open Artifacts of Harmony

[Addem Up 246]

Addem trotted back from the burnt shell of the library, sighing. So much needless waste, he thought to himself. As he passed a small group of ponies, he heard one of them say,

"My name is Lapis Lazuli, travelling researcher."

 

Addem stopped dead in his tracks, then quickly doubled back, trotting up to the pony. "Excuse me, did you say Lapis Lazuli? Of the Ore family?"

[Harmonic Revelations 8,836]

Lapis took both the torch and the business card. As he studied the card, he came to a realization. Steel Accord was a swordsmen and a writer. Both pen and sword. It was rather interesting to see such a pony actually existed. Lapis would have to keep his eye on that one.

 

He wasn't much of a fighter, and the idea of having a bodyguard seemed reasonable enough. "Yes, I'll allow you to protect me. It will make my job all the more easier. I plan on gathering information. And my name is Lapis Lazuli, travelling researcher." These ponies certainly appeared to be capable fighters, so he might have no trouble. He attached the torch the his saddlebag and waited for the others to introduce themselves.

"I'm Harmonic, I'm a bit of a treasure hunter and archaeologist. I study ancient ruins and the like. I usually pack lighter so I can carry artifacts I find. but I'm not sure how long we'll be gone. I'm more skilled in magic than melee combat but I brought this sword mostly for cutting foliage. It's nice to meet you Mr. Lazuli." Harmonic said. He knew this fellow looked educated enough and that that was going to be positive for their quest.

 

"If I do say, Blackwater is quite mysterious." Harmonic adds.

 

Under his breath HR whispers

 

"There might even be some riches in it for me." he said.

[N8C8 56]

Lapis took both the torch and the business card. As he studied the card, he came to a realization. Steel Accord was a swordsmen and a writer. Both pen and sword. It was rather interesting to see such a pony actually existed. Lapis would have to keep his eye on that one.

 

He wasn't much of a fighter, and the idea of having a bodyguard seemed reasonable enough. "Yes, I'll allow you to protect me. It will make my job all the more easier. I plan on gathering information. And my name is Lapis Lazuli, travelling researcher." These ponies certainly appeared to be capable fighters, so he might have no trouble. He attached the torch the his saddlebag and waited for the others to introduce themselves.

 

"Well, I'm Swish. I'm an explorer and a swordsman. I'm not too shabby if I do say so myself... and I did. Equestria isn't really my... home land, so I'm kind of a nomad, if you will. I travel from place to place, most of the time, out into the wild and out of Equestria entirely." Swish went on, "I explore ruins, forests, and other things that are old and out of the ordinary."

[Bari 7,023]

"Excuse me, did you say Lapis Lazuli? Of the Ore family?"

Lapis turned to face the bespectacled pony. He seemed to be an intellectual like himself. "Why yes, I did. I am indeed Lapis Lazuli Ore. Have you heard of me perhaps?" he asked curiously. It was not something ordinary that somepony would actually recognize his name. Though he did publish quite a few papers detailing his findings, he doubted too many read them. And Lapis wondered if this stallion would be interested in the journey these ponies and himself were about to set out upon.

 

He turned back to the other ponies. Swish and Harmonic seemed like kindred spirits in a way. They both had a fascination with exploration and travel. Perhaps this would be a lot more fun than Lapis had originally thought. "It is very nice to meet you both. And as we have similar interest, then this may well be a quite enjoyable trip." But what worried Lapis was the fact that Swish seemed to be only a colt. He just hoped the colt knew what he was doing.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

"Well with all of us, more or less on the level, I say we set off for Blackwater." Steel said with a flair of his wings before checking himself. "Blackwater has a less than agreeable reputation. How should we travel Harmonic? You seem to be taking the leadership role of this little venture." 

[Addem Up 246]

 "Why yes, I did. I am indeed Lapis Lazuli Ore. Have you heard of me perhaps?"

 

"Heard of you? Your work with transmuting the growth capacity of a gemstone while maintaining its structural integrity revolutionized my work!" Addem beamed at the stallion. His face fell, however, as the stallion turned back to his companions. He trotted forwards, listening to their conversation.

 

"Well with all of us, more or less on the level, I say we set off for Blackwater. Blackwater has a less than agreeable reputation. How should we travel Harmonic? You seem to be taking the leadership role of this little venture." 

