Aisede

"Ah," it was a good thing she could split her attention so easily, but her thoughts were a little too focused in that moment to maintain the flow as well as she'd like. "All's the better." Getting up, she stretched her legs and limbered herself up for a takeoff- well, metaphorically. Or metaphysically, rather. "I apologize, but I must depart your company. Other matters require my attention." She turned to give him a nod and an easy smile, slightly leaning over the ledge. "You should visit my shop sometime. I create potions for all manner of things, both conventional and not. I'm confident you could find something you didn't know you were looking for ~" And then she was gone. In a quiet pop- akin to a teleport with a silencer- she appeared near the living anomaly and, more importantly, a soon-to-be acquaintance, settling down on the spot to watch what events unfold. "Good evening mares and gentlecolts." if that amalgamation could even be called a gentlecolt.

As Rose waited on an answer from Tiger Blood, she detected a conspicuous anomaly in the vicinity that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Its readings were... Disconcerting for one as cautious as her. Curiously, she shifted her attention away from the rude sphinx- she'd gotten most of what she needed from him- and directed her attention and enhanced senses towards the direction of the anomaly, quickly discerning it to be an anomalous organism of chimeric design. One Discord. Some dark, inner part of her was repulsed by the name, summoning stories of ill-tidings and anarchy to the surface of her mind, but she forced that voice down with one that stood with far more authority: scientific curiosity. Clearly, this world's Discord was not nearly as calamitous as her own, hence the remarkably tame reactions of the locals, and the actions of one miss 'Bevel.' Hm, so it would seem Fluttershy isn't the only mare with an attraction to the strange and unusual. After a moment of eavesdropping on the two, a small smile cut its way across her muzzle, thin and inscrutable. She knew it was rather rude of her, but... Who could call her out on this anyway? "World's greatest inventor you say?" The voice, to bevel, would sound as if the speaker were right next to her, engaging with a conversational tone. "Why, do I have a proposition for you, Miss Bevel ~" a short giggle rang out following this proclamation. Theatrics were always so amusing when she could afford them.

Perhaps naïve may be too harsh a term. Ignorant is more like it for a pony that's travelled through time. "I noticed she had a knack for combining materials to make something new. I was curious what enhancements she could make to her formulas if given the option to utilize magic in the creation process." Taking Twilight's criticism to heart, she scanned over the device as it operated, easily spotting the flaws in her patchwork mechanism. She could probably utilize circuit breakers to prevent a cascade and limit the power the runes draw in, that would solve the major issue with it. She already intended on rebuilding it based off of the results, so creating stronger bindings wouldn't be an issue. Now, where to go from here... The goal, of course, is to allow Aloe to imbue her shampoos and various chemical concotions with beneficial effects without outside assistance from a unicorn or other magical creature. Watching Aloe, with that look of wonder on her face... Perhaps it's less than objective, but she'd push this project just to see that every day. It really isn't fair to ponykind to be limited to one form of magic or another, not in the slightest.

It feels like it was just yesterday when I stumbled in here, whipped up a character, and tossed her haplessly into a chaotic stew of horsewords to see if she'd sink or swim. Thankfully, what we all expected to happen is what happened. In any case, those of you whose characters have had encounters with Rose Compass (not to be mistaken for Compass Rose) may be aware that she's putting together a team that's wholely unnecessary for herself to travel into the heart of the scarriest forest to ever grace rainbow horse land. I speak, of course, of Whitetail Woo- oh, what's that? That's the good one? Why don't we ever use it, then? Whatever. The Everfree! Rose is an ambitious 'young' alchemist with world-shaking ideologies. If she has her way, no living creature will ever suffer the cold embrace of death... Unless they so choose to. To this end, she's discovered the hydra, a creature absent from her aquatic home and a target of interest for her research into cellular regeneration. Over the course of a few interactions, she recruited: Aloe- yes, the spa pony. Why bring a spa pony with no combat or field experience into known danger? Because she knows she can protect her from just about any and all harm. She was considerate enough to even give her a role in this little event, that of a stress releiver. Charging into the unknown can really role your nerves, so having a professional around that can ease your woes is handy to have onboard. Compass Rose (maybe)- A bat pony with a suspiciously sunny complexion, 'Compass' is ideal for navigation as a dedicated cartographer with a photographic memory. While she's uncertain about the prospect of actually fighting a four story tall multi-headed acid-spitting spec predator, her worries are mostly unfounded. Mostly. Scarlet & Crew- Rose doesn't know too much about this one except that she seems to know what she's doing. She also has her own airship and the ponies to run it, an invaluable resource that Rose is banking on using for ease of travel. She's really hoping to use the airship instead of travelling on hoof. Tiger Blood- "Hey tiger" is what she would say if she were completely shameless (like one of her own brood in an alternate timeline.) Found at the wedding between Blueblood and his loves (plural), Rose found a comrade in him, or at least a decent conversation partner. Eager to get the blood pumping, she'd be remiss to leave him out. Let's just hope he doesn't get too rowdy, though. Honorable mentions: Arctic- I, personally, haven't seen him in action yet, but he has a spot here nonetheless if he wants it. All hooves on deck, amiright? Okay! So that sums up introductions, if anyone has any inquiries or misgivings, you can submit them here and take a number from the totally-not-a-grenade ticket counter ~ If anyone new wants to join... Pitch in here, but be aware that the crowd is already rather large as it is. At least in my opinion. Still, this is aaaaalll open!

