Games We Play

by Katana001

Rating: mature
Tags: Spike, Adventure, Violence, Pinkie Pie, Sex, Death, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, Drama, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Original Character
Length: 7854

Twilight gets stuck in a literal game of life! Hopefully she can cope and push on through!

My world has turned upside down.

Magica Omnium Grimoire

A book that appeared in front of my very eyes after a little black box asked me if I wanted to start the tutorial, now I'm seeing things that only appear in games.

Stats, perks, skills, everypony's lives defined by numbers and classes!

What's worse if my hunch is right; Nightmare Moon is coming back and no one but Spike believes me! How am I going to cope with all this crazy game stuff and take down Nightmare Moon!?

I wish somepony could help me, because I need it.

Published 2018-06-24 18:30:07 UTC
Last updated 2018-06-24 18:30:07 UTC

Ready Player One

WELCOME PLAYER(Name: Twilight Sparkle)

Would you like to start the tutorial?

➤Yes No

I blinked a few times trying to comprehend what I was seeing, the text floated above the Myths and Legends Historia guide, the page open to the legend of Nightmare Moon which I had predicted was going to return during the Summer Sun Celebration. It appeared after I wrote my letter to Princess Celestia.

My jaw open slightly and I could feel the flies starting to gather there, so I closed it rubbing my eyes with my hoof to make sure the late nights were not catching up to me like Spike had said it would.

“S-Spike? Do you see this?” I asked my voice squeaking with his name, the little dragon came up to the book and frowned then rolled his eyes.

“Yeah Twilight, it's another of those mythology books you’ve been raving about for the last thirty minutes. You know we’ve probably missed Moondancer’s party by now.” he grumbled under his breath for the last part before walking away probably to read a comic book he was fond of.

I took a sharp breath, ‘Okay, Twilight take a deep breath, you're not a crazy pony, and this might be some old magic in the book. You know how some old tomes have been enchanted, this might be what they call a ‘prank’’

I breathed out as the panic was slowly taking root into me. I couldn't help however to feel curious of what this was.

I took another deep breath and pressed the ‘yes’ hovering over the book. I nearly screamed when there was a bright flash as the book’s pages rapidly flipped through the entire contents then closed shut with a heavy ‘thunk’.

I rapidly blinked looking every which way for some kind of danger but there was none. The mythology book that I had on the podium glowed, the letters shifting across from the spine and even changing shape and color.

Magica Omnium Grimoire

Owned by: Twilight Sparkle

The book was now thicker and a soft shade of royal purple, light seemed to flicker softly across the letters which were embroidered in gold and silver accents. It made the hairs of my mane stand up with how magical this book was. Suddenly a black box with text appeared in front of me blocking my view of the book.

Congratulations!

Welcome to the wonderful Game of MY LITTLE PONY: MAGICA OMNIUM

Due to circumstances of life and the magic of the world your character has

Already been created, However new Avatars and Skins can be unlocked through Achievements and Quests! Look for them all!

In MY LITTLE PONY: MAGICA OMNIUM You as a Player will take on various quests and tasks to level your character, Defeat powerful foes both magical and non-magical to gather equipment, spells, and currency to advance to the ultimate state of Alicorn Status!

Alicorn Status is only just the beginning but that's a secret!

Since you decided to start the Tutorial, Helpful Hints and in depth Guides will appear throughout the world and caused by the actions you do to help you progress through the first 5 levels! After your progression past the 5th level if you decide it you can turn off the tutorial or turn on the Advanced Tip provider for more complex quests, situations, and events.

To get started, touch the MAGICA OMNIUM GRIMOIRE

I blinked again, not really sure to make of this if this was somepony’s idea of joke it was very complex and I didn’t get the punchline, Alicorn status? Like the Princess? Levels?

It sounded like something the colts in my school liked, something about those large cabinets with interactive pictures. I liked books rather than any sort of cinema or moving pictures that was becoming popular in Manehatten.

Feeling really out of my element I placed my hoof on the book, surprised that Spike wasn't asking if I was alright.

Then again, when I asked it seemed he couldn't see the letters floating in the air. I softly placed my hoof on the book which it burst into a colorful rainbow that was sucked into my chest, making me feel really warm like I had been embraced by Princess Celestia.

You have received the: MAGICA OMNIUM GRIMOIRE (automatically placed in Inventory)

Now that you have your Grimoire you are ready to face the wide world of MY LITTLE PONY: MAGICA OMNIUM!

The Magica Omnium Grimoire (or Grimoire for short) is the foundation of your Character, it records all the spells, equipment (magical or non-magical), Soul Gems, and Statistics of your Character as well as Journals Events, Quests, and basics overview of other Characters you have met or read about.

It is a unremovable Item in your Inventory and cannot be lost or sold to Item Vendors. It is also vital to the Save Function of MY LITTLE PONY: MAGICA OMNIUM which when you have found a Save Station will be explained.

