Equestrian Earth: The Changeling War
My Little Quest
Author: Draconis187
“Shall we?” Joystick asked the group as they walked over to a zeppelin dock on the edge of Aeroslida.
The smell of some form of fuel and oil hit the group’s nostrils like a runaway train. The docks were akin to the ship docks one would find in the average marina in Baltimare. Long wooden piers hung over the edge of the city, anchoring the zeppelins to Aeroslida as it moved through the air. NPCs and adventurers alike got on and off the wooden ships, talking indiscriminately.
Zeppelins were a combination of normal wooden boats and a large balloon above to keep it in the air while a large propeller or a series of smaller ones gave it its horizontal movement. They were incredibly spacious, each one able to carry up to fifty adventurers in comfort as they waited to reach their destination.
The Engineer, Crystal Mage and Hunter just looked at the Paladin with blank expressions as Joystick ran ahead and began speaking with a pony that could only be the ship’s captain if his blue jacket was any indication. Joystick waved to his comrades and got aboard. The others clambered aboard without an argument after a few shrugs of their shoulders.
“So where exactly are we headed?” Star Seeker asked as he took the time to look at his skill list… which was basically nonexistent. As he looked at it disappointed, the ship’s engines roared to life and the tethering ropes were unknotted from the pier.
“Everfree, the mobs there are around our level so we will keep you covered until you get strong enough. Nothing like a good grinding session amongst guild members, huh?” Joystick said smugly as he peered over the ship’s edge and saw Aeroslida slowly fade into the cloud cover as their transport lowered its altitude.
“We are going to land in Old Ponyville first. Dropping a group of players directly into hostile territory is not a good game strategy,” Mixer commented as the wind made the plume of his helmet flap about in all directions. Luckily it was too short to cover his eyes as he looked over his shoulder towards Seeker. “Ponies wouldn’t play a game that tried to get them killed the moment they stepped out.”
“Makes sense,” Seeker commented as the zeppelin began its final descent towards a collection of buildings in the distance and - particularly - towards an open field where another zeppelin was tethered. “That’s it I take it?”
“Yup! Get along everypony!” Joystick laughed as he jumped off the side of the ship before it even finished landing, connecting with the ground with a clang and kicking up a cloud of dust.
“And how he is our friend is beyond me,” Seeker sighed as the other three walked out and into Old Ponyville.
The town could not really be considered a town due to its relatively small size. Several buildings were still under construction if the piles of hay, wood and nails were anything to go by. Sugarcube Corner didn’t even exist yet since it was only built thirty years ago in actual reality when the Cakes moved to Ponyville. The four adventurers walked through the village – which is a more accurate description – as did several others alongside their friends and NPCs that went along their daily routines.
“So then, Joystick… what’s on the agenda?” Solace asked as the Unicorn just ‘ooh’ed and ‘ah’ed while he examined the NPCs’ various wares.
“Well we came here to do a grinding session in the Everfree but while we’re here we may as well do a quest or two so Seeker can get some experience before we plonk him in the thick of it,” Joystick responded as he gave the group a serious look. “We split into pairs and see if there is anything to do in the Everfree Forest at night. It’s the best time to go grinding.”
“Why?” Seeker asked, tilting his head slightly.
“Stronger monsters,” Mixer deadpanned. “But it’s mainly manticores and Timberwolves.”
Seeker nodded his head and turned to Solace who grinned in at him. ‘An odd bunch,’ Seeker thought, ‘Then again this is one of Joystick’s friends so I guess it makes sense.’
“Ok then. Solace, Mixer: you two head east and see if there is anything for us to do for the Apple Family. It’s most likely something regarding their Zap Apples since it’s about that time of year. Seeker, you’re with me. We are going to see if there is any new rumours flying around,” Joystick said, “Keep in contact with the guild chat.”
The two ponies nodded their heads and walked down the dirt path that led to Sweet Apple Acres. Seeker and Joystick walked through the small village, towards the Town Hall.
“So what do you think so far?” Joystick asked as he waved at a vendor selling a small variety of metal ores.
“The game isn’t that bad. It will take some getting used to since there a few things I don’t quite get yet,” Seeker replied as he pulled out the cooking book. “Is there somewhere where I can be a Cook?”
“Oh, a Crafting Hall? Yeah, there’s one that way. It’s set up around Town Hall,” Joystick replied cheerfully. “But I was actually talking about Solace and Mixer.”
