"EQ Game Quest-Visit the Church of the Dark Gods of the Void."
By klimino (https://pastebin.com/u/klimino)

URL: https://pastebin.com/kSD6LQxR
Created on: Tuesday 20th of June 2017 08:06:42 PM CDT
Retrieved on: Sunday 25 of October 2020 03:45:32 AM UTC


On the notice board, is an odd note, written on black paper. “Volunteers needed for spiritual possession by our dark gods from beyond the void, at least three needed, both physical and spiritual rewards available.” as well as an address for the tenant fields to the west side of town.

It says the Tent you are looking for will be obvious once you see it.

Gary was looking over the noticeboard for anything useful. Usually this assbackwards town had something going on... And there it was. "Possession by dark gods? What in the nine hells is this shit?" Gary sighed and decided he may as well go put a stop to it, being a guard and all, so he flew off the the west side of town to find this apparently obvious tent 

Bayou cocks his head to the side as he looks over the odd note. He scritches his head a bit as he reads over it. "That...sounds concerning." He furrows his brow and then jumps slightly, seeing a Griffon mention it and then fly off. Well, at least it looks like there's interest in it. He adjusts his saddlebags and starts off in the same direction. The last thing they need is cults and dark gods popping up in a town already plagued by all manner of nasty entities. He was no adventurer, but someone has to put a stop to these things.

Daybreak was doing her daily, or somewhat daily jog through the town when she stopped at the notice board. The black note looked ominous and rather spooky. " Eh...pssh, I bet this is bull, I gotta see. " 
Daybreak heads off as well and sees a larger unicorn going in the same direction. She'd catch up with him and walk at his side. Up ahead was a griffon, but she couldn't tell who it was. They all look alike anyway. 


As the three curious Townsfolk went to the western tenant fields, they would take only a little wandering to come together at the entrance of quite the Tent.

Nearly three times as big as those around it, made out of what looked like black SILK, with gold inlays, and fake skulls and other occult symbols hanging off sticks and string all around it.

There was a note tied to the door, reading 'if here for job or life advice, enter, if not, please do not disturb.'

Gary landed in front of the tent and cocked his head "Is... Is it Halloween or something here? These skulls look fake as shit!" Gary went inside anyways. Stupid guard responsibilities... 

Bayou slows down to a stop a short ways outside of the tent. He looks to the other two and then nods at the tent. "You both here because of the notice, too, I guess?" He looks over the arrangements and decor on the outside. It put him a bit more at ease. He was worried it was some actual cult, but this looked less like what you'd see in a true cult gathering and more of what you'd see if you'd emptied the 'after-halloween-clearance-box' at a store. He watches the griffon enter and then nods to the mare. "I guess we'll follow him then, eh?"

She poked at one of the skulls and chuckled, " I think we have a goth among us. " she looks up to Bayou, " After you~" she steps back to go ahead and let him go before her, not wanting to run into any traps herself. 



Bayou smiles and then starts in. Might as well, right? He follows Gary into the tent, letting his eyes adjust to the atmosphere inside of the tent, and to try and take in whatever might be waiting for them inside Gothapalooza.

As the three enter, they would find most of the tent was cutoff from them by another large curtian or fabric going from the roof to the floor, mostly black but in the right light of the NUMEROUS candles everywhere, some sitting on more fake skulls, some on candle posts, they could see it had a purple shine.

Infront of them in the middle of the admittedly spacious front area, was a Blue-gray Unicorn mare with big ol round glasses sitting behind a counter, reading a large book intently, her face nearly touching it. 

She has not noticed you.

Gary looked around him and at the two ponies joining him. Guess the citizens got here before he could put a stop to this garbage. He deadpanned and said out loud, "Ma'am, I'm here to ask about the whole dark god possession thing, but I think what's more concerning here is that you have all these candles in a tent and it's a major fire hazard" 

Bayou looks at the candles and the fabric everywhere. He grimaces as he takes in the layout, his eyes finally settling on the mare with the round glasses. He looks over to Gary and then Daybreak, before letting out a cough. "Gary certainly has a point. You're less likely to get anyone possessed in here than you are just to set yourselves on fire." He then takes a few steps forward to tap on her book. "Also you might need new glasses if you have to read that close."


Suddenly the mare FLIPS OUT, clearly having not expected any visitors.
“huhwhawhowha?!” she says, falling backwards off her stool, dragging the large book off with her, to which she 'OOFS' as it lands on her.

“....ow....” she says between heavy breaths.

Gary just sits there and waits for her to compose herself. Fuck helping people and shieeeeet 

Day followed after the unicorn inside, welcoming the shade from the sun. While the griffon and unicorn confronted the mare, she instead observed the candles. She could totally use a few. As she reached out for one, she stopped when the mare fell over, retreating to an 'innocent' stance. " Easy there lady. " 

Bayou grimaces, glancing around to see if any candles were knocked over, hoping to snuff them out if they were. He then levitates the large book off of the mare to get a better look at it, curious as to just what she was so engrossed with in the first place. 