 

Addem cuts in, quickly saying, "I don't mean to be rude, but... Would you allow me to accompany you? After all, you're the strangest group of ponies I've seen recently, no offense. Frankly, I'm intrigued as to your motives. But whatever you're doing, it seems to be an adventure. As such, I'm interested."

[Bari 7,023]

"Heard of you? Your work with transmuting the growth capacity of a

gemstone while maintaining its structural integrity revolutionized my work!"

Lapis caught the stallion's last statement after he had turned back to the group. His scientific work wasn't something he enjoyed as much as exploring. But if that was what the pony knew him for, who was he to argue? "What is your name by chance?" he asked the pony.

 

"Well with all of us, more or less on the level, I say we set off for Blackwater."

Lapis nodded his head. If this was the right trail, they had better start moving as soon as possible. The trail could go cold otherwise.  Luckily, his saddlebag already contained a few supplies, so he was ready to go at a moment's notice. And if the light yellow earth pony came with them, investigation could be much easier to accomplish. He just hoped the others would allow him to come with them despite his scientific appearance.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Addem cuts in, quickly saying, "I don't mean to be rude, but... Would you allow me to accompany you? After all, you're the strangest group of ponies I've seen recently, no offense. Frankly, I'm intrigued as to your motives. But whatever you're doing, it seems to be an adventure. As such, I'm interested."

 

"Why of course you can join us, my good man!" Steel said as he pulled the earth pony into a one winged embrace. "Stranger company have been made before and they are the stuff of legends!" Steel said as he waved a hoof over his head as Adem adjusted his glasses from the sudden pull. "Our very nation was founded by such a strange gathering. Their motives may have been different, but their goal the same. Throughout the history of Equestria, ponies have found their way to each other, for whatever reason, and accomplished great things!" The others looked to Steel with varying looks of confusion. He released the scientist and cleared his throat. "There I go again, spouting off exposition. My apologies! Stoicism is not a trait I can claim."  

[Harmonic Revelations 8,836]

"My motives are my own, but I have the map, I can guide you to Blackwater. I suggest we leave in the morning, as it will be safer." Harmonic chimes in. Interested by the conversation but more interested in the plunder he would gain.

 

"It's nice to meet you Addem up." He adds, nodding affirmatively.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

"My motives are my own, but I have the map, I can guide you to Blackwater. I suggest we leave in the morning, as it will be safer." Harmonic chimes in. Interested by the conversation but more interested in the plunder he would gain.

 

"It's nice to meet you Addem up." He adds, nodding affirmatively.

 

"Uh . . .Aye. We should pursue at holy first light. Best not let the thief get away." Steel agreed. He was determined to find this culprit and best him, but he may have spoken out of turn when he said Harmonic was the automatic leader. If there was one thing Steel DID prize of himself, it was sincerity. He was an open book and believed others should be. That was how one separated the honest from the corrupt in Canterlot. Good ponies didn't need to hide their reasons.

 

Still, Harmonic was motivated and had a forceful personality. Steel was content to follow his word as long as he didn't suspect Harmonic of any malign action.

Edited January 18, 2013 by Steel Accord

[Harmonic Revelations 8,836]

"Uh . . .Aye. We should pursue at holy first light. Best not let the thief get away." Steel agreed. He was determined to find this culprit and best him, but he may have spoken out of turn when he said Harmonic was the automatic leader. If there was one thing Steel DID prize of himself, it was sincerity. He was an open book and believed others should be. That was how one separated the honest from the corrupt in Canterlot. Good ponies didn't need to hide their reasons.

 

Still, Harmonic was motivated and had a forceful personality. Steel was content to follow his word as long as he didn't suspect Harmonic of any malign action.

"Then it's agreed, I'll meet you all here first thing in the morning and we can set out towards Blackwater. I say if we find any treasure on the way that we split it evenly, to be fair." Harmonic added.

 

"I have some basic supplies for the journey. But it's not much." he says. Harmonic has the reasonable expectation that all ponies involved will bring their own weapons and/or personal objects.

"According to this, most of the area around Blackwater is just a swamp. It would be best to pack accordingly." Harmonic finishes. Waiting to see if anypony else has anything to say.

Edited January 18, 2013 by Harmonic Revelations

[Bari 7,023]

The way Steel Accord spoke was interesting. He talked as if he were a hero of some sort. The idea of heroic ponies always fascinated him. And the possible chance to accompany one greatly interested him. Sad that he had to wait until tomorrow though, especially since it was only just the morning.

