Title:           All Over Again v.03
Author:          FlamingHomophone
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/Rku7P3fp
First Edit:      Sunday 25th of September 2016 03:59:19 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Saturday 18th of March 2017 12:20:41 AM CDT

All Over Again (WiP)
 
Because my hope is you'll fall in love, all over again.
 
Gameplay/Mechanics
Main Attributes:
Brawn – Physical attribute. Governs success in matters of strength and physical ability.
Speed – Physical attribute. Determines agility and dexterity. Also aids in flying.
Smarts – Magic attribute. Measures mental prowess and aptitude for magic.
Charm – Social attribute. Affects one's ability to navigate social situations, as well personal appearance.
 
Win States:
A completely normal pony/Hermaphrodite – Find true love/Turn the majority of Ponyville into your personal harem (both win states can be achieved with either modifier).
Changeling spy – Dominate the mane six.
Celestia's failed student – Dominate Princess Celestia.
Former Shadowbolt – Return Nightmare Moon to power.
 
Modifiers:
Hermaphrodite – Starts off with the hermaphrodite trait.
Changeling spy – Forgoes the racial bonuses of ponykind in exchange for the ability to imitate the forms of others. Lays eggs with ovipositor if male/herm.
Celestia's failed student – Possesses great magical potential. Your perceived betrayal by the princess has left you unhinged and distant, making others more wary of you. (+Smarts/-Charm)
Former Shadowbolt – The Nightmare Queen's blessing bolsters your already considerable flying skill. Anger over her defeat has blinded your better judgment however, leaving you shortsighted and impulsive. (+Speed/-Smarts)
 
Naughty or Nice:
As a nonbinary morality system, the player character can be degrees of both naughty and nice. Acts of kindness and generosity increases nice stat, while vice and general wickedness increase naughtiness. Affects others' perception of the PC, as well as enabling or disabling certain morality related events.
 
Traits:
Hermaphrodite – Possess the genitalia of both sexes.
Master of Disguise – Changeling trait. Change your appearance at will.
Ovipositor – Changeling trait. Lay eggs when ejaculating.
Earthmover – Racial trait. Thanks to your earth pony heritage, you are blessed with great strength.
Stonebreaker – Racial trait. Requires 'Earthmover.' You posses the strength of ages, capable of shattering stone and crushing boulders with ease.
Terra's Bounty – Racial trait. Mother Earth never leaves her children wanting. Food and mineral wealth finds their way to you like a river seeking the sea.
Wings – Racial trait. Allows for flight.
Ace – Racial trait. Requires 'Wings.' Your flying skills are second to none. Whether through natural talent or years of practice, you are just as comfortable in the sky as you are on the ground, if not more so.
Cloudwalker – Racial trait. A cloud beneath your hoof shall always be as solid as the ground far below.
Rainmaker – Racial trait. Confers basic weather handling.
Stormbringer – Racial trait. The sky is your domain. Like a lord to his kingdom, all that dare to enter it are subject to your will.
Apprentice – Racial trait. Allows you to perform simple acts of magic, such as levitating small objects.
Adept – Racial trait. Requires 'Apprentice.'
Magus – Racial trait. Requires 'Adept.' Your skill and knowledge in the arcane arts rivals that of the greatest wizards of our time. "Let me put it this way: hast thou heard of Clover the Clever? Meadowbrook? Star Swirl the Bearded? Morons."
Sweet Talker –
Social Butterfly – Requires 'Sweet Talker.'
Spin Doctor – Requires 'Social Butterfly.'
Jack of All Trades –
Master of None – Requires 'Jack of All Trades.'
Lunar Knight –
Champion of Sunlight –
Born Ruler –
Social Elite –
Green Hoof –
Egg Head –
Ruffian –
Party Animal –
Natural Athlete –
Friend of Animals –
Brew Master –
 
Items:
Cavalry Lance – A hollow metal spike resembling a unicorn's horn. The sharpened point is capable of piercing armor with ease. Affixed to the head, potentially turning any charge into a lethal attack. Can be used by unicorns, though notorious for inhibiting spell-casting when worn.
 
Special Moves:
Hammer and Anvil –
Thunder and Lightning –
 
Spell Book:
Telekinesis –
Advanced Telekinesis -
Fireball -
Magic Missile –
Force Field –
Gossamer Wings – Temporarily grants 'Wings.'
Cloud Walk – Temporarily grants 'Cloudwalker.'
Teleport –
Sway Mind –
Manipulate Time –
 
Gems:
Onyx – Black like the darkest dungeon.
Jade – Dull green like .
Topaz – Yellow like summer honey.
Emerald – Green like verdant meadows.
Sapphire –  Blue like .
Ruby – Red like .
Amethyst – Violet like .
Amber –
Garnet – Deep red like rosy cheeks.
Opal – Iridescent like unbridled creativity.
Turquoise – Pale blue like .
Diamond – Translucent like morning dew.
Sunstone –
Moonstone –
Fire Ruby –
Blood Diamond –
 
 
Introduction
You are not Anonymous.
 
Your name is...[name].
 
You are a... (stallion/mare).
 
Your coat is a wonderful shade of...(brown/black/white/gray/beige/yellow/purple/orange/pink/blue/red/lime/cyan/maroon/navy), complemented by your mane's (brown/black/white/gray/beige/yellow/purple/orange/pink/blue/red/lime/cyan/maroon/navy) splendor.
 
You possess the... (innate strength of the humble earth pony/agile wings of the noble pegasi/impeccable intellect of the magical unicorns).
 
You bear a terrible secret: you are... (a hermaphrodite/a changeling spy/one of Celestia's failed students(limited to unicorns)/a former Shadowbolt(limited to pegasi)/a completely normal pony).
 
...a hermaphrodite. It didn't take long to learn you were different from other ponies. Your parents were always so eager to turn any discussion of your body to other, less volatile subjects, leaving you so woefully ignorant of your uniqueness. It wasn't until your first foray into young love that reality came crashing down around you. You can't remember much of that night. All you can really seem to recall is the face of that wide-eyed (colt/filly) staring at you with muted shock as (your petite fillycock slid out of its sheathe and brushed past your barely developed breasts/you displayed your winking coltpussy resting just above your dangling testes, dripping wet with obscene fluids). The memory of exactly what happened next is little more than a dull haze, whether your very first special-somepony screamed, fled, or just quietly asked you to leave. It hardly matters now. You did learn one thing though; so long as others knew of your condition, you would always be treated, at best, as an outsider and, at worst, a freak. Which brings you to Ponyville, with a chance at a fresh start, a new beginning. And not to mention a longing in your loins long since left unfulfilled.
 
...a changeling spy. And not just your average, run-of-the-mill drone at that. You are the product of years upon years of selective breeding in a grand scheme headed by Queen Chrysalis herself, with countless generations of changelings lending unto you their accumulated skill in deception and subterfuge. You are the ultimate result of that plan, a changeling agent of unparalleled cleverness and independence, capable of making your own decisions regardless and often in spite of the hive. Your first act is an audacious one, especially amongst your more subservient peers: a long term solo infiltration of Ponyville, the seat of power for the newest Equestrian princess. Over the course of months, you intend to slowly corrupt the Elements of Harmony and turn them to your side, bringing to bear Equestria's greatest weapon against itself. Queen Chrysalis, bitter defeat still fresh in her memory, was overwhelmingly pleased with your boldness and bid you good luck in your endeavor. Unbeknownst to your liege, the gift of autonomy has left you a hunger for not just love, but also glory, pleasure, and power. As you left your brothers and sisters behind to start on the long trek to Ponyville, you thought to yourself that perhaps it was time for a new dynasty to rule over the changeling empire.
 
...one of Celestia's failed students. But then again, failure is such a harsh term, so easily misconstrued. After all, in what manner exactly have you failed? You learned all you could from your professors. You absorbed every lecture, scoured the libraries of Equestria, and melted many a candle whilst poring over an ancient tome. The hunger for more was insatiable. It mattered not whether you devoured 'Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone' or forbidden texts overburdened with dark magic. Is it not admirable for one to continue the noble pursuit of knowledge; limits be damned?
    Your peers, your instructors, even the Princess herself; what you saw in their eyes was not esteem, as you first thought. You know better now. It was fear, tinged sickly green with envy. They were deathly afraid of the power swelling within you. In their dread, you were expelled from Princess Celestia's (so-called) School for Gifted Unicorns.
    A farce! All of it! What is an academic institution that turns away those that show the greatest promise, if not some cruel joke? Every detail of that last, shameful dismissal is forever burned into your mind: Celestia's frigid, unyielding stance and the slow crane of her slender neck as she watched you leave. Even now, you can feel her piercing eyes bore into the back of your skull. And above all, that despicably tender disappointment in her voice. Your blood boils and the pace of your heart quickens at the memory.
    You'll show her. Perhaps a candid demonstration of your abilities in the form of tearing down everything she holds dear in this world will foster the proper respect you deserve. Yes, you'll start in Ponyville, with that precious former student of hers. Soon enough, all of Equestria shall bear witness as you outshine the sun itself.
 
