Page 530 – Social Subterfuge

Fishing a little bit with this Story Time: Using underhanded or elaborate tactics to accomplish a relatively mundane thing in a roleplaying game?

Princess Luna: Luna goes to hug Fluttershy. “THANK YOU SO MUCH! OUR NEW SPEAKING VOLUME WILL SURELY HELP US WIN THE HEARTS OF YOUR FELLOW VILLAGERS!”

Twilight Sparkle: Woah, wait. I thought we just solved the voice problem.

Princess Luna: Luna is… a little excitable.

Fluttershy: Um, at this point, Fluttershy’s just kind of overwhelmed, so…

DM: She just flops around in Luna’s grasp?

Fluttershy: Something like that, I guess.

Pinkie Pie: Hey! Wouldn’t now be a perfect time for Pinkie and the kids to show up?

DM: Uh, why would she…?

Pinkie Pie: Maybe she convinced the kids that hiding out at Fluttershy’s place would be super-safe!

DM: …Makes enough sense. Sure. That happens. But as you approach and see Luna hugging a limp Fluttershy, you hear:

???: Watch out! Nightmare Moon stole Fluttershy’s voice! That way she can’t scream when she GOBBLES HER UP!

Pinkie Pie: AGAIN?! WHO’S SAYING THAT?!

Applejack: Everypony who’s there, roll Perception!

Twilight Sparkle:

<roll> 19.<br/>
Princess Luna: <roll> 11.<br/>
Fluttershy: Um… <roll> 10.<br/>
Pinkie Pie: <roll> 25!<br/>
DM: Pinkie Pie, you’re able to tell that it’s the same stallion’s voice as before. But you barely catch the slightest glimpse of a shadow among the trees, and then nothing.<br/>
Applejack: Really? On a 25?<br/>
DM: Yep.<br/>
Applejack: Ohhh dear.<br/>
DM: The kids start screaming and running away again.<br/>
Pinkie Pie: <siiiigh> I follow.<br/>
Princess Luna: WAIT, CHILDREN, WAIT! …Er, I mean… No… Wait… Come back…<br/>
Twilight Sparkle: Well, at least we learned one thing.<br/>
Princess Luna: I’m terrible with foals?<br/>
Twilight Sparkle: A super-stealthy lone operative is trying to ruin your first Nightmare Night. And I think I can guess who’s involved.<br/>
Applejack: Freakin’ Thieves Guild…