GM KareBear's Tails of Equestria

Game Master Phaedra Rose

"She had this sort of magic map thing I think...and it started pulsing in the Badlands. That's when she knew it was there that they had to go. I'm sorry if I'm not much more help with information....but I have this and it'll help you supply yourselves for the trip and maybe help you get out there. I wish there was more I could do to help you, but I only know so much. I'm sorry." Spike says as he pulls out a pouch and handing it to Lilac, "I know it isn't very much considering the tasks that lie ahead of you, but I hope it helps."

Lilac smiles. "Any help is appreciated."

She looks inside of the pouch to see what Spike gave to them.

Inside the pouch is two hundred bits.

"That should help with supplies and wotnot." Spike says as Lilac looks inside, "It's the only way I have to help my friends, aside from watching these wee rascals for them." He says, giving Angel a knowing look.

Lilac is honestly surprised. "Wow...um, yeah, I understand they're very important to you and we'll do our best to help them out."

Anyone that would like to, can make a mind check, difficulty 6 to figure out what else they might need to find out about before going to gear up. Spikes knowledge of the badlands is limited, so you'll have to figure out how to ascertain more information.

Okay, so you have a few choices here actually. Since Spike has already told you he doesn't know anything else, you can talk to him about how to get to the badlands, you can try to remember specifics about the area. Though it is not well known so to do that would be a mind test difficulty 8, or you could ask if there's anyway to research about the Badlands so you know how to outfit and prepare for your journey. Really, there's lots of ways you can go from here, so you guys just go ahead and decide how you want to tackle gathering your information. Does that make sense?

Verdant begins to look around for any books that might help. That is, after a few moments hesitation of nearing the bookcase.

"Maybe we should ask around and see if anypony knows anything that might help?" Cylver suggests.

Looking at Spike she asks, "Is there anywhere that we might find some information about the badlands that might help us?"

Going to the window he points towards Twilight's place, "You could go check out Twilight's library. She has tons of books, and I'm sure you could find something useful there."

"You know a bit about magic, right, Cylver?"

"I dabble for funzies but studying is no fun, you know?" Cylver answers.

Lilac chuckles. "I like studying. But...if I had a question, could you help with that?"

The pony shrugs. "Ask away."

"I didn't mean right this second. I meant while we were researching in Twlight's library."

"Oh. Right, sure thing."

"Thanks," Lilac says. "So, we'll need some stuff for the trip, I think. Should we handle that first?"

Mind: 1d8 ⇒ 1; See what I know about the Badlands.
Keen Knowledge (Geography), if that helps: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Okay, so anyone can roll a mind check since you're going to the library to do research. It's a mind test diff 4 to actually try to find information this way.

What can I find about the badlands?: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Books are Hard: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Geez, I'll spend the friendship token.

Mind: 1d8 ⇒ 1

This game hates us.

Dammmnnnn.....well, guess we'll just wait and see if Verdant can roll a little better. Books really are hard. Lol

What do I know of the Badlands: Mind: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Nope, burn 2: 1d20 ⇒ 11

O.o....Wow....okay, so I'm gonna give you a choice here since that roll was so completely awesome. So, the check you needed for using the books to research the Badlands was only a four, which you made with your first roll. So...do you want to keep the first roll and save your tokens, or...do you want to keep your second roll and know everything there is to know about the Badlands, how to get there, what kind of supplies you need? Ect and so forth. If you keep your first roll, you'll still know stuff about the Badlands, it just might not be quite as detailed. But the choice is completely up to you. :o)

So, which roll would you like to keep Verdant? Do you want to save your token, or continue with your second roll.

Totally missed the bit about Mind 4. I'll take the first roll.

After about an hour of all of you searching through Twilight's library, Verdant stumbles across a pile of books and something that looks like a check list, folded up in a map of the badlands.

As you go through all the information that you found, you discover that the list is actually the original check list that Twilight used to prepare for the mission. Mixed in with all this paper work, is a map of the Badlands. It doesn't seem to be very detailed, but has a few landmarks on it.
Going through the books you realize that the quickest way to get to the Badlands from Ponyville, is by taking the Friendship Express train to Dodge City, then hiking further south through Dodge Canyon.

In addition, you learn that the Badlands is a harsh region. It's very hot during the day, there are frequent dust storms, and there are many dangerous creatures that live there, including Diamond Dogs, dragons, and a huge stony bird called a Roc.

