Communication is the key to any relationship, even friendships! Griffaltar might be closed to visitors, but there is still mail that passes between Equestria and the Griffon stronghold. No one is silly enough to try to stop that. Anything you'd like to touch base on?

[[OOC: This is a catch-all log for those who wish to exchange letter correspondence with the Cloudy With a Chance of Griffon NPCs. You may have your character send a letter to any of the griffons, though letters addressed to Ironclaw or Stormy Skies will receive replies your characters may not like. The time for these correspondences is nebulous. These can be back-dated, in the present, or in the future. Whatever would be most convenient for your character.

Please put the name of the griffon (Ironclaw, Sunshine, Stormy Skies, or Cerulean) your character is addressing in the subject line of your post. If it is multiple griffons, please put all of their names.

You may also even address a letter to Easy Lift if you want to break the monotony of her prison life!]]

I remember one day, when I was a filly - I dunno how old I was, man, like childhood is this fuzzy, kind of non-real thing to try and remember - but anyway when I was a filly I remember my mom taking me to a stream like this one.

[Hey everyone. While the scroll may currently be focused on just a stream somewhere outside Ponyville, it isn't long before the nervous, white pegasus shows up in front of it, tugging a sack out in front of the 'screen' along with her. Still, she doesn't seem as nervous or on edge as she usual did.

Surprise keeps talking. She doesn't face towards the screen yet.]

Anyway. It was after something..........had happened that my mom got me up and told me that, today, we were throwing all our fears and anxieties away. I wasn't sure what that meant, you know? I mean, I was a little kid and I was like "what, you can throw your bad feelings away? I mean, do you have to reach inside yourself and pull them out? Was it like a surgery or something?" I mean, we didn't literally throw away our bad feelings. It was like a kind of psychosomatic thing. I mean, it was like throwing away bad feelings, what we did but-

Okay. I'm letting the story get away from me. Uh. Gimme a minute...

[Surprise opens the top of the sack, taking a large, flat stone out of it and placing it near the ground beside her near the edge of the stream.]

So what my mom did was get a rock a lot like this, and gave me a marker. She told me, "Surprise" [At that, the pegasus does turn towards the scroll] - oh, uh, hi by the way, yeah it's me and yeah I'm back. This is like the third, fourth time this has happened and I'd kinda like it to just make up its mind about whether I'm here or not. Like am I on vacation, am I staying, what? ....Oh right! So my mom told me "Surprise, write down something that you're afraid of."

So I did. And after that we took the rock and

[Surprise kicks at the rock she has at the stream's edge, sending it skipping into the water.]

We threw it away. Just like that. And we just did that, me and her, for the whole afternoon. Writing down what scared us, or made us sad, and just throwing them out into the water. Back then I didn't really have that much to throw, you know? Kids are dumb. They're 'afraid' of things but they get over it pretty easy.

Fears and anxieties are something that kind of grow on you. And like rocks, they're...kind of worthless. And just weigh you down. Like you can say that they're useful for something but they don't amount to much in the end. But when you get used to them, you kinda keep them close and keep collecting them. ...I dunno what's happened since I left. Like, the last thing I remember was everything with the shadows near Hearth's Warming. And if there's anything that I've really learned from all that, from being between here and home way too many times...it's that...maybe I should lighten the load I've got of this some.

So. I guess since I'm back to starting here again...today I'm getting rid of my fears.

[And with that, Surprise knocks the bag over, dozens of rocks spilling out from it into the stream. With the constant stream of rocks coming out of the bag, who knows how many were in there, or how long it took her to collect all these and write something down on them.

Surprise watches the rocks fall for a moment, before taking a deep breath. And smiling.]

Okay! Those were all my fears! Fears - all gone!

[And then she walks away from the sight of the scroll. When she comes back, it's with another bag that almost towers above her. She seems to have to strain in order to drag the thing behind her. She's panting by the time she gets to the edge of the stream.]

And...and these are my anxieties! ...Well, it's bag one of three of my anxieties! This, uh, is going to take awhile to get rid of and...man. I should probably give a better introduction! Uh, I'm Surprise and I've been here before....like a lot. Um. I'm a pegasus....worked at the Weather Factory...but I don't really work anywhere here. I guess I should find a job. You know. If anypony I know is still here. I keep expecting to end up like a thousand years in the future or something when I leave and come back. No offense if I AM a thousand years in the future. I mean, I'm sure you're great ponies and all, I'm just not used to. You know. The future. But if this isn't the future hey everypony! What's been going o-

[That's when Surprise's massive bag of 'anxieties' totters and falls over, the weight knocking Surprise into the stream and the bag falling on top of her as she goes, both hitting the water with a loud splash.

