Dungeons and Dragons - The Curse of Grom the Wicked
“Spike!? Have you seen the 'History of Cloudsdale' anywhere?” Twilight called out as she shuffled the library's contents about with her magic, searching for a specific tome.
“I don't think so.” A voice replied from upstairs. “Did you check the history section?”
Twilight rolled her eyes. “Of course I did. I can't find it!”
“Keep looking, it'll turn up.”
Twilight grumbled as she continued searching for the history book.
“Where IS it!? Hey... What's this?” The unicorn grabbed the item with her telekinesis and bought it up to her eyes to examine it.
Twilight was certain she had never seen these three books before, contained in a sturdy cardboard box, which featured art work of fantastic creatures and heavily armed ponies. She slid them out and read the titles on the books covers.
“Dungeons and Dragons, Players Handbook, Core Rulebook I, V 3.5. Hmm, Dungeon Masters Guide, Monster Manual. What are these books?”
Twilight flipped the first book over and saw additional information on the back cover.
“Endless adventure and untold excitement await. Prepare to venture forth with your bold companions into a world of heroic fantasy. Within these pages, you'll discover all the tools and options you need to create characters worthy of song and legend for the Dungeons and Dragons role playing game.”
Twilight stroked her chin thoughtfully. From the description on the back cover, it was obviously some sort of game, but Twilight had never heard of a game that came in the form of a book before.
“Couldn't hurt to take a look.” The unicorn said to her self as she opened the book and began reading.
As Twilight read the mysterious book, she discovered that it was indeed some sort of game. It seemed to her to be like a blend between a board game and a fantasy novel, played with pencils and paper and all different sorts of dice. One player, known as the dungeon master, controlled the entire world and all the characters within it, and created a fantastic story that the other players would be a part of.
The other players could choose what type of pony to be, and could choose between a variety of 'classes', that seemed to be professions, but instead of mundane things like shop keeper or carpenter, the players could choose from rangers, monks, wizards, clerics and thieves.
Twilight paused in thought. She could already imagine a unique fantastic world in her mind, populated with magical folk and frightful monsters. This could be fun. She thought to herself. Fortunately I happen to know five friends who may be interested in playing with me.
“Now hold on sugar cube, what's this, whadya call it, role playing game, all about?”
Twilight had managed to gather her five friends around in the library a little over a week later, with promises of an exciting new game she had discovered. They sat on comfortable cushions around the floor of the library while Twilight explained exactly what Dungeons and Dragons was all about it, having spent the last week or so reading every word in all three of the books. She had spent quite abit of time constructing a fantastic world for her friends as well and was eager to begin the adventure.
“Well it's kind of like a board game,” Twilight began to explain, “But instead of using a board and pieces, you use your imagination, and it's much more complicated than a board game.”
“Sounds fun!” Pinkie squealed.
“Sounds boring.” Rainbow Dash moaned.
“I thought you might say that.” Twilight responded, bringing one of the books to bear. “So I bookmarked this page for you.”
The unicorn opened the book to a marked page that she had found earlier, and turned it to face Rainbow Dash. There in the book was a full page illustration of a dashing pegasus mare, wielding a sword in one hoof and a magic staff in the other, engaging a massive fire breathing dragon in aerial combat over an expansive mountain range. The enormous reptile belched out flames that missed the mare by mere inches. Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped
“Okay,” She finally said, “That's pretty cool. I guess you were right about Daring Do, maybe you're right about this too.”
“Well I'm willing to give it a shot,” Rarity spoke, “I've no reason to doubt Twilight's judgement.”
“I don't know,” a meek voice objected from behind a long pink mane. Fluttershy had been silent until now. “It seems awfully violent. I don't think this is my kind of game.”
“Well fighting is only one part of the game,” Twilight rebutted, “There's also exploration, and social interaction with other ponies.”
“But all of those thing sound... scary.”
“Oh don't worry Fluttershy, yah'll know Twilight wouldn't ask you to play if she thought it would scare you.” Applejack responded.
“Well...” Fluttershy hesitated. She looked at Twilight as though trying to find the courage to say 'no', before finally giving in “Okay, but only if you're sure.”
“Great!” Twilight clapped her hooves together in triumph. “Now, the first thing you all need to do is to make characters.”
Several minutes later.
“Ugghh, it's been five minutes and I'm already bored.” Rainbow Dash whined and collapsed onto the library floor.
“Calm down Dash,” Responded Applejack “it'll get interesting once we get started, right?” The farm pony looked at Twilight, a pleading look in her eyes.