Seeing that neither boys were tending to the mare, she rolled her eyes and went to help her up. It's not like she wanted to or anything, " Come on, get up and explain yourself. " 



As the mare gets up, blushing as Day helped her, she brushes her dark blue mane back into place, getting back up and onto her stool. 

Bayou would notice the book has no title, and is in some form of pony latin.

“Er...uhh....h-hello? Im....I-am Misty Arch, t-the Curator of this church of t-the Dark void gods! H-how can I help you, umm....i-i didnt hear what any of you said...” She smiles sheepishly, trying to make herself smaller behind the desk, despite everyone being on the same side of it.

Bayou put the book to the side for now and gave Day a smile. It was good of her to help her up. He then looks at Misty Arch and tries to hold up the smile for her. This seemed to just be kids poking where they shouldn't be. "A pleasure to meet you, Misty Arch. I'm not sure about the others, but I came here to inquire about the notice you put up. Is there something going on with you and your church?" 

" Dark void gods? " she said with a raised eyebrow, stepping back to give her some room, " The name's Daybreak, the curator of ass-kicking. " after Bayou speaks she nods her head toward him, " What he said. There was a note up about possessions and stuff. "


“o-oh! The Notice!” Misty says, getting a bit more vibrant. “y-yes! See...err....uhm....w-well are you here because your in-interested in the offer then?” She looks around nervously, chewing on her bottom lip so hard you think she might bite through it. Clearly she was trying NOT to say more then was was allowed to.

Gary sighed and looked at her, pinching the bridge(?) of his beak "Alright, I know this is stupid and I'm going to regret it. I should be telling you to shut down immediately as a town guard but I'll go along with it for now" 

Bayou looked over at the griffon and chuckled. "Might as well see whats going on. Investigation is certainly part of the portfolio for law enforcement personnel, after all." He then looks to Misty and nods. "I'd like to see what this is all about. I"m curious as to what kind of church you're running, if you're willing to tell us about it."

" It's probably all fake anyway, like that witch from last night. " she scoffed, then looked at the griffon closer. She squinted her eyes at him, " Hey....Hey! You're that Booze Bird from last night! " she pointed then started to snort in laughter. " Oh wow, they sent you to investigate this? Hey lady, if you got any sacrificial wine or whatever, you better hide it now. " she laughed.

Gary gave the pony a sidelong glance "Sir, do you need medical attention? Something seems to be wrong with your voice" 

“O-oh! I assure you, everything here is legal!” She says with a wide, unconvincing grin, before suddenly pulling out three papers and quills. “p-please  f...fill these ou-out then! A-and no medical attention....i-im fine!”

The papers asked for name, date of birth, blood type, religion, if you had been cursed before, and if you had been blessed before.

Bayou looked over the paper and then started to fill it out. He couldn't help but snicker at the comment made by Daybreak as he worked over this. "Rather formal for a church. Most just take people into their fold. This isn't a church dedicated to bureaucrats, right?" He passes the form back across the desk to the mare. 

She was about to make a remark to the griffon but instead was handed hoofed over papers to sign. "Sure, sure..." she signs it; Daybreak, March 1st, Red, ch'yea right, does being a pony count as a curse? then gave it back to her. 

Gary took the paper silenty and began filling it out. Gary Motherfuckin' Oak, August 2nd, dunno, n/a, being here, and no.

As the mare looked over the papers, her eyes light up as she suddenly is half on the desk, face nearly touching Days.
“You worship Ch'yea too!? EEEEEEEEEEE!! finally someone else who understands and sees just how much better he is then the other Void gods!” She says, wrapping Day up in a tight hug.

Gary prodded the mare with his spear "Alright, we've agreed to do this but keep back unless absolutely necessary!" 

She's caught off guard by the sudden embrace and twitches. She looks to the other two with pleading eyes mouthing 'help'. 

Bayou jumps back at the sudden outburst, then starts to shake his head and snicker. "Well that's nice to know about you." He laughs again and then lets out a small sigh as he comes down from it. "So, Misty, care to tell us just what we're signing up f-" He looks over at Gary prodding at Misty with the spear. "Hey, hey, no need to just bust out a spear. We know you're a guard, but there isn't any assault going on at the moment." 

Gary gives him a 'Are you serious?' look "She asked us to come in here for some kind of dark god possession. You don't know what she could be up to." 

Misty whimpers like a puppy and draws back from the spear, suddenly terrified...and then slips backwards off the stool again, with another whimper as she hits the ground.

