This roleplay thread is dedicated to characters hanging out in or around City Square, because they have absolutely nothing better to do. You can find out why this thread exists here.

Once more, Flicka found herself prowling through the tall shadows of the buildings. To say that the past couple of days had not been crazy would be an understatement. There had been several times Flicka had come close to leaving her seclusion to join in on the excitement, but each time she had restrained herself. Watching how other competitors interacted with each other and how they reacted to certain situations was very useful information. She had a feeling she was going to desperately need any scraps of insight she could find.

Flicka was not anypony special. Sure, her mind and reflexes are probably about as fast as the Element of Loyalty, but that was about it. Being surrounded by so many physically fit challengers made her nervous. She has no where near any of the strength those champions have, which means her battles were going to be fought via swiftness and cunning alone. The one and only thing Flicka was good at was her teleportation. But once her competitors adapted to her lightning fast teleports, Flicka would be hard pressed to keep up an offensive.The only thing she could hope to do was to keep her reappearing locations completely random to make it hard for a foe to predict her attacks.

For a brief moment, Flicka wished she were anywhere but here. She wished she still lived with her parents in Canterlot. She wished she had been strong in magic at a younger age, so that she at least would have been able to make her parents proud. She wished that she could still live the life of a nomad, completely free from any outside burdens. Flicka almost wished that she had not been crippled, but she could not bring herself to do so. Her metallic leg was just as functional as a normal flesh leg, and certainly more durable. Her targeting monocle has been her pride and joy since Crow crafted it for her; many a time has that device helped save her life in one way or another. As much as it set her apart from everypony else, this was her. This is who she is.

Though she might try to deny it and ignore it, that was another reason she had agreed to participate in the Unity Games. She wanted to be recognized. She wanted to be seen as powerful, as brave, as resourceful. She couldn't care less about what her parents thought, if they recognized her; she couldn't even remember their names correctly, let alone their faces. But to be out there, to be fighting, to show the world that Flicka was not an average nopony... That was why she was here. She had to prove herself. Flicka paused, considering. Where should she go next? The City Square has been devoid of any new Champions for a while now... the library? Flying Scorpion? Or maybe she should go see the castle....

((Well, here we go. Flicka is back, after waiting in the shadows for the past few days. She's mainly just wool gathering out here. I'm trying to help her get her thought processes out there, so that others might gain a small idea of how her mind works, and how she feels. Cheers!))

((I missed out on much of the original RP thread due to being busy in real life, and it'll take me a long time to get through it all, so I'll just post here for now until I can get my bearings straight. I'll also probably not be able to post regularly, but we'll see I suppose...))

A small wagon hitched to two ponies entered the city limits, trundling along at a decent speed.
One of the two ponies, a grey unicorn with a bright blue and orange mane let out an appreciative whistle as he took in the sights. The other, a light brown pegasus with a black mane looked around nervously with his golden eyes.

"Relax Wingnut!" Said the unicorn in a soothing voice, placing a hoof across his friend's withers. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity; let's enjoy it while we can!"

Sighing slightly, the pegasus stared into the reddish-orange eyes of his companion, giving him an uncertain look. "Look Cobalt, I know you wanna prove yourself in battle, but does it really have to be in a giant tournament like this? You could have simply enlisted in the Royal Guard training camp if you wanted to be a Royal Guard so badly." Wingnut complained quietly. He took another nervous look around."To be honest, a lot of these guys look rather dangerous, and I'd rather not stick around them for too long." Wingnut said as he eyed some of the assembled warriors wandering the area.

"True," mused the unicorn known as Cobalt Blaze. "But I want to see how my current skills stack up to real warriors like these!" He exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "Also, I think this whole thing will be quite fun, don't you think?"

Wingnut gave a skeptical look at his companion and let out a sigh of resignation. "Alright, it looks like you've got your heart set on this thing anyway." A small smirk appeared on his face as he again looked Cobalt in the eyes. "The least I can do is support my best friend as he fights for glory, right?"

With a smile, Cobalt once again slung a hoof over his companion's withers, although this time it was in a grateful embrace. "I knew I could count on you, buddy."

Together, they set out to find a place to secure their wagon and settle in for the tournament.

((Wingnut is just a supporting character and will not be participating in the tournament. He is simply there to cheer for his friend and wish him luck))

Constantly swivelling his head to and fro, a light tan Earth pony struggled to take in the sights that the city provided. His charcoal mane whipped around in sync with his head, and if it were not already tied back into a tight ponytail, it would most likely be a great mess. He wore a green kimono with a golden trim over most of his body, the loose fabric allowing the breeze to brush against his coat. A sheathed sword was slung over his left shoulder and a pouch of coins hung from his neck. Sapphire blue eyes darted around his skull, still processing the beauty of the city.

