Legends of Equestria - Forum

I would like to give a thank you so big, words cannot describe how big my thanks is, to The Wandering Magus, for helping me create this grand adventure! This is a action/adventure RP that will be broken into episodes, for this shall be long, AND incredibly fun!

OOC: http://forum.legendsofequestria.com/index.php?topic=9176.0
Sign-up: http://forum.legendsofequestria.com/index.php?topic=9177.0


Intro:

       A millennia ago, The Ancient Ones created the world of Xi-Scy with the use of the Elements. They watched over the world, and the creatures inhabiting it. The inhabitants continuously evolved, and soon enough, the first tribes formed. The Ancient Ones deemed them worthy enough to handle the responsibilities of using the Elements to further advance them selves. With the Elements at their command, they slowly grew smarter and smarter. Many centuries later, the inhabitants created the first Nation. This nation, however, did not last long, for different ideas began to form inside the heads of many. The ideas soon became dreams, then realities. But not everyone shared the same ideas, and many fights tore the Nation apart. Soon enough, a great war threatened the safety of the world.
The Nation split into many different Empires, each containing only one of each Element. They abused their powers, and with that, began to destroy the very land they stood upon. To prevent total destruction, the Ancient Ones returned to the land, and sealed away the the Elements, and scattered the purest forms around the world. And as punishment to the inhabitants, took away their powers, and left them to their own devices.

       The centuries passed, and the world learned to live without their powers. Many of the original empires broke up, except a few. The ones that remained: Terarious; the empire of Earth, Maelstraria; the empire of Lightning, and Vulcanus; the empire of Fire. Other empires melted away into separate kingdoms, of which are: Viridious, Aquaria, Solarous, Necropia, and Magicopia, three of which are ruled by Kings and Queens. The kingdoms have many cities under their control. Many other settlers built towns and cities, only governed by mayors, free from any other empires or kingdoms, to pursue their own ways of life. Order was restored, and the world was at peace, but a unforeseen event began to occur. Because the world was created by the Elements, and they are sealed away, the land began to destroy itself. Oceans grew violent, storms devastated vast majorities of land, deserts became blistering hot, blizzards grew overly violent, volcanos erupted with far more strength, life started where it should not be, and in certain areas, when life falls, it does not stay down.

      The process was slow, but if left undisturbed, would spiral out of control. The Ancient Ones wanted to intervene, but could not, for their connection to the world was partly severed, due to extreme disturbances with the Elements themselves. Their only hope was in the hands of many creatures living currently on the world. But their might would not be enough to stop the destruction, and before they were completely disconnected from that world, they returned the power of the Elements to the inhabitants. Many years have passed, and many of the newest generation of inhabitants are able to control the Elements. But the slow destruction of the world finally became noticeable to everyone, and many things happened at once. The Empires declared war between each other, kingdoms used their powers to defend them selves from the war and Elements, and the rest ether grew to fear the Elements, and band it entirely, or followed in the footsteps of the kingdoms.

      Almost everyone is to scared to go and use their new found powers to stop the oncoming disaster........almost. You have decided to take matters into your own hands, and began to train for your epic journey across the world. You gain news of many others like you, from all over the world, doing exactly what you are, and everyone is planing to meet at the open and friendly kingdom of Solarous. You pack your things and head out into the world, in hopes that with your new allies, are able to prevent this disaster, and bring peace back to the world.


Current Heros:
The Clockwork King; Unit 503 (Tank/Earth)
SuperNovaNightmare; Flash Bolt (Tank Mage/Lightning)
Shadechaser; Shadechaser (Mage/Shadow)
Laebenal; Laebenal (Raider/Fire)
Somebeing; "Nameless" (Engineer/Researcher/After-life)

******


Solarous:

        It was the first day of the initial arrival date. Flash Bolt was sure that someponies must have stumbled upon some of his fliers.

        The INN was quiet, for it was very early in the morning. The outside was generally nice, slightly chilly with a light breeze. The light of dawn crept over the slowly stirring city of Solarous. Ponies and creatures alike readying themselves for the day. The last outburst of the Elements being at unrest was a wild earthquake, and most of the night, citizens worked to repair the damages done.

         He had ate some food that he had packed, and was waiting down in the INN's tavern, one of his fliers out on the table. He had a feeling that his upcoming journey will be long and difficult, but with the help of whom ever showed up today, was sure that they could stop the chaos that was coming.