“p-please d-dont h-h-hurt me! I-im sorry please!” she says, covering her face, tears flowing down as she starts hiccuping.

Bayou gestures around at the decor, returning the look to the guard. "She's excited and just wants to tell us about it, it seems. If she was really planning to force people, she would have just kidnapped a few ponies and done it already." Bayou frowns deeply at the griffon and shakes his head. "No need to just pulling out weapons because you're a little nervous." 

She smirks at Gary, " Ooooo, you made her crrrrryy~ " she looks back to the unicorn mare and gives her a light pat on the head, " Hey, we're not gonna kill ya. Not unless you give a reason to...come on now, don't be a puss-er, cheer up? You can thrust your dark forces inside us if you want to. " 

Gary just had to laugh at that "Yeah, get this over with already. I have things to get back to and we're just stalling. Bring on these "Dark Gods" 

Bayou looks back at Misty and nods. "It'll be alright. We're not here to hurt you. We're just genuinely curious. Go on and tell us whats happening around here. We'll listen." 


Suddenly, the thick curtain separating the rest of the tent splits, two others coming up from the back.
One was an older looking Earth pony, his eyes showing bags from years little sleep, the cowboy hat on his head raw and old, as was his graying beard, and dark yellow fur. He looked gruff, but more like he belonged on a farm then a cult.

The other was a younger Pegasus mare, her face expressionless, her pinkish fur looking to be dyed  to look more bleak and gray, aswell as her dark purple mane tied up in a Long braid nearly touching the floor, an she was very much dressed as a goth like one would expect. 

Looking around at the scene, the Mare sighs, going over to Misty and laying down next to her, resting her head on the scared mare and saying 'shh shhh, its ok' over and over to her.

The stallion gives Gary a look of disgust, then swats his spear up and away from pointing at anyone.
“Git that damn thing outta my tent, you call yerself a man, swinging that damn thing around to scare folks?” He spits on the ground. “Git rid of it or git outta my tent, you coward.”

Misty starts calming down as the three try to reassure her, and slowly gets up, trying to regain her composure as she sniffs, fixing her glasses.
“th-these t-three are h-here about the n...notice...” she says, the new pegasus still brushing her mane and trying to keep her calm.

Gary Backs up and his feathers start to puff out in a threatening manner "You best unfuck your shit right now, old man! I came here to investigate some cultist crap that was talking about possession by some dark gods. You better feel so goddamn lucky I didn't immediately report your asses and get the Equestrian guard involved with this. I will not remove my weapon from the premises when for all I know you could be a bunch of crazy goddamn cultists that are gonna try to sacrifice us or some shit. Until I am sure you're no threat to the safety of this town, I will remain armed here" He finished yelling at the old man

Bayou takes a small step away from Gary and the farmpony. It wasn't his concern to get into a fight with them at this point. He then sighs, speaking up to the pegasus and Misty. "We came here because we were curious about the notice. Our guard friend just seems a bi-" He then looks over at Gary and then sighs. "Look, could you please stop escalating the situation? You pulled out your spear first. You prodded first. They're mad because you drew a weapon on them because you were jumpy. No need to just start shouting. I understand that you're a guard. We all understand that. We get it. That's why you have the spear in the first place. But can we talk first?" He then looks over at the old pony. "Please excuse him. He's a guard, and they're all rightfully jumpy around town after a few recent events regarding things out in the jungle. Ranging from old ruins to apparent demonic entities attacking the town, everyone is on edge. Lets just try to be civil for a bit." 

The Old man takes steps towards Gary til he is only a few inches from his face.
“Dark does not mean evil, we are a church not a cult, and Religion is protected by Equestrian law. Come back with a warrant, you dickless, disgusting coward. Never before have a seen a young welp who thinks so much of his own little mind. Now leave, or ill call the guards myself ta remove you from someones private home.”

The new mare slowly puts a hoof on Bayous shoulder, actually giving him a small smile, though when she speaks its still utter emotionless.
“Thank you for your kindness, if you and the mare would like to come into the back? We have refreshments and would be more then happy to explains things to friendly faces.”

Daybreak was in the background going through the stuff that was around the tent. A skull or two would make for some pretty funny pranks in town. When they started to quiet down, she'd pull away again from potential snatching and cleared her throat. "Praise Ch'yea? " she said with an unsure shrug and followed them to the back. 

Gary backs up a bit and comes down a tad from his anger "Yesterday I got sucked into a fucking book and had to fight a giant goddamn squid, solve puzzles, and chase some goddamn chest creature. I am not in the mood to be dealing with more weird shit right now. I'm sorry for my burst of anger but I'm new to this world and it seems like anything is goddamn possible here and I'm not willing to let my guard down. Again, I apologize and would like to see this through. I can leave my spear by the entrance but I cannot allow myself to go too far from it." He huffed out

Bayou sighs slightly as the events start to calm down. He adjusts his mane, blowing a bit of it out of his face before proceeding towards the back with the others. 

