> Equestria Girls: Sword Coast Adventures
>  by King Cuddles
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 (edited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sword Coast Adventures

By: King Julius I

Chapter I

Making his way down the stairs, Shining Armor carried two large, Grey plastic tubs into the basement of his home. The two hundred square foot room, which was just a storage area in recent years, was not long ago made into what his mother calls "Your dad's man cave". A soft, grass colored carpet was put down, insulation and sheet rock were put up, the latter of which was painted his father's high school colors and was covered with pictures of his friends and family. A sofa and a couple of reclining chairs surrounded a wooden coffee table which sat in front of a 60" flat screen T.V. mounted on the south wall. A large poker table sat at the room's center, which Shining sat the tubs on. Walking around the table, satisfied that it should have enough room for him, his sister Twilight and all of her friends, he began to unpack one of the tubs. He pulled out a small stack of books, which he set aside. Next, he pulled out a long piece of folded cardboard, which he unfolded and placed on the table. The image of a group of adventurers fending off an enraged dragon adorned one side of the cardboard, which provides a barricade for Shinings' section of the table. He then took out a worn black and white notebook and a large, black, velvet bag and places them behind his screen. Opening the notebook, he looked over its pages, rearranging any loose papers or notes within.


After spending some time re-familiarizing himself with the material he would need tonight, he heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. Looking up he could see his sister Twilight Sparkle, followed by three of her new friends.
"Wow Twilight," Sunset Shimmer looked around the room, "This is pretty amazing."


"Yea, when you said you had the room you weren't kiddin." Applejack spoke up next, walking over to examine the T.V.


“It's...Nice.” Fluttershy meekly said from behind Sunset.
Twilight fiddled with a lock of hair, "It's nothing much, Dad got a big promotion at work and he always wanted to do something with the basement so...." She moves over to the table with Shining Armor, "Thanks for doing this for us Shiny, the others should be here soon."


"It's okay Twily," Shining replied, "I was just going over everything to get ready. Does everyone have their characters ready?"


"Got mine right here," Sunset spoke up, walking over to the table and handing him a piece of paper.


“Got mine too.” Applejack replied.
“Um...me too.” Fluttershy quietly squeaked.
The two of them took a piece of paper out of a book they were each holding, handed them to Shining Armor and joined Twilight and Sunset at the table.
“And here's mine,” Twilight pulled some paper out of her own book and handed it to Shining.
He looked over each piece of paper, "let's see, we have a Barbarian, a wizard, a sorcerer and a druid. Hm. Not bad, but none of them have names." He wrote down a few things and handed everyone back their characters.


Twilight opened her bookmark loaded Players Handbook and laid out her character sheet. “Nobody could think of any good names so we decided to use our own.”
Shining thought for a second, “Sounds okay to me. Did anyone bring any dice?” He looked around the table, Everyone shook their heads. “That's okay, I have plenty.” As Shining Armor went through one of the plastic tubs three more people came down the stairs.
“Wow, This is pretty awesome,” Rainbow Dash said, approaching the table.
"Yes, It certainly is...," Rarity took note of the rooms horribly clashing colors, "Something else."


Pinkie Pie darted around the room in a blur, "Perfect for our PARTY!!!" She shouted and threw confetti everywhere.


"It's not that kind of party Pinkie." Twilight reminds her. "Did you have any trouble finding the house?"


“Not at all darling.” Rarity said as she took a seat between Rainbow Dash and Flutter Shy. “The directions you gave us were very clear, and your mother let us in as soon as we arrived.”
"That's good," Twilight said, "Do you have your characters?"


“Of course darling” Rarity laid her backpack onto the table.
“Got mine right here” replied Rainbow.
"YEP," said Pinkie. They each pulled out a sheet of paper and gave them to Twilight, who passed them to Shining Armor as soon as he was done shuffling around in his tubs.


Shining took the sheets and looked them over. "A Rogue, Ranger and a Bard, Nice diversity." He made a few more notes then gave them back their sheets. "Okay", Shining sat down a black velvet sack the size of a football on the table, "There's plenty of dice to go around."


As Applejack, Sunset, Fluttershy And Twilight searched through the diverse colors of dice, Pinkie, Rarity and Rainbow pulled out little clear boxes, each with a set of polyhedral dice. "We passed a hobby store on the way here," Rarity said, "I had been there a few times before and remembered seeing these, so we each got some," She held up a purple d10, Pinkie pulled out a cotton candy colored one and Rainbow spread hers out, each one adorned with the colors of the rainbow. "If I had known everyone else needed some I would have got more."


“That's okay Rarity.” Applejack replied, “Looks like we got plenty.”
Shining Armor looked over his screen, “You each should have a d6, 4, 8, two 10's, a 12, and a 20.”
Everyone looked through their dice and confirmed they had the right ones.


Shining stood up and cleared his throat to address everyone, "Hello, My name is Shining Armor, I'm Twilights’ older brother and tonight I'll be your Dungeon Master, your guide to the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Tonight we're going to play a game I made during my second year of high school so I think it will be an excellent adventure for your group to start on. Now I'm going to walk you through the game slowly at first so if you have any questions, just ask.


Rarity raised her hand as if waiting for the teacher to call on her.
“Yes?”
“How long do these games usually last?”
"Normally a couple of hours, but I can stop whenever your all ready," Shining replied. "Anything else?"


"When are we having dinner I'm starving?" Rainbow groaned which earned an elbow to the side and a stern look from Rarity. "What?"


Shining chuckled. "When Twily told me you all were staying the weekend, Mom went ahead and stocked up on food. But for tonight I ordered some pizzas, they should be here in a bit." Shining's statement was met with cheers of appreciation. "Anything else?"


“Don't we need some of those little figures?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“Usually yes. I have some for you when we need them.”
Sunset smiled and leaned back in her chair.
"If there are no more questions then everyone can introduce your character and we can begin."


Pinkie pie almost jumps out of her chair, "I'm a Human Bard. I play music and entertain people. Also, it's how I use my magic."


Applejack stood next. “Ah'm a Human Barbarian. Ah use my strength to protect everyone.”
Twilight looked over her character. “I'll be playing a Half-Elf Wizard. I'm not very strong and only a few spells I have are offensive so I'll be fighting from the back.”
Sunset stood next. “I'm a Human Sorceress. My HP is low, but most of my spells are for fighting.”
Rainbow was next. “I'm a Half-Elf Ranger. I'll be Shooting bad guys with my bow. And being generally awesome.”
Rarity rolled her eyes and cleared her throat. “I shall be the Moon Elf Rouge. What I lack in strength I make up for in stealth and elegance.”
Everyone looked to Fluttershy, who after trying and failing to disappear into her seat, slowly stood and spoke in a quiet voice, “I'll be the Wood Elf Druid. I can talk to animals and um...” she stopped talking and sat down, Signaling Shining the begin.

************************************************************************************************************

Our story begins on the Sword Coast, in the city of Neverwinter. An exciting place, where many have come to start anew. Each of you, for one reason or another, have found yourselves in an inn known as The Soggy Rat. After a few hours of talking to different people about yourselves and your adventures, you were called to the back by one of the barmaids to meet with a mysterious Hooded man. Once you are seated, the man tells you that he has been listening to each of you and may be able to provide a job. "My Employers," he starts, "Are looking to hire those who can prove themselves worthy. There's steady pay, you'll be helping people, and on your journey, you may find whatever it is each of you seeks. All you must do is pass a little......entrance exam."



************************************************************************************************************


"I'm not too sure about this guy." Applejack said.


“I agree.” replied Rarity, “He seems a bit shady if you ask me, what if he's lying just to cheat us?”
“You can check.” Shining said, “You can make a perception, or if you have it, an insight check.”
“How?” Asked Rarity.
"Roll a d20 and add your Wisdom or Insight bonus."


Rarity looked over her Character sheet, then rolls. "Thirteen plus..... I get another two if I'm proficient in it yes?" Shining nodded. "Then it's 17."


“Nice, you pass. You can tell that this man's offer is genuine and he doesn't seem to be misleading you.”

************************************************************************************************************


“What kind of employers?” Applejack asked.
“You will know once you complete your test.” The Hooded Man replied. “So are you in?”
Everyone shared a worried look.

The next morning the party was on their way to a small town on the other side of the Sword Mountains. They had all agreed to go and the Hooded Man informed them that two weeks ago a regular caravan of supplies was sent to a small, soon to be, farming town that had yet to even be named. When the caravan didn't return, a small party was sent to investigate but they haven't been heard from either. They must find the mayor of the town, a dwarf named Ironcliff, and discover what, if anything, has happened to the town and solve the problem.


“So where are we going?” Sunset asked, looking over Twilights shoulder at the map. Pinkie had begun playing traveling music on her lute and Rainbow was telling very hard to believe stories about some of her adventures.
“Around here.” Twilight points to an otherwise empty clearing on the map. “That guy said the town is new and wouldn't appear on many maps.” she pointed to where they were and drew a line across the map with her finger, “If we go this way we should get there in another couple of days.”
“Cool, Where should we stop to rest?”
Twilight looked over the map, then points to an area along the coast, “Here should be fine. We can take a few breaks but we should try to travel as much as we can during the day.”
“Sounds good, I'll let everyone know.”


*******************************************************************************


Shining flipped through a few pages of his notebook. “The next few days are mostly uneventful. You would see or hear wolves or goblins now and again but the size of the party kept them from getting too close. The day came for you to arrive, you're about two miles outside of town when you come across an overturned cart. As you approach you can see a number more, either turned over or almost destroyed.”
"I want to look around," Rainbow said.


“Roll Perception”
“....Um....22”


********************************************************************************


"You can see the signs of battle everywhere. Blood, both new and old, can be seen on all of the carts and along the ground. Looking into the carts you can see that any useful supplies have been taken."


Rainbow turns to the party, "looks like they were attacked and robbed.


“They must be the supply carts.” Fluttershy looked around, trying to avoid touching any blood.
"Maybe it's raiders?" Applejack suggested as she uses one of her javelins to poke around some broken crates.


Rarity moved around to look at the carts. "I don't see any bodies. If it were raiders, then why would they take the bodies." The party got a chill then looked around worriedly. "What say we continue on?" everyone agreed and continued towards their destination.



When the party finally arrived at the town, the first thing they noticed was a wall made of more overturned carts, wooden crates, and barrels. Walking along the wall they came to an opening that looked to have been forced inward and there was blood around the insides.


"Oh my, isn't this quite grim." Rarity stepped through behind Sunset, Rainbow, and Applejack. The town was devoid of any signs of life. Looking around, everyone could see that the town had been through a hard time. most of the buildings look to have been broken into, the doors forced in and the rooms inside ransacked. Only a few building seemed to still be intact, their shutters and doors closed tight.



************************************************************************************************************

"Everyone make a perception check," Shinning said, looking at everyone over his screen.


The sound or dice rolling across the table echoes through the room.
“13” replied Rainbow Dash.
Rarity happily cheers, “I rolled a 20, that's good right?”
“A natural 20 is a critical success.” Shining replies.
“I got 18.” Pinkie nearly shouts.
“5 for me.” said Twilight.
“Same” Sunset states.
“Ah got a 10.” Applejack said plainly.
The last was Fluttershy who sunk into her seat, "7," she squeaked.



************************************************************************************************************

Shining clears his throat, "Okay, Rarity and Pinkie look around and notice a building that they believe to be the mayor's home."


"This looks to be the place." Rarity walked down the street with Pinkie alongside and everyone following behind.


The party came to a boarded up building in the middle of town, it seemed to have been beaten and attacked several times but has held. Scratches and blood streaks cover the door and shutters.
“So,” Rainbow looked around the outside of the house. “Should we knock?”
"I'LL DO IT!!!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she pushes past her friends and approaches the door. She knocked heavily on the door, "Hellooooo, Is anyone iiinnnn there?" she sing songs. Silence fills the air, after a few seconds she tried again, "We're here to help!"


After a few more seconds of silence, a voice comes from inside the house, “Prove it.”
Everyone looks at each other.


************************************************************************************************************

“What?” Rainbow asked.
“Prove it? How are we suppose to do that?” Applejack looked around the table.
Sunset folded her hands in thought, and after a moment turns to Shinning, “Did that hooded guy give us anything that might help?”
“Roll Intelligence to remember.”
Sunset rolled,”......12”
"You remember seeing a seal or logo on the back corner of the map when you were looking at it yesterday."



************************************************************************************************************

Sunset pulled the map they were given from her pack and pushes it through a knothole in one of the window shutters. After a few seconds, the door opens to reveal an old Dwarf with a long white beard hanging down to his knees. His bald head is covered in a few scars and his wrinkled face speaks of his age. "It's about time someone came," the Dwarf said, "Hurry, come inside."


The party entered the modest sized house and either sat on some of the small furniture or simply stood around waiting for the Dwarf. Once the Dwarf had the door secure he walked over to his guests and took a seat in a wooden rocking chair. "I'm glad someone has finally come to our aid. It's been weeks since our last supplies failed to arrive and anyone we sent out gets taken or killed by those "Things". I am Ironcliff, the mayor of this little town and I am in desperate need of your help."


“That's what were here for sir,” Sunset said with a reassuring smile. “What exactly happened here? Where are the town guards, and what “Things” are you talking about?”
Ironcliff let out a small sigh. "It all started a little over two weeks ago. You see this town is still being thrown together and we require certain supplies from outside sources like raw iron, building materials, some foods, and guards. About once a month a small caravan will deliver the supplies and bring in new guards to rotate out the old. But this month the caravan was late. I sent out a few men to Waterdeep to check on the shipment, but they have yet to return. A few nights later a small group of about six came into town killing and dragging off two whole families. About twelve of the town guard were sent north after the killers. The next morning only seven of them returned, beaten and bloodied. When I asked them what happened they said that a necromancer had made camp at some ancient graveyard a few hours to the north of here and was raising the dead." Everyone was listening intently to the old dwarf's story, except Fluttershy, who was now hiding behind Applejack. "That night, more of those things came into town and attacked my citizens. We started to construct a barricade and tried to wait it out but they surprised us during the day and almost all of our guards fell. Even after the barricade was finished, they found a way to break through. At this moment there are maybe a dozen citizens remaining, including myself, and their fear has kept them from seeing reason and they hold up in their homes, instead of staying together." He rose from his chair, "I am old and my old battle wounds are great, would you seek out the cause of our strife and deal it the justice it so rightly deserves?"


The group of friends exchange knowing glances and they all stood straight and proud, except Fluttershy who was still trying to disappear behind Applejack.
"Of course we will," Sunset stated proudly.


“Darn right we will.” Applejack confirmed, making Fluttershy “eep” in response.
“Is there anything else you can tell us about this necromancer ?” Twilight asked as she recorded everything Ironcliff had said on a piece of parchment.
“I myself never saw him, and the guards never said anything more that he was a black cloaked figure that could raise the dead.”
Twilight nodded, scribbled down some final notes and put away her parchment.

The Party stood outside Ironcliffs' house, checking their weapons and going over their prepared spells. "I wish you luck adventurers," Ironcliff said, "Please, do come back in one......oh no!"


The party turned to where Ironcliff was looking to see a small group of shambling figures headed there way. The figures were covered in wounds and blood. One was holding his own intestines in his hand as he moaned and unsteadily approached the Party.

