Bannhammer

Max thought for a moment. He could just pay for the pictures and wait for them to develop, but he had something else in mind. The photographer seemed to really enjoy her work, and though he wouldn't admit it, Maximilian enjoyed having his picture taken. He had an idea, and he didn't have anything else to do that day... "You're the artist, i think i'll let you decide. Price is of no concern, so you can try anything you like! So long as it makes me look good." He grinned. "Just go all out" He finished speaking and sat quietly, waiting for Shutterbug's reaction.

Max was impressed by her answer. His appreciation of photography improved, and at least now he accepted that it really was art. Maximilian usually disliked such metaphysical explanations, but he could tell she genuinely meant it. With added flair he did as he was told and smiled. "To each their own, i guess." Upon further reflection, Max began to feel somewhat... conflicted. For years Max found the utmost joy in what he did, but lately no amount of money satisfied him. This pony still found happiness in what they did, but for Max the joy he felt from earning money was less and less. Without showing it to the camera, Maximilian was deep in thought. He decided to change the subject. "You know, i hope these turn out OK. A good portrait leaves a good impression."

Maximilian continued posing, his head moving from side to side at the photographer's command. He was enjoying himself, and as the photo shoot progressed he was really trying to look good. With an energetic tone he addressed Shutterbug's statement. "Well, It's my life. I was raised to do business, and it's all i know. I don't consider it a hassle, or a bother, because it's something i love to do." Max paused. "Like how you take pictures. I think it's boring and easy, yet you obviously enjoy it. It doesn't stress you out, and it isn't a hassle." He snorted and gave a chuckle. "But believe me, stress is a part of my job. It wouldn't be fun if there wasn't anything at stake." Max had a gleam in his eyes as he continued. "Fortunes made and lost in a single night, with a single signature. The fate of cities in your hooves. It's a rush, and it's not for everypony." He continued, slowly losing focus on the picture taking. If you can't handle no sleep for four days while you try to broker a last minute deal before the window closes and your projected annual profit drops a quarter of a percent and you have to sell that real estate you just bought for half price because you swindled the land owner-" Max took a deep breath and finished his sentence. "..then this isn't the job for you." He sat there, silently basking in his own joy. Max finally snapped back to reality and gave his trademark grin to the camera. "So, Shutterbug, why do you do something so mundane? It seems so boring, pointing and shooting inanimate objects and ponies all day."

"Please, call me Max." The unicorn did as he was told and sat in front of the camera. Maximilian did a last second check of his mane to ensure that everything was in order. After a few tentative moments he finally responded to Shutterbug's question. "Well, our business IS business. I buy and sell goods, companies, stocks, anything I can. You get something and sell it for more than you paid, it's simple. Of course, there's more to it than that but I won't bore you with the details." Max grinned. "Of course, I do investments as well..." He grinned and spoke slowly. "Say there's a company, or business, that i'm rather fond of... I could pour thousands, MILLIONS of bits into it, to make sure it does well. Of course, i'd have to be mightily impressed... And I haven't seen anything here in Fillydelphia worth my money" He continued to talk, emphasizing his speech with dramatic gesticulations. "But one can always be taken by surprise..."

Max scoffed. A Rockefilly concerned with prices? HA! He could buy millions of prints without putting a debt in his finances. He sighed and addressed the photographer dismissively. "Color, please." Maximilian ventured over to the waiting area and took a seat. Ignoring the provided reading materials he pulled out a newspaper he had magically stowed away in his tux. He flipped to the only section that mattered, business, and began to read. He couldn't help but notice the impressive set up Shutterbug had. Without a word he nodded his approval and continued reading.