After a moment of staring him down, the old man hrmphs, but nods. “Very well, I suppose its best to get the guard off our back now anyways. Come, let us not waste more time. Oh, and Misty?” he says, giving her a kind smile. 

“You did good, the gods would be pleased. You can stay here, let yourself calm down.”

She nods to him ,and he and the pegasus lead them into the back.

The back was quite a spacious, open place, with another area cut off in the back with another large curtain, but otherwise one single, big room. Some would note it all seemed too big for what they saw outside, but couldn't be sure.

The room was lit by many more candles, those theses ones much more cleanly places. There were piles of books and trinkets, some metal symbols hanging off the walls none recognized. They would notice the obvious silly stuff like fake skulls and other 'typical fake cult stuff' was absent here, the atmosphere one much more serious, and a bunch of expensive looking, comfy looking bean bag chairs sitting in a circle around a, well, circular table with-

-oh the candle on the table was lit with blue flame and wasn't melting the candle at all. Also there was tea and biscuits on the table, with jam!

“Please have a seat, enjoy the snacks and feel free to ask us any questions you have, about us or the possession, which we assure you, is perfectly safe.” The pegasus says in her unemotional voice, sitting down in one of the chairs. “I am Timber Burn, and the old man is Gold Toe.” She says as she takes a drink of tea.

Gary goes and sets his spear by the entrance, leaving it there and walks into the room, sitting at the table.



Bayou looks around curiously. He debates on pulling out his recording journal, but decides against it. Now probably isn't the time. He leaves his saddlebags on as he takes a seat. "Thank you for having us, Timber, Gold. We were just concerned about what was going on, as anyone rightly would be. Personally I'd just like to know more about these gods of yours. Do you have a primer or holy text available to maybe point out who or what they are to us?" 

Daybreak heads for the biscuits first, stuffing a few in her bag and mouth. She chews, swallows and drinks some of the tea. Bayou looked to be the type that could ask all the right questions so she stayed mostly quiet. Looking to Gary, a biscuit in her mouth, she offers him one. The blue flame also caught her eye, thinking it was quite pretty and she wondered how it worked. 

Gary took the biscuit. "Thank you. Now, do the names Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, or Slaanesh mean anything to you? Because when you say dark gods of the void I'm immediately reminded of something from back home and I don't want Them in my head" He popped the biscuit in his mouth, done asking his autistic ass question 


Timber looks to Gary, and while she doesn't smile, he does see a glint in her eye for a moment, “No, and also, perhaps, yes.” she nods, turning to Gold who goes over to a pile of books and...with great effort, lifts like twenty different large tomes and sets them down next to Bayou.

“Our gods are many and old. They have come together, here, through many a religion and era. To Truly learn about them, it would take one a lifetime.” he says, leaning on the stack.

Timber adds in “But we can summarize it for you a bit, if you like?” she asks in her monotone voice.

Gary felt uneasy at that answer and shifted. He kept his mouth shut though.

Bayou looked over at the stack of books and raised his brows. "Well, this certainly seems like a lot to go through..." He then looks over at Timber and gives a nod. "Of course. Would it be alright if I took some notes as well?" He levitated out his journal and quill as he asked. 

She frowns at the books brought out, " Jeez that's a lot of reading. Hey, what's up with this candle over here? How's it doing that? "


“I dont see why not.” Timber says, before sitting up a bit more proper. “The Dark Gods of the Void are old and many, somewhere between a hundred and a thousand exist, depending on the time of year. They shift in and out of existence, and some split apart and recombine, you see. They protect all who worship and live in the night, in the darkness, protecting them from the evil flames of the light, which would ravage and burn away everything if not for them keeping the gate to the world of the void shut to those in the light.” she nods, taking a sip of her tea, eyes closed as she said it all.

Gold is the one that answers Day, once Timber has stopped talking. “Its Blue flame, magical. Burns a little less hot then normal flame, but lights up undead and ghosts up real good.” he shrugs, pulling out a flint that didn't look quite right. “Not sure all the methods myself, but we use a special flint to make ours.”

Gary rolled his eyes. They were dealing with goths "Alright, so when can we begin the possession thing?"


Bayou nods as he writes down his notes, hmm'ing a bit to himself here and there. He then looks up and smiles. "Okay then. So possession I assume is a temporary sort of communication between a physical vessel? Or is it a permanent situation? Just for clarification I mean."

" How much you selling them for? " she looks to the other two, " Er, I mean, the possession, yea, about that..." 

Timber opens her eyes, giving an oddly kind smile. “Possession is temporary yes. IT requires three, as sometimes the gods mind is too powerful for a single mind to handle. There only being three of us here, and wanting to write down what our gods have to say clearly, im sure you can see the issue?”