************************************************************************************************************

“ZOMBIES!!!!!” Shouted Pinkie Pie.
"That's right," Said Shining Armor, "And it also means that it's time to roll Initiative."


“Roll what?” Asked Applejack.
"Initiative," Replied Twilight as she turned to a bookmarked page in here Handbook. "It determines the order in combat. Everyone rolls a d20 and adds their dexterity bonus."


Everyone rolled their dice and Shining recorded the results. He then started rummaging through one of his tubs until he pulled out and unfolded a large hand drawn map of a town which was covered in a square grid. He then set out a number of zombie looking figures at one side of the grid and then placed seven different looking figures out near one of the houses. "Okay, these here are your figures" Shining showed each of them the figure that represented their characters. "And these down here are your enemies. The order is Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Sunset, Rainbow, Applejack, Zombies and then Fluttershy.



************************************************************************************************************

Twilight pulls out a magic tome,"I'll Start this off with Magic Missile," She said as she held out her free hand and casts the spell. Three bolts of energy launched forth from her hands and struck the first zombie. It Staggered back but then continued to approach. "Aw man, it's still up." She said, little crestfallen.



************************************************************************************************************

"It's okay Twilight." Shining put his hand on his sister's shoulder, "Your only level one, and that was a good hit." Twilight seemed to perk up at her brother's kind words. "Alright Pinkie, Your up." Shining moved the game along.



************************************************************************************************************

“Okay” Pinkie moved her miniature, "I'll move between A.J. and Rainbow and cast Bardic Inspiration on Rarity. And that will be it"


“Oh. Thank you darling,” Rarity looked over the battlefield in front of her. She then dashed off to another building.
"Hey" Rainbow shouted after Her, “Where are you going?”
“I have a plan.” was the only response she got as Rarity continued running away from the group.
"Don't worry Rainbow," Sunset called, "I'm sure she knows what she's doing." She then turned back to the fight. “I cast Fire Bolt.” she held out one of her hands to cast the spell and an orb of fire shot forth towards the first zombie. The flame struck the zombie and lit what clothes it was wearing ablaze. “You see, no problem.”
"Not bad," Rainbow pulled out her bow and an arrow, lined up a shot with the second zombie and let it fly. The arrow found purchase in the creature's chest. "YEA, that's how it's done. Applejack, Your up."


Applejack looked over the enemies in front of her. After a moment's thought, she set aside her Greataxe and pulled out a Javelin. She held out her left arm as a guide and with a great shout, hurled the weapon as hard as she could.

************************************************************************************************************

“Ah got a 1.” Applejack said, looking at Shining.
"Oh," Shining replied with a wince. "Well, that's a critical fail."


Rainbow Dash launched into a fit of laughter, which earned an angry look from A.J.
"Okay," Shining drew their attention back, "Let's see what happens." the rolling of his dice could be heard from behind his screen.



************************************************************************************************************

The Javelin flew over the enemies and into a window, eliciting a scream from some of the survivors inside.
Rainbow placed a hand on Applejack's shoulder. "The enemies are down here." her teasing only earned a growl from the Barbarian.


Whilst the two argued, the Zombies bared down on the party.
“Um...I think I'm just going to move over here.” Fluttershy ran to a building on the left side of the road.
“Not you too.” Call Rainbow.
“It's okay.” Twilight spoke up, “Her character isn't much of a fighter so keeping her distance is a good idea.”
“What about you?” asked Applejack.
“I can support you from here for a bit.” Twilight lifted a fist towards one of the approaching zombies. She then opened her hand to reveal a small diamond, which began to glow as she chanted an incantation. Before long the glowing orb launching off towards its target and struck it in the chest. The ball erupted in a flash of fire, knocking the zombie back.
Immediately after Twilights' attack hit, Pinkie Pie charged forward unsheathed her Rapier and loped off the closest zombies head, causing its body to fall to the ground.
“Nice one Pinks.” Cheered Sunset. "But Um," She looks around, "Wheres Rarity?" Just then, an arrow flew out of an alleyway and embedded itself in a zombies neck, “Never mind.” Sunset moved to the left and then unslung her crossbow. She took aim and launched a bolt into the head of the same zombie, which promptly fell to the ground. “Nailed it!”
As Sunset celebrates, Rainbow Dash quickly produced another arrow and dispatched the zombie directly if front of her. “Aw yea baby, I'm in it to win it!”
Deciding not to take another chance with a Javelin, Applejack held up her Greataxe and charged one of the zombies. She swung wildly and managed to take off one of its arms and embedded her weapon in its torso.


The creature responded by flailing its remaining arm at her, but couldn't seem to reach her in this awkward state.
Just then all of the remaining zombies seemed to stop dead in their tracks. They stood like statues for a moment and then turned to leave town all at once. A.J. quickly finished off the one in front of her before meeting with everyone in front of the Mayors' house. "What was that? They all just took off."


"I'm not sure." Ironcliff said, "They've never left without taking someone, perhaps their master has summoned them back?"


“Perhaps.” Sunset looked at her friends. “I know we just finished a fight but I think we need to hurry and find that necromancer.”
“Shouldn't we rest?” Asked Rarity, “Should we not be at the top of our game when we face him?”
“Normally I'd agree, but the longer we wait the more zombies he can create, and if were careful we might catch him off guard.”
The group spent several minutes discussing whether or not to go after him now of rest, in the end, they decided to attack.


“That settles it then,” Sunset looked out towards the distant horizon. “We're off to fight the necromancer.”

************************************************************************************************************

"I'm glad everyone is ready to fight but I think now is a good place to stop for a bit," Shining said, standing from the table. "Besides, the pizza’s here.”
A silence filled the room before the chime of the doorbell could be heard throughout the house.
“PIZZA!!!!” Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash shouted in unison.
“We'll continue when everyone is done eating.” Shining headed upstairs with the girls in tow, paid for the pizza, and relaxed as the girls sat around the dinner table eating and talking battle strategy.[/pre]
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sword Coast Adventures

By: King Julius I

Chapter 2

After refuelling and resting the girls joined Shining Armor at the table again. “Alright, Everyone ready?”, He asked, flipping through his notebook.
“We're ready to kick some butt!” Rainbow exclaimed, slamming her right fist into her other palm as if getting ready for a brawl.
The others shouted there approval and the game continued.

****************************************************************************************************************

The party travelled north for several hours, picking off the occasional zombie along the way, before coming to the top of a hill. Below them seemed to be the remnants of a forgotten graveyard. Vine covered Mausoleums and crumbling gravestones dotted the landscape, and the full moon gave the area an ominous atmosphere. 
“Oh my, Isn't this place just Dreadful.” Rarity looked over the area, Her Elvish vision helping to pick out forms moving around the area. “It seems our host is expecting us.”
Sunset kneels down and puts her hand on Rarity's shoulder, “That's okay, You remember the plan?”
“Of course darling. I sneak down and have ten minutes to have a peek and remove as many “obstacles” as I can before the rest of you follow.”
Rainbow held up her bow,“And I'll watch your back. If you get into trouble we'll charge in.”
Rarity gives a small nod before Starting for the graveyard.

****************************************************************************************************************

Shining moves the previous map and replaces it with one of a large graveyard. He places a number of zombies, a few skeletons, and a robed figure on the map. “Okay Rarity, this is how were going to play this out. You will have a turn and then all of your enemies will. Normal damage rules will be changed. This is going to be kinda like one of those stealth video games, If you can sneak up on an enemy unseen and roll above there Armor Class we'll consider it an instant kill. Now these things may not be the toughest enemies you'll face but they have good vision in the dark and are dangerous in this number so this won't exactly be a cakewalk, but you have the chance of making the fight to come a little easier. The moment your spotted you'll have to survive a few rounds before the rest of you're party can come to help you. Do you understand?”
“Yes of course.” Rarity replied proudly.
“Okay the,” He places her figure at the end of the map. “To start I want you to roll stealth.”

****************************************************************************************************************

Shining begins, “You manage to approach unseen and crouch down behind a tombstone, Thirty feet in front you is a zombie.”
Rarity sits silently for a moment, “I'd like to take a few seconds to look around, watch how they move.”
“Not bad,” shining says, “roll Stealth and move to where you want to go.”
Rarity moves behind one of the mausoleums and watches a few of the undead walk back and forth. She thin pick her first target and rushes forth. And in a flash brings down her first target.
She spends the next few minutes repeatedly sneaking around and backstabbing zombies before she spies a skeleton on top of a mausoleum.

****************************************************************************************************************

“Has it seen me yet?” Rarity looked over the field.
“Not yet. There's a zombie between you and the skeleton, and its visual range is Pretty huge. What do you want to do?”
She looks over her sheet then asks, “How far away is it?”
“about forty five to fifty feet. Why, you have an idea?” Shining asks with a knowing smirk.
Rarity picks up her d20, “I'm going to try to hit it from here.”

****************************************************************************************************************

Rarity strings an arrow and thin lines up her shot. As takes a few calming breathes and the lets the arrow fly. It soars through the air and strikes its target dead on, causing the creature to fall to pieces. She takes a moment to silently celebrate but before she could take in the moment, a skeleton emerges from the other side of the mausoleum holding the skull of Rarity's resent kill. It lets out a shriek and then heads her direction, two zombies in tow.
“Drat”

Up on the hill Rainbow watches the seen with a huge smile on her face. “Nice shot Rars!” a few seconds later she faintly hears the shriek of the Skeleton, “Uh Oh. Hey Guys.” She turns to her friends, who were preparing to attack after Rarity's time is up. “We need to move, NOW!” Everyone quickly garbed their supplies and rushed down the hill.

By the time everyone arrived Rarity was backed into a corner, with a zombie to each side and a skeleton in front of her, poised to attack. As fast as they could Applejack, Rainbow and Pinkie did away with her assailants.
“OH, Thank you for the rescue. I thought I was done for.” Rarity breathes out a sigh and Joins her friends. “I took care of a few of those creatures but a handful remain, including that cloaked villain.”
“Don't worry, Were ready” Applejack strikes a brave pose.
“That's right,” Added Twilight, “We've just got to follow the plan and we'll beat him in no to.”
“Okay everyone,” Sunset moves forward. “Lets do it.”
Everyone follows Sunsets lead and gets into position, Fluttershy's pleading to return to town going unheard.

****************************************************************************************************************

“Okay, Everyone takes there place and prepares for the attack.” Shining moves the minis around. “Sunset, remember what I said about you magic?”
“Don't worry, I remember.” Sunset replies.
Twilight looks over to her. “What does he mean?”
“Well,” Sunset pulls out her player handbook and flips through to her class page. “When I chose my Bloodline I picked Wild Magic. When I cast a spell I have to roll a d20 after and if its a 1 something random will happen.”
“That's interesting,” Twilight scribbles something down on a piece of paper.
“All right.” Shining looks over the group, “We have Pinkie and Twily coming in from the left, Rarity and Sunset on the right, then Applejack, Rainbow and Fluttershy in the middle.” Shinning makes a show of cracking his fingers, “As you approach you can see the necromancer standing on a large stone slab, there is a skeleton and a zombie between you and him. He looks towards you, “My, It seems I have some heroes in my midst, I promise to take excellent care of your bodies.” he then kackles madly and throws a hand forward, sending his minions at you. Okay Roll for Initiative!”

****************************************************************************************************************

Applejack goes into a rage, rushing forward and dealing the zombie a devastating blow, which unfortunately its not enough to finish it off. Twilight takes the opportunity to cast her spell, holding her hands together at the thumb and casts Burning Hands. Applejack dodges just in time to watch the zombie go up in flames. Sunset moves forward and launches a ball of fire at the skeleton, the flame strikes it in the ribs, but only angers it. Pinkie pulls out her Lute and casts Bardic Inspiration on Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy scooted a little closer to Rainbow Dash and ducks down behind a tombstone. With Fluttershy Knelt down beside her, Rainbow pulls back her bowstring and lets loose an arrow that lodges itself in the skeletons forehead. Rarity swiftly launches an arrow of her own which shatters the skeletons head.
“Well, well,” the necromancer calls, “looks like you girls have some spirit. Lets see what I can do about that.” He holds his right hand out towards Twilight and launches a volley of energy bolts. The three bolts strike her in the chest and send her toppling to the ground.
“TWILIGHT!” Applejack screams, she then turns towards the necromancer with hatred burning in her eyes. She runs forward, grabs a Javelin and hurled it at her enemy. In flies through the air and embeds itself in the necromancers leg, causing him to scream out in pain. Sunset lines up a shot and casts a ray of blue-white energy from her hand, Which strikes one of the necromancers other leg and encases it in a block of ice.
“You big MEANY!!” Pinkie shouts as she unsheathes a dagger and chunks it at the immobile figure, striking him in the shoulder.
Before anyone Realized it Fluttershy leaped over the tombstone she was hiding behind, darted forward and launched a long thorny vine at the necromancer, which wrapped around his waist and pulled him off his pedestal right at Fluttershy's feet.
Before the Necromancer could react, the Pink haired Druid picked him up by the collar and glared into his eyes with a stair that could make a Fire elemental's blood run cold. “HOW DARE YOU HURT MY FRIEND!!!!!”
It didn't take long before the others gathered around. Sunset placed her hand on the enraged Fluttershy, “Go check on Twilight, we'll handle him.”
Snapping back to reality, Fluttershy released her grip and ran over to her wounder party member.
Applejack grabs the cultist by the front of his cloak and raises his to just over her head, the hood of his cloak falling back to reveal a dark skinned elf. “Why are you doing this?”
The Necromancers expression changes from one of worry to smug. He then shouts, “WHEN THE SUN IS OVERCOME, THE CREATURES OF THE NIGHT  WILL RULE ONCE AGAIN!” He then begins to cackles madly as Applejack releases him and he bursts into flames.
After the fire dies down and nothing seems to remain but ashes the girls huddle around.
“What was that all about?” Asked Applejack.
“I'm Not sure darling.” Replied Rarity, “But it did seem like a dreadfully dramatic, and horrible, way to to.”
“And what exactly did he mean by “the creatures of the night will rule again”?” Kinda Ominous.” Sunset looked over towards Where Pinkie and Fluttershy were taking care of Twilight. “How does she look?”
Fluttershy looked back over her shoulder, “Shes stable, but we need to get her back to town.”
Sunset turned back to the others. “Applejack could you carry Twilight? And Rainbow, would you lead the way and keep an eye out?”
“Sure thing.” Applejack headed over to get Twilight.
“You got it.” Rainbow gave a salute before walking of with Rarity in tow.
Before following them, Sunset looks down at the pile of ashes.

****************************************************************************************************************

“I want to see if there's anything left.”Sunset says to Shining.
“Okay.” Shining looks over his screen, “Make a perception roll.”

****************************************************************************************************************

Sifting through the ash, a slight reflection of light catches Sunsets eye. She reaches down and picks up what looks to be some kind of metal pendant. On a long chain is an emblem of a skull with greatly exaggerated fangs. “Hm.” she places the pendant into her bag and heads off to follow her friends back to town.

