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
Shimmering Spark, Onyx Steel, and Brie Achtungsex now make the perilous crossing into the Changeling Lands. In Baltimare, Dark Star prepares for his next big assignement, while Silver concludes his mentoring of traumatized foals. Much further away, Iron stands under jeweled nighttime skies, preparing his next move
1624 replies and 106 files omitted.
>>105807Does Dark Star have any insignia's?
>>105813“Did you think I didn’t have to run from them first?”
>>105814No. He does not have any kind of official attire, just the badge and the gun
>>105815Ah Ok, What is his Official Position inside the Party?
>>105817Deputized Voluntary Assistant, Internal Security
>>105815"You told me already, and you did the right thing to preserve your life, but you must understand that running away strips away your right to demand things, since you abandoned the prizes inside the temple to save your hide. You had to sacrifice your ownership of the items inside to be breathing at this moment. To be completely honest, the fact that you are able to explore the temple after that ontop of having your companions inmortalized is quite generous indeed."
>>105812Silver once again is in the lower level, with arched open rooms to his right, and doors to the animal-area to his left. It's cool inside here, and there is a subtle but unpleasant smell. Red brick dominates the aesthetic of the walls and floors both
>>105821"Is stating the events that transpired here really that insulting? Yes, you ran away successfully from the bandits and you led us here, too, but you would not have been able to even grasp at the temple's vast potential for historical knowledge if it were not for me and my partner, unless you are implying you could have single-hoofedly taken out every single bandit around the temple."
Iron shrugs.
"Here I am, offering some of it to you indirectly to fulfill your partner's yet you seem to spit at my hoof for even daring to try."
>>105826"It's not the suggestion that you deserve a portion. It's the implication that the whole of it is yours to divvy out, and anypony else who receives any of it should be grateful for your magnanimity"
>>105827"Why not? Could you have taken the ones that impeded the option to hoof it among us out? The ones that would not have even tried to negotiate? They were the sole obstacle that stopped you from being able to do so, therefore the one who does should enable him to distribute whatever objects in their best interests. After all, the one who put the most work in getting the goods gets the right to decide to whom it belongs, or should the farmer not be able to distribute the crops he has grown?"
>>105830Nice!
So, you gonna play today?
>>105828“A few things. First, it is a collective effort requiring the imputs of many ponies. Even where inputs are not equal, that does not mean one pony has the right to assume or even to distribute the rest. But all that is missing the point, really. This was a church and a gravesite. Sacred ground to a dead culture. Its artifacts were a part of that’s tomb and temple. They belong, both morally and under the law of Equestria, to the Marexica herd. It was arrogant of Highchair and Dr. Grant to think that they could cleverly maneuver their way around the Antiquities Act and turn it into a financial boon for the University. This behavior is nothing less than the equivalent of breaking into Canterlot Cathedral, selling the icons, the paintings, and breaking open the tombs under the marble floors while claiming you deserve it all for no other reason than because you strong-legged our a different group of robbers who got to it before you did”
She’s a little angry, almost teary eyed
“There are some ponies who have ancestors buried here”
>>105830She still has that expression like she just got caught
Does Dark Star want to do anything?
>>105829Growl >>105831sure
>>105833He thanks the potion seller for the potions then heads for the quarry
>>105834The Zebra thanks him, and Dark Star leaves. When he arrives at the quarry, he sees a rather worried looking orange Pegasus with yellow helmet and uniform looking over the chain linked fence into the former farm property
>>105835"Hey You There! whats going on here?"
>>105836“I... don’t know. Earlier there was a massive explosion, and me and the colts just thought they were detonating that that bomb in the lake, so we weren’t really worried and just continued on with our shift. But then we heard gun shots, and a giant bird, I mean, a huge bird came and sounded like it was trapped in something, of fighting something. It flew off and now we don’t know what’s going on”
[1d20+3 = 9]>>105833Listen: Silver pauses while he tries to pinpoint the location of the growl.
>>105837"......I uh wasnt expecting that. you and Everypony else stay back. where did the bird fly off from?"
Dark Star Draws His pistol and Walks through the fence.
[1d20+4 = 9]>>105839Move Silently: Silver cautiously makes for the source of the noise, while trying to remain silent.
