Welcome back to the Latest Thread of Occupied Equestria
Onyx, Spark and Brie settle down for the night in a cabin in the woods along with a set of recently rescued ponies, saved from Changeling cocoons, as well as the changelings who sought to take them captive, who are themselves locked away as captives.
In Baltimare, Silver, Dark Star, Iron, and now Midnight Lily do their last preparations before seeking to take on a creature smuggling operation in a port-side neighborhood
2477 replies and 192 files omitted.
>>112645Midnight can’t see shit
>>112644>>112643Iron and Silver can see that there is one door that looks as if it has been permanently closed. However, this side has a large door with steel grating that a cart could probably go into, and a covered area a cart could definitely go into that probably has an entrance of its own. There is no main entrance not connected with freight on this side of the building. Remember that they are looking at one side of only one of the three buildings. The three buildings run north to south, and thus they are looking at the narrow side
[1d20+5 = 11]>>112646I guess that is standard for a bat. Can she hear anything?
>>112643>>112646Silver moves to the large, steel grated door. He speaks to Iron in the same low voice. "Iron, help me with this. I want to at least get peak inside."
>>112648>>112646Iron nods.
"I had the same idea," he responds quietly.
>>112649>>112648Midnight sneaks beside them
"Would either one of you like some extra strength?"
>>112650"You mean by helping us lift, or something of that sort?"
>>112647There are some sounds coming from the facility. Sounds like a fan.
>>112650“Wait until we make contact with a hostile presence, first”
>>112648This requires traversing across a large amount of grass, and through brown limbed trees
>>112652"More of a blessing, to help you lift."
>>112653I don't think it's a problem, right?
Should Iron or Silver roll anything?
[1d20+4 = 16]>>112654"Well, that could help. Though like Skies said, it might be most useful when used in combat, rather than just lifting doors."
>>112653First risky Move Silently roll of the mission, then?
>>112654“If you have a limited number of blessings, you’d be more useful if you just helped lift”
>>112656It’s a full moon. Who knows if any pony did or did not see them approach, from Hoebuck or any other property
>>112658>>112656>>112657I guess I'll roll for it, too, albeit with more clumsiness.
[1d20 = 1]<Move Silently[1d20 = 2]<Hide >>112659Nothing like making noises similar to a gunfight with my hooves to wake up the whole block.
>>112660Big oof, hopefully Midnight has better luck.
[1d20+2 = 5] Hide
[1d20+2 = 21] Move Silently
>>112660While traversing the grounds, Iron stumbles forth into an area of lower ground that is presumably a drainage ditch, where he falls into a couple cans a the bottom, making a crashing sound, and knocking into the base
of a tree that shakes on the way down
>>112661Midnight is silent, eeeeing only in her mind
[1d20+3 = 19]>>112659>>112662Listen: Silver both internally and externally cringes at Iron's mishap. He listens from the (hopeful) safety of being right next to the building for any signs of movement or griffons talking.
>>112662>>112663>>112661Iron curses to himself, quickening his pace and distancing himself from the noise while desperately going for a place to hide.
I suppose I'll use the trees as cover against anypony who decides to investigate the noise.
[1d20 = 4]<Hide >>112664At this point, I'm sending Iron as an escaped workshop worker.
>>112662The internal eeeeeing never ends.
Midnight freezes at the sound of Iron falling, hoping nopony is alerted to their presence.
>>112663Nothing can be heard that sounds like life
>>112667>>112665>>112666Silver lets out a quiet sigh before motioning for the others to come over the grassy area.
>>112669Iron follows, tail tucked inbetween his legs.
>>112669Midnight obeys, looking around cautiously
>>112672>>112671The covered area has a door itself over it that is mostly closed, but partly open
>>112674>>112675Iron decides to check if the underside of the door can be seen into. If not, he aids Silver in his spotting process.
[1d20 = 14]<Spot check [1d20+5 = 14]
Oh boy! More rolling!