To begin let’s start with your Status!

Say Status in your head or out loud to open the menu.

Okay… weird, but I understood what it was talking about. The book I got was a personal record of everything I did or what I had done to earn things. My brows furrowed as I digested this, it was very intriguing to say the least.

“Status.” I announced quietly looking at the black box expectantly, a whole new window popped out of nowhere where I saw a picture of myself in the top left corner.

It was the same one for my Identification Licence I kept in my saddle bags when I was visiting other libraries outside of Canerlot, I was smiling in the picture kinda awkwardly as I felt camera shy a lot of time when taking pictures. The rest was as follows.

Name: Twilight Sparkle

Job: Acolyte (Unspecified)

Level: 2 Next Level 134/1300

Title: Apprentice Of Celestia

Specialization: N/A

HP: 50/50

MP: 110/110

STR: 5

VIT: 10

DEX: 4 (-1) = 3

INT: 17 (5) = 22

WIS: 8 (-5) = 3
LUK: ?

CHA: (Base) 6

Perks:

Knowledgeable - Additional +5 INT Per LV, +5% Bonus to all Skills under the category of :MENTAL: +10% REP gain to any Institution of the Mental category, +20% Bonus in Mana Control

Hidden Potential - ? (Locked) ?

Socially Inept - Negative Modifier of -5 WIS and 30% reduction in REP gain for all Species, CHA Stat Locked at (BASE) LV

Clumsy - Negative Modifier of -1 DEX per LV

Playing it Safe - All LUK based events randomized and Minimized due to Mentality

Status Effects:

Stressed : -10% penalty to all mental, cognitive problem solving and skills, -5% Arcane Cast Failure possible under conditions.

Malnourished : Hampered growth rate, -25% growth to VIT, DEX, STR Base Stats, -20% to Poisons

Description : Twilight Sparkle is a average Unicorn born with a untapped potential that caused the birth of her dragon Spike, who she views as the little brother she never had. Due to her love of books and knowledge she became somewhat of a recluse under her tutelage of the Alicorn Princess Celestia.

Money : 4,500 Bits ($2,165.22)

Points : 5

“Socially inept!!? What the buck!? I'm not socially inept!” I fumed feeling the injustice of the negative modifiers of my Perks section.

Okay, maybe I was a little clumsy but it didn't warrant a negative modifier! It was true on the stress thing though, I was a bit stressed because of my hunch that Nightmare Moon was coming back.

Malnourished though?

I looked down at my ahem roundish belly and backside that was a little on the cushy side, I felt indignant as I remembered that I couldn't run more than a few minutes without feeling like I was dying.

So what if I ate hayfries more than I should…? Or that I ate a lot of junk food and pasta more than other girls did to keep a healthy figure?

Geez, alright, alright you win magical box thing, I didn't eat healthy and get the needed stuff to grow right.

I let out a hefty sigh feeling my cheeks burn as the truth was smacked in my face about my figure and attitude towards other ponies.

“What was that Twilight?” Spike called from downstairs in my tower, I jumped forgetting that Spike was still here.

“Nothing Spike! Just mumbling to myself is all!” I called back down to him, he didn't respond knowing that I did that sort of thing.

“Right, um, what next box thing?” I asked looking at my status once more.

Your Status screen is the accumulation of all your basic stats and perks! Perks can be earned or lost due to certain actions, training, or social know how. While Status Effects are temporary buffs or debuffs that affect your mentality or physicality, make sure to be aware of yourself so you can provide the best kind of buff for the right job!

As this is the Tutorial we shall go over your basic status!

Attributes

STR: (Strength) - Strength is the governing attribute to all things physical, lifting, pushing, or pulling objects fall under this attribute. Strength also affects such things as how far thrown objects go and damage given to Hostile Mobs, as well as reduction in damage from enemy hits. This is the Primary Stat of the Earth Pony and all Warrior Classes.

VIT: (Vitality) - Vitality is one’s overall health and Stamina, this attribute also governs the ability to regain health outside of combat and rate of regeneration of HP (Health Points). It also affects the damage resistances to unique or special types of damages such as Poison, Arcane Decay, Paralysis, Burns, etc. Species such as Ponies have a base stat of 10 in vitality, and gain VIT at different rates depending on subspecies.

