This week, in "Occupied Equestria":
Wondering through through the Changeling lands at night on the road between Bales and Whinnyapolis, Onyx, Brie, and Spark have stumbled upon a set of farm ponies trying to hide their cattle in the forest, away from their changeling occupiers. While rescuing a cow, Onyx and Brie have taken heavy damage, and so they followed them to the cabin of a local woodspony. But they found the woodspony and a farmer replaced by changelings, and after a skirmish are alone and wounded in the cabin in the woods.
Over in Baltimare, Dark Star has decided to give up his life as Dark Star, the Earth Pony farm colt, to become Tyrel Jackson, or "Gold Chains," a zebra and aspiring rap artist. Through the magic of Valmorification, it is possible. Iron is freaking out after possibly having received a message from God herself. That, and his usual social awkwardness. Silver is cashing out on a long standing set of projects, and is readying himself for the next phase
Boop
>>109000>>108977 →He opens the door and steps out then he helps blue out.
He walks up to the passenger side window and pays the cabby
>>109002EEEEEEEE!
I don't know how much time you have now or later, but Brie can either stay with the group in this little excursion, or poof ahead
>>108995 →If there is a washtub out here, it is not located inside of the cabin
>>108982 →Silver follows Glass Horizons to the bank, where there is an awkward session of Glass Horizon trying to withdraw cash, the teller trying to tell him that exchange for coin is not available, and ultimately what seems to be an exchange of a bribe
>>1090055 bits and paid. Blue Skies steps out like a lady. They go into the tavern
>>109000I always love new bread, fresh from the oven.
>>109008If Silver knew it would be that much of a hassle for the pony, he would have relented on the matter of coins, but since it's already this far into it, he waits patiently.
>>109008Group? Excursion? Explain your smolness
>>109011Onyx and Spark followed Ruby to the meadow and the cabin where ruby said they would meet Dawson. They found "dawson" and "red wine," but they turned out to be recently replaced changelings. They killed them, and took the unconscious Ruby into the cabin, as well as are trying to heal. Brie can either participate in this, or cut ahead
>>109010"They are reluctant to exchange coins on a 1 for 1 basis" he confides to Silver
>>109008Onyx is just content with a swig of vodka then, noting to ask Spark for help when he gets the chance
>>109012Silver gives him a confused look. "I do not understand why coins have become so valuable all of sudden...anyways, it is not big issue if you can not provide coins, not so much that I would want to inconvenience you."
>>109015>Am so tempted to explain the macroeconomics behind it"No, we can get some coins"
He goes back to haggling
>>109014Now what does Onyx need?
>>109016Silver's unsure if him trying to assist in the haggle would help or hinder Glass Horizon's efforts, considering his rather dull, dirt tongue.
>>109008He Walks to glimmering glass. and takes a seat on one of the stools.
>>108978 →Seeing as he is inside of a small apartment he would either run into a wall, run into the kitchen, or run into the front door
>>109018Glimmering glass stares at him
>>109017After more math, Glass Horizon eventually comes up with 1000 bits
>>109019You have to admire his perseverance. Silver nods and takes the Bits once they're offered. "Thank you."
>>109021Now, Silver has 1000 in coin in big bags, plus a number of paper notes issued from more than one bank, East Equestrian notes, and what seems to be bond papers
>>109022Any specific breakdown on how much of each he has?
>>109023Uh.... This isn't quite MAGA country as you understand it. No opiods in the cabin
>>109024Like a thousand of each, probably, maybe 3000 of that in Bonds
>>109025So, about 1,000 in coins, 3,000 in bonds, and 5,000 in notes?
>>109027Good to know.
Silver offers Glass another hoofshake. "It has been pleasure, Mr. Horizons."
>>109019"How's it going mr.glass? business doing good?"
He asks cheerfully
>>109029He narrows his eyes at him
"Sir, this is a Pony establishment"
>>109028He shakes his hoof
"And thank you"
>>109030"Perhaps we may work together again in future."
>>109031"Well, let's wait and see where the future takes us. I hope I don't have to clear bombs and lichs for any future apartment buildings though..."
>>109030He Shows his badge.
"Relax Glass, it's me Dark Star"
He Grins
>>109025Spark searches around the cabin for supplies to help the injured ponies.
>>109032Silver throws his head back for a small laugh. "Let us hope, indeed. Again, it has been pleasure." Silver leaves the bank for the cathedral once again. He hopes he's not bothering Father Maren with how often he comes to him for help.
>>109034>>109023There is indeed one set of bandages, as well as iodine
>>109035He does so. The cathedral is available again. There are no ponies lingering outside as there were earlier
>>109033"Dark Star?? The Hell are you doing looking like a Zebra?"
>>109036He rushes over to tend to the ponies.
>>109038Inside of the cabin is an unconscious Ruby, Onyx, and Brie
>>109036Silver immediate begins to search for Father Maren. "Father? Are you here?"
>>109040He's in the back, looks like he was leaning back falling asleep
"Huh?"
He get's up, confused
"Oh. It's you again. You survived the Lich" he says
>>109039Spark wishes he attended healing magic classes back at Canterlot. He attempts to patch up Onyx first.
>>109041Silver nods. "I would venture to guess that we successfully ended his undead life when we destroyed the phylactery. On that, I would like to make one more request for aid, or that you might point me towards those who can give it. There are lot of bodies in quarry and catacombs now that have not been given proper burials or rites. I was hoping you, or somepony you know, might be able to help me to rectify that, and perhaps give their souls some further peace in afterlife."
>>109045>>109046Well.... I think Spark bandaged Onyx up pretty well
>>109044"Mass Interment? I guess we can do that. I'll ask Sundew about it"
>>109037"It's for work."
He Grimaces
"i suggest you stay away from any docks for awhile."
>>109048".... May I ask why?" He continues cleaning a glass
>>109047Silver gives him a grateful smile. "Thank you. I do not relish thought of leaving their remains exposed to elements."
>>109050"Nor do I. Any corpse cursed to animation for centuries deserves a proper and respectful interment at the end of it"
>>109025Hey, you said need. Now what's in the cabin is different entirely.
>>109051He nods. "...It may seem odd of me to ask, but will that include Curwhinny himself? Even his remains deserve respectful treatment."
>>109054"Yeah, thanks Spark"
He nods before looking around
"How is Ruby doing?"
>>109055"Alive, but not moving. Can you keep an eye on him while I patch up our bat?"
>>109055Empty Cabin, the fire is burning. Ruby is petrified on the floor
>>109053He gives a surprised look, as if he hadn't thought of it
"I guess it could"
>>109057"Again, I understand if it seems weird, but it would mean lot to me."
>>109049his voice takes on a serious tone.
"Bad business going on down there. i'm going to look into putting a stop to it. i don't want to say to much. but seriously don't go down to the docks unless absolutely necessary."
>>109059"Oh... Well, I didn't really have any business down there anyways"
>>109058He nods
"It is good that the dead have somepony who cares and looks after their remains"
>>109060"There are sadly few who do." He reaches into his bags and pulls out 500 Bits worth of notes. "I would also like to donate, before I leave. It is not much, I know, but I want to give something, that you all might be able to continue to help ponies."
>>109019Oh. I guess I could just open the door and run away.Damn, I missed the new thread for quite a while.Iron focuses his attention on trying to open Cauldron's apartment's front door feverishly.
(Come on, door. Let me through.)
>>109060"I Need the best maretini you can make and an apple whiskey please."
>>109061He takes the money, and does a small bow
“Thank you, kind stallion. We don’t get as much support now that we are cut off from Canterlot, and with so many ponies in need”
>>109063Well, it’s unlocked
>>109064He does so, making a pretty good marketing, and an apple whiskey
>>109065"With so much uncertainty after Equestria's surrender, and so many lost ponies looking for guidance, I know you need all aid you can get." He holds his hoof out for a hoofshake. "Just wanted to thank you for all you do, not just for me, but for all ponies."
>>109066And his wrinkly old face gives a smile
“Thank you...”
>>109065He hurriedly opens the door, quickly dashing away from the building, through the stairs and outside in a rush.
(Retreat and plan the next course of action!)
>>109067He continues to hold his hoof out, not wanting to be left hanging. "May Her light always guide your hoofsteps."
>>109068Uh, okay. There’s a narrow, level hallway, then a set of stairs, more hallway... it can be confusing
>>109069“And May her light guide yours...”
Then he adds
“Perchance... would you like to help the Church?”
>>109070Silver's ears perk up. "What would you need assistance with?"
>>109071“It can be anything from helping the poor, helping ponies with trauma or psychological issues, to the dealing with the occasional recurrences of ancient threats”
>>109070Yeah. I know. He's a bit too scared for his own good. Trust me, things will wrap up satisfactory at the end of the day/group quest, after he mulls over how to spill the beans.Mostly because I want it to be a night confession.Iron looks from side to side.
(Where to, Where to...?)
He gallops towards the hallway with the stairs visible in order to go down them.
>>109072He nods. "I could try to help however I can. All I would need is to be pointed in direction of those in need."
[1d20 = 19]>>109070Spark patches up the bat next.
>>109073It really should already be night
He descends at least one level
>>109074“Well, it looks like you’ve found yourself something already with the bodies at the farm. We’d want to get the priest on that, and maybe some other volunteers”
>>109075Pretty successful
>>109073Because it's the second-best time to bone?>>109075I'm half tempted to make Silver buy Spark a nurse's outfit next time he sees him.>>109076"I would be happy to volunteer. Do you have any idea when that might be?"
>>109077“It’s late today. Perhaps tomorrow. Assuming the corpses do not start to rot...”
>>109078Silver nods, understanding just how unpleasant that would be. "Well, let us hope they do not decompose too much. I shall head there tomorrow to volunteer."
>>109077S-silence, you!Yes.>>109076As in, they woke up super early and it is nightfall or...You mean I was supposed to confess now?If it's the latter, you can make him trip if you want to.Iron is getting a bit nauseous over having to think while in a panic, going down into
(How many stairs are there? They are beginning to look the same.)
>>109076Nice. Spark tends to Ruby, but not with rolls because bandages can't fix this one.
>>109077Umm....
>>109080It’s about the same time for Iron as everypony else. I was thinking about having a delegate challenge/event for Iron with the gang, but nah. Nevermind.
Iron finds the door eventually
>>109081His eyes are open, but he is not conscious
>>109079“Very well. Thank you.”
>>109082What do you mean by delegate challenge/event?Silver waves goodbye to Maren before leaving for the catacombs one final time. He left the supplies he bought in the basement of the ruined farmhouse, and he's going to gather them back up.
He also looks at the pocket watch he bought to check the time. He's not sure if the stores are still open or not.
>>109082Oh. Well now I actually feel bad. Fuck me.I was thinking the groupquest would be starting in a bit, and entering quests alone again would be a bad idea, all things considered. Now I'm not so sure.My weakness is Iron's weakness, sadly.He desperately scratches the door with his hooves, one of them able to maybe open the door.
(Come on! Open up!)
>>109083If they are open until late, then yes
He does so
>>109084He eventually finds a nob, and turns it
>>109085Iron swings the door open and closes it when he goes outside, then proceeds to run in a straight line, looking for any alleys or secluded places to think for the time being.
>>109086He is non-responsive
>>109087Past more buildings, ponies... eventually there is an alley. It kind of smells
>>109085Likely not any place he would buy from. He'll have to wait until tomorrow.
With that, Silver heads for home, several thousand Bits richer today than he was yesterday. He looks up into the night sky as he trots.
