Set six years after season 6, Occupied Equestria presents an alternative history where the Changelings have conquered half of Equestria, while a former Equestrian colony - soured to Princess Twilight's notion of harmony with all creatures because of their encounters with griffins - Invaded and took the other half. In Baltimare and the Equestrian Southeast, the magic of friendship has weakened, as Communists, Changeling infiltrators, Fascists, gangs, and corrupt creepy politicians threaten the city. This role play is based in large part upon the Equestria at War mod for Hearts of Iron 4, and uses D&d 3.5e mechanics
In the North, in Bales, Brie has just aquired a carriage with which he shall make the journey into the Changeling Occupied Zone, alongt with Spark and Onyx. In Baltimare, Dark Star recouperates from injuries sustained in a near fatal encounter with a Changeling opperative. Silver helps treat two traumatized orphans, and Iron examines ancient secrets in the Jungles
1697 replies and 144 files omitted.
>>103415"That is... A Intriguing Question. let's hope he talks."
>>103416The next exhibit is a watery one, with a large set of blackish rocks at the bottom, but no foliage yet visible
>>103417“...
No”
>>103418She sighs
“Getting then to talk can be difficult... I think I could have made that Worker
sing”
>>103419Iron frowns, kicking a pebble in the way.
"Damn."
He looks at her saddlebags.
"How much are you carrying?"
>>103421“I’m carrying what I brought, plus the rifle and the ammunition”
>>103420It’s pretty plain, until the rocks start to move
>>103422Nodding, his mouth flattens.
(This means that the pots
must be extracted.)
"So, what is you opinion on the ponies in front of us?"
>>103423“I do not trust either of them”
>>103424"I understand. They are taking what should be ours."
He frowns.
"Did you speak with Pear when I dived in the stream to reach the other side?"
>>103425“Only briefly. She tried to talk to me about history”
[1d20 = 2]>>103426He nods
(She's cold to her. Hopefully Pear doesn't 'convince' her to shoot her)
Using his limited empathy, he tries to gauge for as many reasons as possible to explain her distrust.
Apart from potentially taking our rightful loot. >>103428His frown is quite noticeable.
(She is such a good secret keeper. I guess I will have to ask directly. Hopefully she does not have to conceal any sort of hidden motives.)
"What makes you distrust the mare in particular?"
>>103422Silver indeed takes notice of this. "Are there creatures underneath rocks? Or are rocks themselves creatures?"
>>103429“I never trust the bourgeois. And she’s so quiet, following along without saying much”
>>103430Oh, it’s the rocks themselves. Below Silver is a massive crocodile, which is almost rocky in its exterior appearance
>>103432"Oh, I think I have heard about this one, before, actually." Silver most certainly would
not want to face one of these in the wild.
>>103431"I do not think we have that much in common to talk about with her. Still, she does not seem
too suspicious."
He looks over Pear's form.
"Is bourgeois related to her job and state of life? She seems quite frustrated with it."
>>103434"Yes, those!" Silver looks at the cragodile. "It looks like very big specimen."
>>103435“She works indoors teaching things that happened long ago... I don’t trust that as a career”
>>103436“It’s big alright!”
>>103437That causes him to cock his head.
"Why?"
(Would she trust the elders then?)
>>103436She waves a hoof
“Doesn’t seem like honest work to me”
>>103439Iron nods.
"But she seems to know what she is talking about. Does that not make it the slightest bit honest?"
>>103440She waves the hoof again in front of her face
“Oh, nevermind”
[1d20 = 19]>>103441Iron blinks in confusion
(It is time for empathy to tell me what she feels. Hopefully.)
>>103442Feels about what? About Iron or about Pear?
>>103444Cauldron’s distrust in Pear seems to be two fold. The first is a general contempt for the concept of a liberal arts professor, rooted in the belief that certain groups of “intellectuals” are a part of a parasitic class that produces next to nothing of value, while being weak and having a sort of arrogance about it.
The next issue, and the more serious one, is that Cauldron doesn’t really know Pear well, and she does not trust what she does not know. To her, Pear is kind of mysterious. Who is she exactly? How did she escape the bandits? Why is she following Iron and Cauldron? Why is she talking to some guy who evidently collaborated with the bandits, and evidently wants to take the treasure? All of these surround the questions of
what does she want and
what does she know that we do not? All of these questions can have perfectly innocuous answers, but they may not.
