Equestria Girls: Caverns and Critters
Chapter 2: Roll for Initiative
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The home came to life suddenly. The two shadows were suddenly revealed in the torchlight, their haggard expressions hollow and dead. They drooled from slack jaws and moved as if controlled by marionette strings, their arms and legs jerking awkwardly in their haste. Still, they got the drop on the party, swinging daggers around wildly. One of them caught the ambassador in a glancing blow, slicing him open across the upper part of his chest, close to his neck. He stumbled back with a cry, clutching at the wound with one hand while his other sought a small dagger on his hip.
“Woah!” The halfling cursed and stepped back, her deft hands flying to her shotbow. Immediately behind her was the dwarf, a paladin by the look of him, who unslung a mace from his own hip and began pulling on a large, square shield. The sorceress was the first among the six to act, having held her quarterstaff as a walking stick the entire time. With a cry, she swung the iron-shod tip around, catching one of the hands on his shoulder. With a sickening crunch, the blow connected, but didn’t seem to stop the thing. Both of the humans were stunned, blinking at the commotion in shock.
O-O-O-O
“I can’t believe I rolled a measly two!” Rarity pouted.
“Sorry, Rarity. Even with a plus two dexterity bonus, anything under a five means you’re caught flat-flooted for the first round.” Twilight chuckled, leaning back a little in her chair. “I’d like to think of it as a ‘house rule.’ Makes sense to me, if you really think about it.”
“I guess.” Rarity pouted. “I want a chance to fight.”
“Well, this isn’t meant to be a hard fight. You’ll be fine.” Twilight turned her attention to Fluttershy. “And the druid?”
O-O-O-O
The dark-skinned woman jumped into action, dashing forward and drawing her weapon along the way. The quarterstaff whistled as it swung through the air, missing the hand by a scant inch. It clacked into the floor, even as the hands readied another swing. The sorceress slipped past one dagger and deftly blocked the other with her own staff, reeling back to deliver another powerful swing. This time, the hand fell backwards, its eyes gone wide and white as they rolled back. The druid, however, was slashed across her arm, crying out in pain as the blood began to flow. It didn’t appear serious, and she recovered in time for the halfling to fire an arrow across the room.
With a solid sound, the arrow buried itself into the hand’s head, rendering it stiff as a board as it fell over. The paladin scrambled to pick up both of the burning torches and deposit them into the hearth. The rogue knelt next to the ambassador while the gruff human began stamping out what cinders had scattered from the torches.
“Stay with me, Matthias.” The slender figure pulled their hood back, revealing pointy ears and delicate features – an elf! “Don’t die on me now.”
“I told you.” The ambassador shuddered, clutching at the wound on his chest. The bleeding didn’t appear to be stopping, and he coughed once more. “I wouldn’t make it out of Solace. D-do me a favor, and burn their bodies. They might come back.”
“We will.” The sorceress said quietly, laying a hand on his shoulder. “You have our word. And we will get to the bottom of this, no matter what. Imoheen cannot get by threatening cities and assaulting officials. If half the things in this scroll are true, then he needs to be stopped.”
“Th-thank you.” Matthias coughed once more-
O-O-O-O
Twilight rolled a set of dice behind her screen…
O-O-O-O
And slowly closed his eyes, passing from this world and into whatever lay beyond. Gingerly, the dwarf took him from the rogue, leaning over to whisper a prayer. While the gruff human and the rogue rolled their eyes, they left the man to his work, going to pick through the pockets of the dead hands. Their daggers were taken, and one of them had a few gold coins in his pocket. While the dwarf scowled at them, he didn’t say anything. Instead, he solemnly began gathering the man’s body, laying him in the other room with a solitary bed.
“And these?” The druid nudged the hands, having bound her cut with some linen torn from the ambassador’s cloak.
“Toss them over the railing; we’ll burn them before we leave.”
“We leave tonight, then?” The gruff human asked, taking a quick inventory of the home. Aside from some day-old bread, there wasn’t much in the way of provisions.
“I see no reason to hesitate. If we stay here, more hands could find us. Or worse; the city officials.”
“I cannae say I like t’ run from the authorities, but the lass has a point. We ought to leave.”
“To Brackenbay, then.”