...a former Shadowbolt. On wings of righteous fury you fly. You are a faithful follower of the Nightmare Queen, one of the few to welcome, nay, yearn for the eternal night she promised. You prayed everyday that every day would not come, that the sun would stay beneath the horizon and leave the sky for the divine moon and her twinkling stars to rightfully reclaim for all eternity.
    After years of unfaltering devotion, your patience was finally rewarded. She came to you in your dreams, every bit as majestic and magnificent as you thought she'd be. To see your liege for the first time in all her glory, to lock eyes with the Mare in the Moon after all these years and finally see those brilliant blue eyes gaze back; if this wasn't true before, then you were hers forever more. As you pledged undying loyalty, your mistress inducted you into her most trusted retinue, the enigmatic Shadowbolts. At long last, night fell over Equestria and no dawn would come to chase the dark away.
    Of course, it was not to be. News of Nightmare Moon's defeat at the hooves of the newly christened Elements of Harmony traveled quickly. Even more devastating was word of Princess Luna's return. You refused to believe at first, but sure enough, morning came and wretched sunlight soon smothered the land once again. It wasn't until you visited Canterlot and saw the reunion of the Royal Sisters for yourself that all hope seemed truly lost.
    But no, you did not despair. Instead, you raged. You raged against the dying of the night. Neither you nor your Queen shall go gently into that good day, not while you still draw breath. But so long as the Elements of Harmony serve the sun, Nightmare Moon can never rule over Equestria. So you will pave the way for endless darkness, a path that begins and ends in Ponyville. When your mistress returns, it shall be for the last time.
 
...a completely normal pony. You carry no such secret or shame. You have lived your entire life with the virtue and innocence that is so uniquely characteristic to ponyfolk. Safe, bland, innocuous; just a few ways to describe your existence up until this point. Without scandal to mire your life, your natural skills have been honed to a fine edge. Regardless, it can easily be said that you amount to little more than a footnote in the grand scheme of the universe, a background character in somepony else's story. Discontent builds up in you like a flooded river overwhelming a levee, until you decide to take fate by the reigns and strive for something greater. With wanderlust twinkling in your eyes, you set out for greener pastures; first stop: Ponyville.
 
ChangelingspyIntro1
 
Intro1
    The journey is long and uneventful. Thick layers of sweat and dust blanket your coat, an unwelcome memento from your travels. A sun-bleached knapsack bounces against your flank with every step, its lightness a constant reminder of your dwindling supplies and empty belly. Every now and then, you pass by a signpost with incrementally lowering numbers, as if counting down your imminent arrival to your destination. As you surmount a gentle hill, you indeed find the object of your travels within reach. Sitting at the base of the valley lies Ponyville, a perfectly picturesque presentation of small town Equestria, surrounded by softly rolling hills close-by and towering mountains in the far distance. The thought of a hot shower and warm bed compels you to rear up on your hind legs and whinny in excitement. As your forelegs hit the ground and you start galloping towards town, the realization that a brand new chapter of your life is only about to unfold hits you like a knight on the receiving end of a lowered lance. The thought only propels you faster.
 
Town1
    You stand atop the circular veranda of the town hall, offering you a commanding view of the town square. The center of Ponyville hustles and bustles with vibrant energy. A pair of spirited fillys chase each other around a softly babbling fountain. A group of farm ponies had set up several stalls around a venerable looking oak tree, hawking a colorful assortment of fresh produce beneath its shade. A modest crowd gathers around a makeshift stage as two magically moving puppets pummel each other with tiny wooden clubs. Everywhere you look, ponies move to and fro about their busy days. This seems about as good a day as any to explore your new home and meet its inhabitants.
 
[Explore]
[Go to the Castle of Friendship]
[Go to Sugar Cube Corner]
[Go to Carousel Boutique]
[Go to Sweet Apple Acres]
[Go to Fluttershy's cottage]
[Go to the Rainbow Dash's cloud]
[Go to the schoolhouse]
[Go to the Ponyville Day Spa]
[Brave the Everfree Forest]
[Go to Zecora's hut]
[Check time]
[Return home]
 
Explore1
    It doesn't take long to find a place that might make for suitable lodgings. After a brisk walk through Ponyville, you quickly stumble upon the town inn. The building is modest, but comfortable-looking. Above the door hangs a sign depicting a pony peacefully dozing away in a feather bed. You step inside to find a cozy, fire-lit interior and an aged stallion behind a wooden counter. You figure he must be the inn's proprietor, judging by the inky ledger in front of him. The gray-maned earth pony takes one brief look at your sorry state before noiselessly pushing towards you a basket full of freshly baked bread roll, tendrils of heat still radiating off of them.
 
[Eager]
[Humble]
[Refuse]
 
[Eager] You dig into the proffered rolls with wild abandon, finishing off the fairly sizable basket in a matter of seconds. Crumbs litter the counter-top like rubble on a devastated battlefield. You belch loudly, far too content to mind yourself at this point. The proprietor only smiles in response, evidently happy that you left nothing to waste.
 
[Humble] You timidly pick up and nibble at a single roll, being careful not to drop any stray crumbs onto the wooden counter-top. The roll is obviously home-made with almost gratuitous amounts of not-good-for-you, but oh-so-good ingredients. The fluffiness of the bread is belied by its richness; it's as if you can actually feel the butter that went into the roll melt in your mouth. Despite your earlier hunger, one bread roll is more than enough to sate your belly. The proprietor takes notice of your restraint and only nods in silent acknowledgement, a token of appreciation at your modesty.
 
[Refuse] You stretch out your neck and push the basket back with your muzzle, letting the rolls come to rest squarely on the proprietor's side of the counter. Does he think you were born yesterday, to take strange food from some strange pony? Besides butter and flour, who knows what else could be baked in there? Not to mention your funds are alarmingly short at the moment; though he hadn't asked for coin as of yet, you've no doubt he'll spring some exorbitant price on you at first bite. You've lived long enough to learn that when something is too good to be true, it probably is, and you certainly aren't getting scammed on your first day in Ponyville. The proprietor merely shrugs his shoulders in apparent indifference.
 
    Once you've finished, the proprietor finally speaks up. He warmly welcomes you to Ponyville and his humble establishment. After the two of you exchange introductory pleasantries, he offers you the single room currently available. With a quick jingle of your coinpurse, you confirm that you cannot afford his more than reasonable rates, much to the proprietor's unsurprise.
    He proposes an deal. The ease and swiftness with which he eases into this "deal" leads you to think he has had this conversation many a time before. Though he cannot give you the room in the inn, he does keep a small shed in the inn's back garden for just such a pony as yourself. The dusty old thing isn't exactly a cloudominium, he admits, but it'll keep the rain off your head and the chill of night away. In exchange, he promises not to charge rent until you've gotten yourself settled in town, with accruing interest in the meantime of course. As might be expected, the inn's typical amenities such as room service and breakfast will be unavailable to you. He also expects you to maintain the shed's immediate surroundings and the shed itself to the best of your abilities. How you do this is up to you, the proprietor mentions, so long as the place doesn't look like it's falling apart.
    You get a feeling that you won't find a better deal anywhere else in town. You also don't find the prospect of spending your first night in Ponyville squatting in somepony's stable or camped out on the edge of the Everfree Forest particularly appealing. With nightfall quickly approaching, it's clear that you have no choice but to take the proprietor's offer. Maybe at some point later down the line you'll be able to find more proper accommodations, but for now this will have to do.
 