Spot check to assist
>>112675>>112674A rephrase of “door”: it’s a vehicle bay, with a pull down steel door that is 15 or so feet across. It’s at least open two feet above ground. The inside is black from lack of illumination
>>112676>>112677Iron and midnight can see a concrete floor that has a slightly higher loading bay, which is rather small, but still kind of like the loading bay you’d see at a warehouse or distribution center, except there is only one of them
>>112676>>112677>>112678The unicorn looks to his compatriots. "It is clear this is our primary objective. Before heading in, I would like to get better idea of not only other ways we could enter, but also other buildings connected to this complex."
>>112681>>112678>>112680"I have no idea what I am looking at," Iron whispers. "But rest assured, if we try to enter, we will be trapped easily."
He stands back up, nodding.
"I agree. We should use another way to enter this place."
>>112681>>112682Midnight looks at her back and flaps her wings a few times
"Could me and Blue Skies fly into a window and open another door?"
>>112681>>112681>>112680“The buildings are connected in such a way as to basically be a single, large building. The center building and the dormitory are both south of here. The church is south and to the west, over on horseman avenue.”
>>112683“On this building? It doesn’t look like any of them are open, or that any of them have ledges or balconies, unlike the apartments around here. It’s kind of more like a hospital”
\r
>>112632"Ah This reminds me of the place i used to live after i was kicked off of my land."
>>112641sorry im late i didnt go to sleep until 11 this morning.>>112659..... OOF
>>112685"You should drink that potion now, a beautiful pony like you will be a target if you are seen."
>>112682>>112683>>112684Silver shrugs at Blue Skies' response. "Looking in church before we try warehouse could be useful."
>>112683>>112685"It does not look like it. But you both could fly up to roof for light scouting of upper areas."
>>112685>>112686>>112687>>112683"Do keep in mind the second story magic lights are on. There must be ponies or whatever else inside them and in viewing distance."
He ponders for a bit.
"Perhaps if one pony enters the warehouse by himself to set off any possible traps inside, maybe it would create an opening."
“... Alright”
Skies pulls out from her brown, leather jacket, a vile of a green-blue substance. She grimaces at it, looking closely at it. Then, she pulls the top off, and drinks it down like a shot. She places the vile back in her jacket. For several seconds, nothing happens. Then, it is like a green flame catches fire over her, first over her hooves, then rising up her body, until her slim Pegasus figure is consumed by it. When the green fire flashes over and dissipates, it leaves behind a slim figure: lion-like body with slim belly, a dark golden coat, off white feathers on folded wings and around her neck, and an orange long, kind of hooked beak
>>112690Iron simply nods at the display.
"Looks quite convincing."
>>112688"That seems rather dangerous for the pony that will walk inside."
>>112690Dark star pokes her slightly
"Wow, i wasn't expecting it to work this well."
>>112688Silver's deadpan look suggests that he thinks such a plan isn't very satisfactory.
>>112690After the initial worry of "did anypony see that" passes, he looks over her new form. "Very similar to changeling magic, that potion. Makes me wonder what kind of ingredients would need to be pulled from one to make it."
>>112688>>112689>>112687“Well, it looks and sounds like the lower level of the workshop at least is unoccupied, whatever that means for us”
>>112690"That is certainly some... Unique magic."
Midnight seems stunned by the transformation.
>>112694"Then I would assume that is our best course of action."
>>112693"Probably a changeling heart or something weird like that"
>>112692>>112693>>112694>>112695"I can go first to enter through. I am the one most likely not to be shot on sight due to my lack of proper equipment aside from a belt with a pouch if they hid well enough."
Skies’ voice has changed as thoroughly as her physical appearance, transforming from an unidentifiable foreign accent, to a different unidentifiable foreign accent
>>112692The skin on the coat is rather loose, and he can feel the ribs under the fur. They feel like they could belong to a cat. Then again, she kind of felt like that before
“It can work wonders”
>>112691She looks at Iron and says “Thank you”
>>112693She then looks to Silver and smiles. At least, the ends of the beak pull up in a way that resembles a smile, as her eyes narrow in a malicious way that looks less out of place on the eagle-faced cat bird.
“I think you just answered your own question”
>>112695“It’s hardly unique, just rare in these parts”
>>112697“You do look less menacing. They might think you are homeless and trying to get out of the cold, rather than an armed burglar”
>>112697>>112698"If you're going to do it..."
