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 185 files omitted.
>>111278This gets a smile and a "heh" out of Cauldron
"Alright, I guess I will see you at my place later"
>>111279Iron's tiny blush is ever present.
"Alright."
He stands up, but decides to try to get Silver some answers if he can.
(Seems that was the fourth faction.)
"Say, what other species are near that church territory? You made them sound quite dangerous."
>>111280"Well, there can be any number. Griffins, Zebras, Ponies, but also Macaws, Hyenas, sometimes Minotaurs... who knows"
>>111281Iron nods, then smiles at her, giving her a quick wave of the hoof.
"I will keep that in mind. See you soon."
With that, he finally starts leaving The Watering Hole towards the other tavern.
(I probably made Silver upset. Perhaps I can give him a special surprise later.)
Um... does anypony have anything to do or declare before part 5 is released?
>>111283Well, I would like to do the whole class change to barbarian/fighter multiclass if it's possible.
I'd wager Dark Star still wants to take a loan to buy the weapons.
Silver seems ready, although he may be interested in a gift from Iron if my class change is approved now instead of after the mission.
Ancapian seems equipped and ready.
>>111283Not really. I'll wait for my respec until when we level up.
>>111285As Spark extends a hoof, the tubular ears with two forks spike straight up, and the drone moves its head backward away from the invading hoof
>>111286>>111284So.... should we have the level up now?
>>111284>wanting to retroactively change classesThen why did you not do that back then
>>111287You're the boss, so if you say so.
>>111287Darn. Spark keeps his hoof still to show the changeling it means no harm.
>>111287Back then? You mean at the start?
I didn't have the idea until after seeing my cleave feats not being of much use in the dream sequence.
Basically, have my boi Iron a 1 Fighter/4-5 Barbarian depending on the level up. Feats will be Improved Unarmed Strike, Endurance, Power Attack and Improved Trip (Only at level 6).
Skills ranks:
+4 Climb
+8 Intimidate (Cutie Mark Bonus)
+8 Jump
+5 Survival
+5 Swim
If the level up happens now, I won't be against it.
>>111289It stares at the hoof, and moves back a step
>>111290>>111288I'm not hearing anything definite
>>111292If this is a yes/no question, I would go with yes, I would like to be at level 6 before the mission with the parameters in my previous post.
>>111292I don't know what to tell you, GM. You're in charge of things like that. We'll just go along with whatever you decide.
After the last incident, many of the trafficked creatures were ultimately allowed to stay in Equestria. The Principality forced the closure of the shoe factory, but Sweet Boek remained in ownership of the lot. Activity at 33 Hoebuck subsided, but did not end, as the old hostel seemed to remain in use. Who the new owner was, if indeed there was a new owner at all, is and was unknown, as city regulations did not and presently do not require the name of tenant or lessee on land to be recorded by the city. Taxes on the property, as well as all utilities payments, have been paid consistently in the name of Sweet Boek’s land holding company, though the later may be paid by some third party in the company’s name.
The Equestrian National Census visited Red Heart in 1010. A census taker visiting 33 Hoebuck was able to speak to creatures living there without significant impediment and counted 27 residents. The census taker confided in a note that these creatures were not admitted at the City’s official immigration admission facility at Locust Promontory, but were either rejected or smuggled in. With there being no signs of exploitative labor practices or obvious smuggling, neither the city nor the Principality took a deeper interest in activities there. The mere presence of possible illegal immigrants did not concern either government as both took a more open and accepting attitude to new creatures. They continued to come in vast numbers to Baltimare. Ponies escaping famine and political reprisal in Stalliongrad, communist griffin occupiers and invaders in Skynavia and later Frostbell, Griffins (and sometimes ponies) escaping the collapse of the government and civil war in Nova Griffonia and the revolution in Aquellia. Griffins and Minotaurs fleeing Fascism and invasion from Wingbardy and Equestria’s newest breakaway state, New Mareland. Upon the fall of the Storm King’s Empire, trade with Zebrica was normalized and in came refugees and economic migrants from the forgotten corners of that continent. All swarmed in from boats arriving at Locust Promontory, or at least, it seems that is where they arrived.