All the texts seem to recommend that anypony traveling to the Badlands brings adventuring gear, sturdy horseshoes for wilderness trekking, and hoods or cowls to keep the heat and dust off. These items can be easily found at a shop in Ponyville for a small amount of bits, (around 75). If they gear up properly, traveling in the Badlands will be easier for them.

It still gives you quiet a bit of information.

*singsong voice* It was under B.

It's a good thing you know the dewey decimal system, I was afraid we'd run into Conan The Librarian there for a second.

"Sounds like it's time for a shopping spree."

LQ nods, "Yes, we should make sure to have everything we need before leaving."

Lilac points to the door. "Off to the market!"

I'll probably continue this tomorrow. Not feeling too good tonight and don't really feel like looking stuff up. Basically, you know everything you need to get for the trip and have the 200 extra bits that Spike gave you to help outfit you for this adventure.

So, you all head off to the market place to find what you need for the trip. It's not difficult to find the things you need with so many vendors in the square.

You can either just sort of narrate what you want to buy, or you can interact with the vendors.

There are several different stalls, run by all kinds of ponies selling different wares.

Looking around she says, "Maybe we should ask around and find out what we will need in the Badlands?"

You already told us this: "All the texts seem to recommend that anypony traveling to the Badlands brings adventuring gear, sturdy horseshoes for wilderness trekking, and hoods or cowls to keep the heat and dust off. These items can be easily found at a shop in Ponyville for a small amount of bits, (around 75). If they gear up properly, traveling in the Badlands will be easier for them."

"I have some things," Lilac says. "Maybe we should see about the hoods first."

Oh...right. I'm sorry, it's been a while, so I forgot what I actually told you already. Sorry.

LQ nods in agreement, "That seems like a good idea to me."

"I'll second that. I think..........," Mind: 1d6 ⇒ 2 "This way!" Verdant proceeded confidently down the street. In the wrong direction.

Mind: 1d8 ⇒ 8

"Hey, Verdant! Come back!"

As you all head through the market place together, you see several different shops and stalls that offer a wide variety of goods and services. The shop that sells different hoods and clothes is located near the smith's shop.

As you enter a young filly trots up to your group, "Well...good morning to you all. What can Wilma's Wears do for you today?"

"We need some appropriate clothing for traveling to the Badlands," Lilac answers.

The filly prances around the group taking in their clothing, "Oh my....oh yes, those things would never do in a place like the Badlands. There's so much sand there, you could get it in your eyes, your mane, your tail....simply dreadful. I can't imagine why anyone would want to go there....but if you're sure you need to, I think we have just the thing you'll need."

Going to some racks she pulls out some hooded wear in various colors, "These should do the trick for what you need. Just two bits each. Go ahead and pick out any color that you like." She says with a friendly smile as she lays out the items for you all to look over.

Verdant skidded to a stop and turned to Lilac, "Hmm?"

Earlier:

"The store's over there."

Now:

"I'm not good at selecting colors..."

Going over the various colors, she picks out a light blue one. "Here you go, try this one. It looks like the color of a clear sky, and I think it might make your eyes stand out a little more." She says as she holds out the hooded garment to Lilac.

Just then there comes a rustling from the back of the store as an older mare steps out from the back, "Winnifred....what's all the ruckus about?"

Going to the older mare she helps her into a rocker and puts a blanket over her lap, "Nothing Aunt Wilma, I was just helping these nice ponies pick out some things. Did we wake you from your nap?"

Patting her niece on the head she says, "Oh..it's alright dearie. I can nap anytime, you go ahead and help our customers. I'm just going to rest my eyes for a few minutes here."

Coming back over to you she says, "Sorry for the interruption, Aunt Wilma...well, she's beginning to get a little grey around the mane if you know what I mean. I came back from Canterlot recently to help her here at home." She says in way of explanation as Wilma's head drops and distinctive snoring can be heard coming from her.

"Thank you," Lilac says. "It's awfully nice of you to look after your aunt like this."

She just shrugs, "My Aunt has always been there for me whenever I needed her. It's only right that I be there for her now. I love her and she's family. That's what you do for family right?"

Giving a nod of her head she says, "You're welcome, so...how about the rest of you? Know what color you'd like to pick out?"

LQ looks at herself, and then looks at all the beautiful cloaks. Sighing she says, "I'm really not sure which one I should pick either. Maybe I should just take this brown one, it would go with everything."