“Okay. We got chips, drinks, we could probably order some pizza if we want to, some candies for Pinkie,” Sunset went down her shopping list as she walked down the isle. “What else?”
“How about some popcorn, darling?” Rarity suggested as they turned down the next one.
“Good idea!” Sunset walked about halfway down and stopped, taking a look at all the different choices. Grabbing a couple packets of a few different flavors she tossed them into the cart.
“Thanks for coming with me today, Rarity.”
“Don't worry about it. Do you think the girls will be excited to play?”
“I'm pretty sure they will be. Even though I had to go over some of the rules a few times with Twilight. She seemed to take it all literally while I kept reminding her that it's just a game.”
“Well she's still getting used to being at Canterlot High and having so many friends.” Rarity waved it off as she had another thought. “Oh, we should make some brownies!”
“Pinkie would love that,” Sunset giggled as they headed towards one of the cashiers. “I bet she already has all the ingredients at home. Why don't you send her a text and ask,” she suggested as she started to place her items on the moving belt.
“Already did,” Rarity said as she replaced her phone back into her small purse. The two girls shared a smile while Sunset paid for the groceries. They were only a few minutes walk from Sunset's apartment as the two girls headed down the cement path each holding a few plastic bags. Sunset pulled out her phone and sent a group message to everyone, save for Rarity as she was already with her.
Game tonight. 7PM my place.
Don't forget to bring paper, a pencil and a set of dice.
Will have snacks and drinks but feel free to bring
anything else. See you then!
Nearing the door to her apartment, Sunset swapped her phone for her set of keys and unlocked the door. Holding it open for Rarity they both stepped through and placed the bags on the table. Checking the time, Rarity told Sunset that she would be back in time for the game as she had a few things to do today. Giving her a gentle hug Rarity let herself out as Sunset started to put everything away.
A bit later in the day she had the table all set up for the seven of them. It would be a bit cramped but it would work. Walking into her room she grabbed a small stack of books from her dresser and placed them on the table where she would be sitting.
“Alright, I think that's everything that I need. Player's handbook, the DMG, monster manual,” Sunset spoke as she pointed to each of the books. “Well that should do it, for now. Oh, I hope this goes well. Never really done anything like this before but it just seems like so much fun.”
Sunset continued to talk to herself as she started to get the snacks all set out for her friends. “I mean I've been reading up on how to play and been studying the rules,” she paused for a moment as she thought about something, “well, they're more like guidelines per say but all in all I think I've got the hang of it.”
By the time everything was all set up and Sunset gave herself a well deserved smile, there was a knock on her door. Quickly stepping over and opening the door, Sunset's smile grew wider as she saw Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy standing in her entry way. Welcoming them in she closed the door but only briefly for when she told them to make themselves at home there was another knock.
Upon reopening the door, Rarity and Pinkie Pie, both with smiles and hugs, greeted Sunset as they to passed over the threshold. Twilight was last to arrive apologizing about some experiment she was working on. Sunset told her to not worry about it and to get herself some snacks or a drink before taking a seat at the table.
Once everyone was finally settled down Sunset got their attention. “Did everyone bring the required items?”
“Ayep.”
“Sure did!”
“Y-yes.”
“Of course.”
“Uh-huh!”
The only one who didn't seem to answer was Twilight who looked kind of ashamed that she forgot. “It's alright Twi. Here,” Sunset handed her a sheet of paper and a handful of differently shaped dice. “Okay so that takes care of that. Now tonight we're just going to make our characters and create their backgrounds,” Sunset explained as she looked over the group.
“I got a few books you guys can use but it would be helpful if you can pick up this one,” Sunset held up the player's guide for them to see before passing it to Applejack who sat to her left. “If you're not able to that's alright. We can all share.” She handed an extra one to Twilight who sat to her right.
“Also everyone take one of these please,” she continued as she handed a small stack of papers to Twilight, who already had one, passed the rest to the group. “So go ahead and spend some time going through the book and see what kind of character you would like to play.”