“If you liked Daring Do's adventures, you're going to LOVE this,” Responded the lavender unicorn, “We just need to get past this boring part. Okay, now that we have our main stats, we can go on to choosing our races.”
Several more minutes later.
“Whata ya got against earth ponies!” Applejack shouted accusingly at Rainbow Dash and pointed a hoof at her, “You a racist Dash?”
“No," Responded the rainbow maned pony, "I'm just saying they're big and slow and FAT!”
“Why you little...”
More time passes.
“Okay, fine I'll be an earth pony!” sighed Rainbow Dash, nursing her injuries. Thankfully Twilight had managed to break the two ponies up before somone REALLY got hurt.
“And ah'll be a pegasus.” Applejack responded, holding an ice pack up to her face.
“I'll probably make a better earth pony than you anyway.” Rainbow muttered under her breath.
“Some one hold me back or ah swear ah'll hit her again!”
“I'm a unicorn!” pinkie shrieked with glee, “That means I can do magic!”
“Actually,” Twilight began, “All races can do magic in this game, if they don't have horns they use their hooves to do magic instead, unicorns are just slightly better at it.”
Twilight's five friends glared at her.
“Did I forget to mention that?" Twilight laughed nervously. "Never mind, let's just get on with choosing classes.”
Minutes turn into hours.
“Okay!” Twilight exclaimed, “Every pony has their character ready... finally.”
“It's not my fault this game is so gosh darn complicated.” Applejack responded.
“That's okay, that was the hard part, now we can get onto the fun part. let's start by introducing our characters, perhaps you should go first Applejack?”
“Alright. Here goes nothin.”
A powerful orange pegasus stallion makes his way through the crowd, standing a full two hooves taller than any one else in the street...
“Wait, you're playing a stallion?!” Rainbow Dash burst out with laughter. “I didn't know you were that way Applejack. HAHAHAHAHA!”
“It's just a game Rainbow, I'm trying to get in the spirit of things.”
“Whatever you say. So, how are you going to afford the operation?” Rainbow asked, barely holding back her laughter.
“Don't you say it, do not say...”
“You know! The sex change operation HAHAHAHAHA!” Dashie collapsed onto the ground, laughter wracking her body.
“Never mind her dear,” Rarity interrupted, “We all know who the filly fooler here is.” She smirked at Rainbow.
“Hey! That was just a rumour.”
“If you say so dear.”
“Alright, now as ah was sayin...”
The orange stallion moves through the crowded street, his long golden mane flowing freely in the wind, and the sun glinting off the sword and shield slung over his back. The stallions name is Jack Apple, and the seal on his full plate armour identifies him as a paladin of the sun goddess, Celestia. His cutie mark is a shield with Celestia's sun emblazoned on it, further marking his profession as a paladin.
Any who look into his bright green eyes can plainly see the conviction of his cause, and know that this stallion will never surrender to evil doers. The crowd parts before this holy warrior, not wishing to displease the palading by halting his progress as he makes his way towards the towns temple to recieve his newest mission.
“Good job Applejack!” Twilight applauded her friend.
“Yes, bravo Applejack, you painted a clear picture of our character for all of us.” Rarity added.
“Woohoo! Yeah! Go Applejack!” Pinkie cheered.
“Aw shucks, weren't nothin.” Applejack said, blushing slightly.
“Okay Rainbow Dash, your turn.” Twilight pointed at the cyan pegasus.
“Okay okay, let's get this over with.”
There is a full moon, and some clouds. An earth pony moves through the streets of the city undetected. Also she has blue fur and a colourful mane. And a bag of loot. And other stuff.
“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight interrupted her friend. “Please try to take this seriously, I promise you'll enjoy it if you do.”
“Okay fine.”
The pony stops for a second in the moonlight. Her short cropped rainbow mane contrasts against her blue coat, and her cutie mark is of a bandit's mask, indicative of only one profession. The thief's name is Silent Dash, as she moves on through the night, not a single onlooker even notices her passing. Her expertly crafted leather armour makes not even the slightest hint of noise as she scales a building, ready to put her skills to use. The night promises great rewards as always for this thief pony. Chuckling to herself as the clumsy lock on the third story window gives way to her lockpicking prowess, the pony enters the residence and smiles to herself as she spies all the loot that awaits her.
“See?” Said Twilight. “it wasn't that hard.”
“Sure, whatever.”
“Okay Pinkie, your turn.”
“YAY!”