>>105840“It was in the quarry”
Dark Star, presumably, draws out his pistol and holds it forward as if it were drawn by a police officer clearing out a building. The construction worker pony must believe Dark Star is an off-duty cop, because he is not alarmed by this, nor does he question it
>>105832Iron's expressions softens even more over Pear's tear-eyed expression
"I would agree with you, but the issue is that the ones who previously owned it either died off or left it behind. The Marexicans did not even bother trying to find it either due to ignorance or neglect, which indicates they themselves do not care for these ponies."
He nods a few times.
"While I did take from the dead, seeing how the gods guided me here to clean it up of these unworthy cowards whose very presence insults the god of which this temple is for, they must have allowed me to part ways with some of these belongings as a token of gratitude. Otherwise, how could me and my partner have found you in the middle of this expansive forest as well as ensure your escape from the bandits if the gods themselves did not orchestrate these events to happen? It cannot be simple coincidence. This is what was meant to be."
[1d20 = 17]>>105842Thats how he does it yes
Perception to see where in the quarry the birb was
>>105844Must have been in the center, since that’s the only place that will allow a giant bird to land.
Is he going to the edge if the quarry to look down, or searching the skies to see if it is still around?
>>105841He goes in through a stone doorway that must have, at one time, held a wooden door. To the left are open spaces that seem to have the remnants of steel bars at their bases. Presumably, it was almost like a cheap municipal jail with steal bars blocking off part of a room. Now those are open. To the right are recessed, lowered holding pins, or pits
>>105843She gets up, shakes her head, and says softly,
"Don't assume the will of the gods"
>>105846Silver is familiar with this room layout in the catacombs.
Hmm...nothing immediately visible. Then, that must mean... He looks in the pits for any sign of the culprit.
>>105845he was looking down into the quarry
>>105848In the first pit, nothing. The second, however, has two quadruped skeletons in that area too low for for them to climb out
They are simple skeletons, animated by magic alone, with neither the flesh nor tendons nor mummified skins the zebra and pony ghouls and ghasts possessed
>>105849He sees a very macabre seen, with pickled body parts strewn about in the water, a floating black cadaver, and various pieces of legs, heads, and necks. There is no blood, and no red flesh, only a brown fusion of skin and flesh attached to bone and hanging tendon.
To the left is the water, and to the right is a raised area of dry rock that leads into the cave-like entrance to the catacombs. Between the raised area on the right, and the lake on the left, to the center-right is an area of rock one level lower - perhaps 5 feet lower - than the rock on the far right. Ontop of this clear, lower area are strewn shining pieces of armor, pieces of that strange brown flesh, wrapped cloth, and of all things, blood. The only red blood - and it is indeed red, not the black or brown rust of dried blood - is in that little area. There is a wrapped pony head on the ground, along with other body parts. The smell is... well, it's bad, with rotted plant joining the smells of the flesh.
>>105847Iron shrugs
"I cannot say why they would bring me here otherwise."
>>105852He Does his best to surpress a Gag
As he creeps down into the quarry itself and towards the Red Blood
>>105853"It wasn't the gods who found this temple... It was me"
She says this more softly than almost everything else she's said
>>105854Dark Star walks past the pump and its engine, down the ramp, and then presumably jumps down one level below. What Dark Star can see is a mummified pony in full cloth that has been cut in half, and what looks like a knight in armor lying on its side on the ground, with part of a plate torn away, exposing that brown flesh beneath
>>105856No, he cannot hit them from his present position using the hammer unless he jumps in
>>105857Hmmph. I will deal with you later.Silver continues looking around for any sign of the undead.
>>105855"Shit."
He Takes out the Hide From Undead Potion pulls out the cork with his teeth then Swallows The Red Liquid in one swallow.
He Creeps Fowards towards the Cave Entrance and peeks in
>>105855Iron cocks his head, not really understanding what is going on inside her head.
"Who says you did not do that?"
>>105858None else in this little compartment
>>105859Nothing visible
>>105860She just nods, as if to say "I
did find it"
>>105861Silver makes note of this room's location before heading back into the corridors.
>>105862It's pitch black, and a little cool and humid
>>105863I take it the opposite corridor?
[1d20-2 = -2]>>105861Iron's eyes dart to the sides, not sure what she's thinking about.
"You did well?"