Max reached out and gently took hold of her hoof. Using this greeting as a sort of test, to see what type of pony this photographer was. He was slightly annoyed by her nonchalant attitude and her non-existent attention. "Rockefilly. Maximilian Rockefilly..." He paused and released her hoof before adding "Junior." With a flick of his leg he pulled his hoof back and stood straight. Max adjusted his tuxedo and sighed. "I need a new photo for my business, a simple portrait will suffice." He looked at the young pony and grinned. "I know how hard photography is. Can you do that for me?" He asked, condescendingly. He paused and pulled out his magic coin purse. "I know you artist types. I don't want a 'masterpiece', I simply require a portrait." He sighed again and looked around the shop. "If you can do that for me, I might even give you a tip.

Maximilian looked up at the small filly facing him. He gave her a look, not a glare or a scowl, but a look of apathy. His calm expression clearly showing that he was not the type of pony to take orders, especially not from a little filly. He simply sat in silence, counting and reflecting on Tempest's words. Once again his family name came to bite him in the rump. Without even knowing who he was the young Pegasus didn't trust him. It didn't help that he insulted her and her town. Maximilian sighed, accepting the fact that traveling was a big mistake. When he finally did speak, it was slow and deliberate. "That's me, the ruthless extortionist. You know what they say, better a manticore than a Rockefilly, the manticore won't take your bits when it kills you!" Max chuckled, emphasizing the laugh to get his point across. When he resumed speaking it was at a dizzying pace and with a hint of anger. "Of course I only pretended to help this filly out so that I could swindle her for every non existent bit she has!" Max stopped and glared at the weather pony before returning to his business. He finally spoke again after further thought. "In retrospect, insulting you and your town isn't a great way to make a first impression..." Max looked Tempest right in the eyes and lowered his voice. "I'm sorry. I don't know how much it's worth; coming from a 'ruthless extortionist', but I mean it." "I came here because I heard that it's a nice town. And since I only have a few days off a year from running my business, I decided to go somewhere new, someplace that wouldn't know about my family's actions..." "Although I guess no matter how much you want to, you can never really run away from your family..." Max froze, realizing that he had just shared an emotional moment with complete strangers. Blushing heavily he turned away and continued counting.ÂÂ

Photography is an art. Maximilian repeated this phrase to himself over and over again as he casually cantered through the streets of Fillydelphia. He had been informed of some photographer here by an associate, and with nothing better to do Max decided to get his portrait done. It wasn't a vacation, he told himself, he needed a new portrait for legal purposes. No matter how he justified it, Max didn't feel right about paying for a photograph of himself. The white unicorn stopped for a moment to get his bearings. Max reached into one of his tuxedo's pockets for the address he was looking for. With a flick of his blonde mane the rich pony continued not only his walk but his internal dialogue. He understood how photography worked, having been shot many times and listening to old ponies monotonously explaining the intricate precision behind each photo. The only thing he didn't understand was how it was considered art when all the pony did was point and shoot. How was that difficult? Anypony could do that! Luckily he arrived at his destination before his internal rant could continue. The outside of the photo shoppe was a bit disheartening, but Max knew not to judge a business only by its exterior. Maximilian Rockefilly jr flung the door of the establishment wide open to announce his presence. However, entering the shop did little to improve his impression. With an awkward silence he stood in the doorway and blinked at the pony inside. After a few tentative moments he finally spoke. "Um... I'm here to get my picture taken..."

Max lifted his head. "Big city type? I am Maximilian Rockefilly jr., and my left hoof is worth more than this pathetic dump!" He paused, and scoffed. "And news flash, you know why I treat ponies like dirt? Because I CAN. Because I'm BETTER than them! Besides, do you know who FUNDS these 'rural settlements'? Us big shots who know what the hay we're doing!" He could've continued arguing, but he didn't see it a a good use of his precious time. Max could brave the storm, leaving this small time Pegasus behind, but he couldn't just drag the  young PeaBea along. As much as he hated to admit it, he felt sorry for her. "If I must wait it out for HER sake, I shall." With no other options, the rich unicorn defaulted to his favorite method of killing time, counting bits. He nonchalantly pulled bit after bit from his magic pouch and began to count a stack worth more than most pony's salaries.ÂÂ

