"EQ game Quest- The Buffalo Cave and the Thieves" By klimino (https://pastebin.com/u/klimino) URL: https://pastebin.com/Y062Bqtc Created on: Sunday 9th of July 2017 08:57:26 AM CDT Retrieved on: Sunday 25 of October 2020 03:45:01 AM UTC It was a long walk to the hilly plains below the mountains, the canopy of the jungle only offering so much protection from the heat above, as the two towns folk, Day and Gary, made their way back to the Buffalo Tribe from before, Day to take up He of Rocks offer, and Gary for his own, more personal reasons. However as they entered into the great vast plains, they came across a small problem, that being the fact that the tribe were nomads, it took a good bit of time going south before they ran into them, but as they approached, the two guards at the entrance to the camp stepped forward to block their path, but a familiar voice suddenly piped up from behind them. “Easy fellas, they're friends...well, at least one of them is.” Turning, Rocks stood with a smirk as he nodded to the guards, who stepped back. “Heya Day, wasn't expecting to see you here so soon.” He chuckled, walking up and between the two as he lead them into the camp, similar as it was before in setup. This shit was already off to a bad start when the buffalo got between him and Day, causing him to cast a glare at him, but he'd keep his mouth shut for her sake and for his own reason for being here Day had a grin on her face when she saw the young buffalo and galloped forward raising a hoof up for a hoof bump with him. " Heya Rocks, I couldn't wait to come back I guess. " she followed him in, " So what's on the agenda for this mountain, eh? " Rocks does indeed bump her hoof. “Well, depends! Really theres too much to see in one day, but I doubt your planning to stay here that long.” he says with a smile. “Lemme see..nearby is....theres a few old outposts around, from who knows how old, pretty neat, but pretty run down, heh. I know of a couple of cave, but ah, not for the faint of heart.” He says with a smirk. “hmm...i could show you the path we take to get to the grasslands on the other side ooorrrrrr...” He smiles, pointing a hoof at her. “We could just be idiots and wander around aimlessly looking for something new, eh?” He blinks, looking at Gary. “or...all three of us I guess? You're....Gary right? The angry one?” he smirks, and holds a hoof out to the griffon. Gary looked at the hoof with a quirked eye, wondering if he should take it for a few seconds. He eventually took the hoof and shook it, not even wondering is that's what the buffalo wanted to do, "Yes, I'm Gary, the... 'angry one'" He air quoted. She had to think to herself on all the choices, " Wait, not for the faint of heart? You're not calling me a chicken are you? Pssh, let's go to the caves then, I ain't scared of no damn cave. " she scoffed. Seeing Rocks smirk to that just made her want to go even more. Rocks smiled and nodded as Gary took his hoof, chuckling at the air quotes. “Well, first step to improving yourself is admitting you have a problem!” He said with a big ol nod, turning back to Day. “Well, I say that because they're dangerous, found a wyvern in one once, not fun to chase off.”He smirked, shrugging a bit. “But after what you did last time? Hardly call you a chicken, miss 'Slayer of Giants.' “ And suddenly, from behind, a large shape comes up to Day, and her vision goes black as something is dropped on her head! Buuut, Gary and everyone else would see the Chief step up with a smirk, holding something that looked pretty ceremonial, as two female buffalo gave Gary a 'shhh' with their hooves. Gary would see Chief Break Necks drop a large, fancy headdress onto Days head, juuuust a bit too big for her, so it slid forward over her eyes. Luckily it didnt weight much, despite being almost as tall as she was. Besides the fancy tribal decorations, the leather of the thing was etched with scenes of Day climbing and defeating the statues. Snorting a bit as it was put on Day, Rocks yelled “SURPRISE!” Gary couldn't help but glare at the headdress. Day getting all the glory for defeating all three statues herself? What in the hell was this?! He could already feel his feathers and hackles raising, but he kept himself in check again. He should be happy for her, getting rewarded. He couldn't be a glory hound. He just huffed and watched, hanging back. Day blinked then flailed, ready to beat someone's ass whoever did this shit to her. Oh no, she wasn't going to be caught by squirrels again! Or buffalo! Or whoever! " Who?! What?! " she blinked when she felt something heavy on her head and lifted the thing above her eyes so she could see, " Uhhh....what? What's this? Gary, what's on my head? Is it alive? Dead? " "It's a headdress and it shows you killing the three statues. Guess you're a bit of a hero or something to these guys for the fight?" He shrugged his shoulders as best he could. Guess they were here for a celebration too! " E-eh? But...it wasn't just me. " she looked to Rock with a tilted head, " Yea he's a bit crazy but..." she took hold of the griffon's talon and pulled him forward, " He helped too, and Homily! But I think if I brought him along I might have another angry griffon on my ass..." Gary was slightly surprised at suddenly being pulled forward into the spotlight, looking around nervously but with that little glare of his "No, no, Day, this is your celebration!" He said, starting to back off. She yanked him and growled through her teeth, " No, you idiot it's ours. Now shut up and take it. " she turned back to the buffalo with a grin. the buffalo all chuckled, while the chief laughed loudly, patting Day on the back. “Relax little one, its only a headdress! Its to honor you, for your aid, manners, and skills, as is on our Tribes Honor and in Thanks, we have awarded you the name 'Slayer of Giants', may you use the name with grace and pride!” The Chief says with a nod as the other buffalo clop-clap their hooves and cheer. Rocks smirks as Day responds to it, shrugging, but before he can speak his father does. “Aye, and your friends were rewarded, and thanked. But a name is not earned simply for a deed, or for aiding, but for showing TRUE skill, whether in battle or something else.” “Once we heard the tale from the old spirits of the mountain, it was clear while all three fought valiantly, only you had shown the, ah, tact worthy of earning a name. “ Rocks said with a shrug, frowning a bit “Your friend Homilys condition showed that.....” He shook his head, and got a smile back on his face. “but anyways, 'Slayer', I am honored to be here as your Name was presented to you.” he said with a small bow. One of the female Buffalo smirks a bit. “You're lucky, We were thinking of giving you then name 'Monkey of the Mountain', But He of Rocks was VERY against that.” Day blushed at all the attention. Usually when she got this much it was negative so she felt uncomfortable in the situation, bowing her head and backing down a bit, " A-ah...th-thanks...ahah..." the headdress flopped over one of her eyes and she looked up with the other one at the griffon for a moment before blushing harder and clearing her throat, " W-well then! Um, about that cave! Yes. " Gary nodded and elbowed Day, gesturing forward with his head and backing off, "It's your day, 'Slayer'" He smirked at the name. this cute little ball of punk being called Slayer? Rocks laughed, as the Chief gave her another pat and the crowd dispersed, clearly aware of her embarrassment from the chuckles and giggles. “Of course of course, come then ill lead us out....you too I assume Gary?” He asked the Griffon with a smile. Gary just gave him a look like, 'Are you serious?' Of course he was going with them... "Yes, I'll be going with you as well. Can't very well have Day getting into trouble without me around to watch her klutzy ass" He said teasingly, hoping she was in ear shot. " Whut. " she glared back at him, her ear swiveling in his direction. She gave him a light warning hit to his leg, " I am not a klutz..." she pouted. Rocks chuckled at the exchange. “Well, glad to see Day has someone willing to look out for her, even if she probably doesn't need too much of it.” He said chipperly with a nod. “OH and Day? You, uhhh, can leave the headdress here if you want...” he said with a smirk, seeing it slip over an eye again. " O-oh! Right! " She took the headpiece off and placed it to the side, still having a sheepish look on her face. This Rocks guy was kinda cool, how old was he again? she wondered. " I'm ready when you are! " “Right!” Rocks said with a nod, and lead them out and into the grass plains, giving a nod and telling one of the guards where they would be. As they slowly made their way around and over the hilly plains, Both Day and Gary would see Rocky constantly looking around, seemingly ever vigilant for something.