Dio

Moving to OOC discussion.

Sorry guys, looks like Tapatalk's moderation functions derped. I'm closing this topic now, but please go with Steel for the proper deadlines.

Boop. Ready.

Armor’s ears drooped a bit as he realized just how badly he’d butchered Fluttershy’s name. The captain forced a sheepish and awkward smile that only widened when Fluttershy bowed before him, her face retreating into her mane. A prince? He may have been married to Equestrian royalty, but he was still just Shining Armor! If all ponies started doing this for him, it might be a little too much.

[colour=#0000cd]“I’m sorry Fluttershy,”[/colour] he said. [colour=#0000cd]“I really should remember these things better. And you don’t have to bow; in fact I’d rather you didn’t. I’m not exactly--”[/colour]

Before he could finish, Fluttershy straightened up, fluttering up on wing and making for her cottage. Armor sighed. It was worth a shot. The captain followed along behind as it seemed Fluttershy had taken the lead.

[colour=#0000cd]“So... what exactly are we looking for?”[/colour]

Shining Armor blew out his eruption shot shortly after his wife’s faux birthday wish. He was tempted to ask what it was, but he knew exactly what the response would have been: a teasing admonition on how wishes couldn’t be told or they wouldn’t come true followed by a quip about him being silly. It wasn’t the first time it had happened, after all, and could be construed as something of an inside joke. What surprised Armor was Cadence’s insistence that Martini join them.

[colour=#0000cd]“I suppose you’ll be asking her to come home with us, next!”[/colour] he joked.

But by the time he’d gotten that out, Cadence was already deep in her own little world, softly cooing a little canticle in her native tongue. Words and melodies, wine and glasses, all swirled together in a colourful whorl of sound, lights, and feeling. Martini wasn’t the only one enraptured in song. Armor flicked his tail happily to the rhythm of Cadence’s voice, his eyes nearly going googly as he watched his wife put on the show.

[colour=#0000cd]“To new friends and fun,”[/colour] he smiled, echoing his wife’s toast as he clinked the glasses together. [colour=#0000cd]“Cheers!”[/colour]

With that pronouncement, Armor rapidly downed his shot, shivering a bit as the drink warmed him from the inside out. While Cadence had implied earlier that she’d rather be on the dance floor, the simple conversation with the barmare and knocking back a few drinks had given Armor a healthy respite and a chance to relax. Besides, Cadence would probably be happier if he were a bit looser when they finally did decide to cut a rug. For now, he was content to sip at his remaining wine and observe the conversation...

Still waiting for Harlequin to make an appearance

“Well, I suppose he gets extra points for honesty...” Celestia mused as she read. She had extended the invitation to everypony, regardless of which side of the law they were on. It would be impolite not to respond in kind. Of course, that wasn’t to say she couldn’t be cheeky with her reply...

The next letter? Celestia wrinkled her nose at both the script and the wording, but soon began giggling to herself as she penned a response. While unorthodox, Mojo meant no disrespect. And even if he did, Celestia was known for her good humor.

Her final letter of the day was from an unusual pony, one who seemed well-acquainted with both Cadence and Luna. It wasn’t unheard of for those within the bureaucracy and the upper crust to have attended the same functions as the royals and then claim to know them personally, but it was far less common and far more heartwarming to read a genuine letter from citizen.

Double Tap

I could have been a top-tier tap instructor. But what fun would that be?

RP Type: Mane RP

Name: Double Tap, “Taps”

Sex: Male

Age: Stallion

Species: Unicorn

Eyes: Gold.

Coat: Cream.

Mane/Tail: Fire red. Mane is kept spiked but trimmed, in the typical “punk” style. Tail is usually tied at the base to keep it out of the way.

Physique: Lithe, but strong. Cleans up nicely, but isn’t afraid to get his hooves dirty.

Residence: Born in Manehattan. Moved to Canterlot for conservatory training. Dropped out and worked odd jobs for a while in C-lot before he linked up with the Players. Now on the road.

Occupation: Stagehand for the Traveling Players. Omnipresent thorn in Spotlight’s flank. Everflowing fount of whimsy and snark.

Cutie Mark: A red bowtie over a pair of shiny silver horseshoes.

