/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal

Okay, I need to sleep now

>>109208
Night GMo

>>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."

>>109208
Sleep well!

>>109210
Iron 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?"

>>109211
Silver gives him an odd look. "That I have. May I ask why?"

>>109212
Iron 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."

>>109214
He 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."

>>109215
Silver 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."

>>109216
Iron 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."

>>109217
He 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?"

>>109219
Iron 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?"

>>109218
Kek. Nice reference.

>>109220
Silver grins knowingly at Iron "This would not happen to involve plenty of alcohol, lowered inhibitions, and confessions of love to each other, would it?"

>>109221
Iron glances to the side.
"Kind of like that, yes."

>>109222
He 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?"

>>109223
Iron'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."

>>109225
Iron 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.

>>109227
Iron 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.)

>>109228
Silver 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."

>>109229
Iron 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.

>>109230
Silver looks at the stallion in front of him. "...You worry about what will happen if it is not enough. Am I right?"

>>109231
His eyes slowly move to look at Silver.
"...yes."

>>109232
Silver understands this worry. "Tell me about her, this Black Cauldron."

>>109233
Iron 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."

>>109234
Silver 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."

>>109235
Iron'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."

>>109237
*if he can

>>109238
>>109237
Iron 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."

>>109240
It 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

>>109243
Will there be complimentary tea and scones?

>>109243
Cool. 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

>>109243
I 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?

>>109254
But Starry boi is an erf pone.

>>109255
Oh 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.

>>109257
You 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.

>>109258
It 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.

>>109259
I do remember Ash crafting some wooden shields in an instant, so perhaps you don't have to worry about it.

>>109260
Like 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.

>>109262
I 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.

>>109265
I 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.

>>109265
So, 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?

>>109270
My 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?

>>109274
I'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.

>>109065
"Thanks Mr.Glass."
looks for blue.

>>109276
>other skills will be heal 3
Wait 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.

>>109277
She is right next to him, holding onto his fore
leg

>>109278
He's got a full 16 Wisdom, so there's that.

>>109280
Then 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.

>>109282
Eh, might be I'll take Cleric next level-up.

>>109279
Hello, GM.

>>109279
Dark Star looks for an empty table

>>109284
He 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

>>109283
Here'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:Cleric
https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Cleric_Spell_List
Have the domains list too, if you want to snoop around.
https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Cleric_Domains

>>109285
Has the time come for Iron to walk up into the noose, hoping Cauldron doesn't pull the floor from underneath him?

>>109286
Sorry, you have to choose two domains. Keep that in mind.
Sorry GMo for doing an oopsie, pls forgive me.

>>109285
He Smiles and walks to the one in back
"This is my favorite table here."

>>109288
Oh dear... Also, Silver and Iron are there. Say something nice

>>109287
Might as well continue the in-character conversation.

Silver finishes his whiskey and asks Glass for another. "So, you say you fought tiger?"

>>109289
>>109290
>>109287
"Stallion Gang!"

>>109292
F. You'll be back in your proper place, soon enough.

>>109291
Silver looks over at the zebra calling to him from another table, and gives him a small salute.

>>109293
why thank you, I have to add it's nice to see the flag again too

Also, did someone say level up?

>>109294
>>109292
F

Also, are Onyx and Spark ready to continue their own little mission?

>>109295
I think so.

>>109293
The Zebra Salutes Back, he can see Blue With him.
>>109292
F

>>109295
Ready when you are captain

>>109290
Iron 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
>>109294
As 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"

>>109298
That "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."

>>109301
Can I ask a question: when we level up, do our Cutie Mark skills automatically improve to remain at max level?

>>109301
Spark follows the clue.

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
>>109300
Zigger Star and Blue walk over to the table they are sitting at.

>>109302
>>109304
There 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

>>109303
The patting is noted by Iron.
"Seems we all have that in common, right Silver?"
>>109306
Iron's eyes widen.
(Silver was not joking when he said he dressed himself up as a zebra.)
"Are you well?"
>>109305
So far so good. Mostly positive stuff.
Seems you had fun from just this paragraph/part.

>>109307
Onyx quickly bolts towards the fire, hoping he isn't going to find a pyre

>>109310
A 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.

>>109306
I 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.

>>109308
Why'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.

>>109312
Iron can't help but let out a little chuckle.
"I was not expecting to be that accurate."
>>109313
Iron 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
>>109316
It leads right up to the shed...

>>109315
Silver 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
>>109321
The 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.

>>109318
Iron shrugs.
"I cannot say I try too hard to know."
>>109320
Iron 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?"

