Legends of Equestria - Forum

{This is a RP about the underground tunnels of Ponyville. Feel free to look around and take this RP in any direction you would like! Beware though, the sewer has many dangers. Such as floods, wild animals, and toxic sludge! The long dark catacombs seem to echo with voices while nopony is there, and a certain somepony wanders throughout its walkways. . .Have fun! ]

Somewhere near the edge of Ponyvilles main square, a ponyhole{manhole} has been left open, and the color has mysteriously disappeared from the lid in the shape of a hoof print.

"Yuck..." muttered Nightmaress, "It looks filthy down there!"
"If we're going to find the Dream Archives then we better start looking in underground places, "Said her blue pheonix, "The Ponyville Sewers is a good place to start!"
the purple unicorn scowled and jumped down the manhole.

Deep within the heart of the tunnels, spektrum would sit, staring blankly into the flowing water within the canals "Huh?" she said with an impulse as the echo of hoof steps danced through the corridors

Nightmaress used a spell to see any hidden passageways.

Physics found a entrance to the sewers somewhere on the outskirts of Ponyville. Ok let's see I need the scales of a...sewer tiger? But tigers don't have scales? Maybe it's a mutant? Physics said, reading a book on potions regents. I'll just take what I find. FOR GREAT POTIONS! Physics said, jumping into the hole in the ground, landing hard on his hooves with a audible 'THUMP". GAH! Physics screamed, feeling one of his hooves give way under his weigh upon impact.
Physics got back up on 3 hooves, and looked around the area. No Sewer tiger here, might as well keep looking. Physics said, limping along in some random path.

"W-w-what was that?" Azurite asked frighteningly.
"We're in the sewers, Azurite," Retorted Nightmaress as she continued her spell, "There are a lot of odd things down here."

Physics saw some sort of slime like creature chewing on some animal. What in Tartarus is that? Physics exclaimed, alerting the slime to his presence. The slime charged at physics with a speed no other slime could hope to copy! A great 1 meter per second! Physics looked at the slime. You're...quite ugly, go away. Physics said, picking up the slime with his telekinesis and threw it hard against a wall...causing the slime to explode, covering Physics entire body in said slime. Physics stared at the area in the wall the slime hit, then looked at his hooves, and shuddered. Ugh...ugh...this is...disguisting... Physics said, feeling the wetness of the slime all over his body.

Spektrum had seen the whole tustle, raising her voice at the colt as she crouched in anger "WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY FRIENDS!?"  

((Physics is no colt, he's 32 for Celestia's sake!))
Physics turned to face spektrum, still covered in slime. It...it attacked...URK! Physics said, throwing up due to slime getting in his mouth.

Cloudy Zenith is walking along the street when she falls into the open manhole.
As she picks herself up she bumps her head and falls into the water. She gets carried along steam for a bit until she can pull herself out. Shaking the fetid water off Cloudy shudders. "This is as bad as that time I swallowed a stinkbug."

Spektru chuckled in amusement at the stallions sickness, her wings flapping wildly as her guard began to lower

Physics tries to ignore the fact he was covered in disgusting slime. You....you wouldn't happen to know were I could find a sewer tiger would you?

spektrum would look along her body at her many stripes, her hooves clicking with jittereyness

Two young ponies were walking along the surface, one a Pegasus, one a unicorn, towards a ponyhole  "Are you sure about this Diesel?...it doesn't look very safe..." the Pegasus and the younger of the two said stopping and looking down the ponyhole in the ground, before looking back at his friend. "Don't worry about it Static, I used to go into sewers all the time. It will be a great way to build your confidence" the older unicorn, Diesel, replied before jumping into the hole. The pegasus, Static, flew in shortly after.

"I-I didn't know sewers were so....loud" mumbled the blue pheonix.
"Oh be quiet," mumbled Nightmaress, concentrating on her spell.

Physics looked at the stripped pony infront of him. you-you're a sewer tiger? But you don't have any scales... Physics said, disappointed.

"Ive never heard of a sewer tiger! and I've lived in this sewer here for 15 years!" Spektrum said with a sharp tone. "Their probably refering to me. . ."

As the TARDIS landed Light said "Ponyville Sewers? Disgusting... I have to get a DNA splicer ingredient.."

Looking around Spektrum would yell "WHO ARE ALL OF YOU PONIES AND WHY ARE YOU IN MY HOME!?!?" Spektrum became a bit frightened, for she has not had much contact with the town above since she was banished to Earth from cCoudsdale and claimed this sewer as her home.

"Allons-y," says Light as he wants to find venom goo

Spektrum would not understand the doctors strange term as she sat there, puzzled {love the 10th doctor ref}

((ohtartarusyeah))
"You, seen any venom goo? I need a DNA Splicer for my Sonic Stylus..."

Nightmaress ran forward to find the source of the shouting.
"This looks interesting," Said the unicorn at seeing DivineSpektrum.

Physics decided the best course of action was to hide, and casted his invisibility spell on himself.

In a fit of rage Spektrum would stomp her hoof hard upon the ground, and in a sudden Pulse, all that surrounded her within a 10 foot radius would have been drained of its color. [glow=purple,5,000]"WHO ARE ALL OF YOU!?"[/glow] she shouted in a demanding tone

My name is Physics shift, now calm down before I turn you into ash! Physics said, preparing a fire ball spell incase the mare tried anything dangerous.

{bbl guys}

Nightmaress put a bubble around herself and Azurite barely got inside before it closed up. She let the bubble stay around them and her color stayed.

Spektrums feathers would ruffle upon her broken and torn wings, beginning to calm herself as she took a deep breath, the color returning to the surrounding area. "Im sorry I acted so harsh. . .I just. . .Haven't seen many others for a really long time. . ."

Physics relaxed, and un-prepped his fireball spell. Good, good, now why exactly are you down here? Physics asked the mare in front of him.

Spektrum would hesitate to respond "I. . . .I was Banished here. . ."

By whom exactly?

"Cloudsdale Council. . ." Spektrum would stare at the floor, her wings drooped and shivering

To Taratrus with the Cloudsdale Council! This area is within ponyvillle! What they say has no bearing hear!

"I wasn't sent HERE i was banished to the land. . . .For my crime. . ." .she said quietly her tall frame shaking with fear of judgement

That's not what I'm saying! Physics said, slightly annoyed. What I'm saying is that you can leave this area and anypony from Cloudsdale can do nothing about it without Celestia's approval first! This is out of their jurisdiction!

"I KNOW THAT! I just. . .don't want to take everyponies happiness. .When i was a filly. . .I caused the destruction of color from Cloudsdale. . and. . .i caused that horrible rainbow factory. . ." she would sound as if she was weeping

You destroyed...colors....Do I look like I was born yesterday? How does one destroy colors? By painting everything white?

"M-maybe lower your voice a little?" Asked Azurite.

Cloudy walks around the sewers, trying to find another ponyhole.
She steps in something squelchy and looks down. A sewer slime looks (for want of a better word) back up at her.

((following my new regeneration))

"Seems the ingredients for my splicer are here, just like-"
Mysterious monsters cut off Light as he screams "EVERYPONY, ALLONS-Y, ALLONS-Y!"

"Cloudsdale Exile, eh?" said Nightmaress smugly, "Sounds like Scythe's freaky friend,"

"I ALREADY DESTROYED THE RAINBOW FACTORY, JUST RUN!" Says Light as he runs past the 3 ponies

Spektrum would sigh "I'll show you. . . ." walking over to a wall, she would lift her tail, using the bushy paintbrush-like tip to brush the wall, the color then disappearing to a monochromatic shade "See...?"

"This will be an interesting study," Said Nightmaress, "Do it an Azurite, I wonder what affect it has on phoenixes,"
"Gah! N-Nightmaress!" Yelled her familiar.

"On your bird. . ?" she would look at the purple unicon, confused as why she would want such a thing, but proceeds to whipe her tail over the beautiful blue phoenix, removing a small speck of color from her tail feathers

Azurite squawked, "Give it back give it back!!! Give it back!!"
Nightmaress chuckled at her familiar and muttered, "Interesting"

"Give it back??" Spektrum blinked,"Well. . .ooookaay" suddenly sticking out her tongue, its color not normal from anyponys before her, what they saw was a black and white striped tongue, leaning in Spektrum would lick the birds tail feathers, the color returning instantly

"You're such a hatching, Azurite," scowled Nightmaress.

Spektrum would reply with a giggle snort. "Hahahngh"

(k...)
Vick was snooping around. He came to a wall and sat down to take out his Flocky Talky

"VC, Were are they?" Vick said into the device

"I told you. IN THE SEWERS!" VC yelled, ecoching through the tunnels.

(He is very near you and can almost easily be seen)

Feather sighed, double-checking his biohazard spell matrix barding to make sure he was completely covered.  "The things I have to do for research..." he muttered.

"It was your decision to take on the assignment," reminded his wife.  "I'll make sure the laboratory is all set up and ready for when you return.  And I'll keep dinner warm."

The unicorn smiled up from the sewer entrance.  "Thanks, Juni."

With that, the lightly armored unicorn dropped into the sludge-filled pipes, and levitated the lid back into place.  With a thought, twin lights shone out from just over his eyes, and a miniature map of his surroundings appeared on his head-mounted display.  He adjusted the straps on his protected saddlebags under the barding, and brought up the time.  "Twenty hours in this stuff, this is going to stink.  Good thing this barding filters all that out.  I hope that the stun and debris-clearing spells work as promised."

He began slowly making is way forward.

