File: sim112.png (3.35 MB, 1536x1536)

3.35 MB PNG

>>43259286
>>43259298
>>43259419
>>43259508
"Say, would you be ready to give up banditry and reform into becoming nice, productive members of society?" You ask the bandit five ponies.
"Oh, shut up, you…" One of the larger mares grumbles in response.
"I can't say I expected a different answer…" You shake your head. "Well? Anything else you want to add before we bring you to the guards? Some remorse? Any information, perhaps? Did somepony sent you?"
The bandits say nothing in return, only glaring at you defiantly.

"Then off to jail with you!" White Gold exclaims, as the 14-feet mare starts to hoist your aggressors on her back. "Haha! A flawless victory for justice against evil! If I'm not knighted after that, I don't know what it'll take!"

While you travel back to the city, a part of you wonders if you could have done something else with those bandits. Perhaps, after asking your companions to go fetch back-up, you could have negotiated their freedom against a kiss or more from the two big, buxom mares among them.
Given the difference in size, that would have been asking to have the tables turned on you. Which would have been terrible, but also very, very hot.
Well, too late for regrets at this point. Unless you somehow plan to break these ponies out of jail, this is probably the last you'll see of them. Since you arrived in Sky Diamond a little after noon, the sun is starting to set by the time you're back in the city. The guards relieve you from the custody of the five bandits, thanking you for making the countryside a little safer.

>What do?
>Celebrate with your companions this evening?
>Try to look for Knifepoint? If so, how or where?

>>43261787
Ask Hilda is she's willing to go to the gutters, and neighboring districts, to scout if she sees Knifepoint. Perhaps she can guide Knifepoint to the tavern we're staying at later this evening. Or if she's busy with something else, Hilda can just come back and notify us what has Knifepoint busy.

White Gold sure seems energetic. Ask what inspired her to be an awesome knight in the first place. Point out how our magic changed her body as well, and tease her lightly on a knight carrying such a voluptuous body in the first place. Curious to see how she reacts to a lewd tease. Also want to probe on why she didn't choose to grow teats by teasingly asking that as well (armored teat bra would be neat and fun to see). Tell her a true knight must have a proper balance after all!
Aside from that, ask White Gold if she plans to directly go to her master after this success. We would be glad to give a word of recommendation!

>>43261787
How come you ended the thread so fast yesterday without giving us a notice Growfag did something happened? I didn't get to post my long reply at 9:46 pm it was going to be about our team interrogating the bandits with a line of questions about who sent them, how they found them, and was this personal or just a quick job for them to get easy money, while having them be threatened intimidated by White and Featherpoint in order to get something out of them.

I will say this is a very handy perk for Gold thank you if we do a hard quest with her and grow her bam she not only gain a massive growth permanently, we'll finish a hard mission with ease gaining more money and exp without always having to use almost all our mana to make it successful. Also wow I think this was the first time we ever capture an enemy hostile mare after beating her in a battle usually they run away or dies. Guess you wanted to give us anons an opportunity to decide our enemy's fate this time we either arrest her, negotiating with her, or be naughty with her. Depending on what new quests we're undertake next there will be times we'll capture a hostile mare alive sometimes after winning a fight against them and determine what becomes of them next.

Celebrate our victory with our warrior teammates proposing a toast to White passing her first test to being a Knight, while asking Hilda to go find Knifepoint for us in the capital. Tell the rat we'll have a meal waiting and ready for her when she returns.

Make White more excited and proud to have met us by telling her our powers, we gave her are permanent and that he'll be hanging around in sky diamond for a while, her dreams of being a full fledge knight is guarantee with his help. Praise her skills and flirt with her by saying how impressive we are that despite receiving a magic boost that fill her with overwhelming strength she was able to adapt and easily show restraint in her abilities and not executed the bandits, she a considerate and honourable mare who will be a great knight one day. Moreover, " Your way of fighting was so carefully aggressive and precise quick it was like you were dancing quite an excellent display of control dominance and lighting fast graceful movements you did White". Lastly, express his relieved of him using his mana in time to save her from being captured and tortured from the bandits playfully banter "Guess I became your knight in shining armor at the time where it was most critical, huh Golden".

Ask White Gold what kind of noble is she? What is her life like? Ask if anypony has a grudge against her family isn't it strange the bandits we encounter know exactly where to find us how did they do it?

Ask Featherpoint does she have any idea who that group of bandits were?

Ask White gold if she okay to allow us a adventurer bard to sing about her achievements her road to knighthood, slewing a pack of wolves and triumphing over a gang of lawless bandits foiling their hostage extortion plans.

>>43261787
> Unless you somehow plan to break these ponies out of jail
Tempting. What's going to happen to them if we don't? What drives ponies to banditry, anyway?
If there's still time for it, look for Knife in the gutters before we celebrate with Feather and Gold. By the way, ask our companions what would it take to get us invited to Southshore, as well as why an adventurer would want to get invited. There may be an adventurers' guild with rare quests or something. We don't need it right now, but it's good to know our prospects.

>>43262226
Pretty sure it just fell off the board

>>43262226
It fell off. That's pretty obvious.

Bump

Coming back tomorrow

>>43263459

I'm gonna skip today again unfortunately

>>43264934

>>43261850
>>43262226
>>43262363
"What's gonna happen to these bandits, now?" You ask.
"They're probably gonna stay in custody in this guard post for a few days, until the authorities can arrange some form of trial." Featherpoint replies. "We won't need to be there since they pretty much confessed everything, it'll be only to decide their sentence. They're certainly gonna be in jail for a good while, with some civil service so it's not a complete waste."

"That's a little sad." You react, and then ponder out loud. "What can drive a pony to banditry?"
"Depends." Featherpoint shrugs. "Some are part of organized crime, some just try to survive. If you want my two cents, we still live in a kingdom where there's still too many of them. Too many times, they get away with robbing some honest folks, and what's the message then? That you can get what you want with brute strength, and then the cycle continues. But, well…" There the pegasus mare lets out a nervous chuckle. "Listen to me here, trying to sound like some philosopher while I know fuck all about the subject. I can only guess actually. And, hey, wouldn't it be a problem for adventurers if bandits went away? That would be many quests that we couldn't do! Maybe that's what bandits are after all. Adventurers that didn't get a job for too long and got desperate."

You decide to take the rest of this conversation to an inn in the fine streets. As you arrive, you entrust to your rat-friend the mission to find Knifepoint in the Channels district and to ask her if she'd like to come here.
"Finally some action!" Hilda readily accepts. "Sure, this target won't be hard to find! That way I'll see what the rodents of this city are made of, too."

After the ribboned rat boldly runs to disappear in the closest alley, you go sit inside with your two companions of the day. Featherpoint already has a pint in hoof, and you soon all toast at your first victory in Sky Diamond.

"I guess none of you knew any of these bandits, right?" You ask. "Could have they been hired by some enemy of your family, White Gold?"
"I wouldn't know." The white-maned mare shakes her head. "I mean, I don't think I have enemies yet, and when my parents talk about ponies they don't like, it's only even been other businessponies."
"We'll probably never know." Featherpoint says between two sips of ale. "If they've been hired, talking about their contractor would put then at risk of getting shanked. And they know that."

"Hm. That makes sense I guess." You nod to yourself, and then turn to White Gold. "So, what inspired you to become an awesome knight? Striving for justice or…"
"Of course!" White Gold nods. "And how knight are awesome fighters! I've heard stories about them finding and beating evil ponies and monsters alike since I was a foal. I was allowed to start training with a sword quite early, and I think I've become quite good at it at this point! After today, I feel like my efforts are about to pay off very soon!"

File: sim113.png (2.96 MB, 1952x1112)

2.96 MB PNG

>>43267389
"You sure ended up doing some knightly job out there earlier." You nod. "You didn't even have to go all out and made sure all these bandits came out alive, even though they were clearly ready to hurt you pretty bad. You were really impressive to watch."
"Hehe." The mare seems to appreciate the compliment. "Thank you, bard."
"You even adapted immediately to my spell." You add. "Which is another proof of your mastery. Not just every pony can deal with a change of scale so sudden. By the way, you've surely noticed my spell changed you in other ways than just height. Is it common for a knight to carry such a voluptuous body in battle? You sure look more… shapely than when we met."
"Huh? What do you mean?" White Gold poorly pretends not to get your point, her meaty behind nervously shifting on her seat. "These are merely some evil-kicking thighs. It's mostly muscle, you know?"
"Right." Your smile widens. "I'll let you know my magic is tied to emotion and desire, yours in that case. So, did this spell also give you some evil-kissing lips?"
"Knights still get to enjoy life, you know!" She retorts with a slight blush. "I mean… it's for tasting! I promise you this mug of ale feels better that way..."

"Sure, I believe you." You chuckle, while the mare takes another gulp from her drink. "But wouldn't it make life even more enjoyable if you also sported some… let's say…" You mime two very large orbs with your hooves. "Awe-striking teats? You've seen what my magic can do. Any body you want, you can have it."
"Mmh… Would that work out for me?" The mare tilts her head as she ponders. "In my mind, among heroes, it's mostly the magicians and healers who have large ones. Knights or fighters can't have them flopping around in action."
"I'm sure today's blacksmiths can forge an adequate plate or bra to keep a mare's bosom in place in battle." You attempt to dismiss the mare's concerns. "You need to balance your assets, White Gold! On the front AND the back."
She doesn’t reply to that, and you're not sure how much she's considering the idea. Perhaps another friend of yours could show her the allure of having some massive udders…

"Would you accept to tell me what a noble's life is like?" You ask White Gold, changing the subject. "I mean, it is rather obvious you're part of the nobility."
"Then you realize you didn't show at all the due respect to a noble lady, right?" White Gold smirks. "Don't worry, I prefer it that way. And frankly, I feel like I'm double lucky on that front. I know lots of pony struggle and have to work a lot just to get by, and not only did I live shielded from that, but my parents also supported me even as I didn't really like all the… formal stuff nobles are expected to put up with, and chose the way of a fighting knight instead. So… sorry, I'm probably not the right pony to ask if you want to know what the average noble's life is like."

>>43267390
"Say, what would it take for me to be allowed to go to the Southshore district?" You ask White Gold.
"Depends." White Gold shrugs. "What do you want to do there?"
"Well, just visiting." You return the gesture. "It's the first time I got in Sky Diamond. I'd like to take a peek about everywhere."
"Eh… that's not a valid reason, sorry." White Gold shakes her head. "Ponies live here, you know? And there's an arrangement so the neighborhood remains quiet and clean. And also, that's all there is to see there. Houses. Big and pretty ones I guess, but that's it. I don't think you're missing out on anything."

"Well… sounds like you live in the Southshore district." She nods to that. "After our adventure, I'd love to give a word of recommendation to your instructor, if you want me to. Are you gonna meet with Pale Gleam today still?"
"Oh! I…" White Gold's eyes light up at your suggestion. "Now that you say it, my exploits will be even more undeniable with you vouching for me! Great! I'm seeing Pale Gleam tomorrow afternoon and you can get into the Southshore district if I'm inviting you, so we could both get what we want!"

>What do?
>Accept this invitation?
>Chat some more?

>>43267392
>What do?
Hug Gold and say it will be a great honor to be there with her.

>Accept this invitation?

>Chat some more?
Ask where can he set up a stage big enough for a musical fire dance show?

>>43267392
>so the neighborhood remains quiet
Was Gold a troublemaker as a kid? I still think the nameless gang just saw her job application and rolled with it, but the entire Southshore except for her parents conspiring to arrange her kidnapping (and assassination? The bandits didn't wear any masks or cutie mark covers) because they hate her for roughing up their garden plants with wooden swords for so many years makes as good a theory as any.
Do yellow gems on her equipment mean anything? Is it even gems?
>trying to sound like some philosopher while I know fuck all about the subject
So Featherpoint doesn't interact with bandits and organized crime all that much on her other job? What does she do, then? We don't know how specialized they are in the SDGD, I sort of expected that every one of them does a bit of everything. In any case, encourage her to be a warrior philosopher, like in the old legends.

>>43267392
Heck yeah, accept the invite this will Kill three birds with one stone we'll be able to explore more of the Capital, help Gold win her dream, and spend more time with White.

Ask White gold if she okay to allow us a adventurer bard to sing a song about her achievements tonight her road to knighthood, slewing a pack of wolves and triumphing over a gang of lawless bandits.

Ask how come her family support her on not being all nobility like, most noble's are strict on teaching their children to behave formal and arrogantly smug to be respected? Express gratitude to White on how well her parents raises her to not look down on commoners and not have a superiority ego.

Ask them who is in charge of the castle in Sky Diamond a king or queen, or is it both?

Ask Featherpoint does she sometimes feels more like a detective than a guardmare when she's on a quest?

Flirt with Gold that her mane is white as snow and soft as a fluffy cloud, her coat is bright as a honeycomb, and her determination to do what's right makes her a reliable sweet comforting mare to trust being around as somepony's protector to save them when they're feel their life is in danger.

>>43267390
>Featureless crotch
Missed opportunity for casual nudity

>>43268713
desu she looks hotter like that

>>43267392
Knifepoint would definitely be interested in joining us seeing Southshore District, but it's difficult to find a reason for her to join us in White Gold's eyes.

coming back tomorrow

>>43270243
okei

boopa

>>43267474
>>43267725
>>43268409
"Sure! That sounds great!" You readily nod. "Do I need to show up somewhere or will you come to pick me up?"
"Nah, you'll just have to talk to the guards at the gate." White Gold replies. "I'll leave them a note when I go back home this evening. They should tell you how to get you my house too."

"Then it's settled." You nod again. "I'll come tomorrow afternoon. By the way, you say the whole district is behind gates to protect it against noise and trouble. Did you happen to have a hoof in this trouble, when you were a filly perhaps?"
"Woah, they didn't put the district behind gates because of me." White Gold chuckles. "I don't know what you're imagining, but I wasn't any kind of menace in the district at all in fact."
"Ah, my bad then." You nod. "I'm just really surprised. I didn't think nobles would be like you, and I figured that since you don't exactly follow their norms, that might have caused some friction between you and other ponies."
"There were a couple tussles between and other kids, but nothing that blew out of proportion." White Gold recounts. "You know, when you're 10 or something, the rules and politeness of nobility are boring to every filly. I had some friends I could play with at the time."
"And you family was okay with that?" You ask. "I mean, the fact you didn't really like these rules?"
"Mostly, yes." The big mare nods. "Like I said, I was able to pursue my own interests, and yes I'm glad for that."

"And I'm glad you also don't seem to have anything against working with commoners either, but… I also wondered if that could have been the reason for some ponies to have something against you and sent the thugs of this afternoon after us." You ponder out loud. "But if that's not the case… Perhaps they just saw the quest and thought they had a chance to capture a noble."
"That sounds likely to me." Featherpoint reacts. "Sometimes, just a good-looking occasion is all it takes for bandits to go after a target."
"Wait, really?" White Gold sounds surprised. "Well, I… W-we all made it out okay, so it's all fine, right?"
"Of course." You nod. "That's just being adventurers as far as I'm concerned. You got no reason to feel bad."

"By the way, how much do you interact with bandits in your job?" You turn towards the pegasus mare. "You really didn't see any of the faces that attacked us before?"
"Nope. And you know, unlike what some old farts say, it's not that easy to come out of jail." She replies. "Criminals aren't just released into the streets, and when they are after a long time in the block, they're usually smart enough to travel to another place if they don't plan to find a legal job."
"And do you interact with organized crime at all in the guard? Do you do investigations?" You ask. "What do you do in your job exactly?"

File: sim114.png (2.65 MB, 1536x1536)

2.65 MB PNG

>>43271568
"Heh. Actually…" Featherpoint nods at White Gold. "It's usually knights who take the lead on investigating organized crime and catching the big fishes. Sometimes we help them for operations that require lots of ponies, but that's pretty rare. Most of my days I'm patrolling, controlling traders and carts, or just taking care of very minor offences. I've been at the gates of the Shouthshore district from time to time too."

"Is that why you go on quests too?" You ask. "That way you get to break a case all by yourself."
"Ha!" She scoffs. "Yeah, that's part of the appeal. But it's also scarier to have it all rest on your own back. To be honest, I'm glad I can pick my quests and not have that kind of responsibility over my head on my day job."
"Sounds like you have a rather good idea of what you're doing and why." You comment. "Both as a guard and as an adventurer, perhaps you should aim to become a philosopher warrior, like in the legends. A mare who gets a deeper understanding of the world as she fights and protects ponies in need."
"Now you're being silly, Hearty." She smirks at you. "That was just some guardsmare rambling about ponies not following the law, earlier. But let me have another two or three pints and I'll spout out all the philosophy you can dream of."

You chat some more with the mares into the night. After you ask, they tell you that the royal family at this time is composed of King Earthborne the Third and Queen Meteor the First who are ruling together. They have three children: Princess Aurora who's next in line for the throne, Princess Starfall and Prince Zeolite. You ask about the possibility of renting a room for a big performance, but even White Glod can't tell you anything more that to directly talk to either the Conservatory or ask at the opera house of the capital. White Gold tells you the yellow gemstone is part of the coat of arms of her family.
You also sing about White Gold's beauty, her honeycomb-like coat and cloud-like mane, as well as her bravery when she faces danger. This gets the big aspiring knight to blush at your performance, and Featherpoint, who's had one pint too many at this point, to laugh loudly at your musical flirting.
After hugging the huge White Gold goodnight, she and Featherpoint go back to their respective home while you book a room at the inn and go to sleep.

Though, your rest is quickly interrupted, first as you dimly hear big thuds coming closer, and then when an immense weight submerges your body before your mouth is taken in a big, eager kiss that silences any protest you could have had.
"Well, well, well…" You hear Knifepoint's voice in the night, while you pant for air after the surprise kiss. "Look who it is. Did you miss me that much Hearty? You even ditched your two other friends because you couldn't get enough of me, didn't you?"