 

"Well, perhaps I should be going then. See you all tomorrow." he said with a curt nod as he trotted off. He just hoped no one would say anything important in his absence. But he really had to make sure all his stuff was together. Soon he had arrived at his cottage once more, where he took off his saddlebag.

 

He emptied it to confirm its contents. Perhaps it would be a good idea to better prepare himself, especially considering where they would be going. A swamp required proper protection. And maybe he would bring a knife of some sort. He deplored violence, but sometimes if was good to have something instead of nothing to defend oneself. Taking what he could find that would be of use, he placed it all inside his bag. He sat down in one of his chairs and read a book to pass the time. He didn't really have anything to do today.

[Harmonic Revelations 8,836]

"Well, i'll take my leave now. it was nice making your aquaintence." Harmonic said while trotting off. He headed back to his house, using his magic to open the door. He closes it behind him swiftly, and locks it. He had work to do if he was going to prepare. Even though catching the culprit was of high priority, Harmonic had a higher interest in what goods could be found there. After all, to him, profiting off this expedition was what is most important.

 

 He looks at the book once more, to see what he can find out about Blackwater. He had left it out open to the page, as he never closed it when he last finished looking at it.

 

"Let's see, the village has some nearby ruins that are bandit-infested. Fascinating, perhaps this would be of interest to the others?"

He looked intrigued as he continued looking through the book. 

 

HR suddenly thought he could hear hoof steps behind him. He turned around, and saw nothing. He turned back to his book. Staring more intently at it. The wording was interesting, to say the least. He was leaning foward, and suddenly, a blunt object is felt at the back of his head. Harmonic falls to the floor, he says some kind of hooded pony behind him. They cast a spell on Harmonic that electrocutes him.

 

Harmonic is paralyzed, he is in too much pain to move. The assailant gives a brief laugh, upon closer inspection he can see that they are a unicorn. This maurader casts a fire spell, lighting a nearby chair. Harmonic quickly loses consciousness.

 

The culprit trots off, into the streets. The fire starts to spread to a nearby wall. Smoke started to fill the room as it became more musky. Smoke pours out the open window as the first spreads to more objects.

Edited January 18, 2013 by Harmonic Revelations

[Addem Up 246]

Addem shrugged off Steel's grip, awkwardly attempting to straighten his glasses. He nods towards Harmonic, returning to his house. He picked up a leather harness he'd been working on earlier in the day. As he did so, his glasses beeped faintly.

 

They cast a spell on Harmonic that electrocutes him.

 

 

Addem frowns. "Hmm. Paralysis spell? That's odd..." He shrugged, chalking it up to some prankster unicorn, and returned to his work, delicately dripping a small amount of liquid onto one of the gemstones in the harness. As he did so, he heard another faint beep.

 

 This maurader casts a fire spell, lighting a nearby chair. 

 

"And a fire spell..." Addem pauses, putting down the harness and tapping his glasses. As he does so, an image of the building fills the lenses. Addem scans the burning building with a rising sense of horror, eventually spotting the paralyzed pony. With a gasp, he turns and dashes out his front door towards the burning building, desperately calling out for somepony, anypony, to help him.

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

(First off... @@Harmonic Revelations, , you are not RPing the marauder. I am. But this is a nice touch, and furthers my storyline, so I'll let you get away with it, but never again.)

 

A masked figure watched the scene from a rooftop nearby. He sighed, apparently appalled, and, with a golden flash at his waist, leapt over the house with two wings out. He dropped what appeared to be a water balloon down onto the house, and it reacted to the heat and expanded.

 

Yet... a silver sword fell off of his back. It landed- blade buried in the dirt- down in front of Harmonic. It clipped one of his hooves, drawing blood, but a bit of extra pain was all that was needed to disable the spell. The warrior glided out of sight, towards the Everfree Forest... and Blackwater.

 

(Tada! 1: Harmonic's reward for guessing the speakers. 2: A tantalizing hint. 3: Ending a disaster before it happens. Like a good DM.  Sorry if I got a bit too invasive or overpowered.)

[Harmonic Revelations 8,836]

(First off... @@Harmonic Revelations, , you are not RPing the marauder. I am. But this is a nice touch, and furthers my storyline, so I'll let you get away with it, but never again.)