Thus, Cauldron doesn’t fully trust her
>>103445Ah, so it's a mix of lack of respect for her profession due to other ponies in her work do next to nothing and expect to be respected for it and simple lack of knowledge about her motives and facts she hasn't shared, as well as being against our inmediate interests.He nods, now understanding her reasoning.
"The gods set this up for us. Her part of the deal was accomplished. We have little to worry about."
>>103446Something to that effect“Very well...”
Cauldron doesn’t sound perfectly convinced
[1d20 = 13]>>103447I don't expect her to. Speaking of being convinced...Iron decides to feel how has his relationship with Cauldron changed after dealing with the bandit menance.
>>103419"maybe we can use the same play we used last time."
he puts his hoof to his chin in thought
>>103449“What do you mean? The jail interrogation?”
>>103448She seems more comfortable around Iron now
>>103437Silver smiles at seeing Mint so excited about the cragodile. "I wonder: how rock-like is it actually? Or are those just scales with rocky-appearance to help it ambush prey better?"
>>103451The gragodile opens its mouth as it swims along, and produces a “rurrr”
Mint Marine: “I
think it’s more rock like...”
>>103450Iron grins to himself.
(All is going according to plan.)
Alright. I think I am ready to tackle pot 'negotiation' and know at least some possible outcomes such as
a)Cauldron shoots both Grant and Pear, which hopefully doesn't happen
b)Both exploration ponies back off from being injured when she aims her equipment at them
c)Grant reveals he was the bandit leader all along, contracting them to make sure he got all the treasure to himself, essentially justifying his death, but adds the possibility of getting us fucked over unless Cauldron can withstand more shots than Grant and/or Pear pulls a power move against him.
d)Iron proclaims he and his partner are the ponies responsible for reaching the inside of the temple, triggering the empathy of the exploration team, hopefully not having to spill anything vital and leaving in relative good terms. I find the last one doubtful tbh >>103453e) Grant gives Iron a single punch, with -1 modifier in damage because of low strength, and Iron collapses in defeat
>>103452"What interesting creature."
>>103454True, but I'm not counting on Iron defeating them with his magestic muscles.It would also aggro Cauldron into shooting him, so I think that would, eventually, turn in my favor. However, I think I know what you're implying. Either rest or pull out a potion of cure minor wounds. Let's try the latter while we're on the move.Iron looks at his striped partner.
"Do you have any magic drinks to make me feel better?"
>>103455“Oh yes, there are many interesting creatures out there”
>>103457Silver looks to Mint Marine. "Do you know any other interesting facts about them?"
>>103458“They have incredibly powerful bites, and live in swampy environments...”
>>103456“You’ve consumer a lot already. I have part of a container”
>>103459"I am glad it is down there, outside of its meal range."
>>103459That's a scary crocHe's rock-hard."If it makes me able to at least land an actual punch instead of a poke on somepony, I will take at least part of that part."
Iron is reminded of Cauldron's one wound on her chest.
"You could take the other part in order to be at full strength."
>>103461>>103461There’s only
part left
>>103460And a good thing the foals are up there
“Yeah, imagine being in there with them. I’m just fine staying at a distance”
White Orchid too is leaning on the railing and looking over
>>103462Darn. Now I feel guilty.Iron reluctantly nods.
"Alright, I will drink it."
How much HP do I get? A 1d6? Half health?
>>103462"This was not what I originally had in mind when I thought 'exotic', but this is still nice." He looks between the two colts. "Should we see next exhibit?"
[1d8+2 = 10]>>103463Let’s say this much
>>103464Onwards!
This new enclosure is at almost ground level, with bars in the side looking in, and concrete walls above that. It’s larger, more open, and with deciduous trees planted inside
>>103465>10 HPNot bad.Iron is now partly energized and ready to throw down against any attempt from the expedition ponies from taking the loot.
"Thank you, Cauldron," he whispers. "You are a lifesaver."
>>103466I was hoping for less, but that is the risk of the diceShe smiles
“And the way you work, you need one”
\r
>>103465"This seems more like temperate environment. But what are concrete walls for?"
>>103467You can make the posh pony a bit more stronger if you want, like a +1 or +2. Crit damage with a 3 would instantly knock Iron out in one hit.Iron chuckles, then smiles back.
"I am glad it is you."
>>103450"yeah perhaps,it would work again."
>>103470That is true. It'll still be a 2v1 where hopefully one of us takes him down, unless Pear prefers her own partner instead of the two foreigners that stole some history from her and has a weapon too."Since they are ahead of us, they will most definitely reach the pots first. If they leave them be and explore deeper into the cavern, we simply pick them up and leave. If they pick it up or are guarding it, we point out we are the reason we even made the temple explorable so we deserve the pots. If that does not work, we turn to intimidation. Failing that..." A little drop of sweat. "I am not sure to kill them or knock them out."