Rolling diplomacy for the lulz.
It's -2 due to -1 Cha mod and -1 from abrasive. >>105865Suffice it to say, this remark does not go down smoothly
>>105867No response
>>105862Dark Star can hear something inside, sounds like a voice, to his left. It is still black
>>105866I figured as much, honestly. The sentence itself is quite a dumb response.Iron's frogs are sweaty. His knees are weak and his legs are heavy.
(Why does she not go for the offer I gave her? Is it really just because of a distant feeling of guilt?)
>>105867"Hmm. I suppose there is nothing here."
Silver continues to explore the lower area of the catacombs.
>>105864Dark Star takes out his flash light and turns it on and points it into the cave
>>105869Pear stands up, first her forebody, then her rear, backs up, and starts to turn around to go to the other side of the fire. She walks past what was her souvenir from the experience, at least one of the idols, sitting down next to the fire. She continues onwards
All around Iron, crickets chirp on, and various noises come from the night time jungle. Clouds block the light of the nearly full moon, only to move on and let it show again. Even at night, it is hot enough to sweat
>>105871It's no cave, but the storage room of the catacombs, with decayed wood particulars and rusted iron rings, and ring walls
>>105870Essentially, symmetrical to other side. There are fewer rock particles on the ground. Perhaps this area was used for something else before Curwhinny commandeered it
>>105872Iron feels like Pear's going to get hurt.
"Uh, Pear? Where are you going?"
(Is she going to leave his partner all alone here?)
>>105872I wonder who built this place first, and for what purpose. Besides for their dead to rest.Silver once again calls out. "Hello?"
[1d20 = 4]>>105872Perception to find anything in here of use or points to where silver may be.
>>105876Sound, undiscernible, to the left
>>105873Pear looks back at Iron, over the fire. Again, she says nothing, but looks at him. Her face is almost directly through and above the flames
>>105875Nothing yet
>>105877Iron tentatively takes a step towards her, being careful not to step into the fire for doing so by starting to go around it.
"Is something the matter?"
>>105878"Many things, but that has always been true"
>>105877"Seems like so far it is only skeletons left." Silver slowly, cautiously makes his way upstairs.
>>105877He points his flashlight in that direction
>>105880To Silver's left, a light appears n the wall, exposing the pinkish granite
>>105881A bare wall, though to the right are arched chambers
>>105880Scratch what is said in
>>105882. Silver does not see a light. He sees stairs, and these are in better condition that the other. the steps are oddly white in color
>>105882"what the?"
Dark Star walks towards the wall then gently taps on it
>>105883Strange... Silver proceeds up the stairs.
>>105879Iron's not exactly sure of what her thought process is, but he takes another step.
"Look. I understand I may be overstepping my bounds as a pony here, but I cannot go against my promise. The last thing I want is to break somepony's trust by not sticking to my word and I did promise my partner life-changing money because she needs it to reach a more fulfilling life."
>>105884It's solid granite, pinkish hue. To the right is wide open corridor
>>105885There are firm, even now, even as parts of the wall are a bit... shattered. Nothing is immediately noticed. It smells a tiny bit like burnt wood
>>105886"Is that what this is about?"
>>105887"Hmmmm"
Dark Star Turns towards the Corridor then Shines his light Down it and walks down it
>>105887Silver remembers that day, and the ensuing fire, smoke, and chaos. He calls out again for any remaining undead. "Calling all hungry ghasts, come in hungry ghasts!"
>>105889Nothing to either side that wasn't there the last time he went through here. It's bricklined walls, and open arched chambers to Dark Star's left. From beyond the end of the hall, he can here a mad Bolshevik shouting
"Calling all hungry ghasts, come in hungry ghasts!"
>>105890No immediate reply
>>105888"So it's... what?"
>>105891Dark Star Thinks to himself
"What The Buck?"
He Says out loud
"Hello?"
>>105891"A promise is a promise, after all. She has her own problems to deal with, which these can solve."
Iron takes another step.
"I cannot simply go back against my word, especially when she risked her life to get here. It would break all the trust she has in me."
Another step forward.
"It would also make her lose the last shreds of hope of getting a better life, forever trapped in a draining job which saps her very soul out of her."
Another step forward.