Cloudy continues to walk around the sewers with the slime stuck to her leg. She walks into a large drainage junction where several pipes meet.
She follows the flow of water into the largest pipe, wrinkling her nose as the smell worsens.

"I think I ran away from those creatures..." -pant- "This is mad!" Light says

Physics managed to sneak away from the crazy giant rainbow pony. Got to find that Sewer tiger... Physics said, his invisible hooves stepping through out the oddly spacious sewers.

The armored pony found himself in a long tunnel almost pitch-black except for the head-mounted lights (sewers were full of methane and other flammable gases, and torches would have been an explosion hazard and unnecessary except during maintenance).  The sludge went up to his spell barding's waist level (there wasn't much point in a sewer unless to deliver waste, and not much point in making an absurdly spacious one and wasting materials.  The only "space" around was the extra bit in case of floods and extra usage), and his armor reading held steadily.

"Glad the barding's holding in this acidic environment," noted Feather with a shudder.  "This sludge is most likely filled with toxins and extremely dangerous biological hazards."

As he forced his way through, using his scaled-down magic missile spell to clear sections where the combined filth of all of Ponyville had caked the walls with hardened decomposing matter, the pony kept an eye on his heads-up display to make sure he didn't get lost, and also to look out for dangerous creatures.  It was fortunate that he did so, because at an intersection he suddenly encountered a red dot on his map, indicating a hostile target.

"Oh no... if this is one of those-"

He didn't have time to finish as barbed, writhing limbs shot out from beyond the corner, grasping at his face.

"GYAH!"

He backpedaled quickly, shooting a stun spell at the arms, which quickly retracted with a disgusting screech.

"I should've known... the sewers held enough nutrients and large organic matter to create an entire ecosystem of its own, complete with macroscopic fauna," muttered the scientist, who now looked around more warily, horn at the ready.  "It would make sense for nutrient-absorbing creatures to thrive in large sizes down here.  Almost a reproduction of the equine digestive tract, more specifically the small intestine, except with the villi replaced with barnacle and coral-like feeders.  I didn't expect them to be THIS big."

This time, the researcher was ready when the arms darted forward, stunning the limbs and rushing past to the next chamber, praying that it was at least a bit more void of life than this one.  Fortunately, it was.  When he felt like he was at a safe distance from the creature, he paused, floating in the sludge and panting a bit into the oxygen recycling component of his barding.

"Only one percent mana used, and regenerating," he chuckled.  "Thank the Sisters that the heat from decomposition down here allows the suit to maintain a good amount of magical energy."

((I'm assuming it is similar to old London sewers, about half of the brickwork pipe is filled with waste in normal conditions and there is a small sidewalk for maintenance purposes. The junctions are sometimes high vaulted with a vent at the top to allow for gas to escape))
Cloudy stops for a break and tries to pry the slime off her hoof. 
It continues to stick to it, her hoof tingles and itches where it is stuck on.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 04, 20:09:10
((I'm assuming it is similar to old London sewers, about half of the brickwork pipe is filled with waste in normal conditions
and there is a small sidewalk for maintenance purposes. The junctions are sometimes high vaulted with a vent at the top to allow for gas to escape))
Cloudy stops for a break and tries to pry the slime off her hoof. 
It continues to stick to it, her hoof tingles and itches where it is stuck on.

((guess I landed in one of the narrower sections then))

Feather looked up, his headlights illuminating the otherwise pitch-black arched junction.  It looked like there was a narrow vent near the top of the brickwork arch, and there were a few maintenance paths along the sides, although many of the tunnels branching off had either extremely narrow paths or no paths at all, like the one he came from.  Fortunately for him, there seemed to be a distinct lack of macroscopic life here, besides a few maggots and worms crawling about in the muck as expected.  He brought up the map on his head-mounted display.

"Reached the first marker.  I should record a few notes and perform a test here."

Getting onto a side platform, he got out some test matrices, laying them on the surface of the sludge.  After a few moments, softly glowing red and green lights appeared at various intervals, then faded to display a set of numbers.

After retrieving the matrices, the scholar brought up the virtual notepad and dictated a few sentences.

*****

Entry 01

Entered sewer entrance number 5332.  Sewer pipes at 50% capacity, some blockage found.  First branch, hostile macroscopic life found, resembles anemone or barnacle counterpart with barbed feelers, possibly for masticating larger organic waste before digestion and absorption.  New name, Sewer Anemone.  Creature blocking connection to Main number 31, hazard to maintenance workers.  Suggest removal.  Main at 10% capacity, only observed macroscopic life larvae and small worms.  Tests indicate normal acidity and presence of numerous toxins and biological contaminants.  No new hazards found.  End Log Entry 01.

((time for moon to make his not-so-grand entrance))

Moonlight decided to wander the sewers for a change of pace and see this 'sewer tiger' everypony seemed to mention one time or another and since he was on the clock for a freelance job down here he decided why the hay not explore since he finished his work.

Quote from: The Wandering Magus on 2012 Nov 02, 21:50:25
Feather sighed, double-checking his biohazard spell matrix barding to make sure he was completely covered.  "The things I have to do for research..." he muttered.

"It was your decision to take on the assignment," reminded his wife.  "I'll make sure the laboratory is all set up and ready for when you return.  And I'll keep dinner warm."

The unicorn smiled up from the sewer entrance.  "Thanks, Juni."

With that, the lightly armored unicorn dropped into the sludge-filled pipes, and levitated the lid back into place.  With a thought, twin lights shone out from just over his eyes, and a miniature map of his surroundings appeared on his head-mounted display.  He adjusted the straps on his protected saddlebags under the barding, and brought up the time.  "Twenty hours in this stuff, this is going to stink.  Good thing this barding filters all that out.  I hope that the stun and debris-clearing spells work as promised."

He began slowly making is way forward.

Quote from: The Wandering Magus on 2012 Nov 04, 19:54:21
The armored pony found himself in a long tunnel almost pitch-black except for the head-mounted lights (sewers were full of methane and other flammable gases, and torches would have been an explosion hazard and unnecessary except during maintenance).  The sludge went up to his spell barding's waist level (there wasn't much point in a sewer unless to deliver waste, and not much point in making an absurdly spacious one and wasting materials.  The only "space" around was the extra bit in case of floods and extra usage), and his armor reading held steadily.

"Glad the barding's holding in this acidic environment," noted Feather with a shudder.  "This sludge is most likely filled with toxins and extremely dangerous biological hazards."

As he forced his way through, using his scaled-down magic missile spell to clear sections where the combined filth of all of Ponyville had caked the walls with hardened decomposing matter, the pony kept an eye on his heads-up display to make sure he didn't get lost, and also to look out for dangerous creatures.  It was fortunate that he did so, because at an intersection he suddenly encountered a red dot on his map, indicating a hostile target.

"Oh no... if this is one of those-"

He didn't have time to finish as barbed, writhing limbs shot out from beyond the corner, grasping at his face.

"GYAH!"

He backpedaled quickly, shooting a stun spell at the arms, which quickly retracted with a disgusting screech.

"I should've known... the sewers held enough nutrients and large organic matter to create an entire ecosystem of its own, complete with macroscopic fauna," muttered the scientist, who now looked around more warily, horn at the ready.  "It would make sense for nutrient-absorbing creatures to thrive in large sizes down here.  Almost a reproduction of the equine digestive tract, more specifically the small intestine, except with the villi replaced with barnacle and coral-like feeders.  I didn't expect them to be THIS big."

This time, the researcher was ready when the arms darted forward, stunning the limbs and rushing past to the next chamber, praying that it was at least a bit more void of life than this one.  Fortunately, it was.  When he felt like he was at a safe distance from the creature, he paused, floating in the sludge and panting a bit into the oxygen recycling component of his barding.

"Only one percent mana used, and regenerating," he chuckled.  "Thank the Sisters that the heat from decomposition down here allows the suit to maintain a good amount of magical energy."

Quote from: The Wandering Magus on 2012 Nov 05, 10:47:11

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 04, 20:09:10
((I'm assuming it is similar to old London sewers, about half of the brickwork pipe is filled with waste in normal conditions
and there is a small sidewalk for maintenance purposes. The junctions are sometimes high vaulted with a vent at the top to allow for gas to escape))
Cloudy stops for a break and tries to pry the slime off her hoof. 
It continues to stick to it, her hoof tingles and itches where it is stuck on.

((guess I landed in one of the narrower sections then))

Feather looked up, his headlights illuminating the otherwise pitch-black arched junction.  It looked like there was a narrow vent near the top of the brickwork arch, and there were a few maintenance paths along the sides, although many of the tunnels branching off had either extremely narrow paths or no paths at all, like the one he came from.  Fortunately for him, there seemed to be a distinct lack of macroscopic life here, besides a few maggots and worms crawling about in the muck as expected.  He brought up the map on his head-mounted display.

"Reached the first marker.  I should record a few notes and perform a test here."

Getting onto a side platform, he got out some test matrices, laying them on the surface of the sludge.  After a few moments, softly glowing red and green lights appeared at various intervals, then faded to display a set of numbers.

After retrieving the matrices, the scholar brought up the virtual notepad and dictated a few sentences.

*****

Entry 01

Entered sewer entrance number 5332.  Sewer pipes at 50% capacity, some blockage found.  First branch, hostile macroscopic life found, resembles anemone or barnacle counterpart with barbed feelers, possibly for masticating larger organic waste before digestion and absorption.  New name, Sewer Anemone.  Creature blocking connection to Main number 31, hazard to maintenance workers.  Suggest removal.  Main at 10% capacity, only observed macroscopic life larvae and small worms.  Tests indicate normal acidity and presence of numerous toxins and biological contaminants.  No new hazards found.  End Log Entry 01.