Character History

To say that Double Tap was talented would be an understatement. As a colt, he was extraordinarily adept at dance, displaying coordination beyond his years, especially at the art of tap dance. To and fro the young colt would go, clicking his hooves as he went. When asked to help with a classmate’s variety-show act for the school talent show, Taps jumped at the chance to show off, writing routines, setting up choreography and otherwise making what could have been a semi-charming grade school act into something truly wondrous. This manifested itself as his cutie mark, a pair of silver horseshoes symbolizing his prowess at his chosen art form, and a red bow tie representing his affinity for showmanship.

While his parents spent little time with him, they recognized his talents, even paying for him to go to Canterlot Conservatory. But alas, school was not the place for Double Tap. Before long he found himself bored with his studies and elected to drop out, using his talents instead on the myriad clubs, theaters, and performance venues that pervaded Canterlot. While nonplussed that their son decided to pursue other avenues of enlightenment, his parents understood that there was no forcing him to do something he didn’t want to do. Thus they sent him on his merry way, keeping in touch by post and occasionally sending money so that their poor colt wouldn’t starve.

Double Tap eventually found himself with the Traveling Players. The troupe satisfied his need for hooves on engagement while providing opportunities to entertain himself with travel, food, drink, and activities without teachers, instructors, professors, or bosses breathing down his neck.

Character Summary

Despite his talents, Double Tap is a slacker and a fugitive from responsibility. He thoroughly enjoys his own pursuits, so long as they are his own or those of the company he keeps. The second an establishment tries to pick him up or otherwise saddle him with responsibility, he does his best to weasel his way out. That said, he has grown attached to the Players, seeing them as his family. For his new family, he would do many things... perhaps even work.

Though Taps’ school days are behind him, he still finds time to keep his own body in tip top shape with dance and his wits sharp by writing his own choreography and scribbling down script ideas for shows. His prior jobs have given him experience with most every kind of theater, though his favorite is vaudeville. From this he draws on a bottomless pool of whimsy, snarky humor, and quick wit while retaining technical virtuosity with his skills.

Miscellaneous

Taps has a penchant for suit vests and fedoras. He is rarely seen without one or the other, but most often both. His vests are rarely found without a chain and pocket watch.

She liiiiiivvvvvvveeeeeeessssssssss

This is the official thread for information and chatting about the third episode of season 3 - "Too Many Pinkie Pies"! So come join the conversation! The thread will open up five minutes before the episode airs (8:55am Central/9:55am Eastern).

Remember though, there are spoilers in the comments section so read at your own risk if you haven't seen the episode!

Problem resolved. Topic locked.

Hooray I made the cut!

I like the idea of Moneypenny Pony better

[colour=#daa520]“Thanks, keep,”[/colour] Acclaim said curtly.

Her order floated around the pink unicorn, each item plopping down on the counter in front of Acclaim in sequence. The sergeant’s stomach rumbled loudly. It was then that Acclaim realized just how hungry she had been. A single pint of ale was no substitute for a hearty meal or a generous slice of apple pie!

Reaching into her haversack, she plinked a few bits on the counter to cover her order before gazing down at her cornucopia of spirits and vittles. First things first. Acclaim picked up the shot glass, cradling it in both hooves and taking a good whiff of its contents, allowing the aroma to waft into her nostrils. As was tradition, Acclaim tapped the bottom of the glass on the counter before downing it in one gulp. A bit of nuttiness, a hint of coffee, and most prominently a distinct pungency unique to Griffon liquors.

Acclaim’s wings fluttered a bit at her sides and a smile spread across her face as the warming sensation wormed its way through her belly and into her chest. She was feeling better already! Now to do something about her stomach’s grumbling and mumbling. Picking up the piece of apple pie much like a slice of pizza, Acclaim munched happily at her substitute meal for the evening. Quickly scarfing down her pie, Acclaim took a much more leisurely approach to her cider, hooking one hoof through the handle and taking little sips as she leaned on the bar with the other, leaving her flanks glued to the barstool.

[colour=#daa520]“That was patently delicious, keep,”[/colour] she quipped, addressing Martini. Motioning towards the gaggle gathered a few seats down, she continued, finally striking up conversation. [colour=#daa520]“Looks like we got ourselves the Wonderbolts fan club in here!”[/colour]

[colour=#0000cd]“Tough crowd tonight...”[/colour] Shining Armor muttered under his breath. Thankfully, the princess seemed too preoccupied with giving Private Tick the stink eye to notice.

