Zeig

...This was ridiculous.

And not a ridiculousness of the normal variety, no. This was...more than ridiculous. 

Were artificial kisses meant to entice sales rather than entice emotion really worth such a long wait? It apparently seemed so, as the line showed no signs of moving, either forward or backwards. The current contenders for apples were apparently content enough to wait a decade or two for said fruit, and Nocturne could only assume they were the best, thrice-cursed apples in the entire nation if they were all so willing to stand in line for such a long while.

...Didn't they have anything better to do?

He certainly did, and with nothing more than a quiet snort, Nocturne Wisp turned around and headed straight back the way he came, back along the first road that led into the town proper. Generous pricing or no, he would settle for a small bag of apples at the local market instead, for there were simply far too many things to get done in his day to simply loiter about. 

The magical plants inside the Everfree were not going to clip themselves, after all.

[[ Exit ]]

Even years of etiquette practice and protocol couldn't prepare one for everything. 

Which is why Ryuichi was sure his ancestors would not find fault with him as he stood stock still for the photograph to be taken, perfect in every aspect of a stoic, serious Shogun...except for the faintest twitch of surprise in his left eye. The Ryuma kept his gaze fastened forward even as his ears followed suit, a treacherous twitch towards the right to better hear the low murmured words from the Empress standing next to him. 

Which were a surprise in and of themselves, no matter what they were actually saying. The playful smirk he could virtually hear in her voice, too, was a surprise, and Ryuichi could only thank his ancestors for the indescribable patience he felt, keeping his face looking forward when he longed to do nothing more but turn his muzzle and see if he was right about that smirk.

Because who could have guessed that the sovereign ruler of Long Guo, held esteemed and equaled to Dragon kind and venerated as an almost otherworldly being, was a bit of a mischievous minx? Ryuichi supposed he shouldn't be too surprised - after all, the stern and austere facade of the Shogun was always quick to wear thin, and goodness knows if it wasn't a mask he often wore even when he was feeling anything but. Such was the responsibility of a ruler, after all. But still...he supposed the level of respect and otherworldly awe the citizens of Long Guo saw their Empress had impressed upon him as well, to an extent. Hearing such an earthy tone of voice from an otherwise unearthly position sounded...strange. 

But in a bad way?

No...not in a bad way, at all.

"Is that so?" the dark-maned Ryuma murmured back after a moment's pause, eyeing the staff that had approached the both of them to spread out their robes into appropriately dramatic flairs. "It has been a while since my last official portrait...perhaps I shall seek her out for a new commission." Another pause as their dual staff finished fixing their robes and departed, making way for the photograph to be taken. "Although I have found," the Shogun added, "that a painter's skill makes no difference when the inspiration boasts perfection...clothed or no." 

A bright flash, and another. And two more besides. 

And then his time in the Court of the Dragon Throne was done. 

With one last bowed head for the Empress, Ryuichi departed from the steps, his hoof steps echoing around the chamber as he made his way towards the entrance doors. His retinue was quick to fall into place behind him, but it was only until the doors were closed, the hallways transformed into the familiar sights of his lodgings inside the Imperial Palace, that Ryuichi let out a pent up sigh. "Ancestors," the Ryuma groaned, tugging at the collar of his robe a bit, "but I'll be glad to be out of this. Don't suppose you can carry me for the rest of our time here?...no no, away," the Shogun ordered, annoyed, the wry grin of commiseration meant for Sandā transforming into a scowl aimed at the several servants that had moved closer to him, hooves outstretched. "Just - have some breakfast brought to my quarters, if you please." 

Ancestors...he was never serious when he joked about being carried. In ten thousand years he would still not be serious. 

And in ten thousand years he was sure he'd need to remind them again, bless them.

[[ Exit ]]

...Huh. 

This was new, wasn't it?

He wasn't the only one to notice either, if the quiet intakes of breath from some of his retinue were any indication. Ryuichi kept his features placid and calm, even as he watched the progress of the Empress down the steps with sharp eyes. When she showed no signs of stopping - and, what's more, started moving away from the center of the platforms - Ryuichi quickly followed suit, repositioning himself a bit off to the side as well, so that the two of them would be equidistant from the center, rather than the Empress standing off to the side. 