>>103471And there Silvet sees it, lying lethargically on a rock under the sun: a large lion, but with back wings, horns, and the tail of a scorpion. From its mannerisms, it doesn’t look very threatening, merely resting lazily. But it’s where size, muscles, and sharp teeth show its potential.
>>103472“But he’s seen you”
>>103473She tilts her head, evidently as puzzled as Iron is
“Well then”
The ponies ahead have disappeared out of line of sight
>>103474"We will have to improvise for that last part."
Iron feels the urge to pick up the pace, going from a walk to a trot.
>>103474"He's seen me and he thinks i'm with his gang."
>>103477“But he got arrested immediately there after, so he will know something is up”
>>103476“Yes it is!”
Both colts are excited to see a live manticore
>>103478"i'll be ""Arrested"" too."
>>103478Silver is kind of excited, too. "I have never seen one of these up close. Look at size of that stinger..."
>>103479“He was in the car after you got shot...”
>>103480It’s pretty huge.
“They say these things can swallow a pony whole”
>>103481Silver looks down at the size of his own body. "I think it might need two bites to eat me."
>>103483Silver smiles at that. "It seems content, just laying there."
>>103481"was he? i don't remember much except you dragging me out of there."
>>103484“He doesn’t look like he has to worry about anything”
>>103485“He saw you and me together in the back, then you confronted him, then he was ambushed by me as he left, then he was in the back seat as you came in shot and mentioned you killed his partner, who was a disguised Worker. He was arrested by me, and I took him to the blackhooves after dropping you off”
>>103486"well there goes one way to interrogate him, Damn."
He Goes Back to eating his pancakes
>>103486"He probably does not. I wonder how long he has been here."
>>103488“There are ways of extracting information, it just takes more less time, and creativity”
>>103489“I... don’t know... doesn’t seem too bad to me”
>>103490"I suppose so. Should we leave him be to look at next creature?"
>>103493“Well, some-pony wise cousins interrogate him, he could be offered a deal or some sort of incentive or threat, and so forth”
>>103492Silver tilts his head. "It is your decision. What do you want to do?"
>>103502"Sure"
"Yes"
They get a last look at the Manticore, before moving along
>>103504"So many interest creatures in this zoo. I can only wonder as to what is next."
>>103507In the next pin, there is not only thick bars, but a thick glass-like substance, perhaps plastic around a smaller enclosure. This one is dominated by grass. Inside, are multicolored blue, pink, and red hedgehog-like creatures
>>103490"Well, i guess thats true."
>>103509For the moment, Skies is left silent
>>103508"Well, it
seems like little bit excessive, but knowing what we have seen so far, perhaps there is more than meets eye with these."
Alright, so I have gone through the 4 countries in the “Burning Sea” update and have thought through how their cultures would affect military occupation and eventual colonization by an expansionist New Mareland.
The best country in the group for any would-be colonizer is The Free Towns of Gryphus. Gryphus is a region that was lightly populated by settlers from the Gryphian host and then colonized by a trading company from Sicameon. It’s sort of like the Hanseitic League. Since, knights from the Herzland have joined as well, and they own considerable land. Now the society is split between the Company, Natives, and the Knights, as well as Free cities that are probably associated with the Company, but I can’t be sure. The society overwhelmingly is dominated by the company on top, then the knights, then the natives, and they all speak different languages. This society is basically ideal for any colonizing power, because it’s so divided and top-heavy. First off, eliminate the knights. This should be easy, because many of them should be killed or captured in the initial conquest, and those remaining can be given the choice to accept a more obscure roll in society, leave the country, become essentially a local lord under a higher colonial authority, or accept a position in the Territorial Army. The fifth choice, fight and die, is one that could preserve their dignity, but also one that anti-partisan forces can handle quickly.