"I do understand that I am threading a fine needle of the gods' respect towards me, but this is a once in a lifetime chance for her to reach happiness."
Another step forward, hopefully reaching Pear by this point.
"I cannot go back against my word when that much is at stake."
>>105892>>105893Silver looks around him for the source of this voice. "Yes, hello. Are you alive or dead?"
>>105894"What is the promise, exactly?"
>>105896Iron looks at Pear confidently.
"Life-changing money. The bringer of infinite possibilities and the dream acheiver."
>>105895"Im Not Sure? Why is somepony like you down here? shouldn't you be trying to seize the means of production?"
>>105898"...Dark Star, is that you?"
>>105902"Yeah, it is me. Come upstairs so we can stop shouting. I think it is safe."
>>105903Dark Star Walks up Stairs.
"What exactly is going on? i heard Something About A Giant Bird?"
>>105905Silver looks like he usually does, minus the absurd armament, a bit more soot covering his coat, and a bleeding gash on his right flank that he either doesn't notice or doesn't bother him. "There was obstacle to completing job for Blue Skies. I cleared obstacle." He smiles at him. "Did you see it? It was Roc, like giant hawk.
Very giant hawk. It was lured in with bait I used for ghasts, and killed mummy and armored ghast in process."
>>105904"She is the first pony that showed the values you follow. Both kind and generous when she offered her home for me to sleep in, honest, loyal and fun, too."
He looks at Cauldron.
"Is that not somepony who you want to help when they are in return when she needs it?"
>>105906"No Some Construction Worker Saw it. You're Bleeding by the way. it killed A Mummy and A Ghast? where did those come from?"
>>105907Cauldron is a bit bashful
"Why yes, of course"
Pears has a wide grin
"Oh I see what this is about. Why did you not say something earlier?"
>>105908"I am?" He turns around, looking over his body until he sees the gash. "Huh, I am. One of them must have got me while I was being chased. Anyways, you do not remember seeing sarcophagus, or very large number of ghasts we left behind here? I lured almost all undead outside using very potent predator bait, got almost all of them near bomb in quarry, then blew it up from distance using rifle. Mummy and armored ghast were by entrance when it went off, so they survived."
>>105909Iron looks at Pear, confused. His cheeks can't help but redden a bit.
"What is what about?" he stammers.
(Has she really found me out?)
>>105910"Oh Right, i sorta Forgot About that."
He Rubs the Back of his head.
"Right i Need you're Help on A Job For the Black Hooves."
>>105912"Job, huh?" Silver sits down. "Alright, let us hear it."
>>105911She keeps grinning, and nodding
"Did you want to keep it a secret?"
>>105914Iron starts sweating even more than normal, the traitorous blush ever present.
"Secrets? I have no secrets. Zero. None whatsoever," he stammers out in a slightly higher pitch than his usual tone of voice.
>>105915"Then why are you only bringing this up now?"
>>105913"There's a Zebra and Griffin Smuggling Ring Down at the Docks. it is a Very Serious Issue. they are bringing in Illegals immigrants into the Country. there have also been reports of Arms trafficking."
>>105917Silver nods, slowly. "Hmm. Sounds like it. Tricky too, if Griffons are involved. What does timetable look like?"
>>105916Iron darts his eyes from Cauldron to Pear periodically.
"Well, I uh... did not want to burden you with that knowledge unless absolutely necessary! Yeah, that is it!"
A pause.
"That did make sense, right?"
>>105918>>105917Some sound of indiscernible distance, sounds like a pony
>>105919I KNOW THAT REFERENCE!"Well... what I said earlier stands"
>>105918"It Needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. i believe we will need to rent some Heavy Artillery From the BlackHooves. SeaBreeze said they are most likely armed to the beak. there maybe the possibility they are taking Slaves as well."
[1d20+3 = 14]>>105920>>105922>>105923Listen: "...I did." Silver slowly draws his SMG. He tries to pinpoint where it was coming from.
>>105920>when you reference something out of pure luckIron inhales deeply, glancing at Cauldron before looking down and lightly digging the ground with a hoof.
"Fine. You got me. These," he shakes the pots as the blush intensifies "are supposed to be a gift for her."
>>105925"I see... and how much does she need?"
