While out for a peaceful trot through Ponyville, the calming songs of nature are suddenly interrupted by an explosion, its sound ripping through the air. The door to a nearby cottage suddenly swings open, and black blankets of smoke billow out of the doorway and through the open windows. A brown-colored stallion stumbles outside whilst coughing and gasping.

"Well..."

He continues to cough as he wafts some of the smoke out of his face with a hoof before locking eyes with you. He glances back and forth before mischievously smiling, seemingly coming up with an idea. Casually approaching you as if nothing had happened, he speaks.

"Say, you there! Would you mind helping me test a new device I've been working on? I promise it'll be completely—erm... safe!"