1 VIT = 5 HP
1 VIT = 0.5 HP REGEN

DEX: (Dexterity) - Dexterity is the overall speed, flexibility, and grace of a species. Dexterity also governs one’s ability to fly, eye-hoof coordination as well the factor of landing a critical strike on a opponent. Lockpicking, Stealth, finesse of weaponry and dual wielding are all affected by DEX. Dexterity is the Primary Skill of the Pegasus Pony and all Rouge/Speedster Classes

INT: (Intelligence) - Intelligence governs all aspects of the mental category; It determines a species overall ability to think quickly, learn, problem solve, and magical aptitude. Intelligence factors one’s strength of spells, their reserves of mana, and how quickly they can recover mana outside of combat. It also strengthens the effects and power of any personally created spells, rituals, or runes, their affinity of the elemental nature and ability to create variations of leaned spells. Intelligence is the Primary Skill of the Unicorn Pony and all Spell Casting/Alchemist Classes

1 INT = 5 MP (Magical Points)
1 INT = 0.5 MP REGEN

WIS: (Wisdom) - Wisdom is a attribute that governs a species common sense, insight, perception, and overall control of complex spells. Higher wisdom also allows one to retain and memorize more complex spells, runes, rituals without the consultation of a book or notebook of spell formuli, this also controls one's ability to see through Illusions and falsehoods such as lies.

LUK: (Luck) - Luck is a force like nature that determines the paths and roads one could take in life. Luck affects many things from finding a Bit on the street, to taking a leap of faith from a building or cliff. In this case Luck determines your critical strike chance, chance of finding rare or unique loot from enemies or treasure chests, or even chance of winning big at gambling. Increasing the Luck stat may not have a lot of outward effect but having a higher luck stat increases the percentage of good things falling into your favor.

CHA: (Charisma) - Charisma houses aspects of life and the species you meet; Charisma is the overall outward appearance and perception of others as they see you and affects one's ability to give speeches, motivate others, share a Idea and how well that Idea is presented, and connect with others as a Individual. While Charisma can be affected by appearance it does not mean one’s beauty, moreover how one presents themselves. Magical Auras, Divine Evocation, Spirit walking and speaking are all affected by the Charisma stat.

Levels (LV) are the accumulated Experience (EXP) gained from life, Quests, Events, and Enemies defeated by you the player, after each level gained you aquire points that can be assigned to your base stats to increase your overall stats level. Another way to increase your stats is by training or studying on certain subjects you are unfamiliar with allowing a slower but more natural progression.

There are four categories currently available for Training

Mental Training Category:

A Training method of Studying through the use of book learning or other versions of mental acuity allows a larger pool of spells, overall knowledge, and sharpness of mind.

Physical Training Category:

A Training method of dealing with all things related to the body, which through physical activity allows a larger pool of stamina, power, and reaction time.

Social Training Category:

A Training method of understanding and living in common society as well as understanding new cultures, which allows better understanding, empathy towards life, and getting species to believe in you.

Mana Control Category:

A Training method of refining and deepening one’s mana reserves, allows better control over spells, less cast time on complex spells, and amount of spells one can cast.

I rubbed my eyes trying to absorb as much information as I could with the list.

I understood the principles as they were easy. Better stats equals better abilities and skill, lower stats meant you were bad or just didn't understand it, levels are the a set experience cap threshold one overcame to get better at said stats because of the points given at each level.

Training one of the four categories allowed stats to level without leveling or when leveling becomes more difficult as you gain them.

“Box, what is REP?” I asked curious of the acronym.

Reputation or REP is the current standing one has with another Character or Faction, example of REP gain is doing something meaningful or horrid to a character or faction which increases their trust, dislike, or loyalty to you. Racial standing can affect REP Gain or Loss if you are meeting another species, such as Wild Dragons who have a natural dislike of Ponykind making it more difficult to earn their trust or get them to like you.In least to greatest amount of REP you can gain is as follows

Hated

With A -100% in reputation gain with character or faction, at this level they will most likely attack you on sight and make it their life’s goal to see you dead, it would take something far above and beyond to change their mind of you.

-90% Teamwork effectiveness, -90% Monetary Gain, -100% Reputation gain

Abhorrence

Seen as a monster, you are feared and disliked in the extreme and have a greater chance of attacking you on sight, but less of a chance than Hated, It would take a great deal of effort to change this character or faction’s opinion of you.

-70% Teamwork Effectiveness, -70% Monetary Gain, -70% Reputation gain

Hostile

Openly hostile to you, they may not attack you but it would take some very careful wording to give them a reason not to. Less likely to attack you on sight but definitely doesn't want you around, it would take some considerable effort to change this fraction or character's opinion of you.

-50% Teamwork Effectiveness, -50% Monetary gain, -50% Reputation gain

Disliked

Not hostile unless provoked or given very good reason too, but their opinion of you isn't so great that they are going to care about your troubles or woes. It would take some effort to get on this Faction or Character’s good side.

-20% Teamwork Effectiveness, -20% Monetary gain, -20% Reputation gain

Neutral

Having either no knowledge of you or simply has no opinion of you of yet, most Factions and Characters start at this reputation level when meeting you.

0% Teamwork Effectiveness, 0% Monetary gain, 0% Reputation gain

Friendly

This faction or character has warmed up to you and care about your well being and thoughts, they will want to spend more time with you and probably think of you as a friend. You would have to do something bad to make them rethink their opinion.