>>109325
He glances at his direction, nodding.
"There were some 'muggers' that tried to take something from me. They were easy pickings, all things considered."

>>109326
Silver's eyes widened. "Huh. In that case, I am especially glad that you are alive and well."

>>109327
Iron tilts his head yet again, somewhat uneasy.
"Thank you?"

>>109323
>>109321
The 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

>>109329
Onyx, although expecting it, freezes at the sight for a moment before quickly trying to use his halberd to cut them out.

>>109330
Careful not to cut them or freeze them with the cold effect....

[1d20 = 2]
>>109331
Is that indication I should roll?
Rolling incase it is

>>109332
He cuts into the leg of the grey pony while trying to cut him out

>>109333
Oh come on.

[1d20 = 15]
>>109333
Checked....

Onyx's eye goes wide before he lets out a string of every cuss word he knows before attempting another.

>>109335
He is cut out

>>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]
>>109336
Onyx moves to the next cocoon, cutting slower this time

>>109338
Perfection. He's even able to cut out the third pony

>>109337
Silver shakes his head. "Brie I know is missing. Spark and Onyx might be with him, as well."

>>109337
Iron 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."

>>109343
Silver 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.

>>109343
Iron shrugs.
"How hard can it be?"

>>109344
>>109342
>>109334
A 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
>>109348
Spark takes the red wine colored pony inside.

>>109350
>>109346
Alright... 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

>>109351
Do we make it to the house ok?

>>109346
Alright. Roll a fortitude save

>>109349
"In broad strokes."
Iron leans in closer.
"I will be fine. Nothing some good old resting cannot cure later."

[1d20+5 = 10]
>>109354
........

>>109356
>>109352
The 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

>>109357
Spark readies his pistol. Shall we roll for turns?

>>109358
Spark can attack next And might want something more powerful than a pistol

[1d20+3 = 18]
>>109359
I 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]
>>109360
It'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
>>109362
If onyx makes a con save, he can go as well

>>109361
His head rises, both forelegs pointing at Silver.
"See? Nothing to worry about."

[1d20 = 18]
>>109363
Con or fort?
Con is +1 fort is +5

>>109365
Doesn't matter either way it seems.

>>109365
Con. Looks like Onyx can recover with a move action

>>109367
Onyx gets up and makes sure the two he was carrying are okay, as he picks up his weapon.

[1d20+4 = 5]
>>109358
The 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
Oof

>>109369
>>109360
>>109368
Snow 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

>>109371
>no backfiring
Awwww,....

[1d20+11 = 29]
>>109371
Onyx rushes the changeling with the jammed rifle, raising his halberd up to swing.

>>109372
>>109373
They backfired the moment they ever faced Onyx.

>>109374
This.

>>109373
Oh. 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
>>109375
You guys make me blush
>>109376
Damage

>>109376
"Ponish applebucker, do you speak it?"
Spark threatens the first one with pistol ready.

>>109377
D-don't flatter yourself, b-baka!
I'd totally beat your flank!
THE CHANGELING'S RESISTING. USE MILITARY BRUTALITY WITH YOUR HOOVES!

>>109377
>>109378
Second 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...."

>>109380
>die Crystal Empire-
Onyx silently reeees

>>109380
Damn 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."

>>109383
Fuck
"How? I can't speak a word of changeling"

[1d20+4 = 9]
>>109384
The second one cycles the bolt, and shoots at Onyx

>>109386
>>109384
He can hear the bullet wiz past

[1d20+20 = 39]
>>109385
You 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!"
>>109387
I 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

>>109391
I did too
>>109390
Nice
"Spark! I got it!"

>>109390
By 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

>>109393
The second one, which had the rifle

>>109395
Onyx 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."

>>109397
No, 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
>hauls
Not 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.

>>109399
The 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
>>109398
Getting the changelings to.., well, do anything, is going to take some artistry and persuasion

>>109405
Spark opens the door inside and waves them in.

>>109405
>Artistry and persuasion
What a coincidence! That's what Onyx calls his hooves!

>>109409
He can try that

>>109406
The changelings are scared and uncertain , and full of adrenaline

>>109410
Onyx 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."
>>109410
Spark goes to the cabin kitchen, or pantries if that is all they have, and finds what kind of food they have.

>>109411
The 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.

>>109413
Onyx searches for the vodka and downs a swig when it is found.

>>109412
Only a single drawer of carrots and a few turnips. Actually, there are a few potatoes in a sort of pantry

>>109415
Thankfully, a small amount remains

>>109416
Not 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.

>>109416
Onyx 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
>>109418
Ruby 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