The sun hadn't even risen by the time they made it back to town. The Mayor ushered them into his house and told them to lay their wounded friend on his bed to rest. After Twilight was situated, Ironcliff thanked the adventurers for their help in freeing the town of its fate. The conversation went from the towns future to sleeping arrangements before Ironcliff seemed to remember something. “I almost forgot.” he walked over to a drawer, retrieved a folded letter and then presented it to the group. “A Hooded man came by moments after you left. He told me to give you this and offered his congratulations.”
“Congratulations?” Applejack said.
“He must have had a lot of faith in us.” Squeaked Fluttershy.
Rarity retrieved the letter, and opened it. “Amphail, Three Legged Gob.....What on earth is that supposed to mean?” She checked both sides of the paper but there was nothing else written,
Ironcliff sat down in his rocking chair. “I'm not sure about any three legged gob, but Amphail is a town to the south. Its where the rich children of the Waterdeep nobles go when they want to act a fool without ruining their parents images. If you leave tomorrow morning you should arrive just before nightfall.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Sunset stretched her hands above her head, “But right now I'm going to bed.”
“Same here.” Came Rainbows voice as she and Applejack went of to find somewhere to sleep.
“I don't suppose you have another bed?” Rarity asked Ironcliff.
“Sorry lass, It's just the one. But your free to take the couch, it isn't much but its somethin.”
Rarity looked over the couch, “Well, I suppose it will do. Fluttershy, Two of us might be able to fit if you like?”
“No thank you, I'm going to keep an eye on Twilight, If thats okay with you?”
“Oh, me too,” Pinkie bounced. “It'll be like a slumber party.”
“That's fine Dear. What about you Sunset?” Rarity turned to her other friend.
After a seconds thought she decided, “sure, why not.” the two of them lay down at opposite ends and after a few minutes they soon fall to sleep.

The next Twilight was healed and ready so they left the Town behind and headed for Amphail.
And just like Ironcliff said, They arrived just before sundown. They entered town without any trouble but know they had no idea of what to do.
“Alright, were here.” Rainbow stated, “Now what do we do?”
“I believe I can handle this.” Rarity said as the others watched her walk of and struck up a conversation with a random woman. After a few minutes Rarity returned, “It would appear that The Three Legged Gob is the name of a bar not to far from here.”
“Good job Rarity, lets.....”
Sunset paused and stared at her. “What are you doing?”
“Rarity looked up from the emerald necklace see had just fastened around her neck. “Hm, what? Oh, Just admiring my new jewelry, I got it very recently in fact,”

****************************************************************************************************************

“Really?” Sunset gave Rarity a flat look from across the table.
“What?” Rariry asked innocently, before her expression shifted into a sly slime. “I'm just playing my character.”

****************************************************************************************************************

It took half an hour and asking three more people directions before they finally found the bar. It was a somewhat well kept, two story building that doubled as an inn for those to drunk to find their way back home after a long night of debauchery.
“My, such a charming looking little establishment.” Rarity fiddles around with her new bracelets, and earrings.
“Whelp.” Applejack takes the initiative, “No time like the present.” The girls follow her into the bar and set about looking around. The large open hearth in the centre of the room roars with a large fire,   the walls were adorned with the trophies of the hunt and air was thick with booze. While the others found a booth in a corner, away from prying eyes, She and Rainbow headed to the bar.
An aged Halfling was whipping down the counter when he heard their approach. “Evening ladies, What can I get for you?” He asked with his most winning smile.
Rainbow leaned on the bar-top, “Just looking for someone.” She said, picking up an forgotten shot and finished it off.
“He wears a Brown hood, kinda mysterious looking. Seen anybody like that?” Applejack asks.
“Sweetheart that describes at least seventy present of my customers. Anything else?” The bartender refiles Rainbows glass.

****************************************************************************************************************

“Was there anything else about him?” A.J. looks around the table. 
“You can roll intelligence to remember.” Shining offers.

****************************************************************************************************************

Applejack thinks for a moment, “That's all I can remember.” She looks over to Rainbow, “What about you?”
Rainbow tosses back her new drink, “Nope.”
“To bad.” The bartender pulls out two pints of ale and places them in front of each of them. “Your welcome to stay as long as you need, just let me know if there's anything else?” He gives the two another smile, jumps down from the stool he was standing on and goes to attends to the other patrons.
The girls grab their pints and rejoin the party.
“Any luck?” Twilight asks.
“No” Applejack pulls up a chair, “He doesn't stand out to much so its kinda hard to describe him to someone. What about Yall?”
“Nothing” sunset rested her head on her palms. “I guess we just sit and...Oh, wait.” She reaches back into her bag and pulls out the necromancers pendant. “I found this on the Necromancer, But I don't recognize the symbol. She slid it to the middle of the table so everyone could see it.
“It certainly is ghastly looking” Commented Rarity.
“Let me see that.” Twilight picked up the pendant and turned it over in her hands.

****************************************************************************************************************

“Have I seen anything like this before?” Twilight asked Shining Armor.
Shining looked over Twilights' character sheet, “You can roll Arcana or History.”

****************************************************************************************************************

“Hm, It looks familiar but I can Exactly place it.” Twilight sets the pendant back on the table.
They all stair at it for a few seconds before a voice speaks up, “Well well, That's certainly unnerving.” Everyone jumps back in surprise and turns to see the Hooded man standing over them. “Haven't Seen this in a while.” he reaches down and grabs hold of the pendant.
“So you know what it is?” Sunset asks after a few calming breathes.
“Somewhat.” He answers. “I've seen pictures, but I've never seen it in person. In fact this symbol hasn't been seen in quite a long time, so I cant say much more about it than that it's not good.”
“Well,” Rainbow started, “We beat you're test and almost lost a teammate because of it.”
“Yes, but I had a feeling about your group.” The Hooded man defended.
“That was obvious my your message.” Rarity retorted, “But I do believe we deserve something for our efforts.”
“You're absolutely right,” He reaches into one of his robe sleeves and pulls out a large bag, which he places in the middle of the table, “50 gold pieces for each of you, and if your still willing, you've proven yourselves and you're first mission for the organization is right here.” He waves around a folded piece of paper.
The Party each take there share of the treasure and then huddle together for a quick conversation. 
After a few minutes of whispering, Rainbow turns to him, “Okay, But first we want to know more about this “Organization” of yours.”
“Very well,” The Hooded man looks over the group and the begins to explain. “I am a member of a Guild that sneaks out and destroys the things that lurk in the shadows. Wherever there are undead, demons or other nightmarish creatures, we will be there to bring them into the light. As new recruits your job will be hunting down and destroying any who threaten that light or seek to do the innocent harm. In an nutshell, were monster hunters.”
“Monsters?!” Fluttershy almost dives under the table.
“It okay Fluttershy, This will be a piece of cake.” Pinkie pauses for a moment before disappearing under the table and reappearing an instant latter behind the bar. “Hey mister, you got any cake?”
“We'll I guess helping the innocent is a petty good cause.” Applejack thought out loud.
“Especially if were getting paid for it.” Rainbow finished.
“I suppose a journey could be enjoyable.” Rarity turned to Twilight, “What do you think?” To which Twilight took a moment to think.
“Well, It could be an excellent opportunity to expand my knowledge about Fayrun. Okay, I'm in.”
Sunset stand from the table, “Looks like were all in.”
“Excellent” The Hooded man hands her the note, “To the East of here, along the Dessarin River is the town of Solmnant. In the resent week a horseman has been terrorizing the town and attacking anyone who travels the roads. The fear of the townspeople have lead to nightmares and have robed them or sleep. We wish you to go to this town and ride them of this terror.”
“Why would monster hunters go after a bandit on a horse.?”
“Simply put, he's headless.”

****************************************************************************************************************

“And that girls, Is were we leave off for the night?” Shining said, rising from his seat.
“What?!” Cried Rainbow Dash, “It's barely dark outside.”
“Its nine o'clock” Shining closed his screen and placed it on top of one of the tubs.
“Oh, My.” Rarity looked outside one of the slim basement windows and saw nothing but black. “It would seem that now would be a good time to turn in for the night.”
“Well, can we keep playing tomorrow?” Rainbow asked Twilight.
“That's up to Shining,” Twilight looks over to her brother. “Would you mind?”
Shining Armor looked around the room at the expecting smiles of Twilight and her friends, Rainbow had on her best “Puppy Dog Face”. “Well,” He thought for a moment. “Cadence is out of town and all my friends are working this weekend so.......Sure, Why not.” Receiving a small cheer from the girls. “But when do you want to start?” Everyone thought for a moment.
“Well, I would like to visit that hobby store again, I saw quite a few of those mini figures and I wanted to browse through them.
“Thats a good idea.” Sunset held up the figure she had used for tonight game. Maybe we can find some that look more like our characters.”
“Exactly darling.” Rarity beamed. And if we leave early we can get back before lunch and start around noon.”
“Sounds like an idea to me.” Shining grabbed the notebook and headed upstairs. I guess I'll see you girls tomorrow.” And with that he left the girls to their own devices while he went up to his room and prepared for round two.





Exp: 146
Treasure: 50 Gold (Each), Mystery Pendant x1, Guild Pendant x1 (Each)
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sword Coast Adventures

By: King Julius I

Chapter 3

Early the next morning, the seven girls arrived at the local Hobby store just minutes after it opened. After rummaging through the dice section, the girls soon found the minis. Two whole aisles of mini figures stretched out in front of them. There was only a small section of prepainted figures so the girls decided to quickly find a figure they liked, get a small paint kit and hurry back in time to paint them before it was time to play. Unfortunately the “short trip” turned out to be an hour long hunt for their ideal characters, with that particular section of the stores usual socially awkward visitors staring in disbelief as these seven girls took such a keen interest in their hobby. After about twenty minutes of gawking one of the braver ones walked up to one of the girls and nervously asked if they needed any help.
“Oh, Thank you very much darling.” Rarity batted her eyelashes out of reflex. “Actually we just started playing last night and we're trying to find something that fit our characters.”
“Well um, w-what...um, what kind of character are you playing?” The young man asked.
“Oh, a Rouge.” She answered.
He went on to explain that he worked at the store during weekend afternoons and he arranged the figures by categories. The figures that were used for Player Characters were just behind her and that the Rouge was near the end.
“Why thank you so much,” She turned to look through the section he mentions before turning back. “Um, you wouldn't happen to know what kind of paint we should get would you?”
“Well...Um. If your going to play in a few hours them Acrylic should work for the moment. And then when you have more time just use some finger nail polish remover on it and then use a longer lasting paint.”
Rarity grabbed one of his hands and thanked him before turning back to the minis. He then turned around and walked back to his group of friends, and they all shared a round of High fives and Fist Bumps.

****************************************************************************************************************
After lunch, the girls all joined Shinning downstairs with their new minis.
Shining stood behind his screen as everyone found their seats and placed their new mini figures proudly on the table. Each one had been painted to look mush like their player, except for their outfits. Rarity had a white shirt and a deep purple corset with matching leggings and high healed boots. Sunset's had a reddish-orange, sleeveless, knee length dress with matching shoes and a belt with a pouch strapped to the back. Twilight's had dark purple and violate robes, and a spell book in one hand. Pinkies had a pink, sleeveless, tight fitting shirt with a small jacket, dark leggings and boots similar to Rarity's' and a lute slung over her back. Fluttershys had simple leather looking armor, a staff and what seemed to be a small white bunny behind her leg. Rainbows was an archer with a leather breastplate that only covered her chest, a leather skirt that seemed to have metal plates hanging off the hips and groin, and leather boots. Lastly Applejacks was wrapped in cloth that covered her chest, stomach, shoulders, wrists, hips, and shins, with a long loincloth, shoes and a large, two headed Ax resting on her shoulders.
“Wow. That's, um” Shining took a second to admire their hard work, “Right,Okay so last night we left off with you talking to The Hooded man telling you about your first mission as monster hunters.”
“Did the Hooded guy ever tell us his name?” Asked Sunset.
“When you asked him, he told you that his name is hard for most people to pronounce so you can call him whatever you like.”
“How far did he say the town was?” Rarity asked next.
“He said it would be at least a twelve hour walk.”
“Hm.” Rarity thought for a second, “we should probably get supplies in the morning. We can walk most of the way, rest for a night, and then get there around noon the next day.”
“Wow Rarity,” Twilight adjusted her glasses. “That's a pretty good idea.”
“A Lady must have beauty and brains darling,” Rarity replied with a wink.
“Okay, so you wake up the next morning, resupply and then leave.” Shining continued. “After spending a night at The Three Legged Gob, The party resupplies the next morning and head out towards the town of Solmnant. You stop for one night to rest and then the next day you finally come to the road leading to the town.”

****************************************************************************************************************

“Okay everyone,” Sunset looks over the group. “This thing attacks people on the road so keep a sharp eye out...” Before she can continue a scream can be heard from ahead.
Everyone runs towards the direction of the screaming until they eventually come upon the sight of a young girl being chased by a large animal.
“A Bear! Rainbow!” Sunset shouts, signalling Rainbow Dash to take are at the animal.
“No what!” Fluttershy puts her hand on Rainbow's shoulder and then runs towards the girl.
The girl trips over a stone and falls to the ground. Turning back she sees the bear raise up on its back legs preparing to strike, when the figure of a pink haired Elf steps into her vision. The Elf holds out a piece of food in her hands and begins to speak in Elvish. The bear is momentarily caught off guard, but soon recovers and lashes out at her. Grabbing her arm in its mouth and bitting down hard. The Elf screams out in pain as a paw catches the side of her head and sends her tumbling to the ground.
“FLUTTERSHY!!!” A voice screams from her left as an arrow flies through the air just barely missing the bear and embedding itself in a tree. The bear looks up towards the approaching group and quickly runs off.
Rainbow runs over to Fluttershys body and turns her over. Blood pours from the gash in her arm and deep claw marks on her face. “FLUTTERSHY?!....FLUTTERSHY!!”
Pinkie walk up beside Rainbow and pulls out her lute. “It's okay Dashie, I can heal her.” Standing over Fluttershy, Pinkie begins to Cast healing Word. After a few seconds the wounds on her face and arm mend themselves and she begins to stir into consciousness.
“That wasn't very nice.” Fluttershy says weakly and tries to stand but has to lean on Rainbow dash to keep from falling.
“Here.” Rainbow reaches into her bag and pulls out a small bottle filled with a red fluid. “Drink this.”
She weakly takes the bottle and slowly downs its contents. She soon finds the strength to stand on her own. “Thank you Rainbow.”
“Well,” Rainbow replies. “Don't run off like that, you had me worried.”
“Sorry.” Fluttershy squeaked from behind her hair.
“Oh, Thank you.” The girl runs up and takes both Rainbow and Fluttershys hands in her own. “Thank you so much, I thought that was the end of me. How can I ever repay you?”
Sunset steps forward, “Well, were headed to Solmnant and our friend could use somewhere to rest and recover.”
The girl held her hands together and took a small step back, “I live in town and would be happy to offer you somewhere to stay, but are you sure you really want to go there?”
Getting a closer look, Sunset can see that the girls eyes have heavy dark bags under them and she appears rather thin. “You mean the horseman?”
The girl cast down her eyes and nodded her head.
“We were sent to investigate and help if we can. Can you tell us any thing about it?”
The girl gestured for theme to follow her. “Not much. Only that he mostly comes out at night, but he will appear during the day. Every few days he'll ride through town but he hasn't attacked anyone unless their outside or on the roads leading out of town. And....and the pumpkin.”
“Pumpkin?” Twilight had her parchment and quill in her hand. “What Pumpkin?”
The girl visibly shivers as she recalls the memory. “It carries a jack-o-lantern around in its hands, I can see its burning eyes and sinister smile every time I close my eyes.”
Rarity and Rainbow gave each other an uneasy look. Behind them Applejack carries Fluttershy on her back. And pinkie brought up the rear, playing a soft tune.