>What do?

will most likely return on sunday

boopa

>>43271571
Okay, we have two possible locations where Chara can do her dance, but we need to check them out first to see if either one is big enough to handle more than a 30 feet tall see zebra when we grow her, so the place she performing won't be destroy in the end with tons of innocents being crush or burn alive as a result. Next, it's very cute seeing hearty hugging the noble it looks like she holding a colt in need of attention. A spark of romance between a former farmer bard and a knight noble will be quite the achievement for us. Hmm I wonder if we'll ever meet with the royal family in Sky Diamond it would awesome if we manage to get the chance to flirt and win Princess Aurora or Princess Starfall heart. It's great we're back together with Knifepoint Hilda managed to find her and bring her to us. We should definitely reward her with a big breakfast in the tavern tomorrow, as thanks to her efforts doing this favor for us.

Embrace our rogue lover with all the love and might Hearty has for her"Knifepoint, you're here I finally found you. The day you left Port Sunrise, while I was on my date with Brass Compass surprised me, so I've left a message to Chara to pass onto Brass and came running after you the next day hoping to catch up with you on the road you're not getting away from me that easily, but you already had a day's headstart to get here. However, that didn't stop me to keep searching all over for you. You're my marefriend and I really miss being with you. You're right by the way. Your affections, massive body, and perky tits is like an obsessive addicted drug or dash of adrenaline that I can't stop getting enough of too have and I want more of you".

Ask where she was before coming to find her coltfriend? Tell her about the solo adventures he had and we have enough mana to grow her again. Express hearty delight on looking forward to his special treat coming off her teats, he's been waiting for a long time to enjoy his sensual desires of sucking milk off on a mare giant crotchboobs and that time is finally upon him. Cast reunited with friends and Ode to Perfection on Knifepoint kill two birds with one stone. She'll have a taller body with more strength and at her discretion she'll overflow her curvey assets with however much milk knifepoint believe she can hold that won't hinder her progress to move them at ease.

Missionary position and Side by side position with making out and warm cuddles.

>>43272056

>>43271571
>What do?
Passive ability and Ode. Relish in the passion moments of a lactated zebra mare.

>>43271571
Tease her a little. Can't a well-respected adventurer have his own reasons to haste to the capital? Maybe we wanted to visit an archeological museum so much we simply couldn't wait. Imagine all these potsherds.
How does Sky Diamond seem so far, both on its own terms and in comparison with her home's capital? How much a house near the lake costs? Did she grow up in a big city?

>>43271571
Is that so? Is she sure it isn't the other way around? Breaking into her coltfriend's room (We did lock our door didn't we?) in the middle of the evening as soon as she was notified that they arrived at the Capital?~ Some would say that's far more scandalous than simply heading to the capital early.

After some more teasing and kissing back and forth, To lose at the art of teasing considering out profession would mark us a failure as a bard ask if she's willing to experiment now and grow with the bigger and milky teats change we spoke about. If she agrees, explain that the (likely) best way for our magic to work is for her to close her eyes and imagine it while we rub and suck on them. Doesn't hurt to experiment how we can convince mares to grow using Ode to Perfection. Tell her to imagine the milk contained withing them. The quantity being hard to fathom for any ordinary pony. The pleasure she'll feel as she continuously releases bountiful quantities of milk from her teats, and especially the faces on those in the crowd as they embarrassingly attempt to pretend that everything is okay, and that there isn't the largest, most ridiculously curvy, mare in front of them causing trouble, even long after she leaves thanks to the milky mess she left behind for them, as they're now forced to handle the mess she left behind and failing to not remember the source of it.

A bit long, but curious curious to see if our words are able to excite Knifepoint's imagination of her hypothetical body enough to have her teats explode in milk production and size with Ode to Perfection, as opposed to just simple imagination on her part. If it works, then we definitely can use our bard tongue to more effectively use Ode to Perfection.

>>43272057
>Embrace our rogue lover with all the love and might Hearty has for her"Knifepoint, you're here I finally found you. The day you left Port Sunrise, while I was on my date with Brass Compass surprised me, so I've left a message to Chara to pass onto Brass and came running after you the next day hoping to catch up with you on the road you're not getting away from me that easily, but you already had a day's headstart to get here. However, that didn't stop me to keep searching all over for you. You're my marefriend and I really miss being with you.
Not this. It's unnecessary filler for the sake of it.

bump

>>43274819

Will have to return on monday instead

>>43275472

>>43276326

>>43275857
Today is the day

>>43272057
>>43272623
>>43272633
>>43273116
"Isn't it you who came back running to me?" You reply with a mischievous smile. "You even broke in my room at night just to find your coltfriend again."
"Heh." The mare kisses you once more. "Why would you think I 'broke in' your room? I just asked the innkeeper nicely to tell me where you were. Turns out she gave me a spare key without question. That saved me the trouble of picking the lock… or beating the door down."

"You still arrived as soon as you heard I was in town." You smirk. "And what do you know? Perhaps I was just excited to go see the archeological wonders they keep at the royal academy."
"Sure think, smart guy." Knifepoint grins. "Keep acting like I'm not the only wonder your heart desires."
Before you can argue further, you're again silenced by her lips, and her big hot body slowly climbing on the bed, smothering more and more of yours.

"I'm glad you've found me Knifepoint." You breathe out when you get a chance, stopping the games for a moment. "How is it going for you? Did you look around the shouthshore district for a house? It seems like that's where you'll find the gigantic manor of your dreams."
"Not yet." She replies. "I found come office that deals with real estate in that district. But when I asked, they said they would have to schedule an appointment in 3 months before telling me anything more. Sounded more like they didn't want to serve me at all. But yeah, the rich guys of the capital all had the same idea as we did, and it looks like they took all the nicest spots around the lake already."
"So, what's the plan?"
"The big house will come last, after I made my hole in the crust." The big zebra replies. "I only arrived the day before yesterday after all, but I managed to land a couple jobs already in the channels district, to get some contacts. Also, with the coins I already have I'm thinking of buying a place. I got my eyes on a warehouse. That's nothing more than a big empty space right now, but every other house in that district is as small as a horseshoebox to me. I need someplace with room to grow, and who knows? I might soon enough manage to have some business going in here. I think I told you before, but the real coins are made when you got other ponies doing the work for you."

"Sounds good enough for a start." You nod. "But I'm a little curious. How does Sky Diamond compare with your home city. You were born in the zebra capital, right?"
"Well…" She ponders. "It's a little hard to say who much the cities are alike when I'm so different. The streets aren't the same when you can swagger around with a thousand pounds of muscle. Some stuff is oddly familiar with where I grew up, though. The stray kids in the streets, the suspicious vendors, the stench of filth in some spots… but there's a lot that's like Mountain's Door too, like the big merchandise carts and hardy worker toiling in the workshops. I even saw a few familiar company names around the foundries."

>>43278195
"Will it be time for payback any time soon?" You ask, but knowing that the answer doesn't matter right away, you immediately change the subject. "But there's another promise I'm more interested in. Are you still up for my… request, regarding your growth?"
"Ah, so that's why you came to this city in such a rush." Knifepoint chuckles. "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten our deal, and I guess you're ready to use more spells on me, right?"

"More than ever." You grin in the dark. "Would you allow me a feel of your teats before I use my spell? I should help you picture the bliss of having them sprout milk."
"Like you need an excuse to want to fondle these." Knifepoint chuckles, sitting up and presenting her massive mammaries to you, slightly squeezing them between her thighs. "But if you want to please my body so bad, I'll give you all the reasons you need."

You get to teasing the mare's thick nipples with your mouth and hooves, and when you grow her to 12 feet tall, you finally get to taste the sweet milk of the growing mare, and squeeze and kneed her massive jugs for the rest of the night. Your dedication to her body was appreciated, given how many moans your ministrations got out of the big zebra. Perhaps you just made this intercourse better simple with how eager getting her wet got you.

You wake up the next day next to Knifepoint, now 12 feet tall, her incredible weight on the mattress indubitably pulling you towards her embrace.
Right now, you can't know if Brass Compass and Chara are scheduled to arrive today or later. You told White Gold you'd visit her this afternoon. you can still do something in the morning.

>What do?

Hopefully I'll be able to gen stuff tomorrow

>>43278197
Let's go explore that adventure guild the Conservatory to check out the quests they have there, see if they have a big enough space for Chara dancing, and if they'll be willing to let us host a show for Chara when she arrives tomorrow.

>>43278197
>What do?
Thank knifepoint for the Heavenly taste of her milky teats. Visit the shops.

>>43278197
Give Knifepoint a morning kiss to start the day, and have a milky breakfast if she allows it. Afterwards, check what's available to purchase at stores to get to know our options.

>>43278197
She doesn't have any experience with telling others what to do yet, right? Gotta admit, it worries me. For what it's worth, we're around if she needs any help. By the way, does she have any decent leader role models to copy, or was it always shitty and backstabby like in Door for her?
>I managed to land a couple jobs already
Anything fun or curious?

Boop

File: sim115_.png (1.05 MB, 900x800)

1.05 MB PNG

>>43278197
Next update will come tomorrow™
In the meantime, here's the image for that milky intercourse with Knifepoint

https://files.catbox.moe/y0s54m.png

>>43279761
Don't think we need to worry about Knifepoint regretting the change and asking us to change her back with that expression.

>>43279761
Glorious work on the lewd picture Growfag; I love it Hearty sucking on Knifepoint's milky crotchboobs. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to allow our magic to fill her boobs with creamy milk. We're definitely gonna enjoy sucking on the zebra milky curves on a daily basis from time to time. Knifepoint face says it all she loves her coltfriend pleasing her body in all sorts of incredible ways being milked like that; its going to bring them even closer together. Wonder who will be the lucky pony to let Hearty suck on their milky crotchboobs next?

>>43278197
Drink more of her milk tits at the source, have breakfast together, and browse the stores items and presents.

>>43279209

>>43278227
>>43278367
>>43278681
>>43278807
You kiss Knifepoint good morning. On the nipple. And start your breakfast with milk before the oats while the big zebra mare moans awake.

"So you've done a couple jobs already?" You inquire, once you're done with your morning fuck and that you're down in the common room of the inn for breakfast. "Was it anything out of the ordinary?"
"Eh. Nothing too original." Knifepoint shrugs. "I've been asked to gather information about the shifts in some place. Gotta say, not that long ago, I would have sneaked into the office and looked for a calendar or stuff, but this time, all I had to do was to pin an employee against the wall and ask him nicely to get what I needed. I also got to work as a bodyguard for another pony during some heated business talk. You can probably guess that nopony dared to make a scene on my watch."

"I see you're getting in the business of this city." You nod. "But you also said you'd like to have other ponies work for you. Are you sure this gonna work? It's not that easy to manage a whole team."
"You think it's gonna be an issue?" Knifepoint cocks an eyebrow. "Once I got the coins to pay some goons, I won't leave them a chance to steal from me or anything. Besides, whenever they'll look at me, there'll see a very persuasive hint of what could happen to them if they try to cross me."
"I believe there's more to being a leader than that, but I'm sure that'll come with experience and work." You add. "My point is, I'm here if you need support."
"Sure. Thanks, Hearty." She chuckles. "I'll be sure to call you if some of my ponies need to be lulled to sleep, or if some mare wants to grow some giant tits."
"That already sounds much nicer than intimidating your workforce into compliance all the time." You smile. "You're learning the trade already. I'm so proud of you!"

While Knifepoint goes to the channels district to attempt to get herself a place in the capital, you decide to start looking around the city to see what your options are.

First, you decide to look around the shops of the fine streets, and the range of choice just seems completely extravagant compared to what you've seen in cities some far. You find bakeries of all kinds, with country bread like the one around Meadowburg next to premium pastries like those you had in upper Port Sunrise. There are fresh fruits, grains and vegetables, with some stalls already offering ready-to-eats stews, pies, soups and sautés out of them. Those dishes all come seasoned with spices from here and elsewhere, locally grown rosemary or thyme next to hot spices from the Aloes Islands or Zebra Republic. All of that can come with ale, beer, wine or stronger spirits made from about any possible source. Aside from food, the choice is just as immense for about any ware you can think of. You see clothing made of leather, silk, wool and thatch alike, all perfectly cut and brightly tincted, with additional ornaments for the most expansive of them.

>>43281309
Similarly, the jewelry ranges from simple colored stones mounted on polished wooden neckpieces, to tiaras glittering with a hundred diamonds crimped on the silver threads. There are also more flower varieties that you can name, chocolate to purchase, cheese from cow and goats from the mountains, or libraries with even more selection that in Port Sunrise. You think you could find about anything you could want around these streets.

There are also plenty of shops dedicated to adventurers. Only in this district, you already see a large selection of interesting items even aside from the weapons and armors.

>Mana potion
>50 coins
You gain one mana that can exceed your normal mana capacity. You have to use this point of mana before going to sleep or it will be lost.

>Greater mana potion
>110 coins
You gain two manas that can exceed your normal mana capacity. You have to use these points of mana before going to sleep or they will be lost.

>Return spell scroll
>30 coins
Teleports the party to where they each woke up this day. Usually, this can allow you and your companions to abandon a quest without facing the direst consequences.

>Cloud walking potion
>20 coins
A potion that allows you to walk on clouds and handle them the same way a pegasus does until the end of the day.

>Giant's strength potion
>80 coins
A potion that grows the drinker 50% bigger until the end of the day, and overall increases their physical strength in addition. Your growth abilities on a mare who drank this potion are also strengthened by the same ratio, but the extra height gained that way also disappears when the effect of the potion expires.

>Windborne mail
>10 coins
A magical envelope that once sealed will be carried by the wind to whoever is the addressee. This only works if the writer and the recipient know each other personally and that none of them dislikes the other.

>Major mage's armlet
>550 coins
Whenever you use mana, roll1d20 and add it to the armlet's charge. Whenever the charge reaches 50 or that the current charge ends with an even number, the armlet generates 1 mana into its reserve and the charge is reset to 0. The armlet can hold up to 5 mana that you can use in place or in combination with your own.

>Earrings of communication
>150 coins for a pair
A simple tap on this earring allows your voice to eared by any other pony wearing the other earring of the pair. The maximum range for the earrings to work is 20 miles.

>>43281312
>https://ponepaste.org/11646
>Dryad wood luth
>400 coins
An instrument you can wield that has a few additional properties that you activate by playing the instrument. At will, you may animate the nearby plants so they may speak intelligibly to you, giving you information about their surroundings. At will, you may attempt to soothe animals or living plants. You may also spend 1 mana to attempt to cast a soothing spell on ponies or other sentient creatures, greatly lowering their aggression and making them more aggregable for a while. As this is a form of mind alteration, ponies who realize they've been under that spell will not like it.

>Burning resolve (pendant)
>600 coins
When you fail to beat a DC during a quest, you lose 1 mana and get one additional reroll. This effect is triggered again until you beat the DC or until you're out of mana.

>Hero's trial (pendant)
>440 coins
Double the effect of your flaws. You gain 20% more xp from quests, 50% more if your flaw was triggered at least once during a quest.

Now with a good idea about the selection of items to purchase in the capital, next on your list is to visit the Conservatory, where the guild of bards could help you find a scene for Chara. This task brings you to the official district. The streets get really wide around the royal castle, and on your way, you see a huge coliseum as well as the courthouse of the capital, both shining in the sun as they seem to be built with some light, almost white marble. As for the Conservatory, the building has the shape of a large, three-story manor with a very wide garden. The sound of music welcomes you there as some artists are repeating their measures in the middle of trees, fountains and sculptures. Inside, the walls are covered with paintings of all styles and sizes, and the desk that you approach is engraved with a scene of a little crowd of ponies blissfully frolicking in a field of flowers.

"Oh, a scion?" The mare at the desk smiles once you've explained why you're here. "It's been a while we haven't received any of those zebra artists. That sounds very interesting, but I'm afraid no other place than the opera house will do, since your performance needs lots of space. I have two solutions for you, then. The first one would be to rent the opera house in your own name for one evening for 2000 coins. The price is steep of course, but you'll be free to charge how much as you want for the entry, and you could make a hefty profit if you already have some kind of sponsor, and if you can advertise your show enough so that many ponies come to see it. Now, I'm well away that most artist can't afford such costs or risks on their own. But perhaps you've heard, there's a sponsorship offered by the guild to bring new talents on the big scene. You'll have to do a demonstration in front of a committee first, but in turn you might be part of a spectacle free of charge."

File: sim116.png (3.23 MB, 1520x1536)

3.23 MB PNG

>>43281315
And if you're REALLY good, the committee might even decide to book a date just for you and give you a grant! Do you want me to schedule a meeting with the committee? Any time will do as long as it's at least three days from now."
"I… need a second to decide." You reply for now. "Before that, do you happen to offer quests for adventuring bards too?"
"Of course!" The mare nods. "It's your first time around here, right? Let me tell you a little about guilds in the capital, and then I'll show you the quests."

>Quests from guilds won't just be local requests, they can send you all over the kingdom!
>You must have at least 1 companion that's in tune with the guild you want quests from. For the Conservatory, (You) qualify and Chara qualifies.
>New companions for the quest will wait for you at the nearest settlement from the location of the quest
>There's only 1 new companion for a guild quest. You NEED to add at least 1 companion that you know already to accompany you, and who's in tune with the guild (unless (You)'re in tune with guild)
>You may replace the new companion on a guild quest with a second one of your friends. This second companion doesn't need to be relevant with the guild's trade.
>Quests from guilds are at least hard.