“Solace is a bit like you: outgoing, friendly and always looking for a good time. Mixer on the other hoof seems to be more serious than the both of you put together and not exactly the friendliest pony I’ve met,” Seeker responded as they watched a cart laden with apples go by in the opposite direction.
Joystick chuckled, “Well they are kind of like two opposites of the same coin. Solace is from Stalliongrad, did you know that?” Seeker shook his head, “Mixer comes from Las Pegisopolis and that is over the ocean to the west of the Equestrian continent. Despite their differences, they will always have each other’s backs in battle.”
“Really? But that argument-”
“It was just a difference of opinion, nothing more. You and I get into arguments from time to time don’t we?” Joystick interrupted, raising an eyebrow at Seeker.
“Well, yeah but…” Seeker began to lower his voice, “I’m a Changeling, not a pony like the three of you.”
“Species means nothing, Seeker. We are all of equine descent aren’t we?” Seeker couldn’t fault Joystick there. “It’s who we are not what that makes Equestria unique. Right, we’re here.”
The Town Hall was a small four walled, thatched building resembling an ordinary dwelling instead of a place of importance. The Crafting Benches were nearby, arranged in a horseshoe which left the entrance to Town Hall unobstructed. A large Earth pony walked up to the two to greet them.
This pony was built, on par with what one would expect years of hard manual labour would achieve. He wore a large straw hat with a plough and a hoe intersecting each other for a Cutie Mark.
“Welcome to the Town Hall, the name’s Barricade. How can I help you?” The orange pony asked, blowing a lock of his – otherwise short – red mane away from his face.
“We are looking for the Master Craftspony. Do you know where we might find him or her?” Joystick inquired while Seeker tried to pick up his jaw which fell at the sight of Barricade.
“I am he. What craft would you like to take up?” Barricade kept his voice completely neutral, typical of NPCs from the older generation of games.
“Not me, I’m already a weaponsmith. I’m asking for my friend here.” Seeker instantly felt tiny as Barricade looked down at him as Joystick placed him on the spot.
“And what would you like to do, Changeling?” He asked, causing Seeker to almost freeze on the spot. This pony showed absolutely zero emotion, poker players would kill to have an expression as hard as that.
“A-a-a-a,” Seeker stammered, trying to answer. He may as well be reporting a failed mission to Queen Chrysalis herself.
“A Cook,” Joystick finished for his friend, trying not to laugh.
“Very well. Come with me,” Barricade walked off, Joystick nudging Seeker along and trying to not laugh with all his might.
<----> ---- ---- <---->
Mixer and Solace were walking between two wooden fences that led towards Sweet Apple Acres. The trees were in full bloom and the dirt was being kicked up by the odd lone adventurer running past them, either towards the village or the small farmhouse.
Mixer decided to use this opportunity to ask Solace about a particular issue that had been pressing at his mind.
“So Solace, what do you know about our latest addition?” Mixer asked the Huntspony as the farmhouse and the iconic red barn came into view.
“Same as you: nothing. All I know is that he’s a friend of Joystick’s from Canterlot,” Solace replied as he waved to Stinkin’ Rich. “Although they’re friends, Joystick barely talks about him for some odd reason.”
“Uh huh. Don’t you think his argument for choosing a Changeling was rather weak?” Mixer replied, subconsciously adjusting his armour slightly since it felt like it was about to slide off his body.
“It was a little strange I’ll admit. What are you getting at?” Solace asked as they saw they noticed a small figure wearing a bonnet, sitting near the farmhouse.
“Well, he’s been rather strange in my opinion. I’ve heard Changelings aren’t held in very high regard since they crashed some big wedding in Canterlot. So why choose a creature so openly hated?” Mixer pointed out as Solace waved to the young mare.
The mare was young Granny Smith, wearing her favourite red bonnet. Her mane was made into two long plaits on either side of her head while her tail was one long plait. She noticed the two adventurers and began trotting towards them.
“I just think it’s his nerves. After all, his only friend here is Joystick after all. You won’t get any more friends Mixer if you treat them with suspicion,” Solace reprimanded as Granny Smith and the pair met each other halfway. “Hello Ms. Smith, do you have any jobs for us poor adventurers?”
