Hayday - On Set (IC)

Alcoltraz. When you first arrived, so long ago, you thought that the storm that was occurring at the time was just the icing on the cake. Tonight, that storm still rages on, but you don't even notice it any more, even when the bolts of lightning strike so close to your cell. The cellblocks, even at night, are guarded by far more ponies than needed, as if you have anything better to do than recount the amount of the drab grey bricks you can see. Your hooves, legs, and arms are always in hoofcuffs. Your tools and possessions, confiscated and removed off site. Your wings, tied close. Your magic, dampened. Every passing minute a constant reminder of what your punishment is. To stay in here and rot. Everypony here, staff included, care more about their greatest enemies than they do you. Needless to say, this place sucks, and you'll be here for a long, long time...

Well, unless fate plays you a new hand, that is...

Your night is rudely interrupted by the ringing of a baton tapping your cell door, which then begins to open. You see three guards before you: a unicorn in a shirt and badge, who is wielding the baton with his magic, an earth pony, wearing traditional royal guard armour, and a shirt-wearing pegasus, armed with a small storm cloud, ready to send a constant stream of lightning at you should you try anything stupid. "Come on," the unicorn orders you impatiently, "Warden wants to speak to you in the yard. Don't keep him waiting."

Jill has grown something of a nice reputation in her short three years locked up here. Most unicorns' magics were subdued by the basic magical dampeners that have been set up around the building, even some unicorn guards take a while to get used to how dampened they were here. There are some more troubled cases of Unicorns strong enough or smart enough to require a special horn dampeners worn nearly all the time. But for Jill Night, she was even strong enough and clever enough to be footed with a level three horn dampener being worn on her at ALL times, her magical usage reported and watched for every second of the day. And the only times she has gotten this high tech magical equipment removed Jill had to be tranquilized so nothing major would happen. And even then most smart guards were on edge at such times when Jill was forcibly cleaned by others while she was unknocions.

So to say the least, Jill was the type of pony most didn't even want to be near her for good reason. So for the Science Minded Unicorn being called, that was a shock, one that she knew was just a cover for something else. It had to be...

Jill looks around once she reached the yard... Trying to keep an eye out for who else was being called, trying to figure the real reason for her being dragged away from her nice quiet cellblock.

Terracotta Jade sat in her cell, staring dully at the same blank wall she had been for an indefinite period of time- she shifted to look at a different one every few days or weeks. She missed her old cell- part of the original prison building, it had some fairly interesting stonework- which was unfortunately why she was transferred to her bare metal cell in the interior of one of the newer wings of the complex. She regretted the attempt- she had made her way through the stonework easily enough, but was unable to get off the island. Now she had additional security measures placed on her, usually reserved for unicorns- for unicorns weren't the only ones with magic. Hers was perhaps more limited, more tied to the earth and the use of her hooves- but she could work wonders with the raw materials of nature, and her time spent among powerful magical artifacts had left its mark.

She was surprised when the guards came in saying the warden wanted to see her, but continued to appear completely impassive. "Really? I have not done anything. Which is quite literally true. Not that I'm complaining, a change of scenery, and company would be quite welcome." The guards looked just as unamused as she did. As they walked, just once she lurched to the side as though she was going to fall down before steadying herself again, watching in amusement as the guards moved out of the way and readied their weapons instead of getting closer to help her- so they had learned from last time. She didn't mess with them again though, not wanting to be at the receiving end of their hooves or magic.

It seemed the warden wanted to speak to some of the other inmates as well, as strange as that would be. So far they had also brought out a green unicorn with some serious magic dampening on her. Jade didn't know her personally, but she thought she might have heard about her, as infrequent as her interactions with the guards and other inmates were.

Vari La Therinea had been awoken by the tapping. She blinked the sleepiness from her eight eyes and got up languidly. She knew she wouldn't be rushed. By now the guards knew that she was generally well-behaved unless provoked. And they didn't want to do that. Not with what they had heard about what she'd done to other guards who had behaved less professionally one way or another. While they might be sure they could handle her, others had thought the same in the past. So they let her be while she stretched and gave a sultry sigh as she worked out some of the kinks. She could have pushed to limits further, if just to see where exactly they were, but, she was curious as to why the Warden would want to see her. She hoped there would be time for a meal and stepped out, smiling innocently at the guards as they backed away to keep out of reach.