     The weather outside was foul, and almost rivaled Maximilian's mood. He had arrived in some hick town and what was the first thing that happened? His suitcase was ruined and now he was stuck inside with an excitable filly and a few other strangers.     The complaining Pegasus only served to annoy him further. This is why Max ran his business by himself, no underlings to screw things up. With a flick of his tail he turned around and faced the Pegasus.    He spoke plainly, hoping to get his point across. With a dismissive snort, he started to speak. "Some mix up this is. I'm stuck in this dumb town that shouldn't be able to call itself part of civilization. You're telling me that even the weather ponies in this town are screwed up as well?" He paused. "THIS is why I don't take vacations."    With an audible sigh the rich unicorn headed towards the door. He didn't want to be stuck here any longer.     "And as much as I love being surrounded by ponies who don't know what they're doing, I've got places to go and business to do. So, Young lady, If you'd be so kind as to do your job, I'll be on my way."The Rockefilly faced the young filly who had followed him in. "You're coming too."

A few minor updates and a beautiful picture by the talented Buxy

And Maximillian Rockefilly Jr for Bannhammer I love it! You did a great job, and I love how he looks!

The train car was silent, and the solitary pony inside liked it that way; that’s why he reserved it for himself. Normally he’d get the whole train, but he didn’t feel like over doing it. A white Unicorn dressed in an expensive tuxuedo was seated in the only chair the car had, with a small desk placed right in front of him.Maximilian Rockefilly jr. was performing his daily ritual of reading the latest financial news and memorizing the latest business stats. As the train rolled across the countryside Max would look up from his work for a few moments to appreciate the landscape, it was much different than the busy streets and alleys of Manehattan. His busy schedule kept him in that large city, single hoofedly running his financial empire, and he was finally able to find an opportunity to take a break. Of all the places to visit, he had chosen Ponyville; mainly because it had been host to a recent summer sun celebration. A town that Celestia had chosen couldn’t be that bad. It was barely visible from Manehattan, and Max had never taken the time to learn anything about it. Max’s curiosity grew as the train kept rolling, he was told that the trip would only be an hour at the most and it seemed like he should be arriving at any moment. He knew that Ponyville was a small town, but Max’s idea of a town was akin to Fillydelphia... how small could Ponyville be? A uniformed pony entered the car to inform Max that the train would be arriving soon. Maximilian said nothing and slowly began to gather his things. As the train gently began to decelerate, Max took one last look in a mirror to check on his appearance. He quickly fixed his dyed blond mane and with a deep breath he prepared to venture out into this strange new town. With a screech the train stopped, and Max found himself staring out at the sight before him. Small buildings, open roads, trees? This was a park, not a city! Max stepped down from the train and began to trot down something that passed for a road. The Manehattanite gaped at everything as he passed by, this was not what he had expected. He had pictured Ponyville as some sort of miniature Trottingham, but this was a collection of houses with a building or two thrown in! The ponies he passed only added to his confusion, they seemed so eccentric, so strange! They did art out in the park and they sang in the streets! Max had other things to worry about, though. Within a few minutes Maximilian had lost his bearings and he found himself in the middle of a strange town. And, of course, he left his suitcase on the train. With a disgruntled sigh, Max summed up his predicament. “I already hate this town...â€Â

Leaving for a service trip tomorrow morning, and then going to D.C right after, so very limited internet for the next week or so.

I'm going to be on a mission trip in Kentucky this upcoming week with absolutely NO internet.

I'll throw in something i'd seen before. I actually made a smaller version of this once, and i split it with about four other guys. IT IS DELICIOUS, BUT YOUR HEART WILL SKIP A BEAT. I can't describe how to make this, but i'll let the image speak for itself. Recipie So yeah, it's great tasting, but a pain to make. And you need to run a marathon just to make sure your arteries don't clog.

