Tomb of the Alicorn - RP Main Thread

[Foxx 0]

The adventure begins with each of you embarking on the airship, Steady Wind, at Canterlot. The ship is known for its intercontinental trips throughout the world. The captain notes with a certain amount of pride that even Princess Celestia herself requests the ship when she ventures from Equestria to the shores of other countries. This is a special trip, its fourth in several weeks, taking ponies to the lands of the Minotaur. So it is not surprising that other ponies are on board with you making the trip to study a great find, or gawk as tourists, the Tomb of the Alicorn.

 

Each of you know that Professor Sand Script, archaeology, made the discovery while delving into ancient Minotaur history. That had been almost two months ago and his attempts to keep it quiet were thwarted when somepony decided to send word back to Equestria informing the world about the discovery. Worse, somepony brought up the fabled city of Alicorns and wondered if the tomb had some association. That sent everyone into a fever to come to the Minotaur lands to find out. By everyone, every academic, adventurer, and some with rather shady dispositions.

 

The biggest surprise on the trip was when A.K. Yearling boarded the ship. A popular aurthor of adventures center around the character, Daring Doo. At the moment, she has yet to disclose the reasons for her trip. Other than inspiration for her next block buster book.

 

Steady Wind departs with a great amount of fanfare as it sails towards its destination. The three: Professor Thornmantle, Deorward, and Crimson Iris, are familiar with each other due to your connection to Sand Script.

 

Professor Thormantle knows Sand Script from his days at Canterlot University and the School of Gifted Unicorns. Sand Script would give lectures there concerning his field and how useful magic has been on rediscovering the past. Now he needs Thornmantle's knowledge on magic to help decipher some of the language on the tomb.

 

Deorward, the most curious of all the passengers on the Steady Wind, had been called into service by Sand Script. The Professor needs the golems particular skills in order to assure the safety of expedition. Both from the tomb, and outside elements that have been trying to muscle Sand Script off.

 

Crimson Iris is probably the most reluctant to be here. Her father could not go on this mission due to prior engagements and thought it best to her out and see the world. The job is pretty simple, help Sand Script with whatever task he needs. It the lands of the Minotaur and they are known to be a rowdy bunch. Also, she has a secondary task, one that involves the more clandestine of their operations. Crimson's father expects that a certain Pegasus stallion will appear at this gathering of adventurers. He is actually well known to her father and the organization: they have been paid to kill him on three separate occasions. Each time has met with failure and the operator being injured in the attempt. The last one retired. No, Crimson is not being sent to assassinate Firemane the adventurer. Instead, her father is offering him a… letter. At this time Crimson does not know what the contents are, but its important to get it to Firemane.

 

Each of you have been given a letter of recommendation and a badge to identify you as part of Sand Scripts expedition. At this time the ship is one day out from arriving at the port to the Minotaur lands.

 

OOC: Okie dokie, roll call. Here's a chance for the characters to interact with each other or the other passengers. Ask questions, carouse, but please post to let me know your still alive and active.

[Dear Sir Knight 11]

Deorward beheld the vast deck of the Steady Wind and began to inspect it thoroughly, looking amongst the many ponies in attendance for one in particular, the Professor Sand Script. The towering golem had been quick to respond to its charge's summons, coming into the acquaintanceship of two other ponies in the process, a Professor Thornmantle and Crimson Iris. As far as Deorward knew, they were allies to Sand Script, and thus the magical construct treated them as such in turn.

 

It did not take long for ponies to notice the massive entity's scrutinizing gaze, and an air of uncomfort swept through them as they tried to reengage in their prior activities. When Deorward found itself unable to find the Professor, the golem turned to its companions and asked, "Where shall we find Professor Sand Script?" The deep sound it emitted reverberated in the air around the three, others looking by in shock before hurrying along. Nonetheless, Deorward stood as motionless as a statue, awaiting the reply of its traveling companions.

[DawnOfNoob 46]

The aging cream colored unicorn stood on the flight deck, his purple eyes darting between the lands visible below and an ancient tome of magic he was transcribing in a separate tome. A decent portion of it was rubbish, but there were some gems in the rough. He always liked learning about ancient philosophies, alchemical concepts, and magics. The contrast between old and new philosophies made for some interesting lesson plans. Which is what he'd be doing right now...if it weren't for the nobility shredding up the last THIRTY years of his life in ONE night because a certain little stuck-up brat didn't like a lesson on how absurd "Unicorn Supremacy" really was in ancient times.

 

His current mental "battlefield" was put on hold though when the towering figure next to him boomed out its thoughts in a mechanical fashion, making the Ex-Professor jump a little. Thoughts came quickly about earning another white hair in his ragged black mane.

 

The aging unicorn shifted his gaze from his books to the Golem that just broke the silence. He adjusts his glasses slightly, chuckling slightly before saying "Oh the old chap's probably somewhere quiet - studying up on some lead to our destination. You hear about something ancient and you look up every angle, no matter how obscure. As one of my former students put it: It's kinda like grasping at straws...just more.....civilized."