It was only natural, after all. A meeting of equals.

Up close, the Empress of Long Guo was even more stunning than memory indicated...not to mention said memory all included a young filly rather than the grown mare standing in front of him now. Whatever the case, fact took priority over memory as Ryuichi carefully kept his eyes locked onto the Empress' face, ignoring the urge to take in the entirety of the mare, extravagant robe and all, and instead making due with the warmth emitting from her bright azure gaze, earnestness exuding from ever pore of her being.

How long had it been, really? Ryuichi could remember finding the possibility of marriage to this mare a pained but expected prospect - not a slight against the Kirin herself, but simply a young colt's natural inclination towards lumbering golems rather than due courting procedures. And now here he stood, matured, wiser, a memory grown into reality standing in front of him, the same reality that could now never be. And it was for the best, Ryuichi supposed. The Emperor last had, after all, broken centuries of tradition to ensure his daughter ascended over first born son, and there had to have been reason. With many offices and authoritative positions in Neighpon elected by merit rather than inherited by blood, several of his citizens had approved the change, while others balked at such a blatant disregard for tradition.

Senile old stallion, they said, gone mad in the last years of his life.

The mark, said others, the mark. It is her destiny. 

...In the end it mattered little. Empress Yù Yuè of the Féng Dynasty was seated on the Dragon Throne, for good or for ill, and was reciprocating the intent of Neighpon twofold, an equal standing on the fate of their two countries. Ryuichi closed his eyes briefly, that short moment of thinking and planning and considering before opening his mouth, and opened them again, bright golden gaze resting on the face of the Empress. "Then for Ten Thousand Years," the Shogun called out, now turning to face the assembled mass of ponies, side by side with the Empress, "let us rejoice in lasting peace between the Imperial Dynasty and the Shogunate. For a union of Might and Peace to reign in the East. Against all turmoil and strife, will the East stand strong in harmony!" 

There were no cheers as there would have been in front of an assembly of the strict regiment of court - instead there were well-rehearsed yet sincere shouts of both their titles carelessly thrown into the air, to mix and mingle and intertwine. Ryuichi stood still and silent, allowing the atmosphere of good-will and intention wash over the assembly - though, his eyes cut sideways to the Empress. Standing side by side atop the dais, formally arraigned in extravagant robes and armor, it almost gave sense to a declaration of marriage between the two leaders, a celebration of unity in the ultimate capacity...and to the memory of a small colt gagging and rolling his eyes as the hoof maidens gushed and prattled on over what a lovely union they would make.

He might have been able to stifle it, but Ryuichi didn't bother hiding the small, wry grin that twisted his lips as he returned his gaze back out to the mass of ponies, mentally charting his course back to Sandā's side and out the doorway. This proclamation had taken place first thing in the morning, after all, and the last time he'd tasted authentic Long Guo cuisine had been too long indeed. 

High time to remedy that. 

Of everything that could be attributed to this country, a lack of respect towards tradition was not one of them.

He could say that, for sure.

For Long Guo, and only Long Guo in Rakuen Ryuichi's (admittedly) limited experience, was a country that held its Empress on a level above all other peers and states. Had their positions been reversed, the Empress of Long Guo would never have been made to present herself before the Seat of the Shogun, looking up at him from a lowered position. An extravagantly elegant and formal meeting room would have done for it instead, two seats on opposing sides at the same height - a meeting of equals. Even for something so simple as a goodwill proclamation of their dual intent and willingness to ally.

But no, the Dragon Children loved tradition, traditions that saw all beings (save the Dragons themselves, at that) below the Empress, and traditions were not something Ryuichi could fault in any country. They were, after all, the cornerstone of everything Neighpon had built herself upon, and the strong resistance islands like Ryushima maintained to modernization spoke to the belief of his citizens. Ancestors...traditions were exactly why the Hatamoto still existed after centuries of modernization, a veritable relic amidst a sea of bright lights and magitech. The way Neighpon still adored and venerated her Hatamoto spoke even more loudly of tradition and what it meant, even as she marched every onward towards new and magical inventions. 