+20% Teamwork Effectiveness, +20% Monetary gain, +20% Reputation gain

Honored

This faction or individual has a high opinion of you and your thoughts, they enjoy your company and probably think of you as a close friend. You would have to do something considerably mean to get this faction or individual to dislike you.

+50% Teamwork Effectiveness, +50% Monetary gain, +50% Reputation gain

Exalted

This Character or Faction has admiration and love for you, you are most likely one of their closest friends and a hero or pony of inspiration they draw from. It would take you to do something absolutely destiable for you to make them dislike you.

+70% Teamwork Effectiveness, +70% Monetary gain, +70% Reputation gain

Loved

This character or faction absolutely loves you from head to tail and all your thoughts and beliefs that go with you, High chance that somepony might romantically involve themselves with you at this level, platonic relationships are lifelong friendships that help you through thick and thin no matter what.

You would have to destroy every bridge to them to make them dislike you

+90% Teamwork Effectiveness, +90% Monetary gain, +100% Reputation Gain

“Ugh, I didn't expect another list that's almost as long as mine are.” I sighed sitting on the floor, feeling what Spike must feel when I go on a organization spree.

“Twilight! Celestia sent a letter back!” he yelled from down below, I gasped almost forgetting I had sent a letter in the first place about Nightmare Moon!

“Can you read it to me Spike I have to double check some things!” I called back down making the little dragon walk back up the steps where I was sitting next to the podium.

“Yeah, sure… ahem, My Dearest, Most Faithful Student Twilight, you know I value your diligence and I trust you completely, but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!”

I gasped again feeling my face flush with embarrassment and slight annoyance that she didn’t believe me.

“My dear Twilight there is more to life than studying! So, i'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this years location; Ponyville. And I have a even more essential task for you to complete: Make some Friends! With love, Princess Celestia.” Spike finished as I picked my jaw off the floor in disbelief.

[QUEST ALERT!]

A Cold Day In The Summer Sun

Main Quest: Princess Celestia has asked you to supervise the Summer Sun Celebration and make some friends in the process.

Main Quest Part 2: Find and stop Nightmare Moon from Destroying Equestria!

Side Quest: Hidden Objective

Side Quest Part 2: Discover something hidden from the world.

Main Quest Completion: 1,000 EXP

First Side Quest Completion: 500 EXP

Second Side Completion: 10,000 EXP, 3 Instant Levels, ?, ?

Quest is Mandatory

“What the hay…?” I mumbled as I looked at the box in question, but shook my head focusing on the task at hoof.

“Alright, Spike pack some supplies, we are going to Ponyville. While I'm supervising or whatever, I need to calculate the exact time Nightmare Moon will come back!” I said vehemently, too stubborn to let the Nightmare Moon thing go.

I looked at Spike, then the weird stuff started to happen again.

Spike Lv 1 - HP: 10 MP: 5

It was floating above his head and moved when he moved, I wanted to say something but I would just sound crazy if I did.

Through your actions you have unlocked a Skill!
Unlocked Skill- Analyze LV10/100

Right… I know what Analyze means but I didn't know what it mean in this weird game thing that was going on in my head, I tried to ignore it for now but curiosity did eat at me as I packed a few things for the trip. No doubt I would get charioted to the village, if I was quick enough.

When I arrived at port for the Chariots, the two guard ponies were waiting for me as well as another letter from the Princess via Spike.

“Hey don't worry Twilight! At least the Princess arranged for you to stay in a Library for the time being.” He said as we both got on and clawed me the letter, documents for a stay of residence with rit and seal to give to the mayor for the purpose of the sun celebration ceremony as well as approval for my Supervisor status.

About ten minutes into the flight I asked for him to reread the second letter, which he was happy to oblige.

“Doesn't that make you happy Twilight? You get to live in a library! I bet that was hard to arrange.” He said leaning toward me as I grumpily watched the land below move

“Yes! That does make me happy Spike, I’ll work on the preparations for the celebration as fast as I can then I’ll find proof of Nightmare Moon’s return!” I said proudly if a little arrogantly, Spike frowned at this.

“But what about making friends like the Princess said?” He rebutled looking slightly disheartened by my words, I softened a bit looking at him with a smile.

“The Princess said to look after the Summer Sun celebration, which I am her student, and I will do my royal duty. But the Fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends!” I argued which the young dragon just shrugged, leaving us alone in our thoughts as we made our way to the little village.

“Okay box, what are skills?” I asked in my head as I stared out into the distance waiting for the text to appear.

Skills are unique abilities that one acquires through special actions! Each Skill is different from one another and often can cover a broad range of smaller skill sets called Sub-Skills. Example being if you were to start fishing you would eventually gain the Fisher Skill!

Would you like to see your skill list?

“Yes… please.” I added at the end, I didn't know if this thing was a living thing somewhere, another small list popped into my vision.