A few seconds later, and a soaked pegasus is scrambling back on to shore, wide-eyed and terrified.]

I'M OKAY!!

[And then, panting and calming down.]

I'm okay.

[And from the small smile on her face?

It's true, in any way that she can be okay.]

Ah...hello?

I'm not quite sure how this thing works, but I'm looking for a few ponies...I mean people. Does anypony know somepony named Integra Hellsing or Alucard?

I really need to find them.

[The bat pony shifts, fluttering her wings a bit.]

My name is Seras, Seras Victoria. I'm not sure what's going on here, but I don't know how to use these wings I've got.

I also need to find a better place to keep my coffin. I found a small cave to use, but I can't be out in daylight. It hurts...a lot. I need to find a coat.

[Over the span of a day, things have gotten quite... freaky. A panicked family talking about a strange looking horse without skin invading their home and kicking them out. Even more, outside the town, a menacing tower has appeared. What would cause such a thing? Well, if you look at your scrolls, you'll see the culprit and holy crap, he's an ugly one - metallic bones with tubes attached to them flowing across his body and his muscles and brain exposed. His horn has a "Z" mounted on top, glowing as it holds a large silver staff crowed with a "Z" on it as well. His visor flashes as he finally speaks.]

Ahh, good morning, citizens of Ponyville. I am Lord Zedd, Emperor of all I see. From this moment forward, your happiness and goodwill are at an end for I am taking over. Oh, and don't try to run to your precious princesses. I don't care if they can move traffic - their power is no match for mine! I have defeated my long time nemesis, Zordon, and his teenage do-gooders, the Power Rangers, were helpless to stop me! The same will happen here; I guarantee it.

I'd advise you enjoy your last little bits of freedom while you can...

The scroll resolves into the spiky-maned countenance of an extremely confused pegasus.

"Um...uh...can someone explain me a thing? I was out patrolling the Night Market earlier - since, you know, it's my job and all - and, uh...I saw a couple necking behind one of the buildings? Only...only they were both girls."

Pause to nervously adjust her wings.

"Is that...possible? Like...physically? What do you even call it? Is there a word for it?"

And she ends on a distressed plea.

"What is even happening anymore?"

[Have a half-hearted wave from your resident batpony guard. The one that’s figuratively a demon.]

Dan here. Just a reminder to all criminal scum: the Night Market is a safe zone guarded by the best of the best.

[Meaning him.]

So, watch yourself and follow the law, yadda yadda yadda. Okay, more important things!

[He quickly snaps to a focused position.]

It’s come to my attention some of you cretins may not be aware of certain icons of cultural importance! A man so grand and full of perfect genius, he inspired fiction for years to come! A man, as it happens, is celebrating his 450th birthday THIS VERY DAY! Behold, a god that emerged from the waste and gunk of humanity!

[The scroll changes to a drawing he... apparently managed to draw himself. Maybe he did while he was a human? Who knows, what's important to Dan is the man himself.]



[And that’s it. That picture clearly says anything Dan feels needs to be said.

...For a minute before he adds a quick.]

Also, if anyone has seen a guy going by the name of Chris recently, tell him to get his knucklehead over here.

[Hello, ponies. Celestia is in her now-open sky bedroom, laying on her bed. Now that she's back to normal and there is no beehive hair to distract everyone, its pretty obvious that there are injuries on the princess, as well as weird burns on her, that she is healing up with a soft glow of her horn.]

My ponies. I told you after the battle, I would explain everything. That time is right now. I...had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but you deserve to know...

[There was a pause before she continued.]

( These fragments I have shored against my ruins )

Hey! [Harvey's leaning in to whisper urgently at the scroll.] Listen, I'm in the alley behind Sofas and Quills. I need a distraction. There's -

[There is a sound. The terrible sound of a thousand tiny hooves. With a muttered curse, Harvey turns, flipping the scroll around so everyone can see the small herd of fillies rampaging down the street - wait, is that Diamond Tiara at the lead?]

Mr. Fiiiiiinevoice! Daddy didn't even pay you yet! And you haven't read my fanfiction!

And mine! Me too!

Finester is my OTP!

No way! Ironvoice forever!

[Several other fillies chime in. Harvey turns the scroll back to himself and simply mouths "HELP".]

I bet he's just playing hard to get. Did you see the way he stopped in his tracks when he saw me coming? [She sighs and flips her mane.] It's true love.

[Harvey looks vaguely ill, before facehoofing with great vigor. Someone please save him.]

[When the scroll flares to life this time, it's Ironclaw with a surly-looking Easy Lift at his side who are on the screen. The mare's wings have been pinned by a harness and Ironclaw has hold of a length of rope that's attached to said harness. He's keeping the mare on a tight leash, but other than looking annoyed, Easy Lift appears unharmed.]

