Hearts of Harmony: Deleted Scenesby Joe ToonChaptersChapter 5: Durst Manor Part 1Chapter 6: Durst Manor Part 2Chapter 7: Durst Manor Part 3Chapter 5: Durst Manor Part 1Ah, you're back! After so long, one would have thought that the party would be broken up by now. The man in red was in his usual room and held in his arms his usual tome. This time however, he had company next to him. Do excuse my friend here. He was just asking for directions as to the whereabouts of his companions. Without a word, the stranger gave the man a polite bow before lurking his way out the room. Pay no mind, he was on his way out. But anyway, welcome back. And I presume you have returned to hear of what our heroes will be encountering next? Well, prepare for some drama because this is where everything changes. "A monster?" "Yes. Our parents are holding it off in the basement and told us to flee from the house, but we forgot to bring baby Walter with us." "Oh Sweet Celestia! That is most awful!" "Please, can you help us?" "No." All eyes turned to the little Kenku who appeared out of nowhere. "We don't know anything about the place that warrants a rescue," Pest spoke with Maria's voice. He looked to the Equestrians with concern in his beady eyes as though he was begging them not to go. Rainbow Dash leaned in close to the birdman, "Pest, buddy, listen. They need our help. It's kind of our thing to save the day, y'know?" "Besides," Rarity added as she lowered herself to meet his eyes, "as a member of a city watch, you should know that protecting the citizenry is the most important thing to do, isn't it?" Pest gave a nervous whimper before hesitantly nodding his head. "Which means you have an obligation to protect these children, do you not?" He gave another hesitant nod as he whimpers cowardly. "Oh you poor thing, you're scared aren't you?" Fluttershy lowered herself and gives the Kenku a comforting hug, "I know how you feel. I get scared all the time. In fact, I'm more scared than I ever was in my life." She broke the embrace to look in his eyes, "Tell you what, we'll both look after the children outside while the rest of them find the baby and deal with the monster inside. Okay?" Roll for Persuasion 19 Roll for Insight 17 Pest felt unsure about this but decided to trust her. He gives them a nod and an, "Okay." using Fluttershy's voice. "Hold on, what about Maria?" said Spike. "Don't sweat it Spike," Rainbow gave the young Dragonborn a wack on the back, "We'll beat this monster and save the day in an hour tops. It's just one monster in a house, how bad could it be?" Before anyone could give a reply to the prism-haired pony-turned-aasimar, Rainbow Dash walked to the two children, "So li'l squirts, what're your names?" "I'm Rosevalda Durst," came the reply from the girl, "and this is my little brother, Thornboldt. And as I mentioned we have a baby brother named Walter and he's still trapped inside the house." "So, it's Rose and Thorn, right?" Pinkie Pie bounced in front of the children with her disarming smile, "Lead the way!" "So, is this the place?" The Equestrians and Pest were led to the edge of the village to a house that stood four stories tall. One thing to note is that the house appears well maintained, pristine even when compared to the rest of the village. "Wow, this looks well kept. All things considering," Rarity mused while observing manor (and the surrounding area). "You know it's got me thinking, why aren't the villagers helping them out?" Rainbow narrowed her eyes at the Barovians who were swiftly passing by. "Maybe they're too scared to help?" Fluttershy shuddered, "I know I would be scared." "It doesn't matter," Twilight asserted, "if we're the only ones willing to help around here, maybe we could show these Barovians that a little bit of kindness can go a long way." "Alright then, Twi. What's the Plan?" asked Applejack. Twilight turned to the children, "Do you know where baby Walter is?" "He's upstairs in the nursery next to the maid's room," Rose replied. Returning to her friends, Twilight declared, "Alright, here's the plan. The priority is the foal... er, baby. We make for the nursery, get baby Walter, make our way out and hoof-er, hand him to these two. Then we go back inside and rescue their parents and anyone else trapped in there." "What about the monster?" Rainbow Dash asked with a hint of disappointment, "Are we just gonna leave it in there?" "Save lives first, then we'll deal with the monster later," came Twilight's response. Rainbow blew at her hair in frustration but sighed in agreement. "Fine, you make a good point." "Great!" Twilight continued, "Applejack, Spike; you two will lead the party. Rarity will follow behind you, then me, then Fluttershy and Pinkie. Rainbow Dash, I know you want to be in the thick of it, but we need you to cover our rear in case there's anything behind us. You're the fastest of us, so if we get attacked from the front you can easily move in from our backline. But if we get attacked from the back, I know you are agile enough to hold them off long enough for Applejack and Spike to reinforce you. Plus, you'll have Pest to give you support." All gave nods (Rainbow gave a salute), in agreement to the laid out plan and marching order. "Wait a minute," Rarity gasped, "what about the fo-children? We can't just leave them out here in the dark, cold streets! It would be terrible!" This gave everyone pause. Twilight almost facepalmed at forgetting about them. They couldn't just leave them outside alone. "Um," Fluttershy nervously raised her arm, "I could look after them." "Yeah, I think Flutters should wait out here," Rainbow agreed. "Hhmm, I suppose. But not alone." Twilight looked to the little Kenku, "Pest, can I trust you to look after Fluttershy and the kids?" The Kenku gave an enthusiastic nod. "Alright, that settles it!" Pinkie Pie declared before bouncing her way to the druid, "Fluttershy if anything happens, just give a good yell and auntie Pinkie and the rest of us will come to your rescue!" "Um, I'm older, remember?" Fluttershy muttered, "Also, take good care in there, okay?" "Don't worry, Flutters! We'll be back before you could say, "Eeep!" Rainbow gave her a cocky sneer. "Just look out for 'em young'uns til we get back," Applejack added with a confident smile. "Alright, with that out of the way," Twilight faced the entrance of the manor, "Let's move in!" Fluttershy held on to Angel Bunny and Harry as she, Pest and the children watched the rest of the party disappear into the house, one by one. "I have to say, the interior design of this place is rather quaint. Not saying it's terrible, just quaint." Upon entering the manor, oil lamps hang from the portico ceiling by chains, flanking a set of oaken doors that open into a grand foyer. Hanging on the south wall of the foyer is a shield emblazoned with a coat-of-arms (a stylized golden windmill on a red field), flanked by framed portraits of stony-faced aristocrats (long-dead members of the Durst family). Mahogany-framed double doors leading from the foyer to the main hall are set with panes of stained glass. "Sheesh, would it kill these folks to smile in these portraits?" Applejack commented as she scrutinised the paintings. "I'd imagine it would be difficult to keep smiling for hours as they are being portrayed in painting." Rarity replied as she observed the paintings. "Fair point 'Ah suppose." "Why can't they just use photographs?" Rainbow scoffed. "I don't think this world has photographs, Rainbow," Spike noted, "I think Barovia is still in their post-renaissance era." "...And how do you know that?" the aasimaar deadpanned. "I read history too, y'know! Besides, Twilight will never let me hear the end of it if I haven't at the very least got my eras right. Ever since I showed her some Neiponese manga that keeps getting the eras wrong, she's been drilling into to me the difference between Medieval and Renascence Ages." Twilight smiled at that before noticing what her number one assistant is doing, "Spike! Put that shield back!" "What? It's for AJ," Spike defended, "Since our encounter with the wolves, I think she's going to need this. Besides, we're only borrowing it. Once we rescue the whole family, we'll return it." He lifted the shield from the wall and handed it to the dwarf. Applejack hesitated before sighing in surrender, "As much as 'Ah don't sit right with the idea, takin' without askin', 'Ah can't argue with that logic." Without another word, she accepted the shield from Spike. Applejack obtains Shield and gains +2 AC "Just be sure to apologise for taking it once we're done here," Rarity added with a smile. They opened the doors leading to the main hall. The hall runs the width of the house, with a black marble fireplace at one end and a sweeping, red marble staircase at the other. Mounted on the wall above the fireplace is a longsword with a windmill cameo worked into the hilt. The wood-paneled walls are ornately sculpted with images of vines, flowers, nymphs, and satyrs. The decorative paneling follows the staircase as it circles upward to the second floor. "Woah, check out that Sword," Rainbow remarked. Rarity added, "I must say, the design of these walls are rather..." Roll for Perception 17 Serpents and skulls are inconspicuously woven into the wall's designs Rarity blinked. "Am I seeing things?" "What's wrong, Rarity?" Pinkie bounced towards the Cleric. "Pinkie, are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Rarity pointed at the distorted images on the wall's panels. Pinkie narrows her eyes to scrutinise the art. Roll for Perception Nat 20 Her eyes widened and her whole body twitched. She looked to Rarity who now shared the same expression of horror. "Girls, Spike, I think we should move. I may not have my Pinkie sense back, but I've got a baaaaad feeling about this." Pinkie sense or not, everyone learned never to doubt Pinkie's instincts. "Alright everypony, let's move," ordered Twilight, "The sooner we rescue the baby and the parents, the sooner we could get out of here." "Twilight, wait a moment," Pinkie turned to the dragonborn, "Spike, could you take down that longsword and give it to Twilight?" "What, so we're looting this place now?" Rainbow arched an eyebrow at the pink haired halfling. "I agree with Rainbow, Pinkie. I don't think we should be taking anymore things from this house." Twilight protested. Pinkie's reply was devoid of all her usual jovial tone, "Trust me Twilight, I think we're going to need as many means to protect ourselves as possible." Durst Manor, Second Floor "Shields, Swords, Suits of armour, this must be a family with a long history of military tradition." "I'll say, these paintings pretty much speak for themselves. Though I gotta say, the two foals look happy and the stallion looks rather plain, but the mare looks totally grossed-out." Stepping into the unlit room of the upper hall, the Equestrians saw above the mantelpiece is a wood-framed portrait of the Durst family: Gustav and Elisabeth Durst with their two smiling children, Rose and Thorn. Cradled in the father’s arms is a swaddled baby, which the mother regards with a hint of scorn. Standing suits of armor flank wooden doors in the east and west walls. Each suit of armor clutches a spear and has a visored helm shaped like a wolf’s head. The doors are carved with dancing youths. "Check every room, the nursery might be in this floor," Twilight ordered. Nodding in agreement, they each reach for a door in pairs. Rarity and Pinkie made their way to the door left from the hall, Spike and Rainbow made their way to the one far to the right, while Twilight and Applejack made for the one closest to the right. "Ooooh, a music room?" Pinkie awed as she and Rarity opened their door. "Actually, I believe this is a Conservatory," Rarity corrected, "This is where household guests would come and be entertained