Page 1664 - Dungeons & Ponies, Part 39  
15th Mar 2022, 6:00 AM in Intermission 15  
 
Author: GreatDinn  
 
Guest Author’s Note: “On the one hand, if the players are given a quest by a particular NPC, it stands to reason that the NPC wants something out of it. The quest itself usually has some end result that is beneficial to them, so it makes sense story-wise that they would claim that particular prize if the heroes succeed. On the other hand, players have a tendency to favor immediate rewards and the idea of ‘Well…we did all the work, why don’t we just take the prize’ is an extremely valid one. It isn’t the most difficult tightrope to walk for a Dungeon Master, especially compared to all of the other intricacies of gameplay, but it is something to balance for. Usually, by making the reward from the NPC either more important to the players, or more valuable than whatever the reward would be for just completing the task.  
 
The problem here, of course, is that in the TV show Dungeon Master is as much a trickster as he is a mentor. That means he’s got his own quest to accomplish: Annoy someone in the party at every possible opportunity.”  
Notice: Arint’s Last Day, an expansion mod I’ve been making for the deckbuilding roguelike RPG Griftlands, is now available! If you enjoy my writing, you might like it!  
Teaser Trailer | Overview Trailer | Launch Trailer  
Steam Workshop Page  

Rainbow Dash: That. Was. Awesome!  
Twilight Sparkle: You did great, Rainbow Dash.  
Applejack: Not ta interrupt the party, but what’re we doin’ next?  
DM: I suppose your next step would be to check on Helix. And to return the horses to their…monastery.  
Pinkie Pie: And to celebrate! I’m thinking pancakes.  
DM: As you prepare to head out, though, you see the ladder rise, and the castle beginning to float away.  
Twilight Sparkle: Of course it was too good to be true.  
Rainbow Dash: …wait a minute. Does this mean I lost my magical hat forever?  
DM: I wouldn’t say that…  
Dungeon Master: You accomplished your goals and the castle is free! Now its spells and its secrets belong all to me!  
Rainbow Dash: Oh, hey, Dungeon Master’s back.  
Dungeon Master: Its contents I’ll study to see you home safely. But I’ve one more reward for your actions most bravely.  
Rainbow Dash: Thank Celestia. I was worried we’d have to track Venger down to get it back.  
DM: Nah, I wouldn’t make you do that.  
Applejack: Wait a gosh darn minute. Are you tellin’ me that we did all that, an’ he’s the one who gits to keep everything? Ah’m starting ta think this fella’s playin’ us.  
DM: I maaaaay have based Dungeon Master on a certain draconequus.