Skills List Window

Passive Skills

Latent Mana Potential LV MAX - Grants passive sense into the ley lines of the world, allowing them to grasp the Ether by their hooves. +30% Bonus when performing ‘raw’ magical spells, +20% bonus to sensing ley lines, +10% to recognizing magical energy in the area.

Power Overwhelming LV 1 20/2,000 - When completely scared, severely hurt, or exposed to massive arcane energy a 10% chance of unleashing ‘world class’ Arcane Magics of any type upon the physical world

-Warning!-

Using world class magics have unforeseen consequences.

Passive/Active Skills

Telekinesis LV MAX [Spell, Cantrip] - This spell grants the user the ability to grasp and move objects with their minds/magic

Spell no longer requires MP to Cast

Can lift up to 250 lbs-113 kg max in weight

Observe LV 1 1/75 - This skill allows the user to see the target’s Max HP, Max MP Hint: Leveling up this skill will reveal more information as it gains levels.

Active Skills

Organizer LV 40 691/10,000 - Has closely perfected the idea system of organization for papers, books, and notes

+50% Bonus to finding needed books/notes/papers in any recognized system of organization

+65% increase in cross referencing information allowing for important discoveries

+19% In research speed of any project, Arcane, Scientific, or Mundane

Expert Librarian LV 15 487/16,000 - A expert at making their way around a library.

+29% chance of making a ‘Master Arcane Grimoire’ during Grimoire creation

Grants the Knowledgeable Perk

Spells are boosted by +3% in Library settings

Acolyte LV 3 10/400 - A studious practitioner of the arcane arts

+20% Bonus to any spell casted

Allows the creation of Cantrips after MAX rank is achieved

Huh, well it wasn't what I was expecting but it turned out I was a really good organizer and librarian. The Power Overwhelming passive made the hairs on the back of my neck stand straight up, world class magic?

That stuff was scary to think about, the only world class magic I could think of was Princess Celestia’s ability to move the sun, but I had a 10% chance of unleashing it accidently?

I frowned as I remembered why Princess Celestia took me in in the first place, that sudden explosion of magic that came from me when I tried to make Spike hatch and I accidently turned mom and dad into cacti… Yeah that sounded like World Class Magic.

There was a sudden jolt as we made it down into Ponyville, the hustle and bustle of the cheery little village making me want to roll my eyes. The Guard Pegusi whinnied to alert me of our arrival, I politely stepped out of the chariot quickly going to them.

“Thank you, Sirs.” I said smiling at the two, which they huffed and nodded good naturedly

Guard [Solar Faction] Lv 15 HP: ??? MP: ???
Guard [Solar Faction] Lv ?? HP: ??? MP: ???

Hovered over their heads making me steal a glance at them before I turned back to Spike, ‘So I can't see all stats when my skill is to low, alright adding that to memory’.

“Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about!” Spike said as I stood next to him, our chariot flying away to return to Canterlot.

A Pink pony was trotting along the street towards us as he finished his sentence, giving us a warm smile as she stopped, her puffy cotton candy like hair bouncing along with her.

Pinkie Pie [No Faction] Lv 4 HP: 60/60 MP: 25/25

Due to constant use of the ‘Analyze’ Skill further information can be ascertained from targets

“Come on Twilight,” He said urging me to talk to the pony in question, I felt awkward as the pony just there smiled making my ears fold down. Curse the little dragon for loving me so much.

“Just try!”

I felt nervous now as I looked down between them, feeling a small amount of heat grace my cheeks as I spoke.

“U-h… Hello?” I managed to the stranger.

The pink one preformed a gasp unlike any i've seen as she seemed to float about three feet off the ground and hover there, I gaped back not sure what to do about this.

Then she dashed through the air so fast that it streeked her colors like that fast pony in Spike’s comic books, I tried to follow her with my eyes but she was gone. Both Spike and I shared a look of stunned amazement.

“Well that was interesting alright.” I said sarcastically, yet another weird thing to add to the piling list of things that are weird, which Spike sighed roughly.

Congratulations!

You have discovered a Town! After meeting any species that resides in the area and greeting them, all NC (non-combatants) will slowly become aware of you and your REP with the Town itself, better REP with a Town will earn you better Items, Gear, Potions, and Spells in the local shops as well as discounts and other specialty items!

A New Tab in the Magica Omnium has been unlocked; ‘MAP’

Please take out your Magica Omnium to view the map tab to read a further explanation, to summon your Grimoire simply imagine it appearing in front of you.

“Twilight? You okay? You’ve been staring off into the distance for a while now.” Spike said waving a claw in front of my face, snapping me back into reality.

“Actually you’ve been doing that a lot today.” he said frowning a worried look creasing his features.

I blanched, the little dragon was perceptive, thanks Spike I love you too.