After he finished dictating his notes, Feather checked his energy reserves and map.

"Looks like I'm right on schedule.  One section down, nineteen to go- WH-?!"

He was cut off as red dots started filling the radar at the edges of his mini-map, approaching rapidly.  Within moments his headlights picked up movement everywhere near the far walls, and upon closer inspection, the armored pony could see thousands of crawling, slimy creatures half-writhing, half-skittering from holes they made in the walls.  Each one had sharp, pointed legs and long scissor-like teeth that stretched beyond feeder-like mouths dripping with some sort of corrosive acid.  Behind the wall, there came a low, deep rumbling sound, almost organic in nature.

The researcher noticed all this with but a single glance, and wasted no time scrambling off the platform he sat upon and rushing into one of the narrow tunnels branching from the main, noting the number before entering.  He shot a few stun spells at the barbed limbs that reached out from the Sewer Anemones along the walls before rushing past, allowing the reviving limbs to block and take out the incoming swarms.  Fortunately, although the way back was blocked, it seemed the Anemones were very effective, and only one or two of the scuttling creatures got past, easily stunned and blasted back with Magic Missiles.  The screeches echoed through the dark tunnels a long time as the researcher got moving again.

"They seem to be running from something, or somehow disturbed.  There also seems to be a predator-prey relationship between macroscopic creatures down here.  Maybe the little ones are somewhat analogous to ants and termites?  That would mean they break up and eat smaller wastes after the anemones break up the larger ones.  The swarm mentality fits such creatures, especially since working together would allow them to consume much larger matter than would otherwise be possible.  The sharp legs would definitely help when climbing tunnel walls and digging through dirt, and the mandibles can easily break up harder chunks of waste such as dehydrated bread and such.  The feeders then would grasp the tiny pieces and move them towards the mouth, while the acidic spittle digested what was left, similar to tarantulas, or perhaps starfish."

The stallion pondered these scientific possibilities as he slowed down, having left the majority of danger behind.

The biological and chemical agents she has been exposed to begin to take their toll on Cloudy Zenith, and she stops to vomit violently into the waste flowing along the passage.
After picking herself up she begins heading along the passage again, but finds the way barred by a heavy grating clogged with fragments of debris. Cloudy sighs and begins to head back against the flow of current.
"Seems like I'm not going to get to the main outflow, so I'll have to find a reachable entry point."
She mumbles to herself as she lowers herself into the sewer water so she can head into a narrow collection pipe.

Feather slowly waded through the sludge of the pipe he had run into to escape the swarms, keeping an eye on the radar in case another hostile target showed up.  When he felt he was a safe enough distance from the thrashing waters behind, he cleared a section of the wall with his magic missile and brought up his virtual notes.

*****

Entry 02

Left Main through connection number 43, second Sewer Anemone found.  Encountered swarm of hostile macroscopic life resembling hairless six-legged rats with tarantula-like mouths and sharp mandibles which extend beyond the mouth.  Legs tipped with spikes, mouths excreted corrosive digestive spittle similar to starfish, perhaps hydrochloric acid.  Swarm exited from west Main wall, apparently agitated by some deep rumbling which seemed organic in nature; image and audio file attached.  Was pursued by these creatures.  New name, Sewer Tarantula.  Creatures were blocked or consumed by second Sewer Anemone after escape.  Suggest reexamination of sewer interiors and structure in case of damage from Sewer Tarantulas.  Connection number 43 at 50% capacity.  Will test for contaminants when next marker is reached.  End Log Entry 02.

*****

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 05, 19:36:50
The biological and chemical agents she has been exposed to begin to take their toll on Cloudy Zenith, and she stops to vomit violently into the waste flowing along the passage.
After picking herself up she begins heading along the passage again, but finds the way barred by a heavy grating clogged with fragments of debris. Cloudy sighs and begins to head back against the flow of current.
"Seems like I'm not going to get to the main outflow, so I'll have to find a reachable entry point."
She mumbles to herself as she lowers herself into the sewer water so she can head into a narrow collection pipe.

As he finished his log entry, he noticed a slowly-moving green dot on his head-mounted display, indicating a friendly target.  Cautiously, the armored pony inched towards the intersection between his pipe and the target's.

Turning the corner, his bright twin head-mounted lights revealed the last thing he had been expecting down here- another pony!  It was Cloudy Zenith!

"Wh- CLOUDY?!"  ((we know each other, right?))

Still above the ground, Majem had all his equipment in his saddlebags, ready to take that trip underground. He was wearing a helmet with a lamp on it, some gloves and a lab coat. Not the best protection ever, but he wasn't supposed to be spending too much time down there.
When he opened the manhole, the smell of the sewers hit him in the nose harder than he expected, which forced him to drop the plate and cover his nose.
"By Celestia, it's worse than expected." He thought as he put on his mouth mask.

Majem slowly and carefully made his way down into the sewer, closing the manhole behind him so nobody on the surface would have to smell what he finds himself surrounded by now. He switched the light on his helmet on and looked at the waste water flowing next to him.
"I hate this part of the job."

Determined to do his job, as fast as possible, Majem retrieved a glass jar from his saddlebag. Looking at the waste again, he hesitated for a moment before pushing the jar down with his front leg as far as he could. Majem had to retrieve samples from the deeper parts, not the upper waste, but he found it rather hard to retrieve samples using magic. The waste distracted him too much from the jar, which causes him to drop the spell and lose the jar, several times already.

He pulled himself away from the waste as soon as the jar was filled and paused for a moment. His mouth mask wasn't enough to protect to poor pony from the smell, which made him want to throw up. He sat down for a moment, trying to catch his breath.

((The water tester is on the job!))

"Hello professor! I fell into here via a open ponyhole, but I take it you are down here on purpose?"
Cloudy replies with a glance at the suit Feather is wearing.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 06, 17:09:22
"Hello professor! I fell into here via a open ponyhole, but I take it you are down here on purpose?"
Cloudy replies with a glance at the suit Feather is wearing.

"wh-what are you doing down h- you don't know how dangerous it is down here!" said the professor, worried.  "You have no idea how many biological and chemical contaminants you're being exposed to!  Wait!"

He opened a compartment in his armor and withdrew some shimmering liquid.

"before I answer any of your questions, please, drink this, it should reverse the effects of any toxins already in your system and keep more toxins from entering.  Sweet Sisters, I hope this works..."

The researcher looked TRULY worried, and for good reason.

After a while, the urge to throw up left Majem and he got back on his hooves, ready to get the next sample. He picked up another jar and filled it with some of the upper waste water. "Got too many of these jars anyway."

Majem put away the jars into his bags and got his map out of the bag.
"This place is a maze!" He mutters to himself as he tries to get some information from the map.

"I know it is dangerous, but I'm not here by choice."
She takes the bottle and drinks the anti-toxin.
"I'll remove the biological contaminants from my body once I've developed resistance, but this should help keep the enterotoxins down. Thank-you professor, there seems to be an unusual form of poisoning down here that affects magic usage but I feel better now." She summons up a light orb to test if her magic was functioning properly.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 06, 17:35:35
"I know it is dangerous, but I'm not here by choice."
She takes the bottle and drinks the anti-toxin.
"I'll remove the biological contaminants from my body once I've developed resistance, but this should help keep the enterotoxins down. Thank-you professor, there seems to be an unusual form of poisoning down here that affects magic usage but I feel better now." She summons up a light orb to test if her magic was functioning properly.

The orb reaches the expected size, and Feather sighs in relief.

"Thank Celestia.  And yes, it seems that the unique mixture of wastes, biological, chemical and magical, combine in unexpected ways to create quite bizarre poisons and creatures.  I myself have only just managed to escape a few.  Unfortunately..."

He looked back towards the frothing waters where the Sewer Anemone was winning against the Sewer Tarantulas.

"The way I came in is blocked.  We'll have to find another way out.  Let me get you a copy of this map..."

He withdrew a miniature matrix from a compartment, which snapped together and formed a temporary helmet complete with head-mounted display and headlights.

"Here.  It'll protect you almost as well as the one I'm wearing at the moment; the rest of the barding is stored in the helmet when not being used.  Shall we walk while we speak?"

He started down one of the narrow corridors and waited for the mare.

Majem switched his attention from map to the sewers around him, but he didn't exactly find what he was looking for.
"I should be here... I think. Ah well, allons-y!" He rolled up his map and put it back in his bags, then proceeded down the path before him. His light shone through the sewer, but apart from the spot he pointed it at, it didn't light up much of the sewer.

Cloudy follows Feather down the corridor.
"So, you have found multicellular lifeforms? I've heard noised from several organisms but have only encountered this."
She lifts her hoof out of the muck, revealing a gelatinous mass with rudimentary optical organs. Little else can be seen of complex organ structures, save for what appears to be a fine vessel network.
"It appears to be a filter feeder of some kind, and doesn't pose a threat that I have noticed yet.
I'm not entirely sure but the mild irritation present in skin that is in contact with it suggests that it defends itself by secreting a deterrent, which is probably why I haven't come across much else in the way of visible life down here."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 06, 17:57:01
Cloudy follows Feather down the corridor.
"So, you have found multicellular lifeforms? I've heard noised from several organisms but have only encountered this."
She lifts her hoof out of the muck, revealing a gelatinous mass with rudimentary optical organs. Little else can be seen of complex organ structures, save for what appears to be a fine vessel network.
"It appears to be a filter feeder of some kind, and doesn't pose a threat that I have noticed yet.
I'm not entirely sure but the mild irritation present in skin that is in contact with it suggests that it defends itself by secreting a deterrent, which is probably why I haven't come across much else in the way of visible life down here."