Festivities for the elder fairy.
>Location: Meeting Grounds
>Client: Prince Zeolite
>Years ago, I, prince Zeolite married the queen of the fairies at the end of a series of games my brave companions and I participated in. Since then, ponies and the fey have been at peace with each other. However, my dear queen has been feeling nostalgic about the excitement she got from the games we once partook in. Of course, there's no feud at stake this time, but we plan to organize a big series of games during which the fey and ponies will compete in various displays of skill, and I'd like for the bravest and most entertaining pony heroes to join us. Be careful, tough, fairies love to spice up any kind of game with tricks and sometimes dangerous jokes of their own. I await you at the Meeting Grounds!
>Reward: 200 xp, 200 coins, elder fairy's blessing
>You'd be attempting this quest along 1 other adventurer: Cymbals the Acrobat
>You also need to bring 1 companion yourself
>Expected challenge: hard

>>43281318
An aria for the sirens
>Location: Aloes Islands
>Client: Mayor Black Pepper
>Ever since the islands have been inhabited, the eastern part of the archipelago has remained desert. The reason being that a colony of sirens, powerful ocean dwellers, inhabits this region. They've taken away ponies who merely treaded nearby, making them disappear under the waves, lured by their enthralling voices. However, recent discoveries in ancient texts of indigenous tribes indicate a possible origin for this hostility. Long ago, the story reads, the sirens got curious about the ponies who sailed over their waters, and went to greet them. The sirens asked to see the most beautiful thing the ponies had to offer, however, may it be in sculpture, dance, writing, painting or any other display of beauty, each time the sirens remained unimpressed, and instead were able to show a greater, more impressive piece of art that left the ponies of old in awe. This culminated in a contest of singing, at the end of which the ponies, probably completely seduced by the siren's songs, swore them fealty for as long as they couldn't match such beauty themselves. If there's any truth to this story, perhaps there could be a way to achieve some form of understanding, or at least a truce with these sirens, if we could show that a piece or a demonstration of art that could impress them enough to revise their judgement. In all cases, I wish for adventurers to find a way the make the eastern part of the archipelago safe from the sirens.
>Reward: 500 xp, 500 coins
>You'd be attempting this quest along 1 other adventurer: Turquoise the Expert Water Scion
>You also need to bring 1 companion yourself
>Expected challenge: very hard

Catch the perverted collector.
>Location: Sky Diamond
>Client: Opera house manager Stentor
>For over two months now, there's been a series of thefts in the opera house's changing rooms. The thief seems to target artist mares of all kind, stealing a single piece of clothing from them while they're on the scene. The perpetrator has taken a habit of leaving a letter after their misdeeds, in which they'd describe the salacious thoughts they entertain about the victim and the depraved acts they plan to do with their haul. However, the display of thieving skills to perform these despicable acts is baffling. No lock has resisted this thief thus far, none of the guards at the door could catch a glimpse of them, and the one time a guard was stationed inside the changing room, we then found him knocked out by sleeping darts. We need adventurers skilled enough to catch this evil-doer!
>Reward: 100 xp, 350 coins
>You'd be attempting this quest along 1 other adventurer: Mauve Heavens the Drama Queen
>You also need to bring 1 companion yourself
>Expected challenge: hard

>What do?
>Apply for a sponsorship with the committee? (the audition can take place in three days or later if you want.)

>>43281319
Let's try to make the money on our own, for the fun of it. She mentioned advertising, how does it usually work around here? Is it something we're expected to buy in addition to spending 2000 if we decide to go without any external sponsorship?
How many other guilds with quests does this city have?
The siren quest is surely the gem of this selection, but we may need a couple more levels for it. The pantsu quest, however, we may be able to tackle today if Gold, Feather or Knife is up for it. Ask Hilda how she would approach catching this thief. The only idea I have so far is to look for some kind of a protection against somnifacients.

>>43281319
How off on the option until we can to Chara about this. Setting up our own show can be interesting, but we need to think hard on how to attract enough ponies to make a profit. Let's go back to meet up with Gold. Hopefully we can also get her to get a full view of Knifepoint in all her glory so we can change her mind. Though, I doubt the two would personally get along.

>>43281319
>What do?
Catch the perverted collector. Bring White Gold

>>43280954

>>43281319
Heh Hearty is a lucky stallion to have a zebra, to suck her milky crotchboobs off first before he did it to a pony. Speaking of which these items, pastries, and gifts we took a look at hmm pretty impressive gonna think on this for a while before deciding to buy anything.

But I will say this yikes 2000 coins rent out the opera space for one night, we might need to take up on the sponsor idea in that case. However, I just noticed something if the opera house has the only viable space for Chara to do her show, then we should take up the Third Quest the client is the Opera house manager. Therefore, if we were able to catch the thief and return all the stolen items for Mr or Ms. Stentor then we might be able ask for their permission to use the opera for Chara dance free of charge, although if that idea doesn't work we may have to talk with Chara about it, in order to figure out if we should take the sponsorship or not for her show and if we do how do we go about convincing the bards committee to accept us.

Quest 3 and let's take Gold with us we were going to see her again in the afternoon anyway; might as well have her tag along for this morning mission, plus she already our muse and this is a hard quest, furthermore we'll be able to unlock more of her bonuses and put her training more to the test she did well fighting full force, but how well can she do in stealth dealing with a challenging foe who is good at sneaking around like a spy and strikes hidden in the shadows?! Shame Knifepoint didn't came with us here to the Conservatory we coulda brought her along to meet with Gold and have her witness the zebra massive teats to give her some perspective that having orbs like that isn't so bad and who knows those two will probably be fast friends or rivals maybe both. Lastly, this Mauve heavens call the drama queen very interesting her name and title makes it sounds like this guild mare will be a spitting image of Rarity from the g4 Mlp series with all her overly dramatic to theatrics and classic gentlemare maturity.

>>43282628

>>43282644
>>43282134
>>43281864
>>43281383
"I'm going to wait until my friend arrives before scheduling an appointment." You say.
"Sounds good to me." The mare at the counter nods. "I'm looking forward to it."
"Thanks. Also, does the 2000 coins tag includes some form of advertisement? Or what would I need to do exactly?"
"If you rent the opera house, the services you'll get include ponies for selling the tickets, taking care of the stage and lights, security, and cleaning." The mare from the Conservatory tells you. "Your performance will also be displayed on the schedule of the opera as soon as we book the date, and in the journal of the guild. To advertise it more, well, tell your friends about it! And tell them to tell their own friends. You can also do any anything you want to make the townsfolk aware of it, like pass out flyers about it. We have a printing pressing for that. You can get 100 flyers for 10 coins."

You thank the desk mare for the information. For now, you think about tackling this guild quest that's right at Sky Diamond. Since you're dealing with some rogue-ish matter, you first decide to ask your rat-friend her expert opinion on this job.
"Mmh… if this burglar is as cunning as these acts suggest, I don’t think we can just hope to find clues around the opera house and catch them that way." Hilda ponders aloud. "We need to ambush them! Their weakness is obviously their perverted obsession. We can basically know the place of their next misdeed, and we'll catch them when they reach for the prize."
There are rehearsals at the opera house very often, so you can hope to catch the thief at about any time.

While you could ask Knifepoint to join you on this job, you don't have a mean to ask White Gold right away. Indeed, your invitation to the Southshore district isn't for now, but you could send her a letter if you really want the aspiring knight on this case.

>What do?
>Write a windborne mail to White Gold and ask her to join? (10 coins)
>Go on the quest with Knifepoint?
>Wait until the afternoon and visit White Gold before anything else?

A bit off topic but all of Growfag's work is being uploaded to Twibooru but without the names of the characters names being tagged and I have no interest in fixing all that myself but I thought one of you might want to.

https://twibooru.org/tags/artist-colon-growfag

>>43283507
How about we quickly make a few coins doing some other quest, either for some other guild or for this district, then meet with Gold as planned, and catch the pervert with her in the morning? Or maybe Knifepoint would want to invite us to a morally dubious adventure of her choosing? It feels a little rude to pester you for new quests so soon, but then again, barging into all guilds and pestering everybody - isn't it what visiting a fantasy capital for the first time is all about? That, and sightseeing, and getting robbed.
By the way, Hilda never told us what she thinks about the rodents of this city. Is there anybody like Thornea? Maybe they even have a rat guild of their own and can give us rat quests?

>>43283507
>Write a windborne mail to White Gold and ask her to join? (10 coins)

>>43283507
Well that's all the info we'll get about the prices for renting the opera house. That's gonna be a problem to deal with, but if we success in this quest for our client the opera house manager Stentor then perhaps they might be willing to do us a favor hard to say but better we try giving it a shot at least.

As for the mission we should definitely get White for this quest it's a hard quest and thats the only way to unlock another boon for her when we grow her again. Not only that she'll also receives extra growth permanently for the rest of the day as a result. Furthermore, this will help with her training against a skilled opponent who sneaks like a spy, fights in the shadows, and vanishes like the wind. Finally, our chances to success with the dice roll will be easier to accomplish with her around allowing us to win that big payment and exp points.

>>43283507
Confused on why we're immediately trying to start another quest with Gold when we haven't even had the afternoon talk with her mentor like we scheduled. Let's just deal with that and ask Gold personally if she wants to take this quest with us afterwards.
>>43283583
We presumably already spent this morning window shopping and visiting the guild. Little time for a quest now.

Bump

Needing a bit of a break. Will return on Monday

>>43284813
Looking forward to it

>>43284673

>>43285807

>>43288637

>>43288906

>>43289591

Bedtime bump

>>43283583
>>43283724
>>43284216
>>43284272
All-in-all, you've already done a lot of things this morning. Trying to squeeze in the hunt for a criminal before lunch might be a little too much. For now, you turn again towards the receptionist for another question.

"Excuse me, can you tell me about the other guilds of Sky Diamond?" You ask "I've just arrived in the city, and I've got other companions who have other adventuring talents who travel with me."
"Sure." The mare nods. "If you go in the coliseum, you'll find both the Champions and the Hunter's Association in there. The first is a guild of warriors who specialize in close combat. They regularly organize fights in the arena, but they also give out quests for mercenary work. As the name suggests, the Hunter's Association is composer of trackers of beast and other rangers. They have a monopoly on bringing savage monsters to fight in the coliseum, and that's why they're stationed there, but they otherwise offer quests to either retrieve rare materials from nature or to cull some particularly dangerous monsters. Then, there's Academia Libertas. While the name's pompous, that guild of wizard offers to teach basic magic to about anypony for free, and even the more advanced classes are a lot cheaper than at the royal academy. They offer quests related to magic to adventurers too. Aside from that, there are the Seekers who deal with quests in ruins and other matters related to ancient history or archaeology, but you need to pass a test to join them."
"No need to worry about that, I happen to have a companion who just got certified." You proudly state.
"Oh? Congrats to your friend then!" The desk mare smiles. "If you have another friend who's got a business in the kingdom, maybe they could join the Traders' Syndicate. It's a group of business owners who work to protect each other's interests. And they… well, they also have other kind of ponies work for them for some more menial tasks, but the Syndicate really likes to keep its secrets. I know lots of ponies work for them, but this guild doesn't really advertise what kind of job they ask from ponies exactly. That's business confidentiality for you, I suppose."
"Alright." You nod. "Thank you for telling me all this."
"You're welcome." The mare smiles. "I hope to hear from you again soon!"

You return to your inn and have a quick lunch there, and after that you head towards the Southshore district. As White Gold announced, the guards at the gate are expecting you. However, you won't be able to roam there freely as one of them states she'll accompany you to the Gold estate. And this one's a familiar face too.
"Featherpoint?" You smile as you recognize her. "You're having your shift here, today? I guess that's not a coincidence."
"You're right." She replies. "Can't deny I'm a little curious too, so I volunteered to take care of the gate between Shouthshore and the suburbs. And you're the only visit scheduled this afternoon anyway."

>>43291556
The door is opened for the two of you.
Along Featherpoint, you walk on the paved path among the very large properties. There doesn't seem to be any kind shop here, only very large domains, most of which are hidden under walls or tall hedges. The few you see behind high spiked fences are almost are large as the Conservatory, and with a garden just as wide. Except there's only a pony or two lounging in them, if any. The noise of the city soon disappears behind you, leaving only the sounds of water from some finely decorated fountains, the chirping of birds and the buzzing of insects, accompanied the distant sound of a voice or the one of a dog's bark at times.
"They all get their deliveries in the morning." Featherpoint tells you. "And since in the afternoon they're often into their own business, it usually gets really quiet at this hour. It's really… something else to live in a place like this."

>What do?
>Anything you want to tell Featherpoint?
>Ask her to accompany you at White Gold's?

>>43291557
Tell Featherpoint that this place kinda feels like a heavy fortress here.

Why do ponies in this community here feel so cagey to not let anypony outsiders here without authorization from somepony from this district it's odd almost as if they're doing it out of fear, prejudice, overprotective, or there's some shady influential ponies who live here and have something to hide do you ever get that feeling at all Featherpoint?

Was it always like this and how long has it been since Southshore district had an incident occurred here?

Do the residents here ever host any fun events in their neighborhood like gala dance for the adults and parties for their foals for example?

Ask if any guild adventurers ever come here?

Ask how's her day been going anything interesting happened today or is there anything about herself she like to share with us we've happy lend an ear to listen?

Ask Featherpoint if she can take us to White Gold's Residence, we have an invite from her where we're supposed to meet with her mentor Pale Gleam and vouch on Gold's skills as a knight, so pale will consider knighting her apprentice officially we want to be on time and not be late?

>>43291557
So we need a licensed trader and a hunter to access all quests. Noted.
>>Ask her to accompany you at White Gold's
If it's alright, of course.
Is it only the residence of Golds (Whites?) that piqued her curiosity, or she never misses a chance to escort visitors in Southshore? What was the coolest manor she saw so far?
Unless a more fitting subject comes up, just gossip. Maybe there are some fun or scary rumors about Southshore, or really about anything else. What does she think about the coliseum and the Syndicate? How does she feel about opera and exotic dances? Maybe there are secret passages in the opera house, and that's how the thief remains elusive.

coming back tomorrow

Bump

Safety bump

>>43293736

>>43291633
>>43291652
"This place feels like a fortress." You comment as you walk in the wide, empty streets. "Are the ponies here that scared of strangers?"
"Eh… They kinda are." Featherpoint shrugs. "Many nobles in the city fear that somepony might just try to rob them every other day. Plus, they feel like them or their foals can avoid encountering the wrong kind of persons that way."
"Even then…" You look around to confirm there's nopony else to eavesdrop on you. "Do you think there's some hidden stuff at work, here? Maybe they're so secretive because there's some scheme going on…"
"Nah, I don't think so." The pegasus mare chuckles. "It's just that these ponies have enough influence, or coins, or both, to get it the way they want. And turns out one thing they want is to be able to be on their own and away from the trouble of regular folks. This whole district is a bit like a huge private property, you know."

"Has it always been like this?" You ask. "Or are the gate and walls somewhat new. Did some incident happen?"
"It's been that way at least since I was born." Featherpoint replies. "I wouldn't know how long this has lasted or how it started."
"Huh. And I guess there isn't many adventurers around…"
"You're right." The guardsmare chuckles. "And they don't like adventurers at all around here. 'Don't know from who it came exactly, but we've got guidelines to be extra careful with them. Some ponies seem to suspect a bard like you could cause some degradations, or be a thief in disguise."
"Gee." You harumph. "Sounds like they don't really like fun around here. Are the ponies here always that boring, or do they at least throw some parties from time to time?"
"Turns out they do, actually." The mare replies. "It's not every night, but it isn't rare for one of these nobles to invite all the upper crust of the capital in grandiose receptions to flex how rich they are. They have the room and coins for that after all. You better believe even a foal's tenth birthday can have as many as a hundred guests."

"Ah… so they get to exclude everypony else, yet still go wild when they decide they can. I see… Anyway, how's your day been thus far?" You ask next. "Anything interesting that happened today?"
"Nah, we just had the regular deliveries at the gate this morning." Featherpoint shakes her head. "Gate duty is usually a very quiet shift."

You discuss some more on the way and you tell Featherpoint about your morning. She seems interested in seeing Chara dance, and while she heard about a series of thefts at the opera house, she didn't know it was the artists' clothes that were targeted. She doesn’t know about any specific secret passages that could be used. Featherpoint likes to go see some fights in the coliseum from time to time. With a hint of shame in her voice, she admits she finds it more thrilling when they fight some monsters to the death in there rather that when it's just duels, or ponies against ponies.

>>43294356
You're not the only one to feel disturbed by the strict measures on the Southshore district, and as a result, there are some wild rumors of nobles performing unspeakable evil rituals behind these closed gates, but that's a load of bull crap according the Featherpoint. As you talk about the Trader' Syndicate, though, your companion seems to have a strong opinion about it.

"The Syndicate…" You see Featherpoint's smile turn in some sort of cringe for a second. "If you know about the guilds in Sky Diamond, maybe you've realized there isn't one for rogues and the likes. Not openly so at least. Turns out that in addition to being an association of business owners, they have all the thieves of the city in their pockets too. They're a mafia. If you happen to have more than one small shop in the city, either you pay a hefty fee to the guild that basically go straight to the top members, or you'll find yourself with thugs blackmailing you and burglars trying to pick your coffers every other night. And if you merely dare to accuse the guild of something, you're gonna find yourself buried in lawsuits. Let me tell you, I've seen some investigations stop very suddenly, and very suspiciously, just when it turned out some business that was part of the Syndicate was involved. I can't do much at my level, and I don’t plan to make it my life's crusade, but it's still unnerving…"

You've got a friend who would probably find all of this very interesting. Maybe Knifepoint has figured some of this already. But for now, you reply to Knifepoint.
"No use beating yourself over it." You try to reassure Featherpoint. "That does sound too big for a single pony to fix it on their own. But anyway, I wanted to ask, are you always this curious about the manors of the nobles? Do you accompany everypony like that? Or is it White Gold specifically."
"Eh… Mostly her. She doesn't really seem like a regular noble, so I wonder what her family is like too, and what you're going to say to them too."
"Then you should accompany me all the way!" You offer. "I don’t think White Gold would refuse to let you in, since you were in that quest with her too. Let's both take a peek at these nobles' live."
"Well… Like I said, you're the only scheduled visit of this afternoon, so…" Featherpoint eventually nods. "Yeah, I can probably at least show up there and ask if I can join."

You make the rest of the way towards the manor of your friend. The Gold's estate looks in tune with the rest of the neighborhood, so a vast property with a huge building on it. In addition to the impressive manor and garden, this place is also right next the to the Diamond lake, and a strip of private beach seems to be part of the estate.
A moment after knocking on the tall door, a maid pony opens, but a few seconds later, she's shoved to the side by White Gold who rushed out to see you.