Cauldron is too embarrassed to protest
>>105924The sound is from further in the halls, on the other-side, near the main area the group had operated before
>>105927>>105928Silver keeps his voice low. "Hmm...seems like there might be one ghast left. That or one of ponies you mentioned wandered inside. Now, follow..." He looks where he expected Dark Star to be, and, upon seeing nopony, looks around confused. "...where did you go?"
>>105926"The more, the better. It is still supposed to be life-changing money, which means it should be a lot."
Poking his chin in order not to reveal every single thing to the all-seeing Earth mare, he opts for a reasonable description without being too obvious of his and Cauldron's intent.
"Perhaps the same amount to buy a house and fill it with those wood things for storage, along with a place where to cook. Also some beds and other things these metal jungle houses have."
He walks over to Cauldron, pulling her closer yet again, winking at her.
"Is that right?"
>>105929a shhhh sound comes from the shadows
"ill be right behind you."
>>105931Creepy, but: "Alright then. I will take point."
>>105928Silver heads towards the source of the sound, SMG and flashlight pointed forward.
>>105927Well... Dark Star is hidden
>>105929The sound continues. It's an almost laughing hysterical sound
>>105930"Well..."
"And that requires
all of this money?"
>>105932He goes forward, around through the little hallway past the chemistry lab, past curwhinny's little bedroom, and towards where the library had been, the one that was set on fire
[1d20+4 = 22]>>105934It certainly sets Silver's hairs on end. But... "When did undead start laughing?"
Move Silently: Silver tries to sneak up on whoever or whatever is making the noise.
[1d20+5 = 8]>>105936Dark Star Follows him silently
>>105934Iron nods.
"Yes. Most definitely, since the cooking ingredients she uses are quite rare, too. Too much uncertainty so she has to buy them in bulk every week."
He slowly leans over to Cauldron's ear while smiling, hopefully to placate the smug pony in front of him.
"Tell her the cost for your potion ingredients, Cauldron," she whispers into the now flustered zebra. "Unless you think we can get away with saying the true reason behind the use for the money."
>>105936>>105935It doesn't hear Silver, but Silver does see it
Silver's flashlight shines forward into the hallway, and immediately picks up a shadow. Silver may have confused the entity standing before him as a living pony, as indeed it is in a better, livelier condition than those he has encountered before. It has part of its mane, grey and black, and it wears a brownish ragged jacket of indiscernible style, as well as a badly faded purple-white Tricorne hat on its head. It still has much of its coat, a matted rusty color, although if it was simply covered in dried blood its not sure it would look any different. The eyes remain in its sockets... but that's where the difference is most immediately discernable. The pupils are pitych black, and take up almost the whole eye.
"Hehehe, hehe" it laughs almost nervously. Its lips are gone, as is one of its ears
>>105938"Well there's uh, the mandrake root... which is... very expensive"
She's definitely stumbling over her words, but at least she isn't quite dead from embarrassment yet
"Uh huh" says the not really convinced Pear
>>105939Iron's brow is getting even sweatier.
(This is the worst way to confess feelings for another pony.)
"Alright, fine. You got us again. Remember that whole funding thing? Well, she was the one who was going to be funded into having a small business."
>>105939Dark Star Draws his pistols, but doesn't point it at it,yet.
>>105940"It wasn't a proposal for a memorial Park Bench?"
>>105939>>105941Silver casts nervous and confused glances at this being. Like Dark Star, he keeps his SMG at the ready, but for the moment merely watches its actions.
What...is this thing? Is this ghast of old militia pony? >>105942"That can also happen, yes, but I mainly wanted to help my partner replace her current job that, as I said, saps her very soul, with something she likes doing a lot more."
He looks at Cauldron.
"If you feel able to talk about your passion that will turn into your future job, do it."
>>105943>>105941It screams
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!And starts to run for the two
>>105940Just wanted to say the last attempt at confessing feelings was objectively worse
>>105944"Well... I... like... potion making?"
[2d20+5 = 24]>>105945Dark Star Shoots it with his Revolvers
>>105945Oh I know. He was a confused little colt those times.Iron squeezes Cauldron affectionatley.
"Come on, you can do better than that. Tell her about the magic potions that make my hide tougher or the ones you brewed just to heal me up to full fighting strength."
He looks at Pear.