Feather looked closely at it.  "Interesting... I hope that it doesn't shape-change in a bad way, with all the contaminants down here.  To answer your question, yes, two in fact.  In fact..."

A red blip appeared at the edge of the magical map, stationary.

"Perhaps the best way to explain would be a demonstration.  Follow me, RUN, do not walk, when I say to run."

He inched forward towards the next junction, from which the sounds of a Sewer Anemone's limbs could be heard writhing in the dark sludge.

Cloudy follows close behind the professor, also paying attention to the red dot on the helm's HUD.

As the pair approached the junction, more and more stationary dots appeared all along the only exit from the current tunnel.

"No... all right, new plan.  When I say run, stay as close behind me as you can, do not go either forward or backward.  Let's see if we can time this right."

With that final statement, barbed, writhing limbs burst from around the corner, and quick bursts of stun magic flew from Feather's horn to meet them.

"RUN!"

He charged forward as the limbs slowly revived, shooting the next flailing arms, and the next, keeping a safe space around the two ponies as they rushed through what could only be described as a thicket of living biomass.

After what seemed like an eternity, they finally made it safely to the other side, and the researcher just about collapsed from nervousness and fear and relief.

"w-w-we m-made it..."

Majem was trotting through the sewers, thinking about what to do later. Thinking of something else really helped him ignore the smell down here.
"They keep warning us about hostile mutations down here, but it doesn't seem that bad." He said to himself, but right when he finished his sentence, he felt something shoot through his water tail and hit the ground.
Majem quickly turned around to see what tried to grab him. Up on the ceiling, he saw something resembling an anemone opening up, revealing more and more barbed, writhing arms, ready to attack.

The arm that tried to grab him by his tail had already recovered from the unexpected collision with the floor and went for Majem's face this time, but the unicorn managed to cast a spell in time, turning his head into water. The anemone's arm went right through his head and though he was in pain from the attack, Majem wasn't caught. He jumped backwards, out of the anemone's reach, and ran away in terror.

"I REALLY shouldn't have said that!" He thought to himself and slowed his pace after making sure nothing else was near him. "Hope that was all. Now, where am I?" He thought and looked around as he continued walking. "Oh, I think I know. Shouldn't be too far from the next hotspot."

"Professor I think the damaged, whatever that we ran though is, has started coagulating. If it forms scar tissue we won't be going back that way and it may spread further up this tunnel if it suffers from an inflammatory response." Cloudy points out as she stands next to Feather.
"It shouldn't develop too fast, so we can rest here and observe if it follows the pattern I'm expecting it to."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 07, 18:30:05
"Professor I think the damaged, whatever that we ran though is, has started coagulating. If it forms scar tissue we won't be going back that way and it may spread further up this tunnel if it suffers from an inflammatory response." Cloudy points out as she stands next to Feather.
"It shouldn't develop too fast, so we can rest here and observe if it follows the pattern I'm expecting it to."

"y-yes... let's.. let's rest a bit..."

The researcher leaned heavily on a portion of the wall, nerves still healing from the terrifying run through death.  "it's... almost... like the town... has developed an entire digestive track and ecosystem of its own down here."

"The large quantities of nutrients and isolated conditions are certainly ideal for some lifeforms. I'm surprised at the rate at which life has adapted to the conditions down here. Maybe magical waste has had an effect on more common organisms." Cloudy watches as the damaged biomass leaks opaque, slightly iridescent  fluids that become more viscous in contact with air.
"I wonder if that stuff uses a similar response mechanism to cause the clotting."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 07, 21:24:42
"The large quantities of nutrients and isolated conditions are certainly ideal for some lifeforms. I'm surprised at the rate at which life has adapted to the conditions down here. Maybe magical waste has had an effect on more common organisms." Cloudy watches as the damaged biomass leaks opaque, slightly iridescent  fluids that become more viscous in contact with air.
"I wonder if that stuff uses a similar response mechanism to cause the clotting."

"It may indeed do so.  The entire... macro-organism that this entire sewer system comprises, might even..."

The professor shook his head.  "no, it's not possible... Anyhow.  It seems we won't be going back that way, not that it held routes of escape in any case.  My own assignment has an exit of its own, and it fortunately lies this way.  Shall we?"

Getting up, he began cautiously moving again, through the dark tunnel the pair found themselves in, away from the clotting... THINGS.  The quiet sounds of sharp legs scuttling on brick could almost be heard...

Cloudy follows behind and comments on change in air quality.
"Have you noticed that the air is slightly warmer and more humid in this tunnel? There is probably more biomass further up, or perhaps a pool with high bacterial colonization."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 08, 17:20:41
Cloudy follows behind and comments on change in air quality.
"Have you noticed that the air is slightly warmer and more humid in this tunnel? There is probably more biomass further up, or perhaps a pool with high bacterial colonization."

"The entire system seems to be filled with life," nodded the other pony.  "Although... there's something odd about these... walls?"

He looked closely at the coating on the lining of the pipe they were walking in, and recoiled a bit.  "Sweet Sisters... it's... alive!"

And indeed, the coating was not simply coagulated mush, but a uniform sheet, which upon closer inspection seemed to have entire networks and systems of channels and vessels through which flowed what looked like the clot-inducing liquid.

The ponies had little time to wonder at the walls, however, for far ahead in the next chamber, there seemed to be some sort of deep, resonant organic noise which was definitely not mechanical.  And in the background, so faint as to be barely perceptible, lingered the clicking of sharp legs on stone.

"I wonder what is propelling the fluid in the vessels. Judging by the sound ahead it is a biological pump similar to a heart, which would suggest that some kind of giant multicellular organism is using the tunnels like a scaffold." Cloudy stops as she thinks on what an appropriate analogue would be.
"In that respect it is like an invasive fungus with the mycelium replaced with these wall coatings both are uses to gather nutrients from their surroundings and use the host as a support structure. That would suggest that near the pump is where all the major organs would be."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 08, 17:41:58
"I wonder what is propelling the fluid in the vessels. Judging by the sound ahead it is a biological pump similar to a heart, which would suggest that some kind of giant multicellular organism is using the tunnels like a scaffold." Cloudy stops as she thinks on what an appropriate analogue would be.
"In that respect it is like an invasive fungus with the mycelium replaced with these wall coatings both are uses to gather nutrients from their surroundings and use the host as a support structure. That would suggest that near the pump is where all the major organs would be."

The researcher nodded, amazed.  "All those rumors about sewer tigers and whatnot, could they... actually be referring to the entire SEWER itself?  As a living, breathing organism?  That would mea- AGH!"

He was cut off as sharp legs and scissor-like mandibles suddenly appeared directly in his view, corrosive acid completely obscuring his vision elsewhere.  The pony flailed about, and managed to grab and drag the creature off, only for more to appear.

While the two had been talking, Sewer Tarantulas, too small and dispersed to show up on the radar (which was completely confused by the sheer amount of life in the tunnel they stood in anyhow), had used the sewer water and darkness as cover, and now that they turned around and pointed their headlights at the assailants, the ponies could see about a hundred of the rat-tarantula hybrid-like creatures scuttling towards them, sharp legs digging into the walls for support.

"RUN!"

Far behind, Sewer Anemone arms stretched through the darkness as a sort of defense mechanism against these parasitic invaders, grabbing a large chunk of the creatures.  Ahead, the resonant tone beat on, but seemed to quicken, like the heart of a sickened creature.  The walls suddenly began swelling with fluid, and the tunnel began contracting!

"I think we will need to use fire and cauterize the area, or we are not going to make it to the end of the tunnel." Cloudy Zenith suggests as she struggles to make headway in the viscous fluid.
She begins preparing a flame spell designed to seal severe wounds.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 08, 18:11:44
"I think we will need to use fire and cauterize the area, or we are not going to make it to the end of the tunnel." Cloudy Zenith suggests as she struggles to make headway in the viscous fluid.
She begins preparing a flame spell designed to seal severe wounds.

Feather shakes his head as he pushes through the slowly contracting tunnel.  "If we antagonize the sewers, it make make it worse!  We can make it!"  He was ALMOST to the end of the tunnel, when a gurgling sound came from ahead, and the rumbling became a deep, sonorous moan.  The sewage began flowing inwards, dragging the ponies with it towards the chamber ahead, like a tide receding before a tsunami.

"this... doesn't seem good at all..."

"Looks like it will be too wet to use fire anyway. It appears something has opened up ahead, judging by the sudden change in sewage flow.
I wonder if it is an exit of some kind, maybe the contraction of the organism has pulled the biomass away from the walls enough to prevent it blocking one of the tributary tunnels?"
Cloudy Zenith stops resisting and allows herself to be carried along by the current.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 09, 17:22:20
"Looks like it will be too wet to use fire anyway. It appears something has opened up ahead, judging by the sudden change in sewage flow.
I wonder if it is an exit of some kind, maybe the contraction of the organism has pulled the biomass away from the walls enough to prevent it blocking one of the tributary tunnels?"
Cloudy Zenith stops resisting and allows herself to be carried along by the current.

The professor likewise let the flow of sewage bear him to the next chamber.  "I hope this is not a trap of some sort.  It would be quite unfortunate to find ourselves going down the sewer's gullet and falling into a pool of digestive fluids."