The Company can and should be cannibalized in the same way, with those at the top removed and replaced with Pony corporations and executives, many of the workers and leaders forced back into the general population, and some executives integrated under pony leadership, or perhaps even left in place as equals (if desirable). Confiscation of property may not be wholly necessary if New Mareland companies, coming from a richer, more technologically advanced, are able to outcompete the Gryphus company to begin with. The natives, and maybe a working proletariat class, should be beneficiaries of a portion of any power or wealth taken from the other two classes. The Gryphian language, for instance, should be elevated, and the country divided into autonomous areas giving more relative power and land to these lower classes. Hopefully, this lowest class should be placated by their elevation. Illiteracy is moderate in the country, and it’s a bit poorer, leaving room for improvement in the lives of its inhabitants. Free Towns can be either given more autonomy, or integrated as needed. The interior area of the country is only lightly inhabited, and thus may be suitable for Pony settlement
The County of Cyanolisia is almost as suitable. The area of Cyanolisia is historical Minotaur territory that was conquered by the Griffonian Empire. A Griffin noble class was installed to rule the country, with the costal areas being dominated by griffin towns, and the inland area, the “Outback,” being basically a no-go-zone for the griffin population, as it is inhabited entirely by unruly Minotaurs. The griffin population is ordered hierarchically, with an unelected count, a separate military, a “capitalist” class, and presumably a lower social level of griffins. Griffins are a minority, with Minotaurs at minimum being 55% of the population, perhaps even 90%. The country is in basically perpetual insurgency, and at fear of invasion by neighboring Minotauria. There are multiple opportunities here, including simply replacing the top of the Griffin nobility and capitalist classes with Ponies and continuing the status quo, reducing the status of Griffins and raising the status of Minotaurs such that the two groups are somewhat balanced and the colonial administration is on top and mediating, deport the entire griffin population and grant the Minotaurs semi-autonomy, hoping they’ll be grateful, and give the country over to The Republic of Asterion in exchange for an alliance.
The next country, however, is absolutely terrible for colonization, that being The Republic of Asterion. Asterion was founded by the Minotaurs, who migrated there from the area that is now Nimbusia to escape Pony rule. The founded a number of colonies that became a confederated republic, before that was turned into a monarchy after unrest. The mainland colonies were invaded and colonized by the expanding Griffonian empire, and later, the islands of Minotauria were conquered as well, and placed under a puppet regime for ~170 years, until the fall of the Griffonian Empire allowed them to regain independence as a republic. Society is relatively equal among classes and racially homogenous, although the various minotaur tribes disagree with and dispute each other. However, the Minotaurs are united in an irredentism towards the former possessions on the mainland, an opposition to Monarchy, and against any kind of foreign occupation. The determination of the inhabitants not be subjugated, as well as the absence of racial or class divisions for a colonizer to exploit, makes Asterion very difficult to hold indefinitely. The country does at least have extensive tribal divisions that may be exploited.
It may be asked whether Asterion needs to be conquered at all, and the biggest reason it would be is because it has the largest supply of rubber in Southern Griffonia, as well as very respectable steel and tungsten reserves that could hardly be passed up. Perhaps one option in dealing with Asterion is to force it into an alliance as a junior member, perhaps after conquering the islands, installing a fascist government, taking control of the natural resources, then giving Cyanolisia over to a newly “independent” Asterion to form a “greater Asterion” under the direction of New Mareland. This would be at least somewhat comparable to Hungary in WW2, which joined Germany as it regained territory lost in the treaty of Trianon.
>>103513So basically, Cyanolisia, Gryphus and the Company will, inevitably, be controlled by superior horsepower and using their diversity of races and current ruling powers to subjugate while the last one cannot be annexed without some serious extermination. Am I reading this right?
And now we get to the worst of the four countries to try to colonize: The Federated Parishes of Sicameon. Sicameon began its existence 750 years before present, when a number of syndicalist… communes? Whatever the hell the subunits of Syndicalism are, “parishes” I guess. Anyways, they formed a confederation together to help resist invasions by foreign powers. Eventually, they were conquered by the Griffonian Empire under Emperor Grover the somethingth, and the country was made into a duchy. However, the population resisted the Griffonian Empire, destroying armories, assassinating officials and so forth, until the Griffonian Empire withdrew after an occupation of 80 years or less. (I wonder if this is a reference to the Dutch winning independence from Spain after the 80 years war). Sicameon is thus the only country to win its independence from Imperial rule through resistance prior to the revolution.
Sicameon continues to be an independent federated republic of syndicates, although it’s more centralized now, and it still instills patriotism through national holidays celebrating its independence. It relies primarily on militias for defense, which of course means more disciplined, trained, and possible armed griffins for possible partisan actions. The economy is relatively egalitarian, the nation is racial homogenous except for a few Minotaur migrant workers. The country is fairly advanced by Griffonian standards, and fairly industrialized. It’s actually pretty close to perfect with very few problems that need solving, so much so that Sicameon rely feels out of place in My Little Pony generally – where griffins are portrayed as being less well off than ponies – and in Equestria at War especially, where pretty much every country on the planet has something seriously wrong with it. The only problem Sicameon has is pirates and mafia, with there being an option for the Mafia to corrupt the government and sort of take control. The existence of bandits, mafia, and pirates isn’t necessarily good for a colonial government, as they can be a whole new faction to fight or contribute to arms trafficking to partisans. The country has a large navy that it is easy to imagine refuses to surrender and instead goes to a foreign nation. If Hippogryphia, for instance, were a hostile power, it’s conceivable that it could send arms to nearby Sicameon.