Selena stretched out in response to the unicorn's instructions, well as much as her bonds would allow. The guards learned quickly that she needed to be well controlled, her languishing attitude belied a quick beast that could take a few ponies time to stop. But alas, she wasn't a good enough swimmer to actually escape... She looked up at the unicorn, almost taunting him with her eyes, "Oh dear, have I been a bad kitty again? I suppose I should go before the warden decides I don't get cream tonight." And with that she stalked out of the cell, appearing as if she were the one unchained and above her captors. Oh yes, soon they'll find out what kind of cat they've got.

Xel Unknown wrote:Jill looks around once she reached the yard... Trying to keep an eye out for who else was being called, trying to figure the real reason for her being dragged away from her nice quiet cellblock.

Spoiler:

From the gravelly yard, you can see the whole perimeter is covered by guards. Times like this you wonder how many guards are actually on the island. The confident-looking Warden, accompanied by two black suitcases and his own entourage, stands between the yard and the constantly monitored port, where boats rarely dock, and disappear almost as suddenly as they arrive. Despite the storm clouds, there is not a hint of rain, but you already knew that. You are the first inmate to arrive to the yard, but before you get any ideas that you will be alone, you see other prisoners arrive, starting with that green mane earth pony who got moved to the recently renovated Cell Block C, which is apparently more depressing than the traditional cells. She is also escorted by a group of guards similar to yours...

Curunir wrote:It seemed the warden wanted to speak to some of the other inmates as well, as strange as that would be. So far they had also brought out a green unicorn with some serious magic dampening on her. Jade didn't know her personally, but she thought she might have heard about her, as infrequent as her interactions with the guards and other inmates were.

Spoiler:

You know that she's always wears those magic dampening stuff, but you're not too sure on any other details...

(If you want to know more about the unicorn, I'm gonna need a Streetwise check. That goes for anyone who wants to learn anything about a different inmate...)

Soon, you are joined by that spider pony thing which all the stallions fall for, somehow...

Ramsus wrote:She hoped there would be time for a meal and stepped out, smiling innocently at the guards as they backed away to keep out of reach.

Spoiler:

You see a green mane earth pony mare and a unicorn mare, wearing some extra restriction on her horn, also waiting in the yard when you arrive. The three of you are then joined by the large cat, who would be a curious sight in the prison had there not been a spider pony and whatever other monsters are locked up in here...

thematthew wrote:And with that she stalked out of the cell, appearing as if she were the one unchained and above her captors. Oh yes, soon they'll find out what kind of cat they've got.

Spoiler:

A while passes after the panther arrives, but the Warden hasn't spoken yet, so it's possible you are still waiting upon some pony. Most of the guards that escorted you here have joined the guards on the perimeter, except for the pegasi with storm clouds (which, for convienence sake, I shall refer to as Tasers), who remain behind you, always ready just in case...

Selena looks over the others gathered, carefully considering each behind a placid face of apathetic disdain.

streetsmarts checks:

"So then... How many more are we waiting on?" Jill asks a little annoyed at just standing around waiting for the stranglers.

Bullion was immersed in counting the bricks of the cell - for roughly the hundredth time - when a group of guards arrived and demanded his presence. He stretched himself up to his imposing full height, the gold manacles (probably the Warden's idea of a joke. He didn't find it amusing.) clanging lightly against the gray stone. "Of course. What can Bullion do for His High Mightiness the Warden today?" No response from the guards; they must have been instructed to ignore every word that comes out of his mouth after that last time. Smart. Bullion sighs as strides after the guards out into the yard, making sure to exaggerate his lumbering movements as much as possible.

A cat, an earth pony, a unicorn, and a spider... thing? Interesting. "I say, Warden, what an interesting little menagerie you've assembled here. Are we being transferred to the circus? Anything to get off this Tartarus-forsaken rock... "

Vari looks over at Bullion and comments, "Ooh, the circus? I hear they have all sorts of creatures and treats!" and claps her two front-most claws together in either honest or mock excitement. You can't be sure which.

Selena yawned, "Oh yes, we're going to be sent to amuse all the good little foals of Equestria. It will be so fun that you'll forget your wickedness and renounce your life of crime." She then looks over at one of the guards, "Excuse me, would you be a dear and scratch my nose? I don't really feel like removing these manacles this time..." she says with a grin.

Jill laughs. "I'd only just experiment on the effects of magically charged lighting has on the young minds if we end up there."