Jìng mó. Once the sprawl of foal's nightmares, now political allies in a peace-filled world. He couldn't help but laugh to himself. Oh, if only our ancestors could see through my eyes right now(!) With his mental philosophy done, he continued to observe the city square.

"Help...can't...breathe...!" Khane squeezed harder as the changeling, dangling from his claw, called to the his pals standing around the furious dragon with looks of helpless terror on their face.

"Let go of him!" one of them called out and flared his magic, a green glow wrapping around Khane's claw. The latter just stared at the changeling that tried to pry open his fierce grip. He snorted and whipped his long tail around. It impacted with the changeling's head, knocking him out cold. The second one stared in fear at his unconscious companion. After a last glance at the green dragon, he buzzed off, screaming for the guards. Khane paid neither him, nor the growing crowd gathering around the fight any mind and turned his head back to the victim of his death grip.

Only five minutes into the city, and I already started a fight with one of these mutts? Even for me, that's a new record. In any other town, it took me at least half an hour. Well, whatever, this bastard asked for it!

He had already been pissed when he entered the city. Seeing all these blasted insects made Khane sick. So it was only natural that he snapped when the very changeling, that hung in his claw right now, dared to poke his pendant that was made out of his dead sister's scale and ask just what this 'silly thing around his neck' was.

With a vicious smile, Khane watched as the changeling slowly faded into darkness. But just before his prey's heart finally stopped, Khane was blasted across the city square. He instinctively let go of the changeling along the way, the almost lifeless body falling down on the stone, before Khane himself smashed into a pile of wooden crates. He got up quickly to respond to his new aggressors. Three guards and the changeling, that had flown off before, approached Khane, the first ones charging their horns in case the dragon wanted to continue the fight.

Khane was just about to pounce on the guards, when he finally became aware of what he was about to do. Fighting some random changeling was one thing, but directly attacking three guards was something entirely different. He would go to jail for it, not to mention that the guards probably could handle a fight with a dragon much better than the mutts from before. Slowly, Khane sat down on his haunches and crossed his arms. One of the guards approached the dragon.

"Alright, I don't know what exactly happened here, but your coming with me to the guard post, where you can explain yourself. This way!"

The changeling turned around and walked away. Khane simply stood up and followed the guard, while the other two flanked him on either side. When they passed the still recovering changeling Khane had almost choked to death, the green dragon shot him a menacing glare and snarled at him. The changeling winced and the guard in front of Khane shot him a disapproving glance, but Khane paid him no mind. Instead, he braced himself for the incoming interrogation.

I'm in for a long day. Khane sighed inwardly. Now that he could think properly again, he wasn't so proud of himself anymore. Just like with any other brawl he had gotten himself into.

I'm an idiot. He finally concluded.

551377
((

the green dragon shit him a menacing glare and snarled at him.

))

((551397 thanks I really should start to reread what I write more carefully))

551377
Amongst the dispersing crowd, a gryphon watched silently as the green dragon was escorted away by the trio of changeling guards, his eyes following the beast's every movement and the corners of his beak twisting into a grin. A quick glance ensured him that the dragon's prey was alive, if only barely, as his companions dragged him away, presumably toward the nearest hospital.

Garret's wings unfurled, and in a single downward stroke, shot skyward, leaving behind the still reeling crowd of the city square, searching once more for the dragon. A green mass slowly weaving through the streets below called out like a beacon, and Garret glided down lower, keeping the dragon in sight.

This, the gryphon thought as he soared over the changeling city, could turn interesting.

Archimedes decided to walk to the square. After he had agreed to meet his two newest grffin... Friends he guessed, at least for the time being at the training arena for some practical science. The thought of seeng their faces when he would show them just what storm herald could do. Archimedes decided to sit down and take a look around. He saw a cart with two ponies riding it 551209. Merchants? Combatants perhaps?