“I uh… hahaha.” I laughed nervously, making Spike give me that look that he knows i’m hiding something from him.

I cursed my luck at being a horrible liar, Princess Celestia could see straight through me most of the time when I fibbed to her.

“Alright Twilight, spill. I know you are freaking about Nightmare Moon but usually you are way more aware of things when you freak out. I even tried talking to you while we were on the chariot and your eyes were just glazed over.” He said placing his claws on his hips and giving me his best disapproving look.

I sighed heavily pulling the list of preparations from my bag, we needed to find a place called Sweet Apple Acres to talk about food that was going to be served. Directions were on the paper and I looked back to Spike who was waiting for me to talk, I gave him a half smile.

“O-Okay, I’ll tell you on the way to Sweet Apple Acres.” I magicked him onto my back so he wouldn't get left behind because of his stubby legs.

We walked through the maze and winding paths of Ponyville checking the directions now and again to make sure we had reference for the farm.

“So you remember when you found that book on Myths and legends?” I said as we were heading out from the main part of the village to the outskirts where apple orchards were in the distance.

“Well, technically you found it. But yeah, I remember. Why? Did something happen with the book?” He said perking up now that I was talking.

“I think the book was cursed or enchanted in some way. I always triple check archived books for enchantments or curses, but I’ve been seeing things Spike… At first I thought it was a prank, but now i’m not so sure.” I said hesitantly, I wasn't sure if Spike was going to believe me.

“Okay…” Spike began obviously skeptical, “What kind of things are you seeing?”

“I’m… um… Seeing things like ‘Stats’ and ‘Attributes’ and ‘levels.’ I don't really what to make of it, I know you talked about this kinda stuff before but I was worried you might think me some kinda crazy pony.” I said softly looking back at Spike with one eye to make sure he didn't have a ‘oh celestia, you’re crazy’ look.

What I got however was one of deep concentration.

“That sounds like something Uncle Silver Road showed me when we hung out, he had all sorts of the latest gadgets from Manehatten. Mintendo, I got to play the little doohickey a little when I was over, it was really cool.” He said thinking about it.

“Uncle Silver Road? Daddy’s brother? When did you hang out with Uncle Silver!?” I asked incredulously, Silver Road was one of those cool uncles that never settled down and never seemed to be in one place for long.

I remember Uncle Silvy had been a bit of a technophile and he had really cool things to show when he came to visit, we occasionally get a postcard or letter from him when he’s off in exotic places. Last I checked he had been in a little mountain village way way up north near Mount Everhoof.

“Remember when you didn't want to go on that trip to Manehatten because you were engrossed in a project for Hazel Nut’s School for Gifted Unicorns and Cadence had to come in from Baltimare to look after you?” He deadpanned making me blush hard, I had tended to get too invested in my schoolwork and often refused to go anywhere till it was done.

“Well, me, Shiny, Mom and Dad went to go see uncle Silver Road when the Harvest Festival Parade was going through. We spent like a week there, mom was sad you didnt want to spend time with her. Speaking of which, Mom wrote you another letter to come visit her but you gave me your usual ‘uh-huh i’ll read it later Spike, I’m busy.’ response.” Spike folded his arms and raised a eyebrow giving me a incredulous look, my cheeks burned again with a twinge of shame for ignoring mom… again.

“How did this become a guilt trip from our previous topic!?” I cried indignantly, then huffed as Spike continued to look at me with his eyebrow raised.

“Okay! Okay I’ll write mom a letter after we get to the library let her know I’m alive. Please can we get back to the topic on hoof?” I said defeated, Spike gave me a single nod before continuing.

“Anyway, Uncle Silver Road let me play it and I got real into a game called Final Legend and it had things like stats, skills, and all that junk. RPG he called it, Role Playing Game, it was just as fun as the tabletop games Diceroller and Jackpot Star introduced me to…” He said trailing off as we came to the farmstead, a white picket fence with a pretty arch with a apple symbol at its tip surrounded the main barn and house combo through you could see the separation of it at one point as expansion of the house became a thing.

“YEEEEEHAAAAAWWW!” A loud southern accent yelled as a orange and yellow maned pony

Name: AppleJack [Apple Family]

Job: Farmer Lv 8 / Brawler Lv 2

Class: Harden Street Fighter

Reputation: Friendly(Familiar Trait) 0/5,000 ; Faction: Apple Family - Friendly 0/5,000

Specialization: Hind-Leg Combatant Specialist

HP: ???/???

MP: ??/??

STR: ??

VIT: ??

DEX: ??

INT: ??

WIS: ??

LUK: ??

CHA: ??

Perks:

??? - +5 STR per Lv, +5 VIT per Lv, +30% bonus to all Horticulture Skills, ???

??? - ?Locked?

??? - ?Locked?

Apple Family Heritage - Friendly REP at Base meeting all other creatures (Exception being Dragons Void, and Eldritch, who start at Neutral),+60% REP Bonus gain for all Factions after reaching Honored Ranking.