Fortunately, it seemed that was not the case, and the acidity readings on the suits stayed level as they passed through the swollen tunnel.

((you can describe the next area if you want x3))

The tunnel flows into a vaulted junction, where several smaller sewer systems flow into a larger pipe.
Most of the space is taken up by a large organic mass, like a bulbous, misshapen apple hanging from the ceiling. The light from the helmets glistens of the hard chitinous coating that protects it from the odd creature that makes it's way into the room it inhabits. the vessels from biomass in each of the tunnels forma sparse mess as they join into a cluster of large tubes from each pipe. these clear tubes feed into the central body through ports in it's armour and the flow of liquid can be seen. The beast gurgles and a thump is heard as the liquid in the pipes surges forward. at the base of the flesh-apple a duct opens and relatively clean filtrate dribbles out, most of the contaminants from the sewer water having been digested by it.
"It seems it is a large filter feeder, and appears to be passive. The feeding system isn't dissimilar to an aquatic plant's, using a network of vessels to draw nutrients from the fluid surrounding it. I wonder if it needs oxygen, perhaps that is why it has grown in this location, the connective stem is blocking a vent." Cloudy muses as the current flows into a gentle eddy underneath the sack of organs.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 10, 19:28:55
The tunnel flows into a vaulted junction, where several smaller sewer systems flow into a larger pipe.
Most of the space is taken up by a large organic mass, like a bulbous, misshapen apple hanging from the ceiling. The light from the helmets glistens of the hard chitinous coating that protects it from the odd creature that makes it's way into the room it inhabits. the vessels from biomass in each of the tunnels forma sparse mess as they join into a cluster of large tubes from each pipe. these clear tubes feed into the central body through ports in it's armour and the flow of liquid can be seen. The beast gurgles and a thump is heard as the liquid in the pipes surges forward. at the base of the flesh-apple a duct opens and relatively clean filtrate dribbles out, most of the contaminants from the sewer water having been digested by it.
"It seems it is a large filter feeder, and appears to be passive. The feeding system isn't dissimilar to an aquatic plant's, using a network of vessels to draw nutrients from the fluid surrounding it. I wonder if it needs oxygen, perhaps that is why it has grown in this location, the connective stem is blocking a vent." Cloudy muses as the current flows into a gentle eddy underneath the sack of organs.

"Passive or not, I do think perhaps now would be a good time to get off the current.  I, for one, would hope not to end up 'filtered' myself."

The professor looked around for a hoofhold, and sloshed his way upstream to a relatively calm area, being careful to check to see whether some dangerous lifeform or another was waiting in ambush before allowing himself to relax.

Now that they have a chance to rest, Cloudy begins to observe the slime stuck to her leg (yes, it is still there).
"This thing is still stuck, I think my coat has clogged it's filter feeding system. I wonder if it is multicellular or not?
I suppose I could check if I bring it with me. When I get out of this sewer I'll look at it under a microscope."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 11, 19:51:34
Now that they have a chance to rest, Cloudy begins to observe the slime stuck to her leg (yes, it is still there).
"This thing is still stuck, I think my coat has clogged it's filter feeding system. I wonder if it is multicellular or not?
I suppose I could check if I bring it with me. When I get out of this sewer I'll look at it under a microscope."

"Perhaps we might examine it with a Spell of Infinite Sight?" asked the researcher, his horn lighting up with a soft glow.  "Lets' see what we have here..."

"Good idea. Uhm, I haven't learnt that spell yet." Cloudy admits, slightly embarrassed.
With the spell it can be seen that the slime is multicellular, as would be expected of an organism of it's size. The dividing lines between the cells seems to be a lot thinner than usual, suggesting a single phospholipid bilayer separating the cells and a lack of extracellular fluid.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 12, 19:30:19
"Good idea. Uhm, I haven't learnt that spell yet." Cloudy admits, slightly embarrassed.
With the spell it can be seen that the slime is multicellular, as would be expected of an organism of it's size. The dividing lines between the cells seems to be a lot thinner than usual, suggesting a single phospholipid bilayer separating the cells and a lack of extracellular fluid.

The professor was quite intrigued, describing his observations to Cloudy.  "I don't understand... I suppose it would make sense for multicellular organisms like this one to be able to afford such thin membranes, but for it to develop this rapidly is remarkable.  The jump straight to this stage is simply remarkable..."  He looked around the room.  "Well, would be remarkable in any other circumstance, at least."

"Could it have evolved from a biofilm? I suppose we cannot tell without a stain." Cloudy suggests.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 13, 17:09:51
"Could it have evolved from a biofilm? I suppose we cannot tell without a stain." Cloudy suggests.

"Possibly, but without more tools I can't tell.  And you're right.  But at the moment..."

The researcher withdrew a few spell matrices from his armor compartments, assembling them and dropping them in the sewage.  Almost as soon as they touched the water, lights began flashing and numbers scrolled through the air, leaving the professor astounded.

"Amazing... look at those readings!  I would never have expected those here, not in the sewers... although come to think of it, I wouldn't have expected THAT here either..."  He looked up at the gigantic creature towering above them.

"What compounds are they assaying? Or are they measuring mana contamination?" Cloudy asks, unfamiliar with these specific matrices.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 13, 17:51:49
"What compounds are they assaying? Or are they measuring mana contamination?" Cloudy asks, unfamiliar with these specific matrices.

Feather pointed out the notations.  "Acidity, density, amount of various known toxins, bacteria, sediments, magical radiation, specific states of magitrons, spell fields strengths and types, known gases in solution, various salts and minerals.  Almost everything is completely different from what you'd normally expect in a sewer, vastly different from the Main back a few junctions."

"I see. The chemical and biological contaminants seem to be lower here than I'd expect of a sewer, but then that thing is filtering the water." She gestures towards the being hanging from the ceiling. "How are the magical contamination levels compared with other regions of the sewer?"

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 13, 18:33:26
"I see. The chemical and biological contaminants seem to be lower here than I'd expect of a sewer, but then that thing is filtering the water." She gestures towards the being hanging from the ceiling. "How are the magical contamination levels compared with other regions of the sewer?"

"That's the oddest part.  It's hundreds, no, thousands of times greater than normal.  Maybe the level of magical contamination is what is mutating the lifeforms within the sewers to such an enormous extent?" wondered the researcher.  "After all, ultimately life itself is a form of magic."

"That doesn't sound like the contamination is from a natural source, although the conditions down here do throw that conclusion into doubt. Could it be possible for an organism to amplify the mana in it's surroundings? Some artifacts draw mana from the air to power themselves, maybe one of the creatures down here has evolved a similar mechanism."
Cloudy theorizes aloud, watching the matrices as she does so.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 14, 19:26:34
"That doesn't sound like the contamination is from a natural source, although the conditions down here do throw that conclusion into doubt. Could it be possible for an organism to amplify the mana in it's surroundings? Some artifacts draw mana from the air to power themselves, maybe one of the creatures down here has evolved a similar mechanism."
Cloudy theorizes aloud, watching the matrices as she does so.

The professor nodded, pondering the possibilities.  "Perhaps..."  He looked up at the gigantic creature again.  "Perhaps... THAT has something to do with the reading?"

"Perhaps. Well have to have a look at its systems and see if there is organs capable of processing mana."
Cloudy walks though the water towards the fleshy mass.
"I don't think we should use invasive methods though. Who knows what kind of response it might trigger."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 14, 22:00:27
"Perhaps. Well have to have a look at its systems and see if there is organs capable of processing mana."
Cloudy walks though the water towards the fleshy mass.
"I don't think we should use invasive methods though. Who knows what kind of response it might trigger."

As if in reply, the creature let out what was comparable to a sigh as clear fluid and undigested bits came gushing out of some orifices, partially raising the water level.  A few of these orifices were large enough for several ponies to fit through, and seemed to go on a ways.

"Hmm... you're right.  But I wonder if it minds us probing it like that.  We COULD try walking in...  I'm not sure I can scan something so huge with my matrices."

"I don't think we should go inside, It will probably have a defense mechanism against intruding organisms. I don't suppose your suit or helmet has remote observation equipment?
We could always modify this helmet I'm wearing to make a rudimentary mobile camera." Cloudy suggests, clearly anxious about entering the organism.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 15, 20:24:50
"I don't think we should go inside, It will probably have a defense mechanism against intruding organisms. I don't suppose your suit or helmet has remote observation equipment?
We could always modify this helmet I'm wearing to make a rudimentary mobile camera." Cloudy suggests, clearly anxious about entering the organism.

Feather thought for a moment.  "Whether scanning the creature is possible or not depends entirely on the internal structure, which is unfortunately what we're trying to scan.  I could try a magical resonance imaging matrix, but the mutations which created the creature may have changed the very thaums to such an extent so as to be completely opaque to the scan.  I suppose it would be worth a try, in any case."

"While you try that, I'll see if I can synchronize our helmet's displays. That way we can use my helmet as a rudimentary endoscope."
Cloudy takes off her helmet and begins looking at the components. Seeing the transmitter she unplugs the data out from the screen and plugs it directly into the transmitter, then begins scanning through the frequencies to find Feather's helmet. ((I'm assuming the helmet uses modular circuitry, else Cloudy cannot modify it.))

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 16, 19:54:58
"While you try that, I'll see if I can synchronize our helmet's displays. That way we can use my helmet as a rudimentary endoscope."
Cloudy takes off her helmet and begins looking at the components. Seeing the transmitter she unplugs the data out from the screen and plugs it directly into the transmitter, then begins scanning through the frequencies to find Feather's helmet. ((I'm assuming the helmet uses modular circuitry, else Cloudy cannot modify it.))