“Well, ah reckon you could help out by nabbing some Timberwolves in the Zap Apple Orchard. We need ‘em cleared out before we go harvesting the Zap Apples,” She replied, updating the two’s Heads Up Displays with the new quest.
“Thanks. I’ll let Joystick and Seeker know,” Mixer commented, pulling out a scroll and a quill. After what could only be described as the average doctor’s hoofwriting, he rolled it back up. “We’ll meet up in the orchard.”
“Awesome, let’s go kick flank.” Solace grinned as they walked off towards the orchard in the northeast.
<----> ---- ---- <---->
As Joystick and Seeker left the Town Hall, an odd sensation – as far as Star Seeker was concerned – was felt emanating from a scroll in his inventory. He pulled it out with his magic and gazed at its unopened form with curiosity.
“I don’t remember packing this thing,” He commented as he unfurled the scroll. He failed to notice Joystick pulled out a similar scroll to his from his own inventory.
<Mixer> Took a quest in Sweet Apple Acres. Meet at the Zap Apple Orchard to begin. Hurry.</Mixer>
“Looks like Solace and Mixer are starting the party without us. Let’s get going,” Joystick broke into a full gallop to the northwest as the orchard was to the farm’s northeast.
“What was that scroll anyway?!” Seeker shouted as he buzzed through the air next to Joystick.
“I could really use a pair of wings right now,” The Unicorn Paladin chuckled, receiving an annoyed look from Star Seeker. “Oh, it’s just a Chat Scroll. You use it to send messages to other players. You can send messages to friends, guild members and even random players. I’ve used it to troll a group of Minotaurs once.”
“And how did that turn out for you?” Seeker asked as the orchard slowly came into view.
He knew of his friend’s penchant for trolling random ponies and the fact that he usually got away with it. It was when he didn’t that made for a good story.
“Let me put it this way: don’t mistake a guy minotaur for a girl. They have some serious self-esteem issues.” Joystick deadpanned. “How are you not getting tired?”
“I’m a Pegasus remember? I fly regularly,” Seeker chuckled. “Thanks by the way.”
“For what?”
“For being my friend.”
“Anytime Seeker… is that them there?” Joystick asked as he saw two pony shaped figures fighting off a group of Timberwolves.
The orchard was filled with trees that had nary a leaf, let alone Zap Apples. Even the trees looked dead or at least sick. Seeker wondered if Joystick was misinformed about it being Zap Apple Season. As the pair got closer, Seeker made out the white plume of Mixer’s helmet.
“Looks like,” Seeker deadpanned as he landed and pulled out his Bow Gun, unfolding it with his magic. “Uh, how do you use this thing?”
“Load it, cock it and fire it. In that order,” Joystick replied as he pulled out his sword and shield. “LEEEEEEERRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOYYYYYY JEEENNKIIINNSSSS!!!!”
“I’ve already told you!” Mixer shouted at Joystick as a number of red crystals came down on three Timberwolves like rain. “That is not our battlecry!”
“But it’s fun! Glad you could make it, I was afraid we would be getting all the glory here!” Solace replied cheerfully as his Bow Gun’s shots rang loudly through the usually quiet orchard. He held the weapon in both forehooves while standing upright, using his wings to keep his balance as he fired.
“Whatever. We just need to take out forty Timberwolves in this orchard to complete the quest,” Mixer commented.
“Forty?! In an orchard that’s roughly the size of the Canterlot Gardens?!” Seeker shouted incredulously as he looked at the sheer size of the orchard.
“Did I stutter?” Mixer retorted. Seeker shook his head. “Then pony up!”
Seeker turned his attention to the three Timberwolves heading in his direction as the other ponies spread themselves out and attacked indiscriminately but lending a hoof wherever necessary. The words: ‘Green Timberwolf lv6’ in large green letters hovered above each of them. Seeker pulled out a Normal magazine and fumbled it, trying to insert it into the gun. As one Timberwolf pounced at him, Seeker winced and averted his gaze reflexively.
“Hey!” Mixer’s loud voice made Seeker open his eyes, realising the wolf hadn’t struck him. “Load that thing and fire already!”
Seeker looked and saw the wolf collided with a wall of topaz coloured crystals that had jutted out of the ground, sparing Seeker from the attack. Mixer nodded at the Changeling, giving him a small smirk as he called on his Crystal Storm to rain crystals down onto a group of wolves that were getting too close to Solace.