File: sim117.png (3.16 MB, 1536x1536)

3.16 MB PNG

>>43294358
"Hearty, you came!" The 5-feet-and-a-half mare grins at each of you. "And Featherpoint! I didn't expect see you too!"
"Hey." The purple pegasus waves at her. "Say, I know you only invited the bard, but would it be okay if I tagged along? I'll be sure to put in a good word for you too."
"But of course!" She eagerly nods. "I'm glad that you're here. Both of you, please come in."

After you gallantly help the maid back on her hooves, you can follow White Gold inside. After walking through the entrance and a hallway during which White Gold raves about how much her dad is proud that she did that quest you clear yesterday, you make it to a lounge.
There, you find some large, comfortable-looking couches awaiting you. There's also a middle-aged stallion sitting here who shares White Gold's coat and mane color. While the mane on the top of his head is getting sparse, he sports two huge spirals of hair for a mustache. The keen eyes behind his glasses are the color of gold.
"Ah, greetings travelers!" The stallion welcomes you with a smile. "You must be the two adventurers that assisted in the heroic deeds of my daughter. My name's Whirl Gold. Please have a seat, and then some tea."

Though, you barely have the time to sit down that there's a knock on another door than the one you came through, and a new mare enters the room. This one doesn’t look like a maid or a member of the family. And while she approaches with confidence, you perceive some kind of reluctance in her demeanor.
"Hello." The mare only glances at you and White Gold, and instead turns to Whirl Gold. "Did you need to talk to me, Sir? I hoped White Gold would be available for a study session on law today."
"Oh, I think we have something better than that nonsense." Whirl Gold turns to you and Featherpoint. "Dear guests, would you mind telling lady Pale Gleam here about what you witnessed yesterday?" And then, looking at Pale Gleam again. "Perhaps this will finally dissipate these undue reluctances of yours."

It seems Whirl Gold expects some words from you. You could just recount the events of the quest with White Gold as they happened, or you could even embellish it. Unless you think there's something else you should do in this situation.

>What do?

>>43294360
So thats pale gleam she giving off vibes similar to pinkie pie sister Maud dull nonchalant expression. Though, she is beautiful with that stare and those long mane of hers.

Tell her everything that went down on the quest what we saw, what we did, and how hearty use his bard magic to turn the situation into our favor to gain Gold a permanent advantage to survive the bandits ambushed. Don't hide anything from Pale, otherwise White Gold career as a knight is over everything hinge on our word, let's not ruin it for her.

Explain how tactical coordinated White Gold fighting style was when she surrounded by bandits, she quickly adapted to the situation by focusing and honing in on her skills from her training to fight, while making sure to restrain her enemies without getting carry away killing them with her newfound strength we gave her.

Express praise to Pale gleam that White Gold fought with honor, mercy, and integrity. We're proud of her commitment to do what's right in service to the Crown and for the safety of everypony in this Kingdom. She's a great pony to have as a member of the knights resourceful, trusted, and friendly to be around.

Ask Gleam if she has any idea who were those bandits that accosted us, how did they know White was on a quest, and who sent them after her?

>>43294360
Gladly. But first, if lady Gleam can forgive us such insolence, can we ask what's the nature of her reluctances? It's hard to dispel something you don't understand.

>>43294360
>What do?
Recount the events of the quest with White Gold as they happened.

>>43294438
>>43294443
These are good. Best to also address Gold's flaw in regards to seeming somewhat reckless in her pursuit of Knigthood. How despite us seemingly rushing into the wilds with little plan, Gold still adapted well to the circumstances and clearly knew her limits in regards to the original intent in combating wolves only, even without our magic in play. She had the foresight to correctly seek out others to join alongside her in case things went wrong. While she maybe should of notified Pale about this whole escapade from the start, Gold's combat instincts and actions point to her being far more considerate than one would think. Gold is just missing the opportunity to sand off those final rough edges in real combat scenarios, and we believe Gold is capable of making those improvements if given the chance.

If we want Pale to take our assessment more seriously, we gotta address the cons directly too and give a real assessment of what we saw.

>>43294360
Strikes me as the mo-nonsense type, so avoid exaggeration and try to put more emphasis on how quickly they adapted to the sudden size change than stuff like following our idea to blindly charge into the forest.

>>43294438
>>43294443
>>43294589
>>43294805
>>43295174
"I'll gladly recount this tale." You nod. "But if lady Pale Gleam can forgive me such insolence, may I ask what's the nature of her reluctances? It's hard to dispel something you don't understand."
"I don't believe it's quite necessary." Whirl Gold interjects, as Pale Gleam was about to reply. "I believe the facts will speak for themselves. Now, please proceed adventurer."

There, you begin to narrate the adventure you had with White Gold and Featherpoint the day prior. You refrain from embellishing too much, but make sure to underline White Gold's efficiency in the fight and how she exercised due restrain when dealing with her pony opponents. You sneak in there that she must have a good teacher to achieve such mastery and principles. You do note that there was some recklessness in the way you chased the wolves, but also praise how adaptative White Gold was to your magic, and that you're confident she'll refine her style to perfection in no time.

"There you go, lady Pale Gleam." Whirl Gold immediately addresses the knight mare as soons as you've finished. "I do think that this story brought to you by these two adventurers proves, yet again, that White Gold is ready for her knighting. She's practically a hero already!"

"With all due respect, responding to an attack of bandits and bringing them to the guards doesn't testify of a sufficient knowledge of the law that is required to become a knight." Pale Gleam replies and glances at you. "Not that any of you did anything wrong, and I say so myself that White Gold overperforms when it comes to her fighting prowess." Then back to Whirl Gold. "But what I keep telling you is that she needs a broader understanding of procedures and law. She needs to be able to intervene in any step of the process, leading investigations, interrogating witnesses, or devising protection measures for victims, and not just hunting criminals."
"With all due respect, you're wrong." Whirl Gold retorts. "We just heard blatant proof that such matters didn't stop my daughter from upholding the law in an adequate matter, yesterday, so I'm sure those details you invoke will come in on their own while she's a knight already. How many times do I need to repeat myself, lady Pale Gleam. Your worries are unfounded, and yet you still somehow refuse to vouch for my daughter's knighting. I am terribly sorry, but at this point, I can't help but to consider the possibility that you hold some sort of unfair grudge against us, and I will notify commander knight Phalanx about your behavior. Well… I will do so next week at least. Perhaps that by then, you will finally come back to reason and we can leave this situation behind us. Please leave us now, lady Pale Gleam. As I said, my daughter doesn't need any more teaching from you at this time. I will hear nothing more from you today."

>>43295793
You hear Pale Gleam inhale sharply, but only a dejected sigh escapes her lips as she turns away and exits through the door she came in from, leaving the rest of you in silence.
"Ah… please forgive me about this unsightly display." Whirl Gold gives you a semblance of a bow. "I must have sounded quite harsh, but the way this mare refuses to acknowledge my daughter's skills just makes me feel foul. I hope she'll finally do the right thing this time…"
The mood in the room sure got more tense. Featherpoint has her face frozen in a forced smile that threatens to turn into a cringe, while White Gold seems unbothered by what happened and sheepishly goes for some biscuits on the table that were served along the tea.

>What do?

Will most likely come back on saturday

>>43295794
>but how are you going to interrogate witnesses?
>witness me beating up wild beasts
By choosing to fight wolves instead of spending the same amount of time and effort doing something involving crime and investigations, White deliberately answered a question Gleam didn't ask. We can't know how feasibile it is to finish out her studies in the field as Whirl seems to suggest, but it sounds like White herself thinks Gleam is right about her and deliberately resorts to dodging the real question and manipulating her dad's feelings because she knows she's in the wrong. Or she's stupid. She doesn't seem stupid. Gleam doesn't seem the type to teach stupid either.
Given a chance, ask her about it privately. Until then, let her win. Have a pleasant conversation about Whirl's past exploits and the nature of knighthood. Maybe offer to talk to Gleam on their behalf and try to smooth it out. A more interesting solution is to escalate the conflict by maliciously feeding Whirl's paranoia until either White chickens out on her scheme or there's a full-blown blood feud between Golds and Gleams, but it may get too fun to handle.

>>43295794
From the sounds of it, Pale Gleam seemed to feel that White Gold lacked experience in the non-combat side of knighthood. Perhaps an arrangement can be made for White Gold to assist in a more sensitive matter like solving a complex case?

>>43295794
Seems like White Gold didn't deem it necessary to tell us that there was rift between her family and instructor, nor that it was severe and long enough to bring into question when she'd ready to become a knight. Much more importantly, White Gold said in her quest posting that her master was refusing to take her into a "real fight", and that she thought she was ready for the next step. White Gold, whether intentionally or not, was very misleading with her wording about her situation. She also seems concernedly unbothered by her father forcing his power on her mentor, nor about the points Pale brought up about her lack of knowledge of procedures or law.

We can confront White Gold about this directly later on, but for now let's excuse ourselves by telling Whirl that we wish to speak to Pale. If nothing else but to learn more about knights in general. After coming into contact with Pale, apologize for unknowingly making her predicament even worse. We were genuinely ignorant of many factors of this whole situation. If she doesn't mind, can you go more into depth about White Gold's training and weaknesses that need addressing? It's a far shot, but perhaps we can try to get through with her (or take her out on a quest that forces her to rethink her philosophy)
>>43296102
Could also be that when Pale told her that she wasn't ready for a real life case until she addressed her weaknesses more, all that went through her head is that her master didn't think she was ready for crime fighting. White likely thinks that knighting involves little to no thinking, and that her master is just being boring for the sake of it. Fighting for good as told in tales she read is something that needs addressing. That is, if we do bother to commit on this.

>>43295794
Admit that he was a little defensive, but we understand he just trying to protect his daughter hopes and dreams, so White Gold doesn't feel sad about not being able to achieve her lifeworks rather she continues persisting her Noble Goal. Agree with Whirl Gold that following procedures and the law is necessary, but it isn't always the case to solve every problem. Sometimes, unexpected life and death outcomes happens so fast where we're caught in the middle and we don't have the luxury of time to do it slow and properly, therefore we just have to react to it immediately quick and decisive our way operating outside the law before innocent lives are lost just like what nearly happened to us yesterday.

Pat White Gold back a few times and make a suggestion that in case Pale gleam still doesn't want to knight her, there's another option for her she could become an Adventurer like Hearty and travel the land with us as a Wandering Knight for hire helping those in need across the entire land not just for the Kingdom of Sky Diamond. We make a good team.

Tell White Gold about the quest of the perverted collector the thief is sneaky and elusive, we could use her help to catch him and it will benefit with her training greatly testing her skills with a challenge single foe.

Ask Whirl Gold is Pale gleam always like that? Who is commander knight Phalanx and does he has any ideas who sent those bandits after his daughter?!

Enjoy the tea and biscuits while telling everypony the story of what hearty was before he became an hero Adventurer, and now he wants to go out and see the world playing his musical magic to share to others.

>>43296619
>Agree with Whirl Gold that following procedures and the law is necessary, but it isn't always the case to solve every problem. Sometimes, unexpected life and death outcomes happens so fast where we're caught in the middle and we don't have the luxury of time to do it slow and properly, therefore we just have to react to it immediately quick and decisive our way operating outside the law before innocent lives are lost just like what nearly happened to us yesterday.
This completely misses the issue. The question isn't if White Gold is able to improvise, but it's if she can actually sit down and investigate to find the real perpetrator if there are multiple suspects for example. She can't fight her way out of interrogating and investigation.

Bedtime bump

bedbug bump

>>43296941

>>43298565

>>43296699
>>43296619
>>43296610
>>43296318
>>43296102
"How could I blame a father for worrying about his daughter?" You shake your head, not going against the stallion, at least at this moment. "But you know, perhaps we could talk to Pale Gleam? Maybe a third party could help to sort this out."
"Now, that won’t be necessary." Whirl Gold shakes his head. "I appreciate your concern, but I don't feel like you should get involved with this mare. After all, I can already oversee this matter directly with sir Phalanx."
"Who's Phalanx exactly, if you don’t mind me asking?" You inquire. "I'm not from the capital, but you called him the commander knight, right?"
"Indeed." Whirl Gold proudly nods. "He's a stallion of impeccable integrity with whom I've had the pleasure to do business with. At this time, with the smithies and foundries I own, I have the honor to be the main provider of weapons and armors for the knights of the capital, through deals that were negotiated between me and Phalanx. Thanks to our collaboration, the knights are better equipped than ever, all while costing very like of the precious tax money of the common folks. Frankly, if it wasn't for the price of materials and wages, I'd gladly give this equipment for free to our proud country and to those who defend it."

"Hold on, Masterful Metalworks, is that all you?" Feather point asks. "The guard's stuff comes from the same place as the knights."
"Indeed!" Whirl Gold seems pleased by you friend's surprise. "You're all in good hooves with me. Say, is the new maintenance program going well? I still had some doubts it could be a bit bothersome to the final users."
"Well, on my side there isn't much that changed." Featherpoint shrugs. "The storage places are different. We share one armory with a bigger part of the city now, but that's about it."
"Ah, good." Whirl Gold nods, pondering to himself. "Then it means things are going as they should. Perfect."

File: sim118.png (3.23 MB, 1536x1536)

3.23 MB PNG

>>43299256
"But say, back about Pale Gleam." You return to the matter at hoof. "Since she said it's on the more theoretical part of the job that she believes White Gold isn't ready, couldn't she bring White Gold with her when dealing with such matters? Like, when she's taking care of an investigation?"
"She did so." Whirl Gold replies before adding a sigh. "Several times. But unlike in fencing or athletics, it appears Pale Gleam isn't a very good teacher for these subjects. You've seen White Gold at work, you know how hard she's ready to push herself for her dream, and yet every session always ended up being… well, let's say there wasn't much progress on either side, which was quite depressing for everypony involved. But still, preventing White Gold to become a knight because of this is an absolute waste. You heard it from Pale Gleam too, when it comes to her martial prowess, my daughter's already more of a knight than Pale Gleam herself. The truth is that I've already discussed this topic with sir Phalanx, and he agreed with me. White Gold won't immediately have to do these tasks once she becomes a knight, so she doesn't need any more classes about it. Phalanx told me he'd pass the message to Pale Gleam, but for some reason she's doesn't seem to have heard it right."

Now that you've heard this, it's very hard to tell who might be in the wrong, and how much, between White Gold, Whirl Gold, Phalanx and Pale Gleam. At this point, perhaps confronting somepony alone whoul give you more information. That is, if you want to keep getting involved in this feud.

For now, you decide to humor the rich pony with some tales of your own adventures while politely enjoying the tea and biscuits. Whirl Gold is a good audience for your stories, listening to them with interest, and readily stating that White Gold would have vanquished the foes had trouble with in battle, like that giant mushroom fairy, or the bandit that shot you.
You talk to White Gold about the quest to catch the thief at the opera house. However, she doesn't seem very interested about it, thinking that there probably won't be any fight until the suspect is caught. While earlier Whirl Gold was boasting about White Gold's capacity to face danger, now he seems a little glad that his daughter doesn't want to get involved with some perverted panties thief.

>What do?
>Anything else you want to tell Whirl Gold or White Gold before returning to your inn?
>Try to confront just White Gold?
>Try to find Pale Gleam and confront her?

>>43299259
I'm definitely getting the feeling that White Gold follows the romanticized ideal of the knight and cares little about the mundane realities. I'm for having a chat with Pale Gleam, but later. Don't want to bale on Gold prematurely and ruin the mood.

>>43299259
Aww White Gold looks rather cute eating her cookies like that while laying sideways her rumping flanks are a sight to gaze upon. We'll eventually get White Gold into Hearty inner love circle and feel those juicy thighs of her just got to keep spending time with her and bring her on missions.

Darn it she doesn't want to do the perverted collector quest. We might have to get Knifepoint help then. Well there's always the festivities for the elder fairy hard quest, where we do a series of challenge games the apprentice knight might like it. Furthermore, let's not get involved in this feud going on with Whirl Gold and Pale Gleam the matter seems to be already handled we'll be wasting our time meddling in this private affair, plus we already got our hooves fill with other priorities right now like getting Chara dance show all set up, go on date with her and giving her gift after she performs, help out Knifepoint get a house or take control of a gang syndicate maybe both, and make sure to assist Brass Compass with quest assignments she'll get from the Seeker's Guild Headquarters.

Ask Whirl Gold about the tale of his Noble family lineage? Ask how come his wife isn't with us for this meeting about their daughter's knighthood? Ask does he have any idea who sent those bandits after his daughter, because it seems like they knew exactly where she'll be yesterday and does this happen often to his family?

Ask White Gold if she like to go do the Elder Fairy's festivities quest instead there's going to be a lot of competition if we sign up today for the matches. She get the thriller of a lifetime pushing her skills to the limits fighting against different various types of ponies and fey in the Meeting Grounds.

>>43299259
Ask a little more about knights. Do they have a central base location they gather? We can later go and ask Pale for more information. If we care enough about Gold actually being a good knight, that's the way, as it sounds like White Gold may be the issue more than Pale's teaching.
For now, hang around a little longer with the Gold family and learn more about them. Anything of interest currently going on within the city worth knowing about? Maybe ask White Gold about her favorite tales of all time when it comes to stories about heroes. As a bard, we may heavily share some commonality and interests in that area enough to recognize and talk about such stories. Maybe even share some new ones to her that we know.

A little bit of stretch, but unsure if we can borrow some Windborne mail from the Golds here, or purchase some nearby, in order to send a quick mail to Knifepoint to meet us at the entrance of this district if she's interested in a quest with us. We can then ask White Gold if she's interested in walking us out of district, just for some company (maybe a time to share those tales). Point is to get them to finally meet and have White Gold see Knifepoint's body and share that Knifepoint has been as strong as ever, even with such teats.

>>43299259
>yet every session always ended up being… well, let's say there wasn't much progress on either side
Would it be too much to ask how exactly did it go?
Assuming for now that Pale is honest and correct in her assessment of White, but cannot teach White legal arts as efficiently as she teaches her physical stuff due to some personal incompatibility, have they tried to find White a separate teacher for practical legal lessons? Surely there should be somebody whom Gleam would respect and entrust with it, and who at the same time would match White's energy better.
>Try to find Pale Gleam and confront her?
It'd be nice, but with how fenced off and nervous nobles seem to be our chances of reaching her without Golds' help aren't that great. Unless we want to commit a crime so terrible as to force her to find us.