Next he saw mr head-up-his-flank 551263. The unicorn supremacist he had the unfortunate luck to meet

The next was a pony who seemed to be wearing a... Dress? Pajamas? Archimedes made a note on calling it a robe if the subject was ever mentioned. After all who was he, in his thick steel frame to criticize clothing. Those seemed to be the only once that stood out before storm herald started acting up. Controlling the halberd was a art in and of itself as it was all but impossible to keep it from unloading lightning at all nearby mechanical or magical equipment but Archimedes had made it and it seemed to heed his will more then anyone else's (sometimes it even seemed to help the scientist). Archimedes looked in the direction storm herald had "pointed" and saw another pony 551150. She didn't seem so special but storm herald was seldom wrong. He decided to go and talk to her, as she seemed to be the most interesting pony around at the moment

Crafter sleepily stepped out of the Tavern and onto the streets, it would be a while before the coffee would reach it's full effect. With a mighty yawn, Crafter started to trot aimlessly around the streets of Vemn Enox.

A rush of wind and feathers sounded above the Earth pony, but he disregarded it in favor of trying to understand his new point of interest.

It seemed to be a Diamond Dog wearing some form of steamtech suit ((551412)), but what had caught his attention was the large halberd he was holding and the fact that it sparked a small bolt of lightning. Even more unusual was that now the Dog was following it.

Curiouser and curiouser, he thought to himself. He kept to his path, but left a wary eye out for the suited being: getting struck by lightning was not a good way to start a day in a new and unfamiliar place.

551425
Hardly being lucid, Crafter collided head first into the earth pony.
"Ow.... Oh my gosh are you ok?" Crafter asked, recovering instantly.

551428
Not even registering the unicorn until too late, he collapsed onto his flank. He dusted himself off quickly, nursing a sore spot on his forehead from where the other's horn had prodded him. "I'll be fine," the Earth pony replied. He chuckled lightly at the unicorn's tired state. "Not much of a morning pony, are we?"

551429
Crafter sighed in relief, glad his horn didn't do too much damage. "I may wake up early, but that doesn't mean I like it." He said with a chuckle.

551431
The Earth pony joined in with the chuckling. A quick patting down confirmed that he still had his sword and his pouch of bits. He moved himself out of the unicorn's path, gesturing with a hoof to walk on. "Please, don't let me keep you behind from... well, whatever it was you were going to do."

551432
"In all honesty, I was just getting some fresh air." Crafter said sheepishly. "I might have pushed myself a bit too hard testing my armor yesterday."

551433
"A participant?" he asked. "I take it you're here for the Unity Games too?"

551434
"Yep," Crafter nodded towards the metal box on his back. "built this just for the tournament."

551436
"Well, I look forward to seeing you in action. As for me, tech isn't my strongest suit, so I prefer to use my blade." He pats the sheath on his left with an almost-proud smile. "No amount of machinery can match the deft hoof of a pony."

551439
"Wouldn't be too much of a contest if they didn't stand a chance." Crafter said with a friendly, yet challenging smirk.

551406
The three guards led Khane towards a tall building on the other side of the city square, labeled as guard post. Crowded as the square was, moving forward was a bit difficult, and the green dragon and his escort were constantly slowed down by passing carts. This gave Khane time to look around and finally become aware of his surroundings. With great interest, he noticed how many other creatures, mainly ponies, walked among the changelings. He even spotted a griffon and a diamond dog. Especially griffons were something he had only heard of and Khane watched intrigued as the one he had spotted took off into the sky. He lost sight of him when the guard to his left nudged him forward, the carts that had been blocking their path finally out of the way. Khane's gaze shifted back to his destination.

I guess now would be a good time to figure out a way to escape without breaking the law the resigned dragon contemplated. He didn't actually feel sorry for almost killing the changeling. What bothered him was that he probably wouldn't be allowed to participate in the tournament. And after promising his parents to make them proud, he would never be able to look them in the eyes again. Khane wrecked his brain, but every idea he came up with ended in him beating the crap out of some changeling.

Oh screw this! I'll figure something out when the time comes. I always do...hopefully...

551440
The Earth pony let out a hearty laugh at the remark. "There is a sense of courage and vigilance about you. I like it. Tell me, what is your name?"

551442
"When it comes to my work, I'm as confident as ever." Crafter said proudly. "My name is Crafter."

551445
The Earth pony held a hoof out to the unicorn. "Liu," he replied.

551447
Crafter accepted his hoof in greeting. "A pleasure to meet you Liu."

551450
"Likewise, Crafter. If everyone in this competition is a friendly as you, well... I'd almost feel sorry for fighting them. Almost."

551441
Time appeared to be running out for the emerald dragon below, as the distance between it and its destination rapidly grew smaller and smaller. Garret continued to watch from afar, interested in seeing if the reptile below would make an attempt to escape. What the changeling had said must have really hit home, as it was odd to see an emerald dragon resort to such violence.