Luna's creation is brilliant in this chilly winter air.Here's a question related to the Craft skill: with as slow as in-game time is moving, will crafting items still require the same amount of time as normal, or are there any special rules in place to hasten the process so crafting won't require literal months of real-life waiting? >>109088Iron, disregarding the smell, just goes straight into it.
>>109088Spark just keeps him company, not sure how to fix this.
>>109089Perhaps with the air of industrial equipment
>>109090And there he is. In an empty, smelly alley, next to a trash can
>>109091What can the spark do?
>>109092Iron's nose scrunches from the smell, temporarily distracting him from the panic.
(This places reeks.)
And with that, Iron finally can think with a semblance of clarity.
(...that was quite disgraceful.)
He puts a hoof on his foreleg, looking down at the trash, feeling like he should be part of it.
(I cannot believe I just did that.)
His eyes dart around.
(Why did I ask that? I
knew from the nun that I should not talk or touch mares anywhere without knowing for sure if they want to or not, and from the dream, she was a closet harmonist, or at least she aspires to be one.)
Deep inside, he knows why.
(It would have made it so much easier to know if she was into me.)
But now that he basically forced himself to spill out that part first, the uncertainty slimed its way into the mind of the stallion. Now he has to admit all of that, in front of her.
(Pear
was right. Now how am I going to do it?)
He looks up to see the time.
>>109093Those ponies do need her help and her guiding light. But they were on their own for a thousand years. They may be on their own again for a thousand more
>>109094For all sad words of pen and tongue, the saddest are these: Pear was right again
It’s twilight... or something
>>109095It is a thought that does not excite Silver in the slightest. He smacks his lips together, suddenly feeling more parched than he was.
I need drink. I wonder if Glass has anything which might fix that. >>109096Silver’s problem, like most problems, has a solution
>>109097Indeed it does. Onwards to the Tavern, to drop off his equipment and supplies in his room, and slake his thirst at the bar.
>>109095Iron's mood darkens a bit, seeing both the little time he has left as well as the grimness of confirming Pear's words.
"I have little time. Where could I ever find somepony who can help me with this?"
He inhales deeply, before coughing from the bad smell.
"I have no idea."
He decides to get up from his spot nonetheless.
"Perhaps I should try at bars? That is where ponies 'go and talk' about stuff are, as Cauldron said. Perhaps I could find some old stallion who experienced the same as me."
He pauses.
"I think. Better than here, with the trash."
Iron trash tier confirmed.He ponders which of the two bars he should go.
(Watering Hole sounds like a place to stumble on Cauldron while midtalk, which could turn negative. Perhaps that other bar we used to set up that foal rescue yesterday could do the trick.)
With that, he starts to walk at that particular bar, hoping he knows the directions.
>>109099Watering hole is definitely a good way to stumble into cauldron
>>109098Thus, he does so. He would see Blue Skies with a zebra stallion at the bar
>>109100That Dark Star? I can not recognize him, if it is. Silver finds a seat at the bar (preferably next to Blue and Zeeb Star).
>>109100Good thing he's not going there.
He walks at a slow pace towards the bar who had the barstallion named Glass if he remembers correctly.
(I hope I know where I am going.)
>>109102With an almost supernatural sense, Iron guides himself towards possible alcohol and trouble
>>109101It does seem to be Blue Skies there though. Unless she just went off to have drinks with a random zebra. Her mane is prettier and more well done than usual, as is her coat
>>109103Silver whistles at the sight. "Looks like they treated you
very well at spa." He leans back in his seat to look at the zebra. "And who is this mysterious gentlestallion?"
>>109103The alcohol he despised is mindlinking the location, of course.How else can drunks and loners ever get to drinking places?Iron slowly opens the establishment's door, entering cautiously like an ape ninja.
>>109104“My new coltfriend” she says, hugging his foreleg
>>109106"My, isn't he
strapping. I believe you have struck gold with this fine lad." He feigns jealousy at her "acquisition".
>>109107In Silver's verbal Irony, Blue Skies finds herself in a position where, while not expecting or hoping for sincere jealousy, finds herself disappointed to confirm its absence
"So why are you here?"
>>109105And thus, he does so
>>109108He scans the area from the door, hoping to find an old stallion drowning their anything.
>>109108Silver orders a whiskey from Glass for himself, and one for Blue. His confusion about why she's disappointed is slightly apparent. "I finished that job you gave me. Came here looking for drink, since most shops are now closed." He looks again at Dark Star. "I can barely recognize him."
>>109110>His confusion about why she's disappointed is slightly apparentThis sinks into her for a moment as she sits in silence
"So you did...." Another moment
"He thinks it will help him infiltrate"
>>109111Silver might not know exactly why she would be upset at a lack of jealousy, but that doesn't mean he won't try to comfort her. He throws a foreleg around her in a hug.
>>109109And now, he can see, of all ponies, Silver. Also the bitchy blue pony that Star was dating
>>109112The hair is finer than before, carefully washed and set, and with a venir of softness. Her emotional state is not changed
[1d20+3 = 12]>>109116Sense Motive:
Why is she upset that I am not jealous of her? He strokes her soft hair while that question stews in his mind, and as he looks at Blue's silent form for answers.
>>109114Iron glances to the sides, clearly troubled.
(Oh no. Not
her. The last thing I want is her to blackmail me with this information.)
He looks at Silver.
(But Silver could help out. He is old, so perhaps he suffered something similar to my predicament.)
After mulling it over, he inhales deeply and sighing before taking the leap.
(I am
not going to cower. You can do this, Iron. Come on!)
He straightens his postures, keeps his head high and walks over to the two ponies present, sitting
>>109115It's a roundabout way of trying to confirm how strong you feel for her.Silver can hear heavy hoofsteps to the side, seeing Iron sit at the side available at a respectable distance.
He says nothing for now.
>>109117Jealousy is a crude proxy for love, and Skies wants to be the mare everypony chases.
Especially because of their history
\r
>>109119So, she thinks... "Ohhhhhhhh." Silver very audibly understands. He's...not entirely sure how to correct that assumption Blue has in her mind, with the present company. He just hopes she can understand that the lack of jealousy isn't directed at where she might think it is.
>>109119Silver glances over at Iron. "Oh, hello Iron. Good to see you are still alive. Give me minute, here."
>>109120Iron nods, not too preoccupied with the mare he currently is consoling.
(I thought that was Star's job.)
>>109126Iron's a pro at it. He threw spaghetti at Cauldron and ran like a squid trying to escape a predator
>>109125I don't know. Maybe I misread Silver's dialogue
>>109128You're not wrong. He's a fighter, not a talker.
If confessions were done with wrestling, he would've nailed it day 1.
Sorry about disappearing, what'd I miss?
>>109131Not much. I healed Brie and now I'm trying to solve how to wake the colt up.
>>109132Onyx slowly walks over towards the colt, looking at him with what seems to be compassion
"Damned bugs, I don't know why the princesses haven't just given the order to kill them all."
>>109130Eh, just ignore it. It's been a trait of her thus far that virtually any line said to her that can be taken as an insult, is taken as an insult. Let's move on
>>109129>implying wrestling and nailing were not viable options>>109131Um... what
>>109132 said
Spark made a 20 on a heal roll for Onyx and a 19 for Brie
>>109133His eyes are open, and he looks strangely petrified
>>109134This doesn't feel right just leaving her like that. Dammit.>>109121Silver turns to Iron. "...anyways...where have you been? Nopony has seen you all day."
>>109134What?
I am going to take that to heart, mister. Any consequences for it are now your responsibility!
>>109135Iron's ears perk up, looking at the possibly wise Silver.
"I have been... around."
(He does not need to know that yet.)
"What about you?"
>>109134Onyx tries waving the bottle of vodka around under Ruby's snoot, hoping that the smell will snap the colt out of it.
>>109136And yet, Iron will suffer them
>>109137It does not wake him
>>109136"I blew up many undead, fed giant bird, and now have some Bits to my name, to name just few things."
>>109139Forgot to add: Silver manages to say all these with a straight face.
>>109138He tries dripping some in the colt's mouth
"This has worked before..."
>>109140>>109139Iron nods approvingly.
"So you actually went back there and cleared it all out. Color me impressed. Did you hacked and slashed everything with your trusty sword?"
(Succees detected. Confidence rating increasing,)
>>109142"Little bit. I used rifle and SMG to avoid getting mauled to death in most cases, though there was one undead I used my sword on." He grabs the whiskey he ordered from Glass. "You want drink? It is on me."
>>109141Some response. Coughing, almost gagging
>>109143Remembering how Onyx got paralyzed by one of the monster's bite, he can excuse it.
He looks at the glass a little apprehensively, but ultimately nods.
(It would be disrespectful to decline.)
"And you fed a 'giant bird' as you say? What was that all about?"
>>109144Onyx panics a moment before akwardly petting the colt
"Hold in there, you'll be fine. Just wake up, the bugs are gone.."
>>109146Coughing, more coughing. He might be awaking finally
>>109145"I used some bait to draw undead out of catacombs. As it turns out, it attracted more than just that. This giant falcon (I think they are named "Rocs") came for bait, and got into fight with mummy and armored ghast."
>>109148Iron blinks a bit, somewhat confused.
"That was quite lucky of you. The foes you mentioned sound rather tough. The last one sounds like if it were me but undead."
He chuckles a little bit.
>>109147"Come on little guy, you can pull through"
Onyx shakes him a bit, forgetting to be gentle, and boops the snoot.
>>109149"It almost was." Silver smiles, takes a drink, and remembers to order Iron a light beer. "Speaking of, that suit of armor you own, does it come with gauntlets which improve your unarmed strikes?"
>>109150The face scrunches up, and the eyes narrow to attention in clear offense. His mouth opens in a silent "reeeee"
>>109152"Haha! Gotcha!"
He repeats the offense, booping the snoot once again.
>>109151Iron nods.
"It does not improve them at all, in all honestly. It just covers my hoof in metal and not much else. The spiked ones I got at least punctured, but I fail to see their use compared to my raw hooves."
He ponders for a second.
"Albweit I think there is a way to do something to them that the elders once told me that I do not remember."
>>109152Just in case.He glances wearily at the offered drink.
(I hope I do not have to much to drink to.)
>>109155"I do not know what that would be. Hmm...do you think I could get some measurements of your hooves sometime, after I get some measuring tape? I have idea on something that might help you deal just little bit more damage with hooves."
>>109156"Spark! He's awake!"
Onyx gives another boop for good measure, his eyes shining with... Joy? Pleasure? Victory? No matter, he wouldn't tell you.
>>109157Iron can't help but look strangely at Silver for his request.
"I suppose? What is your idea?"
(Sounds like a good way to ask for the important questions.)
>>109158>>109159He stands up in a slow, labored manor, like an old grandfather or an aged dog. He blinks. And he looks around the room
"You're not my brother..."
Then he enters a quiet panic, and in slow motion, rushes for the door. He moves a long one leg at a time, slowly, not trembling, with all of the speed of an arthritic octogenarian grandmother
"Dawson!" His shout barely leaves his mouth, as there is almost no breath in him
"Where are you!"
>>109161Onyx quickly trots infront of the colt and pushes him back inside
"Woah, first of all you aren't going out there. Changeling drains are a nasty thing. Second we don't know where your brother is, but I'll help you find him. But for now,
rest" >>109160"Have you ever heard of brass horseshoes?"
>>109162And he continues on, walking towards the door at his slow, geriatric pace
>>109163Iron blinks, confused.