by with music, dances and other performances." She closed her eyes and smiled fondly, "I could imagine it now; a ballroom dance under the moonlight shone from the windows as the piano plays a waltzing tune." "Harpsicord," Pinkie corrected, "That's not a piano, it's a harpsicord. It's too small to be a piano." "(Hehe) Oh, right," Rarity gave a sheepish chuckle. "Huh, this must be the servant quarters," Twilight noted as she and Applejack inspected their door. "Probably nothin' important in here," said Applejack as they left the room. "Spike, Rainbow, did you find anythi...?" The two in questioned took one look into the room and slammed it shut. "Um, nothing important here, Twilight!" Spike quickly denied sheepishly, "It's not the nursery so let's check upstairs!" "Yeah, nothing to see here, Twi!" Rainbow added with a sheepish smile, "It'll just distract us from what we're looking for." The wizard scoffed as she approached the room, "Oh come now, what could be so distracti.... AAAAHHHH!! BOOKS!!! LIBRARY!! BOOOOOKS!!" Her eyes glimmered as she pushed her way in to see the manor's library. "I knew this would happen," Spike facepalmed. "So, your city is actually called Waterdeep?" "Yes" "And it's a harbour city?" "Yes" "Wow, that sounds like Manehattan. I would have liked to see it." "Are you sure it's alright for them to hunt the monster all on their own?" "Hmm? Oh yes. I'm definitely sure. They are very capable po-people. I have no doubt in my mind that they'll be fine. Pest, is something wrong?" "Mist." "Twilight, when and only when we're done, we can perhaps ask if we could enter the library." "But.... Books." "Remember what we're here for, Sugarcube?" "(Sigh) Oh fine! Rescuing the baby will come first." "Speaking of, there's something wrong here and I don't need my Pinkie sense (or lack of it) to know something's up. I just can't seem to put my finger on it." The Party climbs up the final steps of the stairway leading to a balcony. Oil lamps are mounted on the oak-paneled walls, which are carved with woodland scenes of trees, falling leaves, and tiny critters. Standing on the far end of the balcony is a lone suit of black plated armour caked in dust. Two sets of doors were seen visible to the party, a single door leading to their left and a pair of double doors to their right. "Alright Twi, where to?" asked Applejack. She thought for a moment before laying out the plan, "Pinkie, Rarity, Spike. You three check the room to the right. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, you're with me. We'll check the room to the left." "Okie-dokie-lokie!" "Very well, darling." "On it Twilight." "Sure thing, Sugarcube." "By the numbers. I'll go first." As the party moved to each assigned group and area a sudden clanking noise was heard. "Did anyone hear that?" the prismatic-haired aasimar called out. Roll for Perception Nat 20 Pinkie stopped as though something had clicked in her mind. She suddenly gave a look of alarm, "Oh Poodles! Now I know what's wrong!" "What's wrong Pinkie?" Twilight asked with concern in her eyes, "Is it to do with the noise?" "No Twilight, it's the lack of a noise!" the halfling's face was now full of dread, "I should have realized this, taking care of the Cake twins and all! What kind of scared little baby, all alone without its mommy or daddy, doesn't cry when there is a monster in the house?! I'm not hearing any crying!" Roll for Perception 23(TS), 19(S), 19(RD), 15(AJ), 13(R) Everyone other than Pinkie took a moment to listen. All they heard was silence. "Sweet Celestia, she's right!" exclaimed Rarity. "Ya'll don't think we're too late, are we?" Applejack's face paled. Twilight moved to the center of the room, "Everypony, let's quicken the search before...!" "Twilight, LOOK OUT!!" Rainbow screamed as she rushed for her friend. Roll for Initiative 16(RD), 13(AA), 12(PP), 9(AJ), 9(TS), 6(S), 5(R) The suit of armor moved, and it swung its sword at Twilight. "You two, we need to take you somewhere safe. I'll take you to Mr Ismark, that way we could keep you safe for tonight." "But there's a monster in the house. And mummy and daddy and baby Walter are still in there." The streets that the small group outside were waiting on were slowly becoming shrouded with mist and the air became colder than before. Shivering, Fluttershy tried her best to encourage the children to find shelter. "I know, but it's late and my friends might take a little longer than planned." "Then why don't you go and help your friends?" Rose's question eerily lacked any emotion, "There is a monster in the house." Fluttershy thought for a moment. They are taking too long. Twilight and the others could use my help. But they told me to watch over them, and the idea of a monster inside is scary. No Fluttershy! We've been there before! Your friends need your help! Oh, it might be scary but your friends need your help! She turned to the Kenku, "Pest, take these two to Mr Ismark. I'm going in to help them." Pest gave a salute and reached for the children before giving a scream. "Fluttershy!" he sounded with the voice of Rarity. She turned to see Pest's horror before she too shared the same look. Pest's arm went through Rose's head. "What? But how?" she gasped, "What are you?" "Please, stop the monster. Or your friends might not make it." Alarm bells rung within her as she looked back to the house before returning to the Kenku, "Pest, go get Maria, quick! My friends are in danger!" As Pest ran off to the Tavern she turned to her animal companions, "Angel, Harry, could you..." Before she could ask them to wait outside, Angel hopped on her shoulder and Harry moved to her side. They are not leaving her side. "You two," Fluttershy affectionately gave them a nuzzle before she steeled herself, "Alright, we go together." Without another word, she and her companions disappeared into the house. And she screamed, "Everypony, get out! It's a Trap!" Chapter 6: Durst Manor Part 2"Twilight, LOOK OUT!!" Rainbow screamed as she rushed for her friend. Twilight turned to see the suit of armor move and swung its sword at her. Thinking quickly, she drew her longsword and parried the blade as it pushes her down with its weight. "Get off of her!" Rainbow leaped into the fray and struck the armour with her fist. A loud "CLANG!" was heard from the impact and a clear dent was seen on the breast plate. The armoured assailant diverted its attention from Twilight to Rainbow and swung its sword at her, narrowly missing her hair as she ducked from the swing. "You get away from my friends, you big meanie!" Pinkie yelled as she leapt on the armoured attacker and opened it's helmet revealing... Nothing. "Um guys," Pinkie's voice quivered as she winced a nervous smile, "there's nopony inside this suit." She then gave a gasp, "Unless, it's not a po... er, person in this suit and it's being puppeted by a smaller person! Or it's being controlled by three small people inside! Or a whole bunch of teeny-tiny people inside! Or..." "PINKIE!!" "Oh, right. Taking too much time on my turn." She leapt away from the armour, avoided a swing from it's blade and called out to Applejack, "Go Applejack! Crash that Dummy! (Tee hee) Get it?" Applejack gains Bardic Inspiration. The Dwarf stepped forward and smashed her warhammer at the animated armour, yelling; "Get away from mah friends, ya gosh darn hunk o' junk!" The armour staggered a bit, clearly damaged from Applejack's attack. Noting the armour's material, Twilight took a step back from the construct and called out, "Light it with fire!" and blasted it with a Firebolt, causing further damage. Following Twilight's lead and keeping with the battle's momentum, Spike stepped in between her and the construct, shoved it back to the railings and blasted it with a cone-shaped fire breath. Rarity followed suite and cast Sacred Flame, screeching, "Begone, you rusted ruffian!" The Animated Armour's plates turn hot red from the heat with parts of it slightly melted. It was clearly on its last legs. In attempt to finish it off, Rainbow jumped up to the ceiling's railings and swinging forward; kicks the construct with her legs, shoving backwards from the floor railings and falls down to the first floor with a loud crash as it's armour breaks to pieces. "Did I get it?" Rainbow panted as she dropped from the ceiling's rails to look down at her handiwork. They all moved to look down at the construct as it slowly rises. Before anyone could protest (and marvel) at its durability, a familiar "Eeep!" screamed out, followed by a loud "Clang!" from what looked to be a quarterstaff bonking the construct on the head and the animated armour clattered motionless on the ground. "Fluttershy?" Rainbow stared with surprise that the meek druid who felled the moving suit armour. Fluttershy returned her stare with an embarrassed grin to which the aasimar smirked, "Sweet Celestia Fluttershy, I would have been proud if that kill was just 20% cooler!" Fluttershy gasped, looking appalled, "Oh dear! You mean I killed it?! I didn't mean to...!" "Relax Flutters, it was just a moving suit of armour," Rainbow waved a hand in dismissal, "Nopony is inside it." The timid wood elf gave an "Oh," before noticing Angel stomped a foot, snapping her back to the urgent matter at hand. Shaking her head to refresh her thoughts, Fluttershy spoke with clear fear in her voice, "Girls, Spike, we need to get out of house! This place is a trap!" "Say what now?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. "The children outside, they are not real!" Fluttershy stopped for a minute in thought before she rephrased herself, "Well, they sort of are, but Pest tried to escort them to the inn when his arm went right through one of their heads!" Pinkie gasped, "You mean they're ghosts!" "I-I don't know!" stammered Fluttershy, "I mean, none of us didn't felt or thought of anything when we first met them. But not long after you came in the house, they..." she shuddered as she recalled, "They just kept on repeating the same thing about the monster in the house, like a broken record." A chill ran through the Equestrians as alarm bells rang in their heads. "Everypony, make for the exit!" Twilight ordered. Without another word and with no argument, they made for the stairs to the first floor where Fluttershy waited for them. Roll for Strength 11 Roll for Strength 16, rolled dmg 5 Roll for Strength 7 Roll Strength 17, rolled dmg 6 As they raced for the front door, Rainbow slammed into the door three times without success until finally deciding to kick it down, breaking off the knob. As they poured out of the house, their faces paled in horror of what they are seeing. The House and the surrounding area was shrouded by mist. "Oh no." Twilight's voice quivered as she fell on her knees, processing the situation they found themselves in. "The Fog! We're trapped!" Spike took a step towards the fog and fanned it away, noticing the hands within the fog as it reformed. "She's right," he winced, taking a step back from the fog, "It's the same fog we saw when we first came here." "Can't there be something we can do?" Rarity pleaded, "Perhaps dispel magic, or summon a gust of wind to clear out the fog?" "We can't Rarity," Twilight shook her head mournfully, "I would have done so at the very beginning, even before coming to Barovia." "So what do we do?" Applejack asked, afraid of Twilight's answer. Before she could get said answer however, Rainbow started to climb the walls of the manor. "Rainbow Dash, what the hay are ya doin'?" Roll for Acrobatics 23 "I'm trying to get a better vantage point from here, AJ," came Rainbow's reply as she continued to climb, "It would be so much easier if I still had my wings, but I figured what if I could try to see a path through the fog from up here." "That's... Actually not a bad idea," replied Applejack, "Good thinking, Dash." "Just be