Gold blinks, looking at Day. “The flints? How much you offering?”

She leans over on a chair with a smirk, " How much you got? " if she had eyebrows, they would wiggle, " Five gold bits each sound good enough? " 

Bayou gives a soft nod as he jots down a few more notes, taking time to write a few things here and there in the sidelines of his journal. Finally he looks up as he tucks it away. "I see. Well, it wouldn't be the first voluntary possession I've sat in on. Not even the third, actually." He takes a deep breath and then lets out a sigh, looking at Timber firmly.. "I'll give it a shot, on the condition I get free access to your collection of holy tomes to read over in-depth later at my leisure, as well as a chance to look at the recorded notes of the possession. I'm a scholar by profession, and I feel that each of us would gain something of value in that. However, I can't and won't speak for the other two in this. Would my offer be considered a good trade for myself?"

Timber shrugs. “You cant take the books out of here, many are one of a kind, but sure, feel free to come back and read them if you want.”

Gold snrks, giving day a smirk.
“Seven and ill throw in a candle per Flint you buy.”

Gary was looking positively bored "Alright, so you're sure these gods will leave us alone when we're done with this? They won't take a liking to any of our minds?" 

"As long as I can come read over them, I'm fine with that, Timber."

Timber slowly turns to Gary, a almost impossible to see slight smirk on her face.
“Im sure You have nothing to worry about, Sir Guard.”

" Deal! " she takes out 35 gold bits for the five flints and candles. It was then she noticed what Bayou had said, " Whoa, you've seen someone get possessed before? " said the mare who's been possessed before and still doesn't remember it, " I'll have to ask you later how that went down. "


Gold nods, but doesn't take the money just yet. “We'll do business after tha possession.”
Timber nods. “Everyone ready then?”

Gary gives her a look "The smirk isn't comforting..." 
"But yes, let's get on with it" 

Bayou gives a firm nod. "As ready as I'll ever be." 

"Ready freddy!" She says with a raised hoof. 

Timber nods.
“Right, Gold?” 

Gold nods, walking over to a pile of stuff, and comes back with...a box? Opening it, theres little round chocolate candies inside. 
“Please take one, but dont eat it til we say so. There mint, dark, and regular, if you really care so much.”

The mare goes for the dark chocolate, " Awesome, candy! " she happily takes candy from the strangers. 

Gary nabs mint right away.

Bayou opens his mouth to say something then simply closes it, taking the last candy with his magic, holding it in front of himself. "Well...first time it's involved candy. This'll be a unique experience." 

Timber nods, and clears her throat. 
“now, close your eyes, and get comfy. When I say so, eat the chocolate.”

Bayou does as asked, relaxing his body a bit and waiting for the signal.

Gary gets as comfy as he can. Nervousness setting in even more.

Daybreak closes her eyes as well, breathing out her mouth. It was just like her meditation sessions only she will try not to fall asleep this time. 

As the groups does as they are told, they hears Timber humming a very sweet little beat, before suddenly singing. It was mesmerizingly good vocals, pleasant to the ears, despite being in some other language. After the short song, she says “Oh, Gods of darkness, Gods of the Void, protectors from the light, please, accept this offering of sweets, of medicine for your weary souls, and bless us with your presence, so we might learn of your wisdom! Eat the chocolates please!”

Gary pops it into his mouth and eats .

Bayou was almost too lost in the singing to actually notice the signal. But he was listening for the word chocolates, so as he heard it he pops the chocolate into his mouth.

Day pops it in as well.


As they down the chocolates, at first, they feel nothing. Then, suddenly they feel an odd sensation, nothing evil, or painful, but like something in their mind was pushing them aside to sit down next to them on a crowded bus, mumbling 'excuse me, sorry.' as it did.

And then they felt their mouths move on its own, and heard all three of them talking in unison. 

“Oh, hey! Been awhile since ive been summoned! I am Gorthox, The one made of eyes! Yo whats up, need something?”

They feel their eyes open, looking at Timber in unison, not in control of the action. Timber is actually showing VERY slight emotion, clearly a bit giddy. 

“Oh! Gorthox! Thought you weren't around this time of year! Wonderful! er....though im not sure what to ask.....”

“Oh, thats cool, just saw none of the others jumping in, thought id take the first turn then, heh.” Gorthox responds from all three of you.

[For note, you can still try and speak or look around yourself, or at least try to and such, if yo uwant to see what happens.]

Gary tries to speak out "Made of eyes? Seems like it'd be fun to poke you!" 

Bayou felt apprehension give way to giddiness. Didn't want to interrupt, however, trying to keep himself open. He figured it would be like trying to talk over someone in a telephone call. That'd be a bit rude. 