A bright pink unicorn gleefully gallops across the country side. Her pink mane cut down to a rough mohawk. The mare's name is Minky Pie, and her muscles put work horses to shame, whilst the massive hammer at her side would make them flee in terror. Her cutie mark is of a rough mountain range, the homeland of this uncivilised barbarian pony. The barbarian has travelled far from her homeland, the call of adventure too strong for her too resist, and so she boldly makes her way into the more civilised parts of the world.
As the mare gallops across the land, she gets distracted by a travelling cupcake merchant. The massive barbarian pony befriends the merchant instantly and they share cupcakes together. Sweet delicous cupcakes.
“Oookay, I think you're getting a little distracted Pinkie.” Twilight halted the pink pony.
“Sorry Twilight, but these cupcakes are delicious.” The pink pony pointed at the sugary treat she was eating. “I thought they should be in the story.”
“Well anyway, you did well, now it's Rarity's turn.”
The fashionista cleared her throat and began to speak.
The spirit at the inn is ecstatic. Pony's laugh and drink and spread merriment amongst themselves in anticipation of tonight's entertainment. A rugged yet not unattractive bar keeper silences the crowd as the curtains on the nearby stage are pulled open. A white coated unicorn mare steps forward, her purple curls hidden beneath a minstrels hat, her eyes a brilliant deep blue.
Her fabulously designed outfit shows off her cutie mark, a diamond with a musical note within. The unicorn, who's name is Farity, brings forth a lyre with her magic and strums out a single note. The bard pauses, watching the crowd, their eyes begging to hear her legendary music, and eventually, Farity obliges, playing a sweet melody that will be remembered for all time.
“And THAT's how you introduce a character.” Rarity finished.
“Great job Rarity!” Twilight clapped her hooves together. “Okay, last pony, it's your turn Fluttershy.”
“No... that's okay, I don't think I'd be any good at it.”
“Don't worry dear, if an airhead like Rainbow Dash can do it, I'm sure you can also.” Rarity smiled at the timid pegasus.
Fluttershy hesitated for a moment before giving in yet again. “Okay, but don't expect me to be any good.”
Deep in the enchanted forest, a solitary yellow earth pony watches over the creatures around her. The pink maned pony is known as Shutterfly, her cutie mark of a leafy tree tells that she is a druid of the enchanted forest, one of only a few, charged with the defence of the creatures living amongst the trees and with the defence of the forest itself. It is a difficult, lonely job, with little recognition, but she is happy to do it. Serving nature is it's own reward.
A tiny white creature darts out from the bushes and runs up to it's master. A bunny rabbit...
“You chose a bunny?” Dash interrupted Fluttershy's introduction.
“Well yes I...”
“You could have had a hawk, or a wolf, or a bear, or something cool, you chose a bunny.”
“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity glared at the pegasus. “She's free to choose whatever animal she wants.”
“And bunnies are WAY cuter than those other mean animals!” pinkie added.
“But, it's a game! We're playing to win! Why choose an animal that isn't strong?”
“Well I didn't want one of those other animals.” Fluttershy finally spoke in her own defence. “Bunny's are smart and fast and quiet, and they have good eyesight. And they're just so adorable.”
“Okay fine, have your bunny if you want,” Rainbow Dash resigned, “What's your your bunny's name anyway?”
“Ummm... Angel.”
“I mean in the game.”
“So did I.”
Rainbow face hoofed. “Okay, whatever, let's just get this game over with.”
Twilight checked an item of a nearby check-list and proceeded to open up wide the Dungeon Master's guide. The unicorn cleared her throat.
“You arrive at the town of Hoofrest...”
End of Chapter
Author's Note
Hello, thank you for reading the first chapter of this fic. This is the first fimfic I have ever written, and I'm certain there are mistakes, as my written english is not very good, so if you see an error, please point it out and I will fix it. For the fic itself, I can't imagine that something like this hasn't been done before, but it still seemed like a fun idea. I play Dungeons and Dragons with my friends, and I am basing this story on the 3.5 ruleset because that's what I know, but the story isn't going to get too technical, so you don't need to be a DND nerd like me to enjoy it.
I'm sure you all noticed the change between past and present tense in the story, I've never written anything in present tense before, so it seemed wierd, but I think it is an itnerestign way to present the actual game parts, of course if anyone thinks I am wrong please let me know.
Oh and I would like to point out in case anybody is confused, the in game parts aren't the exact words the characters are saying as they are playing, it is more like a second story which is BASED on what the characters are saying, basically what is going on in the character's imagination.
I also want to point out, I'm not picking on Applejack or saying she is a homosexual or has some sort of gender confusion, it's just a game, and just about everyone I know has made a DND character of the opposite sex. Of course, that won't stop Rainbow Dash from picking on her.