The Church of the Sacred Heart continued its life as a dancing hall, hosting lessons on the Gavotte, the Zwiefacher, and the Feathesian Folk Dance on Wednesdays as well as Tuesdays and Saturdays. Meetings of the alleged religious or social congregation ceased for a full month after the raid, perhaps because Boek, fully conscious of bad publicity, did not want to be seen in public so near 33 Hoebuck. But the monthly meetings resumed, with some of the old familiar faces, and later some new ones. Meetings are most commonly associated with the Full Moon, although they have been seen at different times as well.
There is a dearth of knowledge of what exactly happened at Hoebuck come the war, but it does seem that at some point operations resumed in the workshop-shoe factory, perhaps one of a myriad of small, unrecorded factories producing materials for the war effort. There is some evidence to suggest that creature smuggling of some kind occurred during the war. A freighter, the “Dippy Crow” from Skyfall was intercepted by the Maneborn before it reached Baltimare Harbor. In its hold, besides the loads of Rifles, Tobacco, Cigars, Leather Jackets, and newly minted 80 MM mortars were twenty griffins of unknown origin tied up. They were seized along with the cargo, and ultimately sent to an internment camp in Sicameon after brief questioning determined that they could offer no information useful to the war. Red Heart as a whole earned the distinction of being one of the last holdouts of resistance in Mainland Equestria, besides locations in the West like South Trotsas, with the area only occupied after the surrender of the 105th Infantry Division at the end of Pinkamena’s Last Stand. 33 Hoebuck, the old fort that it was, was especially suited for a finally stand with its thick walls, and with the threat of naval artillery fire neutralized by the redeployment of the Equestrian Navy to Baltimare after the fall of Las Pegasus to the Changelings.
33 Hoebuck’s last surprise came when it was stormed by a platoon of NMAC soldiers from the 9th Infantry. They found the building was not fortified, but entirely evacuated of all life after what seemed to be a battle inside the structure between Equestrian military and forces unknown. Judging by the relative numbers of bodies, the Equestrian must have been victor, but several dead griffins and a pair of Equestrian soldiers lay dead on the floor, while parts of two floors were partly damaged by a fire. Whether the battle was between the actual occupiers of 33 Hoebuck, or if all the ethnic immigrant gangs of Red Heart decided to make a final stand for their freedom in the fort, is not known. The surviving witnesses were presumably among the Equestrian soldiers collected at the end of the war, and never questioned. What the NMAC soldiers did find, and could later provide, was the most recent data on the internal layout of 33 Hoebuck. The upper and lower floors, which were sectioned off since the City repurposed the site as a poor house forty years prior, were found to be reopened in part in areas. As soon as the building was determined to be empty, it was vacated before any as yet unencountered traps could be set off.
Though most of the Equestrian records during the war were destroyed rather than hoofed over, one interesting tidbit survived thanks to its communication to the Baltimare Police from the Equestrian Diplomatic service. The Skyfall Republic sent a communication in 1011 asking if Stormfeather Maakie was in Equestrian custody, or if his location was otherwise known by Equestrian authorities. If so, they expressed a wish for him to be extradited to the Skyfall Republic to be placed on trial for various crimes committed there. The Equestrian response, save for Baltimare PD’s claim that his location was not known, has been lost.
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>>111302Whew. If resistance operatives could hold out in that place for quite a bit, then I must say I'm spooped for the possible amount of resistance in there.
Did Iron ever made it back to the tavern where Silver lives? >>111304Yes
Also
>Silver lives in a tavernIt took me a moment to realize this statement was true
>>111305The merc's life is a life where you live around alcohol. Whether he drinks it or not is another thing.
Iron opens the door, revealing his presence to the ponies inside the tavern.
>>111237He heads back to the Tavern
>>111302"See this is exactly why illegal immigration is terrible for the country,the degenerates that come in are violent criminals and communists. fucking alicorns."
>>111308"Hello, Dark Star" says the Blue pegasus pony. Iron and Silver are both present as well
>>111306>>111308"You two are back, finally."
>>111310Look at
>>111302>>111311"If you have all of the equipment and magic you think you need, then yes"
>>111310>>111311"Theres been a situation."
>>111309Dark Star Looks sorta sad
he whispers to Blue.
"I Didnt have enough money for the weapons. i was going to get them enchanted. Could i take out a loan from the local governance?" >>111314I saw.
