//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Foalsitting and Character Creation // Story: The Rebel and The Bookworm (CANCELLED) // by qiley //------------------------------// As weeks passed, Twilight and Sunset spent more and more time together. Twilight would keep Sunset company while at school while Sunset would often foalsit Twilight if Cadence wasn’t available. Sunset would sometimes even join Twilight in her lessons with Celestia. Sunset’s lessons were going smoothly. She was able to control and manage her magic easily and it didn’t strain her as much. Although it wasn’t perfect, it was good enough for them to move onto something more advanced.  Twilight proved to be just as competent as Sunset. In just the first couple weeks she was able to control her magic, although it was not as refined as Sunset. There were still some kinks she had to work on, but she was still progressing quickly.  Twilight’s progress pushed Sunset to try harder and harder, not wanting to fall behind the younger student. The two would compete in almost everything. Things like test scores, magic aptitude tests, even how many things they could levitate at once. Although they treated each other like rivals, they were still great friends. They would exchange notes about new magic they learned, or things they see in the duels. The two would try to watch as many of the duels as possible, learning the nuances of fighting with both magic and weapons. They didn’t keep any knowledge to themselves. Twilight had just finished her lesson when Sunset challenged her to a mock duel. Of course, they wouldn’t be using any spells that could potentially harm the other pony. Rather, they were using a spell that shoots out a beam that recolors anything it hits. This way, they could practice as if they were really fighting without any risk of injury. However, after just a few minutes of mock fighting, the whole field looked like a pegasus accidentally spilled some rainbow liquid all over the place! Splotches of colors filled the grass and surrounding vegetation. Twilight and Sunset’s coats, however, were still unchanged. They had managed to dodge every beam, whether it was through a tumbling or dashing, or even blinking. Not a single beam hit either of them. “Alright you two, settle down,” Celestia chuckled, watching her two students tumble around in the grass.  “You’re going to recolor the whole garden at this point.” They continued to shoot beam after beam. “We can’t stop until one of us loses!” Sunset shouted, nearly getting hit. Returning fire, Twilight was quick to dodge. Celestia sighed, shaking her head. Her horn ignited, levitating the two ponies in the air. Twilight and Sunset tried to escape her grasp but it was like pushing against a brick wall. Not even their magic could match their teachers. “I understand you two are eager to start dueling, but I think you’ve done enough damage for the day,” Celestia said, surveying the clearing. There wasn’t a single spot unchange besides the two students. Even Celestia herself had a splotch of red on her beautiful white coat.  “Awww, c’mon Celestia!” Sunset groaned. “We were just getting started!” “I know something you two can get started on,” Celestia said, putting them down. “How about we start cleaning up the garden?” She smiled, sending a shiver down her student’s spine. “Y-Yes ma’am!” Twilight quickly replied, running towards the shrubbery and trees that needed to be changed back. “I’ll get right on it,” Sunset smiled before also running off. Celestia nodded with content, happily watching her students zap the vegetation back to their rightful color. They ran around the clearing, making sure they didn’t miss a single spot. It took a little while, but eventually the whole field was back to normal, much quicker than Celestia expected. No longer were the trees shades of pink and red, and the grass no longer comparable to a rainbow. They even somehow got the red splotch on Celestia’s coat without her realizing. Twilight and Sunset trudged over to Celestia. When they were just a few feet away from her, they collapsed, panting.  