Coming back tomorrow

>>43300799

>>43301114

tomorrow, again

>>43301792
I'm saving your thread, making a massive pony thread soon

Bump

>>43299306
>>43299335
>>43299542
>>43299815
"About these times White Gold accompanied Pale Gleam on investigations." You ask. "What went wrong during them exactly?"
"Ah, let's not dwell too much on the past, alright?" Whirl Gold shakes his head. "Peal Gleam made them so boring nopony could have learned a single thing from these field lessons. It was just a big waste of time. But again, White Gold won't need these for her knighting anyway."
White Gold didn't talk that much, but at least for Whirl Gold, you don't think he will listen to any alternative at this point with how adamant he sounds on how he wants things to play out. He'll probably refuse to even consider his daughter becoming an adventurer instead of a knight too. For now, you merely chat some more before leaving.

As you ask about their ancestry, you learn that the title of noble was bestowed to Whirl Gold's father and mother. The Golds were 'merely' big land and business owners before that, but as Pinnacle and Arabesque Gold started making business directly with the crown, they were eventually awarded that title by the previous king.
Unlike the quest about catching the thief of the opera, White Gold is very interested by the one about participating in the fairy games. She heard lots of stories about the original ones from Pale Gleam, before she became a stick in the mud she tells you. And she'd love to meet prince Zeolite too. Again, Whirl Gold sounds a little uncomfortable as White Gold recounts stories of the dangerous pranks and convoluted traps the fairies can pull off during their games, but he doesn't openly try to discourage his daughter's excitement. However, White Gold wishes to become a knight before leaving the vicinity of the capital.
Knights have their headquarters in the official district, and some part of it is accessible to the public, you learn after asking. You don't say the next part out loud, but there's chance you could meet Pale Gleam if you go there and ask for her.

Whirl Gold has no idea who the bandits who attacked you could have been either. Probably opportunists who recognized a famous pony, he postulates. The rest of the family, who aren't skilled fighters like White Gold, usually make sure to have some protection around. The policy around the district allows them to feel safe in their home at least. Glitter Gold, White Gold's mother, is currently on a business trip at Mountain's door. The family is about to acquire the exploitation rights for a newly discovered metal vein.
It's not news in the capital specifically, but the relations with the Zebra Republic seems to be warming up at last, and many business ponies are preparing themselves to establish trade caravans with the country to the south. Ponies expect the prices of wheat and iron to go up, as the zebra country imported those before the revolution. These kinds of market projection seem to be what really interests Whirl Gold, and it sounds like he could talk about those for hours on end.

>>43303521
Asking White Gold about her favorite Knight story, she sums up to you the story of the Knight and the Paladin at White Fjord bridge. Long ago, a foul necromancer had raised an army of undead to take over the kingdom. While a party of heroes discovered the evil pony's plans, they were no match for the sheer number of bodies that had already been raised. They fled with hell on their heels to call for reinforcements. Once they reached a bridge, the Paladin among them decided to stay behind to hold off the wave of undead, stating that his oath to the light commanded he held the undead back to make sure his companion reached their goal. However, the Knight in the party asserted that his own vow to protect the country dictated that he shall do the same, and that surely his will to do so would be even greater than the paladin's. And so the two ponies stayed behind and fought. The number of enemies seemed infinite, but the narrow-enough bridge allowed the two fighters to hold their ground without getting overwhelmed. Each refusing to show the slightest crack of determination to their friend, they pushed each other beyond their limits, and fought tirelessly for two days and three nights. At the dawn of the third day, finally their companions returned with an army to fight the necromancer's forces. Both the Knight and the Paladin collapsed of exhaustion as pegasi and unicorn destroyed the undead in front of them on the bridge, but they both survived after their heroic deed, and eventually lived a long and happy life after that.

As the end of the day draws near, it is eventually time for you to leave. After exchanging some polite goodbyes with your hosts, Featherpoint accompanies you back to the gate. You didn't get a chance to have White Gold meet Knifepoint this time, so you'll have to find another time to get White Gold into growing taller, or growing curvier.

When you arrive at the inn, you find your big zebra friend there already. She immediately perks up as she sees you, and shows you a big smile.
"Hey, Hearty! Guess what?" She walks up to you. "I got a place in the city! It's in the Channels district. I didn't have the time to find a lot of furniture for it yet, but still, 'wanna go have a look?"

>>43303525
You can't refuse such an offer, and accompany your friend to her lair. For that, you go through the channels district, north of the castle. The mood changes gradually as you leave the fine streets. Smells of food and hearth fires make way to the acid odor from the chemicals of tanneries and from other industries, and you hear the sounds of machinery and ponies at work even at this hour. There are fewer light and widows, and the streets are narrower as big workshops replace the boutiques. You still encounter a few pubs on the way, and those seems as lively as any other, as even there, ponies can enjoy the buzz of alcohol after a hard day. But Knifepoint instead brings you to a warehouse near the lake, and there she proudly produces the key to open the large double-door of the huge brick building.

As Knifepoint told you, the place and its single room are rather bare. There are a chest and a wardrobe against the wall, and the biggest hammock you've even seen has been hanged in the corner of the building. The huge patchwork of many cloths held by thick ropes is obviously from Knifepoint's craft, and from how derelict they look the two other pieces of furniture must have been salvaged in some way. It's a little cold in here right now, as the place wasn't designed to be inhabited and lacks any kind of fire. At least Knifepoint won't have to worry about her size for a while in here. You'd have to make her four times as large as she's now before she'll have to crane her neck. Regardless, your friend seems happy with her new home at this moment."

"And look! This place has some water at the tap." Knifepoint's voice echoes slightly in the large space, as she point at a spigot on the wall over a grid on the ground. "Lots of houses in Sky Diamond have this, but I didn't know. That's pretty cool. I was thinking I could salvage some used vats from some factory so I can have my own giant bath!"

>What do?
>Go to sleep and start a new day?

>>43303526
Neat. If we're not yet entirely exhausted, the must urgent matter is heat insulation, or at least draught-proofing this place. We can't let Knifepoint catch any chills in her first day in her new home, can we? We would keep her entire body warm through the night by hugging it instead, but our hooves only reach this far.
Does she have any plans for tomorrow? How about doing this thing at the opera together, or, assuming she's "in tune", maybe taking a look at what quests the Syndicate has to offer?

>>43303526
Since it's cold, er should help each other warm up before going to sleep

>>43303526
>What do?
Have sex with Knifepoint in her new home.

>>43303660
It's always sex with you guys. We need some SETUP. Some FLAIR. An adventurous excuse to make our big wives bigger.

>>43303526
Ask Knifepoint how she feels now that she has a place all to herself now. Isn't she worried that some pesky rogue may take interest in it? We're also going to need to get a place soon to ourselves to keep up in this competition of home comparison! But no, seriously, we're happy for her. It'll require work, but we're here for her all the way if she needs anymore help making money through jobs, or building the place up, even if we're not as crafty.

Tell her about our day and visit to the rich part of the city and what we heard about the Syndicate supposedly running like a mafia. She probably already knows, but what are her thoughts on them?
Other than that, let's do whatever Knifepoint wants to do next and pamper her. Can be cuddling, drinking, hanging out, etc. It's her moment after all, so all the more reason to celebrate with her.
>>43303759
Marefriends you mean. But yes, sex needs more setup to happen.

>>43303759
Hey, cuddling was also suggested

>>43303526
Tackle Knifepoint into a snuggling hug and tell her how happy hearty is that he with her again and she got her own house, and he hopes she doesn't forget him he'll always be a part of her life too.

Ask how she manage to get the deed to the warehouse did she workout some kind of deal with the property owner?

Ask is she also going to make her private warehouse residence a place of business for her own crew? If she does her as her coltfriend we should advice her to stay safe and be careful who, she'll pick the last thing he wants is somepony to take her away from us and ruin everything she work so hard to gain?

Ask does she want our help to salvage used factory vats now to make the giant bath it will give us a reason to bath together?

Tease the rogue"Thanks for using my magic to have milky crotchboobs Knifepoint; you tasted so sweet and creamy. See having them fill with milk wasn't a bad idea after all right considering all those moanings you did last night"?!

Enjoy the rest of the night spending it with our Marefriend Knifepoint making it special for her being her lover smother her with intimate loving kisses, intimacy thrusting and pounding, and sucking on her milky curves.

>>43303895
>Tackle Knifepoint into a snuggling hug and tell her how happy hearty is that he with her again and she got her own house, and he hopes she doesn't forget him he'll always be a part of her life too.
>Tease the rogue"Thanks for using my magic to have milky crotchboobs Knifepoint; you tasted so sweet and creamy. See having them fill with milk wasn't a bad idea after all right considering all those moanings you did last night"?!
>Enjoy the rest of the night spending it with our Marefriend Knifepoint making it special for her being her lover smother her with intimate loving kisses, intimacy thrusting and pounding, and sucking on her milky curves.
Not this. Too lazy to go over the reasons besides saying they're clingy and autistic.

Bump

>>43303626
>>43303628
>>43303660
>>43303825
>>43303895
"This place looks like a good start, yeah." You tell Knifepoint. "But say, aren't you afraid some pony might try to rob you?"
"Yeah, I'll have to figure something out for security." The big zebra ponders out loud. "For now, I just keep some cheap tools here, but I better be ready to get myself a safe and to bolt everything to the ground in the future. In the meantime, it's true that some stealthy pony could try to steal my coins while I'm sleeping here, but I hope that just seeing the size of the mare that would beat their ass if their got caught will dissuade them enough."

"I suppose that can come a little later, then, but do we have time to do some something about the insulation of this place today? With the night, it's getting a little chilly in here."
"Heh. I'm not feeling it." Knifepoint smirks before approaching to take you in her warm embrace. "With a big body like mine, I don't feel the heat or the cold as much as before. I found myself some be blankets too, so tonight won't be a problem."
"Ah, you're hot to the touch for sure." You hug the big mare back, and show her a pleading look. "If I were under these blankets with you, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't feel a hint of cold either."
"You're welcome to stay." Your marefriend. "This place will be less empty with you here."

You bundle up with Knifepoint on her hammock. Of course, her greater weight inevitably causes you to end up lying on her. Under the blankets, you're nestled completely against the larger mare. You can't help but to share a few kisses, but you prefer to chat a little while the gentle rocking of the hammocks lulls you both to sleep.

Knifepoint had some luck and got the place for a bit of a bargain, she tells you as you ask about her day. One of the jobs she did the day prior was to find the previous tenant of the place who hadn't paid his rent in a while and ran away after his business sank. She did find him, but he was completely broke and had no coin to give back, though, and the client was visibly in a bit of a pinch with his own obligations. Knifepoint leveraged that by offering to buy the warehouse with a discount, but right away and in raw coin. Almost all of the mare's saving still went into this. She'll have to work hard herself a little more before she can set up a business, she says, and unless you already have a contact for the vat, she'll figure that one on her own.

You tell Knifepoint about your own day, what happened in the Southshore district, and what you learned about the Syndicate of Business Owners from the bard's guild. While this guild presents themselves as an association of merchants, the word is they also have more than a hoof in unlawful activities, and they might offer work in line with Knifepoint's talents.
"Well, that's what I heard at least." You say. "But perhaps you've already pieced that together or even dealt with them already."

File: sim119_.png (988 KB, 800x800)

988 KB PNG

>>43305003
"Nope, I hadn't heard about them yet." She replies. "Not asking too many questions is often a quality in my line of work. I planned to have a few more jobs well done before asking who really runs things around the city, but yeah, if they're somehow openly recruiting ponies, can't hurt to check it out."

But that'll be for tomorrow. Even if neither of you went on a quest today, you still both had a busy time, and eventual you drift off to sleep in each other's embrace.
https://files.catbox.moe/3mn889.png
As excepted, the body of your big marefriend kept you warm for the night, and you both wake up the next day feeling ready for action.

>What do?
>Knifepoint is up to participate in the quest to Catch the perverted collector. Go for it?
>Visit the Syndicate with Knifepoint?
>Try to contact Pale Gleam?

>>43305005
>What do?
>Knifepoint is up to participate in the quest to Catch the perverted collector. Go for it?

>>43305005
Pale Gleam first, as we have the least control over it. The opera house second: it's free money but it probably won't go anywhere.

>>43305005
The image of Hearty being snuggling up with Knifepoint body sleeping on top of her is adorable make me think he doing missionary position on the rogue yeah, that would be a hot sexy picture to see him doing that to somepony. We really came a long way from being mere adventurers with her to being loving coltfriend and marefriend.

Let's go deal with the perverted quest with our zebra marefriend, while grabbing a breakfast to eat on the go heading to our client. What better way to catch a thief than with another thief that knows how one operates, maybe we'll have a choice on the mission where it revolves on Knifepoint getting us a little extra money allowing us to achieve another boon for her. Not only that taking care of this collector might win us favor with the opera manager to allow us permission to ask them to use their place for Chara show tonight or tomorrow.

File: sim120.png (2.97 MB, 1952x1112)

2.97 MB PNG

>>43305050
>>43305381
>>43305508
You're about certain nopony will miss that kind of thief, even Knifepoint's potential associates. With your big marefriend at your side, you go notify the Conservatory that you're taking on this job.
You can then go meet the other pony that signed up for it, and you find her in front of the opera house.

"Hello. You're here for the job? I see you've brought some muscle." The purple unicorn that you suppose is Mauve Heavens reacts as you approach her. "Hopefully that'll help. We can't keep having the opera's reputation be tainted like that."

>You may discuss with your companions as you embark on this adventure to get to know them better

>>43305999
Ask our team why in the world is the thief leaving behind letters about his perverted actions towards the mare artists he stole from, it doesn't make sense he bring attention to himself with that exposure when he coulda remain a unknown secret?

What the reason for his actions and sick behavior?

Ask if they have any clue to the identity of this rogue thief or the type of sleep dart drugs he's using?

Reassure our team that in case the thief uses his darts to knock them out, we'll use our magic to wake them up. Tell Mauve we did it before on a warrior zebra in Starpoint Keep who was unconscious and it became an adrenaline for her to awaken and fight with everything she got.

Ask how do we plan to capture or kill a shady individual, who are very elusive at keeping their heads down and evading the law should we use someone latest exhibit as bait to lure him out into a trap?

Ask Mauve Heavens why is she known as The Drama Queen is she into poetic theatrics on the big stages? What is the Opera house reputation known for? Why is she an adventurer and what made her want to join an Adventurer Guild? What does her guild do? When two or more different guilds come across each other during a quest do ya compete on who finish the quest first or y'all try to work together to solve it?

Tell Mauve heavens we like her red roses dress it brings out the beauty in her violet amethyst eyes. Does she always dress elegant formal or she going to a gala after this?

>>43305999
It is drama. Isn't drama their thing?
Some would expect guards or knights to handle the keep the opera secure. Is Muave a knight as well as a member of the troupe? If not, do opera ponies solve their problems by themselves like this often? Is she an adventurer? What's her skillset? Is it not her first time hunting a thief?
Unless Muave and Knife have other tactical suggestions, do as Hilda says. Maybe ask her to scout ahead too, just in case.

>>43305999
Ask if Mauve is part of the Opera or even performed there. Seems like she has a close attachment to it and it's reputation.

>>43306116
>>43306152
>>43306998

"Doesn't it make for some good drama?" You reply with a playful smile. "An uncatchable thief making every performance more of a thrill, isn't that a good enough twist?"
"No thank you." Mauve Heavens rolls her eyes. "Even leaving aside how they prevent actual artists from serenely making their own shows, it's been the same gig every single time. There isn't an ounce of originality in this burglar, so it's high time for curtains to fall on their career."

"That's why we're here, yeah." You nod. "I'm Whispering Heart by the way, and the 'muscle' next to me is Knifepoint. You're Mauve Heavens, right? Are you a performer at the opera house, or an adventurer?"
"I'm both." The mare replies with a bit of pride in her voice. "Art nourishes itself from life. The pieces I write and interpret are inspired both by the stories I heard and the adventures I've been on myself. On the scene, my voice shall delish any audience, but with a bit of magic it'll bring woe on those who stand against me."

"Since you've been around the opera house a lot I guess, do you know anything more about the thief? How come the guards or some knight didn't catch them yet? Why do they need adventurers for that? And why does the thief leave a letter behind each time?"
"As you've probably heard, this criminal is quite skilled, and while the authorities are on the case, this one has a low priority for them." Mauve Heavens explains. "After all, nopony was physically harmed, and the stolen items aren't worth that much by themselves. As for the letter, this is obviously part of the perverted game they play. They probably get their thrill by taunting their victims after the act."

"That makes sense, in a twisted way I guess." You say. "I take it the opera's reputation is important to you since you're performing your shows here."
"Of course." The mare nods. "As I said before, you can't completely focus on art with such concerns floating around, and that is true for the audience too. This is why I'd like to get rid of this pesky pervert as soon as possible."

File: sim121.png (3.18 MB, 1536x1536)

3.18 MB PNG

>>43307248
"Then let's do it." You show a confident smile. "And it'll be a pleasure to do so at the side of such an impeccably dressed lady. The roses on your shoes are a really nice touch."
"Thank you, Whispering Heart." She smiles back, flicking her mane with a hoof. "I make sure to the present the best of myself to the world, and it's always a pleasure to see have one's efforts be acknowledged."

Now, it's time to get to work. How should you proceed?

>A: There's a rehearsal this morning. Split up and try to cover all entry points of the opera house with you, Knifepoint, Mauve and Hilda.
>DC 70

>B: Knifepoint's size and the one of her assets would make her bra an irresistible bait for the thief. You could even hide yourself behind it to pounce on the them when they reach for it.
>DC 75
>Knifepoint!

>C: You need to investigate first. Talk to the staff. Meticulously search the backstage for clues. Maybe you can find something the guards missed and figure out how the thief gets in and out.
>This will take all morning
>DC 80 (no penalty for failing this aside from the time used)

>>43307251
C. There may be extra money in it for Knifepoint's muse thing.