"No."
(Is he trying to make my hooves metal?)
>>109164"Spark, help me out"
Onyx groans and picks up the colt by his scruff
>>109164Spark levitates the colt and puts him back in bed.
"Sorry, but this is the makeshift doctor's orders. You need to stay here and help the bat watch your cows while we find the others. You can't be in two places at once you know?"
>>109166Well... I guess I could lift him out of your mouth...
>>109167>>109166The colt is enveloped in magic, before Onyx picks him up, and drags him away. He still tries to go for the door
"Brother. Dawson. Rose..."
>>109165"They are shoes made out of metal, mostly brass but sometimes steel, that you can slip on your hooves. Unlike gauntlets which just armor your hooves, these are purpose-built as weapons, and can help you hit just tiniest bit harder. Now, it has been
while since I have tried to make weapon, and this would be new for me, but I would like to try my hooves at it, and hopefully make some for you."
>>109171Spark looks into his eyes to get his attention.
"Listen. You must stay here and wait for them. They will be right back. I promise."
Spark gives him a hug.
>>109171"Ruby, we will find them. I promise. But you can't help, and especially not in your condition."
>>109173>>109174He feels cold, and he is shaking. His eyes are a little duller
"I must find them...." he says, still struggling internally
>>109172Oh, I see why you brought that up.Iron's eyes widen.
"Are you telling me you can make metal thingies?"
>>109175"You will find them again if you stay here and wait for them. You don't want to miss them when they come back."
>>109177"Spark, why is he still cold?"
>>109176Silver nods. "I apprenticed as weaponsmith under my father when I was colt. Now, I might be bit rusty, but I think I can still manage. I have been thinking of ways to help members of our group of friends while they are in combat, and this is one of things I came up for you."
>>109178>>109177He looks tired
"They are the only ponies I have... And they are lost"
>>109178"Because the warmth of love was drained away. And by two grown soldiers no less to a colt."
>>109180"You have us. Remember how we didn't run away in the woods? Remember how helped you save your cow? We are here for you too."
>>109181He nods, tears on his tired eyes
"uh huh"
>>109181"Yeah..."
>>109180Onyx suddenly goes soft and scoops the colt up in his arms and cradles him
"Listen, I've lost ponies I loved to the bugs too. I know how you feel, and I'll find them for you."
His voice suddenly lowers to a whisper
"For the ones I couldn't find..."
He then shakes his head as his voice returns to normal
"But you have to stay here for me"
>>109179Iron glances to the sides.
(Should I really accept this? It would be rude to disregrd his attempt to help and I do want his advice later... but I feel like his gift will be of no use to me.)
After a few seconds, he nods.
"I appreciate your help, Silver. Simply tell me when you want to measure my hooves and I will be there."
>>109185"I promise you, those bugs won't stop me from finding them"
>>109185"Yes. We didn't run from that owl... bear... thing. And we aren't going to run from a few changelings. We will get them back super quick."
>>109184Silver nods at him and smiles, as he looks pleased that he can so something to help. "Thank you. I will let you know as soon as I am able." He takes another drink of his whiskey. "Oh, and Dark Star has mission for us, if you wish to help."
>>109172I appreciate the optimism in regards to campaign pacing but.... let’s be real here
>>109186>>109187He looks at them with big, sad, tired but strangely determined eyes
“Then go find them before they are gone forever”
>>109188Iron raises an eyebrow.
(Some time to discuss things stallion on stallion if I do this right.)
"What is it about?"
>>109190Spark attaches a sticky note to the bat's forehead to remind him to watch the colt.
>>109186Spark nods to the bartender.
"Let's go."
>>109193Onyx gently sets the colt down
"Rest and we'll be back before you know it."
He then grabs his halberd and moves to the door
"Ready"
>>109195Most likely, but as long as he doesn't get on another train with them without our knowledge of the events like he did with Silver, then we are ok.
>>109194>>109193Not much activity outside. A light wind, the full moon shines down from a clear sky. The ground is covered in snow. A dog hangs around the remains of the changelings. No sound besides the ever present insects. The barn is in front, and who knows what other structures there are
>>109192"There is some sort of organization down in Red Heart part of city by docks that is trafficking ponies, griffons, and others illegally from Baltimare to Manehattan. Many of these being trafficked are being put into slavery if they can not pay their handlers. Dark Star has been tasked to put end to it, and he is asking others in our group if they can help. So far, all we can find is me, and you. Others are missing."
>>109196>inb4 the madlad actually does it.>>109198Iron ponders for a bit.
"What exactly is the mission? Are we going to storm a building and nab their leader if possible?"
(Sounds like a place where money goes. I think I should avoid asking for payment this time.)
>>109197>>109194"Look around, there is most likely signs of a struggle, though not much of one because the changelings got the drop on them. Maybe there is some blood somewhere, besides what we left there of course..."
>>109199Wouldn't put it past him.
>>109199"Plan is to infiltrate and remove those in charge of operation, as far as I know. We should try to avoid confrontation until then, to avoid them scattering." Silver whispers to Iron. "Dark Star got his coat dyed to look like zebra so he could trot around Red Heart without being recognized."
>>109201Iron nods but raises an eyebrow yet again.
"I thought he hated zebras for what one of them did to him."
>>109202He shrugs. "There are apparently wealth of zebras in Red Heart, along with griffons, and Severyanan ponies like me."
>>109200"Alright, I'll keep an eye out"
Onyx spreads out and looks for clues
>>109204>>109200Tracks in the snow, going back around the Barn, both ways
>>109203Iron can't help but sweat a little.
(I hope I do not have to do anything to them. Elsewise, it would only deteriorate my standing with Cauldron and/or her family.)
But he seems intrigued himself.
"I admit I was not expecting that. I heard the amount of zebras here were low according to the people I talked to."
Yes, it was Cauldron who said it. >>109205Spark follow the only clue so far.
>>109204"Perhaps we should check out behind the barn?"
Okay, I need to sleep now
>>109206"It might be they have mostly congregated in one area. Carved their own little neighborhood out in Red Heart, with most preferring to live with their own kind than to mingle with others."
>>109208Sleep well!
>>109210Iron ponders a bit, attempting to inch himself closer to what he wants to talk about in the future. He leans back a bit, trying to casualize this conversation.
"Have you ever interacted with a zebra, Silver?"
>>109211Silver gives him an odd look. "That I have. May I ask why?"
>>109212Iron nods, grinning.
"What is your general opinion of them?"
>>109213"I have not had any negative interactions with them that I have not had worse with ponies or griffons, but that is just me. They are alright people, with some similarities to us ponies, though there is still little bit of Zebrica in them no matter how removed one of them might be from continent. They like to stick to their traditions."
>>109214He nods some more, internally gratified.
"Perfect. I say this because I have helping advice for you, too."
He inhales a bit, knowing he's inching evercloser to the truth next to a possible liability.
"There is this one zebra named Black Cauldron that creates some wonderful potions."
He fishes one of his Cure Light Wounds potions and hoofs it to Silver.
"They are exceptionally good, possibly even better than normal ones."
>>109215Silver looks at it before giving it back to Iron, nodding. "I remember you telling me that she is where you bought your potions from. You still have to introduce me to her one of these days. I am always in market for better potions."
>>109216Iron grins at Silver, then gives the potion back to him again.
"Consider it a trial run to solidify the excellence of the product. No need to give it back to me."
Then he turns into a sort of meditative state, considering his options.
"I will gladly tell you where to find her later," he says as he gives a quick glance behind him at Skies before turning his look back at Silver.
"However, I have something on my mind that is bothering me."
>>109217He is almost like salespony, giving pitch.He gets in close so Iron can lower his voice, since he seems so worried about eavesdroppers. "What is matter?"
>>109219Iron comes closer, whispering.
"Say you and a mare you like very much happened to share a confession and an 'intimate' moment between eachother, but after the fact, you cannot be sure if she remembers it at all. What do you do?"
>>109218Kek. Nice reference.>>109220Silver grins knowingly at Iron "This would not happen to involve plenty of alcohol, lowered inhibitions, and confessions of love to each other, would it?"
>>109221Iron glances to the side.
"Kind of like that, yes."
>>109222He nods to him slowly with that grin still on his face. It doesn't carry the kind of malevolent feeling that one of Blue Skies' trademark grins does, rather it's just one where he (thinks) he knows what Iron is talking about. "If I am not making wild assumptions, I imagine this Black Cauldron is mare you are talking about. You say you like her very much. Does she know that you do? Does she feel same way towards you?"
>>109223Iron's eyes widen, looking to the sides in a panic.
(Keep calm, Iron. Let him have his conclusions.)
He exhales a bit, returning his gaze to him
"I have no idea of either, honestly. She is letting me stay at her house after treating me of a tiger fight aftermath and does generally accept physical contact with me, but I do not know. Perhaps she is like that with anypony."
>>109224"Well, then advice I would offer you is to let her know. It does not have to be through any grand or austere gesture, just be honest, and sincere, and do so in comfortable environment, perhaps in park or while at her domicile. Something like...'Black Cauldron, our time together has been among happiest in my life. Being together has given me great joy over these days, and simply being in your presence has lifted my heart to new soaring heights. I just wanted you to know that...I think I am in love with you. I
am love with you.'
"You get basic idea. I would mention things you like about her in middle of that, things she is good at that you adore, elaborate on how she makes you feel, maybe some compliments on her appearance so long as they are not only what you have to say. But most important thing is that it has to be sincere, that it comes from your heart." He places a hoof over Iron's heart to make the point. "That is first step: letting her know about how you feel."
>>109225Iron can't help but squint his eyes over what Silver is saying.
"No way it is that easy. There must be something else you are hiding from me, right? Make some sort of big positive impact on her life? Help her out in a crucial manner?"
He puts both hooves next to his head, pointing upwards.
"A word salad cannot possibly be the solution here."
>>109226"Word salad..." Silver works that term a couple times in his head before continuing. "It is rarely gestures themselves that carry meaning in relationship, but meaning behind them, why they were carried out in first place." He gives him a sincere smile. "If she loves you, it will not be because you performed some grand act of goodwill or some massive gesture to make monument to your love for her. She will love you because she cares for you, respects you, just as you care and respect her back.
You will be her monument. Now, I will not try to dissuade you from trying to perform some gesture like this, but know that it is not necessary if she truly loves you. If I were more like Blue Skies, I imagine I would say: 'any mare which can stand to be around you for extended period of time is special mare indeed'." He smiles and chuckles, hoping that the last bit comes across as an attempt at levity.
>>109227Iron can't believe what Silver's saying.
(Does he mean I could have completely avoided acting like a colt in front of Cauldron merely by saying things to her that sounds affectionate?)
He looks conflicted, looking down at Silver's chair.
(No. That possibly cannot be it. No way it works like that!)
But remembering the little time he has left to reveal the hidden thoughts he promised to tell Cauldron gnaws at him.
(...It will have to do.)
He exhales a bit, looking at the fluffy pony with reluctant eyes, completely ignoring the joke in the turmoil.
"I thank you for your... assistance, Silver."
(Hopefully, you are correct.)
>>109228Silver nods, though his lack of reaction (or potential negative reaction) to the joke sits uneasy with him. "Just be sincere. Barring one's heart for another is surprising lot to do. It can leave you feeling exposed, letting whoever you are barring it to see into who you are, how you feel for them. Show her same respect you would wish to see from her."
>>109229Iron nods weakly himself, not really motivated or driven with courage or determination.