Celestia looked around at the field. With a nod, she smiled and looked down at the two. “Very well done. It’s like nothing ever happened.” “So are we done for the day?” Sunset asked through ragged breaths, sitting up with Twilight. “Twilight’s lessons have been done for a while now,” Celestia chuckled. “However, if you don't mind, I ask that you watch Twilight. I have a meeting I must attend and Cadence has something important to do, so unfortunately neither one of us can't watch her today.” “I don’t mind foalsitting her at all,” Sunset grinned, ruffling Twilight’s mane. “She’s the only other pony I can really talk to about magic and actually understand what I’m saying.” “Then that’s great,” Celestia said. “I trust you won’t blow up anything while I’m gone?” “When have I done that?” Sunset awkwardly laughed. Celestia stayed silent, cocking up an eyebrow. “Ok fine! I promise I won’t blow anything up this time.” Celestia smiled and nodded. “Glad to hear that. Now if you excuse me, I must go now.”  Twilight and Sunset watched as Celestia walked towards the garden’s entrance, disappearing into the trees. The sun was still up, but wouldn’t be for that much longer. It wasn’t unusual for the two to be out till this time though. In fact, it was kind of routine for them to be out this late. “Well, guess we should take a bath,” Sunset suggested, getting up to her hooves. “Okay!” Twilight nodded happily. The pair made their way to the bathroom closest to Sunset’s room. The tub was quite large, able to hold three, maybe even four adult ponies if they squeezed in. The reasoning for why it was so big was to accommodate Princess Celestia and her larger stature. However, since Twilight and Sunset were still young, the tub felt more like a small pool to them.  There was also a shower and your normal bathroom appliances. The two took turns rinsing off, Sunset going first. It was common etiquette to rinse off before bathing. They had the luxury to use hot water whenever they wanted, and they took advantage of that of course.  Sunset was already fully submerged and relaxed in the tub when Twilight finished rinsing off. Trotting over, Twilight gave the water a cautious poke. Sunset chuckled. “C’mon Twilight, it’s not that hot.” “Last time you said that it was boiling hot!” Twilight frowned, putting her hoof in the water. With a quick nod, she slowly got into the tub, letting her whole body sink into the warm water. Letting out a satisfied sigh, she sunk in more and more. “Okay maybe I should’ve told you I liked my water really hot, but I thought everypony did!” Sunset tried to defend herself. “It’s fine,” Twilight said. “Anyways, what are we going to do today? Read?” “You sure do love reading, especially for a pony your age” Sunset chuckled, resting her chin on her hoof. “How about we see what your brother is up to?” Twilight’s face lit up at the mention of her brother. “That’s a great idea! I haven’t seen Shiny in a few days.” “Then after that I guess we’ll study or something,” Sunset added. “Okay!” Twilight nodded quickly. The two spent a little while in the tub, giving them some time to relax after a day of lessons. Celestia’s lessons have been getting harder, and thus tiring them out more. They faced these challenges with great vigor and enthusiasm, regardless of what was thrown at them.  After drying themselves off and brushing their manes, Twilight and Sunset made their way to the guard’s quarters. Since it was located in the wing opposite of Sunset’s room, it was a lengthy walk.  “How old is your brother anyway?” Sunset asked. “He’s seventeen!” Twilight answered.   Sunset’s eyes widened. “Seventeen!? He’s ten years older than you?” “Yup!” Twilight said nonchalantly.  “Isn’t he a little young to be in the royal guard?”   “Celestia said that he’s the youngest unicorn to become a royal guard,” Twilight said. “She even said that he had the potential of becoming captain!”  “I knew your brother was something, but I didn’t think he was that amazing,” Sunset chuckled. “What kind of magic does he specialize in?” Ponies usually specialized in a certain area of magic. For example, Amethyst Star specialized in enchanting and imbuing magic, while Twinkleshine specialized in casting. These are just a few areas of specialities. Ponies usually choose a branch they want to specialize in sometime at the end of their school years. “He specializes in shields I’m pretty sure,” Twilight grinned. “He tells me that his shield is impenetrable!” “And you don’t think he’s just saying that to impress you?” Sunset smirked, cocking an eyebrow. “Nope!” Twilight said confidently. “Guess I’ll have to test that out,” Sunset whispered to herself, noting that.  