“Now, I gotta warn ya,” He said as they got to the base of the mountain, stopping and turned, a serious expression showing through, “Before we climb, I should ask, how much experience do you guys have spelunking?” Day tilted her head " Spel-what? " she rolled her eyes, " Whatever it is, I can totally handle it....I think. Sounds gross. " Gary shook his head, "I've got none. Never really been into caves" He gave a shrug and turned to Day "It just means cave exploring, Day!" He explained to her " OOhh! In that case, I've got some of that down since I've been here! " she grinned. Rocks nods as he listens, his face lighting back up a bit. “Well, ill make sure to go first then, so you guys can see which path to take, once we get inside!” He nods, and leads them up and into the rocky mountains. It would be a bit more, them doing a well bit of climbing, before they turned a corner, a large, obvious Cave entrance suddenly before them and into the mountain side, surprisingly a small camp with equipment already setup. Rock blinks, and suddenly holds a hoof out between him and Day and Gary, a stern look on his face. “Wait...there not supposed to be a camp at this one....somethings not right...” He backs up a bit, forcing them to follow back around the corner as he turns to them once out of sight. All silliness is gone from his eyes, his face quite stern. “Damnit, look, I gotta see whats going on, our tribe....has stuff, in that cave, so this isnt something I can ignore.” Gary actually gave him a concerned look. It'd be pretty bad if they were to return and Rocks here was killed, especially with his reputation, "You sure you should go alone in there? We could easily go in there with you and if something goes wrong you're not alone" He said, wanting to make sure he was positive here. Day looks with some concern to Rocks then moves up to his side, " Hang on, Gary is right. You're like a prince or Chief's son whatever, right? We can't exactly have you getting hurt while with us. " Rocks stands up straight, beating on his chest once. “I AM the chiefs son, and thus protecting the Tribes well being and defending it is my job....” His face softens, giving BOTH of them a small smile. “....But nothing says I cant do that with friends.” going back to his stern features, he turns and looks around the corner. “...alright. Seems like whoever around is inside the cave, so lets do this quietly...” He gets low to the ground, taking careful steps over the rocky ground towards the cave... [D20+dex!] Day,11 Gary,7 while Day and Rocks are able to be pretty quite, Gray is a bit clunky in all his gear, but thankfully as they get to the side of the cave and Rocks looks in, there appears to be no one near the entrance. Frowning, he turns back to them. “This....might get tricky....see, these caves, well, are somewhat expansive, even I dont know them all yet, by a long shot....and we dont know how many are in there....hmm.....” He looks over at the camp, and smirks. “...but maybe they brought something that might help, no?” " Dibs." the mare heads over to the site to start snooping around the goods! Gary rolled his eyes and smirked, watching her shoot off. He followed her but at a much more slow pace, looking around the campsite for anything when he got there, "Maybe this is the campsite of that crazy ass pony from last time?" He suggested Inside the two tents would be a total of four sleeping bags, and matching backpacks. There would be some ropes, fold able ladders for easy carrying, a three flashlights, and a big box of flares, though this was without looking in the personal bags of whoever this was snooping around the cave. " Suh-weet! This looks pretty useful! " she picked up a flashlight, and a few flares before going over to the personal bags. Was she going to snoop? Of course she was. " Looks like there was more than just him here really..." inside the two bags of Days tent, she finds what seem to be pony clothes in one, the padded elbows and sides, probably making it to give a big of protection from sharp corners that might be in the cave, aswell as a sheathed Bowie knife, and a box of cookies! The second one has similar clothes, but thees look for a griffon, and she finds some dried out jerky, and a picture, showing a buff, handsome griffon with three ponies, a unicorn scottish type, a big old russiany looking earth pony, and a happy go lucky Pegasus mare, the picture being in black and white, with a building behind them labeled “Bouncy Bridges Exploration and Treasure Hunting Club” on the sign. Gary looked through the objects in the bag and best decided to leave them. He wasn't about to start being a thief! He did however, take the picture, feeling it important to show the others, "Hey, guys, I found out who we might be dealing with in the cave!" He proclaimed, waving the picture in the air Day was not-not? beneath stealing of course, " They snooze, they lose..." looking over the clothes trying to tell if they were cute or not. The padded elbows and bow knife would be useful. She looked up to Gary with a cookie in her mouth, " Dho hwhat nohw? " she trotted over to him to see what the pic was all about, chewing on the cookie. Rocks enters, looking over the Picture...and his eyes narrow, his nose snorting. “Oh....*Them again.....” He said, and kicked one of the bags. " Tham? Who them? " she offered them both a cookie from the box. Gary looked over at Rocks and back to the picture, "Gonna guess they've been around here before and don't tend to care for sacred places, huh?" Gary absentmindedly took a cookie and started eating it Rocks nods, sighing heavily. “Last time we barely stopped them from taking an old heirloom we use to bless newborns from our shrine down in the plains....i dont like this, they were far from cooperative last time....” He says, look out and toward the cave. Day swallowed, " Well then, are they hostile? They don't seem so tough. Maybe we can convince them to leave you guys alone. Or kick their asses. Kicking ass sounds good. " Gary finished off the cookie and looked towards the cave entrance, putting the photo away into his bag "Well, let's try talking them down first. Don't need to go spilling blood in the buffalo's sacred place and fighting in a cave is more than often a bad idea, Day" He suggested to the others Rocks rubs the back of his neck. “ehhh, a bit, they're not against kicking ya yeah, but tend to try and subdue you with ropes and silly traps and the like....which is the problem, no way they dont expect to be found....and who knows how long they have been here....cave....trap experts......”He shakes his head. “...worse part is, I just KNOW if we try to run back for help, theyll be gone when we return, taking what they please....” She smirked to the griffon, " Some gods need a tribute of blood. " she said to herself under her breath jokingly. " Alright, then we need to look out for traps when we move forward. " she turns on a flashlight and points it at a wall, then to the other two, " Halt! In the name of the law! " then scoffed, " Just kidding. Fuck the law. " Gary gave her an eye roll and a wing smack for that, but still chuckled "Careful what ya say there, punk!" " You'll never take me alive copper! " she started to move just a bit up ahead of everyone deeper into the cave. Rocks blinks, and blushes a bit, looking off to the side as he clears his throat. “Well, uhh, yes, im sure my father would be honored by that compliment, just as I am, but we have more important matters.” He turns and walks out of the tent quickly, yelling back “C'mon now, dont have all day!” Gary's eyes widen at what was just implied and how Rocks took it, causing him to growl loudly and deeply, but followed nonetheless, chasing after Day "Slow down, ya moron, remember what was said about traps!" She kept up ahead and chuckled, " I got this, I got this..." while she was being playful, she still kept on the look out for anything that looked like it would be a trap. Uneven floors, holes in the walls for where darts come out of, a net... as the three make their way down into the cave, Rocks leading with another