(Here I thought it was going to be good advice, but I guess I could try it nonetheless. At least he knows what is currently stopping me.)
"If it works, it works."
He softly lands his head on the table, looking sideways blankly, sometimes craning his head to drink from the light beer he has nearby like a dog would.
Not your fault, Silver. He doesn't believe in himself. >>109230Silver looks at the stallion in front of him. "...You worry about what will happen if it is not enough. Am I right?"
>>109231His eyes slowly move to look at Silver.
"...yes."
>>109232Silver understands this worry. "Tell me about her, this Black Cauldron."
>>109233Iron looks at him some more, unsure of how much he should say.
"She is a zebra mare, as I have said."
He still glances behind him to ensure Skies isn't listening.
"Lives by herself, helps her family business while having a side-job she does not like. An amazing cook."
He can't help but start to smile a little bit.
"Her food is delicious, but her kindness, generosity and charm are her best features. She allowed me to stay at her house, cooked warm food for me, patched me up and even had a little dance."
His eyes looks upwards, akin to a daydream.
"She is simply the best. Everything you would want in a mare. Somepony whom you can trust and rely on while having unique interests that compliments mine. Somepony whom I can share a day or night to simply helping her out with her hobby. No tricks and games of jealousy-baiting or absolute dependency."
He sighs in contentment, his blush starting to form slightly.
"A mare whom you can share anything and everything if I so desire without repercussions, from bed to bench. An optimal mare to start a perfect family."
>>109234Silver smiles at him. "And you worry it will not be enough. I will tell you now, if she can not accept you for that, for how you care about her, then you are too good for her. Simple as that."
>>109235Iron's daydream is snapped back to reality, looking at Silver with his blush everpresent and questioning gaze.
"Do you really think so? I have done nothing for her and she has done everything for me..."
The words only serve to put him down slightly.
>>109236"Then is sounds to me that she does care for you. All she needs is to hear that you feel same way." Silver puts a forehoof on Iron's shoulders, if her can. "I would probably leave out family part, though, just for little while so you can develop your relationship with Cauldron. Mares do not like being pressed for children very early in relationship, for obvious reasons."
>>109238>>109237Iron does not bat off the offending hoof on his shoulder, a bit cheered up from Silver's lecture.
(Sometimes, all you need is somepony to confirm your thoughts.)
He warmly smiles at him.
"Thank you, Silver."
Feeling invigorated, he lifts off his head from the counter.
"Do you know when Dark Star is going to start his mission?"
>>109239"Tomorrow, perhaps. I hope it will not be too early. I promised to help volunteer for cathedral. They are going to start bringing bodies out from catacombs and quarry, and give them proper burials and rites."
>>109240It seems Silver's unsureness doesn't sit well with Iron.
"Perhaps Dark Star will tell us now that half of the ponies he is looking for are here."
With that, I'll depart. Hope you had fun, fuzzy feelings! >>109241"It would be nice to know, myself."
Sleep well, fren. I'll see you tomorrow! Alright, now that Iron’s “The Stone Dog/Botanical excursion along Snake River” quest-line is done, I kind of feel like releasing a commentary. Maybe the same with the “Silver Lake Development Project, Referral from the City Zoning Office” now that it’s done as well
Hmm, Looks like Iron isn’t trying to sink the Iron-Cauldron ship like it’s the Lusitania
Also.... probably time for a level up
>>109243Will there be complimentary tea and scones?
>>109243Cool. I want to see how it came along/sudden turns you weren't expecting.
I don't blame you after that circus show Iron performed. Iron thinks he's not good enough to be with her >>109243I think the commentary would be nice to have, even with as scathing as I imagine it would.
Silver's doing his best to avoid it sinking.Yay! Just let us know when. I wonder when Darko Starro, the half-zebra half Pegasus, is doing.
Wait, are his wings visible through the dye?
>>109254But Starry boi is an erf pone.
>>109255Oh right. I mixed up with Skies for a second there.
I wonder if the zebras actually see Star as a zony instead of a zebra. >>109257You can make checks by the day as well as creating things a lot quicker by adding a +10 DC to your craft roll, albeit with the risk of wasting half of your materials.
>>109258It would still take a ridiculous amount of time to make even a simple weapon with the exceptionally slow pacing of the game. I'm not asking for it to be made easier, or for the ability for Silver to instantaneously make +12 Super Flamey Death Swords, I'm just asking for it to be made more practical, balanced, and fun. I figured that was the whole point of this game: that it's fun.
>>109259I do remember Ash crafting some wooden shields in an instant, so perhaps you don't have to worry about it.
>>109260Like I said, I'll ask the GM if we can figure that out. I really do want to help out the party, and this is one of the ways I've come up with to do so; the only massive roadblock is that the pacing of this campaign doesn't work well with the crafting rules. Just as one example of how Silver could help the party, he could make replacement throwing knives for Brie, since he seems so apt at losing them. And Iron already knows about what Silver would like to do for him.
>>109262I understand, Silver.
Perhaps there is no need to worry about time constraints, like Ash's example showed.
Of course, we need his opinion which I think will be put on hold until we level up, mayble allowing us to respec our characters into fitter version than the current ones.
>>109265I imagine the level-up will come either in their sleep or as they wake up. But yeah, I would love to hear what he thinks.
>>109265So, while we wait for the GM, want to discuss how we're going to level-up/re-spec our characters? Maybe get some input from each other?
>>109270My answer is very simple: Change from Fighter 5 to Barbarian 4/Fighter 1, and in next level Barbarian 5, while also picking some feat I'm undecided upon. Perhaps Improved Sunder to flex, but I dunno if my punches will be that strong.
This way, I still have all the capabilities of my current character, but have a nice set of class features to circumvent some weakness of his, like being unable to be sneak attacked, only after level 5 tho.
Skies around the world do not want you to know this!And being able to use AC bonus even when flatfooted or attacked by invisible poners/creatures. The extra neat thing of increasing reflex save by 1 against traps is also nice, too.
Sadly, I'll have to rearmor myself to get the Fast Movement skill into medium armor at least, but that's for future me to decide.
What is your plan?
>>109274I'm not sure what all I actually
can do since I'm still new to the game, so it may be I'll have to change something if it turns out I'm trying to do something I can't.
Gonna stick to Fighter for the moment. I'll change his feats a little so he has Power Attack, Greatsword Focus, Greatsword Specialization, Heal Focus, Improved Initiative, Toughness, and Dodge. His Cutie Mark Skill will be Weaponsmithing, and his other skills will be Heal 3, Jump 2, Swim 2, and Climb 2.
In case none of that made sense: I want Silver to be more like the party tank and take hits so the other (mostly flimsier) members of the party don't have to. I'd also like him to be able to heal downed or injured party members, since the only other character in our group with any healing aptitude is Nurse Spark.
>>109276>other skills will be heal 3Wait a minute, what was your wis stat again?
Perhaps, with some clever character development, you can most likely make your heal skill not a cross class one (instead of 1 skill point being worth 0,5 ranks, it is a 1 to 1 conversion)) by maybe starting your path as a Cleric. Not only you'll possibly have Celestia or Luna or whoever deity you choose as a constant waifu 4 lyfe, you can actually start to be a tanky medic worth your mettle.
>>109277She is right next to him, holding onto his fore
leg
>>109278He's got a full 16 Wisdom, so there's that.
>>109280Then I'd say if you want to start you path as a full blown tank medic, start investing in cleric levels, since it's Wis based.
Your current set-up should be fine if you want to rack up those feat amounts, though.
>>109282Eh, might be I'll take Cleric next level-up.
>>109279Hello, GM.
>>109279Dark Star looks for an empty table
>>109284He can move to an empty table. There's one in the back which he may or may not have used for lewd purposes a few nights before
>>109283Here's the link for both the class and its spells respectively.
Don't worry, if you have some free time and basic reading comprehension, you'll be A-OK.
Quick rundown: Clerics are magic dudes who can do many spells while also having weapons training. They can be divided in domains, which represents vague concepts which you'll have to link with the deity you choose.
If Celestia, healing and sun should be fine.https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Clerichttps://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Cleric_Spell_ListHave the domains list too, if you want to snoop around.
https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Cleric_Domains>>109285Has the time come for Iron to walk up into the noose, hoping Cauldron doesn't pull the floor from underneath him?
>>109286Sorry, you
have to choose two domains. Keep that in mind.
Sorry GMo for doing an oopsie, pls forgive me. >>109285He Smiles and walks to the one in back
"This is my favorite table here."
>>109288Oh dear... Also, Silver and Iron are there. Say something nice
>>109287Might as well continue the in-character conversation.Silver finishes his whiskey and asks Glass for another. "So, you say you fought tiger?"
>>109292F. You'll be back in your proper place, soon enough.>>109291Silver looks over at the zebra calling to him from another table, and gives him a small salute.
>>109294>>109292F
Also, are Onyx and Spark ready to continue their own little mission?
>>109293The Zebra Salutes Back, he can see Blue With him.
>>109292F
>>109295Ready when you are captain
>>109290Iron tilt his head, uncomfortable about it.
"More like he almost mauled me to death. That was the reason Cauldron let me stay at first.
>>109297>>109294As stated before, there seem to be some hoofprints in the snow on either side of the
>>109207>>109301"Sounds good, I'm right behind you"
>>109298That "zebra" is very lucky stallion. Go get her, tiger.>>109300"Seems like everypony in our little group has issues with that. Dark Star himself says he almost died, too." Silver pats Iron's shoulder. "It is good to see you are alive and well."
>>109301Can I ask a question: when we level up, do our Cutie Mark skills automatically improve to remain at max level? I'm'a write up some commentary
Originally when I started it I figured that, okay, I didn't want to send Iron out away from the group because he's only one character, so I would do kind of a test run of what a run through the jungle would look like. I've never really written fiction before, or attempted to write it, so this would be a first for linear story telling for me. I don't even read much fiction. I think I've read some books in college, two Hemmingway Novels, both Ayn Rand novels, and every single one of Lovecraft's works, and that's about it as fiction goes for me in the past five years (I've read far more in philosophy and history though).
At first, there was no story, and it was just bandits attacking. I decided to experiment with the power of sub-machine guns in combat. Then, when Iron searched the bandits for anything of note, I figured, 'eh, what the hell. Let's put in an artifact in the Bandit's travel bag." So there was a stone dog that I didn't think much of. Iron asked what the dog was, and if he recognized it. So I figured that because the setting is the same as in Daring Do, the native artifacts would be Aztec themed. I looked up Aztec dog gods, and lo and behold, it's an evil god of lightning, divine retribution, and ferrying to the afterlife. One of 4 particularly evil gods. So it was easy to make a plot about how there would be 4 idols, one connected to each of the evil gods.
This quest, and really, the campaign as a whole, was inspired in substantial part by the Uncharted series of action adventure games. Uncharted is itself inspired by Indiana Jones, (which also inspired Daring Do), and has a definite formula to it. Protagonist goes looking for treasure, and so does a villain. The treasure seems to be not actually a mundane treasure, but a source of supernatural power. Eventually, it is revealed that the treasure is a source of power with entirely mundane explanations, and the villain was aware of its true nature the entire time. Protagonist must both defeat the villain, and destroy the mcguffin that lead them on the adventure. I figured this one would be similar. There would be a story about a treasure that would explain why the bandits were after it, but Pear would be an embedded secret villian, who would later unleash supernatural powers (more like Indiana Jones than Uncharted in this regard). I added in the encounters with the bandits at the camp and at the ruins to give the story a bit more flesh in the beginning and middle.