 

 

[Frécinette 359]

Iris was focused on the letter, glaring at the letter as if she had some kind of x-ray vision. "What's in there, an invitation ? We're trying to kill that guy and he wants to invite him to a tea party." she was thinking while playing with it. Burying it back into her messenger bag, her attention shifted over a shop of trinkets where she rushed in, completly ignoring the golem.

[DawnOfNoob 46]

Kreidal quickly glances sideways at the mare, rolling his eyes before quickly scanning the Golem next to him with his spectacled eyes. He puts away his tomes into a saddlebag draped over his full-body cloak before facing his apparent companion again.

 

"Apologies my friend, but our "third" seems to be a little busy with trinkets and baubles at the moment. Oh...to be young." he said, the last part in a reminiscent manner.

 

"Anyways, she'll be along later. We've been on this airship for awhile...not a lot of new things to look at aside from the landscape or food." The professor looks around, waiting for some passers-by to clear out before resuming. "And pardon me for asking this...but how did Scripty-boy come across a genuine rarity such as yourself?"

[Foxx 0]

The gift shop on the ship was not the biggest area, but the objects inside were of a higher quality and some even interesting. For an airship that boasts of being Celestia's favorite, it had to live up to that reputation. The shop was not too busy this evening. Any pony that was going to shop in here had already done so and were now back in their quarters making their final preparations to disembark at the port. The only other sounds inside beside the constant sound of the ship itself was the rhythmic strike of keys on a typewriter. In a corner of the gift shop was A.K. Yearling typing away. So focus on her work that she barely registered the other ponies inside.

 

The ponies on the deck give Deorward a look before moving in some direction that would take them away from the golem. A common occurrence by the normally skittish ponies to things or creatures beyond their normal understanding.

[Dear Sir Knight 11]

Deorward watched as the ponies around it walked away, before turning to face Kreidal. "Professor Sand Script discovered this Guardian during his exploits in the Frozen North," the golem rumbled. The statement was straightforward, and quite possibly curt, though the massive entity would not have known this, nor intended it.

 

Deorward turned again, this time to face the many ponies who surrounded it. "These ponies seem to be wary in this Guardian's presence," it remarked.

[DawnOfNoob 46]

"Ah. Ancient Reindeer country, eh? Seen some fascinating rune-work on some artifacts from there." he states.

 

The professor quickly looks over some of the warier members of the crowd, some traces of amusement on his face.

 

"To be fair, we ponies have always been a bit unconsciously xenophobic. Which is somewhat amusing as we consider ourselves harmonious. The fairly recent attack on Canterlot by Changelings brought these tendencies out into the open for everypony. In a way, it even somewhat translates into technology as well - a few decades ago, nopony would have even thought to step on an Airship such as this."

[Dear Sir Knight 11]

"This Guardian's purpose is to ensure the well-being of others. Did this one fail in its task when those it seeks to protect are at unease?" Deorward simply watched the ponies of the deck. Those that weren't watching it were comfortable and enjoying what there was to see and do. Those that were, however, seemed... not so. Most unlike its time in service to its original masters, the Reindeer. They had marveled at their creation, felt comforted within its presence. It was a symbol of security then, though those times have long since passed. 

 

These ponies sure were different, in comparison. Crisis seem to be natural to them, a new kind of entity or problem arising time and time again to stomp them out or make them subservient. But Ponykind seemed to fare well, all things considered. Something that would have perplexed the golem, had it any real emotions or thought.

[Frécinette 359]

Iris was admiring some paintings when an annoying sound reached her ears. A pony that she didn't know was vigourously typing on her machine. She was so focused that Iris had no problem to sneak behind her back and look at what she was writing. After a few seconds of reading she said to her: "Hey, nice story so far. Are you a professional ?"

[DawnOfNoob 46]

"Not exactly. They aren't aware that you're meant to protect. To most ponies, protection looks more like the Royal Guard, the Elements of Harmony, or the Princesses themselves. Being guarded by magical constructs was more something you'd see in Ancient Unicornia for the upper class - and even they weren't as intricate or advanced as you."

 

The mage lightly coughs from a dry throat, lighting up his horn to take a quick swig from his canteen before continuing.

 

"In short, they don't trust you at the moment. But trust can be earned. Should something happen and you rise to protect them, I'm certain they'd feel a LOT safer."

[Dear Sir Knight 11]

Deorward continued to look out into the sea of ponies on the deck as Kreidal spoke his piece. When he finished, the artificial giant stood as still as a stone. Kreidal's words were logical. These ponies were unsure of this strange, new element, and did not look upon it as a means of protection. Golems were likely nothing more than ancient legends now, and they likely did not even know Deorward was one.

 

Finally, Deorward spoke, "We may likely find Professor Sand Script in his accommodation aboard the Steady Wind. It would be in our best interest to collect Miss Crimson Iris before locating the Professor." The golem then marched towards the Gift Shop to find Crimson Iris. Its pace was slow, intending for Kreidal to catch up.