>>111315"'Situation' usually means 'something bad happened'"
>>111315"A loan?!" she says, less loudly
"Maybe... do you really need it?"
>>111314>>111315Iron looks confused.
"It seems we have a delay on our hooves."
He shrugs.
"I think I am ready for some scouting."
>>111320That isn't to say I didn't like it, it's just that posting on a phone is hard.
>>111320"well i have 1300 bits, so i would need 3520 more for the total purchase."
>>111321"Okay...."
This really is a terrible way to deliver information. I don't think I will be doing this on any future quests>>111322"Tell you what. Prioritize what you really want and need, and I can maybe get you something like 2000 bits. I'll get my own crossbow and sword"
>>111323"I was going to get you an enchanted crossbow..."
>>111323Don't be like that. It's good! It's helped to give a lot of background and lore for Red Heart.
>>111324She places a hoof on him
"Oh Dark Star... You don't need to live beyond your means for me. I'll get my own."
>>111324>>111321>>111320"Who thinks I should be disguised, same as Dark Star?"
[eeeeee-ing bat pony noises]
>>111327"I Feel Bad,that i can't get you nice things."
>Disguise"Uh,your gonna get your coat Dyed to look like a zigger? sure."
I Like the way you delivered the information. >>111327Iron shrugs.
"It is your choice, but I fear you may not quite blend in unless your wings became invisible."
>>111330EEEEEEEEEEEE
Also, should Skies dress in a disguise
>>111331"I was thinking more of a Griffin"
>>111332She nods, and gives that damnable grin
>>111327>>111332"She might disguise herself as Griffon?"
>>111335>>111334Iron nods.
"That could work, I think. How would you replicate a beak, tho? They seem much more different than pony snouts."
>>111336>>111335>>111332"Well, we have a special potion that makes it possible"
>>111334"What are you gonna glue on a fake beak?"
He grins at her
I personally like the dossier format; I think it's unique, good for the setting, and I definitely get a lot out of it. Easier to follow than dialogue too.>>111334Skies needs to dress as a bat. Trust me on this one.
>>111339Iron hums.
"What about the tail? Will the potion solve that, too?"
>>111344"I Think it would be for the best if you disguised yourself."
>>111344Iron nods a bit.
"As long as you do not need to constantly reapply it, then sure. Go for it."
>>111342Oh Midnight doesn't care, I do though.
>>111346"Alright... I'll go retrieve cash for you, and some items of my own"
With that, Skies leaves the tavern, spreads her wings, and flies off into the night
"So... How is everypony doing?"
>>111335>>111347Dark Star sits down at the table they are sitting at
Spark pats the ground beside himself, asking the changelings to come closer.
>>111357"Honestly? Just enjoying calm before storm."
>>111358"So, no luck with weapons?"
Iron wipes away his brow from sweat.
(Thank goodness.)
>>111357He seems a bit uneasy.
"I would say that overall, things are alright."
But since she's a mare, Iron can't help but question her fighting style.
"I assume you fight with grace, twirling around swings and metal bits?"
>>111362"Uh yea,i have to take out a loan..."
He rubs the back of his head pensively
>>111362"I cannot blame you, it is always nice to rest before a mission."
>>111364"Hmm? Oh no, I am rarely the one fighting when it comes to missions. I am usually flying above the battle, helping my allies, but a gun can be helpful sometimes."
>>111365"I suppose there is more than one pony in our group with money troubles, then."
>>111368He nods, confirming his suspicions and seeing nothing wrong so far.
"I see."
A hoof is extended towards her.
"Iron. A pleasure to meet you."
>>111371"I Sure Hope we find some money down there."
>>111373"Midnight Lily, a pleasure to meet you as well"
>>111378Iron looks at his hoof, lowering it to original sitting position with an awkward expression.
"I assume you came here without any weapons?"
>>111379Oh damnit, I forgot to mention she returns the hoofshake. Forgive me
"I have a pistol and a knife. That is about it."
>>111382Kek, don't mention it. Was simply poking fun.He nods.
"Simple and to the point. Respectable."
>>111380dark Star whispers to him
"I Might have to start stealing again if we don't."
>>111388"Why thank you. How about you, what is your preferred technique?"
>>111389Silver whispers back with a half smile on his face. "Just make sure you steal from rich and give to poor, alright?"
>>111392Iron simply puts both forelegs on the table.