It didn't take long for them to arrive in town. Around them were a number of townspeople who seemed to just wander aimlessly. Everyone looked like they hadn't slept or ate in days, if their bloodshot eyes and slender bodies were any indication. Trees were scattered all around, the canopies had all grown together to cast a giant shadow over the entire town. They passed one building aster another until finally coming to a small house near the centre of town. They follower the girl inside and Applejack laid Fluttershy down to rest.
Rarity sat down on a couch in the main room of the house and watched the girl as see seemed to tidy up.“By the way, we never got you name.”
“Amber” She replied, continuing in her task.
“So, is there anyone around who might know more about the Horseman? Twilight asked.
Amber looked back at her, “The only person I can think of is the mayor, Shes in the large building just across the street.”
Sunset looks out the front window an sees a large two story Building across the town square. “Alright, Twilight and I can go see the Mayor. Pinkie, why don't you stay and look after fluttershy.”
“Okie Dokie Lokie” Pinkie walked into the room where Fluttershy is resting.
“Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow can have a look around town, maybe someone knows something.”
“Sure thing.” Rainbow left with the other two close behind.
“Okay, Lets go Twilight.”

Sunset and Twilight had been sitting outside the mayors office for about twenty minutes before they were called in. When they arrived and asked to see her, the mayors assistant had asked them to wait until she finished with another meeting. As they entered the smell of smock was in the air. Book and papers were stacked on shelves and tables on either side of the room and at the far end was the mayors desk. The mayor was a human woman with long, raven black hair that partially obscured her right eye, her lips were a deep red, her eyes were lined with midnight black and she has a figure that would make an hourglass jealous. Her skin was pail and a beauty mark sat on her left eye, which was a brilliant blue. She held a long thin pipe in one hand and her other held a scroll just bellow her face. “Come in.” she said without looking up.
Twilight and sunset approached the desk and sat in the two chairs provided. “Um, My name is Twilight Sparkle and this is Sunset Shimmer. We were sent to investigate the creature that has been terrorizing your town,”
The mayor sat down the scroll she was looking over and with a puff from her pipe, gave her full attention to them.
“We were told that you might have some information we can use.” Sunset waved some smoke from here face.
“It's been Almost a week and a half since that thing started appearing in and out of town. I have been searching for any reason it might find an interest in our little town, or a way to destroy it but so far I haven't found a thing.”
“Is there anything you can tell us, anything at all?” Twilight almost pleaded.
The mayor took another hit of her pipe, “I've been searching the town archives.” she gesture to the books scattered around the room. “you're welcome to perform your own search if you like. The archives are upstairs.”  She picks up the scroll she was previously reading. “Now if you'll excuse me I have work to to.”
“Oh, Yes, of course.” Twilight stood up and motioned for Sunset to do the same, who gave a slight nod and then headed for the door. She then looked back at the mayor.

****************************************************************************************************************

“Do I notice anything else about the mayor?” Twilight asks.
Shining look up to her. “make a perception check real quick.”
She rolls her d20, “Okay that's a 16, plus........it's a 17”
“Nice. On closer inspection you notice that the makeup shes wearing under her eyes seems to be covering dark bags, she probably hasn't slept in days.”

****************************************************************************************************************
Twilight moves to close the door, “Thank you very much ms...”
“Jessica Crane”  The mayor said before Twilight closed the door and left her to her work.

Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity wondered around town for a while trying to find information, but everyone they talked to couldn't tell them a thing. They eventually found themselves outside of town walking a trail that followed the river.
“Well that was a bust.” Rainbow said as she played with a small braid in her hair.
“Ah know.” Applejack was in the front of the small group. “But that one guy at that fruit stand said that the Horseman is mostly seen to the north so ah guess we should have a look there.”
“Well I for one think we should wait for Sunset and Twilight.” Rarity argued. “Going to far from town without them isn't the wisest idea.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “We'll be fine, You've got me here.” Rainbow stood flexing one of her arms and her other hand on her waist.
“Oh, My hero!” Rarity mocks before her expression falls flat. “All I'm saying is that our last two fights ended with at least one of our friends almost dieing. We don't exactly have the best track record so far.”
As the two continued to walk and argue, they hadn't noticed that Applejack had stopped walking and was looking around.
“Well with me and A.J. here.....Applejack?” Rainbow turns around to see her with her eyes closed and completely still. “Applejack? Are you okay?”
“Shush.” Applejack stood silently for a few more seconds before turning to her friends. “Do ya'll hear that.”
Rarity listened and heard nothing but the wind. “I don't hear any thing.”
“Just listen for a second.” Applejack closed her eyes again.
Rainbow and Rarity exchanged a look and then did the same. For the first couple of seconds all they heard was the leaves blowing in the wind and a few singing birds. But then they began to hear it, the faint sound of running hooves. The air became cold and the sounds of the wind and birds faded away.
Rainbow and rarity pulled out their bows. Rainbow strung one of her arrows. “Where is it coming from?” The three turned and stood back to back, the hoof steps began to slow but seemed to grow heavier and heavier. The air was so cold that each of them could see their breath and the evening sunlight seemed to fall away. Their eyes were darting back and fourth trying to catch sight of their enemy. Rainbow turned to see Raritys terrified face. Her eyes were wide but her pupils were almost to small to see. Looking to where Raritys eyes were fixed, Rainbow caught sight of their enemy.
A pitch black horse with razor sharp teeth, glowing red eyes and a main and tail of bellowing fire approached from not far down the trail. Its flaming hooves taking slow, methodical steps that echoed throughout the surrounding woods. On its back sat a rider wearing a chain shirt and a black overcoat. Where his head should be there was nothing. In his right hand, dangling by its stem, was a jack o lantern, Its eyes and mouth looks as if they had ripped themselves open, its massive, jagged smile seemed to grow as the rider approached and its eyes glared into the girls souls. a hellish flame spilling out as it was raised above the riders head and a fusion of an insane laugh and a scream pierced the air.
“Rarity.” Applejack grabbed Rarity by the shoulder and gave her a firm shake. “Rarity, snap out of it.”
Rarity blinked a few times and looked to Applejack, “Sorry Darling, I lost myself for a moment.”
“Well get ready.” Applejack brandished her Ax. “Its time to fight.”

****************************************************************************************************************
Okay, You three roll Initiative.” Shinning said, Rolling a die of his own behind his screen.
“My, That was certainly a colorful description.” Rarity looked over to Shining.
“Oh, yea, It just kinda came to me.” a slight blush hit his cheeks. “Alright Rarity, Your up.”

****************************************************************************************************************

Rarity fires an arrow that flies right past the Horseman. “Drat.”
In a burst of speed the horseman gets half way to them, the Jack o lantern continuing its laugh. 
Rainbow releases her prepared arrow that sticks in the horseman's chest, but doesn't seem to slow him down. 
Applejack grabs a Javelin and lands it mere inches from the arrow.
Rarity string another arrow, lines up another shot and with a smirk shouts “Natural 20!” The arrow embeds itself in the horseman's shoulder and knocks him of his horse. The horse continues to run right past the group and seems to disappear in an explosive fireball. The girls turn their attention back to the Horseman who has picked himself up of the ground and removes the objects in his chest and shoulder. He picks up his Jack o lantern and continues towards them.
Rainbow puts an arrow in his other shoulder, but again the rider seems to ignore it. “Whats with this guy?” She shouts preparing another arrow.
Applejack goes into a rage and charges forward. Spinning for momentum, she makes contact with the Horsemans stomach.
The horseman is momentarily stunned, giving Rarity an opening to attack. She lands another arrow in its chest.
The Horseman, not seeming to not even flinch from the arrow, unsheathes a longsword with his free hand and forces it through Applejacks stomach.
Applejack releases her Ax and staggers back, the sword slides out of her body and her blood glistens on its silvery blade. She clutches her stomach in pain and falls to a knee.
Rainbow runs forward and manages to put an arrow through the jack o lantern, shattering it and distracting the Horseman. She then grabs Applejack by the arm while Rarity comes up from behind grabbing her other arm, together they pull her back in an effort to retreat. But before they can get far they here something from behind them, looking back they can see the Flaming horse charging straight at them.
Frantically looking around, Rarity turns towards the river. “Hurry, into the water!” Without a word Rainbow help Rarity to the edge of the water, and they jump in. As there heads come up they can see the horseman standing at the rivers edge, Applejack's Ax in his hands. He stands there for a moment before getting back on his Horse and ridding off to the north.
After floating down stream a ways, they come to an area close to town and climb out of the river. Dragging Applejack out, they give her a healing potion and wait until she can stand on her own.
“Are you alright? That wound was terrible.” Rarity asked as Applejack steadies herself.
“Ah guess that was kinda stupid.” Applejack fells her stomach, “And Ah lost my Ax.” They start walking towards town.
Rainbow walks just behind Applejack and Rarity, “Yea, that headless jerk took it with him.”
“I hate to say I told you so,” Rarity begins trying to fixing her ruined hair. “But I told you so.”
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sword Coast Adventures

By: King Julius I

Chapter 4

Two days later Twilight sat in the Solmant archives looking over scrolls and books. The Party had made another attempt to fight the horseman in the town square, but ended much like the first, so they decided to lay low while Twilight searched for anything that could help them. She has searched half the archives so far and hasn't found anything of use, until while searching one of the back shelves she spots a small leather bound book tucked behind a stack of scrolls. “Hm. Twilight sets the book on a table close by and pulls out her spellbook. Finding the spell she needs, she places one hand on the small book and casts Identify. After casting the spell she can see that the journal is written in a language she doesn't know. Flipping to another page in her spellbook, she casts Comprehend Language. And soon she can read the book as if it were written in common. She puts her spellbook away and begins reading what seems to be a journal. As she reads page after page her expression takes on that of shock, she then closes the book and rushes out of the room.
Fifteen minutes later she bursts into the mayors office, who was startled awake after having dozed off an hour ago. “I found it!” twilight shouts, slamming her hands on the table.
“You've found what?” The mayor asks, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
“This.” Twilight places the journal in front of the mayor. “You said your name was Crane, correct?”
“Yes.” The mayor picks up the journal and flips through its pages, not understanding a word of what was written. 
“This is the journal of an Issac Crane. Who sought to make pacts with demons for unlimited power. In exchange for that power the demons wanted souls, a lot of them, so he thought to sacrifice the citizens of his home town that he left behind. Now...” Twilight placed another, very large, book on the desk and opens it to a bookmarked page. “In this town ledger it says that your grand father Iccabod Crane had a brother named Isacc.” She grabbed the journal from the mayor and opens it to the last page where a few pages are written in Common. “It seems that Iccabod discovered Isaccs plan and confronted him. He found his brother at the top of a hill and tried to reason with him but in the end killed him in a fight. During the fight Iccabod severed Isaccs head, which fell down a deep hole and Iccabod couldn't find it. He buried the body in the graveyard, telling the undertaker that he was killed and the body sent home. I believe that the demons he made a pact with created this creature in an attempt to collect the souls they were promised.” 
The mayor sat stunned, “Well then how do we beat it?”
“The Horseman himself is a manifestation created by the demons so even if we managed to beat it, there's no reason that another wouldn't appear later. But, if they're using something as a catalyst or focus for summoning him then destroying that should get rid of the horseman.”
“So how do we find the focus?” The mayor pulled out her pipe.
“Considering that the horse is headless, I thought it might be the body of Isacc. But my friends said that when they got close enough to get a good look at the horseman, that underneath his clothes was nothing but a mass of darkness. And the undertaker hasn't reported any uncovered graves, so perhaps the focus isn't so much the “Body” as it is the missing head.”
“So we find the head and then what, destroy it?” The mayor asks.
“Perhaps. But first he have to find the hill. It's exact location wasn't in the journal.” Twilight takes a seat in one of the chairs across from the mayor.
The mayor sits in silently puffs on her pipe for a few minutes until she adopts a look of realization. “I never knew my grandfather, but my father used to say that on the same night every year his dad would visit a lone tree on a hill to the north. He never said why he did it but perhaps thats where it is.”
“Where”
“A little ways past where your friends were attacked the first time. Its at the top of a hill on the left side of the trail.”
Twilight jumped out of her seat and ran out the door, leaving the mayor to doze off again.

Two hours later the Party was standing it the area where Applejack, Rainbow and Rarity were attacked. Sunset turned to face the group, “Okay, so the plan is to distract the Horseman long enough that twilight can make it to the hill. Any questions?”
“Um.” Fluttershy raises her hand but nobody notices.
“Okay the lets get to it.” No sooner that sunset speaks, the sound of hooves can be heard coming down the trail. “Alright girls her he comes.”
Everyone gets into position as the horseman emerges and heads straight for them. 
Twilight Uses Witch Bolt and an arch of energy connects with him. While Rarity and Rainbow fire of a few arrows that hit home. Pinkie Pie curses him with Bane and Sunset hits him with a Fire Bolt, while Applejack and Fluttershy prepare themselves. The Horseman powers through each hit as the girls prepare their next attack.
Twilight continues her Witch Bolt as Pinkie runs into the path of the Horseman and with a strum of her lute causes a shock-wave that staggers the horse and knocks of the rider.
“Twilight, go.” Sunset shouts.
Twilight runs towards the other end of the trail, giving the Horseman a wide birth as he rose back to his feet.
As soon as twilight was out of sight the fight continued.

After leaving the fight, it didn't take long Twilight to find the hill. At the top was an old dying tree. As she approached it she searched the area of any holes. She must have looked over the whole area twice, yet she couldn't find anywhere the head might be.
“It has to be here. It must me buried or...” She moved closer to the tree. With each step it felt like something was crawling up her spine. She pulled out her spellbook and casts Detect Magic. As soon as she does, she begins to see a massive aura of dark magic radiating from the tree and flowing into the ground around her. “It's...It's IN the tree.” she searches its surface until see finds a small knot hole, shoved her quarterstaff inside and began to chip away at the bark. She soon had a large enough hole inside that she could look down inside, and at the center of the tree was a skull. It was surrounded by vines and roots, bones crawls across its surface and a deep red glow emitted from its eye sockets. Tacking a few steps back she held her open book in one hand and three bolts of energy emerged from the other, flying into the knothole and reducing the skull to dust. And just for good measure she held her arms out, connected her thumbs at the tip and cast Burning hands.


Applejack picked herself up of the ground, she was scratched and blooded. Rainbow, who was kneeling right behind her covered in burn marks and bits of pumpkin, wasn't doing much better. Fluttershy and Sunset were tending to Pinkie and Rarity, who were close to unconsciousness.
The horseman was full of arrows and had a hand ax stuck in his back. His horse had left after Fluttershy managed to knock him off the second time. He was bearing down on Applejack when suddenly he began to thrash around. He swung his sword as if attacking an invisible enemy until he fell to his knees, dropping his sword.
Applejack looked back at Rainbow who just shrugged her shoulders. She turned back to the horseman and with her last hand ax walked up and stood over him. He didn't move as she bent over and took his own sword in her hands, and with as loud a scream she could muster, cleaved the Horseman in two.