>>43307251
>A: There's a rehearsal this morning. Split up and try to cover all entry points of the opera house with you, Knifepoint, Mauve and Hilda.

>>43307251
B

>>43307268
We haven't switched our muse from White Gold yet

>>43307251
C is pretty obvious I feel. This isn't exactly a dilemma that can be solved through brute force.

>>43307251
C. Surprised we can't bring in Hilda in for B. They would be of great help in tracking down this thief.

>>43307251
Hmm all these choices are useful. Plan A is common sense everyone is searching and checking out all entry points, Plan B well it would be a great bait to catch the thief, but it won't get us the boon bonus for Knifepoint, and Plan C it similar to plan A, but we won't suffer consequences if we fail just lose some time and will still have a second chance to stop the perp before he gets away. This is also more on a detective investigative standing point we're talking with the opera employees to get further intel on the thief while investigating the scene of the crime to narrow down what secret entrance he made or use to get inside and outside the opera.

I'm placing my trust in C this isn't a ordinary thief we're looking for he's a professional, so we need to think outside the box by searching in areas where the thief knows it will be the last likely places we would ever think to look which is how he got in and out unnoticed.

>>43307268
>>43307351
>>43307511
>>43307669
...
Before anything, you've got to try putting your brain to work. None have been found so far, but there GOT to be some clues around the opera house

>Time to ROLL
>DC 80

>As a reminder, you may still ONCE have an additional reroll for any roll you would have otherwise failed, from the bonus you got by travelling to the capital.

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>43308941

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>43308941

>>43308997
Dammit. Off by a measly one.

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>43308941

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>43308941
Let's end this

>>43308976
>>43308997
>>43309153
>>43309174
You talk and search all around the opera house all morning. A member of the staff caught a glimpse of the thief in a hallway once, a week ago. They wear full black it seems, and they move incredibly fast and swiftly, like a shadow, but that’s about all the worker can tell you about them. You do find a stain of ink in a corner of a changing room that seem to match the color for the letters they leave behind, but there’s otherwise nothing remarkable about it, no trail going anywhere, and no scent for Hilda to follow. Overall, none of this gets you any closer from catching the thief. Do you really have the investigation skills to catch this one?

Moreover, at lunch, you shamefully discover that socks form a dancer were stolen from a locker this morning, complete with the telltale lecherous note left behind. You didn’t see of hear anything at all, just like everypony else.


>A: There's a different rehearsal this afternoon. Split up and try to cover all entry points of the opera house with you, Knifepoint, Mauve and Hilda.
>DC 70

>B: Knifepoint's size and the one of her assets would make her bra an irresistible bait for the thief. You could even hide yourself behind it to pounce on the them when they reach for it.
>DC 75
>Knifepoint!

>C: Leave a letter addressed to the thief in one changing room. Tell them their way of stealing the mares’ clothes is disgraceful to all mares enjoyers of this kingdom. Dare them to show up tonight on the roof of the opera house for a perv-off where you’ll prove that your appreciation for mares is superior to theirs. You’ll have to wager your companions’ underwear for this to have any chance to work.
>???
>Mauve Heavens -

>>43309213
B.Grow Knifepoint with two Sforzando mana

>>43309213
Man, C sounds like the most fun by far but it's sad we have to go minus rep with Mauve to do it. I wonder if we could smooth things out by finessing her with some well-placed words and growth magic. If she loves the stage so much, she could steal any show with some more size and a voice that fills the theater.

Plus she'd get some credit for apprehending the perverted perpetrator.

>>43309213
C. Mauve's opinion matters little personally, and this is most fun sounding option and way to try to solve this.

>>43309213
B plus some growth to even the odds, just one though should be fine

>>43309213
A. I'm worried this freak might not appreciate large mares

>>43309213
Talk it out with Mauve. I believe C is both tactically sound and narratively appropriate, but if she truly thinks it's in poor taste, go with B.

>>43309480
Even if the perv doesn't, who can resist a bigger prize? Panties big enough to use as a hammock are a trophy.

>>43309213
This >>43309529 changed my >>43309425(me) mind
Still B, but yea, two mana is fine instead of, or even three if it's still mid-high difficulty, but two should bring it down considerably I think

>>43309412 (me)
May as well make Knifepoint our muse if you guys plan to grow her. Never know when they're might be an oppurtunity to gain some coin from the thief.

>>43309565
Wouldn't that likely be in the form of a bribe to let them escape?

>>43309578
Most likely. Besides the morality of it, if they stop making such a ruckus we can likely accept payment from them as long as it's more than the quest. Don't really care Mauve so that's an easy choice.

>>43309213
Okay the investigation didn't start off too badly, but the thief made their move already. Then let's give him a taste of his own medicine. The thief must face the consequences of his actions. Knifepoint did wanted to try catching and stopping stallions dead in their tracks with her massive teats, so let's give her that opportunity and set up the trap with her choice B. However, with how high the rolling is we need to power up. I vote we use Sforzando twice on the rogue making her 24 feet taller as a result giving us more than a chance too solve the problem.

>>43309213
Perv-off IF it means we use our mana to make some mares absolutely massive. Otherwise, B

Rolled 14, 9 = 23 (2d20)

>>43309235
>>43309359
>>43309412
>>43309425
...
>Rolling for charge in this post

"Knifepoint." You talk to your big marefriend. "I believe we could use your bra as bait to catch this thief. And to make extra sure he goes for it, let me increase the stakes a little..."

>You use Sforzando twice on Knifepoint and make her your muse


>Time To roll!
>DC 22

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>43310336
Gotcha now perverted thief collector sucker Hi-yah!

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>43310336
Overdoing it with two mana of Sforzando.

>>43310336
Aw, damn. I was kind of hoping for big Mauve.

>>43310342
>>43310343
Talk about a critical success, might just get a whole underground trading scene caught from that one attempt, lol

>>43310342
>>43310343
Before your eyes, Knifepoint doubles in height, growing from 'only' 12 feet of a mare to a 24' giantess. Her bar that is large enough for you to use as a hammock becomes a bikini that could only cover the mare's gargantuan nipples, and that would have snapped if your friend hadn't immediately untied it as she grew. At this size, it's getting hard for your friend to squeeze through even the wide hallways of the opera house. As she lays the large piece of cloth in front of you, you notice the sudden pressure on Knifepoint's boobs squeezed some milk out of her, as a few drops hit the floor under her. Her bra is also slightly wet.
"If that isn't the prime bait to catch a perv, nothing will do." Knifepoint comments.
"Yep." You nod. "But you know, I still think you should go on the scene and do some dance moves. We have to at least pretend you're so kind of artist, in case that's what the thief fixates on."
"Eh." The zebra mare lets out an unenthusiastic sigh. "Guess I have to. That's the whole the point, right?"

Meeting with the dancers that will do the rehearsal this afternoon, you manage to have them cooperate and include Knifepoint. She'll be on the scene while you and Mauve Heavens will lay in ambush in the changing room, cleverly hidden under the giant bra. Mauve Heavens guarantees that Knifepoint will hear her as soon as they get a glimpse of the thief.

And so you get in hiding.
And you don't have to wait for long.
You do end up being quite surprised yourself, as the bra covering you is lifted upwards without you seeing the door open or hearing the slightest sound. Mauve Heavens reacts before you do, and a supernaturally loud, perfectly pitched note surges upward from her throat.
The magic-enhanced blast sends the bra and whoever was grabbing it to hit the ceiling, and then to fall back down in front of you. You see the pony wrapped in complete black clothes crash on the ground, but only a second later they jump back on their hooves. Trough the sole uncovered strip on his face, you see a look of fierce determination in his eyes as they dart between you and the bra on the floor which fell between the two of you.

>A: Now's your chance to catch the thief! Pounce on him and subdue him!
>DC 75
>Mauve Heavens!

>B: Focus not allowing the thief to take the bra. That'll allow you to stall things until Knifepoint arrives.
>DC 42

>C: Tell the thief that you and him aren't so different. With the help of your magic, he might discover pleasures he can only dream of!
>DC 60
>Mauve Heavens!
>Knifepoint!

>>43311265
B

>>43311265
C. Curious of the option. Also a way to betray them if they turn out to be a bastard.

>>43311265
>A: Now's your chance to catch the thief! Pounce on him and subdue him! Sforzando Mauve Heavens

>>43311265
C. Seems easy to seduce him into a trap squished between big mares.

>>43311265
Hmm in a situation like this we need to grow Mauve with Sforzando twice to make sure A is successful, as for B its a fair bet to chance it with the dc rolling, and lastly C we can trick the thief and boom both mauve and knifepoint will stop the perp from escaping with their combined powers.

I'm putting my faith on C use Sforzando on Mauve to better our odds and give the singing mare a taste of our magic.

>>43311265
A, heroic shit.

>>43311312
Voting to not grow anyone. We already wasted 2 mana unnecessarily as it is.

>>43311312
>>43311280
>>43311356
>>43311486
>>43311673
>>43311678
"You, wait!" You call towards the thief. "You have witnessed the effects of my magic on mares, right? Perhaps you and I aren't so different..."
The pony in black seems curious enough to listen to you for now.

>TIME TO ROLL!
>DC 60

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>43312000

Bump

>>43312000
Maybe we have found a true brother. Or maybe a bi mare we can be open and adventure with. Here's hoping it's the latter.

File: sim122.png (3.34 MB, 1824x1248)

3.34 MB PNG

>>43312037
>Knifepoint has become your muse btw.

"Just like you, I've dedicated my life to my passion, and polished my skills to make my fantasies a reality. And now I spend my days surrounded with immensely beautiful mares. Perhaps you've seen my zebra friend already. And the thing is, they trust me, they LET me do it because it's also a valuable asset for their own goals. But you… despite your incredible skills, I believe you've never been as far from mares as today. Is a mere mare's bra really the best you can do? You could achieve so much more."
"But… but you don't understand." The thief retorts, albeit sounding moved by your arguments. "You don’t get the absolute thrill of collecting undergarments. I can open any locker, and each time it's a different, oh so delicious surprise, a new addition to my growing collection." Here his conviction seems to falter. "And it's not like… actual mares would want me around them. I'm bound to be hated! I have no choice! Nopony would accept to associate with a pony like me!"

At this point, you've heard Knifepoint's hoofsteps come close to the door. You believe your friend understood what's happening and wait to hear what you say.
"You're wrong." You state. "A burglar of your magnitude will definitely find companions who appreciate them. Adventurers are adventurers because they seek to deal with the unexpected, you know? Trust me, you'll find ponies weirder than you are soon enough. Meanwhile, your abilities are invaluable for a lot of jobs out there, and there's enough conflict between ponies and enough evil mares out there that even panty-stealing could make you a renowned hero."
"B-but… how? Where would I even start?" You seem to have almost convinced him. "To go on adventures with pretty mares and steal their lingerie… Is it actually possible for me?"


>A: "Nah." Now that his guard is down, smack the thief down and bring him to the guards.
>DC 27

>B: "Leave the city so ponies may forget you here. Become an adventurer, you have the talent for. Soon enough you'll meet mares that'll eventually appreciate you for what you are."
>+250 extra xp, no coin as a reward for the quest

>C: "You can, but you'll have to show some good will first! Sell your collection and bring us the coins to atone for your sins. This is your only path to redemption."
>DC 65
>No coin at the end of the quest, 8d100 coins in 1d10+2days on success.
>Mauve Heavens -

>>43313112
>A: "Nah." Now that his guard is down, smack the thief down and bring him to the guards.

>>43313112
C. If we actually want to obtain mana and perks for growing Knifepoint, we need to stop beating around the bush that we need to obtain coins in quest dubiously.

>>43313112
Cute. B.

>>43313112
A. Lock him up

>>43313112
B. We can always get gold, EXP is a bit more intangible.

>>43313243
The reason people want gold is to upgrade Knifepoint's muse effect

>>43313112
I'm stuck between deciding A or B, as for C too risky and mauve will hate us because, we let him get away and sold the stolen goods for money. In A we have a low dice rolling so our chances to win should be no problem to get the money and exp, but B is very tempting getting extra exp to get closer stronger leveling up yet we won't get money; it's probably because we send the thief away and he took all the stolen items with him scot free.

I'm siding with A we should be responsible for our actions, and do the right thing. Stop the rogue thief and return the stolen items back to the mares artists who lost them from this stallion doing this might grant us favor with the opera manager to allow us permission to use the building for Chara dance.

>>43313121
>>43313128
>>43313143
>>43313200
...

"Nah. You belong in jail actually."
And on this cue, both Mauve Heavens and Knifepoint attack

>TIME TO ROLL
>DC 23

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>43313683
Target eliminated.

File: sim123.jpg (1.23 MB, 2048x2048)

1.23 MB JPG

>>43313686
With her magically enhanced voice, Mauve Heavens blasts the thief through the door and out of the room. There, Knifepoint immediately pins him down under a leg that covers his whole body. Still, he tries to wiggle out of it, and succeeds to some degree until Knifepoint near-crushes him with another hoof, squishing the air out of his lungs.
"You really wanna push your luck like that?" The giant zebra mare hisses. "I don’t even know my strength yet. I could break a few bones without even realizing it…"

At this point, your target goes limp under your big friend's hooves, accepting defeat. You do your best to tie him up before delivering it to the guards. He keeps giving you the stink eye as you work, until Knifepoint decides to make her bra the last layer of the binds, also covering his head with it.
"That should make sure he doesn't escape." She comments. "Not before we get the reward at least."

Indeed, the awestruck thief doesn't try anything until he's thrown in a cell. The guards whisper to you that given how much of an escape artist he seems to be, they'll transfer him to a more secure place as soon as possible, probably in the castle.
Regardless, your share of the work is done, and you can return to the Conservatory to claim your reward.

>You completed the quest!
>You gained 100 xp and 350 coins!
>You recovered 1 mana

Just as you were coming out of the bard's guild, you see a familiar figure arrive. And with the gigantic zebra accompanying you, Chara is quick to recognize you too and waves in your direction.
"Hearty! Here you are!" The mare readily takes you in a hug as you meet. "I was just wondering when I'd hear from you again. How have you been?"

>What do?

>>43314012
Deja vu cute scene here Brass Compass hug Hearty when they were reunited in her hometown and now Chara does the same here in Sky Diamond Capital.

Since Chara is already here grow her with Toast to reunited with friends and surprise her with a kiss to the cheek or neck"I miss you, Chara". Tell her about our time in the capital and the good news as her manager, hearty found a big enough place for her to do her live dance The Opera House, and he's been working on getting the bits and the opera's permission to set up her show. With her here she might be able to help us getting everything sorted out and seal the deal.

Let her know that he's also been planning on taking her on that romantic date she ask of us to do here in Sky Diamond with dinner, flowers, and gifts. Hearty just need to know does Chara want him to go out with her before or after her performance.

Ask where Brass Compass is she here with her or did she went to the Seeker's Headquarters?

>>43314012
Talk to Chara about we learned about having her perform on stage. Price point and everything. Ask how Brass Compass is doing as well and share that we're staying over at Knifepoint's recently bought new home, even if it's a fixer upper.
Don't grow Chara just yet and don't invite her on a date. Better to save a growth for maximum intimidation in a quest and to save the date after the performance for maximum chance of bonding.

>>43314012
So would she prefer to rent the opera house or look for external sponsorship? We're about 0.38-way there now if it's the former. Closer if she wants to chip in with her own money.

>>43314012
>What do?
Keep hugging the scion. How was her trip coming to the capital?

>>43314012
When we're done here, find Pale Gleam.

Bump

>>43314874
>>43314731
>>43314555
>>43314306
>>43314083
"I've missed you!" You crane your neck a little more to kiss the mare on the cheek. "But aside from that, things have been going great. I didn't have any problem on the way here, and right now I'm staying at Knifepoint's. She bought a place, even if it still needs a few things to be really a home."
"Yeah, gotta get a couple more piece of furniture so it's a little nicer." The zebra giantess comes closer. "We just cleared a job so the coins are going to help with that."
"Sounds like everything is okay indeed." Chara nods.
"And how have you been then?" You ask next.
"Oh, the trip was very nice for us too." She replies. "The road goes by faster when your stride is over twice as long. We took our sweet time, and we still arrived yesterday noon with Brass Compass."
"I see. I suppose she went for the Seeker's guild already?"
"Indeed, and our big girl is back to school!" Chara giggles to herself. "She's gonna get some tutoring from the guild to learn the spells that interest her. She will be busy with that every afternoon for the coming week at least, and she even has a room to stay at the Seeker's. Though… I have to warn you, she didn't appreciate just finding out that you left for the capital without us. It's nothing too bad, but make sure you arrive with some flowers or a box of chocolate next time you want to see her. She knows we're adventurers and that you didn't fully commit to each other, but she's still just a little peeved about it."

That's a shame. You had this cool date between the two of you, and then you immediately left Port Sunrise. The call of adventure was strong on you this day…

Anyway, you chat some more with Chara. After telling her about your encounters with White Gold and Featherpoint, you also give her all the information you got from the Conservatory for her to perform at the opera house, and that unless she wants to go through the guild's sponsorship's program, you're ready to pay for the fees once you have enough coins.
"Hearty! I'm not letting you pay all of this on your own!" Chara's eyes go wide at your offer. "This is the kind of fee a whole troupe usually pays. I can't let you just hand over everything from your own pocket."
"So, you want to go through the sponsorship program instead?"
"Well, I have to admit…" She smirks. "I really love the idea of really having my very own show… Well, our very own show. But we shouldn’t blow only your savings on this. I have 400 coins that I can use right now, plus everything that we can get our hooves on during future quests. Knifepoint?" Chara looks up to the bigger zebra with pleading eyes. "Would you like to invest in our project?"

>>43315558
"Eh… I'm trying to save my coins too for something else right now." The giant mare shrugs. "Sorry."
"Come on! If the show is a success, we'll divide the earnings among ourselves, so think about it. Though…" Chara ponders aloud. "I've been thinking about the exact kind of show I want to make, and I've decided that we need some other musicians for the scenes, a few dancers to really emphasize my size, and fireworks too. If the prices are what I think they are, we should aim for 2400 coins total instead. However, if we can gather, let's say, three quarters of the costs, so 1800 coins, I believe some bank would accept to lend us the remaining sum. Since we have no reputation and little stuff to offer as a caution, I don’t think we can expect much more."