"You could say I am the absolute limit of simplicity. Hooves and stones."
>>111393"I Always did."
he smiles as he remembers the old times
"at the time i thought that era of my life was a bad part. but it was a learning experience. one i'm glad i learned."
>>111395"Ah, simple and to the point"
She smiles
"Respectable."
>>111401Iron chuckles.
"You do not have to copy my exact words, Lily."
>>111399Silver smiles at him. "That was actually rather profound thing of you to say." He pats Star on the back. "I am proud of you."
>>111403She rolls her eyes, almost as if he didn't get a joke
"Anyway... When do we leave?"
>>111406>>111403She also narrows her eyes as her face turns red
"And don't call me Lily."
>>111407Iron is quite surprised about that tidbit.
"My mistake, Midnight."
>>111406He shrugs.
"So far, we are simply on a preparation phase. We need Skies back and for Star to buy his things with the loan."
Previous entries to the 33 Hoebuck dossier briefing
Part 1
>>106726 →Part 2
>>106738 →Part 3
>>110321 →Part 4
>>110438 →Part 5
>>111302The old Equestrian population that inhabited the neighborhood after its founding has long since moved elsewhere, with less than 20% of the neighborhood’s population being Equestrian ponies, and all of these are the lowest of the working class, working in the docks and factories of the neighborhood, which no zoning regulation has separated from neighboring tenements and shops. The SDP has fallen greatly in their eyes, seen as being collaborators with capitalist, imperialist powers. Slightly more numerous are the Severyanan ponies, who have colonized the neighborhood for generations, and whose numbers have fallen to migration to wealthier parts of the city, but have been bolstered by recent White Emigres, who find the Stalliongrad flags flown in the apartment windows of the native Equestrians to be abhorrent and ignorant. The most numerous of all of the non-ponies are Red Heart’s griffins, sometimes recent immigrants, sometimes multi-generation residents. These are not the best educated nor the wealthiest Griffins Baltimare has to offer. Those have gone to safer, wealthier neighborhoods like Colton Hill. What remains of the population is a polyglot conglomeration of myriad races from all over the planet.
The most fiercely independent of Red Heart’s inhabitants are the Skynavians. These ponies came from a tribal, preindustrial society that was invaded by griffins and forcibly collectivized into a new communist system. They left in a trickle to Equestria, but with limited money could make it no further than the shoreline of Red Heart. In their former homelands they were ghettoized and terrorized by a new Griffin majority that had no respect for their traditions nor property rights. Now, in the Land of Horses, how much different are things for them? Never willing to say 'die,' they built their own little Skynavia by the waterfront. An enclave state within the larger neighborhood with its own school and house of worship. They complain to police of griffins kidnapping mares and foals, and of occasional acts of terror committed against them.
New entrants from what were the dominant sources of immigration in the Equestrian era are curtailed under the new Governate, as now these countries are overwhelmingly hostile foreign powers. Zebrica and West Equestria are the new two main sources of migrants entering Locust Promontory. The question the Governate has is whether illegal smuggling operations are delivering creatures who would otherwise be prevented entry.
Customs agents and civilians working the docks still sometimes report ships stationary off shore in Northern Red Heart under suspicious circumstances. Little row boats go from the ships to a pier located at the waterfront of 33 Hoebuck. These have been seen at all moons, indicating they are brazen enough to do whatever they are doing under moonlight. Carts are seen backing up to the workshop, taking deliveries of goods under the name of the Bodeken shoe and saddle company. Steam can be seen rising from the workshop during the day, and electrical usage shows there is activity.
Black Hooves and NMAC do not tread into Red Heart, as pot shots from buildings are far from unknown. The SDP, more confident in its popularity, sends patrols of police along the streets. They report rampant violent crime, and what seem to be gang turf wars. What they have not found is a surplus of recent illegal migrants that could not be explained. From this, it is believed that if there is any grand creature trafficking movement at 33 Hoebuck, or anywhere else within the city, that Baltimare is not the final destination for at least the majority of the creatures, and they rather are sent either north to Fillydelphia and Manehattan, or South to Saltmane and Stableside. The limited evidence of continued smuggling operations in Hoebuck, as well as the low ponypower available to the Governate have prevented it from launching a raid of its own.