((yep, it's modular))

The helmet is located easily enough, but the scanning matrix is a bit more difficult to build.  After half an hour carefully setting up one configuration, and then another, and then yet another, the researcher seemed no closer to being able to make one that could scan the creature.  It was so bizarrely different from any other creature in Equestria that he was quite flummoxed with the resonance frequencies.

Having reconfigured the helmet, Cloudy waits for the professor to finish constructing his matrices.
"Maybe just a very rudimentary matrix that scans the vascular structure and another that analyses the materials." Cloudy suggests.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 16, 22:53:02
Having reconfigured the helmet, Cloudy waits for the professor to finish constructing his matrices.
"Maybe just a very rudimentary matrix that scans the vascular structure and another that analyses the materials." Cloudy suggests.

Suddenly, a burst of light came from the matrices.  "Success!" cried the professor as a strange whirring came from the contraption, revealing....

That which was not meant for ponies to see, or know, or understand.  It was so... bizarre, so... completely mind-boggling, the professor was forced to turn away, clutching his head in agony.  "What... Sweet Sisters, what in Equestria IS that thing?!"

Cloudy stares at the readout from the matrix, looking from the outer layers inwards.
"The outer layers are relatively normal, but the inner layers appear to exist on several planes at once." She turns away from the readout clutching her head and retching.
"There also seems to be something that causes intense nausea when the pony brain cannot process it. It doesn't appear to be affecting the matrices or the helmets though, so it appears that devices are unaffected. Perhaps it should be analysed indirectly, with a program designed to simplify the structure and present one plane at a time."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 17, 22:15:16
Cloudy stares at the readout from the matrix, looking from the outer layers inwards.
"The outer layers are relatively normal, but the inner layers appear to exist on several planes at once." She turns away from the readout clutching her head and retching.
"There also seems to be something that causes intense nausea when the pony brain cannot process it. It doesn't appear to be affecting the matrices or the helmets though, so it appears that devices are unaffected. Perhaps it should be analysed indirectly, with a program designed to simplify the structure and present one plane at a time."

"Analyzing mathematically?"

The professor's ears perked up, and a smile came to his face.

"Of COURSE!  You're a genius, Cloudy!"

With a wave of his horn, the matrix rearranged itself slightly, and what once was an unbearably mind-boggling THING suddenly turned into ten or so simple equations, and several three-dimensional models of various projections and "contour" maps of the higher-dimensional shape.

"Well what do you know, non-euclidean geometry, and warped space-time to boot.  It WAS a good idea to stay out, we might have been in there literally ages as time flowed by at a snail's pace outside."

"Even viewed one plane at a time, I still cannot identify most of the structures. The physiology is different from any creature I've ever studied." Cloudy complains as she cycles through the images provided by the matrices.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 19, 19:33:59
"Even viewed one plane at a time, I still cannot identify most of the structures. The physiology is different from any creature I've ever studied." Cloudy complains as she cycles through the images provided by the matrices.

Feather examined the models closely.  "I see a few recognizable shapes, or close enough.  A fifth dimensional spheroid, what looks like a terrasact 'stamped' on the 'side' of a five-dimensional pyramid-like structure comprised of multiple triangles in various intersections in four-space.  Is that a spacetime membrane distortion organ?  And it looks like it feeds off not only matter and mana, but also the higher levels of 'cosmic magic' I've only heard theories on so far... this... this is the discovery of the millenium!" he exclaimed, eyes widening at the implications.  "The potential for the magical community... is astounding!"

Cloudy looks at the possible space-time distortion organ, watching as the shapes appear to revolve through themselves.
"Cosmic magic?" She comments. "So this thing is able to feed off lunar wavelengths similar to those required in some forms of potions, certain spells and lycanthropy? I suppose it feeds of other emissions from space as-well, but they'll be weaker due to the large distances and high rate of magical decay."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 20, 20:15:55
Cloudy looks at the possible space-time distortion organ, watching as the shapes appear to revolve through themselves.
"Cosmic magic?" She comments. "So this thing is able to feed off lunar wavelengths similar to those required in some forms of potions, certain spells and lycanthropy? I suppose it feeds of other emissions from space as-well, but they'll be weaker due to the large distances and high rate of magical decay."

"Only assuming the magical energy disperses itsef across the cosmos; Equestria is bombarded with countless trillions of state-neutral magitrons every second without any of us noticing, since being state-neutral the particles rarely interact with anything at all, though the speed at which they pass through the planet can cause occasional disruptions in the global magic field.  But if a creature, attuned to magic and constantly self-improving, were to somehow tap into that massive energy source..."

The professor looked up at the pulsating mass of unspeakably bizarre biology.

"Then it would have a lot of magical power to feed off or use. I hope it doesn't store it and uses it instantaneously, else this thing could release a huge mana discharge should it die or if certain conditions are met." Cloudy says in subdued tones, quite a bit more nervous around the organism than she was.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 21, 18:34:33
"Then it would have a lot of magical power to feed off or use. I hope it doesn't store it and uses it instantaneously, else this thing could release a huge mana discharge should it die or if certain conditions are met." Cloudy says in subdued tones, quite a bit more nervous around the organism than she was.

"Indeed," shuddered the professor.  "Perhaps that also explains in part the reason that Star Creatures are so powerful yet a protected species.  Imagine the scale of the discharge if something were to happen to a single Ursa Major..."

"Not to mention this is right under Canterlot. We will have to research it throughly before we can take measures to reduce the threat it presents. Even if it is declared a protected creature it can still be harmed by other sources."
Cloudy looks around the area.
"We would need better equipment though and the authorities need to be notified so that a zone of restricted access can be set up. We wouldn't want some-pony to accidentally or intentionally harm the... We also need a name for it."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 21, 20:42:47
"Not to mention this is right under Canterlot. We will have to research it throughly before we can take measures to reduce the threat it presents. Even if it is declared a protected creature it can still be harmed by other sources."
Cloudy looks around the area.
"We would need better equipment though and the authorities need to be notified so that a zone of restricted access can be set up. We wouldn't want some-pony to accidentally or intentionally harm the... We also need a name for it."

"Indeed.  How about Valde spurcamen perussi, Greater Sewage-eater?"

"Hmm, Greater Sewage Eater sounds good, however I don't agree with giving it a Latin name yet.
We will need to see if there is a link between this and the other organisms that is strong enough to give them a Genus, and then classify that into separate species."
Cloudy gingerly approaches the greater sewage eater, then changes her mind and stops looking for a place to take a tissue specimen.
"If we can collect a sample from each form of creature then we can analyse them genetically and have a much clearer view of their relation to one another.
Unfortunately I don't know how it will react to tissue damage, so I'm going to leave it until some contingency measures have been put in place."

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 22, 19:35:06
"Hmm, Greater Sewage Eater sounds good, however I don't agree with giving it a Latin name yet.
We will need to see if there is a link between this and the other organisms that is strong enough to give them a Genus, and then classify that into separate species."
Cloudy gingerly approaches the greater sewage eater, then changes her mind and stops looking for a place to take a tissue specimen.
"If we can collect a sample from each form of creature then we can analyse them genetically and have a much clearer view of their relation to one another.
Unfortunately I don't know how it will react to tissue damage, so I'm going to leave it until some contingency measures have been put in place."

"Perhaps its genetic structure may be analyzed magically?" asked the professor, gesturing to the spell matrix.  "I have more if needed."

((im sorry can i join and if i can, can i get a update on everything :c))

((This is a jump-in, not that I control it, so feel free to join us. I believe there are several story arcs that have arisen.
Now, I'm part of the scientific arc, so that's the one I can fill you in on. Cloudy Zenith and Professor Feather are examining the lifeforms of the sewer, and have found an
organism with major scientific and security implications. Also, I think Majem was monitoring the water quality somewhere, and several ponies are meeting with Spektrum.))
"Probably, once we've sequenced this one then we need to go and find some of the other creatures that reside down here."

((Time to think a way to get into the action without causing to much chaos.))

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 23, 20:07:57
((This is a jump-in, not that I control it, so feel free to join us. I believe there are several story arcs that have arisen.
Now, I'm part of the scientific arc, so that's the one I can fill you in on. Cloudy Zenith and Professor Feather are examining the lifeforms of the sewer, and have found an
organism with major scientific and security implications. Also, I think Majem was monitoring the water quality somewhere, and several ponies are meeting with Spektrum.))
"Probably, once we've sequenced this one then we need to go and find some of the other creatures that reside down here."

The professor nodded, modifying the spell matrix to read genetic codes.  Within a few moments, the machine had successfully analyzed the chromosomes of the gigantic creature and was outputting results.

((( Dna! okay got who I'm going to roleplay as just need to wait now.))

((I've been trying to figure out how to jump-in without having me entering a "Warp Pipe" to get down there lol))

One day, Jenzy was just walking around with one of his closest friends Blaze Drifter. He notices a "manhole" somewhere in Ponyville.

"Hmmm... Interesting? What do you think? Should we check out to see where it leads?"
"I don't think that leads to a "level" area. Looks like it's, the sewers?"
"You maybe right. But, hmmm... There're some hoofprints here. Think there are ponies down there?"
"Well..."
"Well... You know, I don't want to go in, but I'm getting the feeling there's a bunch of crazy stuff happening. A little curiosity and adventure couldn't hurt could it?"
"Watch what you say Jenzy."
"It's probably gonna stink down there. Hmmm... I think I do hear some ponies down there. I can't resist..."
And Jenzy jumped into the "manhole."
"GERONIMOOOOOoooo....."
Blaze thought of it for a moment. She's rather adventurous herself. She shrugs. And jumps in.
"Eh, what the hay... WAIT FOR MEEEeeee....."