TOTALLY unrelated, but if you like Genshin Impact you may like its predesessor, Honkai Impact 3rd. Welcome to the site!

Rose nodded, somewhat absently. Good, that makes... Four, discounting Scarlet's crew. "I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with local geography. I'm from overseas. Andalusia." She responded, continuing to monitor the passerbys like a true born sentinel. "Although it pleases me to hear you have experience in fighting. I'm hoping for this to be a brief encounter, but one can never be too cautious when engaging in hostile creatures of this magnitude." She gave that a moment to sink in, then cast a subtle glance in his direction, studying his features. He wasn't too bad looking. No wonder mares seemed attracted to him. "The recruitment process has been rather slow going. I hate to implore, but you wouldn't happen to know anybody with prior experience 'wrangling' hydras, would you?"

Rose wasn't particularly bothered by all the animosity directed at her, although she was a bit peeved at their lack of thankfulness. She wanted to comment on Nilaavin's warning, and the cat-bird's quip as well, but everybody left before she much as got a word in. Sighing, she turned to her only remaining companion for the time being, getting more comfortable as she lay on her belly. "Chaotic indeed, good sir. Why, I'd scarcely believe the events that have transpired thusfar if I had not witnessed them with mine own eyes." She scanned the procession again, picking out a particularly strong signature in the area and briefly focusing on her, but she was already engaged in conversation with another. Perhaps she may catch up to her later and probe her a bit? "I know the timing is poor, but there's little else to do up here so I might as well state my proposal. In a little more than a week's time I'll be leading an expedition into the enchanted forest nearby. Harvesting hydra blood. Would you be interested in joining in your free time?" She weaved a quick spell as she stated her inquiry, something to get a little more input on this 'Jade Beaker' as subtly as possible. And another one aimed at Nivaalin to find out just what exactly a sphinx is.

'Tried' gliding past them was the key word here; Without even looking, she plucked the inhebriated birdie right out of the sky, teleported him within mere inches of her face, plucked one of his feathers, and jammed a spontaneously generated bottle down his throat during the ensuing squal. "In approximately ten minutes you will experience extreme nausea and vomiting. Afterwards, you will be sober." She explained in the dull and lifeless drone of a true doctor. Afterwards, she lets him go to direct her attention where it was needed most. "I happen to have the ear of Mayor Rich. I can fetch her right now if you require." She briefly did a sweep of the town, checking to make sure she had the proper coordinates. Of course, she may have exaggerated their relationship a bit... But she was sure she would be forgiven if the circumstances justified the means.

Rose looked up into the sky, absently commenting "quite the weather we're having." //It was just the perfect opportunity.//

Rose smirked at the Sphinx's response, opting to ignore his warning in favor of indulging the strapping young lad that opted to greet her with more politeness. "Rose Compass, local alchemist and apothecary. I'm essentially the pony that'll be fixing the poor sap this good fellow here has to remove 'by force'." She got a good chuckle out of that, briefly readjusting her dress uniform. Why dress up for an event she didn't plan to actively participate in? Appearances. "Oh my, it appears you have a prospective paramour, mi amigo ~" she said, noting the vintner. "I hope you're good on your hooves."

"would you mind the company of another watcher on the walls?" The air warped and, with a silent pop, bent back into shape as a small green mare appeared by his side, gazing down upon the new arrivals with nary an expression upon her face. "I haven't been here long enough for my presense to be appropriate, but that doesn't mean I haven't taken an interest in the proceedings." She watched a hornless mare join the procession, the mare seeming distracted. For some reason, this was enough to break a smile from Rose.