Early the next morning the group of friends attended a party in their honor. Some of the townspeople wanted to have it as soon as they heard the news of the Horseman's demise, but the mayor thought it best if the town got a good nights rest. 
Everyone was laughing and having fun, pinkie joined the band in playing joyful songs. Fluttershy was surrounded by small woodland animals, which drew the attention of some of the children. Rarity was making “smalltalk” with some of the shop owners. Rainbow was showing off her Archery skills, involving an apple and a drunk citizen who tried to get a little to friendly with her, while Applejack sat on a bench polishing her new souvenir. Sunset and Twilight stood under a large tree in the middle of the town square talking with anyone who walked up and briefly thanked them for what they did.
Sunset sat on a small stone bench beside her.“Well, the atmosphere has certainly improved.”
“Yea no kidding.” Twilight looked out over the celebration. “It's like a whole different town. It was a bit scary there for a bit but I think it was worth it.” They sat in silence for a few minutes enjoying the view until Twilight continued. “I wonder how long we have until our next job?”
Sunset was about to say something when she saw the Mayor walking their way. “Oh, I'd say about twenty seconds.” Twilight looked down to her with a confused look, which faded as she saw where Sunset was looking.
The mayor hips swayed side to side as she walked, drawing the attention of most of the men and even a few of the women. She stopped just in front of the two girls and held out a folded note. “This arrived a few minutes ago.”
Sunset took the note, unfolded it, and then read it out loud. “Waterdeep. The Salty Wench.”
“Another city?” Asked Twilight.
“Another bar.” Replied Sunset.

Once the party died down, or half the town was too drunk to stand, The seven adventurers gathered their things, Thanked Amber for allowing them a place to stay and then headed off to Waterdeep.
“Well that certainly was an adventure.” Said Rarity as she looked over her new gems she had talked the price down on.
“Yea, it was pretty cool.” Rainbow walked in the back with Fluttershy following close behind. “At least one of use got something out of it.” She nudged Applejack, Who's new sword was in a sheath on her back.
“Now Rainbow.” Sunset called from the front of the group. “You know very well that were all getting paid.”
“That's not the point.”
“As the group talked amongst themselves they didn't notice Fluttershy starting to lag behind a bit. She started to feel cold and couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. She looked around but didn't she anything until she looked to where they had come from. Standing on an area of the trail shadowed by trees stood the form of a large black horse with a fiery main and piercing red eyes. The look of shock overtook her face as she ran up and grabbed Rainbows arm. “Rainbow look it's....” But as she looked back the trail was empty.
“What is it Fluttershy?” Rainbow looked at Fluttershy as her expression changed from fear to confusion.
“It...Um, Well.....Never mind.” Fluttershy let go of rainbows arm, stared down the path a few seconds then turned and walked to catch up with the others.
Rainbow looked back down the trail, shrugged, then ran to catch up the everyone.


The mayor of Solmnant told the group that it would be quicker to follow the river rather than going back to Amphail and taking the road, since the river came out close to Waterdeep. And true enough after camping out for one night they got there the next evening. They entered through the south gate at the docks, which turned out to be where they needed to go. After about ten minutes of walking they found The Salty Wench. The tavern was noisy and full of drunken sailors picking fights, playing drinking games, and singing sea shanty's.
Fluttershy made her way to the bar while the rest of the group found an empty corner bench. Dodging and weaving through the other patrons, she eventually made it to the bar. She stood quietly and waited until a pail elf woman with shoulder length black hair and gray eyes approached her, “Hey sweetie, what can I get you.”
Fluttershy ducked a little behind her hair. “Well, um. Me and......um, my friends and I are looking for someone. We.....We don't know his name or what he looks like but, he wears a brown hooded robe.” she then reaches into her bag and pulls out a pendant the size of her palm. It had a sunburst, with two crossed swords in front of it. All seven of their group was given one to signify their membership in the guild. “He wears something like this.”
The Elf looked over the object then back at Fluttershy before leaning over the bar, “You're friend isn't here but if you like I could join you for a bit, maybe we can find a way to help you come out of your shell.”
Fluttershy's cheeks shown a bright red and she started to stutter incoherently until Applejack came up behind her and placed her hand on Fluttershys shoulder, “Sorry, this one ain't on the market.”
Applejack said with a smile. “Do you have any rooms available?”
The Elf smiled and leaned off the bar , “We have a large room available that should be big enough for all of you, if you don't mind doubling up.”
“That'll do. How much?” Applejack pulled out a sack of gold.
“Don't worry about the price.” The Elf holds her hand to her shirt and pulls it back a little to reveal a a small tattoo in the same shape as their pendants on the inside of her left breast. “I'll let your friend know where you are when he gets here.” she turns to Fluttershy, gives her a wink, and then saunters off to tend to other customers.
“Well that certainly was nice of her.” Applejack smiled and walked over to the other with a fiercely blushing Fluttershy in tow.
But just before they rejoined the group a thought stuck her, “Um, Applejack. What did she mean by doubling up?”


The room was spacious and the view of the dock during the last hours of day was beautiful, the only downside was...
“There are only three beds.” Fluttershy said for a third time in the last two minutes. 
“Yea Fluttershy we noticed.” Rainbow tossed her bag into a corner. “There's a couch too, so one of use can sleep on that and the rest of use will have to share.”
There was a sudden knock at the door followed by the Elf bartender and The Hooded Man entering the room.
“Well it seems you lot had your work cut out for you.” The Hooded Man looked over the seven girls in front of him. “But it seems you've once again proven that I've made a good choice in recruiting you.” he turns and gestures towards the Elf standing beside him. “This here is Elysia, shes a member of the guild like you.”
Elysia gives the group a graceful bow.
“She's one of a number of our members who watch over safe houses. At least one bar in every major town or city belongs to us. If you ever need somewhere to rest or resupply just go to one of them, present you guild crest and they'll take care of you.”
“Sorry about the room.” Elysia said, moving a little closer to Fluttershy. “I figure the six of you could take the beds.” She reached behind Fluttershy and ran her finger along her right ear and whispered into her left, “And you and I could take the couch.”
Just as Fluttershys checks began to flush red again, The Hooded Man grabbed Elysia and pushed the whining and pleading Elf out of the room. He then turned back to the group, “Sorry about that. Shes a little eccentric, but her hearts in the right place.
The girls shared a laugh at the bewildered Fluttershy before Sunset continued, “So, whats our next job?”
“Right into it I see, I like that. But first lets get your pay from the last job out of the way.” The Hooded Man reached into both of his robe sleeves and pulled out two large bags of coin. “Here you are, 100 gold a piece.”
The girls set the money aside then returned their attention to their guest.
“Firstly,” The Hooded Man began, “I was late because I had to meet with your contact. You'll be needing him on your next mission so I had to make sure he wouldn't leave without you.”
“Who is he?” Asked Twilight.
“He's the head of one of our guild houses. There are two main halls on the Sword Coast, one in Baldur's Gate and the other in Neverwinter. He's supposed to watch over the one in Neverwinter but he usually just leaves that to his first mate, and wonders off in search of some new adventure. Recently he's been making a deal with the Elves of Gwynneth in the Moonshae Isles. In exchange for clearing out some of the hostel elements around there, he's been given permission to construct a secret guildhouse on their island.
“What do you need us to do?”
“Well, a couple of days ago he got word that some large sea creature has been attacking and sinking boats along the coast. He sent us word and has been waiting for an answer. The Other heads of the guild aren't a hundred percent sure if the creature is doing it out of malice or if something else has provoked it, but if he says something up, then something up.” The Hooded man pulls out a piece of paper. “This is where you'll find him. Just make sure you get there before noon. He's usually still sober around then....Usually.”
Twilight looked over the piece of paper. “Captain....Worg?” she gave The Hooded Man a confused look.
He chuckles, “It's a name the locals gave him, You'll understand After you meet him.” He turns towards the door, “Oh, and I'll be gone for a bit so I'll sent him word of your next mission, Good luck.” He opens the door to reveal Elysia looking through the keyhole, “And you may want to barricade your door.” then he left, dragging Elysia with him.
Over the next fifteen minutes everyone except Rainbow changed into a spare seat of clothes.
“Okay,” Sunset looked around, “Who wants the couch?”
“Ah'll take it.” Applejack replied as she flopped down and stretched out on it.
“You sure.”
“Yup, is better than sleepin on the floor...or with Rainbow.”
“Um, Okay.” Sunset turned to the others, not understanding the Rainbow comment. “I guess Pinkie and Rarity can take the left one. Me and Twilight can take the middle one. And Fluttershy and Rainbow can take the right one. Sound good?”
Everyone nodded and headed to their for-mentioned places. Except for Rainbow, who was facing the wall with her back to Fluttershy and looked to be fiddling with the front of her breastplate.
“Um. Rainbow, aren't you coming to bed?” Fluttershy asked a she pulled the covers over herself.
“Yep.” was the only reply Rainbow gave.
“Well, aren't you going to put on your pajamas?”
Suddenly Rainbows breastplate slid off and hit the floor, revealing her bare back. She looks at Fluttershy over her shoulder, “Pajamas?”

*

“And that girls, is where we stop for the night.” Shining stood and stretched the stiffness from his legs.
“What?” Rainbow shouted.
“It's almost 8 o'clock and if ya'll want to finish the next mission before you leave tomorrow then you need to start early.” Shinning folded his screen and got up from the table. “Oh, and everyone gets....let me see here.” He picks up his notebook, flips through the pages until he finds what he need and does a little math in his head. “ Five hundred and sixty experience for beating the horseman. Which, if I remember correctly, brings the party up to level two.”
“AW YEAH!” Rainbow shouted and grabbed her character sheet. “Time to level up.”
But before she could write anything Applejack grabbed the sheet from her. “Shining's right Rainbow we should get ready for bed. Early to Sleep, Early to rise. We can do this tomorrow.”
“Fine” She groaned. Then with a burst of speed she took off from the table and almost knocked over Shining Armor on her way up the stairs. “First one upstairs gets the bed!”
Twilight quickly chased after her. “But Rainbow, its my room!”
The others shared a laugh before following them to bed.

*

“Rainbow, get up.”Applejack gave the still sleeping girl a few shakes.
“Alright, alright, I'm awake.” Rainbow rolled around under the covers.
It was early morning when the party woke.  The spell casters of the group prepared their spells, Rarity and Applejack looked over the equipment and Rainbow had remained in bed.
“So, I wonder how this mission's going to go?” Twilight asked, placing her spellbook into her bag.
“Ah don't know.” Applejack had just finished packing the last of her things. “But it sounds like its goin to be out at sea so ah'm not sure how much help ah can be.”
“Don't talk like that Applejack.” Rarity moved over and placed a hand on Applejack shoulder. “Were going to be on a ship so I'm sure there will be plenty of work for.....RAINBOW!!!” Rarity shouted, causing everyone to turn and look back.
In the middle of the room stood Rainbow Dash. Her Hair looked like a rats nest, her eyes were still half linden and she had her breastplate draped over one arm and her skirt over the other. “Anybody seen my bag?”


After leaving the bar the Party decided that they had enough time to spare so they all went off to explore the area.
Applejack and Rainbow found a weapons shop. While Rainbow didn't find anything that particularly caught her eye, Applejack found a large Warhammer. While I didn't compare with her new sword, after loosing her ax she thought it better to have a backup just in case.
Twilight and Sunset looked around some shops that sold magic items and potions, buying a few healing potions and browsed through some of the strange items.
Pinkie found a shop that sold exotic instruments. She left with something that resembled a lute, but its body looked like a flattened drum.
Rarity browsed some of the clothing stores, acquiring a few different outfits for a number of situations.
Fluttershy spent her time in an exotic pet store. Looking over and memorizing some of the strange creatures.


An hour after splitting up the Party met back at the docks. Ships stretched from one end to the other and the area was full of sailors and dock hands moving about, loading and unloading cargo, resupplying and other various tasks.
“Pinkie, what is that?” Rainbow asked as she approached the Bard sitting on a wooden crate.
“Do you like it?” Pinkie Beamed. “The guy at the shop calls it a “Banjo”.
“HEY!” a voice shouted over the crowd.
Rainbow and Pinkie turned to see Applejack waiving them down with the rest of the group behind her. After the group was all together they began to walk down the line of ships, searching for the one belonging to their contact. 
“Look at all these ship.” Twilight's eyes wandered over the different variates of vessel that made port in Waterdeep.”
“Yea”, Sunset walked along side her, “they've got ships from all over Fayrun. Everything from small fishing boats to huge galleons and Man O' Wars. I wonder what the ship we'll be on is like.”
“Whatever we end up on I just hope the sea air doesn't do to much damage to my hair.” Rarity said while trying to put her hair up in a ponytail.
“I'm sure it will be nice.” Fluttershy commented from behind her.
“OH, OH,” Pinkie pie jumped up and down. “I think that,s it.” She then ran off into the crowd.
“Pinkie wait for us!”Applejack shouted, but pinkie didn't seem to notice.

Eventually the caught up to her and stood staring at the ship before them. It wasn't very big compared to the larger vessels, but if the row of cannons were any indication, It looked like it could hold its own in a fight. Walking down the pier, they got a better look at the ship. The sails, which were tied up, seemed to be made of a blood red fabric which matched the paint that started from the bow and gradually faded back to the hulls original brown as it got closer to the stern. The figurehead of the ship was a woman wearing a dress of the same red, a crown sat upon her head, and a two headed Greataxe was held in each hand that crossed at her chest. As they looked around they notice that no one was boarding of leaving the ship. In fact, everyone seemed to be avoiding it entirely.
“Should we get on?” Twilight asked, getting an unsettling feeling about the ship.
“I guess so.” Sunset looked over towards the pier number. “This it the right place so...” She took a few steps onto the gangplank. After feeling confident she wouldn't fall off she lead the group onto the deck of the ship. 
Standing on the deck they looked to the stern, where they saw a set of stairs on either side of the ship leading up to the helm. Between the stares was a set of double doors, which the group assumed was the Captains cabin. In the middle of the ship was the main mast and behind it was a large square grate that most likely lead bellow deck.
“Um...Girls.” Fluttershy squeaked, but went unheard.
“Where is everyone?” Rainbow asked. “It Deserted.”
“Ah Don't know.” Applejack replied “Maybe there all out.”
“G-Girls” Fluttershy tried again.
“They cant be all gone.” Rarity spoke up.
“Yea.” Twilight agreed, “Shouldn't there be someone guarding the ship or something.”
“GIRLS!!” Fluttershy whispered as loud as she could.
“Whats wrong Fluttershy.” Sunset looked back to see Fluttershy looking towards the front of the ship. Looking over Fluttershy's shoulder, Everyone saw what caught her attention.
Curled up against the foremast of the ship was the biggest wolf any of them had ever seen. Lying down, it was the size of a large, full grown brown grizzly bear. Its body rises and falls with each breath. Its ears and closed eyes being the only part of its head visible.
“Okay girls.” Sunset said slowly. “Off the boat.”
“But.” Rainbow began to argue.
“Off. The. Boat.” Sunset repeated as everyone began to back away.
Suddenly the strumming of chords comes from behind them. When they turned around they saw Pinkie Pie with her new instrument in hand, who simply says “.....Banjo.”
Turning back towards the front of the ship, the group is met with a set of piercing golden eyes. The Huge wolf stayed in its curled up position holding eye contact for a moment before rising onto its legs. The beast stalked forward its massive paws sending a small tremor through the deck boards with every step until  its terrifying form stood only a couple of feet away.
“Fluttershy?” Sunset look the the druid. And with a single look, understood what Sunset wanted her to do. 
Fluttershy slowly reached into pouch on her wast and produced a small bit of food. Holding it out in an outstretch hand, she prepared to resit a spell to calm the large animal. But just before the first word left her mouth the deck bellow them shook as the beast let out a thundering roar, its open maw revealing its dagger like teeth.
Once the shacking stopped the Party prepared themselves for a fight. But just as the Wolf readied itself the strike, a shrill whistle pierced the air, prompting it to relax its stance, back up a few feet and sit down with an audible 'thud'.
Looking between each other the girls started to relax and look around for the origin of the whistle. Looking back towards the helm, they saw a figure walk up to the railing.
He wore dark brown pants, a white shirt and a long black sash wrapped around his midsection, with the ends loosely hanging at his knees. Over top of that he wore a long, deep red captains coat, and a black bandanna kept his short brown hair out of his eyes. 
“Who the hell are you?” He asked as he downed the rest of the contents of the bottle he held in his right hand. “And what are you doing on my ship.”