O-O-O-O
“We should take a break.” Twilight stretched her arms over her head. The group had to look around and check clocks, but they found it was already almost five in the evening. Suddenly, they were all ravenous.
“Oh, I have snacks and food upstairs, don’t you worry.” Pinkie Pie rubbed her hands together deviously. “It wouldn’t be a Pinkie Pie sleepover without them!”
“Too true, darling.” Rarity frowned at her cell phone. “I need to make a quick call, too.”
“Meet back down here in, say, an hour?” Sunset offered. Her bladder was making itself known, and the prospect of food had her more excited than she cared to admit. It was difficult to believe they had already been playing most of the day; she hardly felt taxed at all! It was all so exciting, with the way Twilight described everything, and the excitement in her voice as she played out their brief fight with the puppet-like humanoids they’d just dispatched.
“Sounds good.” Rainbow Dash shot up, intent on getting first dibs on the snacks. Applejack was on her heels, telling Dash to slow down so the rest of them could eat as well. Fluttershy pulled Twilight aside, a worried look on her face. Rarity had stepped off to a corner of the basement, talking quietly into her phone. Pinkie Pie led Sunset upstairs, though even as she stepped into the bathroom, she couldn’t help but think…
’This is so awesome.’
O-O-O-O
The road out of Solace was quiet and eerily-lit by the moon. The sorceress led their way with the owl on her shoulder, the two helping pick between the trees and follow the winding path South. They didn’t all feel like travelling through the night, however, so they left the beaten path and found a clearing to set up camp in. Around the fire, the six discussed their plan of action.
“I think introductions are in order.” The elf spoke first, opening his hands. “My name is Maurin Shadowleaf. A pleasure to meet you all.”
“What is it you do for a living, Maurin?” The dwarf grumbled, casting a weary eye his way.
“Trust me, dear paladin, the less you know, the better.”
“How didye know I was a paladin?” The dwarf blinked.
“Your shield.” The sorceress pointed. “You have the emblem of the Holy Order of Nith emblazoned on it. Let me guess, you’re doing your ten years of service to the community?”
“Ye ruin a good story, lass.” The dwarf chuckled, idly tracing a finger along the emblem. “Aye, m’ name’s Steelhammer Oakenfort. Paladins of my god, Nith, spend ten years of their lives in service to the community and good kingdoms of the world before returning to our seminary. Ah’m three years into me service, and loving every minute of it.”
“Why’s that?” The halfling tilted her head to the side curiously, having laid on her stomach beside the fire.
“No oaths.” The paladin grinned. “Not of poverty nor chastity, Sobriety or even charity. S’long as we do good by the world, we can get as drunk and be as crass as we please.”
“That’s surprisingly intuitive.” The sorceress mused, stroking her chin. “It allows you to experience life to at least some extent before devoting yourself to a higher cause.”
“Aye, and many of us stay in the order longer for it. Sure, we get a few paladins a year who forsake their vows and go back to their lives of sin and debauchery… But they were never destined to stay with the order ta begin with.”
“So that’s why you can drink a man to the floor with no remorse.” The gruff human sighed, rolling up in his sleeping bag. “I’m Grenlow Briar. In it for the coin, nothing more, nothing less.”
“Short and concise. I like it.” Maurin chuckled. “What of you, m’lady? If your familiar and garb are any indication, you’re a-“
“Sorceress. Well, apprentice, as it were. I am known as Talia of Azimandas, studying under Master Sorcerer Tirithal. It was at his discretion that I come assist the ambassador of Brackenbay, once he had received word of his former student’s wrong-doing.”
“Imoheen is a former student of Tirithal?” Maurin arched an eyebrow. “That may help us in our task… What information can you tell us?”
“Nothing much, I’m afraid.” Talia sighed. “Tirithal wasn’t very forthcoming about Imoheen; the way I understand it, my master views Imoheen’s exodus from Azimandas as a personal failure. It brings him shame.” She looked into the fire with intent eyes. “I would do anything to save my mentor the anguish he feels; even if it means taking Imoheen’s life.” A silence descended on them, but only for a moment or so.
“Well, for what it’s worth, I’m Bupin Baglind.” The ranger smiled at the group. “It’s nice to meetchya all.”