 

A masked figure watched the scene from a rooftop nearby. He sighed, apparently appalled, and, with a golden flash at his waist, leapt over the house with two wings out. He dropped what appeared to be a water balloon down onto the house, and it reacted to the heat and expanded.

 

Yet... a silver sword fell off of his back. It landed- blade buried in the dirt- down in front of Harmonic. It clipped one of his hooves, drawing blood, but a bit of extra pain was all that was needed to disable the spell. The warrior glided out of sight, towards the Everfree Forest... and Blackwater.

 

(Tada! 1: Harmonic's reward for guessing the speakers. 2: A tantalizing hint. 3: Ending a disaster before it happens. Like a good DM.  Sorry if I got a bit too invasive or overpowered.)

(Spoiler: It was a different maurader, namely one from blackwater camp, not the main one)

Harmonic wakes up, looking around. He can hardly see through the smoke. Slowly it started to clear away. He sat up and looked around, what had happened? Who was that? These were all questions that he was pondering as he stood back up on his hooves. To his surprise there didn't appear to be much structural damage. He looked at Addem who he had noticed ran towards the house earlier.

 

"Thanks for coming to help, how did you know?" He asks, a bit intrigued. He brushes himself off with his hooves, he is a bit bruised from the encounter.

Edited January 18, 2013 by Harmonic Revelations

[Addem Up 246]

"Thanks for coming to help, how did you know?" 

Addem helped the stallion up, then tapped his glasses. "Paralysis spell plus fire spell never equals anything good." He paused, reconsidering the stallion's words, then said, "My glasses can detect certain types of magical energy. I don't pay too much attention to it usually, but that combination... I had to check it out." He stepped back, eyeing Harmonic. "You all right?"

[Faceless 101]

Faceless had been listening to the whole discussion quietly, mulling over the options. Of course he was going to join the band of ponies, but he was unnerved by the option of having to use his weapon, especially when his sword-fighting skills never got as far as practice. However, he had a trick up his sleeve.

 

Flyer made his way back to his house and went to a portrait on the wall. He slid it off to reveal a safe. Cliched, he knew, but safe nevertheless. Inside was some savings and a few keep-sakes. His hoof reached further into the safe until it came in contact with some leather. He pulled out a leather sash, which looked normal at first, until he reached into a compartment of it and retrieved a knife. Faceless spun round and threw it at the portrait, hitting his target accurately. He never liked the thing anyway.

 

Faceless hoped he wouldn't have to use the knives as he retrieved his knife and put it back into its individual pocket. He smiled and went to his bed, to be well rested for the days ahead.

[Harmonic Revelations 8,836]

Addem helped the stallion up, then tapped his glasses. "Paralysis spell plus fire spell never equals anything good." He paused, reconsidering the stallion's words, then said, "My glasses can detect certain types of magical energy. I don't pay too much attention to it usually, but that combination... I had to check it out." He stepped back, eyeing Harmonic. "You all right?"

"Yes, I am, for the most part, thank you. I really shouldn't leave you unrewarded for your kindness, besides, you'll find more use for this than I will, I'm sure of it." Harmonic says. He uses his magic to remove a painting from the wall, and behind it is a safe, he twists it very quickly, and it opens. He levitates something out of it, it appears to be a silver helmet with some type of purple gem in the center.

 

"I had found this on a previous expedition to some ruins outside Canterlot, but I don't need it. Besides, it emits some kind of magical aura I haven't been able to decipher." Harmonic levitates the helmet infront of Addem.

[Addem Up 246]

"Yes, I am, for the most part, thank you. I really shouldn't leave you unrewarded for your kindness, besides, you'll find more use for this than I will, I'm sure of it." Harmonic says. He uses his magic to remove a painting from the wall, and behind it is a safe, he twists it very quickly, and it opens. He levitates something out of it, it appears to be a silver helmet with some type of purple gem in the center.

 

"I had found this on a previous expedition to some ruins outside Canterlot, but I don't need it. Besides, it emits some kind of magical aura I haven't been able to decipher." Harmonic levitates the helmet infront of Addem.

 

Addem's eyes widen. "Oh. Oh my. This is... I've never seen anything like this before." He trots around the helmet, excitedly adjusting his glasses. "Even the crystalline structure of the gem's something I've never seen before! This could revolutionize my work! Thank you!" He takes the helmet, turning it over in his hooves and beaming up at Harmonic.