There was a momentary silence before Sunset took a step forward. “I'm Sunset Shimmer and we were told to meat someone here.”
The strange man leaped over the railing and landed on the deck.
“Are you,” Sunset continued, “Are you Captain Worg?”
The mans half drunk expression became a scowl. “What did you just say?” He began to approach them.
“Well, We were told to meet someone called Wrog.” Sunset pulled out the note they were given and handed it to the man.
He took it and looked it over. “Ah, so your the new recruits.” He said handing the note back to Sunset.
“So, you're Mr. Wrog?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“First of all.” He turned towards Rainbow, “my name is Helder, Geth Helder. And secondly,” He leaned it to look her in the eyes, “It's Captain.”
He turned around and headed towards his cabin. “There,s plenty of space to put you're stuff down bellow. The galley has plenty of food and water so help yourself, but if you touch any of my rum your loose a hand. Well be under way in about an hour, so we'll talk about the task ahead once we leave port.” He went to open the cabin doors, but then stops to look over his shoulder. “Oh, and welcome aboard The Red Queen.”
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sword Coast Adventures

By: King Julius I

Chapter 5

After putting their things bellow deck, the girls returned topside to watch the ship leave port. Twilight and sunset stood near Captain Helder, who was at the helm, while the rest of the group were on the deck near the middle of the ship.
“Um, Captain Wro...I Mean Helder, Wheres the rest of your crew?” Twilight asked. She looked over the railing and saw only her friends and the large wolf, whom Fluttershy was now petting.
“Crew?” Helder asked, “What crew?”
Twilight looked back to him, “The crew to help sail the ship. Where are they?”
Helder Gave a drunken snort, “I don't need a crew to sail this ship lass.” He turned back to the helm, and as soon as his hands toughed the wheel a circle of magic symbols appeared on it. “Cast off, Give me half canvas.” He shouted, and to the Party's surprise the mooring lines seemed to untie themselves and the sails partially opened. There was a jolt in the ship as the sail caught a breeze and began to move away from port. The gang plank could be heard slipping down the side of the ship and into the water. Applejack and Rainbow ran towards the front of the ship, while Twilight clung to the railing in front of her.
“Captain” Sunset grabbed onto the rail next to twilight. “Whats happening?”
“What does it look like?” He shouted over the sound of breaking waves. “You never been on an haunted ship before?”

After getting out onto the open water, Everyone stood around a table inside the Captains Cabin. Except Fluttershy, who was outside the open door sitting against the now napping wolf.
“Looks like Persephone's taken a liking to you friend.” Helder said, just loud enough for everyone around the table to hear. They all looked over to the sleeping wolf and their friend, who seemed to be ready to doze off herself. They all giggled at the sight before Helder drew their attention back. He rolls out a map of the Sword Coast and places a half empty bottle of rum on the top left corner and a knife into the bottom right to help keep it open. “Alright, so here's the situation. Recently sailors and fishermen tell of an abnormally large Shark attacking their vessels. It strikes suddenly, damages their hull and then leaves. Most of the ships its attacked have been large so the damage is easy to fix, but their have been attacks on smaller vessels that usually end with a few sailors deaths.”
“Aside from its size, is there anything else strange about the attacks?” Twilight asks, quill and parchment in hand.
Helder reaches into one of his jacket pockets and pulls out a small, folded piece of cloth. He places it on the table in front of her before unfolding it to reveal a very large sharks tooth.
Twilight picks it up and examines it.
“Its a tooth.” Rainbow said. “Big deal.”
“Oooo, Its a big tooth.” came Pinkie Pie.
“It has roots.” Sunset spoke up, leaning over to get a better look at it.
“Doesn't seem that unusual to me.” Rarity kept her distance from the object.
“But Shark teeth don't have roots.” Twilight now had the tooth laying on the table and was sketching out a small picture to accompany her notes.
“Exactly” Helder replied. “And along with these teeth were claw marks.”
“Claws?” Twilight looked up from her notes.
“Aye.” Helder points to a small island. “Most of the attack have happened in this area, my guess is that this is where its nesting, and would be the most likely place to encounter it. Now, at the speed were going we'll be there around nightfall, so were going to anchor near an island to the north of there and wait for morning.”
“Couldn't it attack us during the night?” Applejack asked.
“That is a possibility,” Helder scratched his chin, “but anchoring in the open ocean around this area is just as dangerous.”
“Do you have any kind of plan on how to fight this thing?” Sunset asked.
Helder stood up straight, “Find it, fight it, get drunk......in whatever order seems appropriate at the time.”
The girls looked at each other and accepted that this was probably the best plan they were going to get out of him.


It was getting close to sundown as Twilight looked over her friends as they went about the ship, finding things to keep them occupied. Beside her, Helder stood at the helm. “So Captain,” Twilight began. “How did you get your hands on such an amazing ship?”
Helder glanced over to her then back ahead. “Won her off a Mind Flayer in a game of dice.”
Twilight stared at him for a moment. “Seriously?”
He gave a low chuckle before answering, “No, I found her in the Sea of Moving Ice. She was stuck on a glassier, and with the help of a device made by a Dwarven friend of mine, I got her back into the water and have been sailing her ever since.”
“How did you find out it was haunted?”
“Well, the first time I took the helm the ship began to move on its own. I simply thought it some enchantment, until one evening when I was visiting a bar in Balder's Gate. An old Halfling woman saw me leaving the ship and approached me in the bar. She said that the ship once belonged to Captain Anabel, a pirate who was vicious in battle and loved adventuring. Despite her petit size and young age, she wielded two Greataxes and was wild in battle. She amassed a huge wealth by the time she was no more than 22 years of age, but one day she returned to her ship after visiting a bar she frequented and found her crew dead. Before she had a chance to do anything, she was assaulted by assassins and killed. Its said that the husband of a noble woman became infatuated with Captain Anabel, so the noble woman became angry and hired a group of mercenaries to get rid of her. She killed a number of them, but in the end they finally took her down. Unknown to the noble woman, her husband purchased the ship and had a figurehead sculpted in Anibel's image. Its unknown how her soul was bound to the ship or how it got trapped on the glassier, but I've done everything I can to keep her in good condition and shes been good to me since I found her.”
“Wow” Sunset and Rarity, who came in at the stats of the story, were on either side of Twilight. “That's pretty crazy.” Sunset said, “I've never heard of this story though.”
“Not surprising.” Helder looked over to them, “This ship is well over two hundred years old and her legend's faded over time.”
The girls stood silently for a moment before Rarity looked over to Fluttershy and Persephone. “What about your companion? Where did you find her?”
Helder looked over the railing and saw Persephone on her back getting a belly rub from Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. A smile crepes onto his face, “Well, a number of years ago, when I was still just a young adventurer, Me and a party I was in stumbled upon a cave. It seemed to be nothing until we discovered that a hoard of goblins and their Bugbear leader were using it as a base to ambush travellers and caravans. It appeared that most of them were out, so we had made our way threw the cave with little resistance before confronting their leader. It was a hard battle but soon we wore down the Gobbs and only the Bugbear was left. But just before I could strike, he called forth this monstrous wolf that he seemed to have raised and trained for battle. If it wasn't for our Druid, who placed a spell on it to keep it from attacking us, I doubt I would be standing here today. But after the battle with the Bugbear the wolf remained affected by the spell so I decided to bring her along, despite the party's suggestion to just leave her. The next day the spell had worn off and she returned back into a visions beast. It took several days, a bit of help from the Druid and a lot of steak to calm her down. And after several weeks of training, she seemed to start accepting me. But it wasn't till the night that the remainder of the goblins, that weren't in the caves when we attacked, found us and tried to catch us off guard that I knew we bonded. Persephone heard them coming and helped us to deal with them. Ever since then I haven't gone anywhere without her, even when the party disbanded she came with me.”
“What about your nickname?” Twilight asked, “Why do people call you Captain Worg?”
“Well one day, after adventuring, I came into Waterdeep riding on Persephone's back. Someone mentioned I looked like a goblin ridding a Worg, and the name just stuck.” Helder concluded his story and uncorked a bottle of rum, “We'll be arriving in a few hours so why don't the lot of you go bellow deck and have dinner and ready yourselves for bed. You'll need you strength for tomorrow.”
Deciding to not argue with the Captain, the girls did as he said and after a couple of hours were sound asleep.

It was after midnight when Fluttershy was awaken by low growling. She looked down to where Persephone had been sleeping to see that she was looking up, growling at the ceiling. “What is it girl?” she asked before a loud thud could be heard coming from on deck. She let out a small “Epp!” before slowly climbing out of her hammock. “Sunset.” she whispered as she lightly shook her friend. “Sunset, wake up.”
The sleeping sunset began to shuffle around, then slowly opened her eyes. “What? Fluttershy? What time is it?” She then sat up and stretched.
“There's someone on the boat.” She whispered.
“What do you...” Sunset stopped talking when she heard the sound of heavy footsteps coming from above. She slowly got out of her hammock and began to wake everyone.

As the footsteps seemed to move around the girls quickly got their things together and quietly crept up the stairs. Rainbow was the first to reach the top. She waited a moment before slowly pushing open the hatch to the deck and looked around. Despite the fact that the moonlight was being blocked by thick clouds, her elvish vision allowed her to make out a large figure walking about the deck. The looked down to the others, “Looks like there's just one, but hes big.”
“Okay, Everybody get ready.” Sunset whispered. “Twilight, Pinkie and I haven't had time to prepare our spells, So Applejack and Rainbow will be at the front. Rarity, you and Fluttershy back them up while the rest of us will do what we can. Everyone ready?” Everyone nodded and prepared their weapons. “Alright, Lets go!”	
Everyone quickly runs on deck and takes their positions, with Persephone standing behind them. As they prepare to fight the clouds above part and allows the moonlight to reveal their enemy.
It stood on two legs at about Eight feet tall. A large fin grows from its hunched back and a large, thick, finned tail drags behind it. Jet black eyes contrast its large maw full of razor sharp, teeth and its claws scratch against the mast as it walks past.
“What...what is that?” Twilight gasps.
“It looks like a great white, but...its...walking.” Fluttershy ducks down behind Applejack.
The girls tense up as the creature turns towards them and its mouth opens unbelievably wide to release a low roar. Just before Persephone runs in to attack, a hand runs along her back. “Easy, Lets see how this goes.” She calms at the voice and relaxes.
Rarity was the first to launch an arrow at the creature, piercing its shoulder. Rainbow follows her example and puts one in its chest, Causing the creature to roar in pain. Sunset takes the opportunity and casts a white light at the creature, striking it in the leg and freezing it to the deck. “Applejack, GO!” She shouts
“Ah'm on it!” Applejack darts forward, and with a swing of her sword, leaves a massive gash in the creatures chest.
With a swing of its arm, the creature catches Applejack across the chest, tearing through cloth and flesh. As Applejack screams in pain, the creature uses its other arm the shatter the ice on its leg and quickly charges for the edge of the ship and dives over the side.
Rainbow and Rarity, with bow in hand, rush to the side of the ship, but lose site of their target. She turns back to see Fluttershy everyone standing around Applejack. Looking over Pinkies shoulder, she got a good look at Applejack. The cloth that she wore around her torso was completely shredded, exposing her chest and the large, deep gashes leading from her right shoulder across the top of her left breast. She was taking short, shallow breathes, making it hard for Fluttershy to give her the healing potion.
Captain Helder walked from beside Persephone and passed Pinkie, who was trying to quickly prepare a healing spell, and knelt down beside the wounded Barbarian. Reaching back, he pulls out a small flask about the size of his palm. He then pours the contents into a half empty rum bottle, stirs it around, and slowly pours it over Applejacks wound. As he pours it over her chest, it begins to bubble and fizz and her wound slowly mends itself.
Applejacks breathing becomes more regular and soon the pain is gone. She sits up and runs her hand across her chest, feeling only four scars remaining where the creature had clawed her. She looked up to the Captain, who had tossed the empty bottle over his shoulder and was smiling warmly at her. “How?” Was the only thing she could think to ask.
Helder stood up, pulled another bottle of rum out of nowhere and uncorked it before taking a generous drink of it. “It's a little something I acquired a few years ago. The elf that gave it to me said that it could mend injuries to an extent. At the very least, it could keep someone from dieing. But unfortunately I only have the one so try not to get carved open again.” he handed her the remainder of him bottle, gave her a wink and then headed back to his cabin. “Ya'll get back to sleep, we'll be casting off a little after sunrise.”
Applejack watches him walk back into the cabin, before taking a long drink from the bottle.
“Applejack, Darling.” Rarity draped cloak over Applejack, “Lets get you something to replace your damaged clothes, I'm sure the Captain wont mind us using whatever we can find around the ship.” She then leads Applejack back bellow deck with Pinkie following close behind.
Sunset moves over to a wet footprint the creature left. “Hey Fluttershy, You ever seen anything like that before?”
Fluttershy moves up behind Sunset, “I'm sorry, I've never seen or heard of anything like this before. I have no idea what it could be.”
Twilight came up from behind them to kneel down beside the print, pulled out her quill and parchment and then began to make a sketch of it.
“Um Girls, I think...Um...I think we should do what the Captain says, we need our rest.” Fluttershy said, holding her hands to her chest, her eyes darting around.
“Yea I guess your right.” Sunset stood up and walked back to the stairs leading bellow deck with Fluttershy. “Hey Twilight, you coming?”
“Yea, I'll be there in just a second.” Twilight called without looking away from her work. Once she was satisfied with her work, she puts away her things and heads back bellow when something out the corner of her eye catches her attention. But when she looks back, she saw nothing but the figurehead at the front of the ship. “I thought I saw...” After a few second she decided it was nothing a headed down bellow, unaware of the pail figure watching from behind the mast.