Soon enough, they arrived at the guard’s quarters. It wasn’t as grandly decorated as the other sections of the castle. Rather, there were paintings and statues of influential military figures. Ponies like past generals or heros. Along some walls were spears and other weapons, placed just in case of an emergency. The hallways were dimly lit. The doors were uniformly placed, an equal distance between each one. Each door would house up to four guards. It was a lot like a dorm. “Do you know which one is your brother's?” Sunset looked down at Twilight who was shaking her head. “He never got around to it during our tour,” Twilight frowned. Sunset placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “He just probably didn't want you over here. Let’s look for him.” “Okay!” Twilight nodded quickly. The two walked down the halls, looking at the name plaques in front of each door. There were a lot of guards stationed here, making the process long and tedious. They would occasionally see ponies (who they assumed were guards) roaming the halls. They tended to travel in pairs or groups, never seeing a single guard by themselves. The guards didn’t really care nor interacted with the two young fillies. They just passed by, minding their own business.  Twilight and Sunset continued through the many halls, still trying to find Shining Armor’s room. “What are you two up to?” a stallion called to them as they passed by. The two students stopped, looking back at the pony.  Standing in one of the doorways was a tall stallion. His fur was white (as most guards were for some reason) and his mane was a solid, fiery red, somewhat similar to Sunset’s. He wasn’t equipped with any armor, probably because wasn’t on duty. His cutie mark bore resemblance to a fireball. “Wait a minute, aren’t you Sunset Shimmer, Celestia’s personal student?” he asked, staring at her. “That’s me,” Sunset answered. “And you are?” “Blazing Shine, Private Second Class,” Shine introduced himself, saluting. “I serve in Platoon 43 under Lieutenant Shining Armor.”  “Did you say Shining Armor?” Sunset grinned. What a lucky encounter! “Yes, why?” Shine tilted his head. “That’s perfect!” Sunset said. “Do you know where I could find him? We’re looking for him.” Shine’s eyes narrowed. “What business do you have with him?”  “I’m Twilight Sparkle, his sister!” Twilight spike.  “Wait a minute…” Shine examined the younger filly. “You are!”  Sunset cocked an eyebrow. “You thought she was lying?” “Better safe than sorry,” he shrugged. “Lieutenant Shining Armor is currently in the dining hall. He’s probably playing Ogres and Oubliettes with some of the other guards.” “Thanks!” Sunset and Twilight said in unison, both bowing their heads. They started walking down the hall when Sunset suddenly stopped. Twilight looked back at her, tilting her head. “Uhhh… where’s the dining hall?” Sunset awkwardly laughed, rubbing the back of her neck. Shine chuckled, shaking his head. “Keep going down till the next right. Then it should be the third double door on the left,” he instructed.   “Thanks again,” Sunset said before they continued down the hall. Reaching the double door, the two heard faint talking from coming inside.  “So, what’s your next move?” a gruff voice asked. “I jump in front of Moonlight, trying to parry the incoming strike!” a familiar voice replied.  “Roll for dexterity,” the gruff voice said. The faint sound of dice rolling on the table caused Twilight’s ears to perk up. “A Nat20!” another voice cried out. “Not only do you successfully parry the attack, you’re also able to stun the ninja with the hilt of your blade!” the gruff voice announced. Twilight and Sunset slowly opened the door, trying not to disturb them. Unfortunately, the door let out a loud creak, causing the ponies to look over at them. As the two fillies entered the room, they looked towards the only occupied table. Three stallions and one mare were staring at them.  “Twily?” a familiar voice said. Seated at one of the many round tables was Shining Armor “Shiny?” Twilight called back.  “What are you doing here?” Shining Armor asked, trotting over to her. “We’re checking up on you!” Twilight answered, causing Shining Armor to look over at Sunset for an explanation.  “Just seeing what you were up to,” Sunset chuckled. “Twilight and I finished up our lessons a little bit ago. Just trying to kill time I guess.” “Well if you’ve got some time to kill I guess you could spectate our O&O session,” Shining offered, gesturing at the table. “Okay!” Twilight happily agreed. “Eh, why not,” Sunset shrugged. “Seems interesting anyways.” Making their way back to the table, Shining Armor pulled up two more seats. Twilight sat between Shining Armor and Sunset. Twilight was examining the little figures and map while Sunset looked around at the other ponies, noticing that there was an empty seat besides her. “Who are they?” the pony with the gruff voice asked. “This is my sister Twilight, Celestia’s protege,” Shining gestured at the distracted young filly. “And you should know who Sunset is.” “And why should I know who she is?” He asked, looking at Sunset. Shining cocked an eyebrow. “Were you not paying attention when Celestia introduced her a while ago?”  “You know me,” he chuckled. “Don’t really pay attention during things like that.” “And this is why you could never be captain,” Shining sighed.  “Not like I’m trying to be,” the pony smirked. “Unlike a certain stallion I know.” “Yeah yeah, whatever,” Shining rolled his eyes. “ Well this is Sunset, and she’s Celestia’s personal student. Since I’ve introduced them, how about you all introduce yourselves?” “I guess so,” the gruffed voice stallion said. “I’m Lieutenant Thunder Sparks and I oversee the 63rd platoon.” Thunder Sparks was a burly, light gray coated stallion. He stood about a head taller than  Shining Armor, making him look very intimidating. He looked older than him as well, maybe having around ten to fifteen years on him. His mane and tail was slick black, short and spiked. His cutie mark was a lighting bolt and spear crossing each one another, making a X. “And I’m Captain Sharp Edge. I oversee these two platoons, as well as a couple more,” the other stallion introduced himself. He looked a few years older than Thunder Sparks. Sharp Edge had a white coat. His gray mane and tail were long and flowy. His cutie mark was a spear crossed by two swords.  “Guess that leaves me,” the mare said, Twilight and Sunset turning their attention to her. “I’m Seregant Starry Moonlight, and I serve in the 3rd Night Platoon.” Starry Moonlight was a dark gray coated mare. Her mane and tail were both a dark purple, straight and well kept. Her cutie mark was a rapier surrounded by small, white stars. “Nice to meet you all,” Sunset said. “I’m Sunset Shimmer, Celestia’s personal student.” “And I’m Twilight Sparkle, Shiny’s younger sister and Celestia’s protege!” She said proudly. “It’s nice to meet you two,” Sharp Edge said, a kind smile on his face. “Shining Armor talks a lot about you Twilight.” “I’m sure he does,” Sunset chuckled.  “No he talks about her like a lot,” Starry Moonlight emphasized it even more. “Like, a lot, a lot.” “Ah,” Sunset awkwardly smiled. “I see…” “Ahem,” Shining Armor cleared his throat. “I’m right here you know?” “I know,” Starry Moonlight smirked. “It’s not like it’s not true.” “Okay, I guess I do talk a lot about her,” Shining Armor admitted. “But when you have such a talented and precious little sister, how couldn’t you?” “Yeah yeah, whatever,” Thunder waved his hoof around. “How about we get back to our game?” Shining sighed, shaking his head. “We might as well wait for Ca-” “Sorry for making you all wait,” a mare called out from behind them, their voice very familiar. “I don’t know how you all navigate the halls, it’s like a maze!” Twilight and Sunset turned their attention to the voice. Standing in the doorway was a light pink alicorn. “Cadance?!” Sunset and Twilight both said in surprise “Huh?” Cadance jumped a little at the sudden call. Regaining her composure, she looked at them. “What are you two doing here?” “I could ask you the same thing,” Sunset grinned. “So this was the important thing you had to do today?” “Heh,” Cadance awkwardly chuckled as she trotted over to the table, taking the empty seat next to Sunset. “You caught me!” “You play O&O?” Twilight asked with sparkling eyes. “Don’t tell me Twilight plays this as well,” Cadance eyed Shining Armor who started to whistle. “I do!” Twilight nodded enthusiastically. “Shiny