careful," said Fluttershy with her soft voice. Roll for Acrobatics or Athletics 16 Acrobatics Roll for Perception 11 Rainbow proceeded to slowly climb all the way to the third floor before she stopped and noticed something. "Um, guys," she called out, "there's something wrong with the house." "How do you mean, darling?" Rarity raised an eyebrow, "There is plenty wrong with this house." "That's not what I mean!" snapped back Rainbow, "I don't know if it's my eyes are playing tricks on me or the house is actually looking pretty different the further I climb." "Ooh! Let me check!" Pinkie Pie climbed up to a nearby dead tree to observe the mansion. Roll for Acrobatics or Athletics 15 Acrobatics Roll for Perception 19 The halfling's eyes widened in horror at what she saw. She bobbed her head down and back again several times as though her vision changes from the height of her vantage point. "Girls, Spike; Dashie's right! The house looks waaaaaaaay older from higher up!" Roll for History with advantage 17 "Hey Twilight, doesn't this remind you of Daring Do and the Secret of Liar's Lodge when she and Dr Caballeron were stuck in a haunted hotel because of a cursed artefact?" asked Rainbow, making her way down from the building. "Really Rainbow?" Applejack gave an incredulous frown, "Daring Do? This is a real life and death situation and you bring up a work of fiction to this situation?" "Hey! To be fair, A. K. Yearling based her books on her adventures!" Rainbow retorted in protest. "Actually, Rainbow Dash might be onto something." All eyes (apart from Rainbow who gave Applejack a smug grin of satisfaction) turned to Twilight as she continued her deduction, "There had been many cases of all sorts of creatures trapped in enchanted buildings by a source within. Think of it like a locked room attraction, except in our case our lives are on the line. If Rainbow's suggestion has merit, we might find our solution inside." "You don't mean..." Fluttershy shivered under her breath as she pointed at the manor, "We have to go back to the obviously haunted house with a dangerous monster inside?" "We might not have a choice Fluttershy," replied Twilight, "We either have to brave in and find a solution, do nothing and most likely starve, or risk the fog." Everyone shuddered at the thought of the alternatives, risking the fog most especially. "Well, I suppose searching for answers might be a good start before we find this source," said Rarity with a sigh of surrender, "Which could only mean one thing." At that, Twilight grinned excitedly whilst everyone else (other than Pinkie and Fluttershy) rolled their eyes, expectant of the predictable. "Library?" groaned Rainbow. "Library," sighed Applejack. "Library," nodded Rarity. "Library?" puzzled Fluttershy. "LIBRARY!" squeed Twilight. "Research Time!" chimed Pinkie. "I'll get the quill, ink and parchments," sighed Spike. Durst Manor, Second Floor, Library As they entered the Library they were greeted with a strangely welcoming sight. Red velvet drapes cover the windows of the room. An exquisite mahogany desk and a matching high-back chair face the entrance and the fireplace, above which hangs a framed picture of a windmill perched atop a rocky crag. Situated in corners of the room are two overstuffed chairs. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line the south wall. A rolling wooden ladder allows one to more easily reach the high shelves. Twilight squealed with excitement as she began raiding the shelves. Spike made his way to the desk and started sorting out parchments and other stationary. Roll for Investigation 14 The desk was already lit by an oil lamp, revealing a jar of ink, a quill pen, a tinderbox, and a letter kit containing a red wax candle, four blank sheets of parchment, and a wooden seal bearing the Durst family’s insignia of a windmill. Spike also stopped to notice a drawer not fully closed. He reached to open it, exposing an iron key sitting in its lonesome. Filled with curiosity, the young drake picked it up and stared at it as though trying to prod its secrets. "What have you got there Spikey?" asked Pinkie, appearing suddenly beside him. "I don't know," said Spike, still staring at the key as he spun it around by the neck, "It's just a key but I can't help but think it's important for something." "Hmmm, might be," said Pinkie as she rummaged through her bag, "In the meantime, do you want some bread? I know it's not cupcakes and it's stale and gross but it's still something." "Thanks Pinkie," Spike took a piece and lobbed it into his mouth. "You're welcome," Pinkie replied. She closed her bag and made her way to Fluttershy who was waiting outside the room, grooming Harry with Angel Bunny. "Hi Fluttershy, want some bread?" "Oh yes, thank you Pinkie," Fluttershy smiled gratefully as she took a large piece and broke it between the bear and the rabbit, who took it with gratitude. Roll for Perception Nat 20 "Wow, they seem more cooperative than usual," noted Pinkie, "Usually they'd be needy and rowdy and demanding and all sorts of other stuff to get your attention." "Yeah," Fluttershy gave a sad smile, "I asked them about it and they told me they were worried about me." She continued to groom Harry as her two animal companions slowly chewed on the stale bread, "When I asked them how they were doing, they insisted worrying about myself. I confronted them about what was going on, til Harry finally opened up to me and told me how he has never before been so scared for his life. Then Angel told him to "Tough it out" because I need them to protect me, then Harry said that he knows that but he is still scared of the fog and started crying. I told him it was alright to be scared because everyone is scared right now and that right now we need each other more than ever, and so Angel and I decided to give Harry some emotional support." She paused, looking at Angel who gave Harry another piece from his own bread. "I'm more worried about Angel," Fluttershy smiled wryly, "He never shared anything to the rest of the animals but ever since we've come here, he's been nothing but supportive for Harry and me. He has always been the bravest of my animals but I feel like he's been pushing himself more than usual since coming here." Pinkie stuck a on her chin in thought, "Hmmm, maybe he'll come around." She took out another piece of bread and handed it to the druid, "For you." "Fluttershy smiled but shook her head, "No, really. I'm not hungry." Pinkie grasped her hands over the bread, "Take it Flutters. If you don't want them to worry about you, take care of yourself." Without another word, Fluttershy gave a grateful nod, took the piece and nibbled a corner of it. Pinkie gave a wide grin and made her way back into the library towards Applejack. The Earth Pony-turned-Dwarf was milling through books categorised under Barovian History (by Twilight) for her to look through and relay to Spike for key-points of interest. She saw Pinkie approaching and gave a tired smile, "Sup Sugarcube?" "Hiya Applejack! Just checking out everypony if they need anything." Pinkie rummaged through her bag and took out a piece of bread, "Want some bread?" "Thanks Pinkie." Applejack took the offered piece and bit into it, before coughing at the state of its stale dryness, "Sweet Celestia's flank Pinkie; is there sawdust in here?" "I don't really know to be honest," she shrugged apologetically, "All I know is they were supposed to be cupcakes but after coming here, they're no longer cupcakes. Maybe if we have time we could try to ask Mr Ismark if he has any ingredients to make cupcakes." Pinkie paused for a minute and then frowned with her hair deflating, "Oh, then again, Mr Ismark did say that Barovia doesn't have that much food, so maybe that might not be a good idea." "It's alright Sugarcube," Applejack wrapped an arm around the Earth Pony-turned-Halfling, "When we're done from all of this, I promise you we'll find the means to make your cupcakes here and we'll spread them all around Barovia with the biggest party they'll ever see." Pinkie's face lit up, "Pinkie Promise?" "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick that stale bread on my eye," Applejack grinned at her silly change of the Pinkie Promise. There was a pause before Pinkie burst into a fit of laughter. "Good one AJ! That was a good one! I'll hold you to it." And with that she made her way towards Rarity, "Hi Rarity, how're you doing?" Rarity sighed with a wry smile at Pinkie, "To be perfectly honest Darling; not very good. On top of us being trapped in this horrid place, the miserable villagers, and the fact that there is a monster ruling these lands, these books paint an even more frightening picture of the situation at hoof." She held out a page of a book she was skimming through to Pinkie, "I was looking through Barovia's geographical wealth in its history and I found out this valley was once rich with farmlands and vineyard orchards long before the fog, with a few amber, silver and copper mines across the mountainsides. Nowadays since the fog, only three vineyard orchards are left, all farmland withered due to what many called "cursed soil", and the most horrid thing possible is the fact that the mines have become inaccessible due to, get this... Werewolves." "W-werewolves?" Pinkie stuttered, eyes widened. "It seems so, Darling," Rarity rubbed her forehead with a hand and shook, "I am glad Applejack got to read about the history side of Barovia instead of its geography. The poor dear would have a heart attack just knowing how much of the land suffered. Then again, I suppose she'll discover that eventually. My greatest gripe is that all this land's wealth is literally choked due to the lack of resources, particularly their mining concerns." "Why's that?" "Well you see Darling, if the mines no longer produce metals, gems and what have you, all means of wealth distribution either stagnate or simplified as traded goods and services,” explained Rarity, “As coming from a family of Rock Farmers, I am sure that you know that Equestria has an abundance of gold, silver, copper, and other sorts of metals as well as valuable gems. Gold and Silver in particular are used to mint our Bits while other metals such as copper are used to manufacture basic goods, products and tools. In contrast, there is little to nothing here that stimulates the creation of wealth. No materials to create goods and no reproducible material to mint as a source of commerce, which in turn means no flow of wealth, no means of spending and selling, which in turn means the little anypony can earn are hoarded while the rest cannot afford to buy as prices skyrocket. It is an economic nightmare!” “And on top of that, not much food is produced,” added Pinkie, staring mournfully at Rarity at the implications, “How many are starving in this world?” Rarity shook her head in frustration, “That is a question I do not wish to have answered, Pinkie. It terrifies me. All those poor souls, I would give anything and everything to at least lighten their burdens.” “Hey Rares, come look at this,” called out Applejack. Pinkie and Rarity moved in closer to the apple farmer. “What is it, Darling?” asked Rarity. “'Ah just found the history of the Dursts and ‘Ah think y’all need to look at this,” replied Applejack with a clear concern on her face, “‘Ah’d call in the rest of us, but Flutters wanted to keep her critters calm, Spike’s busy note taking, and Twi and RD seem to be discussin’ somethin’ fierce.” She turned to a page revealing the Durst Family tree, pointing to the bottom of the page with hand drawn portraits of the current members of the household; with a missing baby. Pinkie and Rarity shared a look of puzzled dread to each other before turning to Applejack as she continued, “Now, ‘Ah know that this family tree might have been written before the baby, but