“They call me Shay.” The dark-skinned, barefoot woman rounded them out. “I will take first watch tonight. Who wants second?”
“I will,” Talia offered, crawling towards her own bedroll. “Who has the third?”
“I never sleep past the dawn anyways. I’ll take it after ye, lass.” The dwarf flipped his shield over and laid his head against it, passing into his dream almost instantaneously. The group slept through the night, not bothered by anything save the wayward animal shifting in the underbrush.
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Morning came upon them sooner than later, and after taking a few moments to prepare breakfast and wake themselves with cold water from a nearby creek, the group was on their way. Sometime in the night, a wolf had strode in out of the woods, and Shay went to lay her hand on the creature’s back. While it had originally frightened Talia, as it had happened on her watch, Shay calmed her fears by nuzzling into the beast’s neck warmly. Past that, the wolf was a welcome addition to the party, and even her owl seemed to get along with it.
Now, on their way south towards Brackenbay, the six began to discuss their plans for discovering more about Imoheen.
“I say we check with the guard, first thing.” Maurin suggested. “They always know what’s going on around the city.”
“But Imoheen may have informants in the guard. The way Matthias made it sound, we wouldn’t really get any help from them unless we have some strong evidence.” Bupin intoned. “I suggest we ask around local taverns and shops; those guys have all the information on what’s happening.”
“We stand just as much a chance of running into one of Imoheen’s informants that way, too.” Talia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Maybe if we… I dunno, see who we can trust? Maybe do some errands or work for someone in town. If we prove we can be trusted, they’ll either give us the information we want, or reveal they’re working for Imoheen. We just need to make it look like we’re not after him, is all.”
“So these are kind of condemning, then.” Steelhammer tossed his scroll in the air. “If we’re caught with them, it’ll look bad.”
“Agreed. We should get rid of them.”
“We’ll burn them at camp tonight.” Talia nodded her agreement. The scroll suddenly felt like a condemning article; one that would spell her doom were she caught with it. “Though maybe one of us should hold onto it, in case we need to prove to the authorities where we came from and what we’re doing.”
“It’s still a slippery slope either way. I’m all for keeping one, but we shouldn’t show it unless we have absolute faith we can trust the other party.” Maurin drew his hood up over his pointed ears, casting a wary glance to the left and right of the path. The day was wet and overcast, and a fog was rolling in off of the ocean to the west. It made their speech muffled and their footsteps quiet, but also that of anyone out there. They passed few people, mostly traders and cattle-drivers, along with the occasional contingent of the Brackenbay city guard. They were paid little mind as they made their way further south, nearing the city limits by the time night had fallen.
“First order of business, we need to find a place to stay.” Talia felt exhausted from the long day of travelling, and her companions were showing similar levels of tiredness, save the gruff fighter, who merely appeared hungover. “We’re going to be in town for quite some time, so a house or tenement would suffice.”
“I know of a place.” Maurin turned towards the East, immediately inside of the city gates. They went unaccosted by the guards upon their arrival, who appeared too wrapped up in their dicing to stop a group of wet and weary adventurers. Maurin led them a short ways into the East side of the city, which appeared to mostly be a commercial area; full of warehouses and shipping companies. Down several streets was one lone lantern still lit at such a late hour, and it was there that Maurin turned. The lantern hung above a sign boasting an all-night stable, accepting caravans and lone travelers alike.
“Follow my lead.” He spoke quietly, winking at the party to indicate he was going to pull something. “Stablehand! I say, stablehand! Anyone here?!”
“I hear ya, stop yer belly-achin’.” A disgruntled old halfling waddled down out of the rafters of the stable. He smelled of stale hay and horse droppings, but brightened at the sight of the party of six. “Oh! What brings yer like ‘round here? Ain’t a horse ‘twixt the lot o’ ya…”
“I’m a friend of the owner’s, he promised us room and board. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?” Maurin withdrew his hood, winking kindly at the halfling.
“Oh, master Yewind! So glad you could make it!”
“But you’re not-“ Talia covered Steelhammer’s mouth before he could blow their cover. Thankfully, the filthy halfling hadn’t heard him.
“Right this way, master, right this way! Master Moorish is out on business for the next two weeks, but he said you could use his personal quarters. It might be a bit tight for six of ye, but it ought to work, aye?”