Terracotta smirked at the joking going on... but seriously, something was up. Other than the others being gathered here looking at first glance to be dangerous, even for this place, she wasn't sure she could come up with a reason they'd all be here. Did the warden think they were all plotting something? She didn't even know these inmates! She tried to think if she had heard of them before and if there were any connecting links between any of them. It was all very puzzling.

But puzzling was good. It was interesting. Anyone watching Jade would notice she was now standing up straight, an intent look on her face as she absorbed her surroundings, her eyes lit up with interest, instead of the slouching dull-eyed, bored pony she had been a few minutes ago (and for some time since her last failed escape attempt)

Spoiler:

Retrokinesis wrote:A cat, an earth pony, a unicorn, and a spider... thing? Interesting. "I say, Warden, what an interesting little menagerie you've assembled here. Are we being transferred to the circus? Anything to get off this Tartarus-forsaken rock... "

Spoiler:

The Warden doesn't really react to what you, or anyone else have said, although some of the Tasers ready themselves. He just remains smiling, which is something you've almost never seen the Warden do. In fact, if smiles could talk, this one would be taunting you, as if it is hiding something from you...

thematthew wrote:Selena yawned, "Oh yes, we're going to be sent to amuse all the good little foals of Equestria. It will be so fun that you'll forget your wickedness and renounce your life of crime." She then looks over at one of the guards, "Excuse me, would you be a dear and scratch my nose? I don't really feel like removing these manacles this time..." she says with a grin.

The guard ignores your request...

thematthew wrote:

streetsmarts checks:

(All separate is good, although you can also do all general, but a medium separate score will give more info than a high general score...)

You know that the unicorn is known as Jill. A curious little pony, you've seen her fail more or less any physically activity put in her way by the guards. However, there's a reason she is wearing all that dampening gear. You know she has to wear it all the time, being tranquillised or knocked out whenever it has to be removed, and every week, while she is unconscious, she is force fed a Blackback Mushroom, a special fungi which tastes bitter to unicorns and weakens their magic. She seems to care very little about others, putting the advancement of science before all else. Apparently, thanks to her, a small town close one of the mountains that is around Foal Mountain, and in fact the mountain it was near, is pretty much no more...

You know that pony-spider as Vari. All the stallions fall for her if she spends some time with them. You've seen her attempt to lure many fellow inmates back to her cell to do Celestia knows what, but most of the time guards stop her and she is rewarded with a couple of storm shocks. Still, despite her looks, you know that she is surprising strong and agile...

You know that the earth pony here, named Jade, attempted to break out not too long ago. She got pretty close, but couldn't find a way off of Alcoltraz Island, and was locked in the recently renovated Cell Block C, which is mostly made of metal, so you can't waste the hours away counting the bricks any more. Still, you've heard she's smart, and has a love for ancient treasure...

When the Minotaur joins the rest of you, you know him to be Bullion. You don't know much about him, but you've heard some of your inmate customers refer to him as a big shot...

(I'll tell you what you know about Snake when he arrives...)

Curunir wrote:

Spoiler:

You don't really know any of them, except for Selena, who you've asked to attempt to fetch you something one time. You know she's pretty good at what she does...

The Warden, an ageing grey earth pony who always seems to speak down to you, steps forward slightly. "You may be surprised that I've brought you out here," he calls out in his deep voice. "So imagine my surprise when my wife tells me that a royal carriage, complete with a squad of guards, had visited to deliver a letter of the highest importance to me. Let me tell you what it said. It said that Princess Celestia herself has decided that, due to all the hard work I have put into this place, I shall be rewarded with a two week, all expenses paid vacation to Prance." The Warden takes a break in his speech to bask in the small applause from some of the perimeter guards...

He then continues, in a much more serious tone. "The letter also stated that, after much consideration, the Princess has decided to have you all banished and sent to the Dragon Lands, never to set hoof in Equestria ever again. This letter was signed and hoof-stamped by the Princess as well. Allow me to let that settle in for you mindless crooks. Celestia herself has decided that you are too corrupt for this proud country, and has decided that you are not worth keeping under her protection. This is not a decision I have ever seen her make, so let that just say something in just how horrible you all are."