Just after dawn the next morning Persephone woke the girls and they all gathered on deck, where Captain Helder was waiting. “Alright, we'll be casting off here in a few moments, and with a strong wind it'll only take a few hours to get to the other island. I'm sure you all remember what happened last night?” Everyone looked back to Applejack, who was wearing something similar to her old wrappings. “So we should be careful and watch each others back. I'd advise anyone who can cast spells to prepare them, anyone else needs to double check the equipment and weapons. Any questions?”
Everyone snapped a mock salute, “NO SIR!”
Helder put on a dark brown, triangular hat and grabbed hold of the helm, “Raise anchor, Give me full canvas.”
Soon the anchor raised and all of the sails unfurled. Adorned on the the main sail was the Guild symbol, but set behind the sword were two strange objects that looked kind like misshapen wands.
And in moments they were off.

Just as the Captain said, after a few hours they arrived at a small island that is believed to be the creatures layer. 
“Drop anchor.” he shouted and the ship complied. “Okay. There wont be enough room in the dingy for everyone so a few of you will need to stay with the ship.”
The girls looked around at each other. “Well,” sunset began, “how do we pick?”
“Well were going to need a fighter and a caster, not including me. That leaves two more spots to fill.” Helder moves over to where the dingy hangs on the side of the ship, “Better decide soon.”
In the end they chose Applejack, Rainbow, Sunset and Twilight to go ashore. Leaving Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity and Persephone to watch the ship.

Soon the away party found themselves standing on the shore of the island, Just beyond lay a forest that covered most of the island along with a few step cliffs. Helder pulled the dingy ashore and secured it. “I'll take the lead, Applejack and Sunset stay close by while Rainbow and Twilight watch our rear. Understood?” Everyone nodded in agreement, and they marched on in that order.
They slowly made their way through the brush and trees for almost an hour, avoiding poisonous snakes, and plants before arriving at a small cave entrance. A small stream poured out of it that seemed to go all the way to the ocean.
“What do you think Captain.” Applejack asked from just behind him.
Helder moved to the edge of the cave mouth and peered in. It was to dark and deep to see much. “Looks like a good place to start looking. Rainbow, I want you to switch with Sunset, your eyes can see better in the dark. Twilight and Sunset, make sure to watch the back, I don't want that think sneaking up on us.”
The party moved forward with Rainbow walking just beside Helder. The sloshing of their movements mixed with the dripping of water as it fell from the cave roof overhead. As they moved deeper into the cave so did the water go from around their shins to just bellow their wasts. The cave split into several directions and each one was explored. Most led to dead ends while others came to submerged tunnels. After an hour and a half of exploring they finally came to a large open area of the cave. A few holes in the roof let in just enough sunlight that they could see a few banks along the back wall, and bubbling coming from the centre of the room.
“Looks like the water flows from under the island and out from here. Must be a network of underwater tunnels.” Helder looked around the room and noticed a pile of debris and around it was a large number of bones. “Looks like we found its nest, But nobodies home.” 
Rainbow moved over to a small bank just to the right of them, while the rest of the group slowly moved towards the creatures nest. But as they drew closer the bubbling grew until a shape emerged from the water.
“It's here.” Rainbow shouted releasing an arrow that missed the creature by a few inches.
The creature turned towards rainbow and dived underwater.
“Where did it go?” Sunset tried to search around but there was no sign of it. “Rainbow, do you see anything?”
Rainbow tried her best to search the water. “I cant see anything, the waters to dark I....wait..LOOK OUT!” She screamed.
But before anyone could react, the creature rose out of the water only ten feet from Applejack. It dove forward, but before it could get much closer, the sound of thunder filled the cave followed soon by the creatures roar of pain as it dive back underwater. Once everyone realized what happened they all looked to Captain Helder, who was holding something that looked like a metal and wood wand with smoke coming from one end.
“What....What the hell is that?” Sunset asked, not taking her eyes of the small device as Helder reloaded it.
“Oh, You mean these?” He pulled another out from behind his back. “A Dwarven friend of mine made one and asked me to test it out. I loved it so much I got him to make me another. It works much like a cannon, only smaller. Give it a few more years and these with be in weapon shops all over Fayrun.”
“That...Is...AWESOME!” Rainbow shouted from across the cave.
“Rainbow, cut that out. We ain't out of the woods yet.” Applejack reprimanded while taking a few steps closer to the others. “Where is it?”
“I don't know, I cant hit him if I cant see him.” Sunset holds her ground and prepares a spell for when the creature emerges.
Rainbow readies an arrow and watches the water for any disturbance. For a time the only noise in the cave was the “Drip...Drip...Drip” of condensation falling from the ceiling. But as soon as she begins to relax, the creature bursts out of the water. But as it emerged a volley of energy from Sunset struck its back, giving Rainbow the perfect opening to fire, but she stumbled on a rock as she steeped back and the arrow shot into the dark. “Damn it!”
The creature tried to use that moment to attack, but another blast of energy stuck him, this time coming from twilight.
As the creature turned towards its attackers two more thunderclaps filled the cave, followed by two small metal balls piercing the creatures flesh. “HA” Shouted Helder. “You want fresh meat, then come get it.”
Momentarily forgetting about Rainbow, the creature once again dives into the water. Its fin, the only indication of its position, came for him at an incredible speed.
“Captain, watch out!” Applejack shouted as she readied her sword and moved into the creatures path. The fin disappeared underwater for an instant before a hungry maw burst forth from the water, missing Applejack by mere inches. This however gave her the perfect opening to bring her sword down on it, severing most of its tail. 
“Hell of a move Applejack, well done.” Helder called as he reloaded his weapons, causing a small blush to appear on her face.
But before she could reply her thanks, the creature once again emerged from the water between Helder and Applejack, roaring in rage.
A bolt of energy flies past the creature, “Damn it.” Shouted Sunset.
But Rainbow, having regained her footing and prepared an arrow, stuck the creatures back.
Twilight attacked with her own burst of lightning which struck the creature dead on, while Helder lined up his shots, but only one found its target.
Applejack, Not wanting to get Electrocuted, took a few steps back.
Twilights spell was cut short as the creature dove underwater, only to once again attack Applejack, but only managed to clamp its powerful jaws onto her sword. The smell of death poured from its mouth as it tried to shake the sword from Applejacks grip. But a well placed Fire Bolt, From sunset, into the side of it's head caused the creature to lose its grip. And an arrow to the side of its neck from Rainbow seemed to deal the final blow. The creature fell into the water, and soon it was floating with its back just above the water.
“Is...Is that it.” Twilight asked, not taking her eyes of the creature.
“Ah think so.” Applejack was breathing heavily and she kept her sword ready just in case. “Captain?”
Helder raised one of his pistols and put another round into its back. “Looks good, Mission Complete ladies.”
Everyone gave a sigh of relief and relaxed. After a few minutes everyone had gathered around the creatures body.
“What is this thing?” Twilight poked at it with a small stick she found drifting in the water.
Rainbow looked it over, “I'm not sure but...Hey, look at this.” she pointer to an area just bellow its fin. “Is that a branding mark?”
Everyone looked to see a familiar image. “That's the same as the pendant we found on the necromancer.” Sunset ran her hand over it. “Its a branding mark.”
“So, you think someone made this thing?” Twilight asked.
“Looked to be that way.” Said Helder, “Lets check the nest.”
Everyone left the creature to float and moved over to the other bank. As they got closer, the smell of rotting meat became more and more pungent, until Helder, Rainbow and Applejack were the only ones who got any closer.
“Looks like this is where it at and slept.” Helder circled the nest. “Looks like it killed its prey, then brought it back here so it could eat without being disturbed.”
“I wonder if there anything good lying around?” Rainbow started to shift through some of the nest.
“Really?” Applejack watched, but kept back.
“What?” Rainbow defended, “It's not like anyone will be using whatever's in here, Right?”
“What about this?” Helder called, tossing something at Rainbow.
She caught it and examined the object, which appeared to be a battered breastplate. “Hey Yea, I could get a blacksmith to alter it for me, Anything else?”
Helder kicked around a few things. “Nope, looks like that's it. Time to head out.”
The group left the large room, Avoiding the creatures body, and followed the main path back to the cave entrance.

As they walked through the islands forest, Helder noticed that Twilight was lagging behind slightly and staring off into space, so he slowed his pace until he was walking beside her. “Hey, you okay?”
Twilight took a second but soon noticed him and snapped out of her trance. “What..Oh, no I'm fine.”
But despite her word to the contrary, Helder knew something was on her mind. Once they reached the edge of the forest, he held her back and let the others walk ahead and prepare the boat. “Look Twilight, I know it ain't any of my business, but you look like somethings bugin you.”
Twilight looked over to her friends, “Last night, after we chased that thing off the ship. I could have swore I saw something else.”
“Like?”
“I'm not entirely sure, but I think it was a woman. I only saw it out of the corner of my eye, but I thought I saw a woman standing near the front of the ship. But when I turned to look, there wasn't anyone there. I guess I was just seeing things.” When she turned to look at the Captain, his expression looked like a cross between confusion and worry. “Captain?”
Helder placed his hand under his chin, as if deep in thought before he continued. “Over the years I've had a small number of people accompany me on a few adventures. Usually they stay for a few months before going off on their own without any trouble.” He paused for a few seconds to think. “But every now and again....One of them will say that they've seen a woman standing on deck. Shes only there for a moment but they always describe a pail woman in a dress.”
“So, I'm not crazy?” She asks with a ghost of a smile.
“No, But the problem is that everyone who's seen her has had something terrible happen to them soon after. So seeing her has become a bad omen.” He looked down to Twilight with a serious look in his eyes and places a hand on her shoulder, “Be careful....okay?” then walks over to help the others.
Twilight watches him walk off, wondering what seeing the woman could mean. Looking around him twilight could see the others moving the boat into the water and beyond that was The Red Queen, waiting for them to return.  She saw Rainbow turn to wave her over but something wasn't right. Rainbows smile suddenly shifted to a look of fear and disbelief. But before Twilight could question it, a sudden jolt ran up her back, like a bolt of ice shooting down her spine, before she fell forward. And before she blacked out the last thing she remembers is looking back to see the creature they had just beaten standing over her, with her left arm hanging out of its jaws. 
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sword Coast Adventures

By: King Julius I

Chapter 6

Helder Was almost to the boat, staring off into the horizon, when the sound of Rainbow Dash shouting Twilights name brought him back to reality. When he turned around he saw the creature he believed to be dead, standing over Twilights body with an arm hanging from its mouth. “Son of a...” In a flash, Helder pulled both of his pistols out from behind his back and put two holes in between the creatures eyes. He then put away his weapons, then with the girls close at his heals, he ran up and held the wounded Twilight.
“TWILIGHT....TWILIGHT!!!” Sunset shouted, trying to get her to open her eyes. “WAKE UP TWILIGHT!!!”
Rainbow looked to where her friends arm used to be and almost gagged when she saw almost nothing left but a bloody stump.
Applejack unwrapped a cloth that was around her thigh and tied it around what remained of her arm. “We got to get her back to the ship.”
Helder held her up to Applejack and watched her carry Twilight to the boat. He thin looked back to the body of the creature, bent down and removed Twilights severed arm from its mouth. The arm was was to badly damaged to be reattached, but he took it anyway. He started to walk away but stopped and turned back towards the creature. He then moved his right arm under his coat and pulled out a short handled hammer, raised it in the air and with as much strength as he could muster, reduced the creatures head to a mass of mushed meat.

Back on the ship the others were anxiously awaiting the return of their friends. Not minutes before, they had been roaming the ship in an attempt to keep busy, when they clearly heard the sound of Rainbow shouting out for Twilight followed by a distant clap of thunder. Rarity paced back and forth While Fluttershy stayed close to Persephone and Pinkie played a soft rhythm on her lute.
Almost fifteen minutes passed before the dingy came into view. They all ran to the side of the ship, waiving and shouting with joy at there friends return, until a cold shudder ran through Rarity. “Somethings wrong.”
“What do you mean?” asked Fluttersy.
“Twilight,”, She can see that Twilight is lying down in the boat and her friends are frantically tending to her, “Something happened to Twilight. Pinkie, is your healing spell ready?”
“Yea but..” Pinkie said before Rarity cut her off.
“Fluttershy, find any healing potions and herbs you can.”
“Um...o-okay.” Fluttershy answered before running bellow deck.
As Pinkie double checked that her instrument was properly tuned, Rarity watched the small boat approach with a scenes of dread crawling up her spine.

Once the away group gets aboard, Rarity and Pinkie soon became aware of Twilights condition as Applejack moved her to Helders bed, and try everything they could to help their friend. Rarity found a clean piece of cloth to wrap around the wound, Pinkie began to play her healing music. Fluttershy however, having found a few healing potions around the ship, was crying into Persephones fur, not able to do anything more than whats been done.
Everyone leaves the Cabin once their sure Twilight is stable.
“What Happened to Twilight? Where's her arm?” Rarity asked wiping the tears from her red eyes.
“We thought the creature was dead,” Helder began, “But when we got back to shore, it came up from behind her and....” He was quiet for a few seconds. “I made sure it was finished this time, and on our way back we used every healing potion we had just to close the wound and stop the bleeding. Unfortunately the arm was to badly damaged to save.”

The group is silent as the tension, and gloomy atmosphere weighs heavy on them. Fluttershy continues to sob and Helder, deciding to get as far from the island as he could, grabs hold of the helm and soon moves the ship back towards the coast.
“There has to be something we can do.” Rainbow sits against the outside wall of the cabin.
“Ah'm not sure.” Applejack leans against the the wall beside her. “What do you think?” She asks Sunset.
“I don't have, or know anyone who knows any magic that could help.” Sunset sits on the stairs.
“There must be something.” Rarity almost pleads. “We cant just leave her like that. How do you think she'll react when she finally awakens. What do we tell her?”
Another uncomfortable silence fills the air before Helder speaks up. “There may be something.” Everyone, in an instant, was glued to him. Satisfied with the course they were on, Helder moves away from the helm and moves down the stairs to join the group. “well, on my travels of Fayrun I've encountered and befriended many strange and interesting individuals.” he moves over to Persephone and runs his hand down her back, “One such individual, is a dwarf who prides himself as being an expert in construction magic, perhaps he can do something to help her.”
Sunset stands up and descends the stairs, and meets everyone’s eyes before turning to Helder. “Please, Help her.”
Helder pulls a small stone out of his pocket and walks to the front of the ship. He spends almost two hours talking into the stone, seeming to carry out conversations with different people, in different languages, before finally returning to the party. “All right, a few of my contacts say that he's been seen in a few taverns along the coast, but recently he's been seen around Balder's Gate. Are you sure this is the course of action you want to take?” He looked from one girl to the next, receiving a nod from each. “Well all right then.” He climbs buck up the stairs and grabs hold of the helm, and turns toward Balder's Gate. “Off to see the wizard!”