I wished to extend a thank you and farewell to all who assisted in our efforts to retrieve our weather gem. You are friends of Griffaltar. I am leaving Ms. Lift in Equestrian custody for politicians and bureaucrats to fight out what extradition there might be. I trust she'll be enjoying a very long prison term, wherever she might end up. I-

[Easy Lift interrupts.]

They're bullies! They're liars, and they're cheats. Do you know why I stole that gem? It was to watch them twist. Griffon weather magic? You can't manage anything without the magic of the pegasi! I've heard the zebra tales, traveled to their lands. Now all of Equestria knows that griffons don't have any real magic of their own. You just play at it. And that's all you'll ever do!

[Ironclaw lets her rant, staring on passively. Clearly, he has no problem with the pegasus having her say in matters.]

This has been a very educational visit, if nothing else. We will be departing in a few hours, first to help the pegasi return Cloudsdale to its rightful place, then on to Griffaltar. For all those who helped, I trust you'll notify my government, should they come asking, that I was as recalcitrant and unhelpful as possible. I would appreciate that very much.

My officers and I will be handing back these scrolls in a little while, but we'll be available for a short while, should you wish to reach us.

[[OOC: This will be the last scroll post with the griffons. Please put the name of the griffon you'd like to talk to in the subject line if it is someone other than Ironclaw. He will be available along with Easy Lift for one last round of chatter, of course!]]

[When the scroll flares to life, it's Ironclaw once more. His expression is grim.]

We have completed our search of the Griffaltar weather factory without success. There are several ponies we still intend to question, but there were a number of ponies offering to investigate alongside us. I was hoping, perhaps, that you might have uncovered something in your own hunts while my officers were more heavily focused elsewhere.

[[OOC: This is a post for information sharing. PLEASE feel free to threadjack, start a conversation among multiple characters, theorize. Several ponies have valuable information. Let's try to piece it together to identify the most likely suspects!]]

[When the scroll flares to life, it reveals a dour-looking griffon with black feathers, green eyes, and a blue-gray body. He is pacing, looking up occasionally at the scroll. Even from the limited view, it's clear he has a limp. It becomes apparent why a moment later when he moves farther away, sits down on his haunches and glares at the scroll viewer. From just below his elbow down, his right foreleg is missing. In its place is an iron rod with spikes at the end.]

Good afternoon.

[The way he says this sounds more like an indictment of this particular afternoon and its quality rather than a greeting.]

My name is Detective Inspector Ironclaw. As has likely been made clear already, Cloudsdale is now over Ponyville. Myself and my contingent of griffons attempted to move it over the course of the night to neutral territory. We were waylaid by a rabble rouser.

[He glances off-screen for a moment, expression going somehow more stony.]

After extensive negotiations with the Pegasi Council and the Princesses Celestia and Luna this morning, we have agreed to release him as a show of good faith. In return, we are to have the full and unconditional cooperation of all Equestrian citizens in the search for our weather gem. It is a large, blue sapphire infused with our weather magic. It was stolen approximately nine months ago from our factory in Griffaltar. We have made due with the remaining one, but it is being over-taxed and the lands beyond Equestria's boarders have been experiencing severe drought as we have struggled to supply necessary weather.

We know the thief must have been a pegasus. No unicorn or Earth pony would even be able to reach the gem given our enchantments over the area. And no griffon would steal it. We intend to search Cloudsdale.

We also require the new pony known as Efraim Gatsby, Visitor 2-4-6-0-1 to the Griffaltar Weather Factory, to step forward for questioning in connection with the theft. If he will not come forward, we will use what force may be necessary to compel him.

We have no wish to remain here longer than we must. We ask for your cooperation and have been assured that measures will be taken by the Pegasi Council to ensure it.

[90s Kid comes on the scroll looking extremely uncomfortable. The fact that Dan of all people is reallllllyyy close to him probably has something to do with that.]

Hey uh, dudes? I’m having kind of a problem here…

The problem being he’s too handsome for his own good!

I’m not talking to you! Anyway uh, I found this pink arrow, I think it was one of Cupid’s? I was gonna take it back to him [he totally wasn’t stealing it to use for his own purposes] but I kinda tripped and it flew off…..

And a miracle occurred! Bringing me to my true love! It’s fate! The will of a higher power!

--No! He just started followin’ me around and he won’t leave me alone!

[Dan gasps and shakes his head a little.] How could I leave someone as amazing and pure as you alone, my sweet? If I did that…

[And out came the hatchet. It was only a matter of time.] SOMEONE MIGHT TRY TO TAKE YOUR BEAUTY AWAY FROM ME! AND WE BOTH KNOW I CAN’T HAVE THAT!