One of the guards at the Warden's side begins to carry the suitcases. "We have a boat ready to transport you to San Franciscolt, where we have made arrangements to have you all shipped out as far away from Equestria as possible. Let's make a move on, the quicker you criminals are out of the country the better." With that, he turns and heads to the dock, his personal guards beside him, while the Tasers behind all of you begin to kick up a storm, which you know is how they threaten inmates to do what is asked. As you get to the pier, you see two large boats. The Warden is heading to the one on the left, and you are all being taken to the one on the right...

"I wonder what dragon tastes like." Vari muses as she walks over to the boat.

Jill Night equally mused about the Spiderpony's biology to herself. Out of this small group, Vari was the only one that held the Unicorn's interest. "Mmm... Might I ask you some questions?" Jill asks as, not giving a flying buck what what guards thought, she follows the Spider onto said boat.

"Oh, probably. You are the brainy one or so I've heard." Vari replies teasingly.

"A letter of condemnation from the Princess herself? I wasn't aware I warranted such attention. It's good to be recognized for my work, finally". Bullion lumbers after the spider-thing and the mad unicorn towards the boats, turning to chat with (or at) the guards as he walks. "Truthfully, I didn't even know dragons had lands. I'm sure it will be fascinating".

Or at least it would be if he had any intention of actually going there. Bullion had started plotting his escape the moment he heard they'd be on a boat away from the island. His fellow prisoners were probably thinking the same thing and he doubted they could pack enough guards onto the boat to keep them all under control. The only question that remained was: should they take control of the boat at sea or wait for it to arrive at San Franciscolt and escape there? It would certainly be easier to escape at sea but he had no experience with sailing...

Jill chuckles at Vari's snark, she enjoyed test subjects that joked like that. "So then... Where you born like this... Or somehow mutated into the biological beauty that you are now?"

"What? Doc, you've never seen a spiderpony before? This is all natural." Vari says, continuing to tease and gives a turn to show herself off.

Selena shrugs, "Oh no! To never see the beautiful Equestria again! How shall I ever survive?!" she moans. "Oh warden, be a dear and give the princess my regards. It'll be a little while before she sees me again." And with a wicked grin Selena resumes her almost unfazed appearance.

"Oh my, you are a charmer... Aren't you..." Jill said with a smile as she looked over the spiderpony to try and gleam any major medical facts she could theorize from just looking at Vari.

FOR MEDICAL SCIENCE!:

Jade was surprised- something strange was going on here. Since when do royal carriages carry mail? Did Celestia herself come to visit the prison? The banishment was new as far as she knew, confirmed by the Warden's statement. What did they think would stop any of them from coming back into Equestria? There hadn't been any threats. Why wouldn't the princess do this before, if they were such trouble? Perhaps they were to be executed in an out of the way place. In any case, Jade resolved to be vigilant, and expected the others were waiting for a chance to escape as well- perhaps they could be of some use to each other.

"Well, I'm sure exile in the Dragon Lands will sure beat living here." Although she had no intention of staying there if she could help it.

To Bullion she muttered "I know what I did to attract Celestia's attention, but I had thought I had already been being punished for that."

"Nice suitcases you have there Warden, I don't suppose you were a gentlecolt and had anypony bring out our belongings for our own special vacation?"

Spoiler:

Xel Unknown wrote:

FOR MEDICAL SCIENCE!:

(Wait a darn minute, you can use other colours for text? This opens so many options for me...)

You see that, biologically, the spiderpony is just that. A mixture of a pony and some sort of venomous spider. She can do anything an earth pony can do, and has some sort of cutie mark equivalent, but also anything a spider can do, including shooting webs, climbing walls, poisonous bites, and seeing in the dark...

Curunir wrote:"Nice suitcases you have there Warden, I don't suppose you were a gentlecolt and had anypony bring out our belongings for our own special vacation?"

Spoiler:

"Your old stuff will be given to the captain of the boat that's going to take you to the Dragon Lands as an additional payment," barks one of the guards, "Now get a move on."

The Dragon Lands is the area south of Equestria, most known for the common destination of the Great Dragon Migration. Despite the name though, it is mostly a barren wasteland, which contains many wild beasts and very little civilization, if any at all. It's a miracle anything could survive there. As for punishments, you don't know all that much about criminals being exiled or executed, other than unconfirmed stories and some old mare's tales...

While you get on the boat, you see that the boat The Warden went on has already started moving. It takes a good amount of time, but eventually your boat starts moving. You are all seated on the deck of the ship, and you know that there are 12 guards on the ship, with six regular guards and two tasers on the deck with you all...