Honest Soul - CHA does not factor into ability to lie, cheat, or swindle, -50 reputation for each lie detected, +75% Bonus to Lie detection

Titles:

Second Head of Main Apple Branch - Faction Leader; Is allowed to change position of outsider after reaching Honored rank, give titles, and de facto authority of all other members.

Status Effect:

Runner’s High - having worked out to one’s base limit is now experiencing a high making them more sociable and friendly than normal, CHA is doubled for a limited time

Slightly Hungry - is slightly hungry, takes a -5 VIT till the consumption of food, if this status effect lasts longer than a day it will upgrade to Hungry and will take another -5 VIT.

Description: Apart of the great and wide Apple family lineage as well as the Pear Family she is the middle filly of three, but don't let her status of middle filly fool you, her tenacious and practical additude have lead her being second in command to the Apple Family. Applejack is a friendly mare who is willing to give everypony a chance to be her friend or acquaintance, growing up under hard work, polite and honest values she is the type anypony can be friends but can also be quite the enemy should harm come to the Apple Family.

Huh... that was defiantly new with ‘Analyze’ skill which I quickly checked in my skills window. I had gone up three levels without even realizing it.

Having been distracted by Spike and the general observations of all the other Ponies in Ponyville as we had wound our way through the village I must of been activating the skill without really paying attention to it.

The pony in question, now known as Applejack dashed to a nearby apple tree with buckets at the base which she bucked the tree trunk at the end of her gallop, making the tree groan and shake harshly before nearly all the apples on the tree fell off and directly into the buckets.

Part of me questioned the physics of such a thing but then again earth ponies did have magic of a sort when it came to nature.

She obviously wanted to give a good impression as she crossed on of her hooves and looked proud of the accomplishment, which I admit was kinda impressive from a thaumaturgy perspective.

I put on my best smile as much as I wanted to deny it I wasn't great at talking to other ponies.

“Ahem, good afternoon, I am Twilight Sparkle.” I said in the most polite way I could manage holding out my hoof for a hoof shake. Before I could react the mare took my hoof into both hooves and shook so fast I was a little dumbstruck as I nearly bounced up and down from the speed of the hoof shake

“Welll howdy do Twilight, it's good tah make yer acquaintance. I’m Applejack, we here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do love making new friends!” Applejack said exuberantly as her hoof shake.

I spluttered for a second wanting to deny making new friends but I held my tongue.

“A-Actually I-eeeeeee-” I managed, now it was starting to hurt, and it was breaking my concentration. She apparently realized this and quickly let go and not skipping a beat.

“So! What can ah do for ya?” She said giving me a wink, I however seemed to be stuck in the rapid loop of up and down with my foreleg and had my eyes closed because of the ache.

Twilight damages herself for 1 point of HP current HP: 49/50

Spike managed to grapple my hoof and slow it down, making me wince ever so slightly as I set it back down with Spike’s help.

To which he found amusement from and giggled, I gave him a mock scowl and turned back to Applejack.

“Ahem, well I am here in fact for the preparations of the Summer Sun Celebration-” I said gesturing to myself “-And you are in charge of the food?” I asked in question.

“We sure sugar are. Would care to sample some?” She said in her good natured way.

I must admit I was a tinesty bit peckish, but not fully hungry yet.

“As long as it doesn't take too long.” Before I even finished, Applejack vanished like the pink one, making me pause in confusion.

What was with everypony here and having incredible speeds, their Dex must be outrageously high if they can move that fast from a standing position. Or a magic I simply didn't know about that allowed them to quicken their pace for a short while.

A triangle was rung by Applejack as she shouted at the top of her lungs.

“SOOOOUPSS ON EVERYPONY!!”

Then all tatarus broke loose as ponies of apple colors and beyond came nearly out of the woodwork aka the orchard and barn/house thing. A dust cloud so mighty it obscured my vision of what happened but suddenly, I was at a table under a gazebo that was made of living trees that had been tied together at the top.

Applejack appeared at Spike’s side as he held his head trying to refocus on what just happen.

“Now why dont ah introduce y’all to the Apple family.” She said gesturing to the numerous ponies that had not been there seconds before, I could see where this was going and I quickly tried to explain I was on a time constraint.

“Thanks,” I offered “But I really need to hurry.” Turning to leave, a plate of delicious smelling apple fritters was held in front of me blocking my path.

Apparently Applejack didn't hear me as she introduced what felt like more than fifty ponies to me, which all piled their assortment of baked goods onto the table, till it was stacked higher than myself was tall.

The only ones I managed to really catch were the ones she introduced slowly, Big Macintosh a large red stallion with a soft shy smile, Applebloom a little filly with very bright eyes, and a older mare who was definitely the matriarch of the family Granny Smith.