>What do?
>Try to find Pale Gleam?
>Go to an inn with all your friends?
>Go talk to Brass Compass?
>Pitch your idea of a date to Chara?

>>43315558
Let's go find Pale Gleam. We can visit our friends in the inn in a little bit. And maybe pick up flowers along the way if anons really want too that badly I don't care.

>>43315563
>What do?
Support along Chara plan.

>Go to an inn with all your friends?

>Go talk to Brass Compass?
Buy flowers and a box of chocolate.

>Pitch your idea of a date to Chara?

>>43315563
I'd rather not deal with banks, to be honest, but noted: aiming for 1800-400+advertising costs for now. If guild quests continue to be as insanely profitable as the last one, and if at least some of them won't ask us to travel to far away lands, it makes about two days of work. Four days without banks.
>Try to find Pale Gleam
>Look for shops with tasty flowers on our way there

>>43315563
Whoa, this is a surprise chara manage to solve our money problem for her live dance we should take up on her idea and thank her for that impressive deductions she did. Convince Knifepoint; it will be worth investing in it with his magic involved we'll draw in a massive amount of pony spectators, who will love to pay tons of bits to watch a 30-50 feet giant mare dancing with fire doing all sorts of cool tricks. We're reap a lot of benefits and rewards maybe get extra bits in the end, but if knifepoint still doesn't want to we'll respect her decision and just do some extra quests to make up for it. Next, offer to take Chara out on a Date in the Kingdom of Sky Diamond after she does her performance at the opera house so her special day can end on a extraordinary high note.

Furthermore, tell the others we can go spend time catching up at the tavern, but Hearty will meet with them a little later he needs to go make amends to Brass Compass first and see if she like to join them for a fun night at the tavern. Let's follow Chara advice and get some flowers and chocolates for Brass to help mend the rift between us and show we still care about her. When we meet up with Brass again Hearty apologize for hurting her with tears in his eyes embracing her he didn't mean to make her feel like her coltfriend was abandoning her, he wanted to get a headstart to find a suitable location in Sky Diamond Capital to surprise Chara where she can perform her dream. Address that he'll make sure to talk to her about it beforehand the next time he choose to leave on another adventure without her.

>>43315739
Almost forgot, but let's invite Mauve to the inn to hang out if she's still nearby. Her and Chara have plenty to relate to, and perhaps she can give some tips in order to setup Chara's performance, and how to raise funds.
>>43316419
>When we meet up with Brass again Hearty apologize for hurting her with tears in his eyes embracing her he didn't mean to make her feel like her coltfriend was abandoning her
All we heard was that she was a little peeved. That's little reason to cry over in front of her, unless this is just an attempt in emotional manipulation. Don't use the 'coltfriend' title either. Suspecting that Brass is more annoyed than Chara believes thanks to it.
>Address that he'll make sure to talk to her about it beforehand the next time he choose to leave on another adventure without her.
Not this either. Don't feel like always needing to talk to her personally every time we need to separate for an extended period when a message is appropriate sometimes.

>>43315563
Lets go find Pale Gleam

Bedtime Bump

File: sim124.png (3.83 MB, 1536x1536)

3.83 MB PNG

>>43316460
>>43316419
>>43316222
>>43315983
>>43315739
"Knifepoint, you're looking at THAT." You point at Chara. "Now imagine her thrice as tall, and you think her show isn't gonna make bank? Come on, this is the easiest market move of your life!"
"Mmh… We'll see." The rogue mare grumbles. "Maybe, when you're missing 1 or 2 hundred coins, I might lend you what you need. Get there first and we'll talk again."

"Good enough for now." You nod, and turn to Chara again. "We'll do it that way, our very own show. If we can find a few more profitable jobs, we might even have the full sum in less than a week!"
"Heehee! I can't wait!" Chara grins. "I'll work as hard as I can, first for the coins, and then on the show!"

It is a little late to get working on that right away, though, and you think you'd rather have an evening at the tavern with your friends. Mauve Heavens accepts to join you, and Chara will ask Brass Compass if she wants to come too.
But before that, you want to try to contact Pale Gleam. Thinking back at what you heard from Whirl Gold, you travel to the headquarter of the knights that is in the official district, so not far from the Conservatory. While the place is a smaller fortress with high walls next to the castle, there is an open door where the common folks can enter.
You ask if you can talk with Pale Gleam, and say as an adventurer that she's been involved in a quest you've been on, and you'd to discuss the aftermath with her. Which is… true in some way. That is enough to persuade the pony at the entry to go notify Pale Gleam.

A few minutes later, you see the blue-maned mare arrive in the entrance and approach her.
"Lady Pale Gleam." You greet her. "Thank you for accepting to talk to me. I believe we haven't been properly introduced yet. My name is Whispering Heart."
"Hello." She nods politely, but she seems slightly uncomfortable for now. "I suppose this is about White Gold, right? If you don’t mind, I'd like to get straight to the point. What do you want?"

>What do?

>>43316974
We want to figure out what's going on, we want to help Gold become a knight she wants to be and not regret it later on, and we want to make it up to Pale for playing an unfortunate part in this drama, in that order. So, what really happened when Gold tried to help Pale with investigations and what was so depressing about it? How much sense does it make for Gold to finish her law studies after her knighting? Is there a teacher who can match Gold's energy better than Pale? Finally, is there anything we can do to help?

>>43317011
This. Covers everything in mind directly.

Bump

>>43316974
Ask is the reason why she so insistent for White Gold to know her law studies; is because she trying to teach White Gold how a noble choosing to train to become a knight in service to the Crown should behave with discipline and capable to think on her actions, before going off on her own making moves that could be reckless and affect the entire knighthood as a whole on how the public trust and see them work?

>>43316974
It's been a little while since we sent out Hilda to do something. Perhaps we can send her after this conversation to investigate and learn more about the Syndicate if she's willing to take that mission, and then meet us tomorrow morning at Knifepoint's place. Though, she has to promise to be careful.

Coming back tomorrow

>>43317797

>>43319010

>>43318060
>>43317966
>>43317011
>>43317049
"I want to figure out what's happening." You reply. "White Gold has been a companion of mine, and I'd like for her to become a knight since that's what she wants, but I have a hunch she might not like the actually position. Also, it feels to me like you're playing an unfortunate part in this drama, so… I wish I could help you if I can too."

The mare eyes you with some curiosity, enough that she accepts to chat further.
"Alright, follow me." She says with a nod.
You walk through a few hallways until your reach a simple room with just a table, two chairs and a window. Pale Gleam closes the door behind you.

"You want to know what's happening?" Pale Gleam starts, and you feel underlying anger in her voice. "I believe White Gold isn't ready to become a Knight, But Whirl Gold, White Gold herself and somehow commander knight Phalanx too think she qualifies. However, since she's my squire, only I can decide that she can gets knighted, so they're putting my judgement in question."
"The issue you have with White Gold is that she doesn't know enough about law for now, right?" You say next. "Is it really that important to become a knight?"

"I… I think so! And I thought that was obvious!" Pale Gleam retorts. "But now everypony else since to think it isn't, even the commander, and hearing it just makes me go crazy! A knight's authority is granted by the king himself. In certain situations, a knight can be judge, jury and executioner. You can't just 'sort of' understand the law with such powers in your hooves!"
"That… make it sound like White Gold being a Knight would cause some issues." You say. "And not just to herself."
"Yeah, and Phalanx's solution is that I should assist White Gold even once she's a knight proper." She huffs in frustration. "That's preposterous! I mean, sometimes several knights can work together, but not to do a part of the other's duties!"

"Do you know somepony else who could teach White Gold?" You ask. "Maybe with other methods she'd be able to learn better."
"It won't work. Not anymore." Pale Gleam sighs. "White Gold really isn't good at anything that's isn't physical. I'd say she's a year behind on everything she should know. Of course, hard work would eventually pay off, and she was ready to study hard. At first. But since she's been told she didn't have too, she has completely given up on even trying. And that's now, while I'm still supposed to be her teacher. I don’t think she's gonna do any effort at all when she's no longer my squire. It feels like I'm gonna be stuck becoming some sort of assistant knight forever…"

"And what do you think White Gold should do?" You ask.

File: sim125.png (3.09 MB, 1536x1536)

3.09 MB PNG

>>43319948
"Honestly? I don't think she's cut out for being a knight. She'd be better off being an adventurer if you ask me, and that's coming from somepony who was one before she was a Knight. But then there's Whirl Gold. Being an adventurer is a lot less prestigious than being a knight. Besides, he's still a father who doesn't like the idea of his daughter throwing herself at danger. A knight who still works in the capital and who can be supported by guards must be a good compromise in his mind to both satisfy his daughter's desires and to keep her relatively safe."
There, Pale Gleam lets out a melancholic chuckle.
"I think that point is what started it all, actually." Pale Gleam continues. "It's been a while now, back when we were still on good terms. I discussed that with White Gold, how she wouldn't have to study law so much is she was an adventurer instead. That way she'd be able to pick her battles too. At first, she seemed to like the idea, but a few days later she told me it would be all the same if she was a knight but better. I learned that Whirl Gold had his first discussion with Phalanx around that time, and that the commander told him things could be arranged for White Gold. It's at this point that she stopped trusting me. For a while I tried to push her harder so she would have all the knowledge she needed, so I doubled down on the lessons, but White Gold didn't see it that way and started thinking I was trying to undermine her with the studying."

The mare in front of you lets out a heavy sigh.
"Well… you got my side of the story, now." Pale Gleam shows you a dejected smile. "I didn't realize how much I wanted to vent out. You know, if you repeat what I told you around, I'd get in a lot of trouble, but I don’t care at this point. If this keeps up, I'm just gonna quit being a Knight. Being stripped of my rank will be a very humiliating process, but in my mind, this order has gone low enough I'll be better off on my own. Also, just knowing Phalanx will have to find another fool to babysit the Gold daughter makes me feel better."

>What do?

>>43319955
Ask if she needs a hug?

>>43319955
That's a lot.

Possibility 1: Gleam's theory about White's knighthood as Whirl's compromise is wrong, knighthood was always White's own dream. Gleam deeply offended White by advising her to give up on it. A simple misunderstanding: what was sacred for White, for Gleam who tried both was but a matter of practicality. Why Gleam decided to become a knight, by the way?
Possibility 2: Gleam's theory is correct. White just wants to do cool shit, and that's it; it's Whirl who wants her to be a knight. The implication of it is White is terribly impressionable. Does it disqualify her as knight material? I mean, it's family. We don't know what Gleam's childhood was like, but it seems to be natural for ponies to trust their parents too much.
We may try to distinguish between these two cases by talking to White's childhood friends. Does Gleam know any of them?

Is it really the first time in history their order basically sells ranks? May there be any relevant precedents?

Where did White's quest come from? Has Gleam ever said anything that could be genuinely misinterpreted as "I'll approve your knighting if you kill a bunch of wolves"?

It's a bit strange how Golds want Gleam to accompany White after knighting. Whirl seems to believe Gleam just hates White for no reason like a madmare, so why would he want to keep her around? Does it sound like White to do it just to torture Gleam? It is within the realm of possibility that White plans to continue her studies once her point is proven. Her favorite knight
story is about two friends trying to outstubborn each other, after all.

>>43319955
How did the investigation she mentioned go, how was it handled?

>>43319955
With this much going on Hearty won't be able to do much especially since White's father is a very influential business noble pony the last thing we need is to make things worse and complicated for both Hearty and Pale.

The least we can do is tell Pale Gleam that Hearty can talk to White gold that, she should know some of the most important laws a knight should take to heart to remember, if white isn't willing to do her law duties anymore so the inspiring young apprentice knight doesn't cause the King's authority of his royal knights to be call into question by the stigma of the pony public.

Gleam said she was once an Adventurer. Let's ask her what adventures she once had? And then share some of our tales with Pale we may have a common ground. What made her want to be a knight afterwards? What was it like being on protection duty for Prince Zeolite and his royal family?

>>43319955
We don't know them, but is Phalanx the type to give in to pressure through connections and nepotism?

Coming back tomorrow

Bump

>>43322246

>>43322777

Unfortunately won't make it to today either

>>43323420
It's okay take your time we all have busy irl days that get in the way of our hobbies occasionally.

>>43323403

>>43319990
>>43320310
>>43320328
>>43320950
>>43321070
"Do you… want a hug?" You feel compelled to say. The mare looks up at you with a deadpan eye, until a little chuckle escapes her mouth.
"No thanks, bard." She replies. "I… guess I appreciate the intent, though."

"Alright." You nod, trying to focus on the issue at hoof again. "I've heard that you took White Gold on an investigation at least once, but it turned out rather terribly. Can you tell me a little more precisely what happened?"
"Well, I'm not saying I'm the absolute best teacher out there, but it was just a bad time for a student who was struggling." Pale Gleam shrugs. "I presented White Gold a case, and she couldn't figure out which law were at stake, or the sentence incurred, and I tried to have her explain the protection measures to the witness, but she mixed it up with a bargain deal. At this point she was so distressed I took back the reigns and tried to show her how to do it. But still, she came back home feeling terrible about it, like she couldn't become a knight after all. Again, all of that isn't anything impossible to overcome with enough studying, and I tried to tell her that at the time, but these days she's convinced it's not necessary."

It's hard to tell who exactly could be at fault. As she said herself, you only got Pale Gleam's word she did what a teacher needed to.

"So… you think Phalanx accepted some kind of bribe?" You ask directly? "Is he the type to give in to pressure?"
"I can't know that for sure. Nopony could prove it…" She lets out a sigh of frustration. "But, well, after everything I've already let out, I guess I might as well tell you my impressions. I have no proof of anything I'm about to say, so I'll let you sort this all out yourself. Phalanx seems like a very proud pony to me, and he has a reputation to have led the Knights impeccably for many years. In these times of peace, though, he does so by maintaining efficient administration and logistics more than through acts of bravery, and that is in part thanks to the deals he made with Whirl Gold on equipment. Frankly, I don’t even think Whirl Gold had to spell it out. Phalanx might simply be trying to keep his business partner happy on his own initiative, and a small dent in the integrity of the knighting process could sound like a small price to pay for the whole organization to run smoothly. I mean, it's not like White Gold is a bad person or a complete hack. The order as a whole isn't gonna suffer just because of her."

"Has it ever happened before that a knighting was given for money?" You ask.

>>43324861
"The system is arbitrary to some extent, so it's hard to say." Pale Gleam starts to explain. "As per tradition, to become a Knight, you first have to be the squire of an existing Knight, and this Knight then has to vouch for your knighting when they think you're ready, and that's about the only requirement there is. The idea is that by vouching for your squire, you are putting your own rank on the line if your squire turns out to be unfit for the position. The commander Knight takes in the applications to become squire, and then he lets voluntary Knights choose whoever they want to mentor. Several families use that freedom to mentor their own relatives that way, or the ones of friends of the family. Note that those are far from being the worst at their job. More often than not, they make it extra sure the family's honor will be safe and push their squire very hard. This isn't about coins at all for them. But still, as I said, you can't deny there's a fair share of arbitrary in all this. It's more complicated to even become a squire if you don’t already know a Knight for starters. It's Phalanx that recommended I took White Gold as a squire back then, by the way. He told me that since she's got a bit of an unusual profile, we'd be a good fit for each other."
"How so?" You ask.
"The Golds aren't one of those Knight families." She replies. "And neither am I. I thought it would be nice too, even if my squire would be a noble."

"I'm curious about that too. What kind of adventures did you go on?" You ask. "And how did it lead you to become a knight protecting prince Zeolite?"
"Heh, you got the order wrong actually." Pale Gleam has a nostalgic smile on her face. "I accompanied Zeolite at the fairy games as an adventurer. I was still a wandering swordsmare at the time. I had just fought at his side to take down a bandit clan near my home village when he asked me to participate. And two days after the games ended with the wedding, he visited me and… I still remember his exact words. 'You're one of the most level-headed pony of our whole squad, and you're not even one of the knights. How about we fix that?'. I couldn't believe my ears as he offered to make me his squire. Not unlike White Gold, I only needed to perfect how much I knew the law to qualify, and with such an opportunity I was motivated enough to learn it almost on my own. The prince was of course very busy, and had little time for me, but I really didn't want to disappoint him. And once I was ready, we used one of the prince's visits to the capital to knight me. I've been staying around Sky Diamond since then. I've made sure to honor the prince and to complete all my assignments flawlessly. And it paid off! Phalanx had doubts at first, but he quickly saw I was as competent as any other Knight. Well, I thought so at least…"

"Hold on, you were the prince's squire?" You note. "And even with that, they can put your judgement in question so easily?"

>>43324863
"Well, it's not that much of an advantage…" Pale Gleam mimics a wince. "Zeolite is in a… strange position, especially since he married the elder fairy on a whim. There won't be consequences for him if I get disgraced, but it'll be all the easier to attack my own dignity by saying by knighthood was bestowed without proper care by him."

You talk about a few more details with Pale Gleam after that. Changing mentor isn't supposed to happen for a squire, and the squire needs a Knight to vouch for them. Pale Gleam doesn’t feel like Phalanx or Whirl Gold want to torment her specifically, but just that they want her to do as they please. She does believe they're looking down on her in some way, though, and that's why they think she's unimportant enough to make her some sort of assistant for White Gold and do the part of her duties she won't do. Pale Gleam acknowledges that White Gold genuinely wants to be a Knight, but she believes the younger mare has the wrong idea about the duties it entails. Also, Pale Gleam is in fact the one who told White Gold the story of the Knight and the Paladin, which is an adventurer's tale. It does happen to have a Knight as a protagonist, as they do sometimes associate with adventurers, but the party of heroes who found the necromancer where adventurers first and foremost.