Pear Faucet is named after British explorer Percy Fawcett, who sought after the Lost City of Z and went missing in the process. She was a very fun character to work with, because I felt like I knew who she was, and what she wanted. I had to make sure that when she ended up releasing the demons at the end, it seemed like something her character could actually be motivated to do, so I took every opportunity I had to show how she was disgusted by much of the modern world around her.
One of the neat features of this quest was the Cocoliztli. Every single aspect of that that plague that I put in this game is real and historical. I did not exaggerate anything. Yes, there really was a plague that killed 80% of the population of Mexico (about a decade after Smallpox killed 20-30% of the population). It did kill by means of extensive bleeding from every bodily orifice - eyes, vagina, anus, mouth... It did take around or a bit more than three days, it really is mysterious as to what disease it is, it was thought to be typhoid-esque, it did affect highlands more than coastal areas, and it is believed to have been waterborne, spread from livestock to humans because the Spanish forced the natives into collective farms. The Cocoliztli - the Nahuatl word for "plague," was so mysterious that it was not not identified with a particular disease until 2018. 2018, when they finally did genetic analysis to match it with Salmonella Enterica, a bacteria that is relate to the bacteria that causes Typhoid, except it infects the digestive tract rather than the blood stream. Even now, it's possible that unidentified hemorrhagic viruses were involved. In the questline, there is debate back and forth as to what caused the disease, and it is implied that the disease was caused by a supernatural entity the natives treated as a god.
My proudest moment was definitely the story in the background for the fall of the Tenochtitlan state. It was of course modeled on the end of the Aztec Empire, and I feel like I was able to show a picture of a complex society in both the Independent Tenochtitlan State, and in Equestria. The show gives us very little information about what happened in that thousand years between the banishment of Nightmare Moon and the present, so I figured I could start to fill in the gaps, and show an Equestria that is not really a single nation so much as a conglomerate of other tribes that have their own agendas, show Celestia as being called in to mediate, and to show Equestria as a semi-imperial power bent on forcing all other pony nations to adopt their version of Friendship and Harmony. So it was neat to have other pony cultures involved.
It's worth mentioning that in the actual conquest of Mexico, the Spanish first lead a set of revolting natives against aztec rule, then took over Tenochtitlan, pretended that Montezuma was their vassal, then used that as the excuse to "put down rebels" against Spanish rule. In my ponified account, both sides are more sympathetic, as the native state is more popular with its subjects than the murderous Aztec, and the pledge of vassalage to Celestia is sincere.
The show does have some hints about something going on with the Aztec ponies. In "stranger than fanfiction," we see paintings of ponies fighting griffins, an alicorn that resembles Nightmare Moon, and passing references to a "Quetzalcoatl Empire"
>>109303>>109301>>109300Zigger Star and Blue walk over to the table they are sitting at.
>>109302>>109304There are a couple sheep wondering freely about, and another series of hoof prints in and around the Changeling bodies, but there is a "drag" of leveled snow around the barn that goes from the barn door to a wooden shed, further back. It looks like there is a small fire burning near it
I might need to delete the commentary and repost it later
>>109303The patting is noted by Iron.
"Seems we all have that in common, right Silver?"
>>109306Iron's eyes widen.
(Silver was not joking when he said he dressed himself up as a zebra.)
"Are you well?"
>>109305So far so good. Mostly positive stuff.
Seems you had fun from just this paragraph/part.
>>109307Onyx quickly bolts towards the fire, hoping he isn't going to find a pyre
>>109310A sheep moves out of the way of the bolting Onyx to keep from getting run over. It's a bit cold outside, though not really that cold. 20 degrees Fahrenheit, plus a minor breeze that makes it cooler. Insects chirp on.
It's a small fire of a few sticks underneath. There is a pile of snow nearby. a set of sticks is arranged such that a pot, which has some snow on the edges, can be perched over the fire. There is water in it, and the water is not boiling.
>>109306I wonder if they are going to do what they did last time they sat at that table. Silver takes a drink from his next glass of whiskey.
I suppose it is none of my business. I hope those two have fun, whatever they do.>>109309"Indeed." Silver taps the bandages that wrap all the way around his neck, flanked by exceedingly floofy floof above and below. Neither of these were there, last time Iron met him.
>>109308Why's that? I can't see an issue with it so far. >>109309"Yea I'm Doing Fine.just got back from getting my coat dyed.How's it going with you?"
>>109311>>109310"Hopefully that means they left before it could get hot and not that it has cooled off from the time we found it."
Spark inspects the snow shoved out of the way due to dragging.
>>109312Iron can't help but let out a little chuckle.
"I was not expecting to be
that accurate."
>>109313Iron simply expresses discomfort through his face.
"A tiger clawed and bit me."
(And I freaked out on Cauldron enough to run away, but he does not need to know that.)
>>109311>>109314"Let us hope"
Onyx joins Spark's investigation
>>109314>>109316It leads right up to the shed...
>>109315Silver shares the chuckle with a smile of his own. "It is obvious you do not know us all that well."
>>109317>>109316"Well Onyx, do you suppose they left them in here alive and unguarded?"
Spark readies his pistol and prepares to open the door.
>>109315"Buck,That's terrible. I Got Shot a couple times this morning by a Changling Spy.
Is it a deep wound? Have you got it looked at yet?"
>>109319"Let's hope. Shall we take it slow or just burst in?"
Onyx grabs his halberd in his maw and nods to Spark
>>109319>>109321The aged it’s that big. It’s a grayish color with clear wooden slats, and a simple wooden double door that seems to have been moved, judging by movement in the snow. A sheep darts past and out of the way, but there are no other sounds around besides crickets
>>109321"Bust in, but don't fire until you see their bug eyes. We don't want to shoot the wrong ones. That is, if they are even here."
Spark tries the door and attempts to throw it open.
>>109318Iron shrugs.
"I cannot say I try too hard to know."
>>109320Iron nods approvingly
"Surprised you could withstand many metal bits on you."
He looks at its treated body, not knowing its current state.
"I feel fine. I can still run and punch. That is what matters."
He decides to press on the mission details, looking quite serious.
"I heard you were looking for ponies for yet another mission of your marefriend's faction. Do you have a time and date to execute the plan yet?"
>>109324"I suppose that is your prerogative. So, it was
just tiger that almost killed you?"
>>109325He glances at his direction, nodding.
"There were some 'muggers' that tried to take something from me. They were easy pickings, all things considered."
>>109326Silver's eyes widened. "Huh. In that case, I am especially glad that you are alive and well."
>>109327Iron tilts his head yet again, somewhat uneasy.
"Thank you?"
>>109323>>109321The door is unlocked.... What they see when they open the door is at once both astonishing and expected
In black gossamer, melded to the rear wooden wall of the shed is a large... cocoon like entity. Black on the edges, with thin transparent green tinted front that shapes itself around a pony - grey and brown maned. The pony stands straight up with hooves to his side, with eyes wide open. They are glossed over white, and the pony is suspended in a transparent liquid. It looks like looking at a pony in an open coffin, standing up, if that coffin were of biological matter. That is not the only black gossamer cocoon - a consistency on it about like a spaider web. Immediately next to it is a thinner one, which conforms the shape of a light pink mare with blonde mane. She is
upside down. Her eyes, likewise, are wide open, almost looking like those of a dead fish with something covering them. She, too, is suspended in some sort of liquid.
The ground of the shed is hard dirt with a covering of gravel, no snow. And lying on this snow, towards the front, is another pony. It's the red wine colored pony - the one they met earlier. He, and he alone has closed eyes, although his mouth is open, and his tongue is hanging out,. His head and shoulders are free, and there is an attempt to keep his hooves together in the casket-like stance of the other two. His lower body is already covered in the black and white gossamer, like a giant fly trapped in a much bigger spider web, in the process of being wrapped up to become a meal, his life fluids slowly drained
>>109329Onyx, although expecting it, freezes at the sight for a moment before quickly trying to use his halberd to cut them out.
>>109330Careful not to cut them or freeze them with the cold effect....
[1d20 = 2]>>109331Is that indication I should roll?
Rolling incase it is
>>109332He cuts into the leg of the grey pony while trying to cut him out
[1d20 = 15]>>109333Checked....
Onyx's eye goes wide before he lets out a string of every cuss word he knows before attempting another.
>>109324>>109327"Tomorrow morning. i plan to scope the place out tonight. speaking of which have either of you seen Brie,Spark or oynx?"
[1d20 = 20]>>109336Onyx moves to the next cocoon, cutting slower this time
>>109338Perfection. He's even able to cut out the third pony
>>109337Silver shakes his head. "Brie I know is missing. Spark and Onyx might be with him, as well."
>>109337Iron simply shakes his head, denying any witnessing of the kind.
>>109339"Spark, you patched me up well enough. Will they be okay?"
>>109340>>109341"Horse Apples! this is Going to be Significantly more difficult without them,
He Sighs
"Maybe they'll turn up before then."
He Takes a sip of his whiskey.
>>109342"I was lucky ok? I don't even know what that iodine stuff does. I have no clue, but we need to treat that leg of his and get them back inside."
>>109343Silver takes a drink from his own whiskey. "Just remember, get behind me if bullets start flying. With luck, it will not come to that, though."
>>109344"Alright"
Onyx hauls two of them onto his back, and heads back towards the cabin.
>>109344>>109342>>109334A bit of light from behind Onyx, and the ponies fall on the floor of the shed. They still look out of it, covered in slime. At least the pony who is cut is actually bleeding, implying a heart beat
>>109345"We'll come out unscathed."
>>109347"A lot of Creature traffickers with Rifles,hard. Has Silver told you anything about where we are going?"
>>109346>>109348Spark takes the red wine colored pony inside.
>>109350>>109346Alright... I guess they try to pull the ponies up, place them on their backs, and trudge on to the cabin as the sheep move around the sit, and the fire burns lowly on
>>109351Do we make it to the house ok?
>>109346Alright. Roll a fortitude save
>>109349"In broad strokes."
Iron leans in closer.
"I will be fine. Nothing some good old resting cannot cure later."
>>109356>>109352The two ponies carry the stiff ponies further, towards the barn and towards the house, as the sheep near them. Then, a veil of green light comes over one of the sheep, and onyx can feel something tugging at him.
Have you ever had that feeling in a dream, or as you lie down on your bed, that you are falling down to the ground, even as your body remains in place? Onyx feels that way, tugged to the side while his body remains in place, as if by a hand that has been dipped in icy water.
Onyx falls to the ground
Spark's turn
>>109357Spark readies his pistol. Shall we roll for turns?
[1d20+3 = 18]>>109359I have may questions about the world where a pistol is weaker than a dagger with Spark's strength deficiency... but ok. Spark has had it with these changelings and decides that if any more are lurking around, they need to associate this ponies with pain.
Spark uses his last fire spell.
>>109355"Or else I can patch you up. I have some experience with healing and first-aid."
[4d6 = 12]>>109360It's fucking lit on fire, casting the snow in an orange light, as flames shoot up from teh changeling - tattered grey uniform and all
>>109356>>109362If onyx makes a con save, he can go as well
>>109361His head rises, both forelegs pointing at Silver.
"See? Nothing to worry about."
>>109365Doesn't matter either way it seems.
>>109365Con. Looks like Onyx can recover with a move action
>>109367Onyx gets up and makes sure the two he was carrying are okay, as he picks up his weapon.