Which she seemed to be snoozing on her rocking chair.

“Up and adam Granny Smith we got guests!” She called to the elderly mare waking her mid snore.

“Hmmm wha? Soups on?” she said slowly making her way to the table, I nearly choked on the apple that was politely shoved into my face during mid lip open to speak, but managed to chew most of it.

It was really really good, tart and crisp but sweet enough not to make your face scrunch up.

Applejack placed a hoof over my back in cheer, “Well, I’ll say you are already apart of the family.”

Unfortunately not to choke because of the said shoving of apple in my face, I resembled that of a chipmunk and spat out the rest.

Their hospitality was sweet, really, but if this kept up I would be here all day.

“Ha ha Okay, well I can say the food situation is handled, so we’ll be on our way.” I tried, being optimistic about their kindness. A few faces turned downcast at the idea, which the little filly Applebloom spoke up.

“Aren’t chu gonna stay for brunch?” the filly said giving me the biggest, saddest puppy dog eyes in the universe. My will was breaking after such an attack.

I tried really hard to let the filly down gently before I broke.

“I’m sorry, we have an awful lot to do.” I said softly not wanting to hurt her feelings.

A collective ‘aww’ in sadness came from all the ponies in the area, now the guilt. This is worse than my mother when she begged me to spend time with her, or Spike for that matter.

I broke.

“Alright, fine.” I said defeated, which earned me a collective ‘YAAAAY.’

I’m sure I had never eaten so much in my life, my belly was extended way further than it was supposed to be and it was painful to walk out down the path back into the village, which Spike had taken liberty to pull the list of things to do for the supervision of the sun celebration and check banquet foods were all taken care of.

“Ugghhh… I ate too much pie.” I groaned in pain, they were so good. Each and every treat but it did nothing for my Malnourished status effect, just a lot more sugar than I needed in my life.

“So, are you still seeing those words and stuff?” Spike asked as he padded next to me, my belly gurgled in protest to answer him.

“Yeah, I can see ponies names before they introduce themselves to me. As well as their level and family? Faction? They are associated with, and then I can see their mana and health as numbers. Only sometimes though like Granny Smith’s was all question marks.” I stopped and sat on the side of the road feeling no better than when I was standing.

“Woah, that's kinda cool.” Spike said with some amazement, he stopped a little bit ahead.

“I wonder that this spell thingy is? Should we tell somepony, the princess might be able to help Twilight if its a curse.”

I blanched, I did not want to get the ruler of Equestria involved with something that didn't focus on the safety of her country.

Me?

I could deal with this, at least whatever this curse was it wasnt life threatening. So I told Spike just that, that I didn't want to involve the princess with some trivial matter like a curse.

“Okay, Twilight breath. All I’m saying is that maybe we should tell at least somepony about it, like in our family. Uncle Silver Road is a unicorn like mom and dad, and from what dad told me about him he has seen some really weird magic before in his travels so maybe, just maybe he might know whats going on with you and the weird words that keep popping up.” He said reasonably.

I wanted to argue and refuse but part of me worried that these boxes might follow me around the rest of my life and I really didn't know how to feel about that.

I had tried a few anti-curse spells on myself but none of them seemed to work and the boxes were still there waiting for my input.

“No… you are right Spike, I gotta tell somepony. Maybe this curse will go away if I have somepony else cast anti-curse spells on me. Do you remember Uncle Silvy’s magical signature?” I asked him as the little dragon closed his eyes and then opened them again nodding.

I pulled ink and quill from my saddle bags and began writing to my uncle, trying hard not to sound too urgent about how I was cursed and described a little on what I was seeing. I worded it so that he wouldn't panic and like, drop everything to help his niece.

Spike blew his magical fire onto the scroll and it was whisked away into magical dust.

I was about to finally get up and go check on the weather situation before Spike burped a letter into existence.

I paled, my ears and heart dropping like stones, oh sweet Celestia.

I cautiously opened the letter to look at the contents.

“ Twilight,

In this note is a Long range teleportation spell inscribed below, place the paper on the ground so I don't teleport onto you.

Twily don't panic, I’ve some things to tell you.

Love, Silvy

”

I felt a deep sinking feeling in my gut.

Oh, this wasn't good.

Author's Note

This is a unique take on the MLP universe I wanted to try, my last story was a bad flop and what like three or four years later I'm back.

I will try to keep everyone's statistics accurate but I have a lot of characters to deal with especially if Twi is going to start a adventure party. This is D&D/JRPG inspired story and yes as the tags suggest there will be violence and gore with the party having to deal with killing something to get stronger faster.

As for the romance and sex tags, its going to be a slow burn Twilight x Pinkie Pie subplot as out of any of the mane Six Pinkie would be the fastest to adapt to this and Twilight is going to be relying on her to help each other out.

If there is some number inconsistencies later down the line let me know, i'll be triple checking to keep things accurate.