flashlight, the group is sure to be weary... [roll d20+perception] Day, 21 Gary,12 Gary sees a small, thin wire along the ground, as does Day, but beyond that she sees a rock, flat, but sliiiightly lifted up, looking slightly unnatural. looking further, Day sees beyond the wire is a minefield of the odd rocks actually. Gary manages to spot the tripwire in time before someone hits it, "Woah, hey! Tripwire over here!" He calls out. " And trigger button thingies here! ....Alot of them actually..." she steps over the wire and tries to maneuver her way around the rocks, " Careful...those look funny..." Rocks nods, listening carefully to them. “Right, well, lets tread carefully then....” He says, stepping over the wire, and slooowly taking steps as he made sure to avoid the plates.... [d20+3+dex] Day, 20 Gary, 9 Day expertly tip hooves over and around the little buttons, He of Rocks smirking a bit as he skillfully dodges them too. Gary aswell makes it far, but as Day and Rocks get to safety, He gets a bit distracted staring at Day or something, and then hears a “click” under his claw, the sound echoing through the cave..... ...and then the little light still seen from outside is gone as a goddamn chunk of the ceiling falls away, turning out to be some sticks and a blanket, and suddenly a boulder is rolling after them! Gary whipped his head around at the sound and his eyes widened at the sight of the boulder coming at them, "Oh, we doing some Indiana Jones shit now!" He yelled and began bolting away, sure the others would get the same idea. " Ha...we're....almost...." she hears the 'click' and freezes, " Shit. " turning around she catches a glimpse of the boulder and starts to gallop off! " Ffffuuuucckk! " Rocks curses loudly, “This way...probably!” he says, running ahead and down the tunnel, and at a split, tip taps on the ground, then lurches left “left left leeeeft!” he yells back to them! The mare tilts her body and skids running toward the left after the young buffalo boy. " Aye, aye, aye!! Whadya mean PROBABLY?! “ Gary just follows him, bolting left "Just shut up and run, Day!" " NO U! " "FITE ME” " LATER! " Thankfully, as the boulder comes to the fork, rolls off to the right, but gets stuck and blocks that path off! Panting heavily as he comes to a stop a bit ways into the left path, Rocks smiles weakly. “i....uhh, wasn't sure if it was actually gonna go right....just an educated guess.” he shrugs. Gary gives the buffalo a look like he was going to kill him later. Probably would. He groaned and growled in frustration "Alright, whatever, where to next?" He asked impatiently, panting from his sudden sprint. Day leans up against a wall heaving, " Jesus tap dancing christ! Ahaha...whew! Y-yea dude...n-next! " Rocks laughs a bit, nodding and pointing down the current path. “Right, well, should be a drop to the right up here we need to take. Shame, the right path was easier, but...well...probably why they mined out the splits floor a bit to make it go that way.” He gets up and starts leading them down it, but after a bit looks back over his shoulder, a smirk on his face. “oh, and put me down for 10 gold on Day for that fight, alright?” Day caught her breath and followed after him. She looked back at Gary after the comment Rocks made, " Heh, I like this guy. " Gary ignored Day and followed Rocks, glaring after him with a fire in his eyes, lowly growling. Up ahead was yet another split, technically three ways, one to the right being a stiff drop to a bit of water it looked like, the left just being another long path, and a ladder leading up and into the ceiling, though the amazingly large size and decorations on the ladder made it clear it was the buffalos. He of Rocks stood on the edge, shining his light down at the water, mumbling to himself. “Hmm...maybe there...no, too slippery....wait.....hmm....” He turned to Gary. “So....you up to try carrying us two down? Its a tight fit, but climbing is gonna be difficult here....” "You're what, like five-hundred pounds? How in the hell am I going to carry you down there?" He asked in an annoyed voice. Rocks shrugged. “Then just the fair lady then.” He said with a wink at her, smirking. " Wait I have ide-" she cuts herself off hit her hoof to her face, " Fffucking squirrels...." she hissed before looking to find another way, " Oi, I can climb just fine. " Rock chuckled. “oh, im sure you can, but itll be slower. And im not sure how much time we got...” Gary just outright hissed at Rocks now before turning to Day "If the buffalo says we need to go down there," He gestured downwards "Then we probably need to go that way, but I'd rather not have you slipping and falling, so just let me carry you" He growled out. Rocks jumped a bit, blinking at Gary. “Damn dude, what the hell got your hooves in a twist?” " You worry too much..." she said with a huff but then looked to Rocks, " Don't mind him he...doesn't get along well with others. Kinda. " she goes up to climb up on the griffon and whispers to him, " Come on, be a little nicer? Please? " she tries to say it in the nicest voice possible. Gary makes it easier for her to get comfortable and lowers his head, mumbling something unintelligible but calming down slightly at her words, walking over towards the drop off and looking down, "You're sure she'll be safe down there?" He doesn't even bother to face Rocks but still addresses him. Rocks frowns a bit, looking down it. “should be, but id be lying if I said there was no chance the Explorers are down that way....or something else.....”He sighed. “Look, im sorry, I didn't want to put you guys endanger, but there is more then just bits or trade goods at stake in this cave....” He taps his hoof on the ground, and the puts one on Garys shoulder real quick. “Actually, look, stay down there with her. If im not down in five, it should be the left most path across the small pond, then two rights, then up, then down, then left. You'll know it by the big fancy circular door.” He nods, a determined look on his face. “Either way, be safe, ok?” Gary grimaced at the bastard. Why was he making him feel immediately guilty?! He finally turned to look at Rocks, determination on his face "Right, I'll try to remember that. Rocks..." He closed his eyes and sighed, reopening them to stare at the buffalo "You keep safe in here too. We all need to come back from this" He said and looked back down the drop off, "Ready, Day?" She looks at Rocks with a worried look, " ...One....I'm not gonna remmeber all that. Two...we'll be back for you. " she gives him a light tap on the back of his head, " Come back for him. " Gary just rolled his eyes and jumped off, not giving them a chance for anymore talk and began to slowly lower himself and Day into the water [technically its a bit of a drop, then a somewhat tight area to dry bit and the pond. You can fly but itll be tight, but quicker and possibly safer then slipping while climbing down to the area.] [d20-1+flight for that btw] Gary,15 Gary strains a bit, but is able to get himself and Day down the drop and through the tunnel like area, going down another drop then out and into the area described by Rocks, the pond off to the side with another dry patch across it, and another tunnel leading up and off to the left... ...however, this still took a good minute or two, and waiting, there's no sign of Rocks. Gary turned to address the little shit still on his back "How much longer you wanna wait for him?" He asked impatiently. Where the hell was that buffalo? Her brows furrowed in worry, " Not long. Set me down and see if you can get back up to him. I'll be fine here, really. " *Gary landed and set her down on the dry patch, letting her hop off. Did he really really want to leave her here alone? No he fucking didn't, but if they lost the chief's son, they were in for a load of shit... He just to decided to growl in frustration and bring her into a tight hug* "You keep your ass safe down here and in this spot, understand me?" He told her sternly She blinked at his hug and gave him a nuzzle in return, " Psh, just shut up and go. I'll live. " He chuckled and nodded, lifting off to go back and check on Rocks As Gary flew back up and into the tunnel however, Day would hear a slash to her right..... [Gary, d20+flight] [both, d20+perception] Gary 1st, 18 Gary 2nd, 12 Day, 14 Gary easily flies through the tunnel again, but almost misses seeing Rocks at the bottom of the first drop, breathing but not moving much, trying to use