((time to use jenzy to enter and I'm not being sarcastic.))
A black pool of slime on the bottom touches Jenzy and goes into him.

Jenzy finally lands...
OOF!! Alrighty then.. *cough cough*
Jenzy hears Blaze... Then catches her.
EEYAAAAHHH... Ah! Ah, thanks. Now, put me down!

Then a black pool of slime gets to Jenzy...
Uhh...

((What happens? o_o))

Inside Jenzy the black pool of slime starts to copy Jenzy's Genetics.

Uh, you alright Jenzy? :I

The black pool of slime get's out of Jenzy then starts to make an exact copy of him.

Jenzy tries to get some air, but he gets a hard time to breathe because of the atmosphere...
Ahhh.... Heeve! Woo! Way to start our adven... ture?
Jenzy notices "himself."
"You're seeing this aren't you?"
"Yeah... Who the hay are you?! Are you a changeling?!"
"I think that was from the slimy thing that went into you..."
"LLLlll, Thatthhs Disgusting! Bleh! Eyekk. But, anyways... Explain yourself!"

the Jenzy clone says "My name is Oblivion Alexander Swords. I sorta had to do that or else I probably would have fallen into a permanent sleep from my unstable genetics."

"Oh, hello there Oblivion Alexan-- You know what? Can I just call you Oblivion?" x3
"And I am Blaze Drifter. You should tell us more about what happened along the way..."
((Does he copy my glasses and scarf as well?))

((nope))
Oblivion says to Jenzy " If you don't want to call me by my full name at least call me Oblivion Swords."
He then says to Blaze "nice to meet you Blaze."

Jenzy agreed
"Alright then Oblivion Swords. And, interesting. I thought it would copy my glasses and scarf. It makes sense that it didn't. Unless I were to be attached to them or something." lol
Jenzy then thought...
"Hmmm. My vision isn't that good without my glasses. Since you're a copy of me now, did it copy my eyesight as well?"
((Jenzy can obviously hear him. He's not gonna ask what he sounds like, but I don't know. Make any sense? X3 Anyways, does Oblivion Swords have a different voice compared to Jenzy?))

((Actually your own voice that you hear sounds different then what everyone else hears. For example I hear myself for tones lower the what everyone else hears me. Also yes he copied jenzy's voice. But when Oblivion finally gets to be himself his voice is completely different form Jenzy's))
Oblivion says " Yes I have copied your horrible eyesight. "

((Makes a whole lot of sense now X3))
"Hmmm. Okay. Here."
Jenzy gives his glasses to Oblivion Swords.
Eh, yeah. It gets so blurry. I'll be fine. Glasses are cool.
Blaze then responds...
Wow. Even though your Jenzy's "clone," do you think you'll eventually change from him?

((I just realized I forgot to colored Oblivion's text on my last post.))
Oblivion takes the glasses and puts them on. He then says to Blaze "once the dna I copied destabilizes and becomes and unstable form of Rna. Then I will change into that black pool of slime again."

Ooh, isn't there a better way for you? Something that would make you permanently a pony?

Oblivion says " If there is a way I haven't found it." He then thinks (not that I want to be a permanent pony. I mean come on being to copy other ponies Dna I could probably do this in a massive scale.)

"Before you change back, tell me and lend me back my glasses. Then, you should copy Blaze..."
"Ah?"
"Mmmhmm. Wait, whatever you're thinking, no. Not like that" X3

Oblivion says " It's random how fast or so the turn back is so I can't really tell you. Just look parts of the body looks like it is changing that is usually an indication that I'm changing back."

Jenzy then says
"Ah alright. Yeah. You're like a Changeling. But you don't have a regular form do you besides the slimy stuff? Alright"
They finally start walking... Blaze asks
"So Oblivion Swords. How long have you been like that? Just some black slime down here? Tell us more about it..."

Oblivion says "Well I lived for 14 years. But the black slime has came on for four months now."

"Oh, you're only about a year younger than us then..."
"Wow, four months. Do you remember anything that happened to you before? Did you used to be a pony? A unicorn? Pegasus? Or like us, regular Earth Ponies?"

Oblivion says to blaze "I was not a pony before I was in fact a cat A really intelligent one on that fact."

Cloudy looks at the data readout. From what she can see, the DNA is incredibly complicated.
"This will take several month to analyse, even with a computation system." She comments.

"Well that's interesting. So, how's being this guy?"
"Really?" :l

Oblivion says to Jenzy " yes really do you sir have a problem with that?"
He then says to Blaze " If I had a different choice I would have taken that."

No. It's just, why'd you call me "this guy"?
Blaze giggled a bit...

Oblivion Says nothing and just stares at them blackly. He thinks (well I should get going but how to do it without them seeing me.)

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 24, 19:34:13
Cloudy looks at the data readout. From what she can see, the DNA is incredibly complicated.
"This will take several month to analyse, even with a computation system." She comments.

"It should not be too difficult in theory," replied the professor, jotting down the notes.  "Time, yes, I'm sure it will take a while, but mostly the sequencing and comparison is just busywork.  I think Beaker, my intern, would be interested in working a bit on this one, actually."

Cloudy waits for the matrix to finish running its sequencing program.
"We should go and record the genetic sequence of the other organisms, to see if there is an evolutionary link and conserved amino acids."

Oblivion starts thinking (well I'm going now. They will catch up when they fill like it.)
Oblivion then starts walking around the sewer.

Jenzy then decides to look around to see if there are any "items."
Alright. There are a few down here... Let's see... Are there any wings or flowers?
Pffff... You can't really see that well. Not the best idea to be flying when you can't see.
Jenzy remembered that he gave his glasses to Oblivion Swords. And notices he 'disappeared.'
Oh no, where'd he go?! Forget the wings...
He gave up searching for "items" and tried to look for Oblivion Swords.
And... I don't even think there would be 'items' here... Silly...
Yeah yeah yeah...

Oblivion thinks (Well nothing interesting yet.)
He contiues to look around.

Blaze finds Oblivion Swords...
Jenzy, I found you!
While Jenzy walks to Blaze, he thinks...
(Hmmm... Where's all the stuff I expected? Well, there's him as that black slime stuff. Nothing scary has happened yet or whatever. Oh well, keep goin' :l)

(9black slime stuff he's going to do it. Now to mention it affects different ponies differently in the matter of reaction. For example yours was confusion. But for teal turken it is intense pain))
Oblivion goes into blaze.

Blaze silently faints...

Oblivion finishes up copying her Dna and gets out of Blaze.
He then he turns into an exact copy of Blaze.

BLAZE! Eh, Blaze Drifters? Uh...
Jenzy squinted his eyes to see if it was them. He sees the two Blaze Drifters.
Okay. I guess you switched. Oblivion Alexander Swords? My glasses please?
He holds out his hoof to "Blaze"

Oblivion says "oh here they are."  she (since I belive blaze is a mare.) gives Jenzy his glasses back.

((Blaze IS a she. Reference of what she looks like on my sig.))
Ah, that's better. Um, so, what happened. Why is she on the ground like that?

Oblivion says "the slime has a different effect going into different ponies."

Looks like she passed out. Will she be alright? :(

Oblivion says " I say fifty percent chance of being alright and the other fifty percent not."

Jenzy gets closer to Blaze...
Ah. She's still breathing. Just unconscious when you copied her...

Okay, I can take her...
Jenzy carries Blaze on his back.
So, Oblivion Swords. See anything interesting yet?

Oblivion says "to be honest no."

Same here. Well, just keep going... We'll run into something eventually.

Uggh this day has been horrible to me i don't think it can get Woooooooooorrrrssssse!! thunder Star screamed as he fell in the ponyhole and the ground really hard Owww that hurt. man i had to open my big mouthstar looks around Is anypony else in here

Oblivion says to Jenzy "Whether the something we run into is good or not we will never now until we run into it."

star continues into the sewers
theres gotta be somepony else in here
He looked around to find some people

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 25, 12:12:35
Cloudy waits for the matrix to finish running its sequencing program.
"We should go and record the genetic sequence of the other organisms, to see if there is an evolutionary link and conserved amino acids."

"It seems as if the life-form is more of a magic, silicon AND organic based one, not strictly organic; I'm seeing amino acids, but also complex biological structures in what I can only presume to be its equivalent to genes, held together with a mixture of magic and silicon compounds.  As for possibly related creatures..."

The professor looked at the feeder still stuck to Cloudy's hoof.

Spektrum would look up at the strange ponies, wondering why they are still in her home.

Quote from: DivineSpektrum on 2012 Nov 26, 12:45:43
Spektrum would look up at the strange ponies, wondering why they are still in her home.

((*wonders if DS read any of the previous pages to see that Feather had been in the sewers for a very, very long time facing many trials and dangers, including and not limited to Sewer Anemones, Sewer Tarantulas, the creature he is currently researching, and biological/chemical/magical toxins and contaminants*))

Cloudy Zenith concedes that they need to analyze the slime stuck to her hoof as part of their research.
"We'll sequence the genetic code of this slime, then go and find some of those other creatures we found earlier.
With luck we'll only find a small number of them so we can observe them without being chased again."

Oblivion contiues the trot around. She says "hello  other pony out there?"

I wonder when she'll wake up... Oh?
Blaze finally awakens from fainting.
Wow, how long have I been out Jenzy? What happened?

