Equestria is a land of magic, joined by the allied Crystal Empire in more recent history, a nation built upon the principles of Harmony, Unity, and Friendship. Where ponies and other races may join together for a common cause, bringing about grand cities and close-knit towns. Where ponies may discover their destiny and pursue their dreams, show by a cutiemark that guides their lives. Following the three Divine Lights that are the holy sisters Celestia and Luna, joined by the crystal princess Cadance.
Yet this land is also a place of danger and uncertainty, with a long past where legends and folklore can prove true with the appearance of many threats long forgotten. Also, not all believe in the ideals taught by the Divine Lights, that of Harmony and Friendship, selfishly following their own path without concern for others. With power to be gained and ancient secrets discovered not all is as it seems. Celestia’s divine Light hiding many things over the millennium she ruled alone as well as time before with her beloved sister. The Times of Discord, that of Eternal Night’s Fall, the Tyranny of the Shadow King, this and more that have revealed themselves to but a few.
Now, with such examples as the Paragons of Harmony and heroes older still record in lore, adventurers and others have come forth in to find adventure and fortune. To gain fame or infamy, uncover knowledge and lost artifacts of the past, to fight monsters and villains that others would tremble in fear at.
Will you follow the call? That of adventure in an age where friendship is taught yet darkness and regrets can be found, of dangers and monsters, secrets and mysteries. So much can be found for the curious and strong of heart, the timid and the brash, the elegant and the hardworking.
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Morning, June 18, Equestria
3 days until the Summer Sun Celebration
It was a normal day for many in Equestria, though for some things would be getting a lot more interesting. In each of the major cities, there was a central board in which ponies or other creatures might find bounties, job placements, and assignments offered by the city guard or others for all those willing to brave the dangers such offers and bits could bring.
Often times, they were small offers while others were grand yet beyond the ability of all but the most elite of adventurers. Whether it was offers of guarding traders going beyond Equestria and into Saddle Arabia, the Griffin Kingdoms, or the Badlands to that of taking care of monsters threatening the borders or settlements. Even that of more personal ventures such as private investors seeking aid in finding lost ruins or some long forgotten place. Admittingly, some days could also be more then a bit bare with no current offers available.
For many adventurers, they were taking a break to see what the cities of Equestria had to offer in ways of relaxation or entertainment. Today though was special, since it was three days before the Summoner Sun Celebration and there was many things that needed to be done in preparation so the central boards were filled with offers from ponies trying to seek aid from any willing. Even the city guard were making quite the offers for additional protection, information, and assignments in preparation of such an important event.
In sun-kissed gardens,
A warrior meditates,
Beauty bringing peace.
There was just something about gardening that appealed to Lightning Strikes. The gentle cultivation and respect for nature bringing such profound beauty and peace really sang in the pony's breast. While he was, at best, a rank amatuer when it came to the fine art of gardening, he never missed an opportunity to appreciate the art of a master. Canterlot had some of the finest gardens in all of Equestria, and he could stay here for days.
Sadly, the peaceful lot of a gardener's life was not for him, at least, not yet. One day, when he grew older, or perhaps took a wound that time would not heal, then he would set aside the sword for the spade. Until that day, he had a duty to stand against the chaos that always loomed, threatening to destroy all peace and all beauty. He was not so idealistic as to think he could ever defeat the Chaos, anymore than a pony could hold back the tide. However, that did not mean he should not try.
Rising to his hooves, Lightning shook out his long, dark mane and tail, allowing them to catch the wind and drift behind him as he walked over to his sword. A strange luminescence enveloped the scabbarded blade as it levitated over and slide into the belt around his midsection. Armed once more, the warrior began trotting toward the city's central boards, to see what supplication of need would catch his eye.
Leaving green gardens,
The warrior canters forth,
Seeking destiny.
Having sat down to stare at Canterlot's central board over a half hour ago, Star Walker seems to be making no attempt to leave. His green eyes seem intent on burning a hole in the board, his saddlepack lying to the right of him. He mumbles under his breath, scanning the board for what seems to be the thousandth time.
After awhile, he sighs, shaking his blue-maned head. He begins to stand up, only to step wrong and collapse back in front of the board. "Well, I should've seen that coming. Been sitting so long, even my good legs are asleep. Let's try this again." He slowly, shakily stands up and smiles. "Much better. Now I c-"
He then quickly shifts his expression to a frown. "Aand...I'm talking to myself again." He sighs then closes his eyes for a few moments, whispering almost silently.
Fluttering leaflets,
Each laden with urgent needs,
Petals of desire.
Lightning trotted up toward the boards, his expression neutral as he took in the scene. Ponies everywhere, looking over the flyers, attempting to find glory, a good story, or just a chance to help. And, of course, there were mercenaries. Those ponies who sought, for whatever reason, to make their fortunes. Perhaps there was a grove to be purchased, or a lover's parents to impress. The reasons were as varied as the quests pinned to the boards above.