On the one hoof, it was a good sign. According to Celestia, her sister was back to her old self again. Her magic had returned and she was ready to resume her duties as shepherdess of the moon and co-ruler of Equestria. On the other hoof, if this was any indication of what to expect for future encounters, Shining Armor wasn’t looking forward to it.

[colour=#000080]“Tell me, does this shield work on Changelings, too?”[/colour]

[colour=#b22222]"Is THAT what's going on here?! Are you a dirty changeling?! If I find out you're one of those bugs, I'll throw you in a hole so deep you'll never see Celestia's sun again!!" [/colour]

And there was the rub. Armor figured the hammer would be dropped sooner or later, but he wasn’t expecting it would be so soon or so roughly. Accusing Tick of being a changeling? Ouch. Of course, Shining Armor wasn’t too fond of it himself. The medics had told him he’d be all right after that little incident, but it still enraged him to think that he’d been so blind. Granted, it was magic more powerful than anything anypony had ever seen before, but being duped by a changeling saboteur posing as his own wife was simultaneously infuriating and humiliating.

[colour=#0000cd]“Sergeant, Princess,”[/colour] Armor calmly stated, stepping up to the cell. With some effort, he was all business again. They already had enough bad guards; it was time to do what he did best - counterpoint. [colour=#0000cd]“I’m sure we’ll find out whether Private Tick is the real deal in due time. It might be more reasonable to give Tick some time to explain himself. Isn’t that right, private?”[/colour]

[colour=#0000cd]“Ugh, that’s going to stain for weeks... the Colonel’s not going to be happy,”[/colour] Shining Armor muttered as he hung the towel up in the Cakes’ bathroom. He shook his blue and teal mane out, letting the freshly rinsed locks fall haphazardly on his head.

[colour=#0000cd]“I guess it’s a good thing I was due for a manecut anyways,”[/colour] he chuckled as he trotted back into the cafe portion of Sugarcube Corner.

Noting the snoring dragon in the corner, Shining Armor grabbed a dry towel and a spare saddlebag with his magic and tucked Spike in, giving him a blanket and pillow to ride out the night while he and Twilight searched for PeeWee. That taken care of, Armor grabbed his own pack saddle, loaded up with first responder equipment like rope and a first aid kit, and clipped a lantern to the straps. Now he was ready.

Armor stepped outside just in time to see his sister tackled by a pink and yellow flash that fell from the heavens like a thunderbolt. He was about to leap into action until he realized just who it was. Of course, that was the problem. Shining Armor grinned sheepishly, rubbing a hoof at the back of his head as he tried his hardest to remember her name. Shutterbug? Flutterby? Something in between? Ah, Shutterfly. That sounded right!

[colour=#0000cd]“Oh hi Shutterfly, we were just looking for you!”[/colour]

Taking one last glance at the pile of rubble that was once the queen’s nest, Celestia could not help but feel a pang of guilt. She had just snuffed the life of another organism. While the tomes in the library would surely confirm her guess that the manasprite queen’s spirit remained very much alive, the destruction of its physical body was still mildly disconcerting. Celestia pulled Luna back onto her hooves, gently nuzzling her cheek as she rose. She turned towards the exit, motioning to the guards to follow, moving slowly so as to keep the barrier around the lot of them.

[colour=#ee82ee]“From the void you came and to the void you shall return...”[/colour] she whispered into the aether.

It was then that Celestia realized just how tired and dirty she was. It had indeed been a very trying day. It would be magnificent to trot back to her private quarters for a proper relaxing evening. The Princess wanted few things more than a long soak in a hot bath and a glass of Starberry Merlot at the moment. But first things were first.

[colour=#ee82ee]“Doctor... I can’t thank you enou-”[/colour] Celestia said, suddenly pausing when she realized she was speaking to empty air.

The earth pony was nowhere to be found. The princess snorted, partly in amusement and partly in exasperation. She should have suspected as much. For as long as the order had been around in Equestria, they had never been ones to take credit or responsibility for their actions. The doctors were merely the invisible hooves that nudged things along in the background, protecting Equestria the only way they knew how. Celestia couldn't fault them for that. It was perhaps best to leave them to their own devices, whatever those might be.