Seeker heard Joystick’s voice ring out as a pony covered in yellow/white light barrelled through a group of Timberwolves, “This party’s getting crazy, let’s rock!”
Seeker finally loaded his Bow Gun and aimed it at a Timberwolf. His HUD showed an ability was ready: Pot Shot. He activated it as he depressed the trigger. The recoil unexpectedly forced the Bow Gun out of his magical grip but he managed to catch it.
“Good shot,” Seeker turned around and saw Mixer had reappeared next to him. “Word of advice: hold the weapon in your hooves, makes it easier to deal with the recoil.”
Seeker nodded his head and mumbled, “Thanks.”
“Oi! Mixer, I could use some help here!” Mixer ran off without another word and used his magic to hurl his amethyst staff like a javelin, aiming at Solace’s position. The staff hit home as it impaled itself into a Timberwolf’s wooden hide, earning a howl of anguish from the target.
As the group began whittling down the Timberwolves numbers, their HUDs tallied the numbers until two out of forty remained. The group were getting tired by now as they used their abilities with reckless abandon. As they chuckled amongst themselves, they each pulled out a small vial of varying colouration and viscosity. They raised them up in a small toast of pre-victory celebration and drank them in one go. They were instantly rejuvenated as the vials went to work.
“Any idea where these last two are?” Solace asked the group as they got into a formation: Joystick taking point with Mixer just behind him while Solace and Seeker brought up the rear together.
“This is grating,” Mixer mumbled after a minute or two of fruitless searching, “why are the last ones always the hardest to find?”
“Murphy’s Law?” Seeker responded helpfully.
“Buck Murphy.”
“I agree,” Solace said as the group wandered further into the orchard together. His ears perked up and he stopped instantly. “Anypony here that?”
“Hear what?” The others asked simultaneously, causing them to chuckle.
“That way,” Solace ignored their comment and pointed towards the west.
The four of them picked up their pace and kept their weapons ready. As they ventured further they began to hear something faintly in the distance.
“Everypony slow down,” Joystick whispered. “We’re going to go get the jump on them. Split up and fire on my signal.”
The ponies and the one Changeling nodded their heads and split up. In the moonlight, they could see a large Timberwolf with a normal, smaller one. The words ‘Timberwolf Alpha lv10’ could be seen hovering above it’s head. Seeker looked around at the group: Joystick was lv8; Solace was lv7; Mixer was the same level as Joystick while Seeker was only at lv4.
“This is going to be one bad match-up,” Seeker muttered under his breath as he cocked the Bow Gun and got ready to use Pot Shot.
“Now!” Joystick shouted as he charged forward, sword and shield raised.
Mixer slammed his staff’s tip into the ground which made an amethyst blast out of the ground and encase two of the wolf’s legs in crystal, slowing it down considerably as it tried to attack Joystick. Solace fired a round from his rifle which took the form of a phoenix before colliding with the last Green Timberwolf. It was instantly ablaze with magical fire before it howled and fell.
Joystick was keeping the Alpha busy by charging at it with his Shining Beacon ability. Seeker and Solace fired at it, whittling down its health while Mixer kept firing crystals at the wolf.
Every connecting swipe of the Alpha’s claws felt like being hit with a pillow filled with bricks. Luckily the Shining Beacon increased Joystick’s damage resistance.
“We’re getting there everypony!” Joystick cheered as his blade created a gash through the beast’s hide.
The Alpha stumbled and fell onto its haunches. As the group were about to land a killing blow, it got back up. The wolf let out an ear-piercing howl, making the group cover their ears and stop their assault.
As they looked again, it had instantly regenerated a large portion of its health which made a frustrated Joystick shout, “Oh, come on! We need another strategy here!”
“Why don’t we do that attack? His health is low enough for it to have a shot of working,” Solace suggested as he reloaded his Bow Gun.
“Let’s do it. Go, Mixer!” Joystick shouted as they began their attack.
Mixer slammed his staff into the dirt once more and instead of encasing the wolf’s legs, it became surrounded by a wall of translucent, blue tinted crystals. Joystick raised his sword into the air, calling down a beacon of light that usually healed party members. The beam reflected off the crystals, blinding the wolf while the crystals ensured it couldn’t move much.
“Do it Solace!” Mixer shouted.