[1d20+4 = 5]>>109358The other sheep, with a glow of green from an invisible horn, pulls a rifle out from under the snow, levels it at Spark, and shoots
>>109369>>109360>>109368Snow in the rifle seems to cause it to fail to discharge. The first Changeling falls to the ground to put out the fire
Onyx’s turn
[1d20+11 = 29]>>109371Onyx rushes the changeling with the jammed rifle, raising his halberd up to swing.
>>109372>>109373They backfired the moment they ever faced Onyx.
>>109373Oh. Oh.....
Hit
The first Changeling backs up a couple feet, throws his hooves into the air, and starts speaking
[1d6 = 1][1d10+6 = 9]Is this a reverse Welshman since the sheep are fucking us?
>>109374>>109375You guys make me blush
>>109376Damage
>>109376"Ponish applebucker, do you speak it?"
Spark threatens the first one with pistol ready.
>>109377D-don't flatter yourself, b-baka!
I'd totally beat your flank!
THE CHANGELING'S RESISTING. USE MILITARY BRUTALITY WITH YOUR HOOVES! >>109377>>109378Second one is not out
The first one starts to Ramble
"Bitte, wir wollen Ihnen keinen Schaden zufügen. Wir sind Deserteure der neunzigsten Infanterie. Wir sind aus dem Bienenstock in Phantine. Wir wurden in Chrysalis 'Armee eingezogen, als sie unseren Bienenstock annektierte und in den Dienst zwang. Unsere Brigade wurde zerstreut, als die Crystal Empire-Theke außerhalb des Berges angriff. Wir sind seit Monaten im Wald unterwegs. Wir waren hungrig und kalt. Wir haben seit vielen Monaten nicht mehr gegessen...."
>>109380Damn it. They are the good guys. We just killed two of their own most likely. But Spark doesn't know that.
"I can't understand you. Throwing your gun down is a good first start. Now tell your friend to do that too."
Spark points to the other changeling.
>>109381"Hey Onyx! I think this one is surrendering. See if the other one isn't so inclined."
>>109383Fuck
"How? I can't speak a word of changeling"
[1d20+4 = 9]>>109384The second one cycles the bolt, and shoots at Onyx
>>109386>>109384He can hear the bullet wiz past
[1d20+20 = 39]>>109385You just made me think of something even better I can do>>109386"Son of a bitch"
Onyx swings again, but aims for the rifle rather than the changeling holding it.
Sunder attempt. Improved sunder means no AoO. +12 attack bonus, +4 improved sunder, +4 for two handed weapon.
>>109384"Knock the gun out of his grip. I don't know!"
>>109387I grab the changeling in front of me and shake him.
"Get him..."
I point at the changeling shooting.
"to STOP."
>>109388>>109389.... I think it worked
The rifle shatters in half. The wounded Changeling places it’s hooves over its chest, and falls back
>>109390By wounded one, do you mean the first on near Spark or Onyx' one?
What does burning cockroach smell like? Onyx and Spark know. The two changelings are both wounded and neither has any visible weapons.
Onyx’s ability to see in color has just blinked out
>>109393The second one, which had the rifle
>>109395Onyx rapidly blinks for a moment
"Oh buck this, my good eye is going to Tartarus as well?"
>>109395"Come on. And don't try anything funny."
He hauls the changeling behind him along with the pony on his back towards the cabin.
>>109397"Bring him along Onyx and hurry up or we will freeze out here. We need to tend to these ponies already."
>>109397No, Onyx can see, just not in color. He also has this strange feeling like what little joy he had has been sucked right out. Probably needs more vodka
Anyways, there are two changelings still there in front of him
>>109398>haulsNot so easy. They are not tied up or anything, and are still up and able
>>109398"Alright"
Onyx grumbles as he hauls the two ponies onto his back, and roughly guides the changeling back to the cabin.
Oh God. Do we have more tag along NPCs now?
>>109399The one that surrendered should come along well enough, especially to get out of the snow for a while.
But whether or not the changeling is hauled along, Spark takes the pony inside.
>>109400>>109398Getting the changelings to.., well, do anything, is going to take some artistry and persuasion
>>109405Spark opens the door inside and waves them in.
>>109405>Artistry and persuasionWhat a coincidence! That's what Onyx calls his hooves!
>>109409He can try that
>>109406The changelings are scared and uncertain , and full of adrenaline
>>109410Onyx ignores them for now and hauls the two ponies inside
"I wish that bat was here right about now."
>>109411"Yeah. Let me try something."
>>109410Spark goes to the cabin kitchen, or pantries if that is all they have, and finds what kind of food they have.
>>109411The two ponies are dragged up, and in. Onyx feels much weaker than before, with a slower heart beat
Calling it early tonight.
Hopefully the monthly trio can return.
>>109413Onyx searches for the vodka and downs a swig when it is found.
>>109412Only a single drawer of carrots and a few turnips. Actually, there are a few potatoes in a sort of pantry
>>109415Thankfully, a small amount remains
>>109416Not exactly bug bait, but maybe they will understand.
Spark goes back to the door and places a turnip at the door and pats beside it.
>>109416Onyx slowly makes his way back towards Spark
"Those... Damned... Bugs"
>>109418"They might be useful. If they can give us a map or some way to avoid patrols, then our mission might just have a chance at success."
>>109419"Yeah, useful if they could keep their mouths off of every damned pony they see."
>>109417>>109418Ruby gets up. The little colt behaves like an ancient dog with his slow movements
“You’re back!
Rose. Dawson! Are you okay?”
He moves forward
Outside, the two wounded, bleeding creatures look at Spark. They don’t seem interested in eating the turnip
>>109421"They're alive."
Onyx finds the sofa and lies down
"Damn bugs and their drain."
>>109422Onyx is tired, and the grey colt (he was bright red before) comes before Onyx
“Will they be okay? Are we safe?”
He looks at onyx suspiciously
>>109422"Make sure they stay warm. I'm going to get the prisoners."
>>109421Spark goes back outside and walks up to the bugs.
"You."
He points at them.
"Inside."
He points to the door.
>>109423"Safe? Hardly. As long as those bucking bugs are allowed to roam Equestria nopony is safe"
Any sparkle in Onyx's coat is gone, as his eyes slowly turn more grey. His voice is filled with anger.
"Okay? Yeah probably"
>>109424"Whatever"
He slowly gets up and rolls them towards the fireplace.
>>109424They blink with sideways eye lids
>>109425“Be careful with them! Those are my friends” Ruby says
>>109426"Yeah yeah"
He moves them a bit gentler before flopping himself back on the couch.
>>109426Spark sighs, but continues to try to comunicate.
"You."
He points to them.
"Go."
He points to his hooves and walks towards the door a few paces.
"Inside."
He points to the door.
>>109428They are cautious, but come closer, and ever closer to the door to come inside. One is bleeding it’s blue blood, the other has serious burn marks with an almost destroyed uniform
[1d20 = 2]>>109429Spark leans them in and guides them away from the ponies. He then bandages up the bleeding one.
Rolling Wisdom
>>109430Fuck. Damn changeling biology being different from ponies and all...
[1d20+3 = 9]>>109430“HISS!”
It bites Spark with its fangs
>>109430Another issue. All of the ponies are in the central room next to the fire place. Where even to put the changelings that won’t spook the ponies?
>>109432Rood of the damn bug
"Oh look,it bites the hoof that tries to heal it. Shocking"
[1d20 = 8]>>109432"OW! Sorry! I'm trying to patch you up damn it!"
Spark tries again.
>>109433Well, are there any other rooms, or is this a one room cabin?
>>109436It’s small. There is a separate bedroom, and an attacked kitchen
>>109437Assuming the bandage is now applied, Spark leads them into the bedroom.
>>109434"Hey Onyx! Put a sticky note on Brie's head saying we need a translator!"
>>109438"Fine!"
Onyx writes a colorful note about needing a translator, and not-so-gently attaches it to the bat's face.
>>109438So... the petrified ponies are just lying on the floor?
>>109440Hey! They get to be by the fire.
>>109439"Now, if you can help move this bed into the living room, that will be very kind of you."
>>109441"Fine"
Onyx snorts in an annoyed manner as he helps spark move the bed.
>>109441The changelings are directed to the more cold room while the ponies are left lying on the wooden floor. But what then?
>>109443They are getting a bed.
>>109442"I'm going to keep an eye on them. Don't anypony run off."
Spark locks the door once the bed is moved.
>>109444"Oh I don't think that's a problem. But I'll watch them"
>>109444Locking the door is not really possible, with no key. Spark has moved, what? One bed? He needs more beds and blankets
>>109446Now you are just being picky. Please don't make me have to declare actions for moving each bed and blanket or we will be here all night.
>>109447>>109445Well, Onyx has not one, not two, but three unconscious almost dead ponies lying on the floor below him, a very drained and scared colt who is still partly freaking out about the whole situation, two vampire soldiers placed in the next bedroom, and less than a quarter of a bottle of vodka left.
How does it feel, and what does Onyx do next?
>>109454*does not like being poked back*
I’ll see what I can type up during periods of downtime
Drove out to a JP court for two bench trials on speeding tickets. First guy pleas out, get ready for the second one and worry about it... when the guy shows up, he explains he just wanted to ask the judge a question, and pleas out >>109455Don't multitask too much.
It can get pretty heavy on your nerves.
The spoilers sounds like it could be part of a comedy movie >>109460Hello.
I think that Blue Skies has been sitting next to Dark Star this entire time, but has not been hugged or cuddled even once
>>109461Dark Star gives her a Big Hug.
>>109462*poner is hugged*
She’s even softer than usual, although her lavender smell has been replaced with that of a tropical fruit
>>109463"Your Coat feels like silk."
He Smiles at her
>>109464Silver keeps his voice low as to not announce what he's saying to the world. Or, in this case, the table. "So, Iron...any other details on this 'night of romance' you had with Cauldron?"
>>109466Iron looks at Silver questioningly.
"It was a bit... cramped. Not what you would call somehwere where you should do it."
>>109467"Not
exactly what I have in mind, but alright. Was it like date? You two go to see movie or something like beforehoof?"
>>109468His look changes to uncomfortable, really unsure of how much he should say.
"Well... you could say it was kind of like a date, sure. A... romantic walk on nature kind."
>>109469Silver nods. "That does indeed sound romantic. You know, you do not
have to tell me if you do not want to. I do not want to make you uncomfortable, I was just curious."
>>109471Iron raises an eyebrow, not really believing him.
"Uh huh."
Your trust level with Iron is too low to go along this line of conversation. >>109465She smiles at him with her malign glee
“Thank you. Want to feel it some more?”
>>109469Blue Skies looks skeptically at Iron as he advances his claims of sexual activity
>>109472Silver takes another drink of whiskey, his last for the night. "Hmm. Well then...would you mind telling me bit about your tribe, where you came from?"
>>109473He Grins
"Of Course."
He Hugs her tighter
>>109474"yea i've never really read any books on the native tribes before. i would be interested in that too."
>>109475*poner is hugged more*
She presses her head into him, closes her eyes, and smiles in his embrace
>>109473Iron glances at her then back at Silver.
(If she doesn't believe it, then she won't ask about it. I see this as an absolute win.)
>>109474>>109475...crap. I knew this was going to happen. Time to put my improv hat on.Iron looks pensively.
"I admit I have not listened to the word of the elders, so mine may be inaccurate."
He lightly scratches the table, trying to remember.