[N8C8 56]

Swish went back to his inn room.

"I guess I won't be needing this today..." Swish said, taking off his gear, and setting it next to his bed.

He jumped onto his bed, reaching for the lamp to turn it off. He had to get some sleep if he wanted to act at his best tomorrow. Swish lied down, and tried to get some sleep.

[Faceless 101]

(On phone so excuse me for any mistakes!)

Faceless tried to get comfortable in his bed, but only was able to get a few short-lived naps. He was confused by his behaviour. He was never really jittery before an expedition, so why now? Was it about his last adventure? The sudden breach of quiet? Or was it, more likely, the realisation that violence may become apparent in this quest.

 

Expeditions usually didn't require such force. He was going somewhere where nopony had been in centuries. His only problems then was getting TO those places. Sure, it was usually armed to the teeth in booby traps, puzzles and the odd haunting, but it never faced him. To Flyer, this was different. He was going against very alive ponies which he may have to kill. He hadn't killed anypony since...

 

Faceless quickly pushed away his past to the back of his mind. As he rose out of his bed and got his stuff together. He wasn't going to get any sleep so he might as well be there early... While it was still dark. Faceless got out of the door, and made his way to the meeting point.

Edited January 19, 2013 by Faceless

[Harmonic Revelations 8,836]

Addem's eyes widen. "Oh. Oh my. This is... I've never seen anything like this before." He trots around the helmet, excitedly adjusting his glasses. "Even the crystalline structure of the gem's something I've never seen before! This could revolutionize my work! Thank you!" He takes the helmet, turning it over in his hooves and beaming up at Harmonic.

"No problem, I'm going to try to get rested for tomorrow. I'm not going to report this to the guards. We don't need more attention." Harmonic says with almost a double-take. He wasn't that sure of his plan but it was the best one he had. He trotted towards his bed, and plopped down onto it. Tomorrow would bring yet another adventure, and possibly untold riches. At this thought he smiled and drifted off to sleep.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Steel sat in the lamp light of his rented room at the inn. The pen in his mouth scribbled at the stationary.

 

"Well I'm sure we can find out what your supposed to do." Said Posey.

 

"How?!" Demanded Mosaic.

 

"Well . . . how'd you get your cutie-mark?" Asked the nervous earth pony.

 

​"Amnesia remember?" Mosaic said, tapping her hoof to her head. "I couldn't remember my name a week ago! How am I supposed to know what THIS means!?" The unicorn pointed to her cutie mark. An odd arrangement of abstract shapes in various colors.

 

Steel would experience inspiration at odd times. Sometimes talking with others would just cause something to come to him. Suddenly a scene that had grinded to a halt became a new chapter.

 

Steel put his pen down and looked at his scabbards leaning against the wall. He got up and slipped his wings into the sheathes to remove his weapons. He gave them a few test swings. The blades slightly whistling through the air.

 

"I hope we can find him before he reforges Delta. I doubt even Red Pommel could contend with anypony armed with such a weapon."

 

Steel swung his left sword out in a horizontal strike, then followed up with an upswing of his right sword. 

 

Then down blocked with his right and thrusted with his left. He spun on his hooves and did a sweeping double strike. He rolled forward and double thrusted.

 

He back flipped, swinging blades below him in an arc. He landed, then swung out with his right blade . . . taking the head off of one of the bed posts.

 

 . . . .

 

Steel awkwardly placed the post back on and backed up a bit to see if it fell off. 

 

"Good enough." He judged. Returning his weapons to their holding, he took his place back at the desk and continued to write.

 

"Maybe we can take you to my friend." Posey suggested. "He's a . . . I think he called himself a shaman."

 

KA-TUNK!

 

Steel flinched as the post head hit the floor.

 

"Grrr I hope I can take our adversary's head off as easily as I can furniture!" Steel grumbled to himself. 

[Faceless 101]

Faceless got to the meeting point and sat down. He sighed as he rubbed his temple and looked at his watch. I'm going to be waiting a while. Flyer double checked he had everything before sitting down and sighing, his bangles on his hind-leg jangling slightly.

 

For a moment, Faceless considered scouting out the camp, but decided he didn't want to do something stupid, which he probably would. The streets were empty at Ponyville. He reached into his bag and took out a leather journal. He then started to while away the early morning by writing....