The beauty of your announcements is so shocking, i dare not post lest i tarnish it! That being said, i'm stoked that Max was in a thread(open bar) that was one of the top three! The gala event was awesome, and i can't wait to see what else is in store!

Sign me up, but as a describer, no art for me! XD

I see an opening here, and i am NOT going to pass it up! I love your work, and I would be honored if you would please draw Maximilian Rockefilly jr. for me! You can do what you wish, whatever pose strikes your mind!

Max straightened out his jacket, refusing to take it off. 'I may not look like a dancer, and that's because I'm not. I've never danced before in my life, but I'm a quick learner.' He looked at his date and chuckled nervously. Upon seeing Babbles in full, Max did a double take. Looking at the beautiful unicorn made him glad she added her condition to the deal. The socialite realized that he was staring, but he unfortunately found himself at a loss for words. Max gaped, his usual charm replaced with a juvenile naivety. 'Um…' His busy life had never allowed him to go on dates before and it clearly showed. Maximilian continued to stammer awkwardly, trying to remember every conversation rule he knew, but it didn't help. He found himself standing on the dance floor, unsure of what to do. Max decided to do something rare: swallow his pride. The Richest pony present grinned sheepishly at his date, finally acknowledging his inexperience in this area.

Max was taken slightly aback, he did not see that coming. He quickly weighed his options, she was beautiful, professional and deviously smart, a mare after his own heart. Never mind the fact that he'd never been the type of pony to actually go on dates, she was special. Max pulled his hoof back and grinned. If he was going to go along with this, he might as well have some fun. "Of course the interview would be exclusive. And in regards to your other offer..." Maximilian flashed his trademark smile and answered the mare."It would be my pleasure." Speaking those words loosened him up a bit, and the laid back part of the Rockefilly came out. His solitary life never really gave him the time to socialize. He was glad that he could finally loosen up a bit. He saw the other ponies at the bar politely chatting, even silently waiting, and Max decided to take action. He didn't get a chance like this often. "You know, this is the ballroom..." Maximilian backed away from the bar, hoping that the mare would get his hint.

That was a surprise."The enemy team, huh?" There was a moment where Maximilian was proud of his 'victory', forcing the mare to show her cards first. But that feeling faded when her message sunk in. Max had suspected that something wasn't right about the mare, but he wouldn't have guessed she was with the press. His first reaction was to panic, and while he didn't show it, he was shaking on the inside. His panic quickly turned to anger, mostly at himself for allowing the cream unicorn to overhear the previous conversation. But finally, he felt excited, because he saw the opportunity before him. Maximilian got right down to business. He didn't know if she was familiar with Manehattan business practices, but he used a classic: plausible deniability. "Well, let's say I know a Unicorn who happens to know about a conspiracy against the press. And let's say he's willing to strike a deal..." Max paused, sensing that the mare was already getting tired of the 'hypothetical' approach. The Manehattan socialite continued on, making sure to make his point clear. "I'll cut the crud. We both have what the other wants: information." He somehow managed to stay charming, even when switching from pleasant to serious. You keep me one step ahead of your colleagues, and I'll make sure you stay out of harm's way. I'll even throw in an interview for free." He used a phrase that his family rarely ever spoke: 'for free'. He wasn't sure if it was his conscious or the alcohol that caused him to propose that deal, but he certainly meant to go through with it. To show his sincerity, Max extended his right hoof and looked the mare right in the eyes. "How about it?"

Update! Finished Part one, and i'm putting the WIP pt.2 up for criticism. (It isn't finished yet! But i still want feedback!) Check the original post ^

You got me! I died and went to pony heaven!

Books: History Textbooks and journals. Music: Frank Zappa TV: South Park Movies: French Movies (i.e A very long engagement, Amelie) I love history, what can i say? I'll read any book on history, ANY. I know he's 'crude', but i love Frank Zappa's music, if you go past the lyrics it's brilliant stuff. South Park is funny, nuff said. I love french movies, they have great pacing and emotion. And it's a plus that i speak french,