Shadechaser was wandering about Solarous, within her Shadow Cloak just to not be noticed. She sees the sights of what she once knew, yet in a new field. She feels something as she passes the INN. She decides to enter the structure. As she passes though the doorway she removes her shadow cloak revealing her normal image with a dark cloak. (Which she always carries.) She decides to go to a corner and rest. The corner she chooses seems darker than the others. [glow=purple,2,300]This world... this power... time to think is what I need...[/glow] She first thought.

The trek had been long for the pony walking into the city of Solarous, it hadn't been tiring as per say, but it had most certainly been perilous, even to a being such as him. Even now, ponies stopped in their tasks, tasks that machines could be doing, and stared at him. Understandable, they had never seen anything like him before, for they obviously had never seen him before. He was, in a way, a homage to ponykind's biological form, yet he was refined, built for function and little else.
Deep in his soul, but not his soul, he knew it would always be that way until this world was brought under the thrall of his master. A world without fear, intolerance, hatred and spite, where all and one are judged by actions, not by pigment nor status. His hoofbeats were heavy, yet precise, following a strict marching pattern ingrained into his memory three months ago on the day of his creation.
The metallic pony, designated Unit 503 of the Empire of Gears, ceased its march in the town square. Scans indicated that the town was identified as Solarous, yet despite the damage to the housing clearly pointing to abnormal tectonic activity, the position of the nearest fault line was nonexistent. 503's glassy goggles turned to face an INN, though for what purpose the building held was to be identified. 503 had passed by many such buildings during both day and night, he had even burned one down after the ponies inside decided to engage him in combat. 503 considered utilizing the INN as a base of operations whilst he attempted to find the owner of this flyer, thus calling for the interior to be mapped accurately. Sharply turning, the mechaniod walked inside the INN after applying little pressure to the door, as Master had taught it. As Master said it would, it opened inwards to reveal a place of questionable defensive qualities. A scan of the building's foundations was about to undergo when he spotted a lone pegasus sitting at a table to the far right, before him a copy of the flyer 503 received. Was this pony the owner, or had the owner simply distributed numerous flyers? Investigation warranted. Walking over to the white and yellow pegasus Unit 503 spoke for the first time in a few weeks...
Greetings, pegasus. Are you the owner of the flyer before you, as I am the owner of this flyer... the firing antenna crested on his forehead flared and the flyer he owned levitated from a compartment from the front of his chest unit ...or are you also a receiver of a flyer that is not yours?

Laebenal was getting closer to Solarous and she saw some buildings far away and stopped for a second. "We're almost there." She said to her bat, Vincent and sighed. "I'm not sure if I'm ready..." She continued and Vincent screeched. "You're right. I have to keep going." She said and started to walk cautiously towards the buildings. "I might get into trouble only because of what I look like but there's nothing I can do to prevent that..." She thought and sighed.

Flash looked up, and smiled.

"Ah, the first is here."

He nodded.

"Yes, I am the creator of these flyers. It is a pleasure to meat another wanting to prevent this oncoming catastrophe. Question is, what are you, exactly? If you don't mind me asking."

Shadechaser, still in the darkest corner, looks up at Flash. [glow=purple,2,300]They are the one who sent out the flyers, like this one?[/glow] She thought as she pulled a copy of the flyer out. Remaining silent, she looked at the creature that questioned Flash.
She showed minor signs of interest, then got up and walked over to the conversation. She was quiet for she wasn't one to barge into a conversation, until she is invited into it, or finds interest in the conversation.

He turned to she her.

"Yes. I take it that your Element is Shadow? I am glad to see another taking interest however."

He waited patently for them to answer. He was surprised to see two already come up, and wondered how many more will, and how soon.

"[shadow=purple,left]Indeed, I am.[/shadow]" Shade replied in a shadowy echo. She places the flyer on the table, and returns to her previous location, the corner, and rests.