Rainbow1 (unfinished)
    You decide to spend the day window shopping, visiting some of Ponyville's shops and businesses. Variety is surprisingly diverse, given the town's relatively small size. Like any other rural community, the general and hardware stores serve as Ponyville's economic backbone, whilst sprinkled around are also the more atypical jewelry store, joke shop, and bowling alley; just to name a few. After perusing a positively electrifying establishment that dealt exclusively in quills and sofas, you quickly step back outside before the shopkeeper could further tempt you with lurid thoughts of late night penning sessions atop phoenix feather-stuffed loveseats.
    As you ponder what store to hit next, a sudden burst of motion in the skies above catches your attention. You squint your eyes and manage to spot a cyan pegasus mare streaking across the wild blue yonder, fast enough to leave wispy contrails in her wake. You watch as she performs daring acts of aerial acrobatics, from barrel rolls to loop-de-loop-de-loops and everything in between. For what seems to be the pegasus's grand finale, she climbs higher and higher in the sky as if trying to straddle the sun itself, before folding her wings against her body and tumbling over into a death-defying dive. At least, you hope she defies death as her plummet continues unabated.
    The distance between her and the ground closes fast. Alarmingly fast. The revelation that she isn't going to level out in time hits you like a falling meteor. Beads of cold sweat trickle down the back of your neck. Your stomach violently lurches downwards. Before your brain can even signal for your legs to get moving, you're already galloping towards the free-falling pegasus's future crater.
    No matter how fast you can run, there is no possible way to reach her in time. That much quickly becomes clear. Even if you did somehow, what could you even do? At this point, the most you can do to help is make sure she's still breathing after she hits the ground.
    Time doesn't slow as she nears terra firma; in fact, the falling mare is nothing more than a whistling blue blur against a blue backdrop as she hurtles ever downward. After what felt like only mere moments since you've started running, she finally appears to crash land in a dirt field up ahead, the impact itself hidden by tall banked hedges. And what an impact it must've been; you leap over the hedgerow to find a thick cloud of dust further obscuring the immediate area. Fearing the worst, you raise a leg to shield your eyes and slowly approach the point of impact.
    You were expecting to find the crumpled form of an injured pony, but the dust clears and an upright figure gradually materializes from the gloom. The falling mare stands before you with wings outstretched, glossy cyan fur drenched in sweat and a striking rainbow mane swept-back wildly, but completely unharmed otherwise. Her eyes are closed; her head held high. Her chest visibly rises and falls with deep, greedy gulps of air.
    "Haha yes! Now that was a close one!" Her voice is absolutely dripping with confidence, not at all what most ponies that had just played chicken with the ground would probably sound like. But then again, you've already gotten the impression this mare is not like most ponies. She lifts a leg to stretch and you can spy cracks in the hard dirt where her hoof rested. Looking around, there are a number of such cracks all about the field, all of similar size and grouped in fours.
    "Alright Scoots, what's my time? Scoots? Scootaloo?" Still holding that triumphant pose, she cracks an eye open to peak around, only to find you. "You're no Scootaloo I've ever seen. I don't suppose you were timing me? I gotta know if I broke my old record!"
    Wait, you ask if she was testing herself.
    "Well duh! I've been trying to top my old braking altitude all day. I think I got it under the treeline this time!" She giggles excitedly, before raising an eyebrow to look at you. "What, did you think I was falling for real? Hah, as if! Everypony knows it takes more than a little high-elevation tailslide into delayed free fall to make a Wonderbolt wipe-out."
    "Oh, oh I get it. Doin' a bit a joggin' lately, or were you running to come 'save' me?" she says, pointing out the obvious sheen of sweat on your coat. On her face is what can only be charitably described as 'a shit-eating grin.'
    "I wasn't sure if you just flew into Ponyville or not, but that proves it. You gotta be from out of town if you don't know who I am. Anyways, I'm Rainbow Dash: Wonderbolt, daredevil, all around awesomeness incarnate! So, what do I call you, besides newbie?"
 
[Cheerful greeting]
[Proper greeting]
[Brusque greeting]
[Flirty greeting]
 
Rainbow2  (only appears if player is low on bits/unfinished)
    For your wallet's sake, you didn't exactly have a king's breakfast this morning. Just a banana and some bread, anything more being a luxury you literally could not afford.
    It was barely noon before the first hunger pangs struck. You ignored them of course, doing your best to cope with the rest of the day on an empty stomach. Unfortunately, hunger is a problem seldom solved by the passage of time (unless it's a lot of time).
    Your abdomen growls loudly enough to draw the attention of passing ponies. You even start to feel a bit faint, your limbs gradually growing heavy and sluggish as the day dragged on. Going any longer without food would almost certainly be a recipe for disaster. You have to eat something.
    You open your coinpurse to set a lunch budget. Judging by the contents, you could maybe go to Cafι Hay and eat the flowers they use to set the tables. No wait, those are the actual appetizers, so even that's out of the question.
    Of course, there is always <i>that</i> option. To be more specific, the option that's all around you and completely free. That is to say, you could walk out to some nearby pasture and start grazing like some filthy fucking animal, or a cow. Now, you're no prude, but grazing fell out of public etiquette a good while ago and anypony caught eating off the ground is going to be called out for it regardless of whether or not grass is involved. That much is a given.
    On the other hoof, you also want to not die. So in the interests of avoiding a slow wasting death by starvation, you make your way towards some literal greener pastures.
    You eventually find yourself in an secluded grove on the outskirts of town. Tall trees line the perimeter of the grove, a comforting barrier from any prying eyes that might be near. Though numerous hoofprints are scattered across the ground, the area seems empty enough. You look around one last time, before lowering your head to the ground and the smell of dewy grass fills your nostrils. For a moment, you get cold hooves and briefly consider a range of other possible options, from borrowing bits to pilfering apples. But a fresh wave of stomach cramps sweep away any and all traces of hesitation.
    No sense delaying this any further. You close your eyes and a tuft of grass enters your mouth. Most of the grove is hidden away under the shade of willows, leaving your impromptu lunch fresh and crisp with morning dew. You bite down and tear the grass away. It tastes overwhelmingly of nature; a tall glass of cool spring water would be absolutely perfect right about now. Before long, you're happily chomping away at the tasty turf below, your tail swishing back and forth contentedly. Contrary to what you were expecting, you actually find yourself savoring every blade of gra-
    "-MAJESTO!" Behind you, a bright burst of white light momentarily illuminates the grove, accompanied by the shouts of an overly theatrical mare.
    "Voila! Be amazed by the dazzling display of magic that you have all just borne witness! With the help of Trixie's lovely guest assistant, you have all been magically teleported to this clearing!"
    You turn around to find an entire stage and accompanying audience has appeared behind you. Fortunately, the applauding audience has their backs turned towards you. Unfortunately, (the onstage magician/Trixie) might spot you at any moment. If you can sneak away quietly, you just might be able to end the day with some dignity intact.
    "Teleporting a single pony: a difficult feat in of itself. Teleporting an entire audience? Impossible, were we not the Great and Powerful Duo of Trixie and Starlight! You will find complimentary sick bags beneath your seats... hey, you there! Pony in the back! You would rather slink away than further endure our show? Do we bore you that much? Wait... oh."
    Uh-oh. You swallow whatever grassy mush is in your mouth. However, the green stains on your chin aren't as easily hidden. The crowd is already quieting down and turning their collective gaze towards you. If their whispering is any indication, everypony obviously knows what you were up to. Various ponies voice their thoughts out loud:
    "Is (he/she) grazing?"
    "Eating grass off the ground, in this day and age?"
    "Do you think that pony is doing okay? (He/She) can't be, nopony would actually graze if they had the choice."
    "Isn't that the pony that just blew into town?"
    "Harumph, youngins these days thinken they're too good fer manners."
    "I had no idea some ponies in Ponyville were so bad off. Maybe I should start a soup kitchen."
    "Listen here hun, if you're hungry, you come straight to mom. You don't ever have to resort to what that poor pony's doing.
    Blood rushes to your cheeks. Your vision blurs with fresh tears tugging at the corners of your eyes. This is not what you wanted. You've only just arrived, and already you're gonna be known as that pony that eats off the ground. Well, at least you don't have to worry about starving to death anymore. Dying of shame is so much quicker.
    You start backing up. Just as you are about to turn tail and gallop away as fast as your legs can carry you, a blue pegasus flies out of the crowd and softly lands next to you. It's Rainbow Dash. She gives you a reassuring smile.
    "Hey [name], small world huh? Is that a new manecut? 'Cause it looks like a new manecut and it is stylin'," she says nonchalantly. "Oh dude! You're on that new grass roots diet too?! That's crazy! I know it's good, but I didn't think it would catch on that fast! Speaking of, I am starving." Before everypony's eyes, Rainbow Dash lowers her head and eagerly eats up a clump of grass, doing her best to chew as loudly as possible. She swallows and burps ostentatiously as well, leaves still clinging to her lower lip.
    "Oh yeah, that's the stuff. Can't beat getting it straight from the source, am I right? Just feels more, I dunno, more natural that way. Not that I care all that much about where my chow comes from, I just heard this diet really brings out the luster in pegasus feathers. A <i>Wonderbolt's</i> gotta look her best, am I right?" she says, ruffling her admittedly handsome-looking feathers.
    Rainbow's rambling stops you in your tracks. And so does everypony else for that matter, judging by their newfound silence. Huh, it's getting late enough that the crickets are starting to come out. Rainbow looks at you confidently, her head held high and steadfast.
    After what feels like a long-ass time, the silence is finally broken by the crowd, now considering a different perspective:
    "Rainbow's such a weirdo."
    "I'm tellin' yah, all that air rushin' through 'er head does a pony no good. Does things to the noggin."
    "Me thinks Rainbow Dash has done one too many sonic rainbooms."
    "That reminds me, I really should mow the lawn. Carrot Top still has my scythe though. I wonder if those two would help me."
    "HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA RAINBOW DASH IS A CARPET MUNCHER."
    (The magician/Trixie) fires off a firecracker that flies over the crowd and explodes in a brilliant, colorful flash. Having commandeered the mob's attention, she says, "Enough! I will not have Trixie's show turn into a roast. To the park we return!" With that, she stamps her hooves and the entire stage and audience disappears in a nostalgic burst of white light, leaving you alone with Rainbow Dash.
    "Huh, that didn't exactly go according to plan, but I'll take it."
    You sheepishly thank Rainbow for committing social suicide on your behalf, rubbing the back of your neck awkwardly.
    "Oh, that? Don't mention it dude. 'Sides, Ponyville gossip doesn't leave Ponyville, and everypony will forget about this come next crazy thing to happen. Don't forget this town's been attacked by at least four super-villains. I think. I'm honestly starting to lose track."
 