Exactly why he was here, now - here, in the throne room of the Imperial Palace, rather than dictating a letter to be delivered by courier. While some members of the Shogunate had balked at the idea of an official presentation over a simple proclamation of good faith, others had urged him through to this public yet private appearance, going through the motions in the official setting. Such was the way it had been done before, years past, and even after communication became easier between continents, this hadn't changed. The actual format, yes, in this Long Guo was unique - but physically appearing to the country lead in question? 

Ryuichi would throw open The Door himself before shaming his ancestors with blatant disregard for his allies.

Which is why the young Ryuma stood completely still as he waited, eyes trained upon the Dragon Throne, and years of practice kept his features almost mind-numbingly blank even as he studied the royally garbed figure in some surprise.

Ancestors...how long had it been?

The Empress of Long Guo was a far cry from the little foal he had known back then, met only a few times but perfectly remembered alongside his mother's words of wisdom over their future acquaintanceship. Little had he - or anyone, for that matter - known back then how serious that acquaintanceship would actually turn out to be. A potential bride offer to secure an ongoing alliance, is what they had all thought might become of that acquaintanceship, mayhaps even someone of correspondence within the Emperor's personal court. 

And now here she was. Ascended atop the Dragon Throne. So much for that tradition, and those same years of practice kept the wry smile from forming on his face.

Sandā was, undoubtedly, keeping her head bowed at a respectful level as he, his Shīrudo, and a few other officials of note walked down the hall, but Ryuichi was unperturbed to keep his gaze on the Empress. His retinue was careful to stop a few paces back as they began to reach the end, while he alone walked the remaining few steps to stop directly at the base of the steps leading to the dais. And it was here that Ryuichi, after a careful moment's pause, lowered his head, slowly and formally, chin resting against his neckline for a moment, before he let up, golden eyes once again returning to the face of the Empress resplendent. 

Far cry, most certain.

"Long live Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress of the Great Féng Dynasty, Heavenly Daughter of Dragons, Sovereign of Ten Thousand Years," Ryuichi intoned, voice ringing in the silent hall. "Her Majesty honors all of Neighpon with Her gracious invitation." The ceremonial armor he wore, covered and complimented by the equally ceremonial robe of intricate and detailed design, gave visage to a warrior prince as Ryuichi remained at his full height, eyes steady on the Empress. "I present myself, in the halls of the Dragon Throne, to declare the intentions of myself and my country honorable, and to seek a lasting friendship with Her Imperial Majesty, and the great nation of Long Guo."

...And, of course, his nose was itchy. It never failed - start a speech, something started to itch. Either it was a condition he was unaware of, or one of his ancestors had a Door-cursed sense of cosmic humor. 

Nocturne Wisp is the head of his own research lab and gives the occasional lecture/seminar...but, I think he'd be a journeypony. He's a specialist in the field of magical anomalies, but more on the research side rather than being a true expert yet. Any lectures he gives are usually more to share his research and findings than actual teachings. 

Plus, the guild is already heavily leaning towards masters. Need to even things out with the lower ranks~

...This was ridiculous.

And not a ridiculousness of the normal variety, no. This was...Ponyville. 

However ridiculous it was, however, even Nocturne couldn't so blithely spend his bits when he was planning for an extended stay in the town to do more extended research in the Everfree. And when he'd passed the sign advertising the sale of bushels of apples for a fairly cheap price, he hadn't been able to pass by, not while he was still scavenging for supplies, tools, and needing to pay rent besides. He supposed with all else, he should just be grateful at the cheap buy that would land him a veritable treasure trove of sustenance for a good while, especially if he dried them out. Dried fruit constituted less water, true, but also less sugar. A good travel food to take with him into the bowels of the dark and unforgiving forest.

Though, why the sales pitch of what seemed like a country fair kissing booth, the darkly colored Unicorn hadn't a clue. Perhaps this, 'Applejack', was a particularly famous pony around these parts. Sweet Apple Acres certainly seemed like a cornerstone in the small farming community, one he'd heard referenced several times during his frequent visits. And as its owner - co-owner? Inheritor? The orchard was a family business, he was certain - perhaps the novelty of receiving a kiss from the mare impressed enough upon the local populace to entice business. 