Unit 503 dipped its head slightly, forehoof clanking to the chestpiece, around where the heart of an organic would be...
I am identified as Unit 503 of the Empire of Gears, and emissary from the land of Vulcanus. I am a sophisticated battle engine built by the master of time, Clockwork. I seek to bring information of this world back to my master, and to spread word of my master's ideals of equality and tolerance. 503's hoof lowers as the flyer is placed on the table next to Shades' contribution
Until I am certain I have collected enough information to return to my lord Clockwork, you shall be designated as my superior unless I am forced to do an action that contradicts my set objectives. I recorded evidence of a tectonic shift that had affected the structures outside, yet my scans show no sign of tectonic faults in the immediate vicinity of 300m. Explain.

He nodded. At this point, anything most would just dismiss as crazy would seem rather believable.

"Ah yes. Well, after a incredibly long war, way back into the First Nations, the Ancients had to seal away the power of the Elements, not knowing the side affects. The earthquake yesterday was just one of many events that has, and will continue to plague the lands until the Elements of each corresponding nature is released back into the world. Earthquakes will be the least of our worries, for almost anything else may occur with the Elements in unrest. Thats where we come in. I made these flyers in the hopes of getting one of each Element to restore them back to the world. As of right now, we have Lightning, which is me, and Shadow."

He nodded toward the mare in the dark corner.

"But the question is, what Element are you?"

Shade simply nods back, while thinking of what she could do. [glow=purple,2,300]If this is what I know... if I know the shadows... If I concentrate... ... Oblivion... give me strength...[/glow] She then looks up to the sky.

Laebenal is getting closer to the buildings she saw and thought. "I should try to not draw attention and find out where that group is gathering." She stopped and turned to Vincent. "Go see if you can find something." She said to him. Vincent screeched and started flying towards the city. "If he sees something he will get to me but I should go too." Laebenal said and started to walk towards the city too but not to the same way her little bat friend went.

(Whoops, progression ho!)
Unit 503 froze for a second, its mainframe running diagnostic scans aplenty in search for this 'Element' he supposedly possessed. All scans turned up negative for anything outside the systems it had begun this exploration with, and the Mark 5 made careful note of the fact this may be a ploy. Although, if what the null-energy readings of the supposed 'pony' in the corner, alongside the high electrical output detected from the ringleader of this operation, the idea of a trick seemed less appealing saying the evidence was before, and beside, him.
Scans indicate no reading of this 'Element' within Unit's mainframe nor soul battery, perhaps I have yet to encounter a means of utilising the abilities you and the null appear to possess? This shall become a priority of tertiary status, after spreading the teachings of Clockwork. You are certain that it is these 'Elements' that will restore natural order once combined? Where is the evidence to support this claim?

Bolt turned to his bag, and pulled out the old book he found that started this all.

"I took this book from a library in Maelstraria that has the ancient history of the lands. It is told that the Ancients had sealed away the Elements, as punishment for abusing them. Prior to that, signs of odd occurrences around the world began to pop up. They were small, but noticeable. That was quite some time ago. Now that they have been gone for so long, said occurrences have become more and more noticeable, and can be traced to the event."

He opened the book, and turned to the few last pages.

"As we know, the Elements are sealed away, but the Ancients couldn't remove them to their realm. So, the sealed them away in artifacts, and scattered them across the world, in places of worship, each according to the corresponding Element. In order to enter and traverse the temples, one must be able to use the corresponding Element. Now that we have that power back, we can enter each temple, and break the seal placed on the Elements. The closest temple that I know of is the Sky Pillar, but that is a place of the Element of Air."

He then pointed to the flyer.

"Since i'm able to control the Element of Lightning, not Air, I created these in the hopes of not just getting the aid of someone with the power of Air, but each other Element to successfully release all the Elements, and it seems to have worked."

Quote from: SuperNovaNightmare on 2013 Nov 03, 21:01:09
"[...] and it seems to have worked."

"[shadow=purple,left]In partial success...[/shadow]" Shade said from her spot in the corner.

She remained looking at the sky as she thought of what she knew within this world. [glow=purple,2,300]If I access the knowledge hidden, I may find the powers I know by soul, but... things never work that fast.[/glow]

She raised a hoof to the sky, seeming to reach to the blocked out celestial body. [glow=purple,2,300]Please... Luna... my guide within the dark... please show me... things I need to know...[/glow]

Unit 503 studied the text, taking in every quill stroke of information and converting it to data easily able to be sent for archiving and further study. It would be a mistake to say that the notion of there being other 'Elements' left no imprint on the machine, rather the possibilities of harnessing such power would be wholly beneficial to the Empire. If what the pony before him said was correct, then the Fire Element would be located in the heart of Vulcanus, but that was to be a stop for further on, potentially with more aid to gather for an assault on Maelstraria to recover the Element of Water.
What if the Elements required are not present within this group, as they are not now? Surely the logical conclusion would be to locate the resting places of all the Elements before beginning the search?
Unit 503 turned its attention to the window of the INN, antenna alighting in the face of a potential threat.
Query: Are bats during the daytime a common occurrence, potentially also due to the influence of the Elements?