a leg to crawl towards the edge to the drop to the pond area! Day is able to see something moving, towards her in a zigzag under the pond water! it..might be...pony shaped?! Gary flew up, not seeing Rocks anywhere, the dark making it hard to see. Wait! He pulled out the golden horseshoe from the zebra tribe and shone it's light in the dark and that's when he saw Rocks, injured. He quickly flew down next to the buffalo "Shit! What happened, Rocks?!" Daybreak braces herself and steps back and away from the water, ready to start fighting if need be. " Oi, I see you out there! If you're friendly, I might go easy on you! " Gary would notice once he got closer, there was blood...from a bit mark. “Damnit Gary I said not to come back....” He looked back over his shoulder. “...get us out of here quickly...Rock Ticks....disguise themselves as rocks and wall bits...at least two...” He grimaced, but then chuckles, looking back to Gary. “Ironic thing to get me though, right?” the bite on his back made by something with a mouth bigger then Garys head almost, and not at all pretty to look at... Suddenly though, a familiar pegasus mare popped out of the water, kicking a big splash of water in Days direction! “i dont know who you are small fry, but this is OUR score, and you aint gittn none!” she yells at you. Gary looked around, panicked. What in the holy fuck was down here in these caves that could pull out chunks that large?! "Where to though?! I had to leave Day down there and you're in no condition to make it through the rest of the tunnel!" " What! You're from the picture! " Day raises herself up on her hindlegs ready to start boxing, " We'll see about that! " Rock bonks Gary on the head. “They dont like water, now get going, ill be fine if you patch me up once we get down there!” But suddenly, the wall a bit ahead of them and behind Rocks MOVES, and a large, flat creature jumps at Gary! Day gets splashed by the water, blinding her for a second, and then blinks, a rope around one of her front hooves! The flying Mare smiles, and then yanks hard to pull Day forward into the water! [Day, d20-3+strength, 7+ pass, 13+ success, 2- crit fail] [gonna wait on your reaction Gary for yours] Gary's eyes widen in shock as a massive creature suddenly lunges at him and he quickly tries to bring his halberd to bear in time! Day notices too late that there was a rope around her leg and gasps! [Gray, that roll wasnt for you. d20+melee tho] Gary,17, success Day,reroll,12, pass 1/3 Gary bring the halberd up, the thing jumping right onto the point and twitching there! “by the great shamans!” Rocks curses loudly. “Get us out, they hunt in packs!”he says, wasting no time standing as best he can with a pained grunt. Meanwhile, Day pulls against the rope, the slippery stone surface causing her to slip back onto her rear and slide forward, but she manages to catch her legs on a rock, pulling against the rope, only a foot from the water. “Dangit you small little twerp!”and suddenly the pegasus drops the rope, and pulls out a VERY wicked looking slingshot, pulling it back and firing it off at Day! Gary stares in shock at the abomination currently stuck to the end of his halberd before kicking the thing off and attempting to grab onto Rocks and drag his ass out and back to the dry patch where Day was still hopefully safe. The mare would quickly try to roll out of the way from the shot directed at her, and tried to grab a rock, anything nearby to fling it at the pegasus! [Gary, d20-2+flight, 6+ pass, 14+ success, 3- crit fail] [Day, d20+Dex to dodge, 7+ pass, 12+ success, 2- crit fail] [Day, if success, d20+ranged to toss, 9+ pass, 15+ success] Gary, reroll failed,5, fail. 1/3 Day 1st, 21, success Day 2nd, 15, success 1/3 As Gary tries to lift the big Buffalo though, he strains to lift off in time, suddenly getting knocked over Rocks as another Tick tackles him from behind! Day however proves once again to be graceful and flexible as a rubberband, dodging the shot with ease and rolling up and onto her feet, rock getting tossed as she did, hitting the pegasus right in the forehead. “OOF!” she yells, and falls down into the water! Gary let out a large grunt as he was tackled into the buffalo. He quickly tried to bring his weapon to bear and fight off this next tick, "Come on, you fucking abomination!" He yelled at it in frustration. Day quickly picks up another rock and runs over to where Gary had flown up, " Oi! We got trouble down here! " she called out to him before looking back toward the water. She could dive in and attack? Maybe drag her out? But what if the other mare was in trouble? The water was not Day's element but she was a stupid mare that made stupid choices and dived in after the pegasus. Gary faintly heard Day's yell and growled in even more frustration! Of course everything would go wrong, dammit! [Gary, d20+melee, 8+ pass, 12 success, 3- crit fail] Gary,17, success As Day swam out a good ways towards the mare though, she saw the shape twitch, then start swimming quickly towards her! Gary got the second Tick off, cutting it quickly, the thing twitching then going still.... Gary sniffed and laughed at the tick going down so easily, but he knew not to test his luck "Alright, let's get down there to Day!" He exclaimed to Rocks and tried to pick him up and fly him down again. Day's eyes widen and then braced for impact from the other mare, ready to grab hold when she came at her! [Gary, d20-2+flight, 7+ pass, 12+ success, 3- crit fail] [Day, d20+strength, 8+ pass, 13+ success, 3- crit fail] Gary,17, success Day,9, pass Gary lifts the injured buffalo with a grunt, and swoops down through the tunnels, landing perfectly as he sat Rocks down quickly, taking in the situation instantly! [+2 to next action!] that situation being Day suddenly bursting from the water, struggling as she clung to some mares front leg, who only smiled, aiming to smash Day into the Cave ceiling! Gary gently set Rocks down on the dry patch and swung his head around when he heard a bunch of splashing. Day was grappling some pegasus but she didn't seem to realize she was about to get smashed into the ceiling. He remembered when that happened to him and it was NOT fun, "Day, the ceiling, watch out!" He called to her and took off again, hoping to try and help Day wrestle down the other mare. Day was going to hang on to dear life from that leg and try to use her own force of gravity to throw her back down while they were out of the water, " No..You...Don't!! " [Gary, d20+2+flight, 8+ pass, 12+ success, 4- crit fail] [Day, d20+strength, 7+ pass, 14+ success, 3- crit fail] Gary, 19, success Day,10, pass Gary swoops in, Grappling onto the mare who yelps in surprise, and with Day helping to throw her off balance, the quickly slam her and pin her onto the ground near Rock, who despite his condition, quickly grabs hold of the rope still tied to Days leg and wraps it around the mare as best he can, though its still not the best job, considering everything. “l-lemme go! You bastards!” she snaps at Gary, trying to bit him. Gary is having none of this shit and growls at her "Quit your struggling or I'll just beat you until you quit! We do not need your shit right now!" He yelled at her, his anger, stress, and frustration getting the better of him. Day huffed and caught her breath after that, patting Gary on the shoulder, " It's okay...she's down. Now..." Day leaned down to the mare, " ...Where's your friend? She outright sucks in and spits a loogey into Garys face. “Your ugly as fuck, and im telling the twerp nothing!” she says, sticking her tongue out at them and puffing up a cheek. Thankfully, Rocks finally got her wings and legs tied up. “Easy Gary, shes a bitch but shes not worth breaking a knuckle over...” Rocks says, putting a hoof on his shoulder, then smiling “well...at least not while we need a bit of info from her.” Gary stares cold daggers at her and wipes away the spit from his face "No... Maybe not," He says and turns around... And then right back around to give her a good gut punch. The mare bends around his fist a bit, gasping loudly before slumping back, out of breath. Day was just about to give her own punch to the mare when..." Oh. I was just about to do that...but to her face. " she said with a light laugh then looked to Rocks, " Oh shit dude, what happened to you? " Gary meanwhile wandered off the the small shoreline, pacing back and forth. He really needed to cool off and it showed, the feathers and fur that