Rose stared hard at the lavender alicorn as she thought, watching the gears turn in her head with a small, muted smile. She had so many plans for that hydra blood. So many opportunities to rediscover what was once lost to her... And an opportunity to keep Aloe in her loving embrace just a little longer. She had no doubt she could subdue one of these creatures herself, but where'd the fun in that? Where's the adventure? The intrigue? The satisfaction of sharing such a monumental experience with others of a like mind? She'd done her homework on the beast, and would have to formulate an anti-venom, but all in all she rather liked their chances. "Of course," she nodded, returning to the conversation as she brought herself back to reality. "Although I'm afraid I'm not particularly knowledgeable of this 'REA'." A matter for later- near or far future. For now, show and tell ~ "I actually worked on this for the better part of this morning, before Aloe got up." She began to explain, gesturing towards the seemingly innocuous apparel. "If you look closely, upon activation you'll observe an array of fine runes. These allow Aloe to channel her magic with a high degree of accuracy... Well, if she knows what she's doing." She cast the pink pony a pointed- but still humored- look. "The reason she's asking for water is because that's the first thing we tested it on. Theoretically, she should be able to imbue any mundane object with magic, but for now, no higher functions exist. It's still highly expiremental, but I've deemed it safe for use." ****** "If you have any experience with devices like these, I would appreciate some advice. My affinity for runes is rudimentary compared to alchemy, but a little change to the catalyst always makes things a little easier."

Rose didn't really have any issues with using such a thing offensively, as the newly crowned emperor so narrowly implied, but she was disappointed that the tribal mare was against it. "I can... Simply replacing the alum with two different substitutes would achieve very similar results, and would complicate the formula enough that the laypony couldn't accidentally create a famine." She created another note, this time with two different names on it, and floated it to her.

"An inquisitive mare, this one ~" Rose sounded more than a little amused as she began mixing up another concotion, using the base of one of the previous mixtures with a new very white fluid. Still clear, but somehow white. "A good trait to have for any leader." "Yes, I have done this before. I frequently modify the soil of my own personal garden to yield the best possible results. Fruits, vegetables, roots, anything that grows, really." She deposited some dirt from the small pile she had on-hoof into the clear white fluid, then combined it with the second. Instead of a healthier sample, it instead blackened. Rose frowned, scribbling down a note and blindly floating it over to her fellow mare. "Do not mix this in with the stimulant unless you want a famine on your hooves." She didn't seem to bothered by the results, however, simply wishing it away as well before folding her hooves in front of her and actually turning to look at her guests. "Anything grown using my formula will be of the highest quality, but it will still need to be cared and tended for as a usual member of its genus. I can't make plants grow without water, after all."

"My plan?" The question had to have been coming, but it still caught her off guard. She wasn't 100% certain just where she'd go, or what she'd do, but she had a good enough idea to commit to it. "My plan is the same as it was when I first arrived here: to find a cure for mortality and allow every living thing that chooses so to enjoy life free from the looming dread of death." Her mission having been declared as one goes about listing groceries on a shopping trip, she turned her attention to the next course, her eyes actually lighting up at having something to sample with flavor. She took that precious time, sampling a spoonful of soup, to think further on the seemingly innocuous question. When she was ready, she resumed with a tone just as animated as before. "If you're referring to my short-term plans, I actually have an expedition into the Everfree scheduled, if you would be interested in joining. It will be an opportunity to collect data on the local fauna and flora residing within, and I've already recruited a cartographer, an airship captain, and Aloe for the trip." She tried the sweet potatoes next, something that didn't grow naturally in her home region. Perhaps surprisingly, it wasn't a big hit for the changeling, although she tried to be polite and hide her distaste. "The objective is to find a hydra and collect some of its blood. You can probably guess why." "In the meantime," and now the kale. Hmm... Not much to comment on, but it was at least healthy... For creatures that gain essential nutrients from physical food. "I'll pursue more mundane subjects. In fact... Aloe, would you care to showcase one of my newest inventions? I'm rather proud of it, although the project is still in the testing phases."

Rose giggled with a glimmer in her eye. "Oh, neither do I." She watched the strange pony for a moment as she studied her setup, but as soon as she verified no untoward hostility was to be expected, she returned to her work, taking the vial of submerged soil and dumping it into another, larger bottle. As soon as the contents made contact, the fluids took on a dramatic shift in color, and the dirt appeared... Richer. This made Rose's smile widen a little more. "So I am to understand you and yours may be able to assist Norton in any matters magical. Asides from employing growth stimulants, I've the mind to use magicite from the local mines to repel pests from their crops as well." As she talked, that mirthful tune quickly have way to a more appropriate conversational tone. She scribbled down a note and... Teleported the contents of the bottle away. "It's a rather simple enchantment. All it would require is some moderate upkeep."