"Well, there is a museum in town that holds a tablet, marking all the ancient shrines. If there is a way to save what is on it without the need to steal it, that would solve that problem."

His ears perked up at the hearing of a bat.

"Not that I've... wait, thats a lie, there are some very viscous Hook-tailed bats that have become active mostly during the day, but a regular bat would be asleep, unless it's a pet. Hmm..."

Shade spoke from her spot, still holding her hoof to the sky. [shadow=purple,left]I can remember what I once saw, and I will remember what I will see.[/shadow]

She gets up, then walks over to Bolt. [shadow=purple,left]I need not steal any physical trace, yet I can use the shadow's power to look back on the tablet.[/shadow]

She seems to not concern herself with the bat after hearing it. [shadow=purple,left]If the shadows are close to the tablet, I can look from the shadows to analyze the marks on the tablet.[/shadow]

Despite lacking most emotional patterns, both physically and mentally, Unit 503 seemed...affronted by the fact that this null to his sensors claimed to use black magics in order to find and view the tablet. This would need to be corrected...
Your methods are highly illogical, null-being. Why waste energy utilizing an unsure means to read the tablet when we cannot simply view it ourselves?
Unit 503 turns to Bolt
I am equipped for reconnaissance activities, therefore I am able to document imaged evidence of the highest quality and store the locations to my on-board locator, which acts as a compass and depth meter. From there we can accurately determine the location of most, if not all the elements. We shall, as implied, need to visit the museum first in order to obtain the image.

Vincent landed on the roof of a building near the Inn to observe the surrounding area. He heard sounds coming from the Inn and flied a bit closer to see if it would be anything useful for him.

---

Laebenal walked around trying her best to avoid any ponies that she though would be threat for her. "I hope Vincent is doing what I told him and not sleeping or looking for food." She thought and took a look around. All she could see was buildings and some ponies that wouldn't help her with anything. "I wonder where that group is gathering... This place is huge."

"[shadow=purple,left]If one thinks another's means are illogical, ... Your being seems to be ruled over logic, which may help analyze the physical, but I know what the shadows can see, what they seek, and what their purpose is. Please, don't state my means as illogical.[/shadow]" She said as her gaze wondered to the bat.

"[shadow=purple,left]I desire you refer to me as Shadechaser.[/shadow]"

She pauses for a moment. "[shadow=purple,left]I see why you call me so, but do so no more.[/shadow]"

He nodded.

"Well then, to the museum. The only thing I can remember about it, is that it's in the language of the Ancients."

Bolt then turns to Shade.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Shadechaser. I find it interesting that you logic seems to walk on a higher level then the rest of us."

"[shadow=purple,left]I don't think you include this...[/shadow]" She starts to look over Unit 503. "[shadow=purple,left]...being.[/shadow]"

She turns, and walks back to the corner. "[shadow=purple,left]If we start heading out, I will follow. Just let your will take over.[/shadow]"

She rests in the corner, lying down. She seems to be chanting something as she rests. The words are as foreign as the knowledge of the one who speaks the words. She raises her head as she finishes, and her shadow seems to grow darker, then fades back to its normal contrast.

[glow=purple,2,300]The actions that I once knew are coming back like the winter every loop... and the summer.[/glow] She thought as she kept her head raised.

         Laebenal's wandering brought her to the Central Plaza, where many venders were setting up for the day, each selling various items ranging from enchanted trinkets, to magical elixirs, and everything in-between. There was quite a few towns people out and about, from your basic ponies, to gryphons and hippogryphs, and even a few treants and nymphs.
       
          Nearby was a sign with arrows directing whom ever read them to various locations. It showed: Trading district to the north, Capital building to the east, Solarous Museum of Ancient Relics to the south, The Grand Librium to the west, Solarous INN to the northeast, and Main Gate to the southwest. Where ever she wanted to go was up to her.