One pony did catch his eye, however. An underweight stallion unicorn who looked... Frail, with a malformed back leg and an unsteady stance. Still, he bore the accoutrements of an adventurer. Curious. He was a unicorn, so his strength could be in the power of his magic and not as much in his body, but still. He hardly looked the part of an adventurer. Interesting.
Lightning cantered over to the unsteady stallion and lowered his head in greeting. "Forgive my intrusion into your studies. I merely wished to offer you a drink of water and perhaps inquire as to the nature of quest you were looking for on this lovely day." A gentle glow enveloped the white unicorn's waterskin as it floated over to the darker, blue grey stallion.
Strangers on the road,
A greeting made of water.
Each searching for what?
Edited: Corinthi on 10th Feb, 2016 - 12:30am
Star Walker looks the new arrival up and down for a moment before speaking. "A fellow adventurer, a knight of many roads! You are not interrupting anything at all!" He looks at the water, eyeing it intently, seeming to be making a decision. Finally, he speaks again. "Thank you, stranger. I think I'll take your offer." He puts some water in his muzzle, swishes it around, then swallows it. "Haven't had water in quite a few days. I don't really need it to survive..." He taps the ring on his front left leg with his front right hoof. "...but this thing doesn't do anything for dry mouth."
He then looks back at the board. "The type of quest I'm looking for? Well...mainly whatever I can be the most help in that other volunteers couldn't. I like a lot of things at night, especially, but I wouldn't want to take a job where others could be more beneficial. And some of these are...well...not beneath me per se - as I would be willing to do practically any of the jobs if they helped others - but more...stuff that could wait when there are more pressing matters. And I wouldn't mind taking one of the higher-paying ones, as I know quite a few places that could use some more bits." He closes his eyes and lowers his head sadly. "Some good ponies and places fall on bad times, you know? Sorry If I'm rambling."
A gift of water,
Met with appreciation.
Rain soothes the desert.
Lightning's gaze traveled down to the band encircling the other pony's fetlock, eyebrow arching with interest. Some mystical artifact that freed a pony from the need for water? While undoubtedly useful in desperate situations, why would one deny themselves the delight of drink in Canterlot, with it's many beautiful fountains and crystal clear water? Perhaps this pony was a recent arrival, or perhaps they simply didn't think of such things, finding delight and pleasure in other things. Regardless, it was a fact that the pale pony tucked away for some other time.
"Seems both a logical and sound method for finding a quest, not unlike my own selection process. A worthy challenge that will test my mettle for the benefit of those unable to defend themselves." He turned to face the dizzying array of choices, "And please do not feel it is blood and conflict I seek. The very best solutions are the ones that don't require a blade. I am simply often disappointed by the lack of good solutions." A ghost of a smile curved the swordpony's lips."I am called Lightning Strikes. It is a pleasure to meet a fellow adventurer, rather than a base mercenary."
Pleasantries exchanged,
Under the warm morning sun.
Adventure awaits?
"It is nice to meet you, Lightning Strikes. You seem to have a philosophy I can agree with." The blue-grey unicorn extends his hoof towards Lightning Strikes with a smile. "My name is Star Walker. I am glad you are no mere sellsword as well. Violence is hardly ever the number one solution, even when it is the only one, but sometimes..."
Star Walker sighs and looks back at the board. "The jobs that ask to prevent violence often require violence. Sometimes you have to get your hooves dirty. I prefer talking problems out, or finding more...creative solutions to outright combat."
Edited: starshield on 14th Feb, 2016 - 6:06am
With many choices, there was yet three choices that stuck out the most. Three that showed the most promise. Sure there was monsters within the Everfree Forest to fight, bandits, and criminals, along with less interesting choices. Still each of those there at the board would have the chance of what could best fit their talents.
There was an official notice, signed with the seals of the royal guard and the Church of the Celestial Sisters. It would read as follows:
In search of adventurers strong of heart and of faith, to seek out those of insidious intent and heresy against the Church. Those willing to work with the royal guard in finding cultist activity within Canterlot. Volunteers will receive fair compensation for the help and aid they provide.
Please go to the Temple of Sisters and seek out Mother Evening Star.
The second choice was an expedition to Saddle Arabia seek out the entrance of the City of Brass with a notice that read as follows:
A caravan seeks adventurers willing to act as bodyguards in an expedition into Saddle Arabia seeking the City of Brass, as funded by the Royal Archeological Society. Those willing to take up such a task will have the thanks of the Celestial Sisters and be compensated both at the beginning of the journey and on their return to Canterlot.
Finally, perhaps the most intriguing notice could be seen as it was a bit more mysterious then the others yet with a unequaled payout for those willing to take it on. The notice would read as follows:
Adventurers need for a private venture in seeking out a relic of Equestria's past, one which may well give insight on Her Eminence Luna and her past. Willing to cover all expenses as well as pay well for aid. Discretion asked as there may be those who would seek to prevent the relic's discovery or to take it for themselves and it is asked that all farther inquiry be sought personally.
It was signed by a Mythos Gray, Head Researcher of Equestrian History and Ancient Studies with directions to head to the Research Department of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.