Dude, I like chicks, alright?! You’re really starting to wig me out!

People can change.

[90s Kid desperately tries to ignore Dan and looks back at the camera.] Look guys, can somebody get him away from me or something? He’s not listening to a word I say!

[Dan immediately gets closer into the frame (getting uncomfortably close to 90s Kid as he does so) and fixes the feed with a glare.] ANY OF YOU TRY AND TAKE THIS AWAY FROM ME? AND I WILL SKIN YOU ALIVE.

[And then he embraces 90s Kid in a giant hug. 90s Kid’s face blanches and he looks toward the camera, his voice a pathetic, squeaky whisper.]

Help me…

And thus, the intrepid Pinkie Pie took continued steps forward. She stepped forward -- [click] -- and stepped on a trap. Pinkie Pie took 2 points of damage from the falling washbin trap.

[The camera swung around as Pinkie continued to delve into the dungeon beneath Canterlot, holding the parchment out like a first person view.] Moving closer and closer, she came upon a switch. She pressed the switch. She heard a faint grinding noise from somewhere. A door has opened.

Pinkie Pie has turned around. She found a secret entrance going down further into the dungeon. Down down down she goes, where she stops nopony knows. She steps on a switch. Water soaks her mane. She gets the debuff icy hoovies.

Moving further, she encounters... a slime! Select battle music!

Battle Theme Set Up

Pinkie Deals 5 damage to the slime!
The Slime deals 1 damage to Pinkie Pie!
Pinkie Pie uses Roll Out! Pinkie Pie rolls into ball, and rolls over Slime! She deals 15 points of damage!
Slime Uses Regeneration! It regains 10 HP!
Pinkie Pie continues to use Roll Out! She hits the Slime! Critical Hit! She hits it for 30 Points!
The Slime is defeated!
Pinkie Pie gains 300 EXP and 15 Bits!

Pinkie continues along her journey. She opens a chest. What's inside?
Pinkie Pie loots a Best of the West Saddle!
Pinkie Pie equips the saddle. +15 Defense Points, 5 Vitality, 3 to Party.

Pinkie Continues her journey. Save? Y/N.
Yes.
Pinkie Has saved the Dungeon Crawl. Continue? Y/N
Yes.
Pinkie continues the journey.
Pinkie finds a locked door. Pinkie cannot go further. Pinkie goes down a corridor. Pinkie Pie also finds a small chest. Pinkie opens the chest and loots a small key. Pinkie pronks back to the door and opens it up.

Pinkie enters the room.
The door shuts behind Pinkie, and bars slam into place.

Loading Battle Music now. Track 3 Loaded: Decisive Battle.

A Skeleton Manticore appears!
Pinkie charges the opponent! She deals 15 points of damage.
The Skeleton Manticore hits back for 12 points of damage.
Pinkie uses Roll Out!
The Skeleton Manticore dodges.
The Skeleton Manticore uses poison sting. It misses.
Pinkie uses Bouncing Press! She deals 20 points of damage!
The Manticore deals 30 points of damage with its spines in counterattack!
Pinkie is now at 5/40 HP.
Pinkie's Ultimate Power is unlocked.
Pinkie uses Limit Break. Cause she totally watched Dashie do it once.
Pinkie uses Party Cannon Barrage!
Party Cannon Barrage deals 9999 Cherry Pie damage!
The Skeleton Manticore is defeated.
Pinkie Pie has gained 3500 EXP!
Pinkie Pie has gained a level!
Pinkie Pie has learned Dual Wield. Pinkie Pie can now equip two party cannons of smaller size.

Save your Progress? Y/N?
Yes.

[It's due time for some news to be broken to Fluttershy.]

H-Hello everypony. I um... I couldn't help noticing while I was in town today that Harvester's shop and belongings are being taken apart and sold. Could somepony tell me what's going on? Did Harvester maybe... move away while I was out of town?

It's... She was my friend. I haven't seen her since I left Ponyville. I hope you're okay wherever you are Harvester.

So, over Christma... er. Hearth's Warming Eve, I was gifted a pass to go see a movie. Problem is, I'm not quite as versed in Equestrian cinematography as I'd like to be, so...

Can any of you recommend what I should watch? I'm open to any suggestions.

[Dan looks really REALLY tired at the moment. He has bags under his eyes and several bruises. Most importantly, he's on the ground, nursing a headache, and lying next to Mr. Mumbles.]

I'll make this quick.

I don't remember most of the last few days but let me just go over what I do understand after looking through some things.

Harvester was an evil dictator.

And the Bee Princess was an imposter sent from the future.

...Mr. Mumbles and I expect a written apology from everypony that doubted us.

[And without another word he closes the scroll.]

( Private to Pierrot )