the drawin’s of the two foals look exactly like the two we’ve met, which could mean either these humans age slower than we thought or there’s somethin’ else goin’ on around here.” Frowning, Rarity took the book from Applejack’s hands and closely examined the portraits. “Pinkie, call Twilight and Rainbow Dash here. Applejack and I will take these to Spike and have him add these to his notes.” “Okie-dokie-lokie Rarity! Oh, and here's some bread while you're at it,” she replied with a salute before skipping her way towards the two remaining members of the party. As she left, she heard an "Ow!" from Rarity, followed by profanity. “I’m telling you Twilight, it has to be some cursed artefact that’s keeping us here!” “And I’m saying it might be this Strahd, or an agent of his that is trying to keep us here!” “Hi Twilight! Hi Rainbow Dash! Am I interrupting?” Pinkie chimed in, halting their argument. “No Pinkie, you aren’t,” Twilight gave the halfling a wry smile, “We were just discussing what could be keeping us here. Rainbow believes that some sort of cursed artefact like one of Daring Do’s books is what’s keeping us here.” “Which it totally is,” added the pegasus-turned-aasimar smugly. Choosing to ignore that comment, Twilight continued, “I on the other hoof believe this might be the work of the Vampire Strahd to keep us here.” “Oh, c’mon Twilight! How can Strahd know we’re here? Everypony knows that the final boss always shows up at the very end for some big reveal with an overblown monologue to go with it!” “And I’m saying this is not a story, Rainbow; this is really happening! And don’t tell me that Daring Do is a real pony, we already know that! Considering we’ve been led here by some conjured image of what I would assume to be the late previous residents, I’m willing to bet it’s him!” “And how would you know that?” “Who else could it be, Rainbow? Everyone here is made miserable because of him!” “And I’m saying it isn’t! It wouldn’t make sense! If Strahd knew we were here, wouldn’t he show himself by now to finish us off?” Finally having enough, Pinkie interrupted their argument by squeezing in between them, pushing them apart, “Okay, I think the both of you need to stop right there and have some bread; you're not you when you’re hungry.” The two looked at each other, ashamed of the heated argument and at the same time apologised, “Sorry Pinkie.” “It’s alright,” Pinkie replied with her signature smile as she held out two pieces of bread between them, “Now I know we’re in a reeeeally sticky situation, but that doesn’t mean we have to be real meanie-pants to each other. Now I know, none of us had much to go on for lunch, so here’s some bread. I know it’s no cupcakes, but they were cupcakes before the became bread, so they technically are cupcakes but in bread form, but they don’t taste like cupcakes and I don’t have anything to make them cupcake flavoured bread, but they are probably bread flavoured cupcakes at this point, sooooo.” she inhaled a long breath before she grinned apologetically, “This is the best I could offer at the moment.” The two paused, turned to each other, and then burst into a fit of laughter. “Oh Pinkie,” Twilight calmed from her mirth, wiping away a tear from her laughter, “What would we do without you?” “Yeah, tell me about it,” agreed Rainbow as she pulled the halfling into a one armed hug, “No matter how much everything sucks, you always seem to find a way to pull us back up with a laugh. Never change, Pinkie. Never change.” “Oh shucks Dashie,” she smiled with a bit of blush, "So, are you having your bread?" Shrugging, the two of them took one bite out of their pieces of bread... Before spitting out the remains from their mouths. "Sweet Celestia, Pinkie? What's in this?" gagged Twilight. "Yeah, it tastes like my grandmother's socks!" sputtered Rainbow. Pinkie and Twilight looked to Rainbow with what one could only describe to be disturbed bemusement. "What? What did I say?" A moment of silence followed, which was soon broken after Pinkie and Twilight gave a snort that soon developed into another fit of laughing and giggling. Rainbow took a moment to process what came over them, until she realised her implications of her socks comment and joined the mirth. As they calmed down, Pinkie slipped out of the aasimar’s hug and leaned on the end of the bookshelf. “By the way, Rarity and Applejack told me to tell you that they found some reeeeally important stuff that I think you too should have a look at.” “Sure thing,” replied Twilight, “Just give me a sec to take another book for more research and-” Just as Twilight pulled out a red book with a black spine, the shelf Pinkie was leaning on swung open, causing her to fall in on her back. Before anyone else could react, the shelf closed back; trapping the Bard inside. “PINKIE!” Rainbow rushed to the bookshelf and slammed hard on it, “Pinkie are you alright? Talk to me!” “I’m alright, Dashie,” came a reply, “Just let me turn a light on and-” Pinkie let out a bloodcurdling scream. Chapter 7: Durst Manor Part 3“Pinkie!! Pinkie, are you alright?!” “Dashie, Twilight, save me!!” Rainbow Dash made for the hidden door by the bookshelf and attempted to break it open. Roll for Strength Nat 1 As she tried to pry open the door, a book fell from the shelf and dropped to her feet, hitting a toe. “YEOWCH!” Rainbow screamed in pain as she fell on the floor (prone on the ground). “Rainbow!” Twilight rushed from the shelves to her fallen friend, “Are you okay?” “Don’t mind me,” snarled Rainbow while she clutched her stubbed toe, “I’ll be fine, save Pinkie!” Pinkie’s terrified cries were heard from their side as Twilight slammed a fist on the shelves, knocking on the wooden wall. “Pinkie, back away from the door! I’m going to blast it open.” Roll for Perception 16 Although still in considerable pain that she has never felt before, Rainbow noticed the red book with a black spine that Twilight pulled over just before Pinkie fell into the hidden room. “Twilight, wait! The book you pulled earlier, I think it’s the secret switch to open the door!” Turning back to where Rainbow pointed out, Twilight called out to the halfling bard, “Pinkie, hold on! We’re going to get you out!” and rushed for the book. As she pulled the switch the bookshelf opened, Pinkie projected out of the hidden room to the closest body she could see; which so happens to be Rainbow and slammed onto her, grabbing the aasimar with her bone crushing embrace. “Ow!! Pinkie I’m in enough pain as it is! Could you let go-” Rainbow stopped as she was interrupted by Pinkie’s distress. The prismatic haired aasimar sat there, caught off guard from her small friend’s trembling form. Pinkie for her part, gripped onto Rainbow’s tunic like her life depended on it, likened to a foal clinging on to their mother after a nightmare. “I want to go home,” Pinkie whimpered in her sobbing, “I just want to go home. Everything here is just too dark and gloomy and frowny. There’s no parties or cakes or singing or laughing. And everything here is just dead! I don’t want to die here! I don’t want to die here!” As Rainbow tried to process as to where this was coming from, inside the hidden room she noticed what remains of a human skeleton in leather armour, sitting on the floor of the room’s corner. “Shh. It’s okay, Pinks,” Rainbow cooed while she stroked Pinkie’s partially deflated poofy hair to comfort her, “It’s just a skeleton, it’s not going to hurt you. You’re not going to die here, okay? We’re not going to die here.” “What’s happening here? Are you alright darling?” Rainbow Dash looked up at Rarity who led the rest of the party running towards their panicked screams. “We’re okay. Pinkie just got trapped into a room with a skeleton inside,” Rainbow pointed at the hidden room, continuing to comfort the pink-haired halfling. “Oh, you poor thing!” Fluttershy threw herself to Pinkie and gave her a comforting hug, “You must have been more scared than the rest of us.” She sniffled, tears formed on the corner of her eyes as she brushed the halfling's hair, “We should have been with you sooner. We should have known-” The Equestrians, apart from Twilight and Applejack, followed into the cuddle pile, offering what comfort they could muster to a distressed Pinkie Pie. While Applejack gave her distant cousin a comforting pat on the shoulder, Twilight approached the secret room cautiously. From the entrance she noticed scrolls and pellbooks of sorts on top of bookshelves surrounding the skeleton that was hunched over a heavy wooden chest at the far end of the room. Approaching the bones, she noticed three darts lodged into the leather armour and a sealed letter clutched in the skeleton’s left hand. Tracing where the darts came from, she noticed a trap on the wall where it may have come from and noted it was no longer a threat. Grimacing from what she was about to do, Twilight cautiously reached into the corpse’s left hand to retrieve the letter. Crackling from the bones caused the princess to wince as she slowly dislodged the letter in its hand. Letting out a sigh of relief, Twilight dusted herself off and rejoined the rest of her friends. “Girls, Spike. I found this in the skeleton’s hand. A letter of sorts,” she produced the letter to them while she studied the peculiar seal’s symbol of a raven over a kite shield with a familiar castle engraved on its head. “What does it say, Sugarcube?” asked Applejack. Twilight unsealed the letter and skimmed through its contents. Her blood ran cold as she turned to her friends with an aghast expression of horror as she read aloud; “My most pathetic servant, I allow you and your pathetic band of miscreants to exist in my land only for my own amusement. I am not your messiah, and have not come to lead you on a path to immortality. Continue your farcical rituals and have your meals of flesh. Carve my visage every stone you see. Sire as many bastards as you wish. I care not. You are all worms writhing in my earth, and I shall not save you from your wretchedness. I much prefer you as you are. Your dread lord and master, Strahd von Zarovich” A pregnant silence loomed above the party as they processed the letter’s meaning. Everyone’s mind ran a mile a minute with the content’s implications. “Twilight,” Rainbow broke the silence, giving her friend a look of worry, “What does that letter supposed to mean?” Roll for a Wisdom Saving Throw 3 Twilight, unable to satiate her pathological need for knowledge, turns back to the bookshelf in the secret room and begins rummaging through a few pages of the first book she took. Roll for Arcana 25 The book contains the subject of eternal life and rituals to steal the life force of others through means such as bloodletting, magical spells, and cannibalism. The book she was holding falls to the ground with a loud thud. All eyes, including Pinkie's, turned to Twilight as the princess’ face blanched in a mix of horror, disgust and utter sickness. “Twilight? Darling, you look sick. Are you alright?” Roll for Constitution Saving Throw 9 Running past her friends, Twilight burst for the closest window, blast it open with a Firebolt and wretched chunks out the window. “TWILIGHT!” Breaking from the cuddle pile, the rest of them made for their leader as she emptied out her stomach. “Cursed,” Twilight coughed out, “This whole family’s cursed! Along with everyone else who followed them! Sweet Celestia, they’re monsters!” “What do you mean Twilight?” asked Spike worriedly. Twilight spat out remains of her lunch from her mouth before hesitantly muttering, “Cannibals. These people are cannibals.” And like a switch being flipped on, the room erupted with gasps and protests. Author's Note Sadly that was where I ended when I realized that it is taking most of the focus from what I wanted to present. Maybe I could find a way to squeeze that story arc in for the future but for the time being I needed to cut it out from the plot.