Oblivion continues to trot around the sewer. She is thinking ( is there anything interesting at all in this mundane sewer?)

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 26, 17:08:59
Cloudy Zenith concedes that they need to analyze the slime stuck to her hoof as part of their research.
"We'll sequence the genetic code of this slime, then go and find some of those other creatures we found earlier.
With luck we'll only find a small number of them so we can observe them without being chased again."

"Hopefully," shuddered the researcher.  "I, for one, would rather not be something's lunch today.  In any case."

He aimed the sequencing matrix at the slime stuck to Cloudy's hoof.

"Let's see what you are, little one..."

Uh... Oblivion changed into you. You know what happened when he changed into me.
Ah. And I passed out from that. :l
Yeah. See, there's you.
Ah cool. It's rare to see yourself without looking at a mirror like that. ANYTHING YET?! ANYPONY?!

Oblivion says "DO YOU HAFT TO YELL!" She then thinks (great now I'm yelling.)

Sorry... X3
(Wow, it's interesting seeing ME yell. And hearing it. Even though he...she's not really me)
I wonder where they are. I'm for sure there are some other ponies down here. Or creatures.

Oblivion says "I just want to see a creature or another pony."

"Come on! Maybe investigators?!
Blaze then thought and said...
Maybe we'll find somepony at the entrance. How far did we go? Our voices should've at least echoed to others... Right?

Oblivion says "could have alerted predators as well." Oblivion then thinks (well if a predators do come those two are going first.)

"Hold up. It might be a good idea to sequence a pure sample of my DNA first, then calibrate it out of the sequencing.
I expect that I've contaminated this slime through contact with it." She points out hurriedly.

Since I've got my glasses back, I can come back and grab the P-Wing that I found. Maybe some Aerial Aces... If they do come...
Item use getting very useful... Blaze thought aloud.

Oblivion glares at them. Thinking (why would you need items to help you? Are you incapable of doing anything without them?)

OR, I can just deal with it by hoof as well. Earth Pony Style! You're right about earlier. It's disgusting. Where did that even come from? I might use that for getting out though. Then a nice shower... :I

Oblivion *smiles a bit*. Then thinks (that is so much better I think.)

Okay... I guess...

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 26, 21:32:53
"Hold up. It might be a good idea to sequence a pure sample of my DNA first, then calibrate it out of the sequencing.
I expect that I've contaminated this slime through contact with it." She points out hurriedly.

The professor quickly shut off the device before wasting mana.  "Of course, how could I have been so hasty.  Here, hold out your forelimb- no, but how can we be sure YOU have not been EQUALLY contaminated by the slime?  Dear me..."

"A tissue sample. The slime hasn't breached the skin, so the DNA will be pure. A blood sample is also an option but with the number of pathogens down here there may be mild contamination." Cloudy points out.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 26, 22:36:14
"A tissue sample. The slime hasn't breached the skin, so the DNA will be pure. A blood sample is also an option but with the number of pathogens down here there may be mild contamination." Cloudy points out.

The professor looked worriedly at the pony.  "A-are you sure?"

He was worried not only with the ethics of cutting open another pony, but also with the extreme risk of disease.

"Yes, but considering the risk of contamination the best method would be a cheek cell wash. That will provide the tissue material we need without breaking any microbial barriers. You wouldn't happen to have saline with you?" Cloudy asks.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 26, 23:18:19
"Yes, but considering the risk of contamination the best method would be a cheek cell wash. That will provide the tissue material we need without breaking any microbial barriers. You wouldn't happen to have saline with you?" Cloudy asks.

Feather was relieved.  "That I do," he replied, retrieving the solution from a compartment.  "[size=pt]Please, do be careful.[/size]"

Quote from: Jenzy on 2012 Nov 26, 22:13:12
Okay... I guess...

Oblivion starts wandering off. She is thinking ( Well I hope I run into predators get those two nuisances off my back.)

Cloudy sips half the vial, gargles it and spits it out onto the ground to get rid of the bacteria population of the oral cavity before swilling the rest around her mouth for a few minutes. She spits the now cell-rich saline solution back into the vial and hands it to the professor.
"Now we should be able to calibrate my DNA out of the reading from the slime."

Blaze?
Yeah?
I think Oblivion's avoiding us... I just have the feeling. :l
Well, you gain companions and lose some. Let's just keep roaming around. Nothing to do here, and you dragged me here. Not leaving just yet until we find something...
Yeah. Let's...
The two continued walking around...
Hopefully we don't get sick down here... UUUGGHHH...

Oblivion thinks ( yay they are nowhere to be found behind me.)

Don't think we should look for him/her hmmm?
Whatever happens, he's probably a slime again. Don't come crawling back in me...
Jenzy chuckled a bit...
Well, that is kinda creepy. And gross.
He's not a pony like he said. Some intelligent animal... Man. Why is it so 'empty' down here?!
Want to check the entrance we came through?
Jenzy thought... Why the hay not...
And they turned around to walk to the opening~

Oblivion thinks (the entrance might be a nice place to go again.) She then trots towards the entrance.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 27, 19:07:38
Cloudy sips half the vial, gargles it and spits it out onto the ground to get rid of the bacteria population of the oral cavity before swilling the rest around her mouth for a few minutes. She spits the now cell-rich saline solution back into the vial and hands it to the professor.
"Now we should be able to calibrate my DNA out of the reading from the slime."

The researcher nodded, and carefully began scanning both the solution and the creature.

((Hmmm... Isn't it supercris's OC by the entrance?))

Quote from: super_chris85 on 2012 Nov 25, 22:20:04
star continues into the sewers
theres gotta be somepony else in here
He looked around to find some people

(( I say not anymore.))

((Well, I'll wait for him to return.))

Cloudy waits patiently for the results of the sequencing.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 28, 20:17:47
Cloudy waits patiently for the results of the sequencing.

"...I have good news and bad news.  The good news is, the creature seems not to have absorbed too much of you.  The bad news... it seems that this is not a separate species at all... but a juvenile larval form of..."  The professor looked up at the massive creature, and back down.

"Well, now we know it has a multiple staged development. We should go and gather data on the other species down here and run an alignment." She says as she starts making her way to one of the tributary tunnels.

Oblivion becomes genetics destabilized into Rna again. He is thinking (great I'm a black pool of slime again granted a moving one but still.)

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 28, 21:08:47
"Well, now we know it has a multiple staged development. We should go and gather data on the other species down here and run an alignment." She says as she starts making her way to one of the tributary tunnels.

"Let us hope that the creatures don't swarm us again..." said the researcher to himself as they approached the tunnel.

Oblivion slowly moves around the sewers thinking (where is a good creature I can copy it's Dna from?)

Cloudy walks along the tunnel, noticing that there seems to be less fauna than before. She realizes something she previously overlooked.
"Remember how I said that I hadn't encountered many organisms since this slime got on my hoof? I think that is due to it releasing similar volatile particles as the greater sewage feeder, single organisms avoid it as it presents a significant threat but swarms are attracted to it as a successful swarm would gain a large source of bio-matter." She states. After a bit of consideration Cloudy Zenith continues.
"So its probably best if I waited in the chamber with the adult form of this slime, it would improve your chances of finding a single creature instead of a horde of them."
Cloudy doesn't wait for a reply and turns around to head back to the chamber."

Oblivion thinks (great must find a lesser creature to attempt to copy the Dna.) He then starts searching for other animals.

Quote from: Voidwalker on 2012 Nov 29, 19:22:04
Cloudy walks along the tunnel, noticing that there seems to be less fauna than before. She realizes something she previously overlooked.
"Remember how I said that I hadn't encountered many organisms since this slime got on my hoof? I think that is due to it releasing similar volatile particles as the greater sewage feeder,
single organisms avoid it as it presents a significant threat but swarms are attracted to it as a successful swarm would gain a large source of bio-matter." She states.
After a bit of consideration Cloudy Zenith continues.
"So its probably best if I waited in the chamber with the adult form of this slime, it would improve your chances of finding a single creature instead of a horde of them."
Cloudy doesn't wait for a reply and turns around to head back to the chamber."

The researcher nods and watches the pony return the way they came.  "Stay safe!"

He proceeded down the darkened corridor, alone again this time.  It wasn't long before he heard the telltale sound of sharp legs scuttling on sewer condensate.  Before the Sewer Tarantula could jump, it was suddenly stunned with a magic missile, and promptly flopped over unconscious.  Satisfied with his work, Feather carefully took a sample from the creature before putting it in a compartment for later.

The professor cautiously continued, on the lookout for possible threats.  As expected, he could hear churning water and writhing sounds ahead.

After an uneventful return journey, Cloudy enters the greater sewage eater's chamber again.
She observes the exterior chitin, noticing how the plates appear to have waves and bumps like wax that has dribbled down the side of a candle.
Unlike most chitinous creatures this organism appears to secrete chitin rather than have specific cells harden into it.
Cloudy theorizes this allows the sewage eater to rapidly replace damaged regions of its outer coating.

It was a harrowing thing to get a sample from the Sewer Anemone.  Needless to say, it definitely did not appreciate being experimented on, regardless of how gentle the researcher promised to be.

It took about three full minutes of wrestling with the tentacles, firing stun spell after stun spell, to finally get to a position in which he could get his droplet of cells before galloping back the way he came before it came back to consciousness again.  Still, he got it, and slowly Feather began his journey back to the main chamber.

Oblivion thinks (where is a creature when you need one. I might have to resort to using a bit of sewage to get the genetics I need)