[DawnOfNoob 46]

Kreidal nods, following behind somewhat closely. He grimaces in reaction to the pace the Golem was walking - he wasn't THAT old yet. As the two slowly approach the shop, the ex-professor's ears twitching slightly in regard to Ms. Yearling typing away on her keyboard. Didn't want to interrupt that in respect of her work - even if Iris was already on that.

 

"Try not to loom over Ms. Yearling when we go over to politely collect Miss Iris. She might get the wrong idea - or you might give her inspiration as since she's quite the Adventure novelist. Either way, we'll need to be careful."

 

 

[Dear Sir Knight 11]

"Affirmative," Deorward boomed. The large golem then proceeded to make its way over to Crimson Iris & A.K. Yearling, each step loud and practically thunderous. Suffice to say, Deorward was being anything but subtle. The animated entity stopped once it was a respectable distance from the busy writer, facing Crimson Iris. "Miss Crimson Iris, Kreidal and this guardian are here to retrieve you before embarking towards the Professor, wherever he may be," the golem stated matter-of-factly.

(OOC: It is at this moment that I advise we wait for Foxx to post.)

[DawnOfNoob 46]

Professor Thornmantle facehoofs. HARD. He visibly cringes with each step the golem takes.

 

"Celestia forgive us...." he mutters under his breath.

[Frécinette 359]

Iris was busy "helping" the author with her story. "And then when he finally reaches the temple, he's getting ambushed by space ninjas and they lift the whole structure off with him inside you see. And when that happens, Princess Luna herself gave them chase in space until they all reach the ninjas' home planet and--". She got interrupted by the golem. "Oh, we're going ? Good. And hey ! " she turns back to the author "You're gonna tell me how it's going later, alright ?" she finished with a smile before leaving her side.

[Foxx 0]

By the time that Iris is finishing with her ideas for Yearlings novel, the mare was face hoofing hard. 'Professional demeanor, professional demeanor.' She gives Iris her best smile, "Oh course, you will be the first to-" She pauses see the golem looming over her. There is a flicker of recognition but it disappears as she gapes. "Oh my goodness, you are rather, big?" Plus loud, very loud as the shop clerk is peering over the counter to see what happens next. 

 

Yearling's gaze moves to their next companion, "Professor Thronmantle? I heard you were on the ship. You must forgive me for not seeking you out sooner. I was struck with inspiration and had to write it down." She gets up from her seat to shake his hoof. "Professor Sand Script told me about you."

[DawnOfNoob 46]

After the Automaton finished it's unsubtle approach, Kreidal slowly trots forward, nervous worry on his face early on before the Professor quickly composes himself, adjusting his glasses slightly upon arrival.

 

Needless to say, he was a little relieved at her reaction, and the Unicorn shakes her hoof with a smile.

 

"Good to see you as well Ms. Yearling. And first things first - I want to apologize for my companions' behavior. I did not wish to disturb you as you write your next novel. So...awkwardness aside - Script mentioned me in passing, hm? Anything I can help you with?"

[Frécinette 359]

Iris left the group to pay for a postal card with a satisfied smile on her face. "She's totally gonna nail that book." she launched to the shopkeeper.

[Foxx 0]

"Oh no," Yearling says, "no troubles. I was just writing a few scenes out. I don't know if Sand Script mentioned it but I was invited to be part of his expedition as well. He mention you by name and that  a few others would be traveling to see him in the Minotaur lands."

 

The cobalt mare behind the counter raises up as the golem does not seem to be interested in mayhem. To Iris she says, "No kidding. Ms. yearling is like the best author in all of Equestria. I can't believe she's flying with us to go see the tomb." She fan girls for a second. "Oh, two bits for the post card."

[Frécinette 359]

"Say what now ? A famous author ? Her ?" she asked while paying her. "Aren't you a little exaggerating ? I mean, she clearly has a long way to go with the kind of stories she writing, it lacks action. And space lasers.". She left on that last sentence to go back to the group.

[DawnOfNoob 46]

"Ah. So you'll be tagging along then? He certainly failed to mention that to me. Oh well. In any case, it'll be a pleasure to work with you. Suppose you've got talents besides writing best-selling novels to draw his attention."

[Foxx 0]

The cobalt mare gasps, "Oh my Celestia, you did not say that? Daring Doo is the most action pack series on the planet. A.K. Yearling is the bestest author ever." Apparently she is a dedicated fan. 

 

Yearling focuses her attention on the professor and golem. "From what I understand about the situation, Sand Script is calling all in all his favors and friends for help on this expedition." Yearling rubs her chin to put the next statement, "I've some experience in this sort of thing. Research and such, you see." Her face scrunches as she dances around the topic. 

[DawnOfNoob 46]

"Research, eh? How curious. Well, I suppose two historically inclined ponies are better than one." he says with a shrug. 

 

"Anyways, let's be off now...unless you feel the need to purchase more Postcards, Iris."

 

The unicorn trots back to the entrance of the shop, adjusts his cloak and glasses, gazing at the others expectantly behind his spectacled his purple eyes.

[Frécinette 359]

Iris left the shop, ignoring the shopkeeper. Clearly she drank too much coffee, there was nothing in the story she's read that could justify such hype.