Fly me to the moon

Let me play among the stars

As the song gently unwound into the darkness, the Princesses and their entourage made their way up the winding staircase. Up, up through the corridors of ancient stone, steeped in dust and cobwebs and shrouded in the faint aroma of damp earth.

Fill my heart with song

And let me sing for ever more

Up, up through quiescent soil and carved marble until the entourage had cleared the confines of the dungeon ways. Celestia dispelled her barriers as they surfaced, leaving a glittering trail behind as the dust from the cistern fell away.

Finally, they reached the surface. Celestia stretched her wings as she stepped out of the dungeon entrance and out of the shade of the colonnade, basking in the warmth of the sun. She put a front leg over Luna’s shoulder, smiling a great smile as she looked out over the terraces of Canterlot, the greenery of the Whitetail Wood, the quaint houses of Solstice Heights, and in the distance the great apple orchards of Ponyville.

[colour=#ee82ee]“Welcome home, sister,”[/colour] she said, slightly bleary-eyed. [colour=#ee82ee]“Now come! Let us get cleaned up. We must celebrate the return of your magic. All of Canterlot awaits!”[/colour]

(( fin? ))

Hey guys, I'm posting for Helix because she lost power. She'll be offline for an indefinite amount of time and won't be able to log in or post until it's restored.

In addition, I, like Mojo, am dead in the middle of the storm's projected path. This is neither a good start to NaNoWriMo nor a good way to wrap up a few RP replies before the month is out. If I go dead it's not because I don't like you guys, it's because Sandy doesn't like us.

Finally, once the storm has passed and NaNoWriMo goes into full swing, expect me to be pretty scarce. I've got a pony novel to write. Wish me luck.

According to the terms of service, the site is not to be used for solicitation of products. Canterlot will not be held liable for any transactions or exchange of personally identifiable information, so it is probably best that I shut this down.

If you wish to set up trades, you are welcome to do so using other channels.

Since this thread is practically begging for negative interactions, I'm closing it to keep things reasonable.

There are healthier ways to interact with the community and work out your frustration. Dropping a long tirade in the chatter section followed by a melodramatic apology does not help us and it certainly does not help you. Get to know the community. Use IP.Chat, start topics on other things that you can discuss peacefully and take the time to network with the rest of Canterlot. It will do wonders for you.

I also wanted to chime in and say that White Feather is the name of one of my OCs. For Mane RP you will have to change the name to avoid any confusion. Thanks.

I understand your passion, but "love and tolerate" does not mean jam the philosophy down people's throats. They will be far more likely to understand your point of view if they first see you as a reasonable and relatable human being. People will like what they like and dislike what they dislike. If they happen not to like ponies, then that's their prerogative and it's not up to you to decide for them.

This tirade is needlessly hostile, inflammatory, and extremist and as several users mentioned not in the spirit or the letter of board policy. Topic locked.

I wish I would have found this thread earlier because this stuff is EXCELLENT.

I was wondering if you could render Anathema for me. I figure a changeling might be interesting to cut your teeth on and she has yet to have art done. I don't mind being on the waiting list for quality work

I could see her laying down on a cushion in a posh flat with a glass of wine and a book after a day of intrigue. The character is heavily inspired by Irene Adler in her most recent incarnation (in BBC's Sherlock) and the design is deliberately more pony than changeling: no extra holes, no crown or helmet. Thanks bunches ahead of time!

Bones paused unwrapping his hoof to glance quizzically at the pegasus in the seat across from him. Radiant Steel’s eyes around nervously, as if looking for something, anything to take the attention off her. She shivered a little, chuckling at nothing in particular as an awkward silence congealed between them. Bones was tempted to say something, but he’d already passed his partner the proverbial hoofball. It was up to her now.

Haltingly, one word at a time, Radiant finally stuttered on, [colour=#ff0000]"Well, Cor--Bones, I-I... it's just... Well, I've always believed in giving everything I do my full 100 percent! If I don't go after it with everything I have, I fear I'll come up short..."[/colour]

Bones resumed stripping the wrist wrap from his hoof. It was a valid point for anypony, to be sure. He couldn’t count the number of times he’d had stage fright, as it were, before a bout. But he’d always pushed past it, centered himself, and focused on the fight rather than what everypony else thought. By Celestia, sometimes he had to do that in the office when filing reports... Bones cleared his throat, concealing the shake of his head that it took to get him back on track.