******


Bolt got up, gathered his things, and moved over to the door.

"As much I would like to wait longer, getting to the tablet is more important. The fastest way to the Museum would be to cut through the Central Plaza. Let's go." He said, and stood by the door, waiting for his companions patently.

Shade got up from her corner, appeared to vanish, but reappear next to Bolt.

"[shadow=purple,left]The shadows are ready.[/shadow]" She seemed to say while staring towards the Museum. She seemed to have known how to do 'that' before... one cannot be certain of her being, but one can be certain that she is an element of the shadows.

Laebenal walked closer the sign with arrows to read it. "Trading district is north, they most likely are not there... Main Gate is that way. Good to know." She looked at the way the arrow pointed and then turned back to the sign. "They might be at the Capital, Librium or Inn... But where should I check first?" She thought.

---

Vincent looked curiously at the ponies in the Inn. They seemed to leave soon but where to? He stayed there to watch and see if they were going to do anything that could be useful for him.

Unit 503 clanked a hoof to his chest piece in a salute before making its way over to his comrades
Instruction: Notified. Designation of sensory null reassigned as 'Shadechaser'. Cataloguing. Unit 503, prepared to march.
The mechanoid stood to attention beside them.

Bolt smiled.

"Well alright! Onward to the Museum!" He said ecstatically. He slowly made his way out the door, and took a big breath of fresh air.

"I can't wait! Things are starting off a bit faster than I thought. Maybe well be able to access the ruins beneath the Museum..."

He made his way toward the Main Plaza, thinking of what the future might hold.

Shade looked at him in a weird way, then started to walk to the museum. She looked back only to see if Unit 503 was going to follow.

[glow=purple,2,300]May the lore of the past never fade in time, and the events that happened in the past remain recorded in the shadows...[/glow] she thought after returning her gaze to the area of the museum.

Vincent saw the ponies leave and started to follow them keeping some distance.

---

"Inn or the Capital is more likely the right place but they both might be a bit dangerous places. Hmm..." Laebenal thought still trying to figure out where she wanted to go. She took a look around and turned back to the sign. "I might draw attention for staying here looking at this sign... I should decide already." She sighed and started to walk to the direction the "Inn" arrow pointed. "Safer than the Capital and more likely to be right than the Librium... I hope this is right." She thought.

         The sun was beginning to rise over the small buildings, lighting up the surrounding area in a warm glow. Not to many people were out, but there was a noticeable increase. Without the roads being overwhelmed with towns people, their journey to Central Plaza was short. Many of the small shops had some customers, and others were just walking by, either of to work, or to do some other task.

******

Bolt saw the directory, and began to run to it. He was still deep in thought, and didn't notice the hooded figure walking in the opposite direction, and ran into the figure. He almost fell back, but used his wings to steady himself. He move over the the person he hit.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I wasn't really paying attention. You ok?" He asked.

Shadechaser just looked at the incident, and walked closer to the museum. She stopped a few steps after reaching the side farther from the INN.

[shadow=purple,left]That was something,[/shadow] she said in remark to the incident.

Unit 503 ceased its march beside Shade, it's heavy pounding contrasting Shade's near silent movement as it inspected the new situation under view of its many sensors. The pony that Bolt had bumped to the floor was emitting a fierce amount of heat radiation, at least to his sensor readings, but the fact there was to be another hidden face made the mech curious. Perhaps all females in this world wore cloaks, or maybe it was only those who had committed an act so vile their faces did not want to be seen. Perhaps this was to do with the Elements? This would be investigated at a later time. 503 clomped forwards again, now standing beside Bolt as they awaited for the hooded figure to get up.

After getting up Laebenal took a quick step back and took a look around nervously. She saw the pony who just bumped into her and she tried to avoid eye contact with him. "Umm... Yes..." She said and started to grow a bit nervous as she saw the other pony next to the first one too.

---

Vincent saw the pony who he thought was the leader of the group ran into Laebenal. He screeched and landed close to them watching if she needed his help.

Bolt smiled, happy to hear that he didn't do to much harm.

"Glad to hear! If you don't mind me asking, where are you heading, and..."

He heard and saw the same little bat from before.