Chapter 5: Durst Manor Part 1Ah, you're back! After so long, one would have thought that the party would be broken up by now. The man in red was in his usual room and held in his arms his usual tome. This time however, he had company next to him. Do excuse my friend here. He was just asking for directions as to the whereabouts of his companions. Without a word, the stranger gave the man a polite bow before lurking his way out the room. Pay no mind, he was on his way out. But anyway, welcome back. And I presume you have returned to hear of what our heroes will be encountering next? Well, prepare for some drama because this is where everything changes. "A monster?" "Yes. Our parents are holding it off in the basement and told us to flee from the house, but we forgot to bring baby Walter with us." "Oh Sweet Celestia! That is most awful!" "Please, can you help us?" "No." All eyes turned to the little Kenku who appeared out of nowhere. "We don't know anything about the place that warrants a rescue," Pest spoke with Maria's voice. He looked to the Equestrians with concern in his beady eyes as though he was begging them not to go. Rainbow Dash leaned in close to the birdman, "Pest, buddy, listen. They need our help. It's kind of our thing to save the day, y'know?" "Besides," Rarity added as she lowered herself to meet his eyes, "as a member of a city watch, you should know that protecting the citizenry is the most important thing to do, isn't it?" Pest gave a nervous whimper before hesitantly nodding his head. "Which means you have an obligation to protect these children, do you not?" He gave another hesitant nod as he whimpers cowardly. "Oh you poor thing, you're scared aren't you?" Fluttershy lowered herself and gives the Kenku a comforting hug, "I know how you feel. I get scared all the time. In fact, I'm more scared than I ever was in my life." She broke the embrace to look in his eyes, "Tell you what, we'll both look after the children outside while the rest of them find the baby and deal with the monster inside. Okay?" Roll for Persuasion 19 Roll for Insight 17 Pest felt unsure about this but decided to trust her. He gives them a nod and an, "Okay." using Fluttershy's voice. "Hold on, what about Maria?" said Spike. "Don't sweat it Spike," Rainbow gave the young Dragonborn a wack on the back, "We'll beat this monster and save the day in an hour tops. It's just one monster in a house, how bad could it be?" Before anyone could give a reply to the prism-haired pony-turned-aasimar, Rainbow Dash walked to the two children, "So li'l squirts, what're your names?" "I'm Rosevalda Durst," came the reply from the girl, "and this is my little brother, Thornboldt. And as I mentioned we have a baby brother named Walter and he's still trapped inside the house." "So, it's Rose and Thorn, right?" Pinkie Pie bounced in front of the children with her disarming smile, "Lead the way!" "So, is this the place?" The Equestrians and Pest were led to the edge of the village to a house that stood four stories tall. One thing to note is that the house appears well maintained, pristine even when compared to the rest of the village. "Wow, this looks well kept. All things considering," Rarity mused while observing manor (and the surrounding area). "You know it's got me thinking, why aren't the villagers helping them out?" Rainbow narrowed her eyes at the Barovians who were swiftly passing by. "Maybe they're too scared to help?" Fluttershy shuddered, "I know I would be scared." "It doesn't matter," Twilight asserted, "if we're the only ones willing to help around here, maybe we could show these Barovians that a little bit of kindness can go a long way." "Alright then, Twi. What's the Plan?" asked Applejack. Twilight turned to the children, "Do you know where baby Walter is?" "He's upstairs in the nursery next to the maid's room," Rose replied. Returning to her friends, Twilight declared, "Alright, here's the plan. The priority is the foal... er, baby. We make for the nursery, get baby Walter, make our way out and hoof-er, hand him to these two. Then we go back inside and rescue their parents and anyone else trapped in there." "What about the monster?" Rainbow Dash asked with a hint of disappointment, "Are we just gonna leave it in there?" "Save lives first, then we'll deal with the monster later," came Twilight's response. Rainbow blew at her hair in frustration but sighed in agreement. "Fine, you make a good point." "Great!" Twilight continued, "Applejack, Spike; you two will lead the party. Rarity will follow behind you, then me, then Fluttershy and Pinkie. Rainbow Dash, I know you want to be in the thick of it, but we need you to cover our rear in case there's anything behind us. You're the fastest of us, so if we get attacked from the front you can easily move in from our backline. But if we get attacked from the back, I know you are agile enough to hold them off long enough for Applejack and Spike to reinforce you. Plus, you'll have Pest to give you support." All gave nods (Rainbow gave a salute), in agreement to the laid out plan and marching order. "Wait a minute," Rarity gasped, "what about the fo-children? We can't just leave them out here in the dark, cold streets! It would be terrible!" This gave everyone pause. Twilight almost facepalmed at forgetting about them. They couldn't just leave them outside alone. "Um," Fluttershy nervously raised her arm, "I could look after them." "Yeah, I think Flutters should wait out here," Rainbow agreed. "Hhmm, I suppose. But not alone." Twilight looked to the little Kenku, "Pest, can I trust you to look after Fluttershy and the kids?" The Kenku gave an enthusiastic nod. "Alright, that settles it!" Pinkie Pie declared before bouncing her way to the druid, "Fluttershy if anything happens, just give a good yell and auntie Pinkie and the rest of us will come to your rescue!" "Um, I'm older, remember?" Fluttershy muttered, "Also, take good care in there, okay?" "Don't worry, Flutters! We'll be back before you could say, "Eeep!" Rainbow gave her a cocky sneer. "Just look out for 'em young'uns til we get back," Applejack added with a confident smile. "Alright, with that out of the way," Twilight faced the entrance of the manor, "Let's move in!" Fluttershy held on to Angel Bunny and Harry as she, Pest and the children watched the rest of the party disappear into the house, one by one. "I have to say, the interior design of this place is rather quaint. Not saying it's terrible, just quaint." Upon entering the manor, oil lamps hang from the portico ceiling by chains, flanking a set of oaken doors that open into a grand foyer. Hanging on the south wall of the foyer is a shield emblazoned with a coat-of-arms (a stylized golden windmill on a red field), flanked by framed portraits of stony-faced aristocrats (long-dead members of the Durst family). Mahogany-framed double doors leading from the foyer to the main hall are set with panes of stained glass. "Sheesh, would it kill these folks to smile in these portraits?" Applejack commented as she scrutinised the paintings. "I'd imagine it would be difficult to keep smiling for hours as they are being portrayed in painting." Rarity replied as she observed the paintings. "Fair point 'Ah suppose." "Why can't they just use photographs?" Rainbow scoffed. "I don't think this world has photographs, Rainbow," Spike noted, "I think Barovia is still in their post-renaissance era." "...And how do you know that?" the aasimaar deadpanned. "I read history too, y'know! Besides, Twilight will never let me hear the end of it if I haven't at the very least got my eras right. Ever since I showed her some Neiponese manga that keeps getting the eras wrong, she's been drilling into to me the difference between Medieval and Renascence Ages." Twilight smiled at that before noticing what her number one assistant is doing, "Spike! Put that shield back!" "What? It's for AJ," Spike defended, "Since our encounter with the wolves, I think she's going to need this. Besides, we're only borrowing it. Once we rescue the whole family, we'll return it." He lifted the shield from the wall and handed it to the dwarf. Applejack hesitated before sighing in surrender, "As much as 'Ah don't sit right with the idea, takin' without askin', 'Ah can't argue with that logic." Without another word, she accepted the shield from Spike. Applejack obtains Shield and gains +2 AC "Just be sure to apologise for taking it once we're done here," Rarity added with a smile. They opened the doors leading to the main hall. The hall runs the width of the house, with a black marble fireplace at one end and a sweeping, red marble staircase at the other. Mounted on the wall above the fireplace is a longsword with a windmill cameo worked into the hilt. The wood-paneled walls are ornately sculpted with images of vines, flowers, nymphs, and satyrs. The decorative paneling follows the staircase as it circles upward to the second floor. "Woah, check out that Sword," Rainbow remarked. Rarity added, "I must say, the design of these walls are rather..." Roll for Perception 17 Serpents and skulls are inconspicuously woven into the wall's designs Rarity blinked. "Am I seeing things?" "What's wrong, Rarity?" Pinkie bounced towards the Cleric. "Pinkie, are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Rarity pointed at the distorted images on the wall's panels. Pinkie narrows her eyes to scrutinise the art. Roll for Perception Nat 20 Her eyes widened and her whole body twitched. She looked to Rarity who now shared the same expression of horror. "Girls, Spike, I think we should move. I may not have my Pinkie sense back, but I've got a baaaaad feeling about this." Pinkie sense or not, everyone learned never to doubt Pinkie's instincts. "Alright everypony, let's move," ordered Twilight, "The sooner we rescue the baby and the parents, the sooner we could get out of here." "Twilight, wait a moment," Pinkie turned to the dragonborn, "Spike, could you take down that longsword and give it to Twilight?" "What, so we're looting this place now?" Rainbow arched an eyebrow at the pink haired halfling. "I agree with Rainbow, Pinkie. I don't think we should be taking anymore things from this house." Twilight protested. Pinkie's reply was devoid of all her usual jovial tone, "Trust me Twilight, I think we're going to need as many means to protect ourselves as possible." Durst Manor, Second Floor "Shields, Swords, Suits of armour, this must be a family with a long history of military tradition." "I'll say, these paintings pretty much speak for themselves. Though I gotta say, the two foals look happy and the stallion looks rather plain, but the mare looks totally grossed-out." Stepping into the unlit room of the upper hall, the Equestrians saw above the mantelpiece is a wood-framed portrait of the Durst family: Gustav and Elisabeth Durst with their two smiling children, Rose and Thorn. Cradled in the father’s arms is a swaddled baby, which the mother regards with a hint of scorn. Standing suits of armor flank wooden doors in the east and west walls. Each suit of armor clutches a spear and has a visored helm shaped like a wolf’s head. The doors are carved with dancing youths. "Check every room, the nursery might be in this floor," Twilight ordered. Nodding in agreement, they each reach for a door in pairs. Rarity and Pinkie made their way to the door left from the hall, Spike and Rainbow made their way to the one far to the right, while Twilight and Applejack made for the one closest to the right. "Ooooh, a music room?" Pinkie awed as she and Rarity opened their door. "Actually, I believe this is a Conservatory," Rarity corrected, "This is where household guests would come and be entertained by with music, dances and other performances." She closed her eyes