“Oh we’ll fit just fine.” Talia smiled, still covering Steelhammer’s mouth with a hand. “Thank you for your hospitality, little master…?”
“Sling, they call me.” The halfling beamed at Talia. He obviously wasn’t used to receiving compliments. Or tips, as it were, as she passed him a gold piece and a wink.
O-O-O-O
“Hot damn, you’re good at this, Sunset!” Rainbow Dash grinned. “I never expected he’d fall for that!”
“All the better for us.” Sunset blushed at the compliment, marking the lost gold piece on her inventory. “He’s obviously expecting someone, so if they show up, it’s best he’s on our side; the nice ones with the money. Plus, we really need this place if we’re going to find out what Imoheen’s up to.”
“Woah, girls.” Rainbow Dash was looking at her watch. “It’s already eleven.”
“What? No way.” Sunset pulled her phone out, checking the time. Sure enough, it was just a little past eleven at night. The half-windows sunken into the basement were dark, and upstairs was uncharacteristically quiet. None of them looked tired, though. In fact, Sunset felt like she could go all night.
“Do we want to keep playing? We’re kind of at a good stopping point…” Twilight was scrolling down something or other on her laptop, but Fluttershy shook her head.
“We just got to Brackenbay, there’s no point in stopping now…” She flagged a bit, concern crossing her features. “Though I’m not sure where to start…”
“Well, I can recommend some things.” Twilight smiled at them. “On your sheets, you should have a skill called ‘gather information.’”
“Right, but, it’s not check-marked.” Rainbow Dash lofted an eyebrow. “Can we still use it?”
“Oh absolutely. There’s nothing saying you can’t use a skill that isn’t a class skill… You see, you can only put MORE points into those that are. That’s why there’s two numbers there; a class-skill cap, and a non-class-skill cap… Right now, it should just be two and four. Two for non-skill classes, and four for skill classes. Right?”
“That’s what I have here.” Sunset affirmed.
“Good, then you can put points into non-class skills all you like, as long as it isn’t more than whatever your non-class-skill cap is. Rarity?”
“I actually put all four points I could into gather information… It seemed really useful.”
“And it very well may be. See, in cities, we can either take turns by full days, or by four-hour blocks. So, if you’d all like, I can suggest that you take a day to gather information and see what you want to find out. Setting out with a goal in mind is generally best, so you can split up or stay grouped all you like.”
“Hmm. Alright, then. Girls, I think we should-“
O-O-O-O
The next day dawned bright and early, with the whole group feeling rested and relaxed. They prepared a quick breakfast and convened whilst eating.
“I believe Grenlow and I should check with the local authority and see if there’s any contract work to be had. He’s familiar with working for coin, and I’m no slouch when it comes to talking to others myself.” Talia spoke firmly. Grenlow frowned, casting a quick glance towards Shay.
“I wanted to go with the pretty druid.”
“Too bad, buddy.” Talia deadpanned. “You’re stuck with the ugly sorceress.”
“Hey, I never said you were-“
“Moving on.” Talia rolled her eyes. “Shay, I’m guessing you don’t like the city all that much?”
“I’m not a fan.” Shay grimaced.
“Why don’t you and Bupin check the surrounding farms and communities? I’m sure there’s plenty of people who need help outside of the city walls, plus you can learn a little of the countryside while you’re at it.”
“That sounds like fun!” Bupin chimed in. “I could use a nice hike.”
“Then Maurin and I c’n ask around town fer others that need help.”
“I do this sort of work better on my own” The slight elf cleared his throat. “No offense, Steelhammer, but you’re not the most ‘subtle’ dwarf out there.”
“Hhmph.” Steelhammer grunted. “Well, I’m sure Nith has a church here in Brackenbay. I c’n check wi’ my bretheren.”
“I may have an associate or two around town.” Maurin nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Alright, it’s settled. We’ll find out what we can and rendezvous back here at night. Agreed?”
A chorus of ‘deal’ and ‘agreed’ rang out from the group. As Talia and Grenlow left the stablemaster’s home for the city center, though, he leaned in close to her.
“Talia, what’s a randy-voo?”
O-O-O-O
“Come on, Rainbow Dash, that was so lame even my grandpa groaned.”