"Is that bat yours? We saw him back at the Inn."

Laebenal didn't notice Vincent before the pony said he was there. She looked at him and waved him to come to her. "Umm... Kinda... He is my friend." She said as Vincent flew on her back. "Vincent was following these ponies and I don't see any other reason than that he thinks they belong to the group. But do they?" She thought and said to the pony: "Umm... I... I was trying to find some ponies."

Unit 503's head tilted inquisitively as it quickly interrupted the cowled female before them
You are searching for those who also received a flyer on wind, detailing a request to aid in the stabilisation of the world and the 'Elements'? His head turns to indicate for Shade to come closer If so, then we are they which you seek.

"Well.... Kinda..." Laebenal said and blushed. "I never got any kind of flyer..."

Shadechaser seemed to look in the direction of Capitol, yet with more interested on the sights beyond. "[shadow=purple,left]This land... needs those who desire to help it... become more than a near cataclysm. Those who reside... those who are native... those who have remained within this world for so long... desire less disaster and more peace... if I am not mistaken.[/shadow]"

She then turns to the group. "[glow=purple,2,300]We are here to help this world become stable.[/glow]"

Shade seems to ignore Unit 503's suggestion to come closer.

Bolt smiled.

But you DO want to stop all this pointless fighting, right? It seems pretty obvious that you are the Element of Fire. Our best bet on stopping all this is with one of each Element, so if you were to come along, we would be one step closer to end this."

He held out a hoof.

"So, what do you say?"

"I'll come with you." Laebenal said ignoring the hoof in front of her. "Well, they seem to be the right ponies..." She thought and looked at Vincent in a way to show that he needs to be aware.

        Bolt set his hoof back down. He just smiled, turned to the sign, and began to head in the direction of the museum. He remembered a time when the ruins under the museum were open to the public, but recently, they were closed down, rumored to be unsafe. With the recent earthquake, he wasn't sure how they might be now, however, since the museum sat on top of the ruins, and the collapse of the ruins would cause the museum to have the same fate, meant that they still stand.


******


         A short walk later, they arrived at the giant marble building. Inside, it was devoid of anyone, except for a few Hippogriff guards, which were all asleep. Bolt directed everyone to the large stone tablet, a incredibly old map of the world, marked with the locations of all the various temples and shrines dedicated to a certain Element.

"Well, here it is. Good luck trying to read all that ancient markings. Nobody so far has been able to translate it."


Bolt said as he glanced at the display. He then made his way to the dark, eroded stair-case leading to the under belly of the museum.

"When your done doing... whatever you said you can do to memorize the map, follow me down to the ruins. There is something I need to check out."

He said, slowly making his way down the steps.

503 stood before the tablet, head ever so slightly tilting upwards and downwards as it scanned the surface. The marking seemed to date to before Master's signature registered on this land, and whilst lacking the decryption technology needed to read the stone 503 was sure that designate "Shade" would be able to decipher the mystery language. Strange, he was already putting trust in a pony who he had not met even one hour ago, this would require investigation.
Scan: Complete. Commencing image capture.
Light burst from the black goggles for the briefest second before blinking out again, a copy of the tablet's face saved to 503's memory board. Secondary Objective: Complete. He turns to the unknown pony with an expressionless gaze.
I have yet to assign a designation to your form, for you have yet to notify the group of it.

"I can'tread this..." Laebenal thought after looking at the map for a while and then turned to 503. "Who? Me?" She asked.

Shadechaser seemed to have a slower pace than the majority of the group, stopping next to the tablet just after Unit 503 captured the image. She looked over the tablet, noting every point, considering the aging, and adding it to her mental archive. After she seemed to stand for at least a minute without moving at all, Shade turned to the stairs and followed Bolt.

[glow=purple,2,300]Those markings... very interesting... I need to ask the ancient shadows for the answers. The stroll under this museum might give me enough time to decipher the markings. Until that time, we should consider not speaking to the others. We don't want to corrupt the message.[/glow]

Shade pulled her cowl more over her face, seeming to desire not to be seen.

503 nodded once
Affirmative. Designation is required for addressing under professional and private circumstances, and you have yet to designate yourself. Please designate so you may be recorded on my systems as an ally.

"Umm, what?" Laebenal said a bit confused. "What exactly you want from me?" She asked from 503.

