//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Chambers and Changelings // by Barracuda cyborg //------------------------------// “Chambers and Changelings!” Pinkie Pie dropped a heavy game box onto a table in the Ponyville library. “Whosa and whatsits?” Asked Applejack. “Chambers and Changelings!” Pinkie repeated. Twilight looked over the dusty box. “I forgot I had a copy of this game.” She wiped the dust off, revealing the cover art of the box. ‘Chambers and Changelings: The Adventure Role-Playing Game’ was written in bold font, and beneath it was an image of Sombra being confronted by a group of hero ponies. She carefully lifted the top off, and the other curious ponies peered inside. “I’ve never seen such a complicated game!” Rarity gasped. “Isn’t this one of those egghead games?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I don’t know how to play this game.” Mumbled Fluttershy. “Me neither!” Exclaimed Applejack. “I call Board Master!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she set up all of the books and charts she needed to fulfill her duty as the creator of the game. The six friends were stuck inside the library due to a large thunderstorm pouring its way through Ponyville. Outside, lightning could be seen striking in the distance and the clap of thunder. “I guess I’ll choose the wizard class due to my abilities with magic.” Twilight said as she levitated a figure in a wizard hat wielding a staff. “This one looks like an okay player.” Rarity said as she looked at a hooded figure completely covered in a dark cloak. “This one looks nice” Fluttershy said quietly looking at a figure covered in a nature like outfit completed with sticks and leaves. “What’s this one?” Rainbow asked holding up a figure using a bow and arrow . “That’s the Ranger class, they’re the fastest in combat out of all the other characters.” Pinkie said reading the book that came with the game. “Sweet!” Rainbow exclaimed as she held the figure close to her. AppleJack looked in the box to see if there were any other pieces but only saw a figure with a musical instrument and one with a sword in its mouth. “Ah guess I’ll pick the one with the sword.” “Good choice, the paladin can inflict heavy damage.” Pinkie said going through the book again, “Now if we’re all set lets start this!” Suddenly the door was being knocked just as the group was about to start their game, “Excuse me, is the library open today?” a gray pony asked as she carried a large black case on her shoulder. “Sorry, but we’re closed for the day.” Twilight said grabbing a pad of paper and a pencil for taking notes on the game. “Wait, aren’t you Octavia Melody? Equestrias most famous cellist?” Rarity asked towards the pony. “Why yes I am.” The pony said, “I see you all are starting a game of Chambers and Changeling.” “Yeah, but I thought ponies like you were too sophisticated for something like this.” Pinkie said pointing towards the game board. “Well I used to be, but a few years ago I thought on getting into the craze of the game and became hooked after a while.” Octavia replied as she pulled out some pictures from her saddle bags. “Well come and Join us!” Pinkie said dragging Octavia to the table where her friends were sitting at, “We only have one piece though.” “Hhm, a bard is very useful towards ones party if used properly.” Octavia said holding the last figure. “Yay! A full party!” Pinkie yelled in excitement, “Let us begin.” "Wait Pinkie." Applejack said stopping Pinkie Pie, "Me and Fluttershy don't know how to play this game!" "It's quit simple actually." Octavia said, "Each player starts at a low level and defeating enemies can gain a party both gold and experience points." "Yeah, but what do those things do?" Applejack asked. "The experience points help your character grow stronger and gain better abilities, and the gold can be used in shops to buy better weapons and learn new spells." Octavia replied, "This game is a turn based game meaning that every party member has and opportunity to perform an action before the enemy attacks." "What do these dice do then?" Rarity asked levitating dice of various shapes and covered in numbers that go higher than the traditional six. "Those decide your attack strength, defense against certain attacks and many other things. Depending on the type of character one has they can help the party survive the world that the Board Master has designed." Octavia continued explaining the game. "Alright, now that you guys know the basics of the game would you like to pick out names?" Pinkie asked with a smile on her face. "Nah, it would be confusing if we constantly used codenames." Rainbow Dash said as she started to get impatient from wanting to use her character. "Alrighty then, let us begin!" Pinkie said with extreme glee as she clapped her fore hooves together, “Your party walks into Town 1.” “Why didn't you give the towns names?” Twilight asked in confusion. “I didn’t expect for the game to start out early; I thought you guys were gonna spend a lot of time figuring out character names so I didn’t actually think of town names.” Pinkie responded. "Sorry to interrupt, but shouldn't we get snacks for this?" Fluttershy quietly asked. "Of course!" Pinkie yelled slapping herself, "Why didn't I think of that, excuse me for a moment." As soon as she said that Pinkie ran off somewhere and came back in a few seconds sopping wet, but carrying a large bag of sweets and drinks. "Now we can officially get this game started." The party pony said as she got back behind her books and charts waiting for the six heroes to trek through the perilous land that she had designed.