"If I am not mistaken, my tribe was founded by Hoof, an Earth Pony unhappy with the unification of the Three Tribes and rounded up like-minded ponies off into creating a settlement. I am not sure why exactly he did it or if it was even true. Some spread the rumor he was merely taking advantage of the dissent to try and create his own tribe."
He shakes his head.
"Anyways, he led them to a safe spot to start anew and went from there. From then on it was the usual: Forage, train, explore and return with the spoils. Mares are not able to go out of the tribe, being pushed into more indispensable jobs like pottery and healing instead of being fighters, since their dexterity is better, or so said Hoof and his friends say. So far they are not wrong."
He snickers.
"I remember my mother always having some sugarcane to bite on after a training session. It was like she had in her mane or something."
Clearing his throat a bit to return to serious mode, he continues.
"While my fighting style relies on hooves, fellow tribesmen do use some war tools like spears and clubs. Some special ones even get what they call a 'quarter-staff', no idea what that means. It looks like a smooth, long stick to bonk ponies on their heads. Seems only elders' colts get to use them, unless they show exceptional 'skill and discipline' or some spiel like that."
He rolls his eyes over it, before proceeding.
"I think I have already told you Star, but I am in the third phase of the cycle: Exploring and mastering this concrete jungle to reach stallionhood. Previous colts back when it was a group of ponies only needed to explore into the Three Tribes, but recently they have set the far more 'advanced' tribe of... Equestria, I think, as the new place to mature."
He looks at the interested duo.
"Was that good enough?"
>>109477He Laughs at the sugar cane in the hair bit
"What is your Mother and Father Like?"
"Yea i Remember you telling me that, it seems like a Interesting tradition,do all young stallions from your tribe do this?"
>>109476He strokes her face and hair with his hoof
>>109479*coo*
Her ear wiggles, and her mane is extra soft
>>109477"That is rather interesting tradition, mastering this 'concrete jungle'. What is it for?"
>>109478Iron raises an eyebrow.
(Is he trying to know the feeling of parental love, maybe?)
But relents, thinking he'll be satisfied with hearing it.
"Mother was quite nice. She always coddled me, my brother and my sister with all sorts of little snacks. Good cook, too, but not at the level I have recently experienced. She mainly focused on teaching my sister the arts of healing, from putting some sticky thing on wounds to preparing them."
He can't help but crack a smile.
"It felt nice when they placed it on mine. I guess it was Earth Pony magic."
A little pause, looking a bit more confused.
"My father was... strange, as some of the tribesstallions said. He was cheery, yet considered as a feared stallion worthy to take down an entire group of 20 ponies, enduring every single blow they threw at him. His maturity travels were said to have been the longest any stallion has even been, and it shows from how he speaks to how fancy his spear looked."
He places his hoof under his head and looked at the ceiling in thought.
"He always encouraged me to take walks in the jungle, often ending in me poking, seeing and tasting most things, even though I did not know what most of the stuff was."
He snickered.
"I even ate some weird looking mushroom that made me see all sorts of colors. My father had to take me back home after that because I was acting aloof. I bet he knew what it was and did not stop me, the rascal."
He chuckles, but turns a bit serious.
"He was also quite scary when he got upset."
>>109481>>109478"The idea is simple: Learn to master the outside and bring back all your newly belongings back to the tribe. The more you bring, the greater you will be revered. Of course it would be shared amongst fellow tribesponies out of virtue, but you can take it all for yourself if you had big plans of any kind."
He nods.
"And yes,
all colts who enter the age of close-to-stallionhood have to do it, or else be treated like a colt until you do. Worst case scenario, the pony stubborn enough could be forcefully expelled into it."
>>109477She raises an eyebrow and looks as if she is about to say something, but ultimately says nothing
>>109483Iron, somewhat curious she didn't simply say it, decides to press her for it.
"Is something wrong, Skies?"
>>109482Silver looks him up and down. "You do not seem close to stallionhood to me. You seem like full-grown stallion who is almost as big as I am."
>>109485Iron snickers.
"I appreciate your compliment, but I am merely 19 years old."
Cue shock and awe. >>109480He Smiles
"You're Beautiful."
>>109482"My Mom was the Same way. She often tried to stop my brother and i from fighting when i was a colt."
He Smiles a Bittersweet Smile.
"You Dad Sounds Like an interesting Stallion to say the least. A Mushroom that made you see colors? I've had experiences with them myself.
I Found a Patch of them on a remote part of the property i grew up on. The Trees Grew Faces and started talking to me. then i felt like i was falling and i saw a bunch of weird shapes and Vivid Colors."
>>109482"Very Interesting Indeed."
>>109486Honestly, I would rather hear your criticisms.>>109487Silver doesn't even bat an eye. "As I said, full-grown stallion."
He sits in thought for a couple seconds. "Your father sounds nice. I think he and my father would have gotten along well."
>>109489Iron looked at him strangely.
"Our father practically encouraged me and my brother to hooffight between ourselves to deal with our issues, except my sister of course."
He looks iffy, knowing how bad he felt after the 'trip'
>>109490The reverse jailbait.Iron blinks.
"Eh, I do not feel fully grown yet. Otherwise, I would not even be here."
>>109486>>109488Chalk it up to bad narrator in this case, if you point it out, he'll probably correct himself.
>>109489I think Dark Star is remembering watching Pocahontas
>>109488Were you going to type more and were cut off?
>>109492Not really, but feel free to do
>>109491Man, I feel dumb. >>109491He gives him a grin. "Perhaps in mind you have little ways to go, yet..."
>>109491"Our Dad Encouraged that stuff as well."
He Smiles and chuckles
"But boy! Mom sure hated it."
"I Felt Very Sick afterwords,Luckily my brother was the only one at home,when i walked back up to the house.Because as soon,as i walked through the gate."
>>109492Kek
>>109489“D’aww, thanks....” her expression changes a little
“You should..... probably not war random mushrooms off the ground”
>>109496"You're welcome."
He Smiles
Then he chuckles at the mushroom comment
"Yea, I Learned that the hard way...I Did go Back to that patch a couple times though."
>>109497She just blinks, and sits upright in her seat
>>109487All at once, she both finds it hard to believe, yet acknowledges that that really would explain a lot
>>109488Nah it’s fine.... as I said I try to give players leeway to make their characters and I’ve seen equally objectionable things from Silver and Dark Star
>>109494Iron looks at his forelegs.
"I guess I do not
look like a colt, I suppose. I thought stallionhood was at the 20 year-mark at the least, so that was why I was confused at your comment."
>>109495Iron chuckled.
"Honestly, my mom grew to tolerate it after a while. I think she liked being there for us and healing us up."
But he does turn slightly iffier.
"Yeah... my mom got so worried."
>>109499Too late!A tiny spark crossed his mind as he now understands Skies' curiousness.
"Oh wait! I knew something was off. It was not the Three Tribes or unifications. I just happened to hear about it somewhere and mixed it up badly."
He coughs again, entering into story-time again.
"I think it was more of a sibling rivarly between Hoof and his brother, Buck. Both were candidates for being chieftain, but Buck won out, leaving Hoof bitter so he took off with some of his friends, his wife, his foals and some dissenters who did not like Buck's overreliance on arrows, feeling the tools were too powerful against nature to deal with."
He watches her mull in thought.
(I wonder if she will give sugarcanes now because I said that.)
He chuckles.
('Not a chance', she would say most likely.)
>>109500"It is something like that, I suppose."
>>109499"Whats Wrong?"
He Looks Concerned
>>109500"My Brother Freaked Out. He Threatened to Tell Mom a few times but i was able to talk him out of it. I Guess i was always Pretty Good at that."
>>109501Iron pokes one foreleg with his hoof.
"I understand, since you look somewhat like me with some more years on you, judging by the scars you have."
>>109502Iron extends one side of his lips, a bit against Star's actions.
"Eh, you should have told her. It is no good to keep secrets with family. They are the ones whom you should trust most."
>>109502She turns her head away, shakes it slightly, and says in a very soft voice
"Earth Ponies... eating stuff off the ground when they know it makes them sick, and always looking to get beat up"
>>109504"Many...even if my winter coat is hiding them right now."
>>109505>>109502Iron smiles excitedly, placing one hoof on the table and the other raised.
"Oh! That is me! I am that pony!"
>>109506He returns to original position, chuckling for his outburst.
"I told you. I am not a stallion yet. My coat only has..."
He peeks around his coat, moving away the hairs to try and find any.
"...I cannot see any of them."
>>109504He Sounds rather melancholic
"Yea.... I Wish i would have gotten to tell her. I Never Got the opportunity to confess to her before she was gone."
>>109505"Eh...Thats just our nature i guess."
He Grins
>>109507"We are Both that pony,pal."
He Chuckles
>>109509He chuckles some more at her expense, looking outside if the time is near where he has to do the
thing.>>109508At first he chuckles with him some more, but
Iron feels bad after bringing the 'mother is dead' stuff, looking grim.
"Right. Forgot about that."
>>109511"It's Ok. I've gotten used to it."
He Smiles
>>109509>>109512"Ah Don't be like that."
He Cuddles her
>>109513*Poner is cuddled*
Her wings are pushed up a little.
She enjoys the cuddling
>>109512>>109514>>109513He grins knowingly
"Just as planned."
He turns to Dark Star, unsure of his 'coped' status.
"If you say so."
The floof pony meanwhile sits there awkwardly, not really knowing what to talk about.
>>109499This is still bothering the hell out of me.>>109517Skies pats the floof pony
Um... what’s bothering you? >>109517Iron decides to do the most sensible thing in this situation:
He boops Silver's snoot! The devilish fiend!
>>109519>>109517Dark Star Boops Silver right after iron
>>109521Iron smiles like a dummy.
"You look bored."
>>109522"Well, bored might be one way to put it." Silver leans back in his chair. "I suppose I simply have nothing really to do at moment, and it is making me little restless. I would drink some more, but if we are going to recon then it is good idea that I have clear head." He thinks back to the drinks he's already had. "Well, mostly clear head."
Okay, I should definitely write out the last part of the dossier... but damn it’s hard to find motivation
>>109521Do you really want to know?>>109523Iron nods, returning to his original stance.
"Perhaps we can play some sort of game?"
He looks at the others, unsure of what kind of game adults like them play.
(I hope it is tag. I like tag.)
>>109524Psst. How much time Iron has left? I don't want him overextending his bounds and missing the deadline.And I know that feeling, man. >>109526Silver tilts his head. "Game? Like poker, or something like that?"
>>109527Iron shrugs.
"Maybe? I do not know what games are popular here."
>>109528"I have not played any game in...well, it has been long while. You would probably know better than I would."
>>109529Iron hums in thought.
"I have no idea either. Most of the ones I used to play back home would put me in a big advantage as well as leave us injured most likely."
>>109530"...We should probably avoid them then." Silver thinks on the subject.
>>109531Iron looks at him expectantly.
>>109520He turns to see Dark Star.
"Do you have any ideas?"