and smiled fondly, "I could imagine it now; a ballroom dance under the moonlight shone from the windows as the piano plays a waltzing tune." "Harpsicord," Pinkie corrected, "That's not a piano, it's a harpsicord. It's too small to be a piano." "(Hehe) Oh, right," Rarity gave a sheepish chuckle. "Huh, this must be the servant quarters," Twilight noted as she and Applejack inspected their door. "Probably nothin' important in here," said Applejack as they left the room. "Spike, Rainbow, did you find anythi...?" The two in questioned took one look into the room and slammed it shut. "Um, nothing important here, Twilight!" Spike quickly denied sheepishly, "It's not the nursery so let's check upstairs!" "Yeah, nothing to see here, Twi!" Rainbow added with a sheepish smile, "It'll just distract us from what we're looking for." The wizard scoffed as she approached the room, "Oh come now, what could be so distracti.... AAAAHHHH!! BOOKS!!! LIBRARY!! BOOOOOKS!!" Her eyes glimmered as she pushed her way in to see the manor's library. "I knew this would happen," Spike facepalmed. "So, your city is actually called Waterdeep?" "Yes" "And it's a harbour city?" "Yes" "Wow, that sounds like Manehattan. I would have liked to see it." "Are you sure it's alright for them to hunt the monster all on their own?" "Hmm? Oh yes. I'm definitely sure. They are very capable po-people. I have no doubt in my mind that they'll be fine. Pest, is something wrong?" "Mist." "Twilight, when and only when we're done, we can perhaps ask if we could enter the library." "But.... Books." "Remember what we're here for, Sugarcube?" "(Sigh) Oh fine! Rescuing the baby will come first." "Speaking of, there's something wrong here and I don't need my Pinkie sense (or lack of it) to know something's up. I just can't seem to put my finger on it." The Party climbs up the final steps of the stairway leading to a balcony. Oil lamps are mounted on the oak-paneled walls, which are carved with woodland scenes of trees, falling leaves, and tiny critters. Standing on the far end of the balcony is a lone suit of black plated armour caked in dust. Two sets of doors were seen visible to the party, a single door leading to their left and a pair of double doors to their right. "Alright Twi, where to?" asked Applejack. She thought for a moment before laying out the plan, "Pinkie, Rarity, Spike. You three check the room to the right. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, you're with me. We'll check the room to the left." "Okie-dokie-lokie!" "Very well, darling." "On it Twilight." "Sure thing, Sugarcube." "By the numbers. I'll go first." As the party moved to each assigned group and area a sudden clanking noise was heard. "Did anyone hear that?" the prismatic-haired aasimar called out. Roll for Perception Nat 20 Pinkie stopped as though something had clicked in her mind. She suddenly gave a look of alarm, "Oh Poodles! Now I know what's wrong!" "What's wrong Pinkie?" Twilight asked with concern in her eyes, "Is it to do with the noise?" "No Twilight, it's the lack of a noise!" the halfling's face was now full of dread, "I should have realized this, taking care of the Cake twins and all! What kind of scared little baby, all alone without its mommy or daddy, doesn't cry when there is a monster in the house?! I'm not hearing any crying!" Roll for Perception 23(TS), 19(S), 19(RD), 15(AJ), 13(R) Everyone other than Pinkie took a moment to listen. All they heard was silence. "Sweet Celestia, she's right!" exclaimed Rarity. "Ya'll don't think we're too late, are we?" Applejack's face paled. Twilight moved to the center of the room, "Everypony, let's quicken the search before...!" "Twilight, LOOK OUT!!" Rainbow screamed as she rushed for her friend. Roll for Initiative 16(RD), 13(AA), 12(PP), 9(AJ), 9(TS), 6(S), 5(R) The suit of armor moved, and it swung its sword at Twilight. "You two, we need to take you somewhere safe. I'll take you to Mr Ismark, that way we could keep you safe for tonight." "But there's a monster in the house. And mummy and daddy and baby Walter are still in there." The streets that the small group outside were waiting on were slowly becoming shrouded with mist and the air became colder than before. Shivering, Fluttershy tried her best to encourage the children to find shelter. "I know, but it's late and my friends might take a little longer than planned." "Then why don't you go and help your friends?" Rose's question eerily lacked any emotion, "There is a monster in the house." Fluttershy thought for a moment. They are taking too long. Twilight and the others could use my help. But they told me to watch over them, and the idea of a monster inside is scary. No Fluttershy! We've been there before! Your friends need your help! Oh, it might be scary but your friends need your help! She turned to the Kenku, "Pest, take these two to Mr Ismark. I'm going in to help them." Pest gave a salute and reached for the children before giving a scream. "Fluttershy!" he sounded with the voice of Rarity. She turned to see Pest's horror before she too shared the same look. Pest's arm went through Rose's head. "What? But how?" she gasped, "What are you?" "Please, stop the monster. Or your friends might not make it." Alarm bells rung within her as she looked back to the house before returning to the Kenku, "Pest, go get Maria, quick! My friends are in danger!" As Pest ran off to the Tavern she turned to her animal companions, "Angel, Harry, could you..." Before she could ask them to wait outside, Angel hopped on her shoulder and Harry moved to her side. They are not leaving her side. "You two," Fluttershy affectionately gave them a nuzzle before she steeled herself, "Alright, we go together." Without another word, she and her companions disappeared into the house. And she screamed, "Everypony, get out! It's a Trap!"
Chapter 6: Durst Manor Part 2"Twilight, LOOK OUT!!" Rainbow screamed as she rushed for her friend. Twilight turned to see the suit of armor move and swung its sword at her. Thinking quickly, she drew her longsword and parried the blade as it pushes her down with its weight. "Get off of her!" Rainbow leaped into the fray and struck the armour with her fist. A loud "CLANG!" was heard from the impact and a clear dent was seen on the breast plate. The armoured assailant diverted its attention from Twilight to Rainbow and swung its sword at her, narrowly missing her hair as she ducked from the swing. "You get away from my friends, you big meanie!" Pinkie yelled as she leapt on the armoured attacker and opened it's helmet revealing... Nothing. "Um guys," Pinkie's voice quivered as she winced a nervous smile, "there's nopony inside this suit." She then gave a gasp, "Unless, it's not a po... er, person in this suit and it's being puppeted by a smaller person! Or it's being controlled by three small people inside! Or a whole bunch of teeny-tiny people inside! Or..." "PINKIE!!" "Oh, right. Taking too much time on my turn." She leapt away from the armour, avoided a swing from it's blade and called out to Applejack, "Go Applejack! Crash that Dummy! (Tee hee) Get it?" Applejack gains Bardic Inspiration. The Dwarf stepped forward and smashed her warhammer at the animated armour, yelling; "Get away from mah friends, ya gosh darn hunk o' junk!" The armour staggered a bit, clearly damaged from Applejack's attack. Noting the armour's material, Twilight took a step back from the construct and called out, "Light it with fire!" and blasted it with a Firebolt, causing further damage. Following Twilight's lead and keeping with the battle's momentum, Spike stepped in between her and the construct, shoved it back to the railings and blasted it with a cone-shaped fire breath. Rarity followed suite and cast Sacred Flame, screeching, "Begone, you rusted ruffian!" The Animated Armour's plates turn hot red from the heat with parts of it slightly melted. It was clearly on its last legs. In attempt to finish it off, Rainbow jumped up to the ceiling's railings and swinging forward; kicks the construct with her legs, shoving backwards from the floor railings and falls down to the first floor with a loud crash as it's armour breaks to pieces. "Did I get it?" Rainbow panted as she dropped from the ceiling's rails to look down at her handiwork. They all moved to look down at the construct as it slowly rises. Before anyone could protest (and marvel) at its durability, a familiar "Eeep!" screamed out, followed by a loud "Clang!" from what looked to be a quarterstaff bonking the construct on the head and the animated armour clattered motionless on the ground. "Fluttershy?" Rainbow stared with surprise that the meek druid who felled the moving suit armour. Fluttershy returned her stare with an embarrassed grin to which the aasimar smirked, "Sweet Celestia Fluttershy, I would have been proud if that kill was just 20% cooler!" Fluttershy gasped, looking appalled, "Oh dear! You mean I killed it?! I didn't mean to...!" "Relax Flutters, it was just a moving suit of armour," Rainbow waved a hand in dismissal, "Nopony is inside it." The timid wood elf gave an "Oh," before noticing Angel stomped a foot, snapping her back to the urgent matter at hand. Shaking her head to refresh her thoughts, Fluttershy spoke with clear fear in her voice, "Girls, Spike, we need to get out of house! This place is a trap!" "Say what now?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. "The children outside, they are not real!" Fluttershy stopped for a minute in thought before she rephrased herself, "Well, they sort of are, but Pest tried to escort them to the inn when his arm went right through one of their heads!" Pinkie gasped, "You mean they're ghosts!" "I-I don't know!" stammered Fluttershy, "I mean, none of us didn't felt or thought of anything when we first met them. But not long after you came in the house, they..." she shuddered as she recalled, "They just kept on repeating the same thing about the monster in the house, like a broken record." A chill ran through the Equestrians as alarm bells rang in their heads. "Everypony, make for the exit!" Twilight ordered. Without another word and with no argument, they made for the stairs to the first floor where Fluttershy waited for them. Roll for Strength 11 Roll for Strength 16, rolled dmg 5 Roll for Strength 7 Roll Strength 17, rolled dmg 6 As they raced for the front door, Rainbow slammed into the door three times without success until finally deciding to kick it down, breaking off the knob. As they poured out of the house, their faces paled in horror of what they are seeing. The House and the surrounding area was shrouded by mist. "Oh no." Twilight's voice quivered as she fell on her knees, processing the situation they found themselves in. "The Fog! We're trapped!" Spike took a step towards the fog and fanned it away, noticing the hands within the fog as it reformed. "She's right," he winced, taking a step back from the fog, "It's the same fog we saw when we first came here." "Can't there be something we can do?" Rarity pleaded, "Perhaps dispel magic, or summon a gust of wind to clear out the fog?" "We can't Rarity," Twilight shook her head mournfully, "I would have done so at the very beginning, even before coming to Barovia." "So what do we do?" Applejack asked, afraid of Twilight's answer. Before she could get said answer however, Rainbow started to climb the walls of the manor. "Rainbow Dash, what the hay are ya doin'?" Roll for Acrobatics 23 "I'm trying to get a better vantage point from here, AJ," came Rainbow's reply as she continued to climb, "It would be so much easier if I still had my wings, but I figured what if I could try to see a path through the fog from up here." "That's... Actually not a bad idea," replied Applejack, "Good thinking, Dash." "Just be careful," said Fluttershy with her soft voice. Roll for Acrobatics or