"By the way, do you know where White Gold's idea of a quest came from?" You ask in the end. "Is there anything she could have interpreted as... 'if I kill wolves Pale Gleam will let me become a Knight'?"
"I don't know…" The mare fidgets on her seat uncomfortably. "I sure didn't tell her anything like this. Perhaps… I'm telling her often she isn't ready to face a real situation with all its stakes. I mean the application of the law when I say that, but if she believes that it's not what it's about, hunting wolves during a quest is perhaps her idea of a 'real situation'."

>What do?
>Ask more questions?
>Tell Pale Gleam you'd like to help but you don’t know how.
>Tell Pale Gleam you'll try to talk to White Gold, perhaps ease her into the idea that she should be an adventurer
>Leave Pale Gleam, merely saying you'll see if you can do anything (you don't have to)
>Tell Pale Gleam she should contact Zeolite and explain him the situation.

>>43324864
I get a feeling that White Gold is one that learns better through doing rather than by study or lecture. Perhaps, putting her in a situation where she's performing the duties of a knight, perhaps even with some stakes. On a side note, I have a feeling that the bandit attack might've had some connection to syndicate stuff.

>>43324864
Say to Pale Gleam that maybe she looking at the situation in the wrong way, and should view it differently like this Everypony has their own way of learning and studying perhaps White Gold direction is more productive and focus when she has hands on experience in the field than being cope up in a quiet room reading it through books.

Ask what does she mean that Zeolite is in a strange position is the prince mix into fairy politics or something?

Was the marriage with Zeolite and the Queen of the elder fairy an arrange one where they both did it order to keep the peace or did they love one another?

Was there really no other way to end the war between ponies and fairies?

If the prince is married shouldn't he be king then and does the queen of fairies live in the castle of Sky Diamond with him?

What is the Queen of Fairies name and what is her origin story?

>>43324864
Tell Pale that we'll try to take White Gold out in more investigate quests if possible. If all else fails, we'll try talking to her privately.
Afterwards, send Hilda out to carefully investigate what she can find about the syndicate, and pick up some flowers along the way to the pub.

>>43324864
For what it's worth, I don't believe White looks down at her, in any way. But would it be too wrong to conclude that the main reason Gleam says White is generally unfit for knighthood (as opposed to, just shouldn't be knighted right away without some additional studies) is because Gleam believes in her heart that a knight's conduct is fundamentally rooted in his respect for his teacher? I'd hate to oversimplify it, but it seems to be the pattern. Family-grown knights are good at their job because the honor of their family is at stake, Gleam herself pushes herself hard for the prince, but the moment White loses her respect for her teacher, in Gleam's eyes it's a lost cause forever and ever because there could be no other reason for White to ever start trying again. If this is what's going on, is it the official doctrine of the order or Gleam's private framework of understanding knighthood? Have they ever talked about it with White? Did White's beliefs appear to differ?

How comes Gleam has no close friends to talk it out with, neither inside nor outside the order? Was she already a loner as an adventurer? Could it be that she generally doesn't give ponies too many chances?

About this investigation case White fucked up, I don't think I entirely grasp why both of them took it so badly. It sounds like a perfectly normal learning experience. What law was involved and what were the implications of getting it wrong? What was so utterly unacceptable about bargaining with the witness, isn't a good deal of looking for mutually acceptable conditions involved in any not entirely trivial witness protection situation? Except for White's pride, did anybody get hurt because of her mistakes?

Perhaps taking Gold to the fairy games is part of the solution. Fairies deal in law, right? If White learns to untangle fairy pacts, it could restore her confidence in her ability to untangle the law of this realm as well. The big question, then, is whether Gleam wants to be a part of it. If she genuinely prefers to leave this whole mess behind as soon as possible, we could try to convince Golds to switch the teacher. It's not how it's done, and it would still probably hurt Gleam's standing somewhat, but Phalanx seems to be open to suggestions. If, on the other hand, Gleam would be willing to give White one more chance, we could instead try to convince White to postpone her knighting a little in exchange for Gleam appearing at the games to witness White's success. I suspect White wants nothing more than to make Gleam proud of her and would agree to literally anything with this at stake. Gleam doesn't have to answer right away, of course. Or does she? If the knighting is already scheduled, how much time is left?

coming back tomorrow

>>43324074

>>43327158

Will have to come back on Saturday.

>>43327680

>>43327995
Big mares and fireworks?

Almost died

>>43328782

>>43325552
>>43325403
>>43325042
>>43324960
"It sounds to me like White Gold is the type to learn more efficiently by practice rather than through books." You say. "I think I could try bringing her on quests featuring some investigation."
"Sure." Pale Gleam sighs. "That can only help, but Whirl Gold wants things to move forward fast. I don’t think it was a bluff when he said he'd contact Phalanx in a week. Past that point, they'll probably force me to take a stand in favor of White Gold's knighting, or face consequences. And like I told you, if it comes to that I'd rather just give up on being a knight."

You have a hunch that Pale Gleam is probably right. White Gold should be fine in the end, but it’s Pale Gleam who’s probably gonna follow through with quitting her position if the situation doesn’t change within a week. Before that, either White Gold could pursue something else than knighthood, Whirl Gold or Phalanx’s pressure on Pale Gleam could be exposed and punished, or Pale Gleam could swallow her pride and accept to knight White Gold, which could be more or less bad depending on whether their relationship could be fixed by then. Possibilities may still arise, but in the time frame of a single week, you think this is the list of the realistically possible outcomes, in addition to Pale Gleam quitting her position, which will likely happen if you don’t get involved.
"Then, I'll talk to White Gold if that fails." You tell Pale Gleam. "And also… I don't know about the rest, but I don't think White Gold is the type to look down on others, especially on you. Even if there are misunderstandings between the two of you right now, that's just not her way of viewing ponies."

"Yeah, you're probably right." Pale Gleam gets pensive again. "I wish I could have found a better solution sooner. I… I can't deal with this situation anymore, and White Gold only…" She hesitates here, and lets out another sigh. “No, it doesn't matter. She's probably the one pony I should apologize to about this whole mess actually."
“So… You do think Whit Gold could eventually become a proper Knight?” You ask. “Under other circumstances? With more time to learn the ropes and to do it her way?”
“Like I told you, anything is possible with enough work, but I also believe she’d be better suited as an adventurer.” Again the Knight mare sighs. “But what do I know? If I were actually good at figuring what ponies need, I wouldn’t be in this position to begin with…”

Before leaving, you ask some more questions to Pale Gleam. You’re curious about prince Zeolite and the fairy games in particular. Prince Zeolite has always been the problem child among the royal children, Pale Gleam tells you. He is the youngest of the children of the king, so he isn’t the heir of the kingdom, but he should still have participated in running the institutions of the country as a general for example.

>>43330747
Becoming an adventurer is a failure in the eyes of many ponies among the nobility, and an infringement on what a pony of royal blood should be. Also, even if he isn’t the next in line for the throne, marriage should have been something arranged for him. Zeolite taking wife on his own initiative, in a marriage of love, has embarrassed the crown, even if it did help achieve peace with the fairies. For all these reasons, Zeolite’s name rhymes with trouble among the institution of the kingdom, even if most pony commoners who’ve heard of him appreciated the tales of his feats as an adventurer. When you ask whether this union was the only thing that could have stopped the war, Pale Gleam shrugs in response. What she knows is that what had been tried so far didn’t yield any good result. The fae don’t care about traditional diplomacy, and using force against magical spirits of nature is a dangerous endeavor. You could end up with a plague ravaging the land, or a curse worth a century of poisoned crops even if you win. The situation of today doesn't make Zeolite the king, or Aurora, the elder fairy, the queen. The fae has shown no interest in ruling over ponies in fact, and prefers to remain in her forest. Aurora descends from the sky every morning, and disappears at twilight from this part of the world. Like many of the fae, she perceives time differently, and shares part of her memories with the land itself, so Pale Gleam doesn’t know how old she is or how she came to be. The knight mare even doubts Zeolite knows this. All the other fae do refer to her as the elder fairy, which seems to be the only position of authority they all acknowledge. As you tell her about the quest you saw from prince Zeolite, Pale Gleam has doubts that White Gold would be a good fit for a contest with fairies. Indeed, the fae deal in rules in their games, but they like to twist those and deceive other contestants, and White Gold might quickly end up magicked into submission if somepony doesn’t have her back. Though, many fairies like a headstrong pony, so she will get some sympathy from them, and since these games are about entertainment that might count a lot.
Pale Gleam didn’t see many friends she made as an adventurer for a long while. She has some acquaintances in the capital, but none among the other Knights, and nopony she’s really close to either. Again, about the investigation she did with White Gold, she agrees that nothing special seemed to have happened, and she tried to encourage White Gold not to think too much about what didn’t work out that one time, but also to think if being a knight is really what she wants.

>>43330750
You’ve talked a lot, and you leave Pale Gleam not long after that. She tells you that if you’ve got more stuff to tell her later, you can ask for her here again. She’ll be available to talk in the evenings.

Once outside, you pick up your rat-friend from your bag. It's high time you sent her to explore this big city on her own.

"Hilda, I feel like the Syndicate could be involved in all this." You tell her. "Do you think you could look around and see what they're up to? If that’s possible, could you try to find out if they have a connection with the bandits that attacked us too?"
"Mmh… From what I've heard you and the other ponies say about it, this organization sounds like they could mean trouble. I'll have to proceed carefully." The critter on your hoof replies.
"Woah… It's rare for me to hear you saying you'll need some restrain." You comment.
"Ha! I am no fool, Hearty!" The rodent claims. "Waltzing in a city-wide organization you don't know is the best way to lose your tail in the heist. With little leads on what I could find or what they're capable of, I'll take this mission slowly and steadily. I'll report my findings to you daily in the meantime."

On that, you leave Hilda to go on her own in the streets of the capital.
By now, it’s the night, and your companions must be waiting for you at the inn. There’ll be Chara, Knifepoint, Mauve Havens, and maybe Brass Compass.

>What do?
>Anything else before joining your friends?

>>43330757
Find some apology gifts for Brass

>>43330757
>What do?
>Anything else before joining your friends?
Buy flowers and a box of chocolate for Brass compass.

>>43330757
Does Chara have any cool ideas for the big show?
It's a shame we didn't try to invite Pale to the party. She could use some distraction.

>>43330757
That takes care of that we manage to sort it out with Pale Gleam as best as we can, and find out more information about the Prince and his fiance the elder fairy Aurora.

Time to reunited with the others, but first let's go follow-up on Chara's advice, and get some flowers and chocolates for Brass to help mend the rift between us showing we still love and care about her. Have Hearty embrace Compass and apologize for hurting her he didn't mean to make her feel abandoned, he'd left a message to Chara telling Brass where he'll be getting a headstart to help Chara find a suitable location where she can fulfill her dream performing in the Capital of Sky Diamond.

Tell Brass everything we did so far in Sky Diamond and if she wants to help chip in on Chara dance concert.

Ask Brass Compass how's life being in the Seeker Guild Headquarters what is it like? What she doing there? Did she learned anything new? Did the guild give her any quest assignments that she needs help taking care of?

>>43330757
Go meet with the others now.
>>43332072
>he'd left a message to Chara telling Brass where he'll be getting a headstart to help Chara find a suitable location where she can fulfill her dream performing in the Capital of Sky Diamond.
Pointless.
>Tell Brass everything we did so far in Sky Diamond and if she wants to help chip in on Chara dance concert.
Immediately asking her to help in the event that supposedly made us want to leave her early is not a good play. Though, her reaction to rubbing salt on the wound would be funny.

File: sim126.png (3.7 MB, 1536x1536)

3.7 MB PNG

>>43332084
>>43332072
>>43331580
>>43331381
>>43331193
Time for an evening with friends. Chara told you where she planned to go, and you arrive at the establishment that is mostly occupied by Knifepoint, physically so, as the mare’s still over 20 feet tall from how you grew her during today’s quest. Your fire scion friend is here too, as well as Mauve Heavens.
Brass Compass has joined them too, and you heeded Chara’s advice before coming. You immediately go to her with a big grin.

“Brass Compass! I'm so happy to meet you again!” You giddily tell her.
“Oh, Hearty.” She shows you a polite smile. “Hi there. Glad to see you’ve made it. I guess you didn’t get abducted this time.”
“Your presence will make this evening all the sweeter.” You attempt to cast aside the bitterness hidden behind the mare’s words. “And speaking of sweetness, here! A little something for the sweetest mare of them all.”
“Oh, that’s... Thanks, Hearty.” You do think her smile is genuine as she accepts the chocolates you brought.
“And to celebrate this reunion…” You show her the flowers you also got. “I think these go well with your mane. Please accept them.”
“Alright, fine.” Brass Compass chuckles. “Now you’re making me feel bad for being peeved at you. I wouldn’t have asked for that much, you know? Just write a letter to me next time, either when you leave us, or when you arrive just so I know you’re safe, alright?”

“Y-yes, of course.” You nod. “You’re right. I’ll be sure to write you something next time we go our separate ways. But how have you been these days? Any Seeker quest you would need help for? What kind of new spell are you studying?”
“I’ve yet to settle on a job.” Brass Compass shakes her head. “I’m more interested in learning right now. A lot of stuff is rather theoretical, but I’ve managed to learn this one spell that is a little more flashy.”
Her horn lights up, and with a bang and a flash of light, the 11-feet mare disappears before your eyes to immediately reappear at the other side of the room, a proud smile on her face.
“I need to see where I want to go with this spell, but still, it was easier than I thought to master teleportation.”

In the end, Brass Compass wasn’t that crossed with you, as Chara told you, and you think this tiny feud has been smoothed over for now. You can rest easy and enjoy your stay with your four friends tonight.

>What do?

Also I genned some to-current-scale Knifepoint because why noy https://files.catbox.moe/h7iq3k.png

>>43332942
Kinda want to ask how she made it inside, but on another hand, one does not simply ask a rogue for her secrets, even if said rogue may as well overpower a barbarian without sweat currently.
Guess we should just share a drink with them and settle for the night for tommorrow's quests

>>43332942
DANCE PARTY

>>43332942
Saw the sexy image of 24 foot Knifepoint laying on her side with her milk coming out of her teats good one with that extra lewd art the zebra is all too eager to flaunt her new form for every patron in the bar. Heh Chara and Knifepoint both like to show off in front of other ponies that something they both have in common one zebra with dancing and big flanks, and the other with huge curves crotchboobs and tall strength. Hard to say what mare we Anons are going to pick for Hearty to spend the night with after hanging out in the tavern Brass or Knifepoint; unless we'll have the option to enjoy a threesome with both of them tonight, but that's up to your disposition if its the right time for hearty to experience that chance or not yet until later.

Clap our hooves in congratulations of her learning teleportation it will come in handy surprising our enemies in a fight, using it if we need to make a quick escape on a quest that too dangerous for us, and save us lots of days traveling time back to previous places we been too Meadowburg, Starpoint, and Port Sunrise, etc. Give a flirting compliment to Brass's new robe we got her, how she appears as a wise wizard with her own unique mystic magic.

Inform Brass about our actions we did and the ponies we met two days being here in the capital and how this marvelous Kingdom is bigger than, we first imagine we're still adjusting to get used finding our way around this place.

Ask Brass Compass how was her reunion with her old friends back in Port Sunrise what did ya talk about and did it go well or bad?

Before she left her home did she go check the relic in the laboratory to make sure the accident in the lab didn't cause any sort of problems for her parents research?

Did anything happen on her journey to Sky Diamond?

Did she saw Crow Heart at the Seeker's Headquarters?

Does the guild gives tours for visitors coming to see the headquarters?

What new things and other spells is she learning now?

>>43332942
>What do?
Query knifepoint about the dance moves she did with the Opera's dancers?

>>43332942
Start a conversation with Mauve and Chara. Let's see if Mauve has any advice for the both of us.

Bump

Coming back tomorrow

>>43333876
>>43333724
>>43333426
>>43333425
>>43333010
"That's a neat spell you learned here!" You tell Brass Compass. "Fitting for the amazing wizard you're becoming. Just like that beautiful cloak you're wearing."
"Heehee. It is a nice cloak." She says as she pats her blue cape with a hoof. "I think I'm gonna keep wearing it every day."
"So, what else are your studying at the moment?" You ask next. "I'm excited to see what else you can learn from the guild."
"Oh, it's just been two days, you know?" She chuckles. "Aside from teleportation, I'm studying new methods that I'll add to my reference book. I'm taking a course of unusual magic and how to interact with it. To dispel it, or even to manipulate in other ways. That reminds me, if you have some time, maybe you could drop by at the Seekers' headquarters. If you're okay with it, I'd like to test these new scrying spells on your magic. I'm curious to see what I could learn. And who knows? Perhaps I could find a way to amplify your magic that way!"
"Really? When could we schedule that?"
"Anytime you want. I'm gonna be at the Seekers' for the whole week." Brass Compass says. "I'll be able to catch up on a given course if I'm skipping just once or twice."

"Good to hear. I'll think about it." You nod. "Also, did you meet Crow Heart, by any chance?"
"I asked about her actually, and she's still in the Zebra Republic right now." Bass Compass replies. "I think I remember her telling us she has lots of work to do there. Who know? If we go there in the future, we might still do some jobs with her."
Crow Heart, The Seeker who certified Brass Compass, was a bit of an unusual one. Even if she was a little hard on Brass Compass during her exam, you're a little curious about her.

You ask a few more things to Brass Compass. She did make sure the artefact in the lab was properly contained before leaving, and you reminding her of that episode makes the green mare blush slightly as she remembers her blunder. As Chara told you, they had a quiet but pleasant trip to the capital. Unfortunately, there's isn't any tour of the seeker's headquarters per say, but Brass Compass would accept to give you a little tour if you come for her research. She had a fun day with her friends. Since they aren't adventurers, they were really excited to hear her stories, and were in absolute awe of how big Brass Compass was. Likewise, you tell Brass Compass what you've been up to these last two days.

After that, you approach Knifepoint, who's currently enjoying a whole barrel of booze.
"And how did you even get it here?" You address the big zebra mare who's obstructing the whole outer wall of the inn. "Or is it so rogue secret I'm not allowed to know?"
"Heh." Knifepoint smirks. "Let's just say it involved a lot for squeezing. Mind your step on the way out. The doorway might still be a little wet."