Gary is allowed to talk, but afterwards feels his mouth talk on its own again in unison with the others.
“Well, I mean, if you like poking peoples eyes I guess?” they all three then shrug together.

Day felt odd about this and tries to look down at her hooves. " Hey, Gorthox, right? Don't do anything weird to my body! " 


Day is able to do so, though a moment later her head snaps back up, as all three laugh in unison as they put a claw or hoof on their chest.
“Oh, you dont have to worry about that from me. Now Stylusus? She might try and get you to dye your mane pink-err, pinker, or something, but she only exists two days out of the year.”

Timber speaks up. “Oh! I know! OG great Gorthox, whos eyes shine like stars, can your many eyes spot where the amulet of the many is hidden?” 

They all feel themselves turn to Timber, and talk. “Well lemme see....” and then their vision changes, as they suddenly are seeing too many places all at once to be able to make them out, before their vision returns to normal. “Its to the south, all I can say, youll know the place when you spot it!”

“Oh, thanks!” Timber says, and you feel yourselves shrug. “No problem, but I gotta jet, bye folks!”
And then you feel your minds return to normal, aswell as control.

“Oh, that was wonderful! Ready for another!?” Timber says, hers eyes lighting up.

Bayou blinks as he smacks his lips. "Huh...that was interesting. I'll need to find out who made that chocolate." He then grins at Timber and nods. "Absolutely. Lets see who else comes to chat on the elder god hotline." 

Gary took a deep breath "I was about to actually flip out about the whole possession thing being real, but... That was one of your gods? He puts his talons on the table and started clacking them, thinking of how to say this nicely "He didn't seem very godly... But lets keep going. Maybe there's more interesting ones than a giant eyeball made of eyes or whatever it was" 

Once gaining control of her body again she holds herself for a moment, " ...ahaha, wow...ahaha that was weird..." she holds her head, " It didn't feel bad....we can try another? " 

“Sure!” Timber says, and suddenly Gold is holding out another thing of chocolate. “careful, Misty gets creative with these, think this batch has one with a bit o chilli in it...”

Bayou grins cheerfully. "I'm a fan of spicy things, myself. Here's to hoping I snag it." He picks one at random, holding it in front of himself in the readied position. 

She smiles, " My brother liked those. Chili powdered chocolate that is. " she takes one having fond memories of her family as she does. 

Gary takes one hoping it's not the chili one. Chocolate and chili sound god awful.


Timber takes them through the same process, singing and all, before they eat the chocolate again. Day got the chili one, noting it was more chili then chocolate.

This time, they feel like someone politely asked them to nudge over, then took what little space was given.

“Hello! I am Varania! The queen of the last ice star! I-oh man.” the trio starts coughing “off, of man, really? Chili? That much? Oof.” Suddenly everyone is looking at days hoof, and then suddenly a bit of ice forms on it, and everyone's sucking on their claw or hoof as Day sucks on the ice, noting the taste of chili disappear instantly, before they all stop.

“Sorry about that, oof, that was horrible! Now, what is it you wish of my magnificence?” 

Timber nods, tapping her chin, but its Gold who talks. “Hello your majesty, thank you for the visit. Hows the frontlines doing?”

everyone frowns, shrugging together. “Well enough, those of the light are fools and idiots, but far from weak. We have held the gates shut for countless eons, and we will for another few at least.”


Gary finally decides to question it "What is this dark against the light? Why do you all hate the light so much?" 

Bayou coughs a bit at the taste of his own hoof. Yeesh. Dirt tasted bad. He keeps an ear open to listen to what Gary asks, rather curious about the concept himself. 

Day would make a disgusted look on her face if she could control it. She's used that hoof to trot all over the place and punch faces! Who knows where it's been. When Gary asked his question she would try and nod, " He makes a good point, I like being able to see. "


They all feel themselves 'hmph' a bit, turning their heads to the side and crossing their frontal limbs. 
“They started it. Trying to burn away all the Void and Reality Tears. Really, the void is our home, you dont walk up to someones home and try to burn it away, and I wont hear no excuse of 'but its taking space for more planets and stars!' PUH-LEASE, we made the first life, deep in the waters, and they didnt need light! And fire, FIRE! They burn their own side of things, to DEATH! Its so uncontrollable and- and EVIL!”

They all throw their arms up in the air, all their faces one of grumpiness.

“Now Now, its alright...” Gold said with a nod, and they all felt themselves calm down. “Oh, right, sorry, its a touchy topic.” Varania says through them.

Bayou tries to speak as he hears this, his curiosity piqued. "So what's it like, living in the void? Is it an afterlife or just a plane of existence?"

Gary again speaks up "Are there any violent void gods we should be worried about getting inside us?" 