>>109525Okay....The one that came to mind was the story of alicorns or supernatural something or other visiting Severyanan ponies. I kind of wanted to object because it would be an instance of contact with god-like beings, which I wanted to control because the way in which god-like entities interact with the world kind of runs according to a plan I had, and that didn't necessarily fit in with it. On the other hoof.... maybe it can work? Also, Silver told it like a legend, so it always has the possibility of being false or an adaptation of something else.This is a more minor thing, but Silver said Severyana was a United Tribe, and I was thinking that because Severyana is one of the only pony areas on Equus to have a distinctly different language and culture that it was probably a separate pony nation that predated the united tribes, was eventually annexed into Equestria after failed attempts by Crusaders to conquer it, but always felt like a distinct culture and region, which aided the calls for independence which resulted in Stalliongrad. Of course, maybe it is a United Tribe, who knowsAnother one was attitudes towards Homosexuality. I know that a hell of a lot of fanfics portray Equestria as always having perfect freelove, geneder nuetral pronouns,mandatory lesbianism and whatever the hell else, but Equestria has always seemed to me to be or recently have been a traditionalist, communitarian society that is not likely to accept homosexuality, or at least not without some reservations. More to the point, I'm kind of doing an adaptation of the World circa 1940, so attitudes towards homosexuality are complex, but strongly tending towards non-acceptance. Interestingly Stalliongrad would probably be among the most socially progressive in that regard. I was going to write a long post about a history of attitudes towards homosexuality, but ultimately didn't. Obviously Silver can be pro-homosexual if he wants to be. He's part Bolshevik after all, and probably a lot of the Communists and some of the Social Democrats in Baltimare would agree with him (and maybe also certain Spartans). It's just that homosexual acceptance is not going to be ubiquitous in this setting.There was the cuddle pile thing. That's not really objectionable, it just seemed kind of weird. Of course, Silver could have just been making shit up to fuck with Dark Star. Also, some cultures, like Greeks for example, are going to be a hell of a lot more comfortable with touching than AmericansAlso there was the armpit aphrodisiac thing that Silver told Dark Star about pegasi biology while they were in the attic of the Comte residence. This isn't really objectionable for worldbuilding reasons, but because it was something told to Dark Star meaning I would need to ERP it. Let me repeat that. I would have to ERP fucking sexy smelly armpits. Just.Again, I don't want to discourage players from adding more depth to character back stories. You can participate in world building as well
>>109526What are you talking about?
>>109533>>109531"How about a game of Cards?"
He Grins
>>109534>sexy smelly armpits
HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG >>109534I thought it was the wings that were supposed to be smelled, not the armpits.Remember the Cauldron situation? Iron still has to deal with that. Honestly, time shouldn't have passed by a lot, but Iron would like to know how long he has.
And you know, you wouldn't put an actual time limit on PCs, are you?>>109536Iron looks at Dark Star.
"Maybe. What do you have in mind?"
>>109538Faith in humanity: Lost with my sides.Well, Iron did promise her in his panic to tell the
deep dark secret he had to her, which is that particular dream part he was abashed about.
Pretty sure it's not actually necessary, but I like to think Iron's on an actual time limit just to rack up his tension.
>>109537"How About Black Jack? it's a pretty fun game."
>>109538 >>109541Silver nods. "Yes, it is indeed good game. If we find set of cards, who would serve as dealer?"
>>109541Iron tilts his head.
"I guess I can try it, but I have no idea how to play it."
>>109542"After you. i've never really been the best dealer."
>>109543"Can you do math?"
>>109545Well, Iron has the perfect ending for the day at any rate, as long as he doesn't spill more spaghetti than usual.>>109544Iron stares at Dark Star blankly.
"Yes, I can do math. It was boring, but useful."
>>109547"Its a simple game, the first one to 21 wins. my brother always used to beat me at it."
>>109548Iron nods.
"I suppose that works. Do you have the things necessary to play the game now?"
>>109550I am quite surprised you actually went and fetched him, but are you sure you are making the right move? Or perhaps I'll be forced to go away too if she doesn't show up since there's so many wrenches in your plans because of her absence. I'm not sure he'll bite unless you go to grovel levels in my opinion.Also maybe letting some non-SRD books through in your game setting.>pic relatedCome on, now. Don't be like that. You know Iron loves Cauldron more than the physical aspects.
>>109552What? Why do you say that?
>>109551And why do you say that?
>>109553Well... He didn't part because she was bored. More like he felt particularly offended by your actions. His words, not mine.
That means it's not going to be that simple to mend, unless you have a plan of sorts that could attract him back 100% for sure.
>>109553They just know how to use the game mechanics in ways that are far beyond the rest of us. They sound like they know what they're doing when they play (excluding the times Ash sets things on fire), and Ash just seems a lot more optimized for her role than the rest of the cast.
>>109548Silver briefly changes the subject. "You said you would attempt to carry out your mission tomorrow morning: do you have more specific time? I promised Father Maren and myself I would help volunteer to clear bodies from quarry and catacombs tomorrow."
>>109552>>109554>>109555I’ve noticed the “optimization”
>>109557You do you, GM, but I warn you: It's going to be a hard sell, so get your 3 paragraph apology ready.
Well, I'm cashing out for the night.
Have good day, peeps.
Soon, I shall acheive waifu obtained status.
>>109560Soon, Iron will be sucking on that straw!
A nice Chryssi pic. Would pat/10 >>109566
Wait, what happened?
I seem to have missed something here.
>>109566>>109567I'd have to agree here: what exactly has you so upset?
I’m not entirely sure I’m feeling it today
\r
>>109585REEEEEEEEEEEEE!
>>109587We won't hold it against you if you need time to rest and recuperate. It isn't any fun for anyone, yourself included, if the GM is all frazzled.
Know of something else you'd like to do after you get off work to relax? Any good vidya?
>>109590Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.
>>109592>>109587Well damn. I have no idea what caused you this lack of motivation but we're here for you man.
I received my PonyFinder Bestiary today
>>109604Nice.
Never thought one existed.
What's it got?
>>109605Gotime the other day too from the BC vendor. It's got rules for both Pathfinder and 5e characters and monsters plus original creatures. Bat ponies, fairy ponies, constructs, etc.
>>109606Quite spoopy, indeed.
Definitely good to have some guidelines on monsters. It eases quite the heavy load with thinking up creatures the PCs can fight or not.
>>109606Yes, that’s where I got mine
>>109605Well I don’t know all of what it’s got in it, but I will be exploring it
>>109611Nice. Awaiting what inspiration you'll get from it.
Goddamn, it's quiet in here.
>>109653Oh, good! Thought I was going to have to break out the hankerchief for my sweating forehead.
>>109659Feelin' any better today?
>>109661>>109659That happy changie sure makes it look like it.
>>109663A little is better than nothing. Have a cute.
I think I should make the next part of the quest dossier tonight, or soon
>>109665D'aww, that really is a cute
>>109664Wat
Whoops sorry.
Have more cat.
>>109676Im sorry cat fren, heres some catnip
>>109677That pencil boop is awesome.
>>109678Now that's more like it, brother.
>>109679tfw no pencil or pencil-drawn pone to boop >>109681If there's an Apogee in the EaW universe, I hope she's doing alright.
Did something break out here?
>>109683Yea >pic related
>>109682I Hope there is an apogee in this universe
Um.... players can converse with each other in character since they should all be together now. I am going to type up part 3 now, which should hopefully be the last essential piece of the dossier
>>109682>>109685Shinpdage's apogee comic series depicts an Equestria that is substantially more technologically advanced than the one depicted in Equestria at War. They aren't so easy to reconcile together
>>109687Silver looks over at Dark Star. "So, I am thinking of dusting off my weaponsmithing abilities tomorrow, after we finish with mission. I have already got idea for something I could make Iron. Do you have anything you would like made for you? Shortsword, maybe, for when enemies get too close for comfort?"
>>109688I'll withhold my right until I actually reach a keyboard, but I can respond some small questions if they want to interact.
>>109689"Uh, Sure. i'm not exactly the best with swords though."
>>109691"It does not have to be sword, that is just first idea that came to mind. Give me some ideas, and I will see what I can do."
>>109692"Maybe A Dagger?"
He puts his hoof to his chin in thought
>>109693Silver nods. "I can do dagger. Anything special you would want done with it, to personalize it?"
>>109690"I suppose I should ask you same: anything you want done with your gift?"
*Skies takes a long drink of her maretini*
>>109694Iron ponders for a bit.
"I have no idea what to expect. Maybe make it look like wood?"
>>109694"Uh yeah,Could you engrave 2 crossed fasces on the Handle and above those could you write "The Blue Skies will always guide me home"?"
>>109696"Hmm...I am not certain how possible that will be, but I can try. I have never heard of such request before."
>>109697Silver nods. "I can do this."
>>109695Finally, Silver turns to Skies with a smile. "So...anything you would like made for
you, Ms. Skies, should results for these two look promising?"
Iron looks to the sides, a bit guilty
"You can always not do it. It is supposed to be a gift, not a request you are being paid for."
>>109699Silver waves it off. "It is no big deal for me to try. It is simply new to me."
>>109700Iron looks quite unconvinced.
"I guarantee I will not be upset if you simply bring me a basic one."
(Like it could compare to my hooves.)
>>109701"We will see what happens."
>>109702Iron nods.
(I hope he did not take that in a bas way.)
>>109703Silver motions with a hoof. "Well, let us hear idea you would have."
>>109704The look on Silver's face suggests that it was a mere statement of fact.
>>109703"i thought you might like that one."
He Grins
>>109705"Maybe a short sword... something like my cutie mark"
>>109706She smiles, then presses her body up against him, basically rubbing him like a cat
>>109706>>109707The scene in front of Iron only serve as a grim reminder of what he may have given up because of prior actions.
(I hope I can get that feeling, too.)
>>109707He pets her with a look of joy and contentment on his face.
>>109709*coo*
She coos like a dove, and her ears flop down as she closes her eyes and accepts the pets
>>109707"Hmm...may I get proper look at your cutie mark, then?"
>>109711She smiles and slightly laughs with a "heh," and says explicitly
"Do you really think I'm going to just let you get a look at my ass"
She says that almost pointlessly, as she immediately pulls herself a little aways from Dark Star, leans down, and thrusts her right flank up into the air where her rump is almost in Dark Star's face, and her flank is visible to Silver. She moves her tail far off to the side so her cutie mark can be seen. It's what looks like a combat knife or sword without a hilt, with a brown leather handle, a straight double blade, and golden wings going off to either side
\r
>>109713Iron can't help but be slightly disturbed and disgusted by Skies' actions, blaring alarms in his head.
(Why did she need to do that? She is mental!)
"Try not to show your hindquarters to the rest of the bar, please."
>>109713Even with the surprise this action brings, Silver nods, appreciating the design of the sword upon her posterior. Pony magic has a knack for designing rather aesthetic weapons. "It looks like it would perfectly fit for daughter of Nimbusia like yourself. I can do that."
>>109714“Oh fuck off, you’re the only one who interprets it as sexual. He asked to see my cutie mark, and I am showing it to him. Now turn your head away you pervert”
>>109715“Indeed it does.”
She lowers her behind, and sits down in the booth with her back now against Dark Star
>>109713Dark Star has a large grin on his face
"Nice View."
>>109714"It's fine. nopony is making a scene but you."
>>109717She turns her head back to him, and gives him that malign grin. “I’m glad you like it. I was very proud of that cutie mark”
>>109717>>109716Iron looks knowingly at the both of them, shaking his head.
(Poor colt. Cuckoldry is his future with that mare.)
He decides not to cause anymore ruckus about it, since it's really none of his business to intervene.
>>109714>>109716>>109717Silver smiles as ideas of these new future designs go through his head. "I do hope this goes well. I want to give something back to you all who I would consider my friends."
>>109719>>109720She leans back towards Dark Star, and places a hoof and foreleg around him, giving malevolent look at Iron
Then she looks over to Silver, more warmly
“Thank you”
>>109720Iron shrugs.
"I will await your result."
>>109718"How did you get it?"
>>109719"Something wrong? you look like you have something to say."