were visible under his armor were disheveled and sweat covered She coughs, and rolls onto her side taking small, shallow breaths. “bet...that...make...ya feel...like a real man....right?” He coughed a bit, more, and wheezed as she tried to laugh. “not....telling...you nothing, you compensating faggot.” she says, trying to chuckle and stick her tongue out at him again. Rocks shakes his head at the whole ordeal. “shes captured, shes harmless now, doesn't even have a knife on her. Brutalizing her wont solve nothing.” Re grimaces, looking between day and his wound, then, slowly, stands up, legs a bit shaky, but he holds his head high regardless. “Nothing I cant walk off, though might scar a bit...oof.” He twitches, but gets himself moving a bit, walking to be on the side the mare had rolled onto. “now, you gonna talk to us?, or am I gonna have to let my friend Day here be scary?” He smiled, “And shes pretty damn scary.” Day looked over her shoulder at the the mare at Rock's mention of her, " Huh? Hwa? Oh..! Grrr! " she put on her best 'warrior face' she could muster...which was just an angry pout. Gary decided to pipe up from a few feet away "If she doesn't want to talk, just start leaving her face down in the water over here..." He sighed out. He just wanted this shit over with and to get back home now. Day attempts Intimidation! And fails with a 4. The Mare just stares at Days attempt to look intimidating, her face stern, before looking back to Rocks, a disturbingly serious look on her face as she said. “Dude, that is the most adorable, huggable, cuddleble mare I have ever seen, and im straight as an arrow. That cutie couldn't intimidate a bucket of puppies.” she finished with a nod. Rocks blinks, and looks between the two mares, then looks away blushing. *“you might have a point....” he mumbles to himself. " The HELL you SAY?! " her face goes red with both anger and embarrassment, scrambling to go at the mare, " I-I'LL knock your face in! I swear on my unknown mother's grave!" she growls and huffs at the pegasus. Gary shook his head and laughed, walking over and kneeling next to the mare "Alright... listen. You can tell us what we want to know and we can all go our separate ways, or!" He turned her over to face the water "We can go ahead and start waterboarding you! From your mannerisms you seem to be a human transient too and you should know what that means, so just..." He sighed and looked down "Just save us the bullshit, please" He said, looking back up to her. The mare is wearing clothes, so Gary cant be sure. She laughs as Day comes at her, Rocks quickly putting a hoof on her shoulder, but grimaces as holding her back causes pain. “OOF, ok, stop, no...whatever waterboarding is, no beating a captive up! I dont like it either, but I cant let you break honor and abuse a captive...err, well, if were not at war at least....” Rocks sucks in air, his wound clearly worse then hes trying to make it. “Look, we dont have time, you two go on, ill see what I cant get out of her, ok?” The mare smiles, moving her eyebrows up and down at Day “Hes right sweetcakes, tick tock, my friends are on the clock~” Gary stood back up, chuckling "Alright then, Rocks. We'll stick to your honor code then! Have fun babysitting her~" He started walking in the direction they were supposed to go "Let's get going, Day!" Day shot a glare at the pegasus and was about to come after her again but heard Gary calling out to her, " ...But...! " Gary shook his head, gesturing for her to come along "Come on, Day, you heard Rocks! No beating up prisoners!" He of Rocks rolls his eyes a bit, and puts both hooves on Days shoulders, looking her in the eyes. “Look, shes just some bitch, dont let her get to you. Go, please, it might already be too late to stop them getting in.....” He looks very worried, but determined. " But! She started it! " Day looks him back in the eyes for a moment then huffs and nods her head, " Tch, yea I guess.... You take care dude. " she aims to give him another hoof bump. Rocks chuckles, and give Day her Hoofbump, before watching her run off. As Day and Gary go further, they find the left path, which goes down a tunnel, where they find another split, one left, one right. [d20+perception] Gary,10 Day,4 " Uhmm...shit, do you remember which way we're supposed to go? " Gary looked between the two passages "Uhh..." He tried to think "...Right! Right? Yeah let's go right!" He said with confidence. " I dunno...I say left." she protests lightly. Gary gave her a sideways look "Are you saying that because it's the opposite of mine?" She looked off in another direction, " N-no..." He wing smacked her again and started going right "Come on, ya dork!" " Fiiine! " she starts stomping toward the right path. Gary takes a step into the right path...and his foot gets caught in a rope, but he manages to stop as it get pulled tight, but before he pulls whatever its attached too... Buuut, Days not so lucky, stepping forward into another rope trap, and is suddenly upside down hanging from the ceiling! " You know, when we get back, I'm gonna have to-WAH!! " Day was flung up and dangled in the air. Gary looks down at the rope. Ha! Thinking they could get him with a rope trap! Day on the other hand... He 'snrrked' and leaned on the wall next to where she was hanging upside down "Hey baby, you usually hang out here?" He asked with a cheeky grin. She was not amused, spinning slowly. She waited until she was facing him, " You..." she turned and cam back around, "...are so..." and again, came back around, "....dead." the mare just glared at everything and anything. Gary couldn't help but laugh his ass off and spin her around a little "Baby you spin me right round like a record baby right round, right round~!" He sung but eventually stopped her, using his halberd to cut the rope and catch her. She felt a bit dizy from the spin and then from falling into him. " Oh. My hero. " she said flatly, still sporting an angry pout. Gary smiled at her and winked before setting her down, cutting through his own rope now "Alright, time to move on, huh?" She gave him a light shove before starting to go ahead and walk, " Yea, Yea, just watch out for stuff this time. " said the mare who triggered the trap. He just gave her a tail smack this time but said nothing, continuing on As the two go further in, they come to another fork! Left downward, right upwards slightly, and a hole with a ladder leading straight down! " I'm gonna saaaay.....left. " Gary looked at all these wonderful options that they were being given! "Yeah, fuck it, let's go left. I wasn't really paying attention when he gave us directions!" He said and started to walk thataway! As the two run down the path...they dont see or run into any traps. They eventually come to another split, a ladder leading up, or one leading down. " You choose this time. " Gary squinted at the two ladders "I'm pretty sure he said something about going up, so up the ladder!" He pointed and started climbing. " Up we go then! " she waited for him to continue up for a bit then followed after being a few steps behind. She didn't want his tail all in her face. The two start climbing...and climbing, the ladder going a good ways up, before finally it stops, and they exit onto a little area. The right side is a small path leading to another ladder up, this one of a smaller sort, the left path leading to a sudden drop, too far down to see, though the place is pretty darn open and big! Gary huffed as he managed to clamber his way up "Whew, that's a workout in this armor!" " Maybe you shouldn't wear that armor all the time. Isn't it hot in that thing? " she reached the top a bit after and looked around, " Err...didn't he mention a small pond somewhere? Maybe keep going up? " He was inclined to agree with her "Well, last time I didn't on an outing I got cut up and in the hospital, so..." He looked between the ladders "Yeah, let's go up again, continue on" He said and walked over to that ladder. Time to climb again. This time Day hurried first up the ladder, trying to keep several steps in front of him. They climb, this one still a bit long but not as much. They begin to be aware a good bit of time has passed now... The new area is a path to the left, right, and behind them. [d12+perception] Gary,7 Day,13 Gary sees nothing, but Day...maybe...sees a bit of light, just for a moment, from the path behind them? She gives him a light hit to get his attention, " Hey dude, let's go back there. I