It’s worth asking why you would invade Sicameon in the first place, rather than just leave it free or leave it to Wingbardy. Unfortunately Wingbardy must always be conquered as New Mareland as it always attacks sooner or later. Sicameon, on the Historical path, forms a pact with Asterion and thus must be attacked to attack that nation (which will also justify a war goal against New Mareland if New Mareland holds Cyanolisia… which is the only option for a port expanding East). Harmonic nations have a nasty tendency to intervene in every war of conquest not done by a Harmonic power no matter where it is on the planet. There’s also the fact that Sicameon is right along the path from New Mareland towards the East, and thus sort of necessary for the ports and supply lines. It has a great set of factories, even as the resources are lack luster. Simply, there’s not much sense in leaving it alone, especially if it attacks first. At the same time, there are not many options for subduing it. It cannot be colonized in a normal matter. As a fully independent Republic, it will recognize being given the status as an autonomous district or a vassal state as inferior to its proper station, and even occupying until the danger passes, then granting it independence is questionable, as republics of that sort tend to hold national grudges for extended periods of time.
The least bad option with Sicameon, I think, is to do to it basically what America did with Cuba. Conquer Sicameon, and annex a tiny area for the exclusive purpose of creating a naval base. Take the most important industries, and deliver them to New Mareland based corporations. Then, place the Mafia in power. The whole country would be ruled by a mafia cabal, while New Mareland industries can exploit the resources. Nominally, Sicameon might be entirely independent, while being open to New Mareland citizens, corporations, and interests. Cuba in the first half of the twentieth century, especially under Batista, was pretty much exactly this.
>>103515>>103513That, of course, is assuming alternatives are possible. The final option is one I like to call, “Operation Enduring Occupation.” That is, just accept that no long term colony, nor amiable puppet state can be created, and the only way to deal with a subject territory is through indefinite military occupation. This is of course the worst option, because it definitely requires a number of military forces as garrison and probably dooms the territory to eternal partisan warfare, but at least it allows resources to be extracted, infrastructure to be used for logistics, a portion of industrial production to be taken through exactions, and some troops to be raised as territorials.
Let’s use some historical comparisons to try to understand how many troops would be necessary for a military occupation. The German Occupied Zone of France, in 1941, had a population of 25 Million, and had a German occupation force of 100,000. (This is before the Commando raids, so those probably aren’t defending from naval invasion). As another point of comparison, Iraq had a population of 31 million in 2009, and the maximum number of U.S. troops ever to be stationed in Iraq was 180,000 in late 2007. This sounds like a reasonable number of soldiers even for a small nation like New Mareland, as most of the subject territories are also small. There are a little more than 4 million inhabitants in Sicameon, and 6 million in Minotauria. (For comparison, the entirely of East Equestria is probably about 28 million). This means something like 40-60 thousand soldiers could garrison Sicameon and Minotauria combined.
That is, of course, assuming the situation is less bad than a complete revolt. To use more pessimistic figures, in 1920 the Mandate of Iraq had a population of 3 million, but perhaps 135 thousand British and Territorial soldiers were required to put down the mass revolts. (Some say those numbers are way too high. Also, the British won in only a few months). The Mandate of Syria in 1925 had a population of just over 1.7 Million, and a little over 14,000 French soldiers. That number ballooned to 50,000 in 1926 to put down the revolt that occurred there. In 1943, in Operation Case Black, 137,000 Axis soldiers were involved in an operation to try to put down partisans in Yugoslavia, which had a population of 15 million. (The operation failed).
So that's something to think about.
>>103516>>103515I assume extermination is not viable due to something akin to sapient rights?
>>103525>Anonymous of PonyvillePonyville confirmed as a town in Florida
>>103527Absolute truth there.Seeing how the town usually has a ton of monsters attacking it.
Ursa minor, wandering magician turned megalomaniac superpony, random zebra making the townsponies cower in fear in their homes, Bugbear, a giant castle that sprung from the ground.