The pegasus glanced down as she paused a moment more. [colour=#ff0000]"And I do fear failure. There is nothing that I hate worse than letting down those who expect me to succeed,"[/colour] she added, her voice becoming more vulnerable.

Her last few words came out as more of a whimper than a statement. Stone Bones swore he saw tears, but Radiant looked away and it would have been impolite to stare. The larger pony shuffled uncomfortably. It wasn’t so much what Radiant had said so much as how she’d said it. He’d expected a sigh of exasperation and an effort to refocus at best or an angry tongue-lashing at worst.

This... this vulnerability... how was he supposed to deal with it?

[colour=#8b4513]“Radiant...”[/colour] Bones began. The soldier hesitated. [colour=#8b4513] “I... we... everypony... everypony has doubts sometimes.”[/colour]

His voice softening, Bones continued. He was here to work with and encourage his partner, not beat her into the ground. [colour=#8b4513]“I expect you tae succeed, Radiant, but I expect you tae dae it on your ain terms. Th’ sport is abit yoo, about improvin’ yoorself. Focus oan that. Every other pony can trip and faa through the gates ‘a Tartarus. You’ve got potential. We jist need tae approach this differently.”[/colour]

Bones couldn’t help but chuckle. Really? She was going to pull that routine? Back in the league, Bones had seen his share of athletes who had refused to quit. Tenacity was admirable, but bullheadedness wasn’t. Overtraining could cause serious injury, even more so than getting hit in the ring. After all, as an athlete, he spent far more time conditioning and practicing the technical aspects than he actually did in competition.

[colour=#8b4513]“Thas horse apples an’ ye knoo it!”[/colour] he said with a snort. [colour=#8b4513] “And stahp callin’ me that. My name’s Bones, not ‘Corporal.’ We’re aff duty; we shooldnae have tae bortha with ranks in here.”[/colour]

The big earth pony reached into his duffel again, taking his second canteen out and tossing it at Radiant, again expecting her to catch. Bones snapped the cap shut on his own canteen and began unwrapping his front hooves. Radiant could use a longer rest and they could both stand to have a legitimate talk.

[colour=#8b4513]“Get those hooves unwrapped, Radiant,”[/colour] his ‘r’ on ‘Radiant’ rolling nearly into another syllable, a unique part of his Fet Loch brogue. [colour=#8b4513]“We need tae talk.”[/colour]

[colour=#8b4513]“I’ve bin watchin’ ye fight for the pest week an’ a half. You’ve got chin an’ you’ve got speed an’ you’ve got power,”[/colour] Bones said, specifically addressing Radiant Steel’s toughness, agility, and strength, respectively. [colour=#8b4513]“An’ I like that. It means you’ve got what it takes already; we dannae have tae build ye up from a wee filly. But the thing is you always treat it like a life or death fight, like ye need tae kill your opponent tae win.”[/colour]

[colour=#8b4513]“I’m gonnae teel you right now that’s not whit we’re here tae do. Boxin' isn’t abet beatin' th' horse apples out a’ th' other pony, it’s abet learnin' every bit of yer own body an' puttin' it all tae use oan demand.”[/colour] One wrap down, now the other. Only stopping long enough to undo the knot which held the wrap in place, Bones continued. [colour=#8b4513]“The way you’re hittin’ right noo, you’re gonnae break a fetloch afair ye e’en get a bloody hoof in th’ ring. After we rest up, Ah want tae tak’ it slow an’ go back tae fundamentals. Ye can’t dance until ye know the steps.”[/colour]

Bones paused for a moment to tug at a particularly persistent kink in his hoof wraps. That was about as long-winded as he got. Bones wasn't much of a lecturer; he preferred to set examples rather than preach and throw books at ponies. But before he could do that, he needed to know whether Radiant would even bother following his example. [colour=#8b4513]"But thas enough frae me. Ah haven’t heard a wuid out ah ye ta-day ‘cept 'yes sairrr nae sairrr.' What’s th' craic in yer barracks corner, Radiant?"[/colour]