Please give me lots of feedback, and I hope you enjoy the story.
Dungeons and Dragons - The Curse of Grom the Wicked
The rural town of Hoofrest is a quiet community nestled in the outskirts of the enchanted forest. Worlds apart from the bustling life of metropolis' like Canterlot and Manehattan, Hoofrest has known peace for generations. However that peace is coming to an end. Rumours spread throughout the region of Hoofrest being attacked by monsters, and a call for mercenaries and adventurers is put out. Five brave ponies have answered this call.
Jack Apple is the first to arrive at Hoofrest. Wearied by travel, the paladin makes his way to the inn to speak with the locals. Silent Dash is not far behind. The mare also makes her way to the inn. The inn is busy at this hour, full of ponies relaxing after a hard days work. As she enters the building, she spots the paladin in the crowd easily in his shining armour. The ponies' eyes meet and there is an understanding between them immediately. Silent Dash steps forward and speaks.
“Hey Mr paladin, you're here for the monster fighting right? We should go fight them together.”
“Yep, that sounds like a good idea to me, safety in numbers and all that.”
“Girls!” Twilight interrupted the dialogue. “What are you doing? You don't just walk up to ponies and say you want to fight monsters with them.”
“But isn't that what this game is about?” Rainbow Dash moaned.
“Well, sort of, but you have to 'roleplay'. You don't just instantly know which character is a player.”
“But I do know.” Rainbow Dash responded.
“Yah, this is all startin to sound mighty confusing.” Applejack put in.
“Look, just imagine that you're all really in this situation. You've just come into a new town and you don't know any pony, what do you do?”
Jack Apple is the first to arrive at Hoofrest. Wearied by travel, the paladin makes his way to the inn to speak with the locals. Silent Dash is not far behind. The mare also makes her way to the inn. The inn is busy at this hour, full of ponies relaxing after a hard days work. She enters the building and goes straight up to the bar, ordering a cider. Jack Apple meanwhile speaks with the locals, trying to find more information about the situation.
Without much effort, the stallion learns that a wizard near the edge of town has posted a bounty for any pony who can stop the monster attacks, but the locals know little more than that. Jack Apple leaves the inn to speak with the wizard in person.
“No! You're supposed to go together.” Twilight Sparkle interrupted the game once again.
“But Why would we?” Applejack responded, “I thought we didn't know each other.”
Twilight groaned and face hoofed. “Okay, okay, I have a solution, why don't we just say you were all friends and you were travelling together.”
“Why would ah be friends with a thief?”
“Why would I be friends with a stuck up goody four shoes paladin?”
“Because! You're adventurers! Adventurers stick together!” Twilight spoke through clenched teeth as she clapped her hooves together. She was getting that crazy look in her eyes. The other five ponies decided it would be safest to just go along with the unicorn's idea.
Five adventurers make their way into the town of Hoofrest together, weary from their travel, they head straight to the inn. The inn is busy at this hour, full of ponies relaxing after a hard days work. As the adventurers enter, they draw the attention of the crowd. The unlikely band of friends, a paladin of Celestia, a thief, a bard, a barbarian and a druid are out of place in the rural inn. Shutterfly moves to hide behind the hulking pink barbarian in order to be out of the view of the staring patrons.
Eventually the patrons lose their interest and go back to their business. Jack Apple begins asking the locals for information and learns that the town has indeed been beset by monsters. He learns that a wizard near the edge of town has posted a bounty, but they have no more information than that.
“Well Ah reckon we all go see this wizard fella, seems like he's the way to go.” The paladin addresses his friends.
“Alright, let's get out of this dump and fight some monsters.” Silent Dash exclaims.
“EEEE! We're going to go fight the monsters, we're going to go fight the monsters!” The over excitable barbarian begins to sing in a high pitched tone.
“Very well Applejack, uhhh... Jack Apple. Off we go.” Farity adds.
Together the five adventurers set out to the wizards home, a small cottage by the edge of town. Silent Dash reaches the door first and knocks on it with her hoof.
“Hey wizard guy! Come out here! We're here to fight monsters!”
“Rainbow Dash! That's no way to talk to ponies!” Jack Apple scolds the blue earth pony.
“The name is 'Silent Dash'”
“Ahh, right, I knew that.”
“Allow me.” Farity steps forward, she knocks gently on the door and calls out. “Oh mr wizard sir, we are five brave adventurers here to deal with your monster problem, please do come and speak to us!”