Shadechaser continued to follow Bolt, but the sound of her voice was heard nearby Laebenal and Unit 503, saying, "[shadow=purple,left]He needs to hear your name... spoken.[/shadow]"

"Umm, okay?" Laebenal said a bit confused after hearing the voice of Shade. "I'm Laebenal."

Unit 503 stood still for but a moment before clanking back into life, making his way towards the tunnel entrance
Identification acknowledged, designate "Laebenal"... he takes pause in his movement to turn his head to look at her Query: Why does designate Laebenal conceal herself in a manner akin to designate Shade?

Laebenal walked closer to the staircase ready to go down. "Well, perhaps if I knew who you are maybe I'd tell." She said.

Shadechaser followed, about, two pony-lengths behind Bolt as she remained looking towards the ground a few hooves forward.

[glow=purple,2,300]Are we closing in on a break? Is the message becoming more clear? Can we see more than just markings? We cannot be certain at this time. Judging by the wear of the tablet, we are able to show it to the ancients, but they need more time. So be it. The conversations will be ignored, for now. We are not certain that is a good idea. If you insist on making the message more corrupt, then we will listen, otherwise their talk will be ignored.[/glow]

As Shade walked, the opening of her cowl began to grow darker, and her hooves, if shown, started to grow a black flame. (Or at least look that way.)

Bolt had managed to reach the bottom of the steps, and in front of him laid a vast open expanse that looked slightly worn, but definitely old, for there were many damaged and broken columns dotted on the ground. At the other end of the hall was a colossal door, but was almost impossible to see, for the grime that covered the markings made it look more like another wall rather than anything else. There were also several holes on the sides of the hall, and the sound of rushing water, and cave dwelling beasts, meant that one or more holes led to caves.

"Wow... so this is where they found all those artifacts. For such a big plain room, they found quite a bit of stuff."

Bolt said out loud. In front of the door was a pedestal with a large rectangular gap in the center, were the map above had rested. The door on the other end of the hall seemed... compelling, like it was drawing all who entered closer. The breezes that emanated from the connecting caves sounded more like whispers than the usual howl.

Whatever was on the other side of the door was calling out to all members of the group, but for some reason, they were quieted.

Something must be lurking around... causing a dampening effect.

503's inner workings translated the statement into something more manageable for his processor, though he was indeed more advanced than what these ponies had already encountered he did have limits to understanding some sentence structures when faced with a possible query within. Clamping it's hoof to its chest, 503 straightened rigidly
My designation is Unit 503 of the Clockwork Empire, I am an android capable of self thought built by the great Lord Clockwork, Master of Time, Prince of Progression. Ave Dominius Ex Tempore!
The last part of the proclamation came out a little too loud, possibly earning a few unwarranted stares from whoever was around.

Shadechaser was staying two pony-lengths behind in Bolt's path. She was unconcerned with anything other than translating the tablet. Shade remained staring at the same relative spot, but the shadow that suggested Laebenal to speak of their name stopped, making it seem like Shade was not casting the shadow, or that the shadow was not hers.

"O-okay, Unit 503... You already mentioned Shade but who is that last one?" Laebenal asked after thinking 503's answer for a while. "These ponies are a bit strange..." She thought.

Bolt only barely heard Laebenal.

"It's... Flash Bolt..."

He said, sounding dazed. Something seemed to be lurking around the corner. The room began to look darker. A ominous red glow began to creep along the floor and walls at the other end of the room.

Whatever it was, it moved very slowly...

Shadechaser remained 'secretive' but was as alert as Pinkie Pie's Pinkie Sense. ovO

[glow=purple,2,300]How much longer? We cannot be certain. The ancients are still analyzing the piece. I need it to come as fast it can. We might become corrupt. I sense a creature that is in the very room we stand. Understood. We will try.[/glow]

Vincent's ear twitched like he had heard something silent and he screeched. Laebenal looked at Vincent and then looked at 503 and said: "we should go." She then started to walk down the stairs.

Unit 503 nodded, following after Laebenal as they descended. Rotating himself around, 503's antenna alighted as they vanished into the dark, covering the rear in case of ambush.
Leading unit designated as 'Bolt', current known contractor of this expedition. I know little of him, though the book he carries detailing the history of this world will be of continued use. a blip on his sensors told him they were not alone down here, and thus required less time spent in this stairwell. Rotating once more to face forwards, 503 began to move past Laebenal Distress notified from leader, preparing to intercept threat.

