!"

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

You've been t-talking about Arcade a few times now, and he sounds l-like a good pony, who h-helped keeping you all in check. A l-leader sort, like yourself. Would you like to t-talk about him?

Ardee thought a moment, then nodded, "I can talk about him, sure. Our batches were among the first, which is why not many of us survived, and neither of us were perfect. He had dwarfism and a malformed horn, though research showed that his baseline also had those traits, they were simply corrected at a young age by his parents in a series of what must have been very expensive procedures. The facility wasn't keen on doing them again. I guess he and I were the leaders, being the oldest, though I mostly deferred to him, and he to Mistress. Still, I... I don't blame him for leaving when he did. I guess I'm just jealous."

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

are cooking and b-blowing glass. I'm not sure if t-that sort is interesting to you.

Ardee looked intrigued, "Well, I never heard of my baseline doing either of those things, so I'm willing to give them a try, they do sound interesting after all."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Null had seen a few races use guns before. Minotaurs were one, but there were some variations used by a few griffons she had seen before, and due to the black market, and some smart tinkerers finding ways to adapt them to most beings if need be, it were hard to say who this would fit. Minotaur likely, but griffon were a chance. The lack of the right sort of firing mechanism, ruled out ponies as at least the primary source. Might be it'd get adapted to be used by one another time though. It were hard to say for her. She rarely bit note in these sorts of things, unless they were aimed at her, and she could identify more brands of pitchforks and bows for that reason. Guns were a bit too high end for most she ran into.

On 10/21/2020 at 4:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When Null entered the workshop the strange mare was still there, "I knew you'd come back, you weren't here for the first reason most come here."

She would have the dialogue to ask about the workshop, or more directly ask her to repair the gun.

Well, at least the mare with the weird name weren't stuck in a loop like before. She said something new, so they could get on with things. She even had the option to just get right to it in the options.

However, Null would pick to ask about the workshop first. Might not be important, but so far, everything to do with the mare that made this machine, had seemingly been the real story to follow. This were her workshop, so why not ask about it? Might be she'd learn something important that way, and it surely couldn't take that long to just ask this, and then get on with asking about getting the revolver fixed. Might make her seem less demanding in game too, if she tried to ask into things with her like this. No one liked one who were yapping orders at them constantly, and clearly didn't care about the one doing stuff for them.

If it were just a small bit of trivia, with nothing more to it, she'd ask into the revolver right after. Might be she'd soon get to the end of this game. Which knowing her luck, included her needing to use this revolver to shoot someone.

(Troy)

On 10/21/2020 at 4:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I'd like to see my baseline do that!"

It were a risk to do this, but... *gulp* She'd try.

"I've m-met her once, and you're right. She d-doesn't have this sort of fine control. It's just being a bit f-full of herself, and speed. Big s-sis didn't like her that much."

Bless her heart, she were sure that Rainbow Dash were cool and kind, as others said, but she did get a little grating for them at least, the short while they had been around her. She seemed a nice enough mare though, long as you didn't need to be with her for too long at a time. Like Pinkie, but for different reasons.

Honestly, they all had their flaws for them, but Applejack at least were one Null and her agreed on being an okay mare. She were respectful, didn't talk down to any of them, and didn't interfere with personal space. Best of the bunch in their opinion, likely followed by Fluttershy. Mostly because she didn't really say anything, and just hid behind one of the others. It seemed like she were worried about Null after her and Rarity had a moment.

Void would raise a hoof and start moving a block, but would have to stop halfway, as the tower started to shake a little too. Took her a few more seconds, before she carefully pulled it out, and put it on top of the tower. Seemed like her nervousness were making her set up to lose this fairly soon, if she didn't watch out. Though with the control that Ardee had over her wings, that were likely to happen regardless. she were incredibly skilled at this.

On 10/21/2020 at 4:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I can talk about him, sure. Our batches were among the first, which is why not many of us survived, and neither of us were perfect. He had dwarfism and a malformed horn, though research showed that his baseline also had those traits, they were simply corrected at a young age by his parents in a series of what must have been very expensive procedures. The facility wasn't keen on doing them again. I guess he and I were the leaders, being the oldest, though I mostly deferred to him, and he to Mistress. Still, I... I don't blame him for leaving when he did. I guess I'm just jealous."

"That m-might explain why my sister d-didn't mind hi coming along too. She has dwarfism too. It's m-made life pretty hard for her, and she c-constantly feels like others are looking down, and j-judging her because of it. Arcade is p-probably one of the first ones she can r-relate to.