Pinkie1
    As you turn a blind corner, a mass of pink fluff slams into your chest and sends you tumbling to the ground. You land on your hindquarters with a hard *thud*, stars dancing in your vision. You shake your head and blink the stars away, only to find a pink mare with cotton candy for a mane staring at you, genuine concern etched onto her face.
    The pink earth pony, evidently unfazed by the collision that left you reeling, exclaims, “Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! That was totally my fault, I wasn't looking where I was going. My cutie mark started a'glowin and a'shakin, which means I've got to be at Twilight's castle, so you see I'm really really <i>really</i> in a rush!”
    She speaks a mile a minute with the kind of boundless energy that straddles the line between endearing and annoying. However, you hear in her voice a tone one would typically use with an old friend, as if she had just bumped into somepony she had known her entire life. Between catching your breath and rubbing your bruised rump, you take a glance at her cutie mark, a trio of colorful party balloons. True to her word, they vividly pulsate in a manner you can't say you've ever seen before.
    “I don't wanna sound like a broken record, but I really am super duper sorry...” She stops speaking for just a moment and furrows her brow. The hyperactive mare leans precariously into your personal space and stares at you with sky-blue eyes, obviously trying to get a good read on you. “...hmm, I don't know your face, which is weird cause I should know every face in Ponyville! Not to mention the names, birthdays, and favorite cupcake flavors to go with those faces. Which means-”
    She gasps, as if you had just disclosed a particularly juicy piece of gossip. “You must be new in town!” She picks you up and places you back on your hooves with strength that her small, if slightly pudgy, frame betrays and proceeds to brush off any dirt on your coat with a quick swipe of her cottony tail.
    "My first impressions don't usually start off on such a low note, which means I'll just have to make the rest of my welcome twice as welcoming to make up for it!" She pauses and takes a deep breath, before saying, "Hiya! My name is Pinkie Pie and welcome to Ponyville!" She continues by bouncing around you whilst singing a simple, yet irresistibly catchy tune.
 
    I don't know you!
    And you don't know me!
    But that'll soon change!
    'Cause my name is Pinkie!
   
    Oh, the fun we'll have!
    The things we'll do!
    I don't know what they are!
    But I'll be happy to do them with you!
 
    I can already tell!
    Life will never be the same!
    With you here now!
    So what's your name?
 
[Cheerful greeting]
[Proper greeting]
[Brusque greeting]
[Flirty greeting]
 
[Cheerful greeting] You happily reciprocate Pinkie Pie's gleeful demeanor, taking her hoof and spinning her about in an sudden, impromptu dance number. You effortlessly transition into her song, turning it into a duet and even managing to surprise Pinkie with your exuberance. You answer her question in song as well, introducing yourself and giving her your name in a big, showy finale.
    "Hehe, [name] is it? You're the funnest thing to happen to me all day, and I've been having one doozy of a fun day so far!" Pinkie says, giggling all the while, "Oh I just can't wait to introduce you to all my friends! Just wait 'till you meet Applejack! And Fluttershy! And Rainbow Dash! And Rarity! And Twi-"
 
[Proper greeting] You patiently wait for Pinkie Pie to finish her song. She concludes her musical number by crouching down and thrusting her head toward you like a filly about to receive a Hearth's Warming present. You gingerly step back and take one of Pinkie's hooves in your own. After introducing yourself eloquently, making sure to use a generous amount of purple prose and Prench phrases for good measure, you bow down and gingerly plant a dainty kiss on the pastern of her pink-furred hoof.
    "OOooo, faaaaaancy. Well howdy doody (Mr./Ms.) [name]! Now, don't get excited or nothing, but I know a certain pony that would absolutely adore you! Her name's Rarity and I'm sure that the two of you are gonna get along like milk and chocolate! Not that I'm saying nopony else in town will like you; Ponyville is pretty much the nicest, most fullest of kindest ponies in all of the whole entire universe! Come on! Let's go see Rarity now, she's probably at Twi-"
 
[Brusque greeting] Oh great. Of all the ponies in town, you just had to bump into the annoying one. You sigh heavily, adopting a plainly irritated expression on your face. You try turning tail and heading elsewhere to perhaps find some more levelheaded company, but Pinkie blocks you at every move, almost impossibly at times.
    Continuing around the corner, she follows doggedly, "Hey! You forgot to tell me your name!" Sprinting through an nearby alleyway, she pops out from a shuttered casement window, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to get away from some hideous creature!" Following a path through the park, she springs out of an adjacent bush, "Making new friends is like a walk in the park! Am I right, or am I <i>right</i>?!"
    You sigh deeply once more, this time in resignation. You're obviously not gonna get anything done today with this pink pest hounding you at every step. You begrudgingly give Pinkie Pie your name and nothing else. You can't help but let a bit of venom seep into your words. Not that you care all that much.
    "Looks like I've got another gloomy gus on my hooves!" Pinkie's eyes narrow and the corners of her mouth curl into a devious smile. Her voice lowers to a threatening whisper, "Just you wait [name], I'll crack your shell. I've done it before and I'll do it again. Maybe not today. Maybe not even tomorrow. But eventually. You. Will. Be. My. Friend." She giggles maniacally.
    You raise an eyebrow and give her an incredulous look. "Oooo, tough guy eh? I like a challenge. I *might* need some backup though, and who better than the Princess of Friendshi-"
 
[Flirty greeting] Pinkie must've knocked you senseless for you to have only just realized how cute she is. In fact, just 'cute' might be a major understatement, as your vision gradually returns and her more curvaceous assets become apparent.
    Even though Pinkie is facing you, you can still spy her generous hindquarters spilling out from her sides. Like a big stuffed animal, there is not a hint of sharpness or edge to her form. Her soft body, flowing mane, and fluffy tail all come together to form an incredibly innocent, yet alluring pony. You would like nothing more at this very moment than to take this mare to the nearest alley, dive into that irresistibly inviting mane, and rut her for the rest of the day and a better part of the night.
    (You lick your pastern and smooth your ruffled mane back, making sure to give Pinkie a good view of your chiseled jawline and beefy forelegs./You bat your eyelashes and hungrily lick your lips, giving Pinkie a sultry stare all the while.) You saunter up to her and obligingly disclose some exceedingly personal details, including, but not limited to, your name.
    "Wowwie zowwie! Seems like somepony wants to ride the fast track to friendship town, population: me! We only met, like, five minutes ago and we're already sharing secrets! Here's one of mine: I go through at least two barrels of glitter a WEEK! I don't even use that much glitter, I have no idea where most of it goes." It appears Pinkie is ignoring your advances. That, or she's innocently oblivious. "Twilight calls me an enigma. Speaking of, why do I get the feeling I'm forgetting something..?"
 