and I play every weekend at home.” “Why am I not surprised,” Moonlight smirked, staring down Shining Armor. “What’s your two’s campaign like?” “We play with our whole family,” Twilight informed everypony. “Right now we’re doing a middle earth campaign!” “We just finished up our middle earth campaign,” Sharp Edge said. “We started a new fantasy-esque Neighpon inspired campaign a couple sessions ago.” “Sounds interesting!” Twilight chirped, examining the table. “Is that why your figurines are in samurai armor?” “Yup!” Thunder nodded. “I made and painted them myself.” “Wow, that's so cool!” Twilight said, levitating one of the pieces up to her face. “It’s very detailed.” As Twilight and the crew nerded out over the map and figurines, Sunset quietly watched them, smiling.  “So, you play O&O at all?” Cadance asked, still focusing on the table. “Nope,” Sunset simply answered. “Although, I’ve always been interested in it. Just never found anypony to play with.” “Probably because all you did was study and ignore everypony,” Cadance giggled. “How’d you know that?” Sunset frowned.  “I have my sources,” Cadance replied with a wink and mysterious grin. “Ooookay…” Sunset decided not to pry any further. “How about you? I assume you play often.” “Yup,” Cadance nodded. “We have two sessions every week that I almost never miss!” “So that’s why you’re not available on the same days every week,” Sunset put two and two together, causing Cadance to nod. “So what do you say, you wanna join?” Moonlight asked, causing Sunset to look at her.  “Join what?” Sunset tilted her head. “Were you not listening at all?” Thunder chuckled.  “Uhhh… no?” Sunset answered. “We were wondering if you two wanted to join in on our campaign,” Sharp Edge said. “So do you?” Sunset tapped her chin, looking at the table. It sure did look interesting. The map and figurines were intricate and detailed, and the character sheets were very intriguing.  “I don’t see why not,” Sunset shrugged. “Wow, I didn’t think you’d actually join,” Shining Armor chuckled. “Why is that?” “I don’t know, I thought you’d want to spend your time studying or something like that,” Shining shrugged. Sunset frowned. “Does everypony think the only thing I do is study?”  “Well to be fair that’s the only thing you’ve done since we met,” Shining smiled weakly. “I’m not sure what your hobbies are to be honest.” “Don’t worry about it Sunset,” Cadance offered a smile. “You’re not the only pony here who only studied until recently.”  “Who would that be?” Sunset asked. “Take a wild guess,” Shining chuckled.  Sunset looked at everypony at the table, only one pony standing out to her for being a bookworm. “Ah, I know who,” Sunset said. “Who is it?” Twilight tilted her head. “Is it Shiny?” “Totally!” Sunset smirked, causing everypony (except Shining) to laugh. “How about we start playing? I’m quite interested in O&O anyways.” “Wait, I feel like we just skipped over something here,” Shining frowned. “No guys like seriously, I don’t even study!” He tried to tell them, but they simplyignored him. Sighing in defeat, he slumped into his chair.  “So how exactly do you play Ogres and Oubliettes?” Sunset said, levitating up one of the spare figures.  “It’s kind of like creating your own story with friends,” Sharp Edge explained. “You make your own characters and go through some epic adventure with them. Throughout the adventure you can upgrade your character, make new friends, and fight monsters.” “How could you make new friends if you're already playing with your friends?” Sunset asked. “You make friends with fictional characters!” Moonlight jumped in on the explanation. Sunset frowned. “Still don’t get it. “You haven’t explained the dungeon master yet,” Thunder pointed out. “So there’s the players and the dungeon master, who is me by the way. The dungeon master essentially creates the story, setting, and scenarios. That’s how you ‘meet’ new friends,” Thunder finished with air quotes around “meet”. “I kind of get it,” Sunset tapped her chin. “So basically one pony directs the story while the rest take part in it?”  “That’s about it,” Sharp Edge nodded. “There’s a lot more technicalities to it, but we can explain that along the way!” “Don’t worry Sunset, I know almost everything about the game!” Twilight smiled. “She read about the game a couple times over,” Cadance explained.  