Midnight places a hoof on Iron's back, before bowing her head and muttering a few quiet words. Her pendant glows a bit in response, before she removes her hoof and smiles.
"I thought a small blessing could help you."
She has cast guidance upon Iron, giving him the ability to add +1 to an upcoming roll of his choosing.
>>112692Silver looks over to Dark Star. "Earlier, Blue Skies appointed you as leader. So, leader, what is our plan of action?"
>>112699He smiles softly at Midnight, before nodding.
"I thank you."
>>112698Iron nods to Skies.
With that, he attempts to slip inside the warehouse through the big doors and see what's inside without any sort of subtlety.
>>112700"Well we are already here, we might as well go in."
>>112701When Iron goes through, he finds himself in a dark room. He feels concrete underneath him as he tries to slide under the steel grate - which is pushed up in part by his body, and does not run into anything immediately
>>112703(Oh great. I hate darkness.)
He walks forwards a bit, hoping to at least see outlines of things as he goes, the heavy hooves not even trying to be quietened as it loudly clops against the concrete.
[1d20 = 10]<Spot >>112704Bare to the left and foreword, concrete ledge a little less than a meter high to his right
>>112704Dark Star whispers to iron through the opening
"What do you see?"
“So... is everycreature else going to just wait?”
>>112707Dark star rolls under the door
>>112708"Two is company, three is a crowd."
Midnight slips under as well, looking around at her surroundings.
[1d20+5 = 10] Spot
>>112705>>112706"Nothing here, it seems."
He walks over to the ledge and see what it has to offer.
>>112707>>112708"Unless you have any disagreements, Dark Star, I think I will go check out church."
>>112710"Here take my flashlight."
He hands it to iron.
"I'm gonna help silver at the church, stay safe."
>>112711"I'll come along with for back up then."
He rolls back out the half way up door
>>112710The ledge has a small stairwell leading up to it, a light switch on the wall, a smaller door, and a freight door
>>112708>>112709Dark Star rolls under dexterously, followed by the bat, who crawls under kind of like a cat. They see this area is mostly empty, and in fact, in a normal location, would probably be fully open and exposed to the elements
>>112712>>112713Silver nods, and sneaks around the back of the warehouse towards the Church of the Sacred Heart.
>>112713Iron takes it but doesn't turn it on yet as he walks towards the smaller door, bypassing the stiarwell through normal means of climbing up them and attempts to open it.
>>112715Midnight quietly follows him, her wings moving protectively around herself.
>>112714Dark Star follows close behind
>>112715>>112717Locked
>>112714>>112718First, it’s always back to Hoebuck street, and over a fence. On the other side of Hoebuck is a warehouse or manufactory, down an alley and onto Horsemsn Avenue, a bit at an angle to Hoebuck
>>112719>>112717He knocks on the door and listens for any noises on the other side, planting his ear on the door.
[1d20 = 20]<Listem >>112720He hears the sound of some kind of fan or air circulation, probably heating, somewhere inside of the building, and possible movement much further away, but nothing nearby
>>112719Well, I'd assume they'd continue towards the church either way.
>>112717>>112721Oh, nice roll.He motions Midnight to the freight door as a precaution, even though the enemy is far away according to his ears.
"I am going to apply some pressure into this thing to see if it opens."
With that, he turns around and bucks the door in an attempt to open it.
[1d20+5 = 20]<Strength roll: Force Open >>112722>>112718Hoping they were not spotted on the way there, they go down Horseman Avenue three blocks, until they near the Sacred Heart of Celestia and Luna, right across from the old Gilman Hotel. It’s a rectangular building right against the roadside, with a high vaulted roof and a steeple above. The roof is tar shingled, and the wall seems to be concrete, or at least covered in it. Some of the higher portions are disintegrating and falling down, far up on the building, there is a worn and faded image of the two sisters in a manner similar to how they appear in the flag of Equestria, complementing each other as day to night. On the wooden door leading into the church past the steps, there are posters that detail when certain dance lessons are held.