    Pinkie visibly deflates, her ears flopping down limply against her head and her eyes growing wide as dinner plates. "Omigosh, I almost forgot! I need to go to the castle, but I also really want to show you the rest of Ponyville!"
    She rapidly turns her head towards the Castle of Friendship in the distance, then you, then back to the castle repeatedly. She frowns, obviously mulling over a very serious decision in her head.
    Finally she says, "I'm sorry, but I really have to go. Tell you what though, come by Sugarcube Corner later and I'll give you the perfect Pinkamena Pie welcome that you deserve! Just look for the yummy-looking building with a gingerbread roof and cupcake top, you can't miss it!" She laughs coyly. "Hopefully we can 'bump' into each other again. But maybe not as hard next time. See you later alligator!"
 
Pinkie2 (sugarcube corner/unfinished)
 
Pinkie3 (tell u what id like to do her/unfinished)
"You're awful!"
"Awfully nice!"
"You know what I want you to do to me?"
"Take me out on a nice date!"
"You know what I want you to whisper in my ear?"
"Sweet nothings of course!"
 
Rarity1
    Your wandering takes you to the southern edge of town, where the Everfree Forest lies just a stone's throw away. It's still quite early in the day; Celestia's body sits low in the distant horizon, having only just begun its slow trek across the sky. You find yourself standing in the shadow of a baroque cylindrical building, draped in a myriad of colorful drapes and banners. What looks to be a ceremonial carousel forms the building's upper story, complete with prancing pony statues round the balcony. A sign bearing an illustrated carousel statue in a stylish pink dress hangs above the front door, betraying the building's identity as not only a home, but also a clothing shop.
    While you can hardly say you're in dire need of a (suit/dress) at the moment, it may prove prudent to introduce yourself to Ponyville's resident tailor. With that in mind, you casually push the door open and pass on through. A dainty chime announces your entrance to the seemingly empty parlor.
    A feminine voice calls out from the top of the stairs directly opposite you, "Pardon my absence dear, be down in just a moment!" The voice speaks with an air of elegance that would befit the kind of pony that works in such lavish surroundings.
    And lavish the surroundings are indeed. While the exterior alone easily ranks this place among the most richly decorated buildings you've seen thus far in Ponyville, the designer obviously reserved the majority of their talent for the interior.
    This room is almost aggressively pink. Fuchsia curtains and bunting hang on every wall, so much so that it feels as if you've stepped into a spacious and exceedingly fancy tent. Whatever space that isn't covered with fabric is occupied by full-body mirrors. To your right, three such mirrors form a rough half-circle around a raised platform, no doubt intended to show off the tailor's premier merchandise from every angle.
    To the left are your first real impressions of the tailor's talent in her craft. Six stunningly beautiful dresses hang from a metal rack, each its own visual cornucopia for the eyes. Several mannequins strewn across the shop display more of her skill. Even judging by this modest selection, it's plain to see that no color is beyond her imagination, no couture too extravagant, no design too intricate.
    "Always nice to see a pony admiring my hard work." It seems the tailor had quietly made her way downstairs while you were busy ogling her wares. You pray she doesn't notice you ogling her now. Standing at the foot of the stairs is the tailor in question, a unicorn mare with striking white fur and a violet mane done up in a stylish coiffure that terminates into large, glossy curls. Her tail mirrors her manestyle, both utilizing the same smooth curls that remind you of the long, twirly ribbons typically adorning the tops of Hearth's Warming presents. Her deep, azure eyes are acutely reminiscent of the trio of gems that form her cutie mark.
    "So sorry about the tardiness dearie, I don't typically get customers this early in the morning and I make an effort get an errand or two done before noon. My oh my, you must be the newcomer everypony has been talking about. I must say, you're even cuter face-to-face. I am Miss Rarity and allow me to welcome you to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique! To whom do I have the pleasure of addressing this exquisite evening?"
 
[Cheerful greeting]
[Proper greeting]
[Brusque greeting]
[Flirty greeting]
 
[Cheerful greeting] You prance up to Rarity, taking one of her hooves in your own and giving it a vigorous shake. Your greeting is short but sweet, a perfect encapsulation of who you are as a pony in one concise message. Rarity only looks at you and smiles in genuine curiosity. She patiently waits for you to finish, laughing drolly before saying, "Well aren't you an spirited one? And from the sounds of it, you've led quite the exciting life as well. I can't say I speak for all of Ponyville, but I am very happy you've made the move here. I can already tell you'll make for a wonderful addition to our quaint, little community."
 
[Proper greeting] As pleasant a town as Ponyville is, most of it's inhabitants leave a lot to be desired in regards to high society. It's obvious that everything Rarity does and says exudes pure sophistication. You feel overjoyed to find another like-minded socialite not unlike yourself in this cultural wasteland, somepony to revel with in the latest news, fashions, and trends of the haute monde. Still, you make sure to rein in your excitement, lest you overstep some esoteric piece of etiquette.
    You give Rarity as deep a (bow/curtsy) as you can manage, introducing yourself whilst also complimenting your host and her home. Rarity's ears perk up at cultured manner with which you conduct yourself, fresh interest glimmering in her eyes.
    "My word, I had no idea I was in such refined company; what a pleasant surprise indeed. To be perfectly frank with you, when I heard we had a new arrival here in Ponyville, I let my imagination run a tad wild. I'm sure you've already noticed, but Ponyville isn't exactly a jet set destination. Please don't misunderstand, I love Ponyville with all my heart, but I might've had few preconceived notions in respects to who you were and what you were like; not all of them flattering I'm afraid. Thankfully, everything I've seen so far is such evidence to the contrary. Oh, do beg pardon, you must think me a terribly shallow pony."
 
[Brusque greeting] You don't know what you were expecting when you walked in here, but it certainly wasn't... her. One look at this dame is all you need to figure she's trouble. Even now, you can see her hungry, roving eyes running across your body not unlike how a hustler might size up a potential mark. If your surroundings are any indication of Rarity's character, then she must be one vain pony indeed. Every word that comes out of her mouth might as well be an unspoken cry for self-validation. How much time must she spend in front of a mirror, you wonder, constructing that ridiculously self-indulgent mane and tail of hers?
    "Hmm, something the matter dear? You seem a tad lost in thought." No, you answer curtly. You quickly think up a reason to excuse yourself from present company. Unfortunately, it seems Rarity is intent on prying at least some bit of information out of you.
    "Is that so? But we've yet to get properly introduced! Surely I can tempt you with a cup of coffee perhaps? Well, if really must go, then far be it from me to stop you. But before you leave, at the very least allow me the pleasure of knowing my visitor's name." You roll your eyes and begrudgingly give Rarity your name. Hopefully, a gossipy mare like herself won't be able to do too much damage with that much knowledge.
 
[Flirty greeting] You freeze up involuntarily, blood rushing to your face and... other parts of your body. "Hmm, are you alright dear? You look flushed." Rarity sidles up to you, swaying her hips to and fro in a pendulum motion more mesmerizing than any pocket-watch. A sensual undercurrent punctuates every move she makes, from the flutter of her lengthy lashes to the subtle flick of her lovely tail.
    You're good, fine, great even; at least that's what you try and tell her. You look away and chuckle nervelessly in an effort to act natural. Judging by the way Rarity is smiling at you, you're not succeeding. She circles you like a hungry predator cutting off any avenue of escape, the tip of her tail just grazing the top of your muzzle as she passes by (absolutely inadvertently you're sure). This close, you're completely helpless as a plethora of exotic perfumes invade and overwhelm your olfactory senses, sending your head spinning with salacious desire.
    "Ah hem, I believe you were about to tell me your name?" Rarity's words pierce the intoxicating haze of hedonistic thoughts surrounding your mind like a chill wind on a hot summer's day. Is it your imagination or has her speech adopted an even more sultry, more lurid tone? You stutter for a moment, but eventually manage introduce yourself amidst a chorus of "umm's" and "uh's."
    "[name], is it? Charmed! Excuse me for being presumptuous, but I get the feeling we shall be doing business sooner rather than later. Oh, I just know we'll get along swimmingly. Give me a moment to dig up my card, I'm sure the bashful little things are around here somewhere." Rarity turns and ambles over to a nearby desk, giving you ample opportunity to admire her well-toned derriθre, covered in that pristine white fur. You can even catch brief, precious glimpses of her jet-black marehood as her tail swings to and fro.
    "A-ha! There we are." She returns to you with said business card enveloped in vivid blue magic, the same gue currently emanating from her glowing horn. After giving her the okay, she gingerly lifts the top of your bag and deposits the card within.
 