It's definitely Florida, now that you mention it.
>>103525>>103527>>103529Oh my god, every episode can be described as a Florida man does X article.
>>103529I was going to object to the giant castle popping out of the ground being something that never happens in Florida, but then I remembered hearing about some weird loner immigrant guy who built an entire castle all by himself in Florida, and was sometimes claimed to use supernatural or strange magnetic powers to do it. Also there's the Disney World castle appearing out of the swamp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_Castlehttps://youtu.be/T7_Ip_h27Us?t=110 >>103532I'm expecting to see a Florida man headline for Ponyville on the newspaper now.
>"Ponyville Pony shed a Manitcore's hair off and made a doormat out of it" So accomplishing something tonight may be possible
>>103534It certainly is within that realm.
>>103534I don't think I can participate this time, sadly.
>>103512The hedgehogs move about, before noticing Silver through the scratched, plastic wall
Has Brie and co disembarked yet?
>>103538Yes, just chose the destination.
Again, the options are to cross the river into a town on the other side, then go through customs or try to jump the wall, to cries a bridge directly into customs, or to try to cross the river further north or south and attempt to avoid being noticed
>>103539I thought we were resolved to Customs
>>103540Alright, take a pick of where
>>103537The scratches are a bit alarming, but he waves at them anyways.
>>103541What do you mean where? Following the map along the most civilized and paved >road toward customs, and then from there onward - making detours as necessary - opting for the most paved route from our location to the Hive in question, assuming that last part is determinable from the map/directions acquired
There are other wisdom scores involved in the determination
>>103545>>103543Alright. Brie goes along a road that leads through the center of town. It's a well trafficked road with many ponies with carts - carts being definitely more popular than any mode of transport that is propelled by its own power - and past tall buildings, tenements, a library, and row houses, until the river front and a few derelict hotels are reached.
Here, at the riverfront, Brie encounters a bridge. There's something out of place, almost anamchronistic about this bridge, as one side of it has a set of turrets almost like a castle wall. Indeed, the red stone facade on this part of the bridge does have a couple low towers that makes the whole contruct resemble a medieval fortress. The bridge itself is a concrete or perhaps stone archway, about the equivalent of two lanes wide. Not much traffic passes on the bridge. At the center of the bridge, in a span perhaps two arches in length that lies between the bridge's two towers, the red stone turret stops, and the pavement of the bridge turns a subtly lighter shade of grey. This little span seems to mark a great change in the scenery moving forward. There are a number of buildings on the otherside, but these become increasingly likely to seem unoccupied, or perhaps even over occupied. A shop is abandoned and its windows broken, while a hotel seems to be converted into makeshift housing where more than one family shares a studio. Broken windows are common, as are buildings with great gashes and collapsed walls. Carts are fewer in number, but when they are seen, they are seen overloaded with grandfather clocks, suitcases, and farm animals, headed in the opposite direction. A couple ponies look on to Brie and company as the pass with evident curiosity or confusion.
As they progress further, they pass what was once the Red Fields Fire-station. Now, it has an automobile, and a small barbed wire barriacde around it, as well as a number of Griffins in military uniform. They wear a brown uniform that Brie has likely not seen before, as well as brown caps, and wear on their shoulders a green flag with yellow cross. This is hardly the last view of soldiers to be had, as Brie nears what seems to be the crossing point.
Just beyond a two story apartment building is what seems to have once been a road. "Once been," because there is now a wall spanning down its length. It's made of steel, including both plates and grated sections, and perhaps only 18 feet in height, but it's there. It's what's along this road that is more interesting. There is a guard tower on one end, and a number of ponies standing around. These ponies wear a light green uniform, and are accompanied by similar brown uniformed griffins. The Griffins stand around, sometimes bored, sometimes talking to each other, often smoking, but occassionaly taking careful note of the movements of a line of ponies in a fenced off section. It is this line of ponies that the uniformed ponies mind themselves with, as some uniformed ponies talk to the ponies, some shine lights in their eyes, and some look over papers, while still others search carts that are pulled through. The ponies themselves vary in appearence. Some look as anxious as a pony can be. Some are patient and look well off, often wearing relatively fancy clothing. More than a few look fatigued or even ill, though the ponies around them see no need to quarantine them. They may look famished.
Above this whole scene flies a flag that is not unfamiliar, though rarely seen flying. In some ways it resembles the Equestrian flag, the one with two princeses together in the center of blue field surrounded by stars. This one, however, has fewer stars, and the princesses are replaced by a pair of horse shoes. Whereas the Princesses of the Equestrian flag faced each other in evident unity, the two horsehoes of this flag face away from each other, though their backs meet in the middle. It's almost like a pair of horseshoe magnets back to back, polarizing that which is around them.