Sunset shrugged. “Kind of expected of her.” “So I guess we should start with making your characters,” Thunder said, pulling out two more character sheets. Turning to Twilight, he handed her one. “I assume you already know how to, Twilight?” “Yup!” Twilight accepted the sheet of paper. Taking a nearby pencil, she started filling it out diligently. “I’ll help you out with yours,” Cadance said, smiling at Sunset.  Sunset nodded. “Thanks.” Staring down at the sheet, Sunset clicked her tongue. There were a lot of boxes and things she didn’t understand. At the top was some simple stuff like name, class, race, etc, but there was also some other stuff she had no idea about. “What does alignment mean?” Sunset asked Cadance, pointing at the top box. “That’s basically the ethical and moral perspective of your character,” Cadance answered. “There are a lot of alignments you can choose from.” Taking a book from her saddlebag, she opened it up to a page titled “Alignments.” “You were not kidding,” Sunset said, flipping through the pages. There were a couple pages outlining what alignments were and what they meant. It started with lawful good and ended with chaotic evil. “There are quite a lot of them.” “Our party is pretty balanced regarding alignments. All of us are some sort of ‘good,’ but we’re different in that some are lawful, neutral, or chaotic,” Sharp Edge explained.  “I see…” Sunset mindlessly replied as she read up on what any of that meant.  “Sharp Edge, do you think she knows what that means?” Moonlight teased, sticking out her tongue. “Ah, I guess not,” Sharp Edge chuckled heartily. “Sorry about that.” “Nah it’s all good,” Sunset brushed it off. “I kind of get what they are now, thanks to the book.” “Want me to explain as well?” Cadance offered. “You know, just so we’re on the same page.” Sunset shrugged. “It wouldn’t hurt.” “So basically, lawful characters’ behavior is structured and orderly. They follow some sort of code of conduct, whether it be law, tradition, or like a code of honor.” “Couldn’t have said it better myself,” Thunder Sparks grinned. “Shining Armor and Cadence are lawful good, for example.” "Most of my characters are lawful good.” She said proudly, placing a hoof on her chest. “Why am I not surprised,” Sunset snickered, earning her a rib jab from the alicorn. “How about chaotic? What are they like?” Sunset asked, rubbing her side. “Chaotic, on the other hand, are very free. Their behavior changes based on what’s going on, treating each situation with individuality,” Cadance explained. “To be honest, I see you as being chaotic, Sunset.” “Does sound a bit like me,” Sunset agreed, nodding. “I’m the only chaotic one in the group right now!” Moonlight chirped, waving her hoof in the air. “It’s cause I’m the coolest.” Shining shook his head, sighing. “Keep telling yourself that.”  “What Lieutenant, got your panties in a bunch?” Moonlight snickered. “Moonlight! My sister’s here,” Shining Armor hissed, glaring at her.  They looked at Twilight who seemed to not have heard anything they'd been saying. She was happily humming to herself as she jotted down her stats on the character sheet. “Look, she didn’t hear it at all,” Moonlight motioned at the still distracted filly. “And even if she did, it’s a common phrase!” “Are they always like this?” Sunset whispered to Cadance. “They tend to banter a lot,” Cadance whispered back. “It’s kind of cute.” “Uh huh…” Sunset nodded slowly. “Are you talking about their banter, or Shining Armor?” Sunset remarked cheekily.  “Both!” Cadance proudly said, catching Sunset a bit off guard. “We still have a lot to cover,” Thunder Sparks said, interrupting every conversation going on. “I suggest we continue explaining everything to Sunset.” The group continued explaining everything they could about O&O to Sunset. Things like armor class, races, the different classes, and the dice system. It took a decent chunk of time to explain everything as it was quite the intricate game. Eventually they got through most of the explanations and started making Sunset’s character. Cadance clapped her hooves together happily. “Now we can finally start making your character! Let's start off with their race.” “I’ll just stick with being a unicorn,” Sunset said.  “Boring,” Moonlight teased. “Why not be a griffon or minotaur or something?” “Aren’t you just a bat pony,” Shiny chuckled. “A little unoriginal if you ask me.” “Shut it!” Moonlight growled. “At least I’m not a dumb unicorn.” “But you are, remember?” Shining shot back, pointing at her horn. “You know what I mean,” Moonlight mumbled, crossing her forelegs. “Don’t mind them Sunset,” Cadance giggled. “I would’ve chosen a pony as well, but I wanted to be a little more adventurous on this run.” “What race are you?” Sunset asked, jotting down her prior choice on the character sheet. “I’m a kirin!” Cadance chirped. “Look, I even drew a picture of her.” Cadance was holding up a piece of paper with a pencil sketch of a creature that somewhat resembles a unicorn. However, it had a bushier mane that wrapped around her head. Her horn was longer and curved and bore cloven hooves.  “Are those scales on her back and muzzle?” Sunset tilted her head, analyzing the unknown creature.  Cadance nodded. “They’re depicted like this in every book I read.” “What exactly are kirins?” Twilight asked, curious as ever. “They’re mythical ponies who live outside Equestria,” Cadance explained. “There’s lots of myths and theories of where they came from and how they came to be, but there’s no solid proof as no pony has ever met one before!” “Some speculate that they’re descendants of some sort of dragon-pony mix, while some believe they’re just from another place where ponies exist like Neighpon. I like to use the former though. It makes my character a lot more interesting!” “What makes them so special besides their appearance?” Sunset asked.  ‘They’re said to be truthful and very kind,” Cadance answered. “And there’s even a theory that they burst into flames when they get angry enough.” “Scary,” Sunset chuckled.  “I wish to meet a kirin some day,” Sharp Edge sighed. “They sound like very interesting ponies.” Thunder Sparks shrugged. “Eh, I could live without meeting one.” “We should probably figure out your character before one of us goes on a taganet again,” Shining advised. “Probably a good idea,” Thunder Sparks agreed. “But it’s hard to choose between the three magic classes,” Sunset frowned. “They all sound fun to play.” Sharp Edge nodded. “Ah yes, the hardest part. Choosing.”  “I’m already a wizard!” Twilight announced.  “There can be more than one of each class in a party,” Shining chuckled. “And you always play as a wizard, why not try something else?” “Because wizards are awesome,” is all Twilight said. Cadance shrugged. “Can’t argue with that.” “I mean, you could always try one of the other classes as well,” Thunder Sparks offered. “Your current party already has two magic users.” “Right! I should’ve asked this earlier,” Sunset facehoofed. “What class is everypony?” “I’m a paladin,” Shining Armor was the first to answer.  “And I’m a warlock,” Cadance was next. “Huh, I was not expecting that to be honest. Thought you’d play a support, like a bard or cleric or,” Sunset said. Cadance giggled. “I haven’t even played those two yet, believe it or not.” “She was a barbarian last session,” Sharp Edge chuckled. “She got into the role quite well.” “Why thank you Sharp Edge,” Cadance smiled.  “Sharp Edge here is a monk,” Thunder Sparks continued, wanting to finish up. “Last is me,” Moonlight announced. “I’m a sneaky, sneaky rogue!” “So we have a paladin, monk, warlock, wizard, and rogue…” Sunset mumbled to herself, looking at the class page in front of her. They certainly were not lacking in damage, but their party was very magic-dependent.  Sunset nodded. “Then I guess I’ll play a ranger.” “Huh, I was not expecting you of all ponies to play a ranger,” Shining Armor said.  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Sunset cocked an eyebrow. “I mean I kind of expected you to still go with a mage regardless of the party,” Shining Armor admitted with a shrug. “I mean I really wanted to,” Sunset said. “But it was for the party’s best interest.” “She’s already thinking about the party!” Sharp Edge applauded. “Already a better team player than you Moonlight.” “Hey!” Moonlight shouted as if she was going to protest. “Eh, I mean you're not wrong,” she finished with a shrug. “Well that settles it then,” Thunder Sparks announced. “How about we get this show on the road?” Everypony cheered, all ready for the adventure that awaited them.