Athletics 16 Acrobatics Roll for Perception 11 Rainbow proceeded to slowly climb all the way to the third floor before she stopped and noticed something. "Um, guys," she called out, "there's something wrong with the house." "How do you mean, darling?" Rarity raised an eyebrow, "There is plenty wrong with this house." "That's not what I mean!" snapped back Rainbow, "I don't know if it's my eyes are playing tricks on me or the house is actually looking pretty different the further I climb." "Ooh! Let me check!" Pinkie Pie climbed up to a nearby dead tree to observe the mansion. Roll for Acrobatics or Athletics 15 Acrobatics Roll for Perception 19 The halfling's eyes widened in horror at what she saw. She bobbed her head down and back again several times as though her vision changes from the height of her vantage point. "Girls, Spike; Dashie's right! The house looks waaaaaaaay older from higher up!" Roll for History with advantage 17 "Hey Twilight, doesn't this remind you of Daring Do and the Secret of Liar's Lodge when she and Dr Caballeron were stuck in a haunted hotel because of a cursed artefact?" asked Rainbow, making her way down from the building. "Really Rainbow?" Applejack gave an incredulous frown, "Daring Do? This is a real life and death situation and you bring up a work of fiction to this situation?" "Hey! To be fair, A. K. Yearling based her books on her adventures!" Rainbow retorted in protest. "Actually, Rainbow Dash might be onto something." All eyes (apart from Rainbow who gave Applejack a smug grin of satisfaction) turned to Twilight as she continued her deduction, "There had been many cases of all sorts of creatures trapped in enchanted buildings by a source within. Think of it like a locked room attraction, except in our case our lives are on the line. If Rainbow's suggestion has merit, we might find our solution inside." "You don't mean..." Fluttershy shivered under her breath as she pointed at the manor, "We have to go back to the obviously haunted house with a dangerous monster inside?" "We might not have a choice Fluttershy," replied Twilight, "We either have to brave in and find a solution, do nothing and most likely starve, or risk the fog." Everyone shuddered at the thought of the alternatives, risking the fog most especially. "Well, I suppose searching for answers might be a good start before we find this source," said Rarity with a sigh of surrender, "Which could only mean one thing." At that, Twilight grinned excitedly whilst everyone else (other than Pinkie and Fluttershy) rolled their eyes, expectant of the predictable. "Library?" groaned Rainbow. "Library," sighed Applejack. "Library," nodded Rarity. "Library?" puzzled Fluttershy. "LIBRARY!" squeed Twilight. "Research Time!" chimed Pinkie. "I'll get the quill, ink and parchments," sighed Spike. Durst Manor, Second Floor, Library As they entered the Library they were greeted with a strangely welcoming sight. Red velvet drapes cover the windows of the room. An exquisite mahogany desk and a matching high-back chair face the entrance and the fireplace, above which hangs a framed picture of a windmill perched atop a rocky crag. Situated in corners of the room are two overstuffed chairs. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line the south wall. A rolling wooden ladder allows one to more easily reach the high shelves. Twilight squealed with excitement as she began raiding the shelves. Spike made his way to the desk and started sorting out parchments and other stationary. Roll for Investigation 14 The desk was already lit by an oil lamp, revealing a jar of ink, a quill pen, a tinderbox, and a letter kit containing a red wax candle, four blank sheets of parchment, and a wooden seal bearing the Durst family’s insignia of a windmill. Spike also stopped to notice a drawer not fully closed. He reached to open it, exposing an iron key sitting in its lonesome. Filled with curiosity, the young drake picked it up and stared at it as though trying to prod its secrets. "What have you got there Spikey?" asked Pinkie, appearing suddenly beside him. "I don't know," said Spike, still staring at the key as he spun it around by the neck, "It's just a key but I can't help but think it's important for something." "Hmmm, might be," said Pinkie as she rummaged through her bag, "In the meantime, do you want some bread? I know it's not cupcakes and it's stale and gross but it's still something." "Thanks Pinkie," Spike took a piece and lobbed it into his mouth. "You're welcome," Pinkie replied. She closed her bag and made her way to Fluttershy who was waiting outside the room, grooming Harry with Angel Bunny. "Hi Fluttershy, want some bread?" "Oh yes, thank you Pinkie," Fluttershy smiled gratefully as she took a large piece and broke it between the bear and the rabbit, who took it with gratitude. Roll for Perception Nat 20 "Wow, they seem more cooperative than usual," noted Pinkie, "Usually they'd be needy and rowdy and demanding and all sorts of other stuff to get your attention." "Yeah," Fluttershy gave a sad smile, "I asked them about it and they told me they were worried about me." She continued to groom Harry as her two animal companions slowly chewed on the stale bread, "When I asked them how they were doing, they insisted worrying about myself. I confronted them about what was going on, til Harry finally opened up to me and told me how he has never before been so scared for his life. Then Angel told him to "Tough it out" because I need them to protect me, then Harry said that he knows that but he is still scared of the fog and started crying. I told him it was alright to be scared because everyone is scared right now and that right now we need each other more than ever, and so Angel and I decided to give Harry some emotional support." She paused, looking at Angel who gave Harry another piece from his own bread. "I'm more worried about Angel," Fluttershy smiled wryly, "He never shared anything to the rest of the animals but ever since we've come here, he's been nothing but supportive for Harry and me. He has always been the bravest of my animals but I feel like he's been pushing himself more than usual since coming here." Pinkie stuck a on her chin in thought, "Hmmm, maybe he'll come around." She took out another piece of bread and handed it to the druid, "For you." "Fluttershy smiled but shook her head, "No, really. I'm not hungry." Pinkie grasped her hands over the bread, "Take it Flutters. If you don't want them to worry about you, take care of yourself." Without another word, Fluttershy gave a grateful nod, took the piece and nibbled a corner of it. Pinkie gave a wide grin and made her way back into the library towards Applejack. The Earth Pony-turned-Dwarf was milling through books categorised under Barovian History (by Twilight) for her to look through and relay to Spike for key-points of interest. She saw Pinkie approaching and gave a tired smile, "Sup Sugarcube?" "Hiya Applejack! Just checking out everypony if they need anything." Pinkie rummaged through her bag and took out a piece of bread, "Want some bread?" "Thanks Pinkie." Applejack took the offered piece and bit into it, before coughing at the state of its stale dryness, "Sweet Celestia's flank Pinkie; is there sawdust in here?" "I don't really know to be honest," she shrugged apologetically, "All I know is they were supposed to be cupcakes but after coming here, they're no longer cupcakes. Maybe if we have time we could try to ask Mr Ismark if he has any ingredients to make cupcakes." Pinkie paused for a minute and then frowned with her hair deflating, "Oh, then again, Mr Ismark did say that Barovia doesn't have that much food, so maybe that might not be a good idea." "It's alright Sugarcube," Applejack wrapped an arm around the Earth Pony-turned-Halfling, "When we're done from all of this, I promise you we'll find the means to make your cupcakes here and we'll spread them all around Barovia with the biggest party they'll ever see." Pinkie's face lit up, "Pinkie Promise?" "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick that stale bread on my eye," Applejack grinned at her silly change of the Pinkie Promise. There was a pause before Pinkie burst into a fit of laughter. "Good one AJ! That was a good one! I'll hold you to it." And with that she made her way towards Rarity, "Hi Rarity, how're you doing?" Rarity sighed with a wry smile at Pinkie, "To be perfectly honest Darling; not very good. On top of us being trapped in this horrid place, the miserable villagers, and the fact that there is a monster ruling these lands, these books paint an even more frightening picture of the situation at hoof." She held out a page of a book she was skimming through to Pinkie, "I was looking through Barovia's geographical wealth in its history and I found out this valley was once rich with farmlands and vineyard orchards long before the fog, with a few amber, silver and copper mines across the mountainsides. Nowadays since the fog, only three vineyard orchards are left, all farmland withered due to what many called "cursed soil", and the most horrid thing possible is the fact that the mines have become inaccessible due to, get this... Werewolves." "W-werewolves?" Pinkie stuttered, eyes widened. "It seems so, Darling," Rarity rubbed her forehead with a hand and shook, "I am glad Applejack got to read about the history side of Barovia instead of its geography. The poor dear would have a heart attack just knowing how much of the land suffered. Then again, I suppose she'll discover that eventually. My greatest gripe is that all this land's wealth is literally choked due to the lack of resources, particularly their mining concerns." "Why's that?" "Well you see Darling, if the mines no longer produce metals, gems and what have you, all means of wealth distribution either stagnate or simplified as traded goods and services,” explained Rarity, “As coming from a family of Rock Farmers, I am sure that you know that Equestria has an abundance of gold, silver, copper, and other sorts of metals as well as valuable gems. Gold and Silver in particular are used to mint our Bits while other metals such as copper are used to manufacture basic goods, products and tools. In contrast, there is little to nothing here that stimulates the creation of wealth. No materials to create goods and no reproducible material to mint as a source of commerce, which in turn means no flow of wealth, no means of spending and selling, which in turn means the little anypony can earn are hoarded while the rest cannot afford to buy as prices skyrocket. It is an economic nightmare!” “And on top of that, not much food is produced,” added Pinkie, staring mournfully at Rarity at the implications, “How many are starving in this world?” Rarity shook her head in frustration, “That is a question I do not wish to have answered, Pinkie. It terrifies me. All those poor souls, I would give anything and everything to at least lighten their burdens.” “Hey Rares, come look at this,” called out Applejack. Pinkie and Rarity moved in closer to the apple farmer. “What is it, Darling?” asked Rarity. “'Ah just found the history of the Dursts and ‘Ah think y’all need to look at this,” replied Applejack with a clear concern on her face, “‘Ah’d call in the rest of us, but Flutters wanted to keep her critters calm, Spike’s busy note taking, and Twi and RD seem to be discussin’ somethin’ fierce.” She turned to a page revealing the Durst Family tree, pointing to the bottom of the page with hand drawn portraits of the current members of the household; with a missing baby. Pinkie and Rarity shared a look of puzzled dread to each other before turning to Applejack as she continued, “Now, ‘Ah know that this family tree might have been written before the baby, but the drawin’s of the two foals look exactly like the two we’ve