    "I appreciate you taking the time to come by and meet me. One-on-one introductions are always so much more... intimate. But while I would love to keep chitchatting, I'm afraid I really must get back to my work; dresses certainly don't tailor themselves! And thank goodness for that, I imagine I'd feel quite redundant if that were the case. Do feel free to stop by anytime though, you'll find my doors are always open. And one last thing: Try not to worry too much about the gossiping now, most ponies can't help themselves and it's all in good fun. After all, I did say you were cuter in-person. Tata for now darling!"
 
Twilight1 (unfinished)
    No matter where you are in town, the Castle of Friendship is ever present. It rises above and breaks Ponyville's skyline, as out-of-place an addition to the quaint, rustic surroundings as an elephant in a herd of zebra. Despite its gaudiness, it does contribute a certain mystique to the valley, its crystalline surface sending rainbows dancing across the many pastures and orchards that dot the landscape when the sun hits the castle just right. Regardless of your personal feelings, you make your way to the personal abode of the Princess of Friendship and ready yourself for an encounter with royalty.
    You step through the gilded entrance and find yourself in a richly decorated hallway. Countless golden double-doors line the walls on either side of you, interrupted by the occasional sconce or vase. A solitary sign stands in the middle of corridor, obviously intended to block further passage into the interior proper. The wooden sign bears a crudely painted arrow pointing left towards an otherwise innocuous pair of doors, from which you can faintly hear a muffled chorus of angry voices just beyond.
 
[Obey the sign]
[Walk past the sign]
 
[Obey the sign] You heed the sign's message, walking up to the indicated doorway. Upon approach, the shouting becomes slightly louder, slightly more boisterous. You open the doors and find yourself at the tail end of a vast horde of ponies, all of which are heatedly hurling a variety of colorful complaints at a granite reception desk manned by a single secretary, a purple unicorn. There is no line to speak of, nor any semblance of order for that matter. The noise is deafening. Every pony in this sizable room is shouting at the top of their lungs, each trying to be heard over the ear-splitting buzz of the crowd, though in actuality only contributing to it. You butt your way through, ignoring the occasional sharp look and indignant cry, until you reach the desk.
    Upon closer inspection, the purple mare behind the desk is clearly not the Princess, as evidenced by her lack of Alicorn wings. She has obviously been at this for quite a while, her violet fur matted and sweat-stained. A single aquamarine steak runs though her disheveled indigo mane and tail. On her flank is an eight-pointed star with two turquoise ribbons spiraling upward. She is trying her best to juggle several tasks at once, talking to whomever is currently yelling at her the loudest while also frantically sorting and filing away tall stacks of paper with magic. After a good while, she finally manages to somewhat placate the pegasus that had been monopolizing her attention, leaving her free to talk to you.
    "If you're here to make a complaint, you're gonna have to take a number," she states flatly. "Don't know if you noticed, but there's a pony or two still in front of you," the secretary gestures to the crowd screaming bloody murder at the back of your head, "Sorry, but it's first come first serve."
    Testy today, isn't she? A sentiment that you let her know.
    "Yeah, standing in one spot long enough to turn your knees into jelly and getting shouted at until you can't hear yourself think might do that to you. Now, is there anything you actually need from me or are you just gonna stand there and block my desk? Because the last thing I need right now is a peanut gallery."
    You admit that you were hoping to see the Princess when you walked in here.
    "Princess Twilight? Yeah, you and everypony else here." The mare puts her hooves up in mock surrender, "Sorry to disappoint, but you're stuck with me," she says low enough that only you can hear, her tone dripping with hollow sincerity and just a hint of misery.
    At this point, an irate stallion deigns this an appropriate enough time to rudely shove you aside, proceeding to get up close and personal with the secretary pony. She merely stands there with a tired, bored expression on her face, even as the stallion spits saliva and vitriol at it. With the end of his fiery tirade, the secretary calmly says, "For the last time Meadowlark, we cannot ban bears. We know a bear took your picnic basket and we're all very sorry about that. From what I hear, Fluttershy already gave the fella a very stern talking to."
    Seemingly satisfied with the news, the stallion retreats back into the amorphous mass of the crowd. As soon as the spot in front of the secretary's desk is vacant, three more ponies step forth to take his place, each shouting their own assortment of issues and disputes. You can actually see the secretary's eyes glaze over from exhaustion. She is obviously on the brink of near collapse. Before she can nearly fall off her chair, a sudden burst of energy visibly invigorates her slumped limbs.
    She quickly turns to you and says, "Hey, I got an idea that could help us both out. I'm having tea with Princess Twilight later and I was supposed to bring along a new friend. I'll bring you along as my date, if you do me a favor. Deal?"
 
[Deal]
[No Deal]
 
[Deal] "Aces. My name's Starlight Glimmer by the way. Now, how good of an organizer are you?" Before you can even open your mouth to reply, the agitated purple pony interrupts you, "The answer is not a very good one, at least by her standards. Hey, don't give me that look! I'm no good either apparently. The only guy that's up to Twilight's snuff is a dragon that's basically spent his entire life in a library. Poor guy must've had a quill and parchment in each claw since he was a hatchling. Anywho, come on over to my side of the desk."
    You follow Starlight's directions, stepping around and over to her. She motions for you to stand behind an adjacent desk that she had dedicated to magically filing away an enormous tower of important-looking documents. Atop the desk are three semi-full trays, marked 'Civil,' 'State,' and 'Personal' respectively.
    "All you have to do is organize these papers into the matching tray. Easy right? It darn well should be; I actually need to separate them down even further, but you doing this gets me a lot of the way there. We can leave that for later, but for now just concentrate on getting through this stack while I deal with my appointments. Alright, that should be it. Good luck and call me over if you have any questions. Try not to have any questions."
 
[No deal]
 
[Walk past the sign] There is no sign in Equestria with enough authority to command a (pony/changeling) such as yourself, especially one so crudely constructed, with its irregular planks and rusted nails. Why, this sorry piece of lumber hardly even looks befitting of its spectacularly ornate surroundings. You nimbly sidestep the sign, giving the tiresome thing a not-so-gentle slap of your tail as you pass by. Just before you can start down the rest of the corridor, something exceedingly hard and flat smacks your backside with enough force to leave your rump throbbing red. You let out a pained yelp, the sudden, unexpected spank sending you jumping. You quickly turn back, expecting to find some mischievous pony, only to see an empty hallway. What's more, the wooden sign has disappeared! Before you can even scratch your head or rub your bruised flank, you swivel around one last time to find the wooden sign blocking your path forward, this time with an angry face painted on its surface. A magical aura the color of ripe raspberries engulfs your animate obstacle. It seems this sign had been imbued with life through some mystical enchantment! You determine that battling the sign is the only way to progress further into the castle.
 
You are battling a (lvl. 2) enchanted wooden sign!
You have defeated a (lvl. 2) enchanted wooden sign!
 
    The sign is battered and bruised, which is quite odd because it is a sign. It visibly trembles, as if struggling with all its remaining might to stay upright. A wide scowl stretches across its drawn visage, actual tears of black paint welling up in its eyes, before trickling down and staining the scarlet carpet below. You take a step forward. The sign manages to summon one final burst of energy, turning tail and hopping down the corridor on its post with surprising speed. Before you can even react, the sign is out of view, leaving tiny dust clouds and a trail of black tears in its wake.
    You stride forward in triumphant victory over a piece of wood. Truly you are not a (pony/changeling) to be trifled with. Still, you make sure to keep your wits about you. From this point on, you are undeniably trespassing within the domain of a royal Princess. Who knows what malignant dangers could lurk inside the Castle of Friendship? Who knows what manner of traps and countermeasures the fabled Tree of Harmony itself has devised to keep out unwanted interlopers? You press on undaunted.
    After not a very long time at all, you can confidently say that you're hopelessly lost. The castle's corridors weave and wind in an antipattern not unlike the gnarled roots of an ancient tree. The walls blend into each other to produce bizarre kaleidoscope-like illusions that only intensify the sense of disorientation currently gripping at you. Every door opened leads only to empty storage closets and otherwise unfurnished chambers. Interestingly enough, there are no servants or guards to speak of.
    Eventually, you manage to break your monotonous meandering by stumbling upon a series of inky marks on the floor; the black teardrops left behind by your old foe as it fled. With no other recourse, you decide to follow them; you figure they'll lead you back to the castle's entrance or the sign's master. Either way, you don't really see any better way of getting out of here.
 