saw a light. " Gary turned to squint down the new passage, but couldn't see anything, but he was pretty sure they were lost by now "Uhh.. sure! I guess?" " We're gonna be stuck here forever aren't we. " "Yep!" " Great. " As they go into the back passage, it leads on a bit, but once or twice, they both catch a bit of light...like something was reflecting...before more, much more consistent light hits, and they find a ladder, natural light pouring down the hole above, something up there reflecting light down the passage they were in... Gary looked up into the light and then turned to Day "I'll head up first, being protected and all!" He said proudly, rapping in his scale mail. " Aight, don't get killed. " she said flatly, but had some worry in her voice. He was a strong guy, he can handle it. He gets to climbing up the ladder, into the light! Day waits for him to go at least half way up first before following. As Gary climbs the old looking ladder, he hears it creak under his weight, but its a short climb, so he get to the top easy enough. It is a round room, and opening off to the left just a bit taller then him letting in cool, mountain air, making it clear they were much higher up in the mountain then before. What had bee reflecting was a very nice looking mirror set on the stone above the ladder, the surface clean but the bronze around it showing its age, oddly the mirror was specifically leaning downward as it intended to reflect into the passage way.... but the most interesting part, was the two old looking stone chests off in a corner, similar to those from that one outpost town... Gary looked around the room. Wasn't there supposed to be a door? Aw shit... He went over to one of the chests. It looked pretty familiar actually, like one of the ones he tried to smash the lock off of "All that's up here is a mirror and some chests!" He called to Day. Day froze when she saw the mirror and gulped slightly. Her heart picked up speed and she hesitantly walked away, and out of view of the mirror, " U-uh, yea, haha, a mirror. In a mountain. Fancy that..." she looked to one of the chest, " We could try to open these at least. " The Locks are that pesky Black metal, no age showing but the dust built up on them, and the stone parts are, well, solid stone.... Gary tries to use his halberd to knock off a lock. [D20-6+strength, 4- crit fail] Gary, 9 Gary slams his weapon down on the lock, feeling some vibrations into his arms, but little damage is really done to the lock, though he has a new small chip in his blade.... Gary glared at the lock and then to his halberd, shaking his head at it's chipping. He turned around and went to go inspect the mirror. As she watched him try and open it, shaking her head with pity, she saw him go toward the mirror and quickly jumped in front of him, " Hey! Careful! You.. you don't know what this thing can do! " The mirror is just a bit bigger then Garys head, oval shape, the mirror itself looking quite fancy, some sorta smoothed gemstone or something, probably silver behind it, but the outside case was greened bronze now, about an inch thick, but whatever engravings it once had were lost to time. Gary just gave her a strange look and went around her "It's just a mirror..." Daybreak hesitantly took a peek at the mirror. She touched her hoof to it, to tap it. Then again. Then stepped slowly in front of it to look. " Maybe it is just a mirror..." Gary looked around it and poked at the mirror and metal bits * "Yeah, just a mirror, nothing to be worried about, Day!" He ruffled her mane "Scared of a mirror..." The mirror does not react. It is a mirror, and it remains neutral to mere mortals, unmoving, uncaring. " Oi. You never know. These things can suck you in or something and show you a perfect world where..." she twitched, " On second thought, maybe I should pay a visit to that place again. " her thoughts drifted to certain unicorns and palaces full of crystals and glitter. Then she shook herself out of it, " Well...what is the mirror facing? " she looks to see where the mirror was getting it's light from. Gary just shrugged "Well, I doubt we're supposed to have gone up this way. Wanna retrace and try again? S' probably important we get to that vault thingy and stop that group" Day see its getting its light from the natural light outside. " Yea one sec. Go out that hole or peek out of it to see if you can see anything, Why is there just a random miror sitting here..." Gary looked over to the hole in question and shrugged, flying his way over to it to take a peek outside Outside is a somewhat steep incline down the mountain, nothing impossible to climb up or down, but would take some effort. They seem to be just about halfway up, towards the side facing the jungle, the plains and mountains below unfamiliar, though he could guess from the angle of the cave, from below you might not even be able to notice there is a cave here. He really has no idea where they really are, but....maybe sees a bit of smoke to his right...which the only thing that might make that is probably the buffalo village...which should be to their left of where they entered into the mountain the first time... Gary climbed back down and went back over to Day "Nah, nothin', just a view of the area. Looks like we're about half-way up the mountain" Her mind clicked. Then she smacked a hoof to her forehead again. " ....I think the shiny thing I saw last time....was this damn mirror..." she groaned. "...We need to go back. Re trace out steps." Gary just laughed "Well, you got to find the shiny you wanted, but yeah, let's get going!" He chuckled some more and made his way back down. Time to do it again! Day grumbled and cursed following him back down, " I hope Rocks is still alive. " Down the ladder and back to the three paths and the way down they go, then down again, retracing step by step, before they finally came across the cut ropes from before... "Alright, I know for certain he said go right, so let's head that way! Again!" He smiled at Day. She took out a cookie from the box she lifted and munched on it as they went to the right again. While he smiled, her face displayed an expression of flatness. " Riiight-o, fiiight-o..." then she blinked, " Hey you know what we need for this? A marching song. " they come across a path, and...see what seems like someones already cut or deactivated a bunch of traps...before coming to a Buffalo Ladder leading up, or a path to the right. Gary pointed right "Alright, this time, we go that way!" He said but took Day's suggestion, beginning to whistle a tune. She marched along to his whistling skipping off to the right with him. They see or come across nothing really, before they find another split, left or right. Uuhhh...crap, were we here before? No right? " "Ugh, I think we messed up again. Back to the very beginning!" She groaned and trotted behind him, " Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" As they reach the pond again though, they notice something...off...oh, theres no sign of He of Rocks or the mare! Gary looked around, trying to spot Rocks or the cunt. Neither were there! "Guess those two moved on or some bad shit happened. Only way is forward though! And then a bunch of confusing shit..." " Er...where..." she starts to look around to see if there was rope, blood, a struggle or anything. Theres no sign of a struggle, but they find a bit of extra bandage laying near a bit of blood. Gary kicked Day and gestured that they needed to move on "C'mon, tiny, they could've only gone forward!" She 'hrrmmms' at the evidence before being kicked and follows along, " Agh! I'm coming! I'm coming! " They yet again make a left at the pond, coming to a split, left , and right with the rope bits. This one being easy, the move on, coming to the other left/right split, again the right having all the other de activated traps and such, so easy aswell. They then come to place where they can go up, or right, as they had before. They go up! Up they climb the ladder, and come to a ladder going down, this one too buffalo in design, or another ladder to the left leading up again. Gary immediately nodded to the downwards ladder "Went up last time, that was bad!" " So now we go down, which is good! " she started heading downward. Down the go, this ladder not taking too long at all, coming to two passages, one left, one right. He looked back and forth. He was really feeling that left passage. Something told him it was right! "Left? Left seems