(Ponyville, Sun's Day)
I made my way toward the iconic gingerbread themed house, a skip in my step as I went along. As I did so, I noticed that some of the mares I passed by still looked about average. With my heightened Intelligence, I reasoned that the Sex Appeal buff probably only worked on those that were potential romance options for me specifically. This was partially proved to be accurate, as I noticed Dinky looking rather pretty herself.
Then I paused mid-step. If that's the case, then why did my mother....
Nope! Not entertaining that thought! Just because it might be possible it doesn't mean that I should. I'll just settle for 'I was wrong' and move rrrright along!(1)
Arriving at Sugarcube Corner, I noticed the Crusaders sitting at the table and- WHOA!
While Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked especially lovely, Sweetie Belle was practically sparkling. Not a single fleck of dirt marred her features. looking as lovely as others consider her sister to be. My vision was swiftly gaining a pink filter as I looked at her, a clear sign that I was enamored AB!(2)
When Scootaloo noticed me, she waved me over.(3)
As I reached that table, I seemed to be attracting some attention from other patrons of the establishment. Must be my enhanced Charisma. It made other Ponies notice me when I walked through the door. Obligingly, I switched my gait to a strut ratther than a base trot.
"Hey, girls!" I greeted, ¿Cómo te va?"
This got their attention. "Since when did ya learn Spaneighsh?" Apple Bloom queried.
(Bluff check (Wits + Charisma), DC4; 3 successes)(4)
Not missing a beat, I replied "I've been broadening my horizons a bit, lately. I've read a few dictionaries, of late."
The fib fooled the fillies and we moved on.
"So... you're looking rather svelte, Button."
"Really? I hadn't noticed." Another white lie. "Come to think of it, you girls are looking rather radiant yourselves. Especiallly you, Sweetie." I sent an instinctive wink at the trio.
(Attraction increased with Apple Bloom +
Scootaloo +
Sweetie Belle ++)
We didn't notice her before, but Pinkie Pie was nearby, looking at me with her head tilted slightly. "What's that?"
I quickly X'd the window. "Uh... Nothing!"
She shrugged. "Okay. What'll it be?"
The three of us laid down our bits and, in unison, said "The usual!"
For me, that meant a chocolate shake (with a doule chocolate muffin). A vanilla for Sweetie (with a slice of cheesecake), a strawberry-apple for Apple Bloom (with an apple frtter) and a caramel for Scootaloo (with a slice of strawberry-rhubarb pie).
Forrtitude check (Stamina + Fortitude) DC4; 4 successes
With my boosted stats, I was easily able to avoid an Ice Cream Headache.(5)
The four of us chatted for a while, enjoying our desserts. Along the way, I was able to flatter them a bit more.
(Attraction increased with Apple Bloom ++
Scootaloo ++
Sweetie Belle +++)
Alas, good things came to an end.
"Well, well, well. Look who it is."
"Oh, great." the four of us said in unison.
With Diamond Tiara's redemption came unfortunate consequences. Namely that instead of two bullies, now there were three. And these guys were much more forceful than the previous two. These were Pennyworth, Firecracker and Spinner. Typically, they were quite the nusciance. Now, however...
I stood up from the table and sighed. "Let me handle this, girls."
"Ooooh!" Pennyworth sneered, "Is somepony getting a burst of courage? Didn't learn from the last time?"
"I was different then." I replied coolly. "What say we take this outside? No point wrecking the place."
We did just that. Once outside, I stretched my legs to prepare.
Initiative check; 4. Player takes second turn.
I decided that I'd go easy on them.
Limiter placed: 2 Strength
Spinner said, eagerly, "Let's do this."
But first, a warning.
"Ah ah! All we want is to be left alone. So. If you're smart... you'll back off right now. If you're stupid, you'll be needing to go to Zecora to get new teeth."(6)
Intimidation check (Charisma + Intimidation) DC 5: 2 successes
Sure enough, they decided to do this the hard way, marching toward me. Firecracker approached first, taking on a bipedal stance. He thrust one foreleg toward me.
Counter check (Dexterity + Wits) DC6; 6 successes; 10/2 (7) = 5 bashing damage
I grabbed Firecracker's outstretched hoof, pulling him to me and striking him in the gut, knocking the wind out of him. The sight of him staggering back caused the other two to pause, letting me take an opportunity.
"Scan." I sub-vocalized.
Firecracker HP: 15/20
Pennyworth HP: 14/14
Spinner HP: 20/20
Hmm... Pennyworth was tough, for a spoiled rich kid.
"My turn." I stated, making my move.
Attack check (Strength + Brawl) DC 2; 5 successes = 18 damage.
I struck Spinner a devastating blow, causing him to fall to the ground, effectively incapacitated.
Pennyworth gave me a determined look and attacked next.
Counter check: (Dexterity + Wits): 6 successes 22/2= 11 damage
Pennyworth also slumped to the ground, effectively out of the encounter. I looked to Firecracker. "Give up? Or do you want me to make good on that threat?"
Firecracker sighed, said "I give up. We'll get outta here." and picked his allies up from the ground, walking away wit a wobbly gait, the uneven weights setting him off balance.
Gained 2 skill points for winning the encounter.
Gained 3 BP for defending the Cutie Mark Crusaders from harm.
+ toward Good, due to taking the high road.
Scootaloo dashed out of the restaurant. "Whoa! How did you learn to DO that?!"
"What?" I queried, not expecting that to be the first thing for her to say.
"THAT. Was AWESOME!" she extolled.
"You're not mad at all?"
"You just defended us by yourself and didn't get a scratch! Why in Equestria would I be mad?!"
From above, Rainbow Dash flew down and excitedly said, "I know, right?! Oh my gosh, that was SO. AWESOME! Naturally, I was prepared to swoop in if you were having trouble, but you totally owned those jerks! It'll be a while before they come back!"
I observed, "It's like mom always says: Never start fights, but always finish them."
Going back to the faux-gingerbread cafe, i finished my well-deserved drink, quite pleased with the accomplishment.