Solace aimed the Bow Gun at the Alpha and fired. The bullet collided with the crystals and shattered them, causing them to fly towards the Alpha and embed themselves into its hide. The bullet’s trajectory was unhindered as it collided with the wolf’s head and taking out a sizable chunk of its face with it. The wolf stood there for three whole seconds before succumbing to its wounds and falling.
<----> ---- ---- <---->
Zap Apple Orchard
Quest Complete!
Return to Granny Smith for reward.
Achievement Unlocked!
Leader of the PackWho’s the top dog now?!
<----> ---- ---- <---->
The group went up to the fallen corpses of the Timberwolves and began sifting through them for usable items. Mixer managed to pick out some small pieces of amber, Solace got Greenwood – the same wood used to make Seeker’s Bow Gun – for his efforts, Joystick got some Timberwolf Fangs which would make some nasty arrow tips or blade teeth and finally Seeker got various samples of slightly edible sap. He would need to distil it amongst other processes for it to become usable.
“Right, everypony done?” Joystick was answered by an affirmative nod from everypony. “Then let’s not keep Granny Smith waiting.”
As the group turned to leave, the weather turned nasty very quickly. Grey clouds rolled in from the Everfree and came over their heads. Lightning flashed and thunder cracked, making the group pick up their pace as they ran or flew out of the orchard. As they turned around, they found the trees had leaves and a multitude of rainbow coloured Zap Apples hung from the trees, ready for picking or applebucking. If Seeker’s jaw was not connected to his head, it would have fallen off.
Joystick chuckled as he closed Seeker’s mouth with his hoof, “And that’s how Zap Apples are made.”
“Git over here!” The four friends turned around and saw Granny Smith walking up to them with a happy grin on her face, “ah see ya’ll have gotten rid of them Timberwolves. Here ya go!”
The group was given a small bag of bits that they then proceeded to distribute equally amongst each other. With their payment dealt with, Seeker opened up a scroll with his stats written on it.
<----> ---- ---- <---->
Star Seeker
Race: Changeling
Class: Engineer
Subclass: <Unspecified>
Craft: Cook
230 Bits
<----> ---- ---- <---->
Joystick gave his friend a curious look, “Seeker, what are you up to?”
The Changeling rolled the scroll up and grinned, “oh nothing really. Just looking at something.”
“Welp, I don’t know about you folks, but I say we drink!” Solace said cheerfully as he almost bounced towards Old Ponyville.
“Ugh, can you think of anything besides alcohol?” Mixer asked with a look of disgust on his face.
“Why not? We have a reason to celebrate, don’t we?” The Pegasus asked, raising his one eyebrow.
“Fine, but you are not dragging me into one of your drinking contests.” Mixer said defiantly.
Joystick laughed, “you never succeed Mixer. He always baits you into it.”
“Doesn’t mean I won’t try.”
“Your funeral,” Joystick laughed as the group approached a very loud building: the Drunken Mare.
The two oak doors opened to reveal the establishment in all its glory… sort of. The light reflected off the varnished wood of which the vast majority of the building was comprised of. In a corner, there were two Minotaurs engaged in a drinking contest. Slowly getting degrading into a stupor while a small eager crowd egged them on, chanting loudly.
“I think I’ll pass on this one,” Seeker said as he turned to leave.
“Don’t worry. We’re going to the back area. They can’t bother us there,” Joystick replied, grabbing the Changeling in his magic and placing him in front of the group. “It just costs us a fair bit though.”
“Fine.”
The four adventurers went through another pair of doors and found themselves in another section of the pub. Inside the room, a group of five adventurers stood around a table with a map that looked like the Everfree Forest sprawled over it while they all muttered amongst themselves.
One of their ranks was a Hippogriff, a hybrid with the body of a horse while the head, tail and wings were that of a griffon. (It?) turned around to look at the new arrivals, making Seeker feel really uncomfortable as it gazed at him.
The rest of the group consisted of a Diamond Dog, a grey Griffon and two Minotaurs. One was pale blue and carried a pair of gauntlets the size of a pony’s head. The other was beet red and carried a sword that made Joystick’s shortsword look like a toothpick.
“Hey! I remember you!” Seeker’s heart sank and threatened to leap out of his throat at the same time as he recognised the voice and a familiar Griffon left the group, his hammer itching for some righteous justice.
“Oh, buck. Why me?” Seeker mumbled as the cantankerous Griffon from Aeroslida walked up to him.