good..." " To the left, to the left. Everything you own in the box to the left~ " she sang as she skipped off to the left passage. Aaand finally they do it! They come across the vault door....split in half.... both sides stacked neatly to the side of the entrance.... inside, they see...nothing. The entire place is empty, save a few empty crates, and a few scrap bits that must've fallen out of something.... It was a surprisingly big vault, probably two adult buffalos tall, and three and a half wide, going back a decent ways too. Gary looked around where they were and walked into the vault, also looking at the very empty vault "Something tells me we fucked up..." She flops over on the ground, " Aaaaaghh! Nooooo! " She raised a foreleg up, " Search for clues Scoob! "Day rolls to her feet. Hooves. and starts to look as well. [d20+perception] Day,17 Gary,10 Gary find little to nothing, save that the total bits on the ground were 5 copper, 2 silver, and a single gold.....oh, and a broken little figurine of a buffalo warrior, only a few inches tall. Day however, notices a depressing thing, off under one crate, there the footprint of a buffalo, a big one, signaling they had probably already come themselves by now. She does find a small sack of like 5 gold they must've left behind on accident, a shard of some fancy glass like material from something that broke. She gathers the things back up and winces, " Yeea...we might've fucked up. " she looks to Gary showing him the bag, " ...Well. We should head back to the tribe and tell them what happened. " Gary looks around, shaking his head... "Wait, what about their camp?! It didn't take us that long and there's no way they got all this stuff off the mountain that quick!" He started running out, intent to find the way back to the campsite "Come on, we can still catch them!" " Huh? Y-yea! " she galloped after him quickly. [d12+End] Gary,last reroll, 11 Day, 10 Both townsfolk are feeling at bit of the long journeys exhaustion, but power through it, retracing their steps quickly with little hiccups, though Gary has to slow down to get them through the gap. Upon feeling the dying sunlight hit their cheeks however, they come out and find...the camp is gone, but clear signs of leaving In a hurry, one tent forgotten, and some rope and flares laying about, aswell as some spilled bits too.... However, They THINK they hear something echoing further down the mountain, the 'clank clink' of heavy bags against someones side perhaps? Gary was panting like mad, but they had to carry on and fix their mistake! "Day, you... y-you hear that?! Must be 'em!" He took a few more breaths and shot off, following the sound and not checking so see if Daybreak was even behind him. As Gary rounded a corner or two though, he would see off and down the path was...Two Buffalos, carrying saddlebags to near overflowing. She caught up behind him eventually huffing, " Oh my god, I'm going to be sick of caves after this, I swear..." she catches her breath some, " Do what now? What was...oi! " she follows after him. Gary squints at the buffalo. What the hell were they doing here with loaded saddlebags?! "Hey, you! Stop for a second!" He yelled down to them and took off again. The buffalo get a bit startled, and suddenly turn, spears out and at Garys face!”Halt, who goes there!” Day was at the point of whining more than breathing trying to keep up with them. But then they blink, recognizing the two and bring them up. “ Slayer of Giants? He who Rages? What...He of Rocks thought you must have been killed when we found him!” " Oh! He's....okay?! O thank whatever deity rules this plane! " she collapses on the ground again, turkered out. She does hold up a bag of the gold bits she found and the glass, " Here...it's....not much but...found...this..." Gary would say something, but all that running suddenly caught up to him, He raised a talon and sat his ass down, trying to catch his breath. The two buffalo share a concerned look, but then both pull out a canteen and offer each one. “Yes...we found him tied up and...” He Buffalo grinds his teeth, looking off to the side. “Those bastards beat him up, like a dog, despite his wound on his back and already having incapacitated him...” The Buffalo looks back though, pride clear in his eyes despite his anger. “but he was still conscious despite it all, and even smiled at us. A True son of Break Necks, he refused to pass out or rest even when we told him too, asking us to go aid you and stop the damn thieves, but...we knew it was much too late, considering they had already come back to free their ally and...abuse him.” The other ones snorts, shaking his head. “Damn bastards call us savages, uncivilized...if we ever get our hooves on them.....” The first one nods, grumbling. “They had taken things more valuable then gold, three ritual heirlooms, and a necklace that increases ones luck significantly....and all the gold they could carry too of course.” he pats the bags. “Chief decided it was no longer a viable storage area, so were taking the last of what was left with us, until a new one can be created....” The second one speaks up, clear worry in his voice. “But its only things, our tribe will endure....were glad to see you ok...both of you...but...what happened?” Gary took the canteen and drank from it, doing small sips to keep from waterlogging himself. When the buffalo asked them what happened he couldn't look at them in the eyes, "We got... lost..." He looked down in shame. She chugged the canteen of whatever it was in it. Would she have to owe them again? She didn't care. After gasping and wiping her mouth she was able to speak, continuing after Gary, " ...went the wrong way...found two chests and a mirror..." The buffalo share a look. “Oh...well, saddening, but I guess He of Rocks may have forgotten to tell the best path in his wounded state, its....unfortunate, but no one is perfect.” They give the two a smile “Im sure he'll try to apologize for that when you meet him, he always take too much responsibility for these things...” She drank that water way too fast and started to feel sick, but endured as much as she could, " Alright, alright....let's just get outta here before I go insane. I'm not hallucinating you guys, right? " she said with a half chuckle. Gary had been brooding and passed the canteen back to the buffalo "Shoulda tossed her in the water..." He grumbled darkly "And Daybreak? Climb on my back, you just chugged all that water and you're gonna puke! The buffalo shake their head. “Were very real.” and both lean down. “Come, we'll give you a ride....” Gary waved his hand dismissively "Nah guys, you're already carrying so much and I'm in armor" He refused and walked up beside them. Her ears stood up, " R-really? " before they could answer she was already climbing up on their back. Fuck yea she was gonna get a buffalo ride! Mounting points increased by +1! " Thank you! " she said resting on the guy she was on. The one laughs, reaching up and ruffing Days mane a bit. “No problem little one.” with a shrug to Gary, they head back out. It would be a a bit later when they arrive at the camp, the guards having doubled, now armed with leather armor and spears, and a new tent, this one with leather plates and in the center, was setup, the open doors reveal a big ol pile of trade goods and loot. They get a few stares and whispers as they come in, but none seem displeased they are alive. Letting Day off his back, the Buffalo points to a tent next to the chieftains. “Chief Break Necks, He of Rocks, and Saver of Wives should all be in there...im sure they will want to speak with you two.” He nods, and they go to put their loot in the Tent. Gary nodded and walked over to Daybreak, gulping at the tent "Ready to face our punishment?" He asked her, chuckling nervously She nods " Let's hope the neck breaking one is merciful and makes it quick. " and she takes a deep breath, heading in. As they enter, they come into the middle of...a personal situation. “No, Father, I refuse it. I showed no skill out there, nothing worthy of a better name.” they hear a raspy whisper of a voice say from the mound of cushions and blankets in the center of the room, seeing a VERY worse for wear Rocks in the bed, one cheek puffy, one eye bruised closed, a big bruise under the other and...one of his horns was missing, it looked like someone had sawn it off.... “Dont speak back to me boy, I am the Chieftain, it is out tradition that ones name changes to