"There are also some that increases one's attributes temporarily, too. Things like intelligence and charisma to strength and dexterity."
He smiles giddily as a colt in a sugarcube store
"Are potions the best thing ever when it can do things like that? Of course they are!"
[10d20+5 = 96]>>105947>>105948Well, I suppose if Dark Star is shooting it, Silver should probably join in.Silver fires a moderate burst from his SMG at the rushing undead.
[6d6 = 16]>>105947>>105950It shrieks, loudly, in a scream that sounds like it is inhaling
>>105950>>105947The bullets rip flesh off it, and the tricorne falls off and onto the ground. A particulary large bullet lands into its chest, and released a visible electric shock that illuminates the area for a third of a second. Still another bullet hits its foreleg, and hacks it nearly off. Not enough though, for though the bone is severed, it hands on by tendon and fur.
It shrieks again, and tries to limp forward towards Silver
>>105949*Zebra is squeezed*
"Well... there are healing potions. I have some experience with those.
Ask me how"
[10d20+5 = 109]>>105955What IS this thing?Silver lets loose another burst, with intent to send it back to the grave.
[2d20+5 = 23]>>105955Dark Star fires 2 more shots into it
>>105958>>105957>>105958One, then two, then, three, then a fourth, a fifth, and finally a sixth shot hit it. One hits its chest squarely. One goes into its barrel near the rear, between the hip and the belly. One rips off part of its ear. Another goes into its collar, and seems to break a bone. One hits it in its head, and causes a part of the skull to come off in a tesla-coil like display of arcing electricity, and causing the eyes to briefly glow red. The final bullet grazes the other fore leg. After this, it looses it balance definitively, and falls down to the ground, inanimate
[2d20+5 = 16]>>105959Dark Star keeps shooting it just in case
>>105961Dark Star is out of bullets in his revolver
>>105960Probably
>>105961"What was that thing, do you think?"
>>105963"...I Don't Know. i just know it's Dead."
>>105963>>105964From across the hall at the end, another scream
>>105964>>105965Silver brings his SMG back up. "Shit. We may have more incoming." He goes back into the hallway, pointing his flashlight towards the source of the sound.
>>105966Silver should have 10 round remaining (if the magazine is not completely filled, as is recommended for this variety of gun). Dark Star is out, and needs to reload
>>105967Silver does indeed have 10 rounds left.
>>105964"Reload and prepare yourself, I do not know what else will come."
>>105965Dark Star Reloads
>>105966"Buck Cover Me,Reloading!"
>>105968It's there in the light. Another one of those things, the same style. As before, this creature has a livelier general appearance than the ghasts known before, with ragged fur - greyish white in this case, although whether that is its natural color or a faded version of its original, who can say, and a matted brown mane. This one has the torn remnants of some kind of clothing, but is mostly naked. As before, giant black eyes stare back at Silver.
It gives a strange screech, closest to a high pitched female scream, but sounding really more like something belonging to an animal
[10d20+5 = 108]>>105970"В следующий раз оставайся мертвым, некрасивым."
Silver aims at the creature and fires until he hears his gun go
*CLICK*.
[1d20+3 = 16]>>105973>>105971>>105975The creature is repeatedly, on its side, its legs, its barrel, its chest... a well placed shot even caused its lipless jaw to detach and hang, with the left side falling completely off. That does not stop it from charging directly at silver in an almost flash and guttural "AHHHHHHHH!"
It lunges at Silver with a hoof
>>105976>>105976I
think Silver wears light armor?
>>105978Silver has not learned what it means to be struck by
one of those [1d20+8 = 11]>>105979With the creature right up in Silver's face, and with his magazine empty, he's forced to switch to his greatsword, which he uses to slash at the undead menace.
>>105980Does he have the "quick draw" feat?
[2d20+5 = 9]>>105979Dark Star fires 2 more into it
[1d20 = 4]>>105982One misses, the other....
>>105985>>105983Jams in place inside his gun
>>105984I was kind of hoping for the gun itself to be be used as a blunt instrument, but fine, Silver pulls out a sword
[1d20+3 = 23]>>105988Not if the enemy is right there and you need time to draw. Fine... Silver may attack
[1d20+6 = 8]>>105989Dark Star fires his unjammed pistol
>>105956Iron smiles, nodding before straighteing his back and clearing his throat.