Brie himself heads towards a shorter line, mostly of better off ponies, heading towards a pair of ponies on the other side
>>103547Holy shit, that's a lot of text.I think I can get into the game, actually. If you're up for it, of course.
>>103542The little hedgehog things move along. Then they see Silver. They turn, one by one as if in a formation towards silver, and stand on two legs, silently. Then they arch their backs, and screech
"EEEK!"
>>103548If Iron has moves, sure, but note that I want to have some more dialogue between Grant and Pear, which will have to come before it is interrupted by actions, and will take some time to type
>>103549>Iron has movesI don't know what do you mean by that, but sure. I can wait to hear that dialog.
>>103551Brie and company experience what is described in
>>103547. He may move forward through the checkpoint, talk to players or accompanying NPCs, back the hell out, or take whatever other measures you can think of
>>103495Sorry i got drunk last night. and kinda lost track of the thread.
>>103556I think that post was supposed to be “sompepony else could interrogate him.” Anyways, good to see you back. And stay away from alcohol, it’s bad for you. Unfortunately, I have to go to sleep right now.
Is anyponer here this morning?
>>103560I sort of am, but not for long.
>>103560I am.
>>103549Silver's ears fold backwards at the sudden assault. "Well..."
>>103562You said that last nightBut more seriously, that’s fine. I’m still at work but have absolutely nothing to do>>103563One of the creatures turns its back towards Silver, and shoots a quill as a projectile in the direction of Silver and the colts. It hits the plastic, and is deflected. White Orchid moves back, while Mint Marine dives to hide under Silver behind his forelegs
>>103564Silver flinches in surprise, half-expecting to look down and see a quill stuck in his hide before he realizes that it was deflected. "I suddenly see why there is plastic screen." He looks first back to White Orchid, then down to Mint Marine between his forelegs. "Are you two alright?"
>>103565Oh shit! Well good luck. I am technically at work for these next three hours, including a long lunch break that shall be spent at a local taco place, so I will be posting from phone and may not have a long set of dialogue ready. But I’ll keep it in mind>>103566“Y-Yes” says Mint Marine, looking out. White Orchid has flinched as well, even if he did not dive for cover.
“... Pukwudgies”
One of the brightly colored little creatures leans forward and gives a “Raaah!” While two more must believe their business is concluded, as they turn away and start to wonder off.
>>103567"They seem like fairly aggressive creatures, for being so small and colorful."
>>103568“That, they are”
White Orchid is trembling a bit, and the Pukwudgies stare now
>>103569Silver takes note at how afraid the two colts are. "Should we leave them be and look at next exhibit?"
>>103571“Sure...”
Mint Marine takes another long look at the Jelly bean colored terrors before moving off
The next location is more open, with just a basic fence and some grass
>>103572"Hmm. Some kind of grassland creature?"
>>103574The first creatures to be seen are little brown rabbits with antlers on them. They seem almost curious, and approach
>>103576Dark Star Continues eating
>>103576"I think I have heard of these before, but I can not think of name." He waves at the approaching rabbits. "Hello little ones."
>>103577I’m not sure what Blue Skies would have to say at this moment...>>103578They don’t say anything back to s Silver, though one of them blinks. The little foals come closer to the fence, and lean over it
“Jackalopes!” says White Orchid
>>103579"Aw, yes, that is name." Silver does much the same as the foals, though all he needs to do is peer over the top of the fence. "Cute little things, these."
>>103580Well fuck, that sucks>>103581White Orchid leans a hoof forward, into the cage, in an attempt to pet one of the Jackalopes.
“No touching the animals” says a brown mare, who looks a big older and wrinkled, definitely skinny.
“Aww...”
>>103585Silver lets out a chuckle and musses up the colt's mane. He remembers being like White Orchid, once. "Sorry, little one." He also waves to the mare as a friendly greeting.
>>103587She still has a serious look
“Aww...”
“Aww”
Now three of the Jackalopes have formed up
>>103588It's difficult to resist such disappointed faces. But, rules are rules. "At least we get to see them. And it is not like you can not interact with them. You just can not touch them."
>>103590A strike right to the heartstrings. "Come on. We do not want to get in trouble and get kicked out, yes?"