Applejack1 (unfinished)
"Well howdy there stranger! Can't say I've seen you 'round these parts afore. New in town I take it? Thought as much, you must be the feller everypony's been getting riled up about. Always nice to see a new face in Ponyville, the more the merrier I always say. Name's Applejack by the by, but you can call me A.J. if that's more to your likin'. Doesn't make a lick of difference to me, but heck I guess it saves folks a second or two. What brings you here, if ya' don't mind me nosin'?"
 
Fluttershy1 (unfinished)
    After spending a better part of the day absentmindedly strolling about town, you eventually find yourself in Ponyville's town park. The weather today feels especially cold and crisp, a welcome respite in these sizzling summer months. Save for yourself, the park looks to be absolutely deserted; everypony no doubt at home breaking out their wool blankets and hot cocoa stashes.
    You pause for a moment to relax and take it all in, resting your rump on a conveniently placed park bench. A brisk breeze sends every tree and bush in sight into shivery fits, giving you a front row seat to a vast arboreal symphony composed by the howling air and rustling leaves.
    On a whim, you idly glance at the park's entrance and just barely manage to catch a glimpse of a small brown shape entering the park and coming down the path toward you. You are utterly baffled as to what it could be at first, but as it nears, the shape gradually takes on the form of a tiny white rabbit dressed in an equally tiny brown overcoat with matching felt fedora. The rabbit calmly ambles up to you, utterly indifferent to your staring. As it's about to pass by, the rabbit stops, turns its head to face you, and brings a paw to its mouth in a shushing motion. Without skipping a beat, it walks off without even waiting for a response, eventually strolling off the path and disappearing into a thicket of shrubbery further down the trail.
    Odd, to say the least. You think to yourself that this surely won't lead to another kooky introduction with an offbeat townspony, even as you spot a yellow pegasus mare following in the white rabbit's footsteps. She looks as though she is trying her best to remain out of sight, cautiously hopping from bush to bush, though only really managing to succeed in tangling up her lengthy pink mane. The only part of her that doesn't look completely out of place, as she peeks out from behind the narrow trunk of a tree, are the three pink and teal butterflies that comprise her cutiemark.
    After a good while, the unfortunate bush directly adjacent to your bench eventually finds itself occupied by the odd pony. Out of the corner of your eye, you can spot a yellow muzzle poking out from the foliage like some bizarrely-shaped, furry fruit.
    "Pssst. Psssssst. Hey," she whispers with a hushed, but urgent tone to try and get your attention, utterly ignorant to the fact that you're already acutely aware of her presence.
    "Now, don't be startled. I'm a pony in the bush RIGHT NEXT TO YOU." She pushes some branches aside to reveal the rest of her face. The resulting image is absurd to the point of being comical. She opens her mouth to continue, before a blank look dawns upon her face and catches the words in her throat before she can even start.
    She darts her eyes about and scrunches up her face before saying, "This is really odd, isn't it? Me, talking to you in a bush I mean." You nod in deadpanned affirmation.
    "Yea, this isn't normal. Not even a little." Despite the dirt and leaves that stubbornly cling to her face, you can still see her cheeks burning rosy red. The mare quickly steps out of the bush and onto the dirt path. She beats her dainty wings and floats low against the ground, gently bobbing up and down like a cork on rolling waves.
    "I'm sorry to bother you, but did you happen to see my little Angel bunny walk past here by any chance? He's been running off lately and I'm following him to find out why. Or at least trying to, I just always seem to lose track of him in the park"
 
[Yes]
[No]
 
[Yes] Well, no rest for the (weary/wicked). You unceremoniously get off your comfy perch, followed by yawning lazily and a quick stretch. With that, you start down the path towards the dense patch of underbrush the wayward rabbit had disappeared into.
    "Umm, is that a yes?" the meek pegasus calls out from behind. You glance back to see her still floating idly by the bench. Oh, right. You gesture towards the end of the path, beckoning for her to follow. Her face lights up at the realization that you're willing to help. She speedily (or at least the equivalent of a brisk trot) glides over to you. With your companion firmly in tow, you continue down the path, the thicket now no more than a mere moment's walk away.
    Before long, the dull *thud* of hooves hitting hard dirt is replaced by the harsh *crunch* of dry leaves being crushed underhoof. The woods here are wild and unfettered, the dense forest growing denser still as you trek deeper into the country. The canopy becomes so thick in fact that your aerial acquaintance is eventually forced to land and tread the earth alongside you. Just as doubt of actually finding this elusive white rabbit starts to seep into your mind, the pair of you finally come across a clearing, at the center of which lays a grassy knoll.
    "Oh, thank goodness, I was starting to think we were walking in circles. I put up a tough front, but I was actually starting to get a little nervous," you're companion admitted, forcing a chuckle through clenched teeth even while her knees shake and wobble like some new-age dance. At the base of the knoll is a rabbit-sized hole, which she quickly deduces, "That's an entrance to a bunny burrow. And look there! Itty bitty paw prints leading inside! It was hard to tell because of all the leaves on the way here, but there are tiny footprints all around here. A lot in fact, for just one bunny..."
    You bend down to examine the tight entrance and jokingly ask if the pegasus mare had brought along a shrinking spell, or if she intends to dig up the entire hill with nothing but her bare hooves. Silence answers, the impatient mare already well on her way round the other side of the knoll.
 
[No]
 
Fluttershy2 (actual meeting)
 
Fluttershy3 (credit goes to /mlp/ Writer's Guild)
    You decide to pay Fluttershy a visit, maybe stay a while for a spot of tea. Oh, the wonders that pony can concoct with some plant leaves and hot water. You can hardly say you were much of a tea-drinker before you came to Ponyville, but you'll be darned if she hadn't made you a convert. (If there ever were such a thing as a love potion, you wouldn't be surprised if the recipe was just an ingredient or two off from her pine needle tea./Incidentally, you do know a recipe for a fairly potent love potion and while Flutterhy's tea is missing a few key ingredients, it's still pretty darn close.)
    You find yourself standing before the front door of Fluttershy's cottage before you know it, a brief walk made even briefer by a mind looking forward to some good company and pleasant conversation. With a raise of your hoof, a gentle knock on the door announces your arrival. Fluttershy is quick to answer, surprisingly quick in fact, almost as if she had been waiting behind the door. She cracks the door open just enough to get a look at you.
    "Oh, hello [name], nice to see you today. You came at just the right time, I have the kettle brewing and tea should be ready in a moment, sorry to make you wait a little bit. And before you ask, umm, no, you can't come in. I'm sorry, that's not true. You can come in, but I would really, really, really appreciate it if you didn't. At least not through this door. You're more than welcome to (climb/fly) in through the window though, if it's not too much trouble."
    You let out an exasperated sigh, asking why exactly you can't use the door right in front of you.
    After a brief silence, she says simply, "Umm, look down." You roll your eyes, but glance down at the ground nonetheless. Directly in front of Fluttershy's front door lies a newly sprouted sapling, a pitiful little plant with hardly two leaves to its name. Opening the door would almost assuredly rip it from the ground.
    "You see it, don't you? I was coming home last night and I just barely noticed it in time; I almost trampled all over the poor thing! It must be so hard for little seedlings to grow in a world already full of great, big trees; I just couldn't open the door and risk hurting it. So, I might've, umm, spent last night in the chicken coop until Angel could unlock a window for me this morning."
    "It's not too much of a hassle I hope, coming in through window, is it? I mean, it is only a <i>couple</i> of feet off the ground. Oh, by the way, would you mind doing me a favor? Please send Applejack my way if you happen to see her today. I'd like to ask if she could help me build a new set of stairs..."
    Fluttershy continues rambling on regarding renovating her cottage, evidently ignorant to the fact that you've long since walked away. You make it back to town after only a moment or two. It takes you even less time to reach Roseluck's house. As per usual, you find Roseluck just outside her home, tending to her garden. After explaining the situation, she gladly offers to help out however she can. You thank her, pick up what you need, and hurry back to Fluttershy's.
    Fluttershy is still talking about drastically modifying her cottage when you return, even as you walk up to her door, plunge your hooves into the loose soil and dig the sapling up. With that done, you gingerly place it into Roseluck's flower pot.
    You knock on the door, interrupting Fluttershy's running monologue.
    "Hmm, did you have something to add?" Once again, she opens the door just a smidge, enough to give her a plain view of the potted sapling safely settled atop your raised hoof. All she can manage to say is, "Oh." She looks down at the floor sheepishly, before swinging the door wide open and stepping back to invite you in.
    "So, how about some tea? The pot should be ready about now. Pinkie came by this morning and dropped off some fresh ladyfingers..."
    Conversing over fresh tea, the two of you agree that the potted sapling makes for a lovely centerpiece.
 