met, which could mean either these humans age slower than we thought or there’s somethin’ else goin’ on around here.” Frowning, Rarity took the book from Applejack’s hands and closely examined the portraits. “Pinkie, call Twilight and Rainbow Dash here. Applejack and I will take these to Spike and have him add these to his notes.” “Okie-dokie-lokie Rarity! Oh, and here's some bread while you're at it,” she replied with a salute before skipping her way towards the two remaining members of the party. As she left, she heard an "Ow!" from Rarity, followed by profanity. “I’m telling you Twilight, it has to be some cursed artefact that’s keeping us here!” “And I’m saying it might be this Strahd, or an agent of his that is trying to keep us here!” “Hi Twilight! Hi Rainbow Dash! Am I interrupting?” Pinkie chimed in, halting their argument. “No Pinkie, you aren’t,” Twilight gave the halfling a wry smile, “We were just discussing what could be keeping us here. Rainbow believes that some sort of cursed artefact like one of Daring Do’s books is what’s keeping us here.” “Which it totally is,” added the pegasus-turned-aasimar smugly. Choosing to ignore that comment, Twilight continued, “I on the other hoof believe this might be the work of the Vampire Strahd to keep us here.” “Oh, c’mon Twilight! How can Strahd know we’re here? Everypony knows that the final boss always shows up at the very end for some big reveal with an overblown monologue to go with it!” “And I’m saying this is not a story, Rainbow; this is really happening! And don’t tell me that Daring Do is a real pony, we already know that! Considering we’ve been led here by some conjured image of what I would assume to be the late previous residents, I’m willing to bet it’s him!” “And how would you know that?” “Who else could it be, Rainbow? Everyone here is made miserable because of him!” “And I’m saying it isn’t! It wouldn’t make sense! If Strahd knew we were here, wouldn’t he show himself by now to finish us off?” Finally having enough, Pinkie interrupted their argument by squeezing in between them, pushing them apart, “Okay, I think the both of you need to stop right there and have some bread; you're not you when you’re hungry.” The two looked at each other, ashamed of the heated argument and at the same time apologised, “Sorry Pinkie.” “It’s alright,” Pinkie replied with her signature smile as she held out two pieces of bread between them, “Now I know we’re in a reeeeally sticky situation, but that doesn’t mean we have to be real meanie-pants to each other. Now I know, none of us had much to go on for lunch, so here’s some bread. I know it’s no cupcakes, but they were cupcakes before the became bread, so they technically are cupcakes but in bread form, but they don’t taste like cupcakes and I don’t have anything to make them cupcake flavoured bread, but they are probably bread flavoured cupcakes at this point, sooooo.” she inhaled a long breath before she grinned apologetically, “This is the best I could offer at the moment.” The two paused, turned to each other, and then burst into a fit of laughter. “Oh Pinkie,” Twilight calmed from her mirth, wiping away a tear from her laughter, “What would we do without you?” “Yeah, tell me about it,” agreed Rainbow as she pulled the halfling into a one armed hug, “No matter how much everything sucks, you always seem to find a way to pull us back up with a laugh. Never change, Pinkie. Never change.” “Oh shucks Dashie,” she smiled with a bit of blush, "So, are you having your bread?" Shrugging, the two of them took one bite out of their pieces of bread... Before spitting out the remains from their mouths. "Sweet Celestia, Pinkie? What's in this?" gagged Twilight. "Yeah, it tastes like my grandmother's socks!" sputtered Rainbow. Pinkie and Twilight looked to Rainbow with what one could only describe to be disturbed bemusement. "What? What did I say?" A moment of silence followed, which was soon broken after Pinkie and Twilight gave a snort that soon developed into another fit of laughing and giggling. Rainbow took a moment to process what came over them, until she realised her implications of her socks comment and joined the mirth. As they calmed down, Pinkie slipped out of the aasimar’s hug and leaned on the end of the bookshelf. “By the way, Rarity and Applejack told me to tell you that they found some reeeeally important stuff that I think you too should have a look at.” “Sure thing,” replied Twilight, “Just give me a sec to take another book for more research and-” Just as Twilight pulled out a red book with a black spine, the shelf Pinkie was leaning on swung open, causing her to fall in on her back. Before anyone else could react, the shelf closed back; trapping the Bard inside. “PINKIE!” Rainbow rushed to the bookshelf and slammed hard on it, “Pinkie are you alright? Talk to me!” “I’m alright, Dashie,” came a reply, “Just let me turn a light on and-” Pinkie let out a bloodcurdling scream.
Chapter 7: Durst Manor Part 3“Pinkie!! Pinkie, are you alright?!” “Dashie, Twilight, save me!!” Rainbow Dash made for the hidden door by the bookshelf and attempted to break it open. Roll for Strength Nat 1 As she tried to pry open the door, a book fell from the shelf and dropped to her feet, hitting a toe. “YEOWCH!” Rainbow screamed in pain as she fell on the floor (prone on the ground). “Rainbow!” Twilight rushed from the shelves to her fallen friend, “Are you okay?” “Don’t mind me,” snarled Rainbow while she clutched her stubbed toe, “I’ll be fine, save Pinkie!” Pinkie’s terrified cries were heard from their side as Twilight slammed a fist on the shelves, knocking on the wooden wall. “Pinkie, back away from the door! I’m going to blast it open.” Roll for Perception 16 Although still in considerable pain that she has never felt before, Rainbow noticed the red book with a black spine that Twilight pulled over just before Pinkie fell into the hidden room. “Twilight, wait! The book you pulled earlier, I think it’s the secret switch to open the door!” Turning back to where Rainbow pointed out, Twilight called out to the halfling bard, “Pinkie, hold on! We’re going to get you out!” and rushed for the book. As she pulled the switch the bookshelf opened, Pinkie projected out of the hidden room to the closest body she could see; which so happens to be Rainbow and slammed onto her, grabbing the aasimar with her bone crushing embrace. “Ow!! Pinkie I’m in enough pain as it is! Could you let go-” Rainbow stopped as she was interrupted by Pinkie’s distress. The prismatic haired aasimar sat there, caught off guard from her small friend’s trembling form. Pinkie for her part, gripped onto Rainbow’s tunic like her life depended on it, likened to a foal clinging on to their mother after a nightmare. “I want to go home,” Pinkie whimpered in her sobbing, “I just want to go home. Everything here is just too dark and gloomy and frowny. There’s no parties or cakes or singing or laughing. And everything here is just dead! I don’t want to die here! I don’t want to die here!” As Rainbow tried to process as to where this was coming from, inside the hidden room she noticed what remains of a human skeleton in leather armour, sitting on the floor of the room’s corner. “Shh. It’s okay, Pinks,” Rainbow cooed while she stroked Pinkie’s partially deflated poofy hair to comfort her, “It’s just a skeleton, it’s not going to hurt you. You’re not going to die here, okay? We’re not going to die here.” “What’s happening here? Are you alright darling?” Rainbow Dash looked up at Rarity who led the rest of the party running towards their panicked screams. “We’re okay. Pinkie just got trapped into a room with a skeleton inside,” Rainbow pointed at the hidden room, continuing to comfort the pink-haired halfling. “Oh, you poor thing!” Fluttershy threw herself to Pinkie and gave her a comforting hug, “You must have been more scared than the rest of us.” She sniffled, tears formed on the corner of her eyes as she brushed the halfling's hair, “We should have been with you sooner. We should have known-” The Equestrians, apart from Twilight and Applejack, followed into the cuddle pile, offering what comfort they could muster to a distressed Pinkie Pie. While Applejack gave her distant cousin a comforting pat on the shoulder, Twilight approached the secret room cautiously. From the entrance she noticed scrolls and pellbooks of sorts on top of bookshelves surrounding the skeleton that was hunched over a heavy wooden chest at the far end of the room. Approaching the bones, she noticed three darts lodged into the leather armour and a sealed letter clutched in the skeleton’s left hand. Tracing where the darts came from, she noticed a trap on the wall where it may have come from and noted it was no longer a threat. Grimacing from what she was about to do, Twilight cautiously reached into the corpse’s left hand to retrieve the letter. Crackling from the bones caused the princess to wince as she slowly dislodged the letter in its hand. Letting out a sigh of relief, Twilight dusted herself off and rejoined the rest of her friends. “Girls, Spike. I found this in the skeleton’s hand. A letter of sorts,” she produced the letter to them while she studied the peculiar seal’s symbol of a raven over a kite shield with a familiar castle engraved on its head. “What does it say, Sugarcube?” asked Applejack. Twilight unsealed the letter and skimmed through its contents. Her blood ran cold as she turned to her friends with an aghast expression of horror as she read aloud; “My most pathetic servant, I allow you and your pathetic band of miscreants to exist in my land only for my own amusement. I am not your messiah, and have not come to lead you on a path to immortality. Continue your farcical rituals and have your meals of flesh. Carve my visage every stone you see. Sire as many bastards as you wish. I care not. You are all worms writhing in my earth, and I shall not save you from your wretchedness. I much prefer you as you are. Your dread lord and master, Strahd von Zarovich” A pregnant silence loomed above the party as they processed the letter’s meaning. Everyone’s mind ran a mile a minute with the content’s implications. “Twilight,” Rainbow broke the silence, giving her friend a look of worry, “What does that letter supposed to mean?” Roll for a Wisdom Saving Throw 3 Twilight, unable to satiate her pathological need for knowledge, turns back to the bookshelf in the secret room and begins rummaging through a few pages of the first book she took. Roll for Arcana 25 The book contains the subject of eternal life and rituals to steal the life force of others through means such as bloodletting, magical spells, and cannibalism. The book she was holding falls to the ground with a loud thud. All eyes, including Pinkie's, turned to Twilight as the princess’ face blanched in a mix of horror, disgust and utter sickness. “Twilight? Darling, you look sick. Are you alright?” Roll for Constitution Saving Throw 9 Running past her friends, Twilight burst for the closest window, blast it open with a Firebolt and wretched chunks out the window. “TWILIGHT!” Breaking from the cuddle pile, the rest of them made for their leader as she emptied out her stomach. “Cursed,” Twilight coughed out, “This whole family’s cursed! Along with everyone else who followed them! Sweet Celestia, they’re monsters!” “What do you mean Twilight?” asked Spike worriedly. Twilight spat out remains of her lunch from her mouth before hesitantly muttering, “Cannibals. These people are cannibals.” And like a switch being flipped on, the room erupted with gasps and protests. Author's Note Sadly that was where I ended when I realized that it is taking most of the focus from what I wanted to present. Maybe I could find a way to squeeze that story arc in for the future but for the time being I needed to cut it out from the plot.