It takes two days to reach the city of Balder's Gate. The day before Twilight had awoken and has since spoken very little, her body still week from blood lose and the shock of her situation. Sunset told her that they were about to look for someone who could help her but her mood remained the same. Helder pulled the ship into the Grey Harbor in the Lower City. 
Once the ship was secure the group, minus Persephone, Twilight and Fluttershy, moved onto the  dock and made their way into the city.
Helder turned to the others, “I've got some things to look into so this is where we part ways.” He handed Sunset a letter and a folded note. “In the note is the location of a Bar owned by the guild and the name of the Dwarf you're looking for. Give the letter to the bars owner, it explains you're situation, and they can help you with Twilight and give you a place to hold up.” he looks over the group, “Best of luck, and I hope to see you again soon.” He then tips his hat to them, turns away and disappears into the crowd.
Then, After a few seconds,  Sunset opened the note. “ The Gold Dragon Inn, Stoneheart.” She turned over the note but there was nothing else. “I guess were looking for the Gold Dragon Inn.” Rarity asked a passerby and learned that the Gold Dragon was only a short distance up the street. “Alright then, lets go.” Sunset looked back and saw that Applejack saw staring off to where Helder had left. “Applejack, you coming?”
Applejack snapped out of her daze, “Yea, Yea ah'm coming.” and after glancing back once more, followed the others to the Inn.

*

“And that's were we'll stop.” Shining Armor said as everyone seemed to snap out of a daze.
Twilight was the first to object, “We can keep going Shiny, don't worry about us.”
“Twily, It's almost five in the afternoon.” Shining said, you all have school tomorrow.
“Oh my.” Rarity said, looking at her watch, “He's right, I should get home.”
Applejack was the next to stand, “land sakes, Granny's gonna kill me, Ah was supposed to be home three hours ago.”
“And we have homework for miss, Cheerilee to finish.” Fluttershy started to gather up her things.
“Man,” Rainbow wined, grabbing her things as well.
“What about next weekend?” Sunset asked, causing everyone to look at her, then to Shinning.
He looked to each girl, until he found himself staring into Twilights best puppy dog eyes. “Well...” He rubbed the back of his head. “Cadance wont be back from her trip until next Monday, and the guys are working for the next couple of weekends so...” He paused for dramatic effect, “Sure, why not.” To which all the girls cheered.
“Oh, we can have a “second weekend together” Party.” Pinkie shouted, before rambling on about what she would need for it an Rainbow pushed her up the stairs. Followed by the rest of the group.
“Thank you Shinning.” Twilight said before giving him a hag then showing the girls out.


It was business as usual for the next week. The gang would hang out at Sugar Cube Corner for a few hours after school before going home, doing homework, and preparing for the next day. During lunch they might briefly talk about the game, then about the usual gossip. But once Friday rolled around the game was at the forefront of their minds. As soon as class was over they each rushed to their homes, grabbed their things and headed of to Twilights house.

Shining and Twilight had just finished setting up when the girls arrived. They greeted Twilights Mother then headed down to the basement.
“Okay girls, remember where we left off?” Shining asked once everyone was seated.
“We beat the shark monster and are looking for someone who can fix Twilights arm.” Sunset answered, receiving a nod from shining. 
“That's right, while Fluttershy and Twilight wait on the ship, the rest of you make your way to the Gold Dragon Inn.....”

*

The small group eventually finds themselves in front of a three story building with a small sign that read “The Gold Dragon Inn”. As they move inside they see that unlike the bar in Waterdeep, this one wasn't as rowdy. There were a few patrons sitting at tables and benches carrying on conversation and a group in a front corner gambling, but all in all the atmosphere was very laid back. 
“Ya'll grab a seat, Ah'll talk to the barkeep.” Applejack instructed as she made her way to the bar. She waited a few minutes, until an old, well dressed man with slicked back white hair and a white moustache came from a back room carrying a small barrel. He switched out an old barrel with the new one before walking up to Applejack.
“What can I do for you young miss?” he asked with a smile.
Applejack placed the letter on the counter, along with her guild pendant. “Captain Helder sent us. This here will tell you everything.”
The bartender picket the letter up and began to read it. Every few second he would say, “Mhm” or “I see”. Once he was done with it, he placed it in his vest pocket, then poured a round of drinks for the group. “These are for you and your friends. I shall get someone to retrieve the other two from the boat while I prepare your room.” He then went to whisper into one of the waitresses' ears, who soon left out the door, then went up stairs.
After a short wait, the Bartender returned and showed the group to their room. It was spacious, with five beds, a couch, a few dressers, and a privet bathroom. 
“You are welcome to stay as long as you like.” The Bartender spoke up, “Your friends should arrive in a few moments, once they do I shall show them up. Will there be anything else?”
While everyone else settled in, Sunset took the opportunity to ask him a few questions. “Were looking for a Dwarf named Stoneheart, have you seen him around recently?”
“Yes madam, he has frequented this bars in the area. In face if he keeps to his usual schedule, he should be by tomorrow morning, if you would like me to inform you upon his arrival?”
“That would be nice, thank you. Do you know why he's been coming here so often?” she asked.
“Far be it for me to spread rumour, but he seem to be searching for someone, an apprentice I believe. It seem that he stole something of great importance from Mr. Stoneheart, and he has been searching the local are for clues to the apprentices whereabouts.”
“Great. I think that's it, thank you for the room.” Sunset thanked him with a warm smile.
“Not at all ma'am,” he gave a smile of his own and a slight bow in return. He started out the door, but was stopped at the last second by Sunset.
“I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.” She said.
“Edmond, Ma'am.” he replied before closing the door.

After fifteen minute, Fluttershy and Twilight entered the room and situated themselves. Despite Pinkie getting her to smile a few times, Twilight remained rather crestfallen throughout the night. Rainbow had taken the breastplate she found to a local blacksmith and payed him to make it similar to the leather one she wore now. The metal would ad a little more protection, but the size would allow her to remain quick in combat. Pinkie played soft music, Applejack maintained the weapons, Rarity looked over their money while Fluttershy checked the equipment and Sunset went down stairs a few times for food and drink.

Early the next morning Sunset awoke to the sound of light tapping at the door. Being sure not to disturb the still sleeping Twilight, whom had shared her bed, she walked over to the door and opened it to reveal Edmond.
“Mr. Stoneheart is at the bar ma'am, I will try to keep him here until you're ready to speak with his.” Edmond informs her, then leaves to tend to his duties. As Sunset closed the door she was met with a stretching Applejack, who had once again slept on the couch.
“Who was that?” Applejack asked, stretching her arms above her head.
“It was Edmond, he says that Stoneheart is at the bar.” she replied as she began to get dressed.
“Need me to come with you?” Applejack stood and made her way to the bathroom.
“No, I think I'll be fine. Let the girls sleep a little longer, I'll be back soon.” Sunset was met with a grunt of acknowledgement before she made her way out of the room and down to the bar.

When Sunset got down stairs, the only other people there was Edmond, who was polishing a glass behind the bar, and a red headed Dwarf with a glass of some unknown liquor in his hands.
She approached the Dwarf and sat in a stool beside him. “Are you Stoneheart?” She asked.
“Who wants to know?” replied the dwarf, after downing the remainder of his drink.
“My name is Sunset Shimmer, we have a mutual friend, Captain Helder.” she answered.
“You just a friend, or one of his guild mates?” He asks, tapping the bar for another round.
“Were in the same guild, but what does that have...?” But Sunset is cut off as the Dwarf turns his cup upside down before Edmond can refill it. He throws a couple of gold on the bar, gets up, and heads for the door. “Wait!” she calls out and jumps out of her stool. “Please, its my friend.” She manages to block the Dwarfs path before he can get out the door. “Please, our friend's hurt and the Captain said you could help.” She stands between him and the door waiting for a response, then after a few moment he speaks.
“Geth's a nice guy, most of the higher ups in his guild might see be as a potential problem, so he  keeps his mouth shut about me.” He pulls out the chair of a table beside him and sits down. “If you can give me your word that you wont tell anyone about me or anything....then I might be able to help you.” Sunset's expression starts to brighten up. “But first,” He continues, “you gotta help me.”
“Sunset takes on a more business like attitude, “What do you need?”

About fifteen minutes after leaving the room, Sunset walks back in with a dwarf in tow. Upon entering, sunset can see that everyone is awake and trying to find something to keep themselves occupied, even Twilight seems to be up and about. “Everyone,” Sunset announces, “This is Stoneheart, he'll be helping up with Twilight.” Everyone gives a short greeting before Stoneheart steps towards Twilight.
“You the one?” He asks
“Um, I guess so.” Twilight answers with a bit of confusion.
He then carefully removes the wrapping around her missing arm and examines it. “Hm. Yea, this looks pretty bad. But I believe I can make somethin for her.”
The atmosphere in the room seems to lighten at the news. “Make?” Twilight asks.
“Aye, I'm an Artificer young lady, I do stuff like this all the time. Just got to find you somethin that feels right and put it on.” Stoneheart backs away from Twilight and sits down at a small table in the corner of the room. “That is of course, if your friends can hold up their end of the deal.”
“What is he talkin about Sunset?” Applejack asks with a clear look of confusion.
“As I told your friend here.” Stoneheart gestures to Sunset, “I've got a little problem of my own and she tells me that for helping your wounded friend, ya'll can do a little job for me.”
Rarity sits on the edge of the bed closest to the small table. “What kind job?”
Stoneheart looks around the room, “About a month ago, an apprentice a had been training for a number of years decided to steal one of my book and learn the craft on his own.”
“What kind of book?” asked Pinkie. “Was it a cook book? Or a story book? Or, Or...” Rarity quickly covered Pinkies mouth.
“The magic I specialize in it constructs, mostly made of metal or other ores. But in my younger...darker, days I experimented with the creation of constructs made of living tissue.”
“What asked Rainbow.
“Flesh Golems.” He answered. “I hide the book away but he stumbled upon it one day and since then it consumed him. I tried to stop him but he fled with the book and I've been going from one town to the other looking for him.”
“Do you have any clue where to look.” Rarity asked
“Over the past few days I've managed to learn that he's in a small abandoned castle north east of here. If you can find him and retrieve the book, I'll see what I can do about your friends arm.”
The group sits in silence before Applejack speaks up, “Ah say if it's to help Twilight then we go for it.”
Without another thought the rest of the group stands up and cheers in agreement.
“Alright then.” Stoneheart stands. “I'll begin work starting tomorrow, oh and I'm going to need one of you to assist me while I work, it doesn't really matter who.” he opens the door and steps into the hall, “See you tomorrow.” and then shuts the door.

“Well I off to check on my new breastplate.” Rainbow heads for the door.
“I'll go with you.” Sunset follows her, “We need to stock up on supplies.”
“Ah want to look at the weapon shops.” Applejack jumps of the couch and runs out behind them. Leaving the others to their own devices. After leaving the inn the three girls spit up, going down different streets.

When Rainbow arrived at the Blacksmith's shop, she was pleased to find that her new breastplate was finished a day early. She holds her new piece of armor above her and examines it, then turns to the smith. “Is there somewhere were I can try this on, make sure everything...you know...fits.” The smith directs her to a small room in the back where she might change, and after a few minutes she reemerged in her new breastplate. Much like her previous piece, this left her stomach and arms mostly exposed, aside from a guard on her left shoulder with her insignia of a cloud and lightning bolt on it. Unlike a normal breastplate, there were two plates covering her chest instead of just one, one on each side of the chest with thick leather underneath. “This is awesome. I cant believe how good it turned out,” she reaches back and pulls out her coin pouch. “How much do I owe you?”

After walking through the street of the Lower City for a bit she stumbles upon what looks like an old magic shop. Stepping through the door she here's the ringing of a bell above the door, followed by someone saying, “Be there in a moment.” coming from the back.  She walked around the store looking at the different odds and end, magic scrolls and the like.
Eventually and old man came from behind a curtain that led to the back of the store. He wore dark blue robes and a pointy hat, each covered in stars and bells. A long white beard hung down to his waist, barely obscuring a gentle smile that his eyes seemed to match. He slowly approached Sunset, “Hello there young lady, my name is Starswirl. I'm the owner of this shop, is there anything I can help you find?”
Sunset gave the old shop keeper a smile of here own, “No thank you, just browsing.”
The old man simply nodes and walked over behind his counter. “If there is anything, just ask.”
“Thank you.” Sunset replies before continuing to look around. Eventually she comes to a small rack a back corner covered in robes and hats. She searches through and tries on a few, but none of them seem to catch her eye, until. “Hm, whats this?” She pulls down a couple of robes and finds a small bag hung at the back. She pulls it down and examines it, its brown, with blue-turquoise and red accenting edge of the flap and body. While the flap has an image that resembles a smiling face. “Excuse me sir, what is this?” she asks, holding it up so the old man can see.
He looks at it for a moment, “Oh, that's a Bag of Holding.”
“A Bag of Holding?” she asks.
“Yes. It allows you to carry a great quantity of things while remaining only fifteen bounds, quite a useful item.” He replies.
“maybe this would cheer up Twilight a bit.” she says to herself. She then walks up to the counter. “How much?”
Starswirl thinks for a few seconds, “well, I've had that thing for quit a while. The man who sold it to me seemed eager to part with it and only took a handful of gold for it, and that was almost twenty years ago. The fact that nobody else has bought it yea is also very strange, so how about....twenty gold. It's extremely cheap, but if its for a friend then how could I not cut you a deal.”
“How did you?” Sunset begins to ask.
“I may be old, but I have ears like a bat.” he chuckles.
Sunset smiles and pulls and pays for the bag. She then leaves the shop and goes about finishing her errands.

Applejack's Search however didn't go as well as here friends. She found a few weapon shops, but none had anything better that what she already owned. And spent some time just wondering the streets. She visited the occasional food vender, and watched a few entertainers playing on the streets. But soon found herself board and decided to return to the Inn. On her way back she bumped into Rainbow, whom was wearing her new piece of armor, but was walking like the life had been sucked out of her. “Hey Rainbow.” she called over the crowd, but didn't get a response. She rain up to her friend and grabbed hold of her arm. “Hey Rainbow, you alright?”
Rainbow finally looked up to see Applejack. “Oh, Hey A.J.”
“Whats wrong Rainbow, Ah thought you'd be happy after getting that new armor fixed up.”
“I was, until...the Gold.” Rainbow replied
“Gold?” Applejack asked. “You mean payin for it?” Rainbow just nodded. “How much gold?”
Rainbow Dash suddenly grabbed Applejack by the shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes, “ALL OF IT!”

Once the three met up again they headed for the Inn. It didn't take them long to get back, and once inside they ordered dinner from Edmond and headed up to their room. Sunset gave Twilight the new bag, which put a smile on her face, and Rainbow showed of her new breastplate, until Rarity asked how much it was, then she slumped onto her bed and mourned the loss of her money pouch.

The next morning Stoneheart arrived bright and early to begin work on making Twilight a new arm. “Now this is going to take time.” He began. “I'll have to find a proper material to use and attune it to you, so it would be best if we head back to my shop and have everyone meet us back there.”
After Stoneheart told them where his workshop was located, He then told them about the castle he should be in, and though his apprentice may not be a master, his constructs are not to be taken lightly. Soon after, He, Twilight, and Pinkie, who decided to go so that she could try to keep Twilight happy, left and headed for the workshop.
The rest of the group gathered up their supplies and headed off to find the Artificers apprentice, and retrieve the stolen book.

Exp: 170