The lowered price was doing just as well for him, thank you very much.

  "Hn," is what Nocturne muttered to himself as he trot up to the back of the line, annoyance flickering over his features at the various ponies all waiting in front of him. After a moment the annoyance passed however, allowing the darkly colored Unicorn to relax slightly as he patiently waited his turn, pale eyes fixed unerringly on the orange mare behind the sales booth.

Patience was a favored pastime of researchers, after all. A speciality, one might say.

That's why I suggested the idea of passive magical abilities rather than active ones. Pegasi and Earth Ponies have magic just as much as Unicorns, they just can't utilize it (maybe because of the lack of a focusing agent, i.e. a horn). The way I imagined Kitsune was similar, in that whatever magical abilities they have are passive in nature, rather than something they can actively manipulate or control.

I'll leave my arguments for/discussions about Kitsunes at that then, and won't make an app.

Ah...so species ability should be relatable to an already established WoE ability or species? I didn't know that. I thought it was more about taking a mythological creature and translating it to make it more WoE appropriate. There was talk about a new Kelpies species being shape-shifters, but to my knowledge that only comes from their mythology, not anything related to WoE species (unless Kelpies are going to be part bug). So that's kind of how I treated the two species I apped/proposed.

If Kitsune were allowed however, could it be agreed that their physical appearance would look like a fox with multiple tails? If this initiative is to avoid lore-building, then instead of coming up with magical abilities for the entire species, players can just suggest what magic their Kitsune can do in the application, much like a person would indicate what magic a Unicorn can do, if any. Maybe Kitsune don't have any active magic powers, they are simply magical by their existence (by that, I mean that they are not 'normal' creatures, having an appearance and intelligence that is different from non-sentient animals. Kinda like how a Minotaur is a magical creature, but doesn't actually use magic, it just is).

I might try creating an app for a Kitsune, if the staff doesn't really have a decisive opinion about them yet. Maybe that way RP staff could get an idea of how a Kitsune might be played in a RP setting, and it would stick more closely to the Extended-Canon Species Initiative - a basic physical description, with everything else about the app being specific to the individual character.

Yeah, there's kind of a difference between pet foxes and magical, sentient foxes. And obviously a two-tailed Kitsune would be able to use its tails to fly, what else would they be used for?!

I can understand the hesitance about Kitsunes though, the traits that are generally universal to the creature are either too OP (i.e. omnipotence and possession) or infringe on the special abilities other species' have (like their noted ability to shapeshifting abilities). They seem to be portrayed in lore as either as benevolent spirits or mischievous trickers though, which is something that could be played on. Maybe they can emit auras that have either positive or negative effects on whoever they're around. So instead of having active magic, they have some sort of passive magic instead.

And honestly I don't see a problem with people being OC addicts. I mean, there are people who app/hoard cast characters but never actually RP them, or rarely do. Don't see why it would be bad for people to do the same with OCs.

Well since we have lions with wings, could we possibly add Kitsunes to the species list? I'd imagine they'd essentially look like foxes with multiple tails, with the number of tails growing based on the age of the Kitsune (I would suggest nine-tails being off limits, as according to Japanese myth, that would bring a Kitsune a whole lot of OP powers that I don't think could possibly work in a RP setting).

I said as much on Skype, but I'll just reiterate here that I like the concept of MLP Sphinxes originating in Saddle Arabia, and having a look that reflects that. Saddle Arabian horse heads, lion's body (or any African big cat body, to add some visual diversity to the race? Think the only real difference might be the tail - lions have tufts on the ends of their tails, cheetahs and leopards don't) and no wings. Personally those traits make a lot of sense to me.

They'd work similarly to how centaurs already work in the show and comics, I'd imagine, as discussed in this very thread.

To echo Honeywing, what about Kirin (or Qilin)? They're pony-like in shape and structure, and I think they would fit pretty easily into WoE.

Edit: Also, wouldn't it make more sense for Sphinxes to have a pony head or something? MLP Centaurs don't have human torsos, but neither do they have a horse torso to effectively make them look just like a horse. Seems like it would make more sense for the hybrid-type species to still be hybrids, but just not part human.