"Yeesh...no kidding. Tho...that's kinda interesting. Sounds like you guys did a lot than just...make the dark. " 


“But of course!” they all speak together. “And bah, theres always a few violent types in any group, Right Gary?” They say, looking and smiling at Gary, besides Gary of course, who is looking at the his own chest instead.

“Well, mind if we ask you a question now, your majesty?” Gold pips in, to which everyone smiles and nods to him. Golds face gets stern. “Anything bad coming our way? Coming in the towns direction?” 

Everyone sighs, before giving the older stallion a serious look. “Yes, but you know the rules do- oh! Sorry, I gotta split, Helmar the Conqueror of species just knocked a moon out of place. Again. Honestly, that man...” And suddenly everyone is free of the consciousness.

Bayou snaps to and then sticks out his tongue in a look of unspleasantness. "Maybe a bit of warning before I shove a hoof in my mouth...." He shudders and then sighs. "Alright then. Did we have another one lined up?" 

Gary shakes his head "That comment about violent gods... You can force them out if they don't feel like leaving, right?" 

Timber taps her chin a bit, then shrugs. “Probably? Never come up, actually.” She smile ever so slightly to Bayou. “Well....we do have one more set of chocolates....”

Bayou looks over at Gary. "Well, I'd be willing for one more if you're willing to sit through it. I'm a little more than curious at this point, and so far we haven't dealt with anything terribly malicious yet."

Gary just sighs "It hasn't been bad so far. Let's do it." 


Gold nods, getting the last box of chocolate. “nothin too special bout these ones, so....”

Shrugging, he watches as Timber sings her song again, then they eat the chocolates.

This time though, they feel a force basically force itself down next to them, like a rude hobo on a bus.

“I am Tornax, King of the infinite Abyss, Who summons me!” They all say, standing up and stomping their hooves or talons.

Timber doesnt really react, bowing slightly. “Oh Tornax, the great, we humbly ask for your time, so we may ask and learn from you.”

Everyones rubs their chin, but nods, sitting down. “Very well, I accept your offering, but im eating some tea.” And before anyone can question it, they all pick up a tea cup, and their mouths stretch,not painfully, hell it densest even feel different at all, to allow them to eat the teacup whole.

“now- oh wow, that is some marvelous tea!” you three say, slamming a hoof or fisted claw down on the table.


Gary tries to blanch but fails at it "Did I just eat a goddamn teacup?!" 

Bayou is instantly uneasy at the fact that he will have to deal with digesting a teacup. He tries to give Gold and Timber a worried look and speak. "I-I'm not gonna die of internal bleeding now, right?"

Day flinched after the fact, " Whoa! Okay I changed my mind, what else can you make me do? "


They both suddenly laugh, slapping their own knee. “nonsense mortals, for while I am here, you have all the stomach power of my greatness!” you then burp. “Ah, see? Already digested!”

Smiling at Daybreaks question, they all suddenly reach for the Tea POT itself, but Timber puts a hoof on it.

“I beg your pardon Tornax, but I humbly ask you to not devour the expensive pot.” Everyone pulls back, nodding. “Right, got carried away, sorry.” He says through everyone.

Gary is honestly surprised "When it said dark gods on the notice, I expected us to be possessed by some evil entities that would speak a bunch of maddening gibberish about the hunger of laughing gods or something" 

Bayou felt a wave of relief wash over his side of his brain. "That's definitely reassuring. Honestly makes me a bit more comfortable about all of you. If you ever feel like taking a body out for a stroll, Tornax, just find me." 

She's slightly disappointed she didn't get to eat the tea pot but pays it no mind, " Yea, I didn't think it would happen but...here we are. Heh, can you imagine all the cool shit we could do like this? You've almost got a follower in me! ....er, almost, heh. " 


“Unfortunately no puny mortal mind is powerful enough to- wait, what? You dare think us nothing but evil? Hah, how small and puny your mind must really be!” They all laugh, pointing at Gary, including himself.

Clearing your throats, you regain your composure. “But no, we must have three, focused minds to come here like this. Too many distractions such as the rest of the town might provide, may not allow for it. It is the curse of having the gates closed, but it is how things are.” you all clap your claws or hooves together rubbing them. 

“Now, what do you desire from my greatness!?” Timber goes to open her mouth, but suddenly you all snap....even those with hooves, temporarily growing a smaller hoof on your hoof to allow this to happen. “Wait no! I know what you all need! Weapons!” And suddenly all three of you are vomitting up a full length greatsword, the metal orangeish red and looking kinda like chit-chin, then handle and guard made of leather with faces on it, before suddenly there is three identical blades way too big for any of you to use or carry cluttering the table.

“Hah! Now THAT is a gift!” you all put your limbs on your hips, nodding with pride, as Timber actually looks like shes holding back laughter.