From his own experience, anger was not so quick to fade, so another 'display' was quite possible. Perhaps it would give further insight into potential competition watching the beast take on several guards, if it were still allowed to participate.

Or perhaps he will bedazzle them with a song? Garret chuckled at the thought.

The gryphon's stomach grumbled, quickly wiping the grin from his face. The dragon would have to make a move soon, or Garret's attention would be drawn to more pressing matters.

Do changelings sell meat?

551454
Crafter shrugged modestly. "The whole point of the tournament is to promote peace, seems kind of counter productive to treat everypony like dirt. Besides, this is how i treat everyone."

551457
"And a fine treatment it is!" Liu responded. "I, for one, am a firm believer in the workings of karma. It only seems fair to give others respect in the hopes of recieving it yourself." Glancing around, he leaned closer to Crafter. "Say, you wouldn't happen to know anywhere I could get a drink, do you? A cafe or a tavern, perhaps?"

551459
"Well the 'Flying Scorpion' is just down the road, a lot of the contestants have rooms there." Crafter said, pointing behind him.

551461
Following the unicorn's hoof with his eyes, Liu smiled a little. "Would you care to join me, Crafter?" he asked.

551463
"Sure, I should probably be headed back now anyway." Crafter said with a nod. " My wife is probably awake by now."

551464
"Then lead the way, dear friend!" he declared, sidling up next to him.

551441
((Sleep beckons. I must depart.))

551465
Crafter started the short walk to the tavern.
((TO THE NEW THREAD *batman theme*))

551467
((Right behind ya!))

551466
((Okay, sleep well I'll figure something out in the meantime))

realizing that he lost the mare from sight (for now) Archimedes decided to look around to see if anything new had happened.
he watched as a emerald dragon 551441 was either heavily escorted or arrested by changelings.
"comes as a combatant of peace and then gets arrested. talk about counter-productive"
Archimedes looked around some more and saw that his "college" 551467 and the robe/pajamas wearing pony 551468 seemed to covers with each other. he really did want to know more about the pony tinker but at the same time herald seemed to really want to see that mare. a quick glance at the halberd told him that it would still be able to find the mare if he let it. "eh, lets see that pony tinker and his new friend" and with that he started walking towards the flying scorpion ((WAIT FOR MEEEE!!!!))

551487 ((lol we're already at the tavern, get you butt over here))

A cloaked figure slowly made his way through the city square. The robes he was wearing easily covering the rest of his body except for the black hooves sticking out the bottom. Turning his head this way and that, it would seem that the figure was a newcomer to the city, as curious as he was about the location and what was around him. Through his purposeful walking seemed at odds at this.

Eventually, a guard spotted the cloaked figure and his eyes narrowed in suspicion, after all. Most people didn’t need a reason to completely cover themselves that was good for the peace and security for the land. The guard quickly weaved his way through the crowd and placed himself in front of the cloaked figure.

“Sorry for the interruption citizen, but may I know why you are covered so fully?”

The cloaked figure stopped at this, and seemed to inspect the guard in front of him for a few moments before sighing and answer.

“I... have some unpleasant history with some of the guard, and I do not wish for my presence to disturb their duty.” The guard started to glare even when he heard the voice, but the reason just increased his reason to glare.

“Take off your hood.”

“I really don’t see-”

“Take of your hood citizen!” The guard barked, drawing the attention of some of the passer-by’s moving throughout the square. With another sigh, the figure did just that, revealing himself to be a changeling. “Arcantos.” The guard growled, stepping forwards aggressively. “What are you doing here, freak?”

“That is off no concern of yours, Makoto.”

“It is of my concern, a freak and embarrassment to the guards should not be here.”

Arcantos took a step back, starting to say. “Look, I’m sorry about Sapphire-” Unfortunately for Arcantos, mentioning that name was a real bad mood. Rage consumed the guard’s eyes as his horn glowed. A powerful bolt of magic being unleashed point-blank range into Arcantos, throwing him back.

Spectators gasped at this, but their attention was soon stolen by Arcantos as he struggled to his feet… with his cloak thrown off and illusion covering him destroyed.

Arcantos’s wings were now completely metal, and the familiar holes in the changelings limbs were now covered in a metal, if not completely filled in. Through he had been walking on all fours; he actually had hands and feet now, instead of the hooves of a pony or changeling. His right eye was surrounded by metal, and his eye covering was now red instead of blue. Finally, his body – save for his back – was a mismatch of the changeling chitin and metal.

“Don’t. You. Dare. Say. Her. Name!” Makoto growled fiercely. “Filth like you aren’t worthy of saying it! Now get out of this city before I throw you out!” As he said this, his horn started to glow, ready for another attack.