As the night wore on and the food was consumed, much progress was made by the girls. Sunset had many questions to answer as they started creating a character that appealed to each one of them. Some questions she had to look up and make a decision on while others were given a quick simple answer. Sunset was very much enjoying her new role as a Dungeon Master, or DM as the book often refers to the term.
After a few hours and many questions everyone had their own character sheet filled out with the basic details. They rolled for their stats, chose a background, equipped themselves with standard gear, and were all in all ready to start their big adventure. But before that could happen Sunset wanted to go around the table and make sure everything was correct and have her players give an introduction, to breathe life into this character that they have created. Turning to her left she pointed at Applejack who cleared her throat as she looked down at her sheet before her green eyes returned to her friends.
“Ah will be playing a human paladin. Her name is Roxanna Mourneblack and she serves the platinum dragon god Bahamut. She's on a holy quest to figure out the recent visions she has been seein' and to avenge her late father who was captured and slain by Rystion the Mad, a mage of incredible power.”
“Sounds good. Rainbow you're next,” Sunset said, pointing to her.
“Alright! My character's name is Thandra Lockcat. She is a half elf rogue who likes to sneak around in the shadows and who takes anything shiny or worth of any value.”
“Okay,” Sunset said, giggling as Rainbow Dash gave her best sneaky impression. She then turned her attention to Fluttershy who was sitting next to Rainbow. “And you?”
“Um,” Fluttershy paused for a moment before continuing, “my character's name is Lohen Greenbranch. She is an elven druid who lives in the forest taking care of the trees and animals.” Sunset nodded as she turned to Pinkie who was sitting across from Fluttershy.
“Oh, my turn, my turn! I will be playing a gnome bard who goes by the name of Aresim.”
“No last name?” Rainbow asked.
“Nope!” Pinkie just smiled as she popped some more candy into her mouth.
“It's not required,” Sunset told Rainbow who just shrugged before turning her attention to Rarity now. “You're up.”
“My character's name is Lady Lavanya who also serves the platinum dragon,” she gave a smile to Applejack. “She is also a human and has her own personal quest to heal those in need of it.”
“So you're playing a cleric then?” Sunset asked.
“Why yes, darling. Did I not mention that?” Sunset just shook her head as giggles could be heard around the table while Rarity apologized. Now turning her attention to Twilight, Sunset gave her the floor to introduce her character.
“Yes, um,” Twilight started off as she adjusts the glasses perched on her nose. “Going over the classes I believe that I have decided on being a wizard who goes by the name of Jeana Sparks. She is a high elf who resides in the capital studying the arcane ways.” Twilight looked shyly down at her character sheet when she was done. Sunset placed a hand on her shoulder as she stood up and looked at her friends.
“Great! Everything seems to be in order. We now know who everyone is going to be and what class they are going to play. I'm sorry it took so long but next week when we get together you'll be starting your very first adventure. If you guys have any other questions please let me know before then. Oh! And don't forget to grab a book if you can,” Sunset held up the Player's Handbook once more to remind them.
As the girls started to gather up their things and say their goodbyes, Sunset began to clear off the table when a pair of hands joined her. Twilight gave her a slight smile and the two of them got it done fairly quick. As the rest of their friends left, Twilight hung back for a moment hesitating for some reason.
“Is everything okay?” Sunset asked as she gathered up the rest of the trash and walked her to the door.
“Well,” Twilight started but then stopped, unsure of how to explain herself.
“Don't worry about it to much. It's just a game and the most important thing to remember is to have fun.”
“I've just never done anything like this before.”
“Neither have I,” Sunset reassured her with a smile. Twilight returned the smile and let out a quiet sigh.
“Okay. I promise to give it my all and have fun,” Twilight said as Sunset walked outside with her carrying the trash bag. Tossing it into the dumpster she gave Twilight a hug and watched her leave before heading back into her apartment.
“What a night!” she said as she leaned against the closed door. “Well, got a lot of work a head of me but this should turn out to an interesting adventure!” With a smile and a nod Sunset knew her friends wouldn't let her down. She just hoped that she could do the same for them as she guides them through the lands of Valatorium!