Duel Scene1 (Rainbow and Pinkie/unfinished)
 
Everfree1
    For whatever reason, you decide that exploring the depths of the Everfree Forest is the most sensible course of action at this point and juncture. The forest, a vast stretch of untamed brush that encompasses much of the land directly south and southeast of Ponyville, is a source of much misfortune for nearby ponies. The denizens of the Everfree are infamous across all Equestria, with many a myriad of malignant monsters making their abode in this forest, from the oft underestimated parasprite to the voracious multi-headed hydra. While monsters, for the most part, tend to keep to themselves in the deeper parts of the woods, every once in a while some ambitious beast will venture out from the depths and stalk the outskirts of town, necessitating a response from the local authorities or even the Elements themselves. Subsequently, much of the Everfree remains uncharted and is said to be absolutely replete with hidden treasures ripe for the taking, should an enterprising pony be brave enough to go looking. With this in mind, you steel your nerves and venture forth into the unknown.
 
Zecora1
 
Celestia1 (unfinished)
    A single candle illuminates your room, wavering and flickering with every stray breeze that drifts through the porous walls. You lay awake in your cot, caught in a fitful bout of unrest. Your mind races, every thought preoccupied by the new sights you've seen and ponies you've met. You can't help but wonder what fate has in store for you. Where is your place in Ponyville? Will the townsponies ever accept you as one of their own? (Will you ever find true lo-/Will you fulfill your desti-)
    Your musings are interrupted by a sudden rapping at your chamber door. The harsh sound takes a moment to register in your brain. You can confidently say that you were not expecting company, especially not at this hour. It couldn't hurt to answer, you suppose, aside from the tragedy of having to get up from beneath your toasty warm blanket. The knocking becomes incessant; even if you chose to ignore it, there's no way you'll be able to fall asleep amidst all this racket. You resign yourself to a life of constant and unerring inconveniences, pushing away the woolen sheets and sluggishly rising from your stupor. The shock of your hooves touching the icy stone floor provides an almost welcome jolt of wakefulness as you shuffle towards the door.
    Unfortunately, the door to your shed lacks a peephole and the few windows the shed did posses are far too small and high up to be of any practical use at the moment. You call out to your inconsiderate visitor, asking what they want. You don't know what you were expecting, but it certainly wasn't the meek, feminine voice that replied back.
    "Help, please...?"
    Questions swarm your mind like a cloud of angry hornets. Some strange pony coming to your doorstep in the dead of night? This supposed cry for help could just as easily be some sly ploy by some loathsome monster (with an disarmingly charming voice). A sudden swell of alacrity surges into your veins at the prospect of unseen danger. You follow up your earlier inquiry with another, this time demanding the identity of your mysterious visitor. Only the crickets respond. Further attempts to communicate prove equally fruitless, no matter how loudly you shout. You briefly consider returning to bed and stuffing cotton into your ears. After all, what are the chances there actually is a pony outside your door at this very moment in dire need of aid, potentially bleeding out from a mortal wound and only your timely door-opening could save them from shuffling off this mortal coil? A weary sigh escapes your lips.
    You open the door and find yourself looking down at a young unicorn mare dressed in tattered rags, with the not-so-occasional spot of dirt here, there, and everywhere. Vast patches of her amber coat have faded to a dull, homely brown. Knots and tangles plague her coal-black mane, not so much a rat's nest as a troll's. Curiously enough, she doesn't smell nearly as unkempt as she looks, lacking the sickly-sweet odor vagrants tend to pick up after who-knows-how-long of living on the streets.
    She looks up at you tentatively, as if afraid to make eye contact. After enduring your questioning stare for a good while, she finally manages to speak up, "I'm sorry to bother you this late. I saw light in the windows and figured you were still awake. I have nowhere else to go and nopony to turn to and I've been walking since sunrise and... I'm sorry! I'm just so hungry!" Her strained voice, unexpectedly pleasant to the ear, cracks at that last word.
    "Please (sir/miss), if you can spare any food, anything at all, I would be forever grateful." She looks up at you for the first time, giving you ample opportunity to look into her deep, magenta eyes.
 
[Help]
[Refuse]
[Rape]
[Rape with sleep potion]
 
[Help] You've yet to turn away a stranger in need and you're certainly not about to start now. So what if you're not exactly overflowing with wealth at the moment? You've a roof over your head and a larder full of plain, but hearty fare, which makes you good deal more fortunate than this mare. That should be more than enough reason to help. You can only imagine how you'd feel in her horseshoes; the feeling of hopelessness she must cope with everyday and night. Even now you can see fear on her grimacing face; fear of rejection, fear of another night unable to quell a hungry belly, fear that Equestria had become a much more unduly cruel and cynical place than it need be.
    Without any further ado, you step aside and swing the door wide open, allowing a proverbial flood of soft candlelight to wash over your visitor. She stares at the interior of your shed with mouth agape and eyes growing wide as saucers, stunned by the unprecedented luxury before her. Despite your tacit invitation, her hooves remain firmly planted at your doorstep. Her legs visibly shake and quiver, uncertainty no doubt clinging to them like the thorny vines of plunderseeds plants. After her eyes finish darting over all your worldly possessions, her gaze finally comes to rest squarely on you. She takes a nervous gulp, before mouthing a silent, "really?"
    You nod and mouth an affirmative "really" of your own, just to sweep away any and all traces of ambiguity. With surprising speed, your guest leaps forward and wraps you up in a tender embrace. She buries her head against your bosom, muffling the already barely-comprehensible string of "thanks you's" streaming from her lips. She quickly runs out of breath and resigns herself to hugging you ever tighter, as if you'd disappear should she let go. Silence falls over the room, interrupted by the occasional sniffle from your pony-shaped scarf.
    Her fur is pleasantly warm to your surprise, a welcome contrast to the frigid night air. Her heart beats directly against yours with a vivacious rhythm that sings with gratitude and rekindled hope.
 
[Refuse] You take a moment to size up the situation, weighing the potential risks and costs of inviting a strange pony into your home, not to mention filling her audibly empty belly. It doesn't take long to reach a conclusion.
    With your current state of affairs, you're not exactly in any position to help the less fortunate. Heck, most ponies would probably agree that you're hardly any better off than this mare right in front of you. Furthermore, you owe her no debt nor obligation; for anypony to think otherwise would be a ludicrous notion. You don't know where she'll sleep or what she'll eat, but it shan't be under your roof this night. You shake your head plaintively and deliver your ultimatum.
    Upon hearing your verdict, the beggar pony merely lowers her gaze and stares at the ground dejectedly. Her reaction is far more mild than you'd anticipated. There are no tears. In fact, she adopts an almost matter-of-fact attitude, the former waver and trepidation in her voice replaced now by a flat monotone. You suspect this isn't the first taste of rejection she has faced tonight or any night.
    "I understand. I'm sorry to have bothered you," is all she says. With that, she turns around and starts walking off to who-knows-where, never once raising her head all the while.
    With your midnight encounter at an end and your visitor disappearing into the starless night, there is nothing left to do but close the door and get what rest you can. Just before the door shuts completely, you think you can faintly hear the flutter of wings. You pause for a moment, but ultimately think little of it.
    You return to bed and eventually fall into a dreamless slumber.
 
[Rape]
 
[Rape with sleep potion]
 
Luna1
 
Luna2 (playing chess)
pawn-peon
bishop-pontiff
knight-crusader
rook-tower
king-prince
queen-princess
"Ah, the Hero's Dilemma! Do we rescue the dazzling damsel or deliver the village from impending doom? Tis a shameful choice for thee to force upon us. Thou art a cunning opponent indeed."
"So, thou thinketh to keep thy prince safe and secure behind walls of yonder citadel? A most prudent measure to be sure, considering the absolute ruination we art about to unleash."
"Thou art using Ponetti's Defense against us, eh? Fitting, giveth the position of the board. Naturally, thou must suspect us to attack with Capy Barra. But thou must knoweth that Thoroughbault cancels out Capy Barra! Tis true of course, unless thy opponent has studied her Azteca; which we have!"
"Egads! Thy precariously positioned peon was naught but a devious ruse! So thou art willing to sacrifice peons in order to command the field? Such ferocity... remind us not to tread paths with thee on a foul day, lest we incur thy wrath."