Bayou has absolutely no words. He has no idea how to feel about this at all. He just vomited up a greatsword. A goddamn greatsword. No one is going to believe this. ... Okay, yeah, it's weird enough that most of the town will believe this. Especially the crowd he hangs out with.

Gary is actually interested "I'd actually be delighted in a new weapon! My spear is a bit worn down, but these... These weapons are a tad too large* 

“nonsense! This is the perfect size for a Gornak Warrior to use!” You all say, pointing to the swords.

Bayou tries to speak after coming to terms with the fact that he did in fact vomit up a greatsword. "Well, if it's light enough I might be able to use it with my magic. But I am only a unicorn, after all." 

Gary stares at the great quality weapon infront of him, badly wanting one "Well, I'm a gryphon. Much smaller. This thing would just make me fall over"


Grumbling, you all pick up the blades and swallow them. “Fine, ill find you something more fitting your weak, puny forms!” you all tap your chins, thinking, before snapping again, growing the necessary parts to do that temporarily and all that.

“I got it!” You all start vomiting up a new weapon, made of similar look and materials, but this one basically a two handed cleaver, but easily manageable as a two handed weapo-

“This is the sidearm of the great Tealnar people, used when their main weapon is lost or broken! Do this single handed weapon proud!” You all nod, and then feel yourself free of the presence. 

Timber nods, able to tell its over. “Well, always interesting when he shows up, but never too productive. I apologize if it got a bit...strange, near the end.” He says, back to her more emotionless self.

Gary shakes his head at that and immediately makes to crab the cleaver "This thing in magnificent! I could cancel that order for a halberd and save myself some gold!" 

Bayou looks at the cleaver and then levitates it up with his TK, looking over it. "I'm not expert but this...well, this is a lovely parting gift, to say the least." He then looks over Timber. "Well, you've got yourself another follower. Any way I can be of further service to all of you?"

Timber blinks. “Wait...what?” she says, showing genuine shock. “...you.....really want to join our church...?”

Gold was already rummaging in the back, and comes back, planting a sack of 13gb,13,sb, and 13cb infront of all three of you. “Regardless, you earned yer bits. 13 of each, the holy number. Keep tha Cleavers too. Gift from the god meant fer you, so not ours to touch.”

Gary actually takes a second to look at the hilt of the weapon "The screaming faces are a bit off-putting, but it is a wonderful gift! So you think there's any sort of magical properties or is it a plain weapon? Besides the being vomited out bit" 

Gold shrugs. “Tornax is known for liking a...straight forward approach. Probably not magical, but dont think'll break, chip, or lose edge on ya anytime soon.”

Bayou nods a bit and smiles. "Your religion fascinates me. I want to learn more, and your deities don't seem remotely as bad as we had originally perceived. Although...perhaps we should change up your signage a bit?" Bayou smiles as he takes the sacks of bits given to him, placing them squarely in his bag. "I can also put you in the archives at the Culture and History department of the embassy, if you aren't registered there already. I work there, and can put in a word for you with Professor Heart." 

Gary actually takes a second to think on it "Y'know... This whole thing doesn't seem to bad, and the gods aren't terrible like I thought. I know my behavior earlier was terrible, but I wouldn't mind getting to know more about the Void. I could also help you guys cover up anything, being in the guard. Not to say you will or have done anything bad" 
"I quite liked that Tornax, King of the infinite Abyss fellow"


Timber blinks, slowly nodding.....”we are registered, but no ones accepted any paper work from us besides that....i.....Thank you.....” she then tilts her head a bit “But...whats wrong with our signage?”

She then gets up, walking over to Bayou and giving him a hug. “welcome to the family.” She says, with actually a slight hint of positive emotion in her voice.

Gold nods to Gary. “Glad we could change yer mind. Feel free to come back anytime you three, but we do have some work to do. You dont get a warning from the gods and ignore it, but such things require concentration and someone with more experience.”

Timber nods. “Yes, but please, do come back, the doors always open!”

Bayou smiles and bows his head respectfully. "I'll meet up with you later to maybe discuss your PR approach. Might get a few more people in." He chuckles and then hefts the cleaver, starting out. As he leaves, he smiles at Misty Arch. "You all are so very nice, by the way. I appreciate you all taking the time to tell us about you religion. I'll happily be a part of it." He then holds the tent open for the other two to depart.


On the way out, Gary turns back "I'll talk to you guys later! If you ever need help ask at the embassy for me or try to find me in the MJ at night" He finishes and continues walking out, his new cleaver on his back.

Misty, still a bit squeamish, nods as they leave, clearly at least open to the idea of giving them a chance.

Timber nods to Bayou, “Sure, that sounds good to me! We usually have a meeting once a week on Friday nights, but feel free to come back any day!”

With that, they leave the tent, surprised to find the sun nearly gone.