Movement can be heard from within the home. Eventually hoof steps lead up to the door and a heavy latch is undone. The door swings open. A lavender coated unicorn stallion stands there. His mane is straight cut and a deep purple color, with a streak of pink. He wears a long flowing purple robe that conceals his cutie mark. The wizard looks over the group for a moment before speaking.
“Do you know what time it is?”
“Do you?” Silent Dash responds. “Because I'm pretty sure clocks haven't been invented yet.”
“Dash!” The pegasus paladin nudges her friend. “Be nice.”
The robed wizard points up at the near full moon. “It's the middle of the night! I was sleeping!” he says angrily.
“What the hay!? How was I supposed to know what time it was?” Rainbow Dash growled.
“Wait... did I forget to say that part?” Twilight flips through her book of notes. “Ahem! The sun has just set over the horizon when the five adventurers enter Hoofrest...”
“Okay, okay, I get it, it's night time.”
“Well sorry for waking you mister wizard sir.” Silent Dash begins.
“Midnight Spark.” The unicorn offers his name to the group.
“Yeah that thing. Anyway, if you can just tell us where the monsters are, we can get to fighting them.”
“I wanna fight ALL THE MONSTERS!” Minky Pie shouts.
“It's not that simple.” Midnight Spark explains.
“It never is.” Silent Dash sighs. “Wait, if you were sleeping, why are you wearing your wizards robe?”
“I uhhh... I sleep in it? For warmth?”
“Now Dashie, you can't blame a unicorn for wanting to look his best even when he's sleeping.” Farity interrupts.
“I fell asleep in a pile of cotton candy once.” The barbarian adds.
“Pinky Pie, that's not a real thing in this world.” Midnight Spark addresses the unicorn barbarian.
“My name's MINKY Pie silly.”
“No, that was out of character... Oh never mind.” The unicorn clears his throat “The monsters are being led by an evil cleric of Discord, known as Grom the Wicked. His lair is...”
As the mage speaks, Silent Dash subtly steps up beside him, her hoof casually dropping into the pocket of his robe without any pony else seeing.
“Rainbow!” Applejack shouted, “What a thing to do!”
“What? It's just a game, I wanna see what he has in his pockets.”
“But he's trying to give you a quest!” Twilight tried to reason with the pegasus, “You can't just steal from him before he even finishes speaking.”
“Yes I can, that player's handbook thingy said I can do anything I want. And I want what's in his pockets.”
“Okay fine, just roll your Sleight of Hand.”
“Is it this big dice?”
“Yes, and it's called a die when it's just one. Now everyone else rolls spot.”
The group obliged and began to roll. Rainbow Dash jumped up in triumph when her die came to a rest. “Wooh! I got a 20! Does that mean I win.”
Silent Dash digs deep into the wizards pocket and her hoof comes to rest on a small pouch. She removes the item without any other pony realising and pockets it for her self. There are ten gold coins in the pouch. The wizard continues speaking, completely unaware.
“His lair is located within the enchanted forest, you will need my help to find your way there. If you wish, we can leave tomorrow morning, the inn will have rooms to rent for the night.”
“Why can't we just go now?” Silent Dash asks.
“Because I was sleeping, and I intend to go BACK to sleep.”
“So let me get this straight, we come here for adventure, and you tell us to go to sleep?”
“You don't have to sleep if you don't want,” The wizard responded, “Feel free to go into the enchanted forest alone right now. The biggest monsters come out at night you know? In fact why don't you just slather barbecue sauce all over yourself and...”
“Okay, fine, whatever. We'll go sleep. I just came into some money anyway, so I think I'll order breakfast in bed tomorrow.” Silent Dash winks at the unicorn. “Well see ya later Sparky. I'm off to the inn.”
“See ya tomorrow.” Applejack waved at the unicorn.
“Byeeeeeee.” said Minky Pie.
“Goodnight and sweet dreams.” Farity addded.
“Umm... bye.” The timid Shutterfly ran off after the others.
The five adventurers made their way back to the inn. There were enough beds available for them all, and to the ponies' surprise, Silent Dash offered to pay for all of them, breakfast in bed included. The travel weary adventurers retired to their rooms and set in for a good sleep, dreaming of the adventure that they were to have the following day.
Author's Note
Well here's chapter 2, thanks for reading. If you like this story, please leave some feedback, if you don't like this story, leave EVEN MORE feedback (as long as its constructive).
Also, do you ever get that feeling when you're posting your fic and you just KNOW you've done something wrong, but can't figure out what it is? Well I've got that right now, so if any body can figure out my probably obvious mistake please let me know.