>>103592Shimmer observes, and now encounters, the scenes described in
>>103547 >>103593They hang their heads in defeat, yet another one in a life short, but overflowing with disappointments and unfairness
>>103595He gives them a pat on the head, each. "Maybe some other day I will have to take you two to petting zoo."
>>103596“Okay....”
Next, in a similar enclosure, giraffes are visible
“I’ve never seen a giraffe before...”
>>103597I'm not even gonna touch that sentence...>>103598"Neither have I. I have heard that were they come from in Zebrica, there are tall trees, so they needed long necks to be able to even eat."
>>103599"That's interesting. But how do their necks get long enough?"
At the moment, one walks up casually to a tree, and starts to rip leaves off
>>103600"Maybe they just stretched their necks over and over again until they could finally reach leaves?"
>>103602“Maybe. Hehehe”
The giraffe reaches out for more leaves
Alright. It's nap time.
Taking some time for some actual shut-eye.
I'll check in again in the morning if you're up as wel.
>>103603"Hmm..." Silver stretches his neck up as far as it will go. "Am I doing it?"
>>103608“Hehe” the little ponies giggle and laugh
>>103609After a few more seconds of stretching his neck up, he gives up. "Aw, well, I suppose I am still not giraffe. Yet."
>>103610Mint Marine is laughing. White Orchid laughs as well, “if you keep it up, you will be able to eat free leaves someday too”
>>103611"You make good point. I will keep practicing. Anyways, want to see next exhibit?"
>>103612“Sure!”
The giraffe looks back with an almost offended look at Silver and the foals.
The next area also has a low fence, and more grass
>>103613"Hmm, more Zebrican animals?"
>>103614Not necessarily. A giant tortoise lumbers through, slowly going towards a cabbage that has been placed on the ground
>>103615"That is one big reptile." Silver peers over the fence.
>>103616it looks back over at Silver with a partial smile. It must be at least as tall as Mint Marine at the shoulders
“Woah”
>>103617"I wonder where these tortoises live. I do not think I have even seen anything quite like this." He pauses for a second while that sinks in. "Now that I think of it, that is probably exact reason behind exotic animal exhibits in zoo."
>>103618Mint Marine is a bit amazed
“I’ve heard they live on the islands far south of here... it’s nice to see one”
>>103619Silver looks to Mint Marine. "How far south? Spa Islands? Or even further?"
>>103620“I think there are some on the Spa Islands... but some are further”
>>103621"Neat." He continues looking at the tortoise. "I do not know anything about lands further south of Spa Islands. I think I heard though that there is tribe of dragons on some islands far south of here, across ocean."
>>103622“Oh yes... great big isle of dragons, and other dangerous creatures”
>>103623"Probably not very good vacation spot, but it sounds like okay place to see."
>>103622he looks at Silver and blinks
“Will you take me?”
>>103625The question surprises Silver. He most certainly wasn't expacting
that question, out of the ones he would be expecting. "Uh...well, I do not if I will ever go, or get chance to go, but...I suppose if I ever do, I will come to you?"
>>103626He wags his tail and smiles slightly
“I hope that if I do go, the creatures I meet are more like this tortoise than those Pukwudgies”
>>103627This one he can work with better. "I would not think so. Especially if you go to take look at local marine life. I do not think Pukwudiges can swim." As expected 'Pukwudigies' is not a word that comes naturally to the Severyanan.
>>103628It may not slip off the tip of the younger, but the terror instilled in the last encounter has ensured that the name of the Pukwudgies shall be seared into Mint Marine’s mind
“I hope not... I hope they can’t use boats either”
>>103629Silver chuckles at the image that crosses his mind. "I do not think they make boats that tiny."
>>103630“Hehe... I would like to see the boats sometime. The ones in the harbor”
>>103632Well, that is a spooky roll.>>103631"We will have to go sometime, then." Silver looks to the two colts. "In meantime, do you two want to go to next exhibit?."
>>103633“Okay...”
White Orchid is leaning over the fence trying to lean in to touch the tortoise, his hind legs in the air
>>103634Silver has to pull out the father voice for this one. "White Orchid."
>>103635The colt has basically managed to balance himself on the upper wooden rail of the fence, with the first half of his body sling inside of the enclosure, and the other half dangling outside. He moves his eyes up towards Silver
“Yes?”
\r
>>103636Silver gives him the old fatherly 'come on now' look he hasn't had to use for a while.
>>103637The little pony blinks. He had not received such a look in a very long time, and though he averts his eyes, he does not react.
>>103638Silver's voice takes a more stern tone. "White Orchid. You are going to get all of us in trouble. Get down from fence."