I'm sorry to hear a-about his horn though. I hope that h-haven't hampered his magic? I've m-met a few unicorns whose horns got d-damaged down to the core, so they couldn't c-cast magic anymore. They all seemed to have a hard t-time adjusting to that.

And uhm... He m-might be out there now, Ardee, but one day, it c-could be you, if you end up with an a-adventurous spirit. I know some g-good survival tricks I could teach you someday, that m-might come in handy if you felt like the g-great wild called for you."

It'd be a while, but still, the foals would eventually be free to go out and explore the world, if that is what they wanted to, though she hoped at least some of them would stay here. Troy could be a good home, long as some... Unwanted elements were handled, and that were currently being taken care of by Null. With The Grey gone, it might be a really good place to  live. Unless remnants of the facility still roamed, and decided to cause trouble. In that case, she'd have to intervene to make things better. They had caused enough harm to these foals already.

On 10/21/2020 at 4:18 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Well, I never heard of my baseline doing either of those things, so I'm willing to give them a try, they do sound interesting after all."

"Well, I w-wouldn't mind an apprentice in the workshop, but we should p-probably start with cooking first. Have to make s-sure you're all settled in first, and g-glass blowing is very warm, potentially d-dangerous work. If you can handle the h-heat in a kitchen well, it m-might go better. And the kitchen is a g-good place to learn about safety and p-precision too. Otherwise it'll just l-leave a mess everywhere, and b-burn your hooves. I'd prefer that d-didn't happen to you, Ardee."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Null would pick to ask about the workshop first.

The mare shook her head, "I bet you're asking to be polite, which is nice... but not necessary. If you do want to know though, this was my sister's workshop until she... then I moved in and I've been here ever since. She said she had something to show me... I've been trying to figure it out ever since."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

she'd ask into the revolver right after.

Her avatar would hoof over the gun, and the mare would take it over to a workbench, hit it a few times with a hammer, then return it to her. "I hope things go well for you."

Once she got the gun back her secondary objective updated: "Leave town."

(Troy)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I've m-met her once, and you're right. She d-doesn't have this sort of fine control. It's just being a bit f-full of herself, and speed. Big s-sis didn't like her that much."

There was quite a bit of conflict on Ardee's face, she was silent and imobile for a few moments before she asked, in a quite voice, "Was she a good pony? Were... were they all good ponies?"

She looked pretty vulnerable at that point, and the foals seemed to pick up on that, both coming over to hug Ardee. More accurately Piecey gave her a hug and Peal nudged her affectionately with the box she was in.

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

That m-might explain why my sister d-didn't mind hi coming along too. She has dwarfism too. It's m-made life pretty hard for her, and she c-constantly feels like others are looking down, and j-judging her because of it. Arcade is p-probably one of the first ones she can r-relate to.

She smiled a little bit at that, "I thought, when Arcade came in with her, that she was another one of us, that he had found others somewhere in the facility. She looked like one of the ones from a later batch. They weren't viable when Mistress took us away."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I'm sorry to hear a-about his horn though. I hope that h-haven't hampered his magic? I've m-met a few unicorns whose horns got d-damaged down to the core, so they couldn't c-cast magic anymore. They all seemed to have a hard t-time adjusting to that.

Ardee shrugged, "Since he was born with it, it didn't seem to affect him much. His magic did look different than other unicorns' though. He told me once that he had to approach spells differently."

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And uhm... He m-might be out there now, Ardee, but one day, it c-could be you, if you end up with an a-adventurous spirit. I know some g-good survival tricks I could teach you someday, that m-might come in handy if you felt like the g-great wild called for you.

She looked at the foals and then at the others, who were now being taught written Equestrian by Vale and Pen, before looking back at Void, "Maybe, I could see them growing up, they've already grown so much, but these two... I don't know if I could leave them any time soon."

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Well, I w-wouldn't mind an apprentice in the workshop, but we should p-probably start with cooking first. Have to make s-sure you're all settled in first, and g-glass blowing is very warm, potentially d-dangerous work. If you can handle the h-heat in a kitchen well, it m-might go better. And the kitchen is a g-good place to learn about safety and p-precision too. Otherwise it'll just l-leave a mess everywhere, and b-burn your hooves. I'd prefer that d-didn't happen to you, Ardee."

Ardee nodded, "When can we start then?"