fit their more heroic deeds! You stood firm, and refused to beg for mercy, or break with honor despite their brutality, you put your friends and tribe before yourself even when on deaths door....” The chiefs angry growling becomes a soft, kind whisper. “when you, my son, risked your life....at such a young age, to push that boulder onto that wyverns head....and didn't run when it only got angry?” he laughed, “instead, you ran, and knocked another one on top of the bastard....i never thought I could be more proud....but this....” He puts a hoof on his sons shoulder. “Standing up, refusing to treat a prisoner badly despite every inclination too....and refusing to be knocked down, to fall as you were tied up and beaten? To mock the enemy as they treat you like a pig....Will, loyalty to others? These are traits to be honored too my son....” But Rocks simply shakes his head weakly, and pushes his fathers hoof away. “but I did not, could not fight....and I failed. A great deed does not have to be a battle, but it does have to be a victory...for someone you care about.....” He blinks, catching Day and Gary, and smiles at them. “But enough, I see my friends have survived....come....come” he weakly waves at them. “im glad you are alive....” Break Necks look between his son and them, and sighs, getting up and walking to them. “im glad you are alive...ill speak with you two later but....” his face softens “please, talk some sense into my son....” and then leaves them alone with Rocks, the healer following the chief out aswell. Gary nods, a guilty look on his face "I-I'm sorry, Rocks... We got lost in the caves and couldn't find the vault in time. They made off with your tribe's artifacts and beat you to a bloody pulp..." He said with bent neck. A bright smile appeared on her face when she saw the young buffalo, " I'm glad you made it, we came back looking for you and got worried when we couldn't. " she glanced up at his missing horn, " Damn...we should have paid attention to those directions better. I'm sorry. " Rocks laughs, but this turns into a bit of raspy coughing. “n-no....its my fault...i should...given them better, maybe...write them down?...or been able to go with you, and lead you there...” He smiled weakly. “You....*cough....did nothing wrong, only tried....to help.....” He leans back a bit, taking a few VERY deep breaths. Gary growled at him for his stubborness "Rock, I could have flown you down in the first place and you would have never been injured in the first place. You did everything to the best of your ability and persevered even when you were missing chunks out of your body. You do not get to take blame for this..." " What's done is done. It can't be helped. But he's right, you did hold your ground really well, even when our own tempers got the better of us with that pegasus. " she sat next to him and placed a hoof on his, " Your dad is really proud of you, please just listen to the old guy, will ya? " Rocks chuckles, shaking his head. “Maybe your right...but a lot of irreplaceable things...were lost...and...im the Chiefs son....its my job...to protect it....” He smiled to both of them “And I dont want anyone to shun you for this....” He smiles a bit better as Day takes his hoof, looking at her. “He wants to give me the name 'Defender of Honor', pfft, silly right? What did I really defend though?” He chuckles. Gary decided to let this one pass and nodded his head at Rocks "You did defend your honor, though, and the tribe's honor. You refused to back down and held to your code no matter what." She nodded along, " Look at what you have this guy saying, it's almost like he's got a brain up there now. That counts for alot in my book Honor. " she giggled. She got a wing smack for that Rocks laughs, but actually jolts up a bit in pain from it, before laying back down. “Ha....I...Maybe...I just dont like...the name? Bit....cliche sounding...to me....” He smiled, nodding to Gary. “I...think...I know a good name for you.... 'Big Heart'....cause when you seem to like someone....you become stupidly defensive of them....” He laughed. Day covered her mouth quickly to hold back laughter at the name. It would be terribly rude to mock such an honor given but Big Heart? What was he a Care Bear? Wrong show Rocks! " O-oh....what...aha....about that Rage name..." Gary immediately became flustered and looked away, avoiding looking at Day in particular "N-no idea what you're talking about!" Rocks laughs weakly. “The...Rage...was...kinda..a joke....not official....” He shrugs a bit. “we can...work on it.....maybe... Protector of Friends? Friendship? Oof.....” He twitched a bit. “s-sorry....things...alot of it...hurts, heh.” "Ah!" he sits up a bit, smiling widely " True of Heart, thats...." he leans back down. "Thats a good one." Gary walked over to him and pat him lightly on the shoulder "True of Heart, huh? Sounds like a nice name for someone who's got a true heart! Me? No way, got a wonky ass heart! Now, you sit your ass down, take your new name, and get some rest!" Day kept trying her best to calm herself, " Y-yea! You get some sleep and heal dude. I'll make a return if you guys need me and...True of Big Heart over here. " Now she got a full punch to the shoulder Chuckling, Rocks nods, and lets his eyes flutter shut... “visit...anytime...please.” he adds as he leans back into the pillows. Upon leaving the tent though, the healer would be waiting, and before entering the old, grizzled female would point to the Chiefs tent. “We wishes to see you, before you leave.” Gary nodded to her and made his way that way towards the pointed out tent. She flinches then falls over witha grin, " ahah...ow! " then recovers quickly, heading out and following him to the Chief's tent. Upon walking past the guards and into the Chiefs tent, they see the giant of a buffalo talking with someone, but seeing them enter, ends the conversation and send the other buffalo on his way. “Well? How is my son? I hope you were able to talk some reason into him...” He says softly. " Hopefully. We kinda just reassured what you said. He should take the name since he earned it and all. " He nods. “and I must wonder what you have earned....please, tell me what all happened at the cave ?” He says, sternly but with no anger. Gary gave him a look of confusion "What we... earned?" Day takes a deep breath, " Weell. first we came across this campsite and Rocks was like 'oh shit, we got some treasure hunters here!' and so we decided, 'Hey! Let's go find them and put a stop to this mess!' so we avoided traps, I fought this swiming pegasus chick, Gary fought...wait, what did you fight? Whatever bit Rocks right? Yea that thing. And then we tied her up and she was being a bitch and me and Gary were about to whoop her ass but then Rocks was like 'be chill dudes, go on ahead' and we were like 'okay!' so her gave us directions, then we went in circles, and we found a mirror and two chests and then we FINALLLy found our way back and met up with some of your tribe members and no we're here. " she breathed again. The Chief simply stares at Day, and nods slowly. His expression softens a little. “Then you did all you could, even if it was not enough....” He sighed, looking down “I....thank you for doing what you could. The sun has set. I offer you room and breakfast in the morning, no deal to be struck with it, but I cannot afford to give you an escort back regardless....you have earned that much for your aid, if nothing else.” He sighed, looking up, his face one of pure stone, the Chief and not a person standing before them now. “now, I respectfully ask you to leave, I have much to do now, much must be planned, rebuilt.....” Gary just bowed his head, starting to head out of the tent, "Up to you Day, I can head back or stay." She nods and gulps a bit, feeling like she was in trouble or something. She wasn't, but she had this irking feeling she did something wrong. " A-ah, yes sir. " she bowed her head and left out of the tent, then looked to the griffon, " I think I'll stay. Hope that guy doesn't die in his sleep or something. " she laughed weakly. With that, they were shown to a small but cozy tent, decent cushions upon the ground as well as any bed, with pillows and blankets. In the morning, they would be part of a sullen feast of corn and fruits, none happy or sad to see them, the mood of the tribe simply blank, emotionless it seemed, compared to their last visit. Afterwards, they would be given a canteen, and sent home...