Rose looked up from her work as the pony approached, one of her ears twitching as she picked up on a very familiar accent. It was quite uncanny, if she was being honest with herself. The likelihood of speech developing in such a parallel fashion was... Low. "Ah, a pleasure to make your acquaintance!" She beamed at the mare, then looked down at her hooves, stained in dirt and mysterious fluids. "Forgive me if I do not shake your hoof. I've been testing the properties of the local soil, and I must say, they do not disappoint!" Her packs must have been bigger on the inside, because the workspace she had created in Norton's brief absence could not possibly fit in such a limited space, even if they had been fit to burst before; beakers, vials, measuring tools and other miscellanea surrounded her like her own person entourage, bottles containing what looked like soil samples and one with a wildly wriggling worm in it were just a few of the notable things in her setting. "I actually wished to discuss something with you, if Emperor Breakbeak hasn't informed you already."

"Ah... Very well. I had hoped to accompany you, but I will make due here." She gave him a friendly wave, hiding her disappointment. She really didn't get out enough as it was, but she could still make due with current circumstances. She returned to nosing through her bags soon after, eventually resorting to removing elements of her bag one at a time. She really needed to organize that thing better sometime. "In the meantime I shall take samples from the local soil, just to verify a few things." She paused, then, and looked up at him one more time, her expression inscrutable. "Thank you, by the way."

"Huh." So many words, so little said. She wanted to press the topic of 'political exile', but she felt that may be stepping over a few boundaries, considering their familiarity. She could probably gleam more accurate accounts of his actions from others asides, so there was little need to press him on the subject. "Well then, shall we go convene with this equine emissary? I'm certain it'd be an honor to introduce her to such a fine mare as myself ~" she gave him a sly look with a hoof to her chest, a little of her swagger shining through that humble facade. They'd exhausted the previous topic, more or less; flame the fields, possibly secure them against pests, and invigorate them via alchemy. "Ah, and worry not about the growth serum, the ingredients are fairly easy to obtain in abundance. I should have the... List of ingredients somewhere..." She grumbled the last part, twisting to nose around the various flaps in her saddlebags. "If you would care to review them, of course. It's alright if not."

Well, she knows who she's not trusting any secrets with. Without even keeping count, she knew this was the second time in under an hour that the bat-pony had revealed something about her distant friend that she had sworn to safeguard. "Curious... It never occurred to me that any creature had never gotten their hooves wet. We learn something new every day..." Her ears perked up as Compass stated her question, looking to Aloe as she answered. "Chamomile?" Now that she really thought about it, it was doing wonders for her nerves. Asides from making splendid tea, its aroma did a fair amount of work as well. "You really do know your way around plants, Aloe. What did your sister specialize in, if I may ask... If that is not a sore subject, of course." She only realized she may have hit a sore spot after the damage had been done.

Rose nodded. "I understand, and you have my commiserations. Believe it or not, but I'm actually new to this position; I've never encountered any society in its infancy, and did not take your available currency into account." Her ears flicked down, and she seemed genuinely upset at having overlooked that. She was, after all, only here to help those she could. Speaking of... "So who is this Cemmoyāhua character? I take it she is one of these Tenochtitlan?" A small smile formed on her muzzle, clearly humored as she looked over at him. "Some ponies actually thought I was one of them. Is it my accent, mi amigo?" Nothing wrong with some friendly idle chatter.

It would seem her assumptions were unfounded optimism, although the mosaic that spread out below her was just as impressive as any pearly coast. How they managed to make the earth fold in layers was a mystery to her, but she still knew what was under those earthy stacks. "Fire-cleaning, while swift, isn't the most efficient way to go about weed removal. Alchemy can account for that as well, but it'll take a considerable amount of time for the process to complete. If you're plagued by famine, the quickest method may suffice, otherwise I'd suggest clearing plots of land with weed killers... Hmm... But that still depends on available resources..." She tapped her chin, brows furrowing as she looked beyond the grassy plates. "As for magicite, I could use that to keep your crops free of pests. There are certain enchantments that repel nuisances, but doesn't negatively affect larger, more complex organisms. The only challenge there would be upkeep, but a few unicorns on rotation could handle that." She mused.

She took all of this into account, adopting a thoughtful countenance as she envisioned the environment as a 3D model in her head, easily keeping pace with her airborne partner. "Huh, as fate would have it, those are conditions I'm well aquainted with. If you are near a coast, I'd suggest situating a vineyard near there so they can absorb the morning sea breeze. I hear it adds a particular crispness to wines. Fine drinks aside, this climate is actually ideal for a number of exotic fruits; many citrus, melons, and berries prefer looser soil, and if I can get my hooves on a few particular regeants that should grow around here," she actually paused to look around, as if expecting to find something, before moving on, "I can accelerate their growth and production. I believe there is a mine nearby as well, what kinds of crystals are harvested from it?"

Past. Just Compass* Also not an airship captain. Just normal navy (kinda) Anywho, I wonder how big this'll get. It feels like a good sum of peeps will be interested in this little slice of bird brained culture.