However, things have changed. A month ago, a new Governor took over in Manhattan. A terror attack occurred on the city Subway a week later, and thereafter that Governate has tried to rid itself of domestic threats, including alien smuggling. As such, the Baltimare Governate is under pressure from external sources to end any and all smuggling that may be bleeding over into its neighbors. The second large event was the Blackwood Massacre, which alerted the Governate to the threat of foreigners importing weapons and operatives to ferment and facilitate rebellion. There could be more than just creatures being smuggled in… and just because you don’t know where the creatures are going, doesn’t mean they are not hiding where they can hurt you. And with all of this, there is reason to believe that Changelings want to infiltrate Baltimare…
Unfortunately, most of the Blackhooves agents have been shipped to Manehattan to help with operations there. Baltimare PD’s loyalty is not entirely certain. The Griffin NMAC reservists are probably mostly loyal and not fond of traffickers, but all it takes is one to tip off any traffickers before hoof and ruin a raid. All of this is why the Governate is looking for other help on this matter, and why it is considered a pressing issue.
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>>111405>>111407>>111409>>111408Blue Skies returns through the door, carrying a pack and a number of other items, and wearing a jacket
>>111409Skies approaches Dark Star, holding a wad of gold certificates
"Here. It's 2000 bits. Use it wisely, and
you owe me"
>>111417Ah, it seems there are some allies to call for help.
>>111418Iron waves to Skies to symbolize he saw her enter.
>>111417"Whtie Severyanans..." There are almost stars in Silver's eyes. "...my people..."
The rest of it gives him trouble. "Looks like they are brave enough to openly defy local law enforcement. That is bit of mixed bag for us. On one hoof, they will be out in open and easy to spot. On other, they will be more likely to attack us should we be discovered. Thankfully, it looks like I at least will fit in little better, if other Whites are in area."
>>111418Silver nods to Blue Skies when she draws near. "Looks like you came prepared."
>>111417>>111424i think the Skynavians. could be a potential ally
>>111418"Of Course i always repay my debts."
He smiles at her
>>111430"Yes... I brought a crossbow and some Armor. I hope you are prepared as well. And in a way it's probably better if they are bold. You can't squish the cockroach if its hiding in the crevice."
Are you claiming that the Northern ponies can be distinguished from regular ponies by an excess of fluff?>>111424Skies nods in Acknowledgement
>>111434"Well, good. You better. Now go buy the thing you needed. And you may as well buy some coffee while you are at it, because we will be out for a while"
>>111436>>111434He nods.
"I agree. They do seem easy to convince into our cause, granted Skies is not killed on the spot due to her disguise."
>>111436Silver nods in response to both parts of her statement, motioning to his sword and flak jacket. "I am prepared for mission, especially if Dark Star pulls through with shortsword."
Well...maybe...that, and it would be easy to tell once Silver starts speaking fluid Cyrillic.>>111434>>111441"They are good ponies, from what I have heard. If we make our intentions clear, it is likely they will at very least show us where we need to go. We will just need to vouch for what will be our not-griffon friend."
>>111450>>111441>>111434Skies holds up a vile containing a green-blue liquid
“I can... just not take the potion yet”
>>111450“Good. Then we are just waiting on Dark Star”
Fun fact: I had intended for Silver Sword to receive a magical Greatsword from the Catacombs mission, taken off the body of the knight ghast. I thought for sure you’d find it weird enough to merit searching its remains for any clues to its former identity, and there strapped onto it would be the Greatsword, a relic of the old Militant order. In retrospect I should have described it as carrying a sheathed sword >>111460Silver raises an eyebrow at her. "Moral reasons or practical reasons?"
God damn it, I knew I should have searched that thing's body! But no, my dumbass brain thought: "huh, don't think it can carry anything on it when it's just wearing armor". Damn it! >>111463“Well... Dark Star is kind of an essential part of the group, so we shouldn’t go without him”
>>111450>>111460Iron shrugs.
"That is a viable option. However, it would be interesting to see a gryphon without having to be focused on beating its beak. Your call."
Giant oof. By the way, my particular reward choice will always be an item to boost stats, if it ever comes that I get rewarded. >>111464Silver nods. "Obviously."
>>111465"What is there to see? They are griffons. Giant overgrown catbirds."
>>111439"I'll pick up some snacks too."
He hugs blue