        The ominous red glow from the end of the dark hall grew brighter and brighter, until finally the source was spotted. It hovered only a few inches off the ground and was fairly small, but the creature was one not to be messed with. Its long, pure red claws were almost as long as itself, and wore a shadowy cloak. Darkness poured from its bottom, and seemed to give the impression of it being only shadows.

         It turned slowly towards the group, and with its hood up, all that was visible of it face were shiny white eyes. The room's temperature suddenly dropped to what felt like freezing, and everything grew darker. It said nothing as it quickly closed the gap between them, but as quickly as it came it stopped. It raised its claws, and began to click them together in anticipation.

        The sight of such a thing snapped Bolt out of his daze, and he took a defensive position.

"Thats a Shade! What is it doing down here? Get ready! Shades are NOT friendly!"

He shouted, flaring his wings, which produced a slight crackling noise as he started to build up electricity.


------------PREP STAGE-------------



Turn list:
Laebenal
Shadechaser: Haste
Unit 503
Flash Bolt
Shade: Haste

Current arena effect:
Shroud of Darkness; 3 phases (3 GM posts)


Shade appears to do nothing.

Flash Bolt charges up for Bolt:



Enemy team standings:
      Mini-boss: SHADE ???/???

Friendly party standings:

      Laebenal: 270/270
      Shadechaser: 295/295
      Unit 503: 345/345
      Flash Bolt: 310/310

The encounter of the Shade surprised Laebenal and she is unable to do anything special. "What is that?" She thought.

As Shadechaser felt the shroud of darkness, the dark flames at her hooves started to grow in size. She leaped into the air, did a back flip, and attempted to damage the Shade.

Attack: Shadow Kick :P
This is only situation based.

Barging protectively in front of Flash Bolt, 503's battle sensor array comes online as energy cells hum into life. An ethereal blue alights the antenna as it enters a defensive stance. The target did not pose a threat at the given time, but decades of war taught 503 that such evidence alone was insufficient. If it would not surrender, it would be destroyed.
Identifying target and listing associated weaknesses. he chimed in monotone, lowering his head in preparation to fire.
(Unit 503 used Observe to determine SHADE'S Strengths and Weaknesses)

Shadechaser catches the Shade off guard, and lands a direct hit dealing 20 points of physical damage, plus 15 points of True Damage. The speed of the hit dazes the Shade, giving Unit 503 enough time to use Observe the Shade, and with defensive action bonus, will resist 10 points of damage from the next attack.

Observe results:

SHADE
EP: 415
Elemental Alinement: Shadow
Elemental Weaknesses: Light, Life, Magic (Element, not damage type)
Role: Assassin
Ability(s): Suppression

Additional Information: NA

----------BATTLE STAGE-----------



Current arena effect:
Shroud of Darkness; 2 phases


Shade is dazed and unable to take action.

Flash Bolt casts Bolt, and with a charged bonus, deals 45 points of magical damage on the motionless Shade.

Enemy team standings:
      Mini-boss: SHADE 345/415; Dazed, Haste

Friendly party standings:

      Laebenal: 270/270
      Shadechaser: 295/295; Haste
      Unit 503: 345/345; Def. buff
      Flash Bolt: 310/310

Laebenal took defensive stance. "Does physical combat work against that?" She asked from others thinking one of them would know.

With the target's key weakness identified, 503's core weaponry adjusted accordingly. Solar energy collected from the outside world filtered into his weapon systems, the bright blue radiation from the tip of his firing antenna changing to a golden yellow
Irrelevant. Target's weakness identified, preparing to fire.
Crouching into a braced stance and lowering his head, 503 prepared to fire a concentrated burst of sunlight into the enemy.
(Unit 503 uses BRACED STANCE, losing one combat turn in order to prepare to fire)

Shadechaser jumps back from her position close to the Shade. Then, some shadows seem to start flowing closer to Shadechaser.

Ability: Shadow Charge
Increases power of abilities later

[glow=purple,2,300]If you know what you are doing, then why are you calling the shadows from within a place you know little about? We need the knowledge. It can't be as bad as being tossed into a light room. Good point.[/glow]

(Thump bump)