"How do you make a healing potion?" he asks Cauldron.
>>105994“You put the lime in the coconut, you drink ‘em bot’ up”
She answers, somewhat sarcastically
>>105995Iron blinks.
"I see..."
He turns to Pear, keeping the smile.
"Well! Potions are usually not that cheap to produce, which is why I need the most amount of spending money to buy them, as well as the possibility of having to need more ponies."
>>105997“No pony needs that much money...”
She blinks
“What. More ponies?”
>>105998"My partner may get tangled up with family matters, so it should be wise to have somepony in case something happens."
Iron shrugs.
"Still, it will be a very big endeavor in order to ensure it grows properly."
>>105999“Uh Huh. These are still Marexica property. So what was wrong with a finder’s fee?”
>>106001"Mainly the fact I have no idea how much the finder fee actually would be."
Iron pulls up both forelegs up as he makes an expanding motion with them.
"I am looking for big amounts of money, not a small trickle of coins."
>>106002“I’ve noticed...”
Pear turns away from Iron, leaving her long, strawberry colored tail behind her, wrapped up thickly in a bind. If it were let free, as she would probably carry it in less humid environments, it might look a bit like a fox tail from afar, except of course with long, straight hair than fluff. As she walks away slowly, towards another part of the fire, she walks past her own portion of the salvage that she must’ve taken while Iron was lollygaging: a second idol sits by the edge of the fire as if an observer. Indeed, all four of them are there, facing inwards. With her alone prancing there before Iron came, it almost looks like a child’s tea party, with old idols serving as stuffed-animal guests, and the fire as the central table with tea pot. Or it would be, if it weren’t rather menacing. The fire itself has died a little, with less fuel added to it. Cauldron remains by the fire, pretending to tend to the water which by now is sending off definite steam from its pot. As before, the night remains living, hot and humid, with insect noises all around.
>>106003Iron blinks at Pear's actions.
(I assume she does not know either.)
With that, he decides to let the events that transpire settle a bit as he approaches Cauldron, sitting near her, trying to act inconspicuous as he stretches his legs along the ground.
"Phew, I am beat."
The sweat from both the heat and the tension of the situation are clearly visible, staining his short, smooth grey coat while his mane is a lot more heavy from the humidity.
>>106004Cauldron pulls the pot off, and places it on a rock - one of the many in the outcropping. She watches the still boiling water. She seems uncomfortable from the situation
>>106005"Are you doing well? I admit these series of events were quite chaotic, even to me."
>>106006“I’m okay”
She is still tending to the water, blowing on it. She has not yet looked at Iron
>>106007Iron crawls a bit closer to the seemingly troubled zebra, poking her.
"You sound a bit off."
>>106008She looks back at him, and whispers
“She seems... adverse”
>>106009Iron leans further in.
"What do you mean?" he whispers back.
>>106010“She doesn’t seem happy with the treasure situation”
>>106011"That is true, indeed," he whispers. "Do you think she will try to backstab us if we go along with her plan?"
>>106013"I assume is to try to convince me once again to go for that finder's fee they want. They say they would 'take care' of it, but I do not know if it is a good way to go, honestly."
(All to try and placate a mare in distress.)
>>106014“What do you think?” She asks
>>106015Iron purses his lips.
"It is quite tempting to simply take it all, but I will feel sorry for the mare after she revealed her feelings. If only I knew the exact numbers to base my answer on, then perhaps it could simply go along with her offer, but the uncertainty of the payoff gives me quite the doubt."
>>106016She comes closer, almost emotional, and asks Iron
“Do you trust her?”
>>106017Inhaling deeply combined with the slight tinge of blush from her apporaching, he lets out his response.
"She does not sound like a liar, unless she is an excellent one."
He gently wraps a foreleg around her.
"But I am sure I can trust you if you tell me she is a bad apple."
>>106020Iron nods.
"I should ask about the amount I could get from the fee first. If it is low, then no amount of pity can move me to accept it."
He smiles warmly at her as he stands up.
"Nevertheless, I will have my guard up. Do not worry."
(I wonder how she feels about the gift. Perhaps when I get the numbers and settle for what I should do for tomorrow, I could ask her about it.)
With that, he proceeds to go over to Pear Faucet.