“So I see you’re here as well? What’s a weakling like you doing here?” He asked, his one claw resting on the handle of his hammer.
“He’s with us!” Joystick said with a smile, not quite understanding what is actually going on.
In truth he was putting some advice he got from a white Pegasus named Surprise to the test: ‘anypony can be a friend. Just treat them the way you want to be treated and you’ll be friends in no time!’
“Oh?” The Griffon raised his one eyebrow as he looked at Joystick, “and who might you be?”
“I’m Joystick. The Unicorn over there is Mixer -” Mixer returned the Griffon’s hostile glare with his own cold expression, “- the Pegasus there is Everlasting Solace, or just Solace and I guess you already met Star Seeker.”
The Griffon looked back at Seeker, “You’re an even bigger loser than I thought if you associate yourself with these losers.”
Joystick’s expression fell, “That’s not very nice you know.”
“Don’t ca-” The Griffon was interrupted as a loud and annoyed voice made itself known.
“Blackheart, get your feathered rear end back here!” The voice belonged to a Diamond Dog with a dark grey pelt. His armour was made from pieces of varying sizes, haphazardly placed together into a form of makeshift armour. “Hello, I am Rufus. I’m the leader of this ragtag group: Fate’s Fortune. Who are you?”
“We are Divine Retribution,” Joystick replied, his expression softening as Rufus’ expression showed kindness behind it rather than Blackheart’s disdain. “Mind if I ask what you’re up to?”
“Not at all. Come join us.” The four joined the other four, keeping a good distance between themselves and Blackheart.
The map was confirmed to be that of the Everfree Forest and the outlying area which included Sweet Apple Acres. There were a few clearings where symbols for various resources were indicated. There was one other symbol that stood on its own. It was a crumbling brick tower with the words: ‘lv9’ just under it.
“Now, my group are prepping a journey into the Dagger’s Keep.” Rufus pointed to the tower with his paw. “It was said to be an old lookout tower back when Celestia and Luna used the old castle which is deeper in the forest. What was also said was that this tower possessed its own enchanted armoury.”
“Why are we telling them this?” Blackheart interjected, put off by the fact he was sitting with the Changeling that was responsible for his embarrassment. The fact that it was actually Illusion who did the damage didn’t change his attitude: all Changelings were the same to him.
“When somepony interrupts,” a pale blue Minotaur shouted as he punched Blackheart with one of his gauntlets, “show them who’s boss!”
“Thanks Tauros,” Rufus said with a grin as Blackheart fell back in his seat. “I blame your attitude Blackheart. It will obviously be guarded so we had best go prepared.”
“This place sounds like it could be a good haul,” Joystick said aloud.
“Maybe, but this dungeon is one of those unique ones isn’t it?” Mixer asked, making Rufus nod his head.
“Correct, it requires a Crystal Key to open. Luckily for my group, we have such a key,” Rufus said.
“So I gather that means that we won’t be able to get in then?” Joystick surmised.
“That’s right chumps,” Blackheart said with a high and mighty expression on his face.
“Tauros?” Rufus was answered as Tauros bashed Blackheart on the head once more. “I apologise for his behaviour. As much as his attitude leaves much to be desired, his combat skills make up for it… most of the time.”
“Well, there are always those ones aren't there?” Solace said with a chuckle. “Come on everypony, we won't get anywhere by just standing here. There’s a mug of cold hard cider calling my name.”
“You drink, Mr. Solace?” Rufus inquired. Solace nodded his head in response. “I’m in a bit of a sporting mood today so how about a proposition? You and Tauros in a drinking contest. The one who is left standing gets the Key.”
“Well, you don’t have much incentive to go through with this, do you?” Joystick asked as Blackheart got up, groaning and holding his head.
“How about a best out of three instead?” Blackheart quipped, “three contests: a pvp match; the drinking contest you mentioned and finally an endurance race through Whitetail Woods?”
“That’s actually a good idea. Sound good to you guys?” Rufus asked.
“Yeah but you still never answered the question: why are you willing to throw away a Crystal Key? I mean it makes no sense,” Joystick pointed out.
“Well, I’ve always been a bit of a compulsive gambler. But I have one condition: whosoever wins shares the spoils with the other group but they may keep the best items for themselves. Because I’m such a nice Diamond Dog,” Rufus chuckled.
The group gave Joystick an affirmative nod, “Ok then Rufus… you’re on.”