551500 There. A commotion. Flicka had watched the emerald dragon attacking a changeling. She had almost went to the changeling's aid, but before she could do so the guards had appeared. Now there was another guard bullying a different changeling. Metal gleamed brightly against the sunlight. This was a unique changeling. One like her. Without a moment's thought, Flicka's mind focused on the weave of magic surrounding her. Time slowed as she concentrated, drawing herself into the Twisted Nether. With a muted flash of grey the cyborg unicorn disappeared. She reappeared just in time to throw up a shield to deflect another attack from the guard, who recoiled in shock. Flicka landed lightly, poised. Her targeting monocle was narrowed at the guard, watching his every move.

"Enough of this," she said, her voice silky smooth. "If you want to get to him, you're gonna go through me first." She pawed the ground with her metallic leg.

551535
"Stay out of this citizen." Makoto snapped angrily, annoyed at this interference. "This has nothing to do with you. Continue to get in the way, I will have you arested for purposeful interference of the guard."

551582 "I have every right to interpose myself. He is a cyborg similar to myself, and we stick together. I am sure you have no right to attack and forcibly remove your own kin over some petty squabble that took place in the past. Or shall I see if I can file a formal complaint to your King on how his guard acts? This changeling has done nothing to you. Leave him be, or I'm going to turn nasty."

Flicka's cyborg eye suddenly glowed with red light. "Trust me, you don't want to see me turn ugly."

551589
"A petty squabble? The freak here killed my fiance and got away with it scot free! Now move out of the way before I have you arested . This. Has. Nothing to do with you!"

"He's right." Arcantos spoke up. Talking to the unicorn. "This has nothing to do with you. Cyborg or not. Your interference just makes this situation worse. You threaten a member of the changeling guard, something that normally would have consequence. As aa Captain of the guard however I can let this slide. Once."

"Your pulling rank?" Makoto asked in disbelief. "You've been gone for three years, and now your pulling rank on me?"

"I never left the guard or got demoted." Arcantos simply replied. "And this is a peaceful resolution." Makoto growled , but his glowing horn faded away.

"You should be happy that I take my duty as guard seriously; unlike you. Mark my words. I will have justice." With those words, the guard turned and left.

551659 Flicka frowned. "He would dare attack his superior? Humph." Her mood suddenly soured, Flicka moved towards the library, completely ignoring the changeling she had been defending. He obviously did not need it. Has she really been removed from society for so long that she can no longer fit in?

551659>>551589 having followed his halberds directions, Archimedes finally reaches what storm herald has been so interested in. the halberd now points towards the public center of attention. a pony and a changeling seems to be arguing with a guard. the guard leaves and they don't seem to be doing something right now. Archimedes starts to walk towards the two. 'now is my chance to see what herald has found so interesting about... them?' Archimedes could only stare.
cyborgs.
two, living and breathing cyborgs. Archimedes had to stop himself from rushing forward to them as he remembered what happened the last time in the tavern. 'ok Archie, play this cool now.' he walked to the two of them from behind.
"greetings, mare and changeling. Would you mind to have a little chat?"

551692 Flicka was already a short distance away. She paused, turned. She appraised the newcomer with a raised brow. "Chat about what?"

She regretted it almost the moment the words left her mouth. Even to her untrained ears, the words sounded too rough, too tense.

551703 Flicka heard every word of the second newcomer. 'It is not that I am "naturally a grump.'" Flicka spoke softly. "It is that I do not trust others very easily. With my past who can blame me? On top of that, I find that being back among society is hard. I have been in isolation far too long to be well versed in proper politeness. Take that instance with the guard. Arcantos obviously did not need the help of some idiotic unicorn cyborg, yet I still butted in instead of minding my own business."

551699 "that amazing leg you have ... *leans forward* "and that magnificent eye of yours"
*lean back* "i am Archimedes, alpha of the storm follower pack. i am also a scientist who is very fascinated by your cyborg implant. would you mind asking some questions? i could compensate you if you wish."
((Archimedes: diamond dog, encased in a full body suit of metal armor, right hand holds a halberd, left hand wears a gauntlet armed with large steel claws))

551714 Flicka turned back to the first newcomer, a diamond dog by the looks of it. "Humph. I suppose some questions wont hurt. I have never had any dealings with your kind--" she growled the word like a curse-- "since your kind murdered my surrogate family. I'd advise you to not make any sudden movements, or your safety could be thrown into question. What would you like to know?"