>>112724*crack*
The door physically breaks off its hinges, buckling in the middle
>>112719>>112720>>112721>>112724Nice roll yourself
"It's almost as if this place truly is... Abandoned.
>>112725Iron pushes the door aside, entering the locked room and turning on the flashlight for easier scouting on the room.
(I wonder what could be hidden behind one of these. Something minor, probably.)
>>112726"The lights on the second floor say otherwise. Perhaps this is a place where they set up a defense if they knew we were coming."
>>112725Dark Star spits on the ground as he see's the image of Celestia.
>>112725It pains Silver to see the church in such a state, now neglected by griffons and criminals.
>>112728Silver is just confused as to why Dark Star decided to spit on the ground.
>>112727As soon as he enters, he can see several items in the room. A small wooden barrel, a larger drum, a wooden crate, some ignite of iron, parts of a cart, and multiple door and hallways. One going down right, one down forward, one off to the left
>>112729"As much as i despise celestia....this building shouldn't be in such a state,it deserves better."
>>112731It occurs to Silver now why Dark Star spat. "Oh...I know you are not partial to Celestia, but I would ask that you not show her such disrespect while in my presense, especially when you know what my own beliefs are."
He looks at the poor structure, once a place of worship and unity for the community. "But yes, it deserves
far better than this. I suppose we know how these Griffons treat their own faith...anyways, you are leader, Dark Star. Lead way."
>>112730Iron hums in thought, deciding to check the containers for anything either valuable or noteworthy.
>>112726"Check on the right-side door while I rummage around here. If you can peek through any openings, do so. If not, only open the door slightly."
>>112732There is no bell in the steeple, some tiles are missing from the roof and clearly some parts of the wall have had pieces chip off from it. The symbol of the sisters has fishes coming off it.
>>112733The barrel contains salted fishes. The drum contains some kind of liquid, but smells like some kind of cleaning agent. The crate contains very plain steel horseshoes. There is another drum with some other chemical, and a box of leather, but mostly this is what is in the entryway
>>112732"I can hold my tongue while we are here. "
>>112725Are there any windows on the front of the building that are low enough to look into the building? and what about the front door what kind of condition is that in?
Skies kind of just disappeared when the group split in two>>112735Two windows off further to the right and left that appear to have blinds down. The wooden door is actually in better condition than the walls, as if it has been replaced.
[1d20+5 = 14]>>112736;_;Dark Star listens for any movement coming from within or around the church
>>112737Splitting the party was a kind of abrupt, horror movie decisionOh yes, there is unambiguously activity inside
[1d20+3 = 19]>>112737>>112738Listen: Silver tries to get a good idea of what exactly the activity is.
>>112734>>112736I guess Skies could be with the S duo.Iron shakes his head.
"Seems like common supplies..."
He decides to go for the left-side door and open it up slowly.
>>112740This leads into a larger room. Much larger. All the way to the wall. There are long tables, rows of them, many with sowing machines on them, and over by the walls are stamping machines, and a crucible
>>112739Speaking. At the moment, it seems to be only one speaker
>>112737Silver whispers: "Can you see anywhere where you might be able to peak inside? Someone is speaking."
>>112741"Place where the whole industry could work..."
He closes the door, not wanting to use up much time inspecting how sewing and metalworking tools until he has a vague understanding of what is behind all three doors.
He goes to the right side door and opens it to see what's inside.
>>112742Dark Star whispers back
"No, the windows are covered. perhaps we could check around back."
>>112743Flat ramp going down into a basement, fairly poorly illuminated
>>112744He nods. "Times like this, I wish I was Pegasus. Or Alicorn."
>>112745"Storage..."
And lastly he opens the front-side door, which he assumes leads to even more doors, all things considered.
(Perhaps the basement should prove beneficial to the mission.)
>>112746>>112745"I Know the feeling, follow me.
Dark star starts circling around the back side
[1d20+4 = 6]>>112745>>112748Silver does so, motioning to the basement ramp. "I will take point. Follow me."
Move Silently: Silver proceeds carefully into the basement, flashlight out and on so he can properly find his way in the darkness.